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Romantic Executions: Continued	By : PrettySin Category: Anita Blake > Het Views: 3495 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Anita Blake series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 33
- 34
- 35
Alright… this site is fucking up the spelling and grammar of this story every time I post. Rest assured that when I put the document in the ‘type box’ that it’s as perfect as I can get it. *Sigh* Hope you can understand what was meant.

Oh yeah… Property of Laurell K. Hamilton… not us. Bluh.
********************

Anndy picked up Ari to move her to the changing table, tempted to curse as the baby made various sounds of discomfort. "Death, can you check Nathaniel? Ari needs a change..."

Edward sighed, "Yeah." He rubbed the back of his neck before picking up his son. He might be selfish, but if Aahz was going to stay here, and she'd already been there a week; she could at least help with the babies, give him and Anndy some alone time. "Hey, Little Man..."

Anndy glanced at him as she started undoing Ari's diaper. "You okay, Death?" She looked back down at her daughter, sighing as she realized exactly what the smell was... "Ari, your room when you're older is going to be a mess..."

"Fine." He managed a small smile, rubbing his son's back.

Anndy pulled the soiled diaper off of her daughter, throwing it away in the trashcan made for that purpose. "You sure?"

"Just..." He bit his tongue. "Aahz. She's been here a week... and all she does it... sit around. She could at least help with the kids if she's going to be here, eating our food..." Not that he had seen her eat more than two or three bites at a time...

Anndy focused on wiping Ari for a moment. "She's going through a hard time right now. From what I've heard it hurts for a Human Servant to be away from their Master, and..." She sighed, throwing away the baby wipe. "I'm worried about her. She's my best friend, but... I don't know how to help her."

"Hurts? As in... on top of the other stuff?" Edward frowned, sitting in the rocking chair that Nathaniel liked.

Anndy nodded slowly, putting the diaper on Ari automatically. "Yeah... She won't talk about it, either. Not since her trip to the club."

"I... it's just I'm not alone with you anymore. Ever. Even if we do manage to get both of the kids to sleep..." He felt like an ass, he did... but...

She picked up her daughter, rocking gently as she moved to the bed. "I know..."

"I'm sorry, Sin. She can stay as long as she wants... I just..." He sighed again.

She sat on the bed, looking down at Ari. "I know, Death. Maybe we should talk to her... try to figure this out."

"No. It was nice that she watched them while we went to see George but... I don't think it's my place to say something..."

Anndy sighed, watching as Ari's breathing evened. "I don't want to make her feel like she has to leave, and that's what it'll sound like if I try..."

"If you what, Sin?"

Aahz paused outside of the door. 'She has to leave'? Is... was that how Anndy felt? She'd been...
"If I try to talk to her."

"Why would she think that? I mean... yeah, she's sort of mooching but..." Edward glanced down at Nathaniel, who was contenting himself with looking about the room.

"Hey, I lived off mooching in High School."

Aahz swallowed, turning and heading back to her guest room. She'd go to her parents. Her mother had been complaining anyway. She'd probably be happy she and Jean-Claude weren't together anymore. Quickly, Aahz packed her things, biting at her lip. A letter. She had to leave something.

She grabbed a scrap of paper and a pencil, quickly scrawling,

Anndy, Edward,

Thank you for all that you've done but... I can't impose upon you like a big old moocher any more. I think... it might be better if I go and visit my parents. Lord knows Mom'll be glad about... Jean-Claude and I. She never did like him. Don't you hate it when your mother is right? I don't know. Thanks, and please accept this as rent or something.

I love you,

Aahz

She pulled two hundred dollar bills out of her wallet, leaving them with the letter on her dresser before she grabbed her things. Alex would take care of Jesse for her for now. There was no reason to stay in St. Louis.

*******

Anndy brushed her hair out of her face, knocking softly on the spare bedroom door. She'd passed Ari off to Edward, and now... She frowned as no answer met her ears. Maybe Aahz was asleep. She knocked a little louder. "What the hell...?" Opening the door, Anndy froze. The room was empty. She blinked, and the room came into focus again. No. It was definitely empty.

She stepped into the room, searching for any sign of her friend. There. On the dresser... She pulled the note out from under the bills, ignoring them for the moment. She scanned the note, biting her lip harshly. "Dammit... Death!"

Edward jumped, hurrying to Anndy after placing Ari in her crib and turning on the little mobile.

Anndy handed him the note when he made it to the room, frowning down at the two hundred dollar bills on the dresser.

"What? Damn..." He sighed. "Sin..."

"She must have heard... Otherwise she wouldn't have left, or used the words she did." She glanced at him, "I was going to talk to her when I came in here..." Since when had Aahz started running away? That was clearly what she was doing.

"I'm sorry..." Edward shook his head. What was he supposed to say?

"Me too." Anndy sighed, "I'll call her later... I think she needs a little time to herself."

"I wish I could make this better." He pulled his Sin to him, resting his cheek against her head.

She shut her eyes, her arms going around his waist. "Yeah... Love you."

"Love you too."

She moved, brushing her lips over his jaw as a high-pitched wailing started from the other room. "Nathaniel's up... I'll go get him."

"You sure? I can."

Edward rubbed her back.

Anndy offered him a weary smile. "I'm sure." She pulled away from him, moving out of the room. Flaming monkey balls in space.

*************

Micah sighed as he tried to reach the cups one of the taller weres had placed in the top of the cupboard. Damn it! He was cold, standing there in just his boxers. Normally being... short.... didn't bug him. He felt he'd compensated rather well for that but... Damn it! He wanted his glass of water!

Laura came into the kitchen, one of his shirts hitting her mid thigh. She watched him in amusement, leaning casually against the wall. She wouldn't tell him she'd had to push the glasses farther back to put in the others. He'd probably glare and tell her to get it down, meanwhile... "Having problems, Micah?"

He turned, sighing. "No."

"You sure?" She quirked a brow, moving towards him.

"I wanted a glass of water." Dear Lord, he must look like a petulant child...

Her lips twitched, "Oh?" She fought back a laugh. He looked like a kid... and with those chicken legs, he looked like most of the kids at Seckman!

He quirked a brow. "Something funny?"

She stopped in front of him, her arms wrapping loosely around his waist. "Yes."

"Like...?" He hugged her to him.

"You." She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "You have chicken legs."

"What? I do not!" He scowled, fighting the urge to look down.

"You do too!" She laughed softly, "They're about as big as my wrists, and you know it!"

Micah sighed. "I do not."

"Yes, you do." Laura poked him gently. "Look."

He shook his head, letting her go before looking down. Agh! He did!

"See?" She asked, voice amused. "Don't worry though. I hear chicken legs are 'in'."

"In? In what? Pants from now on? That's what I'm leaning towards..."

She rolled her eyes, "No. You're not getting insecure on me, are you? You don't need to. You're the sexiest man I've ever met."

"You haven't met many then." Micah sighed again. Lord. It was flashback to high school...

Laura scowled at him, "Micah..."

"What?" He blinked. She was mad? Oh boy... what'd he do?

She sighed, "I love you, chicken legs aren't going to bother me, and they shouldn't bother you. I was teasing, I didn't mean to upset you." Lord.

"Ah. Sorry." He turned, reaching up again.

She rubbed her eyes, "I'd suggest getting a chair... that's how I got them that far back." She moved towards the living room.

Micah stilled, then caught her elbow. "How much do you know about me, Pet?"

She blinked, "What?"

"Did I mention my life before I became Nimir Raj?"

"In passing, but nothing in depth..." Her brow furrowed in confusion. What was he getting at?

He kissed her temple. "In high school..." He sighed. Fuck. Why was he so... immature today? 'Like, in high school, I was like, such a geek!'

She wrapped her arms around him again, waiting patiently for him continue.

"I hate this." His tone was resigned though. "I feel stupid saying it..." He kissed her temple again. "I was a geek in high school... and unfortunately... the things stay with you. Like the taunts of 'Chicken Legs!' in gym." He pulled back. "Never mind."

She stubbornly kept her arms around him, "I can understand why that would bother you... High school was bad for a lot of us, Micah. Mine wasn't any better." She brushed her lips over his jaw.

"Yeah. Your fiancé has inadequacy issues." He hugged her again, resting his chin on her shoulder.

She kissed his neck, "You're more than adequate, Micah... trust me."

"Mm." He closed his eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Pet." He brushed his lips over her jaw.

She shivered, "Did we have a plan for today?"

"Not that I know of."

"Good." She nipped gently at the curve of his neck.

He shivered. "What are you plotting?"

Her voice was all innocence. "Nothing."

"Nothing, indeed..." He pressed against her.

She swallowed, "Maybe something..."

"Tell me...?" He kissed up her neck to the soft spot behind her ear.

She bit her lip, head tilting slightly. "What do I get out of it?"

He smirked. "You'll like it... promise..."

"I think you guessed what I'm planning..." Her hands slid over his back, caressing gently.

He shivered. "No... tell me."

She let one of her hands drop to his bum, "You sure you don't want to just find out...?"

He pressed into her hand. "Tell me."

"Well... the plan involves us going back to our room... or somewhere we can get enough leverage and-"

"And..." He kissed down her neck, sucking at her pulse.

Her hand tightened on his bum and she swallowed, "We test your adequacy..."

"Pet..." He straightened, lifting her into his arms, supporting her back with one arm and her legs with the other.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, "Mm?"

He shook his head, carrying her into the bedroom.

She bit her lip, feeling warm with anticipation as he shut the door behind them.

Micah laid her down on the bed, crawling over her before brushing his mouth over hers.

Laura slid a hand into his hair, returning the light kiss as she shifted under him.

He took her wrist gently in his hand, pressing it against the pillow. "Let me..."

She blinked, nodding slowly. "Okay..."

"You can touch me later, Pet... I just want..." He licked a line along her neck, "To taste you..."

Her breath caught, and she felt heat pool in her tummy. "I... alright..."

His hand slid up her side, cupping her breast through his shirt.

She pressed into his hand, biting her lip. Her hand shifted under his grip, and she fought the urge to bring her other hand up. He'd drive her crazy like this...

He sucked at her pulse briefly as his thumb teased her nipple into hardness. She was so soft and warm... He just wanted to sink into her...

"Micah..." She moaned softly, her back arching into his touch.

He smiled, his green, green eyes meeting hers as he kissed down over her shirt and taking her nipple into his mouth.

She nearly cried out, her hand fisting into the blanket. The wet cotton of the shirt rubbed against her nipple with the movements of his tongue, and a low moan escaped her.

He licked at her, pulling hard as he sucked.

"Mic - Ah!" She cried out, the sound edging on a scream.

He smiled, kissing across to her other breast. "Pet?"

She took a shaky breath, swallowing hard. "Mm?"

"You were saying?" He licked a small circle around her nipple.

She moaned, "I... can't remember..."

He smiled, nipping gently at her hard nipple.

She whimpered, pressing into him.

Slowly, he drew her into his mouth, sucking and laving at the nub as his hand slid into her shirt.

Her tummy tightened, and a moan escaped her. "Mi...Micah..."

"Yes, Pet?"

"I want you..."

"Please... Pet... Let me..." His tone was low, rough.

She shivered, her eyes shutting slowly as she nodded.

He slid his hand up her bare hip, cupping her breast. "Thank you..."

"You're... you're welcome..." She shifted against his hand, swallowing as his fingers brushed against her already hard nipple.

He pulled his hand away, pushing her shirt out of the way.

She pulled her wrist from his grip, tugging her shirt up and off.

He licked a small line between her breasts, his hand coming to cup her again. "Sweet..."

Her breath caught and she lowered her arms. God... his voice was predatory, possessive...

He nipped at her then, sucking at the side of her breast.

She cried out softly, pressing up into his mouth.

He pulled back, licking at her. The mark was dark, but already fading. He kissed it, the sucked her nipple into his mouth again. He could spend hours on her breasts...

She felt her body tighten on air as he teased her, "Micah... I'm..."

"Hm...?" He shifted, sliding his hand between her legs. Lord, she was wet...

Her back arched and she moaned. "Close..." God... he hadn't really touched her yet, and...

He blinked, sucking harder as he slid a finger into her, his thumb finding her clitoris with ease.

She came around the intruding digit with a cry of his name, clenching down hard on his finger.

Micah released her, slowly kissing down her body.

Laura shuddered with the tail end of her climax, shifting under him.

He pushed her legs up and apart. "Mmm... Pet. You're excited..."

She shifted again, swallowing. "Your fault..."

He smiled, lowering his mouth to her.

She writhed under his skilled mouth, her hips rising to press against him.

He could feel her tightening again and he began kissing up her body. "Pet..."

"Mm?" She blinked open her eyes, looking down at him with a lust darkened gaze.

"Want you..."

"Take me, please..."

He settled himself carefully between her thighs, pressing slowly inside of her.

She whimpered quietly as he slid home, her hands sliding over his back again.

He kissed at her neck, rocking his hips. "My Pet... Mine..."

She swallowed back a moan, moving her hips with him. "Always..."

He braced himself, pulling slowly out of her.

She licked her lips, pressing her hips to his as he pushed just as slowly back in.

He leaned down, rubbing his face along hers.

She rubbed back for a moment before shifting, nipping gently at his neck.

He moaned, pressing harder against her.

Her moan mingled with his, and she bit down, sucking teasingly.

"Pet..." His rhythm increased, and he began brushing against her clitoris with each thrust.

She let go of his neck to cry out in pleasure, her body clamping down on him on every down-thrust.

He growled softly, nearing his peak.

She nipped hard at his shoulder, meeting his increasingly rough thrusts with her own.

Micah moaned, feeling her tighten. "Come..."

Laura shattered around him as he brushed a spot deep within her, her moan of completion fast becoming a cry of his name.

He followed almost immediately, shaking as he groaned her name.

She kissed his neck gently as they panted. "Mm... Micah..."

"Mm?" He lowered a bit of his weight onto her.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, "I think... you should have inadequacy issues more often... then we can prove you wrong..."

He blinked, then chuckled softly. "Mm. If we need an excuse."

"Don't think we do..." She smiled slightly, kissing the spot behind his ear. "Love you..."

"I love you too." He nuzzled her. "So... you feeling inadequate about anything?"

*********

Grace swallowed, fisting a hand into her hair as she paced the living room. She hadn't felt well, and thus had stayed home for the day. How was she going to tell him? Would... well, he should it... was rather his idea. Sort of. She jumped as the door opened, pressing a hand to her chest. To her breasts that ached. Constantly.

Richard offered her a smile as he stepped into the house. "Hey Love."

"I... Richard. Hi."

He shut the door behind him, hanging up his coat and moving towards her. "How're you feeling?"

"Um... alright. I guess..." She bit her lip. "We... need to talk..."

He blinked down at her, "Okay... Is something wrong?"

"That... depends on you." Grace swallowed, sitting down on the couch.

Richard frowned, sitting down next to her. "Love? What happened?"

She reached out, picking up a small white wand from the coffee table and handing it to him.

He blinked, not comprehending what he was seeing for a moment. The small stick looked innocent in his hand, the little purple line blurring. "I... Love? Is this what I think it is?"

She nodded slowly. "Yes."

He felt himself grin, though he couldn't remember telling himself to. "Seriously?"

She blinked, then nodded again. "I'm... pretty sure but... the doctor will tell us... in about an hour."

His grin widened, and he set the EPT back down on the table before pulling her to him. "I love you."

She hugged him back, feeling a bit stupid. "You're not..."

He shook his head, brushing his lips over hers, "No... why would I be? This is what we've been trying for..."

"I know... I just..." She blinked again, her green eyes confused.

"You just...?" He blinked, holding her to him. She was pregnant. He was going to be a father. His mind halted. He was going to be a father!

"I'm... I'm pregnant... it... I knew we were trying but... I'm pregnant. There's... in me..."

He chuckled softly. "Seems like we're sharing the same thoughts, Love..." Except... he wasn't pregnant.

Grace bit her lip. "Guess we should get hitched, huh?"

Richard nodded, "Yeah... and call our parents... again."

"After... we... talk with the doctor. I want to figure out why my breasts ache..."

"Hope that's not my fault..." He kissed the corner of her mouth.

She blushed. "I don't think so..."

He rested a hand on her stomach, smiling softly. "Okay."

She shivered. "Alright... You'll go in with me, right?"

"Of course."

"Thank you." She leaned into him. "I love you too."

"Mm..." He rested his head against hers, content to hold her for the moment.

"I hope... do you think I'll be a good Ma?"

He kissed the top of her head. "Yes."

"You're sure?" She looked up at him. "I... don't want to mess this up... What if I'm horrid and the poor thing has a... a complex?!"

"Love... relax." He shook his head, "I'm sure you'll be a good mother. I've seen you with Melissa and the younger kids... It comes naturally to you. Same with the Pack... They all look up to you like a mother. You don't need to worry about it. If there are any problems with our child, I'm sure we can figure them out." But what if he wasn't a good Dad?

She nodded slowly. "I suppose. I mean, with a Dad like you, what could go wrong?"

"Lots." His lips quirked ruefully.

She frowned. "Lots? Like what? I mean, I can see you spoiling them but..."

"What if I'm too hard on them? Or I don't spend enough time with them because of work or the Pack?"

"Then... we'll deal with it. But... Rich... you'll be great..." She brushed her lips over his.

He kissed the corner of her mouth, "If you say so..."

"I wouldn't be with you otherwise..." Grace tucked her head under his chin.

Richard smiled slightly, "I'll remember that..."

"We should go. Can you drive?"

"Yeah... What time's the appointment?"

"In about 45 minutes." Grace looked nervous. "I should change..."

"Why?" Richard blinked, looking down at the jeans and t-shirt she was wearing. "You look fine."

"But... these jeans are old..."

"Love... come on..." He shook his head, smiling. "They're fine."

"You're sure?" She furrowed her brow. "And my purse..."

He waited for her to stand before following her and stretching. "Alright, Love... Are we taking my car?"

"Please." She stilled. "I should brush my hair..."

"Grace!" He fought back a laugh, "You look fine. Better than fine, if you weren't pregnant, I'd have my wicked way with you. Let's go."

She stilled. "You... you aren't going to... to make love with me because I'm-"

"See? This is why I'd screw up with a kid..." He shook his head, stepping towards her. "I'll happily make love to you anytime you want, but right now, we're running short on time..." He sighed, leaning down to brush his lips over hers, "Which is definitely a disappointment."

"Oh..." She blushed. "Let's... go."

He chuckled, "Alright. Get your stuff, Love."

Grace nodded, grabbing her purse. "Alright..."

Richard led the way to the car, glancing back at her as he unlocked the doors.

She climbed in, carefully buckling her belt. "I'm scared..."

He climbed in as well, buckling up and starting the car. "Don't be."

"But... what if I'm not? And I got us all excited over... nothing." She looked at him, unsure.

He didn't answer for a moment, pulling out of the driveway and onto the road before taking her hand. "Love... we'll know soon... until then, just relax. If you aren't, we'll keep trying, if you are, we'll keep trying anyway."

She nodded slowly. "Al...alright."

He squeezed her hand gently. "Okay." He shot her a smile, then turned back to the road, forced to pay attention as the first stop sign approached.

Grace chewed at her lip as she waited in the waiting room, fighting the urge to pace. She wanted this... badly. But then again... she was terrified. She raised a hand to her mouth, biting at her nails.

Richard stepped up behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I love you." He murmured softly, not willing to disturb the other occupants of the room.

She leaned back into him, relaxing slightly. "I... love you too."

He rested his head against hers, "You're worrying again."

"I... can't help it." She looked over her shoulder at him.

He smiled slightly, "Neither can I." He rested his other hand on her stomach again.

Her tummy tightened beneath his hand. "Do you think I'll be big?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. Do you think you will?"

"Maybe... I mean, there's not much of me to start with..."

He kissed her temple, "Suppose not, though I do like you quite the way you are..."

She swallowed. "How much longer, Rich?"

He glanced at the clock, "Two minutes."

"Two?" She bit her lip. "Does it have to be so long?"

"Well... we did get here a bit early..."

"I still... I don't know." She shifted her feet. "I feel the urge to pace... I don't pace, Richard..."

"I know, Love. You're nervous, that's completely understandable." He was too. Half of the reason he was holding her the way he was was to keep his hands from shaking.

"I can't believe Lillian could fit us in so soon... I mean she’s so busy…” She turned, looking up at her lover and Ulfric.

He nodded, brushing his lips over hers, "I heard she caught herself an assistant."

"Several... I think."

Grace nodded as she heard her name called. "Oh Lord..."

Richard felt his stomach flutter, and he swallowed, rubbing his Lupa's back. "Let's go."

She bit her lip. "Yeah." Slowly, she started towards Lillian.

He followed, trying to calm his nerves. God. Grace must be feeling ten times worse...

"I... I can't do this Richard... I..."

Richard rubbed her back slowly, "You can, Love... I know you can."

Lillian smiled warmly at the Lupa, "Nervous? You don't need to be. Just a few tests and we'll know exactly how far along you are."

Grace bit her lip, nodding. "All... alright." Taking a deep breath, they entered the room.

Richard stood, fidgeting nervously, watching the were rat run numerous tests on his Lupa. Finally, they all sat down, and Lillian began to speak.

"Well..." Lillian pulled off her plastic doctor's gloves, throwing them away and turning to face the wolves. "Grace is roughly two and a half months along."

Grace blinked. "What?"

"She's how far?" Richard blinked. He couldn't have heard the were rat correctly... They'd only been unprotected for... Three weeks, at most!

"Two and half months. Congratulations." Lillian smiled up at them.

"B...but... I can't be... we... protection..." Grace swallowed. "We did!"

"You used the pill?" Lillian quirked a brow, catching Richard's shake of the head. "No? Condoms then. Well, there's a failure rate for all protection. Condoms can get punctured, or forgotten..." She shrugged, watching as a distinct flush rose up the Ulfric's neck. "Whatever the reason, you're two and a half months pregnant, Grace. It's best you get used to the idea. Morning sickness isn't going to stay away for long, and you'll find that certain parts of your body will start to ache at inconvenient times."

Grace bit her lip. "That's... that's why I was ill this morning? And why my breasts ache?"

Lillian nodded, "That's exactly why."

Grace blinked up at Richard, swallowing. "It... I don't know how..."

Richard took her hand, shrugging. "Neither do I."

Lillian watched them with considering eyes, "Well... I'll let you alone to wrap your heads around the idea, but I need this room again in ten minutes, so you'd best be quick with your chat."

Grace blinked again. "Oh. Thank you... Lillian. I just..."

The were rat smiled warmly again, "It's alright, Grace. You'll need a check up every few weeks, and I expect you'll be calling me for them."

The Lupa nodded, a bit pale. "How much do we owe you?"

"You can pay at the desk." Lillian moved to the door, pausing for a moment before leaving the room.

Grace nodded, then looked up at her lover. "I swear... the baby's yours. I haven't... I wouldn't..."

Richard nodded, "I know, Love... I didn't think it wasn't... You don't do things like that. Ever. Besides, you heard was Lillian said... All protection has a failure rate."

Lupa bit her lip, standing. "I... why didn't we notice? Shouldn't we have? Why... why haven't we smelled it? And what about... why didn't I notice my... my periods.... weren't there? I thought it stress..."

He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. "I guess we were stressed about the beginning of school... Then Mel becoming a part of the Pack, and Paris..." He felt Grace flinch and nearly winced. "It's not that surprising we never noticed..."

"I... I guess." She swallowed. "Can... can we go home?" She hugged him. "Cause I just want you to hold me."

The Ulfric hugged her back, "That sounds highly appealing... we'd better go before the room's needed anyway."

"Mm." She brushed her lips over his.

He kissed the corner of her mouth before pulling back and taking her hand. "Love you."

"I love you too."

It wasn't long until Richard was pulling into the driveway. "Rich?"

"Yes, Love?" He glanced at her, parking the car in the driveway.

"I want a burger. From Dead Dave's." She glanced at him. "Can we go tomorrow?"

He smiled, "Yeah. That won't be a problem."

She smiled back, undoing her seat belt. "Thank you."

He pulled the keys from the ignition, unbuckling and climbing out. "You're welcome." He shut the car door before moving around, opening hers for her.

Grace blinked at him. "I... thanks."

Richard's lips quirked, and he offered her a hand once she was out of the car. "You're welcome."

She took his hand, grabbing her purse from the seat.

He locked the car, shut the door, and led her into the house.

She set her purse down, stripping off her coat. "So... Daddy. What names do you like?"

He blinked, shutting the front door. "I... don't know. Do you have any preferences?"

"I like... old fashioned names... maybe change the spelling a bit." She shrugged. "Like Thomas... or Justin. I don't know."

"We've got time to think about it, we don't have to decide now."

"What about Luke?" Grace furrowed her brow.

"What if it's a girl?" Richard smiled slightly. Yeah... A little girl would be nice. One that looked just like Grace.

"Rebecca. Or... BriAnna. But I like Rebecca best." Grace stepped further into the house, sitting on the couch.

He nodded, sighing as the phone rang. Who'd be calling? They never got phone calls...

"Can you get that, Rich?" Grace bit her lip. "I need to go to the bathroom."

"Yeah... love you." He pulled his hair tie out, shaking out the tight braid he'd let Melissa put it in as he moved towards the phone.

"Love you too." She disappeared into the other room.

Richard rubbed his eyes, picking up the phone, "Hello?"

"Hello, I'm looking for a Richard Zeeman?" A male voice came over the line, thick with a British accent.

Richard blinked. The voice was distinctly British, but young, no more than fifteen. "I'm Richard. May I ask who I'm speaking to?"

"My name is Darien... Darien Pratt. I'm... new to town." The voice sounded unsure now. "I'm a lycan."

Richard nodded in understanding, resting his head against the wall. "Which type?" He didn't want to insult the boy by guessing incorrectly, and it wasn't too unusual that he got calls from Rats or Leopards looking to transfer, those who were unaware of the clearly drawn lines.

The voice frowned. "A wolf... am I incorrect? I thought you were the Ulfric..."

"I am the Ulfric." Richard fought the urge to roll his eyes. Why else would you be calling? "You're transferring from another Pack?"

"I have just arrived from Britain... so yes."

"How old are you, Darien?"

"I'm 15, Sir."

"Have you registered at one of the local schools yet?"

"My father is enrolling me at Seckman Jr. High tomorrow... why?"

Richard couldn't help it, his voice was amused. "I'll see you in class, then."

"Excuse me, Sir?" Confusion filled the youth's voice.

"Class." The Ulfric managed to push the amusement out of his voice - barely. "Tomorrow. Science, if I'm not mistaken."

Darien sighed. "May I inquire as to why I'll see you in my science class?"

Richard's lips quirked, "I'm teaching it."

"Oh."

Richard rubbed the back of his neck, all humor gone. Now he had two minors in his Pack. He'd have to keep an extra eye on them. Maybe he could get Gwen to... "Well, since I'll be seeing you tomorrow, we can introduce you to the Lupa then, and we can go over Pack regulations together."

"Of course, Sir."

"We'll see you tomorrow, Darien. I'm sure you'll fit well with the rest of the Pack."

"...Sir?"

"Yes?" God, kid, drop the "sir".…

"Are there any younger wolves in the Pack? Maybe my age?"

"There's one. You'll meet her tomorrow."

"Oh. Thank you, Si-"

Richard cut him off, "While you're a member of my Pack, please, drop the formality. In class I'm Mr. Zeeman, out of class, Richard." The 'sir' was going to drive him up the damn wall.

There was stunned silence on the other end of the line for a moment. "Oh. Okay. Sorry."

The Ulfric rubbed his eyes, "I'll see you tomorrow, Darien. Thank you for calling." Maybe Melissa could make the kid loosen up. He sounded like he needed it.

"I... good night." The young wolf hung up as Grace emerged from the bathroom. "Hey."

Richard hung up the phone, offering her a slight smile. "Hey."

"What's up?" She licked her lips, moving towards him.

"We've got another Pack member. Mel's age, male." He leaned against the wall, watching her from the corner of his eye.

"Do we? I do hope he's better behaved than the other boys in the school..." The Lupa reached him, brushing some hair back from his face.

He smiled down at her, "He sounds like it. He's transferring from Britain. Seemed rather shocked when I told him to stop calling me sir." He rested his hands on her hips, his eyes warm and inviting.

"Britain? My... I've never met someone who's actually British." She leaned up, kissing his jaw.

"You'll meet him tomorrow. He's registering at Seckman." He turned his head, kissing the corner of her mouth.

She shivered. "Ah... Rich?"

"Mm?"

"Didn't... didn't you promise me something earlier?"

"I might've..." His arms went around her waist, pulling her up against him.

"You hinted..." She wrapped her arms around his neck, licking her lips.

He kissed the corner of her mouth again, "Mm... now that I remember..."

"Ah..." She turned her head, her lips brushing over his.

His lips quirked, and he took the hint, covering her mouth with his.

Much later, Grace was making dinner in the kitchen, wrapped warmly in one of Richard's long sleeved flannel shirts. "Hun?" She called softly.

"Yeah, Love?" Richard padded into the kitchen, boxers low on his hips.

She bit her lip. "I was wondering..."

"Oh?" He quirked a brow, pulling his hair back from his face.

"How are we going to tell the pack?" She stirred the sauce for the spaghetti, distracted.

His brow furrowed slightly, and he shrugged, "I haven't thought about it."

"How... how do you think they'll react? I mean, we haven't even announced that we're engaged! And... well, the moon's coming up. We need to tell them then. And... what about the change? It... it could hurt the baby!"

He moved around behind her, slipping his arms around the waist. "I know, Love... we're just going to have to deal with it as it comes. They won't react badly. They've been pushing for this. The baby's already lasted two moons at least, it'll survive another one."

"They have?" She blinked. "When? And what if something goes wrong?"

"Love..." He kissed the soft spot behind her ear, "It'll go fine... It has to." But... what if it didn't? He'd never really wondered why so many of his Pack were homosexual, or bisexual, but now... What if it was the thought that your loved one could be with child, but the change was a potential danger to it? What if they swung the other way to save themselves the pain?

She shivered, setting down the spoon. "I'm sorry. I'm... just... scared. The baby... It can't look like much more than a mouse or something but... it's ours... and I love it..." Her eyes teared up, and she swallowed.

"I love it too, Love... and I love you." Richard bit his lip. What if something did go wrong? He wouldn't be able to face himself, much less Grace or the Pack.

"It's... it's got to be alright. Lillian didn't mention anything. I'll... just be as careful as I can." Grace leaned into him, picking up the spoon and stirring the sauce. "I won't let anything hurt our child."

He kissed her neck gently, "I'm not going to let anything hurt either of you. I promise."

The doorbell sounded and Grace jumped, the spoon's jerking causing a bit of the hot sauce to splash onto her hand. "Darn it!"

Richard winced in sympathy, letting her go as she reached for a towel. "I'll be right back, Love."

She nodded, turning off the stove. "I... I'm gonna get dressed."

He glanced down at himself and sighed. Damn. No time to change... He moved towards the door, catching faint, familiar scents.

Jamil exchanged glances with Shang-Da as the door opened. "Ulfric." He blinked. "Are we interrupting?"

Richard shook his head, stepping back to let his enforcers inside. "No. Was there something you two needed?"

"We heard you visited Lillian." Shang-Da said as they entered.

"How are we supposed to do our jobs if you won't let us be around you?" Jamil sniffed. "Spaghetti?"

Richard rolled his eyes, shutting the door behind the two large were's. "Grace is making spaghetti in the kitchen, though I'm not sure she'll want to share." He rubbed his forehead, motioning for them to make themselves comfortable. Maybe he should start keeping them around again... Especially if Grace went on maternity leave. Then they'd be able to keep her company.

"Ah." Jamil stripped off his jacket. "Does she still not allow shoes on the carpet?"

"No shoes." Richard's lips quirked as Shang-Da sighed, kicking off his shoes.

Jamil acquiesced as well, shaking his head. "I still don't get it but..."

"I don't allow shoes because it tracks dirt in and makes the carpets harder to clean." Grace said as she reemerged from the bedroom, having pulled on a pair of jeans beneath Richard's shirt. "Hello."

Jamil inclined his head as a greeting. "Food smells good..."

She sighed. "You're a moocher, Jamil."

Shang-Da's lips twitched in a slight grin. "He's right."

Richard shook his head, "I'll be right back, Love... going to throw on some pants."

"Alright. You've got clean jeans and sweats on the dresser." Grace looked at the other two males. "And if you're eating, you can help me. Set the table."

Jamil smiled, nodding. "Thanks, Lupa."

Richard disappeared into the bedroom, listening to the sounds of conversation and dishes clattering as he pulled on a pair of jeans, opening a drawer to dig around for a shirt.

Jamil leaned around Grace, grabbing some napkins, and froze. Puzzled, he tilted his head and sniffed at her before his eyes widened.

Shang-Da frowned at his fellow enforcer before the smell hit him as well. "Lupa?"

Grace blinked, stopping her gathering of forks and knives. "Yes?"

Shang-Da watched her in consideration for a moment, "You smell as if you are..."

"Pregnant..." Jamil finished.

"Well... Golly! Imagine that... a pregnant lady smelling... pregnant." Grace blushed slightly.

Shang-Da set the plates in his hands on the table. "How long has it been?"

"I'm... two and a half months. Apparently." Grace furrowed her brow. "Don't know how that happened though..."

"Lupa..." Jamil teased, "If you don't know that, I feel sorry for you... and the Ulfric."
Richard stepped into the room, the t-shirt he'd found on the bottom drawer wrinkled, "Why's that?"
Shang-Da's lips twitched again, but he stayed silent, letting Jamil answer the Ulfric.

"Your Lupa does not know how she has ended up in her current condition." Jamil said, his lips quirked.

Grace looked at him for a moment, picked up a clean wooden spoon, and bonked him over the head with it. "Don't be a... a butt! Of course I know!"

Richard shook his head, trying not to smile. "Jamil, I'd be careful... she's wicked with those spoons..."

Shang-Da stifled a choking noise in his throat, putting the plates in their proper positions.

Jamil blinked. "You hit me with a wooden spoon..."

"Darn tootin'! And I'll do it again if you tease me." Grace placed her hands on her hips, scowling for all she was worth.

Richard smiled, moving towards Grace and taking one of her hands. "How's the burn, Love?"

She blinked. "Burn?"

Jamil frowned, tilting his head again. The Lupa had burned herself?

"On your hand." Richard inspected the very faint red mark where the sauce had been, his fingers trailing lightly over it.

Shang-Da turned, watching them silently. His eyes widened, however, when something flashed in the light. What...? Then comprehension dawned. Of course. He and Jamil had taken Richard to the jewelry shop, then Grace had interrupted them, and they'd left. The Ulfric must have proposed.

"Oh... mostly healed already." She offered her lover a small smile. "Sit down boys. I'm hungry."
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Romantic Executions: Continued