Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

Romantic Executions: Continued	By : PrettySin Category: Anita Blake > Het Views: 3499 -:- 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
- 43
- 44
- 45
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.
********************

Melissa groaned softly as the sun beat down against her eyelids, and she pressed her face into her pillow. Finding this rather uncomfortable due to the distinct unyielding quality of her pillow, she reluctantly opened her eyes. Oh. That's why her pillow was uncomfortable. It was an arm. Whose arm, though? She glanced behind her. Oh. Darien's arm. And he wasn't wearing a shirt... and. Shit. Neither was she. Scratch that. She wasn't wearing anything. She glanced behind her again, and eeped. Fuck! He wasn't either! Oh hell, what had happened last night? Misty was going to kill her...

Darien murmured something in his sleep, cuddling her closer.

She bit her lip, struggling to relax and think clearly. Okay. Darien, naked behind her. She didn't feel sore, per se, so first scenario, out. Good. Misty wouldn't kill her or dismember him. Out in the middle of a field, Darien naked behind her, and she wasn't wearing anything. She blinked. Oh... The moon. She rolled her eyes at herself. Lord, how stupid could she be? Misty- fuck. She had to get home... She moved to sit up, but Darien refused to let her go, his brow furrowing slightly as he slept.

He shifted, laying her out on her back so he could use her breast as a pillow.

She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. The gel that kept his hair spiked had long since stopped working, and his hair was now loose, resting in surprisingly long strands across her breast. A slight breeze stirred over them, and she shivered. Crap...

Darien swallowed. This was a good... good dream. Melissa was naked... laying in a meadow with him... and he was kissing her breasts... so soft... yet firm...

Melissa swallowed. Wake Darien up and have him see her naked, or pretend to be asleep and have him see her naked anyway? She'd take her chances with the former. "Darien..." She shook his shoulder gently, unsure if she really wanted him to wake up.

He frowned, turning his head a bit, his lips actually touching her nipple.

Oh, God... She bit her lip, eyes wide. He was asleep. He didn't know he was doing it. Don't do something silly and embarrass yourself... like give into the urge to press up into the light touch.

She glanced around, swallowing. That could explain why no one had noticed anything... They'd apparently collapsed across the field from everyone else.

Darien licked his lips now, coming slowly awake. Huh?

Melissa bit the inside of her cheek, shutting her eyes. Do. Not. Whimper.

Darien swallowed. Oh God. He was... breast... He sat up, staring down at Melissa. "I... sorry... I didn't... I..."

She blinked open her eyes, shaking her head slowly. Okay, voice... now would not be a good time to crack... "It's okay..."

"I... I bloody well... I..." Darien stared at her. "You should hit me..."

Melissa bit her lip. Alright. That had been her first remotely sexual experience, and he wanted her to hit him?

His eyes locked on her lower lip before dropping to her breasts... and their hardened nipples. He swallowed, licking his lips again.

"I tried to wake you up... but..." She shrugged, "Then you... yeah." She blushed faintly, "It felt good, Darien... really, really good..." God. Now she just sounded like she was begging, and she didn't want to sound like that... What was he going to think of her?

"Bit..." Darien swallowed. "I..." He watched as the blush spread over her pale breasts. "Did it?"

"Yes..." Butterflies pooled in her tummy, and she sat up, pulling her knees to her chest.

His eyes jerked back to her face. "What are you saying here...?"

"I don't know." She rested her cheek on her knees, looking up at him. "I don't want to sound like a whore, Darien... and that's probably how it'd come out." She bit her lip. Great. Lord, she was stupid...

He frowned. "Bit... you're not a whore. Trust me. Just because something feels good and you admit it... it doesn't make you a whore." Darien reached, pulling a leaf from her hair. "Alright?"

Melissa shrugged, "It's not just that, though..."

"What then?"

She buried her face in her knees, her next words muffled. "I want you to do it again... that's the problem... It's whore-ish, and-"

Darien swallowed. "Then what am I? For wanting to touch you? Hell... if we weren't around others, I probably would..."

She pointed out quietly that the others were across a rather large clearing and couldn't exactly see them. Her blushed deepened, though Darien couldn't see it. She really was a whore, wasn't she? Melissa shut her eyes, biting her lip again.

"Bit..." Darien tilted her face up so he could brush his lips over hers, his hand resting on her knee.

Melissa swallowed, brushing her lips back over his. Something in her was aching... not the kind of aching that hurt, but the kind that was annoying and needed to go away.

Darien cupped her face, pressing his lips more firmly to hers.

She returned the kiss, shutting her eyes.

He ran his tongue along her lower lip, trying to coax them apart.

Her lips parted under his ministrations, and she raised a hand to rest on his shoulder.

He swallowed as he deepened the kiss. Shit... he was hard. He'd been hard when he woke up but... Shit.

She met his tongue with hers, her hand sliding down slightly to rest at the crook of his neck. The ache worsened as she shifted on the ground, and she fought the urge to groan in frustration. How the hell was she supposed to make that go away?!

His hand slipped from her jaw to her side, caressing gently.

A soft sound escaped her, and she blinked open her eyes.

Darien pulled back from the kiss, his hand still caressing. "Tell me when you want me to stop..."

Melissa managed a nod, her hand slipping slightly on his smooth skin.

He licked his lips before kissing her jaw, his hand sliding upwards.

Her head tilted slightly to the side, and she found herself arching slightly into his touch.

His hand cupped her breast and he made a soft noise in his throat as he tested its weight, his thumb finding her nipple.

She bit her lip harshly, trying to muffle her moan of surprise and... and what? Satisfaction? Want? Desire?

"Tell me... to stop..." He murmured the words between kisses, his mouth trailing down her neck and over her collarbone.

Stop? Her mind rebelled against the word, her body pressing up for more pressure. No... not 'stop'...

He licked his lips, dragging his teeth gently along her skin as his fingers squeezed gently at her nipple. Lord... the scent... he was causing... heaven. She smelled like heaven...

"Darien..." She moaned his name, her eyes shutting. She wanted him to touch her everywhere, and she felt the ache grow stronger, more pronounced.

"Can... can I kiss you here?"

She nodded, sliding her hand slowly down his chest.

He shivered, bending his head to lap at her distended nipple.

She brought her other hand up to her mouth, biting her thumb to muffle her cry.

He pulled the taught nubbin into his mouth, sucking gently.

Melissa pressed into his mouth, moaning around her thumb. God...

Darien blinked. Bloody hell... that sound...

She swallowed, opening her eyes. Lord... she couldn't think... She slid her hand back up to his shoulder, her palm brushing lightly over his nipple.

He jerked, pulling back. "I'm sorry... I... I won't be able to hold back... I can't. I'm sorry."

She blinked. Hold back? Oh... fuck all... She'd forgotten about holding back, and it was rather apparent that she needed to. Hell... "It's... it's not your fault." She swallowed. How was she going to practice holding back if it felt like that every time?

"I just... You taste... really good... I'm just..." Darien looked down at his erection, blushing.

Melissa shook her head, tilting his head back up. "You're fine, Darien..." She bit her lip for a second before leaning forward, brushing her lips over his. "I didn't tell you to stop... I probably should've... I'm sorry..."

"No... Bit... that's not it. I mean... you affect me so much I was afraid I'd... well..." He blushed darker. "Come."

She tilted her head, "That's a bad thing?"

"Seeing as you hardly touched me... I think so." He stood, offering her a hand.

She took his hand, letting him pull her up. A stream of barely muffled curses escaped her as her knees tried to give out, and she tightened her grip on his hand, trying to steady herself. Whoa...

He pulled her up against his chest, stopping her from falling. "Alright?"

"Yeah... just... whoa." She smiled slightly at him, "Sorry."

He offered her a small smile. "Don't worry about it."

She leaned against him for a moment before standing again. "So... clothes."

He nodded, stepping back. "Clothes... yeah."

Melissa kept hold of his hand, glancing around the clearing. Most of the Pack was half awake, some of them already dressed. Where had they left their clothes...?

"Bit? Do you remember where we stripped?" Darien furrowed his brow.

She bit her lip, "Um... no."

"Ah. Well... I guess we'll have to look-"

"Melissa! Darien!" The Lupa's voice called.

"Or we'll look later..." Melissa glanced up at him. Oh hell... Super smell. They were so screwed.

He gulped. "Um..."

"There you two are! Come on..." Grace waved for them to come over.

Melissa took a deep breath and reluctantly started to move towards Grace. Oh, this was so not going to end well...

The Lupa leaned up, brushing her lips over the Ulfric’s as she waited for the kids. "Find their clothes?"

Richard kissed the corner of her mouth, "Yeah... I'll be back in a minute." He moved away from his mate, nodding hello to Jamil as the Sköll passed. "Good morning, Jamil, Shang-Da. How'd you sleep?" Grace began pulling her hair back, glancing at the teens... who were dawdling... hm...

Melissa watched as Grace talked with the two enforcers, worrying at her lip. Maybe she and Darien could just... slip away... and not get in trouble...

"Come on you two... hurry it up!" Grace shot them a look.

"We're... bloody screwed..."

"More than screwed..." Melissa swallowed, trying to see how small she could make her steps and still make it look like she was walking normally.

"How... will she react?" Darien bit his lip.

"I don't know..." Melissa squeezed his hand gently, "Don't particularly want to find out, either.”

Darien swallowed. "Is it... any of their business? Really?" Forget the hard on... that was long gone...

"No... but they'll make it their business..."

"Make what our-" Grace had gotten tired of their loitering, but as soon as the scent reached her nose she knew.

Darien gulped. Oh God...

Melissa felt her cheek heat, and she fought the urge to hide behind Darien.

Richard came up, holding two bundles of clothes. He blinked, then tried in vain to hide the quirk of his lips.

Grace put her hands on her hips. "I... You are far too young for... for..." She closed her eyes, trying not to smile. It wasn't funny. "It's natural, yes... but... I'm going to have to call your parents... well... your sister, Melissa. Sex isn't something to mess around with."

Darien blinked. Er... "Lupa, I-"

Melissa's face, which had assumed a doomed look, was now openly horrified. "I... we didn't! Not..." She bit her lip, "Don't call Misty... I really don't want to have her-"

"She's got to know, Mel." Richard made a valiant attempt to make his voice stern, handing the two young weres back their clothes.

"No, she doesn't!"

"I'm calling, Melissa, unless you can give me a very good reason not to." Grace presented the children with her librarian look.

Darien bit his lip, unsure what to do. "We... didn't have sex-"

"Smells close enough."

Melissa dropped her clothes on the ground, letting go of Darien's hand long enough to tug her shirt over her head. "I have a good reason!"

Richard leaned down, whispering softly into Grace's ear.

Grace flushed, turning and smacking him soundly on the chest. "Richard! You're setting a bad example! No wonder they're... necking... naked!"

Darien bit back a laugh, pulling on his pants.

Richard didn't bother biting back his laugh, "I'll try to behave better in the future, Love."

Melissa rolled her eyes, quickly pulling on her panties and pants.

Grace took a deep breath, looking at the kids. "Reason."

Melissa bit her lip, glancing around them as she did up her fly. "Not here?"

Darien took Melissa's hand when she was finished dressing.

Grace sighed, nodding. "Fine."

Melissa threaded their fingers. "Um... do you know somewhere we can go without being overheard?"

Richard caught a gesture from the corner of his eye, and glanced at his Lupa. "Love... Jason looks like he's having a seizure... I'll be right back."

"We'll go to my house." Grace glanced around. "Everyone else is leaving."

Darien bit his lip. "I'll need a ride home."

"Of course."

"I'll need one too..." Melissa watched as Richard moved away.

Grace nodded. "Well, finish getting dressed. You can help me check for forgotten things until Richard is ready."

Darien blushed, looking down. "Yes ma'am."

"That's yes, Grace, Darien." The Lupa smiled at him.

Richard pulled into the driveway half an hour later. If Grace would slap him for that comment, he wondered what she'd really hit him for... After all, all he'd told her was that the librarian look was sexy... And it was!

"What are you smirking at?" The Lupa quirked a brow.

Darien glanced at Melissa in the back seat. "Make a run for it?" He mouthed.

"Nothing." Richard's smirk widened, and he shut off the car.

"I wish." Melissa mouthed back.

"Sure..." Grace rolled her eyes, getting out of the car.

"Bugger." Darien sighed, taking his time unbuckling.

Melissa waited until the Ulfric was out of the car before unbuckling.

"Dawdling won't help."

Bugger. Darien thought the curse this time, climbing out.

Melissa sighed, climbing out after him. Damn.

Grace led the teenagers into the house. "Shoes off at the door. You can have a seat in the living room. Milk, anyone? Orange juice?"

Darien blinked. O...kay...

Melissa toed of her shoes, shaking her head.

Richard watched them for a second, then moved into the kitchen. Grace needed breakfast...

Darien copied Melissa, furrowing his brow.

"Richard? Where are you going?" Grace tilted her head. "And you need to take off your shoes!"

Richard kicked off his shoes, leaving them at the entrance of the kitchen. "I'm making you breakfast. Anyone else want anything?"

Melissa shook her head again, looking around the room.

"Have a seat kids." Grace moved towards her lover. "I'm not having this talk alone. I'll eat later."

Richard shook his head, "No, you're pregnant. You're going to eat on a balanced schedule." He disappeared into the kitchen.

Melissa moved silently to the couch and sat down, her expression decidedly uncomfortable.

She glared at him. "Richard Alaric Zeeman, I'm serious. Get your butt into the living room. Now."

Darien swallowed. No. It wasn't funny. It wasn't. He bit his lip, sitting next to Melissa and taking her hand again.

Richard deliberately shut a cabinet louder than necessary, "When I'm done making you breakfast."

Melissa laced their fingers, allowing a slight smile to cross her features. They sounded like an old married couple...

Grace swallowed. "Fine. I'm taking a shower." The Lupa turned, heading into the bathroom.

Richard frowned, pausing with the bowl in his hand. Was she...? He set the bowl down, moving back into the living room.

Melissa's brow furrowed, and she looked between Richard and Grace, who had just shut the bathroom door behind herself. Oh hell...

Darien bit his lip, leaning towards his girlfriend.

Melissa shifted closer to Darien, glancing at him.

Richard moved towards the bathroom, shooting an apologetic smile at the two teens.

Grace swallowed as she put the lid down on the toilet, sniffing. Darn it... She hated crying...

Richard knocked softly on the bathroom door, "Love?"

The Lupa froze, "Yes?"

"Can I come in?"

"W...why?" Grace closed her eyes as her voice cracked.

"I need to talk to you... please."

"...Fine."

The Ulfric opened the door, stepping inside and shutting it behind him. "Love... are you alright?"

Grace swallowed, wiping her face with a bit of toilet paper before looking at him. "Of course."

He shook his head, moving towards her. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to make you cry. I just want to do this right..."

"I'm... I'm not crying..."

He crouched next to her, taking one of her hands in his. "Love..."

She closed her eyes, a tear escaping.

He reached up with his other hand, brushing the tear away.

She opened her eyes, her breath hitching as she tried not to sob.

"Love... Grace, I'm sorry..." He cupped her cheek, "I love you."

She threw herself at him, the sob escaping as she shook her head. "Stupid..."

He caught her, leaning back against the bathtub. "What?"

"I'm..." She hiccupped between sobs, "Being stupid..."

He kissed her forehead, rubbing her back soothingly. "No... you're not stupid..."

"I... just... I don't cry... not this easy... I..." She sniffled.

He hesitated a moment, thinking his words over carefully before speaking. "You're three months along, Love... it could be mood swings..."

She made a soft noise in her throat, calming slowly. "I still feel stupid. I mean.... you wanted to make me breakfast... most women would die to have their lover dote on them!"

"I'm rather glad you aren't most women." He kissed her temple, "I'm still going to make you breakfast... if you want it later, I'll make it later..."

She looked up at him. "I just... I can't... talk with them about... about... the birds and the bees by myself! I mean... and..."

Richard's lips twitched, "I know... I wasn't expecting you to."

"We'll... be giving them the talk if we aren't telling their parents... Well, Melissa's sister. I'm not going to... let them... go in blind! They should understand what a big deal it is." Grace bit her lip. "I'm not making any sense.”

He shook his head, "You're making sense... sort of." He sighed, "We should get back out there..."

She sniffed, brushing her lips over his cheek. "Sorry..."

He rubbed his cheek over hers, burying his nose in the soft spot behind her ear. "It's okay..."

She shrugged, mimicking his marking. "If you say so."

He shut his eyes for a moment, "I love you."

"Mm. I love you too." She kissed the soft skin behind his ear before pulling back.

He sighed again, opening his eyes. "You need to get up..."

Grace heaved a sigh, standing. "Fine..."

Richard stood after her, frowning slightly. "Damn."

She blinked. "What?"

"We have to tell our parents about your pregnancy." He ran a hand through his hair. Oh boy...

Grace paled. "Oh... that... darn."

"I can call them, if you want me to..."

"No... I... we'll call. On both phone lines."

"Alright."

Grace bit her lip. "So... we... should go talk to the kids."

Richard nodded, moving towards the door. "Yeah..."

The Lupa watched him open the door, and stepped out first. They'd had this argument before. Pack law said he went first... and Richard the gentleman said the lady did...

Richard shut the bathroom door behind them, following Grace out into the living room.

Darien clicked off the television, his hand pausing in its stroking of Melissa's hair. "I hope you do not mind... we were a bit... bored."

Grace offered them a small smile. "It's okay."

Melissa looked up, slowly raising her head from Darien's shoulder. Damn. She'd been comfortable, too...

The Lupa and Ulfric sat, getting comfortable. "Alright...reason, Melissa."

Melissa glanced at Darien, biting her lip. "My sister... Misty, has breast cancer and lymphoma. It runs in the family, Mom's side..."

Darien wrapped his arms around the other teen, seeing the Lupa's look of dismay.

Melissa shifted in Darien's arms, hiding her face in her shoulder. Her throat felt raw, but it wasn't from the need to cry... it was more the want to scream.

Richard's gaze softened. No wonder she hadn't wanted to tell them...

Darien kissed her temple, rubbing her back.

Grace swallowed. God... what to say?

Melissa lifted her head slowly, resting it on his shoulder so that she could look at the dominants. "I don't want to bother her with any other problems..."

Grace nodded. "Alright... I understand... but..."

"But what? She explained." Darien snapped, unable to stop himself.

But? Melissa shut her eyes, fighting back a sigh. There was always a but...

Richard frowned. As much as he hated to admit it, Darien was right, on a certain level. Mel had explained... "What's the 'but', Love?"

"But... ya'll aren't getting out of here that easy." Grace dug into the cushions on the couch before tossing a little silver packet at Darien. "What's that?"

Darien stared. Bloody hell... a rubber!

Melissa blinked open her eyes, jerking as she caught sight of the condom. Her lips twitched and she sat up. Oh God...

Richard raised a hand to cover his mouth. He'd forgotten they'd stashed those there...

Darien flushed. "It's... a rubber..."

"Uh huh... now what's it for?"

Melissa felt a blush rise in her cheeks, "It's... kind of a birth control..."

"Who wears it?" Richard lowered his hand, the hint of a smile at his lips.

"The... male." Darien swallowed.

"Correct. Now... the actual effectiveness of a condom is 99% effective... or that's what I heard from my ma. However, even with proper condom use, pregnancy can still occur. For example..." Grace blushed.

Richard took her hand, still struggling to hold back his smile, "That's what happened with us, which proves that condoms aren't completely secure. Do either of you know how effective the birth control pill is?"

Melissa bit her lip, "Mom said something like... 95% or something..."

"Yes.... but if the woman taking the pill gets sick, that can disrupt the pill's effectiveness." Grace pointed out. "And it doesn't protect either of the sexual partners from STDs..."

"Alright... but we're weres. We don't have to worry about STDs." Darien pointed out, his face flaming. "Why did you have a condom in your couch?"

Melissa wrinkled her nose as Richard smirked. Ugh... bad image! Bad, bad, bad!

Darien swallowed. "Never mind."

"Do you know how to put on a condom?" Grace tilted her head.

Melissa's blush deepened, "Theoretically..."

"So... the tip of the condom should be snug against the man's penis?"

Darien was too flustered to answer.

Melissa shook her head, "No."

"Why not?"

"There's... got to be room... for when the guy... uh... comes." Darien sighed as his voice squeaked.

Grace nodded. "Yup..." Grace glanced at Richard. What else?

Richard caught her glance and shrugged slightly. He couldn't think of anything else... and he wasn't going to ask how many positions they knew.

Grace looked at them. "I'm assuming you know what goes where... I won't insult your intelligence. Any questions?"

Darien shook his head.

Melissa shook her head as well, looking down at her lap. At least Misty hadn't gotten a call...

Richard stood, "Anybody want breakfast?"

Grace smiled up at him. "Please. Bacon and..." She bit her lip. "An omelet? Please?"

Darien blinked. "You're just... food? You want food after that?"

The Lupa laughed. "I'll bite my tongue...'

Richard chuckled, "Mel, do you want anything?"

"No... thanks, though."

The Ulfric shrugged, "Do you, Darien?"

Darien shook his head. "No thank you, Si... Richard."

"Alright. I'll give you guys rides home after Grace eats, okay?"

Melissa nodded, wishing she could just curl up in a ball and hide. She'd been given the talk... by her science teacher, and the librarian...

Darien watched as the pack leaders disappeared into the kitchen. "Dear Lord..."

Melissa pulled her knees up to her chest, "I think I'm going to be scarred..."

Darien held up the condom. "Trojan... Her Pleasure..."

She hid her face, making inarticulate noises. One sounded remotely like 'ew' and another was clearly heard as 'Bad!'

Darien kissed her temple. "Sorry."

Melissa raised her head, "It's not your fault... It's just... Darien, we got the talk from our science teacher and the librarian!"

"I know. And our Pack father and mother." He brushed his cheek along hers.

She returned the gesture, "It's vaguely disturbing... Mostly knowing that we have to see them almost everyday until June."

"I guess. It's embarrassing... but I've never taken health and my father sure as hell wouldn't tell me."

She shifted slightly, hugging him. "My mom dropped hints... and told me I could either go research, or she'd sit me down for three hours..."

He hugged her back. "Poor Bit..." He kissed her temple.

She pulled back, resting against the arm of the couch. "It could've been worse."

"Oh?"

"Mmhm. She could've pulled Dad into it."

"I do not think she is that cruel." Darien shifted, kissing her neck.

Melissa shivered, looking over her shoulder at the kitchen. "She only is occasionally..."

"Oh? Like when?" He quirked an eyebrow.

She turned back to him, a smirk stealing across her features.

"Bit?" He frowned.

"Yeah?" She widened her eyes innocently, feeling more playful than she had since Misty had told her about...

"Like what?"

Her smirk widened, "Well... when a woman reaches-"

Darien blinked before his hands began to tickle her ribs. "Evil!"

Melissa shrieked, curling into a ball as giggles racked her body.

Darien laughed, continuing his wicked torture with great glee.

"No...!" She tried to wiggle away from his fingers, "Darien!"

"Yeah, Bit?" His tone was perfectly calm and civilized.

She reached down, trying to stop his hands with hers. "Not fair..."

"Neither was your bit..."

"Hey, you two... some of us pregnant people are trying to eat!" Grace's laughing voice called from the kitchen.

"Sorry!"

Richard's voice was genuinely shocked. "There's more than one?!"

"Did I say all the pregnant people in the world were in our kitchen?" Grace teased.

"Sure... it's not nice to make fun of your boyfriend..."

"No..."

Melissa held onto his hand, brushing her fingers over the calluses caused by his guitar playing. "I'm sorry..."

Darien swallowed, unable to hear anymore of what was going on in the kitchen. "Oh."

She looked up at him, her hand pausing. "Oh?"

"Mm." He bit his lip.

She trailed a finger down one of his, watching his face for a reaction.

He flushed slightly, his breath hitching. "Bit."

"Yeah?" She bit her lip, stopping her finger's movement.

"Nothing."

"Oh."

"Mmm." Darien leaned down, brushing his mouth over hers.

Melissa returned the light kiss, her fingers taking up their explorations again.

He shivered, running his tongue along her bottom lip.

Her lips parted for him, and she swallowed. She liked his kisses...

He cupped her face as someone cleared their throat.

Melissa pulled back slowly, torn between whimpering or growling. Dammit.

Grace sighed, feeling like the wicked witch. "You can snog later... but not in this house."

"Snog?"

"You should know what that means."

"I do... I just didn't expect..."

Melissa bit her lip, "Sorry... we..."

"Were enjoying yourselves." Richard finished for her, stepping out of the kitchen.

Grace glanced at him, lifting a brow. Did he think they should be... doing such things? At their age? In their house?

"Er... yes."

"Love's right, though... Not here." Richard moved over to his Lupa, conveniently ignoring her glance.

Melissa blushed again, tempted to repeat her apology.

Darien blushed. "Sorry."

Grace shrugged. "Just don't let it happen again."

"Okay." Melissa looked away from the Pack leaders, her flush deepening. Lord.

Richard's lips twitched, "Are you two ready to go home?"

Darien nodded. "Sure."

Grace smiled. "Good. We need more pickles."

Richard shook his head, smiling slightly. "We'll get them on the way back, Love."

"Pickles? Why pickles?"

"Because... I want a pickle sandwich... on wheat bread." The Lupa licked her lips.

Melissa wrinkled her nose, standing. Ew...

Richard shrugged inwardly. Three months along... the time of mood swings and food cravings.

Darien nodded. "Sounds... yummy."

Grace smiled. "Darn straight."

"I'll pass." Melissa moved over to their shoes, slipping hers on easily.

Grace sighed. "Ya'll, my Pa used to make them... Pickle sandwiches are great..."

"Not in England."

Melissa smiled slightly as Darien joined her by the door. Well...

"As long as you enjoy them, Love, it's okay." Richard smiled, brushing his lips over Grace's before moving over to his shoes.

Grace smiled back at him, pulling hers on as Darien grinned at Melissa. "So... what are you doing today?"

Melissa shrugged, smiling slightly back. "I don't know... didn't plan anything."

Richard tugged on his shoes, moving over to the others.

“Wanna make some plans?”

Grace shook her head at the two teens as Darien continued. “We could go to the movies.”

Melissa grinned, "Are you sure?"

Richard fought the urge to roll his eyes, pulling his keys from his pocket and stepping past Melissa to the door.

Darien nodded. "Of course. And lunch too."

"Shoo... guys, you can flirt in the car." Grace locked the door as they left.

Richard smiled, unlocking the car. "Love, it was pretty clear they're past flirting..." He teased gently.

Melissa tried not to blush as the Ulfric climbed into the drivers seat. Well... he had a point...

"Plot, plan, ponder.... proliferate, whatever... I want pickles. Let's go."

Darien blinked. "I think we're a bit young to proliferate..."

"Good thing you know that. Remember it." Grace glanced at them as she climbed into the passenger seat.

Melissa climbed into the car on Richard's side, blinking. Proliferate? What the hell was a proliferate?

Richard started the car as Darien slid into his seat, fighting back a laugh. No. It wasn't funny... Pickles. Focus on the pickles.

Grace buckled up, pulling her hair out of the way. "What's wrong, Melissa?"

Darien bit his lip as he fastened his seat belt.

"Just..." Melissa glanced at Darien. "What's proliferate mean?"

Richard started backing out of the driveway, pausing as another car drove past.

"To grow or multiply by rapidly producing new tissue, parts, cells, or offspring." Darien blushed. "I think she meant the offspring part..."

Richard bit the inside of his cheek, pulling out of the driveway. What was with him today? It wasn't that funny...

Melissa's blush rivaled Darien's. "Yeah... I think so too."

Grace glanced at her fiancé. "What are our plans for the rest of the day?"

Darien reached over, taking Melissa’s hand. "Sorry."

"Get your pickles... Call our parents..." Richard shrugged, looking over at Grace for a moment before turning back to the road.

Melissa offered Darien a small smile. "It's not your fault."

"Any idea on how we're going to do that? I can hardly say 'pregnant' to my mother's 'How are you?'" Grace blushed.

Darien smiled at his new girlfriend. "Alright. So... butter on the popcorn? I like extra."

"If you want to, you could always say 'expecting'." Richard shot Grace a smile, turning a corner easily.

Melissa nodded, "So do I."

"Cute..." Grace sighed. "My father will want to kill you and your mother doesn't like me. We'll be doing great."

Darien grinned. "Good."

"Love..." Richard took one hand off the wheel, reaching over to take one of hers. "We'll be fine, alright? And my mother doesn't not like you... she just..."

"Doesn't like me." Grace swallowed, her eyes stinging. "I mean... Pa'll settle down after Mom hits him upside the head a couple of time but..."

"It'll be alright, Love." Richard squeezed her hand gently. "I promise."

"I'm sorry... I feel so stupid..."

Darien bit his lip, glancing at Melissa. This was in no way awkward.

Richard glanced back at the teens, then pulled over to the side of the road and shut off the car. He pulled his hand from Grace's and opened his car door. "Sorry guys... I'll get you home as soon as possible, okay?" The Ulfric looked back at the young were's before climbing out of the car and moving around to Grace's door.

Melissa caught her boyfriend's glance, shrugging slightly. She'd never felt like more of an intruder before now.

Grace blinked, watching him move as a tear slid down her face. Was he mad? She's called herself stupid again... but she was! So what if his mother didn't like her? She'd never cared before... But she hadn't been pregnant either. What if the baby noticed his grandmother didn't like his mother? Would that harm him? Another tear fell.

Darien bit his lip. Over all... he felt superfluous and unneeded... and bad because his new Lupa was crying.

Richard opened Grace's door, gesturing for her to climb out of the car. His mother's attitude was making his fiancée cry. She wasn't even there in physical form, and she had reduced Grace to tears. True, it could very well be the mood swings, but...

"I'm sorry... I like your mom... I really do..." Grace wiped at her face. "Please don't be mad... I won't call myself stupid..."

Richard shook his head, "I'm not mad... I just couldn't give you a half-decent hug from the drivers seat." He leaned over her, unbuckling her seatbelt. "And you aren't stupid, so I'll appreciate that you're going to stop calling yourself that... and if you don't like my mom, that's not your fault. It's hers."

Grace swallowed, a sob welling in her throat as she hugged him, letting him pull her from the car. Stupid mood swings...

Richard held her to him, burying his nose in her hair.

She pressed her wet face against his neck, her hands fisted in his shirt.

He rubbed her back, kissing her temple tenderly. This was going to be a long six months...

"I'm sorry..." She sniffled.

He rested his cheek against the side of her head, "It's okay..."

"Mm." She kissed his neck. "Still. I hate crying... "

"I know." He smiled slightly, the expression soft.

She eyed his wet collar. "I go you wet... sorry." Grace reached up, her fingers toying with the material.

Richard shrugged, "It's alright. It'll dry."

She presented him with her librarian look. "Can I please just be sorry?"

"Fine..." He shook his head, a smirk quirking his lips as he added in a whisper, "And that look is still sexy."

She blushed. "Hush. It is not." Grace bit her lip. "But... you look sexy when you're telling people what to do... teaching or the pack..."

Richard quirked a brow, "You're kidding. And yes, the look is sexy."

"I am not kidding!" She placed her hands on her hips.

He raised the other brow, "Uh huh..."

The Lupa bit her lip again before going up on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear. "Show you when we get home..."

The Ulfric nodded slowly, "Alright... we'd better get Mel and Darien home..."

"Mm." Grace smiled, brushing her lips over his.

Darien sighed, glancing at Mel. "How can she cry then smile a second later? It makes no sense..."

Richard smiled back, returning the brush of lips before pulling away and moving back around the car.

Melissa shrugged, "It's a pregnant woman thing..."

Grace climbed back in, buckling her seat belt. "What's a pregnant woman thing?"

Darien bit his lip.

"Lot's of things are pregnant women things." Melissa looked over at Grace, her tone innocent.

Richard slid back into his seat, buckling up and shutting the door. "Right... Darien, Mel, you two need to give me directions."

"Right near the school, across the street..." Darien explained.

Grace shook her head, her lips quirking. "Cute."

Richard nodded, "Alright... Mel, directions?"

"Same as Darien's, pretty much."

The Ulfric arched a brow, glancing at Melissa in the review mirror. "Pretty much?"

"Yep. He lives three houses away from me."

Grace smiled. "Think you can find it, Hun?"

Darien bit back a grin, shaking his head.

The Lupa glanced in the back seat. "Just know you guys are always welcome at our house... just call first. I hate my house being messy with guests there..."And... who knew what they'd interrupt?

"I'll find it..." Richard started the car again, shooting a grin at his fiancée.

Melissa nodded, "Okay." She'd definitely call first... walking in on... them wasn't something she would relish in doing.

Grace reached over, offering a hand to her lover.

Darien nodded. "We'd hate to interrupt... er... never mind." He blushed.

Richard took it, coughing suspiciously as he pulled back onto the road.

Grace felt her face flame. Were they that obvious? "Did you say Shang-Da and Jamil were coming over later? Around noon? Cause they could stop by the store on the way..."

Richard nodded, "I'll call them later."

Melissa glanced at Darien, trying to hide a smile behind her hand. Oh lord...

Darien licked his lips, smiling ruefully. "Hush, Bit."

"Bit?" Grace laughed.

"Bit. I hate the name Melissa. A woman in my old pack... that was her name... Just was.... a huge bitch... fancied me a bit and got mad when I didn't reciprocate... so..." Darien shrugged.

Melissa lowered her hand, reaching over to take one of Darien's. She still wanted to hurt that woman... badly...

Richard nodded, "Understandable."

Grace bit her lip. "Sorry, Darien."

The boy squeezed Melissa's hand. "Don't worry about it. It's okay."

Richard started driving the familiar path to Seckman as silence fell in the car.

"Mel, did Misty mention when she was going to... uh..." Darien bit his lip.

Melissa blinked. Whoa. He'd used her other nickname... "No... soon, I guess, but..."

Darien lifted her hand to his mouth, kissing her fingers. "It'll be okay..."

Melissa bit her lip, nodding slowly. Okay? Maybe...

Darien brushed his thumb along her knuckles. "It will. She's doing this for you. You and Forrest."

She shivered, looking up at him. It could be okay... but did she really want to be happy when Misty was going through...? It'd be unfair... and rude...

"What's going through that lovely head of yours?" He frowned.

She blinked again, "Oh... um... nothing?"

"I don't believe you."

She bit her lip, "It's stupid..." But not? She worried at her lip. Damn brain.

"Bit." Darien sighed. "I doubt you could do anything remotely stupid."

"You'd be surprised..." Melissa mumbled.

Darien shot her a look. "If you don't share, how am I supposed to judge?"

She sighed, "Just trust me, it's dumb."

He studied her for a second before looking out the window.

Melissa bit her lip, looking down at the car floor. Well... this was a good way to not be happy, wasn't it?

Grace glanced at them, reaching to turn on the radio.

Richard nearly sighed, the music doing nothing to ease the tension in the car. He turned onto the road that branched from the main road, driving slowly down the teens' street. "Guys... which houses do you live in?"

Melissa swallowed, "The one at the corner..."

"I'll walk from there. No need to waste the gas." Darien spoke quietly.

"Isn't there anyone home, Darien?" Grace bit her lip.

"Dad's never home unless he's drunk. Nothing big."

Melissa glanced at Darien, her eyes wide and apologetic. God, she was stupid...

Richard pulled into Melissa's driveway, letting the car idle. "Call us if you need anything, alright?"

Melissa nodded, unbuckling her seatbelt. Could they provide good mental help?

"Yeah." Darien unbuckled, shutting the car door a bit harshly as he got out. "Thanks for the ride." He called, starting down the sidewalk.

The Lupa kept quiet, unsure of what to say.

Melissa got out more quietly, whispering "Bye." before walking towards the house. If she could call him later, after he'd calmed down, it'd be okay...

Darien sighed as he let himself inside his house, glaring at the various beer bottles that covered the coffee table. He grabbed the garbage, forcefully throwing them away. Did she not trust him? How was he supposed to help her if she wouldn't let him? If she didn't tell him, he couldn't make it better.

He growled, hearing one of the bottles break. Bloody fucking hell in a hand basket! Frustration clawed at him, and he felt like he was going to explode... there'd be nothing left...

Darien sank down in front of the couch, trying to calm down as he forced himself to take slow, deep breaths. It'd be okay. It would. He'd talk to Melissa later... when he could be calm.
- 43
- 44
- 45
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Romantic Executions: Continued