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
- 4
- 5
- 6
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.
********************

Grace sighed as she began to close up the library, the announcements over, the students heading to the busses. The day had been long... and it didn't help that tonight was the moon. She stilled as she heard a sob. "Hello?"

The sob came again, muffled this time.

Following the sound, Grace entered the back of the library and into the shelves with the lesser read non-fiction books. "Hello? I know someone's here... It's okay..."

Melissa looked up at Grace, her face red, puffy and tear-streaked. She sniffed, and her shoulders shook as she pushed herself up off the floor.

Grace hurried to her. "Sweetie... what's wrong...?" She helped her the rest of the way up, rubbing her once enemy's back.

Melissa took a shaky breath, looking at Grace with over bright eyes. "Ev-everything..."

"Come on... let's sit down..." Grace rubbed her back. "Here or up front? Any place you want... you can tell me anything..."

Melissa choked back another sob, "H-here, please." She swallowed hard, another tear slipping down her cheek.

"Okay... okay." Grace sat down, pulling the other girl down with her. "It'll be okay... just tell me what I can do to help you."

Melissa pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her head on her knees. "I-I don't kn-now... It's," She sobbed wetly, "It's not..."

Grace rubbed her back. "Tell me what it is... I promise... I won't judge you... and I'll to my best to help you."

Melissa took a shaky breath, "I... I had a doctor's appointment...three d-days ago."

"Alright..." Grace kept her tone soothing as possibilities went through her head. Was the girl pregnant? At this young age? Did she-

"I g-got a shot..." Melissa swallowed hard again, her shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs.

"Okay... What happened?"

"I...it was..." Melissa cleared her throat, and shut her eyes tight. "It was a bad shot...I got... God..." She pressed her face into her knees.

"What... what sort of shot? Sweetie..." Grace swallowed, smelling the girl's fear in waves.

"I d-dunno... Mom said it w-was fine... It wasn't... I'm in-infec..." Melissa choked, her voice failing.

"Infected? Infected with what?"

Melissa opened her eyes and turned to face Grace, "L-lycanthropy." She swallowed, her eyes pleading.

Grace sighed. "Okay... what sort? Are you a wereleopard? Wolf...?"

"Wolf..." Melissa bit her lip hard, her sobs beginning to lose strength.

"Wolf." Grace seemed relieved. "Alright... you're going to be fine... I promise..."

Melissa sniffed, "How c-can you promise that?"

"Sweetie... I'm a wolf. I'm the Lupa."

Melissa rubbed at her eyes, trying to dry them. "O-oh..."

Grace nodded. "You can come home with Richard and I tonight. We'll-"

"Love?" Richard stepped into the library, blinking in the half-light.

"Sweetie... We need to tell him... can we now?" Grace rubbed Melissa's back again.

Melissa shrugged miserably, and Richard made his way towards Grace's voice.

Grace stood, offering the girl a hand.

Melissa pulled herself up as Richard reached them, "Oh. Hello, Melissa."

The young wolf nodded in acknowledgement, but made no sound, not trusting her voice.

Grace wrapped an arm around the girl. "Melissa... I'll tell him if you want..."

Melissa nodded, and Richard frowned, "Tell me what?"

"Melissa was infected with lycanthropy like you were... She'll be joining the pack tonight... or... that'd be the best." She looked at the girl. "Is that what you want? We can help."

Melissa blinked up at Richard, "You...you're?"

Richard smiled comfortingly at Melissa. "I'm the Ulfric of the local Pack. We'll take care of you."

Melissa swallowed, sniffing as she nodded, "'Kay."

"In case you're wondering... an Ulfric is the leader... the Lupa is... his mate." Grace smiled at her. "Do you want to talk with you father and tell him you're coming with us?"

Melissa shook her head, "He knows I w-won't be home tonight."

Richard nodded, "We'd better get going. We need to be there before everyone else."

Grace smoothed Melissa's hair back. "Let's get you some tissues while I grab my stuff."

Melissa nodded, and the three wolves began to make their way to the front of the library.

"The pack will love having someone so young about..." Grace froze. "Richard?"

Richard quirked a brow, picking up Grace's bag and jacket. "Yes, Love?"

"Do you think we'll need to worry about the young men in the pack flirting with such a pretty girl? She IS still a minor..." Her tone was light, and it was clear she was trying to cheer Melissa up.

Richard's lips twitched as he answered, "Well...we'll have to watch out for Jason, and maybe even Stephen..."

Melissa blew her nose, her eyes curious, "Who're they?"

"Two of the younger men. They're in their twenties... but they're also quite flirtatious..." Grace shook her head. "You'll be surrounded... I'm sure of it..."

Melissa giggled wetly, and continued to ask questions about Jason and Stephen all the way out to the car.

"Well... Jason can be cranky as of late... but I'm sure you'll cheer him up..." Grace leaned over, whispering secretively, "He's almost better looking than Richard..."

Richard rolled his eyes as he unlocked the car. "You just like blonds, Love."

Melissa was giving Grace a disbelieving look. "I dunno..."

"You'll see... oh... and Stephen's a twin... though his brother's a leopard." Grace opened her door, waiting for Melissa to get in the car before she did.

Melissa sniffed half-heartedly, settling back in her seat. "They sound nice."

Richard shrugged, buckling his seatbelt and starting the car. "Buckle up, Melissa."

Grace buckled hers, quirking a brow. "Jealous, Richard?" She winked at the young girl as Melissa buckled her belt.

Richard's lips twitched into a grin as he backed out of his parking spot. "You know I am, Love."

Melissa smiled slightly, clearly amused by their bickering.

Grace pouted. "Surely you don't think you have reason..."

Richard turned back around in his seat, pulling out of the Seckman parking lot. "I don't know Love, do I?"

"Well..."

Richard gasped dramatically, and Melissa stifled her laughter.

"Jesse was so cute though... You saw him Richard... He's hard to resist..." Grace sighed. "Alas... Aahz would never let me have her dog..."

Richard chuckled, "I'll remember that, Love."

"Who's Jesse?"

"Our friend Aahz's dog... he's a vizsla and as cute as... anything. However... he's mischievous too." Grace turned in her seat slightly to talk to the girl before looking at her lover. "I do love you though, Richard."

Richard shot his Lupa a smile, and offered her a hand, "I love you too, Grace."

Melissa rolled her eyes, unable to quite hide the smile on her face.

Grace took it, intertwining his fingers with hers as she smiled, stroking the back of his hand with her thumb.

Richard gave Grace's hand a gentle squeeze, and they reached the Lupanar at nearly four o'clock. Richard had treated them to ice cream, which had forced them to make a detour near the edge of the city. Melissa, by the time they had gotten there, had asked questions ranging from Jason and Stephen, to the more intricate inner-workings of the Pack. When she was satisfied she had learned enough to get by on, she sat back in her seat and fell silent.

Grace licked at her cone as they listened to the radio. "Do you think you'll be okay, Sweetie? Everyone's really nice..."

Melissa nodded, picking at her napkin nervously, "Yeah... I'll be okay."

Richard smiled at his student, "I think you'll do well. The Pack is generally accepting."

Melissa nodded again, looking down at her hands.

Grace sighed, leaning back in her seat. What if she was pregnant? The changes with the moon made miscarriages likely... and Richard... he didn't want to move further... not right now... maybe not for a long while despite the fact that they'd both had trouble being away from each other.

Richard looked out of the window, his brow furrowing as he thought. Would it be so bad if Grace was pregnant? No, but it did push for change... The change it was pushing for wouldn't necessarily be bad, but it was a big step and-

"Are you two engaged?" Melissa looked between her teacher and the librarian curiously.

Grace jumped, nearly dropping her cone. "Excuse me?"

Melissa repeated her question, and Richard turned to look at her.

He shook his head slowly, "No... we're not."

"Why not?"

Grace swallowed, shrugging. "We're just... not."

Melissa frowned, "That's not a real reason."

Richard's lips quirked slightly, "It's... not something we've thought about much." Until recently...

"We haven't been involved that long, Sweetie." Only a year and a half... or more...

Melissa sighed, shaking her head. "Whatever... I think you guys should."

Richard glanced at Grace, his honey eyes considering.

Grace shrugged. "Richard, do you want the rest of this?" She offered him her melting ice cream.

He took it, smiling slightly, "Thanks, Love."

Melissa settled back in her seat, frowning slightly as she thought. Why didn't they get married? They said they loved each other... wasn't that all you needed?

"Mm. Not a problem." Grace wiped her hand on her napkin, kicking off her shoes before pulling her knees up to her chest, her brow furrowed in thought.

Richard finished it off silently, looking at the window. He needed to talk to Sylvie, Shang-Da, and Jamil. Soon.

It wasn't long before people started pulling into the parking area and Grace opened the door, hopping out of the car.

Richard opened his door, climbing out. Melissa followed Grace out, and stood, looking at the new arrivals. "Love, I'm going to speak with Shang-Da and Jamil. I'll be back in a few minutes, okay?"

"Fine." Grace nodded. "I'll introduce Melissa and walk her down in."

Richard nodded, making his way to his two bodyguards.

Melissa watched Richard go before looking back up at Grace, "Where are we going?"

"I'm going to introduce you to Sylvie. She's nice." Grace worked up a smile for the girl. "Then we'll go to the clearing."

Melissa smiled back, and nodded.

As it turned out, Sylvie was very nice. Soon, Melissa was asking the older woman more questions then she had asked Richard and Grace combined.

Grace glanced up as she saw Paris heading towards them, her eyes narrowing. "Sylvie... I'll be right back. Please walk Melissa to the clearing."

Sylvie glanced at Paris and her lips quirked, "Of course, Lupa." Sylvie looked down at Melissa, and they began to make their way down the path.

Melissa glanced back, watching as Grace and the other redhead began to verbally assault each other. Sylvie looked down at the fourteen-year-old and smiled. "I don't suppose you've seen the Lupa truly angry, have you?"

Melissa looked up at her, and shrugged, "I've pissed her off once, but otherwise, no."

Sylvie watched as Paris attempted to hit Grace. "Best watch then."

Grace seemed to roll her eyes, ducking the slap even as she grabbed the other woman's wrists, getting right in her face with low angry words. She squeezed down, a snap coming from Paris' wrist. The Lupa was unfazed.

Paris was cowering down, trying to cradle her broken wrist. She snarled something, and spat on the ground, earning another squeeze for the effort.

Melissa winced, hearing the snap from across the parking lot. "Remind me not to piss her off again..."

Sylvie just laughed.

Grace's eyes actually flashed and she growled.

Paris tried to tug away, and her wrist gave a sickening crunch.

Sylvie shook her head. "Paris never learns..." She glanced down at the girl. "How'd you piss her off?"

Melissa smiled slightly, "I called her a bitch last year. She gave me a detention. Right now, I'm thinking I got off easy."

Sylvie laughed. "Ah... I'd have been hard pressed not to say, "I'm no mere bitch... I'm queen of the bitches..."" She smiled as a woman with softly waving blonde hair and large brown eyes approached them. "And this is Gwen... my partner."

Gwen smiled at Melissa, offering the teen her hand. "Hello."

Melissa smiled back, taking it. "Hi."

They shook swiftly, and Gwen turned to Sylvie.

Sylvie leaned forward, brushing her lips over Gwen's. "So... what do you think our Lupa's problem is, Doctor?"

Gwen smiled, kissing the corner of Sylvie's mouth, her smile widening as Melissa averted her gaze. "My professional opinion, my companion?"

Sylvie nodded. "Mmhmm..."

Grace thrust Paris away from her, walking back towards them.

Gwen's smile was slightly teasing. "Paris, in a nutshell."

Melissa looked up at Sylvie and Gwen. "I have a question, before Grace gets over here."

Gwen looked down at her, "Ask away... what is your name?"

"Melissa."

"Alright. Ask your question, Melissa."

"Why aren't Richard and Grace married?"

Sylvie blinked. "Huh."

Gwen frowned in thought, wrapping her arms around Sylvie. "Well..."

Sylvie leaned into her as Grace reached them, wiping her hands down her front. "I thought I told you to take Melissa to the clearing, Sylvie."

Melissa looked up at the Geri, and back at the Lupa. "I was asking her too many questions. Sorry."

Gwen's lips twitched, and she lowered her eyes to the floor in a show of submissiveness for Grace. "I detained her as well, Lupa."

She sighed. "Fine. Let's go down. I don't want Paris within twenty feet of Melissa... are we clear?"

Sylvie nodded as they started off. Paris had pissed the Lupa off.

The company made their way down to the clearing, where Richard and two other men were. Melissa frowned, tilting her head to the side, "Who are the two guys there? The one's talking to Mr. Zeeman?"

Grace smiled. "That’s Jamil... he's the guy with the cornrows... and Shang-Da... the guy in the suit. Jamil is his Sköll… that is, Head Enforcer who also doubles as bodyguard for the Ulfric… Shang-Da is Hati… who is Second Enforcer and also a bodyguard."

Sylvie nodded. "They make sure things get done."

Melissa nodded, "And Sylvie's the... Geri, right?" Gwen nodded, and Melissa looked up at the blonde woman, "So what's your title?"

Sylvie nodded. "She's... the Geri's mate."

Grace smiled, shaking her head. "Very important position."

Gwen smiled, threading her fingers through Sylvie's, "And I'll protect the position until the Geri tires of me."

Melissa shook her head, looking up as Richard broke away from the Sköll and the Hati, moving towards the group of women.

Grace watched as Sylvie pulled Gwen in for a kiss before looking at Melissa. "Oh... see that guy right there? With the really long blonde hair? That's Stephen."

Melissa nodded, then frowned as another blonde forestalled Richard, this one was short, with spiky hair. "Who's that, the guy talking to Mr. Zeeman?" Melissa pointed, noting that Richard was quickly getting irritated with the man.

"Jason." Grace sighed. "He's... Jason."

Sylvie pulled back from Gwen, leaving her arms around the other woman's waist. "He's been cranky since he stopped going out with Aahz."

Melissa nodded slowly, "And Aahz owns Jesse, right?"

Richard glared hard at Jason, and the stripper looked down, moving away from the agitated Ulfric.

Grace nodded. "And Aahz is now dating Jason's boss... well, and hers."

Sylvie sighed. "He needs to pull that stick from his ass. He's a good stripper but the scowl? So not sexy."

Gwen shrugged, "I don't find him remotely appealing, personally. Of course, it may be the fact that he's in desperate need of a therapist."

Richard sighed, coming up to them and catching the tail end of the conversation. "Mm... Gwen, you'd be just the person to hook him up with one." He turned to Grace, "Are you alright, Love? Jason says Paris started up trouble again.”

Grace sighed, nodding. "I'm fine... she's not."

Sylvie nodded. "Melissa has vowed to never again piss off the Lupa."

Melissa blushed faintly as Gwen chuckled, "Mel, Hun, that would be a good idea."

Richard frowned, "What was it about this time? Has she decided to challenge your position again?" His voice dropped to a half-growl, and he glared up the path.

"No. She was going to challenge Melissa. I set her straight.”

Sylvie looked shocked.

Melissa blinked, "But...why?"

Gwen sighed, "There's another one in desperate need of therapy."

"Why? She's a bitch." Sylvie rolled her eyes. "I swear... I wish she would challenge me..."

Grace quirked a brow, "You just want her dead and a convenient excuse."

Sylvie shrugged. "Can we talk, Ulfric?"

Richard glanced at the Geri and nodded, "Of course."

Melissa bit her lip, "I didn't do anything to her, though..."

Gwen let go of Sylvie's hand, turning to Melissa, "You don't need to, Hun. She just tries to pick fights she thinks she can win." She glanced back at her lover, "Which is exactly why she won't challenge you, my companion."

Sylvie smiled. "Don't worry... the Lupa will kick her ass if she tries anything."

Grace nodded. "Oh yeah."

Sylvie stepped away from the group, looking up at her Ulfric as they left hearing range.

Richard looked down at her expectantly, clearing waiting for her to start the conversation.

"I was asked a very interesting question, Ulfric... and I wasn't able to give an answer..."

He quirked a brow, "Really? What question and by who?"

"Melissa wanted to know why you weren't married to our Lupa." Sylvie did not meet his eyes as that could be taken as a challenge.

Richard sighed, "She asked the same question to Grace and I as well."

"And?"

He looked at the surrounding trees, his eyes distant as he began to tell her about the accident, with as little detail as possible. "There's a chance she could be pregnant... But I don't want things to change." He ran a hand over his hair, looking down at Sylvie's face.

Sylvie's eyes darkened in annoyance at her Ulfric. What she wouldn't give to be able to bop him upside the head... "And you think that an amazing woman like that is going to be content as a live in lover forever? The Lupa's family is very religious... what are her parents going to think of a child born out of wedlock? Or your mother?"

Richard shut his eyes, "I know, but-"

"But what? Do you honestly think she's Anita? She's not." Sylvie shook her head, starting to move away.

"Sylvie." The word was a command, and he watched as she turned back to him, clearly reluctant. "I need advice, not a reprimand."

The Geri lowered her gaze. "What would you like me to say?"

Richard sighed, "I don't know."

"May I speak freely?"

The Ulfric nodded, pressing the heels of his hands hard against his eyes.

"You act like you're waiting for her to turn on you... do something like Anita would have. Grace will not. She's another person entirely and you need help seeing this. She's told Gwen some things... and you need to pay attention. She's not so happy any more. She'll deal with it, if it means being with you but... look at her smiles. Do they meet her eyes?" Sylvie paused. "And do not forget about the 5 year clause. As Ulfric of the Thronnos Rokke Clan... you are required after five years to produce a child for the pack to seal your leadership and union with the Lupa or you step aside.”

Richard growled, his hands dropping to his sides. He took a deep calming breath, and looked down at Sylvie with eyes that were beginning to spark with wolf-gold. "Alright Sylvie. You've made your point." And now he had to make his with Grace.

Sylvie lowered her gaze. "I am sorry if I was offensive Ulfric..." But you asked.

Richard shook his head, "It was necessary, Sylvie... Thank you."

Her head jerked up, surprise showing on her face. The Ulfric had not said such words to her in... a long time. "You're welcome."

He nodded, "On your way back to Gwen, would you send Grace over here, please?"

"Of course, Ulfric." Sylvie nodded, the gesture near a bow as she moved back to her lover.

Grace frowned as she glanced at him, holding up a finger in the universal sign for just a second before walking Melissa over to Stephen and introducing them. As the girl started to blush, Grace excused herself, walking towards Richard.

Richard watched her approach, his stomach fluttering uncomfortably.

"Is something wrong, Richard?"

He met her green gaze and nodded slowly, "Kind of, yeah."

Grace stilled. "Is this about the way I handled Paris?"

He shook his head, "No. You handled Paris fine. It's..." He sighed, "It's the five year clause, and the questions Melissa has been asking. Particularly one of them."

Paris snarled as she came over to the Ulfric and Lupa, not caring that she was interrupting what was clearly a private conversation. She was cradling a half healed wrist, and glared at Grace. "Bitch."

Grace turned, lifting a slow brow.

Paris was shaking with a mixture of pain and anger, meeting Grace's gaze petulantly, "Bitch." She repeated.

Grace's eyes flashed and she calmly reached up, grabbing the other woman by the hair and hulling her into the center of the clearing before pushing her away. "Make your challenge."

Richard watched Paris stumble and land on her broken wrist with worried eyes, turning them to the object of his worry. He shut his eyes, listening to Grace order Paris to make the challenge. Oh Lord…

Paris struggled back up to her feet, "The first to yield, loses."

Gwen shook her head, placing a hand on Melissa's shoulder, "You're not watching this."

"But-."

"No. Come on." The older wolf steered her out of the clearing, back towards the parking lot.

Sylvie watched her lover go before Grace nodded. "Fitting. Give up now, and forget this."

Paris' lips curled back in a snarl, "No."

Richard opened his eyes, catching a glance from Grace.

"Fine." Grace leapt at the other wolf, catching her by the shoulders with an angry growl.

Sylvie glanced at her Ulfric, biting the inside of her cheek. Their child... their maybe baby... Grace was protecting her stomach even as they rolled to the ground.

Paris began her change in the middle of the roll, her wrist snapping back into place. She growled as Grace ended up on top at the end of the roll, glaring up at the Lupa with glowing wolf-eyes.

"Yield." Grace glared even as the wolven bitch flipped her.

Paris crouched in a fighting stance, watching as Grace pulled herself to her feet. "I won't yield." She snarled.

Grace didn't respond, only waited patiently for the other woman to make her move.

Paris lunged at Grace, her clawed hands aiming for the Lupa's stomach, itching to free the blood from her body.

The Lupa gasped, falling back even as she raised a hand, claws sprouting. Her palm hit the center of Paris' chest before sliding up into the soft flesh of her neck, warm blood running freely before she hit bone... She closed her eyes as a sickening crunch rose.

Richard's eyes widened as Paris' body slumped onto Grace. His nose caught the scent of fear and blood, and he was down next to Grace before he'd realized he'd moved. He pulled Paris off Grace, shooting a golden-eyed glance at the body before turning to Grace, "Love?"

"Richard..." Grace pressed a hand to her tummy, feeling a scratch with relief.

Sylvie cursed. "How deep?" She moved to their side. "Could it have hurt a baby?"

The Ulfric crouched, inspecting it. "I don't think so." He stood, wrapping his arms carefully around Grace, "Are you alright, Love?"

Gwen came back into the clearing and froze. She'd left the girl with Stephen and Jason, after making Jason promise he would behave.

Grace buried her face in Richard's chest. "I... She... I didn't want to hurt her... not like..."

Sylvie met her lover's gaze. "Paris is dead."

Richard made soft shushing noises, smoothing Grace's hair, "Paris made her own decision, Love... It wasn't one I would have suggested, but she made her choice..."

Gwen stepped over to Sylvie, her nose picking up the heavy metallic scent of blood. "The Lupa...?"

"She's fine. Scratched." Sylvie wrapped her arms around Gwen. "Ulfric?"

Richard looked up from Grace, his eyes dulling slightly back to his human-brown. "Yes?"

"Are we preserving her munin?"

Grace bit her lip harshly, struggling to take an even breath.

Richard rubbed Grace back, nodding distractedly, "Go ahead."

Gwen looked at her lover and nodded, pulling back from the Geri.

Sylvie turned to her. "Shall we participate?"

Grace licked her lips, looking up at Richard. "I can't-"

Richard brushed a kiss over his lover's lips, "You don't have to, Love."

Gwen nodded, "Ulfric?"

He sighed, "Yes?"

"How do you want this done?"

"Quickly."

Grace looked at the Pack, many of whom were eyeing the body hungrily. "I don't want this mentioned to Melissa." She licked her lips, looking down to realize she was covered in blood.

Almost as one, the Pack members began to change, pouncing on the limp body.

Richard shook his head, "She won't. If she asks, Paris has left the Pack." The body was devoured quickly, and Richard looked up at the clear blue sky. "Do you have any spare clothes, Love?"

The Lupa nodded. "In... in the car."

He looked down at her, "Is it alright if I leave you to get them?"

"Richard... the blood is on you too..."

He looked down and sighed, "You have a point." He looked around, and nodded to the Hati, who came over immediately.

"Ulfric." Richard nodded, relating the issue to Shang-Da. The Hati's lips twitched, "I will return with your clothes shortly."

"Thank you." Grace felt her brow furrow. "He didn't..."

Richard shook his head, watching Shang-Da's retreating back, "He would not without my permission."

"Didn't you say..." She sighed. "I just... I wanted to protect... my hand slid."

He nodded, "I know, Love..."

Grace swallowed. "That's... two."

Richard rubbed her back again, nodding silently.

"I'm... I'm not her... I'm not." The Lupa gagged, coughing.

He shook his head, pressing a kiss to her temple, "No. You're not." And that realization had never struck home before then. He'd always known that Grace was not Anita, but had he ever held the Executioner after a kill? Had she ever cried in his arms? Had he ever seen her cry? Richard shut his eyes. It didn't matter what he hadn't done with Anita... it mattered what he did do with Grace.

Grace tore away from him, stumbling through the wolves as she made her way out of the clearing, dropping to her knees in the bushes.

Richard watched her go, following at a slower pace. The Pack parted around him, allowing him access to the Lupa.

She vomited harshly... the lunch she'd never eaten making a debut.

Richard pulled her hair back, wrapping an arm around her shoulders comfortingly.

Bile burned at her before the heaving stopped, and she closed her eyes.

He cradled her against him, brushing strands of hair away from her face.

Grace sniffed, wiping weakly at her mouth with her blood soaked shirt.

Shang-Da came a moment later, holding Grace's bag, along with Richard's. Richard quirked a brow at him, and Shang-Da shrugged. "I did not want to rifle through your things, Ulfric."

Grace looked at him, swallowing. "Melissa? How is she?"

The Hati's lips quirked, "She is with Stephen and Jason, being flattered out of her adolescent mind."

The Lupa smiled slightly. "Thank you... Shang-Da."

Shang-Da nodded, looking to Richard for a dismissal. Richard nodded his approval, and the Hati left.

Grace sighed. "I should change."

Richard nodded, "I suppose. I love you."

She brushed her lips over his cheek. "I love you too."

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

Melissa looked up at the two blonde men in front of her, unable to wipe the smile off her features.

Jason and Stephen were having a mock duel with two very long weeds, and Stephen was winning. Jason winked at Melissa, grabbing another weed to poke at Stephen with.

The younger wolf glared, swiping at Jason's arm. "Ha! You lost your arm! I will win the lady!"

Melissa giggled as Jason fell to the ground, cradling his 'stump', "Ah..." He fell onto his side, writhing, "I'm dieing..." He laughed, sitting up again.

Stephen laughed, kneeling before Melissa. "Have I won your heart, Lady?"

Melissa looked over at Jason, who winked at her as he rose to his feet. She looked back over at Stephen, "I dunno..."

Jason grinned, collapsing into Stephen, "Will she stay and nurse the wounded soldier back to health?"

Stephen sighed. "I'm all sad now..."

Melissa frowned, "Can I choose both?"

Jason tsked, shaking his head, "I'm afraid not, Fair Maiden. Tis one or the other!" He smiled jokingly, feeling more lighthearted then he had in Months.

Stephen rolled his eyes. "Come on... I’m prettier!"

Jason opened his mouth in a silent gasp, "But- That's not fair!" He fought off laughter.

"Mm... I don't know... Stephen, didn't you say you had a girlfriend?" Melissa tilted her head curiously.

Jason stood, pointing, "Ha! I will prevail!"

Stephen sighed. "Viv would get pissed..."

Jason smiled, doing a little victory dance, "Yay! I have won my heart’s true love!"

Melissa giggled as Jason swept her into his dance.

Stephen collapsed to the ground, crying.... between great shouts of laughter.

Melissa collapsed against Jason, laughing. Jason held her up, and set her back up on her feet, "Now my Fair Maid, what are we to do with the gallantly defeated?"

Stephen held up his hands. "Spare me!"

Jason shrugged, trying to hide a smile, "It is up to my lady."

Melissa giggled, "Spare him... I think his girlfriend would get mad at us if we stabbed him with weeds."

Stephen snickered, climbing to his feet, bowing. "I thank you..."

Melissa curtsied and Jason smiled, shaking his head, "So Stephen, where're you hiding your white horse? Gotta ride off on one, man."

Stephen opened his mouth to reply as Grace appeared at the edge of the clearing. "Melissa? It's time." Indeed... the moon was starting to rise.
- 4
- 5
- 6
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