Hello friends and fans....

Because of personal issues and obligations, the blog has been a bit neglected recently. Late next week, a new serialized story will begin. This one is called Predator or Prey and will feature my beloved Rehvenge, as well as the Brotherhood's warriors, and Blaylock and Qhuinn. I hope you will enjoy it, and thank you all for your continued support and patience.

An Enchanting Evening: Part Two

by Nikki Noffsinger

Nikki is a published author and fan of J.R. Ward's Brotherhood. You can visit Nikki at her website HERE

* * * * *

Rehvenge hugged Ehlena closer as they sat in the ornate country open carriage. He had reserved it as a treat for Ehlena. He would never have done anything like this for anyone else since he felt the mildly cool evening air like an arctic blast even underneath his suit jacket, overcoat, Cashmere duster, and the heavy wool blanket spread across them. Ehlena knew how excruciating this was for Rehvenge but he had been so excited when he had led her blindfolded out to the front where the carriage was waiting. She wrapped her arm around his middle so she could lend not only her love but her warmth to him as well. They rode down the historical district, over cobblestone streets and through a park that was still lit with gas lights. The sky was clear, the moon was nearly full and it was beautifully romantic.

When the carriage brought them back to the house, Rehvenge steadied himself with his cane and helped Ehlena down. They entered the house and immediately a fire sprang up. Rehvenge started to lead Ehlena to the couch, but she raised up and kissed him lightly on the lips and told him she'd be back in a few minutes. Rehvenge shrugged off his coats and walked over to the couch and watched the flames lick over the logs as they cast a golden glow.

Ehlena appeared just moments later wearing her old nurses uniform complete with white stockings. When Rehv caught sight of her, his jaw dropped. She walked slowly, seductively toward him. He took her in from her long legs up. Ehlena crawled up onto his lap and nipped at his chin. Rehvenge growled low in his chest as he rubbed his hands up over her back and shoulders and down the front. He let his hands linger over her breasts before he began to slowly unbutton the small white buttons while capturing her mouth.

Elizabeth felt spellbound as she watched the two lovers stroke and caress one another, while they exchanged passionate, heated kisses. An ache in her heart and a ghostly tear began to streak down her cheek as she remembered all those nights with her beloved. She had been happy, and everything seemed so bright and full of promise back then! She was lost in the past until the scene in front of her horrified her.

Rehvenge could feel Ehlena's release and his own was not far behind and as he felt the pressure well up, he bared his fangs and struck the vein at her neck while driving himself hard into her core where he spilled his seed within her. Ehlena cried out in ecstasy as he came, which fueled another orgasm to tear through her as she felt his fangs break the skin of her neck. Ehlena was a fine full bodied wine; thick and decadent. When he had taken enough, he stroked her neck with his tongue to seal the puncture wounds and held her close while the rest of the tremors went through him.

Elizabeth had seen with her own eyes, long razor sharp teeth that had pierced that woman's neck like some animal going for a kill! She'd heard her scream out! In that split second she thought back to how her own life was taken from her and she would not see this innocent die! She had to do something!

Just as Rehvenge was leaning down to kiss Ehlena, there was a loud shrieking and the house began to shake as if there were an earthquake. Rehv was up in seconds while Ehlena wrapped a throw blanket around herself. Books and odds and ends fell off the shelves, the fire from the fireplace flamed up high, and Rehvenge grabbed Ehlena in the nick of time before she was injured by the flames. He held her close and his vision was colored in red. Something was causing this and he would defend his Shellan with his life, but the fuckers were going to bleed out slow and beg for death before he would give in and be charitable!

Ehlena held on to Rehvenge through the malestorm. "Rehvenge, what's going on?"

Rehv shook his head. He could sense a burst of emotional energy, he could see the grid and whatever it was, was furious!

Ehlena tried to look around the room but things were flying off shelves and glass was shattering. It was as if a tornado was taking place inside the house. The roar was nearly deafening! Rehv had had enough of this! He kept Ehlena close but gathered all his anger and will as he had that night at the Colony and let out a roar that stilled the entire house.

Elizabeth hadn't meant to scare the innocent woman, but when that man or beast or whatever the demon was let out a roar she felt such a burst of energy that it nearly knocked her back, and that was saying a lot since she was incorporeal. She tried to summon more energy, but she couldn't. She had totally sapped herself out.

Rehv cautiously and carefully maneuvered himself through the living room, drawn to the faint energy he was sensing. Ehlena followed behind him. Rehv found the source of the trouble, standing before him was the ghost of a woman and she looked as if hell was in front of her. She was right on that account because at this moment, Rehv was ready to eat her dead or alive!

Elizabeth was looking at a monster in the guise of a man. Since she had used up her reserve energy trying to save the woman, she was visible.

Rehv hissed at her, not caring she saw his fangs. "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!"

Elizabeth looked between him and the woman. She was terrified but she tamped it down and lifted her chin. "I am Elizabeth and you will not harm the woman so long as I am here!"

Okay, that was like a kick in the stomach. Harm Ehlena? Why would he harm Ehlena? The only harm had been from what the ghost woman had done.

"Why would I harm my Shel—" Ehlena nudged her Hellren, "my wife?" he growled.

Elizabeth was confused now. They were married? Who could be married to a demon?

Ehlena could see the indecision on the woman's ghostly face. She patted Rehvenge's hand to try and calm him.

"Yes, I am his wife and I am afraid you've witnessed something that has you thinking something terrible," Ehlena said softly.

Elizabeth stuttered, "I saw him....I s-saw him bite you! I saw his," she cringed, "teeth."

Rehvenge was still trying to think of ways he could tear this ghost a new one. However, Ehlena took center stage.

"I wanted him to bite me. If you hadn't interrupted, I would have bitten him back. It's the way we feed. We have to or we would die. It's our way."

Elizabeth's face screwed up as if she were disgusted. "What are you?"

Rehvenge growled even louder. "We're a different species from human!"

"Demons?" She whimpered.

Ehlena answered before Rehv could growl again. "No, I assure you we are not evil creatures. We do not feed off humans, just our mates. Are you the ghost of this house?"

Elizabeth was in utter disbelief but nodded her head slowly.

"Did you die in this house?" Ehlena asked softly.

Again, Elizabeth nodded.

"Were you murdered, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth wrapped her ghostly arms around herself and looked away sorrow enveloping her. "Yes. It was because of that, I didn't want you hurt! I was standing up on the landing waiting for my beloved Josiah to come home from work. I had made a new dress and it was to be our anniversary. We hadn't been married long, but we had so many splendid plans. There was a commotion down in the kitchen where our maid Tilly worked, and then a shriek. I was half way down the stairs when a man with a gun stepped out. I screamed and he seized me. There was a struggle and he kept beating me about the head. He was there to rob us, and even though his cohort had already searched the house, the man grabbed me up to take me but I fought him. He threw me over the banister and that's all I remember." She looked at them through sad eyes.

Ehlena's heart clenched in her chest. Rehv suddenly remembered all those times his Mahmen had been hit by his step-father, and he felt compassion for the woman as his rage fled.

Ehlena wished she could reach out to the woman, but like Doc Jane, her hand would have gone straight through. Only when Doc Jane was in corporeal form could she be touched. Then Ehlena had an idea!

"Have you never found Josiah since his own passing?" she asked.

Elizabeth couldn't stop the tears. "No, and I've looked for him, but I am bound to this house. I cannot even take a step off the porch."

Ehlena thought as much. She leaned up and whispered something in Rehvenge's ear and he looked at her as he thought it over. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She never ceased to amaze him.

"If there was a way to find him, would you be able to cross over happily then?" Rehv asked.

Elizabeth nodded. "I believe so. It's because my love is so strong, that I think it's why I cannot leave this house. I miss him so much! I had thought that when Josiah passed away, that we would be reunited then, but it was not so since he died at a hospital and not this house."

Rehv did something unexpected, he smiled. "Well toots, if I were you I would get ready for a love connection!"

He took out his cell phone and called the Mansion that housed the legendary Black Dagger Brotherhood, the warriors for his kind. Well the better half of his people anyway.

* * * * *

Ehlena and Rehvenge cleaned up as much as they could. The Doggen would have to clean up the rest in the morning. Elizabeth kept trying to help, but her energy was at an all time low. She would have never believed such beings existed, but here they were. Rehvenge had been patched through to Brother Vishous–son of the Bloodletter, one of the most lethal of the Black Dagger Brotherhood members. Vishous and his Shellan Jane would soon be arriving. Rehvenge hoped that Jane would be able to find Josiah in the Fade and bring him or at least take Elizabeth to meet her dearly departed husband.

A few hours later, Vishous and Jane arrived. Vishous was dressed in black with his typical Sox cap pulled down, but he scared the afterlife right out of Elizabeth. He was tattooed with strange markings that made her uneasy. He wore a glove on his right hand and had a cigarette in his other. His wife, or Shellan as Ehlena had explained to her, was right at his side. She was average height with short blonde, spiky hair and kind eyes. Rehv and this man had some words and Ehlena gave the woman they called Jane a quick hug. Then right before Elizabeth's eyes, Jane was as transparent as she was! She winked at Elizabeth and was gone.

The man in the Sox hat casually reclined on the back of the sofa and kept up the conversation as if his wife hadn't just turned into a ghost and disappeared. Ehlena gave Elizabeth an encouraging smile.

Jane was back within moments with a familiar looking man in tow.

Elizabeth couldn't breathe! She couldn't move! It was her Josiah!

Josiah couldn't believe his eyes! All these years wondering and trying to get back to his dear wife, and now here he was right in front of her! He stepped in front of the woman who had found him and embraced his wife.

"My Lizzie! Oh my sweet, sweet girl! How I have missed you!" he cried.

Elizabeth let her ghostly tears fall and searched the face that had been in her heart's memory for so very long.

"I didn't think we'd ever find each other again!" she cried with joy.

"Um, I hate to break up the happy reunion, but I have to get you two back to the Fade. The Scribe Virgin doesn't allow people to come and go as I can," Jane explained in her matter-of-fact doctor kind of way.

Elizabeth kept her hand tightly clasped with Josiah's. She took one last look at Ehlena and Rehvenge.

"Thank You" she mouthed as they all three disappeared.

* * * * *

It was morning and the Doggen had arrived and were cleaning the rest of the house. Jane and Vishous had dematerialized just before sunrise. Ehlena snuggled close to her Hellren. Rehvenge kissed her softly on the cheek.

"Well, aside from the Haunted House Show, did you like our little retreat?" Rehv whispered against her ear, his hot breath tickling her neck.

Ehlena smiled up at him and cupped his cheek. "My love, any time I have with you is a gift and it doesn't matter if we're at the mansion or some romantic getaway complete with ghosts! I love you! You are my life, my soul, and my Hellren!"

Rehv's heart swelled as he pulled his Shellan closer so that he could kiss her until she was deliriously drunk from it. This was what he had dreamed about his whole life–having Ehlena to love and accept him regardless of the things he had trouble accepting about himself. They had been only dreams until she had came into his life and had refused to just walk away.

An Enchanting Evening

by Nikki Noffsinger

Nikki is a published author and fan of J.R. Ward's Brotherhood. You can visit Nikki at her website HERE

* * * * *

Rehvenge was lying next to his beloved Ehlena still not quite believing his luck. As he watched her sleep, he thought back to almost a year ago when she had risked her own life to bring him out of hell, literally. He had resigned himself to his fate, but when he had seen her there it had not only given him the strength he had needed but it had just scared the hell out of him having her there among the Sympaths and not sure if he'd be able to protect her. He wasn't worthy of her then and he still felt unworthy, but he thanked the Scribe Virgin every day for her and her unconditional love for him. All his life he had been the devoted son, the protecting brother, and the gatekeeper to his secrets. For once in his life, he could breathe and the sweet smell of it was clean and fresh; it was his Ehlena.

Ehlena opened her eyes slightly and pulled her lips into a lazy smile. Unless he was up at the colony, he was always the first thing she saw when she woke up. Rehvenge dropped his head and captured her lips. He pulled away slowly and smiled down at her.

"Good evening my love." he purred.

Ehlena raised a hand and cradled it against his cheek, "Good evening Hellren mine."

Rehv felt his body respond to her touch and she welcomed him inside her. No doubt they would be late to First Meal.

Ehlena had just gotten dressed in a comfy pair of charcoal gray pants and a light pink cashmere sweater. Rehvenge had just entered their bedroom. She arched an eyebrow seeing as he was dressed as if he were going out. He was wearing a dark Armani suit with a tailored overcoat and his cashmere duster over top. It always made her chest ache knowing that because of the medications he took to keep his Sympath side suppressed, that he suffered so. The medicine did what it was supposed to but it left him without sensation and cold. She smiled as he approached her, taking her hand and pulled her close so he could embrace her.

"Have I told you that you look beautiful my female?" he purred.

Ehlena looked up at him with adoration and love in her eyes, "Only a few hundred times, but I never tire of hearing it!"

"I have a surprise for you my love, so I need you to pack a few bags and be ready within the hour."

Ehlena suddenly thought about her duties toward Doc Jane. Since living at the Brotherhood Mansion, she'd been helping Doc Jane, the shellan of the Brother Vishous.

"Well, I should probably check to see if it's alight with Doc Jane."

Rehvenge smiled so that the tips of his fangs showed, "No need, I've already spoken with her and she'll be fine without you for a few days. I also took it upon myself to call and check with your Father and Lusie and both are doing fine and Lusie said for you to relax and we are to have a fun time!" The wicked look in his eyes seared her.

Ehlena grinned, "Well then I guess you've covered all the bases then! I'll just pack a few things and be ready."

***

She wasn't sure how long they had been driving. One thing was for sure, Rehvenge had gone out of his way to keep his road rage leashed, and for him that was saying a lot! She almost had to pray to the Scribe Virgin when a man who was apparently texting cut them off on the expressway. Rehvenge had let out a growl so fierce it had even made her cringe. She loved her Hellren though, even if he was a candidate for Road Ragers Anonymous. They had left Caldwell and were heading toward Buffalo it looked like. That was one of the things she loved about her Hellren though, was the fact that each day with him was an adventure.

Rehvenge stopped only momentarily at the chic Left Bank Restaurant in Buffalo. He had made the reservations and they had made it with still forty-five minutes to spare. Ehlena was stunned by the classy decor and design. True to Rehvenge's taste, everything right down to the service was nothing short of the absolute best. The hostess showed them to a table that had a RESERVED placard on the table. It had to be the best in the house. The hostess gave them two menus and the wine list.

In the middle of their dinner, a jazz band took to a small stage and began to play an all too familiar song! It was Pat Martino's What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life. It was one of the first songs they danced to after they were officially mated. Rehvenge took her hand, so small and smooth in his larger one and lifted it to his lips and kissed her knuckles and then held it to his cheek. Tears brimmed in Ehlena's eyes. They didn't need words, they both knew the love that was in the heart they shared. When the song was done, they had decided to skip dessert and pay the bill. The quicker they got to their destination, the quicker they could get out of their clothes.

After leaving the restaurant, Rehv hit a country road. He stopped half way and pulled out a blindfold. Ehlena raised an eyebrow.

"Humor me, would you? It's a surprise, remember?"

Ehlena thought he was being silly but she played along. It wasn't the first time he had pulled out a blind fold, but she would rather not get down and deep into the kink in his Benz. Once it was secured and he knew she couldn't see anything, he proceeded down the road.

When the car had stopped she listened as he got out of the car and opened her door. She put her hand in his and let him lead her out. Rehvenge was excited. He'd been planning this for weeks! He'd purchased this property several years ago as a possible safe house for his Mahmen or Bella. He'd kept it because for some reason, he was drawn to it. He'd hired groundsmen to make sure thousands of beautiful white and amethyst twinkle lights were strung on the many trees and bushes. Every kind of night blooming flower had been planted. Inside he'd had Fritz oversee a whole fleet of Doggens to clean up the place and fill it with food, wine, and all the essential luxuries. It had been way too long since he and Ehlena had any real time to themselves outside of the Brotherhood Mansion.

During the times he was away ruling the colony up north, Ehlena had passed those nights without complaint and by helping Doc Jane in her duties. Rehvenge hated being at the colony because it was the one place that was not safe for her among his subjects-his people. Symphaths were sociopathic psychos that relied on strong psychological strengths rather than brute strength like vampires. He was a half-breed, but his vampire side thankfully was more dominant. King Wrath liked the peace though within the colony since he had become King of the Symphaths, but he knew the very second any weakness was revealed just how quick his subjects could and would turn on him. It was like co-exsisting with a pit full of rabid dogs-you never knew when one would launch out and strike and it was because of that very reason that Ehlena was kept well away from the colony.

"Rehvenge! The suspense is killing me here!" Ehlena chuckled breaking him out of his own thoughts.

How he loved her! He pulled the string to the blind fold and let it drop. Ehlena was spell bound for a moment or two. The whole place looked like some sort of fairy cottage from a book. She stood surrounded by urns and flower beds with night blooming roses and other night nocturnal flowers, thousands of twinkle lights that added to the whimsical feel, and a grand Victorian style home that looked as if it had been copied from a fairy tale book.

"It's beautiful Rehvenge!" she said as she wrapped her arms around him. He steadied his cane and wrapped his arm around her.

"I am glad you like it! I thought we could do with a few days away from everything. I've missed you my Leelan!" and with that he lowered his head and kissed her.

A cool breeze blew and Ehlena could feel the slightest bit of it touch Rehv, so she broke the kiss and wrapped her arms around his one and let him walk her into the house. The house smelled of pine with motes of fresh baked herb bread, candle wax, and cotton. It wasn't quite as big as the mansion, but it was still grand. Rehvenge took her jacket from her shoulders and placed it on the banister of a winding staircase with ornately carved rails. He gave her a quick tour of the house. Ehlena felt warm and comfortable here. At any moment she was half expecting a little old woman named Mother Goose to spring out of any of the eight rooms. Rehvenge laughed but he had explained to her that he had purchased the house for his Mahmen or Bella if there was ever a need for a safe house. The only improvements he had made other than updating the electrical wiring and plumbing was having an underground tunnel system dug and metal shutters that slid into place on an electric timer when dawn was approaching.

"I also bought it because it's ghost story interested me," he added.

Ehlena's eyes got wide. "Ghost story? Really, you bought a house for a camp fire tale?"

Rehvenge gave her a wicked grin and leaned close, "Don't you believe in ghosts?"

Ehlena playfully elbowed him. "No, and you're too old to be believing such tales!"

Rehvenge grabbed for her and nipped at her neck. "You know vampires aren't supposed to be real either, but here we are."

Ehlena pretended to be so mature and without a hair out of place so when she wiggled her fingers and crossed her eyes at Rehv and went "Boooooooooo Rehv!" all he could do was laugh.

"No seriously, the house has a legend to it. Would you like to hear it while I make a fire?"

Ehlena nodded. "Yes, might as well." She said as she sat down on the love seat.

Rehvenge bent down, carefully keeping his balance with his cane and lit the logs that had already been arranged. Once the room warmed to the degree to which he could remove his duster and undercoat, he sat next to Ehlena with his arm around her shoulders.

"Okay, when I first bought the house, and Saxton had sent the portfolio of information containing everything connected to this house, I ran across some vintage news articles and had seen where it was a local haunt. The story is that a man by the name of Josiah Thomas built the house for his bride to be. When the house was finished, they were married. They lived happily for a few months, until his wife Elizabeth was murdered. The murderer was caught and hanged, but Josiah never did remarry. It's said he went off to war hoping he'd get killed since his reason for living was gone."

"Aw, that is so sad. Did he get killed in battle?" Ehlena asked as she scooted closer to Rehvenge.

Rehv shook his head. "No, instead he came back after being wounded and grew into old age as a hermit. He very seldom left and it was rumored that in his last years he was hospitalized after ranting about seeing the ghost of his dead wife. When he died the house had a few more owners but they never stayed long. So the house fell into ruin until it was restored by the last owner and sold to me. I have never stayed here other than to come and check the security system and refurbish it a bit." he exclaimed thoughtfully.

"That has got to be one of the saddest stories I have ever heard, Rehvenge. So is that where the ghost story comes in?" she asked.

"No, apparently over the years it's been said that the lights seem to come on by themselves and people that have entered the house feel a cold wind even in the hottest part of the summer."

Ehlena was not one to be superstitious but she took a cautious look around the living room. "Have you ever seen or felt anything?"

Rehv laughed softly. "No, but there were a few reports from the security company of lights flickering. I had the whole house rewired and new boxes installed."

"Well, you've done quite a wonderful job with the house and if there is a ghost, I hope she stays to herself," Ehlena replied with just a tinge of anxiety.

Rehv pulled her closer to him and held her tight. "I'll protect you, Ehlena. It's just a story, and a story that has been the subject for the town gossips to spread."

Ehlena tilted her face up and kissed his cheek, which earned her a deep, passionate kiss from her mate.

***

Elizabeth watched from the shadows at the couple kissing in front of the warm glow of the fire. She'd listened to the man talk about her house. Part of her wanted to scream but down deep she didn't wish ill upon such a couple that were so in love. In all the years since her death and that of her dear sweet husband, not one person had honored the house with love. Some had purchased the house for nothing more than property. Once a man had bought the house thinking it would be a nice place for a brothel. Well she had changed his mind! A smile played about her ghostly features remembering him running and screaming into the night. There was something different about these two though. They looked human, but there was something slightly off. The man was large-muscular, as if he was built from brick and mortar. He had an odd hairstyle, but even odder were his eyes. They almost seemed to glow a peculiar shade of purple that reminded her of amethyst. He had strong features and even though he was being a tender lover to his woman, she had a feeling that he could be cold and cruel if he wanted to be.

The woman was beautiful in a clean cut sort of way; maybe she came from a farm or something. The woman had peculiar eyes as well; almost like a soft amber but maybe that was the firelight. She watched as the woman moaned while the man touched her, and Elisabeth knew she should leave-yet she couldn't. She watched them and felt the ache in her heart, she missed her Josiah. She had hoped that after he crossed over that they'd finally be reunited, but she was still alone and bound to this house. The house had been filled with their laughter, their hopes, and dreams. In one night, when that man had come-Devereaux Hughes, had changed everything. A surge of pure hatred and anger surged through her and before she could stop herself an energy blast shot through the house and everything that ran on an electric circuit was shorted out.

Rehv and Ehlena jerked up in surprise when the lights flickered and they could hear the appliances in the kitchen come to life and then a loud popping noise erupted, followed by nothing but darkness.

"What the hell was that?" they said in unison.

Rehv closed his shirt back together and grabbed his cane. He stood and he motioned for Ehlena to stay where she was. He started to look through the house but saw nothing. There were no Lessers and he couldn't sense any humans about, but he sensed a slight difference in the air. He let his Symphath abilities sift through and sure enough there was the hint of an emotional grid. He knew it wasn't Ehlena, so who? Then just as it had happened, the out door generator kicked in and the lights came on once more. Ehlena rushed to the kitchen to turn off a few appliances that had begun running the instant the generator had kicked in.

Rehv still wondered where the source of discord had came from but dismissed it as he was going to seriously get into a certain electric company's ass! He'd paid good money for this place to be wired with nothing but the best and he didn't like it when he paid for something he didn't get. Ehlena went and calmed her Hellren before he started dialing digits.

"I think maybe our ghost didn't like us talking about her," Ehlena mused playfully.

Rehvenge couldn't override his protective instincts for his mate. It took him another fifteen minutes to loosen up enough to where he could relax. He hadn't gotten where he was today by not being cautious and down-right paranoid. His sister, Bella, had once called him "anal retentive" when it came to details. He still couldn't believe his beautiful baby sister at the tender age of twenty-five had let that fall out of her mouth, and he'd spent a good time growling to cover the shock. Thankfully her rebellion had been short-lived because he was pretty sure he would have gotten a full head of gray if it hadn't.

Later that night after several hours of love making, Ehlena and Rehvenge drifted off to sleep just as dawn began break the horizon. Elizabeth moved about the house to learn more about the newest visitors to her home. She found that the man must be sick with all the medications that were secured in a bag, and she felt compassion. She was no stranger to sickness. When she had been a child, she'd watched two of her brothers sicken and die from typhoid fever. A year later she had been sick herself from Tuberculosis. She kept browsing through their things and she came to another conclusion-these people had money! The woman's clothing had a mixture of silks and well tailored pants. Elizabeth hadn't seen the draw for pants-in her day it would have been unheard of. However, she looked at them and found them to be quite feminine. She could have gasped when she saw the diamond bracelet, gold and jeweled earrings, a classy and expensive looking watch with the name Cartier etched on the face, and some costly looking necklaces.

Next she went to the bathroom where the woman's make-up bag, lotions, and perfume was set out. She herself had never worn much make-up. Perhaps a little rouge here and there but nothing else. Elizabeth didn't bother with the lotions or creams since she was a ghost. She did however, sample the perfume. She used a small measure of energy to decompress the puffer on the atomizer. She got a faint whiff of lemons and freesia. It was a light but clean scent. This woman was definitely one of class and refinement. She was a woman that Elizabeth had once wanted to be with her adoring Josiah.

Ehlena was sleeping when she felt a cool breeze against her skin. She also smelled what seemed like her Burberry perfume. She raised her head and opened her eyes and she almost screamed at what she saw! Standing in the bathroom, levitating her atomizer bottle, was a translucent woman. She had on what appeared to be a pale yellow plain dress that went to her ankles with tulip sleeves that left her arms bare. Her hair was in a loose bun with tendrils hanging down around her neck and framing her small face. Now Ehlena was no stranger to ghosts. She'd been around Doc Jane enough to not be shocked, but she didn't think humans could become ghosts-well then again, Doc Jane had been human, but still humans didn't have the Scribe Virgin. Was this the work of the Scribe Virgin? Carefully, she tapped Rehvenge's arm and softly whispered his name. Immediately he came awake and rested his face against her shoulder. His hand began to make its descent from her stomach to lower.

"Rehvenge, not now! Look!" She hissed in a whisper, stopping his hand before he could take away her focus.

Rehvenge groaned but when his amethyst eyes caught the ghostly woman in the bathroom, his protective bonded male nature took front and center stage. He pulled Ehlena closer to him and raised up like a lion ready to defend his pride. Ehlena could feel the strength in him tensing for a fight if need be, but how was he going to fight a ghost?

Elizabeth was having quite an amusing time looking at the electric shaver, the electric tooth brushes, and rummaging through the drawers and cabinets. She stopped suddenly as she heard what sounded like a low growl. She hadn't remembered seeing a dog with the happy couple. When she turned, she saw the large man crouched on the bed and if she wasn't mistaken, his teeth were bared and two of them were extremely large. She put a hand to her mouth and let out a screech and disappeared.

"I think you scared her, sweetie," Ehlena mused.

Rehvenge relaxed to a degree and looked down at his Shellan. "You think?"

Ehlena giggled and made a gesture with her index finger and thumb. "Maybe just a little!"

"Well I think we just met our ghost and she's sure not Doc Jane." Rehv replied as he laid back on his side cuddling with Ehlena.

"How is that possible? I mean I heard the story of how the Scribe Virgin brought Doc Jane back, but do human's even have a connection with the Scribe Virgin?" Ehlena asked clinically.

Rehv nuzzled her neck, breathing in her scent. "I don't know. I mean, I've spent a lot of time around humans and you know their lexicons. Perhaps there is something for them, but who knows? Maybe it's more scientific than religious. I just don't know."

Ehlena suddenly felt a little self-conscious. "I don't know if I like being in a house where a ghost can just come at will and hear our every conversation not to mention..." Ehlena sat straight up, "OH MY GOD! I bet she saw..."

Rehv let out a deep baritone laugh, a really good belly laugh. "Ehlena, you're as red as a beet!"

Ehlena slugged her mate playfully. "Rehv this is nothing to be laughing about!"

Rehv couldn't stop laughing. "Oh yes, yes it is! The look on your face is priceless, my shellan!"

Now Ehlena felt a little more perturbed, actually she felt her temperature rise.

Rehv sobered up almost immediately. An angry shellan was not a good thing. He smoothed things over with her and assured her a ghost wouldn't want to be voyeuristic. At least he hoped not. Although, there was nothing shameful about his Ehlena or the way he loved her!

***

Rehvenge was in a sitting room that had probably once been a parlor before he had made it into a make-shift office. He was speaking with his security company and the ones who had done the electrical renovations on the house. Ehlena was in the kitchen watching the two Doggens go about their work. One of them, an older Doggen by the name of Marilla, was preparing some roast Cornish hens.

"Marilla, may I ask you something?" Ehlena asked as she nibbled on a piece of warmed homemade bread.

The woman stopped what she was doing and bowed at the waist respectfully. Ehlena really hated the formality that some Doggens felt. After all, if it weren't for Doggens, those like her, would suffer. Doggens deserved much more respect than most gave them. Everyone she knew at the Mansion were all so very respectful of the Doggens and she adored the ones who took care of her father and Lusie. However, aristocrats tended to regard them as nothing more than hired help.

Softly Ehlena touched the woman's shoulder. "Thank you Marilla, but there's no need for all the formality."

Marilla looked up and smiled. "Thank you Mistress. What is it you would like to ask?"

"Have you ever seen a ghost here?" she asked.

Marilla looked over at her fellow Doggen, Agnes, then back at Ehlena. "Well, I have never seen one, but there are rumors that this house is haunted. There have been..." she looked back at Agnes who was still busy with cutting vegetables, "occurrences here."

Ehlena caught the drift that Marilla didn't like speaking of such things in the presence of the other Doggen so she let Marilla wash up her hands and urged her to follow her out of the kitchen.

"What occurrences?" she asked as they were safely out of earshot.

Marilla took a breath. "We come once a month to clean and dust. We always have dust covers on the furniture and when we come they're always off the furniture and there's been a fire made. Once Agnes left the door open to air out the house and it slammed shut by itself without a wind or breeze. Then last winter, Anton, who is the groundsman came after the police had contacted him about the lights being on and off. When Anton arrived the lights in every room were on and he swore he could hear what sounded like a woman weeping."

"Did you ever send word to Rehvenge?"

The woman got a bit pale and it was then that Ehlena realized why none of them had sent word to Rehvenge, or Trez, or iAm, or Xhex. A visit from any of them probably would have scared about ten years off the lives of the Doggen for having called any of them to come to check on the place. Ehlena gave the woman a comforting pat on the arm and urged her to go on. The woman again said she had never seen a ghost, but there had just been some odd things that had happened. Ehlena thanked her and let her go back to her work. She found herself humming the theme song to Ghost Busters.

(Part two next week…)

Ehlena and Rehvenge Disagree...

*sitting at her desk, she took out the weapon she'd bought, with Qhuinn's help ~ he said the... what had he called it? She thought and remembered, the Sig was designed as a concealed carry or backup handgun for legally armed citizens ~ she smiled as Q's words came back, spoken in her mind in his voice ~ he'd questioned her wanting to have a weapon in her possession, but not overly much ~ he'd mentioned Rehv only once, then left it alone ~ looking at the gun, she wondered if Rehv would actually teach her to use it properly, or if she'd have to go to Qhuinn for that, as well? Sighing heavily she put the weapon in the desk drawer and considered how best to approach her Hellren with her need to learn a little self-defense. Perhaps Tohrment would help her?*

*as she dressed for dinner, wondering if Rehv would be home or gone again until the morning hours, she thought again about the need she felt to feel safer ~ things had happened that only she and Rehv knew about ~ Qhuinn would ask questions if she persisted in going to him for things he'd made it clear she should be asking Rehv about ~ there was also the fact that mated males were highly unpredictable if their females were around other males, most especially unmated ones, and she didn't want to put Q in that position if Rehv wasn't feeling benevolent about the whole idea ~ she actually laughed at the notion, Rehvenge and benevolent in the same thought was something of an oxymoron, wasn't it?*

*brushing her hair until it gleamed, she stared at her reflection in the mirror ~ pale hair and pale skin ~ unremarkable light brown eyes the color of toffee ~ Rehv thought she was beautiful, and she could never really understand why ~ she put down the brush and her hands fell to her lap, her thoughts wandering again ~ she knew each time she went out she wasn't alone, might never be alone again if Rehv had his way about it all ~ but she still needed to know that she could be alone and not afraid, that she could take care of herself in a way she had never really thought about before ~ would he understand? She glanced over at the desk, the heavy, antique roll-top desk that he'd surprised her with after she'd seen it in a shop late one evening ~ for a moment she wondered if she should lock the drawer where the new Sig had been put, then shook her head ~ Rehv never looked in the desk, he'd told her often it was her private space ~ leaning over to open a jewelry box, she lifted out her favorite necklace, a delicate silver chain, hanging from it a brilliant amethyst heart surrounded by diamonds ~ she closed it and looked at it twinkling back at her from the mirror ~ a moment later she rose and headed down to the dining room, hoping she might have a chance to speak to Tohrment if he was present*

*try as she might, she hadn't been able to enjoy dinner very much, nor the company of her family ~ Qhuinn's occasional glances in her direction had been disconcerting, even if he hadn't meant for it to be that way ~ she knew he'd want her to tell Rehv about the gun, and soon ~ he wouldn't betray her, but he would remind her in his own inimitable way that Rehv would not want to be kept in the dark about her decision ~ her head ached, and she decided to go for a walk on the grounds, with Vishous's security cameras at work, she'd be safe enough*

*she'd lost track of how long she'd wandered the grounds, but the tingle of awareness told her dawn wasn't too far off ~ she heard a sound and glanced around, relaxing a little when she saw it was Q coming to join her on a garden bench* V's been watching you for awhile, thought you might like company, I volunteered. *she smiled at his explanation* Where's JM? *Q shrugged* With Xhex. Where's Rehv? *she looked out at the immaculate gardens* Probably at the Mask ~ are you worried I won't tell him? *silence for a few moments, then she heard the creak of leather that told her he'd stood up* C'mon, Ehlena, time to go inside. Tell Rehv when you're ready to, he won't hear it from me. *she looked up at time for a few seconds, and his odd eyes were carefully shuttered, but she knew her secret was safe with him* Thank you, Qhuinn. *his mouth quirked into a slight smile and he nodded ~ she stood they walked back to the mansion in easy silence*

The following day, Qhuinn took her to the Brotherhood's private shooting range:



Qhuinn had given her some basic instructions, corrected her stance, then stood back to watch her. Even with only the two of them present, he’d been careful not to touch her unnecessarily, fully aware that Rehv would be aware that he’d been around her. She sighed silently, keeping her focus on the targets in front of her. At least the training center kept her within the compound, and Q had chosen their time, insuring no one was around to see who was using the range.

*Her shoulder ached, still adjusting to the unfamiliar recoil of a weapon discharging. She was determined to feel safe, on her own, not forever dependant on Rehv’s guards. She adjusted the goggles Q has insisted she wear, and picked up the Sig again, checking the safety, making sure it was fully loaded, then she concentrated on the solid standing Q had recommended. She took aim and emptied the weapon steadily, forcing the sense of tears into submission, knowing she had to do this. She hadn't needed to keep this skill after she'd been mated to Rehvenge, and it was like starting over again, with a weapon superior to the gun she'd been familiar with when driving ambulances from Havers' Clinic.*

*She reloaded, no longer aware of how many rounds she’d emptied into the range’s targets, getting more and more at ease with the motions as she grew accustomed to the weapon. Her aim was better with each target, and she was feeling more confident. She fired again, smiling a little at the lack of hesitation in her movements now. She put the weapon down and hit the button to bring the paper target toward her so she could see the results of her latest shots. Before she could look closely she heard a sound behind her. For a moment she thought it was Qhuinn checking on her, then a jolt of fear rattled her when she heard the familiar tap of a cane. The icy chill of his rage was almost tangible… Rehv... Her heart sank... he was furious...

"What in the hell are you doing?" Walking over and picking up the revolver. Looking at it, I check the chamber to see she had emptied the thing. Turning the safety to lock I tuck it in the waist band of my trousers. Leaning on my cane now, furious as I wait to see why she thought I would approve of this. Time going by as she stood in fear knowing how my anger was at peak levels, I turn and begin to head out only hesitating for a moment as I look back to her. "We will not talk about this here now let's go!"

*still uncertain whether now was the time to talk or walk, I drag in a deep breath* I wanted to tell you about this, Rehv. I've tried to talk to you about it!

*Ignoring her words and continuing out to the car* "I will not speak to you in here." *Furious that she thought I could not keep her safe and had a gun in her possession I reach the Bentley and open her door for her. Waiting for her to get in, as she passed our eyes meet I melt in side. I love this female more than life it self but she will have to understand what I am trying to do to keep her safe. Closing the door after she gets in, I move around and get in. Closing my door and just sitting there I look out the wind shield as I speak.* "Please tell me what I have in the waist band of my trousers is just a mirage and I am possibly in a dream right now?"

*looking at him, well aware of just how enraged he is, I consider my words carefully, then answer quietly* You are not in a dream, I am in a nightmare, and I'm very tired feeling like I can't escape it. *I turn and look out the window, struggling with fear, anger, and misery, before I whisper* Rehv, I know there is never a moment that you don't know where I am now. But I need to know that I can defend myself if I need to. After what happened, surely you must understand why I feel this way? That's why I asked... *I stop, uncertain, because I don't know if he's aware of just who it was who helped put the gun in my possession*

*A soft growl escaping my chest I reach to her hand taking it and linking our fingers. I do not look in her direction needing the strength I have and would lose if I see her eyes.* You want to learn, yet it was not me you came to, nor was it my choice who helped get you that weapon. I am incredibly aware of your fear, I feel it inside of me with no end. You however would not need to defend if you would follow the rules set in place as to keep you from this action. I am certain I know who would be careless enough to help you acquire a weapon and I will deal with that myself. *slightly squeezing her hand* I am not happy, Leelan. Not at all.

*holding tightly to his hand, drawing from his incredible strength and love, I close my eyes, and will the tears down with real effort* Do you really believe I wanted to ask someone else? *smiling sadly* I know too well what your answer would be, and you know how difficult it is for me to follow rules that make me feel like a prisoner. I know why, and I know too that it's not meant to feel that way, but nallum... I have never been afraid to live my life. *I turn to look at him at last, and reach across to wrap my arms around him, holding tight* Please do not blame Qhuinn for helping me. He told me to tell you, but he kept my secret because I asked it of him. *leaning back enough to meet his brilliant, jeweled eyes, tilting my head to one side* How did you know I was here?

*As she spoke and I listened, I tried to tamp down the anger. Her life however is too important. Her touch calming in ways the anger raging inside me, I wrap my arms around her kissing her neck and slowly lick up her vein to whisper in her ear* Your blood! *Ignoring her mention of Qhuinn and dealing with that in my own way. No more, Leelan! My soul can not handle this fear of losing you for a careless thing. I know you fear as I said and I know how you feel, but you have to trust me please.*

*trembling at the touch of his tongue, I almost smile at my own stupid question ~ of course he would have known where I was ~ why did I think he wouldn't?* I'm sorry you're angry, and I'm even sorry I feel so afraid. I just don't know how to make it stop, Rehv. *swallowing hard, I meet his swirling, angry eyes* And I want it to stop! I don't like feeling weak, nallum - it makes me angry! *leaning in, kissing him softly* I trust YOU, Rehv!! I need to trust myself again.

*pulling her more secure in to our embrace after her soft kiss. I lick my lips at her touch as I rub her back softly.* I know you hate this feeling it is my job, I wish you could get that through your stubborn and beautiful head, Leelan. My duty as your mate is to ensure your safety and bring the peace you once felt. I need this from you to let me do my job as your mate and give that back to you. *Pulling back, I kiss her once more and turn to the key, starting the engine.* Buckle up, Leelan, and we will go home now.

*sighing inwardly, I do as he asks and stare outside as the Bentley roars to life and we head back to the mansion ~ certain this is not the last time we will have this discussion*


(to be continued...)

Bows and Belles

A story about Rhage and Mary, and babysitting... written by Mary Thorture

* * * * *

‘Umm, honey–I’m no expert, but I don’t think that goes there.’

Mary stifled a smile as Rhage attempted to dress a wriggling Nalla in her Rainbow Princess pyjamas. From the looks of it, Rhage wasn’t on the winning team. It had been an interesting evening all round…

A few weeks ago, during one of their talk sessions, Mary had strongly suggested to Z that he should take Bella out for dinner. Just the two of them. Sure, they needed family time together, but they also needed Grown Up time, without the distraction of Nalla. Bella hadn’t really warmed to the idea; she’d been torn between the need to spend QT with her hellren, and her reluctance to leave Nalla. She’d even been willing to take their young with them on their date, which defeated the object of ‘alone time’. It had taken a lot of persuasion and a barrage of promises to the parents about keeping the young one safe to make Bella change her mind.

So, this evening, the date was set. Mary and Rhage arrived at Bella and Z’s room right on time. Bella had continued to voice her anxiety, right up until Nalla had launched herself at Rhage’s kneecaps, and stated in a loud, and eerily grown up voice, that ‘Mahmen and Daddy should go do boring things’ and that she ‘wanted to play dress-up with Unka Rhage’. The stunned silence that followed was only punctuated by a snort from Z, and a twitch of Bella’s mouth, both of which were quickly covered up.

Mary watched the couple leave their room. They did look good together, Z dressed in a dark suit and crisp white shirt, and Bella in a figure hugging emerald green dress. She hoped this date would allow them to reconnect a little more. Z was turning out to be a fabulous father. His initial fears about his past somehow rubbing off on Nalla weren’t exactly silenced and forgotten, but he was getting there. Bella continued to firmly push Z to the limits of his comfort zone with love and acceptance. Mary had every confidence they would make it as family.

‘Oh NO! Where’s Nalla gone?’

Rhage sounded frantic, and Mary’s blood froze–surely they couldn’t have lost her? Less than ninety seconds had passed and already they were in trouble!

As she spun to face them, dreading what she was going to see, her relief was palpable as Nalla giggled.

Rhage was dangling Nalla down his broad back, holding her firmly by the ankles and twisting and turning his torso in an attempt to catch a glimpse of her.

‘Mary, MARY!!! Help me! Where is Nalla? I can’t see her anymore. Her Daddy is going to be really cross with me!’

Nalla, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind all the blood rushing to her head as she laughed and tried to tell him where she was. Mary couldn’t help but join in as she extracted the young from her hellren’s strong grip and turned her right way up.

With overly dramatic gesturing, Rhage dropped to his knees before Nalla and thanked the Scribe Virgin that she was safe and sound.

Mary took Nalla’s hand and crossed the large sitting room to the sofa.

‘What would you like to do Nalla? There are colouring books, reading books, and I believe your tea party things were delivered earlier’

Nalla looked around seriously, considering her options, and a sly smile formed on her face as she pointed at the tea party set.

‘You want a tea party Nalla?’ Rhage asked, his stomach grumbling at the thought.

Nalla giggled and pointed at his tummy. ‘You sound funny.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Rhage dipped his head in remorse, eyes glinting mischievously, ‘but it’s been a while since I last ate.’

Mary held her hand out towards the young. ‘Tea party it is then. Shall we go and see if Fritz has left any cake or cookies out, Nalla? I’m sure we can find something suitable in the kitchen.’

As Mary and Nalla walked towards the door a deep voice rumbled, ‘Don’t worry about me, I’ll just sit here and wait with Teddy and Dolly.’

Nalla turned to look at the large man who sat on the sofa with one long leg crossed over his knee; she nodded solemnly and walked through the door.

* * * * *

Rifling through the cupboards while Nalla sat on the table, swinging her legs, Mary found a large tray and piled cookies, a pitcher of homemade lemonade and some pretzels on to it. For good measure she grabbed a few freshly made bread rolls, peanut butter and a knife. Fully laden with goodies, the girls headed back to the room.

* * * * *

Rhage was now sprawled out on the floor, and looked deep in conversation with Teddy when they arrived back, he flashed Mary one of those killer smiles, and gazed longingly at the food they had brought back.

‘Awwwwwrrriiiiiigggghhhtttt!!!! TEA TIME!’ he bellowed, sitting upright and crossing his legs.

Nalla shook her head, her curls bobbing around her pretty face. Rhage looked crestfallen

‘What do you mean ‘No’??’ he pouted.

Nalla smiled, a little too knowingly for her years, and grabbed his big hand, trying to use her slight body weight to pull him to his feet. Rhage obliged and she led him off into the bathroom, presumably to wash up before they ate.

Mary busied herself setting up the table with the tea service, placing the cookies and pretzels on a serving platter and pouring the lemonade into the teapot.

Rhage and Nalla were taking an awfully LONG time in washing up, and she hoped they were OK in there, but she was confident Rhage would yell for her if she was needed, so she started on making peanut butter sandwiches with the bread rolls.

The bathroom door opened and closed very softly, and Mary heard Nalla skip across the room, towards the table. Heavy male footsteps were followed by a low growl of: ‘Not. A. Word.’

Nalla pulled a chair out and plonked herself in it, with a rather smug smile on her face. She knelt up a little and nodded approvingly at the spread Mary had put out.

A second chair pushed back across the carpet and Rhage lowered himself into it. Or at least Mary thought it was Rhage. As Nalla busied herself serving the lemonade ‘tea’ and distributing the snacks evenly to the plates, Mary risked raising her eyes. Her hand flew up to her face, and she had to stuff her fist into her mouth to stop her from crying out.

No wonder they had been so long in the bathroom.

Rhage had been well and truly ‘Nalla’d’.

THIS was a ‘make-over’ of epic proportions.

Myriad clips and bows had been childishly woven into his rough blond hair, and the longer strands had been carefully tied with ribbons, causing the hair to sprout from his head at all angles in short pigtails. The decorative colours had clearly been chosen with care to accent his natural highlights.

And it didn’t stop there.

Bella obviously kept some make up in the bathroom.

Rhage looked a little flushed…from the lipstick that has been used to colour his cheeks, accenting his strong facial features. The frosted pink that covered his generous mouth oddly suited him, and contrasted well with the blue lines that followed the contours of his arched eyebrows.

Eyebrows that were now drawn closer together over eyes that pleaded with her not to say anything, or at least not to laugh out loud.

Mary knew she should berate Nalla for using her mother’s things without permission, but that could wait. She wanted to enjoy this.

Her cellphone rang, and she excused herself from the table to answer it. Rhage kept one eye on Nalla and the other watched her nervously as she walked to the window to take the call.

‘Hi Bella, I thought you might phone.’ She’d been expecting the contact at least once throughout the evening. ‘Yes we’re all umm fine here. We’re having a tea party…and a bit of a girly night.’ She smiled at the puzzled response from the other female. ‘Yes, yes, Rhage is still here. He’s having erm fun too.’

Mary looked over at her hellren and laughed softly. ‘Oh I will, Bella, I will. Take care, see you later.’

On her way back to the table she raised her cellphone, and activated the camera. The click of the shutter caused Rhage to flick his head up from the sandwich he was devouring.

‘Tell me you didn’t just do what I think you did,’ he growled.

Mary forced her face into a picture of innocence and smiled serenely. ‘You enjoy your food, lover, and don’t worry about what I may or may not be doing.’ She sat back down and sipped her ‘tea’, watching Nalla, Rhage and Teddy discuss the best colours for the picture they were decorating.

Nalla yawned loudly, and Mary looked over at the clock. Time had flown by. It was close to bedtime for the young. Bella had left out sleepwear for Nalla with instructions she was to brush her teeth and toilet before bed. Mary carried the weary child to the bathroom and supervised while she brushed her teeth and hair. Scooting off the stool she used to reach the sink, Nalla grabbed her pyjamas and ran out to Rhage, demanding that the male helped her to get ready for bed. Mary smiled and started to clean up the watery mess that had been left behind on the counter from the washing and teeth brushing.

Wandering into the main room, Mary stifled a smile as Rhage attempted to dress a wriggling Nalla in her Rainbow Princess pyjamas. From the looks of it, Rhage wasn’t on the winning team.

‘Umm, honey–I’m no expert, but I don’t think that goes there.’ Mary couldn’t help but comment on Nalla’s attempts to foil the male

‘You think?’ he said, the frustration in his voice was clear. Rhage was trying to pull the top of the pyjamas over the girl’s head, but wasn’t having too much luck as Nalla refused to cooperate, knowing that once the nightwear was on, the fun was over.

Mary smiled; she loved seeing Rhage like this. Few got to see this side of him really. He was all about the killing and took the war against the Lessers very seriously. He and his dragon terrified most people; he was so strong and ruthless, but capable of immense tenderness and care–especially with her, and also with Nalla. All the brothers adored the young, and there was often all out ‘war’ as they battled to spend time with her.

Watching him with Nalla now made her heart constrict with the knowledge she wouldn’t be able to give him a child of their own. She shook the feeling off with effort. That was the nature of sacrifices. You couldn’t hand them back when it was no longer convenient. Although she hadn’t technically given up her ability to have children to be with Rhage, it was the one thing that had swung in her favour when the Scribe Virgin had healed her cancer. She had been allowed to stay with Rhage - her infertility deemed enough of a forfeit - rather than never see him again.

And he looked adorable with tiny ribbons and bows in his hair. She wouldn’t have missed that for the world.

After finally wrestling Nalla into her pyjamas, he’d gone to the bathroom and washed his face while Mary put the young to bed. She was overly excited and took a while to settle down. Only two stories and the promise that they would come to tea again soon had placated her.

Mary watched at the bedroom door as Nalla’s eyelids drooped and she fell into sleep. Bella and Z would be home shortly, and she hoped they’d had a good time. Rhage appeared behind her, wrapping his large arms around her waist and dropping his head to her shoulder. She could feel his warmth by her cheek, and the sound of his breathing was comforting. She turned in his arms and laid her head against his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart under his shirt and he softly kissed the top of her head.

The main door to the room opened, and Bella and Z walked in, standing so close together, it was almost as if they’d been fused together. It was nice to see some of their intimacy back.

‘She’s just gone down.’ Mary said to Bella, ‘She was tired out. Thanks for letting us take care of her.’

The other woman nodded and melded herself to her male; Mary took the hint that she and Z wanted a little more ‘alone time’. Grabbing Rhage’s hand she pulled him through door, and grinned to herself when Z’s deep voice carried across the hall.

‘Nice hair ribbons you have there my man.’

Rhage growled a little, and swiped his hand through his hair, dislodging a couple more of the small bows. He gathered them in his hand and shoved them in his pocket to return to Nalla at a later date.

Mary yawned a little, and Rhage looked deep into her eyes. ‘Sleepy? Bath and bed for you then, my Mary.’ His voice was soft and seductive.

Leaning into her male a little more, a soft smile curved her lips, and Mary knew it would be a while before she got to sleep this evening.

Ehlena's Journal

Entry 1 - *sitting at my desk I open my journal to a new page as I ponder the things that are chaotic in my mind as I pick up the pen and begin to write* I've been away, taking care of family business while Rehvenge has been taking care of things here and at the colony. Despite being home a few days, we haven't had a chance to really talk yet. I miss him, even though he is sleeping only a few feet away right now. *looking over and smiling at my handsome hellren* There is much going on here, and as is often the case, Rehv is keeping me apart from the darker things that touch his life every day. I know it will always be this way, but as I often do, I question the need for his secrets. Secrets have not served us well in the past, however well-intentioned they've been. Males have a need to protect, just as females have a need to shelter and save. Rehv says I have saved him from darkness, but in doing that, I gave myself a life that is more than I ever imagined would be possible. But, I do understand secrets, because I've kept many in my life, hidden much that I didn't want the world to see, so Rehv's penchant for being invisible is one I know well. *sighing, I sit back, thoughts scattered, the past spinning around the present, the future so unclear, I am restless and uncertain*

Entry 2 - *wrapping a robe around me as I leave the bathroom, I hold it close, needing the illusion of warmth as my mind whirls in familiar patterns of uncertainty ~ tying the belt tight around my waist, I walk to the window, looking out into the night, pulling in the lingering sense of Rehv's presence here ~ as always, peace comes with the thought of my beloved hellren ~ at least for a few moments ~ I can feel his love around me, even though he is preoccupied and focused on his business ~ and I am almost relieved about that ~ not because I don't want him here, close to me, but because it won't take him long to know I've been hiding things from him since I got home* Rehv... there are things I need to tell you... and I'm afraid. *sighing heavily, I spot the book that sits on the desk in our suite ~ perhaps it's time to write again? I go and sit, pick up the pen, and begin to write again* Despite wanting to the put the words on the page, to record what happened, all I am able to think about is Rehv and what he will think... how he will react? He is a dangerous male, even when all is as it should be. It does not help that I am not even sure how to tell him what's happened. *swallowing hard, I wonder if he already knows ~ if it isn't part of why he is keeping distance between us right now* You're being ridiculous, I whisper to the silence. Rehv would be here right now if it was possible. I know this! *the assurances, even though they are the simple truth, leave me cold. All I can think of is how badly I need Rehv's arms, and his presence, and the taste of him... how did this happen? How did I block him out of my head so successfully that he doesn't know already? *tossing the pen aside, closing the journal, I climb into bed, hugging the pillow that he's slept on ~ as I drift into restless sleep, I decide it's time to ask him if he will teach me how to use a gun, and some self-defense*

Entry 3 - *the darkness was like a blanket, warm and oppressive, and the sounds of the cloying night were strangely muffled. I can hear the tears and the shouts and the laughter of humans as I walk to the store, enjoying the freedom of my solitude for the short time it takes to pick up a few things. The night is warm, but suddenly I feel a chill touch the back of my neck, like a whisper of death, a warning that something is not as it should be. I look around, preternatural vision piercing the shadows easily, senses reaching outward to find the hidden threat, because I know whatever is watching me, it's not friendly* Rehv… *my beloved's name is a whisper, instinctively spoken ~ Rehvenge is safety and it takes real effort not to mentally scream his name as fear jumps to a higher level ~ a few more steps and I hear the sound of pain coming from just inside the dark alley that separates two buildings ~ for a moment I hesitate, but a quick reach outward tells me the young male is in agony and needs help ~ when another cry of anguish seeps into the night, I change direction and go to see if he is injured. If nothing else, I can take him to the clinic, and Doc Jane can help him ~ I see him in the blackness, huddled against the cold stone of the building, and I approach cautiously* It's ok, I only want to help… *as I bend and reach out for him, his head comes up and I see his eyes, burning with madness, and he lunges forward…* Rehv… *gasping, shaking violently, the dream releases me and leaves me panting in terror as I roll onto my back and stare at the ceiling high above me ~ I can feel the chill on my skin as I fight to control my fear before Rehv does feel it spilling from me* You have to tell him what's happened, I whisper to the air, before he finds out some other way! *I roll over onto my side and curl up tight, determined not to cry, willing my mind to be blank so he won't feel my terrors*

Entry 4 - *standing at the window, looking outward, familiar restlessness fills me with complicated fears and questions that never seem to be answered ~ I walk to the desk and sit, sighing heavily, staring down at the leather journal that's become the keeper of my secrets and my terrors ~ I pick up the lovely gold pen, twirling it in my fingers for a few moments, then I open the book and turn to a new page* I told Rehv a little bit about the nightmares, and why they started, and for a couple of days, it helped, they faded. I felt safe again. Rehv knew someone else had touched me, taken what belongs only to my beloved Hellren, someone had taken my vein in spite of the bonding scent that marked me as Rehvenge's Shellan. Even now, the thought of it makes me cringe inside. *I feel the ever-present illness surging up in my throat and swallow hard against it* There is something more here, though, and I know I have to remember it, because if I don't, I am afraid Rehv will find this boy and destroy him. *I lean back in the chair and let my mind go back* The night air felt cloying, like something existed within it, something I could sense, but not enough to recognize it. The sound of the young man's anguish filled my ears, but there was a faint whisper within his pain, or was it beyond the sound of his agonized hunger? *I sit up straighter in my chair, mind alert and searching as another whisper of truth became clear* There was someone else in the alley, and whoever it was, he was the reason the young man was in so much agony. The knowledge chilled me to the core, made me want to run, to find Rehvenge and beg him to stay with me. *shaking my head I try to calm the sudden terror that is rippling through me, building into waves of crushing fear. Like a dim trace of sound that lingered in my mind, I heard a voice, low, deadly, filled with satisfaction, and the words took shape for the first time: "Tell the Reverend we know he didn't go up in flames with ZeroSum, and we're waiting for him..." *ice flooded my veins, the cold fear too intense to be suppressed, too complete for me to control* Rehv.... nallum.... they know you're alive.... *I stood and went to get dressed. It didn't matter that he'd told me not to go out alone, I needed to see him, just to know he was all right*

Entry 5 - She watched him sleep, her smile soft and secretive as her body responded to the memory of waking wrapped in his arms. She'd slept free of dreams and fears, slumbering in warmth that emanated from the handsome man who was her entire world, and all the good things that touched it. She laughed inside. The romanticism making her shake her head. To the outside world, he was anything but romantic, and to her he was the best gift her life had ever known. In his eyes, there was beauty and love that she'd never known before, never believed would ever be hers. With his presence, whatever was wrong was tiny and inconsequential. With his touch, all terrors were calmed and banished. With his love, life held promise and hope. He had been her savior from the first moment they'd met, and she had been his, once she'd accepted that he was the mate her soul craved and needed to be whole. For all the resistance they'd mounted against their shared destiny, they'd both been taught a lesson as eternal and unchangeable as the very essence of life – Fate will find a way, and when love is the guiding power, all roads end at the same destination. For Ehlena, the journey began and ended with Rehvenge. She went back to the bed, slid between the sheets, and this time she held him, happiness humming in her veins when he murmured her name. She kissed his forehead and closed her eyes, cherishing the silence and the safety, knowing it was a respite that they'd denied themselves for too long. Life world would be demanding their presence again soon enough, for now, their sanctuary was all that existed.

Entry 6 - She stood looking at the beauty of Paris from the window high above the dazzling city, her mind spinning wildly, partly with memory, partly with reawakened fear. She knew Rehv was worrying about his businesses...about everything in Caldwell. Their vacation had been a wonderful and loving gift, but she knew him as intimately as he knew her, their thoughts were often shared without either of them realizing it at first. She knew they had avoided things for long enough, it was time to think about returning to face what they had chosen to run from.

In her mind, she let the visions take shape and coalesce in her mind, feeling the need to look clearly at their life. From the start, they had understood and misunderstood each other. In retrospect, it seemed almost impossible to believe they had felt so unworthy of each other. Somehow, thank the Scribe Virgin, they had survived not only Rehv's dark past, but her shame and belief that she didn't deserve the happiness he'd wanted so much to give her. They were not the most sedate of couples, his temper flared dangeorusly, hers sparked equally fierce - but they loved with the passion that could only exist between true mates. He was her world, everything good that defined her life began and ended in Rehvenge.

She'd been independent, determined to remain that way, even when she fell in love with him. Recently, she'd begun to realize why he insisted on keeping her protected. She might yet be responsible for bringing evil to the Brotherhood and her beloved hellren. She had tried not to think about that, to accept Rehv's certainty that if someone wanted to bring him into the open, to reveal his death as a lie - it would not be because of the attack on her. In her heart, she knew her lack of foresight might yet cost them in ways no one could anticipate. She felt the tightness of tears and regret in her throat, the force of it almost choking her.

"Whatever is putting the sorrow in your heart, leelan, and I think I know what it is, forget it."

Rehvenge's deep, resonant voice was a caress of comfort and love, his words kissing her soul and granting it forgiveness.

"We need to go home, mine hellren. And soon."

His brilliant amethyst gaze never wavered, and he nodded. "Come to bed, we can discuss returning home later."

Smiling she rose and let the heavy silk robe fall from her body as crossed the distance that separated them, then slid into bed beside him. Already her body was aching for his touch, familiar tremors of need making his slow smile even more seductive as he reached for her and drew her into his arms. Tomorrow would be soon enough to face the past and whatever needed to be done, for now all that mattered was the hunger that existed between them, the sweet scent of rich spices that was Rehv's bonding scent consuming her, marking her as his.

From Ehlena's Journal

The night air coiled around her, clinging with cold wet fingers. She was still in turmoil, wondering not only who she was at this moment, but how she would get past the conflict and terror that was riding every breath she took. Her mind was refusing to function, it was living separate to her at that moment, lost in a nightmare she wasn't sure she could survive. The mist was a living entity, writhing around her, caressing like the hands of a lover, like his hands... NO! She refused to think of him... of all that had happened between them... all of the dreams that could never be real... He'd lied to her, over and over...

She twisted in her bed, torn and tortured, aware that nothing was as it appeared, and she had to find a way to hold on to the reality that would make this darkness end. She felt the weight of another presence close to her, sensed a malevolence that was both familiar and terrifyingly alien... Locked in the inescapable prison of her mind, she tried to run and got nowhere. The darkness continued to blind her, though all her senses were alive and aware of the evil lurking close to her. It didn't matter what direction she turned, there was the undeniable truth that she was not going to be free until she came face to face with whatever stalked her.

She reached out, clinging to the one who had put her in this place, cursing herself for every kind of fool imaginable, but needing his presence and his strength. Not surprisingly, he remained out of reach to her. She'd walked away, what did she expect, really? He would hate her now... and she deserved it. She had made him think she hated him, and for a little while she had even believed it herself. The emotion had lasted for as long as it took her to remember that she'd fallen deeply in love with Rehv. The fact that his bonding scent clung to her skin made a lie of her fear-induced denials.

The blackness around her shifted like the damp fog that swirled around her and reached out to stroke her skin, making it tingle against the ice that ran over her body and penetrated to burrow into her bones and blood. Inside her mind, she heard his voice, his sorrow dropping onto her cheeks as tears that she cried herself. She felt the weight of his hand on her shoulder, anchoring her in a world that had become shadows and shifting air, icy winds ripping through her despite the lack of motion in the air.

"Ehlena... leelan...."

His deep, resonant voice washed over her like a kiss that ignited hope and passion. She wanted to deny the response, but it was as natural to her as drawing breath, and far more pleasant. She turned, looked up into Rehv's dazzling eyes, the jewelled beauty of amethyst seeing all there was to her as he took possession of her very soul. He leaned in, and her heart started to pound wildly, a timpani of thunder that played for him alone.

Laughter rippled the cold air and her eyes flew open, and she stumbled back as she stared into glowing red eyes. The hatred that poured into her from that malevolent and hate-filled face chilled her to the core, and the words that slithered into her consciousness had the quality of a serpentine hiss.

"He IS mine, and I will have him back!"

Ehlena wanted to tell her to die all over again, but the words were lodged in her throat. A stream of profanity that would have made Rehvenge stare at her in surprise streamed through her brain, but was never voiced. A thin, triple-jointed hand wrapped around her neck and began to squeeze...

"Mine!"

As the cloying mist and the shadows came together, coalescing into solid darkness, Ehlena cried out, Rehv's name tumbling around in her brain, the only thing that could save her from the death that was drawing near....