Authors: Elijah and Maggie

Disclaimer:  Any characters you recognize are the property of Laurell K Hamilton and her publishers. The rest of the characters belong to themselves. We are not making any money from this. This piece was purely for our enjoyment and hopefully yours too. *Cheesy grin*

 

Rating: NC-17 Sexual Situations.

 

The introductory explanation of this story as well as the first two chapters of it can be found on my website at: http://www.geocities.com/margaret_mary69/TurningPoints.html 

 

Additional background on Maggie’s and Lija’s interactions can be found at:  http://www.geocities.com/margaret_mary69/NewWereinTown.html

 

This is more of what Lija and I had worked on in IM and I converted it to 3^rd person. This is unbeta’d mainly cuz my beta is ill and I didn’t want to throw more work at her.  So I take full responsibility for all grammar errors. I will note that a couple errors that occur inside our quotes were left intact because they sound more natural, LOL.  I had Lija’s permission to post this and to continue to use his character in my story.

 

I hope you enjoy reading this at least a smidgeon as much as we enjoyed writing it. *Blushes Profusely*

 

Hugs,
Maggie

 

Turning Points Part 3/?

 

Snuggling in a warm embrace, it was few minutes after she drifted out of slumber before Maggie realized where she was and whom she was with. She silently lay there, watching Lija breathe. Afraid she would wake him and break some magical enchanted realm they were hiding in, she didn’t dare move. So she just smiled as she continued to watch, feeling safe and content.

 

Elijah had a sense he was being watched, that someone was close. Lying as still as possible and trying to keep his breathing light, he scented the air. There was the sweet smell of lilacs and a hint of… strawberries? Where the hell was he? Suddenly, everything from the night before came rushing back and he opened his eyes to see Maggie watching him. She was smiling and he couldn't help but smile as well.  “Good morning.”

 

Thrilled to see the druid’s beautiful blue eyes in the hazy early morning light, the young doctor lifted her head up to softly kiss his lips. Placing on hand on his chest, she rested her chin atop it and sighed. Looking at him hard for another minute as if waiting for him to disappear, she finally smiled again.  “I guess you aren’t just a dream this time, huh?”

 

“No not a dream this time. But in some ways I wish it were because I don't want you to leave.” He confessed.

 

The woman buried her face in the crook of his neck so he wouldn't see her tears at the reminder that the reality soon awaited them.  She breathed in his scent, wanting to imprint how he smelled, how her naked body lying against his felt, in her memory for all time. She whispered,  “I don’t want to go either.”

 

Putting his arms around her, the druid pulled the scientist up and on top of him.  He saw the tears rolling down her face and wiped them away with his thumbs.  “I won't let last night be the end. It can't be.” Pulling her face to his, he kissed her deeply then pulled back. “We'll work this out.”

 

Feeling safe in his embrace, the gentle way Lija wiped away her tears moved Maggie like few things could.  She reached out and gently ran her fingertips along his cheek, his jaw, and his lips.  “I couldn’t stand for it to be the end. You mean too much to me. I trust you heart and soul Lija. But how are we ever going to be able to sort this all out?”

 

He shook his head.  “I don't know. Noah didn't trust me before. He certainly won't now and Luna may just shoot me on general principle.”  Lija couldn't help but laugh at the gravity of the last statement. Looking deep in Maggie’s eyes he warned her. “Tell him it was my fault. I took advantage of your friendship. Maybe he'll take it out on me and not you. I never meant to cause a problem between you.”

 

Shaking her own head, silver flashed in the young woman’s eyes. She pulled away, angry.  “No. There were two of us in this bed. Two of us that I thought wanted each other just as much, felt just as connected to the other. I won’t be minimized. Oh, don’t blame the poor human. She didn’t know what she was doing. She can't be held responsible.” Her anger spent, the doctor sighed.  “I know you didn't mean to cause a problem and I didn’t mean to cause anyone to be hurt. I don't want Noah hurt but I am certainly not going to sit by and watch you hurt over me. It would tear me in two.”

 

Lija pulled her back to him and looked deeply into her eyes.  “Yes there were two people in this bed! And yes I want you so much it hurts! We are connected. We always will be. Can you blame me for caring about you? You are the best thing to happen to me in a long time. Do you think I want to throw all that away? I am drawn to you forever.”

 

Gazing into his beautiful eyes, she wanted nothing more than to lose herself in them. Surprised by the vehemence of his statements, Maggie found herself actually believing him, as the sentiment struck an answering chord in her own heart.  “I feel connected too and I want nothing more than shut out the world and stay here with you forever. Nobody understands me as well as you do.” Quietly she added, “Nobody gets through to the hidden places in my heart like you do.”  Shaking her head, she told him, “No, I don’t blame you for wanting to protect me. This silly human wants to protect you too.”  She relaxed and lay her head down on his chest.

 

Running his hand up and down her back, the Tore tried to relax, to push away all the doubt and fear of losing her, again... Again? He chased the thought but it was gone. Touching her skin made his flesh tingle in response. “I meant what I said last night...I love you Doc but maybe you should call and let everyone know you're okay. Then if you want... if you have nothing better to do... we can just stay here all day, just the two of us.”

 

The tingle of power along her skin as Lija ran his hand up and down her back soothed her and she purred without realizing it. “I love you too Lija.” Reaching up to stroke his cheek she added, “I cant explain how it happened or when but I do.”  Grimacing she admitted,  “I guess I should call someone to send out the all's clear sign though.  I'd love to spend the day with you.”  She smiled, nuzzling his neck.

 

“I don't think we even locked up when we left your house.” He grinned. “We were in kind of a hurry. You haven't had any trouble with the neighbors, right? So the house was probably safe.”

 

Biting her lip, the doctor thought about it, “I don’t think we did either. The neighbors shouldn't be a problem but if anyone stops by to check on me and finds it open, it wouldn’t be good. Best bet is probably for me to call Luna and have her go lock up and let everyone know I'm safe.”

 

“You may be right. They may think you were kidnapped. Then your brief time of being without guards may be at an end.”

 

Maggie rolled her eyes at that thought. “Lord save us. Luna was supposed to be checking on covens and checking into getting me a ‘conceal and carry’ permit today so she might have been stopping by anyway.” Yawning she asked, “Where is the phone?” Lija pointed to the phone on the bedside table beside him. Maggie looked at from the phone to her new lover. “Guess I have to, huh?”

 

He nudged her. “At least call Luna. She is connected to you just as I am. She worries about the prophecy too.”  As Maggie lay across him to use the phone, the druid traced circles on her back with his fingers.

 

Looking back to she gave him a quirky grin.  The touch of his fingers on her skin sent her nerve endings dancing.  “Why do you always have to be right druid?”

 

Smiling back he winked. “It's my job.”

 

Picking up the phone to dial Luna's home number, the doctor giggled and brushed his cheek with her fingertips while she waited for some one on the other end of the line. She was relieved to hear the answering machine pick up. She tried to put on her best normal sounding voice though the Tore’s hand on her back reeked havoc on her senses.  “Hey Looney Tunes. It's your kitten here. Um...I had to leave home abruptly with a patient last night. When you get this could you go lock up the house for me and get a message to Superman I'm okay. I’m not sure where to leave one for him. I'm going to be monitoring, “ giggling as the brush of the druid’s power from his fingertips tickles a sensitive spot on her back she momentarily forgot what she was saying. “Um… monitoring that patient's condition all day. Thanks oodles. Love ya lots. Bye.” Setting the phone down, she slid back to face the druid and kissed him deeply.  “That was SO not fair.”

 

“What?” He asked, giving her his best smile.  “How about if I clean out the tub and we can have another bath? Are you hungry? We can call room service.”

 

Nibbling his ear she whispered, “another bath sounds heavenly.”  She stopped, frowning for a minute as she thought.  “Hungry? Oh yeah, I guess I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday. I kept putting off dinner; then you came over... We should probably order something.”

 

“I'll get the tub ready. You call room service. Any thing you want. My treat.” Running his tongue down her neck to her chest he captured one of the woman’s nipples in his teeth, biting gently.

 

Gasping at his ministrations, she forgot what she was about to say.  “Okay, you keep that up and we won’t get a bath or food, not that I REALLY mind.” She ran her nails down his back then pulled him up for another kiss when he let go of her breast. Ending the kiss, she sighed. “We better order something to eat. I think we're gonna need the extra energy before the day is done.” Giggling at that thought, she reached for the room service menu.  “Is there anything you want?”

 

Chuckling, the druid got out of bed. “Order for me. I trust your judgment.” 

 

Enjoying the view, the doctor watched him walk naked into the bathroom. Only when he was out of sight did she turn back to the menu and dial room service. Not sure what to order, she chose a variety of things.  Figuring since he was a were, it wouldn’t go to waste. She ordered two steaks, two orders of eggs, one scrambled, one fried, assuming she’d eat whichever one he didn’t want, grilled potatoes, French toast, a pot of coffee for later and a couple of Mimosas along with a plate of fresh fruit to enjoy in the bath. After hanging up, she walked into the bathroom. “Hey, are there any robes around here? I really don’t want to give the bellboy a thrill when he shows up.”

 

Turning to answer her question, Lija couldn’t help but look Maggie up and down. “And what a thrill it would be for him too.”  He smiled then nodded back toward the bedroom.  “There is a robe in the closet. Be my guest.”  He turned back to draining the tub.

 

Blushing as much at his perusal as at his statement, she smiled as he turned back to the tub.  “Why thank you my Tore.” Giggling she added, “I can’t say I mind the view from here either.” She headed back out to find the robe. 

 

A bit later, Lija was still in the bathroom tidying up.  The young woman was staring out at the predawn sky over the city as she heard a knock at the door. Going to answer it, she signed the slip for the bellboy, adding on a generous tip on her lover’s behalf. After the door was closed, she called out. “Breakfast is served.”

 

Coming out of the bathroom, he found a smorgasbord of food laid out on the small table by the window. Raising an eyebrow he asked, “Hungry?”

 

Smiling, the doctor walked over to her tore and hugged him, looking up into his eyes. “For you, always.” Glancing over at the table, she giggled. “I guess I did go a bit overboard. I didn't know what you wanted.”

 

Relishing the hug, he kissed her cheek,  “It's okay. I told you to order for me. But we'd better eat before I change my mind and take you back to bed.”

 

“Right, eat, then bed, with another bath thrown in there somewhere.” Blushing as she realized what she had said, “I think you are a bad influence on me Lija.”

 

He grinned, “Well I could always use my magic wand and make it all go away.”

 

Maggie hugged him tighter, afraid of him disappearing. “Not on your life Druid.”

 

Running his hand along her back reassuringly, “I was only kidding.” He chuckled, “Let's eat. Like you said... We need our energy.”

 

Letting go of the young woman, the druid walked over to the dresser and retrieved a pair of blue sweatpants and a red tee. Pulling them on, he headed back toward the table by the wall of windows that enclosed his penthouse suite and the woman waiting for him.

 

She was trying to look busy removing lids, a bit nervous in unfamiliar territory. She smiled as she sat down, “Smells good huh?”

 

Lija walked over to the young doctor to kiss her cheek. “It smells great!” He reassured her as he sat down opposite her and looked at the spread. “You ordered quite the combo.”

 

“Thanks, I tried to cover all the bases as it were.” She blushed then giggled. “I think they thought I was crazy downstairs though.”

 

“Well considering they've been dealing with my crazy tastes... probably not.”

 

Smiling Maggie looked up at him. “Really? Have you been making odd requests my Tore?” Reaching across the table, she lightly brushed his cheek with her hand.

 

Smiling at the touch, he captured her hand and laid a gentle kiss on her palm before releasing it to answer. “Well about the only thing I like cooked well done is fish so I guess the kitchen is used to strange requests.”

 

“Rare meat isn’t hat odd of a request. I don’t like mine well done and I'm human. Then again, I am a rather unique human.” The doctor replied jokingly with a wink.

 

“That you are Goddess. I agree.”

 

Embarrassed, the young woman looked down at her food. “You know I can’t remember the last time I smiled or blushed so much but I'm glad I'm here.”

 

“I'm glad you're here too, no matter what comes.”

 

She bit her lip at the reminder that problems lie outside the door. The doctor turned her head to look out the window. “It's getting lot lighter. The sun should be coming over the horizon before too much longer.”

 

The druid sighed.  “Nice change of subject Doc.”

 

She looked back at him sheepishly.  “I'm sorry Lija. I'm just scared of what the future holds when we can’t stay here and pretend the rest of the world is gone anymore.”

 

Reaching over, Lija took Maggie’s hands in his. “Let it come. We'll face it together.”

 

Gazing hopefully into the druid’s eyes, the scientist found herself daring to believe him. She asked, somewhat surprised. “You really mean it don't you? You aren’t going to walk away or be chased away from me, from us?”

 

He smiled at her. “Yes Maggie I mean it. I won't walk away.”

 

She smiled back. “Good. I couldn’t bear it. I'm not going to give up on you now either. You mean too much to me.”

 

“Then I guess we fight the good fight.” He nodded.

 

“Equal partners in whatever comes.” The doctor asserted, determined not to repeat her mistakes of the past.

 

“Equal until it comes to the pain. When it comes, I don't want you to be around.” He brushed her cheek with his hand.

 

Pulling the druid’s hand away the young woman disagreed. She wasn’t making the same mistake she’d made with Noah too many times before. She was standing up for what she wanted this time.  “I'm not letting you suffer anything alone. If it comes to a physical fight, yes I will go where you tell me, do what you want. I know my presence would hurt you more than help. I would be a distraction, but that aside, we are in this together.”

 

“Maggie sometimes emotional pain is worse than physical pain.” He told her softly.

 

“I know.”  A brief haunted look crossed her face. “Believe me I know more that more than you realize. I'm not letting you suffer anything alone. I love you too much for that.”

 

“I love you too Maggie but I refuse to let you suffer for my indiscretions.” He smiled trying to lighten the mood. “Now eat before the food gets cold.”

 

The woman rolled her eyes. “Are you going to get as bad as Luna about worrying about me now?” She got up and moved around the table to sit in the young man’s lap.

 

He put his arm around her waist, looking from her to the food. “You know we are never going to eat.”

 

Giggling, she leaned in to shower him with kisses. “I don’t mind. Do you?”

 

“Luna will get upset if you don't eat and the last thing I want to do is upset Luna.” He teased.

 

 “But Luna's not here.” She pouted.

 

“So do you want to eat? Be a shame to let all this food go to waste.”

 

“Yeah, considering you're paying for it, and gave the bellboy SUCH a generous tip.” She winked at the druid and tried not to giggle.

 

He squeezed her waist and kissed her neck.  “You did huh?”

 

Smiling as he looked up at her, “Hmm… Oh yeah, the bellboy. Well I had to give him something to remember the delivery from besides the naked lady in the bathrobe that is clearly too long for her short legs. Consider it a well-placed bribe.” Leaning in she kissed him deeply.

 

Pulling out of the kiss he admitted. “You know I could get used to this but first, we both need to eat.”

 

Maggie relaxed, secure in his arms. “I could get used to it too.” She sighed, sitting up to move. “I know. The food is going to get cold. I'll try to behave.”

 

Lija grinned devilishly.  “I misbehave enough for both of us.”

 

The young doctor gave him a mock shocked look.  “You? Never! You are all that is good and sweet. You just hide it well.” Giggling she added, “REALLY well from some.”

 

“Me hide things?” He asked, amused.

 

Putting her arms around his shoulders, she reached back to play with his hair and gave him a mischievous grin.  “What was I thinking? Of course not, you never keep anything secret or project a ‘bad-ass’ image to keep those you don’t trust away. That must be some other Tore I know.”

 

 Smiling, he kissed her again, taking in her scent. “We need to eat.”

 

Grinning she asked, “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

 

“I think it's both.” He admitted chuckling. “Tell you what.... let's eat and then we can have that bath.”

 

Staring at his mouth, she ran her fingertips along his lips. “You know I don’t think I ever heard you laugh before last night. I love your laugh. It's so musical and when I'm this close to you, it tickles.” Finally registering what he had said, she asked, “Resorting to bribery to get me to eat huh?” The doctor grinned. “Works for me.”

 

“Bribery is one of my best suits.” He smiled as she got up and moved to the other side of the table.

 

The pair settled in to eat breakfast, dividing up the plates and teasing one another about what other uses they might find for the pancake syrup later in the day. It surprised Maggie how easily they fell into the role of lovers considering it was still so new. She might have explained it away that it was their growing friendship that allowed her to feel so comfortable here in a strange man’s hotel suite, with no thought to how it might affect others she loved.

 

She knew it was more than that though. It just felt right to be there. It was a bond that felt a far stronger than the short months Lija had been in town could account for. Somewhere deep in her heart, she knew that their coming together was no coincidence. Maybe the druid was right and they had been together in a past life. She certainly couldn’t think of any other way to explain the way he perfectly fit the missing piece of her heart, and touched her soul.

 

The city started to take on a new light as the sun began to rise. “This must be one of the best views to be had of the city.” Maggie whispered looking out.

 

Sighing, Lija agreed. “I suppose. I love sitting here in the mornings. Makes the bad stuff vanish. Well mostly.”

 

Smiling as she watched the sunrise start to rise over the horizon, it painted the sky behind the city line a variety of shades of pink and even purple melting into blues. “It is breathtaking.”

 

Turning his gaze from the window back his young lover, he could see the colors reflected in her eyes. “It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.”

 

Looking away from the window, she caught his gaze. Blushing she asked,  “Enough to make the bad stuff vanish?”

 

“More than enough.” Pushing back his chair, the druid stood. Walking around the table he lifted the doctor up, kissed her lips and held her to him. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

 

Running a hand up his chest to wrap around his neck, she pulled him down for another kiss.  “I think I have a pretty good idea. You do the same thing to me.”

 

Breaking the kiss before he lost all control, the druid looked into her eyes. “You know the rest of our food is going to get really cold.”

 

The young woman giggled, “Really. I hadn’t noticed.” There was mischievous twinkle in her eye when she asked, “Are you still hungry?”

“I think my appetite has changed somewhat.” Walking over to the bed, he lay down pulling her with him. “Maybe I'll just have you instead.”

 

“I'm all yours.” The woman admitted, blushing. She looked from him in his sweats and tee shirt to me down to the robe she was wearing. “I think we might be a little overdressed for this meal though.”

 

“Hmm… I think your right.” He quickly pulled off his tee shirt then helped Maggie out of the robe. He pulled her down into a rough kiss, rubbing his hands over her back and down her butt. “Better?”

 

Focusing on his bare chest, the touch of his hands makes her feel like she’s coming alive again. Pulling out of the kiss, she purred, “Much better for me.”

 

Moving down, she licked her way from his lips, along his jaw to his earlobe, which she lightly nibbled. Then she moved further down to nuzzle his neck before licking a trail down his chest to his nipple, which she gently bit. Her hands glided along his chest to reach the waistband of his sweat pants.

 

Raising his hips, he helped her take the sweats off, kicking them to the floor. Gently kissing her breasts, then moving up to her neck, the tore nipped at the skin over her pulse point. He could feel her heart, her blood racing. He could even feel the bit of beast she had just beneath the surface.

 

Feeling desire rise, her heart raced, that part of Maggie that was connected to pard uncurled and was engaged fully when he nipped at her pulse point. Pulling his face up for a long kiss, when her eyes opened, the irises were completely silver. Running her hands over his chest, she moved lower. Without any clothes to stop her, the woman gently grasped his manhood in her hand. “You worshipped my body last night. Would you like me to return the favor?” She smiled impishly as he gasped at her touch.

 

When he could speak, he grinned. “You don't have to do that.”

 

Grinning back, she licked his check as her fingers relaxed and slowly stroked him.  “I know, but I love you, everything about you. I just wanted to show you how much you mean to me.”

 

“I think you have already, by staying with me last night.” Closing his eyes to enjoy the feel of her hand, he added, “You don't have to prove anything to me.”

 

Nibbling his earlobe as she continued to gently tease him below, she whispered, “Last night wasn’t about proving anything to you. It was about needing you desperately and not being able to stand the thought of leaving your side.” Grinning she added, “but if I'm boring you..” She started to lift her head away and let go of the hold she had on his hard member.

 

“Boring?  You? Never.” He rolled them over then flipped the woman onto her stomach. “Never tease a were.” His eyes had turned a dark emerald as he slowly entered her from behind, his beast taking over.

 

Surprised by the sudden change in positions, Maggie gasped as Lija entered her. As she felt her sheath stretch to accommodate him, his power surrounded her, calling to that piece of beast in her. She half moaned, half growled out his name, trying to reach behind to touch him, encouraging him not to leave any space between their bodies.

 

He trapped her hands and arms above her head as he rid her. Her growl only heightened his desire but he moved slowly not wanting to rush. He wanted her to feel everything, to know every sensation. He licked her back leaving a warm wet line to her neck, and nipping her earlobes.

 

As he had grabbed her hands, that piece of beast in her growled again, this time in frustration at not being able to touch him as she wanted. The frustration was quickly lost to overwhelming desire as she felt him lick his way up her body. Her beast purred as his gentle bites sent waves of pleasure through her. As the tension continued to build from his measured thrusts, she moaned out a plea for release. “LIJA…”

 

“Ssh… not yet. Wait.” He slowed further, barely moving inside her. He could feel his own beast longing for release but he won't let it. “Just hold on, a little longer.”

 

Squirming beneath him, not knowing what he was waiting for, the woman growled in frustration.  Hearing her growl again, he knows she is at her breaking point. He quickened the pace a little at a time. As he began to move, slowly gaining momentum, the woman’s already racing heart felt like it would pound its way out of her chest. The bit of beast in her was fully engaged, encouraging the Tore on. Their breathing increased, both their hearts racing along. Her beast could fell the pulse of desire from his answering her own. As the beasts below the surface tried to merge, Lija thrust harder and faster, sending them both over the edge. It felt white hot and breathtaking. It was pain and pleasure combined as one. He finally let go of her hands, and slipped out of her before collapsing beside his lover, relishing in the power.

 

Having never felt anything so intense before, Maggie was overwhelmed, too weak to move for the moment. She lay beside the druid letting the power dissipate around them, feeling more connected to him than ever. Finally starting to recover, she tentatively reached out to stroke his cheek. Smiling, her voice a bit hoarse, she mumbled, “Never tease a were huh?”

 

He smiled in return, grasping her hand to gently kiss it before releasing it again. She slowly lifted her sated body up to crawl over and lie on his chest. She scooted up to gently kiss him before settling back down on his chest, using his shoulder as a pillow. Her voice was stronger as she told him, “Now I know why you wanted me to eat more. I think you just burned away everything I ate and then some. Not that I’m complaining.” She added the last with a mischievous grin.

 

Laughing he kissed the top of her head. “Well we can always order more.”

 

Feeling safe in his arms, she reached up to kiss the pulse point on his neck then sighed.  “Well we still have food out there I think, but you're all I really want.”

 

“I think you've had me Goddess.”

 

She ran a lazy finger over his lips.  “I know, I'm a greedy little human. Whatever will you do with me druid?”

 

“Oh I have a few ideas.” He grinned devilishly.

 

Blushing she conceded, “I'm sure you do.”

 

“Of course I'm sure you could think of a few yourself.” He looked down at the woman, amazed that she was really there.

 

Maggie had an impish twinkle in her eye when she replied.  “Well now that you mention it… I'm finding I am much more daring that I ever thought. Who would have known teasing a were could lead to so much fun?”

 

Smiling he absent-mindedly ran his fingers along her side. “I have a confession to make.

 

Purring at his touch she asked, “Oh really?”

 

“Uh huh. How can I put this without sounding like… an idiot. You are the first woman I've been with in over a year.” He was a bit guarded, waiting her reaction.

 

Surprised, the young doctor blushed.  “I'm honored. I hope I was worth the wait.”

 

Smiling he told assured her, “Oh trust me, you were well worth it.  I was afraid I'd get carried away and hurt you.  That's why I hesitated so much. I never wanted to get involved before because I was afraid Tabitha would hurt whoever I found just to piss me off.”

 

Smiling at his reassurance, her face grew more serious at the mention of his former Nimir-Ra.  “I can understand your worries where that crazy woman was concerned but as for you hurting me, I know you never would.” Reaching up to brush the hair away from his face, she told him, “I guess we both just had to be brave enough to take the leap.”

 

They shared another kiss before he pulled back to look down at her. “Still want that food or should we just go soak in the tub?”

 

Hiding her face in the crook of his neck, the young woman is a bit embarrassed to admit anything at first. She finally quietly tells him, “Well I am probably going a little sore after that last round. Maybe a hot soak would be good for us. We could take the fruit and mimosas in there with us.”

 

The druid’s face was suddenly drawn with concern. “I'm sorry if I hurt you. I knew I shouldn't have…” Scooting away from her, he got up and headed into the bathroom.

 

Sighing, the young doctor watched him go. Mustering her strength, she stood on slightly wobbly legs and followed him in. Walking over near the tub, she reached out and hugged the man, pressing her body close to his. “You didn’t hurt me. I'm fine. I loved what you did, what we did together. Don't be sorry.” She brushed her hand along his cheek and kissed his chest before looking up for a response.

 

“No more sex for awhile. I forgot that you're human and you can't take as much punishment as a were.” He told her as he started the bath water running.

 

Smiling the woman grabbed the bubble bath and added it to the bath. Then she sat down on the edge of the tube and pouted up at him.  “Thanks to my link to Luna, I can handle more than the average human, not as much as true were but I can use the link to increase healing. We've done it before.” Reaching out she ran her hand along his chest. “Define a while. I don’t think I could stand to be away from you too long.”

 

“Nothing says we can't spend time together. There is cuddle time.” He told her grinning. “But I don't want to hurt you Doc.” Running his hand up her back he confessed, “Of course I may have to rethink all I just said.”

 

“I know you don't want to hurt me. Cuddling sounds good. Of course anything sounds good as long as it includes you.” Feeling the nerves tingle along her back at his touch she added, “Umm… I knew you couldn’t resist me long.” Giggling she asked, “You want to grab the fruit plate and the Mimosas from the table in the living room? We can snack in the tub and see what comes to mind from there.”

 

Turning off the water, he chuckled. “Sure I'll do that. You go ahead and get in.”

 

The young woman enjoyed the view as he walked out into the other room. When he was out of sight, she climbed into the tub. Sinking into the warm water and bubbles, she sighed, allowing the heat and the scents to relax her.

Walking back in, the druid saw his lover sitting the tub with her eyes closed. He set the food on the floor near the tub and climbed in opposite her, with drinks in hand. “You okay?”

 

Smiling, she opened her eyes and reached out for one of the Mimosas. “Blissfully good. How about you.”

 

Handing her a drink, he told grinned. “I'm great.”

 

The pair of young lovers settled in for a nice soak. Both of them knew this little piece of bliss away from their responsibilities couldn’t last indefinitely. Still, neither realized how rough the waters were truly about to get. Their bonding was a small ripple in the sea of humanity but its effects would be further reaching than they could ever have imagined.

 

 

 

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Maggie’s Note:  ahem….I felt that the characters needed this chapter to bond before they faced the challenges to come…. Besides The much quoted “Never Tease a Were” line had to be finally explained after all. LOL. If you made it this far, I hope it gave you a bit of the fun it gave us in writing it.