Disclaimer: All characters of StarGate and StarGate Atlantis belong to their respective writers and MGM. This is a work of fan fiction. I just want to play with them for awhile.
Retribution
copyright 2009 awakethepassion
“Elizabeth, can I talk to you for a second?”
She looked up at him and a slight smile crossed her pretty features. “Absolutely, Colonel.” She waved a hand at the chair in front of her desk. “Please, have a seat.”
She was still smiling as he sat down then she got up and walked to the door. She closed it and when she turned back around her expression had turned serious. “Actually, Colonel...I've been hoping that you'd show up this morning.”
“Really?” John asked, feigning surprise. “Why?”
“I had a rather interesting visitor this morning.” Her fingers trailed over the file on the desk in front of her. She raised an eyebrow slightly. “I take it that you're familiar with a Doctor Sharon Arnold?”
He glanced at the file and then tensed when he saw the name written on it. He clasped his hands, lacing his fingers together to keep from digging his nails into his palms. That god damn bitch!
Elizabeth sighed. “I can see from your expression that you do.” She slid the file across the desk. “I was hoping that you might enlighten me on just what the hell is going on.”
He looked at the file like it was some kind of dangerous animal. “There's nothing going on. At least not what you might think.”
“John, listen...” She leaned forward slightly, resting her hands in front of her. “We're friends...aren't we?”
“You know we are.”
“And you know that I have never have and never will interfere with your personal life...”
“Then don't start now.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
Her eyes widened in surprise. “John!”
He rubbed a hand across his face. “Listen, Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. You didn't deserve that.”
“Then what she says is true?” Elizabeth relaxed a bit but not by much. He was tense, on edge...coiled like a snake ready to strike. His body practically vibrated with emotion.
“Depends on what she said.” He leaned back in the chair and crossed his legs. He gave her an intense look and she shifted slightly in her chair. He knew he was making her even more uncomfortable than she was already was but right at the moment he really didn't care. “And I'm hoping that you'll tell me.”
She looked down at the file again and then up at him. “John...” She sighed and he could tell that she was trying to think of the right words to say. She chewed on her lip and then finally looked up at him.
“If you're having a problem...”
“I'm not having a problem.” He gave her a level look. “Elizabeth, I can tell from your face that you know all about what happened on movie night. ”
“I don't think that there's anyone in the city that doesn't. But I don't listen to gossip.” She smirked slightly and then her expression turned completely serious. “I know that you can handle things pretty well yourself, but if you are having a problem...John, I would hope that we're friends enough that you would confide in me.”
“I told you, I'm not having a problem.” He tapped a finger against the file. “And especially not with this, lady. I can assure you that what people saw or what they think they saw, is not necessarily what happened.”
“According to Doctor Arnold, you are and it was.”
“Then Doctor Arnold is mistaken. If anything, she is the one I'm having the problem with.” His eyes darkened with anger. “But I can handle her.”
“Then Doctor Walker...this thing with her...” His gaze flickered slightly and she saw the rush of heat that reddened his face at just the mention of her name. “is it...are the two of you...serious?”
“Yes.” He said it simply and without hesitation. “Deeply and truly.”
A knowing smile crossed her face and suddenly she understood the look in his eyes. Reaching out she picked up the file, opened a drawer in her desk and dropped it inside. “Then I'll leave you to take care of it.”
Smiling, she leaned back in her chair and smiled at him.
“Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”
~~
“Colonel Sheppard...John!”
He tensed when he heard that reedy voice behind him and he picked up his pace. He could hear her foot steps behind him, hurrying to catch up.
“John!” She called out again, closer this time. “I need to talk to you. It's about Doctor Walker!”
This time he did stop. Shit. He shook his head slightly. Dammit, he should have known better than to show that woman even a seconds worth of his attention. All he'd meant to do was tease Susan, make her nuts and even a little bit jealous.
Now it was all coming back to bite him hard on the ass.
Plastering what he hoped was a neutral smile on his face, he turned around and had to take a step back. God damn, the woman was fast! She was nearly on top of him.
“Sharon...” He nodded slightly.
“Good morning, Colonel.” She laid her hand on his arm and smiled. “I was hoping to catch you this morning, maybe invite you to have breakfast with me so that we could discuss our...mutual problem. I hope you don't mind but I've already arranged a meeting with Doctor Weir to discuss her behavior.” She smiled like a simpering school girl and stroked her fingers over his arm. “I was hoping that you would join me.”
“I'm getting ready to go on duty.”
“But you've still got time don't you?”
His eyes narrowed slightly and his hand curled into a fist. He took a deep breath. It was now or never and he knew that he might as well get it over with. “No. There's not going to be a meeting, Sharon. It's been called off.”
He turned to go but she grabbed his arm and pulled him back around to face her.
“Then you agree with me...” She smiled. “I'm so glad, John-”
“I had a little talk of my own with, Elizabeth.” Something dark flashed in her eyes and her fake smile faltered when he removed her hand from his arm. “I thought it was time to set a few things straight.”
“What things?”
He leaned forward slightly. “Stop it.”
“What?” She tried to act surprised.
“Drop the act.”
“What act?” She tried to touch him again but he moved out of her reach.
“You're not innocent, Sharon.” He smiled cruelly. “You went to Elizabeth...behind my back.”
“I-”
“Shut up.” He raised a warning hand. “You never were Susan Walker's competition and you never will be.”
“How did you-”
“Do you remember when you went to her office? Do you remember when you threatened her? When you promised her you'd do whatever you could to get her kicked out of Atlantis?”
Her face went white.
“You couldn't have...how-” She was spluttering now.
“Because I was under the desk the entire time...and then you had to interrupt us.” He loomed over her, pushing her back. “But it didn't matter how mad you made her because it just made the taste of her so much sweeter...”
The realization of he meant hit her and her eyes went wide and she struck at him like a snake. Her hand whipped up and his head rocked back when she slapped him hard across the face.
“You son of a bitch. You used me.” She was shaking with fury.
“Yes.” He admitted, his jaw stung where she'd struck him but he ignored the pain. “But no more than you used me.”
“You used me to make that...that cow...jealous?”
“Shut your mouth.” His palm itched and it was all he could do to not slap that arrogant look off her face He took a menacing step toward her and her face paled.“I'm not going to lie about using you to make her jealous and I let you slap me because I deserved it. But I won't hear you talk about her that way.”
(Needs to be finished)
“Doctor Walker?”
At the sound of the voice behind her, Susan felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Slowly, she turned around to face the man...boy...standing behind her.
Her hands clenched into fists at her side. “What do you want, Jake?”
She was tired and sore after her night with Sheppard. All she really wanted to do was finish up and get back to her quarters and maybe get some sleep before she shared her bed with Sheppard again.
She didn't need this shit.
“I...” He cleared his throat. “I just wanted to...”
“Apology accepted.” Susan answered roughly and pointed at the door. “Now please leave.”
His head snapped up and a dark expression crossed his face. Slowly he took a step toward her.
“Don't be stupid, Jake.” She took a step back. “I meant what I said last time.”
“All I wanted to do was apologize.” His voice was low. Dangerous. “I know things got a little heated between us.”
“There is no thing between us, Jake.” She shook her head. “There never was and there never will be.”
“Why?” He sneered as he moved closer. “Because you're Sheppard's whore?”
She gave him a cold look. “Get out.”
“What's the matter, Doc?” He moved closer. “Are you so wrapped up in that pretty boy that you can't handle a real man?” His lips twisted into a nasty smile, his fingers reaching to undo the buckle on his belt.
“Jake...”
“I heard that you like it hard and rough.” His fingers were on his zipper. “Smart mouth, whore.” He licked his tongue over his lips. His eyes were shining with lust, the smell of his animal like arousal hanging heavy in the air. “I'm really going to enjoy hearing you scream.”
He lunged forward but before he could touch her his face went red and he dropped to the floor. He was on his knees, bent forward, his arm twisted up behind his back. Sheppard was behind him, his face dark with fury, his mouth set in a grim line.
Lightly, he moved his hand over Jake's wrist and the younger man howled with pain.
“You lay one hand on her and I will rip your god damn arm off.”
He said it quietly but Susan heard the dangerous tone in his voice. Jake squirmed trying to break Sheppard's hold on his arm. John barely moved, his fingers skimmed over the younger man's wrist and Jake screamed like a girl.
“John, don't!” Hearing booted feet heading their way down the hallway, she stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm. “He's not worth it.”
But he wasn't hearing her. His eyes narrowed angrily and he tightened his hold, wrenching Jake's arm up a little higher. Jake's face went white and he looked like he was about to pass out.
“John...”
“He touched you.” His gaze went to her arm and then he looked at her, an accusing look in his dark eyes and he turned his attention back to Jake. He tightened his grip and Jake howled and went to his knees. John leaned over him, a grim smile on his face. “I ought to break it off and shove it down your damn throat.”
Susan tightened her grip on his arm. John was so angry. He looked mad enough to kill and she knew that if she couldn't get him to listen, if she couldn't get him to stop then they'd both regret it.
“John, please...listen to me. Let him go. Let your men handle him.”
He turned on her angrily, his lips twisted in a nasty snarl. “You're defending this little shit? After what he-”
“No.” She said softly. “I'm trying to stop you from making a mistake.”
Something cold touched his eyes. He let go of Jake's arm and shoved him roughly against the wall. Breathing hard, he turned to her. He started to say something and then stopped as Lorne practically skidded into the room. He halted, his gaze going from Sheppard to the figure leaning against the wall, groaning and whimpering in pain.
He stepped forward slightly and gave Sheppard a questioning look. “Sir?”
“Get him out of here.” He barked and gave a curt nod toward Jake. “Take him to the infirmary. Get Beckett to check his arm out, make sure its not broken, lock him up for a few hours so he can cool down and then let him go.”
“But, sir...” Lorne looked at her and then at Sheppard. He hesitated and from the look in his eyes he knew what was going on. “Are you sure...?”
“Just do it, Major.” He snapped angrily then he took a deep breath and gave her look so full of hurt that her breath caught in her throat.. “Doctor Walker seems to think I've made a mistake.”
“John, please...don't be like this-” She reached out a hand but he only stepped back out of her reach.
Then he turned, pushed past Lorne and strode angrily from the room.
Sadly Susan watched him go, feeling like her heart was going to break. She looked down at her hand and felt the tears well up in her eyes.
Jesus, what had she done?
~~
For the rest of the day she threw herself into her work. She was hurting. Hurting so much that all she wanted to do was go back to her quarters, curl up on her bed and cry herself silly for being such a fool. But she couldn't do it. That angry part of her refused to back down, refused to take all the blame. Refused to let her make an idiot of herself.
But she knew deep down that she had made a serious mistake. Not only where Sheppard was concerned but with Jake too. It had pleased her to see him on his knees, groveling and howling in pain but it hurt her even worse to think of what might have happened. And she couldn't let that happen to John. Not because of her stupidity.
“We need to talk.”
She started when a shadow fell across her desk and a strong hand touched the back of her lab coat. Shit! She looked up, Sheppard was standing over her. His face was grim, his lips set in a thin hard line. Every line of his body was tense.
She tensed and turned back to her computer. “I'm busy.”
“Then get un-busy.”
“Sheppard, I don't...”
“Not here.” He pushed the top of the lap top down, nearly catching her hands on the key board. “Now get up.”
“Sheppard! What the hell do you think you're doing?” She jerked back. The room had stilled and she knew that people were watching but she really didn't care.
“I told you...not here.” He slipped his hand under her elbow and practically dragged her out of her chair. He didn't wait for a protest and from the furious look on his face, he wouldn't have cared or listened to one. He just pulled her along with him and expected her to keep up.
“Where do you think you're hauling me off to?”
“Some place a little more private.” He led her down the hallway, taking twists and turns until a door opened and she found herself standing on the steps leading down to the East Pier.
“What the hell are we doing out here?”
“I told you. We need to talk.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Now shut up and sit down.”
She pushed his hand away. “I think you'd better tell me what's going on, Sheppard. Now.”
“And I think you'd better shut up and sit down.”
Her eyes narrowed angrily. “I put up with a lot from you, Sheppard. But I'll be damned if I'll put up with this.”
She turned around and started to walk away but his next words stopped her.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
She turned back slowly. “What?”
“Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.” A shadow crossed his face. His voice sounded thin and strained. “And don't try to lie either. You're better than that.”
“Maybe it was none of your business.”
“None of my business? God damn it!” He shouted, his hands gripped the railing until they turned white. “I could have killed that little son of a bitch for touching you...for hurting you! But you stopped me!” His face was livid with rage. “Why? Why did you do that?”
“Because I didn't want you to make a mistake.” She shouted back at him. “John...” She took a step toward him and he tensed. “I didn't want you to do something...lose everything...because of me. I'm not that important.”
“The hell you're not! God damn it, you're important to me!”
She blinked and then a small smile touched her lips. “Well, John Sheppard...you sound like you almost actually care.”
“Don't make fun of me.” He'd put his shades on the minute they'd stepped outside but now he yanked them off and tucked them into his pocket.
“I'm not making fun of you.”
“Then stop being a damn fool.” He uncrossed his arms and moved toward her until he was looming over her. “I do care about you. Or do you think I just want you for the sex?”
“Don't you?” God, please don't let him say yes...
He touched her face. “Yes, I want your body.”
Her heart fell to her feet and she had to blink to fight back the tears but he surprised her when he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her mouth.
“Don't you know how you make me feel? The smell of your skin...the way you taste. Woman, you feel so good under me and when I'm inside you...” His body trembled with desire.”You're so tight...no matter how many times I take you, you're so incredibily tight that all I want to do is ride you until you're screaming my name.” His breath caught in his throat. “But honey, I want more too.”
“How much more?” She had to know. His words sent fire flaming through her belly but still, she had to know.
“All of it. All of you.” He shook his head.
She bristled. “Does that include controlling me too? I'm not some little wilting flower that needs a big strong man to...”
“Stop it.” He dropped his hand. Every line of his body was tense and his eyes sparked with fury. “Just stop being a bitch for one second and listen to me.”
“Bitch?” Her eyes narrowed angrily. “I'll show you how much of a bitch I can be.”
“Susan, stop it!” He yelled at her again and his voice was hoarse with anger. Then he sighed and shook his head. When he spoke his voice was much softer. “Please...just stop it.”
They stood there staring at one another and then he slowly took a step toward her.
“I'm sorry.” He looked at her for a moment and then all the fight seemed to go out of both of them. “I don't want to fight with you. Not like this.”
“I don't want to fight with you either.”
“Then don't.” His eyes looked sad but his expression was completely serious. He reached out and touched her arm, his fingers brushing lightly over the spot were the bruise was hidden under her shirt. “Do you really think I'd be doing this if I didn't care? I could have helped you the first time, Susan. All you had to do was tell me. I would have put a stop to it. I would have made sure that bastard would have never touched you again.”
She pushed his hand away but he caught it and pressed it to his chest. “I don't need a white knight coming to my rescue, Sheppard. I can take care of myself.”
He smiled slightly. “I know.”
“I'm not some damsel in distress...” Her heart was thudding in her chest, her blood racing through her veins.
“I know.” He stepped closer, his hand lightly caressing over her arm.
“I can kick your ass if I want too.”
“I know...”
His hand trailed up, softly stroking her neck and Susan's breath caught in her throat at the sensation of his fingers caressing over her skin. His fingers caught in the back of her hair, pulling her closer until she was against his chest.
“Touch me.”
“Why?”
“Because I want you to. Because I asked you too.” There was a slight catch in his voice and to Susan's ears it sounded a little like a desperate plea. “Because I need you to.”
His breath was a whisper against her mouth, his words so soft and sensual that she had no choice but to obey. She slid her hands over him, feeling the taunt muscles under the black uniform shirt he wore. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his warmth. She rested her head against his chest and breathed in the warm spicy scent of him. Unable to resist, she undid the top buttons of his shirt and pressed her mouth to his skin, her tongue darting out to taste him.
He chuckled and she felt the vibrations all the way down to her toes.
“And you call me insatiable.” He ran his hands over her back, sliding down to cup her ass and pull her even closer.
“Careful, Sheppard.” She slipped her arms around his waist and nestled against him. “Someone might see us.”
“I don't care.” He leaned down and kissed her, sliding his mouth over her lips. He pressed his forehead against hers and looked directly into her eyes. “I don't care if the whole god damn city sees us.”
“Including Sharon?”
“Especially, Sharon.” He kissed her again, harder and more insistent. “You're mine, Suzie Q. No bleach blond ice princess is gonna take you away from me and neither is some horny little boy. But if he touches you again...I swear to you, God and everybody else, I will kill that son of a bitch.”
He raised his head and when she saw the look in his eyes, Susan's heartbeat tripled in rate. She pressed a hand against his chest. His heart was beating almost as fast as hers and his body heat had kicked up a notch.
He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up so that she had to look at him. “Don't you know that you are the only woman in Atlantis that can tie me into a knot?” He pressed his lips to her forehead in a gentle kiss. “Or the only woman that I'll ever let tie me down?”
“Sheppard...” She licked her suddenly dry lips. “What are you...?”
“Trying to say?” His lips quirked slightly. “I'm not saying anything that you don't already know. But if you need me to say it, I will.”
She took a deep breath and looked directly into his eyes. “Say it.”
“I love you.” And there was no hesitation in his voice.
Oh, God! He really meant it!
He smiled and brushed his fingers over her cheek. “Now, what about you?”
She didn't hesitate either and the words she'd been longing to tell him spilled out of her mouth. “I love you, too.”
He sighed and brushed his lips across hers. “Me or the way I make you scream?”
“All of it, Sheppard. I love it all. Especially you.” She laughed softly, slipped her arms around his waist, slid back into his arms and pressed her cheek against his chest. “Why do I have the feeling that this relationship just took a very serious turn?”
“Because it did.” He ran his hands over her back, then reached down to tilt her face up to his so that he could kiss her again. “It changed the minute you had the balls to kiss me in front of everyone.” He touched her face, his fingers gentle and warm. “I knew you would have to fight back sooner or later. And I'm so glad it was so much sooner than later.” He grinned and tapped a finger on the end of her nose. “Although trying to knock me senseless so you could tie me to the bed was a dirty trick. I still owe you for that one.”
“I think you already got your payback for that one.” She grinned and then reached up to wrap her fingers around his wrist.
“Baby, I haven't even gotten started making you pay yet.” He laughed softly. “And I'm going to enjoy every minute of making you do it.”
Her eyes sparkled with laughter. “I won't stop fighting you.”
“I'd be pissed if you did.” He brushed his thumb over her lips. “And I don't want you to ever lie to me either.”
“I never lied to you.” She kept her gaze steady with his. “About anything.”
He smirked. “Not tell me the whole truth then.” His expression darkened slightly. He ran his hand over her arm.
The bruise had begun to fade but the shape of where Jake's fingers had gripped her were still visible.
“I mean what I say, Susan. You are mine and I love you. I know you can take care of yourself but it doesn't mean I won't try and protect you if I think you need me.”
“John...”
“Don't argue with me, love.” He pressed a finger against her lips and shook his head, his expression saying that he wasn't going to listen to her protest. “No one will touch you. No one will hurt you.” He gave her a wicked smile. “That's my job.”
“And you're really great at it.” She laughed and raised up on tiptoe to kiss him again.
“I'm glad that you agree.” He gave her a lop sided grin.
She narrowed her eyes. “There's that look again.”
“What look?”
“That sneaky 'I've got something up my sleeve' look.”
“Oh, I am up to something.” He smiled slyly, taking her hand, he pressed her fingers over the front of his pants. “But my sleeve doesn't have a damn thing to do with it.”
“Is it something big?” She squeezed slightly and he gasped against her mouth.
“Naughty, naughty girl.” He took hold of her hand and pulled it back up to his chest. “What am I gonna do with you?”
“Want me to show you?” She gave him a wily grin.
“Why don't I show you?” He leaned down and kissed her again then he let her go and stepped back. Gently, he ran his hand down her arm to tightly grip her hand. “How do you feel about another surprise?”
~~
From the shadows a pair of bright blue eyes turned dark with fury, watched them walk away. Sharon's lips thinned into a grim line as Sheppard stopped and put his arms around the woman, pulling her to him in a possessive kiss. A flash of cold fury gripping her at the way his hands moved over her hated rival.
Sheppard's words still echoed in her mind and all she could think of was how badly she wanted to make him pay. White hot anger ripped through her as she watched them walk away, waiting until they disappeared back up the steps before she turned and looked at the young man standing beside her. “Why didn't you get rid of her?”
“That son of a bitch Sheppard.” He rolled his shoulder. His arm still felt numb and the pain in his wrist was a dull throb.
“Bullshit.” She snarled. “You're just not working hard enough, Jakie.” She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a baleful stare. “I gave you a job to do and I expect you to do it.”
How?” He sneered back at her. “I can't get her alone. The bastard is always following around her like a dog in heat.”
She stepped closer to him and cocking her head slightly, stared at him with cold, angry eyes. “Then I suggest you had better find a way to make sure that Susan Walker disappears.”
“Why don't you do it then?” He hissed back at her. “You want her gone so badly do the job yourself.”
She turned on him angrily. “I don't know which one of you is the bigger fool. You for sniffing after that cow or Sheppard for letting her talk him into letting you go.”
His face turned red and his hands clenched into fists. “Go to hell.”
“What's the matter, Jakie? Did I hit a sore spot?” She poked him in the shoulder, making him wince. “You're the puppy that's been sniffing after her. You want a taste of what Sheppard's getting so badly that you can't see straight.” She goaded him. “But you don't have the balls to go and get it.”
“Just like you're so desperate to have that pretty boy between your thighs.” He snarled. “Don't think I haven't been watching you. I've seen the way you look at him. The way you lick your lips. You want him in your mouth so bad that you can't stand it.”
She pulled back her hand and slapped him hard, making his head snap back against the wall. Pressing her hand against his chest, she shoved him back. “I want that bitch gone, Jake...and I don't give a damn how. But you had better do it.”
Her scowl darkened, transforming her face from that of a cool beauty to an ugly demon out for revenge.
“Tonight.”
~~
“Well?” John stood back and waited for her to step into the room. “What do you think?”
“You're kidding, right?” She moved toward the glass door leading out onto the balcony. She opened it and stepped out. The breeze blowing off the ocean was warm but not as warm as the pair of arms that wrapped around her from behind.
“I'm not kidding.” His lips brushed against her temple. “It's ours...if we want it.”
“But Doctor Weir-”
“Knows.” He laughed and she felt the rumble in his chest against her back. “I had to tell her why I was suddenly so interested in a bigger set of quarters.” He shifted slightly and rested his chin on the top of her head. “She didn't seem that surprised either.”
“Oh, crap...” She leaned back against him and reached up to run her hand over his arm.
“That doesn't sound good.” He turned her around so that she was facing him. “If you think this is going too fast I'll-”
“Will you just shut up.” She kissed him lightly on the mouth. “Of course I want it, you big idiot. Just like I want you.”
“Good.” He tightened his arms around her and held her close. “But there is one thing I have to show you before we get completely moved in.”
Taking her hand, he pulled her after him, leading her back in and a short hallway. He stopped in front of a door and pulled her in front of him. Reaching down he grasped her wrists and pulled her hands up to her face. “Cover your eyes.”
“What are you-”
“Do it or I won't show you.”
She felt his arm brush against her and she heard the soft sound of the door sliding open. He gently put his hand on her back and pushed her inside.