New York

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

As Meredith responded to the words he had spoken earlier Jamie resisted the urge to sit closer. .the urge actually was much more then that but either way he didn't think that was a good idea. Their bond, as Death do you part it may be, was still too new in his mind. Such familiarity in so short of a time was likely to alarm her.

But the nature of the situation was that whatever their desires on the matter a certain degree of familiarity was envitable. He was for some reason captivated by her thoughts, the emotional awareness he could read almost as well as his own. The concern over exactly what he was. Jamie was almost tempted to laugh aloud. So many forgot War used man's best to achieve man's worst. Though the former Abrams gunner thought little of such poetic philosophy. To the Southside Demon War was simply what he was. He found meaning in the conflict, found his place in the grand scheme of things. Though the strength such trials imbued he found the freedom he craved. And the family he both wanted and needed. So much that he had risked his life time and time again for that family.

The reports of constantly firing AK-47s filled the air, the burning wreck of a once fine tank filled the sky with black smoke. In the shadow of the flames and smoke three figures could be seen. A towering figure, his face a lacerated and bleeding mess, slivers of blackened steel studding it. In his hands a M4 carbine, its barrel smoking and burning the hands that gripped it. The other two lay on the hot sand, their uniforms stained with blood. The towering figure changed clips, heedless of the 7.62 rounds missing him by millimetres , these sons of bitches had to die. Sean and Delphos needed evac...Ivan , they had to pay for Ivan. Screaming curses at them the towering figure put round after round at the seemingly endless enemy.

Her touch, light as it were upon his face awoke the memory forever linked with those particular scars. It like the twisted white tissue was long healed but Meredith's touch still touched a sensitive spot. Reaching up with his hands and gently took ahold of hers. Savouring the feel of her skin against his the biker decided to return them against his face. The Vice President of the Southside Demons Motorcycle Club had to become used to it sooner or later.

" Your world huh...Well you're there so I suppose that isn't too bad. But the first peanut and jelly sandwich on whole wheat and I bail. Lived off the damn things as a kid. Always had luck stealing the ingredients."

A much younger Jamie, his long blonde hair deadlocked from a lack of care. His homeless status hidden beneath a clean and dark green hoodie. His stomach growled, it had been two days since he had eaten. Wandering the store he pocketed some choice finds. Paying for a chocolate bar he walked out. A clean getaway. He feasted that night on pb and j sandwiches.

" Well that being said I'll make it formal. Meredith I'll try at playing house or whatever game ya like. " The Beserker added with a suggestive smile and a quiet laugh that spoke volumes. " I mean I'm all in for humbling a God. Though I hope by the tits of Aphrodite that Apollo is a softer nut then Ares."

With that said the scarred and tattoed street fighter rose from the couch. The towering chosen of Ares looked down at the seated chosen of Apollo. " So how about a dance?"

Aeron jolted awake, nightmares jarring her from her gentle slumber. She was drowsy, and unsure of where she was. She sat up straight in Anthony's bed panting as the realization of where she was hit her. She wondered what time it was, but she hadn't brought anything with her. Had they slept all day? Anthony's arm was still around her waist and she smiled down at him. He really was wonderful. She couldn't keep lying to him, but what choice did she have? For now she needed to just enjoy her time with him, at least when she was with him she could escape all the drama that was her life.

She probably needed to get home. She could play like she was ignoring her family for a while, but eventually they would realize she had left since they were familiar with her powers. She remembered being a kid, and showing off, trying to show her loved ones how special she was. The new powers she had obtained. She expected them to be delighted. But instead they were disgusted with her. She caused nothing but trouble since the day she was born.

Her mother had tried to dye her hair back blonde time after time and it would only stay for a few hours before the rich pinkish red came back full force. She was a special child, a gifted child. A cursed child. Her life would get significantly better when this was all over. She just had to keep telling herself that. It was already getting better, after all she had Anthony.

She decided to be cute and leaned down and kissed him gently, but passionately, to wake him. Her soft lips found his as she leaned over his sleeping form. She nuzzled his nose with her own, trying to gently wake him.

"I don't mean to wake you love," she said affectionately, "but I should probably check in at home before I get in more trouble," It was just about that time there was a knock on Anthony's bedroom door. Aeron's eyes narrowed knowing it was probably Jack.

Anthony's eyes fluttered open slowly as Aeron decided to be cute and kiss him awake with a gentle passion. He kissed her back just as softly and passionately and smiled, nuzzling her back. He then sat up and yawned again, hugging her to his body gently. Then he blinked and paused, looking at her with his head tilted. Love? Did she just call him......

Anthony smiled and kissed her lips again with a little bit of passion. "Very well, love. I'll talk to you la-"

"Yo! Anthony!" their was another knock at the door, and Andrew's voice this time. "You alive in there, man? We've got some pizza if you're hungry." And with that he left.

Anthony blinked and then looked back to Aeron, brushing her hair from her face with his fingers gently. "You want a slice of pizza before you leave?" He asked her softly, a smile on his face.

She rubbed into his hand as he stroked her hair from her face. She loved his touch, she loved being around him. She couldn't wait until this whole ordeal was over so she could spend as much time with him as she liked. She had to be patient. She was so close now.

"Pizza sounds fantastic," Aeron said, her stomach growling. She was a little worried about Jack being out there, but was excited to meet his other roommate. She hoped that Andrew was a little nicer to be around. She climbed out of Anthony's bed and was suddenly a little embarrassed by her pajama shorts, They were rather short and she was going to be going out to meet Anthony's other roommate.

"Is it okay to go out looking like this?" She asked sheepishly, her face slowly turning the same color as her hair. She pulled down at the shorts as if they would magically cover more leg. She let out a small nervous laugh and then followed Anthony out of his room.

Anthony smiled and stood, helping her up from his bed and chuckling softly. "I thought you'd want something to eat, my dear." He teased, poking her belly with his finger gently. Anthony looked Aeron up and down as she seemed embarrassed and patted her shoulder.

"It's fine. Jack sleeps naked, remember? And she's frequent of late-night snacking, and Andrew sleeps on the couch." He explained. "You'll be fine." Anthony reassured her, putting his arm around her shoulders and guiding her out of his room. Only to find that Jack wasn't home at the moment.

"Jack left a few minutes ago, dunno what she was talking about, but .....Oh!" Andrew turned his head and waved to Aeron. "Anthony, I knew you'd be popular with ladies one day." He laughed, getting up and patting Anthony's shoulder while he held out a hand towards Aeron. "Name's Andrew, it's a pleasure to meet you." he said, smiling and giving her hand a firm, yet trusting handshake.

Anthony led Aeron to the table were a few boxes of open pizza and plates were laid out. He served himself some simple cheese, and then sat on a reclining chair with barely enough room for two, meaning Aeron could sit with him if she wanted.

Meredith stilled her hand when Jaime clasped the hand she held to his face, he wore a strange expression and in her head she thought he felt pensive. She wondered if it was her touch that caused it and was going to pull away but then he held her hand back to his face and so she relaxed. His face felt nice under her palm, the skin firm yet smooth and even the scar did not feel unpleasant, she traced its path along his face and felt saddened that he had suffered such injuries. Yet also respect that he had survived such hardship and she knew he wore his scars with pride, as badges of honour showing his courage in battle.

Her scars were internal where no one could see them, on the outside her skin was as near to perfect as a human beings could be thanks to her healing ability. Otherwise she would have been riddled with scars from all the healing she had done over the years. It occurred to her then, that he would now be able to sense the emotional scars she carried around, and she wasn't sure how she felt about that. She had always spent a great deal of effort hiding them from the world and the realisation that she could not hide them from him was unnerving. Yet at the same time it was oddly comforting as well.

She looked up as he suddenly stood and looked down at her, he offered his hand and asked her to dance and she took it with a smile. She decided then not to worry about the bond, or how much they were in each other's heads. He had agreed to try and deal with her as she was with him and that was enough. She allowed him to lead her to the dance floor and smiled at him again, a warm private smile.

"I promise no peanut and Jelly sandwiches." She said solemnly. "and there is also no parents to worry about either so no curfew or chaperon in sight."

"It's really nice to meet you," Aeron said sweetly. She returned the hand shake. "My name is Aeron."

Feeling better now that she knew Jack wasn't around, she grabbed a slice of pizza and cuddled up next to Anthony in the arm chair, half of her body on his lap because of the tight fit. The food felt nice on her empty belly and she began to wonder how late it was. She really should be getting home but she was so happy here it was hard to find the motivation to leave. She enjoyed being close to Anthony and enjoyed the food.

"Thanks for feeding me," She said with a smile to both Anthony and Andrew. "This is really good pizza," With a sigh she rose and gave Anthony a wistful look.

"Sorry to eat and run, but I really should be getting home." The pink haired girl said a sheepish grin. She leaned in and kissed Anthony softly. She pulled away a little embarrassed to be kissing Anthony in front of his roommates but in the end she decided that it was worth it. "Call me later?" Aeron asked. She waved goodbye and went out the door, blowing Anthony a kiss.

Once outside she ducked behind Anthony's garage and blinked back into her bedroom. She she returned she was unhappy to see what had happened. Her door was open which means that someone knew that she had left. She thought about just blinking away again but instead chose to go out and face the music.

"Hello?" Aeron called softly.

"Well thanks for joining us," Her father said coolly from his recliner. "Did someone forget the meaning of grounded?" Aeron chose not to answer, and instead looked at her feet to keep from having a rude face toward her father. At least this made her look pensive.

"I mean seriously Aeron. With you being the freak that you are, how can you assume I wouldn't realize you were gone. You hadn't come out of your room all day. Its almost dark out!" He snapped at her. Aeron stayed quiet, allowing the lecture to happen and hoping it would pass so she could go back to her room and be alone.

"Answer me!" He snapped.

"I guess I just assumed you wouldn't notice." She said evenly.

"Well notice this," He said standing. "There is no more lock on your door. You aren't to leave until I say otherwise." Aeron nodded and went back to her room to sulk.

"Nicely done Freak," Her sister snickered as she walked past her open bedroom door.

"Shut up," Aeron said under her breath

"Don't talk to your sister like that," Her father called to them. Aeron was filled with a moment of hope. Was her father standing up for her?

"Yeah Aeron," Brittany said "No reason to be rude," When her father didn't correct her sister Aeron walked back to her room feeling miserable. Soon her mother was at her door.

"Aeron, why do you do this?" She asked. Her mother had always been the nicest to her, but not by much. "All you are doing is upsetting everyone else. This isn't like you. Where have you been going?" Her mother asked.

"I have a friend I've been spending time with." Aeron admitted lying on her belly on her bed.

"A friend? A friend that you've been out late with and are disappearing in your pajamas to go see?" There was actually a touch of concern in her voice.

"Forget it. Just leave me alone." Aeron waved her away, pulling the blanket up over her head and ignoring her mother.

Several hours past before Aeron came out of her cocoon to some loud yelling in house. Her door, being ajar she could hear the entire fight.

"Aeron!" She heard her father yell. Aeron rose to meet her father.

"Who are you going to see? Where are you going?" He was in a rage. Aeron didn't respond. "Do they know about you? Do they know that you are a freak?"

"I'm not a freak!" Aeron yelled, tired of hearing that word in context to her. He slapped her across the face. Her anger surged and without meaning too she found herself back in Anthony's room, clutching her still red face.

Anthony smiled as Aeron cuddled up to him, and ate with him. When she was finished and she kissed him he nodded and kissed her back, not feeling embarrassed at all. "It was my pleasure, Aeron. I'll call you later, and you're more than welcome to come whenever you want." He said, kissing her again before turning and watching her leave. When she shut the door he let out a dreamy sigh.

"Oh man, you've got it bad, buddy." Andrew laughed.

"Hmm? What?"

"Love, my man. You're in love." Andrew patted Anthony's shoulder.

"No shit, Sherlock. What will you think of next?" Anthony joked with Andrew. The two of them laughed and then they proceeded to spend the next few hours insulting each other and laughing about it. Jack came home soon however and looked pissed, she glared at Anthony and he stared back at her.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" she growled.

"Whatever the fuck I feel like." Anthony hissed back.

"Why aren't you with that pink-haired harlot that you seem to love so much?"

"Because she had to go home." Anthony replied.

Jack blew up and screamed a stream of obscenities at Anthony, who slowly started to stand up to his feet. As Aeron appeared in Anthony's room, the sound of Anthony's screaming voice cussing out Jack in the most creative and brutal way possible filled the apartment, and soon Anthony stormed past his open door, was gone for a few minutes, then came back with a suitcase that was full. He tossed it onto the floor at Jack's feet and it landed with a loud bang!

"Get out of my apartment!" Anthony screamed. "All you've done for the last year is hit on me, scream at me, and now you're getting jealous because I'm with a girl who is infinitely better than you are whether you want to admit it or not!" He screamed.

"YOUR apartment?" Jack screamed. "Who pays the rent?!"

"Technically, I do." Andrew said.

"Shut the fuck up!" Jack screamed.

Suddenly the roar of a Bengal Tiger echoed throughout the Apartment, and flames surrounded Anthony's neck and head, making the visage of a Tiger appear in the flames. With a low, intimidating growl he moved forward slowly one step at a time towards Jack. Jack, having never seen this before, screamed in terror, grabbing her things and leaving immediately, slamming the door behind her.

Anthony immediately calmed down and the flames vanished.

"Dude....you didn't tell me you had fucking super powers. That's amazing." Andrew yelled in awe. He sounded almost as if he were high. But then, he was also extremely accepting of just about everything and everyone, so ...Anthony smiled and patted his shoulder before walking to his bedroom, closing the door with a sigh.

It was then that Anthony noticed Aeron, and saw how red her face was. He blinked and rushed to her side, hugging her and caressing her face gently. "Aeron! What happened to you? Who did this? Tell me!" He pleaded with her as he looked over her face to make sure she wasn't seriously hurt.

Chris started to drive off but he saw a group of people starting to mess with Kat. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he didn't like it. He felt this primal, instinctual urge to protect Kat. Was this apart of the bond? Whatever it is, he's not going to stand for this. Chris turned off the ignition, and got out of his car. "Time to fuck some shit up." He muttered to himself. He marched over towards Kat and the other kids around her, with a certain aura of anger to him. "Hey, asshole! Pick on someone your own size!"

Chris punched the tall guy right in the face, easily knocking him to the ground. He then yanked the guy who had a hold on Kat away from her. The guy turned around to Chris and threw a punch straight to his face. Chris used his superior reflexes to catch his fist in midair with his left hand. Chris squeezed hard using his super human strength. Bones could be heard as they started to crack. Chris then started pounding with punches from his free hand, aiming for the guy's ribs, and face. After a couple of heavy blows, Chris took his arm, and twisted the arm behind him. Chris kicked him in the back of the knee, forcing him to one knee.

Chris stepped on the back of his leg, and twisted his arm back further in a chicken-wing like fashion. "Alright bitch, you're gonna say you're sorry to Kitten. Or else I'm gonna break you leg." Chris said as he shifted all his weight towards the leg he was using to step on him. "And if you still won't I'm gonna break your arm. I might do it anyways as a gift to me. I deserve this." Chris said as he twisted his arms further. "I-I'm sorry." He groaned in pain. "Louder! And say it like you mean it! Sell it in the eyes!" Chris demanded, as he twisted further. "I'm sorry Katherine!"

Chris had a maniacal grin across his face. "Dropping that first name shit? You see, doesn't it feel good to be classy for once? You know what? I think I'm still gonna break your arm. You're really pissing me off!" Chris then started twisting it harder. "Is that ok with you Kitten?"

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

The moment they walked towards the dance floor the chosen of Ares decided his relationship with the chosen of Apollo would be quite the roller coaster. Meredith's lightest touch awoke the memories Jamie thought long buried and dealt with. Then there was the straight up oddity that was their mental entanglement. Such an awareness of such a magnitude made the normally brash biker care about something more then what his life had become.

The Berserker wasn't sure if he liked this feeling. He had nothing against the concept of romance but the Southside Demon had never sought it out.

Until all your enemies lay dead at your feet everyone you love is a weakness to be used against you. Corrupting your judgment and sapping your strength.

That little tidbit thrown out by the patron Jamie would serve till death was the exact reason he had never gone beyond friendship with anyone. The life of a warrior had to be lived beyond weakness and corrupted judgement. A soldier was only a soldier when they put aside all fear and worry. When they were willing to pay any price...including the happiness of their loved ones. But what sort of man would lay his family upon the altar of victory?

That list is trillions long skreb. Every father that left behind his wife and children to carry a sword for a cause. Generals that fought from the front, and you Jamie. How many times have you escaped death by the skin of your teeth? Ya know how well Sean would handle that? The guy already lost a father and a mother to the philosophy of total commitment to war.

Jamie thought about that for a second. Was it fair to those that cared about him that he'd one day lay their happiness on the altar of victory. That he'd happily charge straight into the guns of the enemy with a smile on his face, with nary a care for those left behind. And was it fair to drag a woman who was obviously a better person then him along with them into the pits of sorrow.

The music in all it's savage brutality filled the air with the thrum of bass and the beating of drums. The vocals cutting through like an officer's orders. Meredith's body moving to its violence with a grace he had never seen in any human save himself . Apollo wasn't Ares but even the dawn fought against the darkness of night. She knew the philosophy he'd live his life with.

Besides she's got a nice body and promised no peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Jamie rationalized to himself, as if that was enough to justify everything. Which it was in his mind. He wasn't a man of any great complexity off a battlefield. He was a soldier and if it took killing all those that numbered among his enemies so be it.

"No chaperone huh. You sure you want to give me no good reason to act the officer and gentleman. I mean that's basically an open invitation ya know." Jamie replied to his bonded's claim of being free of higher authority as it were, his smile coloured a definite wolfish.

The band switched songs, this one darker but slow in overall tempo. The prefect excuse for a far more intimate dancing position. His hands resting in places upon Meredith's body that no chaperone would approve of. His hands played a little more freely then was perhaps wise given the newness of their bond. " Lets spit in the face of the gods together. "

Meredith allowed her body to move to the music instinctively finding the rhythm of the song and moving to it in strong, graceful movements. All around them bodies moved in time with the beat and the combination of the music, the warmth of the room and the low lighting made a heady mix. Meredith felt wild, and sexy in a way she had never felt before and she was enjoying every moment of it. She danced without caring what others thought simply losing herself to the dark, almost visceral song, the band's drums vibrating through her till she felt it in her toes.

She looked up at Jaime when he spoke and felt a thrill at his words and the tone of his voice, his eyes held hers and she could see attraction in his gaze. The song changed then, becoming slower and yet darker in tone somehow and she allowed her bonded to pull her closer to him. She felt his hands roam her body and she revelled in the sensations his touch evoked. Meredith had never felt such attraction before, it was like something was pulling her towards him making her want to be closer to him. She went with the feeling having already decided to throw caution to the winds and live purely in the moment.

She moved closer to him so that their bodies were flush against each other and wrapped her arms around his neck, she continued to dance knowing her body moved against his as she did so. She was acting in a way that she definitely didn't normally and it occurred to her to worry for a moment that perhaps he thought she did. She didn't want him to think that she usually behaved this way with someone she had only just met. It mattered to her that he knew she didn't and was glad when she remembered that he was in her head as much as she was in his.

She knew he felt the desire she felt for him and also that she was mostly inexperienced with men, she had had a couple of relationships previously but none had been like this. None had seemed to spark this almost instant attraction that she felt for the chosen of war, the kind of guy she definitely didn't go for. She pulled his head down to hers so she could whisper to him, her lips close to his ear.

"Who said anything about wanting you to act like a gentleman."She murmured." Hell I'm not exactly acting like a lady am I?"

She was silent for a moment and then took her courage in both hands and kissed him lightly on the lips, she wanted do linger but she didn't want to make him feel forced into anything and so she kept it light and brief. She had let him know her feelings and made it clear what she wanted and now it was up to him to make the next move.

“I'm fine... I'm fine!” Aeron said the last part a little harsher than she meant to, the anger seeping over from her encounter with her father. Her eyes were immediately apologetic.

“Sorry,” she said as she pulled away from him, the affection feeling unfamiliar to her after all the abuse she had just suffered. With a sigh she collapsed on Anthony's bed, head in her hands. She was frustratated more than anything.

“I'm okay though,” She said through her hands. “Me and my sister just got into a fight. We don't get along. She hit me and I blinked. I guess the first place I thought of was here.” Her body language was perfect. This was a lie she had told a million times. It was a lie she hoped she didn't have to keep saying because it felt rotten coming out of her mouth. Anthony was the last person in the world she wanted to lie to, but she couldn't risk him becoming angry and hurting her father either, and she felt that he would.

She may have only seen a touch of his anger with Jack when they went on their date, but it was enough to worry her. She was days away from her trial. She just had to hang on until then and then she would come clean about everything and she would just have to hope he would forgive her.

“I don't want to go home tonight,” She said weakly, tiredly. “Is there anyway you would want to go camping tonight? Or it's a little cold we could stay here, or I have some money we could go rent a hotel or something....” She was rambling. She blushed a little at the word hotel, hoping he realized she was not implying anything by it. “I just don't want to go home, and I really don't want to be alone.” Her voice was shaking and it worried her. Aeron had never been this vulnerable before.




It all started happening so fast. One minute Kat was trying to worm her way out of one of the normal encounters with the sleazeballs at her school and the next she felt a surge of anger fill the air. She saw Chris approaching them and immediately began to worry. The anger was hot and rolling off of him like the heat from a bonfire. As his fist collided with James' face Kat's face went over her mouth in shock. She could feel everything Chris was feeling, the anger, the protective urge. Kat was humbled by it.

Darren was yanked away from her, he tried to retaliate but Chris was too fast for him. He began to punch him, his hand obviously broken, and now possibly his ribs.

“Chris!” Kat said more out of shock than in retaliation. Darren was brought to his knees apologizing to her, his arm seconds from snapping. Cindy was crying, watching in awe, knelt beside James.

”You know what? I think I'm still gonna break your arm. You're really pissing me off! Is that ok with you Kitten?" Chris asked. As touched as Kat was by him coming to her rescue she couldn't let him do this. Without thinking about it she reached out, her hand gently touching his flexed arm. She let the soothing feelings flow through her and into him, not to much, maybe not even enough for him to notice, but enough for him to agree to back off when she asked him.

“I think he's suffered enough,” She said softly, now pulling Chris' arm slowly back. “Let's just let him limp away, okay?” She said giving him a sweet smile.

Aeron's body language was perfect, Anthony had to admit. Too perfect for someone who was always hiding something from him. He gritted his teeth and gently grabbed her wrist, a calm look on his face. "I want to believe that, Aeron...but that's not the hand print of a female on your face....." Anthony sighed, shaking his head as he then turned away and paced back and forth, making sure his door was closed and locked before turning to face Aeron again.

"I understand you don't want to go home right now; you're always welcome with me, but ..... I need to know what happened sooner or later, Aeron." Anthony sighed, sitting on the bed next to her. He'd only put up with so much of her not telling him things for so long before he snapped. He didn't want to snap at her, and he had a feeling that Artemis and Hermes wouldn't get a long too well if he ended up doing so, too.

So he took a deep breath and sighed. "You don't have to tell me now, but I need you to tell me who hit you, and I need you to tell me why. No more hiding from me, Aeron. I can see it all; I always have. I don't want to pressure you like this, but at this point I need to." He explained to her. He then tilted her chin up and stared her dead in the eyes.

"Please Aeron.....I can't love someone I can't trust." His voice was pleading, begging, even, for her to tell him what had happened and not lie about it. "It's only fair, anyway.....I told you my past....and how I was abused....I can see the signs on you, they're more obvious than mine ever were, and I need you to tell me." He said.

The entire time his voice was soft, and gentle, and calming. He wasn't forcing her to say anything, but boy it sure would feel like it with that soft, gentle tone of his asking her all of those questions. And those big, yellow, predatory eyes gazing into her own and staring down her soul for the truth.

He hated doing this to her; he really did, and he didn't have to say it for it to show outwardly. He really did hate it, and yet, it needed to be done, for Aeron's sake. For his own sake..... for their sake as a couple.

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

Jamie while a stranger to romantic matters was no innocent when it came to the physical passions Meredith's dancing inspired in him. What was strange to this former Abrams gunner was the awareness that the object of his desire shared the exact wants in return. Her body against his in sync with the shadowy rhythm of the music filling the room with a pulse as familiar as his heart beat.

That organ danced to the arms wrapped around his neck however. The Southside Demon marveled at this stirring of his heart. Never before had he ever felt anything more then a passing lust for anyone. Was it the bond? Was it the heightened sense of desire their shared thoughts entailed? Whatever it was Jamie decided that he could have done a lot worse out of this bond.

The confusion and the raw want mixed in Meredith's emotions only made the scarred and tattoed street fighter own confusion and raw want that much greater. His dark silver eyes stared down at the woman whom fate and the gods saw fit to tie him to. Those orbs normally filled with the fury of his nature only dared Meredith to ignore everything but raw want.

Yet when the chosen of Apollo laid her lips against his Jamie was caught off guard in a manner completely derived of the pleasure of taste and touch. But the brief moment of eternity was fleeting. And suddenly it was Meredith challenging the chosen of Ares, her grey eyes alight with exactly what she wanted. Her mind painting vivid pictures that Jamie read with the ease of whatever their bond granted.

" And who said I was a gentleman? " Jamie replied with a smile that bespoke the amusement that anyone would mistake him for one.

And as if to prove the validity of the statement He leaned his face forward, tilting Meredith's head sideways. Staring for a moment into her eyes as if asking permission or more likely savouring the moment he kissed the result of a promise made eighteen years ago. No gentle brushing of lips the force was enough to make the woman back up a step or two. The Beserker relished both the feel of her body crushed against his and the emotions running through her head.

The kiss he didn't let go until his vision began to tunnel from lack of oxygen. Even then Jamie kept his forehead against Meredith's. " Ya know we got a pool, very private with a locking door." It was a suggestion spoken with a slightly breathless tone. Yet one that left the ball in her court.

Meredith could only look into Jamie's silver gaze and shiver at the bare boned challenge in their depths, she knew he was challenging her to give in completely to the passion that had flared between them. It had always been there, even at the coffee shop, simmering beneath the surface but now it was in the open, a heat that consumed them both. Meredith feared it would burn her up if she got too close and yet the thought of moving away from him caused an almost physical pain. Dancing with him, being this close to him was heaven and hell combined. The feel of his firm frame against hers and his hands was intense and yet this close she wasn't sure which of them felt what. It was as though their desire fed each other's until neither of them could tell where it had originally come from.

Part of her rebelled at that, for was that not another form of cage? Being that close to someone that you literally lost yourself? What she feared seemed to be happening at least in part and this was only their first night together. How much worse would it be if they spent weeks, months or even years together? But the small voice arguing against the closeness was drowned out by the voice of the woman in Meredith who was reveling in the feelings Jamie's touch evoked. It was wild and dangerous and ultimately exciting and Meredith wanted more of those feelings and more of his touch. She had jumped in head first and was not about to back out now because of fear of what might happen in the future.

Jamie's lips on hers silenced the last protestations her mind had as she was pushed back with the force of his kiss, it was not gentle or soft and yet Meredith felt like she was going to go up in flames. Never had she been kissed with such raw passion and powerless against its pull she kissed him back as passionately as he did her. She clung to him as a rock in the storm and they kissed until Meredith thought she might faint from lack of breath. He pulled back then but rested his forehead against hers. He was breathless as was she and she could feel what the kiss did to him from the explicit thoughts in her head from him.

She smiled slowly at his words, she knew he was leaving the ultimate decision with her, giving her the choice to back out if she wanted to.

"Show me." She said her voice husky but with an edge of decisiveness in her tone, she did not choose to go with him lightly and she hoped he knew that.

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

There are moments in ones life that serve as the harbinger of things to come. The show exactly what the future to come. And while Jamie feared nothing but becoming a coward he was somewhat concerned by what was shaping between him and Meredith. The intermingling of their minds, the awareness they had of each other.

Her body, the taste of her lips, even the very fact they were in each other heads, all of it sang a siren's song louder then any concern his rational mind had. The tone her reply came only fuelled this ever deeper descent into the rabbit hole that they found themselves in.

Loath to let the chosen of Apollo go for even a moment Jamie had trouble mustering the effort to do so. " This way." The VP of the Southside Demons MC replied, his voice deliberately low to hide the quiver he felt.

Deftly manoeuvring through the dancing crowd, their swaying to the driving and pulsing music seemingly in time with the beating of his heart. Rhymes and Reason the band played in a style suited to them, a love song done in a shadow strewn melody.

Leaving the dance floor behind, they walked down a wide hallway bordered on both sides by trophy cases. In them the physical representatives of the glory that was the Southside Demons victories. Leather vests bearing the crests of rivial MCs, newspaper clippings showing the charity work the MC did, and the battle honours won by its members. A particularly ornate section showed a picture of Jamie in uniform, his face a mess of freshly stiched scars standing before the President, a clapping crowd in the background. Underneath on a little pedestal rested a Congressional Medal of Honour, his medal of honour. He paid it little mind because right next to it was the entrance to the pool the Southside Demons maintained for its members.

Opening the elaborate black oak and red gold inlaid doors The Beserker stepped back to let Meredith view the true height of Southside Demons wealth. In a South Bronx building Sean and Jamie had recreated a Roman style bath with modern touches. Marble mosiacs depicting scenes of ancient battles, warriors clad in bronze armour blended into ever increasing modern soldiers until the current decade was reached. The pool itself was heated mineral water, steaming ever so slightly.

Stripping himself of the leather jacket and vest Jamie revealed more scars and tattoos. The visceral testimonials that his life had been lived constantly on the edge. That the touch of bullet, knife, and fire had failed to conquer him. That unashamed of his chosen path Jamie drew it upon his skin for all to see. Hanging them and his pistol on the back of the door. Before strolling back to Meredith.

" So where did we leave off." The ex-soldier asked at about the same time he encircled the chosen of dawn's waist with his hands. Leaning in he took in the scent of his bond mate before lightly kissing her neck. Aware of his own strength Jamie kept his embrace loose in case she decided against what they both felt.

Aeron sighed, defeated. The last few days, the last few years had worn on her to the point of breaking. She felt like she had large visable cracks all over her and she was finally starting to shatter.

"I don't like lying to you Anthony, and to be honest until this moment I hadn't lied to you directly. I don't want to be dishonest with you any more...so I wont." Her voice was deadly calm, her facial expressions hallow. "But in return I need you not to ask about it, because I can't tell you. I need you to trust that I will tell you everything but until my life gets a little more stable I can't afford anything else shaking it. I'm barely holding it together as it is. I'm not even 100 percent sure exactly what we are yet, I've only known you for two days and its bad luck that you have come into my life during the most stressful point of it."

She ran her fingers through her hair, her hand shaking. "I'm very sorry Anthony, I know that's not the answer you wanted but that is all I can give you right now. I should probably just go. I'm no good for you anyway. You deserve someone much better," her voice was small but level. She got up and gave him a small kiss before slowly pulling away. He had said he loved her, but he hadn't see her scars yet. He had said he loved her, but how could he say that before knowing exactly how damaged she was.

"I'll call you after the trial, if you still want to talk to me,"

Meredith followed Jamie from the dancefloor and deeper into the building, marvelling at the trophy's as she did so, he showed her into the pool area and Meredith's eyes widened. She had certainly not expected to find a beautiful bath house done in the ancient roman style. It was breathtaking and she took a moment to simply take it all in, Jamie removing his jacket and vest distracted her from their surroundings and she found herself breathless again for an entirely different reason. His torso was...impressive, sculpted and muscular the multitude of scars and tattoos only served to heighten his masculine physique. He put his arms around her waist again and Meredith leaned into his embrace and angled her head to give him easier access to her neck. He held her lightly as though expecting her to break away from him at any moment but Meredith was committed to her decision and wrapped her arms around his neck.

The sound of her phone ringing in her jacket pocket filtered through the haze of desire and she blinked slowly as though coming out of a daze. Fully intending to ignore the irritating object she took it out of her pocket and glanced at the screen. Seeing the number displaying there, she frowned before pressing the answer button. She stayed where she was however, in her bonded's arms, fully intending to tell whoever it was to go away.

"Claire. What is it? I'm kinda in the middle of something here." Her voice was low and husky still as Jamie continued kissing her neck and she struggled to concentrate on what the woman on the other end was saying. After a moment her panicked tone registered and Meredith snapped her eyes open fully.

"What happened?" She demanded.

As she listened to Claire, her brother's girlfriend, explain that her brother had been shot whilst trying to prevent the two of them being mugged Meredith's chest grew tighter. She felt as though her heart was going to explode from the rapid pounding it had begun. Panic threatened to overwhelm her but she fought it down desperately trying to focus on the problem at hand.
My brother is dying repeated in her head like a mantra.

"It's bad Mack." Claire was saying her voice full of panic. "You have to help him, I didn't take him to the hospital as I knew by then it would be too late. Please you have to help him!"

"Stay where you are, I'm on my way. Keep pressure on it until I get there." She ordered before hanging up.

She pulled away from Jamie's embrace, the panic and fear clear in her eyes. "I-I have to go. My brother, he's in trouble and I... I am the only one who can help him. I'm sorry but its urgent, I have to get home now!"

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

Jamie, chosen of Ares and a warrior until the day that he died had never been more challenged then in the moment Meredith's arms wrapped around his neck. The desire flowing through him, the images and sensations flowing between their minds fuelled ever deeper embraces. The heat of the bath house bathing them in a gentle steam that only added to such things.

His hands moved from the chosen of Apollo waist and began toying with her shirt, seeking to part it from her body. The Beserker, that unthinking fighter was now lost in an emotion far different from the fury of battle. Words held no sway with him but were they failed Meredith's feelings did not. Her panic started him into a semblance of normality. His first thoughts were of disappointment. He thought her in accord with his own desire.

That of course was before her words broke through the fog of his own desire. The fact her brother needed help was enough of a salve for the lack of a resolution to their mutual need. Family was something this former orphan knew was more precious then anything else.

" Come on then no time for wasting then." Was the only words he spoke in reply, his voice heavy with what was left of his desire.

Snagging his jacket and vest he donned them while running flat out. At a speed only a cheetah could hope to match Jamie made record time to front door. Deciding he didn't have time to open them the old fashioned way the Southside Demon simply charged right through the armour plated and reinforced doors. Leaving them nothing more then shards and shrapnel he bypassed a very confused looking Uncle to jump on his Harley fatboy lo. Slamming the kickstart the biker was rewarded with its trademark rumble. Gunning the throttle the chosen of war made the thing do a one eighty on the spot.

" Alright Meredith where we heading." Jamie yelled over the bike.

Meredith felt a rush of gratitude to her new bonded when he responded to her urgency with matching urgency of his own, in no time at all he was back in his vest and jacket and was speeding out of the bath house. Meredith could not hope to match his speed, she had never seen someone move so fast, but she followed as quickly as she could. She bit back a cry of surprise when he didn't slow down at the exit continuing on to barrel through the doors. They were no match for his strength and momentum breaking apart into pieces. She gave Uncle an apologetic glance over her shoulder as she followed Jamie to his bike.

He already had the engine running when she clambered up behind him and in breathless tones she told him the address where she and her brother lived. It was in a poorer part of the city, an area not known for its safety, and Meredith regretted again the location of their apartment. If she and her brother had had the funds they would have moved long ago but neither of them could afford the higher rents in the better part of the city. She wrapped her arms around his waist and held on as he put the bike in motion. They sped through the darkened streets Jamie skillfully weaving through the traffic that was on the roads even at this time of night. Meredith was too focussed on her brother to enjoy the ride this time and she simply held on grimly as the bike swerved to and fro.

In what was a relatively short time he had pulled up outside her apartment block, though to Meredith the journey had still felt like an eternity aware as she was that every moment of delay put her brother at more risk. She clambered off the bike and almost fell in her haste to get up the stairs and into the building.

She looked back briefly at Jamie. "Come with me?" She asked, not wanting to deal with this alone as she had had to in the past.

Hoping he was following she took the stairs inside two at a time cursing the fact that they lived on the top floor and that the lift was out of order again. The door to her apartment was unlocked, no doubt by Claire, and she rushed into the apartment the door banging against the wall in her haste. She stopped at the entrance to their living room, frozen by the sight in front of her. Claire knelt on the floor her face bent over the still form of her brother, she was talking in a fast low tone begging her brother to hold on and reassuring him that his sister was on the way.

Meredith saw the blood coming from her brother and soaking into the floor and her hands clenched involuntarily. She had hoped, perhaps futilely, that she would never have to see so much blood again. She moved closer to them her movements wooden and robot like as she acted on instinct her mind numb. Claire looked up and the relief on her face was almost painful in its intensity, Meredith avoided her eyes not wanting to see the desperate hope in them. Her healing had failed before and she couldn't bear the thought that it could fail now.

Claire moved out of her way as Meredith knelt down beside her brother, his skin was white and he was breathing in short sharp gasps. He was still bleeding and she could see now that it had been a close range chest wound, Meredith knew very little about guns but she knew enough to be surprised that he was still alive. Though she could see it would not be for much longer if she did nothing. Meredith was not a coward, always facing her fears head on but a small part of her feared what she was about to do. Her healing ability came with a steep price and she couldn't deny her fear of that price. But this was Ash, her brother, and the only other person in her life who had cared about her and not her ability.

She placed trembling hands on his chest over the wound, her hands becoming coated in blood immediately, and glanced briefly at Jamie who could no doubt feel her fear and worry. She smiled faintly trying to reassure him but she felt she needed to warn him about what would happen. She owed him that.

"If this works." She began but her throat closed, she cleared it and said again."If this works I will be hurt and it'll look bad but I will survive it. I know its selfish to ask but please stay with me, no matter what happens."

Knowing she could wait no longer, she closed her eyes and focussed on the wound. She saw it clearly in her mind and imagined the wound healing itself. She pictured the bullet coming out and flesh knitting together. Gradually the wound on her brother began to heal and it wasn't long before the flesh was once smooth and unmarked. Meredith was unable to stop the cry of pain as the wound transferred from Ash to her, she doubled over clutching her chest trying to breathe through the pain. She knew her body would eventually heal the wound, and faster than a normal human would, but she did not know how long it would take. Beside her Ash slowly sat up taking deep shaky breaths, he was fully healed but still felt tired from the blood he had lost, he saw Meredith and his eyes widened.

"I told you not to tell her Claire!" He said to his girlfriend in an anguished tone. "I have explained to you what this does to her, the burden it is for her to do this!"

"What was I supposed to do?"She demanded. "I couldn't let you die!"

Meredith ignored them focussing on breathing through the pain, blood seeped through her hands to drip onto the floor joining and mixing with her brothers. She looked at Jamie hardly daring to imagine what he must be thinking just then, she hoped he would understand.

"Would you..."She hesitated as another wave of pain hit. "Would you hold me till its over?" she asked weakly.

She didn't know why she asked Jamie to hold her and not her brother but all she cared about was feeling safe whilst she was at her most vulnerable and she knew that being in his arms was the safest place she could be.

"Who are you?" Claire asked Jamie as though only just realising he was there, her eyes widening at his size.

"You're him aren't you?" Ash said quietly. "It's finally happened."

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

Gunning the throttle the moment Meredith gave her breathless directions Jamie grabbed every ounce of speed his bike could offer. The wind whipped past them in its joyful song. A melody under normal circumstances that the Southside Demon listened to with utter abadon. But this night was not any night. Fear, terror, concerns, all that and more bled through his own thoughts. The VP wanted to beat this brother of hers to a millimetre of his life for causing this kind of worry.

But from the picture he was able to glean from their shared thoughts Jamie knew someone had already beaten him to the punch. Instead the biker outlaw focused on dodging the traffic, taking illegal left turns, and driving through the occasional alleyway far faster than sanity would advise. It was a small wonder they didn't end up a smear on the pavement. Thanks to such suicidal driving they arrived far faster then they should have however.

Hitting the brakes the chosen of Ares brought the Harley to a skidding stop in a cloud of smoke. Meredith was off the bike before it had died down. As was Jamie. Looking around the Beserker decided that this really was a lousy part of town. His hackles raised of their own accord and he drew the 1911A1 .45 from his jacket, thinking being openly armed would be a good idea.

Nodding his head to his bonded's question, nay plea Jamie followed her. Normally being invited into a girl's home was a sign of a growing relationship. As before though this time was not normal. When this was over the scarred and tattoed street fighter vowed Meredith would never see this dump of a city block again.

Running up the stairs after her the former Abrams gunner smelled the blood long before he saw it. A trained and battle hardened soldier Jamie knew enough about both guns and triage to know that the lump of meat before them was a lost cause by normal standards. No matter the pleading of the stranger leaning over it, her voice filled with anguish.

Experiencing the emotional flux Meredith was going through the Vice President of the Southside Demons Motorcycle Club almost wanted to tell the woman the cold hard truth. But holding back when the chosen of Apollo informed him she had an ace in the hole. Unable to understand what could possibly save a dying man already three quarters dead Jamie instead trusted in her faith.


And when it began the Beserker had to admit a moment of shock. Shock that was quickly replaced by utter horror. This power could only be derived from Meredith's status as a chosen of Apollo. But though he could not deny the life returning to the dying man Jamie could and was cursing Apollo's sense of what was a gift.

Makes me seem downright like Santa Claus don't it?

Jamie could not deny Ares' s claim to generosity. Though his life had and would always be war all his wounds were naught but trophies and proof of his courage. Meredith on the other hand seemed to suffer far more then Ares had ever made him. And presumably this wasn't her first healing.

Caring very little for the welfare of Meredith's brother now that the fool wasn't dying he rushed over and wrapped his arms around his bonded's body almost before she asked. Unheeded was the blood stains such an action accurred. Resting his chin atop her head he looked at the strange woman with a look of pure hatred and fury. A look that usually was the last thing many of his enemies ever saw.

" The name is Jamie, Vice President of the Southside Demons Motorcycle Club ,Mother Chapter. So what fucking stupid thing led to this cluster fuck ya bitch. And give me an answer I like if ya wanna keep breathing. " Jamie spat out with pure venom to her inquiry. " Yeah I am ya idoitic boy, pack your bags you and Meredith ain't never coming back to this shit hole. " He added to the Brother's question.

Anthony listened to her voice, sighing as she spoke, but he let her talk. He needed to hear everything, and he needed to hear it all soon. He looked her dead in the eyes the entire time she spoke to him, and when she was done, he blinked and his emotion softened a bit.

"Aeron.....If..if you want me for anything, you can tell me." He said. He then looked at her again, and hugged her. "No...Aeron....I don't deserve you. You...are so beautiful, and, just....I've....never felt so free even though I'm in a bond with you, and...I love that." He explained. "And....." He swallowed hard and Aeron stood up and moved away from him.

He could then see the damage of her body with the way she moved, but he didn't want to. He wanted her to stay, to just.....let him shower her in his gentle love. He wanted her, and that was that. But she was being distant.

"I'll call you after the trial, if you still want to talk to me" she said. Anthony blinked and widened his eyes.

"Aeron.....I don't have much of a choice but to want to talk to you. You are....you are like an itch I can't reach, and I don't want to reach it...." He explained. "You be sure to call me whenever you want. I'll even wake up if you're calling me." He joked, trying to lighten the mood. But then he got serious again and sighed, hugging her and kissing her lips softly. "If you want to stay with me, you can. You're always welcome with me, Aeron." he said, kissing her again before sitting back down on his bed.

Claire's face went white at Jamie's tone and she actually stumbled back a few steps clearly believing that the large man would indeed hurt her.

"I-I..."She stuttered.

"It was my fault." Ash said heavily. "Not hers. I thought we'd be safe walking home as it isn't far. I should have known better and before you say anything else I know it was stupid."
Ash knelt beside Meredith and stroked hair out of her face. "Merry, I'm so sorry I never meant for this to happen. You know I swore that you wouldn't have to heal anyone again. I'm so sorry I broke my promise."
Meredith could barely think through the pain and keeping aware of what was happening around her was almost impossible but she forced herself to remain conscious. She had no idea what Jamie might do in his current state and fear that he would hurt her brother kept her from sleeping. The force of his reaction to the situation shocked her, after all they had only met earlier that day, yet she couldn't deny that she liked someone being protective about her.

"It's alright Ash." She said weakly. "I don't blame you."

She looked at Claire and tried to smile at her reassuringly but she was sure she failed miserably, she felt bad for the other woman as she could hardly blame her for trying to save Ash's life. She loved him after all and Meredith realised that if it had been her she would do the same for Jamie without hesitation.

"I think I should go." Claire said quietly, her eyes still resting fearfully on Jamie. "I am sorry Meredith but I couldn't let him die. I hope you forgive me."

Meredith nodded and smiled again before Claire quietly gathered her things and left the apartment holding Ash's hand for a brief moment before she did so.

"I'm not going anywhere when Merry is in this state." Ash said to Jamie."Besides as much as I would love to leave we have nowhere else to go." He sighed and then looked again at Meredith. "She needs rest and then food, lots of food. Will you bring her to her room?"
Meredith knew that rest was truly the best way for her body to heal and so she touched Jamie's cheek with her hand and nodded to him to signify that it was ok to do as her brother asked. Ash led the way to her room and gestured to the double bed in the centre of the room.

Meredith's room was decorated in red black and silver, and the walls and furniture all coordinated these colours, but what was the most striking were the pictures on the walls. Rows of hand drawn sketches covered the walls picturing mostly scenes of nature but there were those with a darker tone picturing death and bloodshed. It was an odd mix of art covering both life and death and gave the viewer a small insight into the thoughts that went on in her mind. On the large double bed lay a particularly large German Shepherd, his body tucked in tight about himself. He looked miserable but perked up as soon as they entered the room, he woofed happily at seeing Meredith and jumped off the bed. He approached Jamie warily sniffing him thoroughly before obviously deciding he meant no harm and he nudged his face into Meredith's.

"Jake." She smiled softly glad to see him, she had begun to worry about what might have happened to him. Jake was her best friend and the thought that he might have been hurt made her feel even worse. She weakly petted his head before Ash firmly nudged the dog aside clear the space around the bed. He then left for a few moments and came back with the first aid kit and extra blankets.

"Someone needs to stay and take care of her." Ash said. "I would but I'm gonna guess that you want to be the one to do that?"

Meredith closed her eyes as pain and tiredness overwhelmed her, she was so tired and cold. She burrowed deeper in Jamie's arms trying to take more of his warmth.

"I'd like it if you would stay with me." She said quietly to Jamie. "I'm sorry, I know that's a lot to ask especially after...what you have seen. I understand if you don't want to though."

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

Jamie was the sort of person who would gladly do whatever it took for survival or victory. But all of that aside he didn't realised that as a chosen of Ares he had a leg up when it came to fighting the odds. So it was with barely contained rage that he listened to Meredith's brother explanation. That his inability to deal with the threat lead to Jamie holding Meredith atop a blood soaked floor was more then he could stand.

Indeed only the weight of his bond mate in his arms kept the Beserker from hurting Ash. That and his insight into the chosen of Apollo's inner thoughts. She cared deeply for her brother, she had and was going through obvious pain for his sake after all. A sentiment that the former orphan could appreciate. Had he not done the same that day in the desert for Sean and Delphos? Putting aside his own welfare to save them from certain death.

Still Jamie hated Ash for putting Meredith through this. That the brother's pride or ignorance had overcome his common sense. Desiring nothing more then to leave this place and never come back he nonetheless followed Ash, carrying her along with him. When they had laid her to rest the leather clad biker wanted a few words with this brother of hers. They may think this was their only home but Jamie was Vice President of one of the most powerful Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs in the City and indeed the country. He wasn't about to allow a repeat of this day to happen when he had the resources to put an end to that danger.

That seemed like a topic for another time though. The dog in particular seemed to dislike him at first when they first entered the bedroom. The tattoed and scarred street fighter didn't blame him, dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do. The Southside Demon seemed to pass the test though and after clearing some space Jamie laid his burden down atop it.

Only nodding to Ash's statement the former Abrams gunner rifled through the first aid kit. Rapidly cleaning and dressing Meredith's wounds with an ease that showed both training and experience Jamie marvelled at the rate she was healing at. Her body already looked a day or two into the process not the actual few minutes it actually was. The biker shook his head. Fast , strong , and agile he may be but to get up and walk after taking that kind of damage would only happen in the heat of combat.

Laying down beside her Jamie once more wrapped his arms around his bond mate after taking off his blood stained leather jacket. Thankfully the vest with it's patch and emblems had been untouched. That particular bit of clothing came off as well.

" I'm not going anywhere Meredith. It's going to take a lot to scare me off." The Vice President replied, his tone deliberately soft as he fought twin waves of anger at Ash and gratitude to the powers that be Meredith was apparently a quick healer.

Delving into his mind Jamie tried to feel Meredith's pain as his own. With their shared emotional awareness of each other it wasn't hard. The medal of honour winner had always been good with physical pain. He didn't know what good it would do. But perhaps it might lessen her burden.

Unwilling to disturb her on coming sleep Jamie instead focused on the sketches adorning the walls of her bedroom. Some might have found the juxtaposition of life and death in them odd but to a man whose first kill had been made at the age of thirteen it was as looking upon the familiar. Life was beautiful and Death was ugly, and Life was ugly and Death was beautiful. Death was something any soldier learned of sooner or later. They lived for today but often died for tomorrow. Jamie had to admit though they were well done. The lines and shading done with an obvious eye to detail.

" We should have had you design the bathhouse." He spoke in a tone barely above a whisper. As he felt her draw deeper into his embrace the street fighter relaxed his grip and broaden it so as to encompass as much of Meredith's body as possible. A quick healer or not the woman was as cold as a corpse and anything that lessened that was alright in his books

Meredith snuggled deeper into her chosen's arms feeling the pain lessen somewhat, she could feel Jamie in her head and she knew it was he that was easing her pain by taking some of it himself. She hated that he felt he had to do that but she could not deny relief at feeling less pain, though what she still felt was bad enough. She was exhausted and knew she needed rest but the pain prevented her from sleeping. Beside the bed Jake whined and Meredith smiled softly at him before patting the bed indicating that he was allowed to jump up. She wasn't sure whether her bonded would mind but she wanted the extra comfort. Jake jumped up and settled himself at the bottom of the bed.

She lay curled up in her chosen's arms and gradually began to feel warm again, Jamie's body heat soaking into her own body. She smiled when he suggested that she should have designed their bath house.

"I like your bath house as it is. Especially the pool it has nice memories." She said wickedly, remembering their brief time there. "I hoped we'd end up in bed together but this wasn't quite how I imagined it. But I'm glad you're here, it's scary how quickly I have gotten used to being here. I've done this before and so I know I would have been okay but you being with me makes it easier to bear."

Gradually tiredness began to overcome the pain and Meredith felt her eyelids grow heavy, she sleepily stroked her chosen's arm that encircled her.

"I'm sorry but I'm so tired. You don't have to stay with me while I sleep but I'd like it if you did." She said and after a few more moments she was asleep. Her last thought was that hopefully with him beside her, her sleep would be restful and not filled with nightmares like it usually was.