Almost time!
Fallon was so glad to find the evening was cool when she walked outside onto the patio. The last few nights had been warm and humid, and she just hadn't felt much like running. Even more startling to her was that she hadn't felt very sexy or in the mood to make love with Cyrus either, and that bothered her more than she'd let on to him. So far though, he had been so sweet and patient, and not pressed her at all. So tonight when the temperatures had dropped outside, her's had risen.
But Cyrus was still asleep, and Fallon never did have the heart to wake him, so she'd padded upstairs after pulling on a Juicy burgundy tank top, and a pair of matching terry running shorts. In case she ran into Suki she felt better being clothed.
As she stood there in the doorway between the kitchen and the patio, Fallon looked out at the new house, almost finished and soon to be ready to move into. She still had a lot of plans to make for the party, as well as moving again, and as she wrapped her arms around herself she smiled. She was feeling priviledged again, but as always she didn't take those priviledges for granted. The smile that was forever adorning her face these days was proof that she was happy, and that she appreciated everything about her life, and the people in it. Having quiet times like this to give thanks for her life, helped her keep things in perspective. It also filled her with a calmness that she was grateful for almost as much as she was for everything else.
Resting her head against the door jamb Fallon was content to just stand and contemplate her fortune, as she waited for Cyrus to rise and join her.
Obeying her nudges and hints he stood and followed wherever she lead, which he hoped was into the house so he could ravage her sweet body. Stalking the cute bobbed tail rear he wondered what she intended.
The den would have been fine, if they were going to remain in their feline form, but Fallon didn't relish making love on the dirt, with twigs and rocks scraping her human skin. Even if she quickly healed, it was the experience she didn't want to mess with.
Stopping, she turned her head and cried softly, waiting for him to move to her side. Once he neared she rubbed against him, and waited for him to open the door. Unable to do so on her own, she had learned to rely on his abilities for certain things, and this was one.
Once they were inside she took off ahead of him again, running down the stairs and into their suite, where she took a few minutes to shift back to her human skins, and then after stepping out of her clothes inside her closet, she collapsed onto the bed, wearing nothing but a smile.
It was several satisfying hours later before he offered Fallon a glass of nourishment while they snuggled on the rumpled bed. Stroking her hair he felt so content.
"You were wonderful tonight. I hope you don't mind me doing most of the hunting. Until you are more skilled and comfortable with your feline form I worry that you could be hurt."
This woman meant so much to him, he could not bear it if she was injured and he could have prevented it. While she was learning to move quietly she still was not silent nor had she hunted more than very small game. His hand still petting the lush hair draped over his pillow, he shook at the thought but quickly pushed it aside. She had centuries to become as skilled as he at the fine art of feline hunting.
She sipped the contents of her glass, and leaned towards him for a soft kiss. His concern was less overwhelming than it used to be, but still very poignant, and it meant the world to her.
"Cyrus, I will always defer to you in these matters. I trust you with my life, and know you will always seek to keep me safe. I just hope I'm learning quick enough so that I don't cause you frustration. I am feeling more confident in my new skin, and things are definitely becoming easier, but I understand I've got a long way to go before I would ever think to venture far on my own. Not that I can imagine wanting to be far from you anyway, but in the event it were to become necessary, I am trying to learn from you."
She tilted her head back up towards his, and gave him a soft smile. "I'll bet you never thought you'd be playing the role of professor at this stage in your life, did you? You really are a natural at it though. Or is it just that you have a soft spot for your pupil?"
She kissed him again, with a quick peck. If anyone ever wanted to see what love looked like, a picture of Fallon's face right then would have been a good indication.
A smile crossed his face at her silliness. He would rather leave Nachton than teach others. Fallon was an exception to that rule. Generally his predatorial nature kept him rather antisocial and viewing other vampires as competition, even if the food source was abundant. Tracing the perfect curve of her ear he shook his head slightly.
"You, my kitten, are my sole student. I have no wish for others nor can I ever envision myself teaching."
Draining his glass before sending it to the nearby bedside table he turned slightly until his love was facing him while his arms encircled her. Even with his body completely satiated he still enjoyed the feel of her bare skin against his. "Was there anything else on your list of things to do this eve?"
When they had arrived back at the house, Fallon had though she'd seen that kitten again, and had thought to check it out when the desire to be with Cyrus overshadowed any other whims. But now she considered the matter again, and was a little perplexed to think that somehow the kitten had found it's way to their house, which was a considerable distance from the first encounter.
Sounding somewhat distracted, as she was still trying to figure out why thoughts of the kitten had any bearing at all, Fallon regarded Cyrus with a slightly furrowed brow.
"No, I've nothing scheduled or pressing. Though...Cyrus? Not to change the subject, but have you noticed any stray kittens around the house lately?"
If there was one lurking about, Fallon would need to decide if she wanted to start feeding it, or take it to the local shelter.
"I have not noticed any strays. They could just be visiting from the horse farm a few acres away."
There had been no other smells than the two of them, large cats seemed to scare off the smaller ones normally. Larger felines, like panthers, might tolerate another feline the size of a clouded leopard, but small house cat sized ones might be food.
"If you see one again, try to watch where it is. Then we can follow its scent to where it should be and lay down our own scent to deter it from venturing so far from home. I am sure its mother or owner would prefer it to stay home rather than wander."
That would be a great lesson in tracking for her as well as marking her territory, Cyrus thought. Feline foibles aside, his hand trailed across her hip lazily, enjoying her beautiful body.
"Speaking of the horse farm...were we going to go visit...Ysabel was it, and see her horses?" His propensity for remaining somewhat aloof wasn't normally a problem for Fallon, especially since he seemed more than happy to make the effort to be around people for her. If he wasn't in a hurry to visit their neighbors, Fallon could wait.
"Scent? Hmmm...now that's weird. I don't recall having recognized any scent coming from the kitten. But I'll keep an eye out anyway, and let you know if I see it again...if you don't in the mean time. I knew you'd have a sensible way to deal with it though."
Moving off her elbow and back into his embrace, Fallon nuzzled his neck with tiny nibbles.
"You always know just what to say to me."
The thought of horses made him think of the short sturdy mounts of his youth. There was something very comforting about those strong stout equines. It would also give Fallon a chance to become friends with a clanmate, which as a woman she probably wished to do so.
At the statement that she had not noticed a scent he could only smile indulgently. Running on four paws was easy, learning the traits that came naturally with the form and species was a long journey. She would learn though, since she was quite adept at picking things up and he could teach her. Apparently their next lesson should be scent awareness since it was invaluable not only to hunting but in defense and hiding as well.
A tender smile crossed his face as he realized what she may have meant by her earlier comment about the small beast. "If you wish to put out food Kitten, please feel free. Just realize it may not be in need of a permanent home."
Welcoming her into his arms and returning the soft nibbling kisses upon her shoulder, he turned playfull once more. "I do try to keep you happy."
'Now, we have a few hours of night left, however shall we fill the time?" His leer was probably overdoing it but he could not help himself, she had turned him into the beast he now was.
"Then as long as you're agreeable, I'll see what I can do to arrange a visit." Fallon smiled and nodded.
"As for the kitten, I'm not really sure I want to take that responsibility on right now, and I've heard once you start feeding one they're impossible to get rid of."
And at that remark she laughed, smooshed her face into his and kissed him. She was, of course, teasingly referring to herself in that comment. Besides, it wasn't the desire to have the kitten around, but more to just explain why it was around, that had Fallon interested.
"And you do know that more than anything I want to make you happy too love." She responded to his declaration. "But just being with you, and sharing your life with you, is what makes me happy." She wouldn't yet again tell him how much the material things didn't matter. If it made him happy to show her his love in that way, as long as he didn't stop in the other ways, she'd decided not to protest anymore.
"Hmmm...a few hours you say? Well, we could shower, or splash around in the tub a little...then maybe meet back here and if you've still got some energy left, maybe we could..." Fallon pressed her mouth to Cyrus' ear then, and mumbled a few things that had her blushing just thinking them. The man had such an effect on her that it no longer surprised her to think some of the things she thought, when it had to them making love.
Putting a few inches between them, Fallon grinned at him while she waited for his decision.
"What do you say...race you to the bathroom?"
Her suggestive comments had his blood scorching and eyes narrowed upon her nude form. "Temptress. And such a short distance to the bathroom for a race."
Wrapping her in his arms he kissed her deeply and firmly, toying with her tongue and lips. Fingers tangled in her hair before blazing a trail down her back to the ripe curve of her rear. Fitting her body to his, he ground the erection her words caused against her center. Pulling back he was breathing heavy but still capable of racing his wildcat.
Unsure if he wanted to win or lose this challenge he rose from their bed and made his way towards the bath, walking backwards and watching every move his lover made.
"You look like you could eat me alive." She quipped, twisting her arms around each other like a long snake in front of her body. Biting her bottom lip, she tilted her head downward, and looked at Cyrus up through her lashes. With her arms coiled as they were, her breasts were pushed forward from within the 'V' she had created, making them appear even larger and fuller than they really were. She walked, one foot in front of the other, slowly, her hips shifting seductively.
Drawing closer, she appeared to be walking directly at him, licking her bottom lip now, then sucking it into her mouth.
"Or rather, I guess that wouldn't be totally accurate now, would it?" She corrected herself, when she was just a hairs breath away. She was hoping that she might be distracting enough to make it past him, and into the bathroom, thus winning the race. So when she thought her chances were at their peak, she started to sprint past him with a loud squeal, and laugh.
The grin on his face turned superior and he watched her make her break for the finish line. The noises from that woman simply turned him on even more. Watching her race past him had his instincts kicking in.
Before he could stop himself he was behind her, his hands clamped down around her hips while his teeth found the back of her neck. They both landed lightly against the wall near the door to the bathroom. His feet tangled with hers, pushing her legs apart widely. The rumbling growl was loud and vibrating his chest as he pressed himself to her back, his erection wedged firmly between their bodies, nestled against her ass.
The cool tile against her cheek quickly heated from the flush in her face as she pressed against it, and marveled in the sensations coursing through her body. His roar of satisfaction, or conquer, heightened her pleasure and made her want him all over again. Shifting her hips, she could feel his heat shift as well, and when she felt it poised at her entrance, Fallon lifted herself on her toes, only to then lower herself onto his shaft. The exquisite delight caused her to cry out, and for a second she almost sounded feral.
Reaching around and finding one of his hands, she brought it forward to cup her breast, and hold it there, welcoming the feel of it's firm pressure.
"I...won?" She laughingly mumbled, somewhat obscured by her mouth being half pressed to the wall.
It wasnt until he was trying to remain standing from the aftershocks of his orgasm did he come back to reality. Rather than allowing himself to fall, he stepped them both back and turned her towards him. Expecting to see fear or disgust in her eyes he quickly checked her body for injuries. Aside from a bruise forming on her hip and the puncture wounds he made in her neck she appeared ok. He could still taste her blood and hair in his mouth and feel his teeth sunk in her flesh around her vertabre.
Self loathing and apology etched his features as he spoke, still unable to meet her gaze. "I am so sorry Fallon. I honestly did not mean to attack you but that is no excuse for my actions."
Raising his golden eyes to her brown ones he prepared for her anger and fear.
Closing her mouth, she looked at him with some amazement on her face, then softly caressed his cheek, and moved her arms around his neck, hugging him close, and speaking into his ear.
"Cyrus, my dear, sweet, sometimes silly man...there is nothing to be sorry for. Don't you know how wonderful it makes me feel, to know that I have this effect on you? Any woman in my place...one of being so totally and thoroughly loved by you, would feel just as fantastic, I assure you. And you didn't hurt me love...you forget I'm made of pretty tough stock."
Kissing the side of his neck, Fallon pulled her face back to see into his, and smile.
"You do things to me...make me feel things that I never thought I'd ever feel, and though I might not show you in such vehement ways, I feel them as strongly I believe."
Kissing his nose, then his lips, Fallon tried to show him in that kiss, just how much she loved him, and all his ways.
"Please don't change Cyrus...please don't start being someone else. You are who I fell in love with. You are the man of my dreams, and the one I want to be with forever."
And before he saw her tears, Fallon kissed his shoulder and pressed her cheek there.
Unsure who was comforting who, Cyrus held his mate close to his heart while his voice was quiet as he tried to explain. "Sometimes my instincts get the better of me. Generally when something runs, I have a need to chase. Foolish though it may be. Chasing you simply brings out the passion crazed beast in me."
Taking a deep breath he calmed himself more and gently ran his hands over her discolored hip. "I never want to hurt you or scare you, and I know I can do both which frightens me."
Vowing silently to learn to control himself better, he picked her up easily, cradling her in his arms and stepped into the bath. The water began to fill the tub swiftly and towels marched to the wide lip for later use. Placing his kitten upon her feet next to the tub, he bowed humbly.
"To the winner of the race, goes the spoils. How may I serve you oh glorious champion?"
That he could care so deeply was one thing, that he could be so vulnerable was something she'd never imagined for him before. The more she considered it, the more human it made him, and the more she both loved, and feared for him. He had always taken care of her, and for him to require her support was a little bit shocking.
Pulling him closer, and tighter in her arms, Fallon willed him strength. If that's what he needed from her now, she would gladly do whatever was in her power to give it. If it was understanding that he sought, she could easily give him that. Whatever it took to make him feel better, and to reaffirm her love, and unconditional acceptance of him, she would move heaven and earth to show him. It was the very least she could do, and the very most she wanted.
"Cyrus, hush...you did nothing wrong...I'm fine...not hurt at all. If anyone is to be found at fault here, it's me for acting so foolishly and irresponsibly. I should know better than to go all crazy and sudden like that...I can control those silly impulses. You are only reacting instinctively...you are the one who needs more consideration given to...I've just got so much to learn yet."
And though she felt bad about what she'd done, the truth was she was still just fine, and though he might have been frightened by what he imagined he might have done, it didn't happen. Looking down at his hand on her bruised hip, Fallon took it in her's and cradled it between their bodies.
"I'm a vampire love...it's going to take a lot more than some rough grabbing to hurt me. You forget, I know what it is to be punched around like one of those things fighters hit, and then just left huddled in a corner somewhere, until I could get enough breath and energy in my body to move. I know what it's like to be slapped so many times across the face that my mouth goes numb. But even that was all back when physical pain was a very tangible thing. Pain for me is different now...You could never hurt me like that Cyrus...seeing you here like this now is proof."
She stopped talking when she wondered if anything she said was making sense. Here she was, and English teacher, and she was having trouble expressing her feelings. As she was swept up into his arms, Fallon hoped he had made peace with himself, and she nuzzled her face into his neck. Too soon he put her down, and she longed for nothing more than to be back in those wonderful arms. When he bowed before her she was torn between crying, still pretty emotional about his declarations, and laughing, having understood that she had won the race.
"You may serve me as you always have love...standing up here next to me, by my side...loving me as only you know how."
Her fingertips moved under his jaw, and she lifted his face to hers, and gently tugged him upwards, so she could hold him again,
Once they were in the bathroom she was once again soothing him as only she could do. Allowing her to tug him out of the bow before wrapping his arms around her and kissing her gently. "That would be my honor"
As he held her close a orange colored jar rose up to spill some of its crystals into the tub that was swiftly filling. The sweet scent of peaches rose from the water as the salts disolved. Rather than let his love go, he lifted her again into his arms, this time with her facing him as he pulled her legs around his waist. Stepping into the warm water while kissing her shoulder, he lowered them into the water until they sat chest deep facing eachother.
Gently he traced the high line of her cheekbone with his thumb wondering how he got so lucky. "I do not know how I was lucky enough to win your heart Fallon. But I cherish every day and will do my best to keep you happy for eternity."
The fruity smell made her smile, as it wafted up around them in an invisible, scented cloud. Her lips found his neck, as his found her shoulder, and as if to offer him more evidence of her strength and acceptance of his actions towards her, she softly nipped into his neck. Her fangs tingled with the feel of his skin giving way, and her body tensed as the sweet liquid trickled into her mouth. She didn't press deeply though, allowing only a minute amount of his blood to whet her appetite for him. Licking the wound, it was closed before she had a chance to kiss it yet again.
"You do make me happy Cyrus, and as long as you love me, that will be an easy promise for you to keep. I, as well, offer you my heart, forever, and will strive to protect and nurture your happiness as well."
It occurred to Fallon that the vows they had just made were much like wedding vows, and she wondered if Cyrus would feel the similarities.
Still caught up in the emotions of what had just transpired, as well as the huge amount of love welling up inside her, Fallon felt a tear slide down her cheek and onto his thumb. Laughing, as well, because of the incredible happiness she also felt, she cried even harder, and was soon sobbing uncontrollably in his arms.
Pressing her face into his shoulder, to try and hide her embarrassment at her lack of control, Fallon was finally able to stop the tears.
"Would you please pass me a tissue?" Indelicate as it was in the moment, Fallon had a desperate need to blow her runny nose, and didn't want Cyrus to see.