AB/BtVS FF: Nightmares in Waking Life 48/?
TITLE: Nightmares in Waking Life
AUTHOR: 38gnihsurc
RATING: en.sea.xvii, overall
PAIRINGS: All the pairings from the previous two stories---and some new ones, too
SPOILERS: Up until Micah for AB; the whole TV series for the Buffyverse; Alive at Last and Living Underground.
WARNINGS: A little bit of fur... bdsm... the usuals for Anita's crazy, crazy world.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone---except for any original characters that I whip up to do my bidding ;)
NOTE: This story is a sequel to Living Underground.
Previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9-11, 12, 13, 14-5, 16-7, 18-9, 20-1, 22, 23, 24-5, 26-7, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32-3, 34-7, 38, 39-40, 41, 42, 43-44, 45, 46, 47
PART FORTY-EIGHT
"I'm really sorry, Willow," Sampson said quietly. "I didn't know---"
Willow put a hand on the siren's arm. "I know. I'm kind of pissed, still, but I know you weren't in your right mind."
Sampson sighed. "Thank you for saying so," he whispered. "As soon as I can, I want to apologise to your Ulfric."
"I don't think he's very angry with you," Willow confessed. "He... doesn't like having to feed when he normally doesn't have to, but everything seems okay now."
"Well, I'm still going to apologise to him," Sampson insisted.
The witch smiled. "Alright. If you say so."
She leaned back in her seat on the small sofa that was in Sampson's room. She had gone to visit him after she woke up, feeling better. Anita and Richard had gone to work, leaving her with the two dead-to-the-world vampires. When Willow felt well enough, she prepared for the day and decided her first stop should be the siren's quarters. She wanted to resolve the situation with Sampson as best as she could so she could begin to move on and put recent events behind her.
"I do."
"Fair enough," she murmured. "How are you feeling?"
The siren looked up at her. "I feel guilty. And helpless, oddly enough."
"You'll get the hang of your powers soon," the witch said. "I still don't have a grip on all of mine."
The man sitting in front of her nodded. He didn't look very sure of himself or anything else; Willow was beginning to feel glad that she went to talk to him, grudge-free like the older witch from her dream had suggested.
"Thank you for saying that, too," he told her. "I don't deserve---"
"Bite your tongue."
Sampson smiled a bit. "You really are quite something. Asher was right."
Willow smiled a little in response. Asher hadn't told her that he and Sampson had spoken; she didn't know why that news would have surprised her, but it did nevertheless. She wished she could have been told how their conversation had gone and then she wished that she had gotten some advice from him on how to have such a conversation of her own before going to the siren's quarters.
"Have you spoken to Jean-Claude?" Willow asked. "Do you know what's going to happen... I mean…"
"What's going to happen to me?" Sampson supplied for her when she trailed off. At her nod, he shrugged. "Not much right now. My father and mother are thrilled that Anita was able to bring me into my power. I'm pretty sure they're trying to figure out how she can bring my brothers into theirs, too, but I doubt Anita will agree to that any time soon---"
"If the aftermath is handled differently---"
"That's what Jean-Claude believes, too," Sampson interjected quietly. He sighed and gave another shrug. "The Master of the City isn't angry with me, so that's something. I guess your, ah, werewolf ancestors told him that I was also under the influence of some other powerful vampire. He suspects it was the ardeur, brought on through Anita and dumped on me. He's upset, though. He didn't say so, but I can tell. You're important to him and I hurt you. I didn't know my powers could be so hard to control. I didn't know I could get as carried away in the thrall, too.
"He's suggested I remain in my quarters as much as I can, until we know that I have a better grip on things. He's offered to find people I can use to test, but I'm not feeling up to that. I'm not allowed to leave the Circus grounds until further notice. On the upside, Perdita's not allowed on the Circus grounds until further notice. My parents trust her, but they don't trust her, and my father's negotiating to send other guards... but, in all honesty, I'd feel safer with Jean-Claude's guards watching my back."
Willow frowned. "Do you think Perdita's a double agent?"
Sampson shook his head. "Nah, but she puts me on edge. I wouldn't bet my life on her loyalty. She's a mermaid, first, and a guard, second, you know?"
The witch nodded. "I wish things had gone better for you, Sampson," she murmured.
"Me, too. I hate that I've caused so much trouble and put strain on my father's relationship with Jean-Claude. I'm stronger, but I'm a rarity. A hated rarity by the rest of my kind." Sampson tried to smile a little but the expression fell flat. "It's going to make the next few weeks interesting, anyway."
"Maybe you should try to go home sooner, if things are heating up here."
Sampson shook his head. "I want to help if I can. If something's happening with the ancient one, and her animals to call are feline, then having a siren here may help."
"If it was just Belle-Morte's ardeur," Willow stipulated.
Sampson nodded. "Exactly."
"You're not afraid?"
"No more than I was before I decided to stay if I can," he replied honestly.
Genuinely affected by Sampson's offer, Willow reached out and touched his knee. "Thank you," she murmured. "I know you're strong. And I know something's coming---just don't know what yet---so I appreciate that you're willing to offer yourself to help us."
"Anything I can do, to make things right... to help... I will," Sampson promised.
Their conversation ended a few minutes later. Sampson wanted to call his brothers and check in; Willow wanted to make a snack and go back to her room to do some reading. Willow told him she'd stop by again either that day or the next and she liked how his mood brightened when he heard her plan, cementing the idea as a good one in her metaphorical books.
As she headed to the kitchen, she felt glad she could cheer up the newly-turned siren but she also didn't understand why she should be trying to do so when their encounter at Anita's house left her the victim and him the attacker. She guessed, as she put together a snack of toast and jam, that she felt divided on the issue of repairing things with Sampson because of the ardeur. It wasn't Sampson's wish to take advantage of her; it was the force of a power he'd never had the experience of controlling. He'd hurt her but it hadn't been his intention. She was wary of him, but she'd known him before the altercation and his heart and mind were kind and pure; Belle-Morte's effect on the ardeur could not make him a true enemy because the darkness wasn't of his own creation.
Sampson had to make amends but, as Willow pondered their situation, she knew she wouldn't make it more difficult for him by holding a grudge.
When she went back to her suite, she peeked in on the vampires and saw that they hadn't moved. She smiled and sat down on the sofa, curling her legs underneath herself as she took a bite out of one of the slices of toast. A few minutes later, she was reaching for a book she'd left on the coffee table, and she was about to thumb through it but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," she called out.
Micah poked his head inside the room. He smiled at Willow, who smiled back, but his smile looked a little frayed around the edges.
"Rough morning?" she asked.
"Yeah," he admitted easily. "Anita's at work and the rest of the pard's doing their respective things, too, so---"
"C'mon in and take a load off," Willow offered. "What happened?"
The leopard king sighed and kicked off his shoes before shrugging out of his coat. He didn't say anything until he flopped down on the sofa next to the witch. "Nothing bad," he assured her. "Just... awkward and difficult."
"Oh."
He sighed again. "We have a new leopard. Like brand new."
"Newly infected, plus new to the city?"
Micah nodded. "Yeah. Her name's Laura. Infected during an alleged animal attack during her cross-country move. Bizarre situation. Anyway, she's a high school teacher. Really nice woman---around Merle's age. They hit it off right away and normally he does a lot of the newbie supervision, anyway," the man explained. "They can't be alone because if their beasts take control---"
Willow nodded, too. "Makes sense. To have someone dominant there to take control of the situation until she can."
"Right."
"So, you had to supervise her for a bit?"
"Yeah, she's not teaching yet because she's still learning how to manage the changes, but she did meet one of Haven's older lions and they hit it off so they've been spending time together. As long as nothing too amorous was happening, we were fine with her being with him. He's ex-military, plenty dominant, but not looking to be Rex. I think he just wants a quiet retirement and Haven wants enforcers who can strategise, so it seems to be working for them." He yawned and closed his eyes before continuing his explanation of recent events. "But, last night, things got a little carried away, so Laura called me. Not Merle, because she said she'd feel too awkward with him there. She sees him as a dominant---but also as a friend and she's new to the lycanthrope thing, so I get that."
Willow put a sympathetic hand on his arm. "You had to sit in the corner and watch them?"
Micah nodded. "Until I was sure she wasn't going to shift on him. But, I couldn't leave until an hour ago---just in case."
"Morning sex."
"Yeeeeah," Micah said on a long sigh. "My nerves are shot. I'm not a prude, but I'm an exhausted, red-blooded male and I can only handle so much."
"Well, your secret's safe with me," she murmured.
The wereleopard smiled. "Thanks, Willow."
"Now, as long as I don't have to worry about my virtue, you wanna cuddle up and snooze a little?" she offered. "I know I'm not pard, but---"
"You wouldn't mind?"
She shook her head. "I don't have anything really planned until Asher wakes up and I'm still kind of wiped out from, ah, recent events."
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable---"
"You won't," she assured him, even though she wasn't entirely sure he wouldn't. She still didn't know how she felt about Micah and Nathaniel being her rescuers from Sampson's unplanned and unintentional clutches, but she knew the pard leader needed some support and she thought she should return the favour. "You want to lie down here or in there?"
"Here's good," Micah replied. "If you---"
"Here's good for me, too," she murmured.
"It's just that---I hate to say it, but---I don't want to add to Anita's stress---"
"Well, maybe we shouldn't---"
"I just think seeing us in bed with Asher and Jean-Claude---"
"And seeing us curled up on the sofa won't have the same effect?" Willow inquired.
Micah sighed and tipped his head against the back of the sofa. "We all need to sort things out and get over our hang-ups," he muttered, mostly to himself.
"How can I help?" Willow asked.
He turned his head and looked at her. "Why are you so forgiving and understanding?" he asked.
Confused by the question, Willow did her best to reply honestly. "I have fears... and insecurities. And some hang-ups," she reminded him. "But, Asher loves me for who I am and who I'm becoming. Richard seems to, too. And it's been a long time since I've had friends I can depend on. I've never really had a family. I mean, I had Buffy and Giles and... and... Xander. I had Oz. And Tara. Dawn, too. Dawn... again? Whatever. Anyway. They were a kind of family, but I never felt home. I lost them and I never thought I'd have anything remotely like that again. But, I do. Except it's better. I don't have to hide as much of myself as I did before. I don't want to lose that. Rolling with the punches as best as I can seems to be the best way to do that. Despite the odd setback." She blushed a bit. "I wish I didn't make Anita so uncomfortable. I sometimes think I'm making all of your lives more difficult. I wish I wasn't."
"You're a good friend," Micah whispered.
"You, too," she murmured back. "I feel a little weird about you and Nathaniel finding me so, ah, compromised, but I'm still glad you did."
"We weren't turned on," he assured her. "We weren't looking to join in. We were scared for you and Sampson. It wasn't about sex to us."
"I know. I do know that. I haven't completely made peace with it yet. I don't like being weak."
"Needing help doesn't make you weak," Micah told her in a firm voice.
"Raina doesn't think so."
Micah smiled sadly. "I don't know her personally, but from what I've gathered she wasn't always the best at discerning what made a person or relationship healthy."
"She looks out for me," Willow whispered. "She spoke up for me when I couldn't."
"Good. But, maybe you should start speaking up for yourself," Micah reasoned. "Maybe you should take some of your own advice."
"I'm supposed to be cheering you up and you're giving me a therapy session instead?"
The leopard king chuckled. "Yeah, well, we can multitask." He yawned again and then stood up. He reached out and offered the redhead a hand. "C'mon, Lupa, let's go lie down on the bed."
"You sure?"
He nodded. "Yeah. We'll get cricks in our necks if we doze out here... Besides, we're not doing anything wrong."
"Alright, if you're sure," Willow said, sliding her hand into his and rising to her feet.
Neither of them said anything until they'd undressed to t-shirts and underwear and climbed onto the vacant side of the bed. Willow hugged her nap companion around his middle and rested her chin on his shoulder. "How'd everything go with Laura, anyway?" she asked.
"Oh, fine. There was a brief moment last night that almost had me out of my chair but Bill was able to get her human brain to override her leopard brain all on his own," he told her. "I would've left last night, but I wasn't comfortable leaving them after that, even with their success."
"You're a good leader, Micah," Willow murmured.
"I try," he whispered. "I tried as hard as I could when we were following Chimera around but it didn't start to get easier until St. Louis became our home."
Willow smiled and rubbed her hand over his side in a slow, comforting gesture. "You're doing a good job," she insisted. "Your pard's a pretty close-knit, balanced group. Sometimes I wish the pack wasn't so big because some of the wolves I barely know and I don't know how Richard keeps track of everyone---"
"You both look after your own. You might not be close with everyone, but they know you're Lupa and that you're there for them if they ever need help," Micah whispered. "I can't get over the changes in Richard since you two became a mated pair. The blessing at the lupanar was the best thing that's happened to him in ages. He's relaxed, he's stopped picking so many fights with Anita and Jean-Claude, and he's even been able to tolerate being in the same room as Nathaniel without letting his rage overpower him. I'm still surprised he and Anita stayed here last night with you."
"Me, too. They were both pretty pissed at us. Richard calmed down when he realised what happened. Anita took a while to cool down. I know what it looked like," Willow told him. "And I get jealous of her when she's with Asher and Richard, too, so I understand that seeing me in Jean-Claude's arms must've been pretty infuriating. I'm glad she came back, though. I don't think I'd be feeling as, ah, recovered as I do without her staying with us."
"How does it feel when Jean-Claude uses his power over wolves on you?" Micah asked. When Willow hesitated, he quickly added: "You don't have to tell me. I'm just curious. Jason's told me, but he isn't as dominant as you are."
Willow closed her eyes and tried to formulate a response. When she finally thought she had enough of an idea, she spoke. "The first time, it was like being forced to do something against my will. I didn't want to stay and try to fix things with Anita. I didn't like that we had been tricked. I wanted out and Jean-Claude wasn't going to let me escape. It was like struggling to hold back Niagara Falls or something. His power kept crashing down on top of me, steering me back around. I hated it. He's shared power with me, he's praised me---with that power, I mean---and it's felt incredible. Like I could've wagged my tail if I had one. Like I wanted to roll around in the feeling forever. This last time, it was a mix of the two. At first, I hated him. I hated that he was chasing Raina away. Then, I was afraid and in pain and he soothed me. He chased back my beast and kept me safe and then as I recovered he fed me power and reassurance and I felt so safe and... well, and cherished. But, that might've just been Jean-Claude."
"You trust him not to abuse that?"
"Yeah," she murmured. "He's only ever used it in emergencies. When I'm being way too difficult for anyone's good."
Micah smiled and nuzzled the top of her head. "Thanks."
"No problem."
He inhaled. After exhaling slowly, he whispered: "You still smell like Sampson."
"Not still," she whispered back. "Just again. I went to see him. I had a dream after it happened and a witch told me he wasn't in control---or that someone else was influencing him. I wanted to see him sooner, but I couldn't. I needed to see him, to talk about what had happened."
"And you're alright?"
"I survived."
"Willow..."
She chuckled softly. "I know it wasn't him. I still feel incredibly uncomfortable around him but I know he didn't intend to hurt me like that. He was under the effect of the ardeur. He wasn't himself."
"How is he?"
"Better. Confused. Unsure. Apologetic."
Micah nodded and nuzzled against her hair again.
"How are you?"
"Better. Confused. Unsure. Apologetic."
He chuckled. "Not to him, I hope."
"No, just everyone else. Last night was harder on everyone around me, almost, than on me."
"Stop worrying so much about everyone else," Micah advised. "Maybe with everything that's happened, you should be looking after yourself more for once."
"Is that what you're going to do?"
"Stop that," he scolded half-heartedly.
Willow smiled and rubbed his side again before snuggling into his warmth a little bit more.
&&&&
Willow woke up when she felt cool fingertips brushing over her forehead and cheek. She opened her eyes and saw Asher hovering above her, Jean-Claude nowhere to be seen. A quick glance to her other side told her that Micah was awake; he was watching her quietly through his lashes, a small smile on his face. He looked much more relaxed than he had when he came into the outer room hours earlier.
"Mon colibri, how are you feeling?"
"Better," she whispered. She smiled. "You?"
"Fine. Concerned."
"Nothing happened between---"
Asher placed a finger to her lips. "I was not suggesting that. I would not begrudge you physical comforts with a friend, if that was what you desired."
Micah chuckled. "We're not that kind of friends, Asher."
"I know that, too," the blond vampire said, laughter in his voice. "What has brought you to our home, Micah?"
"Supervisor duty got me too riled up to be alone on my day off and everyone else was at work when I got home," he replied. "I needed to calm down."
"I'm glad you were able to find sanctuary here," Jean-Claude said from the bathroom door. He was wearing his black robe and was towelling his hair dry. "Will you be staying here this evening?"
"Depends on where Anita and Nathaniel are tonight," Micah replied in a pleasantly neutral tone of voice. "I think it's my turn for the ardeur tonight."
"Ah, yes," Jean-Claude said, nodding. "Very well." He came into the bedroom and sat down on the foot of the bed. "Ma chérie, there is something I'd like to discuss with you, if you are up to it."
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked on instinct, not liking the tone that had taken residence in his voice. "What's going on?"
Jean-Claude touched her ankle. "Non, you did not do anything wrong," he assured her. "It is something that concerns us," he added, gesturing between himself and Asher. "I also discussed this with ma petite, and I know you do not trust her judgement, but I did not depend solely upon her conclusion whilst making my decision to present to you."
His careful words and tone made her shift away from Micah's comforting presence. She felt on edge and she didn't like it. He was undaunted, though; he put his hand on her back, underneath her t-shirt, and stroked her back slowly. The warm touch kept her from panicking.
"What is it, Jean-Claude?"
"You went to visit Sampson today?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"May I ask why?"
"Because it wasn't his fault. Because I need to put the altercation to rest. Because, despite said altercation, I'm worried about him."
"Ah."
Willow frowned. "Are you going to order me not to visit him?"
"Not quite."
"Jean-Claude---"
"Non," he interrupted, raising a hand in defence of his position. "Listen to me. I know that Sampson is no longer under the thrall of l'ardeur and he is probably no longer a threat to you. However, if he were to regain control of you, the consequences could be quite dire to every member of the pentumvirate. I am not opposed to you spending time with the siren so long as you are chaperoned---"
"I'm not that weak!"
"You are not weak at all," Jean-Claude corrected her. "But, we are not at our best. I cannot risk your life and I cannot risk the lives of everyone under our care---which could very well be the case."
"What does that say to Sampson?" Willow challenged. "How will this rule make him feel?"
"I agree with you, but there is no other way at this time."
Willow sighed. "Well, tough. I refuse."
"Willow..."
She sat up and pulled away from Micah, who was trying to placate her. "I hate this," she hissed, glaring at the Master of the City. "I can't defend myself. I can't heal and move on. Next you'll tell me I can't practice magic or feed Asher!"
Jean-Claude rolled his eyes. "Please, ma chérie, do not take that tone with me. I am trying to be reasonable."
"Reasonable?" Willow asked. "This isn't reasonable. This is going to hurt Sampson, who's finally feeling like he might be getting a grip on his new power, and it hurts me, because all I think is that you can't trust me."
"Asher or Richard would be ideal companions," Jean-Claude continued, unfazed by her outburst. "Or myself, if I am free and if you would allow me the honour of accompanying you."
Willow snorted. "Whatever."
Micah sat up. "Willow, it's not that he doesn't trust you."
"Did you know?"
He shook his head. "No, I was sleeping, too," he said honestly, meeting her gaze with her own so she could see his honestly. "I know it sucks," he added. "But, I can kind of see where they're coming from." He looked from Willow to the Master of the City. "What if the company is just outside the door, like security?"
"That would be acceptable," Jean-Claude agreed.
"How come you never order anyone but me around?" Willow asked.
"That's not true," Jean-Claude replied. "But, lately, many situations have, ah, cropped up and you have been at the heart of them. I do not like ordering you around, mon cher saule pleureur. You know how I feel about you."
The redhead sighed. "Jean-Claude..."
He reached out and touched her arm. "Ultimately, the decision is yours to obey or not," he said. "However, there will be consequences to disobeying my rule. You are permitted to visit my friend's son if you are accompanied by someone dominant enough to protect you both if things go awry. If you decide to go alone, you will be reprimanded. Do you understand?"
She sighed again. "Yeah, I get it."
Willow wrenched free of Micah's and Jean-Claude's touch and glared at Asher before awkwardly getting off of the bed and marching into the bathroom.
As she closed and locked the door behind her, she heard Micah ask: "Did that go as well as you thought it would?"
She grunted and turned towards the shower, planning on spending a long time under the hot spray.
&&&&
Willow looked up from her coffee and newspaper as Micah came into the kitchen. He was wearing the same pants as he was when he showed up that morning, but he had donned a different t-shirt. His hair was pulled back in a loose braid and wet; she guessed he had showered after she had vacated the bathroom and left him and the vampires in the suite with Jason and Fayette.
"Hey," he said in his most careful of casual tones.
"Hi. There's still some coffee left in the french press if you want it."
"Thanks."
As he passed her, he reached out and touched her arm. She flinched. He sighed.
"I wasn't in on that little ambush, you know," he told her.
"I'm still pissed. Raina's right. And it kills me to admit that, given everything I've heard about her when she was alive."
He sighed again. "They're looking out for you. And Sampson. And everyone else."
"Well, why is it that looking out for me and everyone else makes me feel like crap?"
"Because it's crappy."
Willow frowned. "Thanks, Micah."
"All group leaders have to make unpopular decisions, Willow," he reminded her. "You'll have to do it, too, one of these days. It'll be something that will protect your pack but a few members will feel like you're taking away their favourite chew toy. You'll stand firm because you have to look out for the whole group."
"That's different."
"Not really."
Micah took a mug off of the shelf and poured himself some coffee. He stole a muffin out of the basket on the counter and then went to the table where Willow was sitting. "Well, it's different, but not by much," he conceded. "I love Anita, so I'm biased. But, I consider you a good friend and someone I can count on if I need help. Now, I know she hasn't always been the nicest person to you and it sucks because you're tied together. We've all been working on her, which doesn't always help. She and Jean-Claude didn't decide this to isolate you or to make your life harder. They're just trying to protect your five-pointed bond. And Anita's to Nathaniel and Damian... and so on."
Willow glared at him. "Reminding me of my responsibilities isn't the best way to cheer me up."
"I know. I just... I get why they're asking this of you. And I understand why you're angry with them."
"I don't fight for things... for myself... because I know it'll cause problems with Anita. I just want to get myself back to where I was before this latest fuck-up in my life. And I can't even do that."
"Jean-Claude's not saying you can't."
"I can't have a protector every time I go to do something that make people nervous."
"I have Merle and Noah. Anita has guards. Richard, too---"
"I'm not---"
"You're Lupa."
Willow furrowed her brow. "Yeah, but this isn't pack stuff. This is me stuff."
"But 'me stuff' could hurt the 'pack stuff,'" Micah reminded her. "I know you like your independence. But, maybe there's a way to compromise?"
Willow shrugged.
Micah sipped his coffee and then asked: "Are you going to tow the line and follow his request?"
"His order, you mean... and I don't know yet."
"Fair enough," the leopard king mumbled before taking another sip of coffee.
A few minutes passed in silence before Haven poked his head into the room.
"Hi, Haven," Micah said in a friendly voice.
"Hey, Micah, Willow."
"Hi," Willow murmured, smiling a little. She felt Raina's interest perking up at the sight of the Rex, but she squashed the feeling down as best as she could. "What's up?"
"Have either of you seen Fayette around?" Haven asked. "She's MIA again and we have a meeting."
"Pride meeting?" Micah asked.
"One-on-one meeting," Haven replied.
Micah nodded once. He motioned in the direction of Asher's and Willow's suite. "She was feeding Asher when I headed her."
"Thanks. Think she'll be recovered enough by now?"
"Maybe. Go see. If they're not busy, I doubt they'd mind the visit," the wereleopard said in reply.
"Alright. See ya," the blue-haired werelion said before patting the doorframe once with a closed hand and turned in the direction Micah had indicated.
Willow looked at Micah. "What's that about? Is Fayette in trouble?"
Micah frowned and shook his head. "Nah... Haven's trying to shape up the pride to be a real pride---not the group Joseph was trying to run."
The witch tilted her head. "I don't get it."
After a few sips of coffee, the wereleopard continued his explanation. "The Rex mates with most of the females, on a sort of a well-spaced-out rotating schedule. Not because it's his right. More like... because it's instinct to the lion in them. Lions in the wild are kind of promiscuous. Lots of mating---lots of unsuccessful mating. But, for werelions, it's not about success in that way. And it's not about them all getting together and having orgies. It's a way for the Rex to reassure his lionesses that he's there, that he'll provide for them and protect them. They're free to sleep with other pride members when both parties are consenting, too, and that mood that the Rex provides filters through the group."
"Why don't all the groups do that?"
"Wolves have long-lasting relationships," he replied. "Leopards are pretty solitary creatures in the wild. Wereleopards aren't so much---probably because they're not in competition for hunting grounds. But, the solitary thing king of bleeds through. Our beasts don't need the same things. Rats... well, I'm not exactly sure. I think they're a little of both---might depend on how the rodere is run. Hyenas... hmm. Might have to go back to school," he said, making light of his lack of concrete knowledge. "But, I also know that it depends on the group. Joseph tried to run the pride like it was a group of humans. Haven's going back to basics to try to help the health of his group. Richard tried to create a democracy, before getting to where the pack is now. Other groups have harsher hierarchies to follow. Others take a middle road. It depends on the leader."
Willow nodded. "Thanks for the info. Makes sense."
"I couldn't imagine doing that---"
"Plus, your relationship..."
"That, too," Micah agreed when Willow trailed off.
"If Fayette doesn't want to..."
"That's for them to sort out, don't you think?"
Willow frowned. "She might have been a troublemaker when she arrived in St. Louis, but she hasn't had an easy life. I don't want things to get worse for her."
"Haven's a good Rex. Better than Joseph. He knows how to look out for his pride and Fayette needs to know she can trust him to discuss her concerns with him," Micah murmured. "Like how your pack trusts you and Richard."
"Have Anita and Haven..."
Micah shook his head. "Not yet. Anita's holding her ground... dance card's already pretty full."
With a little nod, Willow ducked her head and stared down at the newspaper in front of her. Micah exhaled slowly and put an arm around her shoulders; she sighed and leaned into his touch because even though they weren't from the same lycanthrope group, because they were still friendly, and the touch was comforting to both of them.
"How are you feeling?" Willow asked quietly.
"A lot less frazzled than I was this morning," the leopard king said with a small, content smile. "It's not easy, being king," he joked.
Willow smiled back at him, feeling a small measure of happiness at his attempt of humour.
"How is it that he gets your smile this evening, while I am left without such a gift?" Asher inquired from the doorway, interrupting the witch's moment of peace.
The redhead frowned at him after turning her gaze from Micah. "Because you let your master railroad me," she replied in a cool voice. "Because neither of you seem to trust me and my own strength, or my need to heal and move on on my own terms."
Asher sighed and shook his head. His hair-mask did not move from the scarred side of his face, despite the fact that he trusted and spent time around Micah, and that told Willow that he was feeling unsure of the situation between them and wanted some measure of protection.
"He is your master, too, mon colibri."
"Obviously," the witch muttered.
"He cares for you."
Willow snorted.
Asher sighed again. "It is true. He will not admit it, but I would go so far to say that he loves you, mon colibri."
"Whatever."
"This is his way of protecting you, as well as protecting others connected to him---Anita, Richard, Jason, myself---"
"Asher, I don't want to talk about this tonight."
"Oui, mais---"
"No buts. I don't want to talk about it."
Asher stepped into the room and approached the table. "Willow..."
"Asher, I have to go into work---"
"I thought we discussed---"
"I'll probably have a wolf guard or two, won't I?"
Asher frowned. "Mon colibri, please do not fight with me on this. I'd like you to stay here with me this evening... until we're certain everyone's recovered."
"But Richard and Anita can do their jobs?"
Micah rubbed Willow's arm, doing his best to offer support while remaining as in the background as he could.
"You have a point," Asher conceded. "We worry that you cannot handle all that has happened to you in recent days."
"Then, maybe you should trust me to know my own strength," Willow suggested icily.
"Maybe," he agreed. "However that is not my decision to make."
"You can't decide to trust me?"
"Asher---"
Asher ignored the beginning of Micah's warning and pressed the issue festering between him and his human servant. "I trust you, Willow," he said firmly. "However, it is not that trust that is in question. Your strength waxes and wanes and you're only beginning to grow into your new powers, in the big picture. If it were only us bound, I would accept that you will do your best to remain safe and strong. It is not just us bound together, though, so I will admit that I cannot afford to be so accepting."
"I hate this," Willow muttered.
"As do I, mon colibri," Asher confessed. "If you like, I could go with you to work..."
"I think we should probably go our separate ways tonight," she told him. "I'm betting Patrick's here and he can come with me to work if he wasn't reassigned somewhere else."
"Will you allow me to drive you there?"
"Asher..."
The vampire raised his hands, palms upturned. "I do not like having your anger directed at me. I wish to make you feel better."
"Sex isn't a cure-all."
"Did I say anything about sex, mon colibri?" he questioned her. When she shook her head, he smiled a bit. "I simply wish to hold you for a while, before we go to work. Fayette offered her services to you, for feeding, before you leave and perhaps we could spend some time together after you have fed your hungers."
"I thought you fed from Fayette."
Asher shook his blond head. "Non, she came with Jason for you, mon colibri."
"Oh. I... I didn't know."
"You stormed out before anyone could suggest the idea," he commented, amusement in his voice again. "I am... I am not feeding this evening."
Willow frowned. "Why not?"
"I argued with Jean-Claude," he answered honestly and openly, despite Micah's presence. "I did not agree with his decision."
The red-haired witch's eyes widened. "You... what?"
"Ultimately, I will tow the line because it is what he wishes of me on this issue. I pressed the matter because I felt there was a better way---perhaps because I feel guilty for my part in the event," he explained. "He does not order me around much, but on this, he is Master of the City and I am his témoin. He chooses when to provide for me, even though it does not seem that way most of the time. I will accept his decision because I have to and because to not accept it means further punishment."
"Asher, why didn't you say anything?"
He shrugged. "He did not want me saying anything about my view on the matter. He changed his mind after you left the suite."
"I'm sorry," she murmured.
"As am I," he replied.
He reached for her and she went willingly into his arms.
Micah chuckled.
When the couple turned and looked at him, he smiled and said, "Crisis averted?"
Willow snorted. "This part of it. For now."
"Then, I will take my chances and whisk you off to our bedchamber before you change your mind," Asher declared with a roguish wink, making both Micah and Willow laugh softly. They said their good-byes to the leopard king and left the kitchen. As they walked hand in hand, down the hall, the blond vampire said, "Jean-Claude has gone to his quarters to prepare for his evening at Guilty Pleasures. Fayette will return for you as soon as she is finished with her Rex."
Willow nodded. Then, she peaked up at him and whispered: "I'm sorry."
"Do not apologise," Asher insisted. "I should have realised how recent events were affecting you. I did not. My disagreement with Jean-Claude stems from my desire to make amends with you."
"Well, don't. Not when it means you can't feed---"
"I do not mind," he assured her.
"I mind!"
Asher chuckled softly. "Mon colibri, it would please me if you concerned yourself with your own well-being."
"It would please me to know you're okay!"
"I am," he assured her in a low whisper. Outside the door to their suite of rooms, he stopped her. After kissing her forehead, he looked down at her and said, "Haven and Jean-Claude have agreed that you may feed your ardeur from Fayette this evening and on other occasions if you wish it, under one condition."
Willow steeled herself for the condition.
"Keep what you learn private. Do not share it with anyone unless she, her Rex, and our Master have given you permission," he stipulated. "You may discuss matters with those three, separately or together, but for security and for Fayette's well-being, it would be best to keep things learned to yourself. Do not even tell me, no matter how much you wish to. D'accord?"
She nodded. "I can agree to that."
"Bon," he said as he opened the door and ushered her inside.
Fayette was not in the outer room. She was not in the bedroom, either, but as Willow surveyed the scene around her, she realised the lioness must have been in the shower. Asher reclined on the bed and drew the witch into his arms. She yielded to his unspoken request and snuggled into him as they waited for her meal to appear.
When Fayette did appear, she was wrapped in a short, brown robe made of a satiny material and she had a black towel wrapped around her head. On her neck, there was a bite mark; she was flushed and smiling.
"Hey," she whispered.
"Hi," Willow murmured back. "Are you alright for this?"
The werelion nodded. "Yep. I spoke with Jean-Claude and we agreed that this might be a good way for me to repay my debt to you."
"You don't owe me anything," Willow assured her.
"Well, it's sweet of you to say, but I do."
Willow watched as Fayette unwound the towel from her head and combed her fingers through her hair. She looked around and blushed a bit. "I'm not sure what the protocol is."
"Come sit with me?" Willow asked. "I don't feed like Jean-Claude and Anita do. It shouldn't get sexual, in case you're worried. It's just contact with a side of magic."
Fayette nodded and when Asher gave a nod of his own, she climbed onto the bed and sat next to Willow. The redhead offered the other woman her hand; the gesture was returned and Willow threaded their fingers together and released the tenuous grasp she'd had on her shielding all day.
The energy of the lycanthrope washed over her and soothed the gnawing hunger she'd been ignoring. She felt the lion's gift of pleasant thoughts and memories and saw flashes of an argument-turned-conversation that the woman'd recently had with Haven. Fayette had overheard Jean-Claude discussing the matter of sending someone back and assumed it had been her; she avoided her Rex because she didn't want to get used to being in the pride if she was going to be shipped back to the pride aligned with Allura; Haven told her that it was Valentina and her guardian who were being sent back, hopefully at a time when she would not be a threat to them so she could no longer be a threat to Faith's baby; Fayette had sobbed in relief at the mention of this and went to her hands and knees for her Rex a few moments after the truths had been revealed.
Willow drank down the werelion's warm, happy, relieved feelings and gathered her closer so her hand could travel over the other woman's arm and back and neck and continue absorbing the feelings that were offered to her. Fayette was dominant enough to avoid being swept up in the ardeur; she was strong enough to feed the witch without becoming too weak. Willow closed her eyes to the swell of emotion and when Asher kissed her shoulder, she whimpered and dropped her head to Fayette's shoulder.
The ardeur faded away as it was satisfied and Willow found herself hugging the other woman close to her body and being held in return. Asher was cradling them both in his arms.
The redhead sighed shakily and kissed Fayette's neck before kissing her cheek. The other woman turned and rested her forehead against Willow's, so that their noses brushed.
"That was nice," Fayette whispered.
"How did it feel?" Willow asked.
"Like... like all the good stuff that just happened was happening again," Fayette said quietly. "Like I was in a warm, safe bubble. Thank you."
Willow chuckled. "I was just going to thank you. I feel so much better. Stronger. Didn't even know I needed it."
Fayette leaned in, closed the gap between them, and kissed Willow's lips. "You're welcome," she whispered.
The witch returned the kiss and reached up to smooth her fingers through the lioness' damp hair. Asher drew in a quiet, unnecessary breath and tightened his fingers' hold on Willow's hip. As she sensed his arousal, she came back to her own senses and ended the kiss. She brushed her fingers over Fayette's cheek and opened her eyes.
"I appreciate you allowing me to feed from you," the witch said, carefully attempting to give herself some facade of control while not putting too much distance between herself and Fayette. "Thanks."
"We've done that already," Fayette murmured teasingly.
Willow smiled back at her. "I know. I appreciate it, though."
"I know."
"Merci, Fayette," Asher said quietly. "If you wish to stay here with us and recover, you are welcome to."
"Haven and some of the lions that work here are snoozing in a guest room," Fayette said. "If it's alright, I'd really like to go join them."
Willow understood. What Fayette had thought was temporary was much more permanent, and she wanted to celebrate with her pride some more. Willow grinned and kissed Fayette's forehead before thanking her again and playfully shooing her off of the bed. Fayette flashed them both a smile and then she slipped out of the bedroom.
"Sorry about that," Willow whispered.
Asher chuckled softly and kissed his human servant's neck. "You've done nothing wrong," he assured her. "I enjoyed being a part of it very much."
The witch smiled and snuggled into his embrace. They still had some things to work out between them, but she did her best to put those things aside so she could enjoy a few moments of peace with her vampiric lover.
TBC...
AUTHOR: 38gnihsurc
RATING: en.sea.xvii, overall
PAIRINGS: All the pairings from the previous two stories---and some new ones, too
SPOILERS: Up until Micah for AB; the whole TV series for the Buffyverse; Alive at Last and Living Underground.
WARNINGS: A little bit of fur... bdsm... the usuals for Anita's crazy, crazy world.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone---except for any original characters that I whip up to do my bidding ;)
NOTE: This story is a sequel to Living Underground.
Previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9-11, 12, 13, 14-5, 16-7, 18-9, 20-1, 22, 23, 24-5, 26-7, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32-3, 34-7, 38, 39-40, 41, 42, 43-44, 45, 46, 47
PART FORTY-EIGHT
"I'm really sorry, Willow," Sampson said quietly. "I didn't know---"
Willow put a hand on the siren's arm. "I know. I'm kind of pissed, still, but I know you weren't in your right mind."
Sampson sighed. "Thank you for saying so," he whispered. "As soon as I can, I want to apologise to your Ulfric."
"I don't think he's very angry with you," Willow confessed. "He... doesn't like having to feed when he normally doesn't have to, but everything seems okay now."
"Well, I'm still going to apologise to him," Sampson insisted.
The witch smiled. "Alright. If you say so."
She leaned back in her seat on the small sofa that was in Sampson's room. She had gone to visit him after she woke up, feeling better. Anita and Richard had gone to work, leaving her with the two dead-to-the-world vampires. When Willow felt well enough, she prepared for the day and decided her first stop should be the siren's quarters. She wanted to resolve the situation with Sampson as best as she could so she could begin to move on and put recent events behind her.
"I do."
"Fair enough," she murmured. "How are you feeling?"
The siren looked up at her. "I feel guilty. And helpless, oddly enough."
"You'll get the hang of your powers soon," the witch said. "I still don't have a grip on all of mine."
The man sitting in front of her nodded. He didn't look very sure of himself or anything else; Willow was beginning to feel glad that she went to talk to him, grudge-free like the older witch from her dream had suggested.
"Thank you for saying that, too," he told her. "I don't deserve---"
"Bite your tongue."
Sampson smiled a bit. "You really are quite something. Asher was right."
Willow smiled a little in response. Asher hadn't told her that he and Sampson had spoken; she didn't know why that news would have surprised her, but it did nevertheless. She wished she could have been told how their conversation had gone and then she wished that she had gotten some advice from him on how to have such a conversation of her own before going to the siren's quarters.
"Have you spoken to Jean-Claude?" Willow asked. "Do you know what's going to happen... I mean…"
"What's going to happen to me?" Sampson supplied for her when she trailed off. At her nod, he shrugged. "Not much right now. My father and mother are thrilled that Anita was able to bring me into my power. I'm pretty sure they're trying to figure out how she can bring my brothers into theirs, too, but I doubt Anita will agree to that any time soon---"
"If the aftermath is handled differently---"
"That's what Jean-Claude believes, too," Sampson interjected quietly. He sighed and gave another shrug. "The Master of the City isn't angry with me, so that's something. I guess your, ah, werewolf ancestors told him that I was also under the influence of some other powerful vampire. He suspects it was the ardeur, brought on through Anita and dumped on me. He's upset, though. He didn't say so, but I can tell. You're important to him and I hurt you. I didn't know my powers could be so hard to control. I didn't know I could get as carried away in the thrall, too.
"He's suggested I remain in my quarters as much as I can, until we know that I have a better grip on things. He's offered to find people I can use to test, but I'm not feeling up to that. I'm not allowed to leave the Circus grounds until further notice. On the upside, Perdita's not allowed on the Circus grounds until further notice. My parents trust her, but they don't trust her, and my father's negotiating to send other guards... but, in all honesty, I'd feel safer with Jean-Claude's guards watching my back."
Willow frowned. "Do you think Perdita's a double agent?"
Sampson shook his head. "Nah, but she puts me on edge. I wouldn't bet my life on her loyalty. She's a mermaid, first, and a guard, second, you know?"
The witch nodded. "I wish things had gone better for you, Sampson," she murmured.
"Me, too. I hate that I've caused so much trouble and put strain on my father's relationship with Jean-Claude. I'm stronger, but I'm a rarity. A hated rarity by the rest of my kind." Sampson tried to smile a little but the expression fell flat. "It's going to make the next few weeks interesting, anyway."
"Maybe you should try to go home sooner, if things are heating up here."
Sampson shook his head. "I want to help if I can. If something's happening with the ancient one, and her animals to call are feline, then having a siren here may help."
"If it was just Belle-Morte's ardeur," Willow stipulated.
Sampson nodded. "Exactly."
"You're not afraid?"
"No more than I was before I decided to stay if I can," he replied honestly.
Genuinely affected by Sampson's offer, Willow reached out and touched his knee. "Thank you," she murmured. "I know you're strong. And I know something's coming---just don't know what yet---so I appreciate that you're willing to offer yourself to help us."
"Anything I can do, to make things right... to help... I will," Sampson promised.
Their conversation ended a few minutes later. Sampson wanted to call his brothers and check in; Willow wanted to make a snack and go back to her room to do some reading. Willow told him she'd stop by again either that day or the next and she liked how his mood brightened when he heard her plan, cementing the idea as a good one in her metaphorical books.
As she headed to the kitchen, she felt glad she could cheer up the newly-turned siren but she also didn't understand why she should be trying to do so when their encounter at Anita's house left her the victim and him the attacker. She guessed, as she put together a snack of toast and jam, that she felt divided on the issue of repairing things with Sampson because of the ardeur. It wasn't Sampson's wish to take advantage of her; it was the force of a power he'd never had the experience of controlling. He'd hurt her but it hadn't been his intention. She was wary of him, but she'd known him before the altercation and his heart and mind were kind and pure; Belle-Morte's effect on the ardeur could not make him a true enemy because the darkness wasn't of his own creation.
Sampson had to make amends but, as Willow pondered their situation, she knew she wouldn't make it more difficult for him by holding a grudge.
When she went back to her suite, she peeked in on the vampires and saw that they hadn't moved. She smiled and sat down on the sofa, curling her legs underneath herself as she took a bite out of one of the slices of toast. A few minutes later, she was reaching for a book she'd left on the coffee table, and she was about to thumb through it but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," she called out.
Micah poked his head inside the room. He smiled at Willow, who smiled back, but his smile looked a little frayed around the edges.
"Rough morning?" she asked.
"Yeah," he admitted easily. "Anita's at work and the rest of the pard's doing their respective things, too, so---"
"C'mon in and take a load off," Willow offered. "What happened?"
The leopard king sighed and kicked off his shoes before shrugging out of his coat. He didn't say anything until he flopped down on the sofa next to the witch. "Nothing bad," he assured her. "Just... awkward and difficult."
"Oh."
He sighed again. "We have a new leopard. Like brand new."
"Newly infected, plus new to the city?"
Micah nodded. "Yeah. Her name's Laura. Infected during an alleged animal attack during her cross-country move. Bizarre situation. Anyway, she's a high school teacher. Really nice woman---around Merle's age. They hit it off right away and normally he does a lot of the newbie supervision, anyway," the man explained. "They can't be alone because if their beasts take control---"
Willow nodded, too. "Makes sense. To have someone dominant there to take control of the situation until she can."
"Right."
"So, you had to supervise her for a bit?"
"Yeah, she's not teaching yet because she's still learning how to manage the changes, but she did meet one of Haven's older lions and they hit it off so they've been spending time together. As long as nothing too amorous was happening, we were fine with her being with him. He's ex-military, plenty dominant, but not looking to be Rex. I think he just wants a quiet retirement and Haven wants enforcers who can strategise, so it seems to be working for them." He yawned and closed his eyes before continuing his explanation of recent events. "But, last night, things got a little carried away, so Laura called me. Not Merle, because she said she'd feel too awkward with him there. She sees him as a dominant---but also as a friend and she's new to the lycanthrope thing, so I get that."
Willow put a sympathetic hand on his arm. "You had to sit in the corner and watch them?"
Micah nodded. "Until I was sure she wasn't going to shift on him. But, I couldn't leave until an hour ago---just in case."
"Morning sex."
"Yeeeeah," Micah said on a long sigh. "My nerves are shot. I'm not a prude, but I'm an exhausted, red-blooded male and I can only handle so much."
"Well, your secret's safe with me," she murmured.
The wereleopard smiled. "Thanks, Willow."
"Now, as long as I don't have to worry about my virtue, you wanna cuddle up and snooze a little?" she offered. "I know I'm not pard, but---"
"You wouldn't mind?"
She shook her head. "I don't have anything really planned until Asher wakes up and I'm still kind of wiped out from, ah, recent events."
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable---"
"You won't," she assured him, even though she wasn't entirely sure he wouldn't. She still didn't know how she felt about Micah and Nathaniel being her rescuers from Sampson's unplanned and unintentional clutches, but she knew the pard leader needed some support and she thought she should return the favour. "You want to lie down here or in there?"
"Here's good," Micah replied. "If you---"
"Here's good for me, too," she murmured.
"It's just that---I hate to say it, but---I don't want to add to Anita's stress---"
"Well, maybe we shouldn't---"
"I just think seeing us in bed with Asher and Jean-Claude---"
"And seeing us curled up on the sofa won't have the same effect?" Willow inquired.
Micah sighed and tipped his head against the back of the sofa. "We all need to sort things out and get over our hang-ups," he muttered, mostly to himself.
"How can I help?" Willow asked.
He turned his head and looked at her. "Why are you so forgiving and understanding?" he asked.
Confused by the question, Willow did her best to reply honestly. "I have fears... and insecurities. And some hang-ups," she reminded him. "But, Asher loves me for who I am and who I'm becoming. Richard seems to, too. And it's been a long time since I've had friends I can depend on. I've never really had a family. I mean, I had Buffy and Giles and... and... Xander. I had Oz. And Tara. Dawn, too. Dawn... again? Whatever. Anyway. They were a kind of family, but I never felt home. I lost them and I never thought I'd have anything remotely like that again. But, I do. Except it's better. I don't have to hide as much of myself as I did before. I don't want to lose that. Rolling with the punches as best as I can seems to be the best way to do that. Despite the odd setback." She blushed a bit. "I wish I didn't make Anita so uncomfortable. I sometimes think I'm making all of your lives more difficult. I wish I wasn't."
"You're a good friend," Micah whispered.
"You, too," she murmured back. "I feel a little weird about you and Nathaniel finding me so, ah, compromised, but I'm still glad you did."
"We weren't turned on," he assured her. "We weren't looking to join in. We were scared for you and Sampson. It wasn't about sex to us."
"I know. I do know that. I haven't completely made peace with it yet. I don't like being weak."
"Needing help doesn't make you weak," Micah told her in a firm voice.
"Raina doesn't think so."
Micah smiled sadly. "I don't know her personally, but from what I've gathered she wasn't always the best at discerning what made a person or relationship healthy."
"She looks out for me," Willow whispered. "She spoke up for me when I couldn't."
"Good. But, maybe you should start speaking up for yourself," Micah reasoned. "Maybe you should take some of your own advice."
"I'm supposed to be cheering you up and you're giving me a therapy session instead?"
The leopard king chuckled. "Yeah, well, we can multitask." He yawned again and then stood up. He reached out and offered the redhead a hand. "C'mon, Lupa, let's go lie down on the bed."
"You sure?"
He nodded. "Yeah. We'll get cricks in our necks if we doze out here... Besides, we're not doing anything wrong."
"Alright, if you're sure," Willow said, sliding her hand into his and rising to her feet.
Neither of them said anything until they'd undressed to t-shirts and underwear and climbed onto the vacant side of the bed. Willow hugged her nap companion around his middle and rested her chin on his shoulder. "How'd everything go with Laura, anyway?" she asked.
"Oh, fine. There was a brief moment last night that almost had me out of my chair but Bill was able to get her human brain to override her leopard brain all on his own," he told her. "I would've left last night, but I wasn't comfortable leaving them after that, even with their success."
"You're a good leader, Micah," Willow murmured.
"I try," he whispered. "I tried as hard as I could when we were following Chimera around but it didn't start to get easier until St. Louis became our home."
Willow smiled and rubbed her hand over his side in a slow, comforting gesture. "You're doing a good job," she insisted. "Your pard's a pretty close-knit, balanced group. Sometimes I wish the pack wasn't so big because some of the wolves I barely know and I don't know how Richard keeps track of everyone---"
"You both look after your own. You might not be close with everyone, but they know you're Lupa and that you're there for them if they ever need help," Micah whispered. "I can't get over the changes in Richard since you two became a mated pair. The blessing at the lupanar was the best thing that's happened to him in ages. He's relaxed, he's stopped picking so many fights with Anita and Jean-Claude, and he's even been able to tolerate being in the same room as Nathaniel without letting his rage overpower him. I'm still surprised he and Anita stayed here last night with you."
"Me, too. They were both pretty pissed at us. Richard calmed down when he realised what happened. Anita took a while to cool down. I know what it looked like," Willow told him. "And I get jealous of her when she's with Asher and Richard, too, so I understand that seeing me in Jean-Claude's arms must've been pretty infuriating. I'm glad she came back, though. I don't think I'd be feeling as, ah, recovered as I do without her staying with us."
"How does it feel when Jean-Claude uses his power over wolves on you?" Micah asked. When Willow hesitated, he quickly added: "You don't have to tell me. I'm just curious. Jason's told me, but he isn't as dominant as you are."
Willow closed her eyes and tried to formulate a response. When she finally thought she had enough of an idea, she spoke. "The first time, it was like being forced to do something against my will. I didn't want to stay and try to fix things with Anita. I didn't like that we had been tricked. I wanted out and Jean-Claude wasn't going to let me escape. It was like struggling to hold back Niagara Falls or something. His power kept crashing down on top of me, steering me back around. I hated it. He's shared power with me, he's praised me---with that power, I mean---and it's felt incredible. Like I could've wagged my tail if I had one. Like I wanted to roll around in the feeling forever. This last time, it was a mix of the two. At first, I hated him. I hated that he was chasing Raina away. Then, I was afraid and in pain and he soothed me. He chased back my beast and kept me safe and then as I recovered he fed me power and reassurance and I felt so safe and... well, and cherished. But, that might've just been Jean-Claude."
"You trust him not to abuse that?"
"Yeah," she murmured. "He's only ever used it in emergencies. When I'm being way too difficult for anyone's good."
Micah smiled and nuzzled the top of her head. "Thanks."
"No problem."
He inhaled. After exhaling slowly, he whispered: "You still smell like Sampson."
"Not still," she whispered back. "Just again. I went to see him. I had a dream after it happened and a witch told me he wasn't in control---or that someone else was influencing him. I wanted to see him sooner, but I couldn't. I needed to see him, to talk about what had happened."
"And you're alright?"
"I survived."
"Willow..."
She chuckled softly. "I know it wasn't him. I still feel incredibly uncomfortable around him but I know he didn't intend to hurt me like that. He was under the effect of the ardeur. He wasn't himself."
"How is he?"
"Better. Confused. Unsure. Apologetic."
Micah nodded and nuzzled against her hair again.
"How are you?"
"Better. Confused. Unsure. Apologetic."
He chuckled. "Not to him, I hope."
"No, just everyone else. Last night was harder on everyone around me, almost, than on me."
"Stop worrying so much about everyone else," Micah advised. "Maybe with everything that's happened, you should be looking after yourself more for once."
"Is that what you're going to do?"
"Stop that," he scolded half-heartedly.
Willow smiled and rubbed his side again before snuggling into his warmth a little bit more.
&&&&
Willow woke up when she felt cool fingertips brushing over her forehead and cheek. She opened her eyes and saw Asher hovering above her, Jean-Claude nowhere to be seen. A quick glance to her other side told her that Micah was awake; he was watching her quietly through his lashes, a small smile on his face. He looked much more relaxed than he had when he came into the outer room hours earlier.
"Mon colibri, how are you feeling?"
"Better," she whispered. She smiled. "You?"
"Fine. Concerned."
"Nothing happened between---"
Asher placed a finger to her lips. "I was not suggesting that. I would not begrudge you physical comforts with a friend, if that was what you desired."
Micah chuckled. "We're not that kind of friends, Asher."
"I know that, too," the blond vampire said, laughter in his voice. "What has brought you to our home, Micah?"
"Supervisor duty got me too riled up to be alone on my day off and everyone else was at work when I got home," he replied. "I needed to calm down."
"I'm glad you were able to find sanctuary here," Jean-Claude said from the bathroom door. He was wearing his black robe and was towelling his hair dry. "Will you be staying here this evening?"
"Depends on where Anita and Nathaniel are tonight," Micah replied in a pleasantly neutral tone of voice. "I think it's my turn for the ardeur tonight."
"Ah, yes," Jean-Claude said, nodding. "Very well." He came into the bedroom and sat down on the foot of the bed. "Ma chérie, there is something I'd like to discuss with you, if you are up to it."
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked on instinct, not liking the tone that had taken residence in his voice. "What's going on?"
Jean-Claude touched her ankle. "Non, you did not do anything wrong," he assured her. "It is something that concerns us," he added, gesturing between himself and Asher. "I also discussed this with ma petite, and I know you do not trust her judgement, but I did not depend solely upon her conclusion whilst making my decision to present to you."
His careful words and tone made her shift away from Micah's comforting presence. She felt on edge and she didn't like it. He was undaunted, though; he put his hand on her back, underneath her t-shirt, and stroked her back slowly. The warm touch kept her from panicking.
"What is it, Jean-Claude?"
"You went to visit Sampson today?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"May I ask why?"
"Because it wasn't his fault. Because I need to put the altercation to rest. Because, despite said altercation, I'm worried about him."
"Ah."
Willow frowned. "Are you going to order me not to visit him?"
"Not quite."
"Jean-Claude---"
"Non," he interrupted, raising a hand in defence of his position. "Listen to me. I know that Sampson is no longer under the thrall of l'ardeur and he is probably no longer a threat to you. However, if he were to regain control of you, the consequences could be quite dire to every member of the pentumvirate. I am not opposed to you spending time with the siren so long as you are chaperoned---"
"I'm not that weak!"
"You are not weak at all," Jean-Claude corrected her. "But, we are not at our best. I cannot risk your life and I cannot risk the lives of everyone under our care---which could very well be the case."
"What does that say to Sampson?" Willow challenged. "How will this rule make him feel?"
"I agree with you, but there is no other way at this time."
Willow sighed. "Well, tough. I refuse."
"Willow..."
She sat up and pulled away from Micah, who was trying to placate her. "I hate this," she hissed, glaring at the Master of the City. "I can't defend myself. I can't heal and move on. Next you'll tell me I can't practice magic or feed Asher!"
Jean-Claude rolled his eyes. "Please, ma chérie, do not take that tone with me. I am trying to be reasonable."
"Reasonable?" Willow asked. "This isn't reasonable. This is going to hurt Sampson, who's finally feeling like he might be getting a grip on his new power, and it hurts me, because all I think is that you can't trust me."
"Asher or Richard would be ideal companions," Jean-Claude continued, unfazed by her outburst. "Or myself, if I am free and if you would allow me the honour of accompanying you."
Willow snorted. "Whatever."
Micah sat up. "Willow, it's not that he doesn't trust you."
"Did you know?"
He shook his head. "No, I was sleeping, too," he said honestly, meeting her gaze with her own so she could see his honestly. "I know it sucks," he added. "But, I can kind of see where they're coming from." He looked from Willow to the Master of the City. "What if the company is just outside the door, like security?"
"That would be acceptable," Jean-Claude agreed.
"How come you never order anyone but me around?" Willow asked.
"That's not true," Jean-Claude replied. "But, lately, many situations have, ah, cropped up and you have been at the heart of them. I do not like ordering you around, mon cher saule pleureur. You know how I feel about you."
The redhead sighed. "Jean-Claude..."
He reached out and touched her arm. "Ultimately, the decision is yours to obey or not," he said. "However, there will be consequences to disobeying my rule. You are permitted to visit my friend's son if you are accompanied by someone dominant enough to protect you both if things go awry. If you decide to go alone, you will be reprimanded. Do you understand?"
She sighed again. "Yeah, I get it."
Willow wrenched free of Micah's and Jean-Claude's touch and glared at Asher before awkwardly getting off of the bed and marching into the bathroom.
As she closed and locked the door behind her, she heard Micah ask: "Did that go as well as you thought it would?"
She grunted and turned towards the shower, planning on spending a long time under the hot spray.
&&&&
Willow looked up from her coffee and newspaper as Micah came into the kitchen. He was wearing the same pants as he was when he showed up that morning, but he had donned a different t-shirt. His hair was pulled back in a loose braid and wet; she guessed he had showered after she had vacated the bathroom and left him and the vampires in the suite with Jason and Fayette.
"Hey," he said in his most careful of casual tones.
"Hi. There's still some coffee left in the french press if you want it."
"Thanks."
As he passed her, he reached out and touched her arm. She flinched. He sighed.
"I wasn't in on that little ambush, you know," he told her.
"I'm still pissed. Raina's right. And it kills me to admit that, given everything I've heard about her when she was alive."
He sighed again. "They're looking out for you. And Sampson. And everyone else."
"Well, why is it that looking out for me and everyone else makes me feel like crap?"
"Because it's crappy."
Willow frowned. "Thanks, Micah."
"All group leaders have to make unpopular decisions, Willow," he reminded her. "You'll have to do it, too, one of these days. It'll be something that will protect your pack but a few members will feel like you're taking away their favourite chew toy. You'll stand firm because you have to look out for the whole group."
"That's different."
"Not really."
Micah took a mug off of the shelf and poured himself some coffee. He stole a muffin out of the basket on the counter and then went to the table where Willow was sitting. "Well, it's different, but not by much," he conceded. "I love Anita, so I'm biased. But, I consider you a good friend and someone I can count on if I need help. Now, I know she hasn't always been the nicest person to you and it sucks because you're tied together. We've all been working on her, which doesn't always help. She and Jean-Claude didn't decide this to isolate you or to make your life harder. They're just trying to protect your five-pointed bond. And Anita's to Nathaniel and Damian... and so on."
Willow glared at him. "Reminding me of my responsibilities isn't the best way to cheer me up."
"I know. I just... I get why they're asking this of you. And I understand why you're angry with them."
"I don't fight for things... for myself... because I know it'll cause problems with Anita. I just want to get myself back to where I was before this latest fuck-up in my life. And I can't even do that."
"Jean-Claude's not saying you can't."
"I can't have a protector every time I go to do something that make people nervous."
"I have Merle and Noah. Anita has guards. Richard, too---"
"I'm not---"
"You're Lupa."
Willow furrowed her brow. "Yeah, but this isn't pack stuff. This is me stuff."
"But 'me stuff' could hurt the 'pack stuff,'" Micah reminded her. "I know you like your independence. But, maybe there's a way to compromise?"
Willow shrugged.
Micah sipped his coffee and then asked: "Are you going to tow the line and follow his request?"
"His order, you mean... and I don't know yet."
"Fair enough," the leopard king mumbled before taking another sip of coffee.
A few minutes passed in silence before Haven poked his head into the room.
"Hi, Haven," Micah said in a friendly voice.
"Hey, Micah, Willow."
"Hi," Willow murmured, smiling a little. She felt Raina's interest perking up at the sight of the Rex, but she squashed the feeling down as best as she could. "What's up?"
"Have either of you seen Fayette around?" Haven asked. "She's MIA again and we have a meeting."
"Pride meeting?" Micah asked.
"One-on-one meeting," Haven replied.
Micah nodded once. He motioned in the direction of Asher's and Willow's suite. "She was feeding Asher when I headed her."
"Thanks. Think she'll be recovered enough by now?"
"Maybe. Go see. If they're not busy, I doubt they'd mind the visit," the wereleopard said in reply.
"Alright. See ya," the blue-haired werelion said before patting the doorframe once with a closed hand and turned in the direction Micah had indicated.
Willow looked at Micah. "What's that about? Is Fayette in trouble?"
Micah frowned and shook his head. "Nah... Haven's trying to shape up the pride to be a real pride---not the group Joseph was trying to run."
The witch tilted her head. "I don't get it."
After a few sips of coffee, the wereleopard continued his explanation. "The Rex mates with most of the females, on a sort of a well-spaced-out rotating schedule. Not because it's his right. More like... because it's instinct to the lion in them. Lions in the wild are kind of promiscuous. Lots of mating---lots of unsuccessful mating. But, for werelions, it's not about success in that way. And it's not about them all getting together and having orgies. It's a way for the Rex to reassure his lionesses that he's there, that he'll provide for them and protect them. They're free to sleep with other pride members when both parties are consenting, too, and that mood that the Rex provides filters through the group."
"Why don't all the groups do that?"
"Wolves have long-lasting relationships," he replied. "Leopards are pretty solitary creatures in the wild. Wereleopards aren't so much---probably because they're not in competition for hunting grounds. But, the solitary thing king of bleeds through. Our beasts don't need the same things. Rats... well, I'm not exactly sure. I think they're a little of both---might depend on how the rodere is run. Hyenas... hmm. Might have to go back to school," he said, making light of his lack of concrete knowledge. "But, I also know that it depends on the group. Joseph tried to run the pride like it was a group of humans. Haven's going back to basics to try to help the health of his group. Richard tried to create a democracy, before getting to where the pack is now. Other groups have harsher hierarchies to follow. Others take a middle road. It depends on the leader."
Willow nodded. "Thanks for the info. Makes sense."
"I couldn't imagine doing that---"
"Plus, your relationship..."
"That, too," Micah agreed when Willow trailed off.
"If Fayette doesn't want to..."
"That's for them to sort out, don't you think?"
Willow frowned. "She might have been a troublemaker when she arrived in St. Louis, but she hasn't had an easy life. I don't want things to get worse for her."
"Haven's a good Rex. Better than Joseph. He knows how to look out for his pride and Fayette needs to know she can trust him to discuss her concerns with him," Micah murmured. "Like how your pack trusts you and Richard."
"Have Anita and Haven..."
Micah shook his head. "Not yet. Anita's holding her ground... dance card's already pretty full."
With a little nod, Willow ducked her head and stared down at the newspaper in front of her. Micah exhaled slowly and put an arm around her shoulders; she sighed and leaned into his touch because even though they weren't from the same lycanthrope group, because they were still friendly, and the touch was comforting to both of them.
"How are you feeling?" Willow asked quietly.
"A lot less frazzled than I was this morning," the leopard king said with a small, content smile. "It's not easy, being king," he joked.
Willow smiled back at him, feeling a small measure of happiness at his attempt of humour.
"How is it that he gets your smile this evening, while I am left without such a gift?" Asher inquired from the doorway, interrupting the witch's moment of peace.
The redhead frowned at him after turning her gaze from Micah. "Because you let your master railroad me," she replied in a cool voice. "Because neither of you seem to trust me and my own strength, or my need to heal and move on on my own terms."
Asher sighed and shook his head. His hair-mask did not move from the scarred side of his face, despite the fact that he trusted and spent time around Micah, and that told Willow that he was feeling unsure of the situation between them and wanted some measure of protection.
"He is your master, too, mon colibri."
"Obviously," the witch muttered.
"He cares for you."
Willow snorted.
Asher sighed again. "It is true. He will not admit it, but I would go so far to say that he loves you, mon colibri."
"Whatever."
"This is his way of protecting you, as well as protecting others connected to him---Anita, Richard, Jason, myself---"
"Asher, I don't want to talk about this tonight."
"Oui, mais---"
"No buts. I don't want to talk about it."
Asher stepped into the room and approached the table. "Willow..."
"Asher, I have to go into work---"
"I thought we discussed---"
"I'll probably have a wolf guard or two, won't I?"
Asher frowned. "Mon colibri, please do not fight with me on this. I'd like you to stay here with me this evening... until we're certain everyone's recovered."
"But Richard and Anita can do their jobs?"
Micah rubbed Willow's arm, doing his best to offer support while remaining as in the background as he could.
"You have a point," Asher conceded. "We worry that you cannot handle all that has happened to you in recent days."
"Then, maybe you should trust me to know my own strength," Willow suggested icily.
"Maybe," he agreed. "However that is not my decision to make."
"You can't decide to trust me?"
"Asher---"
Asher ignored the beginning of Micah's warning and pressed the issue festering between him and his human servant. "I trust you, Willow," he said firmly. "However, it is not that trust that is in question. Your strength waxes and wanes and you're only beginning to grow into your new powers, in the big picture. If it were only us bound, I would accept that you will do your best to remain safe and strong. It is not just us bound together, though, so I will admit that I cannot afford to be so accepting."
"I hate this," Willow muttered.
"As do I, mon colibri," Asher confessed. "If you like, I could go with you to work..."
"I think we should probably go our separate ways tonight," she told him. "I'm betting Patrick's here and he can come with me to work if he wasn't reassigned somewhere else."
"Will you allow me to drive you there?"
"Asher..."
The vampire raised his hands, palms upturned. "I do not like having your anger directed at me. I wish to make you feel better."
"Sex isn't a cure-all."
"Did I say anything about sex, mon colibri?" he questioned her. When she shook her head, he smiled a bit. "I simply wish to hold you for a while, before we go to work. Fayette offered her services to you, for feeding, before you leave and perhaps we could spend some time together after you have fed your hungers."
"I thought you fed from Fayette."
Asher shook his blond head. "Non, she came with Jason for you, mon colibri."
"Oh. I... I didn't know."
"You stormed out before anyone could suggest the idea," he commented, amusement in his voice again. "I am... I am not feeding this evening."
Willow frowned. "Why not?"
"I argued with Jean-Claude," he answered honestly and openly, despite Micah's presence. "I did not agree with his decision."
The red-haired witch's eyes widened. "You... what?"
"Ultimately, I will tow the line because it is what he wishes of me on this issue. I pressed the matter because I felt there was a better way---perhaps because I feel guilty for my part in the event," he explained. "He does not order me around much, but on this, he is Master of the City and I am his témoin. He chooses when to provide for me, even though it does not seem that way most of the time. I will accept his decision because I have to and because to not accept it means further punishment."
"Asher, why didn't you say anything?"
He shrugged. "He did not want me saying anything about my view on the matter. He changed his mind after you left the suite."
"I'm sorry," she murmured.
"As am I," he replied.
He reached for her and she went willingly into his arms.
Micah chuckled.
When the couple turned and looked at him, he smiled and said, "Crisis averted?"
Willow snorted. "This part of it. For now."
"Then, I will take my chances and whisk you off to our bedchamber before you change your mind," Asher declared with a roguish wink, making both Micah and Willow laugh softly. They said their good-byes to the leopard king and left the kitchen. As they walked hand in hand, down the hall, the blond vampire said, "Jean-Claude has gone to his quarters to prepare for his evening at Guilty Pleasures. Fayette will return for you as soon as she is finished with her Rex."
Willow nodded. Then, she peaked up at him and whispered: "I'm sorry."
"Do not apologise," Asher insisted. "I should have realised how recent events were affecting you. I did not. My disagreement with Jean-Claude stems from my desire to make amends with you."
"Well, don't. Not when it means you can't feed---"
"I do not mind," he assured her.
"I mind!"
Asher chuckled softly. "Mon colibri, it would please me if you concerned yourself with your own well-being."
"It would please me to know you're okay!"
"I am," he assured her in a low whisper. Outside the door to their suite of rooms, he stopped her. After kissing her forehead, he looked down at her and said, "Haven and Jean-Claude have agreed that you may feed your ardeur from Fayette this evening and on other occasions if you wish it, under one condition."
Willow steeled herself for the condition.
"Keep what you learn private. Do not share it with anyone unless she, her Rex, and our Master have given you permission," he stipulated. "You may discuss matters with those three, separately or together, but for security and for Fayette's well-being, it would be best to keep things learned to yourself. Do not even tell me, no matter how much you wish to. D'accord?"
She nodded. "I can agree to that."
"Bon," he said as he opened the door and ushered her inside.
Fayette was not in the outer room. She was not in the bedroom, either, but as Willow surveyed the scene around her, she realised the lioness must have been in the shower. Asher reclined on the bed and drew the witch into his arms. She yielded to his unspoken request and snuggled into him as they waited for her meal to appear.
When Fayette did appear, she was wrapped in a short, brown robe made of a satiny material and she had a black towel wrapped around her head. On her neck, there was a bite mark; she was flushed and smiling.
"Hey," she whispered.
"Hi," Willow murmured back. "Are you alright for this?"
The werelion nodded. "Yep. I spoke with Jean-Claude and we agreed that this might be a good way for me to repay my debt to you."
"You don't owe me anything," Willow assured her.
"Well, it's sweet of you to say, but I do."
Willow watched as Fayette unwound the towel from her head and combed her fingers through her hair. She looked around and blushed a bit. "I'm not sure what the protocol is."
"Come sit with me?" Willow asked. "I don't feed like Jean-Claude and Anita do. It shouldn't get sexual, in case you're worried. It's just contact with a side of magic."
Fayette nodded and when Asher gave a nod of his own, she climbed onto the bed and sat next to Willow. The redhead offered the other woman her hand; the gesture was returned and Willow threaded their fingers together and released the tenuous grasp she'd had on her shielding all day.
The energy of the lycanthrope washed over her and soothed the gnawing hunger she'd been ignoring. She felt the lion's gift of pleasant thoughts and memories and saw flashes of an argument-turned-conversation that the woman'd recently had with Haven. Fayette had overheard Jean-Claude discussing the matter of sending someone back and assumed it had been her; she avoided her Rex because she didn't want to get used to being in the pride if she was going to be shipped back to the pride aligned with Allura; Haven told her that it was Valentina and her guardian who were being sent back, hopefully at a time when she would not be a threat to them so she could no longer be a threat to Faith's baby; Fayette had sobbed in relief at the mention of this and went to her hands and knees for her Rex a few moments after the truths had been revealed.
Willow drank down the werelion's warm, happy, relieved feelings and gathered her closer so her hand could travel over the other woman's arm and back and neck and continue absorbing the feelings that were offered to her. Fayette was dominant enough to avoid being swept up in the ardeur; she was strong enough to feed the witch without becoming too weak. Willow closed her eyes to the swell of emotion and when Asher kissed her shoulder, she whimpered and dropped her head to Fayette's shoulder.
The ardeur faded away as it was satisfied and Willow found herself hugging the other woman close to her body and being held in return. Asher was cradling them both in his arms.
The redhead sighed shakily and kissed Fayette's neck before kissing her cheek. The other woman turned and rested her forehead against Willow's, so that their noses brushed.
"That was nice," Fayette whispered.
"How did it feel?" Willow asked.
"Like... like all the good stuff that just happened was happening again," Fayette said quietly. "Like I was in a warm, safe bubble. Thank you."
Willow chuckled. "I was just going to thank you. I feel so much better. Stronger. Didn't even know I needed it."
Fayette leaned in, closed the gap between them, and kissed Willow's lips. "You're welcome," she whispered.
The witch returned the kiss and reached up to smooth her fingers through the lioness' damp hair. Asher drew in a quiet, unnecessary breath and tightened his fingers' hold on Willow's hip. As she sensed his arousal, she came back to her own senses and ended the kiss. She brushed her fingers over Fayette's cheek and opened her eyes.
"I appreciate you allowing me to feed from you," the witch said, carefully attempting to give herself some facade of control while not putting too much distance between herself and Fayette. "Thanks."
"We've done that already," Fayette murmured teasingly.
Willow smiled back at her. "I know. I appreciate it, though."
"I know."
"Merci, Fayette," Asher said quietly. "If you wish to stay here with us and recover, you are welcome to."
"Haven and some of the lions that work here are snoozing in a guest room," Fayette said. "If it's alright, I'd really like to go join them."
Willow understood. What Fayette had thought was temporary was much more permanent, and she wanted to celebrate with her pride some more. Willow grinned and kissed Fayette's forehead before thanking her again and playfully shooing her off of the bed. Fayette flashed them both a smile and then she slipped out of the bedroom.
"Sorry about that," Willow whispered.
Asher chuckled softly and kissed his human servant's neck. "You've done nothing wrong," he assured her. "I enjoyed being a part of it very much."
The witch smiled and snuggled into his embrace. They still had some things to work out between them, but she did her best to put those things aside so she could enjoy a few moments of peace with her vampiric lover.
TBC...