AB/BtVS FF: Nightmares in Waking Life 54/?
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, 48, 49, 50, 51A, 51B, 52, 53
PART FIFTY-FOUR
Monday night, once Asher was sure that Willow was well-distracted with inventory reports and tax records, he took a drive to Richard's house. He had called the Ulfric the evening before, and they made plans to meet and discuss the blackmail demand.
He knocked on the door twice, quietly, and was greeted by the young werewolf under Richard's care.
"Bonsoir, Emily," Asher said, smiling a little. "Is Richard at home?"
Emily's eyes widened and she blinked a few times before nodding. "Yes... I... he's on the phone. I'll just go get him." She turned to go back into the house, but then she turned back to Asher. "Do you mind waiting there?"
"Not at all," he assured her.
He smothered the urge to chuckle as she hurried off after her guardian. He and Emily did not spend too much time together. He had met her a few times, but she was not his charge nor was she Willow's daughter. She was a young pack member and Richard did his best to keep her out of the vampires' realm. Asher understood and respected his actions. He, too, believed that children deserved lives above ground and out of the clutches of danger---whenever those conditions were obtainable. He and Damian had spoken at length on the subject of his child with Faith; Jean-Claude had insisted that if they wanted to raise their child at the Circus, they could, but even Damian was reluctant to continue living there.
Richard came to the open door a minute later, a cordless phone still to his ear. He nodded to Asher and held up a hand to tell the vampire that it would be a short while before they could talk. Asher nodded in understanding.
"Mom... Mom... please. You know---"
He stopped talking and while Asher wasn't explicitly eavesdropping, he could hear bits and pieces and from the tone in Charlotte Zeeman's voice, Richard was getting quite an earful.
The Ulfric's ears turned pink. "You've already met Emily," he reminded her. "We came over for dinner a few weeks ago. And I know Willow would love to meet you, but she's busy with work and... and other stuff, so---"
Charlotte interrupted him again. Richard sighed as he listened.
Finally, he spoke again. "I will ask her if she'd like to come for a visit. Yes, I will ask her this week." He paused, listened, and then said: "Not this Sunday, Mom. How about next Sunday? That might be enough notice."
Asher silently noted how Richard relaxed an instant later. His mother must have accepted his terms. He smiled a bit and watched as the werewolf king accepted another chastising, turning his cheeks pink.
"Well... fine. I'll... I'll keep it in mind. Can I go now?"
Charlotte spoke. Richard smiled.
"I love you, too, Mom. Talk to you later."
He ended the call with a push of a button. "Sorry about that, Asher," he said quietly. "She only just found out how serious, I guess, things are with Willow. Emily let it slip, and now I'm paying the price."
Asher chuckled. "She wishes to examine the mate you've chosen for yourself? Judge her character? Make sure she's of suitable stock?"
"Yeah," Richard replied. He snorted. "That's gonna go over really, really well." He paused and shook his head. Then, he motioned into the house. "Did you want to come in?"
"If you don't mind," Asher said in a carefully measured tone of voice. "I'm not comfortable discussing such matters outside."
"We're isolated enough---"
"Not out in the open, mon ami."
Richard nodded. "Good point. C'mon in. I'm just going to make sure Emily's in her room."
"Is she the type to eavesdrop?" Asher asked.
"Nah," Richard replied. "It's around the time she usually goes to bed, anyway."
Asher nodded and stepped over the threshold of Richard's home. He saw that there were no guards and thought that was rather unusual. When he asked Richard where his wolves went, Richard told him that he gave them the night off.
"There's usually one or two that show up after midnight, so we won't be alone," he added before setting off down the hall to check on the young werewolf that had scurried off earlier.
Asher heard him telling Emily to brush her teeth and go to bed. She whined but eventually gave in to her Ulfric's demand. He told her that he'd check on her in an hour and if anyone showed up after midnight, they could all curl up in his bed---but that he'd get her if that was going to happen. She accepted that and they hugged goodnight before Richard returned to Asher and motioned him into the kitchen.
"Where is this letter?" Asher asked.
"Grab a seat at the table and I'll go get it."
Once Richard left the room, the vampire heard him unlock and open a drawer. He returned a moment later with the blackmail note in his left hand.
"Here," Richard said quietly.
Asher frowned as he opened it and read the typed letter.
I know what you are and who you pretend to be. If you want your secret kept, werewolf, you will not go to the authorities. If you want your secret kept, you will put $500,000 into locker 53 at the bus station before 12PM next Friday. If you don't pay, you will be outed.
After speaking to Edward, Asher had sought out Bobby Lee's expertise, but during that conversation he was much more discrete. Bobby Lee didn't guess if they were discussing more than a hypothetical and Asher did not indicate anything that would give him any sort of proof to support such an idea. Both men had given him plenty to think about, and that was some of the knowledge he brought to the forefront of his mind as he reread the note.
He also thought about Belle-Morte's tactics, who had never shied away from extortion to get what she wanted if seduction wouldn't work.
"What are you looking at?" Richard asked.
Asher glanced at the Ulfric. "I am looking for clues."
"Clues? Like what? They had access to a computer and printer, but so what?"
The vampire smiled a bit. "Non," he said as he set the letter on the table and pointed to the text. "Whoever it is has paid close attention---or was informed---because they've indicated that they know you're a werewolf. If they didn't know, I'd expect something like 'monster' or 'animal.' Even 'lycanthrope' would be a better fit. But, they've identified your species."
"Oh." Richard leaned forward and looked at the letter. "Oh... I didn't even think about that."
"Also, saying 'what you are' and 'who you pretend to be' tells me..." Asher trailed off as he thought about the phrases. "Well, I'm pretty sure this was done by someone who is human. Completely human. Someone who considers us to be atrocities of nature."
"That's what I thought, too," Richard agreed. "When you told me it might be one of us... I couldn't believe... it didn't ring true."
"I was trying to consider everything at the time."
Richard nodded. He sighed and looked away from the letter. "It doesn't feel right."
Asher glanced at him. "What do you mean?"
"It's not like I have a lot of experience with this sort of thing, but even in movies, the bad guy always stipulates no going to law enforcement---and what type of money. Cash, no tracking devices, or whatever."
"Good point," Asher agreed. Even when he was with the Council, Belle-Morte was always very careful when dictating terms. Before there were dye packs and ways to mark currency, she would always stack the odds in her favour. She preferred gems because they were easier to conceal and just as valuable as money. "There is nothing here about what format of money is desired. They do insist that you should not go to the authorities, but it's... not what one would expect from someone seasoned in this type of employ."
"So, you're thinking this person's never blackmailed anyone before?"
"Oui, mon ami," Asher replied. "Also, why do they write 'If you want your secret kept,' twice?"
"Poetry?"
"It is bad writing."
Richard snorted. "I didn't say it was good poetry."
Asher chuckled briefly. "It is not."
"What if the locker's used?" Richard asked. "And how will they break into it once the key's out of it?"
"It cannot be difficult to pick a lock like that. It isn't exactly high security, mon ami."
The Ulfric sighed. "I hate this."
"As do I." Asher leaned back in his chair and looked at the werewolf king. "Have you given any thought to discussing this with Jean-Claude, Anita, and Willow?"
Richard frowned. "I... I don't want them to know. I... I'm the weakest link right now. My secrecy protects so many other wereanimals. I'm safe to talk to in public for those still living in secret. I can offer protection to others. Emily, especially. If that's gone---"
"I am going to give you the money, mon ami," Asher interjected quietly. "I have plenty and I, too, believe that your privacy should be protected. For now, while we know so little, at least."
"What do you mean?"
"If we knew who it was, we could retaliate. We could plan against this attack," he replied.
"Oh."
Asher gently touched Richard's hand. "Have you given any thought to what you'll do with Emily if your identity is revealed?"
"She's in danger if it is," Richard said quietly. "I told everyone at school that she's a relative. A cousin. My family's big enough that no one thought to question it. But, if anyone looks closely at our relationship, they'll figure it out. She's told friends she's from Chicago. It can't be that hard to piece together. Then, they'll start wondering why a total stranger is living with me. If it gets out that I'm a werewolf---or, worst case, that I'm Ulfric of the local pack---they'll think she's a werewolf, too. I'm terrified she'll be taken away from me. Lycanthropes don't get to be foster parents. They don't usually get to adopt children. Child Services could stick her in a safehouse and I'd never see her again."
"We need to go to Jean-Claude, mon ami."
Richard frowned. "I can't get out of this without going to him?"
"You could, oui. I will give you the money from one of my personal accounts," he replied. "But, Jean-Claude has access to more resources than I can provide for you."
The Ulfric sighed. "Yeah... I know... I... I just---"
"Don't want to appear weak?"
"Or be a bother."
"You are family. You are a part of our pentumvirate. You are not a bother."
Richard sighed again and nodded. "Thank you, Asher."
"You're welcome," the vampire said in a quiet voice. "Do you want me to ask Willow to come here tonight?"
The werewolf shook his head. "No... I'll tell her myself, what's been happening, but not right now."
"Will you consider coming with me to tell Jean-Claude sometime this week?" Asher asked. He felt as if he had won a small victory when Richard sighed and nodded his head twice. Asher patted his arm gently. "Bon... bon. We will survive this, Richard."
"Thank you for coming over tonight," the Ulfric said in a quiet voice, sounding a little awkward.
"It is no problem," Asher assured him. The tone Richard had taken was warning him that something else was on his mind and that perhaps he should be even more careful in his dealings with Richard for the next few minutes. "As I said before, mon ami, we are family in a way."
Richard nodded. He fell silent and he tapped his fingers upon the tabletop.
"Richard, qu'est-ce qu'il y a?"
"It's nothing," the other man mumbled.
"Are you sure? It's made you a bit more agitated."
The werewolf sighed. "I... it's, well... did you want to feed before you leave?"
Asher froze. He had not expected such an offer. He knew it was only given because Richard felt as if he owed Asher for his assistance and support, yet it was still very touching and appealing.
"Merci, mon ami, mais non," Asher declined as politely as he could.
"What? Why not?"
"I've already fed this evening, and I am not helping you to receive such a delicious gift."
Richard blushed. "I know. I just want to repay---"
"Were you contemplating offering yourself as my pomme de sang until I've ingested five hundred thousand dollars worth of your blood?" Asher inquired.
"I don't know how much blood that is," the other man mumbled.
Asher smiled a bit and rubbed his hand against Richard's arm. "I did not offer my services for something in return," the vampire said in a slow, even voice so Richard would hear and understand him. "But, I do appreciate your offer, nevertheless."
"You're still not going to drink?"
"Non, not tonight. However, perhaps I will hold you to it another time," Asher said.
He wanted to feed from Richard, but he didn't want Richard to come to him solely out of obligation. He didn't want his relationship with Richard to resort to one of quid pro quo behavior. He wanted to build upon the fragile relationship they'd been developing. Part of him hoped it would lead to a time when Richard could be painstakingly slowly seduced into his bed---but the rest of him knew that was impossible and settled for something akin to friendship.
"Another time?" Richard echoed.
"If that's alright with you."
Richard exhaled shakily and nodded. "Yeah... thanks. That'd be good."
"When can you meet Jean-Claude?" Asher asked.
"When's good?"
"Tomorrow or Wednesday night would be best," Asher advised. "We can both be at a club, or we can meet you here."
Richard frowned. "I... I could probably get to Guilty Pleasures tomorrow night. I'll call you?"
"Sounds like a good idea," Asher agreed. "Any time after ten, we'll be there."
"Okay. I can get Jamil here to watch Emily, or maybe Willow."
Asher smiled as their plans came together. He stood up once they'd finished making plans to meet and he touched Richard's shoulder, affectionately squeezing it. "You are not alone, Richard, and I hope you keep that in mind this week," he murmured.
Much to his surprise, Richard reached up and put his hand over Asher's to give it a small squeeze. "Thank you, Asher. For everything."
"I'm honoured you came to me first, mon ami," the vampire said before they separated their hands. "Do call if you need anything else."
Richard stood up and followed Asher to the door. "I... I hope I don't---no offence."
Asher chuckled. "None taken."
&&&&
When Willow walked into the master bedroom, Richard smiled and felt some of the tension of the last few days melt under her gaze.
"I just let myself in," she explained before he approached her.
"I'm almost ready to go and Emily should be in her room doing her homework," he murmured. He paused in buttoning up his shirt to kiss the top of Willow's head. "Thank you for coming over to watch Emily. I could've just left her with someone else in the pack, but she likes you and I like having you here, so---"
Willow rubbed his hip. "I get it," she interrupted. "Where are you going, anyway?"
"A meeting," he replied, as vaguely as he could without lying to her. "Nothing too exciting."
She nodded.
"Please don't let her stay up too late, okay?" Richard asked, finishing with his shirt.
Willow laughed. "Don't worry. I can be a responsible babysitter. I probably won't cook, though, so---"
"Take out's fine," Richard said on a chuckle. "Make sure she gets lots of protein, and everything'll be okay." He pulled her in close for a hug. "Seriously, thanks for doing this."
Willow returned the embrace. "Richard, I like Emily. She's a good kid."
"You really do, huh?"
She chuckled. "Yes, I really do," she murmured. "I wouldn't spend time with her if I didn't." She leaned up against his body and kissed him; she purred when he responded by tightening his hold on her body. "Stop worrying," she whispered.
"Yes, ma'am."
Willow laughed again before rocking back onto her heels. Richard's grip on her waist loosened a little as she put a bit of space between them. "How late are you going to be?" she asked.
He shrugged. "I don't know. Probably not too late... do you have plans later?"
She smiled. "Well, if you're back early enough, I could be tempted to stay for a while," she purred. Richard groaned and pressed his body against hers again. She blushed as he leaned in and rocked his hips upwards. "Stop that," she whispered.
"You make me crazy," he growled.
"You, too," she whispered back.
"Richard, there's a car in the driveway!" Emily shouted from the main living area of the house.
Richard groaned again and lowered his head so he could rest it against the top of hers. "I don't want to go now," he muttered.
"Well, don't dawdle on the way home and we can have some time together after Emily goes to bed," she murmured, rubbing his back in slow strokes.
"Alright. I'll do my best." He kissed her forehead. "I love you, Willow," he whispered.
"I love you, too," she replied quietly. "Are you taking Jamil or Shang-Da with you?"
"No, but I'll be safe," he promised. "Shang-Da's off tonight, but Jamil should come here to partner up with Patrick, to keep you and Emily out of trouble."
Willow snorted. "We're not gonna get into anything we shouldn't," she said, laughter in her voice.
Richard grinned. "It's not that I don't believe you," he murmured playfully as he kissed over her temple.
"Yeah, right," she muttered. He chuckled and kissed his way to her cheek, then to her lips. "You can't save yourself tonight, Romeo."
Richard gave a little laugh and eased away from his mate. Willow wanted to reach out for him, but she knew he had a meeting of some sort that he had said he couldn't miss, so she let him slip out from under her fingers. But, she did follow him to the door, where he paused to hug Emily.
"Be good for Willow," he told her quietly.
"I'm always good for Willow," Emily replied.
Richard smiled. "Yeah, well, just reminding you. And please, if I'm not back, in bed by eleven at the latest."
Emily pouted. Willow smiled, nodded, and put her arm around Emily's shoulders. "We'll be fine. Go get your ride."
The werewolf king kissed her, making her smile as he pulled away. "I'll be back as soon as I can be," he promised.
Willow watched as he opened the door and stepped through it. She glanced at the car; she thought it was familiar, but she couldn't recall where she'd seen it before so she assumed it was one of the pack picking him up to take him wherever he had to go. She waved at him and then closed the door and turned to Emily.
"So, what'll it be?" she asked.
"Ice cream and chick flicks?" Emily replied hopefully.
Willow grinned. "What about your homework?"
"Done!"
"Really?"
Emily nodded. "Yeah, it was just math. Easy stuff."
"Alright... I'll take your word for it," she said, accepting what the young girl was telling her. She saw Patrick move from the kitchen to the living room, checking windows as he usually did when he was first settling into a protection shift. "Why don't you go pick out a movie or two and I'll dish up some sugary goodness?"
The young werewolf liked Willow's plan. She went into the living room and Willow turned into the kitchen; as she worked, she heard Jamil turn his key into the lock of the front door and come inside.
"Hi, Willow," Jamil said quietly.
"Hey," she murmured. "We're just getting ready to watch movies. You and Patrick want to join us?"
"We'll be keeping a look-out for a little while," he reminded her. "Richard's orders."
Willow frowned. "Security's getting tighter around here?"
"A little," Jamil admitted. "Something's bothering him."
"I noticed," she murmured sadly as she reached out and touched Jamil's arm. "Thank you for doing your job and keeping us safe."
The dark man gave her a little smile. "We'll join you later, probably," he said in a reply.
"Okay," Willow whispered as Jamil left the room and went off in search of Patrick.
&&&&
At the sound of the ringing phone, Willow and Emily both groaned. Willow patted Emily's knee and pushed up off of the comfortable sofa and headed towards the sound. "Keep watching the movie, Emily," she advised. "I'll probably only be gone for a minute or two."
She went to the phone, catching sight of Patrick and Jamil in the kitchen brewing tea. After smiling at them, she picked up the cordless device and put it to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Oh! Is Richard there?"
"He can't come to the phone right now," Willow replied as cryptically as she could. "Would you like to leave a message?"
Jamil approached her. He'd heard the voice on the phone and smiled a bit. Willow looked at him, looking for some sort of guidance, but he only snorted and walked away.
"Well, it's his mother, Charlotte," the other woman told her. "Are you Emily's babysitter?"
Jamil's smirk told Willow she was in trouble. Willow reached out and swatted at his arm; he chuckled in response.
"I... uh... well..."
"Oh, my, you're Willow, aren't you?"
Willow blushed. "I... yes. I'm Willow."
"It's about time!" Charlotte exclaimed. "I've been after Richard for ages to bring you to the house for Sunday dinner. He always has excuses---you're busy, he's busy---but, two people can't be that busy, can they?"
"Well---"
Charlotte plowed on, full speed ahead. "And, honestly, you two have been together for quite a while so it's not like you're a passing thing and it's about time that he's introduced you to family---"
The older woman continued to talk. Willow tried to keep listening, but she was also busy glaring at Jamil, who was trying very hard not to laugh. When Patrick quietly asked what was wrong, Jamil told him, and then she had two werewolves smirking her her direction. She glared at them both, but that did nothing to stop the woman from talking into her ear.
"So, now that I have you here," Charlotte continued, without missing a beat or seeming to notice that Willow wasn't responding very much, "I think that you and I should make a plan. Richard can't keep you from us forever!"
"A... a plan?" Willow echoed.
"Yes, you'll join us for Sunday dinner!"
Jamil and Patrick sniggered in the background. Willow glared once more at them and turned her back on them. She moved into the hallway and leaned her hip against a table with many little drawers, fiddling with some of the knobs.
"Sunday dinner?" Willow repeated. "Mrs. Zeeman, I really do appreciate the invitation but if Richard hasn't mentioned it to me yet, I don't think I should---"
"Oh, nonsense!" Charlotte exclaimed. "You two have been together for a while now, and I've seen the look on his face when he talks about you. A mother knows when her son's in love and he's been giving off all of the signs for quite some time..."
Charlotte continued to talk. Willow pulled at some of the drawers' fixtures as her mind raced to find a solution to her current predicament. Most of them opened, but one did not. She frowned and continued tugging at it in vain.
"Mrs. Zeeman?"
"Charlotte, please."
"Right. Um... well, look, I'd love to meet you and the rest of Richard's family, but I can't ambush him or push him for more than he's ready to share," she said in what she hoped was a confident voice. "When he's ready---"
"He already is!" Charlotte insisted. "He's been giving us that old 'well, maybe when things quiet down' excuse!"
"I..."
"What are you doing this Sunday?" Charlotte asked.
Willow didn't hear the question at first. She'd been trying to open the drawer, curiosity pushing her to try harder. When the question finally sank into her mind, she sat up straighter and took a couple of deep breaths.
"This Sunday?"
"Absolutely!"
"Oh, I... well, I need to clear it with Richard first," Willow replied.
"He usually brings Emily home on Sundays, and this time, you'll come with him!" Charlotte insisted.
She chatted for a few more minutes and then, in a flurry of activity, she ended the call. Willow was left holding the cordless phone receiver, staring at it with a dumbfounded expression on her face.
"Did that... just happen?" she asked herself.
"Sorry, Lupa," Jamil said from behind her. "She's been after Richard for some time, trying to get you to come with them to a family dinner for a long time, and he's been trying to save that until he absolutely can't protect you from it anymore---"
"Looks like that time's come," Willow muttered.
Jamil chuckled and rubbed his hand over Willow's back. "She's a very nice woman."
"She's a very pushy woman!"
The werewolf behind her chuckled again. "Yep."
"She... she doesn't take 'no' for an answer!" Willow exclaimed. "She didn't even ask how I'd feel about it... how her son'd feel about it... if we were ready for the big 'meet the family' event! She just plows on ahead---"
"The Zeeman family is made of strong, good stock," Jamil told her. He put an arm over her shoulders and pressed his body against hers in an act that was meant to provide comfort. "The women---especially Charlotte---are the strongest women I've ever met, for normals. I'm not surprised that Richard chose Anita or you, because in a way, you both kind of remind me of his mother---and not in a creepy way. I think... I think she'll see that you're a good fit for her son and welcome you. You don't have anything to worry about. Richard will be in more trouble for keeping you from them."
Willow smiled a bit. "Really?"
"Probably."
"Thanks, Jamil."
"She's a tough cookie, but she's just looking out for her family."
Willow nodded. "I know."
"And Emily likes her."
"Really?"
"She's not so wild about Richard's sister's kids, but Emily's had a different childhood than them and I can kind of see why they don't hit it off."
Willow nodded again. She fiddled with the locked drawer and sighed. Jamil leaned forward and looked down at her fingers; they were mapping out the keyhole and the handle's hardware.
"What are you doing?" he asked her.
"You don't know what's in here?"
Jamil chuckled. "I know better than to go snooping through my Ulfric's things."
Willow smiled and blushed. "Yeah, yeah... okay. I just... well, curiosity's always been a curse to me."
"Leave it," Jamil advised. "I don't know what's in there, but Richard deserves some privacy." He nuzzled Willow's temple and eased away from her body. "Go sit with Emily. I need to check the back of the house again."
"Alright," she murmured. She stood, slipping her hip off of the desk. She thanked her guard as he left her; then she made a move to walk away, to follow Jamil out of the hallway. But, at the last second, she looked at the drawer and motioned to it with her hand. The lock popped quietly and she went to it, not sure what she'd see when she looked inside.
Upon pulling it open, she found a folded up piece of paper and a few odds and ends. The paper grabbed her attention first so she picked it up and opened it.
A quick scan of the letter made her heart nearly stop. She had to read it again and after she did, she seriously considered reaching out for Richard with her mind but refrained from doing so. She knew he was returning to them; she knew she'd have to wait until then to yell at him for hiding something so important and to offer her support.
&&&&
"I will let you know when the money has been delivered," Jean-Claude said as Asher drove the car containing them and Richard back to the Ulfric's house. "Damian's team has assured me that video devices will be discretely placed and they, too, will be on hand to watch. When they find the person responsible for this, they will act appropriately and then we will have more information---and your protection."
Richard sighed and nodded. "Thank you, Jean-Claude."
"One of us is under attack," the Master of the City said. "I do not stand for that. Mon chardonneret does not stand for it, either."
"I... I hate this."
"I know, mon ami."
"I'm so weak right now," Richard muttered.
"Non, you are not," Asher insisted. "You are in need of help and you have strength in the alliances you've made over the years."
"He is correct," Jean-Claude agreed. "There is no weakness in this."
Richard sighed again. "I wish I could believe you."
"You must," the dark-haired vampire insisted. "Second-guessing yourself at this point will not help anyone."
"I just hate that I can't do this on my own---"
"There are few things any of can do on our own anymore," Jean-Claude interjected. "It is what it means to be a leader and protector of many, I believe."
Richard frowned but nodded. Asher turned the vehicle onto his street and pulled up to the house. He snorted softly, making the other men look up to the house, where they all saw Willow standing alone on the porch.
"She's eager to see you again, mon ami," Jean-Claude murmured teasingly. "Perhaps you will have a lighter end to a heavy night?"
"Oh, no, buddy. You're in trouble. All three of you better march up here and explain what the hell is going on."
Asher parked the car and turned to look at the other men in the backseat. "I suspect you've both heard our witch speak?"
"Oui," Jean-Claude replied.
"How does she know?" Richard asked. "Did either of you---"
"Non," Asher insisted. "We have not said anything to her."
"You promise?"
"Oui," both vampires said at nearly the same time.
Richard frowned and opened the door. He stepped out of the vehicle and into the night. He felt the other two follow his lead. Willow stepped down the few stairs to the walkway and towards him.
"Hi," he said quietly.
"Your mother called," she said in a similarly quiet voice. "I don't know how we're going to get out of Sunday dinner. She's a very persuasive woman."
Richard blushed. "I tried to keep you from---"
"Why?"
"Because she's a little overbearing. And because you've had a lot of stuff going on in your life."
Willow leaned in and kissed him. "I love you, but I don't need you to protect me from her. If you don't want us to meet, fine, but---"
"I want you to meet. I want you to know my family," he assured her.
"No more protecting me, Richard," she murmured. "I'm better. I'm stronger. I... I need to handle more and I need to be your lupa."
"Yes, ma'am."
She stepped back and slapped her hand into his chest. "Then, why on earth wouldn't you tell me about the blackmail thing!?"
"Willow---"
"Don't you 'Willow' me!" she exclaimed. "You idiot! You're in danger! The pack could be in danger! I need to know these things!"
"Mon colibri---"
"Don't you stand up for him!" Willow said hotly, pointing a finger towards her vampiric lover. She pointed at Jean-Claude, too. "I suspect this from you, but not in a bad way. I'm more mad at the two of them. You're just in on it, too."
"Do not be so furious with them," Jean-Claude insisted. "We will tell you everything."
"Oh, will we?" Richard asked. "I didn't want her anywhere near this!"
Jean-Claude sighed. "Willow, may I call Anita to us? I believe it is time for the five of us to meet and discuss matters."
"Jean-Claude---"
Willow cut Richard off. "You idiot! We're all on your side! I love that you went to Asher and Jean-Claude for help... I love that you're strong enough to ask them for support. But we're five! You don't get to cut us all out of your important stuff because you're trying to protect us!"
Richard sighed.
"Mon colibri," Asher said quietly. "May we go inside and discuss this? It is not safe to discuss such things outside, where anyone could hear."
"Fine," she conceded, motioning towards the house. "Richard, is this alright?"
"Better than staying out in the yard," he muttered. He touched her back as they walked to the porch. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you from Mom," he said quietly. "She can be a bit much when you're not expecting her."
Willow looked up at him. "She sort of ambushed me. I wasn't paying attention... I was... well, the drawer was locked and it was the only locked one... and I was curious... and she took advantage of my distraction."
"So, you broke into my locked drawer and found the ransom letter."
The witch blushed. "Yes," she admitted quietly.
He sighed. "I'm sorry for not telling you."
Willow went to open the door to the house, but Patrick beat her to it. "Thanks," she murmured. She patted her hand against his chest as she walked into the house.
Richard thanked the guard as well. Then, he motioned to the vampires to enter his home. They'd both already been inside, but they hadn't made a move to enter the house until he gave his approval.
Patrick followed the group into the living room. He, like Jamil, looked a little angry. Richard watched Jamil staring at the note and he frowned, looking away. He knew he should have confided in his guard... but at the time of the letter's discovery, he had not been thinking clearly.
"Jamil, Patrick," he said quietly, "I want to apologise."
"You are Ulfric," Jamil replied. "You don't owe us---"
"Yes, I do," he insisted. "I screwed up. I was trying to keep this whole mess a secret. I probably handled it badly."
"Yes, sir," Patrick muttered.
Richard frowned. "I wanted to keep the pack far away from this," he said, trying to explain his actions. "I wanted to protect you from it."
Jamil looked at his leader. "Richard... with all due respect, you were incredibly stupid."
Willow smothered a chuckle with little success. Jean-Claude looked amused by Richard's trusted guard's comment. Even Richard seemed to be smiling a little around his eyes, once he recovered from the shock.
"I know, Jamil," Richard agreed.
&&&&
When Anita arrived, alone, she and Willow were told everything that Richard, Asher, and Jean-Claude knew and planned.
The men finished explaining and Willow looked at Anita, wanting to gauge the necromancer's reaction.
"I... wow," Anita said quietly. "How did his secret get found out?"
"We do not know, ma petite," Jean-Claude replied.
Anita nodded quietly. "Richard... if you need more money... if there's anything I can do to help you protect your secret, I'm in. For whatever."
Willow frowned. She looked at Asher. "You're okay with this?" she asked.
Asher shrugged. "It is not my battle to fight, mon colibri."
"Right," she agreed. "It's our battle. And Anita wants Richard to surrender."
"What?" Anita asked, turning to look at the witch. "What the hell---"
"Richard is king!" Willow exclaimed. She felt both her own wolf and Raina growl in agreement. "He is Ulfric! He cannot be taken down by a petty thief! He will not!"
"Jean-Claude," Anita asked quietly, "who is talking? Willow or Raina?"
"It is our witch who is speaking, ma petite."
Richard sighed. "Willow, what do you want me to do?"
"I want you to fight! I want you do stand up to this person... I want you to stop being afraid! You are a man and a teacher and a werewolf. You do not need to work at school for any of these to be less true," Willow explained. "I know you love your job. I know you're really good at it. But, your job isn't the sum of your parts. You can still teach. You can be a good man. You can be Ulfric. You can continue being these roles even if you're outed." She reached out and touched Richard's arm. "I don't want you to feel ashamed of who you are. Not anymore. Because you're better than that."
Jamil and Patrick both stepped discretely behind Willow's position on the sofa, silently showing their support for their lupa's words.
Richard frowned. "I... what would happen to Emily if I'm found out?"
"Nothing," Willow murmured. "She might have a few tough days at school... but there's no reason to suspect that anyone knows she's a werewolf, too. The letter didn't mention anything about her, did it?"
He shook his head. "No, but... I need to provide for her."
"We will provide for her," Willow assured him. "You and me, together. With the others. We'll figure it out. If it happens."
"I don't know..."
"Pay the ransom this time," Willow advised. "Your secret does give you a valuable position. I'm not an idiot. I know that. But, just promise me that if this happens again... you'll stand up to whoever it is and fight."
Anita cursed. Then, she said, "You're serious about this?"
"Yes," Willow said quietly. "They can't hold power over Richard---over us---if we're not afraid."
"That is true," Jean-Claude agreed.
Anita glared at him. "You agree?"
"We will pay this ransom," Jean-Claude said, nodding. "I believe that the stakes are very high and I respect Richard's right to privacy. But, I do not want anyone to have a hold on him---or us, through him. I believe Willow is correct in saying that Richard will find strength in fighting against this. And, I know we are all strong enough to support him through such a trying time."
"Asher?"
The blond vampire looked at Anita. "Blackmail could continue indefinitely. I do not want Richard to be at the mercy of someone we do not know."
"But, if he loses his job---"
"Anita, I think Willow's... I think she's right. I don't want to admit it and the whole idea is scary as hell, but..." Richard trailed off and looked to the black-haired woman. "I know you mean well. But, I think... if this doesn't work, I'll have to stand up for the pack and for myself."
The necromancer frowned. "I don't think it's the right thing to do."
"Well, it may not come to that," he reminded her. "Asher and Jean-Claude will provide the payment. This might shut them up. Or, we might find out who's behind it and persuade them to stop. Somehow. So, how about we take it one step at a time?"
She sighed and nodded. "Fine. But, I'm not happy about this."
"Me, neither, Anita," Richard muttered. "But, this is what's happening."
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, 48, 49, 50, 51A, 51B, 52, 53
PART FIFTY-FOUR
Monday night, once Asher was sure that Willow was well-distracted with inventory reports and tax records, he took a drive to Richard's house. He had called the Ulfric the evening before, and they made plans to meet and discuss the blackmail demand.
He knocked on the door twice, quietly, and was greeted by the young werewolf under Richard's care.
"Bonsoir, Emily," Asher said, smiling a little. "Is Richard at home?"
Emily's eyes widened and she blinked a few times before nodding. "Yes... I... he's on the phone. I'll just go get him." She turned to go back into the house, but then she turned back to Asher. "Do you mind waiting there?"
"Not at all," he assured her.
He smothered the urge to chuckle as she hurried off after her guardian. He and Emily did not spend too much time together. He had met her a few times, but she was not his charge nor was she Willow's daughter. She was a young pack member and Richard did his best to keep her out of the vampires' realm. Asher understood and respected his actions. He, too, believed that children deserved lives above ground and out of the clutches of danger---whenever those conditions were obtainable. He and Damian had spoken at length on the subject of his child with Faith; Jean-Claude had insisted that if they wanted to raise their child at the Circus, they could, but even Damian was reluctant to continue living there.
Richard came to the open door a minute later, a cordless phone still to his ear. He nodded to Asher and held up a hand to tell the vampire that it would be a short while before they could talk. Asher nodded in understanding.
"Mom... Mom... please. You know---"
He stopped talking and while Asher wasn't explicitly eavesdropping, he could hear bits and pieces and from the tone in Charlotte Zeeman's voice, Richard was getting quite an earful.
The Ulfric's ears turned pink. "You've already met Emily," he reminded her. "We came over for dinner a few weeks ago. And I know Willow would love to meet you, but she's busy with work and... and other stuff, so---"
Charlotte interrupted him again. Richard sighed as he listened.
Finally, he spoke again. "I will ask her if she'd like to come for a visit. Yes, I will ask her this week." He paused, listened, and then said: "Not this Sunday, Mom. How about next Sunday? That might be enough notice."
Asher silently noted how Richard relaxed an instant later. His mother must have accepted his terms. He smiled a bit and watched as the werewolf king accepted another chastising, turning his cheeks pink.
"Well... fine. I'll... I'll keep it in mind. Can I go now?"
Charlotte spoke. Richard smiled.
"I love you, too, Mom. Talk to you later."
He ended the call with a push of a button. "Sorry about that, Asher," he said quietly. "She only just found out how serious, I guess, things are with Willow. Emily let it slip, and now I'm paying the price."
Asher chuckled. "She wishes to examine the mate you've chosen for yourself? Judge her character? Make sure she's of suitable stock?"
"Yeah," Richard replied. He snorted. "That's gonna go over really, really well." He paused and shook his head. Then, he motioned into the house. "Did you want to come in?"
"If you don't mind," Asher said in a carefully measured tone of voice. "I'm not comfortable discussing such matters outside."
"We're isolated enough---"
"Not out in the open, mon ami."
Richard nodded. "Good point. C'mon in. I'm just going to make sure Emily's in her room."
"Is she the type to eavesdrop?" Asher asked.
"Nah," Richard replied. "It's around the time she usually goes to bed, anyway."
Asher nodded and stepped over the threshold of Richard's home. He saw that there were no guards and thought that was rather unusual. When he asked Richard where his wolves went, Richard told him that he gave them the night off.
"There's usually one or two that show up after midnight, so we won't be alone," he added before setting off down the hall to check on the young werewolf that had scurried off earlier.
Asher heard him telling Emily to brush her teeth and go to bed. She whined but eventually gave in to her Ulfric's demand. He told her that he'd check on her in an hour and if anyone showed up after midnight, they could all curl up in his bed---but that he'd get her if that was going to happen. She accepted that and they hugged goodnight before Richard returned to Asher and motioned him into the kitchen.
"Where is this letter?" Asher asked.
"Grab a seat at the table and I'll go get it."
Once Richard left the room, the vampire heard him unlock and open a drawer. He returned a moment later with the blackmail note in his left hand.
"Here," Richard said quietly.
Asher frowned as he opened it and read the typed letter.
I know what you are and who you pretend to be. If you want your secret kept, werewolf, you will not go to the authorities. If you want your secret kept, you will put $500,000 into locker 53 at the bus station before 12PM next Friday. If you don't pay, you will be outed.
After speaking to Edward, Asher had sought out Bobby Lee's expertise, but during that conversation he was much more discrete. Bobby Lee didn't guess if they were discussing more than a hypothetical and Asher did not indicate anything that would give him any sort of proof to support such an idea. Both men had given him plenty to think about, and that was some of the knowledge he brought to the forefront of his mind as he reread the note.
He also thought about Belle-Morte's tactics, who had never shied away from extortion to get what she wanted if seduction wouldn't work.
"What are you looking at?" Richard asked.
Asher glanced at the Ulfric. "I am looking for clues."
"Clues? Like what? They had access to a computer and printer, but so what?"
The vampire smiled a bit. "Non," he said as he set the letter on the table and pointed to the text. "Whoever it is has paid close attention---or was informed---because they've indicated that they know you're a werewolf. If they didn't know, I'd expect something like 'monster' or 'animal.' Even 'lycanthrope' would be a better fit. But, they've identified your species."
"Oh." Richard leaned forward and looked at the letter. "Oh... I didn't even think about that."
"Also, saying 'what you are' and 'who you pretend to be' tells me..." Asher trailed off as he thought about the phrases. "Well, I'm pretty sure this was done by someone who is human. Completely human. Someone who considers us to be atrocities of nature."
"That's what I thought, too," Richard agreed. "When you told me it might be one of us... I couldn't believe... it didn't ring true."
"I was trying to consider everything at the time."
Richard nodded. He sighed and looked away from the letter. "It doesn't feel right."
Asher glanced at him. "What do you mean?"
"It's not like I have a lot of experience with this sort of thing, but even in movies, the bad guy always stipulates no going to law enforcement---and what type of money. Cash, no tracking devices, or whatever."
"Good point," Asher agreed. Even when he was with the Council, Belle-Morte was always very careful when dictating terms. Before there were dye packs and ways to mark currency, she would always stack the odds in her favour. She preferred gems because they were easier to conceal and just as valuable as money. "There is nothing here about what format of money is desired. They do insist that you should not go to the authorities, but it's... not what one would expect from someone seasoned in this type of employ."
"So, you're thinking this person's never blackmailed anyone before?"
"Oui, mon ami," Asher replied. "Also, why do they write 'If you want your secret kept,' twice?"
"Poetry?"
"It is bad writing."
Richard snorted. "I didn't say it was good poetry."
Asher chuckled briefly. "It is not."
"What if the locker's used?" Richard asked. "And how will they break into it once the key's out of it?"
"It cannot be difficult to pick a lock like that. It isn't exactly high security, mon ami."
The Ulfric sighed. "I hate this."
"As do I." Asher leaned back in his chair and looked at the werewolf king. "Have you given any thought to discussing this with Jean-Claude, Anita, and Willow?"
Richard frowned. "I... I don't want them to know. I... I'm the weakest link right now. My secrecy protects so many other wereanimals. I'm safe to talk to in public for those still living in secret. I can offer protection to others. Emily, especially. If that's gone---"
"I am going to give you the money, mon ami," Asher interjected quietly. "I have plenty and I, too, believe that your privacy should be protected. For now, while we know so little, at least."
"What do you mean?"
"If we knew who it was, we could retaliate. We could plan against this attack," he replied.
"Oh."
Asher gently touched Richard's hand. "Have you given any thought to what you'll do with Emily if your identity is revealed?"
"She's in danger if it is," Richard said quietly. "I told everyone at school that she's a relative. A cousin. My family's big enough that no one thought to question it. But, if anyone looks closely at our relationship, they'll figure it out. She's told friends she's from Chicago. It can't be that hard to piece together. Then, they'll start wondering why a total stranger is living with me. If it gets out that I'm a werewolf---or, worst case, that I'm Ulfric of the local pack---they'll think she's a werewolf, too. I'm terrified she'll be taken away from me. Lycanthropes don't get to be foster parents. They don't usually get to adopt children. Child Services could stick her in a safehouse and I'd never see her again."
"We need to go to Jean-Claude, mon ami."
Richard frowned. "I can't get out of this without going to him?"
"You could, oui. I will give you the money from one of my personal accounts," he replied. "But, Jean-Claude has access to more resources than I can provide for you."
The Ulfric sighed. "Yeah... I know... I... I just---"
"Don't want to appear weak?"
"Or be a bother."
"You are family. You are a part of our pentumvirate. You are not a bother."
Richard sighed again and nodded. "Thank you, Asher."
"You're welcome," the vampire said in a quiet voice. "Do you want me to ask Willow to come here tonight?"
The werewolf shook his head. "No... I'll tell her myself, what's been happening, but not right now."
"Will you consider coming with me to tell Jean-Claude sometime this week?" Asher asked. He felt as if he had won a small victory when Richard sighed and nodded his head twice. Asher patted his arm gently. "Bon... bon. We will survive this, Richard."
"Thank you for coming over tonight," the Ulfric said in a quiet voice, sounding a little awkward.
"It is no problem," Asher assured him. The tone Richard had taken was warning him that something else was on his mind and that perhaps he should be even more careful in his dealings with Richard for the next few minutes. "As I said before, mon ami, we are family in a way."
Richard nodded. He fell silent and he tapped his fingers upon the tabletop.
"Richard, qu'est-ce qu'il y a?"
"It's nothing," the other man mumbled.
"Are you sure? It's made you a bit more agitated."
The werewolf sighed. "I... it's, well... did you want to feed before you leave?"
Asher froze. He had not expected such an offer. He knew it was only given because Richard felt as if he owed Asher for his assistance and support, yet it was still very touching and appealing.
"Merci, mon ami, mais non," Asher declined as politely as he could.
"What? Why not?"
"I've already fed this evening, and I am not helping you to receive such a delicious gift."
Richard blushed. "I know. I just want to repay---"
"Were you contemplating offering yourself as my pomme de sang until I've ingested five hundred thousand dollars worth of your blood?" Asher inquired.
"I don't know how much blood that is," the other man mumbled.
Asher smiled a bit and rubbed his hand against Richard's arm. "I did not offer my services for something in return," the vampire said in a slow, even voice so Richard would hear and understand him. "But, I do appreciate your offer, nevertheless."
"You're still not going to drink?"
"Non, not tonight. However, perhaps I will hold you to it another time," Asher said.
He wanted to feed from Richard, but he didn't want Richard to come to him solely out of obligation. He didn't want his relationship with Richard to resort to one of quid pro quo behavior. He wanted to build upon the fragile relationship they'd been developing. Part of him hoped it would lead to a time when Richard could be painstakingly slowly seduced into his bed---but the rest of him knew that was impossible and settled for something akin to friendship.
"Another time?" Richard echoed.
"If that's alright with you."
Richard exhaled shakily and nodded. "Yeah... thanks. That'd be good."
"When can you meet Jean-Claude?" Asher asked.
"When's good?"
"Tomorrow or Wednesday night would be best," Asher advised. "We can both be at a club, or we can meet you here."
Richard frowned. "I... I could probably get to Guilty Pleasures tomorrow night. I'll call you?"
"Sounds like a good idea," Asher agreed. "Any time after ten, we'll be there."
"Okay. I can get Jamil here to watch Emily, or maybe Willow."
Asher smiled as their plans came together. He stood up once they'd finished making plans to meet and he touched Richard's shoulder, affectionately squeezing it. "You are not alone, Richard, and I hope you keep that in mind this week," he murmured.
Much to his surprise, Richard reached up and put his hand over Asher's to give it a small squeeze. "Thank you, Asher. For everything."
"I'm honoured you came to me first, mon ami," the vampire said before they separated their hands. "Do call if you need anything else."
Richard stood up and followed Asher to the door. "I... I hope I don't---no offence."
Asher chuckled. "None taken."
&&&&
When Willow walked into the master bedroom, Richard smiled and felt some of the tension of the last few days melt under her gaze.
"I just let myself in," she explained before he approached her.
"I'm almost ready to go and Emily should be in her room doing her homework," he murmured. He paused in buttoning up his shirt to kiss the top of Willow's head. "Thank you for coming over to watch Emily. I could've just left her with someone else in the pack, but she likes you and I like having you here, so---"
Willow rubbed his hip. "I get it," she interrupted. "Where are you going, anyway?"
"A meeting," he replied, as vaguely as he could without lying to her. "Nothing too exciting."
She nodded.
"Please don't let her stay up too late, okay?" Richard asked, finishing with his shirt.
Willow laughed. "Don't worry. I can be a responsible babysitter. I probably won't cook, though, so---"
"Take out's fine," Richard said on a chuckle. "Make sure she gets lots of protein, and everything'll be okay." He pulled her in close for a hug. "Seriously, thanks for doing this."
Willow returned the embrace. "Richard, I like Emily. She's a good kid."
"You really do, huh?"
She chuckled. "Yes, I really do," she murmured. "I wouldn't spend time with her if I didn't." She leaned up against his body and kissed him; she purred when he responded by tightening his hold on her body. "Stop worrying," she whispered.
"Yes, ma'am."
Willow laughed again before rocking back onto her heels. Richard's grip on her waist loosened a little as she put a bit of space between them. "How late are you going to be?" she asked.
He shrugged. "I don't know. Probably not too late... do you have plans later?"
She smiled. "Well, if you're back early enough, I could be tempted to stay for a while," she purred. Richard groaned and pressed his body against hers again. She blushed as he leaned in and rocked his hips upwards. "Stop that," she whispered.
"You make me crazy," he growled.
"You, too," she whispered back.
"Richard, there's a car in the driveway!" Emily shouted from the main living area of the house.
Richard groaned again and lowered his head so he could rest it against the top of hers. "I don't want to go now," he muttered.
"Well, don't dawdle on the way home and we can have some time together after Emily goes to bed," she murmured, rubbing his back in slow strokes.
"Alright. I'll do my best." He kissed her forehead. "I love you, Willow," he whispered.
"I love you, too," she replied quietly. "Are you taking Jamil or Shang-Da with you?"
"No, but I'll be safe," he promised. "Shang-Da's off tonight, but Jamil should come here to partner up with Patrick, to keep you and Emily out of trouble."
Willow snorted. "We're not gonna get into anything we shouldn't," she said, laughter in her voice.
Richard grinned. "It's not that I don't believe you," he murmured playfully as he kissed over her temple.
"Yeah, right," she muttered. He chuckled and kissed his way to her cheek, then to her lips. "You can't save yourself tonight, Romeo."
Richard gave a little laugh and eased away from his mate. Willow wanted to reach out for him, but she knew he had a meeting of some sort that he had said he couldn't miss, so she let him slip out from under her fingers. But, she did follow him to the door, where he paused to hug Emily.
"Be good for Willow," he told her quietly.
"I'm always good for Willow," Emily replied.
Richard smiled. "Yeah, well, just reminding you. And please, if I'm not back, in bed by eleven at the latest."
Emily pouted. Willow smiled, nodded, and put her arm around Emily's shoulders. "We'll be fine. Go get your ride."
The werewolf king kissed her, making her smile as he pulled away. "I'll be back as soon as I can be," he promised.
Willow watched as he opened the door and stepped through it. She glanced at the car; she thought it was familiar, but she couldn't recall where she'd seen it before so she assumed it was one of the pack picking him up to take him wherever he had to go. She waved at him and then closed the door and turned to Emily.
"So, what'll it be?" she asked.
"Ice cream and chick flicks?" Emily replied hopefully.
Willow grinned. "What about your homework?"
"Done!"
"Really?"
Emily nodded. "Yeah, it was just math. Easy stuff."
"Alright... I'll take your word for it," she said, accepting what the young girl was telling her. She saw Patrick move from the kitchen to the living room, checking windows as he usually did when he was first settling into a protection shift. "Why don't you go pick out a movie or two and I'll dish up some sugary goodness?"
The young werewolf liked Willow's plan. She went into the living room and Willow turned into the kitchen; as she worked, she heard Jamil turn his key into the lock of the front door and come inside.
"Hi, Willow," Jamil said quietly.
"Hey," she murmured. "We're just getting ready to watch movies. You and Patrick want to join us?"
"We'll be keeping a look-out for a little while," he reminded her. "Richard's orders."
Willow frowned. "Security's getting tighter around here?"
"A little," Jamil admitted. "Something's bothering him."
"I noticed," she murmured sadly as she reached out and touched Jamil's arm. "Thank you for doing your job and keeping us safe."
The dark man gave her a little smile. "We'll join you later, probably," he said in a reply.
"Okay," Willow whispered as Jamil left the room and went off in search of Patrick.
&&&&
At the sound of the ringing phone, Willow and Emily both groaned. Willow patted Emily's knee and pushed up off of the comfortable sofa and headed towards the sound. "Keep watching the movie, Emily," she advised. "I'll probably only be gone for a minute or two."
She went to the phone, catching sight of Patrick and Jamil in the kitchen brewing tea. After smiling at them, she picked up the cordless device and put it to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Oh! Is Richard there?"
"He can't come to the phone right now," Willow replied as cryptically as she could. "Would you like to leave a message?"
Jamil approached her. He'd heard the voice on the phone and smiled a bit. Willow looked at him, looking for some sort of guidance, but he only snorted and walked away.
"Well, it's his mother, Charlotte," the other woman told her. "Are you Emily's babysitter?"
Jamil's smirk told Willow she was in trouble. Willow reached out and swatted at his arm; he chuckled in response.
"I... uh... well..."
"Oh, my, you're Willow, aren't you?"
Willow blushed. "I... yes. I'm Willow."
"It's about time!" Charlotte exclaimed. "I've been after Richard for ages to bring you to the house for Sunday dinner. He always has excuses---you're busy, he's busy---but, two people can't be that busy, can they?"
"Well---"
Charlotte plowed on, full speed ahead. "And, honestly, you two have been together for quite a while so it's not like you're a passing thing and it's about time that he's introduced you to family---"
The older woman continued to talk. Willow tried to keep listening, but she was also busy glaring at Jamil, who was trying very hard not to laugh. When Patrick quietly asked what was wrong, Jamil told him, and then she had two werewolves smirking her her direction. She glared at them both, but that did nothing to stop the woman from talking into her ear.
"So, now that I have you here," Charlotte continued, without missing a beat or seeming to notice that Willow wasn't responding very much, "I think that you and I should make a plan. Richard can't keep you from us forever!"
"A... a plan?" Willow echoed.
"Yes, you'll join us for Sunday dinner!"
Jamil and Patrick sniggered in the background. Willow glared once more at them and turned her back on them. She moved into the hallway and leaned her hip against a table with many little drawers, fiddling with some of the knobs.
"Sunday dinner?" Willow repeated. "Mrs. Zeeman, I really do appreciate the invitation but if Richard hasn't mentioned it to me yet, I don't think I should---"
"Oh, nonsense!" Charlotte exclaimed. "You two have been together for a while now, and I've seen the look on his face when he talks about you. A mother knows when her son's in love and he's been giving off all of the signs for quite some time..."
Charlotte continued to talk. Willow pulled at some of the drawers' fixtures as her mind raced to find a solution to her current predicament. Most of them opened, but one did not. She frowned and continued tugging at it in vain.
"Mrs. Zeeman?"
"Charlotte, please."
"Right. Um... well, look, I'd love to meet you and the rest of Richard's family, but I can't ambush him or push him for more than he's ready to share," she said in what she hoped was a confident voice. "When he's ready---"
"He already is!" Charlotte insisted. "He's been giving us that old 'well, maybe when things quiet down' excuse!"
"I..."
"What are you doing this Sunday?" Charlotte asked.
Willow didn't hear the question at first. She'd been trying to open the drawer, curiosity pushing her to try harder. When the question finally sank into her mind, she sat up straighter and took a couple of deep breaths.
"This Sunday?"
"Absolutely!"
"Oh, I... well, I need to clear it with Richard first," Willow replied.
"He usually brings Emily home on Sundays, and this time, you'll come with him!" Charlotte insisted.
She chatted for a few more minutes and then, in a flurry of activity, she ended the call. Willow was left holding the cordless phone receiver, staring at it with a dumbfounded expression on her face.
"Did that... just happen?" she asked herself.
"Sorry, Lupa," Jamil said from behind her. "She's been after Richard for some time, trying to get you to come with them to a family dinner for a long time, and he's been trying to save that until he absolutely can't protect you from it anymore---"
"Looks like that time's come," Willow muttered.
Jamil chuckled and rubbed his hand over Willow's back. "She's a very nice woman."
"She's a very pushy woman!"
The werewolf behind her chuckled again. "Yep."
"She... she doesn't take 'no' for an answer!" Willow exclaimed. "She didn't even ask how I'd feel about it... how her son'd feel about it... if we were ready for the big 'meet the family' event! She just plows on ahead---"
"The Zeeman family is made of strong, good stock," Jamil told her. He put an arm over her shoulders and pressed his body against hers in an act that was meant to provide comfort. "The women---especially Charlotte---are the strongest women I've ever met, for normals. I'm not surprised that Richard chose Anita or you, because in a way, you both kind of remind me of his mother---and not in a creepy way. I think... I think she'll see that you're a good fit for her son and welcome you. You don't have anything to worry about. Richard will be in more trouble for keeping you from them."
Willow smiled a bit. "Really?"
"Probably."
"Thanks, Jamil."
"She's a tough cookie, but she's just looking out for her family."
Willow nodded. "I know."
"And Emily likes her."
"Really?"
"She's not so wild about Richard's sister's kids, but Emily's had a different childhood than them and I can kind of see why they don't hit it off."
Willow nodded again. She fiddled with the locked drawer and sighed. Jamil leaned forward and looked down at her fingers; they were mapping out the keyhole and the handle's hardware.
"What are you doing?" he asked her.
"You don't know what's in here?"
Jamil chuckled. "I know better than to go snooping through my Ulfric's things."
Willow smiled and blushed. "Yeah, yeah... okay. I just... well, curiosity's always been a curse to me."
"Leave it," Jamil advised. "I don't know what's in there, but Richard deserves some privacy." He nuzzled Willow's temple and eased away from her body. "Go sit with Emily. I need to check the back of the house again."
"Alright," she murmured. She stood, slipping her hip off of the desk. She thanked her guard as he left her; then she made a move to walk away, to follow Jamil out of the hallway. But, at the last second, she looked at the drawer and motioned to it with her hand. The lock popped quietly and she went to it, not sure what she'd see when she looked inside.
Upon pulling it open, she found a folded up piece of paper and a few odds and ends. The paper grabbed her attention first so she picked it up and opened it.
A quick scan of the letter made her heart nearly stop. She had to read it again and after she did, she seriously considered reaching out for Richard with her mind but refrained from doing so. She knew he was returning to them; she knew she'd have to wait until then to yell at him for hiding something so important and to offer her support.
&&&&
"I will let you know when the money has been delivered," Jean-Claude said as Asher drove the car containing them and Richard back to the Ulfric's house. "Damian's team has assured me that video devices will be discretely placed and they, too, will be on hand to watch. When they find the person responsible for this, they will act appropriately and then we will have more information---and your protection."
Richard sighed and nodded. "Thank you, Jean-Claude."
"One of us is under attack," the Master of the City said. "I do not stand for that. Mon chardonneret does not stand for it, either."
"I... I hate this."
"I know, mon ami."
"I'm so weak right now," Richard muttered.
"Non, you are not," Asher insisted. "You are in need of help and you have strength in the alliances you've made over the years."
"He is correct," Jean-Claude agreed. "There is no weakness in this."
Richard sighed again. "I wish I could believe you."
"You must," the dark-haired vampire insisted. "Second-guessing yourself at this point will not help anyone."
"I just hate that I can't do this on my own---"
"There are few things any of can do on our own anymore," Jean-Claude interjected. "It is what it means to be a leader and protector of many, I believe."
Richard frowned but nodded. Asher turned the vehicle onto his street and pulled up to the house. He snorted softly, making the other men look up to the house, where they all saw Willow standing alone on the porch.
"She's eager to see you again, mon ami," Jean-Claude murmured teasingly. "Perhaps you will have a lighter end to a heavy night?"
"Oh, no, buddy. You're in trouble. All three of you better march up here and explain what the hell is going on."
Asher parked the car and turned to look at the other men in the backseat. "I suspect you've both heard our witch speak?"
"Oui," Jean-Claude replied.
"How does she know?" Richard asked. "Did either of you---"
"Non," Asher insisted. "We have not said anything to her."
"You promise?"
"Oui," both vampires said at nearly the same time.
Richard frowned and opened the door. He stepped out of the vehicle and into the night. He felt the other two follow his lead. Willow stepped down the few stairs to the walkway and towards him.
"Hi," he said quietly.
"Your mother called," she said in a similarly quiet voice. "I don't know how we're going to get out of Sunday dinner. She's a very persuasive woman."
Richard blushed. "I tried to keep you from---"
"Why?"
"Because she's a little overbearing. And because you've had a lot of stuff going on in your life."
Willow leaned in and kissed him. "I love you, but I don't need you to protect me from her. If you don't want us to meet, fine, but---"
"I want you to meet. I want you to know my family," he assured her.
"No more protecting me, Richard," she murmured. "I'm better. I'm stronger. I... I need to handle more and I need to be your lupa."
"Yes, ma'am."
She stepped back and slapped her hand into his chest. "Then, why on earth wouldn't you tell me about the blackmail thing!?"
"Willow---"
"Don't you 'Willow' me!" she exclaimed. "You idiot! You're in danger! The pack could be in danger! I need to know these things!"
"Mon colibri---"
"Don't you stand up for him!" Willow said hotly, pointing a finger towards her vampiric lover. She pointed at Jean-Claude, too. "I suspect this from you, but not in a bad way. I'm more mad at the two of them. You're just in on it, too."
"Do not be so furious with them," Jean-Claude insisted. "We will tell you everything."
"Oh, will we?" Richard asked. "I didn't want her anywhere near this!"
Jean-Claude sighed. "Willow, may I call Anita to us? I believe it is time for the five of us to meet and discuss matters."
"Jean-Claude---"
Willow cut Richard off. "You idiot! We're all on your side! I love that you went to Asher and Jean-Claude for help... I love that you're strong enough to ask them for support. But we're five! You don't get to cut us all out of your important stuff because you're trying to protect us!"
Richard sighed.
"Mon colibri," Asher said quietly. "May we go inside and discuss this? It is not safe to discuss such things outside, where anyone could hear."
"Fine," she conceded, motioning towards the house. "Richard, is this alright?"
"Better than staying out in the yard," he muttered. He touched her back as they walked to the porch. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you from Mom," he said quietly. "She can be a bit much when you're not expecting her."
Willow looked up at him. "She sort of ambushed me. I wasn't paying attention... I was... well, the drawer was locked and it was the only locked one... and I was curious... and she took advantage of my distraction."
"So, you broke into my locked drawer and found the ransom letter."
The witch blushed. "Yes," she admitted quietly.
He sighed. "I'm sorry for not telling you."
Willow went to open the door to the house, but Patrick beat her to it. "Thanks," she murmured. She patted her hand against his chest as she walked into the house.
Richard thanked the guard as well. Then, he motioned to the vampires to enter his home. They'd both already been inside, but they hadn't made a move to enter the house until he gave his approval.
Patrick followed the group into the living room. He, like Jamil, looked a little angry. Richard watched Jamil staring at the note and he frowned, looking away. He knew he should have confided in his guard... but at the time of the letter's discovery, he had not been thinking clearly.
"Jamil, Patrick," he said quietly, "I want to apologise."
"You are Ulfric," Jamil replied. "You don't owe us---"
"Yes, I do," he insisted. "I screwed up. I was trying to keep this whole mess a secret. I probably handled it badly."
"Yes, sir," Patrick muttered.
Richard frowned. "I wanted to keep the pack far away from this," he said, trying to explain his actions. "I wanted to protect you from it."
Jamil looked at his leader. "Richard... with all due respect, you were incredibly stupid."
Willow smothered a chuckle with little success. Jean-Claude looked amused by Richard's trusted guard's comment. Even Richard seemed to be smiling a little around his eyes, once he recovered from the shock.
"I know, Jamil," Richard agreed.
&&&&
When Anita arrived, alone, she and Willow were told everything that Richard, Asher, and Jean-Claude knew and planned.
The men finished explaining and Willow looked at Anita, wanting to gauge the necromancer's reaction.
"I... wow," Anita said quietly. "How did his secret get found out?"
"We do not know, ma petite," Jean-Claude replied.
Anita nodded quietly. "Richard... if you need more money... if there's anything I can do to help you protect your secret, I'm in. For whatever."
Willow frowned. She looked at Asher. "You're okay with this?" she asked.
Asher shrugged. "It is not my battle to fight, mon colibri."
"Right," she agreed. "It's our battle. And Anita wants Richard to surrender."
"What?" Anita asked, turning to look at the witch. "What the hell---"
"Richard is king!" Willow exclaimed. She felt both her own wolf and Raina growl in agreement. "He is Ulfric! He cannot be taken down by a petty thief! He will not!"
"Jean-Claude," Anita asked quietly, "who is talking? Willow or Raina?"
"It is our witch who is speaking, ma petite."
Richard sighed. "Willow, what do you want me to do?"
"I want you to fight! I want you do stand up to this person... I want you to stop being afraid! You are a man and a teacher and a werewolf. You do not need to work at school for any of these to be less true," Willow explained. "I know you love your job. I know you're really good at it. But, your job isn't the sum of your parts. You can still teach. You can be a good man. You can be Ulfric. You can continue being these roles even if you're outed." She reached out and touched Richard's arm. "I don't want you to feel ashamed of who you are. Not anymore. Because you're better than that."
Jamil and Patrick both stepped discretely behind Willow's position on the sofa, silently showing their support for their lupa's words.
Richard frowned. "I... what would happen to Emily if I'm found out?"
"Nothing," Willow murmured. "She might have a few tough days at school... but there's no reason to suspect that anyone knows she's a werewolf, too. The letter didn't mention anything about her, did it?"
He shook his head. "No, but... I need to provide for her."
"We will provide for her," Willow assured him. "You and me, together. With the others. We'll figure it out. If it happens."
"I don't know..."
"Pay the ransom this time," Willow advised. "Your secret does give you a valuable position. I'm not an idiot. I know that. But, just promise me that if this happens again... you'll stand up to whoever it is and fight."
Anita cursed. Then, she said, "You're serious about this?"
"Yes," Willow said quietly. "They can't hold power over Richard---over us---if we're not afraid."
"That is true," Jean-Claude agreed.
Anita glared at him. "You agree?"
"We will pay this ransom," Jean-Claude said, nodding. "I believe that the stakes are very high and I respect Richard's right to privacy. But, I do not want anyone to have a hold on him---or us, through him. I believe Willow is correct in saying that Richard will find strength in fighting against this. And, I know we are all strong enough to support him through such a trying time."
"Asher?"
The blond vampire looked at Anita. "Blackmail could continue indefinitely. I do not want Richard to be at the mercy of someone we do not know."
"But, if he loses his job---"
"Anita, I think Willow's... I think she's right. I don't want to admit it and the whole idea is scary as hell, but..." Richard trailed off and looked to the black-haired woman. "I know you mean well. But, I think... if this doesn't work, I'll have to stand up for the pack and for myself."
The necromancer frowned. "I don't think it's the right thing to do."
"Well, it may not come to that," he reminded her. "Asher and Jean-Claude will provide the payment. This might shut them up. Or, we might find out who's behind it and persuade them to stop. Somehow. So, how about we take it one step at a time?"
She sighed and nodded. "Fine. But, I'm not happy about this."
"Me, neither, Anita," Richard muttered. "But, this is what's happening."