Sweeter than Wine

CHAPTER 14

Mario Gonzalez lay dead on the ground, his lifeblood pooling around him, returning to the Earth from which he came, so many years before. Christy clung to Sebastian, holding on to her lover as if for dear life.

Others came out of the darkness to check on them. Matt met his fellow were, moving in from the perimeter. He spoke short words with Hastings and learned that every were who'd been placed on the perimeter of the grounds had been incapacitated by whatever spell Mario had woven.

Hiro and Ian reported the same had happened to them inside the warehouse, though Ian had been able to move a little more than his younger colleague, Hiro. That the human mage had been able to so easily disable so many beings of power over such a large area was troubling, to say the least.

Matt went to Christy and Sebastian, knowing from his connection to them that the storm was past for now. They pulled apart as Matt walked up. Cameron flanked them as they stood around Mario's lifeless body.

«This one's outstayed his welcome in the mortal realm.» Cameron looked with satisfaction at the dead mage. «I sense the balance returning, and that's a good thing, but we'll need to do something with this.» He gestured to the body.

Sebastian stepped forward. «Marc and I discussed this before he left.» He nodded to Ian and Hiro, who also stepped forward. «We want to be sure he can't come back.» A significant look passed between the men and Matt knew the vampires meant to sever the man's head and remove his heart, then burn him and scatter his ashes to the four winds. Matt personally thought it was a bit of overkill, but he didn't want to see this evil asshole resurrected any more than they did.

Hastings moved closer. «We can help.»

«Ian and I can carry him aloft in shifted form,» Sebastian said. «If some of your winged brethren would follow, we could use their help to scatter the remains as far and wide as possible.»

«Done.» Hastings moved off to organize his people.

«And you'll want to be doing this in a sacred space,» Cameron added thoughtfully.

Sebastian nodded. «There's a stone circle in the foothills we can get to quick enough by air.»

«I see you've thought it all through.» Cam bowed his head, though his gaze never left Sebastian's. «Your leader has my compliments. He's a thorough man. I look forward to fighting at his side one day, should it prove necessary.»

«I'll pass that along,» Sebastian said. «For now, we'd better get to work. Matt, will you see Christy home? And please let the were know they are welcome to stay at our place. I think we should stick together after such traumatic events. At least for a while.»

Matt stepped up. «I'll tell them.» He gave Sebastian a brotherly hug, pounding him on the back. «I'm glad you're okay.»

«Same here, friend. Thanks for sticking by us and helping my lady when I was unable.» Matt was a little shocked to see the vampire's eyes fill with emotion. When Sebastian would have said more, Matt stopped him.

«We can talk later. For now, I'll take care of your woman. You take care of the bad guy, and do a thorough job of it. I shudder to think of any of us having to face that bastard again.»

«Amen to that.» Sebastian left Christy with a quick kiss and went to work with Ian, both vampires shifting quickly to bird form. They were huge California condors in shape, but in strength they were mightier than ten men. They each took hold of an arm and a leg with oversized talons and flapped great wings that lifted them into the air. They were awkward, but got the job done.

Matt marveled at the vampires' ability to shift into just about any form they wished and selectively alter parts of their anatomies for whatever task they needed to do. That wasn't something were could do, but then, for all their power, the vampires paid dearly.

Matt couldn't imagine never eating his favorite foods, or feeling the sun on his skin…or his fur. It was the vampires' greatest weakness.

Matt watched as the vampires flew out of sight, followed by a flight of various kinds of flying were. Most were raptors, with Hastings in the lead. Cameron spoke in quiet tones with Christy, then turned to Matt.

«Things should be all right now, for a while at least.» Cam clapped him on the back, hugging him to his side for a brief moment. «You did good tonight, boyo. It was an honor working with you.»

«Thanks. Same here.» They shook hands and the fey warrior stepped back.

«With all the magic flying here tonight, it's a sure bet the enemy knows where I am. I'll teleport myself to the stone circle, just to make sure they've got a handle on things. Dealing with a mage of such power-even in death-is not an easy task. I'll set them on the right track, then 'port to Sebastian's house. Take Hiro with you and get some of your were brethren to guard your backs as you make your way to the estate.»

«Will do. We'll be all right, Cam. Go do what you've got to do.»

«Good man. Be safe, my friends.» Cameron sent Christy a smile and a small nod of respect.

Then with a flash of light, he winked out of existence.

«Man, that is some cool shit.» Matt marveled aloud at Cameron's abilities. When he turned his attention to Christy, she was looking fragile again. Poor mite had been through the wringer and then some in the past weeks, not to mention this hellacious evening.

Matt simply held out his arms and Christy walked into them, resting her cheek against his chest and hugging him.

«Thanks, Matt.» Her voice quivered. «When I couldn't feel Sebastian in my mind, I almost lost it. If not for you…»

«Ssh, sweetheart. I'm glad I could help. You and Sebastian are very special to me. I want you both to live long, happy lives together and tell my descendants about me long after I've passed on.»

«Don't talk about death, Matt. Not even remotely. I can't face any more tonight.» She sniffled and burrowed closer. «Just take me home. I need to clean up and so do you.»

«Yes, ma'am.» He kissed the crown of her head. «Your wish is my command.»

They walked around back to where they'd left the cars out of sight, picking up a small group of were along the way. Many of the land-based were wanted to decompress together after the harrowing events of the night and had already decided to act as guards during the next day or two at Sebastian's estate, just to be sure. His spacious grounds had the added attraction of being one of the few places were could run free and still be close to the city.

Hiro drove Sebastian's car from around front, and waited for Matt and Christy to hop in with him while a few carloads of were got in front and behind in an impromptu caravan. Hastings had given orders to his people, organizing them into watches. Some stayed behind to keep surveillance on the warehouse area in case any of Mario's associates came nosing around. Matt was glad, once again, to have the military-trained werehawk on their team. Hastings was on top of every aspect of the operation and always seemed to think three steps ahead.

Steel went back with them to the estate as well, having witnessed only a little of what went down in the warehouse compound. Like the were, he too had been immobilized by Mario's magic.

The mystery remained as to why Christy had been spared. Of all of them, she was the one Mario had gone there to kill. Why leave her able to move and immobilize everyone else?

Matt realized the answer almost before the thoughts finished forming. Like any sick predator, he'd wanted to play with his prey before killing it. The man had positively enjoyed Christy's fear in the moments before she got herself together.

He'd probably banked on the idea that with her past, she'd be easy pickings, regardless of the skirmish they'd had on the patio of Atticus and Kelly's home. Maybe Mario figured that on neutral ground-away from the serious protections around a vampire's lair-he'd have an open shot at the young woman who'd only been turned weeks before.

Lucky for them, he'd thought wrong, and his miscalculation had been his defeat. Underestimating Christy had been his first mistake. Underestimating her friends had been his last.

Matt felt satisfaction as he remembered the feel of the man's throat under his jaws. When he was in cat form, he reveled in the kill. More so, when it was as justified as this one had been.

The ride back to the estate was uneventful. Christy kept silent, staring out the window as Hiro drove. Matt sat with her in the backseat, in case she should need him, but she seemed to be holding up well. Just knowing that Sebastian was all right went a long way toward her equilibrium, he knew. The two depended so greatly on each other already, he marveled at the relationship.

Marveled and envied. Matt didn't ever think he'd be lucky enough to find a woman who could share his life. Many cats didn't. Chances were good that one of his brothers would find a mate and take care of siring the next generation. As the youngest, Matt didn't expect that task would fall to him, though after seeing Christy and Sebastian together, he wouldn't mind finding a partner to share his life and his love, if he should be so blessed. That was a rather startling revelation for a cat shifter who'd always been on the prowl. After seeing his friends and experiencing their love, it looked like his prowling days might just be over.

It took over an hour to get from the warehouse district to the estate. They pulled up and some of the were guards went ahead to be sure things hadn't been disturbed on the grounds or in the house before Matt and Hiro escorted Christy inside.

She went into the first bathroom they came to and cleaned up. When she emerged, she looked better, though tired. Matt led her into the living room and settled her on one of the soft couches. She seemed a little out of it still after the tumultuous events of the night. Not surprising, really, for a woman who'd only recently found courage to fight. Tonight had been brutal for her, considering her background.

Matt left her there with Hiro and went to clean himself up. He stopped in at the large kitchen and found a few of his were brethren had started cooking. He had to grin at that. Trust the were to want to chow down after a night watch. Matt found tomato sauce and pasta cooking on the stove. Nothing like carbs to reenergize.

But he decided to wait a while before eating anything heavy, grabbing a granola bar off the counter instead. His stomach felt a little off and now that the adrenaline high had faded, fatigue was setting in. It wasn't usual for him, but then, nothing about this night had been normal. Matt put the unsettling weakness up to the trauma of the battle and thought nothing more about it.

Christy appreciated Matt giving her some space. It was tough to come to terms with the things she'd seen and done that night. Thinking about it during the long ride home and now, sitting with Hiro in the living room, she was damned proud of the way she'd stood up to Mario.

It was a far cry from the way she would have reacted just a few short weeks ago. And it was all thanks to Sebastian. He'd saved her life and brought in Matt and Hiro to give her strength and knowledge. She owed all three men for her transformation, but most especially Sebastian. Without him, nothing else mattered.

Hiro sat silent sentinel across the big room, his quiet ways comforting. He watched over her without intruding on her thoughts, the sensei seeming to know instinctively when she needed to think things through.

«I haven't thanked you.» She spoke into the silence, meeting Hiro's gaze as he stood from his meditative pose and took one of the chairs opposite the couch she'd chosen. «Your training went a long way towards saving my life tonight. I'm in your debt.»

«You saved your own life, Lady Christina, I merely gave you the knowledge. You were the one who took it inside and let it guide you when there was need. You did us all proud tonight. Especially yourself.»

The smile he gave her went straight to her pride. Such simple praise had never been directed her way during her married years and she'd only realized since waking up in the hospital, she'd missed it terribly. Hiro was a kind soul, a gentle man with a big heart, but he was also a tough task master. He didn't give praise easily and his words meant all that much more because of it.

«Thanks.» She spoke in a careful way, afraid to let emotion overwhelm her. After the ordeal they'd been through, she felt more fragile than she liked.

Matt came into the room, munching on a granola bar, breaking the mood. He sprawled on the couch near Christy and put one foot up on the coffee table.

«Make yourself at home.» Hiro chuckled and Christy followed suit.

«After the night we just had, I think I'm entitled to put my feet on the furniture, don't you?»

«Oh, you're entitled to more than that, my friend.» Sebastian's voice came from the patio entry, where he drew the glass door open and stepped through.

Christy popped off the couch and went to him, hugging him in greeting as the others followed behind their host. Ian was there, with Hastings, Cameron, and a few other were she'd met in passing.

A dutiful host, Sebastian poured drinks for them all. He gave Cam the precious, two-hundred-year-old Scotch he favored and poured deep red wine for himself, his vampire brethren, and his lady. The were drank their choice of beers and liquors Sebastian kept on hand for guests, and chowed down on the various snacks stocked in the small bar at the side of the room. Some followed their noses to the kitchen for a meal with their fellows, who were cooking up a storm for the always hungry werefolk.

«Everything's settled then?» Hiro asked as he greeted his colleagues.

Sebastian nodded once as Ian answered for them both. «He's never coming back.»

«Praise the Lady for that,» Matt said from the couch, succinctly summing up all their feelings on the matter.

«I still can't believe how powerful that mage was.» Sebastian shook his head. «Cam, you did some amazing things tonight and I can never thank you enough.»

Cameron gestured with one weary hand and collapsed into an overstuffed chair. Sebastian tucked Christy into his arms and sat on the couch beside Matt. The werecougar's head rested against the back of the leather sofa, his eyes heavy-lidded.

«The pattern on Mario's face was the key. The most important bit was the nine lines Christy described-signifying the nine realms to which Mario's magic was connected. I'm sorry to say, he was more powerful than any mage I've met before in this mortal realm. Few have connections to more than three or four other realms, but our boy Mario had a direct link to what I like to call the sixth level of hell. If I'm not much mistaken, that sixth line represented his link to the place where Elspeth is exiled. For a certainty, he was using Elspian magic of a kind not seen here for many generations.» Cam sighed, not liking the implications for the future. «Since Mario was mortal, I assume that base line– the longest one and next powerful-was his link to this realm of his birth. The Lady only knows where those other lines led. I fear to think on it.» Cam shuddered in his seat. «Once I was able to sever those two strongest links, the rest collapsed. It was a tricky piece of magic, and not my neatest by any means, but it did the trick. This time.» His mouth set in a grim line.

«It was like nothing I've ever seen.» Matt eyed him with both awe and suspicion.

«That sort of magic is not of this realm. For that matter, I'm not of this realm, laddie.» Cam winked. «It's a case of fighting fire with fire. Otherrealm magic often can only be countered by similar means. That's part of what I do here, playing about in your world. When I find out about evil from other places infiltrating here, one of my duties is to track it down and eliminate it, but I'm sorry to say, without your link to our Christina, all my magic would have been for naught this night. I've never faced an opponent like this one and I fear he's not the last we will see. Tonight proved-as nothing else could– that we'll all have to work together. On my own, I could not have taken Mario down.» Silence met that stark announcement. «His spell immobilized everything except his prey. It even worked to keep me glued to my place, though I could move more than anyone else because of my ties to other realms beyond Mario's reach. Still, if I'd been facing him alone, all he would've had to do is walk behind me where I couldn't see him and stab me in the back. He wouldn't even have to do it magically. A simple knife would've worked at that point. I've never felt so powerless in all my long life.»

Cameron saw his words sink in. He'd meant his warning to sober them and judging by the looks on their faces, it had. He knew he had to impress upon them how important it was to keep their temporary alliance going.

Sebastian broke the uncomfortable silence. «Your words are troubling, old friend, but well taken. I think we've started something here, with this group of friends we've gathered together. I take your warning to mean we should probably expect to work together more often if Mario is just the tip of the evil iceberg we've yet to fully discover.»

«As usual, you see through to the heart of the thing, lad.» Cameron lifted the crystal glass and drained it. «This alliance between your kind and the were must continue. For my part, my few fey brethren in this realm are already allied with the were, we'd extend that to those bloodletters who are willing to work with us for the duration of this threat, as well.»

Sebastian nodded, his face grave. «I've always been a friend to were and fey. We'll have to talk to Marc about formalizing relations, but I don't think he'll have any objection. He understands the threat we all face, though I don't think any of us realized until just recently how dreadful the danger truly is.»

An hour or two before dawn, the informal gathering broke up. Most of them sought guest rooms to grab some much needed rest while the rest of the were took turns guarding the estate. Sebastian was grateful for their vigilance and willingness to lend a hand. He was wiped out from the adventures of the night, and in desperate need of some alone time with his new mate.

He led her to the large master bath in the underground chambers where they would sleep away the day in each other's arms. But first, he very much needed to clean up, and to pamper his lady. He needed to do so, to reassure himself that all was once again well– at least for now.

He drew a bath in the oversized tub while Christina undressed, lacing the warm water with lavender bath salts he had specially made with pure essential oils. There was nothing like the scent, and he loved the feel of the refreshing mixture of sea salt and cleansing lavender oil on his skin. It was something from his old life in England that he'd never been able to forget or cast aside.

His mother had grown lavender and used the essential oil from the plant for all kinds of things. She'd been an amateur herbalist and had taught her son many things about plants and their uses. Now, hundreds of years later, Sebastian used those same recipes, learned at his beloved mother's knee, to have different creams and lotions made up for his personal use-and now for Christina's.

In his day, lavender hadn't been strictly a women's scent, and he still loved it. Certainly, he didn't think he'd ever countenance going about smelling of roses or gardenias, but he knew some dandy recipes for things he would order at the first opportunity for Christina. He longed to spoil her in every way and protect her all their lives, however long that proved to be.

«Come, my love, the bath is ready.»

He knew he didn't have to speak the words. Christina was in his mind at all times now, as he was in hers. It had been strange at first, until they'd learned how to manage the information overload. They'd worked over the past weeks at segregating each other's thoughts to discrete areas so things were less confusing, but when they wanted to, they could open the channel wide and share everything they felt and thought with each other.

The best possible time for such deep sharing was in passion and they did so often, but each time it was special. Still new, their relationship was the deepest part of each of their souls. They were truly One, never to be parted, which made him feel both safe and utterly terrified of losing her.

The past hours had been a trial almost beyond bearing. Putting Christina deliberately in the path of danger had gone against every fiber of his being, but Sebastian knew it had to be done. When Mario had changed all the rules of their encounter and knocked Sebastian flat on his ass, he'd never been more frightened.

As he'd blacked out from the massive blow to his head, his last horrified thought had been that Christina must now face the monster alone. He could have wept then, if he could have remained conscious. As it was, when he finally woke up he couldn't move, and the inability to see what was going on from inside the mangled container had sent terror streaking through him.

Until he heard her voice in his mind. The link that nothing short of death could destroy, had reassured him and alarmed him at the same time. Knowing his love was in mortal danger, facing a mage the likes of which they had not bargained for, all alone, terrified him. There was little in the world that could scare a vampire of his age and power, but his mate brought that uncomfortable feeling all too close for comfort.

«You're so good to me, Sebastian.» Christina ran a gentle finger along his chin as she turned, dropping her silk robe. She climbed into the tub before he could waylay her, but she had his full attention. He could tell from the flirty look in her beautiful eyes and the connection they shared, that she was as needful of their joining as he was. It was nearly a physical ache. He needed to touch her, to be close to her, like he needed his next breath.

Sebastian shucked his clothes and stepped into the giant oval tub, settling behind her. She was tucked into the V of his thighs, her luscious bottom resting against him. For a moment he let the scent of lavender and Christina waft over him as he rested his chin atop her head and folded his arms around her middle, hugging her close.

«I love you more than life, Christina. I couldn't go on without you.»

«Same goes for me, Sebastian.» He couldn't see her expression in this position, but felt the tremors in her small body and the anguish in her mind. «When you pushed me out of that container and it went flying…and then you weren't in my mind…»

She hiccupped and Sebastian soothed her, rubbing her skin and murmuring soft sounds of comfort. «It's all over now, my love, though I just about lost it when I realized you had to face that bastard all on your own. I never wanted that to happen. I'm sorry I failed you.» Deep shame filled him. He'd failed to protect his mate for those agonizing moments. It was something that made him feel less of a man and incompetent to be trusted with her precious life.

Christina turned in his arms in the slippery water and cupped his face. «No, Sebastian. Stop that right now. You've done nothing but shelter me and protect me from the moment you came to the hospital. You prepared me for any eventuality, though I know you would have died before deliberately putting me in the position we were in tonight. None of us-not even Cam-could have known Mario was such a threat. This was something new and unexpected. You should be proud you planned ahead and taught me how to take care of myself. I know I couldn't be more grateful for your foresight.» She leaned forward. «And you were there, with me, when it really mattered. You saved my life again, Sebastian, and I haven't fully thanked you yet.»

She leaned closer, rubbing her slick breasts against his chest, locking lips with him and deepening the kiss. It was heaven, having his lady in his arms, safe and sound.

«My love, you honor me with your words and your love.» He stroked her cheek, tangling their legs beneath the water in the huge tub.

«As you honor me. Sebastian.» She lifted away to look deep into his eyes. «I know your heart. I know your soul. I know you. You're the man I will spend the rest of my life with, however long that proves to be. Any time with you-whether an hour or a century-I'll count as precious. Just as you're precious to me in every way.»

If Sebastian were a weepy sort of man, he would've cried at the way her heart shone in her eyes and conviction rang in every syllable of her words. But he'd been born a British nobleman, so he showed his appreciation for her without words or overt displays. He kissed her with all the passion locked inside, turning her in the big tub to straddle his thighs. Her heat enveloped him as he drove inside her, taking his time but leaving no doubt of his claim on her body, her soul…and her love.

Now that she was his, he would never let her go, even if he felt unworthy. He'd strive to be better than he was and with her to guide him and inspire him, he'd do his best to be deserving of her love forevermore. For he couldn't let her go. It just wasn't in him. He wasn't that strong.

He stroked within her welcoming heat, the scented water sloshing around them in undulating waves heady with fragrant steam. He felt enveloped both by her luscious body and by the comforting embrace of the water-the recipe that scented it a thing from his past, the woman in his arms, the best part of his future. It was a melding of old and new that was both symbolic and very real, cleansing in more than just the obvious way. While the salted water cleansed their bodies, the breakthroughs within cleansed his very soul, old, dark and sorrowful as it had become over the centuries of his quest.

Only now did he realize what he'd been searching for all that time. Her. He'd been searching for Christina-the One who would complete him and make him whole once more.

He rocked within her, knowing it would take little to bring her over the edge of ecstasy with him. It would be the first of many peaks he would bring her that night, in what time they had left before dawn claimed them.

Sebastian stroked upward while Christina writhed atop him. Some of the water swished out of the tub, but he didn't care. They'd worry about cleaning it up later. For now, he could only concentrate of the feel of his woman, loving him.

He reached up and licked the point of her pulse with his tongue, his teeth descending as his excitement grew. He felt her petite fangs against his skin. The feel of her scraping the delicate points over his neck drove them both higher.

With gentle strokes, he positioned the bite, judging the exact moment to press down and sever the skin, allowing the warm juice of life to flow onto his tongue. It tasted sublime. The wine of the gods, made just for him.

Christina bit down on his neck and the sensations multiplied as they went from him to her and back again many times over. They were sharing every thought, every feeling, every sensation as they shared their bodies and their blood. They were One.

Her core gripped him and he rode the feelings higher. When she cried out and began to pulse around him, Sebastian at last could loose the tight reins he'd held on himself, shooting into her hard, fast and complete, as just a few sips of her blood coated his tongue. Between mates, that's all that was needed to sustain each other's magic and life. Blood and sex, and the deepest kind of love in all the realms.

Christina wrung him dry and sapped his energy, all the while replenishing it with her love. The fireball of power went between them, filling their souls and renewing their immortal lives. They would be this way, together, forever now. For eternity.