Settling things

*Calliope*
“I want to know everything, every moment I spent with you that I can no longer recall."

We are lying in bed, completely unclothed, me on my back, while he raises up on an elbow, skimming his fingers over me continuously as though he can’t bear the thought of even one second of not touching me.

Lowering his head, he presses a kiss to the swell of my breast. “Tell me, Calliope.”

And so I do.

I recount how I first saw him sitting against a wall awaiting medical treatment, and how I assisted with the surgery. I share the hours I sat by his side when fever raged, and the talks of home we had while he was recovering. I remember the nights when he went out for some fresh air, when I spotted him leaning against the building, and the nights we took strolls, even though I knew I’d be suspected of notorious behavior, aware that if I were caught, Miss S would return me to our home shores.

“Why risk it?" he asks.

“Because, like all women, I never could resist you."

He skims his knuckles along my cheek. “Never compare yourself to all women. You are nothing at all like any woman I’ve ever known.”

We are quiet for several moments while I gather my courage to tell the tale and he gathers the strength to hear it. Finally, I tell him about the night of the attack… the horror of it, the wonder of it.

“You ordered Sergeant Mathers to find us a room. He did. It was only you and me in there. You laid me on the bed, examined me so carefully, so gently." I brush my fingers through his hair at his temples. “You washed me. Then you held me, told me you cared for me. You gathered my tears with kisses. You made me believe that everything would be all right. That I could survive it. And so I did."

He cradles my cheek, holds my gaze. "I love you so much. I don’t know what the devil possessed me to send you away."

His mouth covers mine, and once again we become a tangle of limbs, touching, exploring, pleasuring.

Tonight, our lovemaking is different… more intense, more… free. No secrets. Only honesty between us.

When he fills me, I welcome him gladly. We move in a sinuous motion, the passion building, the fire burning. I have no doubt that he is mine, now and forever. Nothing, nothing at all will ever take him from me again.

When pleasure eclipses all else, it is celebrated with him calling out my name.

Calliope, Calliope, Calliope.

The joyous jubilation sweeps away the last of my nightmares. As I nestle against him to fall asleep, I know they’ll never return.

*Zac*
In the hallway of the terraced residence, I wait to be received. It’s nearly noon. I had planned to arrive earlier, but my vixen of a mate kept me in bed longer than I expected. Not that I’m complaining. Once this business is over with, I plan to spend each morning in bed as late as my mate desires.

Glancing up at the sound of footfalls, I watch as Fancy descends the stairs, a provocative smile greeting me. She is still a fancy bit of work. I remember a time when that smile took me to the edge of passion. I feel nothing for her now. Nothing at all.

“Good morning, darling,” she coos as she approaches me with movements designed to entice.

She places a hand on my chest, and before she can get nearer, I extend the envelope between us. Her smile changes into one of anticipation, and her eyes glow. “What’s this?”

“Four thousand pounds.” I had to borrow it from Draco. “I believe that’s the price you quoted my mate for her silence.”

Confusion mars her features. She steps back without taking my offering. “Why?”

“I made a mistake,” I say flatly. “I mistook you for Zane’s mother.”

“I gave birth to him.” She points out.

I shake my head, “That does not make you his mother. Calliope claimed that honor, and so she will keep him and me. This is simply a payment for your services. The only payment you’ll ever receive from us. Do with it what you will. But do not bother us again.”

She snatches the envelope from me. “I shall need more. Four thousand a year. Otherwise, I shall tell everyone the truth of your son’s birth.”

I smile. “No, you won’t. It would lessen your value. Make it more difficult to acquire a benefactor. Men favor women who know how to prevent by-blows.”

“I’ve discovered this is not the life I want.” Once again, she places her hand on my chest. She looks up at me with a plea in her eyes. “Not every man is you. It is you whom I desire.”

I remove her hand, “I am taken.”

“You’ll grow bored with her.” She tries.

“No, I won’t. And if you do tell the world that you are my son’s mother, so be it. I do not intend for him to grow up not knowing the truth. However, be prepared to face my wrath as well as my mother’s.”

She pales at the force of the second threat.

“Yes,” I say quietly. “She can assure that pack society never opens its door to you again.”

She crushes the envelope to her chest. “Another four thousand and I’ll be silent.”

“You’re getting only what I just gave you. Go see Morton. He’ll help you invest it. Perhaps with his help, you’ll become a lady of leisure.” I tell her.

I turn to leave.

“Zac, you will be back. And I will be waiting.”

I glance back at her. “I love Calliope. That will never change. Wait if you wish, but it will be in vain.”

I stride from the residence and down the steps to the waiting carriage. Once inside, I kiss my mate passionately as the carriage takes off. When I finally draw back, she asks, “Did it go well?”

“She’ll not bother us.” I promise.

“What do we do now?” She asks.

I smile. “Go see Leo and arrange to have a family portrait painted.”

Her beautiful smile still has the power to take my breath away. I suspect it always will.