Gen. 2: Get Out of Jail Free Card

The drive to Lucky Palms is long, but he drove the whole way, so I got to sleep.  That was probably a good thing because I caught up on my lack of sleep for the first part of my adult life when I started having children.

When we get to his house, it's beautiful.  It's right on the pier, which is awesome, and it's really modern.

Brendan asks me if I want to relax for a bit, but having slept the whole way, I'm full of energy, so I ask him to show me around.  He decides to take me to the Perfect Paradise Pool first.

The pool is on the roof of the building, which makes it perfect for looking at the rest of Lucky Palms.

BONNIE: Wow...

BRENDAN: Awesome, isn't it?

BONNIE: Yeah...I've never really been to a bustling city before.  

BRENDAN: Ha! Well, it's not really a big city with skyscrapers and everything...

BONNIE: Yeah, I know, but it's a bigger city than I've ever lived in.  I lived on Cornucopia, which was a small island town, then I stayed in Butterfly Acres for awhile and then Legacy Island, which has buildings, but it still has a small town feel to it.

BRENDAN: Well, living in Lucky Palms is a one-of-a-kind experience.  Think maybe it might be where you want to live?

BONNIE: I don't know yet...

BRENDAN: That's okay...right now...I bet I can hold my breath longer than you can!

He strips down to his bathing suit and jumps in the pool before I can say anything. 

BONNIE: Hey!  It's not a race!

I jump in behind him.

Little does he know, I have stellar lung capacity.  I think it comes from a long line of yellers.

Sure enough, I win!

I head up for air and to brag.

BONNIE: Haha!

BRENDAN: Yeah, yeah...

BONNIE: *splash* Oh, come on, don't be a sore loser.

BRENDAN: Oh yeah?

He splashes me back and starts to chase me around the pool.  We make a game out of it until he catches me and grabs my ankle.

I scream and try to kick away from him, but I'm really loving it.  He pins me on the wall and his warm body feels nice against me in the slightly chilly pool.  

BRENDAN: Thought you could get away from me, huh?

He tries to kiss me and I playfully turn my head away, of course this gives him a clear shot at kissing my neck, right below my ear, which, as it turns out, feels amazing.

He presses a little harder against me and I realize I'm going to have to slow this down before we get inappropriate in a public place.

BONNIE: Hold it!  Someone is going to see us!

BRENDAN: No one is going to see us...we're the only ones here...

BONNIE: What about the owners...there has to be someone running the place...

BRENDAN: We have the place to ourselves, babe, don't worry about it.

BONNIE: Hmm, well...in that case...

I duck under the water and swim away from him.

BRENDAN: Where are you going?

BONNIE: You'll have to find out.

I swim toward the edge of the pool and climb out, heading toward a more intimate location.

Hmm, perfect.  It's even a little secluded, so even if someone shows up, they might not see us.

BRENDAN: You are just full of surprises, aren't you?

BONNIE: I try.

I guess something has come over me while being on vacation, because it sounded like a great idea to strip out of my bathing suit and hop into the hot tub.

BRENDAN: Are you lonely in there?

BONNIE: I could use some company...if you're not too bashful.

BRENDAN: Hmph, please....

With that, he strips down and climbs in next to me.  

I lean my head back and pretend I'm not peaking...but I totally am.

BRENDAN: Whoo!  You like it hot!

BONNIE: Hehe, do I ever...

BRENDAN: I meant the water...

BONNIE: Oh...I knew that...

BRENDAN: Can't get any better than this.

BONNIE: Really?  I have some ideas...

BRENDAN: And what would those...

Before he can finish his sentence, my mouth is on his.

He doesn't say anything, but I can tell he agrees that this is much better.

We make out in the hot tub for awhile and I realize then how much I have missed human interaction from people that aren't my children or my family...especially this kind of human interaction.

Of course, I forget that I don't have a built-in alarm system that tells me when I should probably stop, so it's Brendan that pulls away first.

BRENDAN: Baby, if you want to do anything else today, I strongly suggest stopping right now.

BONNIE: Who says I want to do anything else?

BRENDAN: You did earlier, remember?  You wanted me to show you the sights?

BONNIE: I think you're doing a good job of that...

BRENDAN: *groan* If we don't stop, I'm not going to be able to control what happens next.

BONNIE: Don't fight it...

BRENDAN: As much as I don't want to, I also don't want the first time we make love to be in a public hot tub.

Damn it.  He had to go and bring that up, didn't he?  And I can't lie and say that we would just be having sex, because...I know what just having sex is, and because of the nature of our relationship, we could never just be having sex...ugh.  Making love it is...and not right now.

BONNIE: *pout* Okay, fine.  Where to next?

BRENDAN: How about a movie?  We have an IMAX here...

BONNIE: Hmm, okay... 

The cab ride to the theater is even interesting.  I find myself astounded by the tall palm trees and beach feel of the whole town.  It's all so pretty.

Of course, I don't have a clue what the movie was about.  I was otherwise occupied.

BRENDAN: Any time you wanna go home, you let me know...

BONNIE: Hmm...sounds tempting...

BRENDAN: Or...we could go to Drinks at Diamondbacks...

BONNIE: For what?

BRENDAN: What else?  Drinks.

BONNIE: Oh...

We head in and the place is crazy crowded.  After a couple drinks we're ready to leave.  As much as I would like to head back to his house, my stomach growls.  He of course, doesn't miss it.

BRENDAN: Hungry?

BONNIE: Starving actually...

BRENDAN: There's nothing at home...we can hit the Blooming Cactus Bistro...they have the best spinach dip ever.

BONNIE: *groan* Don't mention food until it's in front of me.

We get there and are waiting for our food when these two people come up to us.  

MAN: Hey Brendan!

BRENDAN: Uh, hey man!

WOMAN: Hi Brendan!

BRENDAN: Hey, Yolanda!  Guys, this is my...Bonnie, Bonnie, this is Barry Gilbert and Yolanda Shaw, old friends of mine.

They are both very cordial, but I am fixated on the detail that Brendan didn't introduce me as his girlfriend.

Yolanda sits down next to me and starts chatting my ear off.

YOLANDA: Have you ever been to Lucky Palms before?

BONNIE: Nope, this is my first time.

YOLANDA: Oh, you have to go to the casino, Brendan, you are taking her to the casino, right?

BRENDAN: I wouldn't dream of letting her pass it up.

On the cab ride over there, I try to stifle my desire to be a paranoid girlfriend.

BONNIE: So they seem nice.

BRENDAN: Who?  Yeah, they're alright.  

Now he seems distracted, which makes me more paranoid.  Maybe the reason he hasn't wanted to sleep with me is because he doesn't really like me...

Ack!  I have to stop thinking like a crazy woman!

I try to think of something I can say to figure out why he wouldn't want them to know he has a girlfriend, but everything I can think of sounds paranoid and/or crazy.

"Do they know you have a girlfriend?" - Paranoid...and possessive.

"Why didn't you introduce me as your girlfriend?" - Demanding, and possessive.

"Did you ever date that Yolanda girl?" - Paranoid and crazy.

Ugh.  I just decide to sit back and shut up.

As soon as we get to the casino, Brendan sits down at the black jack table.

I venture over to a slot machine.  Hmm, this looks a little too techie for me.

I break even after putting a couple quarters in the machine before deciding to join Brendan at the table.

Brendan tries his best to teach me how to play black jack, but I still don't get it.

Not to mention he's being awfully distant.  I'm just not really into this right now.

I think he picks up on that, thankfully.

BRENDAN: You're not having that much fun, are you?

BONNIE: Machines aren't really my thing...

BRENDAN: Hmm, okay...wanna go back to my place?

He gets a randy look on his face and I can't help but laugh.  Of course, I'm kind of out of the mood now.

BONNIE: I don't know, maybe you could ask your girlfriend if she wants to go back to your place...

Okay self, what did we just talk about?  Wasn't it something about not saying anything that makes you sound like a crazy girlfriend?  Yeah, threw that right out the window.

BRENDAN: What are you talking about?

BONNIE: Well, apparently I'm not your girlfriend because you didn't want to tell those people we were dating...

BRENDAN: What?!  Bonnie..

BONNIE: Are you ashamed of me?

BRENDAN: Why would I be ashamed of you?

BONNIE: I don't know, but apparently you didn't want anyone to know...the only thing I can think of is that you're ashamed...

BRENDAN: Baby, that couldn't be further from the truth...those people aren't my friends, they're just acquaintances ..ones that gossip like crazy.  I don't want everyone talking about me.

BONNIE: Who cares?

BRENDAN: Did you really want to sit there and talk to them for who knows how long telling them every detail of our love life?

BONNIE: Well...no...

BRENDAN: I didn't either.  I don't want anything else to stand in the way of taking you home and keeping you in my bed all night...and all day tomorrow.

BONNIE: Well...if you put it that way...

We run out of that place like it's on fire and catch the first cab that comes our way.

As we sit side by side in the cab, he puts his hand on my knee...and slides it up my thigh.  Totally unfair.

In retaliation, I reciprocate by putting my hand in the same place on his thigh, gently squeezing.

He lets out a barely audible breath and I know I'm getting to him.

I have to say, this is kind of fun, seeing what each of us can stand while the cab driver takes us to his house.

By the time we get to his house, we can't keep our hands off each other, but I am still a little hesitant.

He is the one that pulls away.

BRENDAN: Bonnie, wait..I want to tell you something..

BONNIE: What is it?

BRENDAN: I love you.

Baby 23: I Want to Be Where Epidurals Roam Free!

When I wake up in the morning, I am completely blissed out. I had a magical night with Rhage and then I started showing. My morning couldn't be more perfect.

Well, that is until Rhage comes in, notices my pudge and says, "Hey, I think you're getting a little chunky there, hon." He is apparently inappropriate at times.

"Uh Rhage," I start, "I'm not chunky, I'm pregnant."
He looks shocked, I'm not really sure why, I mean, doesn't he remember why he came in the first place?

He immediately starts talking to my tummy, "Hey in there little guy. I can't wait to meet you."
This makes me giggle. Hearing such tender words coming from such a strong man is something. Hehe.

"I think I hear him!" Rhage said. I guess he's wanting a boy.

Over the weekend, the kids all work on skills. They have so many I can't keep track. I'm glad I made sure to buy plenty of stuff to help in their skill building. It's quiet most of the day because they're all either painting, writing, playing chess...you name it, they're working on it. They're my little sponges!

Of course, there is always time for play. Isobel loves pretending she's a red dinosaur.

Rhage reads a pregnancy book...I'm not really sure why, but he seems to be so into all this pregnancy stuff.
He also teases the kids, especially when they pretend to be kings and queens ruling over their domains. He says, "Yup, you can definitely tell you are children of a king!"

Of course, he still makes time for a little romance for me. I am ever so grateful!

He's also so playful. I'm telling you, these vampires are spoiling me. I feel like he's my boyfriend, even though I know I shouldn't feel that way. Oh well, I'm just enjoying myself now. I'll deal with the repercussions later.

I'm sitting in the study one day when all of a sudden a strong pain hits.

I go into my bedroom and try to do a home labor, which I instantly regret...I need hospitals, attendants, doctors, and epidurals!

Soon, I can feel the baby almost ready to come out.

Suddenly, I am holding a beautiful baby boy in my arms.

Welcome to the world, Baby 23: Elijah Reed!

Part Two: Seduced by a Vampire King

Okay...this is slightly adult themed...so don't be reading it in school or anything...;)

There's not many things that render me speechless, but Wrath was one of the exceptions. He stood taller than a human man, stronger...rugged wasn't the word...he was beyond rugged. He was bad. I like it. He didn't even have to do anything...his very presence ignited something in me I never thought possible...lust...I hadn't felt anything like this since...well, I'll get to that later...but anyway...I had kind of turned my back on ever feeling that warm, tingly, butterfly feeling again.

It's funny...maybe it's being a vampire...but he's barely spoken two words...actually, I think it's been three words exactly, "Hey, I'm Wrath."...but anyway...like I was saying...
he's hardly spoken at all and I literally want to jump his bones. He looked at me from behind those shades and I was completely lost.

Oh good Lord, please don't let me embarrass myself...I tried to flirt as best as I could...which was probably not much...

Well, whatever it was must have worked because he pulled me into those tight, muscular arms and started to kiss me...and let me tell you...whew...could he kiss...

I looked him in the eyes, "Do you want me to show you to my room?"
He runs his hand down my back, "Let's take our time,"

Can do! I could make out with him for the rest of my life and be fine...wait...don't I have a purpose? Crap...what was it?

He brought new meaning to "strong silent type"...I finally coaxed him to continue this in my room.

He picked me up and ran into the bedroom with lightning speed, throwing me across my bed.

We start by cuddling on my bed...

Then I climb on top of him and we start making out again...I'm getting more and more nervous about hooking up though. It's been a long time...what if I suck? What if he sees my cellulite? He's used to sleeping with smokin' hot vampire women...what if he's not satisfied with me?
He flips me over and I can tell he's ready-set-go, but I'm not...

Me: Whoa, hold on a second...we're going to fast.
Wrath: Wasn't that sort of the point? Don't you want to get pregnant quickly?
Me: Well yeah, but I'm not like a car engine, I don't just roll over when you're ready for me...let's just keep going slow...
Wrath sighed and got up off the bed...

He brought me over to the mirror and, as if he could read my mind, told me everything I wanted to hear.
Wrath: Hadley, I want you to look at yourself...you're beautiful. Your freckles are adorable, your lips are so...kissable...
He leans in toward me...*sigh* I'm getting weak in the knees...

Wrath: I would kill to be with you, even if we weren't serving a higher purpose.
Me: Really?
Wrath: Absolutely.

*Sigh* Words slipped out of his mouth like velvet, and pretty soon I was under his spell once again...

Me: I just want to do one thing...get my hands on those delicious muscles of yours...
He turned around and I ran my hands down his back...ohhh wow...every ripple was tight as possible...he must live in the gym...I lick my lips, imagining those muscular arms around me again...Whew...we need to get out of this room and cool off for a bit...

A break seemed like a really good idea at that point, so Wrath goes downstairs to work on his training.

Now that it's nightfall, I go to the grocery store to pick up some plasma fruit, which I don't have any of...and I'm sick of drinking plasma juice...since we have three vampires in the house, I need to figure out how to cook for us...

As soon as I get to town though, I get a whiff of something spectacular...and I'm so...hungry...hmm...what is it...

Ahhh, up walks a fan...he's talking to me, but I can't seem to concentrate...all I can see is that carotid artery pulsing in his neck...yummm....but I would be satisfied with just a little drink from his wrist...
Wait! What am I thinking? Sergo said something about this...something about the cravings...don't let the cravings get to you...don't...something...aw, hell, I can't even think I'm so thirsty...

Come closer, little delectable wrist...the young man is under my spell now...mu-haha!

Before I can even think, I sink my teeth into his wrist and suck the wonderful blood to my lips...ahhh, sweet nectar...

After his training, I still hadn't returned with dinner, so he was hungry as well.

Wrath, however, knew how to hunt and seek out the best blood...his hunter instincts sought out none other than my daughter, Alba.

He spoke with her for a minute and dazzled her with whatever vampy powers he has...

Then went in for the taste...

Even though I'm a hot vampire now, I'm still a parent. I read Vicki to sleep that night before Wrath and I went about our business.

We decided to get comfortable in the hottub...

Me: Let's move this inside, shall we?
Wrath: Lead the way...

We start making out pretty heavily again...

When Wrath thinks I'm comfortable, he brings up woo-hooing again.

I pull away from him, "I'm just not ready yet."
Wrath looks dejected, "I don't mean to rush you, honey, but what's the hold up?"
"I'm sorry..." I start, "I just...haven't done this in a really long time...I had kind of given up on it..."

He pulled me into his amazing arms again and looked me in the eye..."Okay, let's take this one step at a time," he starts with that voice that sounds like bubbling brook water rushing over harsh rocks, "do you like this?"
I am speechless, but I manage to nod.

"How about this?" He asks, climbing on top of me, but carefully, so I don't feel suffocated.
"Uh-huh," I answer.
"Uh-huh, what?" he coaxes.
"I like it," I say.

He moves ever so slightly closer to me and presses against my body.
"And this?" he asks with his crackling voice.
I swallow hard. Is it getting hot in here? My breathing is starting to get unsteady and shallow.

I lean toward him, "I really like this," I say.
He laughs quietly, but presses closer to me.
Unfortunately, I hear my phone going off...damnit!

"Look, I have to answer this, it could be one of my kids," I say, never moving my eyes from him. As he pulls away from me, he runs his palm across my stomach, just above my pelvic bone...
Sweet Jesus, this better be an emergency...

I get up and answer as Wrath lays back on the bed.
"Hello?" I ask, slightly out of breath.
"Hadley? It's Winston, how's it going?"

"It would be going a lot better if you hadn't just called, Sergo," I tell him.
"Oh..uh, are you...uh...I mean...uh...never mind...um...call me later." He replies.
I hang up the phone...hmm, that's the closest to bye I've ever heard from him...

When I get back on the bed with Wrath, I just bite the bullet...
"Ok, I'm definitely ready." I tell him.
"You don't need to get warmed up again?" he asks.
"Oh no, I'm all warmed up..." I tell him and lean in closer...

*Cue the cheesy music.* Oh yeah! Brown chicken, brown cow!

"That was Ah-mazing..." I reply when it's all over.
We go to sleep for the night and he even cuddles with me...*sigh*.

Unfortunately, as we slept, the rumor started to spread that I lost control and bit someone. Crraappp...