And WHAM!! It was well after eight am, the sun was streaming through the windows across the room. Nate rolled over so that his back was to the sun and felt his wife snuggling tighter against him. He smiled slightly, eyes still closed and slid his arms around her, managing to work them over the swell of her belly. She was six months pregnant with their first child. He opened his eyes to look down at the delicate redhead in his arms, leaned over and kissed her neck above the collar. "Mornin' babydoll." He said softly, watching her smile as she stretched.   She moved her left hand to touch his face, a diamond wedding band added to the engagment ring. He turned his head, and kissed the palm of her hand. Lexine opened her eyes, looking up at her husband with a soft smile. "Good morning yourself." She replied softly, meeting his gaze.   Before she could say anything else, Nate rolled, shifting them both, so that she was on her back and he was leaning over her. Then he leaned down, pushing up the old plain t-shirt of his that she'd worn as a nightshirt and kissed her belly. "Mornin' little one." He whispered to their unborn child. Lexine smiled warmly, her hand reaching up again, this time caressing his hair. He moved up and kissed her deeply. Lexine slipped her arms around his neck, kissing him back. "An' how are ye feelin' this mornin'?" Nate asked, smiling down at her.

"Better." Lexine said softly, smiling herself. Nate reached up, caressing her cheek, his thumb running over the tattoo under her eye. She'd been ill the night before, they weren't sure if it was death curse, or just something normal with the pregnancy. Either way, she'd been worried. They'd both been worried. They'd come home to Hawkscliff, it was were Lexine wanted to have the baby. But Helena was hesitant with prenatal spells, until Faal convinced her to try and not to worry. It'd been a fast six months since Lexine had told Nate she was pregnant.  
Nate shouldered the door to their apartment open, carrying the groceries. He'd caught Eire and Xander down stairs, chasing Talon who'd apparently slipped into wolf cub form again. Daniel had come begging Eire to take care of the ten year old then vanished with out much of an explanation. That had been six weeks before and all searchs for Daniel now were turning up nothing. The boy hadn't adjusted to his uncle very well either, accusing him of it being his fault Daniel had vanished. But there seemed to be an odd bound between Talon and Xander.

He'd managed to skirt around them and head for the elevator, shaking his head with amusement as they cornered the wolf cub in the lobby and Xander was trying to coax him from under the sofa. Nate had a feeling Talon considered it all a game now. He left them to their game, heading up stairs.   Kay was leaving as he came out of the elevator. "Got enough peaches?" She asked, seeing the bag of peaches at the top of one of the brown sacks.   Nate smirked slightly. "Lexi insisted." He said with a slight shrug.   Kay raised an eyebrow. "It's a bit out of season for peaches..." In fact it was snowing outside.   "Yeah, I know...had t' go t' that speacil produce market, down town. But she wants peaches." Nate replied. "An' wha' Lexine wants, Lexine gets..." He added with a slight grin. Kay shook her head with a snort.

He managed to turn the knob and shoulder the door open, slipping inside, and toeing the door shut behind him. He glanced around, seeing obvious signs Lexine had been cleaning up, but no sign of her. He carried the groceries into the kitchen and put the bags on the table. "Lexi?" He called out, grabbing a peach from the top of the bag and leaving the ktichen, heading for the hall. "Lexine?"   He heard hurried movement in the master bedroom and went in there, curious. The door to the master bath was cracked open and Nate crossed over to it, starting to push the door open, when Lexine cut him off, appearing in the door way. "I didn't hear you come home." She said softly with a smile that Nate noticed was nervous.   Nate's eyebrow shot up. "I called ye out, babydoll, how could ye not hear me?" He asked.   "Cleaning..." Lexine said, attempting to slip past him and pull the bathroom door shut.

Now Nate was suspicious. He knew she'd never cheat on him, especially in their own apartment, but she was definitely up to something. And it wasn't cleaning. He held up the peach and watched her eyes light up, before she snatched it. He watched her bite into it with obvious pleasure and while she was distracted with that, he shoved the bathroom door open, sliding around her. She squeaked and attempted to grab his arm with her free hand, but he slid out of her grip.

The bathroom was clean, and orderly. Except for the object on the counter, which Nate's gaze fell on.   And stayed on as Lexine slid into the bathroom behind him, still munching on the peach.   She looked at it as well, then at her watch. "I was going to tell you...if it was possitive..." She whispered plantively.   He turned toward her and found she was looking at him with the peach in both hands near her lips; those full pouty lips, and was looking at him with big round eyes. There was peach juice running down her chin and one hand. "Ye couldn't 'ave told me before hand?" Nate asked, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.   She took another bite of the peach and blushed. "Didn't want to get any hopes up..." She whispered.

Nate groaned, pulled the peach from her hands, and kissed her deeply, tasting the necture from the fruit on her lips. He caught her off guard, but she submitted, kissing him back slowly and just as deeply, until they were both dizzy. He pulled back with a gasp of air and looked into her absinthe green eyes. "Ye should've told me..." he said softly, watching her blush even more. He sat the peach on the far end of the counter and looked back at the pregnancy test, which was still in the process of working. "How long has it got?" He asked in a whisper, holding her tightly but gently.   Lexine rested herself against him, looking at the test as well. "About three more minutes..."

"Explains why ye've been disappearin' from bed so early in the mornin' these past 'couple weeks..." He said softly, kissing her ear.   She looked back up at him. "We've only been married eight months..." She said softly.   Nate snorted. "So...'bout time we started plannin' a family..." He replied.   Lexine bit her lip, "Nate, we shouldn't get our hopes up...I lost the first baby before we were even married...thanks to Conner...and this could be any reason...and anything could-"   He cut her off, kissing her hard. "Don't e'en say it, Lexine." He growled. "We're gonna have a baby, and iffin yer pregnant this time, I'll take ye back home meself, e'en if I 'ave t' carry ye." He slid his hands around her front, resting them on her stomach.

She whimpered softly and Nate reached up, tipping her chin back to look at him. "Is that why ye didn't tell me...cause we lost the first baby so bloody soon...?" S   he sighed, leaning against him. "I think so...yus..." She whispered.   Nate inclosed her tightly, but gently in his arms, holding her. "It's not gonna be the same this time..." He said softly. "I wont let any thing happen t' ye or the baby..." He continued to hold her, neither saying a word, for the three minutes left.

Nate was almost afraid to look at the test. He couldn't bring himself to turn his head, incase that blue line that indicated possitive wasn't there. Or was he afraid to see that it was there? Afraid she was pregnant and that he wouldn't be able to do much to protect her and the child. It was his job as her husband...and knight, to protect her and their child. He'd failed her once in that reguard. He didn't know if he could do it again.   But he also knew he wanted this. Wanted to see her every day for nine months with a child growing in her; his child. It had never been hard to look in her eyes and see their children. In fact the complete opposite, he could see their children in her eyes every time he looked. She was in his blood, and the only woman he wanted was Lexine. Ever.

Lexine seemed to take it upon herself and turned her head, looking down at the pregnancy test. For a moment, she made no reaction. Nate burried his face in her hair, inhaling the soft seductive scent deeply, waiting; waiting for her either to say yes or no.   The line was there, the indication possitive. She hadn't really needed the test, she'd known deep down for a while now...maybe she'd just needed to SEE. After another moment of silence, she squeaked, "I'm pregnant..."

Nate raised his head, his heart beating loudly in his own chest and looked down at her, then at the test, seeing that it indicated she was indeed pregnant. He looked back at her, unable to stop the grin. Then he picked her up with a laugh, spinning her, before pulling her to him, kissing her, his hands going to her stomach again. "Our baby..." He whispered, kissing her ear.   Lexine giggled softly, clinging to him. "Now we've just gotta tell the rest of the family..." She muttered.   "Da's 'ere...we can go have him call mum...tell 'em at the same time..." Nate said, with a smirk, still holding her. "Less ye wanna tell yer folks first..."   Lexine shook her head, "Mum just left and...dad's been out all day..." she said softly.   "Then we'll go tell m’folks first..." Nate said, letting go of her long enough to grab her hand and pull her from the bathroom. Lexine grabbed the peach as he pulled her, finishing it off. "That why ye wanted the peaches?" He asked with a smirk, looking back at her as he pulled her from the apartment.   "I've been craving them..." She admitted. Nate chuckled, pulling her into the elevator and pulling her against him, wiping the peach juice off her chin before kissing her.     

Faal was on the phone with Helena as Nate knocked on the door. "Just a moment luv." Faal said softly, sitting the phone down, going over to the door and opening it, only to find Nate standing there. Then Faal realized Lexine was behind him, peeking around him with a wide eyed innocent expression.

 

"Call mum." Nate said calmly.

 

"I'm on the phone with her now..." Faal answered, raising an eyebrow. "

 

Good..." Nate said, pushing the door open more and pulling Lexine inside.

 

"Something wrong?" Faal asked, going back toward the desk.

 

"Nope, put 'er on speaker."

 

Faal's eye brow raised higher, but he did so.

 

"Hi mum" Nate said cheerfuly.

 

"Nathaniel, wha' on earth..." Helena's tone was curious and a touch worried.

 

"Nothin's wrong, I promise. Jus' 'ave somethin' important t' tell ye..." Nate couldn't help the grin that spread on his face and he pulled Lexine to him, kissing her softly a moment.

 

Faal eyed them and the blush that started in Lexine's cheeks. "Oh Lord..." Faal muttered, it all dawning on him.

 

"Wha?!" Helena asked, her tone demanding and even more nervous.

"Mum, it's alright, seriously." Nate said hurriedly, looking at Faal, half amused half darkly. "I promise it ain't nuthin' bad... Lexine's... pregnant."

 

There was silence on the other end of the line for a long moment. Faal looked from them, to the phone. Lexine turned herself, burying her face against Nate's chest, she was afraid of this. It wasn't that she and Helena hadn't finally started to get along, well they'd never really had a problem. But when she'd lost the first baby, Helena had been...darkly upset, at one point telling Nate she'd known something like that was going to happen and at another telling him she couldn't take loosing another grandchild.

Finally Helena spoke. "Let me speak to Lexine in private." Her tone was calm, but soft. Faal glanced at Lexine, and picked up the phone, taking it off of speaker, handing Lexine the receiver.

 

Lexine swallowed and took the phone. "Hello, Helena..." She said softly.

"Are ye sure yer pregnant?" Helena's tone was now anxious.

"Yus..." Lexine answered in a whisper.

"Lards, Lass, be careful this time!" Helena stressed.

Lexine smiled slightly. "I will, I promise..." She said. She listened for a few minutes as Helena spoke to her, still smiling and a couple added I wills and such. Then she frowned at one point, glancing nervously at Nate. Another soft spoken I will and she handed the phone back to Faal, who raised an eyebrow.

"Everything okay?" Faal asked, eyeing her.

"Mhmm..." Lexine answered with a soft smile, leaning against Nate, who was eyeing her.

"Wha'd me mother say?" Nate asked.

"Nothing much, other then I was to take care of myself, and the baby, and we were to come home as soon as possible, but to be extremely careful..."

"The usual in other words." Faal added. Lexine smiled a bit more. But Faal eyed her, knowing Helena had obviously said something more, because there was a slightly worried look in Lexine's eyes.

 

They left the office, Faal still talking to Helena. Lexine bit back her worry over what Helena had said to her other the phone, it wasn't anything too serious, but still. The hall was empty for the moment. "I suppose we should go find mum and dad..." Lexine said softly, glancing up at Nate.

 

Nate smiled brightly at her as he stroked her hair with his free hand, the other arm wrapped around her waist. "Aye. An' th' boys as well. An' yer sisters..." he added, his eyes sparkling. "But parents first."

 

There were two barks, and Lexine looked toward the end of the hall to see two wolf cubs scurrying around the corner down the hall toward them, Eire and Xander appeared behind them, appearently trying to catch both. Each wolf cub was carrying a shoe. The black wolf cub went sliding around on the other side of Nate and Lexine, where the brown skidded to a hault in front of them, tail wagging.

 

"Talon, Sienna, damn it..." Eire grumbled, approaching. The black wolf cub began growling.

 

Nate laughed softly as he turned and called his power to scoop the black cub towards him until he managed to grab hold. Sienna had been through this enough that she knew when to stay put.... although no doubt the temptaion to have all four of them chase her was very high. "Speak o' th' devil..." Nate said with a grin as he eyed his friends. "So much fer tellin' th' folks first..."

 

Lexine laughed softly, kneeling next to Sienna and taking the shoe, handing it to Xander who came up. "Tell the folks wha?" Eire asked, making a swipe for Talon, who dropped the shoe, only to snap at Eire's hand. "Damn it..." Eire growled. Since Daniel had shown up and 'dumped' Talon at Chaos Inc, Talon seemed to be taking it out on Eire, as much as Eire tried look after the boy.

 

 "Talon, it's alright." Xander said from his spot. Talon seemed to take to Xander through, and especially Sienna.

 

Nate laughed softly and handed the pup over to Xander as he cast a look at Lexie. "Yer turn.. I told mum an' da..."

 

Xander wrestled the shoe away from Talon who's tail was wagging. Lexine scratched Sienna behind the ears before standing, Eire was eyeing them both.

 

Lexine smiled. "Well I hope you don't have any problems being Uncle Eire and Uncle Xander." She said with a smirk.

 

Xander looked up sharply from scratching Talon and eyed Lexine. "You're not...you are?!" Lexine smiled a bit more and nodded.

 

Nate grinned as Sienna suddenly reverted to human and lept at him, giving a yell. "You guys are having a baby!?"

 

Nate laughed as he caught her and gave her a hug before setting her back on her feet. "Aye lass.. hope ye've got yer babysittin' skills in fine shape.. yer goin' t' be needin' 'em soon enough."

 

Eire gave a laugh, leaning back against the wall, but reached over and smacked Nate in the arm. "We were beginnin' t' wonder when the two o' ye were going t'...be in the family way." He said with a grin. "Was gettin' a little worried."

 

Xander gave Lexine a one armed hugged, Talon licked her on the face. "Congrates, Lex, Nate. Any idea how long yet?"

 

Lexine shook her head. "I just took a pregnancy test. We were on our way to find mum and dad to tell them." She said.

 

"What is this, a union meeting?" Came Aiyla's voice; she and Sands were still married and doing very well. She appeared, comign down the hall, her hair now a violent shade of pink.

 

Nate gave a snort. "Maybe we should call down t' reception an' have them annouce it over th' P.A..." he chuckled softly. He turned to Aiyla with a smirk. "Ther's a new MacDonnell on th' way."

 

Aiyla suddenly smirked. "Oh really? Congrates, guess that means Sheldon won the baby pool." She said with a wicked grin.

 

"What baby pool?" Lexine questioned.

 

Xander and Eire both snickered. "The baby pool over when you'd be pregnant, it's been running since...hmm, last year..." Aiyla said.

 

Lexine groaned, leaning against Nate, who struggled to hide his own grin and blush. He'd not only known about the pool but had lost severely... he'd bet on a couple months after the 'family' wedding. "We're on our way t' inform her folks... an' if too many more o' ye know before them, ther goin' t' have a fit... Now do ye really want Kay an' Auron ticked at ye all?"

 

Aiyla laughed, heading past them down the hall. "Not even. Get going." She said, heading off to where ever she was going.

 

However one more person entered the hall; Sylvie was delivering files to some of the offices, something she insisted on doing her self, Xander and Eire moved out of her way. "Good morning." She said to the group, although she eyed Eire and Xander and the black wolf cub with a slight frown.

 

Nate caught her as she passed and gave her a quick hug, catching her by surprise. Things had been a bit awkward and strained since Michael's return, but he'd tried his best to keep his friendship with Sylvie free of that. "Sheldon won th' pool, sis." he said with a smirk as he let her go.

 

Sylvie paused, blinking, then looked at Lexine who was blushing, she smiled and gave Lexine a hug. "Congratulations." She said.

 

"Thank you, Sylvie, I suppose you'll have to fight with Aiyla or Regan about a baby shower, once Regan knows... we were just on our way to tell mum and dad." Lexine said, before grabbing Nate's hand. "Which we'd best get to." She added, before pulling Nate down the hall and shaking her head with a smirk.

 

They turned the corner toward Chaos' office. "Hmm...chances are Larkin already knows...I think we'll be seeing her and Michael at some point today..." Lexine said softly with a smirk.

 

 

 

Nate chuckled as he followed, catching up to her and slipping both hands around her waist and kissing her neck from behind. He slipped to her side as they continued to walk. "Aye no doubt." he said softly, still feeling like he was flying at the knowledge that he was going to be a father. "I bet as soon as she gets off th' phone with da, mum heads up t' th' nursery..." he said with a smirk. "An' I bet within th' hour of tellin' yer folks, at least one o' them either buys something or gives ye somethin' fer th' baby..."

 

Lexine smiled softly, stopping before her mother's office and knocked, before leaning against Nate. "I imagine..." She turned her head slightly, looking up at him. "Are you excited?" She asked softly.

 

Nate turned her around in his arms and smiled down at her, stroking her cheek softly. "Babydoll... how can ye e'en ask that? Ye know what this means t' me." he said softly. "Aye girl.. I’m beyond excited."

 

Lexine smiled softly, slipping her arms around his neck and kissed him softly. "I'm glad...I'm sorry I took so long to tell you...I'd been suspecting it for awhile...I should have said something before now..." Before she could say anymore, Chaos answered her office door.

 

"Reasons to why you two are engaging in  public displays of affection outside my door at such an hour?" She asked with a slight smirk, and a raised eyebrow.

 

Nate bit back what he'd been about to say and turned a smirk on Chaos. "Fastest way t' get someone t' answer ther door." he said. "Auron in there with ye?" he asked innocently, his eyes dancing.

 

"I happen to be, yes." Came Auron's voice from with in the office.

 

 Lexine giggled softly with a slight blush. "We have something we need to tell you guys..." She said softly.

 

Chaos stepped back from the door, allowing them in. She was about to close it, "Wait, hold on! One more to let in!" Came another voice and Larkin appeared, slipping in the door.

 

 Lexine turned to see her twin and both gave a soft cry of joy at seeing one another, and hugged each other. "You too?" Lexine asked in a whisper, looking at her twin.

 

Larkin grinned, but blushed slightly. "Yeah...shall we tell them at the same time?" Larkin whispered back.

 

Lexine glanced back at their father, and smirked wickedly. "Yeah..." She agreed. The twins turned back to Auron and Chaos, and with out even having to time it, or look at each other, announced at the same very time. "We're pregnant."

 

Nate laughed softly as Mike slipped in behind him having caught the fact that Lexie and Larkin both made the announcement. "Spose congrats are

in order then, baby brother." he said softly with a smirk.

 

 Nate turned with a grin. "Aye.. same t' ye. Have ye told mum an' da yet?"

 

    Chaos looked from the girls to her husband, a smile breaking out on her face. "Well... congratulations to all of you." she glanced at Auron. "Do you need to sit down, darling?"

 

Auron was still staring at Lexine and Larkin, blinking, the words still settling in. The twins gazed up innocently at their father. "Dad?" Lexine said softly.

 

 Auron had to lean back against the desk and took a breath. "You're both pregnant?" He said slowly.

 

 "Yus." Lexine and Larkin answered together.

 

Chaos cleared her throat, smiling softly, her eyes sparkling. "Actually... " she said, watching her husband. "The three of us are..."

 

Nate was sure his jaw dropped open at that unexpected bit of news and Mike grinned. "Damn... tha's goin' t' confuse th' little buggers..."

 

Lexine and Larkin turned their eyes on their stepmother and gave a joyful cry before hugging Chaos.

 

 Auron actually sank lower against the desk, a hand actually on his heart. Larkin and Lexine looked at him, before hugging him. "It's okay, dad." Lexine said with a smile.

 

Auron gave a soft snort, but hugged the girls back, before looking at Kay. He let the girls go, before pulling his wife to him. At the same time, the office door opened again, Regan slipped in. "Mornin' all. Got something Kurtis and I wanted to tell you." She said with a grin.

 

Auron turned to look at his oldest daughter and groaned. "Please Regan, save it for tomorrow, I can't take any more."

 

Regan raised an eyebrow. "What? Something wrong, daddy, you look a little pale..."

 

Chaos shot her eldest daughter a look then laughed softly. "You're father's just received a bit too much good news at once.. you're going to be an aunt twice over as well as a big sister again.."

 

Regan raised an eyebrow and looked at Lexine and Larkin, then at Nate and Mike, then she gave a laugh. "Congrats, all of you," She looked at her mother. "And a big sister again, eh? I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say congratulations to that or not, but if that's what you guys want...Hmm, I like that idea actually." She said with a wicked smirk. She gave her mother a hug.

 

 "What did you want to tell us?" Auron asked his eldest daughter.

 

Regan laughed. "I just wanted to tell you guys Kurtis and I bought a house outside the city, you know, so we could be closer and all... and I'm pregnant." She added with a devious smirk. Auron groaned, sinking down where he was leaning against the desk until he sat on the floor. Regan gave a laugh, before kneeling next to her father. "I'm joking daddy, I'm not pregnant …yet...I just couldnt' help it."

 

 "Are you TRYING to give me a heart attack?" Auron asked with a dry expression.

 

Regan laughed again. "Never." She hugged her father.

 

Chaos laughed softly as she wrapped her arms around her husband. "Congratulations, baby. It'll be good to have another babysitter close at hand. " she said with a smirk and the twins giggled.

 

 Nate gave a snort. "Oh aye... leave us th' only ones with an' apartment on th' premises..."

 

"Is it a nice house?" Larkin asked.

 

 "Pretty reasonable. Lots of room, big back yard...We were thinking for when we did want to have kids, but I think we're still gonna wait another year or so...best do that now since all of you are expecting." Regan said with a smirk, helping Auron up.

 

Lexine had disentangled herself from Larkin and gone back to Nate, leaning against him. "It'll be good to have all the family in reach." She said softly. "Well except for you two." She said, looking at Larkin and Mike, who for the time being where staying in Scotland.

 

"Well if you'd come to Scotland more." Larkin replied with a smirk.

 

 "Actually, we probably will...Helena wants to see me now..." Lexine said softly.

 

Nate smirked softly as he wrapped his arms around her. "We're still looking fer th' right place... got it narrowed down t' a couple though... one in Scotland.. one in Paris. But we're thinkin' we'll be keepin' a place here as well. 'Course, ifn' yer going' t' have that much room, we could just stay with th' two o' ye when we're in th' area." he said to Regan with a wink. "And I'm guessin' we'll be headin' straight t' mum's shortly."

 

Regan chuckled. "Well you might want to let us move in, first, before dropping in. We plan on moving in the next month or so, once Kurtis finishes this semester in Oxford where he's teaching." Regan said. "So, how far along is everyone?" She asked cheerfully.

 

"A couple weeks..." Lexine and Larkin both answered.

 

Chaos smirked and kissed Auron's cheek. "According to my doctor, I'm just over two months... Looks like I'll be first." she chuckled softly before turning to Auron. "I don’t know why you're so shocked. We've been trying for a year now and the girls have both been married just as long..."

 

"Damn, this means I lost out on the baby pool, over Nate and Lexi..." Regan said with a pout. "Who won?"

 

 "Sands apparently." Lexine said, giving her sister a look

.

"Hmm, guess that means Nate lost too." Regan said with a smirk.

 

 Auron slid an arm around Chaos's waist, pulling her toward him. "I know you've been trying for a year, but I seem to remember I was more shocked when you informed me you were pregnant with Regan." He said with a soft smile. "Besides, it's a good kind of shock." He kissed her, then glanced at the twins. "As for the girls..." He shook his head slightly with a weary smile. "Just one more thing to show they're grown up..."

 

Nate snorted. "I lost out months ago, ifn' ye recall. Wishful thinkin' got in th' way, I suppose. " he said with a smirk. "Oddly enough, I might be close fer Kay or Lark though.. cannae remember what dates I had fer either o' them, but it was a good bit past Lexie..."

 

Chaos rolled her eyes at Nate then jabbed Auron in the ribs. "And what does that mean? 'You know *I've* been trying’ .. I seem to remember it being a mutual decision... and it is something that requires two participants.."

 

Auron smiled at Chaos, his eyes sparkling and kissed her again. "I'm aware it takes two...and that it was a mutual decision. I suppose...I expected it sooner then now."

 

Regan chuckled, trying to block out her parents soft discussion. "I believe Kurtis won where mom's concerned though." She said with a grin, eyes sparkling.

 

Larkin giggled softly, leaning against Mike. "Have you told Xander and Eire yet?" She asked Lexine.

 

 "Yeah, we saw them after we told Faal and Helena." Lexine said.

 

 "How are they doing, still struggling with Talon?"

 

 "Eire is I think...Talon seems to have taken to Xander...and of course Sienna seems to help Talon settle in, but..." Lexine shrugged. They all knew how Daniel had just appeared in the middle of the night with his son, and begged Eire to take him, that was six weeks ago. Not even Vincent knew where he was.

 

Mike snorted softly. "Poor Xander... went from being a bachelor, t' a newly wed, t' a housefull o' wolves..." he chuckled softly.

 

"Wasnae sure how it was goin' t' go when I heard tha' Sienna was stayin' with them as well... m' orignal sympathy was fer th' poor lass..." Nate snorted. "Things with Charli will settle down soon enough, an' E's th' only one who can not only keep Si in line, but teach her about bein' a wolf." he said, his eyes suddenly sparkling. "Still... it's rather fun t' watch th' poor bugger adjust t' lookin' after th' two kids."

 

"Hey...Eire's good with Sienna." Lexine said, defending Eire. "Although Xander's better with both the kids." She added as an after thought.

 

"Hmm...who'd have guessed that." Larkin put in with a smirk.

 

"Told them, they should adopt." Lexine said with a smirk.

 

"Give them time." Regan said with a chuckle. "Of course, the way it looks to me, Xander's the one that keeps all THREE in line..." Regan said smirking.

 

Chaos pulled Auron's arms around her and leaned back against him as she eyed her children. "Yes... he's the last one of you that I'd ever pick out as potential good father material.. and yet I've seem him in action... You two should get some pointers from him." she added with a smirk.

 

Nate snorted, his eyes still sparkling. "Oh, I know E's amazin' with Si.. always has been. I think he's only havin' trouble with Talon cause th' lads still upset o'er his father."

 

"Of course the boy's upset. His father practically dumped him here with an Uncle he'd never met until that night and no explanation as to why he had to be here." Regan said logically.

 

"I rather feel sorry for Talon." She added, "I think he'll be alright...if he and Eire can work something out." Lexine said softly, "But then when it comes to Xander's parenting skills, I understand he's been talking to dad alot." Lexine added, glancing at her father with a smirk. Auron just smiled.

 

Chaos gave a snort at that, smirking, but didn't say anything. Nate gave a sigh and tightened his hold on Lexine. "Well... I suppose now tha' we've shared th' news... we should go grab our things an' head t' HawksCliff."

 

Mike snorted softly. "Aye... suppose we should get going to... haven't told mum an' Faal yet..."

 

Lexine giggled softly, glancing at Larkin and Mike. "I'm sure they'll be as thrilled." She said with a smile. Larkin smiled softly. Both girls pulled away from Nate and Mike and hugged their parents. Then hugged Regan. "We'll be back later." Lexine said.

 

"The two of you take care of yourselves." Regan said, hugging her little sisters. "And keep those two out of trouble." She nodded to Mike and Nate with a smirk. the girls giggled.

 

Lexine turned to their mother. "Oh...you said a couple months, do you know what your having yet, or are you going to wait?"

 

Chaos smirked. "Well.. since they didn't have that option back when I had Regan, I couldn't resist it this time, so *I* know... but I won't say if your father doesn't want to know. What about it, sweetheart... would you like to know, or would you rather be surprised like you were with Regan?"

 

Auron smiled softly, considering. He could wait, but then he found himself curious, "Oh i think we can know this time, you can tell." He said softly.

 

"Oo, is it going to be a baby brother or sister for the girls and I?" Regan asked with a smirk. She looked at the twins. "What do you think?" Larkin and Lexine both giggled.

 

"I say a girl..." Larkin said softly.

 

Lexine scrunched her nose and shook her head. "Dad's to surrounded by girls...I rather think it's a boy...He needs a son...after..." She paused then sighed. "Loosing Saffron..."

 

Chaos smiled softly at Lexine."Well, he has Devin, but I know what you mean. The girl's will still out number the boys, but the boys will be up by one more." she said turning to face her husband. "I'm not sure about letting you have any say in naming our son though..."

 

The twins smiled, glad to hear they'd have a little brother. Auron smiled softly, tighening his arms around Chaos. "Did I have any say in naming Regan? I certianly didn't where Saffron was concerned, Lillian was dead set on the name..."

 

"Oh yus, and we all know how her names where." Lexine said, with a roll of the eyes. She grabbed Nate's hand. "We're going to go on now..." She said, and glanced at Larkin and Mike. "We'll see you guys in Scotland."

 

Larkin smiled and nodded.

 

Chaos smirked at Auron. "Well, you agreed when I chose Regan's name.. at least you never argued. And if you had nothing to do with Saffron, I'll consider letting you help this time. " she turned back to Lexine and Nate. "Take care you two, and give out regards to your parents, Nate." she said with a soft smile.

 

Mike smirked and punched his brother in the arm. "No blabbin our news before we get there."

 

Lexine nodded to Kay and glanced at Mike. "We wont say anything...although Helena should be thrilled." She said with a smile.

 

Larkin smiled softly. "We'll see yuo guys later." She said. Lexine nodded, before pulling Nate out of the office. She sighed softly as she closed the door behind them, smiling a bit.

 

Auron chuckled softly. "I had nothing to do with naming him Saffron Zachareil..." Auron said, shaking his head. Regan glanced at her father, then laughed softly. "Lillian named him after the angel of immortality...makes me wonder if she knew he was a death elemental..."

 

"Not nearly as bad as Larkin Evengeline..." Larkin said from her spot.

 

Chaos smiled at Larkin. "Lark, sweetie... you have a beautiful name." she said. "I've always loved 'Evangeline'. As a matter of fact, Regan almost wound up  with that name. It was a toss up between Evageline, Madison and Regan and I'd decided on Evangeline... until she was born and I held her in my arms... then she became Regan."

 

Regan chuckled slightly. "But I like Regan Alexandria...it inspired me, the middle name. And techically, Evangeline is also an angel's name...as is Gaberielle, of course the feminine verson of Gaberial...makes me wonder what Lillian had about angels..." Regan said thougthfully.

 

"She was...obsessed with angels." Auron said softly. Larkin blinked.

 

"Alexandria was your father's input... and it does go much better with Regan then Evageline. Kay said and raised an eyebrow at Auron's comment. "Obsessed with angels... and she wound up with Abadon... I find that an odd coincindence..." she said softly.

 

"Odd coincidence indeed." Regan remarked thoughtfully, and glanced at Larkin. Larkin was looking at the carpet, leaning against Mike.

 

Auron looked at the older twin a moment, before saying softly. "Have you and Lexine gone to the house yet?"

 

Larkin sighed softly, she'd been meaning to tell Michael. "Not yet...but we agreed we'd go together..." She said, looking up at her father.

 

Auron sighed softly. "Lark...as I told you both...there's nothing there but furniture..."

 

"It's something we've got to do...we've got to see it for ourselves..." Larkin said softly but seriously.

 

   Mike raised an eyebrow. "Wha' house are ye talkin' about?" he asked softly, looking between the two of them.

 

Larkin sighed softly and looked up at Mike. "Dad and...Lillian's old house, in Ireland...he gave Lexi and I the addressed..." She said softly. "Lexi and I want to go see it..."

 

Regan gave a soft whistle and glanced at her mother. She knew the twins were still searching for the answer to their mother, although she was glad to see both had come to think of Kay as their mom. She knew her mother considered them her daughters just as much as Regan was.

 

"Of course you do, Lark." Chaos said softly. "Your father's just worried about you both. I hope you find what you're looking for, sweetie."  

 

Mike slipped his arms around her, pulling her closer. "Ye know I'll be goin' with ye, don' ye? I'll park m' arse on th' front steps ifn ye want when we get there, but I'm goin' "

 

Larkin smiled softly. "I know you'll be there...I didn't expect you to be anywhere else." She looked at her parents, especially her father. "We'll be fine, Dad. And thanks, mom, hopefully, we'll find some answers even if they're just to the small questions."

 

Chaos smiled softly. "So was there anything else that brought you all here? Or are we done with the news and surprises?"

 

"We just came to tell you the news..." Larkin said softly. "But we have to get back to the manor, I'm supposed to help Helena out with some stuff this morning."

 

Regan chuckled softly. "Well I'm in town the rest of the day while Kurtis is in a lecture, so...what do you say we go shopping, mom?" She asked with a smirk.

 

Chaos grinned. "Oh... I see a major tour of the baby departments of all the stores..." she said. "We're buying for three, after all..."

 

Larkin laughed softly as she pulled Mike toward the door. "Well have fun with that..." She said with a smirk.

 

Regan grinned deviously. "Oh no doubt we will...I'm sure we'll have tons of stuff for you and Lexi later. Best get a bit of both for you two since you don't know yet...lots of blue for mom..."

 

Chaos smirked. "Well, we can always stick to mixed colours and unisex tones.. pale greens and yellows. No need to stick with blue and pink... I don't think Regan owned much pink as a baby... I hated pink. She was the only baby girl that wore a crap load of blue..."

 

               "No wonder I like blue so much." Regan said with a laugh.

 

Larkin shook her head, she wanted to see Eire and Xander before they headed back. "We'll see you guys later." She said over her shoulder. "Have fun. Love you guys."

 

 

"Love you too baby. Take care, Mike... and congratulations again." Chaos said, smiling softly.

 

Regan watched them go with an amused smile and shook her head. She looked back at her father. "Well?" She asked him.

 

Auron raised an eyebrow. "As long as they're happy, and healthy... I know how much Lexine wants to be a mother." He said softly.

 

"And what about you and mom?" Regan asked with a smirk. Auron chuckled softly.

 

 

 

 

 

"Well, that certianly makes things interesting." Lexine said softly in reguards to her mother expecting as well as the slipped down the hall.    

 

Nate sorted. "Aye. Three babies in the family all at once. One th' uncle t' th' other two." he smirked the pulled her close, looking into her eyes. "A couple weeks, ye said." he said softly, his mind going back to something he'd been noticing about that long. "I need t' ask m' da somethin' then... I might've known... or coulda known ifn I knew what I was doin'.." he added with a chuckle.

 

Lexine looked up at Nate with a questioning look. "What's up?" She asked softly. She sighed. "I should have told you when I suspected it...I mean...I think I've known for sure since then...I didn't really need the pregnancy test...i just wanted...to see that I was...well you know..." She trailed off with a soft blush. "Oh...there's something I want to do, while we're in Scotland...Larkin knows...but..."

 

Nate brushed his fingers through her hair. "Well.. fer th' past week or so... whenever I lay m' hand or arm over yer stomach, I've had this odd... tingle. Sort of a warm tickle. I just didnae pay tha' much attention to it other then thinkin' it odd an' meanin' t' ask m' da about it. All this faeire stuff is still a bit o' puzzle at times. I mean .. it's helped m' get a handle on m' magic, aye... but still." he gave a soft chuckle and brushed his fingers over her cheek at her blush. "An' what are ye plannin' tha' makes ye blush?" he asked softly.

 

Lexine bit her lip and lowered her eyes a moment, then sighed. "Larkin and I...we talked to dad a few days ago...We...got the address...of the house he had with Lillian and Saffron, in Ireland..." She looked up at Nate. "I know there isn't anything there for me...but I want to see it. Larkin does too...I don't know if she's told Mike yet, but we agreed we'd go together...It's just something we feel we have to do...I thought maybe while we were in Scotland..." She said softly.                 

 

Nate smiled softly."O' course, babydoll.. but ye know we'll be going with ye. If ye don' want us followin' ye inside, tha' fine... but we'll be makin' sure its safe fer ye both first."   

 

"Well of course we know you will be...I don't know about Lark, but...I'd rather you be there with me." Lexine said softly, reaching up to touch Nate's cheek. "I think I'll need the strength.       

 

Nate tipped her face up and kissed her softly. "Ye know there's no other place I'd rather be, babydoll." he said, then smiled, tipping his head slightly. "Come on. let's get movin' before someone else comes along."

 

Lexine smiled softly and nodded, then they headed back up to their apartment to pack. "I wonder if Sylvie knows about Larkin yet..." She said thoughtfully. "I doubt it but..." She knew Larkin didn't like there to be any bad blood between her and Sylvie although it'd been a bit tense between them.        

 

Nate sighed softly. "No, I doubt she knows yet... but I think she'll be fine. It's just been hard on her, not only dealin' with the fact tha' he's alive again, but tha' he was already engaged t' someone else before he even told her he was back. She has nothin' against, Lark... Mike's just made it hard on her t' accept easily       

 

"I know..." Lexine said, grabbing her bag and shoving some of her clothes in side. "But Lark kinda feels like she's stuck in the middle of something between Mike and Sylvie... she doesn't exactly want there to be bad blood between them..." She moved into the bathroom to grab something, the pregnancy test was still on the counter. 

 

Nate sighed as he tossed his other things into a bag. "I'll talk with Mike an' see ifn I cannae get him to talk t' Sylvie... or maybe I should talk t' her m'self.." he said as he followed her into the bathroom, smiling at the sight of the test on the counter.   

 

Lexine smiled softly, fingering the test a moment. "Well at least we know for sure this time..." She said softly. "Although I don't think it's twins..." She said softly, looking a bit sad a moment. "Your mum's worried of course..."                   

 

Nate wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck. "It's alrigh', love. One baby, two, five... it doesnae matter... as long as it's ours." he said softly."An' ye know mum well enough t' know tha' she'll always be worried when it comes t' babies. Our families lost too many fer her t' never NOT be worried... she'll be th' same with Lark when she finds out."   

 

Lexine smiled softly, putting the test in the trash. "Oh I imagine she will be...thrilled too; both her daughter in laws having a baby at the same time." She shook her head. "We'd better finish packing and go, before those two beat us there..." She said softly.

 

       Nate pulled her back into his arms and kissed her softly. "An' would tha' be such a bad thing? Them beatin' us there, tha' is?" he asked softly.          

 

Lexine leaned against him, looking up at him. "Oh I suppose it wouldn't be...I suppose we should slow down a bit, no need to rush..." She said softly with a soft smile, before slipping her arms around his neck. "I'll admit, I'm rather nervous about being pregnant...but excited..." She said softly.

 

“Yer not alone in that, darlin…”  he said softly, stroking her cheek as he held her against him. “I feel th’ same. But it’s a good feelin’ all around. One I’m enjoyin’.” He kissed her again, soft and tender before resting his forehead against hers. “An’ we shouldna take too much time.. mum did say she wanted t’ see ye… just no need to get there first. They might like t’ share their news with her first.”

 

 Lexine wrapped her arms around Nate's neck, smiling softly. "I imagine you're right... I'm sure they're just as excited we are... well I know Lark is... So it's probably a good idea to let them get there first."   

          

Nate slipped both hands around her waist and lifted, setting her on the counter. "Ye know... we should decide where t' live. Ye know I'm stuck between th' place in Scotland an' th' one here in th' States.. but ifn' ye like tha' flat in Paris... personally, I think we'll be needin' somethin' bigger with th' babe on th' way..." he said with a smirk as he leaned into her for a kiss. "Can always check out th' countryside around Paris... although I think ye only picked tha' one cause yer sister was lookin' at one not far ... I know ye have yer eye on tha' one in England..."

 

"I suppose we will need something a bit bigger now...so I guess we'll have to...increase our search...I liked the one in England, I like England." She said with a soft smile. "We don't nessesirly have to be close to Lark and Mike...I'm sure they'll want they're privacy too." She said with a bit more of a smirk.

   

Nate smirked softly as he kissed her throat softly. "So... should we make an appointment to see th' place in England again? Or maybe look fer another one there. Th' States, we can stay here... Scotland we can stay at Hawkscliff, an' if ye want t' go t' Paris, we can stay with Lark an' Mike, assumin' they move there..." he kissed the other side of her neck before brushing his lips against hers. "But it sounds like we're movin' t' England. I'll ne'er live it down.. me livin' in England..."

     

Lexine laughed softly. "There's nothing wrong with living in England, and no one said we had to live in London or one of the cities; might find something nice in the country, which I'd rather look for anyway..." She siad, tightening her arms around his neck. "And there's no doubt Lark and Mike'll move to Paris; Lark loves that city..."

 

"Nothin' wrong ifn yer English, no." Nate said, turning his face enough to kiss her arm, grinning up at her. "But I'm no' English, am I? Dunc an' Mike will have no end o' fun with me... I'm offerin' m'self up as a sacrifical lamb at e'ery family gathering fer ye, lass."

 

Lexine raised an eyebrow. "For me?" She said biting back the smirk. "May I remind you that I never said you HAD to marry me...or get me pregnant. And Mike wont say a bloody word if he knows what's good for him; it wont be me, he'll have to answer to..." She said, finally smirking.

 

Nate laughed softly. "No...ye ne'er said I had to... but I'm willin' t' run off t' bloody damned England fer ye." he chuckled. "An' ye know he'll say somethin'... he's ne'er been one fer carin' about th' consequenses."

 

"Yus, and I love you for being willing to run off to England with me." Lexine said with a soft smile. "and you think he'd learn not to...I have a pretty good idea what kind of consequenses Lark could dish out if she were truly mad at him." She said with a smirk.

 

Nate snorted and scooted her closer to him, his hands slipping underneath her. "Mike knows where t' draw th' line fer th' most part, an' I don' think he'd e'er push Larkin t' bein' tha' angry with him. Not sayin' he won't at some point... just tha' he won't mean to..."           

 

"You men never mean to make us angry at you, but that doesn't stop it from happening." Lexine said, with a pointedly look. "Fortunately you haven't done that yet...count it as a blessing." She said with a soft smile before kissing him.

 

Nate raised an eyebrow. "I havena?! Lards... considerin' some o' th' crap I've done an' some of th' reactions I've got from ye... I ne'er want t' see ye angry with me if I havena seen it yet..."       .

 

Lexine laughed softly and kissed him again. "Of course you never want to see me really angry, it's not very pretty and it's doubt ful you'd survive." She said with a smirk.

 

 Nate chuckled softly. "Yer right... yer a right hellcat when ye wanna be.." He kissed her again, slowly this time, dragging it out until he finally gave a soft groan. "Alright... enough o' tha' or we'll ne'er get t' mums..." he said slightly breathless.        

 

Lexine sighed contentedly, leaning against him then smiled softly. "I'm sure we'll have enough time later for anything." She said softly, "But we should go."                   

 

Nate sighed again, a small smirk on his face as he flexed his fingers beneath her and gave her rear a double pinch before lifting her to the floor. "I'll hold ye too tha'." he said softly and kissed her quickly. "finish grabbin yer things befoire I change m' mind an' make us late."        

 

Lexine smirked, and slid out of his arms to finish packing. "When have I ever retracted my word about that? hmm?" She asked with a smirk over her shoulder as she finished packing. "You don't like to wait, remember...I know better."

 

Nate grinned devilishly before heading back into the bedroom. "I don' know lass... some pretty fun times have come about from ye keepin' me waitin'..." he said as he shoved a few last things in and closed  his bag.

 

"We'll put it this way," Lexine said finishing her packing and looked at Nate. "I know when to make you wait and when not to." She said with a smirk, eyes sparkling.             

 

Nate chuckled as he shouldered his bag. "An' ye know how t' make th' waitin' worth it, as well..." he said with a smirk. "Are ye ready, love? If we hurry we might still arrive in time t' se mum hit th' floor when she hears th' news."     

 

Lexine giggled softly. "I'm ready...and you underestimate your mother some times, you know that...I think she can handle it...but lets go anyway." She said.

 

Nate hefted his wife's bag as well. "Oh I know she can handle it.. I'm just jokin'. It would take a hell of a lot more then learnin' she's goin't ' be a grandmother t' knock her off her feet. But it's a fun image.." he smirked softly then chuckled. "One she'd hide me good fer, so no tattlin'." 

 

My lips are sealed." Lexine said with a smirk. "So if you want to get there before they tell her, we'd better go now." She added.   

 

 

Larkin smiled at her family before pulling Mike out the door. She sighed softly and looked up at him. "I told you, Lexi and I would be pregnant together." She said softly with a faint smile.

 

Mike chuckled softly as he wrapped his arms around her. “Aye, ye did.” He said with a soft chuckle. “I’m still flyin’… I don’ think I’ve come down from ye marryin’ me yet.. an’ now I’m back up there with this… Lark.. I ne’er dreamed I’d get t’ be a father before ye came along… thank ye fer comin’ int’ m’ life, babybird.”

 

Larkin glanced up at him with a soft smile. "You really don't have to thank me." She said, "I don't really think we had much choice in not being in each other's lives one way or another, you being my guardian and all."

 

Mike gave a soft snort. "Just because I'm yer guardian doesnae mean we'd be together, babybird.. look at Lexie an' Faal. Tha' could've just as easily be us..." He stole another kiss then grinned. "Speakin' of whom.. we should get goin' so we can surprise 'em with our news.."

 

"No, I rather think the fates had something different planned for us, then being like Lexi and Faal. And I'm not going to complain, if this is what they had in mind." Larkin said with a smile. "And I suppose we should...provided the other two haven't beaten us there yet..."

 

Mike laughed softly as he pulled her tight against him for another kiss. "Now when have Natey an' Lexie ever gone anywhere on time?" he asked as he let her go, giving her rear a light smack. "Come on, love.. let's get moving.. yer portal or mine?"

 

Larkin laughed softly, before kissing Mike back. "They've never been on time for anything, we aren't exactly on time our selves in a lot of cases." She said with a smirk, before opening a shadow portal.

 

Mike caught her as she turned to face the portal, pressing himself against her back and kissing her neck. "Hmm... well, perhaps ifn ye weren't so damned temptin'...."

 

"Or if you had a little bit more self control.." Larkin said with a soft laugh, leaning back against him, holding the portal open.

 

Mike kissed her neck again and took a deep breath, smiling. "Ahh.. but where would th' fun be in tha'?" he asked then gave her a gentle push. "Go on.. get movin'.. I love watchin' ye walk away from me.. as long as I get t' follow.."

 

Larkin gave a laugh and pulled away from him, heading for the portal. "Is it any wonder I make you follow me every where then?" She asked playfully, glancing over her shoulder at him as she went.

 

Mike wiggled his eyebrows at her as he followed, catching hold of her hand. "Babybird...ye'll ne'er hear me complain about followin' ye around... it's a view i'll ne'er get tired off... although, maybe I should get ye some things t' spice it up a bit on occasion..."

 

Larkin gave a snort. "I suppose I could have kept some of my shoes from my former profession.' She said giving him a look.

 

Mike caught up and lifted her off the floor, spinning her before he took them through the portal. "Who said anythin’ about shoes? I was thinkin' short skirts an' tight pants..." he whispered in her ear as he set her down with a chuckle.

 

Larkin gave another soft snort and looked at him with amusement. "Nothing I haven't worn in the past...its a good thing you never saw me walking the streets..."

 

Mike let his smirk drop and caught her, pulling her back around to face him, not caring that they were standing in the middle of hall and he could hear his mother's voice not far away. "No.. it's not a good thing. I wish I had seen ye... maybe I could've gotten ye free sooner..."

 

Larkin shook her head. "No actually it IS a good thing, I wouldn't have wanted you to see what I was doing; it wasn’t a pretty job but it was survival. And it's all I knew."

 

Mike sighed, shaking his head softly. "Lark, l ass... I've ne'er cared about tha'... ye know tha'. I admit, seein' ye out there would be hard... an' ye probably wouldna had much business seein' as how i'd be beatin' th' crap outta anyone who looked at ye..."

 

Larkin snorted soflty, they could hear Helena talking to Mr. Brown in the kitchen. "What all us...girls on the street daydreamed about; some one to rescue them." She said softly.

 

Mike caressed her chin, smiling down at her softly. "Lark, babybird...Ye got yer daydream. I'll always come rescue ye. "

 

 "Michael?!" Helena called from the kitchen. "I tell ye I heard him." she muttered softly to Mr. Brown.

 

Mike chuckled softly and took Lark's hand. "Aye mum, it's us."

 

Helena came out into the hall from the kitchen with a smile. Larkin gave a little wave, before saying softly to Mike. "We'll discus this more later." She said with an amused look.Mike smirked in return

 

. "Is yer sister with ye, Larkin?" Helena asked.

 

 "Natey an' her are comin', mum. We just beat em , is all. Wanted t' talk t' ye anyhow, ifn ye have a moment."

 

Helena raised an eyebrow. "Of course I have a moment. Been waitin' fer yer brother and Lexine mostly. They called t' tell me she was pregnant."

 

Larkin bit her lip and looked at Mike to see if he wanted to be the one to tell her. Mike looked to Larkin then bit back his grin. "Well... suppose tha' makes us th' good ones fer comin' t' tell ye in person."

 

"Tell me wha?" Helena then paused and looked at Larkin. "Lards, not ye as well..."

 

Larkin bit her lip. "Well, Lexi and I are twins, so...um...yus..." She answered with a blush.

 

Nate chuckled softly as the portal opened and he pulled her through in time to see the expression on his mother's face. "Damn, we missed it." he said softly and Helena looked up shooting him a look for cursing.

 

Mike looked over his shoulder at them with a grin. "Faal doesnae know yet." he said. "Ye can be there when he hears th' news."

 

Helena sighed, and looked at both the twins. "Well I suppose it's to be expected." She said with a sligh smile.

 

 Lexine and Larkin both laughed softly. "Well we are married." Lexine pointed. "For almost a year now..."

 

 "I actaully expected t' hear this much sooner then now...I was beginnin' t' wonder." Helena said with a smirk of her own.

 

Nate kissed her cheek." hello grandma.. grandad around?" he asked with a smirk and received a whack on the side of the head.

 

 He chuckled as Mike kissed her other cheek. "Aye.. us men'll leave ye ladies t' yer girl talk an' will go drop th' baby bomb on Faal."

 

"As if he hasn't heard it once already..." Lexine muttered softly with a faint smirk.

 

 Larkin grinned at her sister, "Oh that's okay," She said to Helena. "Turns out mum's pregnant too...we thought dad was going to have a heart attack."

 

 "I think he would have if Regan had said she was..." Lexine put in. Helena chuckled softly.

 

Nate turned a smirk on his mother, one eyebrow raised. "Yer not goin' t' follow th' trend , now are ye mum?" he asked softly and Helena gave him a questioning look. "Being pregnant. Yer younger than Kay, ye know.. e'en more so now..."

 

Helena snorted softly and gave her youngest son a look. "I'm sure iffin yer father an I plan t' have any more children, ye'll be the first t' know."

 

"I don't think they could handle the idea of having a younger sibling." Lexine put in with a smirk. Larkin chuckled.

 

Nate raised an eyebrow at the girls. "Hey now? got no problems with havin' a baby brother or sister... might be a tad strange havin' one younger then m' own babe..." he chuckled softly and Mike just shook his head.

 

 "I agree with th' girls.. ye'd have t' give up yer place as th' baby o' th' family..."

 

"Which means you wouldn't get away with nearly as much as ye do now." Helena said with a look, the twins giggling softly.

 

 Nate narrowed one eye and smirked. "An' I get away with shite now?" he asked the ducked as he hand came up to smack him. He chuckled as he dodged behind Lexie. "See?! Ye don't let me get away with anythin’."

 

"Ye almost get away with murder, boy'o. An' ye know it. Ye always have." Helena said with a look. "An yer father lets ye get away with more then I do!"

 

Lexine giggled and took Nate's hand. "You know you do, so..."

 

"Yus, and poor Mike..." Larkin put in.

 

Nate chuckled. "Well.. maybe I get away with a bit e'ery now an' then..." he said, his eyes sparkling.

 

Mike just shook his head, smirking softly. He kissed Larkin quickly then grabbed Nate's arm, dragging him away. "Come on, babybrother.. let's go see if we can find Faal... or maybe Dunc if he's around.."

 

"I believe Duncan's around some where." Helena said. "Why don't we three go int' the kitchen." She said to the girls. The twins nodded and followed Helena into the kitchen, where Mr. Brown greeted them before departing with his cup of tea to see about some of the business of the manor.

 

 

Nate and Mike both waved as the women vanished into the kitchen then exchanged glances. "They could be anywhere ye know." Mike said with a smirk.

 

Nate crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall. "Aye.. but m' guess is Da's in his study.. an' Dunc..." the two men smirked softly . "Stables." they both said at the same time, knowing that despite Duncan always complaining about the horses, he liked hanging out down there.  "So who do we go see first?"

 

Nate gave a soft snort. "Well, we were goin' t' tell Faal about th' second grandchild on th' way.. might as well go see him first." he smirked and laughed softly. "Then we can go bug th' shite outa Dunc about when he's goin' t' add t' th' family."

 

Nate smirked, leaning in the door as he watched Faal for a moment as he tapped rapidly away on his laptop, his feet up on the desk. Mike ruined it by noisily clearing his throat and Faal looked up then smiled. "Well... it's the father to be.... and the other one." He said, shooting Mike a playful look. "To what do I owe this visit? Or have you been banished here by your mother?"

 

Nate exchanged a smirk with Mike before looking back to his father. "Funny ye should phrase it like tha'... ' th' father t' be an' th' other one..."

 

Faal raised an eyebrow at the twin smirks that had broke out on the boys faces  then  sighed softly with a smile. "Youre joking... seriously?" he asked and Mike nodded. "Well.. in that case, congratulations."

 

 

Faal suddenly lost his smile, his eyes going dark as his gaze swept past the boys. "Somethings wrong... you're mother is upset..." he said softly as he quickly moved around the desk, Nate and Mike already leading the way back to where they'd left the women.

 

 

 

 

"So do either o' ye know how far along ye are?" Helena asked the girls.

 

"A couple weeks." Larkin said. "I've known for a couple days...I just...wanted to wait I guess." She said softly.

 

"I've known from the start. I was just..." Lexine trailed off.

 

"Scared." Larkin put in for her.

 

"SOmething like that,. I did a pregnancy test this morning while Nate was out...to make sure for...sure...and of course it was possitive." Lexine said

 

"I want ye girls t' be extra careful, do ye understand me..." Helena said softly, but seriously, looking at the twins.

 

"We will, Helena. Promise." Larkin said softly.

 

"Especially ye, Lexine."

 

Lexine smiled softly. "I will."

 

Helena was about to say something else, when the door from outside opened up, a woman was standing on the threshold in a hooded cloak. Helena straightened up and tensed. "Good afternoon, Helena." The woman said with a smile, that rather seemed faulse.

 

"Claudia." Helena exknowledged. "What brings ye t' the manor?" Helena asked.

 

"Oh, just a friendly chat." Clauida said, entering. She was tall, with dark hair, striking, still beautiful even for her age. "Dear me, Helena, have you had plastic surgery." Claudia said, taking in Helena's youthful appearance.

 

"Somethin' like that." Helena said evenly, then she watched Claudia dark eyes slip to the twins who were a bit wide eyed. "Girls, this is Claudia MacDouglas, an elder in the council..."

 

 

"Claudia this is...me daughter in law Lexine and her twin sister." Helena said by way of introduction. She'd yet to tell the council of Michael's return, or who Lexine really was.

 

"Both yer daughter in laws ye mean..." Claudia said quietly, looking at the twins. Lexine and Larkin both stood straighter, automatically on their guard. Claudia looked back at Helena who's eyes had darkened. "We know Helena, that's why I'm 'ere. Ye, and yer sons have been summoned t' the council, t'night, t' discuse this."

 

"There isn't anything t' be discused." Helena said in a soft voice, that had an edge to it.

 

Claudia smiled coldly. "Oh, yes there is...an' iffin ye don't come, we'll come t' ye, and ye wont like that. Bring both yer sons. An' yer daughter in laws, t'night, midnight." Claudia said, handing Helena a rolled and sealed summons, before heading back toward the door. Helena gripped the summons tightly, crumpling it as she watched the woman leave.

 

"Helena?" Lexine asked softly.

 

"What is it?" Larkin asked just as softly.

 

Helena tore open the parchment, her eyes furious. "It's an offical summons from the elders..." Helena said softly, before slamming the parchment on the counter, "Bloody damned hell!" She swore.

 

The twins both blinked. "That's bad isn't it?" Larkin asked softly.

 

"It's not good, lass." Helena replied then sighed frustratedly, "It's most likely o'er the fact I didn't tell 'em 'bout Michael returnin' from the grave..."

 

"Or me being freed from their spells.." Nate added softly as the men rounded the corner.

 

"Or th' dozen other things ye've neglected t' tell them about th' last year...." Mike sighed. "Mum.. ye should've just told 'em. "

 

"There are things they don't need t' know." Helena said softly, gripping the counter before her tightly. "They've summoned us, boy'os, all three o' us, and accordin' t' Claudia the girls are t' come long as well..."

 

"Couldn't you refuse?" Lexine asked softly.

 

"Nay, lass, t' refuse would bring 'em 'ere...in the worst way, I'm powerful, but I couldnt' hold off six elders..." Helena said softly.She had the feeling this was more to do with the girls then her sons, and resolved to do what she could to protect the girls.

 

Faal moved to wrap his arms around his wife, pulling her back against him. "We;ll get through it, sweetheart. They weren't happy when you married me, remember? And we could refuse... you might not be able to stand against them by yourself, but youre not by yourself... we're a powerful bunch you're surrounded by, love."

 

Mike pulled Larkin into his arms as Nate did the same with Lexien. "He's right,mum.. I say  fuck' em... they've done nothin' but screw us o'er fer years anyhow." Nate said, still angry over the council's forcing his mother to bind his fae side before he was born. "Ther not havin' anythin' t' do with our kids."

 

"Nathaniel..." Helena said softly, looking at her youngest son. "The consquences o' refusin' them could be far worse then wha' they've already done...ye willin' t' take that risk?" She asked in the same soft tone.

 

"Maybe it would just be better if you answered the summons." Larkin said softly.

 

Nate scowled fiercely, obviously ready to argue the matter. Mike punched him in the shoudler and gave his head a soft shake as he turned a glare at him. "Let it be, Natey... it's mum's choice." he turned to face his parents. "Although I still think ye shouldve told thme about me comin' back mum...  reactivatin' th' acounts an' eerythin' in m' name would've told them somethin' was up... an' ye know they watch e'erythin' like that..."

 

"I didn't tell 'em because I didn't wanna have t' explain 'bout Lexine and Larkin. Me thoughts were on tryin' t' sheild the girls." Helena said softly. Then she sighed deeply. "We'll go. There'll be no need fer the girls t' be in the council room, Faal can stay with them."

 

Larkin leaned against Michael, as if having a bad feeling about this. Lexine had an equally bad feeling, she was chewing on her bottom lip and found herself clinging to Nate.

 

Mike was shaking his head slightly. "Mum... ye weren't keepin' it secret... it was all public record.. th' marriages, th' recall of m' death certificate... ye shoulda just told them..."

 

Nate  interupted as Helena opened her mouth with a retort. "We're not goin'." he said simply, drawing their attention. "Ye want t' go, fine. But I'm not going.. an' neither's Lexine. If I get th' same room with th' bastards, i'll kill 'em."

 

Helena bit her tongue, her eyes flashing. "Then ye best leave Scotland, boy'o, because iffin yer not there with me, they'll come t' get ye. I'm aware ye have no love fer 'em, but I don't want t' put the girls at risk, especially not now! An' the easiest way t' avoid serious trouble is t' hear 'em out before actin' against 'em."

 

Nate  clamped his jaw tight, his eyes flashing. Faal eyed his son carefully. "We'll all be there, son. I'll stay with the girls while your with the council. You're mother's right.... the best way to keep the girls and the babies safe, is to go along with them for now."

 

Nate shot him a look then his brother. "Fine...we'll go. but ifn they try t' spell me again... th' gloves are off."

 

"Fair 'nough." Helena said softly, before glancing at the clock. "I've some preporations t' make, the summons is fer midnight." She said softly. "Duncan's down in the stables iffin ye want t' go see him. Iffin not, Mr. Brown's already seen t' cleanin' up yer rooms."

 

Nate hesitated. He was suddenly on edge and in need of letting off some of the frustration, his mind going to either a ride or a run through the guantlet.... but he didn't want to leave Lexine alone. "thank ye." he said softly to his mother, his eyes still dark, the black ring around the green wider, the green brighter in comparision and more startling. "I could use th' air... care t' come with me,babydoll? Go fer a ride maybe?"

 

"Of course..." Lexine answered softly.

 

Helena watched her youngest son, aware of his sudden frustration. She didn't blame him in the least, Faal had no love for the council either. Helena had only remained in it's number along with a few others, to balance it out, except she and those few others, were seriously considering mutiny, even if it was a very dangerous thing to do. To over throw the elders was practically signing her death, but more and more as of late, she was seriously considering such a move. The council was hardly aware of her.new powers from being part of the Order of the Seal.

 

Mike watched Nate and Lexine  heading for the door then turned to Lark. "Care t' join 'em? We can hang back and give 'em their privacy, but I doubt Nate's in th' mood fer a slow walk... we'd more likely be racin'..." he whispered softly in her ear, his eye on his mother.

 

Larkin smiled slightly. "What, and give up a chance at riding, Michael, you know me better then that. I'm sure you and I can keep up, or go riding on our own." She said looking at him.

 

 

 

Lexine didn't say anything as they headed for the stables. The inside was warmer then it was outside since winter was just beginning. Quinn was sitting on his familiar barrel next to the stable doors with his wolf hound beside him. He looked up. "Master Nathaniel." He said with a crooked smile. Duncan heard Quinn and appeared at the door, smirking, until he saw his cousins dark mood. "Oy, somethin' wrong, mate?" He asked.

 

Nate nodded tersely. "Aye..." he said as he slipped free of Lexine and went for Nightmare's gear. "Help th' girls saddle th' mares, will ye?" he said simply.

 

Duncan shot a curious look to Mike. "Council's summoned us tonight... mum an' th' both of us.. an' the girls.."

 

"Damn." Duncan swore, shaking his head. "I told Auntie Hel there'd be trouble from 'em." he muttered, before heading for the mares.

 

Lexine however moved over to Blackjack's pen, the friesian approached, and allowed her to rub his nose. Larkin joined her sister and Blackjack seemed to thrieve from the attention from the two girls. Other then Mike and Nate, Lexine and Larkin were the only people who could touch him in such away. Lexine rubbed his nose, while watching her husband saddling Nightmare, she was worried. Nightmare seemed to sense his masters aggitation and it only servered to make the andalusian, lipizzaner mix restless, itching for a good run.

 

Quinn had a bad feeling about this and spoke to Mike softly. "Don't let him run that horse wet, Master Michael..."

 

Mike snorted. "Care t' tell me how t' stop him?" he asked softly, casting a worried look in his brother's direction. "The only thing I can think of would be to suggest th' girls ridin' double... tha' might keep him in line.. but I'd be too worried about th' girls t' suggest it.."

 

"Nightmare can take it." Duncan said retrieving a saddle for Nutmeg.

 

Quinn snorted. "Ye remember the last time, he was in this foul o' a mood in this stable...last year. ran those geldings ragged in the damned guantlet, four o' em. took 'em a week t' recover." Quinn said.

 

Duncan shook his head. "Natey ain't gonna mistreat Nightmare, hell, Nightmare'd retalate iffin he tried, dump 'im on his arse."

 

Mike quickly saddled Black Jack as they talked. "Hell, I'm surprised Natey mistreated any o' th' horses..." he said softly. "Tha's not like him... but then things were weighin' bad on him last year..." he added, glancing over at Lexine. "Don't worrt, Quinn.. worse happens, he'll crack his head and give us all an excuse to ditch th' summons."Duncan and Quinn both snorted.

 

Lexine left Larkin with Mike and Blackjack and headed over to Nightmare's stall where Nate worked on getting the saddle on him. "Nate..." She said softly, leaning on the pen door. She sighed, not sure what to say to him.

 

Nate  gave the excited stallion a whallop on his hip as he danced to the side, causing the saddle to slip. "Hold still ye bugger, or ye won't be goin' any where!" he told th' horse in a fierce, aggravated tone, and Nightmare snorted, tossing his head, but lat Nate get the saddle ni place. "I'll be fine, Lexine, love... just hate havin' t' answer t' th' bastards.. after everythin' they'd done..."

 

Lexine leaned on her arms on the pen door, and sighed softly. "I know luv..." She said softly. "I'm just worried about you." She added with a faint weary smile. "You know me." Nightmare was eyeing his master with a look, snorting and tossing his head, still restless, but he stood still.

 

Nate sighed as he finished tightening the girth and  rechecked the bridle. "Aye lass... I know ye.. I'm sorry. Ye care t' ride with me? Or would ye rather ride by yerself in case I get th' urge t' be an ass?"

 

Lexine snorted softly and smiled faintly. "I wouldn't worry about you being an ass. I'll ride with you, if you don't mind."

 

Larkin watched Lexine and Nate from her spot at Blackjack's stale, while Duncan finished saddling two of the mares. His own andalusion stallion, Toranado was looking a little left out and when Duncan finished with the mares, he went over to Toranado's stale.

 

Mike eyed his brother as he finished saddling Blackjack, the freisan only slightly less antsy then his brother's stallion, obvioulsy excited about the prospect of the ride to come. He nodded to Duncan. "Thanks fer ye help, Dunc... ye know it's a sad thing when ye can saddle two horses  an' start on a third in th' time it takes th' two of us t' each tackle one.." he chuckled softly. "We'll wait fer ye ifn yer joinin' us."

 

Duncan chuckled as he saddled Toranado. "I've got a lot o' practice. An' Toranado'd ne'er forgive me iffin' I didn't take him out after seein' Blackjack and Nightmare saddled."

 

Nate smiled, leaning into the gate to kiss her. "Looks like ye saddled one too many horses, Dunc." he called out. "Would ye mind undoin' all Dunc's hard work, Quinn? M' girl's ridin' with me."

 

Mike shot Duncan a look and shook his head softly with a sigh. "I'm not sure tha's such a good idea, Natey... Nightmare's really worked up.. ye wouldn't want anythin' t' happen.."

 

Nate shot him a look. "Nothin's goin' t' happen, Mike.. ye think i'd risk Lexine an' th' baby? We'll be fine."

 

"I'm sure they'll be fine." Larkin said softly, touching Mike's arm. Duncan eyed Nate and Nightmare a touch worried, but said nothing.

 

Quinn sighed. "Not a problem, Master Nathaniel. Go fer yer ride. Jus' be careful."

 

Lexine slipped around the gate into Nightmare's pen with Nate. "I'll be fine." She replied to Mike and Duncan. Duncan still seemed a bit worried, but continued to hold his tongue. He knew Nate wouldn't allow anything to happen to Lexine, and he was an accompished rider, probably better then both him and Mike. Nate took riding to a passion.

 

Nate ignored the worried looks the others shot him. "So love... do ye want to sit behind me and hang on, or side saddle in front o' me an' I'll hang on t' ye.." he asked with a smirk, his tension over the council already easing just standing here with her and Nightmare and the promise of a ride over the estate.

 

"Side saddle I think." Lexine said with a faint smile, looking up at him. Larkin smirked softly as she listened, Quinn led her mare over to her, one of the andulasion mares.

 

Larkin took the reigns and swung up into the saddle expertly, the mare pawed the ground as she waited for Larkin to start her off.  Duncan finished saddling Toranado and swung into the black saddle, Toranado trotted out of his pen.

 

Nate smirked and lifted Lexine up onto Nightmare's back, then mounted behind her, one arm slipped around her waist to hold her as the other took up the reigns. Quinn had the doors open and the four horses made their way out of the stable in a somewhat controlled rush, excited to be leaving th' paddocks and fields. Nate felt another layer of tension ease as Lexine wrapped her arms around him and lay her head on his chest. He missed this... he'd have to try to bring her here more often.. or find a place where they could keep their own horses...

 

Lexine snuggled against him, closing her eyes, feeling comfortable and safe, even on Nightmare, althought Nightmare seemed to know and understand with Lexine and wasn't as energetic as he normally would be with just Nate, but kept at a good gallop anyway. Larkin held her mare at a good pace, enjoying the ride, side by side with Mike for the moment, with Duncan following, until Duncan felt like pressing Toranado for the hell of it, he kicked Toranado's flanks and the stallion sped up, over taking Mike and Larkin and heading toward Nightmare.

 

Nate heard the rush of hooves behind him and felt the change in Nightmare's pace. "Hang on love..." he said , tightening his hold on both her and the reigns as Duncan tried to over take them. Nate gave Nightmare a bit of lead and he shot forward, leaving Duncan laughing as he fought his way closer again.

 

Toranado gave a indignant snort at trying to be beat and put on more speed, racing Nightmare. Lexine clung to Nate, and squeezed her eyes closed, but smiled faintly, knowing Nate was loving this.

 

Larkin shook her head, watching and glanced at Mike. "Not one of you can have a peaceful simple ride, with out having to race each other, can you?" She asked him amused.

 

Mike raised an eyebrow at her innocently. "Do ye see me racin' off? No..  so there's yer answer... Aye .. I can go fer a ride an' not race anyone.. unless challenged, o' course.." he added with a smirk.

 

Larkin leaned over the neck of her mare, and knew what an andalusian could do, she glanced at Mike with an amused look. Then smirked deviously, before kicking the flanks of her mare, who gave a whinny, that sounded almost over joyed and shot forward. "Consider that a challenge!" She called over her shoulder with a laugh. Duncan glanced over his shoulder at hearing Larkin and smirked, Toranado and Nightmare where neck and neck.

 

Mike shook his head, laughing softly.”Ye heard her Jack.. let’s show her what we can do.””  he said and Black jack shot forward after the others.

 

Nate laughed softly, shooting his cousin a glance as the ran side by side, then with a grin, he pulled Nightmar back, letting Tornadao take the lead. He laughed at the shocked look Duncan shot back at him as Nightmare slowed to a trot, the other horses shooting past them.

 

Duncan got over his surprise and laughed, before pushing Toranado harder, gaining quite a ways a head of Larkin and Mike. Larkin laughed softly, keeping her mare at a steady and fast gallop, only glancing back once or twice to see Mike gaining on her. Lexine turned her head enough, to watch the others riding a head of them and smiled, snuggling closer to Nate.