Rage //Kendra//

[Ìomhair Lachlain]

A gypsy woman told my fortune,
said I'll be rich someday
She said I'll be king and ruler,
in a land of misery and pain

Lachlain smashed another of the very large chair into the wall, some one had had the nerve to call him in for a council on THIS day. Then the bastard had had the nerve to cancel last minute. Most likely because someone let the guy know he was being an idiot to request to speak to him on this day. It had been an urgent matter apparently which was why he was here in the first place. Lachlain would much rather be in his car driving to he and his sisters favourite childhood spot. He paced the room back and forth and nearly missed the form of his Senior Officer of the Royal guard stood leaning against the wall. The man knew to stand back and not try to disturb him on this day. It was probably he who had corrected the idiot who had requested an audience.

He stormed back over to his seat and dropped himself into it, not bothering to temper his strength and the wood of his cane openly creaked in protest to this fact. He lay the cane across his lap and tried to calm himself down to a point where he could talk without snarling. Or with out wanting to smash said person head first into the wall. The room was a mess, the table had been removed and the chairs had been moved to the side of the wall, his chief officers forward thinking obviously. The chairs however had not been spared his wrath, Barrowman was content with waiting for him to stop.

Laclain had a brief lock on the time and knew Barrowman's shift was over. He was tempted to request the man stay on as he didn't know if he could withstand one of the other guards following him around today. The popular conclusion was that his sister was dead, Barrowman knew Lachlains views on the subjects but some of the other guards didn't actually understand this day, normally this was not an issue as he was never in the courts, he was never around anyone related to the courts in any way shape or form. The only people he ever really saw at this time was Daniel, and by this point in the day Daniel would be on his 10th bottle of vodka and trying to drown out the entire world. No one would dare call him for a meeting as his life mate was dead.
However some idiot had called her brother.

A growl tore from his throat before he caught it. Hurling the plate of glasses on the side of his chair into the wall. Wine and water staining the wall. Who ever was going to clean this room in the morning was really not going to be happy.

“Barrowman go home, Don't stay away from your family on my behalf. Just don't send in a simpering idiot who is going to rile me up today or you may be searching for a new recruit in the morning.”

Barrowman looked hesitant as Lachlain dropped his head into his hands on his knees. There where few people who he wanted to subject to the King when he was in a moon such as this and there where even fewer people who he thought would have composer to sit through his moods. He had decided just to stay and ride out, he was one of the few people the King had confided in when it came to the full story of what had happened with his sister and his god daughter. That had mostly been due to the amount of alcohol the King had imbued one night.

He knew however from what the King had said that if he decided to stay now that would be arguing with the King, something which would have mistake written all over it.

“As you wish Sire. I had the cupboard stocked with scotch for you on the side and there are a spare selection of glasses there.”

He waited until Lachlain had grabbed a glass and a bottle before turning to exit the room, not needing to wait for a dismissal as in the Kings current mood he would not be receiving one. When the Kng had settled back with a glass of scotch in one had and his cane in the other he exited and closed the door behind him. Sighing lightly as he resigned himself to the fact he had to send one one else in their who likely had no idea what they where walking into. Anyone's first glance around the room would give the impression a fight had broken out, he'd have to find a way of giving them a headsup without diverging the Kings secrets.

I'm tired of the rain that keeps falling,
falling down on me
Please help me find some shelter,
from the pain that's pouring on me.

[Sophia Kendra Louve]

Kendra was at home relaxing with a quick game on Guitar Hero. She really loved this game; it had to be one of the best things to come out of the technology age. She knew the older wolves didn't agree, but she really couldn't understand why. It was a great way to blow of steam and it meant that she could woop human's arses without having to be around them. It was a win-win situation for her.

She'd just aced yet another song when her phone rang, yet another miracle of the naughties. She picked it up, knowing who would be on the other end of the line before she looked at the screen.

"Yes, sir?"

"You're needed back at Court."

"Yes, sir. I'll be there when I can, sir."

"I'm sending Varden over in 5 minutes. Be ready."

[/b]

Barrowman hung up the phone before she had chance to reply. She quickly turned off her console and went to put on her Uniform, wondering what had got him in such a stress. He was never that blunt with her and the fact that he'd pulled her in on her day off suggested that something was wrong.

She'd just pulled on her boots as Varden teleported into her bedroom. She barely looked up from tying her laces, making him sigh in frustration; he hated that he was unable to make her jump.

"You might want to stop popping into my bedroom like that, Var, you're wife is getting jealous."[/color]

She sat up and turned towards him. He didn't look all too pleased to be here either, probably his day off too. "Hurry up, Louve, I want to get home. I don't appreciate being dragged away from my labouring wife just to transport you to court because you cannot be arsed to drive."

Kendra glared at him, twitching her fingers in irritation. She knew that he was hacked off to be away from his wife, but that was no excuse to speak to her like that. No one spoke to her like that, not any more. They didn't dare; there were too many creatures in the Courts dungeons because of her. She saw the realisation hit Varden as he took a deep breath.

"Sorry. My wife is currently having my first child. And she'll rip me a new one for days if I'm not there." Kendra nodded, also taking a deep breath. Her powers had leaked into the room somewhat and had caused the plants to wither somewhat.

"Let's just go shall we? I need to know why the hell I've been pulled in on my day off."[/color] She stalked over to him and held out her hand, waiting for him to take hold of it and take her to Court. He looked briefly at her hand as if worried to touch her, but grabbed hold of it when she wiggled her fingers.

Two seconds later, they were stood outside council room. She shook her head slightly to get used to the sudden shift in location, then walked into the room. [/blockquote][/size]

[Ìomhair Lachlain]

Lachlain was better for the scotch. He had cleared his way nearly through half of a bottle before he realised what he was doing. Forcing himself to slow down. He was going to go the way of Daniel if he continued. However in his mind he still had an excuse. So instead of putting the still half filled glass down he kept it in his hand. Swilling the contents around with practised ease and perfection. Not a drop going where he did not intend.

Ellana would not be happy with him right now. He knew it but it didn't change anything. She abhorred alcohol. The smell mostly but what it did to people. Even with their metabolism enough of the stuff would affect you. She hated drunks and didn't see the point of poisoning your body. Daniel knew this as well but he was too far gone. Especially today. Today it had been exactly 200 ears since she had been taken from them. 200 years she had likely been bound and tortured by filthy leeches. The fault he rested and the feet of the Free court as well as the leeches however. If they had not pointlessly attacked the Ackyrod house before Daniel could of defended their home, Lachlain would have been there as he normally would have been. However when Daniel had been injured his wolf was pretty much in control and didn't like the idea of being weak around his Alpha, Lachlain and Daniel had always been similar in strength and power. He was the only contender to his position.

The human part of Daniels mind however knew the Lachlain was the better king, and he knew that he never wanted to be in that position anyway. He had no delusions of taking on the point of Alpha, seeing the strain it put on him. The wolf was a different matter, when injured it was fight first question later. As such Lachlain had needed to stay away, and didn't even know thee vampyre had attacked until it was far to late.

Thanks to all this his sister was likely in the same position he himself had once been. For over 40 years he had been in a dungeon of the vampyre. Believed dead and suffering in agony every day. If he had not torn his leg free from his restraints by sheer force of will he would likely still be there. And that was why he knew Ellana would never escape – they would not make the same mistake twice. The Leeches where to clever for that.

His leg burned as if on fire and as if he was relieving the pain of when he tore it free. Consumed some where between anger, pain and grief he failed to see the door to the room enter. The glass in his hand shattered into a ton of pieces due to the sheer strength he was exacting on it. Its contents and shard of glass covering the area in front of his throne like chair. The room looking even more and more like a fight had broken out every minute.

He raised his head to see a woman enter the room. A Woman!? Barrowman seriously thought to send a female recruit to him. Lachlain hadn't even been aware there WERE females on the Royal guard let alone ones Barrowman seriously thought to trust enough to send into him when he was in this mood.

The snarl in his throat came free before he had a chance to hold himself in checked. He stood from his char abruptly and limped over to the cabinet that housed more scotch. He didn't bother to use his ability on his limp and his cane was on the side of his throne, making the limp far more prominent. He dropped himself back into his seat, snagging his cane on the way down, the wood creaking again as he grasped it far too hard. He needed to get his anger in check, usually with his guard and especially with woman he was polite and well mannered, few people got to see him like this. A small part of him felt sorry for the poor girl being subjected to him, the rest was to over run with anger and grief to give a crap if she lived or died.

“I'll tell you this once girl and once only. I do not repeat my self no matter what mood I am in.”

He leaned forward in his chair, pouring himself another overly generous glass of scotch. His eyes entirely trained on her yet he didn't spill the drink when he filled it nearly to the top. His expression serious, the one he only ever really used with prisoners in fact.

“Anything that happens in this room now on your shift. Stays in the room, none of this will be discussed with anyone.”

Lachlain bit back the apology he wanted to make – people where not used to him being rude or drunk. It was just not the done thing, He was the king and an example to them all. This was out of character for the façade he had so perfectly made for the courts. If this girl spoke of this out of the room he would not hesitate to kill her.

“Have you done something to annoy Barrowman to get stuck with this duty or does the man seriously consider you that good?”

[/size]

[Sophia Kendra Louve]

Kendra opened the door into the Council Chambers to hear her King growl in anger at her. Instead of actually backing away like most were's would do in this situation, she stood her ground, lifting her head. She stood in the entrance as the door swung shut behind her with a crash. Not even flinching, she took a few steps forward and stood to attention in front of him.

She watched as Lachlain stood up and walked to the drinks cabinet. She noticed that he wasn't bothering to hide his limp as he usually did, making her realise just how distressed her King was. Just why he was in this state, she had no idea, but she could tell that something was getting to him. As he sat back on his throne, she heard the wood creaking in protest at the strength of his grip and felt a sliver of frustration completely unassociated with anything else she was feeling. She didn't let it show, nor the confusion that it caused, keeping her expression as neutral as she could, though it always seemed to come across as bored.

“I'll tell you this once girl and once only. I do not repeat my self no matter what mood I am in. Anything that happens in this room now on your shift. Stays in the room, none of this will be discussed with anyone.” Kendra, realising that this didn't actually require a real answer, nodded once. This was kind of a given, to be honest. When she first joined the guard, she was told pretty much exactly the same thing. What happens in Court, stays in Court. It was practically their motto; Kendra wouldn't be surprised if they had it embroidered on their uniforms sooner or later.

“Have you done something to annoy Barrowman to get stuck with this duty or does the man seriously consider you that good?” She looked up, her bored mask slipping for a second before she could stop it. Did he just suggest that she wouldn't be able to protect him? Okay, so she might not be able to protect him from what was currently plaguing him, but should anyone try to attack him whilst he was in such a state, she'd be the only person that would be able to protect him. And she'd do as good a job as Barrowman, maybe a better job. Just because she was female, there tended to be some idiotic notion that she wasn't as good a fighter as the male were's.

“Barrowman believes I am 'that good' sir. After all, I've saved your life single handedly once before and I could quite easily do it again. Sir”

[/color] She tried to keep the sarcastic bite out of her voice, but probably failed miserably. It just got to her that she was never given a serious chance as a guard because of her gender. This was the first time she'd been within sight of Lachlain since she'd actually got the job and it appeared that he didn't entirely trust her with his life. It was her job, and she'd die for this man. She wasn't sure why exactly, but she knew that, should she have to, she would.[/blockquote][/size]

[Ìomhair Lachlain]

When the calm, bored mask slipped off her face into something else Lachlain figured when Barrowman had sent her into him. Most people on the guard would of stuttered.. looked nervous... back away. Or something equally idiotic. Barrowman knew that Lachlain's mind was very similar to his wolves mind, there was a very fine line between the two. One thing most people know is that you don't back away from an angry wolf, and you most certainly do not act terrified in front on him. Lachlain would as easily kill someone for such a thing before the rest of him caught up to what he was doing.

It was something the cats criticised them for, not openly of course. The Cats and the Wolves ruled the moonlit court in agreeance when asked about it openly. When you got beneath the politics and the polite meals and other pathetic things that where so ingrained into their minds, everything was not so fine and dandy. The wolves where too brash, the cats where too superior over everything. Ethan Snr. had been trying to make contact with the free court under the table and his son was following the same path as the mad old man. There would be no way the moonlit courts and the free courts would ever stand by side again.

He would rather hand Ethan Snr. over to the vampyres for 40 years of torture and see how his world view would alter after that little life experience. Lachlain always made a point of making public that what had happened to him had changed him in no way at all. But along with most other things in politics. It was a well crafted lie. To shatter your own bones and to tear at your own leg to escape torture would change anyone. Loosing the one woman he had ever cared about really changed him, as did taking on her daughter. Since then the part of his mind searching for his mate had gotten... quiet... no silent would be a more apt term. But for a culture that prided itself on instinct he could let that be known. Barrowman had an inkling, but that was about it. If Daniel could stay sober for four seconds he would notice – there was however no worry of that happening.

“Barrowman believes I am 'that good' sir. After all, I've saved your life single handedly once before and I could quite easily do it again. Sir”

Lachlain nodded to her response, not saying that he would promote people speaking to him with such brash sarcasm but it was putting the idea of jumping up and attacking out of his mind. If she had backed away in fear there was a good chance he'd have attacked her. He waved his hand in a bit of a dismissive gesture, probably going to anger her further which cause a small smile to creep onto his face. He was flitting between anger, grief and any other myriad of emotions right now, might as well get other people in the same state. He would be generally impossible to read in this state and would set most people on edge. He did however want to know why the information that she had single handedly protected him had never reached him.

“That's good to know, but it wasn't actually what I was referring to. I am however beginning to get an idea as to why Barrowman has sent you in here though.”

He relaxed back into his chair, taking a long drink from his glass and kicking his bad leg up on one of the few tables that had escaped his rage. He glanced around the room at the scattered derbies and realised he was probably going to have to relocate to a new council room for a few weeks whilst this was repaired.

He couldn't bring himself to feel guilt for that fact, he was to busy focusing that emotion else where. Lachlain tilted his head towards the cabinet door he had left open, still pretty well stocked even thought he'd drank a good deal already and managed to shatter one of the expensive crystal glasses. Indicating for her to get herself a drink. As far he was concerned she was probably going to need it by the end of the night to take of some of the stress his erratic mood changes would inflict. Last year Barrowman had managed to clear through 3 bottles of the stuff himself. He was sure if his wife was brave enough she would of done some serious yelling towards Lachlain. Barrowman had been in a hungover state for around 4 days after if he remembered correctly, there had been a few rumours on the guard as well from what he heard. Several comments had been made in the last few days if he was going to go out drinking again... Lachlain however had approved for him to end his shift early and get back to his wife. Wives could be scary when you got their mates drunk... and Lachlain liked having Barrowman around.

“Do you have any idea what today is?”

He raised his head slightly, again flicking erratically between grief and anger. His eyes still the clear pitch blue that set so many people on edge actually focused on her for the first time. His head tilting to one side as he realised hers would probably have the same effect on people, the grey white colour, almost silver would be unsettling for most, but for someone who also had unsettling eyes it was just interesting. He tilted his head to one side in order to study her intently for the first time since she actually entered the room, it wasn't something he made a habit of to be honest but it seemed fitting in the situation for some reason. There was a part of him telling him to do it.

She was slim, but not the overly slim look that humans tended to go for these days. She didn't look as if she would break the second you touch her like a lot of humans tended to enjoy doing. Something which utterly lacked sense to Lachlain. He didn't know if he was making her uncomfortable but what he was doing but Lachlain really did not care.

[Sophia Kendra Louve]

“That's good to know, but it wasn't actually what I was referring to. I am however beginning to get an idea as to why Barrowman has sent you in here though.”

Kendra took a few surreptitious deep breaths, trying to calm down some. It wasn’t exactly his fault that she was called in on her day off and just thrown to the wolves, no pun intended. Okay, it was his fault, he was, after all, the person she was now guarding when she should be having a Guitar Hero Tournament with her human friends. But he was her king and he was therefore immune or something.

It annoyed her slightly that she appeared to have to prove herself worthy of guarding him. She knew that if she were a big, muscled guy like Barrowman, he wouldn’t even consider that they couldn’t protect him, but because she was petite and female she obviously wasn’t up for the job. Thank the Gods that he didn’t know what her previous job was, or he’d never trust her around him.

“Do you have any idea what today is?”

Kendra frowned at the unexpected question. She wasn’t exactly sure how she was meant to respond to it and so had to refrain herself from mime pulling out her diary or something equally as sarcastic. It was a habit that she had to work increasingly harder to smother, especially since she’d been promoted to the Royal Guards. Everyone now expected her to be grown up. As if.

She looked at an imaginary watch and cocked her head. “It’s five weeks, one day until Christmas. Six weeks until New Years and ... Thirty five weeks, five days until my birthday.”

[/color] She was impressed with how fast she worked that out. Or, more accurately, how quickly she recalled and amended it from a drunken conversation she had with a friend the other night. For some reason, he had been annoyed at her for not knowing roughly how long it was until Christmas and therefore took it upon himself to find out. He’d taken the calendar off the wall and counted them off. Then New Years. Then her birthday, having to use his phone to do that one. At that point, it was highly amusing, now it wasn’t.

She looked around the room for the first time and noticed the state it was in. There were splinters of wood all over and she was sure that that was wine running down the walls. Something must have seriously hacked off Lachlain for him to have done this; he usually kept a calm head no matter the situation. She looked over to him, trying (and failing) to keep her bored mask in place and not show the concern she felt.

“What happened?”[/color] She asked the question before she had chance to stop herself and mentally cringed. It wasn’t her place to ask, but now it was out there she couldn’t show that she regretted asking. She wasn’t sure if that was something to do with being a wolf, or if it was just her, but either way she couldn’t and wouldn’t take it back.
[/blockquote][/size]

[Ìomhair Lachlain]

Lachlain watched as she seemed to stifle some irritation. The smirk crossed his features in a flash again and he didn't bother to hide it in the slightest. This girl was better than Barrowman even, it had taken nearly half a bottle of scotch to loose him up enough to look him in the eye and converse with him, let alone allow anger to flit across his face. Lachlain knew it was because of his position of power – people simply could not be themselves around him. He knew it and he had lived it for many years. But now and then it irked him, he wished for a time when he had friends who treated him as an equal. The kind who would punch him for being an arrogant idiot and would snap back at him without really thinking on it. People thought too much around him. Every word specifically selected and chose so as not to anger him.

If only they knew that that was what angered him! He could sense the hesitation and the fact every word was planned. Unlike most conversations between wolves. It got to him that things had to be that difference because he was the king. Today he was in no mood to be irritated or placated. He wanted real. It was the only thing that kept him living.

“It’s five weeks, one day until Christmas. Six weeks until New Years and ... Thirty five weeks, five days until my birthday.”

Lachlain thought for a moment on that, not realising that his sister had disappeared so close to Christmas. That he daughter had been so close to having Christmas with her mother and Daniel probably even had the presents picked out for her. Lachlain did – although he usually managed to not think about it. He went shopping for her every year, bought the perfect gift, wrapped it and put it in a place where it would be safe. The room was getting full now. He didn't doubt Daniel had a similar ritual. The man however was too far gone now... Lachlain would never broach it with him.. in a similar fashion that no one would ever mention his sisters name to him.

He was pulled out of his thoughts by her words again, she was glancing around the room. Possible now only noticing the state of the room.

“What happened?”

“It has been... Two hundred years...Ten Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty Five weeks, Seventy Three Thousand and Forty Eight Days”

Lachlains voice went from anger to grief during the sentence as he fully registered the length of time. He knew it was 200 years today. But there was just something very final about hearing it said like that. Ellana had been gone for 200 whole years and it was like he had just been reminded of everyday. He couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence without feeling as is some one had tore at his chest.

“And this room? I happened to it.”

A perplexed look crossed his face for the briefest seconds before he managed to remove it. He was confused at the flash of concern on hers. He had been alive long enough to learn how to read people, how to read body language as if it where written in an open book. Older wolves could hide emotions, Lachlain was a master of it but at this point he was completely and utterly not bothering to hide anything. Barrownman trusted her to send her in this room, he wouldn't sent in a person who did not know how to hold their tongue. As such he was going for real. Not the politicking crap every one loved.

“I would apologise but if it where up to be I would not of been called into council today. I would have been.... else where. But some one thought it would be a good day to call me in. It shocks me to believe how many people have forgotten, how many people don't notice that she is gone?”

Lachlain pushed the snarl away from his mind and tried to concentrate again, taking a long drink from the glass he was still swilling around his hand.

“But of course... She is dead isn't she? Just how I was for forty damned years.”

This time the snarl tore from his chest uncontrolled and he smashed yet another glass into the wall. Angry at the situation and even more angry at the fact he had mention his own capture? Why the hell had he done that. Even during his drunken heart to heart with Barrowman he had never mentioned the fact he had been captured. People knew of course... well most people pretended it never happened and people in the last few centuries seemed to not know beyond that of passing rumours and whispers. Wolves tended not to believe in whispers... but they always remembered them. He had probably just confirmed rumours to her if she had heard of any.

He calmed himself down again, his moods moving so fast and practically giving himself whiplash. He stood up again, grabbing his third crystal glass of the night. Kicking the other door open with his good leg and leaning on the side as he did.

“You may want to grab a glass. I can't guarantee that I wont shatter the rest of them by the end of tonight.”

[Sophia Kendra Louve]

“It has been... Two hundred years...Ten Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty Five weeks, Seventy Three Thousand and Forty Eight Days” Kendra nodded, waiting for him to elaborate on what has been two hundred years. What ever it was, it had to be a major event of some kind, else he wouldn’t have been able to say exactly how many weeks it was, let alone how many days.

As his voice broke, she felt the need to place a hand on his arm or something else equally inappropriate. She had the feeling that this wouldn’t be appreciated, however, especially given that this was the first time they had met. And that was something that confused her slightly. If she were to see Barrowman in such a state, she doubted very much whether she would want to go and comfort him, so why was she itching to comfort someone she’d only just met? The fact that he was her King didn’t enter much into it other than to show just how inappropriate it really was.

“And this room? I happened to it. I would apologise but if it where up to be I would not of been called into council today. I would have been.... else where. But some one thought it would be a good day to call me in. It shocks me to believe how many people have forgotten, how many people don't notice that she is gone?”

Kendra frowned, completely unsure as to what he was talking about. Who was gone? And why was he so obsessed over it two hundred years later? He obviously was obsessed about it, judging from the state of the Council Chambers; the only things left in one piece were his throne and the drinks cabinet. She understood the appeal of smashing a few things when in a foul mood, but the extent of this destruction was impressive; he must have been going for hours.

It made her wonder what exactly she was doing here. No one in their right mind would attempt an attack on Lachlain today, they’d have to be suicidal to even consider to plot against him this day. So, if he didn’t need protecting from conspirators, why was she there? Maybe she was there to protect him from himself, or something equally full of bullshit. Like she’d be able to do that! Sure, she was in command of an army of Creatures, but what good would that do against the demons he was fighting?


“But of course... She is dead isn't she? Just how I was for forty damned years.” Kendra watched as a crystal tumbler went flying through the air and exploded on the wall, not even flinching at the noise. She did, however, flinch at the anger in his voice. She’d heard rumours about his capture, after all who hadn’t? It was one of the reasons the vampyres were so hated amongst the wolves. The big reason being that they were blood-sucking parasites, obviously.

It did, however, explain why he was in such a foul mood. She had heard that his sister had died a few centuries back, but it wasn’t really anything she thought much about. What was the point? The past was in the past and there was nothing that could be done about it. All that could be done was to learn from it and not make the same mistakes.

Of course, if she were still alive as Lachlain believed her to be, something could be done about it … And Kendra could do with some more Creatures to play with anyway …

Before she had chance to fully form this thought, Lachlain rose from his chair and limped over to the drinks cabinet. She watched as he kicked the door open and leaned heavily on the side.

“You may want to grab a glass. I can't guarantee that I wont shatter the rest of them by the end of tonight.”

Kendra nodded and walked over to where he was. She knelt down in front of him and picked up a bottle of some kind, then grabbed the closest crystal tumbler and straightened up. She looked down at the glass in his hand and, concentrating more than was necessary, poured him a large glass of whatever it was she was holding. After pouring herself a small amount, she walked towards where she was originally stood. Realising that this was likely to be uncomfortable, she swerved to the wall, using her powers to push the debris away from where she wanted to lean, probably with more force than it needed. The resulting crash at the other end of the room would have bought most guards running if it weren’t for the fact she was the only one on duty.

She shrugged lightly. If it weren’t for the fact it was already ruined, she would have worried about causing damage to the table or bench or whatever the hell it was. Or, for that matter, the wall. She knew that she should probably stop with the attitude in front of her King, but he was in a foul mood and for some reason it was rubbing off on her.

She leant up the wall and took a sip from her tumbler, revelling in the warm sensation as it burnt down her throat. She lifted it up to her eye line and studied it, wondering what on earth it was she was drinking and how much she would be able to drink before she’d have to find some other poor soul to take over her duty. Judging from the slight buzz she was feeling, not a lot.

Hmm, better slow down…

[/color] She dropped her hand to her side, crossing her other arm over her chest and holding onto her elbow. As her mask had been back in place for a while now, she probably looked the picture of ease, but in actual fact if anything were to happen, she’d be doing what ever needed to be done before Lachlain even registered the problem.[/blockquote][/size]

[Ìomhair Lachlain]

Lachlain raised an eyebrow as she knelt down in front of him to take a glass out of the cabinet. He knew he should go back to his chair and get out of her way but he couldn't bring himself to. Something about proximity, and the fact he wasn't itching to move already. Usually if some one came near him he had to move back to keep a distance. Beyond simple handshakes; something which he avoided at all costs, he had not had physical contact with any one in centuries. The last person who has hugged him was his god daughter and he could barely look at her any more. Proximity and contact where two things he avoided.

Most of the royal guard knew it to which probably meant he was making her feel uncomfortable whilst she gathered a bottle to pour herself a glass. His head tilted to one side as he studied her as she poured the drink. Seemingly putting so much attention in to it and blocking out the rest of the world. He hair shifted as she poured the drink, causing her scent to flit up and practically smack him in the face. Confusion crossed his face for a brief second as he breathed it in, his mind immediately craving more.

Before he had a chance to move however she did as she poured herself a glass. Lachlain had studied many people over his time, learning peoples traits and how they moved, he did it as an automatic instinct, but he never actually looked at people beyond the point of threat and useful. As such he never looked at his people. He had no need to. He knew they where checked out – he knew that some one watched them as intently as he watched a stranger. So why was he watching this woman. A woman who he just realised... name he did not know. For some reason that irked him.

He pretty much watched in slow motion her hands when she poured the drink and when she walked away from him. He leaned back and took a quick sip of the drink, ignoring the bite which was the main reason why he loved this drink in favour for watching further. When she used her powers on the debris of the room a smile crept onto his face.

It shouldn't off... she'd technically just smashed up some of his council room. It should infuriate him... yet he found it endearing? Lachlain never really found anything endearing... Ellana was the closest he had come to it but on occasion even she didn't. Generally he didn't really stand the company of women all to well. They where usually whiny and annoying. Ellana had always mocked that part of him and laughed when Lachlain had joked he would never find a mate he could put up with.

She had always told him that when that woman walked into his life the petty annoyances he clung to would fly out of the window. That he would probably be stubborn about it at first but that there was a person that was made for him, someone that could actually put up with him. He'd doubted it since the day she went, without Ellana to remind him of his mate he gave up hope, he'd given up so much hope he was ignoring his instinct. The one which was currently screaming to death inside him.

He ran his hand through his hair as he pushed the memories of Ellana to the back of his mind, confused that this time they hadn't brought pain with them, just the image of Ellana scolding him for some reason. When he raised his head and pushed the fog of past conversations into the back of his head everything snapped.

Clear as day everything clicked into place. Something which should of clicked into place the second she had entered the room... if not some time sooner as she obviously must have been around his throne or near him at some point. He could feel a connection there but it was wavering, he'd repressed it so long he didn't even really know what he was looking for. He also feared that due to this day he was just forcing himself to make a connection – he had to be sure. If she was his... Mate? Heck it felt weird to even say the word in his mind let alone out loud.

There was also another fact, this was a two way street. She was showing no signed of recognition in him, no signs that she thought that he was her mate? He could understand that his head was messed up with the grief and repression of his base instincts but that didn't explain why the second she entered the room it hadn't hit her, she would feel the connection properly? Wouldn't she? Or was his mind damaging her chancing of seeing him as a Mate? A bit back a growl, anger boiling up at himself and decided he needed to look into this further. He had to know if he was finally going mad and forcing connections or if he was hurting the connection.

He walked over too her, his power of pain suppression automatically working on his leg as he closed the distance between them. Crossing the distance in practically half the time as she had barely a minute earlier. Due to the suppression of his pain he walked strongly, not shifting his eight from one leg to the other. He was told it always seemed to take years off him in age an apparently making him scarier looking as he always walked with a purpose like he was stalking some one. He barely even noticed he had done it.

Lachlain came to a stop in front of her, too close for comfort in Lachlain's mind yet he didn't feel uncomfortable. He felt perfectly comfortable. He propped his free arm on to the wall over her shoulder, purring his weight on it with the glass tumbler still held in his other arm, not spilling a drop as he titled his head to study her for a moment, catching her grey eyes with his won and tilting his head too one side, waiting to see if she stuck out at him. He needed to get her scent properly, but for some reason he wasn't just going after it like he normally would, he was almost asking permission but not voicing it in anyway shape or form. Sometimes being a wolf was complicated.

He dropped his head down to her shoulder, turning his face towards her hair. Intently making sure that he didn't touch her skin as he breather in her scent. Her scent triggered it in his mind like a welded shut door being blasted open, he felt that she was the missing piece. He felt what he should of felt the first time she would of come within reach of him. But for some reason... she didn't?

It followed a pattern, there was nothing in his life that was easy. Even though Lachlain hated it at times, it was right, it was his life. He realised he would not change it. As much he would give to have Ellana back and to have his mate at his side with no complications he knew it wouldn't be right. He had been told he would be king one day, he had been told his life would be far from easy and story book like. But something he had forgotten had just come back to him now. He had also been told that he could handle it.

He raised his head too look at her again, his head still tilted slightly. Ellana always blamed that on his wolf, the inquisitive runt playing king she called him.

“I just realised. I am yet to learn your name?”

He shifted his weight again so he could take a sip of his drink, feeling the heat spread down his throat as he sighed some what contentedly. Well as closed as Lachlain could get... this was closer than he had been in centuries. He suspected it was something to do with the proximity to her. Solidifying his assumption further. He had no idea what had been blocking their connection, if it was him? Or something else entirely, but he had to know. Starting with at least knowing her name was a must however. He had found his mate, he needed to put a name to her.

[Sophia Kendra Louve]

Kendra watched as Lachlain stalked towards her, suddenly apprehensive. His limp had completely disappeared, making him seem younger and a lot scarier. And considering her was bloody petrifying in the first place that was quite an accomplishment.

She didn’t let any of this show in her face or in her body language, but started to breath slower to counteract the need to hyperventilate. Adrenaline rushed through her body as he moved closer. She’d dealt with guys invading her personal space before and it never ended well for them, especially when she was on the game. But this was different. He was a powerful werewolf, her king. Again, she’d dealt with over friendly and/or aggressive wolves before, but she couldn’t very well kick his ass without serious repercussions.

He came to a stop in front of her, shocking her with his proximity. She’d somehow known that he was going to stand close to her, but hadn’t realised just how close he had intended on getting. What shocked her most, however, was the fact that it didn’t bother her. When she’d been a whore, she’d always had problems with the intimacy but had always worked around it. When she slept with guys for free, she’d always felt ... wrong at being close to them. Hell, even cuddling them was something she wasn’t comfortable with. So why, all of a sudden, did want nothing more than to jump this guy in front of her?

She tried to look away, to gain some composure, but he moved and caught her eyes. He tilted his head as if waiting for her to react. She thought he was probably expecting her to lash out or something, after all, wolves only ever got this close to each other when they were angling for a fight. But all she could think of was how unnaturally pale his blue eyes were. And how good it’d be to be looking up at them with her on her back.

She took a deep breath through her nose, trying not to let him see just how much he affected her. It would have worked too, if it weren’t for the fact he was so damn close all she could smell was him and how his scent mixed with her own.

He dipped his head to her neck, not touching her, causing her body to scream out for him. She had to be with him, permanently. She could feel the need like it was ingrained on her brain, on her soul. And it scared her. She shouldn’t feel like this. She’d never felt like this before, even with the people she’d known and dated for years. Nothing had ever felt so concrete to her before. Nothing.

He pulled back to search her eyes once more, tilting his head curiously. “I just realised. I am yet to learn your name?”

As he turned slightly to take a sip of his drink, she took the opportunity to let go of the breath she was holding, admittedly a little more uneven than she’d intended it. He sighed contently, blowing his breath over her, causing her to moan gently in the back of her throat.

She answered him shakily. “Sophia...” She shook her head, wondering why on earth she’d told him her first name. Not even Barrowman had known that, it was a connection to her mother that she didn’t want anyone at Court to know about, a weakness. She looked away from him and took a deep breath, trying to remember herself in the sudden haze that was her mind, trying to remember just who she was talking to. “I mean, Kendra. Kendra Louve. Sir.”

She looked back towards him and tried to put her bored mask back into place, but for some reason she was completely unable to do so. Instead, she stared at him slightly wide eyed, probably looking like a Moron. She caught his eye again and started to move towards him.

Before she made an obvious move on him, however, she caught herself and quickly ducked under his arm. She had to get away from him. At least, not be quite so close to him or she’d end up making a fool of herself by suggesting they screwed on his throne or the battered remains of the table. Or maybe both ...

She shook her head in frustration. She was so going to lose her job if she didn’t compose herself and she’d worked damn hard to prove herself able to handle most situations. It just happened that no one had thought to tell her what she should do if she wanted to screw the person she was meant to be protecting. Surely they should have covered that in Body Guarding 101 or something? Or maybe they had and that was one of the lessons she’d skipped out on in order to pursue more interesting activities. Guitar Hero had a lot to bloody answer for.

[Ìomhair Lachlain]

Lachlain watched as she breathed out, shakier that it had been before. He wondered if it was due to his proximity but she had shown no sign of punching or smacking him away like he had expected she would. He knew that wolves had issues with proximity, which was why when men or women within the courts tended to take partners away from the courts... most commonly humans so as to be able to push past the proximity and as for the face if they took some one from within the courts they would have to introduce their mate to other wolves they had slept with. 90% of conversation between wolves was done with body language. It was all under the surface and something as simple as moving your hand would have a large impact similar to someone yelling.

The sound that escaped her throat utterly pushed thought out of his mind however. It was small and obviously unintentional... but it embedded itself into his mind as a sound he was sure he would never forget. No mater what. “Sophia....I mean, Kendra. Kendra Louve. Sir.”

Lachlain noted how she backed out of how she said her name at first. Sophia... there was obviously some connection to the name, something that made her not want to use it. But she did use it, which was starting to give him the idea that maybe he wasn't going completely insane. She obviously didn't want people knowing her name or she wouldn't of covered it when she tried to snap her mind back to how it should be working when he wasn't clouding her thoughts. Yet she had felt comfortable enough to tell him. Which was good. The smile of his face pretty much gave credit to that.

He knew there was something else at work here, the connection was there but she didn't seem to recognise it for what it was. Yet another thing practically unheard of in their society. He wondered if it had something to do with her upbringing or if it had been him who had set things back between them. His thoughts where interrupted when her pales eyes met with his again. She immediately starting moving towards him slightly and he wondered what exactly she was doing. From the way her expression was and how she moved he would assume she was acting on instinct, and he could probably pinpoint the exact moment when she pushed the instinct down and gave over to ration thought.

Instead ducking under his arm and moving away from him. He turned on the spot, his leg still pain free for the time being as he was still using his pain suppression ability. Albeit unknowingly, sometimes he just failed to notice what he was doing. Lachlain was being fast and he enjoyed being fast, his injured leg impeded this slightly but he tended to slip into old patterns when he was walking without the limp. His kinetic ability gave him added speed – another this he was doing on instinct. Being alive for as long as he you tended to use your abilities as if you where breathing.

He leaned on the wall for a moment watching her walk away, realising that she was pretty much the opposite to what he had expected in his mate... but now the image he held in his mind seemed pointless and obsolete. But most male wolves did that, they worked up this perfect image of a stunning woman and waited for that woman to come along. Then it turned out they where entirely wrong... but that their image they had spent years... some times decade searching for was just so wrong it staggered belief and that their mate was seemingly the best possible other half of them. Daniels brother had even fallen for a scuro... he had been expecting a buxom red head in his other words, and now he was happier than ever.

He turned to follow her utilising his speed to be practically next to her in a seconds, taking her hand quickly in the process in order to lead him over to his chair. He paused for a second whilst he took her hand, giving her the option to again pull away from him or slug him one in the stomach.

He led her over to the only chair in the room which wasn't splintered. His chair. Hoping that that act alone would stop the Sir talk... well at least in the formal capacity it was currently being used as. He leaned casually on the side of the throne. Looking all to relaxed as he did so, but then Lachlain could look at ease where ever the damned well he please as he had a tendency to go everywhere as if he owned everything. If you own everything you don't look uncomfortable being there. It came from spending so long as king.

“It's Ìomhair actually, or Lachlain. There are very few people that call me Ìomhair as most people just cannot seem to pronounce it.”

Before Lachlain had a chance to say anything else however Barrowman practically fell into the room. The man having second thoughts and feeling guilty for dropping Kendra in here with no warning and his wife generally yelling at his for said fact. Also pointing out to him that the king had confided in him on what this day stood for even thought she did not know herself and that if Barrowman felt he had a duty to be here then he should be.

However the captain of the guard was not expecting to see a considerably more relaxed Lachlain leaning casually on the side of his own seat whilst Kendra was sat in said seat. He opened and closed his mouth a few times... seemingly unable to come to grips with the image before him... when he'd left Lachlain had been on his way to a blind drunken rage.. not the man practically looked sober and he wasn't even scowling. He even seemed to be smiling? The king rarely smiled on normal days, let alone today.

Lachlain rolled his eyes at the head of his guard in a blatant sarcastic gesture. Another thing few people knew of him beyond his sister and long dead family... he was horrendously sarcastic when in a good mood. It was just one of those annoying personality traits that Ellana seemed to enjoy slapping him for.

“Can I help you Barrownman?.”

[Sophia Kendra Louve]

Kendra ducked under Lachlain’s arm, trying to put some distance between the two of them. She needed to clear her head and this was the only way she’d be able to do so. She had a need to be next to him, with him, hell on top of him. It was so intense that it put practically every other thing she was thinking or feeling out of her mind, and that was scaring her. No one should have that much power over anyone else, it was just wrong.

She had no idea what was going on, but she wanted answers. And she wanted them now. She didn’t care who she was talking to any more. King or not, he had no right to do this to her. If he wanted a lay, then all he needed to have done was ask. She’d have said no, probably, but to practically force himself on her in such a way constituted rape in her mind.

She was about to say something, possibly fire questions and accusations at him when all of a sudden he was right next to her. She hadn’t even seen him move. One minute he was leaning up the wall, the next he was moving to grab her hand. She went to pull her hand away from him, maybe even use the momentum of it to punch him square in the face, but as soon as his hand brushed hers her mind was wiped clean once again.

She followed him blindly, not knowing where exactly he was taking her. She hoped that, wherever they were going, it was somewhere where clothes could quickly be shed.

She sat down on the chair before she even realised that it was there, not having been able to take her eyes of Lachlain since he’d taken her hand. That tiny amount of contact had sent tingles down her spine so strong she was surprised she hadn’t physically shivered. That was something else that was confusing her; she’d never reacted so strongly to such a small touch before. What the hell was going on here?

She practically growled in frustration when he let go of her hand and leant up against chair. He looked so casual there, like he owned everything in the room, including her. The thought sent another shiver down her spine as well as ticking her off. She wasn’t something that could be owned, dammit. She was a human being! Okay, she wasn’t, but that wasn’t the point. She couldn’t be owned, not by anyone. She’d happily allowed men (and women) to buy her for an hour or so in the past, but that was all they were buying. An hour of her time. And she’d been well paid for it too.

“It's Ìomhair actually, or Lachlain. There are very few people that call me Ìomhair as most people just cannot seem to pronounce it.”

Kendra blinked in confusion. According to Barrowman, Lachlain rarely allowed anyone to call him by his surname; you had to pass a number of his tests before doing so. Barrowman himself had only been calling him Lachlain for a few decades. And he’d just given her permission to use his first name?

“Ìomhair …”

[/color] She rolled his name around in her mouth. She liked the way it felt on her tongue and it tasted of ancient power and intimacy. She turned to smile at him and offer him the same privilege of using her first name instead of her chosen name. Just as she was about to, however, the doors burst open in a rather dramatic fashion.

Barrowman tumbled into the room and looked betwixt the two of them with obvious confusion on his face. She had to admit, it must be somewhat confusing for someone to walk into this. Hell, it was confusing for her and she’d been here for the full thing. She did have a good view of the room from where she was sat though, that had to be said. And the chair was surprisingly comfortable.

She turned around so she could see exactly what she was sat on, hoping that she might be able to find a cheaper version for her dining room. When she saw where she was sat, however, she did a double take. Ah frick, I’m not gonna find a cheap version of this … [/color] He’d put her on his throne. His throne! What on earth was that about?

She turned to throw Lachlain a confused look and instead caught him rolling his eyes at her senior officer. “Can I help you Barrownman?”

She turned back to Barrowman, having almost forgotten he was there. He looked even more confused now than he had done before, but this time, she couldn’t work out why.

“Erm … I just … Wanted to make sure everything was going okay. She’s new to this and …” He hesitated, then burst out with the question that was obviously on his mind. “What’s going on exactly?”

Kendra couldn’t help but smile. Barrowman was the closest thing she had to a Dad around here. Hell, he was the closest thing she’d ever had to a Dad. He was always looking out for her, though he tried to hide it from the rest of the Guard; it wouldn’t do to be obvious with favourites, especially when it’d put the favourite in a great deal of danger. [/blockquote][/size]

[Ìomhair Lachlain]

“Ìomhair …”

Usualy Lachlain hated it when people call him by his first name, they always got it wrong and it just plain annoyed him. However she got it perfectly right the first time, and the way she said it made it more than just a name, it was something more and it sounded more when she said it. If he hadn't already gotten used to being the king the way she said it would make him feel like a king. He was so lost in though he missed the look that she gave his throne. It didn't bother him in the slightest. Lachlain was pretty much as much of a wolf as a wolf could be. He was prided on his connection with his wolf and lived his life by it.

The cats weren't too impressed with it however. Thinking to run so deeply on instincts would be too risky. But it had always done him well and he wasn't about too bloody change any time soon. His wolf was bloody howling to the moon in joy right now and the reason he didn't mind her sitting in his throne because it was simple. What's his was hers and what's hers was his. It was just what he expected and he expected her to see it the same. Even though there seemed to be a sense from her that she hadn't felt the connection yet.

“Erm … I just … Wanted to make sure everything was going okay. She’s new to this and … What’s going on exactly?”

Lachlain rolled his eyes again, ever for dramatics but he was finding it hard to care, all of his effort was getting his wolf to sit down and be quiet for a few seconds so he could actually make a real sentence. All he wanted to do was spend some time with his new mate. His hand subconsciously found her hair. Barely touching it as he sifted his fingers through the strands, causing her scent to hit him full on again, reaffirming his earlier suspicions.

He idly wondered how she had been in the room so long before he had realised what she was too him, she was far more important that any one he had ever met and he had dismissed her out of self pity for himself.

“Barrowman, I gave you instructions to send me a person who could hadnle my moods and not a simpering sap that would enrage my wolf and I must say. You could not of sent a person who could of settled my demons any better.”

His voice was since and even though he wasn't doing it intentionally he had slipped into his 'king' voice. It only happened now and then, usually when he was required to speak at length to some one of when he was interrupted. Which Barrowman really had done a few minutes ago, falling into the room all flustered and what not. If it had not been for the fact he considered Barrownman a friend that the fact his mates scent in his mind made it difficult to be angry for any length of time he likely would of snapped and snarled at the man for interrupting them.

“And as for what exachtly is going on, Me an S... Kendra where just having a conversation. Unfortunately my sour mood had rid the chambers of furniture and there was only one seat left. ”

Lachlain quickly stepped over when he nearly called her by her given name. Knowing that she seemed to prefer Kendra over it. Not wanting to anger his new mate as if she was his equal she would probably chew him out over it. That was going to be certainly odd to get used to no matter how much he was overjoyed about it. He had gone a very large part of his life without finding his mate and although it was far better now, he had gotten used to bachelor life.

“Any more questions?”

[Sophia Kendra Louve]

Kendra felt Lachlain's hands stirring her hair and it was all she could do not to lean her head against his hand. It was ridiculous that this guy could make her feel like this with the smallest of contacts. Even now, when he wasn't even making any contact with her, she craved him. The urge to close the small distance between them was overwhelming. She knew that the throne was in the ways, but that could easily be thrown aside if need be. He might be hacked off about it, but she'd more than make up for it...

Barrowman wasn't really listening to his king as he answered his question. He knew it was rude and downright dangerous to ignore him, but he was too preoccupied with Kendra's reaction to Lachlain brushing a few strands of hair from her face. The fact he'd gotten so close to her ade him think he was hammered, but Kendra's reaction stopped that thought in it's tracks. They were Life Mates, it was the only explanation. If she were a light weight, he might put it down to that, but she hadn't had enough time to get drunk enough to get that comfortable with their King.

"Any more questions?"

Kedra turned her head to Lachlain, subconciously resting her cheek agaisnt his hand. She looked up at him and smiled, not actually having heard what he'd said. She turned back to her Senior Officer with a slight glazed look as he shook his head in response to what her King had said. She could see the concern still etched into his feautres and it confused her. Who was he concerned for? She wouldn't do anything to Lachlain other than jump him when she had the chance. She just needed to be alone with him long enough...

She pulled away from Lachlain and walked over to Barrowman, placing her hand on his cheek. "Everything is fine here. Don't worry. I'll kick any ass that comes in here, other than yours that is." she winked, hoping that he'd take the hint.

Barrowman looked between the two of them. He was shocked at the change in Kendra; she was suddenly less aggressive. It was slightly worrying for him, but he'd have to talk to her about this at a later date. And, judging from the confusion in her eyes, he'd have to explain what was actually going on between her and the King.

He nodded, throwing a look to Lachlain. Even if he were the King, Barrowman saw Kendra as a daughter; if anything were to happen to her, there would be hell to pay.

He turned on his heel and left without a word, leaving Kendra alone in the middle of the floor. She hoped that she hadn't annoyed him somehow, she'd hate to have to deal with that tomorrow...

At a shuffling sound behind her, she turned back to face Lachlain, giving him a devilish grin. She put what she wanted to do to him in the wya she stood and the way she looked at him. She knew this was probaly not the way Barrowman had itended her to be with him, but she didn't care. If he was willing, this was how she'd spend all of her shifts with him. After all, what better way was there to body guard someone than when she was able to keep an eye on all of his body?

[Ìomhair Lachlain]

Lachlain probably looked more content as Kendra rested her cheek against his hand, looking up towards him and smiling at him. It was enough to ease his worries. Just a simple smile and the black pit of disappear seemed to move away from him. True it was still there, lurking in the background but there was now more good than there was bad. It outweighed it and it was enough to make him just feel better. Or heck just to even feel again for a change. Lachlain knew he should be concentrating on what Barrowman was saying but it was quite difficult. He really wanted to man to just up and leave so he could spend some time with Kendra alone. Heck he had been waiting for nearly a millennia for this woman.

He barely registered the look of concern on Barrowmans face. Normally he would of been annoyed. Normally he would of thrown the man clear our of the window if he had the never to question what he was doing. However seeing as that Kendra didn't seem to fully realise that he was her mate right now he didn't want to pull any cave man moves and scare her off. The way Barrowman was looking however was as if she was his own daughter. Something that he knew was not true. He may have to seek the other man out at some point however. Maybe find out why she didn't know something that every were was taught from day one.

When Kendra pulled away he had to restrain himself from moving after her, realising that she was going to Barrowman and hopefully was not planning on leaving. Unless Barrowman wanted to sit in a room all night where Lachlain was complaining relentlessly at the man. Because he seriously would. Lachlain may be over 900 years old but right now he was back to teenage status.. well at least partially. The only thing he could think about for any amount of time was the woman now a few steps in front of him. Too which he tilted his head to watch as she walked, damned he was rewarded for it.

"Everything is fine here. Don't worry. I'll kick any ass that comes in here, other than yours that is."

The look that Barrowman threw to Lachlain was enough to get most men killed. If it had been any other guard Lachlain would not of hesitated for more than a second that to let a blast of that would of taken Barrowman's head clear off his shoulders. This was however something that he would not stand from the other man for too long. No matter how good friends they where. Kendra was his mate and would not be harmed in any way shape or form from now on, If any one tried Lachlain would kill them without hesitation. If Lachlain was not able there would be many other who did it as well. Because even though she might not know it yet... she was Queen of the Moon lit Court.

When Barrowman practically stropped off Lachlain moved to make her way over to her, sensing some worry about the other man exit. The look in her eyes when she turned around caught him short however. He could practically see what she was planning and for once in his life he wished he could see into some one else's mind... yes it was a cat ability but he had an idea that it would be a good show to be inside her mind right now. He pushed his ability into his leg and closed the distance between them in less time than it takes to breath in. Getting closer to her than he really did to any one.

Lachlain had never really liked to touch anyone but not he found he wanted nothing more than the woman to be in his arms. He stopped barely a centimetre in front of her and pretty much had her in his arms before he considered it. He kept his arms lax however, not wanting to unnerve her and cause her to punch him or something. A part of his mind kept reminding his that she still didn't know. Luckily Lachlain was a very... very patient man.

“Hmmm so how long do I have the honour of your presence? ”

[/blockquote]