#matthew clairmont fanfiction

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Thranduil and Josie Pt. 157- Lucky Clover

Summary: Raven, Jace and Matthew chapter of backstories and new revelations.

*Warnings* language, angst, mentions of child loss, mentions of suicide, religion discussion

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

"No...no, get away....get away from my baby! leave me alone...no! Tauriel don't do it!! No...nooooooo!!!!"

"Raven! Wake up! Wake up, you're dreaming..." Jace firmly said as he tried to shake the distressed dhampir awake. The worried warlock had been faithfully sitting by her side as she slept, his contrasting eyes curiously studying her since they arrived at his remote refuge, trying to figure out why he was so drawn to the fiery haired and tempered dhampir.

Her eyes sprung open in panic and darted frantically all around the outlandish room that smelled of burning sage. A room that looked nothing like that of middle earth, but something of modern day living with hi-tech computerized gadgets all around, things she had only read about in futuristic novels. It also had a gothic witchy vibe, which that part she could at least relate too.

Then there was Jace, the gorgeous blue and brown eyed blonde, holding her hand as he sat beside her, which he hadn't even realized he was doing.

Raven jerked her hand away and jumped off of the simple single sized cot, adorning completely different attire than what she last remembered wearing.

"What the hell?? Where am I Jace??"

"If I tell you, I'll have to kill you." he grinned, but then instantly realized how stupid his jest was as Raven scoffed at him.

"Tell me where the fuck I am Jace...now!! Or I'll..."

"What? Set me on fire?? Burn down the only sanctuary you have? We saved you remember?? A simple thank you would be nice."

His tone was calm but cocky enough to get a retorting rise out of her.

"A thank you?? If not for me, you'd still be rotting in Jareth's dungeon. Where's my thanks for saving you?? Instead, you left me at the mercy of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. fucking Hyde!" she reeled, referring to Thranduil and his evil alter Elvenking persona, then marched over to the cathedral style window that held iron bars on the outside. "Oh, and that's just great. I lived my whole life behind these. So now I'm a prisoner again??"

"They're not to keep you in Raven. They're to help keep others out."

She glanced back at him with a softening look, then her electric blue eyes returned to the unfamiliar outside view from the top floor that displayed a dark outlying city street. The only light came from the waning gibbous moon which would soon be full for winter solstice and in the wide reaching distance was a lavish lit up world of humankind.

"Yeah well, they didn't work against Jareth when I was at LeBrat's."

"That's because you conjured him, basically leading him right to your doorstep with a welcome mat. Play with black magic, get black magic play back. Try to correctly say that fifty times in a row."

Jace's humor was sincerely playful but it was not helping, for Raven found none of it funny.

"I didn't know it would be him alright?? I didn't even know he existed. I wanted someone more like y...never mind. Can you not speak about Jar... him? As if I am not cursed enough."

Jace grinned in confidence, knowing she was going to say she wanted someone more like him.

"I never would have pegged you for the superstitious type."

"I'm not...well at least I never used to be. You know he'll find me Jace and if he don't, the dealers will.....even Thranduil."

"Hence why you are here. The elves will never come here and Jareth and Ravenna have never found me here yet. They can't find what they can't see. As far as vampires, this area is not their scene. Even they have preferences."

"Key word, yet. It won't stop the goblin king from searching all corners of the globe...and it goes to show just how much you know about vampires. We are too close. I can see the people which means if there's any dealers there, they'll sense me. People are kinda their thing, you know...food? They're always roaming the big cities, looking like any other human. Some even reside in them. Garrett told me all about it. Now, where are we??" Raven asked as her keen eyes continued to zoom in on the buffet of humans walking about in the nightlife, making her quite hungry herself.

"I know plenty about them actually. As you said, they tend to target the highly populated areas, which is why we are not in one. It's also how I have managed to stay off the radar. If you remain hidden, out of sight, like we are, they are less likely to sense you. To answer your question, we're in Manhattan, well, the suburbs of it."

"Out of sight, but not out of mind and we're in New York??? The United freaking States?? You FLEW me here, all this way?? That's like thousands of miles."

"Nine thousand to be exact and no...only part of the way. I didn't want your scent in the air for anyone to pick up our path, not to mention your dead weight of being passed out didn't exactly make for a light load, so I used a portal."

"A...portal?? Like Jareth can do?"

"Could do...but not without his ring that I saw you pick up inside the mountain when Gollum dropped it."

"Yeah, that...well, I don't even have it anymore. That bitch Tauriel took it from me and stupidly gave it to her looney tunes elf lord which has only amplified his assholiness. That's not all she took from me either." Raven reeled, still in shock over her loss that she didn't know quite how to speak about.

"Wait." she continued. "So, if you can teleport, then why didn't you just take me away before????"

"Because I didn't have my stele. As Jareth needs his ring to possess certain unique abilities, I need something as well. He had taken it upon my capture so I had to go back and retrieve it and my seraph blade too, after you had left."

"A...stele??"

"I'll show you some other time, what it is and how it works. It does so much more than just teleporting. This place? To the outside world, looks like an old abandoned church, even on the inside. When I said they can't find what they can't see, well...I meant it in the literal sense."

"Uhh, how?? It looks far from abandoned to me."

"Magic." Jace said as he now stood beside her and winked. "This is only one room. There's much more here...and there's others here like me too. We are well protected."

"So...anyone that walks in here...won't see what I see? Will they see us??"

"Well...Mudanes, or ordinary humans per se, won't and they can't just walk in. Iron bars and locks remember? Vampires etcetera, are a bit more tricky, which is obviously why you have to remain inside...Oh...and did I mention that my good friend is a vampire? Shocking eh?" Jace quipped as he folded his brawny arms over his broad chest.

Raven's head whipped to him. "No...you didn't. But...I..I remember now. There was one with you when you came for me...I...I saw him, smelled him. He reeked of some girly perfume and was wearing a pink necklace."

Jace chuckled. "Yeah, that's Matthew, but don't let the scent fool you. He's far from girly and quite dangerous when provoked, for he carries the blood rage gene. To put it simply, don't piss him off. Otherwise, he's one of the good ones. He actually resides in the civilian world of France but has personal business in the elven realm, which that's a whole 'nother story that isn't mine to tell. What I can say though, is that pink gem is no ordinary necklace. It's a runestone and is needed for what's to come. That part IS my business. It's all of ours. Anyways, you'll officially meet Matthew soon enough. He's out fetching some food for us...real food like burgers and fries, since I know you can survive on that."

Raven's throat burned with thirst for blood as he said that and her stomach also growled in hunger for a big fat medium rare double cheeseburger. Garrett used to bring her treats like that from the cities, back when he used to like her and protect her.

As she placed her hand on her grumbling stomach, she turned away from him and began to softly sob, for she couldn't hold it in any longer.

"He...they...took my baby away Jace....all to punish me for what I did to Thranduil. I am the reason he lost his family and has turned into what he is and now I have paid dearly for it...but..my baby...he or she didn't deserve that. I...I wanted to be a mom...I...I wanted to raise it to be good, unlike I was. My child...could have been the one thing to straighten me out...and someone that could have actually loved me."

Raven then broke down bawling as she lowered her head and leaned on the window sill.

"Hey...come here." Jace softly whispered and took her into his arms, cradling her head against his shoulder.

"I...I am so sorry Raven. I learned of the child after it was too late. Matthew sensed it in your blood loss. I wanted to come sooner but I knew it was too risky to attempt it alone. God, I'm so sorry for all the excuses. I...I never wanted to leave you back in the goblin realm, but I was outnumbered with Thranduil's army. He was never going to allow me to come with you and certainly not take you from him, which believe me, I wanted to so much. And...I do...I thank you so much for saving me. If only I could have saved you. Can you ever forgive me?"

Raven lifted her head and tear filled eyes to his as she sniffled and whimpered. "Why would you ever want to save someone like me?"

Jace's hand came to her cheek, his thumb gently wiping her tears. "Because I know there's good in you. I can see it. The fact that you wanted this child and to do right by him or her, proves that to me, but..I have even seen it in you long before that and I even told you so. You just want to be loved, which I know you have been deprived of and mistreated as well. I also know you have done some pretty terrible things, but you never deserved what my father had done to you or what Thranduil did to your child. Others feel differently, but there is nothing that can be done about that now, except that you can try to move forward and be a better person, which I know you can be...in fact, I think you want to be. Am I right?"

"Even if I do...I will still be hunted. Where am I going to move forward to? I have nowhere to go. I'm...alone..."

Raven lowered her head, only to have Jace's fingertips raise it by her chin and peer straight down into her sullen eyes.

"You are not alone. You have me. I'm here now and I will not leave you again unless you tell me to. I understand if you cannot forgive me or if you want to leave."

Raven was dumbfounded that he genuinely seemed to care for and respect her and she didn't exactly know how to react, for it's nothing she had ever experienced. The cynical side of her wanted to come out and tell him that he was full of shit, for she was scared to trust him again but...she couldn't do it, as his eyes and touch spoke the truth that he was real.

"Yes...I...I forgive you...and...I also thank you for what you have done for me. You...you're nothing like your father. If it weren't for your eyes, it would be quite hard to believe you're his son."

Now Jace's head lowered. "It...it must be hard for you to look at me. I am sure he is all you see in my similar eyes."

Raven's fingers now went to his chin, lifting his head up to see his ashamed eyes trying to avoid hers.

"Look at me Jace...please. I didn't mean it that way. I do not see him when I look in your eyes, for your eyes, they are beautiful and hold kindness and love within them. His are dark and full of hatred and evil. The eyes, they say, are the windows to the soul. Well, he does not have one...but you do. I see it. I see...you. I...I smell you too." she said as her brows furrowed, trying to figure out the scent. "You smell of...clover??"

He softly chuckled. "Yes. Ironic huh? That is your real name. Clover."

"Yeah...it definitely is strange. But..as you know, I do not go by that name anymore...although, I...I do like the way you say it."

Jace smiled, somewhat bashfully. "Well...Clover...I...I see you too."

A moment of mutual gazing was shared as Jace stroked her cheek and then in his bewitched state...he leaned forward. Raven softly gasped as his lips almost took hers...and then Matthew walked in, causing the two to quickly move away from each other.

He walked over and put the food on the table, then the tall, dark and handsome vamp, appearing to be in his late 30's upon rebirth and all dressed in black, approached Raven with observing sapphires and both a tantalizing and intimidating smile.

"Hello Raven. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Raven stood fidgeting with her fingers, feeling a bit anxious after Jace told her that Matthew possessed the blood rage gene. She knew what that was, for her father, Craven, possessed it. It was either a genetic illness that was carried over from their human life or it could also be passed on to them when they are reborn from a vampire carrier's bite. It also surprisingly allowed an infected vampire to create children with female humans, witches or even other vampires. The most susceptible to it were witches known as weavers, a rare breed of witch with the strongest abilities and capable of creating spells that don't exist, something you unknowingly inherited from Caroline and would pass down to Leean. But, the main reason Raven was concerned was because it carried the term blood rage for a very good reason. When ignited, due to strong emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety and extreme hunger, it became uncontrollable, although when provided with a support, hope and love, it could be manageable. Had she inherited the gene from Craven? Was that why she was a blood thirsty child and always so angry, having multiple fiery meltdowns throughout her existence? Either way, on egg shells she would now walk around the vampire that Jace told her not to piss off.

"I am very sorry for your loss. I hope someday, you will find forgiveness in your heart as you also seek it yourself. As you know, the she-elf that was ordered to carry out the devilish act, was placed in a very compromising position. It was not her wish to cause you or your child harm and she, herself, has been scarred by the loss. King Thranduil, far worse than she, for his mind has been altered by, as you know, none other than a demon warlock that needs to be stopped. Not even the Elvenking himself, in his right mind and especially without that citrine, would have carried out such evil. An evil, you...brought him to. That evil, he will now face as it has become full circle."

Raven's eyes intensely grew and began to sting with her own rage.

"Whoa...you're...defending them?????"

Jace nudged her with his elbow, his own wide eyes reminding her to watch her step.

"Defend? No...stating facts, yes. I do not find them blameless. Tauriel still had a choice. Even Thranduil did, for he still knows of right and wrong. Of course, he chose wrong... again, hence what has happened to him."

"He hates me! He hated me even before Jareth's mind fucking. He still would have done it."

"And why is it that he hates you Raven? Other than the fact you took him away from his family and set this all into motion? A... choice...you also had and chose wrong. Did you not deceive his Queen, your own sister, all out of jealousy regarding the vampire King Garrett Lee and because of your secret desires for the elf lord you also harbored?"

"What the hell? How...do you know all of this and....what is your infatuation with the elves anyways??"

"Come...sit and eat. I will tell you. I hope you like cheeseburgers, medium rare?"

Raven's mouth now gaped to match her eyes. She sat down, opposite the daunting vampire who then placed two burgers and fries in front of her and a bucket of Kentucky fried chicken at Jace's seat, which was right beside her. Of course, for Matthew, all he relished in was a bottle of red wine that he then poured for the warlock and herself.

All she could do was lightly gulp in confusion as her stunned blue eyes stared up at overly courteous vampire.

"Matty, my favorite, KFC. You rock brother...you...you got the biscuits too...right? With butter and honey?"

Matthew grinned and reached into the bag, then slid another box over to him at lightning speed, in which Jace gracefully caught, sporting a curled smirk of satisfaction.

Jace tore into his chicken in the typical hungry man way as Raven sat watching him in astonishment while Matthew sat silently, sipping his vintage while eyeing her.

Jace could feel her eyes upon him and suddenly ceased his meat ravaging to lock his eyes upon her.

"You want a piece?" the greasy chinned warlock asked with a mouth full of food, making her lightly giggle.

"I...I've never had that." she softly answered.

"What??? Sacrilege girl. Here."

Jace reached in the bucket and pulled out a chicken leg, then plopped it down on her plate. Her stomach turned as she then watched Jace suck his piece down to the bone, for it reminded her of Gollum's legs.

Raven offered a queasy smile, then unwrapped her burger instead. Moments later, she found herself indulging it just as Jace had, not realizing just how famished she really was. Hearing both the warlock and vampire chuckle at her, had her setting the sandwich down to shyly wipe her lips with a napkin, then awkwardly began nibbling on her fries.

"To answer your questions Raven, I have many gifts, sight being one of them, past, present and future, either while dreaming or during my waking hours. I know more about you than you do. The elves...well, they have been part of my future visions." Matthew explained and then continued after pouring himself another glass of wine.

"Do you believe in destiny?"

"You mean...like...love..and all?"

"Yes, that can be part of it. But just your overall future. I've seen many things. My own destination as well. It involves your sister and your niece...it even involves you."

"M...me? How am I involved in their lives? Josie hates me and will soon want to kill me even."

"That may be so, her feelings anyways."

Matthew took a hefty gulp and then sat straight up, leaning into the table.

"But...it will all change. You will be a part of her life again. I have seen it. She will need you."

He then sat back and relaxed again, returning to his wine. "With that said, the future can always change due to our actions. It all depends on you now, if you want redemption and to be a part of a family."

"Wait...you're telling me that I...will be accepted by her after what I have done to her husband? What exactly did you see??"

"I cannot tell you that, for then, you could change it's course by throwing a monkey wrench into it. It would be in your best interest if that did not happen. You see, there are some things that should not be told for various reasons. For example, I knew Thranduil was alive after a vision I received from a shooting star one night that revealed my own destiny."

"So you knew he was alive and...did not tell Josie??"

"Would you have? Knowing what her King had become, forced to despise her. What a terrible pain that would inflict upon her after all she has suffered, only to lose him all over again while he walks and breathes. Now, of course, she will soon learn the truth and with that said, another of those various reasons I mentioned would be that there are other things that need to take place until she is made aware."

"That...makes no sense. If she had known earlier, many things could have been changed??"

"It is not meant to make sense. You must trust the process., for it is all occurring for a reason. A war is coming, a storm like no other and the Thranduil before us all now is well suited for it, more than ever. The one thing we all have in common is Jareth's destruction and all the evil he will bring forth this winter's solstice that is merely two weeks away. The fact that Thranduil has the citrine in his possession, did you think that was an accident? If he had been rescued before he was, Jareth would still have it. It is one of the key items in ending him, along with the gem I wear. There are other runes that will be needed as well. Your sister...she will collect them. She also will find the biggest necessity, Ashmole, for even I cannot see it's placement, for I have spent 150 year searching for it. Only a witch can. If she had left Dowrinion to find her King, it would have thrown everything off course. With all this said...Jace, you will need to go to her, alone, for you will be needed to aid her in locating one of the last two runes."

"Yeah well, if only Thranduil had killed Jareth when he had the chance, none of this would be happening....and if you know the whereabouts of these runes, why have you not just gone and got them yourself?" Raven asked, as politely as she could in her frustration of brain overload.

Matthew sat back up to the table with a serious expression. "If Jareth could be killed, we wouldn't need the book, now would we? And I do not know the location of the gems, I have only seen them in Josephine's possession. I may have the gift of sight, but I do not know all. I am not God."

"Ok...so you're telling me that if Thranduil would have beheaded Jareth's ass, he wouldn't have died?? and....you...believe in God???"

Matthew plopped back in his chair and guzzled his glass of wine to the last drop, then heavily sighed.

"That is exactly what I am telling you. The goblin king's revival brought about by his brother Julian using the spell in that book, protects him and his body. How do you think he rose from the fiery pits of hell just recently? No sword will pierce him, no fire will burn him, no magic will destroy him unless it is from that book and those stones!!! It can temporarily weaken him, but that is it. He will just keep coming back like a stray cat if you feed it and he'll get stronger each time just as the cat will grow fatter. Thranduil knew this which is why he did not even try."

The vexed vampire poured another glass, trying to calm his emotions before he went on, while Raven sat frozen in fear as she witnessed his hand trembling while he drank.

"Now...God, you ask...I do believe in him. I was a devout catholic before I met my fate fifteen hundred years ago. I was 37 and aided the local church in a small France village, helping to restore it, for I was a carpenter. I had a wife and a son back then, both taken by a plague that wiped out most of the village, yet I never contracted it. I wanted to end my life when that happened and I tried, even believing I would go to hell for it. I jumped from the scaffolding and laid alone on the ground, broken, bloodied and still breathing. That is when I met my maker, and it wasn't God. It was my mother vampire who offered me the alternative to facing damnation and God himself by atoning for my sin through service, ridding the world of evil, much like Garrett does. She and her husband became my new family as Matthew Roydon died and Matthew De Clermont was born. Tell me, Clover...do you believe in God?"

"Somehow I think you already know my answer since you know everything about me and I've never even met you."

"Eh well, we'll be seeing plenty more of each other for you to know me better. It's time for me to go get my own dinner. Don't wait up kids...or do anything I wouldn't do. Raven...I hope you are feeling better."

Matthew winked at Jace, knocked back his remaining liquid and then headed out.

"Are you...feeling better?" Jace then asked her.

"Strangely...yes? Shouldn't I be cramping and still bleeding? At least, that's what I've read about miscarriages, although that's not exactly what happened to me."

"Matthew took care of that for you once we arrived here." he explained and continued eating his last piece of chicken.

"So...he's a healer too??"

"Yep...hey ummm, you gonna eat...that?" Jace asked as he puppy eyed her second cheeseburger.

"Uhhh...no...help yourself."

"Annnd...what about the chicken leg?"

Raven chuckled. "Take it. You don't wanna know what I think about that. Trust me or you won't be able to unsee it."

"Noted. Don't tell me." he laughed and swiped it up.

"Sooo...when are you going to go to Dorwinion? He told you to go alone...so does that mean I am going to be left here with a blood rage vampire?"

"He's not going to hurt you. He has more control than you think and you'll definitely be in good hands with him, just try and watch that spicy mouth of yours. It's really not that hard. I'll probably go in a few days after I know all is well here and..."

Jace finished the chicken and just stared at the burger as if something was bothering him.

"And??"

"And well...I have to face my sister knowing her husband is alive. Like, do I tell her? I mean...how, do I even tell her, considering what Thranduil is now? I've only met her once and...like, I love her already. I have no family but her. I guess there's still Jules, but he still isn't himself either thanks to Jareth and Harker. Speaking of Harker, he has one of the stones, the crystal. I wonder how Josie is going to get it like Matthew said?"

"I...I don't know...I..."

Raven sighed and picked at her remaining cold fries.

"Hey...what's wrong?"

"I...well...you know how Matthew said somethings shouldn't be told? I guess I am debating on one of those things....because it will hurt someone....and like you, I...I don't know how to tell them."

"Ok...well, tell me about it. Maybe I can help?"

Jace couldn't help, for he would be the one needing help. Raven knew the truth about her sister's true father and it wasn't Jareth like all were led to believe by Caroline and she knew that information would crush Jace.

"Jace....I...."

Raven grunted and threw her hands over her face, then ripped them down, releasing a hard sigh.

"Ok...Raven?? Now you're starting to worry me. What is going on? You have to tell me."

"Arrrgh!" she snapped and got up to pace. "Ok...ok...the person is you Jace."

Now he stood up and walked over to her, gently taking her arm to turn her around.

"What do you mean? There's something you know about me that will hurt me?"

"I...I should have never opened my spicy mouth!"

"Raven....tell me now. Spit it out." he flatly said.

Jace towered over her with pursed lips, peering down firmly with his brown eye darkening and his blue eye brightening, only causing her to clam up even more.

"Raven! You do NOT want my eyes to turn yellow." he shouted.

"Ok! Ok! Josie...she's not your sister....Julian is really her father after all."

"W...what??"

"My mother...she lied to Jareth all to hurt Julian for sleeping with her twin and not knowing the difference."

"How the hell do you know this???"

"Look...it came up in some conversation on our journey back to Rivendell. I sat and listened. There's this buy...Boromir...who claims his brother...some Faramir guy is Josie's twin. I guess my mother hid it from Julian and gave the boy away to these people. It's some long fucked up story."

"Hearsay...you want me to believe something you overheard with no facts??"

"Jace...It's...it's true. I...I'm sorry. That Faramir guy, he has powers now that he never had and the Boromir dude, he...he saw the truth in Galadriel's fountain, the one that shows the future...he saw Faramir, Josie and Julian together, and the guy called Julian father...if my mother had twins and Julian is his father....then he is...my sister's too...which only makes her....your cousin. But, that's still family Jace....she's still your...family. It changes nothing."

"It changes everything Raven." he flatly spoke once again and went to stare out the window. "Who's to say this guy isn't lying??? I mean, who the fuck is he anyways??"

"I don't know who he is really, just that he's a good friend of Aragorn's and...why would he lie? He traveled clear from Gondor to find my sister and tell her. He was there at Jareth's, helping to free Thranduil, only you never saw him."

"Gee, I don't know Raven. Maybe your sick and twisted mother put him up to it before she died for whatever fucked up reason. It...it can't be true...it just can't be...I...I learned about Josie when I was a teen. Jareth...he let it slip in a bout of anger one night when he and I were arguing, but I knew nothing more about her or how to find her...I..I didn't even know her name then. I was so angry that I was never told and I was so fed up with him and my mother as it was for all the evil shit they did, that I left, and never looked back. I didn't want to be like them. I wanted to be a part of a normal family, with love...and love was forbidden in my world. I had witnessed what they did to my aunt Freya, forcing her to turn dark and it all was just the last straw... So I went searching for Josie and have been ever since...all these years Raven, and I finally found her and she was everything I knew and felt she would be...good and sweet and...she loved me back. I...I can't lose that Raven....I...I just can't...."

Raven gently took his arm and made him turn to look at her. His face was full of pure anger and pain, his eyes glistening of tears, eyes that he refused to hold up to her sympathetic gaze....and her heart desperately broke for him. For once in her life, she felt love. Real love.

"Now it is my turn to comfort you. Come here."

As soon as Raven's arms pulled him in, Jace broke down crying into her neck as he held her so tight.

'I...I don't want to be alone anymore Clover..." he muttered into her cinnamon scented hair.

"You don't have to be anymore. I...I'm here. Your lucky Clover." she softly assured him as she made him look at her and then...she did something that even surprised her. The dhampir kissed the warlock.

@redeemer46

[freyja-clermont]

Links to my fanfictions (The Thief and Hitter, The Kings and Queens, and Daughter of De Clermont). Find them on Fanfiction.net, Ao3, Wattpad and Quotev!

[wenumsmol]

watching a discovery of witches again because i live for seeing a man insanely feral for his woman and laying his entire being down to protect her and be consumed by her.

now i seek the fanfics because *shiver*

[darlingpetao3]

A Discovery of Harry & Matthew (Harry Wells x Fem!OC x Matthew Clairmont, Chapter 13/13)

Rating: M (smut in final chapter)

Summary: When Laurie accompanies her boss, Harrison Wells, to confer with Oxford biochemist, Matthew Clairmont, over a potential scientific partnership, her world is turned upside down. Not only is she caught between her feelings for these awe-inspiring scientists, but she must wrestle with the reality of Creatures and her own self-discovery.

A/N: Well, it’s the final chapter! On behalf of my co-author @/centralcitymetapocalypse, we would like to say thank you to those who read this fun little crossover. We hope you enjoyed it! As for this last chapter, neither of us has reread it, probably not since we wrote it(?), so please forgive us if it’s “unpolished”.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12

Tag List: @fandomdancer​​​​ @bluesclues-1234​​​​ @fir3flies-light-up-my-sky​​​​ @firstofficer-tilly​​​​ @crissymadlock @thefictionalgemini​​​​ @i-dont-care-lol​​​​ @khayrrilrainxwells​​​​ @thecaptainsgingersnap​​​​ @nyctophilic0vitnir​​​

~ Laurie ~

Once we had arrived at the Old Lodge—Matthew’s home in Woodstock—my vampiric prince refused to let me do anything until I’d had a calming, hot bath which he’d immediately set out to do up for me.

His hard, insistent stare made it difficult for me to refuse. Plus, it sounded pretty good right about now.

And really, it proved to be very relaxing, letting the steaming water loosen my tight and stressed muscles. At first, I wondered whether Harry and Matthew would kill each other as I bathed to my heart’s content down below in the Old Lodge. But I let out a sigh and figured if they knew what was good for them, they’d behave themselves for my sake. So, after I finished my lovely and much-needed bath, I threw on one of my nicer blue tops I’d packed, a pair of jeans with a cardigan, and made my way down the staircase.

As it turned out, the two scientists sat across from one another in Matthew’s parlour engrossed in a game of chess. Harry rubbed his face with his hand before making his next move.

“My dear!” Matthew spotted me as I stepped into the room, both him and Harry standing up. “How do you feel?”

“Very refreshed, thank you.”

“How about hungry?”

“I could eat, yes.”

“Come, then.”

Harry came up to me and took my hand gently, as we followed Matthew into the dining room. “You look beautiful,” he whispered as we walked. I’m sure I blushed and thanked him in the most awkward sounding way.

Dinner progressed nicely, Harry and myself with our delicious (fully cooked) meals, and Matthew with his, well, cooked (or rather uncooked) to his liking. We chatted about our respective works, and I sensed an air of ease between all of us as if this was a common occurrence.

It kind of weirded me out, but I pushed past it.

“Another glass of wine, my dear?” Matthew asked me. I offered him my glass.

“Yes, please.” And then I was surprised to hear what the vampire said next.

“More, Harrison?”

“Thanks.”

Am I in a whole other dimension? Since when did these two get along? There wasn’t a single tone of animosity or disgust hidden anywhere in their voices.

Harry turned to me. “Laurie, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I am, it’s just... when did you two learn how to co-exist without so much as a death glare and disdain in your words?”

“Ah, we came to an agreement while you were upstairs,” Matthew explained, “We both care for you profoundly, so we decided to try to act like gentlemen for your sake.”

I must have seemed impressed at the news because yet another astonishing thing happened - Matthew and Harry shared an amused look!

“Well, I appreciate it, you two,” I said, “thank you.”

Harry reached to hold my hand for a moment, and squeezed it. “Anything for you.”

I smiled brightly at him, feeling grateful. I’d known Harry for the longest time, and I knew this kind of thing was hard for him.

“So, Matthew,” I began, still holding Harry’s hand, “why was it you desperately needed to whisk me off? To tell me something?”

Matthew wore an apprehensive face. I assumed it had to do with the fact that he had no idea how I would react to whatever information he had to tell me. He probably wouldn’t like me to blow a tornado through his lovely home.

“Right, yes, well first I think it would be best if you begin to explain your situation we’ve been analysing to Harrison. After all, it’s not my place to disclose such information.”

I took a sip of wine and turned to my boss.

“We’ve found out that I have… powers,” I started. Harry’s eyes widened with surprise.

“You’re a metahuman?” he wondered aloud.

“Not exactly. Matthew took a sample of my blood and it turns out… I’m a witch, Harry.”

“A witch?”

“Mmhm,” I confirmed with a nod before glancing at Matthew. He gave me an encouraging smile to continue. “It’s passed down through blood, so one of my parents was a witch as well, and I got their magic. I can do things, things I can’t control, like the tornado earlier and I smashed some glass beakers just by closing my fist when Matthew first told me.”

“Laurie, that’s… that’s phenomenal,” Harry stuttered at the information. While we had shared experiences with witnessing and believing in the impossible, we had never come across magic or witches in Central City, let alone vampires. This news only widened our spectrum of what was possible.

“There’s something else,” Matthew added, eyeing me from over his wine glass. Both my and Harry’s gazes spun to his.

“There is?” I asked, eyebrows raised. What more could there possibly be? He’d already turned my world around, what else was there to say? Matthew put down his glass and covered my free hand with his.

“Miriam and I did another genetic test on your latest sample of blood and the results came back different this time…” He paused slightly, but not long enough for me to formulate any words in question. “At first, I thought I was looking at the wrong results. They were completely different from anything I’d ever seen before, but it seems to be that you’re half witch, but you’re also half daemon.”

I just stared at him, not quite sure what this information meant for me. How much did this change things?

“How often does that happen?” Harry asked, gently rubbing his fingers on my hand to soothe me.

“Never,” Matthew replied definitively. “I’m quite certain that Laurie is one of a kind, in the whole of history.”

I thought I needed more wine to continue with this discussion. I smiled sheepishly and held out my glass to Matthew.

“Would you mind?”

~

The rest of the evening was lovely after our chat about the surprising other half of myself. We all had retired to Matthew’s salon where Harry browsed the biochemist’s vast collection of literature, and I sat on the sofa, zoned out and pondering my abilities and the meaning of my life.

Please don’t have an existential crisis in the home of a vampire, I begged myself. Matthew flicked past a series of vinyl records near the record player on his desk. A smooth and calming melody played through the speakers.

Matthew walked over and held out his hand to me where I sat.

“May I have this dance, ma chérie?”

I glanced over at Harry, who was thumbing through one of Matthew’s books from his vast bookshelf. He didn’t exactly look bothered by the offer, which again was unsettlingly different from what I was used to. And it must have been the amount of wine coursing through me because I was not normally fond of dancing. I was always afraid I’d make a fool of myself, so I generally tried my best to stay away from dancing altogether. But I lent Matthew my hand and he pulled me to my feet.

He brought me close, his hand resting on the small of my back as mine went to his upper arm. He smiled softly and began to sway to the tune of the music, leading me in our dance. He made me twirl and spin back into his arms, all trying to get me to forget what I’d learnt this evening and just try to have a little fun with him.

I heard Harry shut his book amidst all the twirls and spins. He came a little closer to watch us dance, or maybe just me. I think I saw him smiling.

I was giggling in Matthew’s arms as we spun on the spot before he used one arm to spin me out from his chest again, but this time let go, and my momentum carried me into Harry’s waiting hold. I stared up at him, momentarily confused by the change in position and the way he looked at me was unlike anything else I’d ever known. He brushed his hand over my cheek and I leant into his touch, momentarily forgetting that Matthew was also in the room. Though my skin erupted into goosebumps, it suddenly felt quite a lot warmer around me, but I thought that that had more to do with Harry than anything else.

Whether it was the wine or just something inside me that said ‘screw it,’ I didn’t know, but I found myself leaning up on my toes and pressing my lips to his.

It was electric the moment we connected. Harry’s hands on me were firm and wandering, while his lips mimicked the same. My head spun with a dizzying desire, and I’m not sure I had the ability to control myself anymore.

I felt an icy presence behind me, and it gave me the most intense sensation as it mixed with the heat of Harry kissing me like he never had before.

Then I felt a second pair of lips on the back of my neck.

Matthew’s hand settled on my hip as his whole body pressed against me as he trailed his inhumanly cold lips over my skin, paying particular attention to the side of my neck, where I felt his teeth graze against me. I let out a short gasp into Harry’s mouth, who just held me close against his chest. I wound one hand into his hair as the other covered Matthew’s at my side. I couldn’t work out if I was in some sort of incredible dream.

When Harry and I pulled away a fraction, I was panting, and looking up into Harry’s lustful gaze only made it worse. Matthew was still peppering kisses to my skin, but when I turned my head, he stopped and looked at me. Our noses brushed against each other for a second before I found an angle where I could meet his lips.

Every part of my body tingled and quaked from their touch, and I could not for the life of me differentiate the feeling between magic and lust. It felt so powerful. I could have sworn it was both.

Matthew’s mouth met and left mine repeatedly, each time getting a little rougher and fiercer. I felt Harry squeeze my hand from behind me. I broke our breathtaking kiss for a moment to look back at my boss, then to Matthew again, whose eyes were extra round and as black as night.

I chewed on my lip for a second, before deciding to take the lead. I took both their hands in mine and began to back up out of the room, leading them up the stairs and towards the bedroom I’d used to change in after my bath. There was no way I could reel in the emotions currently flowing through me. I needed them both to help satisfy the feelings I had, and this fire within me that they’d collectively helped to ignite. I needed so much more.

I stopped at the foot of the bed in the room and faced the two scientists standing side by side. They were waiting - waiting for me to make the next move to hurtle us all into something so undiscovered…

“I need you both,” I said, looking them each in the eye, “equally and urgently, or else I feel like I’m going to burst-” my voice faltered at the end of my sentence. Harry and Matthew moved to stand on either side of me, each retaking my hands.

“Anything for you,” Harry said thickly.

“Tell us what you need,” Matthew purred.

“I need you to make love to me,” I said, utterly breathless as I glanced at each of them.

“That we can do, Princess,” Harry replied, his voice low and it sent a shiver right through me.

Matthew gave me a darkened look as his hand ran over my waist before, in the blink of an eye, he disappeared from my sight, but I felt his hands as he pulled the cardigan off of my shoulders from behind and threw it onto the floor. Although the old house had been a little on the chilly side, I certainly didn’t need the extra layers now.

Harry took my face in his hands again before he kissed me long and hard, nibbling on my lip just to hear me squeak in surprise. I felt the chuckle radiate through his chest where my hands were pressed against it.

I started to remove my top and Matthew took it from me once it was over my head, tossing it without looking where it might end up. Harry then walked me slowly backward until the back of my knees hit the mattress behind me. I sat down, and both men helped me to rest comfortably against the pillows with hungry eyes.

Harry crawled up beside me on the right, and my hands immediately went under the fabric of his black sweater, running my hands over the muscles of his stomach like I’d been wishing to do since the first night we’d arrived in England and I’d gotten a glimpse of him shirtless. He seemed to understand my hint and pulled the item over his head before his lips went to my chest, placing passionate kisses in between my breasts.

Matthew, meanwhile, had positioned himself to my left and leant in to kiss my already swollen lips. On their own accord, my fingers began to work on the buttons of his shirt, and he shrugged it off without once breaking our kiss.

When our lips parted, the vampire slinked down to undo my jeans while maintaining that heady eye contact. Harry, in this moment, had moved to where Matthew once was and kissed up my neck to eventually meet my lips. The biochemist’s long and slender fingers danced along the hem of the denim. The way they popped the button and undid the zipper felt as if I was suspended in time. With a quick and forceful tug, they were off, and I gasped into Harry’s mouth.

Matthew’s hands ran over my waist to hold my hips, his cold skin like ice compared to how warm I now was. It sent shivers running all over me.

I felt him nuzzle his nose into the last remaining piece of fabric between my legs before placing a kiss there. The feeling currently running through me was indescribable. I just knew I needed him not to stop.

Harry’s lips left mine with a smack, which caused me to open my eyes and watch as his hand trailed down my side where it reached the edge of my panties, and together with Matthew, they both pulled them down my legs, where the item was thrown from the bed. I let out another little gasp that turned into a half moan at just the thought of what was to come.

At last, I felt the kiss of Matthew’s cool lips between my legs. I sighed and let my head fall back against one of the pillows, tossing and turning as I felt the pleasure of each kiss gradually grow longer.

“Yes…” I breathed.

Harry began to kiss me again, running a hand up my body to caress my breast. It’s as if he was making up for lost time, now that I knew he had harboured the same feelings I had. I never wanted him to stop either.

One of my hands ran up Harry’s arm and gripped his bicep while the other clutched the end of the pillow where I repeatedly dug my nails into it when I felt Matthew’s tongue swirl around my clit. I moaned into the kiss, pushing my hips up to try to get closer to Matthew, but his hands pushed me firmly back against the mattress.

Harry’s lips left mine, allowing me to look into his eyes which had turned more black than blue now. He licked his lips and then whispered in the sexiest growl I’d ever heard, “How about we hear you, Baby?”

A noise escaped me just due to the combination of Harry’s words and the magnificent things Matthew was doing between my thighs. The physicist kissed down the column of my throat before nipping at my collarbone and then sucking a mark there.

My series of whines had grown beneath my panting. “More,” I begged, though I’m not sure to which man. Either way, they both responded to my need. When Matthew’s talented mouth stopped its swirling motions, I almost made a cry, but instead he made a low rumbling sound in his throat - so animal-like - and pressed himself deeper into me and began to suck at my clit.

“Matthew,” I moaned, followed by a curse and accidentally grabbed Harry’s hair a little too hard as he marked my skin. He stared at me briefly, and I was about to apologise, but I had supposedly flipped another switch inside him. With an expert twist of his fingers, Harry undid my front-clasped bra, proceeding to bury his face into my chest.

“Harry…”

It was almost too much. I’d never felt anything this intensely before, and I wondered briefly if my newly found magic could be amplifying the sensations these two wonderful men were providing. And if it was, I couldn’t have been more grateful to have discovered this part of myself.

I could feel the tightness begin to coil within me, and I arched my back with a mewl that let them both know how close I was getting.

Harry was biting and sucking every inch of my skin that he could get to as my fingers continued to tug on his hair, now that I knew he liked that, whilst Matthew was incessant in his pursuit of giving me everything I wanted and needed.

I knew I wouldn’t hold on much longer.

My voice faltered as my breathing became all the more difficult to control. The relentless flick of Matthew’s tongue at my wet heat, Harry’s mouth creating his final mark of delicious pain and pleasure… that’s when it happened.

My eyes squeezed shut, then opened wide. Harry, Matthew, Matthew, Harry. They consumed me, and I happily lost myself to them with their names and various profanities on my tongue. I felt the heat rise from my skin and the dimmed room grew in brightness.

I stared up at the ceiling, still letting the waves of pleasure wash throughout my entire body. I’d never known a feeling this intense before.

Matthew licked me clean and he placed one last lingering kiss to my folds before pulling back to study me. Harry pressed his lips over the sore patches he’d left as I tried to control my breathing, running a hand through my hair.

It took me a few moments to come back from the blissful place I’d been taken to, but when I finally looked in front of me to see Harry and Matthew, I saw that my whole body was glowing. Brighter than it ever had before.

Matthew was peering up at me from between my legs, and Harry from my side, awe present in both of their expressions.

“Incredible…” Matthew breathed, crawling up the bed to take my hand when the light I was emitting began to dull again. He kissed the back of my hand and then up my arm just to see the light intensify again.

“Remarkable,” Harry noted with twinkling eyes, and I wondered if it was the reflection of my light in them. He interlocked our fingers and brought them up to his mouth to kiss. Harry shifted next to me, and I felt him hard against my side.

“Oh, Harry…” I went to touch him, and he shuddered at the contact. I immediately began to undo his belt and zipper when his hand covered mine again.

“You don’t need-”

“-Stop.” I interrupted him. If Harry thought I wasn’t going to repay the favour and leave both him and Matthew in this state, he was wildly mistaken. “I want to do this for you.” I ran my palm over the bulge in his boxers and watched him swallow quickly. Then I turned to face Matthew, still with my hand down Harry’s pants.

“What can I do for you, Matthew?” My voice came out low and sultry and very unfamiliar to me. I think both men were surprised to hear it too. Matthew leaned in close to me.

“I am willing to take as much or as little as you want to give me,” he practically purred in my ear before kissing me repeatedly. I could still taste myself on him.

I pulled away and glanced at Matthew and then Harry, deciding how best to repay them. Chewing on my lip, I took my hand away from Harry and undressed Matthew as much as I had Harry, so that only their underwear was left in my way.

They were both watching me so intently, though I didn’t feel in any way uncomfortable under their gazes, even if I was naked in front of them. My glow was brightening again as I unveiled both of them from their boxers, and my head felt like it was spinning.

I had a surging need to make them feel as good as I had. I took each of them in hand, giving the scientists equally hard strokes. Harry moaned while Matthew sighed, creating the most beautiful combination of sounds. They didn’t need to beg for more, I just felt it, and slowly but surely upped the pace of my tugs.

My name was on Harry’s tongue followed by his own swears, but it would seem my neck was the object of Matthew’s attention. The skin where he stared at me was freezing.

I think he wanted to taste me.

As if reading my thoughts, Matthew leant in and growled in my ear.

“Satisfy your human first, and then I can have you.”

The tone of his voice made me begin to ache with want again, and I nodded, slowing my hands to a stop on both of them before shuffling on my knees to sit right in front of Harry.

This way, it would allow me to give all my attention to each of them in turn and give them the most pleasure possible.

Harry’s baby blues opened and stared at me in confusion as to why I’d stopped. My hand came up to stroke his cheek as I whispered, “it’s alright.” Then, looking up at him through my lashes, I let my mouth meet his tip, placing a few kisses and licks to it, before taking as much of him as I could into my mouth. He made a stifled moan and buried his hand in my hair.

I couldn’t even remember how many times I’d fantasised of doing this exact thing to him, late at night when boredom and lust consumed me.

I felt icicle-like fingers glide down my spine, and I made a whine at the sensation and creating a vibrational hum around Harry. His hand gripped my hair a little tighter by accident, but I welcomed it. It spurred me on.

The cold fingers on me slid to my rear, and as I continued to go down on Harry, Matthew curved his body over mine. I heard him inhale the scent of me, then felt a cold squeeze.

I moaned again around Harry’s cock, and his hips gave an involuntary buck upward.

“Laurie,” Harry said gruffly like my name was caught in his throat. He wasn’t going to last much longer.

I took him in my mouth a few times more, making another few noises that were prompted by Matthew’s wandering hands, and deliberately swirled my tongue around Harry so that he was right on the edge. I treasured the little noise he made as I removed my mouth from him and replaced it with my hand to bring him to orgasm.

I wanted to watch his face the first time he came for me.

His hand moved from my hair to my face as he stared into my eyes before blinking rapidly and letting out a breathy moan when he finally came over my hand. His expression was gorgeous, so blissful and happy, and it made me smile to know I’d put it there.

He lay back against the pillows when he’d finished, trying to control his breathing as I leant forward and pressed my forehead to his before kissing him softly and nuzzling against him. But I was aware of Matthew’s hands still on me from behind and slowly pulled back. Harry came back to himself and leant across to the bedside table to grab me a tissue and cleaned up my hand for me. I pushed myself back against the vampire who pressed closer to me.

“I think it’s my turn,” Matthew whispered huskily in my ear before nibbling on the lobe slightly.

“A-are you going to…?” I left my sentence to hang in the air. Surely, Matthew knew what I meant.

“Only if you want me to,” he replied, pressing his nose to my neck and inhaling the scent of me again. I closed my eyes and tried to remain calm, but I knew he could hear my heart racing like crazy.

“I want you to.”

In a split second, Matthew had me flipped onto my back on the bed with my hands pinned into the mattress. My chest heaved from the adrenaline coursing through me. Matthew’s mouth hovered hesitantly at the side of my neck.

“What are you doing?” comes Harry’s voice from behind me.

“Our lady has allowed me to have a quick drink,” Matthew said with a touch of annoyance at having delayed his teeth from sinking into me.

“If you hurt her, I swear to God, Clairmont-”

“I would never!” the vampire snarled at Harry.

“You better know what you’re starting-“

Matthew sat back on his heels slightly to glare at Harry. “Better than you do. Don’t make me drain you instead.”

The tone of Matthew’s voice and the way he was so tightly gripping my wrists now, I guessed it was his bloodlust overwhelming him. I’d effectively just offered myself up to him and now Harry was stopping him from satisfying himself, unintentionally teasing him and I was sure, pushing his restraint to the limit.

“Both of you, stop,” I said urgently, sitting myself up, and looking at Harry. “Harry, this is my choice, it’ll be okay.” Then, I took Matthew’s face in both hands to get him to look at me. “I said you could drink and I’m not about to take that away. Take what you need to.”

“If I can’t stop-“

“Shhh,” I said, stroking his cheek. “You will stop because you don’t want to hurt me. And besides, I think Harry will kill you if you don’t…”

He smiled at that, and I swept my hair back from my neck again in offering. I watched the vampire lick his lips.

“Be gentle with me, Matthew…”

“I’ll do my best, my darling.” Matthew waited a few long seconds, as long as I imagined a quick internal pep-talk would take. And then I felt the pierce of his teeth into my skin. I cried out at the breach and felt a dip in the mattress. Harry had moved to the other side of me and held my hand. Matthew’s lips suctioned to my sensitive skin, and as he sucked and swallowed the blood I offered him, I felt an entirely new definition of the word ecstasy. I didn’t understand the science behind it or how this act could feel this good, but I understood how dangerous this could be. It made my head rush, and I wanted him to keep going, no matter the consequences.

No wonder Matthew was hesitant.

I thought I couldn’t feel anymore pleasure in this moment, but I was terribly wrong once Harry’s own mouth found the other side of my neck and his hand between my legs.

I wasn’t even sure what sounds I was making, but I was sure I was loud. The combination of both of them sucking their own mark onto my neck and Harry working me so thoroughly, I knew I wouldn’t last. And Matthew would have to stop soon, I knew it, however much I wished for more of this feeling. I hoped Matthew was getting as much satisfaction from it as I was.

“Ah, please, please,” I whined, holding Matthew close as Harry’s fingers rubbed me hard and fast between my thighs. “Yes, yes, like that, I’m there, I’m-”

I made three clipped whimpers, then let out my silent cry from the intense euphoria washing over me until I slowly watched the room fade to black.

~

I didn't know how long I'd been asleep for, but I figured it had to have been a good while, as I felt significantly less tired than I had before, though my neck was still a little tender when I shuffled myself around slightly. I felt the presence of my men in the bed with me, all of us a tangle of limbs under the sheets.

I slowly opened my eyes and adjusted to the very dim light around me. Between the two of them, Harry and Matthew must have put me under the covers after I passed out and then got in with me.

Harry’s warmth enveloped me from behind, his arm around my waist where he was spooning me, with one foot hooked over my leg. In contrast, Matthew's coldness radiated from in front of me, one of his hands resting on my thigh and I'd managed to nestle myself against his chest and I realised my head was lying on his arm.

I could just make out his peaceful expression and smiled softly, letting myself fall back to sleep knowing I was perfectly sheltered between the most attentive and fiercely protective men in the world.

~

When I woke the second time, it was from the sun peeking through the slit in the curtains and onto my face. I yawned and stretched my limbs, suddenly aware that Harry and Matthew were no longer in the nice, warm bed with me.

I held the bedsheet up to my chest, in case either were to enter the room and put my clothes from the night before back on. I thought I heard the low, rumbling tones of the scientists carry up from downstairs, and I’m fairly sure I heard my name mentioned several times.

Not caring what a wretched mess I probably looked like, I padded down the old home’s staircase. I hadn’t even rounded the corner into the living room before Matthew’s voice said, “She’s awake.”

I entered the room and the expressions on both their faces made me think that they hadn’t been having a particularly pleasant chat. Harry looked anxious, stood over by the fireplace, and Matthew wore a look of resignation where he was hunched over himself in the armchair. They both looked towards me when I walked in.

“Good morning,” I said quietly when they remained silent. Matthew seemed to realise that I was on edge too now, due to the awkwardness that settled in the room, and tried to lighten the mood.

“Good morning, my dear, did you sleep well? How are you feeling?” he asked as I came further into the room, leaning up to kiss Harry’s cheek and then moving over to the vampire.

“I slept really well. I don’t feel any different to normal,” I told him, and it was mostly true. I still felt a little jittery, but I put that down to my magic rather than him having drunk from me. I think we were all aware that the last remnants of the spell suppressing my magic had broken last night. Matthew gestured for me to come over to him and I perched on his lap as he swept my hair back and studied the bite on my neck.

“It’s healing well,” he said finally, gliding his fingers over it, before getting me to look at him. “I’m sorry, Laurie, I didn’t mean to take that much. When you passed out-”

“Hey, I’m okay, don’t beat yourself up about it. I knew the risks when I offered,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him close to me. “It just felt so good… I wanted you to keep going,” I admitted quietly.

“You continue to astound me.”

“Welcome to my every day,” Harry said, coming over to plant a sweet kiss to the side of my head. I smiled up at Harry, and then to Matthew, but the latter still wore a slight frown. I played with the collar of his shirt.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. Matthew paused before speaking.

“Well, I was just beginning to inform Harrison that, as of last night, we have broken one of the primary ancient laws of the Congregation.”

Congregation? Ancient laws? Harrison??

“I don’t understand what any of that means,” I looked to both of them, confused, “What law?”

“You were starting to say something about the consequences of intimacy between witches, vampires, and daemons?” Harry offered.

“Yes.” Matthew looked down before looking at me again. “Relationships between different species don’t happen, Laurie. For one-thousand years, it’s been forbidden by the Congregation, the council that oversees our world, which is made up of three vampires, three witches and three daemons.”

“And these nine people get to decide whether or not we’re happy?” I asked, taking his hand and intertwining our fingers just to emphasise my point.

Matthew let out a resigned chuckle. “It’s just how it works, darling. We may not like it, but for the sake of peace, everyone is expected to follow it. Because if we don’t, well… you’re the outcome of that… You’re quite possibly the most powerful creature ever born, and the Congregation fears that happening. They don’t even know it’s already come true.”

“But they don’t know about me, right?” I asked. I got the distinct impression that I should be scared of these people and what might happen to me.

“No, no, they don’t,” Matthew replied, bringing my hand up to kiss it, “and I want to keep it that way. But you and I together, we would draw too much attention. Someone is bound to notice that there’s something different about you and if the Congregation found out the truth, they will take you away and you’ll never get to live your life.”

I looked down at my lap as I took this information in. I could lose my freedom because of a decision my parents made? I never chose to be what I was. Then I had another thought.

“What about humans? You said relationships between species didn’t happen, does that include creatures with humans?” I asked, glancing at Harry who smiled quickly at me before I turned back to Matthew.

“It’s not as frowned upon, no. It’s far harder to avoid seeing as there’s so many of them now.” He looked at Harry as well, who took a step closer and put his hand on my shoulder.

“What does all this mean, Matthew? What are you trying to tell me?” I thought I knew what he was trying to get at but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to hear it.

Matthew’s hand found the back of my head and brought me in close so that our foreheads touched. “I’m telling you that for your own safety and well-being, we cannot continue together like this. I’m sorry.”

Did this mean I would never see Matthew again? I didn’t think I could bear the thought. Not after everything he’d shown and done for me. I choked back a sob.

“There has to be a way…” I tried hopelessly, realising it was pointless. Matthew just shook his head.

“You must return to America, to Central City,” he told me. “Learn to control your power and use it for good, and continue your good work with Harrison.” Matthew looked to Harry, whose hand was rubbing circles on my back. He gave my boss a resigned smile.

I couldn’t think straight and was nearly in tears. I didn’t realise Harry had helped me to stand while Matthew fetched our bags, saying something about needing to start the trek to the airport. Harry held me as we waited, swaying me gently back and forth. I didn’t know what to say, so I didn’t say anything.

Matthew reappeared a couple of minutes later, going at a normal human pace instead of using his powers. Perhaps he needed the time to think.

He laid the bags down as I pulled away from Harry a fraction, and he reached into my bag, pulling out my thin, pale blue scarf. Ever so gently, he wrapped it around my neck and positioned the ends precisely over my chest. I peered up at him, eyes still misty with unshed tears.

“For the marks on your neck,” he explained with a small smile. “I’m sure you don’t want anyone asking questions at the airport.”

I nodded to show I understood, but I wasn’t sure that I could open my mouth to reply without sobbing. But luckily, Matthew had more to say.

“I called a taxi for you, and this is for when you get back home,” he said, handing me a white envelope. “Details of a witch very close to Central City, she’s an old acquaintance of mine, and she’s agreed to help teach you to control your magic. I told her that’s you’re immensely powerful, but no more than that. Tell no one the truth, Laurie, for your own sake. But she’ll be able to help you to live normally, in time.”

“Thank you,” Harry said for me, as I took Matthew’s hand and held it as tightly as I could. I never wanted to let go. Matthew leant down and kissed my head before resting his cheek against my hair. Harry held my other hand, still rubbing his thumb over my skin.

We waited there together for the inevitable arrival of our car, none of us saying a word and just holding each other until I finally spoke up.

“I love you. Both of you. I don’t know how I’m going to do this without you both with me!”

“You are going to thrive.” Matthew stretched out the final word. The emphasis almost made me start to believe it. “And if I may say so,” he dared lock eyes with Harry, “I knew it was love for me the moment you stepped into my lab.”

“I can’t blame you,” Harry said to Matthew, and I turned to look up at him, and then Harry down at me. “Because I knew I loved you since your first day at work. Even if I idiotically tried to ignore it for far too long.”

I’d always wanted to hear those words from him. Harry loved me.

I brought his face down to mine for a kiss, closing my eyes, and letting my tears leak through my lashes. I was in love with two men who loved me back - a human and a vampire. I knew I’d be forever happy with Harry, but saying goodbye to the other third of my heart was still torture.

I heard the beginnings of rain pitter-pattering on the window panes. When our lips parted, Harry swiped my tears away with his thumb. He leaned into my ear and whispered, “Go.”

I knew what he was saying. I needed to say my final goodbye to Matthew.

Harry took our bags and went to wait by the front door for the taxi while I stood with Matthew in the entrance space, still not having let go of his hand.

He turned to face me, taking my other hand too as I continued to cry inaudibly, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“Don’t cry, my love,” Matthew said, tilting my chin up so that I could meet his expressive eyes. “You have Harrison and he is going to take the best care of you, or he will have me to answer to.”

I let out a half laugh and a sniffle as I continued to stare at him. I reached up and brushed the little bit of unruly hair out of his face before holding his cheek in my hand.

“I’m going to miss you like you wouldn’t believe,” I whispered.

“Try me. I have to live an eternity without you now,” he replied, sliding his hand around my waist and to the small of my back so that our chests pressed together. “But I will never forget you, Laurie, you’re unique in every way. You’ll always own a piece of my heart.”

I couldn’t stop myself any longer. I pushed myself up on my toes and kissed him hard, my fingers winding into the hair at the nape of his neck so that I could hold him as close as possible.

A gust of wind swept in from outside because it would seem Harry had left the front door open. It swirled around us, whipping my hair around as I cupped Matthew’s cheeks to pour everything I was feeling into our last goodbye.

After kissing him for as long as my lungs and lips could bear, I hugged his neck and rested my head against his chest. And until my heart was strong enough, I took a step back from him, and said, “Thank you. For everything.”

Matthew Clairmont nodded once.

Harry returned, to lean in the open doorway. He looked like a wet dog, drenched with the witchrain I had supposedly conjured outside. It was still pouring down.

“Ready?” Harry asked me softly. I smiled at him. Bittersweet was a terrible understatement to describe this moment. He took a step in and extended his hand to Matthew.

“Clairmont,” he said in the tone he uses when talking with people he respects in a business setting.

Matthew shook his hand and said humorously, “Harrison, I think you now have the right to call me Matthew, old chap.” Harry shook his head with a puff of air as laughter.

“Matthew. Email me any time. We’ll continue our discussion about logistics.”

“Right.”

Harry took my hand and lifted it and pressed it to his lips. “Let’s go.”

I turned to Matthew one last time as he pressed a kiss to my head before Harry took me out into the rain, sheltering me as much as he could with his body and helping me into the taxi. The tears started tracing their way down my cheeks again as we began to pull away and I watched Matthew through the back window. He waved at me but gradually became too small to see clearly any more.

I leaned into Harry’s side and tried to calm myself back down, taking deep breaths and wiping my tears away. I knew this must be hard for Harry, knowing that I loved him so completely but having to share that emotion with Matthew as well, but he held my hand tightly and didn’t let me go throughout our whole journey.

The rain followed us almost all the way to the airport, but I guessed that was a given seeing as I was the one causing it. It was slightly thrilling to know I was capable of something on that scale, however sad I was.

But, as we approached our destination, it began to lessen, and when it was time to get out of the car, it stopped.

Harry paid the driver and we each took our bags into the building before holding hands again and making our way through the place. I never wanted to be separated from this man for the rest of my life.

~

Central City seemed like a different world since I’d discovered the beauty of old Oxford, but then, so much else had changed in my life, I felt like wherever I was, I would feel that way. In some place enchanted and a little bit surreal, but in the best way possible.

Harry and I were wonderfully happy together now. I couldn’t remember a time when I felt this good about everything in my life, even if it didn’t include much of a certain handsome vampire over in England.

I’d started to see the witch Matthew had recommended almost immediately when we’d gotten back home in an effort to stop any more major incidents like my witchrain. I’d been making steady progress with it and now had much more confidence with using my gifts around the apartment, and had far fewer accidental mishaps with shattering glasses and the like.

Harry always asked me how I was getting on after each lesson and was still awed when I gave certain demonstrations like summoning objects and make them do what I wanted. I still had the occasional issue when controlling my emotions around other people, including one close-shave with a colleague at work when I’d made it start to snow when I was annoyed. I hadn’t been able to stop my pink glow during sex either, but I’d come to realise that Harry actually rather liked that…

We now shared a bed on a much more permanent and deliberate basis, as I’d virtually moved into his apartment not long after we’d gotten home and things had only progressed from there. It was wonderful to know I’d always get to wake up next to him after pining for so long.

My cheerful mood followed me into work on a particular morning, smiling brightly as I put my bag on the side and went to sit at my desk to go through any notices that needed checking before I got down to my work. But there was a surprise waiting for me there when I sat down and pulled my chair forwards.

There was an envelope sitting on the desk surface with my name in an elegant script staring back up at me. I picked it up and looked around suspiciously for any prying eyes before using a touch of magic. Holding the envelope in one hand, I placed the other on top, palm down, and let the words inside tickle my skin.

I gasped and dropped the envelope.

It was a letter. I felt the presence of Matthew in his written words from within.

It had been months since we parted last autumn. Matthew and I kept in touch fairly regularly after that through email, whether it be my “assistant self” regarding business matters between him and Harry or my “witch-daemon self” having a wistfully romantic conversation with my vampire ex-lover. But as time went on, I heard less and less from Matthew Clairmont. There came a time when I began to hear nothing from him at all, and I wondered if maybe he was graciously stepping aside after hearing the news about Harry and I.

I was aware that he and Harry also spoke semi-regularly, probably talking about me and how I was doing as well as their science, but it wouldn’t have surprised me if Harry had told Matthew about his plans to propose to me beforehand, just so the vampire would have been prepared for the news.

We all knew that there was no changing what could happen between us, but I doubted it could be easy for him to hear it.

I debated leaving reading the letter until I went home this evening, just in case the contents caused me to lose control of my emotions. But in the end, curiosity got the better of me and I carefully ripped the envelope open. I covered my mouth with my hand as I began to read.

Dear Laurie,

First, I would like to apologise for the lack of communication on my part. I selfishly needed time to process the news that Harrison passed on to me a few months ago. Which brings me to the main reason for this letter.

I believe congratulations are in order.

I suppose it was only a matter of time before this took place, and Harrison is only doing what any self-respecting man would do in this situation, which is to make sure that he gets to be with you for the rest of his life. I don’t begrudge him that, I only wish that circumstances had been different in several ways so that I would have been able to spend more time with you and given you all the love that you deserved. But Harrison is a good man, who will give you everything you’ll ever want or need, and I know how much he loves you and that you will live a wonderful and exciting life with him by your side. I wish you all the happiness and fortune in the world for this next step in your life.

Harrison tells me of your progression in a particular, shall we say, variety of “arts” and from what I understand, you are a natural and a true force to be reckoned with. Though, I think we all knew that from the get-go. I am so very proud of you and your accomplishments in the study of your birthright. I know you will go on to do even more amazing things, Laurie. It’s in your blood.

Lastly, I will say this - Saying goodbye to you remains to this day one of the hardest things I’ve had to bear in my exceedingly long life. The love I felt (and yes, still feel) for you will continue on until you’ve long passed, and that will be something I will hold with me forever after. I will always love you, Laurie, and should you ever need me for any reason whatsoever, I will be there for you in an instant.

Again, congratulations on your nuptials, and give my best to Harrison.

All my love,

Matthew x

I put the letter down on the desk, rereading it several times over as I brushed my fingers over his name at the bottom of the paper. I felt a mixture of happiness at hearing from him again with sadness at thinking about him, left alone in England while Harry and I were together over here. I picked up the paper again, holding my hand over it so that I could feel him through his writing, and smiled softly at his presence, however slight.

The door to Harry’s office suddenly opened to my right and my fiancé stepped out, concern evident all over his face.

“Are you alright?” he asked quietly, taking a few quick steps over to my desk and leaning up against it as I looked up at him. “It started to rain and I wondered if… you know, if it was you?”

I let out a chuckle as I shook my head and placed my hand on his thigh. “Harry, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean that I’m upset, okay? I’m getting good at that bit now,” I told him and he nodded in a way that told me he knew he was being overprotective.

“So, you’re okay?”

“Yes, I am.” I grinned ear to ear. “Matthew sends his best to you.”

“Ah,” Harry said in understanding, “I’ll have to send him a message. Good man. I’ve always liked him.”

I let out a burst of laughter and leaned into Harry. “Yeah, sure you did, baby.”

He chuckled into my hair. One of his arms wrapped around me and held me close.

“I’m glad you’re alright,” he said, kissing the top of my head. “Perhaps we should invite him to the wedding? Or is that waving it in his face a little? I don’t know what the etiquette is here.”

We both laughed and I stood up, shaking my head. I picked up my letter again and held it close to my chest. Matthew’s presence radiated from it again and I felt like I was being hugged by him again. And when Harry slipped his arms around me from behind and leant his head against mine, I knew I was still surrounded by the love of these two men.

And with it, I knew I could go on to do anything and everything that this world put in my path.

[linasofia]

Blood Moon

Part 2

Summary: Sofia is torn between her strong feelings for Matthew and the raw attraction Richard awakes in her. Unaware of the dark desires that hide behind their well-groomed appearance, she longs for something more than their company.

Relationships: Richard Armitage x OC Sofia & Matthew Clairmont x OC Sofia (Vampire AU)

Warnings: 18+, smut, mention of blood

Words: 5,2K

A/N: Not following ADOW canon, just two hot interesting male characters being brothers.

Special thanks to @legolasbadass & @lathalea for your feedback and help! ❤️

When the moon turns red anything can happen.

”You should go inside.” Richard's voice sounded restrained, and in the unusual moonlight that fell on the small balcony, Sofia could see how tense his jaw was. The raw stubble on his cheeks made his handsome face harder, and the veins running on the side of his neck were more visible than before. When he met her gaze, his eyes appeared darker so that they reflected the light of the moon. He let go of her wrist, and when she didn’t immediately leave him, he slowly repeated his words. His piercing gaze made her hold her breath, and he crooked his head slightly. ”Unless you don’t…” his voice faded to a hoarse whisper and then died on his lips.

Sofia didn’t understand his reaction, but something in his eyes told her that she should leave him alone. She didn’t feel rejected, nor had she rejected him. Something dark and possibly even dangerous lurked in the depth of his eyes, and it called to her against her better judgment. When she opened the glass door to the living room, the sound of his dark groan followed her inside.

Standing in the middle of the room, Matthew looked at her with a worried expression on his face. A wave of emotions flooded him when he saw their empty chairs. He didn’t trust his brother.

”Where is Richard?”

”On the balcony.”

”What happened? What did he do?” The words came out fast and in the wrong way but Matthew couldn't stop himself. His brother's words, uttered in the hallway just a few hours ago, rang in his ears. ”We have shared women before, why is she different?”

”I felt dizzy and went outside to get some fresh air. Richard needed the same I guess,” Sofia offered with a weak smile as she walked up to him. The trace of Richard’s long fingers still lingered on her wrist like a silent reminder she couldn’t escape.

Sofia stood in front of him, stunningly beautiful with the dark locks that had escaped her bun softly framing her face, and to Matthew, she could not be more exquisite. He sneaked a hand behind her neck and bent down to kiss her. Unable to taste anything but sweetness on her lips, relief washed over him and he deepened the kiss, knowing that she was untouched by his brother. Richard had not yet made a move on Sofia, but Matthew knew him. He had seen the hunter awake in Richard’s eyes and knew what that meant: he craved her. Matthew feared Richard would find a way to take what he needed if she didn’t give in to him willingly. Not here in his apartment, of course, but later, when she least expected it. It was a rare thing, he admitted; women always seemed to fall for Richard’s rough charm and appearance, and judging by the look in Sofia’s eyes when she came from the balcony, she was not unaffected by Richard’s presence. The only question was if Matthew wanted to be part of the no doubt passionate night where her lust was shared between them or fight his brother to keep Sofia to himself. Richard was right, they had done it before, but the thought of sharing Sofia filled Matthew with an overwhelming feeling of possessiveness. He wanted to remind her about the unspoken words between them so he wrapped his arms around her back and kissed her passionately. A quiet moan fell from her, and the soft vibration against his lips made him eager. This was all he needed, he thought to himself. She was enough to keep him away from his dark nature. He didn’t want to hurt her or mark her skin; she was too precious. Suddenly a cold gust of wind rushed through the room, and he felt her tense in his arms. Richard was back.

Sofia’s heart started to beat faster as soon as Richard entered the room, and she could no longer ignore her body’s reactions. She wanted him. Actually, she wanted them both. The thought of having two pairs of hands exploring her made heat spread from her blushed cheeks down her neck. She broke the kiss and searched Matthew’s eyes for a sign of his feelings, but he gave nothing away. Whatever he was thinking, he hid it from her.

”Don’t let me interrupt,” Richard’s dark rumble filled the room and sent a shiver of excitement down her spine. She could feel Richard’s gaze burning on her back, and just as a magnifying glass placed in the sun over dry grass, it set her on fire. When she pressed her body seductively against Matthew, he grabbed her tighter, pulling a gasp from her. Then he ran one of his hands over her hair and looked at her invitingly parted lips and her pleading eyes. She didn’t need to tell him in words; her body did it for her. She wanted more, and when she looked at him like that, he realized that he would give her anything she asked for. Almost at least. That feeling was new and strange to him. He knew exactly what Richard was after, he just wanted her body, but he didn’t know Sofia that well. Would she reject him if he didn’t let her have what she clearly wanted? Matthew briefly thought about the last time he and Richard had pleasured a woman together. He couldn’t deny that he had enjoyed it back then. With a sigh he swallowed hard and finally abandoned the thought of having her to himself. Slowly, he bent down and brushed his lips against her ear.

“Do you want to continue?” Again he felt her shiver, and he placed a gentle kiss on the soft skin right under her ear. ”I,” he paused and corrected himself, ”We…will give you everything you desire.” His voice was no more than a whisper but it held such a loaded question, and his words made her swallow hard.

”Yes,” The word fell almost shyly from her lips and something dark clouded Matthew’s face.

”Are you sure? You don’t know what you are asking for.”

Sofia pressed her lips against his, and the longing in her eyes made him claim her mouth in another heated kiss. When he intensified their tongue's sensual dance, she closed her eyes and lost herself in the feeling. A sweet vibration in her throat revealed her eagerness as he caught her lower lip between his teeth. Suddenly she became aware of the dark shadow behind her. Richard was so close she could feel the faint smell of his cologne. Matthew always wore a fresh, sporty scent that made her think of commercials featuring bare-chested men sailing as the wind messed up their hair and their eyes glittered like the ocean. His brother radiated sex with his slightly oriental musky scent and the combination of their two smells now as Richard closed the distance and trapped her between them was intoxicating.

”I’m sure Matthew,” Sofia’s voice trembled as the words sank in, making her ache for him. For both of them.

”My brother…” Matthew tried to find the right words but was silenced as Richard placed his hand over the lower part of her throat and gently pulled Sofia against him. When her back rested against his firm chest, he slowly stroked the skin where he felt her pulse beating fast like she was running for her life. His voice was husky when he spoke.

”What Matthew is trying to tell you, is that we both want you. And,” he paused and inhaled deeply with his nose buried in her hair and his grip around her throat tightened, ”I can feel that you want it too.” He wasn’t lying. It was like her body was covered in her needy scent, and if he was to rip off all her clothes, he could lick her skin and taste it on his tongue. But he wouldn’t do that, at least not yet. Now that he knew she wanted him, he had all the time in the world. He groaned at the thought of her heated skin breaking under his lips.

The skin on her upper body was flushed when Matthew lifted the silky blouse over her head and let it fall to the floor. Her chest heaved with every breath she took, and when Richard bent down and murmured something in her ear, her eyes widened, and she bit her lip. A few more secret words, and then she reached for the buttons in Matthew’s shirt. Fascinated, he watched her slowly unbutton it, all while Richard kept her close to his chest. There was no dark magic involved, even if it would have been easy to assume, just pure lust spoken in a voice that made Sofia unable to resist him, and the deeper his voice dropped, the more intense the pressure in her core became and the more she succumbed to his will. When she eagerly pulled Matthew’s shirt from his body, she looked at him with such heat in her eyes that the last feeling of doubt left him. He cupped her face with both of his hands and let his thumbs caress her cheeks before he once again met her lips. She placed her hands on his chest and trailed the defined lines of his muscles with her fingertips.

Richard took a step back and watched her. He admired her pale skin and dark hair, the softness of her curves, such a feminine contrast to Matthew’s hard shape. He was pleased that she wore her hair in a messy bun; her neck was too beautiful to be hidden under her soft locks. Under the warm light of the candles, he let his fingers glide from her neck and all along her spine. Her naked shoulders made the soft throbbing in his lower body increase and the white lace of her strapless bra caught his attention.

Matthew broke the kiss again, rested his forehead against Sofia’s and listened to her soft panting. When he ran his hands over her shoulders and down her back, he felt how warm her skin had become. He gave her a smile and thought to himself that this was only the beginning; she would burn under his touch before the night was over. Then he met his brother's eyes and gave him an almost imperceptible nod. With a firm grip on Sofia’s arm, he turned her around, and when she faced Richard, a gasp fell from her lips. He was watching her intently, like a panther would guard his prey. His black shirt was unbuttoned all the way down and hung from his shoulders in a nonchalant style, exposing his smooth skin and the dark hair that teasingly disappeared under the waistband of his trousers. She swallowed hard as he took a step closer and lifted his hand to catch her chin between his thumb and index finger. With his eyes on her lips, he ran his thumb over the slightly bruised skin, the contact leaving a pleasant sting in her lower lip. Then, finally, he covered her lips with his, and when she let out a pleased moan, he took it as an invite and let his tongue part her lips. Matthew reached for the clasp in her bra. When she wrapped her arms around Richard’s waist, it slipped between their bodies and silently joined her blouse on the floor.

Sofia pressed her body against Richard and let his scent surround her completely. He slid an arm around her and kissed her hungrily, pouring all of his needs down her throat. She felt the world sway under her feet as he grabbed her bun and forced her to tilt her head further back. Then he abandoned her mouth and kissed his way over her chin and down her neck. She moaned loudly as he let the tip of his tongue tease her sensitive skin, and it took all of his self-control to prevent himself from doing what his nature was screaming for. He intended to push her a lot further before he rewarded himself in that predatorial way, but it would be worth the wait.

Her aroused skin tasted like sweet nectar, and as Richard kissed his way over her chest, he could hear and feel her breathing change. When he reached the softness of her breast, he cupped it with his large hand and flicked his tongue eagerly over her nipple. She instantly reacted to his kiss, and he caught her responsive skin easily between his teeth, making her whimper. Matthew placed a kiss on her shoulder, and she leaned her head against his. Then his hands explored her body like it was the first time he touched her skin. She felt different in his hands, more alive but also more vulnerable. Richard slowly worked his way lower, over her stomach, but then suddenly straightened his back, grabbed her wrists and led her over to the large grey sofa.

He sat down on the edge, pulled off his open shirt, tossed it to the side and drew her in between his knees. Without a word, he started to release her from the black polyester fabric that prevented him from touching the skin of her thighs. In one motion, he slid his hand under the waistband and with a gesture disguised as a caress, he pushed them down along with the last piece of her underwear. She placed her hand on his arm for support as she stepped out of the pool of clothes at her feet. The hard muscles under her fingers made her marvel at his physique. With both of his hands on her lower back, he leaned forward to kiss her hip bone, his short beard scratching her skin gently. How she wanted him to place his lips on her most sensitive parts, she longed for him to taste her. Impatiently she parted her legs to let him know just how much she needed him, and he let his hands glide over her bum and down the thighs, leaving a trail of fire on her skin.

Matthew discarded his own shirt, along with his trousers, leaving only his black boxers on. Then he closed the distance and came up behind Sofia. Her skin felt hot against his now naked chest. When he wrapped his arms around her, she smiled and he bent down and kissed her cheek. Sofia placed her hands on his forearms as she hugged her tightly from behind. She gasped as his hardness pressed against her, and he loved how his name rolled on her tongue.

Richard was clearly aiming to drive her towards insanity, Sofia soon realized. Teasing her skin with rough kisses and having her shiver under his hands all while Matthew held her trapped in his embrace. When Richard finally slipped one of his long fingers between her folds, she was so ready that she cried out, and as he met her sensitive bundle of nerves with his tongue, her legs almost gave in. With all the power in his nature, he worked her body with an expertise she had never experienced before. Her body was on fire, and all she could focus on was him and the burning desire that consumed everything. Her thighs were trembling as he held her in a grip right at the edge of her release, but without giving her the last push she needed. Every time she thought she was going to reach her peak, he denied her what she needed the most, and she was soon ready to offer him her body in any way he wanted, just to have the liberating sensation of a climax. Without noticing it, she dug her nails into Matthew’s arms, and he almost felt sorry for her. He loved to feel her body tense with anticipation in his embrace, but he knew what a bastard his brother was. Richard could play this game very skillfully for a long time, and at some point, he would turn arousal to torture. He wanted his women begging for mercy, often in more ways than one. It turned him on. When the pleading moans eventually shifted and became desperate, sounding like she was close to breaking point, Matthew took a step back and pulled Sofia with him. Richard glared at him, his eyes black with desire. Matthew knew he had crossed the line, but he could not let Richard drive her too far. Sofia was breathing heavily and whined as Matthew spun her around.

”Are you ok?” he asked, holding her gaze firmly. She nodded, and he could feel her rubbing her thighs together in an attempt to ease the burning need in her body. Behind her, Richard rose from the sofa and grabbed her waist. Sofia let out a tortured sound at the feeling of his hands on her again. She needed him badly to give her release, and she would do anything he asked of her to have it. Little did she know how dangerous that could get.

”If you feel left out little brother,” Richard rasped, ”please, she is all yours. I bet you already know the sweetness of her taste.”

Sofia blushed at his words but the way Matthew looked at her made the heat in her body rush through her veins again. He leaned in and kissed her with such passion that she stumbled backwards and collided with Richard’s hard chest. Richard caught her wrists and pulled them behind her back, holding them firmly in place with one hand. With a final taste of her lips, Matthew slowly kneeled before Sofia. Richard leaned in close to her ear and hissed; ”look at him, he is the merciful brother.” Sofia let out a longing sound, and when Matthew took up where Richard left her, the sound turned to a pleased moan. Richard smiled against her skin; she was perfect. He had known it from the first second he smelled her in the alley. Now her scent and taste was all over him, in his mouth and on his skin. He placed his free hand over her throat. Her breath was already coming short, and he could not resist adding some pressure. She hummed sinfully and let her head fall back against him. Affectionately he stroked her skin where her pulse hammered under his fingers. Soon, he thought. She was ready.

”I can feel how much you need it,” he murmured darkly as he lowered his mouth to her neck. He craved her now, and her pulse was beating so loud it was almost impossible for him to hear her pleading. Slowly he licked her salty neck and was rewarded with a shiver. He looked down at his brother who was lost in the sensation between her legs and tightened his grip on her wrists as he felt her approaching climax. She struggled to get her hands free; the need to grab Matthew’s hair, to urge him closer was strong. But Richard was stronger and held her in place. ”Come for me,” he mumbled against her skin, and she closed her eyes when her body tensed and the liquid fuel in her veins ignited, followed by a thousand stars exploding behind her lids. Richard felt it, and with a low groan, he sank his fangs firmly into her skin. She cried out, but not only from relief, as her orgasm claimed her. The warm metallic taste filled him with more dark desires, and the soft sob erupting from her throat made him enjoy her even more. She was everything he had foreseen, and he was far from finished with her.

Richard released her wrists and as Matthew rose from his position, Sofia leaned back on Richard. She was not sure her legs could support her any longer, and she felt really dizzy. As though he could sense it Richard wrapped an arm around her and held her against him. She felt the large bulk under his trousers and realized that he wanted more. They both did, and she was theirs now.

”What did you do to me?” Her voice was weak as she caught Matthew’s gaze. ”That was…so intense.”

Matthew gave her a crooked smile but it died as he suddenly noticed the clear red drops on her neck. Richards' grip on her tightened when Matthew, filled with frustration, leaned in to take a better look at the small wound. The sweet smell of her blood found its way into his senses, and the urge he had suppressed for so many years suddenly stirred inside his chest. He fought it, thinking that he didn’t want it, that Sofia alone was what he needed. Richard, of course, felt his struggle and placed a hand on his shoulder.

”Brother,” his voice was deep but warm, the tone he had so often used when they both were a lot younger, ”you should kiss her.” He lowered his voice to a hoarse whisper. ”Taste her.”

Richard bent down and gently licked the skin from her shoulder all the way up to her ear and Sofia let out a soft moan. ”Please,” the words died in her throat, not really sure what she was asking for. All she knew was that she wanted more of this intense treatment. Richard repeated his move but this time he let his tongue linger over her wound. It was not a deep bite, just enough to break the skin and cause the life-giving red elixir in her veins to get within reach.

”Do it,” he said darkly and placed a hand on the side of her head, tilting it to the side and giving him even more access to her skin.

The primal need woke up from its slumber with a roar, and the smell in his nose was soon all Matthew could think of. He felt darkness calling him, and it rapidly became harder to ignore. ”Please,” she pleaded again, and her words were irresistible to him. She didn’t know what it did to him, and it was too late for reasonable thoughts now. Matthew closed his lips resolutely over her slowly dripping wound. The sensation hit him hard, and he felt almost drunk when he released her skin. He pulled Sofia from Richard, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he captured her in his tight embrace. ”I want more,” she mumbled against him, and it made him want to bury his tongue inside her once again.

Behind her, Sofia heard Richard undo the zipper in his trousers. The sound of fabric being pulled down made her curious to see if that bulge was as large as it had seemed when she felt it against her bum. As though Matthew could read her mind, he cupped her face with his hands and hindered her from turning around. His lips met hers in a raw kiss that made her core clench expectantly. Still holding her face, Matthew took a step forward, forcing her to back against the sofa, where she assumed Richard now was waiting for her and then she felt his hands on her hips. He wasted no time and pulled her closer to him, and since Matthew still kissed her deeply, she had no choice but to climb backwards up in Richard’s lap. She gracefully straddled him, and his grip steered her right where he wanted her. The smooth skin on his thick member pressed against her slickness like a spear of flesh and muscles. Matthew let go of her face with a caress, but held her aroused gaze as Richard roughly dragged her down on him. Sofia gasped harshly at the feeling of him stretching her beyond what she thought was possible. Then he held her still, letting her adjust to his girth, and she looked over her shoulder and met his eyes. The dark heat in them made him look feral and dangerous, but the sight spoke to her in a passionate way. Slowly, she started to move, grinding on him and was rewarded with a low curse. While supporting herself on Richard’s knees, she gave in to the lust, closed her eyes and started to move faster in search of a new release.

Matthew watched her stimulating movements with desire, and without taking his eyes from her, he freed himself from his boxers. When she finally opened her eyes again, she shamelessly reached for his hard shaft. Matthew hissed as she took him in her small hand and gently stroked him over the leaking top. She shifted on Richard and leaned forward. The angle made her hug him tighter and they both moaned in unison at the new sensation. Sofia’s hot lips met Matthew’s sensitive skin, and he couldn’t resist burying his fingers in her now more than messy bun. As she welcomed him with her tongue, he grunted approvingly.

Richard trailed his finger upon her glistening back and down the soft skin of her bum. He repeated the caress teasingly and she arched her back. With a smirk he looked at Matthew, who was following his touches on her body. Then he grabbed her waist tightly, thrust up hard, and Sofia gave a muffled whine as he set a pace she almost had trouble following. Matthew tightened his grip on her hair and took advantage of her movements for his own pleasure. The sight of her hand and mouth on him, the feeling of her warm and generous mouth, along with the noises she let out as Richard slammed her repeatedly down over his heavy member eventually made him lose control over his own body, and he spilled himself along with a stream of curses.

Lust pumped in Richard’s veins, and when Sofia finally let go of his brother and once again voiced her need for relief, a cruel grin spread over his otherwise controlled face. This was exactly how he wanted her. He didn’t take the ultimate control of her body without her consent, in the form of her blood. Not this time. She offered it to him through trembling lips, as she was ready to fall apart, and the power she gave him freely made him feel invincible. He was well aware of how many times in the past he had enjoyed this part of an intimacy too much, forced to leave the scene, unable to come back. It had never bothered him, there were always other opportunities. But as he thrusted deep into Sofia, with the intention of torturing her further, another feeling slowly formed in his chest. He wanted to take more from her, but if he pushed her too far, she would never again give him something out of her free will. The blind desperation in her voice, along with the signs of overstimulation he could sense in her body, finally spoke to his more reasonable side and he took pity on her. With his fingers digging into the soft flesh of her hips, he pushed her over the edge, and she shattered around him. The intensity of her climax pulled him along with her, and a feral roar that created goose bumps on Sofia’s arms filled the room.

Panting heavily, she felt her head spinning, and she was unable to process the words Matthew tenderly spoke to her as he ran the back of his fingers over her cheek. He repeated them, but all she could take in was the serious frown on his face. Matthew caught her before she collapsed. As she came down from her high, her body started to shake, and he was not sure why. Maybe she was exhausted from their mutual playing with her, or maybe it was because of the mark Richard had put on her neck. No, he reminded himself, he was part of that as well. He had not stopped Richard. Instead, he had fallen for his darkest desires and joined his brother as he devoured Sofia. She looked fragile now, with her hair unruly and loose around her beautiful face and her lips bruised by their intense kissing. A sudden need to care for her unexpectedly filled him, and he pulled her up from Richard’s lap and swept her up in his arms. He carried her to his bedroom, where the soft scent of fresh linen surrounded them, and gently placed her on his bed. She sighed calmly when he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to his chest. He was going to let her rest for as long as she needed. And he would protect her if necessary.

In the living room, Richard unhurriedly put his trousers back on, together with his black shirt. He had no interest in joining his brother and his…friend. Now that he had taken what he needed, he would leave them and slip into the night as he always had done in the past. This time was no different, he thought, as he walked past the bedroom only to see Sofia snuggled up against Matthew. In the dim light, they looked peaceful. Richard shrugged. His brother was weak. The cold air of the night surrounded Richard when he stepped out on the street. He pulled the collar on his coat up and put his hands in his pockets. As he walked the short distance to his own house, he didn’t meet a single soul. The good people living in this old part of the city slept at night, and that was one of the reasons he still lived here. Creatures passing by at late hours were always on their way to somewhere else. The fact that the dark alleys suited his interests made it feel like home.

Richard rarely had trouble sleeping, but something bothered him tonight, and after over an hour of endless tossing and turning, accompanied by his frustrated sighs, he got up. Naked, he walked over the cold floor to the window in his bedroom, pulled the dark heavy curtains to the side and looked up at the red moon. It was as beautiful as her and the memory of Sofia on the balcony came back to him. Her skin had looked extraordinary in the moonlight, and he had surprised himself with his self-control. It would have been easy to just take what he wanted right there but for some reason he had been patient. Richard covered his face with his hands and inhaled deeply. Her scent was still burning on his palms, and just like before, it was irresistible. He craved her. Again. But another feeling, uncharacteristic for him, also spread in his chest. He thought of Matthew, who had her in his bed and he wondered what it felt like, sleeping next to her. Feeling her warm and silky skin against his as she slept, listening to her soft breathing. Claiming her when he needed to. For the first time in a very long time, Richard felt truly lonely. He breathed in Sofia’s scent again and growled. He wanted to clear his head, and there was only one way to deal with this. He needed to hunt. Tonight.

Did you like it? Please like, comment or/and reblog!

Taglist and others who might be interested: @lathalea @legolasbadass @laurfilijames @i-did-not-mean-to @middleearthpixie @fizzyxcustard @bitter-sweet-farmgirl @enchantzz @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @mariannetora @haley-reads @emrfangirl @s0ftd3m0n @lilith15000 @sunnysidesidra @theawkwardbutterfly

Let me know if you want to be added or removed.

[apinchofm]

I Don't Want To Hide Us Away

Miss Phoebe Taylor had lived a sheltered existence due to her birth. Then she meets Marcus de Clermont, Dr Whitmore to his patients and a friendship and love blossoms. regency!au inspired by Belle (2013) and Bridgerton.

chapter 1: dancing on my own

they meet and ysabeau begins her plot.

chapter 2: I look at those secret worlds you call eyes

new friends and courtships

chapter 3: pull me closer

they get much closer than they should

chapter 4: let me live or let me love you

dinner and a choice is made

Chapter 5: somewhere only we know

assistance in their bubble

chapter 6: beyond your darkness, there is light

oxford holds many secrets.

chapter 7: no need to run and hide

secrets create distance. always.

chapter 8: with my father in a casket, I had no plans.

[livi-4799]

Reminder (Wall Drawing Inspired Scene)

(This is a snippet of what I want to do for a fanfiction for ADOW. The scene is based off the infamous wall drawing scene in Book 3. NOTE: Olive and Nickolas are original characters) *The work is a combination of elements of season 3 of the show and book 3*

**Spoilers for the final season and book of ADOW**

Jack

Pencil lead glided across the paper, lines fill the empty space in the middle and fingerprints, the result of staining from smudging the lead were imprinted on the corners. An almond shaped eye staring to the right was almost close to completion with the outline of the second waiting. A rough outline of a face needed lines of where the jaw was going to be, but I needed to figure out the nose shape first before that happened. The drawing was of another face today, I don’t know whose. But a clear image in my head was telling me it was going to be a man. How old was still foggy, the face was there but I can’t make out what are their features, not yet.

I wasn’t in that much of a rush or mood to be that invested about the distortion of the features, this was something to do now, to distract. I reached for the sharpener near my feet on the window seat and sharpened the pencil. Lead smeared more on my fingers, leaving charcoal to stain. The lunch with Father Hubbard had ended early, one of his newest members was having difficulty adjusting. From what I was told by Leonard, he’s only been with Hubbard for a few months. A wrong move had created an unnecessary line that cuts through the half-completed left eye.

“Shit.” I sighed. I reached for the eraser that sat next to the spare pencils and removed the mistake. Brushing off the rubber bits, I quickly fixed the eye before going back to the bridge of the nose, flicking the tip of the lead up from the faint circle where the nose’s tip would be.

I looked up and towards the opened door of my room, where a framed photo of Sept-Tours sat on the wall, I listened closely for anything, no heartbeats but the faint one of my own was audible in the whole house, the vampire hearing did pick up the free-way traffic, but none of the cars used by Dad and Mum, Sarah or Olive’s. Usually the door would be shut but there was no need for it to be, no one was home. The twins were with Marthe and Sarah today at the park, Dad was at the Oxford lab with Miriam and Chris working on more DNA samples, Creature and Human for the paper Mum wants to release, and speaking of Mum, she’s at Oxford university teaching a class till six. Olive was the only one home today with nothing planned, no classes, no work, a day off. But when I arrived home, she wasn’t here. A text message at 1:15 today answered the question of where she was: out. A friend of hers at the university organised a last-minute day out and she’ll be home around 2 or 3ish. About 45 minutes later my phone buzzed from Olive, she had sent a photo of her and her friends at some restaurant outside. So, the house was empty, except for me.

Two eyes completed, now for the nose. Narrow? Wide? The tip of the lead touched the paper and, nothing. Familiarity paused any progress for me to make. I think I know who this face is? But who? Whose face was I drawing? The answer never came as I was interrupted. The phone ringing broke the silence. My phone buzzed on the wooden table across from me where the spare sheets of paper sat and other utensils. I placed the book and pencil down on the window seat and got up to get the phone. I turn the screen around to see who was calling. It’s Olive.

I clicked answer and put the phone to my ear. “Hey.”

“Hi!” Olive’s cheery voice rang through. “Sorry I missed your call earlier. Lost my phone in my bag.”

“That’s fine.” I heard cars in the background and the sound of her car’s engine. “Are you driving?”

“Yeah. And before you jump and say I shouldn’t be driving and calling, my Bluetooth is on, the phone is connected to the car speakers. Hey, listen, I’m on my way to you, where do you want to meet?”

I sat back down on the window seat, feet planted next to the open sketchbook. “Don’t worry about it. I’m home.”

I heard the turn signal, “You back at your parents already? I thought your lunch with Father Hubbard was going to be till 3.” The sound clicks off.

“Cut short.” I told her, “Father H had to help a new member of his flock. He wouldn’t tell me what it’s about. Nothing serious for me to worry about.”

“I hope it’s not Nickolas.” I heard the worry in her voice. The two of them were like siblings, he had her back all these years and she had his for the 5 years they had run. He was her friend and brother. Losing him would do God knows what, possibly worse than what happened when she lost her friend Leah.

I shook my head. “Highly unlikely.” I assured her, “Leonard told me he’s been adjusting well.”

I hear her sigh, “Thank God. I’m relieved. We haven’t spoken in a bit, and I was meaning to call him, Leonard or Father Hubbard to ask how have things been. Anyway, how long have you been back?”

“I’ve been home for a couple of hours.” I told her, sitting up straighter. “And you know it’s your home too. Dad and Mum explained to you this multiple times.” After we had watched her father’s message to Dad and Olive, Mum and Dad decided, with the help of the twins’ begging for her to become their big sister, that Olive would be accepted into the scion, and that the room she’s staying in, next door to mine, is now hers and she can do whatever she wants to it. But no matter what was said, it still hasn’t brought any ease for her. She still believes that one day she will lose that, her bags still packed with her belongings hidden in the wardrobe in case she would be asked to leave, or she would have to run. I won’t allow that to happen, no matter what.

“I’m still not used to calling it home.” She tells me, “And I’m not a de Clairmont, or Bishop-Clairmont.”

“And neither am I, technically. My last name is Blackfriars, Marcus’ is Whitmore and Fernando’s is Gonclaves. Regardless of the last name you have, you’re part of the scion now, and part of this family. Everyone is happy you’re with us: the twins love you like a big sister, Mum and Dad love you, Phoebe and Marcus too and I love you. I love you a lot, since the day we meet I always had and I know you don’t believe anyone else with you staying here permanently and being part of the scion but believe me when I tell you that I will do anything to make sure you have a place here, that you have somewhere to call home. You are home. You’re with me.”

There was silence at the other end of the phone, the only sounds audible were the cars and hers. Worry spread through my body. “Olive? You there?”

“Yeah. I am.” Her voice was shaky. “Thank you. I—I love you too. I’ll be home in 10 minutes.”

“Alright. And when you do, we’ll need to unpack your things. I think you can use that wardrobe properly now. Even if we do one bag today, it’s a good place to start. Baby steps.”

“Baby steps.” She repeats, I heard the turn signal again. “Alright, I better end the call and let you get back to your drawing of the man.”

I laughed, my head leaning back against the wall. “How could you possibly know I’m doing that?”

It was her turn to laugh, I loved that sound. “And reveal my secrets? That will ruin the fun.”

I shook my head and sighed, “You and your Bright-Born gifts are something.”

          “You love them. I’ll see you soon. Bye.”

“Bye.” I put the phone down next to me and picked up the book and pencil and went back to the drawing.

Five minutes later, after adding some shadow to the face and finishing the lips and nose the face was almost completed. A bald man staring to his right, a few lines added age to the face, based on where the wrinkles were, he looked—A face appeared in my head.

My hand stopped moving, the pencil frozen when my mind clicked on who this face was. Something twitched in my head and flashes of the man, the real one appeared. His dark blue eyes, his greying eyebrows, stubble on his face where a beard would be. The pencil slid from my hand and landed somewhere on the floor. My quickened heartbeat became a distant sound to the new noise that surrounded me: screams of all my victims. The white of the page had expanded as far as I could see, taking over my room before fading into a dull black colour. The smell of stale blood and dust replaced the smell of paper and drawing pencils.

His voice echoed in my head. “C’mon Jack.”

I heard my own. “I don’t want to do it.”

I blinked and I was back with Benjamin, the newest victim knelt in front of us. The man, the victim’s face I was drawing not moments ago, stared back at me with wide eyes, terrified of what was to come. Tears clouded his eyes. His mouth was gagged with a white cloth so he wouldn’t scream, Benjamin would want me to take it off him not soon enough so he could scream. It made things more fun in his eyes.

Benjamin stood next to me, I didn’t need to look to know he was smirking. “C’mon Jack. You don’t want to disappoint him now, do you?”

I took a step back. “This is wrong. It’s all wrong. He’s scared.”

The man nodded in agreement, thinking it would help him in any way.

Benjamin leaned in closer to whisper in my ear, “You need to show me. Show me what you can do for Matthew, that you are of his blood. One of his.”

Anger caused the blood rage to surface as I faced him, “I am Matthew’s son! And this doesn’t prove it!”

Benjamin had my hair gripped tight in his fist, “Prove it!” He screamed, voice echoing in my head and memories. His eyes were violent. “Prove it to me that you’re worthy of his respect!”

He threw me back and walked over to untie the man and ungag him, “Prove to me that you are Matthew’s.”

“No! I won’t do it! Please!” I begged.

The man crawled over to me and gripped the legs of my pants, “Please let me live! I beg of you! I—I won’t say a thing. I—I promise!” He was crying.

          Benjamin scoffed before I could do anything. “I knew it. This is why Matthew left you, why he hates you, is ashamed of who you are. You’re not his son, you’re pathetic, weak. You haven’t got the spirit.”

A snarl echoed in the room and fear whitened the man’s face as he scrambled to get away. He ran past and tried to get out, but the door was locked. Benjamin made sure of it. Rage burned through.

The man banged on the door, “Help! Som—” In a blur everything shifted, the man screamed echoed the room along with the sounds of snarling and gulping. Blood filled the air with its scent. Something warm went down my throat. Suddenly the screaming stopped and a heavy weight was in my hands. Benjamin’s laugh ran through, snapping me back to reality. My face was in the man’s neck, mouth full of blood. The blood rage was replaced instantly with guilt. I pulled away when I realised what I did. The man collapsed like a sack, his body limp on the ground.

I scrambled over to him and placed a hand over his heart, it was weak but still beating. Without hesitation I bit into my wrist hard to draw blood and pressed it to his mouth. He coughed up blood, it bursts from his lips and dribbled down. “Drink it!” I screamed at him, my tears fogging his face. “Drink the blood!”

He never opened his mouth, the light in his eyes died. His chest stopped rising and his head limped to the side, facing the wall. I heard the man’s heart beat for the last time, the blood didn’t work. I was too late. Blood coated my skin red, a mixture of his and my own, burning hot and sticky. It coated my hands. My vampire heart thudded in my ears. What have I done?!

I heard Benjamin’s footprints stop behind me then he pats my shoulder twice, “Well done, boy. You will make Matthew proud to call you his son.”

I didn’t look up to see his face or to watch him leave, I heard him sing as he left me alone with the body. “All the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put poor Jack back together again.”

A female voice called out through the tears, “Jack?!”

Olive

The house was too quiet when opening the front door, one arm carrying four bags. The keys rattling in the door’s lock as I pulled it out. I shut the door with a small kick, it accidentally slammed harder than what I intended. “Hey, I’m back.” I shouted, Jack didn’t respond.

I placed the bags down on the dining table, “Jack?” I called out, nothing.

I was about to say something again when a smell hits me, the air in the house no longer smelt like the English pear and Freesia candle I used this morning, instead, a bitter acrid smell filled the space. My nose scrunched at the smell. Something wasn’t right, my stomach flips. I took a hesitant step forward, the smell was much stronger towards the stairs. “Jack? What—”

A screeching sound cuts through and I groaned as pain crippled me to my knees, my eyes scrunched shut, my hands were pressed hard to my temples to help the pain, the sound was the only thing I could hear for the moment before a flood of emotions rush through me, someone else’s. Pain, agony, a whole lot of guilt, faint anger, sadness. Flashes of images invade my mind. A dark room. A balding man gagged and bound on his knees. Blood. So much blood. Blood stained hands. A little boy in poor clothes. A cunning smile. Dark eyes. The miniatures of Diana and Matthew from 1590. A car in the dark night. A swirl of whispers, screeching, screaming become a giant sound, my eyes snapped open and I felt power surge through my veins, pooling in my blood and my mind, the noise grew distant for another to echo: Jack’s panicked thoughts.

Jack’s thoughts echoed in my head. “No! I won’t do it! Please!”

My shoes squeaked along the floorboards as I ran, my phone fell out of my pocket and smashed on the floorboards, but I didn’t care, my shoes thudded up the stairs. I almost tripped on the final step, my shoe catching the corner. I grabbed the wall before I could fall, my arm scrapping the wall, I ignored the pain vibrating and ran down the hall where Jack and my rooms were.

“Jack?!” I called out again, he didn’t respond. The door to his room was wide open and I skid to a stop at the sight.

Papers scattered the floor in white and grey, the pencils, a mixture of stubs and long laid atop of some drawings of faces, places, Jack’s latest sketchbook laid facing down, the spine pointing to the ceiling. The table where his supplies normally sat was overturned, the legs facing the window. The smell was much stronger in here, I could taste it on my tongue, and it caused my skin to crawl. Sourness coated my taste and I swallowed. I took a step into the room. The white walls were covered in drawings, murals of deep grey covered every inch as far as I could see. Some of the work overlapped the other, I made out a few detailed landscapes like London, Poland, animals and plants but the main thing was faces, some were human, men and women of a mixture of older and younger generations but they all shared the same thing: they were all showing fear, agony. They were showing pain, the other faces, they were creatures. He had managed to capture the intensity of a vampire’s stare. I spotted Baldwin’s face in one corner, staring intensely at me, the man’s face depicting annoyance and anger about something. I saw Diana and Matthew on the same wall, their face’s emitting shock, Diana’s had joy mixed in with her gaze whereas Matthew’s was anger; this must’ve been when Jack and they reunited. On the other wall I spotted another face, whose I didn’t know, it was male. He appeared to be younger than Matthew in appearance, maybe late 20s, maybe early to mid-30s with a beard. His dark hair was styled like a 90s boyband member.

I spotted Jack on the furthest wall, the same wall where that man’s face sat standing atop of a make shift scaffold. Next to him on a scaffold of its own, was a box of pencils. One hand was braced against the wall while the other sketched his newest work, a man’s face scrunched in agony. The skin of his hand told me it was pasty white, I spotted a few veins protruding from the ghastly skin. The tips of his fingers were stained charcoal. He shuddered then picks up a new pencil to work with, the stub of the previous one clattered to the floor and rolls away in a mocked attempt to escape.

Jack’s mind and his own voice repeated one line over and over, “All the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Jack back together again.” He shuddered again then repeated the words again. Tears flooded my eyes. Was this his blood rage surfacing? Or was it something else?

I took a step and froze at the crunching sound under my shoe. I froze as the sound made its presence known loudly. My teeth clenched hard as I cursed at the sound. I looked down and saw that I stepped on a pencil. A low growl made my skin go cold and I looked to see that Jack had stopped drawing. His body froze, the pencil stopped its latest work and he turns his head to look at me. Tear streaks ran down his face from his eyes, the inky black colour caused my blood to go ice cold. My heart thudded, hard. I could feel the beating in my throat and my ears. His teeth were clenched into a snarl.

I could feel his emotions a thousand times more: guilt, regret, pain.

"Jack?”

[thereadersmuse]

Her next breath was a thready rasp. Prey-like and beautiful.

*Also posted on ff.net.

[marirable]

isn’t it sweet? (adow fic)

If Diana thought that getting to know Matthew's extended family was only going to get easier with time, she was clearly mistaken.

Read on: AO3 | FF.net

[nerdywithatwist]

I posted another new chapter awhile ago. Forgot to tell you.

Xoxo,

Babbsie

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21552769/chapters/65808571

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Thranduil and Josie Pt. 131- To the Moon and Back

Summary: Josie and Lola have a talk. New info about Narcisse worries the Queen. Haldir comes back empty handed to Josie's dismay. She finally faces the reality. Legolas and Thranduil speak again. Leean's magic begins. Haldir and Josie head to a party in Dorwinion city. Josie dreams of a stranger who has an unsettling word.

*Warnings* language, angst, violence, gambling, grief,

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

You spent an hour soaking in Haldir's bath of healing water while Lola tended to Leean and Haldir was out looking for the phantom of Thranduil like he promised you he would, although you knew he didn't believe that you saw him. Why was it so hard for an elf of all beings to believe something of great magic could occur? Especially after all that you and he had witnessed in your time with him, and all he himself had witnessed in his thousands of years. He knew what Thranduil's magic was capable of as well, so you just didn't get why he was being so reluctant to believe that Thranduil had found a way to visit you spiritually. You still wondered if Haldir knew of Thranduil's stag ability. How could he not? The two were the closest of friends for all of their existence, but you weren't about to ask, for it meant betraying Thranduil's trust in his secret. Maybe that was why Haldir was keeping silent about it too? The code of honor between best friends...although they weren't anymore, all because of you.

You got out and dressed, then went to Lola's room. She was holding Leean and had a prepared bottle of healing water next to her per your request because you were worried that the evil enchantment of the forest's effects on you would pass onto your sweet princess, even though you were now feeling normal again, except for you thoughts of the King.

"Lola...I have a question for you. You are so wonderful to me and my daughter and she adores you, as do I. Besides Haldir and Legolas, I trust no one else with her....but I suppose that's because there is no one else. Anyways, at some point, I will leave here with her and...I was wondering if...you would come with us? Be her nanny. You would be far more compensated than what Narcisse pays you and you would have your own private chambers. No more bunking with two other people and having to share a bath."

"My la..I mean, Josie...I do not know what to say? It is such a gracious offer and I...I adore you both as well. I..."

"Well just say yes then, yes?"

"I..i just don't know how Lord Narcisse will react. I have been a loyal servant of his for so long."

"Well he is not so loyal to you for your service now is he? After all you do and he cannot even give you your own room in this endless monumental structure. You delivered my baby for god's sake." you huffed. You were still very much pissed at him for antagonizing you like he did.

"But..if you go to Lorien, well from what I understand of the magical place, they do not have...rooms?"

You laughed. "They do, they're just not like what you would expect. Are you ok with heights? I mean, I'm not really, but it's not so bad there with it all being inside, what I like to call it, an enormously large treehouse with many tree houses inside of it...if that makes sense. But still, I am not sure that is where I will end up. I so long to go home, but...I'm just not ready yet to face the memories. Don't you long for a place you can truly call home? This can't certainly be it."

"All the time." she said with sad blue eyes.

You didn't know much of anything about her life but you could tell she had had it rough.

"Well, you think about it. I won't pressure you, but I will honestly say, I do not know what I would do without you. So..do you know if Narcisse is still here by chance? There's something important he needs to be aware of."

"No my la..sorry, Josie." she chuckled.

She was so well mannered, like it was etched into her very being and you sometimes wondered if she even knew what it was like to just be herself and not always be so damn polite.

"Narcisse has left for the evening to the city. He checked in with me before he left, but I think he just wanted to see this precious little angel since all he did was hold her...I..I hope you don't mind."

That kind of tugged at your heart strings. No matter what Narcisse had done, you knew he cared for Leean.

"No, of course not. She's taken a liking to him, which is more than I can say for myself right now...never mind, I shouldn't be telling you these things with him being your employer. So, what is this big event in the city anyways? and Lola...Narcisse isn't here. You don't have to be so proper around me. I won't tell if you won't. You can even swear if you want." you assured her with a grin.

She shyly giggled. "Well, it's an infamous gambling event of all kinds. Some good, some not so much. Lots of drinking and partying. All kinds of people attend. It's open to anyone really."

"What's the not so good part?"

"An underground fighting tournament, but that's only for the big wigs per se, people with money and class, like..."

"Narcisse..." you finished her sentence. "Does he participate in that or just make bets?"

"Bets as far as I am aware. There has been an undefeated champion for sometime now. He has joked about taking him on a time or two but I believe he had a bit too much to drink when he said those things."

Her words struck something in you. Narcisse was already knocking the drinks back when you and he had that fight before he was to go to this shindig....and he was angry.

"Lola...do you think he would actually ever do it? Participate in a fight club, which I assume that's what it is?"

"I really don't know. I suppose he may. He has done some wild things and everyone knows of his ego...oh please do not tell him I said that!"

"Don't worry, I will not. I would have to agree with you on that anyways. Arrogant SOB."

Lola let out a hefty laugh and then so did you.

"So...like what kind of fighting is it? I mean, when you say underground, all I think of is clandestine fighting, especially if there's wagers involved."

"It's extremely dangerous. They can use weapons. What is the term I am looking for...hmmm."

"No holds barred?"

"Yes, that would be it. No rules basically. Josie...they fight to the death...."

"Jesus..."

Goosebumps went clear down your arms. You could feel it, the bad vibe. Narcisse was going to do it.

"What time does that start, do you know?"

"The stroke of midnight."

Just then, Haldir came in, and he wasn't smiling....so you knew, he didn't locate Thranduil...but you anxiously asked him anyways.

"Did you see him??"

"No, Jo. I am so sorry. I found the spot you described to me in which I could still smell your scent at too, but I did not pick up his and...I saw no blood, if he was injured like you said. There was no sign of Harker either, although I did smell his lingering odor. Jo..the entire forest was at it always is...dark and dead."

"My god...I...I really was...hallucinating?? But...it..it was real...so real to me."

You began to cry and ran into the hallway so Lola wouldn't have to see you like that and you didn't want to wake, nor scare Leean. Haldir followed.

"Jo, I really am so sorry. I too, wanted it to be real...for you, for Leean. I cannot stand to see you hurting like this."

'Haldir...I don't know what to do anymore. I have good days, and then I have days that are just plain shit and it takes everything in me to go on...and I know that I have to for my child. Thranduil made sure he was clear about that, well, in what I perceived to be real anyways, when it was all just a lie...a stupid fucking illusion due to black magic...or maybe, just maybe, he really did come to me?? To protect me? It's not like he hasn't before. I saw him in the mirror at Lestat's, and I dreamed of him and I could feel him, smell him. Please tell me at least that was all real or I am going to fall apart at the seems."

"Come here."

He pulled you snuggly into his arms and kissed your head.

"I believe it was all real to you. I know how powerful Thranduil was so I am not in any way saying it is not possible that you saw him like you think I am doing. I was just worried for you because you have been through enough. I believe he will always watch over you and Leean."

You abruptly wiped your eyes with a quick sniffle. It was time to put on your big girl panties and try to move on and live a little.

"Lola, will you watch Leean for this night?"

"Of course my...Josie. I am more than happy too..and I will think over your offer."

"Thank you so much for all you do Lola. You are are so appreciated more than you know...So...Haldir...do you wanna go to a party?"

Thranduil stepped away from the door after hearing the three warlock's conversation. He stood at the mirror staring at himself and clutched the vanity as his hands shook fiercely in anger, for he remembered nothing of projecting himself or seeing you, or receiving the agonizing hole in his side. He could not attest to what happened after speaking with Legolas, it was all a blackout. How could he be so careless and cretinous to let that happen, he thought. Now his sacred secret was revealed...and all because of you. His conditioning by the evil warlocks that he was unaware of made him so furious at himself and with you, for he wanted nothing to do with you, and yet he supposably risked everything to be with you...and it was more unnerving to him that he had no control over it, as if his soul had taken over his mind. The two parts of him were inconsistent, his mind did not want you, did not love you, despised you even, but unknowingly to him, his soul had other plans.

"WHY!" he shouted at his image, as if he were calling out his heart for it's betrayal.

"Legolas?? Can you hear me??" Thranduil anxiously barked inside his head.

Legolas sprung up from his slumber at his campsite for the evening. He wanted to be well rested for the next day's journey into Lorien, where he was certain Aragorn was. It would still be a long trip, possibly two more days, for he was only at the fork of the Old Forest Road and the Anduin River just on the borders of Mirkwood, but he would only remain there a few hours and leave before the twilight of early morning.

"Adar!!" Legolas shouted inside his head, for he still had to be leery of the dangers around him, such as Orcs and spiders.

"Legolas, where are you my son??"

"I am on my way to Lorien to gather Aragorn and Gimli. I plan to arrive within two days and be near the goblin forest by 3 days at the most, if no problems arise. Are you alright? After we lost contact, I could not reach you again."

"No, I am not alright to say the least! I have been shot with an arrow and I..."

"Father what? You said you were locked in a room inside the mountain? How did this happen? Is it fatal?!!"

"I will live. It is too much to explain. I am still imprisoned for the time being, but I do not know what Jareth's plans are now. I do know that they are after the moonstones and a book. Do you know anything of this?"

"Ashmole. Do you not remember father? Josie asked you about it once back in Mirkwood to see if you were aware of it and what it entailed...and Caroline, she held Julian captive for 9 years, trying to obtain it herself."

His mind briefly flashed to a memory of Caroline, when he had overheard her and Raven speaking about Julian being alive.

'Yes, yes now I do recall that. The Book of Shadows. A witch's bible. The Book of Life, the Book of Death, it has many names and many uses depending on the hands that hold it. I suppose now I see why Jareth wants it. It carries the only means of his destruction and the power to bring forth that which should not be. It is all coming together now. They wish to recruit me as an ally and to rule along side of him with his army of darkness. The moonstones must be a means to an end for his plans. I assume you have my ring as I asked you to bring to me?"

"Adar...your ring...it is missing. I have searched your chambers thoroughly. I am certain it was here only days ago. Did the crow possibly bring it to you and you do not remember? You said you had been tortured."

"Why would that bird bring my moonstone to me?"

"Because he took Josie's to her, and I believe that he knew you were alive and was trying to aid you."

Legolas had to keep his thoughts quiet of Amara and what she told him, that the bird indeed did know and had informed her. If his father knew he was being coerced into a marital arrangement with her, all hell would break loose when Thranduil returned to Mirkwood...and the King didn't need this kind of news with his current situation. Amara and Thranduil always respected each other, but kept their distance...but this, he would most certainly kill her for, especially because she threatened Legolas if he were to break the agreement.

Thranduil's door then opened. "Legolas, I must go. Travel quickly and safely."

Legolas sat for a moment and pondered why his father never even inquired about you. He could tell something was amiss and decided he had no time to waste. Rest would have to wait. He packed up his things and headed back out, knowing he was being followed.

"Jo, what do you mean go to a party?" Haldir insisted to know as he followed you to Narcisse's chambers where most of your things were.

You stopped at his door and spun around to Haldir with a serious look.

"I must get out of here for awhile and do something normal and hopefully fun or I am going to have a nervous breakdown. I need to clear my head and try not think of what happened today or about Gar...there's a party in Dorwinion city and I have never been there. I would like to go and I don't want to go alone. And besides, this will give you and I some time to spend together that we haven't done in awhile. Wait here while I grab my stuff."

You turned to open the door but it was locked. With a grin, you circled your finger around the door latch and it popped right open.

"There. I'll be right back."

"Jo, why are your things in Narcisse's room?" Haldir quietly asked through the door as he glanced around for onlookers.

You came rushing back out and shut the door, holding a pile of stuff and began heading back down the hall at a quick pace.

"Because I was stupidly going to reside in there with Leean after what happened with Asher and you were pissed at me or I would have asked to stay with you."

You got back to Lola's quarters and whipped around.

"Can you go arrange for our transportation while I get ready?.... Please? Narcisse has many carriages, I have seen them all the time coming and going. A taxi pulled by horses." you chuckled and went inside.

"Jo...I never said I..."

He was cut off by you smiling and shutting the door in his face.

Haldir closed his eyes with a huff and reluctantly went to do as you asked.

"Lola...what on earth do I wear to something like this? I mean, if it's a bunch of rich people, should I be fancy? and this darn bruise on my cheek has to go. I don't know why the healing water did not help."

You sat in your robe, feeling a frightful mess, recalling how the white elk licked you there. How was it all a hallucination? Of course, you could have gotten the bruise due to the fall from the sky when Harker plowed into you and Garrett, but it should have healed after your bath in the magical liquid. You remembered how Legolas once placed a mixture of crushed berries on your face from Thranduil's garden when you were injured before and it healed it right up. How you missed Leggy so. He would know what to do...or even Garrett could fix it but you didn't know if you would even see him again after the way you made him feel.

"Josie...I'll help you with your makeup, it's kind of a secret talent of mine, although I myself don't wear much of it. And...a dress would be fitting for the occasion. Don't worry, you're beautiful. No one is going to be looking at your bruise."

You picked Leean up and snuggled her before you dressed. She was cooing and happy just as she always was when you held her. She loved to play with your hair and was giving it a good pull and then she let go and just gazed at you. She began grabbing at your lips as she was now becoming curious about facial features. You nibbled playfully at her fingers in which she got a kick out of and began throwing her hand around in excitement, then let it rest right on your bruise. Suddenly, you were blinded by a bright light as a tingling sensation traveled through your cheek....and then the light was gone. You gasped as Lola did too.

"M..My lady...Josie, your bruise...it...it's..gone!"

"W..what??"

You raced to the mirror and gawked at yourself.

"Oh my god...Lola...she...she healed me...my sweet little princess, she....it...my god did you see that??!! She..she has his power! Just like I saw in the fountain!"

"I did! and she has yours too." Lola laughed and smiled from ear to ear.

You began to silently cry and kissed Leean all over her supple little cheeks.

"My sweet girl, you are your father's daughter and he would be so proud of you. Thank you my angel. Mommy loves you soooo much, my little star!"

Now you were never more certain that Thranduil was not a hallucination, that he had come to you from beyond the moon and the stars. The bruise was in fact not a bruise, but a celestial kiss and you believed Leean was drawn to it. Maybe it ignited her power? Haldir was right. Thranduil was still watching over you and always would.

It definitely took a toll on her tiny little body and she yawned with a soft smile on her lips, so you laid her in her crib and began to whisper to her.

"Starlight, star bright, the first star I see tonight, I wish I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight."

Leean closed her eyes and fell fast asleep as you closed yours also, wishing for Thranduil.

You were all prettied up and ready to go. Off you went to find the Marchwarden, who you found outside, speaking with some warlock guards.

Haldir's mouth dropped open when he saw you, making you blush.

"Jo...you...you are so...beautiful." he stuttered as he reached out and stroked your chin.

"Thank you, Haldir. You look really nice too."

"I can see you do not need me to do your braids any longer? and...your bruise, it has healed?"

"I confess, Lola helped me with the braids." you giggled. "I assume this is our carriage? Let's go. I have so much to tell you about Leean."

You both climbed into the landau and the coachman drove off.

You informed Haldir all about Leean's newly found magic as you crossed the bridge out of Narcisse's lands. He wasn't all too surprised, for he knew she would be a magical being like you and Thranduil, but he was a bit shocked that it was so soon. You also told him about the kiss from Thranduil, and he now believed that what you saw was real.

After talking with Haldir for awhile, you just sat and enjoyed the views of Dorwinion's beautiful scenery as dusk was setting in. You began daydreaming of Thranduil as you stared out the window, memories of meeting him mostly, among other magical moments in your short time together. Not even realizing it, you began to sing. A Frank Sinatra song your mother used to sing to you as a child when she was a different person.

"Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars. and let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars. In other words, hold my hand. In other words, baby, kiss me. Fill my heart with song and let me sing forever more. You are all I long for, all I worship and adore. In other words, please be true. In other words, I love you."

(Check out the new Thransie fan video below with the song from above. It is a beautiful cover by Kaira Rae with no music, which was perfect to sound like Josie was singing it, along with memories of her king.)

Haldir just gazed at you with a smile, taking in your angelic voice. A tear strolled down your cheek as you finished, in which you then felt the silence and Haldir's eyes upon you.

"Oh..gosh. I'm sorry, I was just...lost in thought." you shyly said as you quickly wiped your tear.

"Jo, why on earth would you apologize for singing? I could listen to your voice all day and night. It is so soothing and beautiful...just like you."

"Awww shux." you chuckled. "You're going to give me an ego."

"Could you sing some more, please? It makes this ride with you even more pleasant."

"Umm, well sure, I suppose." you bashfully agreed.

You picked some random song you liked and began again. As the journey went on, you found yourself singing yourself to sleep, for you were just flat out exhausted...and in your slumber, you began to dream...

You were walking down a pathway in a village of some sort that you did not recognize. It was night but people were still out and about. You looked all around trying to figure out where you were. You kept walking through the maze of the cobblestone streets and began to hear echoing footsteps, sounding out the others from the people walking by....and then a figure appeared in a black hooded cloak, walking towards you.

His face came into view and the stranger held a dead stare upon you. You froze as he came up to you, trembling from his ominous appearance. But the man's eyes, they were kind and although you did not know him, there was something familiar about his presence that you couldn't place. His scent, it was overpowering, like a mixture of lavender and vanilla, just like...your daughter's. Is that why it felt familiar?

He stopped and smiled as he towered over you, his eyes mixed with deep blues and greens of a heavenly countryside pasture, his short hair as black as his cloak. You didn't feel threatened but still remained cautious.

"Who are you? Wh. what...do you want?" you timidly squeaked.

The only thing you could do was gasp at the single word his deep voice spoke.

"Leean."

[freyja-clermont]

Last two links for The Kings and Queens and Daughter of De Clermont for reading on Quotev!

[lordfries]

I’ve been working on a thing - it’s only one chapter for the moment but it’s definitely a brain-puke of ideas I had bursting at the seams... Please let me know if you like it, and I’ll see about posting more :^) I just needed to visualize what it would have been like with Matthew on the front lines...

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: A Discovery of Witches (TV), Adow Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Diana Bishop/Matthew Clairmont Characters: Diana Bishop, Matthew Clairmont Additional Tags: adow - Freeform, War, WW1, Gallipoli - Freeform, Matthew Goode - Freeform Summary:

It's the dawn of a new era in 1915, as allied troops make their way and die along the shores of Gallipoli in an attempt to take back the peninsula. After finding out his immortal body was not as indestructible as he had come to believe, Lieutenant Matthew Clairmont's life rests in the hands of a young but wise witch. He learns that life isn't just about survival, but living in the moment and appreciating what you have... Before it's out of your reach.

"Those of such rank were granted some small respite from the cold clench of the mud, and for that, Matthew was grateful. If not for having somewhere relatively quiet to brood, but a place to isolate himself from the smells and texture of war that he so despised. Tomorrow would be a new day, and with it, he crept closer and closer to his final death."

[darlingpetao3]

A Discovery of Harry and Matthew (Harry Wells x Fem!OC x Matthew Clairmont, Chapter 1/13)

Rating: M (smut in final chapter)

Summary: When Laurie accompanies her boss, Harrison Wells, to confer with Oxford biochemist, Matthew Clairmont, over a potential scientific partnership, her world is turned upside down. Not only is she caught between her feelings for these two awe-inspiring scientists, but she must wrestle with the reality of Creatures and her own self-discovery.

A/N: Co-written back in 2018 with @central-city-meta-pocalypse — we never thought this one would see the light of day lol. we never thought this one would see the light of day lol. We couldn’t resist our mutual love for the two tall, dark, and handsome scientists and wrote this as pure self-indulgence. Keep in mind that this particular story is not a Reader Insert, but features an original female character caught in between these handsome fellas. It is told in alternating POVs from the three main characters involved. Whether you’re familiar with both or only one of these fandoms/lovely fictional men, we hope that you might enjoy this fun story regardless!

Tag List: @fandomdancer @bluesclues-1234 @firstofficer-tilly @crissymadlock @thefictionalgemini @i-dont-care-lol @khayrrilrainxwells @thecaptainsgingersnap​ (If any of you would like to be taken off the tag list for this one, do not hesitate to ask!)

~Laurie~

“I think we should turn right up here, Doctor Wells,” I said, consulting the map on my phone before we got lost and were late for our lunch meeting, “it looks like the shortest route.”

Harrison looked both ways up the street and then nodded in agreement.

“I don’t know why this place couldn’t be laid out more simply,” he grumbled slightly, pulling his coat a little tighter around himself to protect from the chilly autumn air.

Personally, I thought Oxford was beautiful; old and full of character, nothing like Central City where we’d flown in from early this morning. A large part of me wanted nothing more than to crawl into my hotel bed right now and sleep the rest of the day away, but the city made my jetlag a little easier to bear. That, and I was never one to miss an opportunity to spend time with the man currently walking beside me.

When Doctor Harrison Wells had asked me to accompany him on a trip to England to consult with another renowned scientist, I leapt at the chance. Obviously, the opportunity to research with two amazing scientists had a pull of its own, but I think a tiny part of my brain thought that maybe with a foreign trip, it might be the perfect opportunity for Harrison to see me in a different light. In a way that I always wished he would.

Although part of me figured I should just give up with this impossible crush on my boss. It’s not like he’d suddenly wake up and find me irresistible! Though, I knew I was a hopeless creature of habit, and I’d probably be pining after him until I died.

Eventually, my phone signalled our arrival at the lab of the biochemist Harrison was meeting with today. I had been in contact with the distinguished Oxford-based scientist through a series of emails to set up this meeting. He was wary at first, but I’ve been known to be persuasive. It was how I got this job after all.

Doctor Wells and I entered the lobby of the building, where the receptionist took our names, gave us our visitor badges, and the directions to the biochem lab. On our way down the corridor, Harrison’s hand barely grazed mine, and I had to look away—anywhere—so as to not get wound up before meeting our prestigious host.

I felt his eyes on me. “Laurie-”

But whatever Harrison had to say to me was cut short by the sound of a new, smooth and hypnotizing voice, “Doctor Harrison Wells, I presume?”

I turned, and Lord help me, my jaw dropped to the floor.

The man I assumed to be Professor Clairmont took a few steps towards us with his hands clasped behind his back. He was tall (even slightly taller than Harry, who towered over me already), with dark hair and sharp, handsome features.

I may have been hopelessly hung up on my boss, but this man certainly caught my attention with his looks.

“Yes, and you must be Professor Matthew Clairmont,” Harrison replied and received a nod in return.

I watched the two men shake hands and tried to close my mouth and look at least somewhat professional in front of these accomplished scientists.

“And you must be Miss Laurie Florence. It's a pleasure to put a face to the name, finally,” Professor Clairmont said, turning to face me, his voice silky smooth with an interesting accent I couldn’t fully place. I went to shake his hand, but instead, he took mine in his larger one, bending down in a half bow, before lifting my hand to his lips and kissing the back of it.

He kept eye contact the whole time, and I didn't know whether my heart had stopped beating or was beating far too fast for me to even feel anymore.

I couldn’t stop a small embarrassing laugh from coming out. “Likewise,” was all I could manage to say. My heart raced and I thought, for a split-second, I saw something incredibly fierce in Professor Clairmont’s eyes when he looked at me. But as I tried to collect my wits and mentally scold myself to remember how to breathe, there was soon no trace of that wild look anymore.

He let go of my hand after a second and instead took the lead in bringing us the remaining way to his labs, beginning to explain what he and his team were presently working on.

“And here’s where the magic happens,” he said as he opened the door, and I felt like as he said the words, his eyes focused on me for a split second to gauge my reaction. I felt that whatever expression appeared on my face was not the one he was looking for.

The labs were impressive. A lot of state of the art equipment on the desks, but nothing that I hadn’t seen before. If you’re in the field of science, when you’ve seen one lab, you’ve pretty much seen them all, in my opinion. What really mattered was the work going on inside them.

Matthew Clairmont turned with elegance to Harry and I. “May I offer either of you a cup of tea? Coffee?”

I answered at the same time Harry did.

“Tea, please.”

“Coffee.”

Matthew called to a woman working at her desk, “Miriam, would you, please?”

“That’s not my-”

I could only assume Matthew gave the woman a stern look since his back was to us, but ultimately this Miriam complied with a huff.

“I have to say I was quite surprised to receive your request to pick my brain, Doctor Wells,” Professor Clairmont started when he turned back to us. “What does a physicist want with a biochemist?”

“We’ve had a… series of events occur in Central City that has led to some unusual cases of people with abilities…” Harry began to explain.

“Yes, I’ve read about that,” Clairmont replied, taking a seat at one of the desks as Miriam bought over two mugs for me and Harry. I thanked her for my drink, but she didn’t offer up any kind of smile in response.

“My team and I are trying to come up with some form of antidote to help those affected, but I don’t have the right background. Your work is highly praised, I thought you might be able to offer some guidance,” Harry said, though I thought the compliment sounded somewhat forced. I decided then to let the professionals carry on in their discussion about the antidote while I casually looked around at the monitors and the equipment on the desks while the scientists conversed, making sure not to touch anything. I hoped Professor Clairmont and his team didn’t mind my curiosity.

It was then I felt something icy prickle at the back of my neck. I slapped my skin where I felt it, but nothing was there.

Strange…

I looked up and around the room to see if I was standing under an air vent or something, only to find nothing. However, I did catch Professor Clairmont briefly watching me before he turned back to Harrison, and suddenly, the room felt warm again.

[linasofia]

Blood Moon

Part 1 l Part 2 I Part 3 l Part 4

Summary: When the moon turns red anything can happen. Sofia visits Matthew, a man who wakes strong feelings in her, expecting a simple dinner. But when his brother arrives, the evening takes an unexpected turn.

Relationships: Richard Armitage x OC Sofia & Matthew Clairmont x OC Sofia (Vampire AU)

Warnings: 18+

Words: 2,6K

A/N: Not following ADOW canon, just two hot interesting male characters being brothers.

When the moon turns red anything can happen.

Her hasty steps echoed in the dark and misty alley. The faint lights from the streetlamps cast their pale light over the wet pavement, creating a constantly growing shadow in front of her every time she passed one of the old but very well preserved lanterns. She had never been fond of the dark and Matthew’s apartment was located in the oldest part of the town where the houses stood aligned close together, like soldiers from a long-forgotten time, shoulder to shoulder blocking out any light. She was convinced the walls had souls of their own and that they had seen more than the human heart could ever stand. When she came to the long narrow stairs, a shortcut she learned the first and so far only time she had been to his place, she hesitated. Despite the alley being darker than she was comfortable with, she didn’t want to walk the much longer way around the large building. Most of the windows along the stairs were dark, the residences clearly empty. She took a deep breath and made a decision.

She got to the top of the stairs, unaware of the tall figure dressed in a dark coat who emerged from the shadows just a few meters behind her. The lantern on this particular wall was broken and the owner of the building found it convenient since the darkness completely hid his heavy front door. Unknowingly, she had rushed past it just seconds ago and the man drew in a deep breath and filled his lungs with the chilly evening air. The faint hint of her scent, hidden under a flowery perfume, was calling him. It made his heart beat faster; muscles tensed and he licked his lips expectantly. It was unusual to find someone who had such an instant effect on him and he was tempted to follow her and devour her in one of the many dark alleys of this district, but then he reminded himself that he had a dinner to attend. He fought his strong urge as he watched her disappear around the corner and sighed infrustration. Knowing this city’s every corner and shadows had its advantages and if he moved quickly he would succeed. But he also knew himself extremely well, he rarely did anything like that in a hurry. He loved the rush it gave him and he always made sure he had enough time. It applied to anything he wanted to do, so he shook his head to get rid of the thought of the soft skin of her neck and her pulsing blood underneath. Besides, his younger brother had asked him to come and meet his new lady friend and he had accepted. He was curious about this woman whose name alone made his brother smile. Was she more to him than a friend? Girlfriend maybe? The man in the coat lingered at the thought and frowned. That would have been a first, for sure.

With a pondering heart she rang the bell close to the small golden plate with Matthew’s name engraved in italic and then waited while a cold wind brushed her cheek. When a click was heard from the lock, she pulled the door open and the bright light from a naked bulb in the ceiling temporarily blinded her. His apartment was on the top floor but even if the building only had four floors it lacked the comfort of an elevator.

She didn’t even have time to knock before the door opened and Matthew flashed a bright smile at her.

”Sofia! It’s so good to see you!”

She smiled back at him and let the warm light coming from his home guide her inside. With a natural gesture he offered to take her jacket and after he carefully placed it on a hanger he turned to her with a soft light shining in his eyes. He pulled her close and gently cupped her face with both of his hands. The soft kiss he placed on her lips made her heart flutter. He was so gentle, so caring and she was amazed over how easy it was to spend time with him. From what she knew about him, he seemed to be the perfect gentleman. After tasting her lips he pulled back, caught her hands and held them against his chest. His dark hair was a bit unruly, like he had run his fingers through it too many times. Was he nervous as well? Maybe it was too soon to meet his brother after all, but when he had talked about Richard, she suggested it without even thinking. She wanted to know more about Matthew’s life and friends and she was always curious to meet new people. He approved of her idea only after she convinced him that it was just a simple dinner.

”Do you want some wine?” Matthew offered with a smile dancing in the corner of his mouth. Sofia nodded and gave him a warm smile in return. With her hand still in his, he led her to the large living room but the sight that greeted her made her stop in her tracks.

”I thought we agreed on an informal dinner,” she breathed as her eyes followed the white, perfectly ironed cloth and neat table setting. ”If I had known, I would have dressed up more.” The lights were dimmed and the dark wallpaper and heavy curtains made the room feel a bit enchanted. Shadows danced over the walls due to all the lit candles in the chandelier. Matthew smiled sheepishly and his gaze followed her body’s curves as respectfully as he could. ”You’re perfect just the way you are.”

Sofia thanked her lucky star for changing to black pants instead of her usual jeans. Together with the red blouse and her deliberately messy bun she didn’t feel the urgent need to go home and upgrade her look. She wanted to make a good impression on Richard and, embarrassed, she blushed at her own thoughts. Her and Matthew weren't exclusive in any way. No promises were made, no words of love spoken between them. Still, she secretly hoped for more and sensed that getting an approval from his older brother, a man that clearly meant a great deal to him, would be a step in the right direction. She could not put words to her feelings but she had felt from the very first time she heard of Richard that the sibling’s connection went to a much deeper level than any others she had met. Being an only child herself, this fascinated her greatly. A sharp knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

”He is here,” Matthew simply said and left her standing in the middle of the room, alone with a growing feeling of excitement, pushing away the nervousness she had felt since she took the first steps on those dreadful stairs in the alley.

Knowing his brother’s temper, Matthew hurried to the door and opened it just as Richard raised his fist to give the wood another impatient knock. ”A few more seconds and I would have used my own key,” he muttered dryly.

”Don’t you dare,” Matthew replied. ”Besides, you didn’t wait that long. Come inside. I can’t wait for you to meet Sofia.”

Richard closed the door silently behind him. When he reached for a hanger his hand suddenly froze as his nose picked up the sweet smell of jasmine. He felt it clearly and instantly recognized it. It cut through the air like a sharp blade; the scent from the alley. Like he didn't trust his own eyes, he stared at the unfamiliar jacket for a few seconds, and the memory of the woman's back disappearing out of sight caused his heart to beat faster. With the adrenaline now pumping in his veins, he grabbed the sleeve and pulled it against his nose. Then he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. A wave of predatory need welled up inside and he could not prevent the dark groan erupting from his throat.

”This is the second time this evening that I come across this smell.” Richard opened his eyes and met his brother's gaze with a cold expression. ”Is it hers?”

Matthew nodded and braced himself, for he knew all too well what his brother was doing and it made him feel sick. ”You can't have her,” he warned.

Richard stared at him and lowered his voice. ”We have shared women in the past, in more ways than one. Tell me brother, why is she different?”

A dark mumbling came from the hallway. Sofia could not hear the words uttered between the two men but she could distinguish their voices. Until this moment, she had thought that Matthew had an exceptionally dark and very pleasant voice, but Richard…his voice was even deeper. As their voices reached a normal conversation level and she could hear them approaching, she found it impossible to not wonder what else the family genes had graced him with. Only a few seconds later she had an answer to her own question. The man entering the room was gorgeous. He wore a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of trousers, held in place by a belt with a brushed metal clasp. Slightly taller than his younger brother, Richard’s presence filled the room in a more demanding way and she could feel it instantly. His hair was shorter than Matthew’s and his dark stubble gave him a rougher look. With a confident smile he walked right up to her and she offered him her hand. He took it, but instead of shaking it, he slowly lifted her hand and lightly brushed the skin on the knuckles with his lips. Neither of them said anything. No introduction, no pleasantries, but something shifted in his eyes and it made her forget her manners. His eyes never left hers and Sofia felt a strange tingling on her skin when he released her hand.

Matthew observed his brother and closed the distance between himself and Sofia. He put his arm protectively around her shoulders and gave his brother a warning stare. When Richard wanted something, or rather someone, he could be incredibly charming and alluring with his intense personality, but Matthew also knew how ruthless his brother was. Richard was a hunter, and a very dangerous one. His dark desires were much stronger than Matthew’s and on the rare occasions when the woman he had marked as prey didn’t give in to his needs willingly, he still took what he wanted. But as Richard had told Matthew many times, a willing woman tastes better so make sure you have her aroused before you sink your fangs into her soft skin.

”It’s so nice to finally meet you,” Richard broke the silence.

”Likewise, I’ve heard a great deal about you.” Her voice betrayed her as well as her heart. It was beating faster now and Richard could hear it. She didn’t know of course that she gave every shift in her emotions away, and the satisfaction temporarily showed in his eyes. He had affected her with his gentle kiss and felt pleased. This was going to be an interesting night. Maybe even spectacular.

The perfectly chilled champagne tasted wonderful on her tongue and after half a glass Sofia finally felt the trace of Richard’s unexpected kiss on her hand fade away. It had been only a brief touch by his lips but she had shivered and the look in his eyes afterwards hid something she didn’t understand. Seated right in front of her, Richard easily captured her attention and the conversation between them felt natural. Matthew sat next to her and the tension she had sensed in his body when he first put his arm around her seemed to have disappeared. When the main course was almost finished and another wine bottle stood empty at the table, she felt his hand slowly running over her knee. It was a gentle and comforting caress and she turned to him and smiled. He really was sweet, she thought, probably wanting her to feel relaxed in the company of his brother. Warmth spread over her cheeks as he slowly let his hand glide over her thigh. It was a small sensual gesture but the fact that Richard caught her gaze and locked it with his made her breath hitch. Sofia couldn’t let go of the thought that he just maybe had seen what his brother did.

”Brother,” Richard turned to Matthew, ”how about that dessert?”

Matthew pulled his hand away and stood from the table with a slightly concerned expression. ”It will take a while, I trust you to behave and don’t embarrass Sofia with exaggerated stories about me.”

”I can’t promise that I won't,” Richard answered with a grin, but his brother didn’t miss the change in his eyes.

As soon as Matthew left the room, something in the atmosphere changed. Sofia could swear that the room became darker, like someone covered the lights with black veils. The expression on Richard's face seemed different as well. He truly was an interesting creature but she was failing to find words to continue the conversation. She looked at the large chandelier, majestically placed on the table. Was it suddenly warmer in the living room? Her head spun and she was not sure if it was only from the wine. She rose slowly from her chair.

”I think I need some air,” her voice sounded strange and when she walked over to the door leading to the small balcony she heard Richard’s chair scrape against the wooden floor. It was a little chilly outside but the wind had stilled, so she welcomed the cold embrace. Without thinking she placed her hands on the beautiful iron railing but the icy sting made her quickly withdraw them. She didn’t hear his steps behind her, but she felt his presence. And to her surprise she realized that she wanted him to be there. He rested his back against the railing, facing her.

”Look at the red moon,” she exclaimed. ”I’ve never seen anything like that.”

”It’s also known under another name…” Richard answered and watched her intensely. ”Blood Moon.”

The way he spoke the last words made her shiver, but not from the cold. He drew closer.

”Are you intimidated by me?” His deep voice made her heart increase its speed. She could not deny that she felt drawn to him, like his gravity was greater than the earth itself. With eyes darker than the night surrounding her, he towered over her. Still, she shook her head.

”Then why does your heart beat faster now?” His voice was only a hoarse whisper. She swallowed hard when his long fingers closed around her wrist and he could feel her racing pulse. Slowly he brought her hand to his face and with a growing tension between them, he pressed his nose gently against the thin skin on the inside of her wrist. Then he took a deep breath and her scent awoke the primal need in him. He craved her.

”It’s ready!” Matthew’s voice sounded from inside.

None of them answered him but the moment was lost and Richard cursed his brother's timing. Fighting the urge to lick the delicate skin on her wrist, Richard placed a kiss right over the large vein that thrummed under his touch. A shaky sigh left her and in that moment he knew he had her. The dark nature of his character allowed him to smell it, her needs seeped from her like sweet drops of elixir, ready for him to devour. He couldn’t wait for an opportunity to feel her soft skin again, but next time he would be tasting a different part of her body. And she would beg him to. It was just a matter of time.

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[burberrycanary]

Like Gold to Airy Thinness Beat

by Dorian (@burberrycanary​)

Summary: Diana climbs into his lap and his hands immediately come up to steady her. The book he’d been reading slides off the bed with a thud. Her fingers are clumsy as she works down the line of buttons—she doesn't think about why, doesn't care—and, finally, she can touch his cool skin. (Hurt/comfort episode tag for 1.06.)

AN: Thanks to my incredible and very patient betas, @mycaptainswanjones​ and @village-skeptic​, for all their help. This fic is immeasurably better because of you! For @tam867​ <3

Read it on AO3.