Buffy giggled at the star struck look on Asher's face.She put her hands on her hips."Do we have to have a talk buddy?"
Asher shook his head then, turned quickly grabbing Buffy to whirl her around. They smiled at each other then kissed.Buffy put her hands into Asher bright golden hair and pulled his head down to her neck."Drink."Asher bit her and Buffy shuddered.He pulled her closer to him. Her orgasm hit her hard and his followed. He carefully pulled away to watch in wonder as she healed in seconds, with no trace of a mark. They clung to each other murmuring endearments.Buffy pulled away walking to her worktable and dropped some herbs into a chalice then added some water.
She sipped it then handed it to Asher who swallowed. She looked at him inhale deeply then kissed him softly.Taking his hand at the door, she turned to tell him."Oh, my blood can keep you for probably a weak for the amount you took.Not sure how we get around that with the leopards.We will come up with something.Can you put them in thrall then feed a small amount?"Asher nodded. "I don't like it but I guess it will do.They agreed to feed you don't have to know how much. Don't want to be jealous around them because I know you make them all have a happy" Buffy pouted.
Several Nights later:
Jean-Claude asked to speak with Buffy in her study. "I wanted to thank you for all that you did for Asher and wanted to give you something in appreciation. What would you ask for little witch?"
"I want Damian, for you to release him from his service to you."
"I thought you and Asher were growing closer."
"I care for them both and if Damian would agree.We would all hand fast and he can't be loyal to you first.Asher and I have to be before anyone else.It will be his choice given knowing he can stay with you or be with us and not lose his honor as a warrior."
"You understand him well don't you" Jean-Claude looked at her closely.There was so much more to this little witch. Every time he saw her, he learned something new.
"We've spent some time together getting to know each other, never met a Viking before."
"I will send Damian to you" Jean-Claude bowed and kissed Buffy's hand, quietly leaving the room.
Damian entered the room; the light glinted on his blood red hair.His green eyes smiling when he saw her, she hugged him.They kissed each other tenderly.
"Hello, I've missed you."Buffy brushed her hands through his hair.She loved how fine it was, she couldn't keep her hands out of it.She had the same problem with Asher.
"I need to talk to you. Jean-Claude has released you from your duty to him to be with me if you want." She watched his face as he absorbed the information. Buffy held her breath hoping for the words she wanted to hear.
He looked at her in surprise then grabbed her and kissed her.
"There's more, let me close the door, I have to ask you to take another oath first, before I can tell you everything.Mostly I want you to know I love you and Asher and want to be with you.I want to bind us but you need to know everything, once you do if you don't want to be with me then I understand."
Buffy explained everything to Damian as he quietly listened.He didn't say a word and the minutes seemed like hours to Buffy.Her shoulders sagged as she turned away tears streamed down her face.She felt so stupid, she couldn't have been lucky two times.Not her, not Buffy Summers, no way.She felt arms come around her waist as Damian pulled her back flush to his front.
"So, daughter of the moon, when do I move in?"He kissed her temple.
She turned jumping into his arms kissing him passionately; then drew him to her neck urging him to drink from her.They drank the mixture to remove the results. She clasped his hand and walked out with him, Asher came to her side taking her other hand. Buffy's smile was infectious and soon everyone in the room was smiling.
"I guess you made your decision, Mon ami "Jean-Claude asked.
"Yes, I choose Buffy?I will help you if I can, but my family will come first."
"You understand Jean-Claude, you will have no say as Master of the City what either one of them do?Our binding is through me to my mother, the moon.No other shall have authority over them."She looked at him with an expression that told him to heed what she was telling him.
"I surrender any authority as Master of the City, but the Council holds dominion over all vampires there is nothing you can do about that little sorceress."
"Once the mother accepts them as hers personally through me, you will find your Council will not be able to do anything.It will only work through a bond-mate Jean-Claude, so don't ask."Buffy smiled at the pout that appeared on the dark haired vampires face.
"You are too fast little sorceress."Jean-Claude bowed his head in acknowledgment.
"Just saw the wheels turning in your mind."Buffy smiled she was beginning to like him despite herself.
"Have you seen Anita lately?Are you two at least talking?" She asked kindly.
"We talk on the phone occasionally, but that is all.I don't think she and Richard talk at all.My only hope is that she will eventually come back to me.She said may be in the future, but she couldn't do that to Richard he needed to heal.She hopes they can eventually be friends."
"I think Richard will take some time.They can probable be friends.Maybe, even if she sees you but only if he finds a true mate first.Otherwise, he will destroy his pack dragging them around in his shit."Buffy voice held her concern for the future of the pack."The problem is I'm not sure we have the time."
The doorbell rang and Cherry went to answer it.She let Richard and Anita in then Jamil and Shang-Da entered soon after.
"Hey, guys glad you could show, have a seat nobody is going to like this.During my meditation, I learned the Vampire Council is coming back, Pretty Dead Lady, Beasty Boy and the Melty Madam's surrogate are going to be here by the end of the month. They want to force Jean-Claude to accept a seat on the council; figure they will also get the executioner and Richard as well.St. Louis will become Yvette's.My question is, are you willing to fight for yourselves, your people, and your city or roll over. Because of course, you can't fight the council.But wait, I killed the Traveler and Anita wasn't it you that took out Digger?"
Jean-Claude was paler than normal.Asher turned away like he couldn't bear to face anyone; Damian's expression didn't change at all.
"All I know is, I am damned tired of the damned council coming to my city" Anita growled.
Richard asked Buffy."When will they be here and how can we fight all three of them?Jason still has nightmares from what happened before with Yvette.You can't make amulets for all of us to fight the Master of Beast!"
"Don't wig out on me people, we have to stick together here!First, we have to call the munin tomorrow night; it's the new moon.Only the strongest, oldest spirits can be called so we are going to use those to heal your pack members that need it.The whole pack must be there no exceptions!Also, there's a clearing close by that the pard and clutch could use.I will have to move from group to group.Richard, you and Anita have broken up but the pack still sees her as lupa. So, she needs to be there for this.I need to talk to you to in the study later."
"Now, where was I, damn there were only six Scoobies to worry about this is going to give me split ends." She mumbled. Asher and Damian laughed hugging her close between them.Buffy put a hand on each of their thighs their hands intertwined.Mmm, if I hurry up and get rid of everyone then we can play down bad Buffy.I wonder if I can. She closed her eyes sending them each a picture of what she was thinking of them doing together.Both men s heads snapped look at her, their eyes wide, she started to giggle."Oops guess, I can sorry, sweeties, later."
"I will be able to help with the new moon ceremony and they will be ready to do the full moon ceremony, two weeks later by themselves. The full moon will of course be on each weres home turf.That ceremony will call all the ancestors to strengthen the weres against their coming foes to prepare them for battle.Do ya see where I'm going here guys?"Buffy looked at everyone in the room hoping that they would realize how important it was for them to put away their differences and work together.
"Little sorceress, we can fight against Padma and D'anair's surrogate but we are of Belle's line there is nothing we can do.We don't know what fighting our sire would do to us.We would be rogue everyone would hunt us," Jean-Claude exclaimed
"I'm not asking you to fight Belle.She will be to busy anyways" Buffy smirked.
"What do you mean, little goddess?" whispered Asher.
Wow, Buffy moves fast not one but two men.I thought Jean-Claude was mushy with his names but "goddess" come on. She realized she understood more and more French maybe it was from the previous marks.Anita watched the three on the couch.
"Belle is coming personally but not for Anita.She is coming for me."
"She will not touch you.I will die before I will let her harm you!" Damian exploded grabbing Buffy up he held her in his lap.His large arms wrapped around her and his head buried in her neck. Asher in a blur wrapped himself around them both. They were like a three-person sphere, you couldn't tell where one began and the other ended.You could here Buffy murmuring soothing words, her arm came up to pull Asher head to her neck.
It was the most intimate and erotic scene, Anita had ever witnessed.Each gave comfort and protection to other.If it could have been different, if I were different could I have had this with Richard and Jean-Claude?She looked at both men under her lashes and realized it never would have worked.Richard couldn't share her, it's not part of his DNA as a man or a wolf and her shoulders sag. She finally realizes she was never going to have a life with him.
The three broke apart but Buffy stayed on Damian's lap and Asher pulled her legs onto his lap.Buffy smiled sheepishly at everyone a blush on her cheeks. She had two bites on her neck one on each side.The marks faded and disappeared within seconds.
"You said you heal quickly but we had no idea you meant on the spot," Anita said.
"Guess the powers thought I needed the extra little boost. Here's the deal, to distract Belle from Anita I dangled myself as bait in front of her.The whole package is that our blood is the biggest aphrodisiac any vamp can have.Depending on the amount taken, you can have a buzz that lasts for days.I opened a link to her and gave a scratch and sniff and she wants to get her hands on the supply.Belle won't be your problem, I'll take care of her.It will be my pleasure to have a little talk with the Elvira of Sex.Someone needs to take her Roofies away!"
"Roofies, what are Roofies?" Jean- Claude asked.
Buffy ignored him and continued with the plans."Once we have the weres strong, none of your vamps are from any other line so no worries there.Now to the tough part of the plan, we have to have every one swear an oath of fealty to someone or something to fight this battle and protect your city, your families and your way of life.Any suggestions?"
"That is easy.They swear fealty to me; I am master of the city," Jean-Claude said smugly.
"I am not swearing an oath to him and neither is my pack," growled Richard.
"Damn it, are you through spraying testosterone around now."Anita asked sarcastically "We have more at stake than both of you egos; we don't have time for a pissing contest.So shut up the both of you!"
"You go girl.No, Jean-Claude, you are not going to be crowned or knighted unless it's by Anita upside your head. Here is my suggestion, so think about it and let me know. They could all swear fealty to the goddess of the moon.They are all her children; she governs over their lives as weres and vampires!"
"My pack would have no problem with that and neither do I.The oath it will protect us from the council?"Richard commented solemnly.
"Yes for the time the council is here anything done will strictly by choice. If someone betrays your pack for power it will be a true betrayal, nothing forced on them.You as Ulfric would have to pass judgment then, do you still agree to this?"Buffy hoped Richard understood what she was telling him.She knew there were two pack members that he would have to deal with, if he wasn't strong, enough he will have to step down or die.
Jamil watched the tiny blonde across the room.She was looking at his Ulfric and speaking passionately. Buffy would have made a great lupa the pack would be safe. He hoped Richard was listening for the sake of his pack, or he would have to challenge him for Ulfric.He realized Buffy was now speaking to Anita.
"I will need to meet with Rafael about the rats and anyone else that you know of.So now that I've blown your minds with all of that.Ritchie, you and Queenie there, come with me."
Richard and Anita sat in Buffy's study as she paced under the moonlight.Her hair flying behind her, her face intent, eyes flashing, she looked like a warrior queen."Okay, you two, here's the scoop. I'm sorry that you broke up but you forgot about custody of the kids."
Richard's looked at her with narrowed eyes."My pack is not part of this, stay out of it"
"Wrong answer and don't growl at me or I'll get a newspaper and pop you on the nose.They still see Anita as their lupa, which is good for them in a way but bad in others and bad for you two.They are dependent on her so when you choose your real mate the pack may not accept her. The other is you both need a clean break from each other if you want to even try to be friends. Anita you have your own paid if you are going to be a true Nimir-Ra then you can't have divided loyalties." With a flash of gold, she was gone.
Buffy grabbed each man, kissing them passionately in turn.They had all felt the bond lock into place and a gentle connection that told them their mates were happy and safe."Asher grab that box on the table and hand it to me please."Asher gave Buffy a sandalwood box with all the phases of the moon carved in the sides and the full moon on the front.A beautiful woman in a chariot was pulling it across the sky-winged horses pulled the chariot.Buffy caressed the box."That's my mother, Selene," she smiled opening the box.
Inside the box were three rings that glowed like moonlight.She gave one to Asher and Damian and the last she held onto.The rings had moons and stars engraved in them with moonstones and diamonds intricately interwoven. "Hephy made them for us to symbolize our bond, he also added some surprises.He just can't help himself. Yours will allow you to speak to me using your mind, it will also allow you to stay awake during the day; it locks your soul inside you.The need you had for your coffin won't be there anymore. Once I put it on you, I'm the only one who can remove it unless you die."
"Mon Dieu, it is too much.You are all I want; I did not come to you for power just for love take it back," Asher cried.
"Silly rabbit, I know that and so does Hephy that's why he made the rings. He wanted to thank you both for loving me, I didn't ask him to do this.Hephy has the biggest heart and sees so much, right to the heart of things.He's like my big brother and only wants to make me happy.It would be wonderful to go to bed each night with you both and wake up safe in your arms.That is what his gift means; he isn't trying to change you completely.Just trying to make me happy and safe for as long as I have you both."
Asher looked at her with blood tears in his eyes and allowed her to put the ring on his hand.She kissed the ring and then his lips, wiping his tears.
She turned to Damian who hadn't said a word."And you my brave Viking do you accept this ring?"Looking into his pale green eyes, he leaned down and kissed her in answer.Buffy laughed slipping his ring on his finger.Asher and Damian put her ring between their fingers and slid it on, and then they slid their fangs into each side of her neck.
"Oh my" Buffy murmured. "My two, err, there err, can't think; guess I'll just play."
She grabbed each man in her strong hands and stroked them from tip to shaft squeezing their balls when she reached them.They all three fell back on the bed as one, there orgasms ready to peak. Asher began to stroke Buffy's breast still sucking her neck in shallow sips. Damian moved his long slender hand to her hip then moved to the top of her mound and pressed down.Her hips rose as he teased the bundle of nerves hidden there then to her outer lips, suddenly plunging his long fingers into her waiting heat.Buffy screamed her hips bucking; her hands moved faster never leaving either man.
Asher moved from her neck and kissed her then started to suckle gently on her breasts.Damian continued stroking her as he sucked on her, neck.She felt their balls tighten in her hands and rubbed the pre-cum on the heads of there cocks.They were moving in time with her hands, their hips moving faster and faster jerking to a rhythm as old as time.They were all in perfect sync ever their heartbeats matched Buffy's.Damian flicked his thumb against her clit at the same time Asher bit into her breast; Buffy fell over the top, waves and waves of pleasure washed through her body. Damian and Asher roared joining her as she felt the coolness of them on her hand and across their belly and hers.
Buffy reaching up pulled them to her kissing them each in turn."Can I just say wow and huh, and give me a minute and how soon can you guys be ready to play some more?"
Damian laughed looking at Asher, who was already hard, as he knew he was. They pressed against her side and kissed each cheek."We are yours to command, little goddess."
"Mmm, guess its good, I'm immortal or you guys would kill me, but what a way to go, yum!"
Night of New Moon: Lupanar
Anita stood beside Richard watching Buffy greet so many of the pack by name. "How does she know so many of them?"
"She took the time Anita to get to know them.She didn't feel like she could help Robert or the pack if she didn't understand its past and its members."Jamil told her coldly as he walked away going to greet Buffy.
Anita felt as if he slapped her.She had helped save them from Raina, had been their lupa.Richard was right though she didn't know them only the ones involved with Jean-Claude.She knows she isn't what this pack needs; she has to stay away from them after tonight.
Buffy approached Anita and Richard."It's time, I need to let you know, I've bound Raina's spirit.She won't be able to come through the munin.After talking to everyone, she is too volatile to add to the mix.Tonight is about healing her mess, to heal all their past bad experiences in life, like Stephen. It may help you, Richard; you got it through the vaccine. Don't you think it's about time you got over it?"She walked back over to Robert.
"She doesn't pull any punches, does she," asked Richard.
"Nope, it's like going around with a pissed off tiger.Kinda pisses me off, I don't want to like her, but she kinda just doesn't give you any other choice.She's also right; that's the part that pisses me off, damned Barbie."
"I can hear you Anita, come on you two it's time to start."
Robert called the munin with Buffy's guidance; the pack felt warmth pass through them.They felt lighter somehow like something had been stripped away.Buffy looked at Robert and nodded her head.
"Our ancestors spirits came tonight to strengthen not our bodies but our spirits, to heal the scars laid they're by others.They are not our burdens. They belong to the ones who did the evil and the munin took those burdens away."
Many pack members crawled forward towards Robert and Buffy.She stepped out of the circle gently pushing Richard inside.He released his power to his pack they flowed around him smoothly until everyone had touched him.He returned to his thrown.He announced Anita was no longer lupa and wished her well.Anita with tears in her eyes made her goodbyes. Buffy gathered Anita to her as they moved next to the wererats.
"Ssh, Anita, I know it's hard but you'll get through it.You loved him enough to see you were hurting him and had to stop; you did the right thing."
"Did I, then why does it feel so wrong."
"Because you still love him, you always will.It's hard to accept when a love that passionate and consuming, isn't meant to be."
Anita looked at Buffy and somehow thought she was talking from experience. Suddenly Buffy smiled brightly."What's up?"Anita asked.
"Their here," she stopped and turned.Damian and Asher landed beside her and wrapped her in their arms. They took turns kissing her.
"Okay, you guys enough of the mush.There are two more ceremonies to do tonight," Anita complained.
The wererat ceremony went off great; Buffy and Rafael had become close friends.They spoke in Spanish the whole time, which Anita hated.Once again, Buffy knew the wererats by name and inquired about their families, jobs, and hobbies, everything.How did she have the time didn't she ever sleep, not to mention keeping up with two vampire lovers?
Anita was getting nervous as they approached the clearing where the wereleopards waited.She saw them all huddled together Nathaniel was glued to Cherry's side.He needed so much; he had no resistance and would do whatever was asked of him.Her only hope was the munin would help him heal from all that he had been through.Marcus had broken all their wills; it was her job to rebuild them.
Buffy kissed her guys and walked towards Cherry, she pulled her aside speaking to her quietly.
Elizabeth confronted Anita."What makes you think this is going to help?You are not a Nimir-Ra; you are just playing dress up.We need a real leader.If we have to have a human leader Buffy should be Nimir-Ra."
"I have had just about enough of you.I am Nimir-Ra; you weren't strong enough for the job so back off bitch before I pass judgment, as is my right." Anita pulled her gun pointing it at Elizabeth's head.She stormed off.
Buffy came up beside her."Anita, couldn't help but overhear; I may have a solution to your problem.When Cherry calls the munin, they could try you to see if they find you a worthy Nimir-Ra. If they do you could be given a beast."
"I am not becoming a were." Anita looked at Buffy her eyes hard with her convictions.
"You don't understand Anita; your beast would be internal.You could call its power for your pard, others would recognize it but you wouldn't change.If someone challenged you would fight on an internal plane.Your beast would call theirs to you.Make sure you want it; it can't be undone.Think of it like your necromancy, its there dormant, but you haul it out when you need it."
Anita looked into Buffy's bright green eyes and realized she was the Nimir-Ra and would do what she needed for her pard."Let's do it."
Cherry called the munin and the warmth rushed through each one.Nathaniel was almost in a coma, as the layers of pain and degradation were pulled away from him one by one.Buffy moved next to Cherry and whispered to the spirits asking for their help to make the Nimir-Ra strong if she was found worthy and her heart was true.
Anita felt something brush against her and looked down.Nothing was there. She felt her temperature rising and her body ache, suddenly she felt something push straight into her chest and move around.Anita could feel the leopard move around as if checking out its new home then settle down.She closed her eyes and saw a large beautifully spotted leopard with green eyes staring back at her it nodded its head. Her eyes popped open and she looked at Buffy who had a large grin on her face.
Anita released the power of her inner beast and they all crawled to her and licked her hand, even Elizabeth.Anita looked her straight in the eye and she nodded her head in acceptance of her Nimir-Ra.Anita felt so at peace like a piece of a puzzle just fit into place.She looked at her pard and recognized the differences.They weren't so submissive, they were more at ease and Zane and Caleb were alphas now their burdens had been removed.
"Zane, Caleb, you will be my first and second.Should anything happen to me, the pard is yours; remember the pard always comes first."She then went onto explain everything that was happening.Anita was surprised at their response and willingness to fight, especially Nathaniel.
Buffy went to Damian and Asher."Take me home boys and have your wicked way with me!"They laughed at her; Buffy jumped into Asher's arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. They flew off for home.
The Next Morning in Bed:
Buffy woke up wrapped in their arms; she snuggled closer.Uh oh, we are going to have company.She kissed them both awake."Mom and Dad are coming; they will give us about 20 minutes. Probably the rest of the gang will follow, soon after that. We better get down to the study."She pushed them up swatting their butts with a giggle and a call that the last one in the shower was a rotten egg!
Three very clean and happy lovers entered the study to see Selene and Zeus waiting.Buffy ran to Selene for a warm hug, and then jumped into Zeus' arms for a bear hug.Damian and Asher stood in a stunned silence.They knew who these 'people' were but looking at them, they just seemed like parents who missed their child.
Zeus turned to them with his best glare and thunder in his voice, little lighting bolts dancing from his fingers."So you are the two who dare think you are good enough for my little one"
"Daddy."Buffy pouted stomping her foot.
Damian and Asher bowed to Zeus and kiss Selene's hand."No, we are not good enough, but we love her more than anything.We are both willing to die or kill for her," Damian said meeting Zeus eyes.
"She gave me back my life, and made my heart work again, both are hers to with as she well." Asher added standing straight and proud beside him.
"That's all I needed to hear; you both know if you hurt her lighting will find you no matter where you are."
"Zeus, enough, our daughter has chosen well they are loyal and the love shines in their eyes"
Just then, the rest of the gods and goddess arrived.Buffy introduced them; each one brought a gift of some kind.Dite's made Buffy blush and the men laugh; it was a soft whip and leather outfit as well as a cream to apply before using the whip.Damian and Asher grinned from ear to ear.
Hephaestus took Buffy aside and whispered in her ear.She squealed, picked him up to spin him around; she set him down, kissing him all over his face.
Dite, Asher and Damian all had the same expression on their face. "I will tell you later."
"Damian, Asher, please step forward," Selene commanded."As my daughters bond mate, through her you are bound to me and her farther.Do you accept this bond as well?"
"We do" their voices chorused together.
"Remove your shirts."Zeus moved beside Selene."Through your rings, you show your bond to her.Through this mark you show you bond to us and therefore the powers."Selene and Zeus joined hand and pressed their hand over first Damian's chest in the exact place as Buffy tattoo.They repeated this for Asher.
Buffy stepped forward to see what had been done to her mates.They had a silver moon like hers with a bluish-white lightning bolt through the center. "It's Beautiful"
"How come mine doesn't have the pretty lightning bolt?"
Zeus laughed "You are your mother's firstborn, you are more hers than mine."
"Don't worry, I know you love me best." She stuck her tongue out at everyone else in the room causing them to laugh.