Dirk went to his elbows and maneuvered himself around so that Quinn was resting in his lap. His head was bent, laying against Quinn's as he rocked him gently. Looking up, tears silver in the moonlight, raced down his cheeks. "Thank you." he mouthed and then closed his eyes, howling long and plaintively.

A deep sigh as he nestled himself against Dirk's chest and began counting the beats of his heart. The noise was gentle and calm and it made him feel so secure. Dirk was his shelter from the rest of the world, keeping him protected from it, but at the same time, helping him find each of its wonderful pleasures.

Dirk wasn't sure how long they'd been sitting there. It could have been as little as an hour or as long as five or six. All he knew is that the air was growing colder and they were both stark naked. While he enjoyed cuddling Quinn to his chest and was loathe to disturb the peaceful and comfortable silence between them, he knew that Quinn would soon be shivering. "Let's get into the truck, babe," he whispered softly into Quinn's ear.
"Ok baby." He nodded up at Dirk. Almost child like at the moment, as he had fallen asleep and the sound of his fiances voice had woke him. A hand reached up and rubbed at the stubble on his own cheek before sliding out of Dirks lap and standing . The moment he was away from his better half he was shivering to no end. "**** when did it get cold?"

Dirk missed the shared body heat the moment Quinn stood up. Getting to his feet, Dirk wrapped his arms around Quinn and shuffled him to the truck. "Not sure, an hour ago, maybe two?" The back of the truck was opened up and he let go of his fiance. "There's blankets in the back." He took a step back then and took a deep breath. "I've something I need to do." He took of the newly acquired ring and held it out to Quinn. "Hold this for me. I don't want to lose it." There was a quick peck to Quinn's cheek and then Dirk was gone in an instant.

He was thankful for the clothes left in the duffle in the back of the truck. He pulled on a pair of jeans and smiled looking at Dirks ring. Another smile as he held it tightly. Getting into the back of the truck he wrapped a blanket around himself and watched the forest. He wondered what Dirk had meant.

Just before dawn, Dirk returned. Water dripped from his hair and the blond locks were slicked back and plastered to his head. He bore a tired smile on his face and crawled into the truck. If Quinn were asleep, Dirk didn't want to wake him. Collapsing down, he kept his body away from Quinn's. He knew that the cold that clung to his skin would be a shock to the warm and beautiful body not even six inches away. So close, but yet so far. Closing his eyes, he pulled a sleeping bag over himself. "Good night, Quinn. I love you." It was whispered softly and as lovingly as he'd ever uttered any words. A smile appeared, and Dirk fell fast asleep.

Even in sleep Quinn knew Dirk had returned. His hand was still wrapped tightly around the ring and he inched across the back of the truck, until he was right against his love. Quinn shivered for the first couple of moments but it would have been quite the difficult task to get the human separated from his lycan.

Dirk's eyes opened at the first sound of Quinn's body moving across the back of the truck. Rolling to his back, he smiled and offered his arm as a pillow. "Hey, did I wake you?" His voice was soft and his eyes full of admiration as he snuggled against the one true love of his life.

He hadn?t been awake before but the sound of his angel brought him wide awake. He smiled and shook his head. "No. Well yes, but that?s ok, I love being awake with you." He opened his hand and carefully slid the ring back on Dirk?s finger. His hands touching gently against his chest. He looked concerned. "You?re freezing. Baby are you ok? Where did? you go?"
He accepted the ring back gladly and pulled the sleeping bag over Quinn. "Hunting. I kept him at bay all night. Was time to be good to him for a bit. Washed the blood off in the river." He said it so calmly. But that was his life and he wasn't about to hide another thing from Quinn. "But your body heat is definitely warming me up."

"Oh. Yeah makes sense. I keep forgetting I have to share you with him. Doesn?t bother me a single bit. The better you are to him the less chance of him wanting to munch on my heart." He smiled goofy like, he knew it was a serious matter, but he trusted Dirk's control over his darker side. "Whats it like? Running and hunting and letting the wild part of you free?"

Dirk smiled and gently kissed the tip of Quinn's nose. "Truthfully, it's very lonely." He lowered his chin so that the first of the dawn's rays reflected into those quick silver pools that he fell in love with. "And I'd trade it any day, just to spend an entire night in your arms."

"I could always hunt with you." He knew Dirk hated the idea. But he didn?t want him to have to be so lonesome. A frown and the pads of his fingers went to forming little circles over his chest. "Do you hunt every night?"

Dirk gave Quinn a sad look and shook his head. There was no way he was going to put this curse onto the one he loves so much. "I used to hunt every night. But that stops now." Rising up on one elbow, his free hand went to Quinn's jaw. Leaning down, he kissed his fiance. "Please don't ask to become what I am. I couldn't watch you go through the change. It's so painful baby.

"Why are you not going to hunt every night? You know I worry when I know your hunting." He noted that sad look and decided he would stop pressing the matter. He shook his head. "Okay. I wont ask, but I?m telling you, its painful knowing that you?ll be lonesome and pained baby."

Dirk took in a deep breath and gazed into Quinn's eyes. How long had the wolf inside searched for a companion? He could be free of the longing of not sharing a meal. It'd been so long and the more he gazed into Quinn's eyes, the more he knew that Quinn was the one and only. He took in another deep breath and blew it out slowly. "Ask me again."

"Let me share your hunts with you. Let me be there to protect you when you run in the moonlight. Don?t keep me frail, anything tries to harm you and I am useless as I am now." Quinn?s eyes were pleading. He wanted to be with him always. Not most of the time, not only when the beast could be subdued. He needed to know that he could be Dirk's guardian.

Dirk closed his eyes and nodded slowly. A prayer was sent up that this time things would go well. This time, the creature he sired wouldn't turn into a monster none of them recognized. "I love you." Whispered so softly, he was unsure he said it. Then his eyes opened, shining and golden in the dull light of dawn. His head bent and he kissed the soft and pliable flesh of Quinn's neck. Inhaling deeply, those eyes closed again. He held onto that scent, memorizing it. Dirk knew, deep down, that it'd be the last time it was perfume his nostrils. "Baby" then teeth sank into flesh. Crimson blood sprayed, painting Dirk's face with fine droplets and his hair soon was the color of his beloved's life blood. There was a soft sigh of contentment as Dirk covered the wound with his mouth and suckled as an infant on a mother's breast. And then it was over. Dirk covered Quinn's body with his own and lovingly sealed the wound with several soft massages with his tongue. "Love you, so much."

There was the initial cry of pain as he was bitten, but it was nothing less than a whimper. He had asked for this, and he would be damned if he would allow the pain to show, as he bled he decided it wasn?t so bad, there was lightheadedness, but nothing that wasn?t to be expected with blood loss. As Dirk drank the pain left, for an instant he was fine. Then the fires of infection slid through his veins. His body temperature rising, beads of cold sweat breaking on his forehead. And again, he made not one sound of discomfort.

This was the hard part and Dirk knew that over the next few days, Quinn would have to fight for his life. He slid to the side and held Quinn's body next to his. "It'll be alright baby, it'll be alright. I'm here and I'll be here always. You just rest now and let me take care of you." Soft kisses gently trailed along Quinn's jaw line. Dirk knew that even the softest of kisses would be too much for his fevered and sensitive skin. As tired as he was, Dirk pulled away and crawled over the seats. "I'll get you home."


The pain was unbearable, but it was worth it to feel Dirk's seemingly cool lips against his skin. But it was his voice that made him the most comfortable. As the voice trailed away he wondered then where Dirk had gone. Quinn was weak and he wasn?t sure why, mentally he was sharp as a tack but physically his body was limp and motionless. Fighting for his life would be what his physical body would be going through about now, but Quinn had no idea that the process could be fatal. And that fact would fall in his favor.

As Dirk drove back to the deli, he kept speaking to Quinn. He wasn't sure if Quinn could hear him, but it comforted Dirk to be doing it. He drove quickly, but was very careful of bumps in the road and hoped that he didn't jar Quinn too badly. He sighed in relief when they pulled up to the building. In this part of the city, the buildings were still shadowed and Dirk could make the transition up to the apartment without notice. When he got out of the truck, he went to the back to gather Quinn. Into his arms, cradling him against his chest, Dirk climbed the stairs and made it into the apartment. Quinn was deposited upon the bed with a kiss to his forehead. "I'll be right back, baby. Need to get some water and cool cloths." another kiss to Quinn's forehead and then Dirk left the room.

His eyes were open to tiny slits and he could barely make out that he was back in their bed. The smell of his lover got him through the time that he was away. Their bedding smelled of them. The lavender vanilla scent, from the body wash they used. He focused on certain smells, and sounds. Like the sound of Dirk getting together the things that he needed. The sweat was still pouring out of him so he concentrated on the paths it took as it slid over his body.

Dirk returned with a basin of water and a tall glass of luke warm water. He sat the items down on the table and gently touched the bed beside Quinn. "I'm here." He spoke quietly, knowing that Quinn's senses were heightened by the fever and infection that ran through his body. Everything was done with the utmost of tenderness and care. A rag was removed from the basin of water and wrung out. "Cry out if you need. Nobody's here but me." The rag was placed to Quinn's forehead and left there. He wanted to kiss and hold Quinn, but he didn't want to cause any extra pain and suffering. There was a certain pride in his eyes and they glowed softly as he set to trying to cool Quinn's fever.

Not a single cry of pain would be uttered. Teeth would be gritted tightly together and he would allow his eyes to fall shut. Every so often a tear would sneak from between those lids and slid down his cheek but he showed no other sounds of pain. He focused on Dirk's voice and every time he spoke Quinn would attempt to reply but without much luck.
Dirk saw the stubbornness in Quinn's face and a smile, small and tired, curled his lips. "You know we have a life long bond now. No matter where we are, we'll find each other. We'll feel each other." Dirk gently moved a cool cloth along Quinn's arms. "Once you've recovered from the fever, things will be so clear. You'll hear things that you never heard before. But you'll learn to control it. I've got sunglasses that you can wear. It'll make your first time back outside bearable." Several times he dipped the rag into the basin and wrung it out. "Baby I'm so proud of you for how you're handling this. You're so strong." Dirk lay the opened cloth onto Quinn's stomach and left it there for now. "I shouldn't keep babbling. You need your rest."

There was another garbled and muffled response from him. He continued to sweat and he tried to move closer towards his fiance. It would be the first time he made even the first amount of noise. He cried out softly and then laid still again. He was more frustrated with himself than anything else. He started thinking about the things that Dirk was telling him. It will be perfect to be able to find him no matter what. He would never have to worry, because he would always be able to know Dirk was just a call away.

Dirk heard the cry and the bit of movement. "Yes, you can do it, babe." Placing another cool cloth to Quinn's forehead, he gently took Quinn's hand into his own. "But you need to save your strength." Quinn's hand was brought up and pressed into the center of Dirk's chest. "And when we go on our first hunt together, baby, it'll be amazing. I'll take you home to Kentucky. The deer are so much sweeter there."

There was the softest nod from him as if he was in complete agreement. It was about then when Quinn lost consiciousnes and he was out of it for quite some time.

Dirk kissed his hand as Quinn finally drifted off. "Thank God." Placing Quinn's hand back at his side, Dirk got out of the bed. He created a pallet on the floor and curled up. He slept fretfully and every single time Quinn moved or moaned in his sleep, Dirk got up and did his best to try to keep him as cool as possible. He knew that it was going to be a very long few days until Quinn would be well enough to sit up.

"Baby, calm down." he barely noticed the traffic outside any longer, much less the sounds of the kitchen coming to life down stairs. "You know I won't let you anywhere near your kids during a full moon. They're perfectly safe. And when you learn to control it, then you can go around them anytime you like."

The noise in the kitchen was enough to make Quinns eyes go huge and he looked at Dirk with a pained look. A deep breath and he began rubbing at the back of his neck. "I thank you baby. For all of this." He reached out and took a hold of his hand. He pressed a kiss to his lovers knuckles and looked up at him. "I am proud that you chose me to share your bond with."

Dirk smiled fondly, but there was pain in his eyes as well. He knew what Quinn was going through and it killed a part of him that Quinn had the power and strength; the testicular fortitude to grin and bear it. Dirk had wept like a baby and cowered in a dark closet for days when it was his turn. "I have to tell you, you're not the first. I had to break that other bond. He became too...a monster that I didn't even recognize." It was hard to tell Quinn about his former lover, but he had to. "I should have known better. The guy and I hate a love hate relationship and we were so cruel to each other." Sighing softly, he squeezed Quinn's hand. "I don't believe that you'll end up like he did. You've got a good heart, Quinn."

"You abjured your first mate?" He canted his head and rubbed his eyebrow. "What happened that made your renounce your bond?" It would be best for Quinn to know what had pushed Dirk so far. He obviously had loved the first man or he wouldnt have given him the bond in the first place. What had gone so wrong to force Dirk to never want to see him again.

Dirk put down his spoon and folded his hands in front of himself. "He became a monster. I didn't even recognize him anymore. We fought all of the time. He started turning others, friends and lovers of guys that were close to us. It was horrible. We were like brothers for so long. I never saw it coming." Dirk glanced down at the table and shook his head. Truth be known it had taken him a very long time to get over that one. Looking back up, he smiled. "I'm better off not knowing where he is or what he's doing. I just hope that he finds peace some day. He really needs that in his life. I just couldn't give it to him."

?Then how did you give it to me?" He was confused. Did that mean Dirk had changed? Or did it mean there was something strange abotu Quinn. Hand raised and he let it rest on the back of his neck where he rubbed lightly. He was clearly thinking things through. "Does it bother you that you dont know where his is?" Leave it to Quinn to ask a question he wasnt ready for the answer to .

"I was much younger and very stupid back then. I mistook sex for love. Maybe not even that. I know I loved the guy. God did I love him. And I thought the bond would bring us closer. But it didn't." he looked directly into Quinn's eyes when he said the next part. He had so much conviction in his voice, and nearly shook with it. "Difference is, you love me, Quinn. What we have is pure and true." he sat back then and took a deep breath. "No, it doesn't bother me that I don't know where he is. Truth be known, I'm glad he got off of the modeling circuit. I don't have to worry about running into him again. Because when we do see each other? We try to kill each other."

A growl rumbled up and tumbled up through his throat. "He lays a f****** hand on you I will rip his throat out and jam it down his neck hole!" There was a grabbing of his ears and then a whimper of a whine. His unfiltered anger suprised him more than the pain in his head from the shouting. A deep breath and he stood up and walked as silently as possible to the counter. He lit a cigarette and licked his lips. Things already tasted different. Deeper even.

Dirk jumped back at the ferocity of his usually gentle fiance. His mouth drew into a thin line and worry was etched in his eyes. He watched as Quinn got up and walked across the room. When the cigarette was lit, Dirk got up and approached Quinn from behind. "No, baby. Promise you'll stay far away if he and I should ever meet again. I've seen what he can do. I couldn't stand it if he got a hold of you, too." His arms went around Quinn's waist and he could already feel the change in the musculature there. Quinn was starting to bulk up. It wasn't that Dirk doubted Quinn's abilities or even the strength in his heart to do such an act. He knew that Quinn could quite possibly do what he'd said. But his former lover had something Quinn didn't. And that was experience. "I love you." It was all Dirk could think to say.

"I love you too Darling. But if he touches you, I cant trust myself not to hurt him. Even if that means I am going to die for my attempt, he wont hurt you." Good luck to Dirk in stopping him. He took a long drag and dropped his ashes into the sink before them. He was a Brazilian man, the anger and fire inside of him was more from being stubborn and arrogant than it was from being newly Lycan. As far as he knew at least. Bulking would certainly been interesting. He looked down to his stomach and raised a brow etching a finger over his abs. "Is this normal?" Clearly he was changing the subject.

Dirk let the subject drop. As far as he was concerned, it was a non-issue anyway. There were no chances of seeing that particular ex ever again. At least, that was what Dirk hoped and prayed for. When Quinn's finger touched his arm and the question was asked, Dirk nodded quietly "Yes, your body will change. You'll get more muscular and a lot stronger."

Dirk's hands covered Quinn's and he hurried him into the bathroom. "Hold your breath." Dirk knew that the inward pressure against the eardrums would muffle the sound of cotton balls being drenched with warm water and then stuffed into Quinn's ears. Still, Dirk wasn't quite finished. Taking Quinn's hand, he rushed to his closet. The door was opened, no squeaks, thank you very much, and he pulled out a few toboggans. Sure, it was going to be hot as hell, but it'd muffle the sound even more. One after another, blue, red, yellow, green and orange were all placed onto Quinn's head and tied beneath his chin. "It's not the prettiest I've seen you, but the safest."

"Sounds amazing. Its as if you are speaking the same way that you did when before my life changing. He watched Dirk and smiled. "You know for someone who describes himself as a simple country boy, you certainly seem to be full of surprises." There was a look of pure adoration as he sat down on the edge of the bed and watched the bombshell blonde. "I love you darling."

Dirk finally smiled. A pure and unadulterated dumb country boy smile. "Thank you babe. But I learned that trick by experience. I had to go through this alone and I'd never let you go through it that way. That's why you have to tell me when it hurts, ok?" He went over and dropped to his knees in front of Quinn. Taking Quinn?s hands into his own, he looked up with an equal amount of adoration. "I love you, with my whole heart. Let me help you. Ok?"

"I will tell you when I need help ok? I am not going to harass my sweet every time I have a tiny bit of pain. But you can be sure I will need you." He looked at Dirk and frowned staring down at him with those striking silver eyes. "Let me give you a bath? You seem tense, like you cannot relax."

Dirk let out a soft laugh and brought Quinn's hands to his mouth. He pressed knuckles to his mouth and kept them there for a long moment as he continued to gaze into Quinn's eyes. "You are the one that is so full of surprises. Here we are, so willing to help the other that we forget ourselves. I've never had this before, Quinn. It's amazing." Dirk really didn't have the words to describe just how safe and complete he felt since he'd met Quinn. "Tell you what. I'll go run the water while you hum softly to yourself. It'll be kind of loud still and the humming will drown it out. Ok? Once I'm in the tub, you can come wash my back and hair." His grin turned a little wicked then, he just couldn't help that impish side of himself. "And any other parts that you decide need extra attention.

"Sounds perfect. Make sure you close the door behind you." He pulled Dirk's pillow over his head, the humming was ever so soft and gentle. He was very happy to have the scent of his lover all around him. "I am sure by the way, that all of you needs my attention after my little nap.? He knew he had been out for a long time. But he wasn?t sure exactly how long.

"I will baby." He gently kissed Quinn's knuckles once more before getting up. He watched fondly as Quinn curled up and then he turned to go into the bathroom. The door was quietly shut and the water was tested over and over for just the right temp. And then Dirk settled into a nice, long and relaxing soak.