Chapter Eight

After two days under surveillance and locked in Brom's house, he reluctantly allowed Elizabeth to go home. Unlocking her front door Elizabeth stepped in and spun on her heels putting her nose to nose with Jolene. "You've been doing your funky stuff in my house haven't you!"

"Um I see you've noticed," grinned Jolene knowing she'd been caught red handed.

"A blind man could have felt that," snapped Elizabeth pointing to the door.

Giving Elizabeth her best puppy dog look. Jolene shrugged her shoulders. "Um, sorry."

"Well I guess it's done now," stated Elizabeth heading straight for the kitchen.

Tossing out all of the spoiled food she started digging food out of the freezer. "I can't believe you're still hungry," exclaimed Jolene walking in behind her. "You ate two hours ago."

"I suspect she and Shaw will be eating themselves through house and home for at least the next week. They are majorly underweight honey," said Mathew kissing her on the forehead as he walked passed her.

After fixing a huge pot of chili Elizabeth and Shaw made light work of the soup before she cleaned up. The world had warmed up considerably in the two months she'd been absorbed in other things. Elizabeth found her room conformable enough not to start a fire. Turning her energy else where she headed back into the living room and surveyed all the dust that had collected in her absence.

Zipping around with her duster and mop she attacked the room with vigor. Her two welcomed guest and her unwelcome one, Shaw. Took shelter on the coach and recliner to watch a movie. Satisfied with her work. Elizabeth wiped the sweat off her braw before disposing of the spent Swiffer, and tossing the dirty dust mop into the washer. Returning to the living room she yawned, "Well I'm off to take a shower and hit the rack. Night yall."

"Night," called Jolene as Elizabeth headed to her room.

Slipping out of her clothes, Elizabeth cranked the water on to a burn your skin off temperature. Stepping under the scolding spray she signed in relief. The up side to this old house was that the back bathroom had it's own water heater so she could run all the hot water out if she wanted to, and didn't have to worry if Jolene or Mathew wanted to take a bath.

Squirting shampoo into her hand, Elizabeth closed her eyes and lathered her hair. Massaging it in she froze as she heard the shower curtain open and close behind her. Sitting up at attention her wolf inched to the surface with a growl when she felt someone reach past her and turned the hot water down. Feeling Shaw's big calloused hands rubbing up her arms, her womb clinched with excitement as he moved her hands. Sighing with delight as Shaw began to wash her hair she leaned back into him enjoying his tough. She'd never had a man wash her hair before. An the hot water seemed to enhance his smell of pine and a musky scent that was all his own.

Turning her around he rinsed the shampoo from her hair before taking up her body wash. Placing a dab on her blue poof he washed her body with the care one takes with something breakable. "One could get used ta taking a bath everyday in such good company," burred Shaw rubbing his hands across her chest and belly as the water rinsed the soap away.

Turning in his arms, Elizabeth looked into his dark green eyes. "You know I should castrate you for intruding into my shower. Who invited you anyway," said Elizabeth a little more breathlessly than she'd planed.

Grinning down at her, Shaw brushed her wet hair out of her face. "Well that would have been ye. Ye've been throw'n off "mate with me" pheromones all day long driving me wolf insane. I kind of like it. It smells like hot chocolate." Leaning forward he ran his tongue up the side of her neck dragging a moan from her lips. "And ye taste just as sweet."

Grabbing his side she forced him in front of her. "Then I guess you need a bath too," purred Elizabeth trying to drag her raging hormones back into check.

Washing his long black hair. Elizabeth wondered if his leg was going to twitch with his enjoyment as the man melted in her hands. Taking up the body wash she lathered his body with the silken suds. Before running her hands down his chiseled body.

He was leaner then she'd remembered seeing him in her dreams, but she could tell he'd put on a lot of weight the last couple of days. She knew he'd bulk up a lot more and fill his frame out more handsomely. Even now he had the body of a God and as she pulled his ear lobe into her mouth, she growled as the taste of cinnamon toughed her tongue. Running a hand down his slick body Elizabeth rapped her hand around his throbbing rod.

Holding onto the wall as his knees gave out, Shaw dropped his head onto her shoulder as she slid her hand up and down his shaft. He could feel his balls tighten and draw closer to his body as he rushed toward his climax. Growling he pulled away from Elizabeth and through the shower curtain open before stepped out. He was not going to spill his seed in the shower. If he was going to do that. It would be in the womb of his mate, and he would delight in watching her belly swell with his bran. He knew her wolf was free and had come into heat, and if she'd grant him with a child he might tell her then. Why her wolf was acting the way it was. But not now.

Turning the water off Shaw scooped her up and carried her to the bed. Tossing her onto it he pulled the covers out from under her and crawled between her legs. He wanted the first time to be long and slow. Something she'd remember him by, for all the years to come, but his wolf wanted no part of it. His wolf howled for him to claim his mate. Demanding he do so. Almost forcing the reins from his hands as he settled himself between her thighs. When her warm heat coated his erection as he rubbed himself against her again he felt as if he was about to shatter. The sight of Elizabeths heavy lids, lusty eyes, and heavy breathing was all he could stand.

A scream of pleasure was ripped from her lungs as Shaw drove his shaft into her swollen sheath, and his teeth clamped down the side of her neck with a growl. "Mine," rumbled from his lips and he drove into her with a bruising thrust.

Within seconds, lights exploded behind her eyes as Beth's world shattered in climax.

Panting Shaw rolled her over on top of him while he caught his breath. "Well that was faster than expected," said Shaw before stilling her breath away with a deep lusty kiss.

Digging her fingers into his hair Elizabeth made love to his mouth as she could feel his erection growing larger inside of her. "Um, again so soon?"

"That was only a sample," growled Shaw grasping her hips and rocking her back and forth pulling yet another moan from her lips. "Now you get the whole thing."

And that she did repeatedly through the night. It was well into the morning before the two of them fell asleep in a sated tangle of limbs.

Morning came too quickly as Elizabeth awoke to Jolene's bitching. "Hey you two! It's time to get up, or Elizabeth's going to be late to work!"

Pulling the cover off of Elizabeth head she continued with the nagging. "You told Mac you'd be at work today. So you need to get up."

Groaning Elizabeth drug the cover back over her head and snuggled closer to her new space heater. "Come on Beth it's your fault for staying up so late," gripped Jolene pulling the covers back off of them. "You two where making enough noise last night to wake the dead. Now get up!"

Growling Elizabeth tried to pull the cover up again, but found they where stead fast at her waist. "Up now!"

"Okay, okay I'm up," growled Elizabeth batting at her friends hand to release her hold.

Elizabeth could feel Shaw chest rumble as he whispered in her ear, "You're not the only one who's up."

"T.M.I.," shouted Jolene, "T.M.I.!"

With that Jolene scurried out of the room closing the door quickly behind her. "Timmy? what's that suppose too mean," asked Shaw leaning up to look at the door.

Groaning as her comfy spot moved. Beth opened her sleepy eyes and gazed at the sexy man beside her. "It's not Timmy it's T.M.I.. That stands for Too much information," laughed Elizabeth crawling on top of him and grabbed her alarm clock. Leaning just enough, Shaw pulled her nipple into his mouth. Taking a sharp inhale Elizabeth rubbed herself on Shaw's already rock hard manhood. Releasing her breast with a pop he growled, "How much time before ye have ta be there?"

"An hour and a half," moaned Elizabeth as Shaw lathed her other breast with his tongue.

"Good. That means we have time," said Shaw huskily before flipping her onto her back.

Work was psychotic as Beth and Mac tried to catch up on the workloads that had piled up in her absence. On top of that Cleo was forcing something down her throat about every hour saying, "A hungry wolf is a dangerous wolf."

Elizabeth started to think that Cleo had just went off on a cooking spree, and was using her as a disposal. She didn't complain though, the food was good, and at least she wasn't hungry. Toward the end of the day the hustle and bustle came to a screeching stop when the door to Cleo's office came sliding across the floor behind her.

Dropping the can of engine oil she had in her hand at the sight of Mac's limp body. Elizabeth yanked the headphones out of her ears and ran across the hanger. Sliding to a stop at his side she tilted his beaten and battered face. "Mac what the hell?"

Looking toward the door she watched a gang of men came charging out dragging Cleo by the hair as she wailed. Blood dripped from her split lip and one eye was well on its way to swelling shut. Growling Elizabeth rose to her feet balling her fists. "Well, Well, it's the Marshall woman. She is back," said a man covered in tattoo's and a shaved head. "You know you've been hard to track down. My felix will be glad to hear you're back in town."

"Who the fuck are you, and what in Gods name are you doing here," shouted Elizabeth taking a step ward the skin head. He yanked up on Cleo's blood stained white hair. "Easy now Marshall," cooed the man placing a knife to Cleo's throat. "Wouldn't want to slip with this knife would I?"

About to take another step she stopped when Mac grabbed her ankle, "Don't, they know you smell human. Even if Shaw's scent is clinging to you."

"Yes, now listen here weakling," said the man and when she was about to correct him Mac hit her in the shin. "We want the girl, and you'll bring her to us by tomorrow night. Or me and my gang here might decide to have a bit of fun here with your bosses secretary," continued the skin head not noticing Mac's little stunt.

Nicking Cleo's with his knife he licked the trickle of blood that ran down her throat. "The taste of blood gives he suck a raging hard on. Did you know that Marshall," said the skin head with malice clearly in his voice. "An you'll give her to us or you'll know personally how I can become when I taste blood. You'll deliver her to the address on this paper," stated the man shoving the scrap of paper into Cleo's mouth before placing his hand over it. Cleo sobs were muffled by the paper, and the hand as the man rocked her head back and forth. "Are you picking up what I'm laying down Marrrshallllll?"

"Yeah I'm picking up you've got something Ajax wont take off, and I think that ink has gone to your brain. By the way I hear Orbit can clean even the dirtiest of mouths, and from the look of your teeth you've got yuk mouth."

Throwing Cleo to the floor the man made for her as several of the others grabbed him "She's got it coming to her man don't do it. She's got hers coming," said one of his buddies as they started pulling him to the door.

"Watch your back Marshall, because you're next," spat the skin head before spitting on the floor and marched from the hanger.

Patting Mac on the shoulder, Elizabeth ran to Cleo's side who was spitting the balled up paper out of her mouth. Grabbing Cleo under the arms Elizabeth picked the woman completely out of the floor. Impressed at the strength she didn't know she had. Beth moved around and scooped up her legs, and packed Cleo into Mac's trashed office. Standing Cleo on her feet Elizabeth raked the debris off of the couch and made Cleo sit. Going back for Mac she helped him hop into the office before righting his chair and pushing him in it. Finding the phones ripped from the wall she darted back into the hanger for her cell phone. Yanking her desk drawer completely out. She let it hit the floor before digging through the mess.

Unlocking the key pad she called the only number she had memorized. "This had better be a very voluptuous woman with more backside than I can slap with both hands," grumbled the voice on the other side of the phone half asleep.

"I don't have the boobs, but I've got a huge ass I wish wasn't so big," said Elizabeth in shock not really thinking.

"Elizabeth, what the hell?," said Daniel fully awake now.

"There's been some trouble at the shop. Cleo and Mac are hurt. I don't know what to do. I've only got your number," rattled Elizabeth heading back to the office.

"I told Brom it was too soon for you to go back to work," gripped Daniel.

"It wasn't me! I didn't do anything. It was those guys who attacked me earlier. The ones who want Nicole, but there's a lot more of them now, and one of them is human."

"It's okay, I'll have people there in a heart beat. Just lock the doors until we get there," said Daniel as Elizabeth heard a lot of whooshing sounds letting her now he was getting dress at vampire speed.

"I can't," said Elizabeth looking through the office out into the lobby and the parking lot beyond.

"Why what's wrong!"

"There's no doors," said Elizabeth coolly.

"Okay well if more trouble comes. Let Kujo out and I'll let Shaw handle it from there just hang tight," shouted Daniel as the tattle tail sound of the beep let her know he'd hung up.

"I'm hanging," said Elizabeth into the empty receiver.

When they came, they came in drones. The parking lot was jam packed with people by the time Brom and Shaw arrived in his truck. Rushing across the parking lot toward her. Shaw planted a kiss on her lips before looking her over roughly. "You're okay? You're not hurt."

"No, but Mac and Cleo are a little roughed up," said Elizabeth to Brom before he headed into the office.

Following behind him she found Mac with his head back holding a bloody rag to his nose as Dr. Carlton and several of his nursing staff doctoring the both of them.

"What happened," barked Brom making his way to Mac.

"Those thugs that want Nicole payed us a visit," said Mac nasally, picking his head up off the back of his chair.

"They did all of this," growled Brom holding his hands out gesturing to the room.

"Yep they didn't seem to like our answers," said Mac taking the rag from his nose.

"How many where there and why," asked Brom turning toward Elizabeth, "Aren't you in just as bad shape?"

"I was out working in the hanger," said Elizabeth pointing to the missing door as if Brom didn't know where the hanger was.

"And you didn't hear all of this," shouted Brom gesturing to the room again.

Planting a stern look on her face. Elizabeth placed a fist on her cocked hip. "I work with my ear's plugged, and I didn't know shit was going down. I was jamming to Dragonforce, when I saw the office door come siding across the floor. That's when I saw Mac on the floor and those 15 guys come strolling into the hanger dragging Cleo."

"I wonder why they didn't ruff you up like the others," asked Daniel making himself present in the room.

"They could smell her in the office from where Cleo has been forcing her to sit and eat every hour," said Mac struggling to his feet. "They could smell Shaw on her and since he smells like a shifter they didn't now the damage he could do. I don't believe they picked up her new sent, and honestly it doesn't smell that far from human. I don't think they touched her because they where hoping for the fear factor."

Pulling the wadded paper from her pocket Elizabeth held it up. "They want me to deliver Nicole to this address or else."

Leaving his seat beside Cleo, Jack plucked the paper from Elizabeths hands and unfolded it. "It's the old Jinken's place right off highway 200," said Jack looking at Brom. "You know the place, it's north of town between here and Trout Creek. Down Whitepine Creek Rd. The service road into the national forest."

"Yes I know where it is," said Brom turning to the crowd of people in Cleo's office. "Justine, Michael, Andy, and Thomas," pointing to each in turn Brom continued. "I want you four to take Mac and Cleo to my house and stand guard. Call me if there's any hint of trouble. Chris, you and Donna go with them and get Nicole. Everyone else except those four, I expect to see you in the council chambers in two hours," ordered Brom before charging from the room like a bull dog on a mission. Watching everyone clear out Elizabeth smiled as Jolene and Mathew walked it. "Man this place looks like a train reck," said Jolene with a whistle.

"How good are you at repairing charms," asked Daniel.

"You have to remember, I'm a witch in practice. Considering I didn't know a lot of spells until a couple years ago. I'm decent there farmer John," said Jolene eyeing Daniel up and down.

Finally noticing their get up, Elizabeth eyed both Daniel and Shaw. Dressed in working boots, Dicky utility pants, and a flannel shirt. Elizabeth snickered, "What is up with the outfits. I haven't seen you two in anything other then nice clothes."

"Doona be laughen," sneered Shaw crossing his arms. "I'm told all men wear clothes of these fashion when they be work'n. Don't ken how though. These pants don't let your man parts breathe."

Walking up to Shaw, Elizabeth reached around and grabbed ahold of his rear. "Yes and I doubt any of them's ass look as good as yours in them."

Looking back at his rear Daniel whined, "What about mine?"

Lifting his shirt tail up, Jolene said flatly, "What ass?"

"You where about to fix the room witch," stated Daniel smacking her hand away from his shirt causing everyone to laugh.

"The room, yes," said Jolene cutting off a laugh.

Raising a hand up she spayed out her fingers before saying. "Return all objects to where you once sat. Return in whole to where you were at."

Elizabeth watched as pictures jumped back onto the wall. Their glass panes clinked back together within their frames as they settled. Furniture scooted across the room and righted itself. It seemed the thing of fairy tails as the room was put back into order. "I see what you mean that you're a witch in practice," stated Daniel before walking toward the door.

Pausing when he opened the door he looked down at Mac's name plate that now sat upside down at the bottom of the door. Glancing back at Jolene he shock his head before continuing on his way. "At least it's back on the hinges," called Jolene after him. "Even if it is upside down," she said to herself.

"That's not the only thing upside down," said Shaw pointing to the pictures on the wall that hung every which away but right side up.

Smacking Shaw in the shoulder. Elizabeth smiled charmingly at her friend. "You did a wonderful job. You'll have to teach me that trick."

"As long as she doona do it in da library," said Shaw dodging another swing form Elizabeth. "It'a take you a bloom'en year ta straighten all those books if dey be wind'n up like them," said Shaw pointing to Mac's book shelf where all the books now sat, but only one or two where right side up with the binding out.

Laughing Shaw didn't have time to move as Jolene and Elizabeth socked him in the shoulders.

Showered and changed Elizabeth and Shaw followed Daniel through the lobby of Brom's lodge. Passing several conference rooms they ventured into a service hall the servers used to transport food for catered parties. Continuing to a set of stairs Daniel held the door open for them ushering everyone up. Ascending the stairs Elizabeth pushed her way through a heavy wooden door at the top to find a very ornate hall way full of paintings. Gawking at all of the decor Daniel, herded everyone down the hall and through the doors guarded by sentries. Doing a double take she swore the guards where twins.

Entering into what looked like a court room they could see Brom and several others looking down at a map on a table in the middle of the room. It looked like half the town was milling around the seats on the back side of the court style room. Walking up to the table. Elizabeth was almost bowled over as the crying Nicole came out of nowhere and threw her arms around her neck and sobbed, "I'm so sorry Beth! I never meant for any of this to happen."

Feeling Shaw pressing close behind her she leaned heavily against him as she tried to regain her footing. Rubbing Nicole's head she hugged her tightly. "It's okay honey. Stop crying. It'll all be fine."

"Good you're here," said Brom looking up from the map. "Now we can get this ball rolling."

Circling a spot on the map Brom said, "This here is where the house is located." Sliding more maps on top of the table he circled an empty pace of that map. "Is that satellite images? How'd you get those?"

"Google Miss Marshall, now pay attention," chided Brom. "Okay no one passes the old Jenkins house other then forest personal, and I don't have any on my staff at this point. We do know they don't travel it much at night. Luckily theirs a farm at the end of the road owned by the Reidder family. Who are currently gone to see Mrs. Reidder's mom's in California. I gave them a call and they said it was okay if we used their driveway. So what I suggest is we all meet there. From there Elizabeth and Nicole can hop in my truck and take it down to the Jenkins property. The demands are that we deliver Nicole to their house by tomorrow night. So we'll have to cover of darkness to travel from the Reidder's to the Jenkins place."

"I doona like this plane," said Shaw pulling Elizabeth back into his embrace.

"You don't like it because we're sending your mate into danger. Sorry but if we want this to work we have to make them think their scare tactic worked. I can understand. I wouldn't want my mate doing it, but none the less."

Nodding his head in agreement Shaw kissed the top of Beth's head and gave her a light squeeze. "Alright I believe they'll have look outs along the road and up the driveway to make sure the girls are alone. I'm hoping when they see them they'll follow or we're going to have some problems getting in close to the house."

"If they're as young and city slick as Mac say's. They might not," said one of the older gentleman at the table. "They'll probably post guard around the back of the house because in movies that's always were the bad people come from. They're to stupid to know there's a storm blowing in tomorrow and the wind is always coming off the mountain. That'll place us down wind and they'll never expect us to come in through the front."

"You might be right John, but I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch you know. But one thing is for sure the attack is coming from the front. Because they'll know we're there way before we get there if we come from the mountain side. This is how it's going to work. Elizabeth you're going to drive very slowly to the house and when you get there you get out of the truck. We don't want them getting the bait before we get there. An you do you're bitchy thing you're good at. Once we get into place you'll know it because the fight is on."

"But what happens if someone get in the truck and takes off with Nicole? That's not going to do us any good. An don't say we'll have her lock the doors. I mean come on. I picked Cleo out of the floor like she was nothing today. So I know a pane of glass aint nothing," stated Elizabeth rubbing the arm Shaw had rapped around her chest subconsciously.

"True, but we'll have to take that chance. We don't have any other option considering there isn't an armored tank in town," said Brom rubbing his goatee.

"Armored tank," said Elizabeth as the light in her head went on. "That's it!"

"Elizabeth, I hate it when you get that look on your face," said Jolene taking a step back to look at her friend. "What kind of hair brain scheme are you planning?"

"Armored Tank! Jurisdiction is a tank on legs!"

"There's no way you're riding that horse of yours to that house. Even if he is a tank," said Shaw sternly.

"Wait," said Elizabeth holding her hand out to stop Brom's protest. "Hear me out first. The only natural predator a horse has here is the mountain lion. It's instinctual for them to hate and attack them. Odd I know. You'd think wolves would be up there too, but even a pack of wolves know better then to attack a healthy full grown horse. Needless to say cougars aren't as smart. I think it's a hate hate relationship. They wont be able to pass it up. So they'll follow us to the house for sure!"

"Are you willing to risk you're horses safety, knowing they'll attack him," asked Brom shocked that she'd even think it.

"I'm not done yet," said Elizabeth getting all worked up. "See, we're not that far from Denver. Every year people from all over the US go to the city for their big horse event and show. And on top of that I saw all the horses in the parade in town at Christmas. Just in case you didn't know. Jurisdiction is top of the line, and I figured I'd dress him up and take him to Denver for the compaction. That and I figured I'd give the town a show they'd never believe. See when my dad died he left me this huge chunk of change. I would have never believed the alcoholic was a wealthy man, and I inherited it all. He owned half of the coal mine he worked at, and a diamond mine on top of that. Where there's coal there's diamonds too. I mean Diamonds are just compressed coal, and when you happen across that kind money the Navy say's we don't need you any more even if you want to stay in."

"So that's why you got out of the Navy," exclaimed Brom with an Ah-ha expression.

"Yeah I mean how do you think I could afford to buy forty acres and as nice of a house as I've got on the measly 60k Mac pays me a year. I mean hello for a pole-dunk little town, land here is ungodly expensive. My house payment is over 4000 bucks a month and that's on a 30 year note. I couldn't afford half of what I got if it wasn't for that."

"I was wondering how you afforded that place," added Brom.

"Yeah I can't believe he sat on all of that, and raised us like the box car kids knowing he could have given us better. But that does explain how he could afford to drink himself to death on a miners wages. I'm off track though, let's get back. Well you see. I used some of that money to buy Jurisdiction the coolest outfit. See back in the times when you had nights in shining armor. They used horses like Jurisdiction, or when you picture a knight that's what you think. Because Freshens have a distinctive fancy gate which is good for tromping things. Any who, I sent his measurements out to this company out in California who specialize in metal works and all things Ren Faire."

"Ren Faire," asked Daniel getting engrossed into the conversation.

"Yes Renaissance Faire, or as us nerds call it Ren Faire. Any who, I used some of my alcoholic money and custom ordered armor for Jurisdiction. He's got the cool face plate with a horn on it. He's got spiky shin guards. Scale armer plating for his neck that allows him to move his head up and down that attaches to a leather throat guard that buckles. He's even got booty armor that ties into these wicked points that stick out the back. So he'll be like a walking tank, and as long as Nicole can hold on. No ones going to be getting close to her without Jurisdiction giving them some new piercing. Plus no one can drive him away at least not quickly anyway. So in other words he'll be safe, no one can get close to Nicole without getting hurt, and he's great transportation. I'll just have to put my Aussi on him instead of the english saddle that goes with the get up."

Pondering something for a bit Daniel asked, "Aussi?"

"Yes its and Australian saddle. It's like a cross between an western saddle and an english, and hell'a more comfortable then both. That way Nicole has a horn to hang on to."

"I still don't like any of it," growled Shaw.

"But it's just crazy enough it might work," said Brom as his eyes lit up.

"I don't think so," snarled Shaw.

Stomping on Shaw's foot. Elizabeth said, "Alright then I'll meet you at the Reiders house at 1900."

"1900 it is... that's 7:00 right," asked Brom.

"Yes it's 7," said Elizabeth pulling the fuming Shaw out of the room.

He was still furious when they arrived back to the house. Going straight into the shower without a word to her. Beth let him fume. Picking the clothes out of the floor Shaw had shed on his way to the bathroom, she grumbled. Packing them to the laundry room she stubbed her toe on something in the middle of the floor as she re-entered the bedroom. Rubbing her aching toes she looked at the object of her pain. Finding a sword in the middle of the floor she picked it up. Finding it surprising lighter then it looked. Beth turned the samurai looking sword over in her hands. Figuring it was one of the cheep nock offs most people buy from the store she look at the blade.

Years ago when her ship pulled into port in Japan. Greg, one of her long time friends, drug her off to Shimano Japan to visit the sword makers there. His life long love of anything sharp had put that place on his bucket list, and like all good friends. He had to drag them along. Even though it wasn't her cup of tea she truly enjoyed the experience. She got to see them heat the raw metal in what is known as a Tatara. After about 40 hours of smelting the workers take the walls of the fire pit down and pull the massive chunk of metal out.

It was amazing that such beautiful works of art are made up of lots of small chunks of the massive rock pulled from the tatara. The chips of rock where hammered flat before being melted and hammered to each other creating a single welded block of steal. From there the block of metal is folded upon it's self and hammered flat multiple times. This in itself gives a truly forged blade a distinct patten that the locals call yehuda. Elizabeth laughed to herself as she replayed the memory of the guide having to repeat that word to her 5 or 6 times before he wrote it down for them. This design is caused by all the layers in the metal caused by the hammered folds. Once that was done the sword maker would add the middle section of iron, or the heart of the blade. It's hammered into the traditional shape of the katana. A mix of charcoal powder and clay are put on the blade to protect the blade during the harding process. From there another coat of a clay mixture is placed on the cutting edge of the blade which is called a Hamon. From there it is fired once again for the last time. Since the cutting edge has a thiner clay coat then the trailing edge it cools much quicker became harder. The back of the sword that cools more slowly because of the thicker clay content. Leaving the trailing edge softer and more shock absorbing. The structural changes that happen during this cooling processes, or commonly known as dunking it in water. Is what bends the sword into the well known shape of the samurai sword. The two different thicknesses of the clay is what gives the blade it's also well know wave patter down the surface of the blade.

Pulling the blade from the sheath Elizabeth looked closely as the finger printing marks within the blades surface. Seeing the Hamon and the whiting of the activity of the chemical reaction between the two surfaces she clicked the sheath closed on the blade she knew would cut her. Examining the ornately decorated ivory handle she looked at the bathroom door. It's got to be his, thought Elizabeth before laying the sword on the dresser. Maybe he picked it up back in that time period.

Not thinking anything else about it. Beth slid into her Pj's and crawled into bed. Curling up into her customary ball she began drifting off to sleep. Her brain was barley awake enough to register the bathroom door open or the side of the bed sink. All systems clicked back on as cold wet hair ran across her face. "grrrrrr" said Elizabeth pushing Shaw long wet hair back from his face before unfolding herself.

Giving her a low guttural growl he lowered his glowing red eyes inches from hers. "We'll have to do something about these night clothes you wear."

Looking down at her flannel pajama's Elizabeth asked, "What's wrong with them?"

Kissing her passionately Shaw pulled back as he rested himself on a forearm and began undoing the buttons. "Tis on you, they are."

Watching Shaw's hand as it slid from button to button she barley found her voice enough to whisper. "I thought you were angry with me?"

"Aye my love, that I am," burred Shaw before taking her breast into her mouth as he palmed the other.

Sinking her head farther into the pillow, words failed her as she hummed, "Mmmmm."

Trading off he shared his affection with her other breast before saying, "I'll never be mad at my mate enough to not make love to you, or warm you're body through the night."

Kissing his way down her chest he dipped his tongue into her navel before throwing the covers off of them. Pulling her pj pants off. He tossed them over his head before opening her up to his gaze. "By Odin woman you're beautiful," he purred as his gaze raked her body.

Rapping his arms around her thighs he held her snugly as he ran his tongue along the apex of her legs separating her labia exposing the small pebble of nerves. Pulling the bundle of nerves into he mouth he watched Elizabeth's eyes role back in pleasure before inserting his fingers into her weeping channel.

Elizabeth reveled in Shaw's touched, and rejoiced in the knowledge of her body. As he began to stroke the mound of nerves that rest just behind her hip bone at the entrance of her heat she sucked in a deep breath. Moaning her body jerked as the pleasure soaked walls clamped down on his two digits. Ridging out her climax she dug her fingers into his hair as he continue to bring her higher. Crying out, she thought she would die if he didn't stop soon. Her world shattered as he brought her over the edge again.

Holding her jerking body tightly. Shaw continued his torturing lathing of the small pebble he knew made her cry out in pleasure. Raking his fingers against the small mound of flesh that was currently milking his fingers. He rode out her storm before releasing his hold.

Making his way back up her body he kissed her lips with the heat of his passion. Skirting her teeth he drove his tongue into her mouth sparing with hers until she pulled away from him and looked at the bedroom door. Trying to recapture her lips she placed a hand on his mouth before saying, "Shhhhhh."

Turning his ear toward the door he nipped her ear. "You're hearing is a lot better then it was as a human. It seems we are not the only one enjoying our mates company."

Elizabeth covered her mouth as her face flushed. "Oh my god! So they could hear everything last night!"

"You could hear a mouse in the grass outside if you listened hard enough. So yes," said Shaw running his teeth down her neck causing her to shiver.

Trying to push him away she gasped, "That's so embarrassing."

Nocking her hand out of the way he continued with his nibbling. "Tis only natural. All creatures mate, and all mate in the presence of others. You humans are the only ones who wish to hide the act. If you wish to be apart of the shifter world this is something you'll have to get use to."

"What's that suppose to mean," asked Elizabeth pushing his wondering lips away from her neck.

"The wolf doesn't care if the pack is around him or not. If he feels the urge to take his mate. There is nothing to stop him. Well besides her. If she is not willing he can't, but he'll try."

"So you're saying that the pack at some point becomes voyeurs," said Elizabeth aghast.

Finally stopping his roving mouth he looked deep into her blue eyes. "It is a part of nature. Through that bonding, new life is created. It is an act to celebrate, not shunned and considered something vile. To the pack it is a everyday part of life. They don't sit and watch like some humans fancy doing. They continue with whatever they were doing, but they do hang close to the pair until the bond is broke."

"So after the male gets off he dismounts and then everyone goes on their marry little way. Like no one just had sex in the middle of a group!"

Rubbing his head Shaw looked away from Elizabeth toward what, it didn't matter. "Not exactly."

Smacking him on the shoulder to get him to look at her again. Beth hated to ask, "What do you mean not exactly," because she had a feeling she wouldn't like the answer.

Not meeting her eyes he gazed at her collarbones, "Um you know what happens with dogs right?"

"Wow," shouted Elizabeth trying to get out from under Shaw.

Laying his full weight on her to prevent her from moving. He pinned her hands to the mattress. "Up you big oaf. I can't breath!"

"I, when you stop want'en out form under me," said Shaw his brogue thickening with his annoyance.

"Yeah well you're telling me that when you say bounded it means they're stuck together like dogs!"

Leaning down to kiss her, Elizabeth turned her head. Kissing her check he purred in her ear. "I my mate. When I mount you and fill you with my seed. The knot will form holding me deep inside you. Giving you such pleasure you've never felt, and that pleasure will last so long you'd think you were dead with it. Ye'll wish for it to never end and you will'na care who's around to see it."

Elizabeth could feel the wolf perk up at Shaw's words, and was torn between being turned on or repulsed. She could thank the wolf for that later for she was panting promises, promises. Smiling down at her Elizabeth growled, "What?"

"Your eyes are glowing blue. It seems I got her attention with that."

Turning her gaze from his Elizabeth huffed, "And?"

"Promises are promises Beth."

Looking at him quickly in response to what he said, she nocked heads with him. "Ooch lass," said Shaw rubbing his forehead.

"Ouchy," groaned Elizabeth rubbing hers.

"I would'na believed ye got such a hard head," laughed Shaw moving her hand to kiss the red spot where they'd struck each other.

Catching him unprepared she drug his arm out from under him and shoved with all her might against his other shoulder sending him quickly to his back. Before he could blink. Elizabeth was snarling on top of him. Her wolf was closer to the surface then he thought. Claw like fingernails dug into his chest as Elizabeth bared long canines at him. Keeping his hands splayed out on either side of him, he feared his wolf had interpreted the quick note from hers incorrectly. Droplets of blood trickled down his chest from where her claws had pierced his flesh. Laying perfectly still and submissive he didn't know what her wolf was planing to do. He knew the human was his completely, but her wolf was a wild card. He had no ideal if he'd won the right to clam her completely as a mate.

Submissiveness was always a good way of getting out of a fight, and even though he'd never in all his years ever had to practice or preformed the action. Shaw would for her any time she demanded it, like now. Shaw watched as she moved her hands from his chest and sat them on either side. Holding his breath as she leaned down toward the wounds. The air exploded from his chest when she ran her tongue over the wounds leaving unbroken flesh behind. Instinctually Shaw dug his fingers into her hair as she nipped and lathed his nipple. Never once did he know his nipples where this sensitive, and he moaned as she moved to the other. He only took the time to find quick pleasure in the women he'd loved throughout the years. Always to dominate to lay on his back exposing his soft flesh to the world.

For once his wolf lay quietly not protesting or nagging at him to protect his weaknesses. He'd almost swear he to was laying on his back with his tongue lolling to one side chanting bring it on. Shivers ran the length of his body as Elizabeth traced all the lines and contours of this chest with the lightest of touch from her fingers. Blowing cold air across his wet erect nipples. Shaw arched his back and moved his grip from Elizabeth's hair to the bed so that he wouldn't hurt her. Licking and nipping her way down his chest before dipping her tongue in his belly button. Nipping at the tight flesh of his belly. Shaw could feel is cock jerk in response. The muscles in his stomach trembled, and his skin twitched as she nibbled her way to his side. Sinking her teeth into the the tender flesh just under his ribs his body jerked so hard it razed him off the bed. Pleasure almost bordering on pain raced through him as she growled, and drug her now human nails down his other side. The sensation of her teeth as she bit him again and repeated the clawing on opposite side caused his balls to draw closer to his body. Releasing the breath he didn't know he was holding his lungs trembled as she forced her knees between his.

Kissing the rope of muscles that ran along his hip he hissed as her soft hair tailed across his throbbing erection. He'd never believe it could get harder, but it grew painful more engorged the closer her lips drew to it.

Elizabeth had never been with a man who was not circumcised, and wasn't quite sure how to go about it. But no time like the present was better to learn. Cupping the tightly drawn testicles in her hand she gently rolled them before running her tongue up the burning hot shaft. Growling Elizabeth watched Shaw grasped the bottom of the head board and hoped it wouldn't break under it's groaning protest.

Lifting the engorged rod from his body Elizabeth ran her tongue between the foreskin and the plum colored head she knew lay underneath. By Oden! said Shaw silently. This woman is the devil! he thought as his body lay trapped under her wicked embrace.

Stroking her hand down the throbbing shaft. Beth found that the foreskin traveled down with it exposing the sensitive head underneath. Running her tongue across the slitted opening at the tip of his erection. Elizabeth could taste the sweet nectar of his enjoyment pooling there. Running her tongue around the rim of his head. She felt his shaft jerk as she took him into her mouth.

Shaw could never imagined a woman's mouth could bring hims so much pleasure. He kicked himself for never trying this sometime within his two thousand years. Elizabeth and that kissable mouth of hers brought him quickly over the edge and she took him all. As light's exploded behind his eyes. Taking him over the edge and back, he pulled her from him right when he thought he was about to die from her pleasure. "By Odin woman ye'll be the death of me," burred Shaw trying to role her under him.

Laughing Elizabeth slipped from his grasp and made for the edge of the bed. Growling with delight Shaw snagged her hips and yanked her back. Settling his re-energized cock between the cleft of her ass he growled. Leaning forward he nibbled his way along her shoulder blades. "Ooch lass, not planing on run'en are ye now?"

Wiggling her rump causing Shaw to groan she looked back at him. "Only if you promise to chase me?"

Reaching around Shaw ran his fingers through her closely trimmed nest of curls. Arching her back into his touch she pressed herself harder against him. Elizabeth moaned as the rough pad of his finger slid across the point of her pleasure. Feeling the tip of Shaw's erection press against her needy sex. Her muscles clenched longing for the emptiness to be filled by him. As he breached her opening. Elizabeth lowered her head to the mattress with a moan of pleasure.

Sinking his teeth into her shoulder. Shaw pushed his way in. Reaching the end of her spamming channel. He shoved hard against her cervix causing his mate to scream his name fueling the raging fire within him.

His body burned for his mate and he longed to have her completely, but he would settle for half right now. The half she willingly offered him and begged for him to pleasure.