Finding Meridian Ch. 09

"How did you…?"

We're oracles, vatics if you may." He was unable to finish before she answered. She never looked up from the paper.

"The advice I give you is don't fuck this up! She may be my sister but she cares for you intensely. Your responsibility is to realize how much your words affect her good or bad. If you are unsure, back off. She's been hurt enough."

Marcus got in the car unsure where he was driving. How the hell did this woman make a man of his years get frustrated and unsure. He was thousands of years old and the thought of this woman being with someone else made him want to kill. The visions of her head thrown back and her moans when she came were infecting his mind. Shit! After the first thousand years, he had given up on the idea of a mate. He thought it was completely idiotic; folklore, myth and nonsense.

Then the vision of her in the motorcycle outfit made him hard. He wanted her in front of him with her pants down his cock lodged deep inside her. He wanted to hear her whining and whimpering until she screamed his name. Fuck! He thought of her racing with other men watching. She was his! The thought of another man kissing her, holding her, and taking her made him extremely angry. He barely slammed on the brakes to avoid rear-ending another car. He saw the jewelry store on the right hand side. He could not resist and was drawn to it.

As he walked in, he knew why. He could not do it. He could not let her go. He would do whatever he had to in order to make her his. His Meridian. His little one. He thought of the preordained vampire mating ritual and almost broke the glass to the case holding the jewelry.

An older couple came out to help him. "How may we help you today?"

He looked around realizing everything was antique jewelry. "Everything is antique?"

The older woman came forward. "Hi, I'm Abbie and this is my husband Leo. Yes, we run an antique only jewelry store. However, I sense you are here for something specific. I can let you look around or we can make this simple." She pulled out an ancient wedding ring set.

"I recommend something like this. We will custom make the bands in platinum. I can sense what she would like. I would replace these with blue-green fire opals and pigeon blood red rubies and diamonds. I will make it for you. I just need your decision. Do you want me to make them?"

Marcus looked a bit shocked.

"Oh honey, don't get all shocked on me. You know why you are here. Take your time and let me know. You cannot get her something antique it must be custom made. I know what she wants so just let me know if you make a decision."

Marcus started to think. After everything was over would their relationship be the same? The thought of sleeping with his girl every day brought a smile to his face. He could envision seeing her face as he makes her come. The idea of the ancient mating ritual made him jealous and angry but would he give up jealousy to be with her? The thought of waking her up with sex every day made him hard. It would be Logan and Drake to complete the mating. At least he could trust them. They would never hurt her or scare her. They would always be tied to her to keep her safe.

If he waited…could he wait? Shit! He wanted her only for him. Only his. His Meridian. His Mate. His Wife. He could see the picture in his mind vividly of him deep inside her rocking back and forth while she sat on his lap with her legs wrapped around him. Her cries of ecstasy as she came around his cock. Her head going back as she screamed his name with her sweet tight pussy milking every bit of him out. Just the thought made him need to adjust his pants.

"How do you know what needs to be made? This is my first time here." The older woman just took his hand.

"You know it will be much easier to give in to the fact that you love her. She would never stray. Cultures have different standards. Yes, your sharing the ceremony will make her nervous but we all sacrifice something for love if we do not, we end up sacrificing love itself. Giving up love due to worrying about hurt and betrayal is a bigger sacrificing than just giving in and admitting you love. I'm psychic."

Marcus was stunned. He looked more and his mind went back to if she said yes. Could he hold back his jealousy during the vampire mating ritual? The true test of love was him pushing his possessiveness and jealousy aside for the ritual. It would guarantee Logan and Drake as protectors connected to her. His mind went back to seeing her asleep with the IV and so pale. His Meridian.

"Make the set." He handed over his credit card not even caring of the cost. "How long will it take?"

"I knew you were coming, it will be done tomorrow morning." She smiled at him.

~~~~~~

Meridian saw the Grand Prix motorcycle-racing bike in the garage and immediately fell in love. Once she was on the bike, she saw a bow with a card. "This doesn't make up for many a missed Birthdays but it's a nice treat. If your ribs hurt too much there is a gift to the right. Yes, both are custom." She looked over to see a custom antique Shelby Cobra in midnight blue with white racing stripes. She needed the speed of the bike though right now.

Meridian fed the business card into the navigation system and it confirmed her arrival as she drove to the track.

A very tall man in racing gear met her. Damn, when did motor-cross become so damn hot! He was a good six foot with chiseled body. The blonde hair and blue eyes were hot! She got off the bike and removed the helmet.

"Damn, she wasn't kidding when she said you were her sister. I am Ryan a friend of Trinity's. So you need to race to vent?"

She placed her hand out, "Yes, it's Meridian." Ryan showed her around the track.

"So let's get you ready."

"I do need a favor first. I've got broken ribs and need you to pull the corset strings to tighten it for my driving." Ryan just gave her an odd look and started shaking his head.

"Damn, Trinity said you were hardcore but shit. Ok doll, it is a no go for you racing the bike with broken ribs. You're sis assured me you race cars too?"

Meridian had an evil grin, "Sure do. They know me better than I expected. They bought me this and custom Shelby Cobra in midnight blue and white racing stripes too."

"I'd kill to drive the Shelby on the track. Ok doll, you mind if I call you doll?"

"Doll is fine."

"Doll, I'm not comfortable with you racing a bike with the ribs but I have a grand prix racing car I need to tweak. I need to run practice laps, see where the engine adjustment, oxygen flow…I'm probably losing you right?"

Meridian started laughing, "Not at all. Let us go over the custom specs so I know what I am working with. Give me the skinny on it."

Ryan was impressed and they discussed everything about the car.

"So you ready to take it for a run around the track?"

Over the next four hours, they raced and tweaked the specs on the car. Finally, he handed her a beer. "I think that's all for tonight."

Ryan then looked at her seriously, "I have to ask did your boyfriend hurt you like that? The makeup isn't hiding it well."

"No boyfriend, no I had some asshole attack me." Yeah, no boyfriend. It does not look like one soon. Maybe I am better off single.

Ryan ran his hand over her cheek. "You want me to take care of the guy just give me a name and let me know where to find him. I will handle it. You're too pretty and brilliant to be treated badly."

"I appreciate it but I took care of it. My sister did tell you that you'd keep any knowledge of me being here under the radar?"

Ryan ran his hands over her hips and pulled her close, "Of course. I hope you weren't gentle on the guy." He ran his fingertips lightly over her cheek.

"I'm not so good with being gentle but more with vengeance." She gave him an evil smile.

"Good," he pulled her in and went in to kiss her. Meridian resisted for a minute and then gave in. Ryan buried his hand in her hair kissing her he slid his tongue in her mouth and deeply kissed her until she was breathless then he started kissing her down the neck. It was not the same, it was not Marcus. Shit!

She pushed a bit against his chest, "I can't do this right now."

Ryan pulled her in and hugged her, "You smell like another man. You sure you're not bound to another?"

"You can say it Ryan, I know you're a vampire. It is no big deal. Yes, it is another vampire. He likes me at least did until today. Ok, he liked me. He has a problem with my past and jealousy. He made comments that made me feel pretty shitty to be honest. I do not know. I just ended an engagement too, not to him. Maybe it is just too soon. Maybe I'm just too complex to be with someone long term." Meridian gritted her teeth her mind lodged between wanting to cry and wanting to break things.

Ryan used his hand in her hair to pull her head back to stare in her eyes, "Nothing should ever make you feel shitty. You are too unbelievable for that. Sexy as hell, sell my soul for you sexy. I'd take you any day, complex or simple for as long as you'd have me." He pulled her closer and kissed her deeply. He pulled her close nibbling on her neck and then whispered in her ear, "Take time, I'll be here. You can come here all you need to drive and vent."

"I don't want you pissed if it goes nowhere. I also don't poach on other women's men."

"I don't have a steady woman to get pissed. Merely hanging out with you and I could accept playing with your new birthday gifts as a trade off if necessary. I really would love to drive the cobra. No matter what, I will not pressure you. I'll take whatever you give me friendship or more but no pressure."

"Ryan, I truly appreciate that. I have to figure out everything in my head." Ryan gave her a hug. He knew his scent would be on her when she left. He could not resist. "Wait here." Ryan ran to his office grabbing a key card. "Do you remember how to turn things on around here?"

"Yes, why?"

"Here's an entrance card. Here is the pin. Come anytime day or night and race. Just leave me a text to let me know it is you and not someone breaking in. Next month I am having new security installed. I'm here even if it's just as friends." He pulled her in and gave her a hug.

"I'm brilliant at security so we'll make an exchange that I can race when needed and I will also go over your new security with you."

"Deal. I'm here even if you just need to lean on my shoulder." He gave her a hug before she left.

~~~~~~

Trinity and Alex received the text from Meridian at 3 pm. They did not bother to tell the guys. Better they stew. They left them all wondering.

They announced dinner would be served at 6 pm. Dinner was tense to say the least. Finally, Connor spoke up, "Is she coming back?"

Trinity made a snorting sound at him, "She's a big girl. Why the hell should you give a shit if she returned?!" Trinity left the table.

Marcus's hand tightened on the edge of the table.

Alex looked at him, "Marcus, cool down. She needs to vent. She will come back. She's with a friend."

Connor finally asked, "Who is it?"

"Do you care? It is a friend of mine and you do not know him. " Trinity taunted him.

Connor stormed out and slammed the room to his door.

Marcus looked at Trinity, "She's with another man. What are they doing?"

"Fuck if I know. Do I look like a goddamn spy cam? You're the ones who said the shit you said now suck it up that you hurt her."

A look of guilt went over Marcus's face. He knocked his chair over and left for his room. Just as he walked out of the dining room, he saw Meridian coming up the stairs from the garage.

As soon as he got close to her, he could smell the other guy.

"Who was he?" Marcus's jealousy was taking over.

"None of your business. Shouldn't you be gone by now? Why the fuck even act like you care?" Meridian was mentally and physically exhausted. The pain of both where wearing her down.

Connor walked over and grabbed her arm, "Who the fuck was he? What did you do with him?"

"Connor, remove your hand or I will remove it from your body! Both of you stop this shit! I have nothing to give either of you. You've called me names." Meridian pointed at Connor, "I'm already damaged so why should you or anyone else give a fuck? I am sure you have already told them so why don't you just go fuck off! I emotionally have nothing left for you to take from me so go away!" Meridian turned and looked at Marcus, "Why even bother Marcus? Go find someone who isn't damaged goods."

Connor dropped his hand when he noticed her crying. Seeing her cry broke Marcus's heart. Every bit of jealousy drained from him. He ran up the stairs after her. She slammed the door to her room.

"Little one, I'm coming in." Marcus walked in to see her curled in the fetal position crying. "Baby, I am so sorry. I know there aren't enough words to apologize but I am so sorry." He pulled her into his arms and let her cry. "What are you not telling me? I know you are strong but little one, I am here for you. Talk to me."

"The doctors on Friday said it's normal for me to be emotional after everything. I…I" Meridian started to cry. "The attack Friday caused me to have a miscarriage. I did not know I was pregnant. I was never supposed to be able to get pregnant." Marcus thought he could not feel any worse than he already had felt, he was wrong.

He grabbed a painkiller out of the bottle. "Don't argue with me you need it. I am having the doctor come over and check you out. I am sure you did not tell him. I am not having you out of this bed for 24 hours. I do not want to hear any excuses. My girl has been through more than I knew. I did not even take into account what all happened. We need to get you healed and that won't get done if you're not eating and resting." Marcus called down and had food brought up. "I'll be right back sweetheart."

Marcus stepped into the library where everyone was drinking. They could all tell by the look on his face this was serious. "Connor, both of us stop this shit now. Alex, can you get the doctor back here? He needs to do an exam to make sure nothing has gone wrong since her miscarriage on Friday." Everyone just stared at the announcement. "Logan and Drake, work with everyone so we have a plan to fix everything but she needs some time to heal. Connor, make sure your office gives announcements that investigations are ongoing. I need you to calm down and go apologize to her sooner than later. I do not want her out of bed. Just so we are all clear, I love that woman. I am not letting go of her. I'm planning to propose to her tomorrow."

Everyone just stared at him. "I love her and won't lose her. This bullshit fighting amongst each other is getting us nowhere. No one says a word until I propose."

Connor apologized for his behavior and shook his hand.

Trinity began to speak, "Her sisters will visit her first. Connor get ready to apologize because we have to patch this up."

~~~~~~

Trinity and Alex entered Meridian's room where they surrounded her giving her hugs.

"Honey, you should have told us instead you send in Marcus like a raging bull telling everyone what to do." Meridian started to laugh. "You should have seen it; he was bossing everyone around and giving instructions to Connor. It's good to know he takes control."

Both sisters hugged her. They could tell she was feeling better and were able to get her to eat.

There was a knock at the door and Connor walked in. Both sisters exited the room. He moved her empty food tray to the table. He moved to the other side of the bed and pulled her into his arms.

"You have every right to hate me forever. I saw you slipping away. I broke a promise. You never told me about the miscarriage though that is no excuse for my behavior. Take as long as you need but I'm here as your friend and I am so sorry." Connor hugged her and kissed the top of her head.

"I forgive you." Connor pulled her into his arms.

"I could never live without you. So you feel better, Marcus did kick my ass, literally. I need to let the doctor get in here. You need anything you call me." Connor kissed her on the head.

~~~~~~

The doctor left the room after the exam.

"She's doing a bit better but her healing is slow. Emotionally, she is drained. Everything is clear after the miscarriage. I do not recommend her ever getting pregnant. There is too much damage. I have not told her. She needs some time to heal. It would be too much stress to go over that at this point."

~~~~~~

Marcus reentered the room. "Let's get you a shower." He helped her undress and then removed his clothing. He held her up in the shower as he washed her. He could not help but get hard.

Marcus went to rub her shoulders when she flinched. When she leaned forward, he saw the hand marks on her shoulders and around her neck. The bath had washed off the makeup covering the marks. He wanted to see everything.

"Are you done sweetheart? Do you want me to wash your hair?"

"If you wouldn't mind." After washing her hair and rinsing it, Marcus lifted her out of the shower and wrapped her in a towel. He sat her on the bathroom lounge and dried her off.

He noticed all the black and blue marks she had been hiding. He then pulled her into his arms.

"Meridian, I am so sorry. Do you think you could forgive me?"

He did not hear any response. "You can take all the time you need but is there a chance you'll forgive me?"

Meridian woke up to hear only half of it. "Yes, I forgive you."

"I really need to talk to you about something. I do not want to rush you but I want you with me exclusively. I wanted to offer you something if you accept. I can give you some of my blood and your healing will accelerate but you will not become a vampire. I will always be able to sense your feelings and moods. It's very intimate and attaches us."

Marcus slid his fingers up and down her wet slit. He pulled her so her back was against his chest. He pressed against her clit ring. He nibbled on her neck and whispered in her ear, "Feeding from me doesn't bother you?" Meridian started to moan.

"I'm not bothered or grossed out by it. How long would it take me to heal so we could play?"

"I thought we were playing?" He pulled the hood of her clit back to flick her little clit. She began to moan. He started to whisper in her ear, "You let me know if anything hurts."

"I love what you're doing. It feels so good." Meridian started to moan.

Marcus picked her up and took her to the bed. He walked to the bathroom and returned with a razor and a towel. He sat on the bed leaning back against the headboard and placed her sideways on his lap. He tilted her head back to stare into her eyes. "Little one, I'm going to cut the side of my neck. Put your lips around it and suck on it. I will pull you back when you have had enough. Understand drinking is very erotic and you will probably orgasm during it. I want you to." He spread her legs so he could easily slide his hand in between them.

He cut the side of his neck and with a hand in her hair; he directed her lips to his neck. She began to suck on his bleeding neck as she ran her tongue over the cut. She began to moan and arch her back. "That's my little one, suck a little harder. That's it." He ran his hand in between her legs and rubbed her clit. "I need you to keep sucking little one as you come. I can feel your close. You can come for me little one." He lightly flicked her clit. He knew it would take very little for her to come. She sucked on his neck harder and started bucking her hips against his fingers as she came. She ran her hand up and down his hard cock still in his pants as she whined.

He finally pulled her head back from his neck when she had had enough blood. She was still coming in his arms as he flicked her clit. He used his legs to hold hers open. "That's my girl. You are so sexy when you come."