Author's Note:
While I was getting this chapter ready for submission, I realized that Nick had invaded my computer and turned Dani and Bull's world upside down. When I found the part where he was using his evil to make things worse, I consulted both Dani and Bull and they realized that she would have never allowed such a thing to happen. So I made sure that was made clear in the story. Sorry no rushing ahead, but you'll know when you get there. I also knew I had to make up for what Andre was denied so I brought in a character that while he has been mentioned, hadn't made an appearance. He is part of the chapter where I let Andre express his feelings and gain a little knowledge in the process. He didn't win the girl, but he does realize that he is just as important to her life as everyone else.
Hugs
Darkstone57
Chapter 15
Dani watched as her parents, Mike, Katie and the kids left the driveway and headed for New Orleans. Andi and Pigpen were still in the back window of the RV waving and she waved back until they were out of view. A part of her wanted to run after them, and...and do what? Beg them to stay, beg them to take her home, beg them to turn back the clock and make this all a bad dream? If she did that she would lose Bull, lose the child inside her, and lose all she had gained in such a short time.
Strong arms surrounded her from behind, and she smiled. "Sorry Andre, you may look like him but you don't feel like him..."
"Ah little sister, but you haven't felt all of me; I bet in the dark we would feel the same." He nuzzled her neck. "He is old compared to us; we have youth and vitality on our side." He began to whisper in French and Dani giggled. "You laugh at my words of love?"
"No, I'm laughing because you're tickling me." He was tickling the one spot on her that even Bull was careful to avoid. "Seriously Andre, you need to stop, otherwise I will have to hurt you big time..."
"Would you really hurt me?" He turned her to face him resting his arms on her shoulders and giving her a hurt puppy look.
"No, not intentionally and you know it. Too many people have been hurt so far..."
He couldn't argue with her on that point. If his brother was angry for what their grandmother had done to him, Andre had his own reasons for being angry as well. The child should have been his, and after spending time with Dani, he was coming to regret the loss. "Granny will never forgive herself for doing what she did. She has been talking to Uncle Philippe since daybreak so he will perform the Blood Ritual instead of her if she does not come out of her fears. I find I cannot be sorry for her pain, considering what she did to my brother and to me." To make sure Dani knew what he regretted most he rested a hand on her belly and she nodded in understanding.
Bull walked up and put his hand on Andre's shoulder. "But you will be there Andre, you are still its blood, and you will be a part of his life. Perhaps more than some..." He was not happy and he looked at Dani. "Uncle Philippe will perform the ceremony; I refuse to let that old witch to do anything for me after what she has done. Momma is not happy, but I will not entrust something so important to you to anyone who tries to manipulate the forces of nature. Both of you, come with me, I have decided something."
Dani wondered when he had made the decision she both expected and regretted. There was also the question of why he hadn't talked to her or asked her opinion. "You've decided?"
He took her hand and lift it to his lips, "Yes, but I need something from Andre, and I need your agreement in this."
She sighed, Bull had changed in the last week, and since discovering what his grandmother had done to the three of them he had been more withdrawn, had allowed Andre to grow closer to her. "Bull, I'm afraid..."
Andre moved aside and let Bull pull her to him. "Don't be scared love. None of what has happened has changed how I feel about you; none of it will ever change how much I love you and need you in my life. I simply want explore a new part of us." He bent his head and kissed her long and hard. "Do this for me love, I promise you will not be hurt. I would rather kill myself then ever hurt you in any way."
The three of them got in the truck and he drove them to the grove he had brought her to before. It was early still and the grass was still damp, but she watched as he spread a blanket then began to undress. Exchanging looks with Andre; he shrugged and began to do as his brother was. She had to admit his body was as beautiful as Bull's and while he was smaller in size, he was finely muscled and darker in skin tone from days spent on the boats.
Bull finished and walked up behind her. Moving her hair to one side, nuzzled her neck and slid his hands up under her breasts to cup and caress them. "Never be afraid love, you are my equal, my life. Even when we must be apart, I will always be with you, my dream will be of your body and no woman will ever have me but you. But I cannot deny something that Nature decided long ago uncle Philippe has told me this is how it must be to bring the balance back, and be honest, can you look at him and not feel something inside you for Andre?"