Dreams and Night Terrors

[Persephone]

It was a puppy. A baby. And she tried to tell Alek that.

Alek: "No, NOT like Lucas. It is not the same thing."

"It is the same thing!"

She snapped with an exasperated tone. How was he not understanding this? Yes, the wolf was a while animal, but that didn't mean it was automatically categorized as a beast. And honestly, she couldn't believe how he was acting after everything they went through with the wolf pack back at the cabin. How close he knew Lily was with them. How they protected her so easily and naturally when she disappeared as a baby. But he compared it to those two animal wranglers that took wild tigers and trained them for shows. She was shocked he even put her in the same category as one of those men.

Alek: "But what happens when you aren't here?"

"It's called a bond, Alek. The puppy will become bonded to us. And you know what happens when they bond with us? They love us and protect us. You know...like the wolf pack that IS wild and has no ties to us has done? The pack that loves and protected our daughter. Like THEM."

This was ridiculous. She felt guilty for bringing the dog in without asking Alek, but she assumed he would be upset about THAT and then let it go after seeing how much Lily loved Olympus already. But he was throwing around demands and commands like he was a damn bear in the wild pissing all over her leg. So when Lily came inside and asked Alek if they had to take Olympus back, Persephone pissed on HIS leg, telling her in no uncertain terms that the puppy was staying. She then picked up Lucas, gave Alek a very cold look, then headed upstairs to put Lucas into bed.

"Your father is an asshole sometimes."

She grumbled to Lucas who was completely oblivious to everything that was happening. He was still soundly asleep, definitely taking after Alek in how he could sleep through anything. Gently putting Lucas down in his crib, Persephone softly smiled down at him and brushed her hand down his soft hair lovingly.

"There we are. Sleep well my little bear."

Persephone turned her head hearing the front door open and close, her brows furrowing as she made her way out of Lucas' room and to the banister that overlooked the living room. Lily was by herself sitting on the couch with Olympus, who was sleeping next to her while she watched tv. Alek was no where in sight.

"Where's your father?"

Lily looked up at Persephone and shrugged.

Lily: "He said he had to go out."

Persephone scoffed.

"Unbelievable."

She hissed to herself. He left. He actually left. Over a PUPPY. Shaking her head, she honestly couldn't believe how this situation had played out. She had been joking in thinking he would divorce her over the dog, but he fucking left, and now she was wondering if this was the straw that would break the camels back.

Lily: "Mama?"

Lily sounded unsure as she called for Persephone, who was looking at the front door through tears and rage filled eyes.

"Baby, are you okay to watch Olympus? I need to do a few things upstairs."

She needed to calm down and cool off is what she needed to do. Lily nodded, her hand over top of Olympus' back protectively as he slept.

"Stay in the living room."

Lily: "I know, mama. I'm gonna watch Secret Life of Pets with Olympus."

Persephone gave her a half smile before moving away from the banister and heading back to Lucas' room to quickly check on him before going into her bedroom. Keeping the door wide open, she could hear the movie playing loud and clear as she sat in the arm chair next to the fireplace and sunk into it. The warmth of the fire danced along Persephone's body as she looked over at the side table drawer and opened it. There it was. What to Expect When You're Expecting. It was still in there from when Alek was rereading it when she was pregnant with Lucas. Taking the book out, Persephone look at the cover, running her thumb along the binding of the book. Just earlier that morning she was thinking about having another baby...telling Alek that yes she would have one with him. Now, today, tomorrow, whenever. She wanted their house filled just as much as her mother and he did. But now? She wasn't so sure.

Letting the book rest in her lap, Persephone turned her head toward the fireplace, watching the flames flicker and crackle. She stayed like that for the better part of an hour, the baby monitor sitting on the nightstand showing Lucas still soundly sleeping in his crib, and periodically yelling down at Lily to check on her who was still happily watching the movie with Olympus. Then, she heard the front door open again and Lily talking with Alek. She exclaimed something about keeping him, her tone happy and excited. Then she heard footsteps ascending the stairs.

Looking over at Alek as he stood by the doorway of their bedroom, Persephone placed the book back down on the nightstand and stood up.

"Don't worry. I didn't bring home a lion cub while you were gone."

She snarked with a roll of her eyes. Walking over to the french doors that lead to the balcony, Persephone opened them needing some fresh air before the next fight started.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

He walked into the room, and could have sworn that despite the fire the temperature dropped to freezing. Seph was sitting in the armchair by the fire, reading. She set her book down on the table when she saw that he'd come into the room and stood.

"Don't worry. I didn't bring home a lion cub while you were gone."

"Oh, that's funny."

She walked to the balcony and opened the doors.

"Do you remember that day when we first encountered the pack? Do you know how afraid I was that they would attack and you would be hurt?"

He kept his voice steady.

"I'm just trying to protect my family. And you're acting like it's no big deal and it is."

Everyone in the world would tell you that wild animals didn't make good pets. The news was full of stories of people who had tried and been attacked, when animals just did what came naturally to them. Why was she blaming him because he didn't want his son or daughter to have that happen to them?

"You might be able to communicate with them, Seph, but I can't. And Lucas can't, at least not yet. Can't you understand why I might think this is a bad idea? Accidents happen."

He took a step forward.

"But I know we can't take him away from Lily now. So I went out and got Lily some things she'll need for the pup."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone walked over to the balcony doors, snarking to Alek about not bringing home any more wild animals while he was gone. He deadpanned back a response and she knew he was still just as upset.

Alek: "Do you remember that day when we first encountered the pack? Do you know how afraid I was that they would attack and you would be hurt?"

"But they didn't."

She said simply, her back to him as she stared out at the ocean; the breeze sweeping through her hair.

Alek: "I'm just trying to protect my family. And you're acting like it's no big deal and it is."

Persephone shook her head and sighed, finally turning around to face him.

"I would NEVER bring home an animal that I thought would be a threat to this family. And for you to insinuate as much is insulting, Alek."

Alek: "You might be able to communicate with them, Seph, but I can't. And Lucas can't, at least not yet. Can't you understand why I might think this is a bad idea? Accidents happen."

Sighing, this was the main difference between herself and Alek. He was very practical when it came to animals and how they were to be viewed and treated. It was his upbringing; his nature to view them as beasts. But Persephone knew better, and maybe she didn't explain it well enough to Alek for him to really understand.

"That won't happen."

He took a step forward and Persephone stayed where she was.

"It's not something that just....stops working as soon as I leave the room, Alek. I have lived for centuries with animals that weren't domesticated. I've had panthers and tigers....snakes, wolves, you name it. And not ONCE has one ever turned on me or someone I loved. When I communicate with them, they bond with me. They listen to me through and through, REGARDLESS if i'm there or not. They won't hurt anyone unless I TELL them to, or they sense MY fear, or the fear of someone in MY PACK."

Persephone's face finally softened.

"That wolf isn't going to hurt you or Lucas. It won't matter if i'm here every single day or if I leave for a year. It won't happen. And the fact that you don't TRUST ME?....That I would bring something into this house that would hurt either of you?..."

Persephone shook her head in disbelief.

Alek: "But I know we can't take him away from Lily now. So I went out and got Lily some things she'll need for the pup."

Persephone didn't meet Alek's eye, her line of sight going to the book on the table. She didn't say anything at first, the silence deafening in the room.

"I'm sorry."

She finally said, her eyes shifting over to Alek.

"I know I should have talk to you about this first. I should have come to you and discussed everything as Lily's parents before making a decision. That was my mistake, and it was an unfair situation for me to put you in."

Persephone shook her head, tears of frustration filling her eyes. He gave in simply because Lily was sad and didn't want to hurt her by taking the puppy away, not because he trusted Persephone. And THAT hurt.

"But what you've said to me is extremely unfair too. I thought you knew me better than that, Alek."

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

He didn't understand why she couldn't see the danger. Why she dismissed his objections so easily.

"It's not something that just....stops working as soon as I leave the room, Alek. I have lived for centuries with animals that weren't domesticated. I've had panthers and tigers....snakes, wolves, you name it. And not ONCE has one ever turned on me or someone I loved. When I communicate with them, they bond with me. They listen to me through and through, REGARDLESS if i'm there or not. They won't hurt anyone unless I TELL them to, or they sense MY fear, or the fear of someone in MY PACK."

They'd never really talked about her power over animals, other than in the context of why Seph hated hunting and didn't eat meat. But still, accidents happened. Animals didn't always mean to hurt people, but they sometimes did. A wolf could easily play too rough with little children. Easily.

"That wolf isn't going to hurt you or Lucas. It won't matter if I'm here every single day or if I leave for a year. It won't happen. And the fact that you don't TRUST ME?....That I would bring something into this house that would hurt either of you?..."

"I do trust you, but Seph, it's a wolf."

He told her that he'd told Lily the pup could stay, but she didn't look overjoyed by it.

"I'm sorry. I know I should have talked to you about this first. I should have come to you and discussed everything as Lily's parents before making a decision. That was my mistake, and it was an unfair situation for me to put you in. But what you've said to me is extremely unfair too. I thought you knew me better than that, Alek."

Her eyes were filling with tears which was not what he'd wanted.

"I don't think you would ever knowingly put the children in danger. But we're taking a risk. The pup doesn't even have to want to hurt them to do it by accident. He's small now but he won't always be. It makes me nervous."

He reached forward to take her hand.

"I love you and the kids, Seph. And I do trust you. I just want to keep all of you safe."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "I do trust you, but Seph, it's a wolf."

There was no winning with him in this. He believed the wolf would be a risk and Persephone did not, period. And honestly, she didn't know where to go from there. She apologized for being in the wrong as far as making a decision without talking to Alek about it first. She shouldn't have done that, she KNEW she shouldn't have done that, so it wasn't fair to him in any way. However she couldn't believe that he would actually believe she would knowingly bring in an animal that could potentially hurt her children. Her babies. It was ludicrous and frustrating, enough so to cause her eyes to fill with tears.

Alek: "I don't think you would ever knowingly put the children in danger. But we're taking a risk..."

Persephone shook her head defiantly.

"I don't think we are."

Alek: "The pup doesn't even have to want to hurt them to do it by accident. He's small now but he won't always be. It makes me nervous."

"That can happen with any dog. If I went out and got her a Labrador puppy, it would grow up and be rambunctious, maybe knock Lily down or accidentally nip her. Animals are animals, domesticated or not, Alek."

The fight just kept circling around endlessly, neither one submitting to the other. They were both stubborn on a good day, so when they actually disagreed and fought about something, it felt like it would never be resolved. Alek took a step forward, taking her hand. Persephone didn't look at him, her eyes trained on the baby monitor showing Lucas beginning to stir awake.

Alek: "I love you and the kids, Seph. And I do trust you. I just want to keep all of you safe."

Persephone didn't say anything at first, her face even.

"And I love you too, Alek...."

Finally her eyes met with his.

"I just don't know what to say anymore.."

Lucas began to cry, the monitor showing him sitting up in his crib now. Without saying another word Persephone moved past Alek and exited the bedroom, heading over to Lucas' nursery and smiling at him as he held himself up in a standing position with the help of his crib. Picking him up, he was still whimpering and being very whiney as Persephone headed with him downstairs.

"Look at that Lucas..."

Pointing at Olympus, the pup immediately perked up next to Lily, his tail wagging.

"What's that, baby? Is that a new friend?"

Persephone asked sweetly as she sat down next to Lily who was smiling at how Olympus was so eager to go near Lucas but stayed obediently sitting, nearly wiggling off the couch with excitement. Lucas' eyes were big and the tears stopped as he studied Olympus. Reaching his hand out toward Oympus' face, the pup sniffed his fingers before giving them a lick, making Lucas giggle.

Lily: "He likes you, Lucas!"

Olympus laid down now, still extremely excited to have Lucas there. Persephone sat him in her lap, the pup slowly inching his way toward Lucas on his belly, closing the gap between them. Persephone softly laughed, watching as he finally got close enough to put his head on Lucas' lap.

Lily: "Daddy, look."

Lily said with a giggle. Persephone looked over at Alek, the smile on her face fading. It was hard to enjoy something when it felt like her husband was waiting on baited breath for something horrible to happen. Looking back down at Lucas as he began to tug the pup's ear, Persephone gently took his hands away, giving the top of Lucas' head a kiss.

"Gentle, sweetheart..."

Persephone helped Lucas pet Olympus' soft fur making him smile and Olympus tail to hit Lily's lap as he wagged happily. Lily giggled again, trying to catch his moving tail with her hands.

Lily: "He really likes it here, mama. He's not sad anymore."

Persephone nodded with a smile.

"I know..."

Looking back over at Alek, Persephone's eyes softened more with sadness than anger. She didn't want to fight with him anymore--she HATED it. She wanted Alek to enjoy this with the kids. She wanted him to feel safe and not worry. But she just wasn't sure if he would allow himself.

"Do you want to sit?"

Persephone asked, extending an olive branch in hopes Alek would take it. Olympus looked over at Alek, one ear up, one ear down, tilting his head. He began to pant, looking like he was smiling which made Persephone smirk at the irony.

"He likes you..."

Lily nodded with a giggle.

Lily: "He likes your toes."

She added with a wrinkle of her nose making Persephone laugh.

"I think he's the only one who likes daddy's toes."

She joked lightly as she stood from the couch with Lucas in her arm and went over to Alek. Handing him Lucas, she kept her voice soft.

"Just give it a chance, baby....And if you hate it--if he does something wrong--I'll take him to a sanctuary......okay? I promise."

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Seph was adamant that there was no risk. But come on, she had to recognize that there was some risk. Even if it was accidental. But Seph said that was true of any dog they got too.

"Animals are animals, domesticated or not, Alek."

Which he would give her. That didn't lessen the risk of the wolf, though. He took her hand, tried to make her understand he just wanted to protect his family. But she just looked sad.

"I just don't know what to say anymore.."

She went in to retrieve Lucas, who had started to cry. He sank down into the armchair, watching Seph on the monitor, picking up Lucas. He ran his hand through his hair. He had given in, hadn't he? He had told Lily the pup could stay. So why was she still upset? She disappeared from the monitor with Lucas, and he heard her footsteps going down the stairs. He got up and followed slowly. He wasn't going to let her just be angry at him from another room.

He came downstairs quietly, watching from afar as the wolf licked his baby's fingers. He felt a pain like a knife in his chest. This was crazy. Why didn't anyone else see that this was crazy? He stood there and watched, and he saw Lily's happy face, and Lucas giggling, Seph smiling. And then Lily noticed he was there.

Lily: "Daddy, look."

He gave her a half smile.

"I see, baby."

He tensed as Lucas pulled the pup's ear, waiting for it to bite. But it didn't.

Lily: "He really likes it here, mama. He's not sad anymore."

Seph looked at him, and he met her eyes with sad ones of his own. The wolf was looking at him, and returned it with a long stare, as if he was trying to see inside the pup's head.

"He likes you..."

Lily giggled, adding that the pup liked his toes. He scrunched up his fingers and made a funny face like he was going to "get" her.

"Oh yeah? Well I like your toes!"

"I think he's the only one who likes daddy's toes."

"At least right now."

Seph got up from the couch, handing him Lucas. Alek kissed the top of the baby's head.

"Just give it a chance, baby....And if you hate it--if he does something wrong--I'll take him to a sanctuary......okay? I promise."

He looked at her, then finally nodded.

"Okay."

He leaned over to kiss her cheek. Then turned to stare at the pup who was now back in Lily's lap.

"I guess he is a little bit cute."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone never wanted this to turn into a huge issue. She especially never wanted to fight with Alek. So as Alek came downstairs and watched her and the kids interact with the puppy, she looked over at him to softly tell him that the pup liked him. She just wanted the tension to go away, and hoped that maybe easing him in and showing him Olympus wasn't a horrible beast that would eat all of them was a good start. If she could get him to bond with the pup she knew Alek would fall in love just as hard as the rest of them had.

Lily commented on how Olympus actually liked Alek's toes, to which he made a funny face and acted as if he was about to attack her.

Alek: "Oh yeah? Well I like your toes!"

Lily shrieked and giggled, making Olympus jump up at attention and barked playfully. Persephone then stood, carrying Lucas over to Alek and gently handing him over. She just wanted Alek to try. And if the puppy did get aggressive or hurt Lily and Lucas in any way, Persephone would personally take him to a sanctuary. She would never put an animal above her family's safety, and she really, truly, hoped Alek knew that.

Alek: "Okay."

She gave him a little smile as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you."

Her response was sincere as her hand lifted to his cheek and gently caressed it. Alek was looking at the puppy and she could see his eyes soften just a bit.

Alek: "I guess he is a little bit cute."

Persephone's smile grew as she turned around to see Lily sitting with her little legs stretched out with Olympus laying on top of them.

"Just a little."

She teased softly before looking back at him. Lucas was making grunting noises in Alek's arms, leaning toward the puppy with outstretched arms. He had such a determined furrow to his brow that Persephone couldn't help but let out a little laugh.

"Do you want to sit with Lucas and let him play with the puppy while I call for takeout? It's getting too late to actually cook a meal."

Lily: "Can we get spaghetti!!?"

Persephone smiled and nodded.

"Sure, baby."

Lily: "Can Olympus have spaghetti too?!?"

With a laugh.

"No, sweetheart...Olympus isn't allowed to have spaghetti. But i'll get him something special, okay?"

Lily happily nodded as Persephone turned back to Alek and gave him a small kiss.

"I love you."

She whispered between their lips. She wanted to say that to him, because despite disagreements and fights they might have, it didn't make Persephone love Alek any less. He was her world, her lifeline, and partner. And like any normal couple, they fought, but it didn't mean she hated him. Pulling away she walked into the kitchen and opened one of the drawers that held all the takeout menus. Picking the best Italian place there was, Persephone sat on the barstool and placed the order.

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

Maybe it would be fine. Maybe this would just be like having any other dog. He wasn't entirely comfortable with taking the chance, but Seph promised that if anything happened, the wolf was gone. He thought that was a fair compromise, and there really was no taking the pup away from Lily now. Olympus was laying on Lily's lap. The pack had protected Lily when she was hurt. He hoped this one would protect her the same way - he hoped Seph was right.

Lucas was reaching out for the pup, getting aggravated that his sister was petting it and he wasn't.

"Do you want to sit with Lucas and let him play with the puppy while I call for takeout? It's getting too late to actually cook a meal."

He bounced Lucas up and down a little. Lily asked for spaghetti, and Seph consented. Seph turned and gave him a kiss.

"I love you."

"I love you too, baby."

Seph went into the kitchen, and he went to the couch and sat down, sitting Lucas in his lap. He took the baby's hand and helped him pet the wolf gently. He looked at Lily, and gave her a wink, before kissing the top of her head.

"So, why does he like my toes?"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone ordered a bunch of different Italian dishes, making sure there was enough for left overs for lunch tomorrow. She even asked for a a pound of raw ground beef, a request the restaurant was a little confused about, but she assured them that price didn't matter. Watching as Alek sat with Lucas on the sofa, he was helping Lucas pet Olympus to which he giggled happily, shrieking as Olympus nuzzled his hand with his nose.

Alek: "So, why does he like my toes?"

Lily giggled, scrunching up her face.

"He thinks they smell good. Gross."

She laughed and Persephone grinned as she sat on the phone waiting for the girl to take her credit card information. Olympus began to poke Alek's leg with his nose, growling playfully at him before pouncing his paws on the couch.

Lily: "I told him you're a bear and like to growl, daddy."

She said with a laugh as Olympus looked up at Alek and tilted his head inquisitively at him, wondering why he wasn't playing. Lucas clapped his hands happily, bouncing up and down in Alek's lap which made Olympus bark and pounce again, egging Lucas on. Lucas began to laugh hysterically at this point.

Lily: "Lucas really likes him! I was scared he would be scared."

Lily crawled over to Alek and maneuvered around Lucas carefully before wrapping her arms around his neck.

Lily: "Thank you for letting me keep him, daddy. He's gonna be he bestest, I promise."

Persephone smiled as she hung up the phone, watching her three babies and new puppy all sitting on the couch. It made her heart swell with such love as she slipped off the barstool and headed over to the french doors.

"Olympus, time to go outside."

Olympus perked up immediately, one ear up, one ear down, looking over at Persephone. She opened the door and he jumped off the couch, bounding over to her.

"Stay away from the pool."

She said with a smile, letting Olympus out to use the bathroom; the pup immediately running into the large grassy backyard. Closing the door, Persephone looked at Alek, Lily, and Lucas.

"Dinner should be here soon. Although....somebody already looks very hungry."

She said with a knowing smile, seeing Lucas fussing in Alek's arms. Walking over to Alek and Lucas, he was now grunting at her, lifting his hands up and squirming to go to her knowing it was feeding time. Persephone took Lucas from Alek's arms, still very fussy as she bounced him.

"Baby, why don't you start setting the table?"

Lily: "Okay!"

Lily slipped off the couch and Persephone took her spot, sitting next to Alek as she positioned Lucas in her arms to feed him. Looking down as he began to eat, Persephone ran her hand along the top of his head; his skin and hair so soft.

"He's getting so big already..."

She murmured before looking up at Alek.

"Soon he'll be running around like Lily...helping her set the table."

She smiled at the thought, her hand slipping into Alek's; their fingers interlinking.

"Chasing after Olympus..."

She added with a small smirk. She squeezed his hand as she looked at him with sincere and loving eyes.

"Thank you for giving this a chance, baby. I know it's hard for you to sit back and trust me on this. You're our protector....and I love you so much for that."

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

Alek sat next to Lily, holding Lucas, while Seph was calling for takeout. He asked her why the wolf pup liked his toes, wanting to make sure Lily knew he wasn't upset at her.

"He thinks they smell good. Gross."

He probably wants to eat them.

The pup was making noises and trying to play with him.

Lily: "I told him you're a bear and like to growl, daddy."

He looked down at his daughter, laughing. He reached out and ruffed her hair.

"I seem to remember a little cub who likes to growl too."

Lucas was in love with the pup, laughing at its antics.

Lily: "Lucas really likes him! I was scared he would be scared."

"Well, you're his big sister, he likes what you like. And he sees that you're not scared."

He smiled proudly at Lily, and she got up on her knees so she could wrap her arms around Alek's neck. He held Lucas with one arm and put the other around Lily, squeezing her.

Lily: "Thank you for letting me keep him, daddy. He's gonna be the bestest, I promise."

He smiled, loving that his little girl was happy.

"You're welcome. Just remember that you need to make sure he's fed and gets walks outside, and teach him how to behave."

Lily: "I will!"

Seph got off the phone, and came over to let Olympus outside, and told them dinner would arrive soon. Lucas started to fuss, reaching his arms out to go to Seph, and Alek handed him over to her so she could feed him. She had Lily start to set the table, so it was just the three of them on the couch.

"He's getting so big already...Soon he'll be running around like Lily...helping her set the table. Chasing after Olympus..."

"They grow up too fast."

He mimicked Seph and stroked Lucas' hair, while Seph's hand came into his other one, intertwining their finger.

"Thank you for giving this a chance, baby. I know it's hard for you to sit back and trust me on this. You're our protector....and I love you so much for that."

He returned her gaze, thinking she was pretty much the sexiest, most beautiful woman who ever lived, and his eyes showed it.

"It's not that I don't trust you, Seph, honest. I just love you so much, I don't want anything to happen to you or our family. But maybe I take it too far sometimes."

He smiled at her, his way of apologizing.

"And I promise to cut back on the chocolate milk."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone may have been upset with Alek, but she knew his hesitation and reservations toward keeping Olympus came from a place of love, ands he couldn't fault him for that. So she told him she understood why he felt the need to protect them, and she loved him for that. But she was glad he was willing to give Olympus a chance. Persephone knew the pup would win him over eventually.

Alek: "It's not that I don't trust you, Seph, honest. I just love you so much, I don't want anything to happen to you or our family. But maybe I take it too far sometimes."

Persephone could see in his eyes the love and sincerity there, giving him a warm smile in return.

"No, you didn't take it too far. You're just stubborn."

Her smile turning into a taunting smirk.

"But so am I."

She leaned in, sealing the apologize and forgiveness from both sides with a kiss. Resting her forehead against his for a few moment, Persephone closed her eyes and just let the negative energy from the past couple hours leave her body.

Lily: "Tables all set!"

Lily announced proudly before running over to the french doors to let a waiting Olympus back inside. They began to run and chase each other around the table until the food arrived. At that point Lucas was already knocked out cold, Persephone taking him upstairs to bed before joining Alek, Lily, and Olympus for dinner. Everyone had a pasta feast, and per Persephone's request, Olympus's new dog bowl was filled with a pound of raw ground beef. After dinner, Alek took Lily upstairs for a bath while Persephone cleaned up. Despite Lily begging for Olympus to sleep in her room, Persephone said that he had to be gated in the hallway until he got used to living with them. But in reality, she knew Alek would be nervous with him sleeping with Lily so she wanted to make it seem it was in Olympus' best interest to become comfortable with his new home until Alek was comfortable with him. So with Lily in bed, Lucas passed out for the night, and Olympus sleeping soundly in the hallway on his new dog bed, Persephone and Alek were finally able to relax.

Persephone walked out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel after taking a quick shower; her hair dry and up in a messy bun. The flat screen tv was on above the fireplace playing some soccer game highlights that Alek seemed to be interested in when she dropped her towel and tossed it onto the armchair near the fireplace. Climbing into bed, she got under the covers, unpinning her hair and letting it fall onto her shoulders. Curling up next to Alek, Persephone ran her hand along his chest and stomach, her lips kissing up his bicep and to his shoulder.

"I've been thinking..."

She started, her lips moving along his collar bone and to his neck. Persephone placed her hand on Alek's cheek as she lifted to kiss him, but stopped. Her dark eyes met with his and she got lost in them for a moment, searching for the right words.

"I want to try for another baby..."

She had been so adamant on not having anymore children right away, but for some reason her ovaries were doing back flips recently. She would look at Lucas and see his precious little face and realize that maybe Alek was right. Maybe they shouldn't wait to have more babies. They grew up so fast and Persephone wasn't ready to not have a baby in the house.

"I don't want to wait.."

Her lips connected with his, hoping Alek still felt the same way.

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

He and Seph sat together on the couch while she fed Lucas, and he admitted maybe he took protecting them too far when it had come to the discussion of the pup.

"No, you didn't take it too far. You're just stubborn. But so am I."

"I know."

He said with a little smile as she leaned in to kiss him. Their foreheads touched, and he wasn't sure how he could ever have thought about denying her anything. Lily announced that the table was all set, and he turned his head and smiled.

"Soon we won't need Mrs. Anastas, we'll have you to do all the cooking and cleaning."

Lily: "Da-ad."

She went over and let the pup back inside, picking up playing right where they had left off. They had an excellent dinner, Lily happily covered in spaghetti sauce, and then it was his turn to give Lily her bath and get her ready to go to sleep. Thankfully Seph didn't let Lily have the pup in her room while she slept - he wasn't ready for there to be a closed door between him and his daughter with a wolf. Seph went to take a shower, so he climbed into bed and switched on the tv, getting the highlights from the match he'd fell asleep during.

Seph came out from the shower wrapped in a towel. And when she dropped the towel, he quickly switched off the tv. He smiled as she climbed into bed and under the covers, curling up next to him as he made a place for her. He stroked her back while she was kissing his shoulder, happy to apparently not be in the doghouse.

"I've been thinking..."

She was kissing his neck and he brought his other arm around her. Whatever she was thinking, he was down.

"Dangerous..."

She raised herself up like she was going to kiss him, but then stopped, looking into his eyes. He returned her gaze, lost in the darkness of her eyes.

"What is it, baby?"

"I want to try for another baby..."

He grinned.

"What is it that we do every night then?"

He kissed her.

"And day. And evening?"

He smiled, reaching up and touching her cheek.

"I'm sorry for teasing, baby. Are you sure? I don't want to pressure you...well, more than usual."

"I don't want to wait.."

She kissed him again, and knowing the way her sex drive worked, he wondered if she could be pregnant again already. He couldn't keep the grin off his face. She wanted another baby! She'd wanted to stop at one, and then Lucas happened accidentally, to his joy. Yes, he teased her about it, but he never thought she would agree to having another.

"It's no secret how much I want this, Seph. I love you, and I want a house full of your children."

He kissed her again softly.

"You don't know how happy you've made me."

He cocked an eyebrow at her playfully.

"So, tell me, exactly what does this 'trying' entail?"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone was on Alek like a bee on honey, snuggling up to him and kissing along his body. She told him she had been thinking about something as her lips met with his neck, until finally pulling back and looking into his gorgeous blue eyes. She wanted to try for another baby.

Alek: "What is it that we do every night then? And day. And evening?"

He kissed her through his teasing words, making Persephone chuckle against his lips.

"Alek..."

But she was serious. Of course they had sex which obviously was the gateway to producing children. But they had never actually tried for a child. Both Lily and Lucas were surprises.

Alek: "I'm sorry for teasing, baby. Are you sure? I don't want to pressure you...well, more than usual."

She nodded slowly, her eyes never leaving his.

"I'm sure."

Her words were soft but strong. There was no wavering in her convictions. She wanted another baby.

"I don't want to wait..."

Finally she kissed him and she could feel the grin spread across Alek's lips as she did. It made her smile too, kissing him through the joyous moment as she pulled herself close into his body.

Alek: "It's no secret how much I want this, Seph. I love you, and I want a house full of your children. You don't know how happy you've made me."

She smiled at that, but at the same time felt a little guilty. Of course she had wanted children with Alek, and when she found out she was pregnant with Lily her entire world felt whole. But after Lily's horrific birth, they both agreed that Lily was enough. That the risk was too great to Persephone's health. Then finding out she was pregnant with Lucas? It was terrifying, and her fear outweighed her excitement. But the birth was simple--well, as simple as giving birth could be, but still, she felt like she had somehow gotten lucky with Lucas. She didn't want to chance another bad birth. She had her girl and her boy--her perfect family, so she stopped entertaining the idea of having more children much to Alek's displeasure. But now? It was like a switch flipped....she wanted more kids. She wanted ten more kids if she could. She just wanted the house filled with Lily's giggles and Lucas' shrieks of excitement. The fear was gone and she was ready.

"That's all I want in life....You, Lily, and Lucas to be happy. Always."

Her smile turned into a cheeky grin.

"And this soon to be new little one...."

His expression turned playful making Persephone's grin widen.

Alek: "So, tell me, exactly what does this 'trying' entail?"

"Hmm...."

She contemplated while biting her bottom lip.

"A little bit of this...."

She kissed him softly, her tongue slipping past his lips to gently meet with his. Persephone slid her hand down his stomach, breaking the kiss but keeping her lips against his.

"A little bit of that..."

Her hand grasped his cock and slowly began to stroke it as her lips pressed against his again, this time deeper and with more heated passion.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Before he got too excited, he made sure to ask Seph if she was sure. He had always been the one who was gunning for more children, and Seph was the one who was more cautious about it. He didn't want her to be doing it for him, if it wasn't what she wanted. She told him she was sure. His heart leapt. He loved the children they had, and wouldn't exchange them for anything, but he was excited for there to be more. And he was excited to make them with Seph. He told her how happy he was

"That's all I want in life....You, Lily, and Lucas to be happy. Always."

He stroked her hair.

"As long as we're together, we will be. We'll make sure of it."

"And this soon to be new little one...."

His smile matched hers, and he reached down between them to put his hand on her belly. His expression changed, and his hand slid around to her bottom. He asked her playfully what "trying" for a baby entailed. She bit her bottom lip in that incredibly sexy way she had.

"A little bit of this...."

Her mouth pressed gently against his, her tongue sliding into his mouth. He could feel the heat of her body, the press of her against him making him very interested in making a baby.

"A little bit of that..."

She kissed him again as her hand wickedly touched him, stroked him. He moaned into her kiss, his cock hardening with desire for her. He continued to kiss her, breaking it only to whisper to her.

"I love you so much...I need to be inside you..."

He deepened their kiss, mauling her mouth with his.

"Let's make a baby..."

He grinned, tasting her again, lifting her so she could slide onto him. He moaned out - she felt so fucking good - and slid his arms around her back to hold her against him. He began to move his hips slowly, pressing into her, easily sliding in and out. He was fully hard now, the way she was moving turning him on full.

 

[Persephone]

Their kiss was heated as Alek's hand slid from her flat stomach to her ass, pulling her close to him. It was funny how his touch could go from being so gentle and caring, placed on her belly at the thought of her becoming pregnant again, to ready and willing, now gripping her ass. Persephone slid her hand down to his cock, slowly stroking it until it was hard in her hand. He moaned into their kiss making Persephone so incredibly wet. Then he pulled back, just enough to whisper.

Alek: "I love you so much...I need to be inside you..."

Then their lips connected aggressively, Persephone inhaling a deep breath and letting out a moan as he pulled her on top of him.

Alek: "Lets make a baby..."

Persephone giggled between their kiss at his elated grin, Alek looking like a kid in a candy store. He then lifted her just enough to slid into her, Persephone moaning with him as he filled her completely.

"Ohhh, baby..."

She moaned as her lips connected back to his like a magnet. Rolling her hips as Alek lifted his, their bodies connected in perfect unison. He felt so amazing, Persephone's body hot with pleasure. She began to pick up her speed, grinding down, the length of him so big and punctuating all the right spots.

"Fuck.."

She grunted out, her forehead falling onto his shoulder at the feeling of his huge dick pumping in and out of her as she swirled her hips, pushing against him. Each thrust caused Persephone to groan, her hand planting flat on the pillow beside Alek's head so she could hold herself up and look down at him. Their eyes were locked together, and the look they shared was almost as intimate as the act they were doing. Persephone's lips were parted as she panted soft breaths between them. Her face began to change to that of utter pleasure as her body began to react; the build of pressure inside her growing. But her eyes never left Alek's. Her body instinctively contracted around him, pulling him deeper and making her breathing hitch in her throat knowing she was teetering on the edge. Her body tensed and hand gripped the pillow feeling the swell within her strength until finally the crash of pleasure overtook her body and she couldn't help but close her eyes as she cried out and came.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Seph moved on top of him, and it felt like he could feel every cell in his body, and they were all screaming with pleasure. His hands on her hips slid up around her back and she rested her forehead on his shoulder. She moved like a belly dancer, and he pressed his hips upward, the two of them perfectly fitted and moving in unison. He felt her move faster, and so did he. She was looking down into his eyes, and he could see all the different shades in her eyes when the firelight reflected off of them. He reached up and touched her breast, and felt her body tense, felt her holding him inside her, her eyes never leaving his until she came, crying out.

He rolled her onto her back, and he looked down at her this time, running his hand slowly up the outside of her leg, barely moving his hips. He kissed her, long and slow, tongue touching hers in a leisurely dance. He wanted to taste her, smell her, hear her, feel her. He wanted to be surrounded by her. His mouth went to her neck, his face in her hair. His hands roamed her body, caressing her delicately.

"Persephone..."

He whispered it to her, but it had a guttural undertone to it. He lifted his hips, pulling himself almost the entire way out of her, and then he plunged himself deeply back in. He began to move faster, his mouth finding hers again hungrily. He reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers.

"I feel like I'll die if I'm not inside you..."

 

[Persephone]

The moment was pure magic, Alek's arms holding her close to him as her body shook from what he had done to her. Persephone felt him shift, rolling her over so he was now on top. Looking up at him, her body still pulsed with aftershocks as he slowed his movements down to the bare minimum. His hand glided up her leg and over her body. His lips connected with hers and their tongues slowly tasted each other. His movements were sexy and slow, making Persephone heated with desire. He filled her so completely, the feel of him inside her like a piece of her soul being found. Her breath was soft and hot as he kissed down her neck.

Alek: "Persephone..."

And the way he said her name made her moan in response. His words were quiet but spoke volumes to what he wanted. Running her hands up his back, she felt him pull almost completely out of her before pushing himself fully back to the hilt causing Persephone to grip his back and groan out. He did it over and over again, each time making her swollen sex wet with pleasure. Her moans filled the room until muffled by Alek's kiss, both vigorous with their intentions. Persephone took Alek's face with her hands, holding his face steady as her body rocked up agains the pillows from the force of his hips colliding with hers. She wrapped her legs around his waist, anchoring herself to him as he grabbed one of her hands away from his face and interlinked their fingers. Persephone broke the kiss, her eyes so filled with ecstasy as she looked up at him. Her other hand still caressing his cheek.

Alek: "I feel like I'll die if I'm not inside you..."

And she felt the same every time he entered her. It was like the sun rising after centuries of darkness. A cold spring in the middle of the dessert. That first delicious bite of something you crave. Persephone ran her hand down his cheek to the base of his neck, gripping his hair while her other hand that interlinked with Alek's gripped him tightly as well.

"Slow down....stay in me..."

She whispered between them, wanting the moment to last longer for not only him, but her too. It was one of the rare moments Persephone didn't tell him to fuck her hard. She felt Alek slow his pace making her breathing heavily out, her body on hyper drive and nerve endings on full alert. Rolling her hips to meet with his in a slow and steady tempo, she smiled before connecting her lips with his in a deep and sensual kiss.

"Just like that, baby..."

Persephone moaned softly against his lips, feeling herself so close to free falling over that edge again.

"Just like that..."

She breathlessly whispered, wanting him to stay inside her for as long as he possibly could, but knowing she was on the verge of coming again.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

When her legs wrapped around him he really thought he might die - he wasn't sure why these small expressions of her needing him surprised him every time she did them, like validation that she still wanted him. But they made him want her more, want to give her more. Her hand on his face really was the touch of a goddess, and he was overcome by his need for her. She looked up at him with those eyes and it was like an arrow piercing his heart.

"Slow down....stay in me..."

And he obeyed, measuring his movements, though it was agonizing to not ravage her. He kept himself inside her, moving his hips slowly to feel her. Her mouth pressed against his, taking his mouth deeply, and he thought he could live forever in that kiss. They way she moved her body made him feel like his dick would burst.

"Just like that, baby... Just like that..."

"Seph... Seph..."

He moaned, at once wanting to go fast to earn his release and wanting to stay in this slow rhythm forever. He kept kissing her, and when he could feel her stomach muscles tense, and he knew she was about to come, he moved his hands to either side of her face and held her there, so they were looking at each other when she did. And as soon as he body gripped his cock, and he felt her pulsing around it, he came, crying out but eyes never leaving her face.

And then his forehead pressed against hers and his eyes finally closed. He was breathing heavily, his pulse racing, and he kissed her, like it was the first time. He didn't move off of her, just staying there, like that, being one with the woman who held his soul in the palm of her hand.

 

[Persephone]

His hips slowed to a steady roll, each time he slid into her made Persephone's body arch even more into his touch. He felt incredible, the heat between them causing an inferno to rise within her. Her breathing was heavy as she looked up into his piercing blue eyes, getting lost in them as she always tended to do. He could literally see into what was left of her soul, their eyes locked and unwavering as they made love.

Alek: "Seph....Seph..."

It was like he was begging to the Gods to let him release and it made her clutch onto his back even tighter, wanting so desperately for him to do so.

"Alek..."

She managed to whisper before his lips were pressed against hers, the muscles in her lower abdomen tensing around him, drawing him in deeper. Alek pulled back and Persephone's eyes opened to meet with his once again. She had such a look of anticipation and pleasure on her face, her brows furrowed and her lips parted with soft whimper like moans escaping. He held her face within his hand and Persephone grasped onto his wrists as he did so, needing to clutch onto something as she felt herself coming to her climax. Their eyes never left each other, their souls bare. And finally, Persephone gasped in feeling herself come around him, the feeling overtaking her entire body like a warm veil. She road the wave, pulsing and contracting around Alek until she saw in his face the sheer look of pleasure overtake him and felt him come; his moans turning into cries of release and making Persephone grasp onto either side of his face to hold him close.

They had met their release, staring into each others eyes, and it was more intimate than anything the world had to offer. His forehead rested onto hers and Persephone finally closed her eyes; her breathing rapid as she let herself calm to a rest. Their lips met once again slowly with no need to rush as they stayed connected to each other. Persephone's arms wrapped around Alek's back as they kissed, holding him close to her.

"I love you so much."

Her words soft between them. Then she smiled against his lips as her fingers gently traced down his beard.

"You think we created a baby?"

She teased with a soft chuckle. But in reality, Persephone really did hope their love in that moment was enough to create this baby sooner rather than later.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

They held each other when they had finished, not willing to be out of each other's arms even a little bit. The warmth of her enveloped him, her arms around his back. He felt like she was the sun, her light giving him life.

"I love you so much."

"I love you too, with everything I have."

He kissed her softly, and her fingers ran down his beard as she smiled. That beautiful smile. How could he ever allowed her to be unhappy as he had earlier? Because her smile was so brilliant he couldn't stand to not be in its light.

"You think we created a baby?"

He smiled and stroked her hair.

"If we did, it happened at the most perfect moment."

His smile became a grin.

"But part of me hopes we didn't, so we can keep doing this over and over..."

He kissed her again, finishing it with touching her nose with his.

"Making love to you...it's like nothing I've ever experienced. It makes me feel like a god."

His face turned more serious.

"And I love being with you...this way."

Slow and tender, truly making love, becoming one. It was so hard for them to restrain themselves to do it often, but when they did, it brought them to a whole other level. And he wanted to do it again and again, so that when they did make another baby, it came from such a loving moment as this one had been. His face went to her hair, breathing her in, hands embracing her.

"Tell me you'll never leave me."