Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ The Turning of Tides ( Chapter 37 )

 

Disclaimer: Hmmm... I own my kids (Because I made them) I own my husband, (Because the Marriage License says so) and I own a REALLY big mortgage. (Because I'm stupid and signed on the dotted line.) However I don't own Trigun. (Because if I did, I wouldn't have said mortgage.)

“blah blah” : talking

`blah blah' : thinking

“blah blah” : telepathic talking

blah blah : other misc. stuff.

 

*~*~*

 

Forever Mine

Chapter 37: The Turning of Tides

 

 

 

A petite hand knocked on the steel door, notifying the occupants of the apartment that they were about to receive a guest. After a few minutes and a few impatient huffs from the owner of the hand, the door slid open, revealing a blonde man wearing a soft green button down shirt and a pair of blue jeans.

 

“What are you doing out of the lab, woman?” Knives gruffly asked in greeting to the redhead, who was holding an envelope in her left hand.

 

“And hello to you too, Knives,” McKenna mumbled sarcastically. “Milly wrote again,” she then added, while raising the missive, encouraging the Plant to let her into his quarters.

 

“But that still doesn't answer why you're out of the infirmary?” he asked again, leading her to the living area and prompting her to sit where he had two cups waiting, one steaming with fresh coffee. At the sight, she inquisitively looked up to the man still standing and watched him shrug before mumbling that he felt her coming.

 

“Well if you must know, Carla is there and if she needs me then she will contact me here,” she supplied, referring to Andrew's mother who was now helping in the infirmary, like how Meryl used too. “Thank you, for the coffee, Knives,” she then added after placing the letter on the coffee table and picking of her cup, taking a sip of the heavenly brew.

 

“So, what does the letter say?”

 

“Basically, the same as the one from two weeks ago,” Mac started with a sigh, setting the cup down as the platinum blonde sat next to her on the couch. “Meryl is still working ungodly hours and is trying her best to hide her depression. Milly also said that she isn't sleeping and that she practically has to force her to eat.”

 

“Is that all?”

 

“What do you mean is that all?”

 

“I mean is that all she wrote about?” he clarified after taking a sip out of his own cup.

 

“Oh… well no. She also asked how everyone was doing here and said that she actually made to work on time three days in a row.”

 

“Well, that's nice.”

 

“Knives, I told her about Vash when I wrote back last.”

 

“You didn't tell Milly about that did you?”

 

“No, of course not,” McKenna replied defensively, while giving him a look that practically screamed `do I look like an idiot.' Closing her aurulent orbs, she shook her head in exasperation before calming enough to return her gaze to his. “I told her how he has been completely miserable, too.”

 

“Oh… well if that's all, then… No harm done, I suppose,” Knives muttered before taking another sip.

 

“What do you mean by no harm done?” she bit out before standing as anger took over. With her eyes flashing and her hands on her ample hips, she looked down at the Plant and started to scold him. “Knives this has gone on long enough! They are both miserable with out one another and all you can say is no harm done? Are you really that insensitive? God… it has been six weeks!”

 

“Woman, watch your mouth,” Knives coldly replied back as his own eyes flashed in annoyance. Of course, he knew that Vash's anguish ran deep. He knew better than anybody, he could feel it. He also knew that his twin had pretty much lost all hope and was just a shell of what he used to be, which really bothered the older sibling to no end. But, what could he do about it? Vash was the one who let himself get cornered. “Vash did this to himself. He needs to fig…” he started again until McKenna cut him off.

 

“That's bullshit and you know it! He needs your help!”

 

“And what do you propose I should do?”

 

“You need to tell him about the test results!”

 

“No.”

 

“Well, why not?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. “It doesn't make any sense why you won't tell him!”

 

“Because… I said so!” he bit out, trying not to lose control.

 

“Damn it Knives! He deserves to know! I don't understand why you are being so fucking stubborn about this,” McKenna ground out as she watched the man sitting before her clench his hands on his thighs and his jaw tighten because of the biting remarks. She could tell that he was about to explode and her logic told her not to push, but she didn't listen. “Do you really care so little about your brother that you would let him wallow in his own misery?”

 

“How dare you,” Knives seethed before, standing to his full height right before her, causing the redhead to gulp as her eyes widened. Grabbing her arms, he held her in place before roaring, “You have absolutely no fucking idea as to just how much I care for my brother. I gave up my ideals for him! My vision of the future! And for what? To watch as he wastes away to nothing, all because he's too much of a kindhearted saint to say no to some lowly HUMAN! Damn it McKenna, can't you see? He's everything to me!”

 

With a growl, the Plant pushed the completely stunned woman to the couch before stepping around the coffee table to try and get his rage under control. He was still very angry. However, Knives wasn't so sure anymore if her words were what tapped into that anger, or if it was because she, in a sense, was right and he was actually angry with himself. He hadn't helped his brother, not really. Sure, the older twin would make sure his brother made it home after passing out in his favorite alley. He even shooed away the damn black cat that had a bad habit of curling up in Vash's lap once he was out cold. But, he didn't offer him any advice on what to do, nor did he console him in any way.

 

He didn't know how to.

 

“Then please explain to me why you won't tell him,” Mac pleaded after the initial shock wore off. She looked up to the obviously frustrated man and watched the distinct rise and fall of his broad chest as he tried to compose himself.

 

Closing his eyes, he looked down to the floor and willed his system to settle. After a few calming breaths, Knives had everything back in order and returned his attention back to the worried redhead. Finally, with a sigh escaping, he replied, “Because he'll see it as a negative not a positive and I'm afraid it will kill him.”

 

“But you don't know that, Knives” McKenna said with feeling, before rising from the couch and walking up to the Plant. “You just have to show him that it's a good thing,” she added, wrapping her arms around his waist and nuzzling into his chest.

 

“Woman you are exasperating,” he mumbled before wrapping his arms around her and returning the hug.

 

After a quiet moment, McKenna pulled away, just enough, to look up at him before saying, “Besides, think of it like this, if you don't tell Vash about the change and he does end up staying with Jessica then…”

 

“Then…” he urged after she trailed off.

 

“Then… you'll be stuck with her as your sister in-law forever!”

 

“Oh God… I didn't think of that,” he groaned, while rolling his head upward. Then with a mischievous thought, he returned his gaze back to McKenna and smirked before advising, “Well… I guess it could be worse.”

 

“Oh yeah… how?” she asked cautiously.

 

“I could be stuck with you for all eternity,” Knives replied seriously, making the woman in his arms growl. He just chuckled over her antics, which in turn, made her join in after she realized that he was joking. Once their laughter slowed, their eyes met making the Plant smile softly before breathing, “Yeah… that would be absolutely horrible.” Then he brought his left hand up to cup her cheek and lowered his head to kiss her, until a knock on the door interrupted him.

 

With a mumbled `figures,' Knives reluctantly pulled away from McKenna and went to the door. He was actually surprised that he didn't sense the newcomer, but being thoroughly distracted by the woman in his arms probably had a lot to do with it. Not to mention their earlier argument. So, he simply shrugged it off and opened his senses to see who it was. And as luck would have it, it was Jessica. Groaning loudly, the platinum blonde opened the door.

 

“Hello Knives,” Jessica chirped happily before slipping through the entrance. “Oh and hello Mac,” she added once inside the apartment. Then with a big a bubbly smile she looked back to Knives and started to ramble, “Is my sweetie home yet? I want to go over our wedding plans tonight, since I went ahead and set a date. So, what do you think of October sixteenth? It hopefully won't be to hot. Oh and Mac,” she continued without pausing as she looked to the young doctor. “What do you think of the bridesmaids wearing red, Vash's favorite color? Do you look good in red?”

 

“Do I look good in red? Why?”

 

“Well because you are a bridesmaid, silly,” the woman in braids responded as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

 

“Jessica, I can't be in the wedding.”

 

“Why not?”

 

`Well…” she started slowly, while thinking that she didn't want to be apart of something so wrong. Then setting her gaze directly on Knives, she continued, “Because I'm planning on heading back home to New DC before the end of the month. That's why I'm training Carla. She's going to be my replacement… that is until a regular physician can be found.”

 

“Oh… but can't you wait until after the wedding?”

 

“Sorry, I already wrote my father and told him when I was leaving.”

 

“Well, that's not fair,” the brunette pouted until she realized her first question wasn't answered. “So, is my sweetie home yet?”

 

“If you are referring to my twin, his name is Vash, not… ugh… sweetie,” he responded in cold disdain before adding, “And no he isn't home. He is probably at the saloon by now drinking himself into a stupor… again.”

 

“But why would he do that?”

 

“Because peon, his pet left him!”

 

“Humph! Well, I always told him that she was no good for him and that I was the much better choice,” Jessica proudly exclaimed, which made Knives laugh at her absurdity. “Gee… future brother in-law what's so funny?”

 

Knives had it. He couldn't take another second of her blathering, especially after she reminded him that they would soon be related. It was past time he put the twit in her place and he was really looking forward to it. “Why am I laughing?” he started, while continuing to chuckle. “I am laughing you, halfwit, because of your complete and utterly astounding stupidity!”

 

Jessica immediately gasped at his biting words and was about to run from the space until Knives froze her into place with a thought. “What's wrong with me? I can't move,” she squeaked as the incensed Plant took a few steps closer while still laughing at her.

 

“You know… you would have made a great Gung-Ho Gun,” he declared once his chuckles died down and were replaced by his ever cool facade. “I found the best of the best to try to and break my brother. I had them out to kill him, though I new they would never succeed. I had them attack this very ship and had one befriend him before he was purposely shot down. I even set up the perfect scenario in order for him to choose between either taking someone's life or letting more people that he cares about suffer. And after all of that… he still endured.”

 

“Of course he did. He's Vash the Stampede,” Jessica pointed out, still unable to move.

 

“Of course he is,” Knives said a bit too smoothly, making a shiver run down his captive's spine. “However, where I failed… you… succeeded.”

 

“What are you talking about? I never hurt him!” she defensively cried.

 

“You didn't?” Knives questioned as he raised an eyebrow, while taking another step closer. “You mean you didn't trick my brother into this farce of an engagement because of your own jealousy?”

 

“NNN…No.”

 

“Hmmm… curious…” he calmly mumbled. Then rubbing his chin in thought, he added, “Your body's reaction to the question is telling me otherwise, little twit.”

 

“But I'm…” Jessica started again before getting cut off by Knives.

 

“Shut up!” he hissed, bringing his face down to hers as his demeanor changed from calm to violent. “You have absolutely no fucking clue as to what your little ruse did! All he ever wanted was to live a peaceful life and for some crazy reason he wanted to share that life with Meryl. That is, until you came along and effectively destroyed it for him! You knew that he had never gone back on a promise and you had something… no someone's death to hang over his head to make sure yours wouldn't be the first. You knew that…” Knives paused for a moment to retrieve the name of the dead man before continuing his rant. “…Brad's death caused him unbearable remorse and you capitalized on that guilt. And now that he is engaged to you, all he does a drink his sorrows away, because he feels that his life his to bleak to face it sober. He is shell of what he used to be all… because… of… YOU!

 

“I…I didn't” Jessica started as the tears started to fall. “I…I honestly didn't realize…” she sobbed as Knives stepped back and let go of his hold on her. Putting her hands on her face to muffle a cry, she looked to the two in the room before rushing out of the space while whispering, “I'm so sorry.”

 

“Knives…” McKenna, once over her shock, called as she watched the Plant head toward the bedrooms. A few minutes later, he came marching out carrying a gun case and set it on the counter before opening it to pull out a large silver handgun. “Knives what are you planning on doing with that?' she then asked, watching him check the gun's ammo.

 

With a flick of his wrist, he snapped the gun closed and looked to the redhead, giving her a determined smile. “Woman, because to your intrusive nature, I am now going to show my brother that it is a positive,” Knives informed her, while closing the distance between them. Then the resolute man pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly before letting go and striding out of the room.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Entering the saloon, Knives instantly looked to the far end of the bar. Just as he figured, Vash was there, sitting hunched over on the corner stool with a glass filled with a tawny-colored liquid in front of him. Mumbling a curse, he quickly strode up to his brother and sharply tapped him on the shoulder.

 

“Oh hey… ahhh… Knives,” Vash slurred as he turned on the stool to face his brother. “What are yo…” he tried to continue, but was effectively stopped by a powerful left hook to the jaw that sent him sprawling out on the floor, rendering him unconscious.

 

“You idiot,” Knives groused before turning to the bar to see Ned standing there completely dumbfounded. With a shrug of his shoulders, Knives asked what his brother's tab was before reaching into his pocket to grab some money. Once the bill was paid, he grabbed his brother's untouched shot and slammed it back. Finally, with a sigh escaping his lips, he reached for his brother, flung him over his shoulder, and carried him out of the saloon where he had one of the ship's utility vehicles waiting…

 

 

…

 

 

“Gyah… what… the hell…” the blonde man blurted out, being instantly awoken from a forced slumber as a canteen of water was poured all over his face.

 

“It about time you woke up,” Knives complained as he threw the now empty container on the ground next to his twin and stepped back a few feel.

 

“WWW…What happened? Where are we?” Vash asked as he slowly sat up to look around the rock and sand covered ridge. “Ugh… my jaw…” he then muttered mostly to himself, raising his real hand to cup his right cheek.

 

“If you must know, we are just south of the ship,” Knives replied as he pointed behind Vash to the fallen craft.

 

“Okay… why are we here, then?” he instantly asked, staring at the giant mass of metal that shimmered in hues of gold thanks to the setting suns. Then he heard the all too familiar sound of a gun cocking. Turning slowly back around, Vash looked at his brother and saw him holding a gun in his right hand. The outlaw instantly recognized the silver long colt, his silver long colt, which Knives had pointed at his head. “Knives?”

 

With a menacing leer, the platinum blonde squeezed the trigger, sending a bullet whizzing past his brother's left ear. Then before Vash could even blink, two more went sailing by, with the last slicing through his damp hair nicking his ear. “This is why we are here, brother.”

 

“What the hell are you doing?” Vash quickly yelled with complete and utter shock reflecting on his face.

 

“Well isn't it obvious?” he sarcastically asked back with a roll of his eyes right before squeezing the trigger again, nearly hitting his twin's neck. “I am helping you, of course.”

 

“What are to talking about Knives?”

 

“I am helping you commit suicide or… I suppose you could call it a mercy killing.”

 

“Are you insane?!” Vash yelled in disbelief before adding, “You know I disapprove of suicide more than anything!”

 

“Are you sure about that Vash? After all, aren't you the one drinking yourself into nothingness day in and day out, slowly killing yourself?” Knives accused before logically adding, “So, I figured that would help you speed up the process.”

 

“BBB…But I don't wanna die, Knives,” Vash stammered as he looked up to his brother in a silent plea.

 

“You sure could have fooled me,” Knives mumbled as he lowered the gun and sighed. “The way you have been acting ever since your little pet left is abhorrent. You are a superior being and should not be acting in such a way!”

 

“Oh and just what do you suggest I do?"

 

“First of all you need to sober up! Then you need call off this farce of an engagement and if you find it necessary… go and retrieve your stray pet!”

 

“But, what's the point?” Vash cried out in doubt. “I mean I would only have her for maybe sixty years, if I'm lucky.”

 

“Hmmm… only sixty years? So… what if you could have her… forever?” Knives asked out of curiosity.

 

“I…I don't… no… It doesn't matter! It's impossible!”

 

“Is it?”

 

“Knives, what are you talking about? What's going on?” Vash asked, narrowing his eyes.

 

“Come with me and I'll show you,” Knives simply replied as he started to head down the cliff before stopping. Turning around, he looked back at his brother and told him to hurry or he was going to walk. Then with a smirk, he threw the colt back to him and added, “You also need to stop being so damn trusting.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Sixty minutes later, the twins were sitting in front of the smaller monitor in the medical ward. Vash was busy reading over the recent changes happening to Meryl, while occasionally asking Knives questions regarding particular abnormalities. The outlaw's head was reeling over the astonishing discoveries. To the point it was giving him a headache. Of course, having his brother threatening to shoot him and the beginning effects of a hangover seeping in weren't helping matters.

 

The possibility of having Meryl in his life forever was just too good to be true. Too bad he didn't know if she would take him back and that thought squeezed at his heart. He hurt her badly and didn't know if the damage could be repaired or if he could right the wrong that he did to her. He wasn't even sure if he should try, since she probably better off without him. Not to mention, happier and safer in the long run. Unfortunately, still having the sixty billion double-dollar bounty on his head saw to that. Besides, he still made the promise to replace Brad and had never gone back on his word. Though, if he knew for sure that Meryl would take him back, then he would…

 

In a heartbeat.

 

After all, there was a first time for everything and it seemed like Meryl had been a part of quite a bit of those firsts. She was the first person he let get close to him since Rem, part of the reason he killed for the first time, the first person he had ever made love with, and now, she was the reason he was probably going to break his first promise. She was worth it and more. But, at the same time, he wasn't so certain if he deserved her...

 

“How did you find out about this?” Vash asked, trying to turn his thoughts back to the positive.

 

“Actually, McKenna discovered the changes when she checked your ex-pet for hCG,” Knives replied, right before his attention turned to the double doors. “Speaking of that intolerable woman, here she comes,” he added right before Mac walked through the doors carrying another tray. “It's about time, woman.”

 

“You contacted me just twenty minutes ago and if you recall, I told you I was trying get in the tub at the time,” she retorted back, while setting the tray down. “So, here is your coffee and something to eat for you, Mr. Vash. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to take my bath and go to bed.” And with that she was heading back out the door.

 

“That woman needs to learn her place,” Knives complained as he attentively watched her leave the space.

 

“Well… gee… haven't you been saying that since June, Knives?” Vash pointed out as he reached for the tray and started to eat.

 

“Shut up, Vash.”

 

“I'm must mayin,” he started with a mouth full of food before swallowing loudly and adding, “That I think you like her the way she is.”

 

“That's enough,” Knives replied back, while looking at his brother and shaking his head. “You should be thinking about what's in front of you, not about what I think of McKenna's propriety or lack there of.”

 

“Okay, Knives, what ever you say,” Vash muttered with a roll of his eyes before pouring a cup of coffee for him and his twin. Taking a sip, he looked back to the data and started to read again. “So you are claiming…”

 

“Not claiming, stating,” Knives interrupted.

 

“Whatever. You are… stating that Meryl's PNc count rose after we… ahhh… did it. So you believe it's because she needs to evolve into a Plant before she can have my child.”

 

“Correct.”

 

“Are you sure about this?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Well, there are holes in your theory, Knives,” the golden blonde declared as he shoved another sandwich in his mouth. After a few necessary chews, he swallowed again before adding, “I mean you don't know long it would take for one.”

 

“How many times did you inject her with semen?”

 

“What?!”

 

“How many times did you two do it, Vash?” Knives asked differently as he rolled his eyes.

 

“Uhhh… fff…five times,” he replied in a whisper.

 

“You're kidding right? In less than twenty-four hours?” the platinum blonde asked in amazement. “Christ Vash, were you making up for lost time or what?!”

 

“Shut up Knives! You have no idea how amazing it is!”

 

“Anyway…” Knives started, changing the subject back to what resulted from those coupling instead how good it felt. “Now, that I have a figure, I will be able to give an estimated time frame.”

 

“Well… what about… ahhh… Legato?” the outlaw quietly asked, not really comfortable about broaching the subject regarding his first and, hopefully, only kill. “I…I mean you did replace his arm with… errr… mine…”

 

“That is true,” Knives sighed before explaining why his first in command didn't succumb under the sudden surge of PNc filling his body. “And, at first, there were signs of decay. However, I immediately rectified that quandary by putting him in a regeneration sphere until his body stabilized and accepted the appendage.”

 

“But still… this is just a theory,” Vash reemphasized as he picked up his coffee and downed the entire contents of the cup. “You don't know if the count will rise with future encounters, nor do you know if it will actually completely change her to a Plant.”

 

“No, I suppose you are correct on that assumption,” Knives said in consideration as he rubbed his chin. Then a thought occurred to him. One that he was absolutely certain his brother had never thought of when agreeing to marry the little twit. “However, once you are married and you start fornicating with Jessica, we will be able to monitor her counts and come up with a definite conclusion.”

 

“What did you say?” Vash whispered in shock as he blanched at the very idea.

 

“I said when you start… wait. Don't tell me you never thought about that?”

 

“I…I can't do that www…with her!”

 

“She's going to be your wife, Vash. It's expected of you. Besides, she's going to want to have children.”

 

“Oh god… I don't feel so good,” Vash groaned, laying his head on the cool surface of the center island.

 

“Well, maybe you should go and get some fresh air,” Knives suggested as he rose from the stool while inwardly congratulating himself for finally getting his brother to see the light. “We can always finishing going over this tomorrow. Besides, I have a feeling that you have a lot of thinking to do,” he supplied before striding out the double doors.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Another hour had passed and Knives was sitting on the edge of his bed, staring through the dresser across from him. He had a decision of his own to make, an important one that he couldn't put it off any longer. Vash was ready to retrieve his pet, he could feel it, and that only meant one thing. They would be leaving soon. Back when he first learned of the insurance girls pending departure, he decided that he would assist his twin when Vash stopped being an idiot and wanted to go after Meryl. Unfortunately, that would mean he would be leaving a certain fiery redhead behind.

 

He wasn't so certain he could do that. He would miss her too much, the Plant realized now that the time was upon them. McKenna was supposed to be an expendable play thing, used only to sate his carnal needs. However, she had become something significant to him, even if he repeatedly tried to deny it. Six weeks worth of denial had gone by and Knives continually attempted to purge his system of her overwhelming hold on it, but to no avail.

 

Every time Knives came near the redhead he had the explicit urge to scoop her up and hold her close, while breathing in her scent, feeling her warmth. He should have been above such addictions, but when it came to McKenna, he wasn't. Sometimes in a moment of weakness, he would act on those urges and do something rash, like pull her into his arms and kiss her; similar to what he did earlier.

 

Or do something even worse, such as call her to his quarters and when she arrived, a meal would be, coincidentally, waiting for them to enjoy together. Naturally, he would always state that he prepared the meal for Vash and him, but unfortunately, his brother decided to stay at the saloon. So, she might as well stay and eat, since he didn't want the food too go to waste.

 

So, he simply sat on his bed, knowing that all of the attempts to keep her away had failed and miserably. She had gotten under his skin and found her way into his heart, his soul. And now that he admitted that she was there, Knives knew that there was no turning back. McKenna would simply have to join them. Of course, he could always advise her that she had to come with them, but he knew that she would probably complain about his `authoritative nature.' Then adamantly refuse to go, or even worse, act on her idle threat and return to New DC. He wanted her willing. Actually, he wanted her more than willing he wanted her to go as his and not just as his pet. Could he dare to admit that he wanted her to go as his mate?

 

Yes, he could. It was time.

 

It was also time to claim her on a more intimate level and sate the lust burning in his veins for her. In fact it was past time, especially since he knew what the results would be. She would become a Plant and eventually bear his children, bringing about something that he had always envisioned. A future where Plants would thrive and become the dominate species on the planet. Knives thought it rather ironic, though. A human was needed to help create his Utopia, instead of them perishing, like how he initially wanted them to.

 

Now, all he needed to do was make sure he was up to the task. He had never done anything remotely close to what he was planning on doing with her shortly. And quite frankly, he was feeling a bit apprehensive about the whole thing. Knives would never admit that to anyone, though, even Vash. Of course, he knew how to do it and had read up on the subject ever since Vash's `symptoms' grew. However, that didn't stop the nervous knots that were floating around in his belly ever since showering nearly forty minutes ago. He knew McKenna wasn't a virgin. And, even though, that aspect of their future coupling didn't bother him, the thought of being compared to someone else did. He never wanted her to see him lacking in any way, especially that way.

 

Then he thought of something. He was a Plant, a superior being and was above such trepidations. Besides, if Vash could do it (and fives times) then so could he. With a devious glint in his ice-blue eyes and a matching smile, he looked to the clock on the night stand and noted that it was 10:30pm. Rising from the bed, he absently rubbed his right hand over his bare stomach before striding out into the living area and sitting on the edge of the overstuffed chair. Once comfortable, Knives closed his eyes and opened his mind, instantly finding her. She was asleep, but just barely, he noted after entering her mind.

 

“It is time to make you come to me, my pet,” Knives huskily whispered, while mentally picturing her in his mind. He could sense that she was lying on her back with her unbound hair spread across the pillow like wildfire. Her left arm was draped over her soft belly, while the right was resting at her side. He could even tell that she was wearing the white nightgown because of how it felt against her skin. The soft cotton slipping further off her shoulders with every movement, barely covering her full breasts. He was already becoming aroused by the pictures and he hadn't even done anything yet. Breathing deeply, he knew it was time to make his presence known and then finally, on the exhale, he did. He sent her images similar to how he sent his past to her. Only this time, he sent her ones of a reoccurring dream. A fantasy of them locked in a lover's embrace.

 

He sensed her instant reaction, her pulse quickening and breathing becoming erratic, which made him groan in response. He could practically feel her skin against his as the dream progressed making her touch herself, matching his hands in the dream. It was becoming powerfully erotic, hearing the way she would moan and arch into her own hands as they glided across her heated skin and eventually cupping her left breast with one hand, while the other was sliding under her nightie and up her thigh to touch herself intimately through her cotton panties.

 

`Christ,' Knives thought, not knowing how much more he could take and really hoping that she would wake soon.

 

It was a dream, it had to be. Her subconscious told her so. But, it felt too real to be one. McKenna could feel ghost like caresses all over her body as her dream lover touched her, his breath and mouth on her neck as he lay open kisses there. She could even smell his scent, masculine, stimulating, like a crisp morning out in the wilds of the desert, Knives scent.

 

It was him, who Mac was fantasizing about, Knives again. Only this time, it seemed as if he was sharing the hedonic vision with her. She could feel his presence tickling her mind, while the images of them together continued to wreak havoc on her system. The platinum blonde was doing this to her, making her need for him spike considerably. Then she felt his phantom hand slip into her panties, making her gasp out his name before she jolted herself awake.

 

He heard McKenna gasp his name before she woke. He had right where he wanted her. She was extremely aroused, her body was screaming for completion and Knives knew that he was the only one that could satisfy the enticed woman now. With a victorious smile playing across his features, the impassioned Plant telepathically spoke…

 

“Come to me, McKenna. I have a proposition for you.”