Baby, its cold outside (Attn: Therese) Private

He wasn't exactly sublet about coming through the door, but it gave her plenty of time to get out of the way. Even expecting it though he surprised her as he came flying through. Wolves didn't laugh as such but after her start, Thérèse sat back and grinned. They could take stock of it in the morning, for now it was enough to know that they were alone, drier and slightly warmer.

With little hesitation she followed him up onto the bed. She huffed at the smell, it needed to be aired out, dust and damp clung to it but it was better than the cold hard ground. Thérèse spent several moments grooming him rather affectionately before curling up just off center in the bed, there was enough room for too. Whether they could see it or not, the sun would be up soon, but she hadn't thought that far a head just yet.

The bed was warm and dry if not exactly fresh. He curled up with his head resting on her thigh and soon fell asleep. Light woke him and the cold. Vaughn lifted his head and looked down at the naked leg that he had been using for a pillow. With a sinking feeling, his eyes traveled up the leg to confirm what he thought he remembered. It was Therese.

He had... they... Oh hell....

Vaughn slowly sat up and looked around the cabin. There wasn't much here but there was a fireplace. The least he could do was make her more comfortable. Easing himself off the bed, he slid out the door. It was FREEZING. He hopped and cursed quietly through the snow toward the back where wood had been stacked. Gathering an armload, he rushed back inside the cabin. Checking the bed, he noticed he wasn't the only one awake.

Vaughn swallowed with difficulty and made his voice work. It came out hoarse and quiet.

"Good Morning."

Inwardly he cursed his lack of charm. What did you say after doing something you shouldn't have with someone you desperately wanted? Apparently, you said 'good morning'. He grimaced and then gave her a small apologetic smile. He moved to the fireplace. They should talk but they could be warm while doing it.

Thérèse woke when the sun rose and forced her to shift back, it hurt just as much as shifting from human to wolf. But she had also done it so many times that she simply closed her eyes and went back to sleep for a bit. She was vaguely aware that she was not in her own bed and not alone. It wasn't until the door opened and let in a blast of very cold air that she woke up the rest of the way.

The memory of the previous night came flooding back. Mon dieu! What had she done? What in the world had she been thinking?! What did one do now? Thérèse tried to melt into the bed, this could not be happening. But at the same time she was glad it had.

She looked up at his return and managed a weak smile of her own.

"Bonjour."

Noting his arm full of word Thérèse was suddenly very aware of the cold and slid from the bed and found a closet and found some musty old blankets and wrapped one about her and the other around his shoulders.

"It is cold out."

She said by way of explanation before rummaging about looking for some matches. Concentrating on their immediate needs kept her from thinking too hard about what they had done, the fact that she didn't regret it but that she probably should. It also prevented her from thinking about the fact that they were alone, they had no clothes, and given the amount of snow she could see out the windows they would be here for some time yet.

There was a lot to be said, but she could wait to say it. For now she just handed him the box of matches she'd found.

Vaughn smiled as a blanket was placed over his shoulders. "Thank you."

Yes, he would definitely agree with her astute observation on the weather. A glance out the window showed that the snow was still falling. Vaughn hoped they wouldn't have to dig their way out of the little cabin. He doubted it would become that bad but it appeared they were stuck here for the moment.

Kneeling in front of the fireplace, he settled the logs on the grate. He found a phone book, no phone in the cabin. Perhaps people were expected to have a cell phone with service out in the woods? Taking a few pages from the back, Vaughn used them as starter for the fire.

Watching the flickering flames, he said.

"I'm sorry." He looked up at Therese, sincere and contrite. "Its my fault."

She didn't say anything as he started the fire. Although, she did wonder about the phone book who would you call out here, and why? Could you get pizza delivered? People were odd.

Sitting on the floor next to the fireplace she wrapped the blanket around her and rested her chin on her knees. And considered what had happened as she watched him. It was... she simply had no frame of reference for this.

When he apologized she blushed scarlet. That was not what she had wanted to hear. It was... no she didn't want it to be just a result of instinct. Even if it shouldn't have happened.

"Non. I do not think apologies are necessary, at least not from you. As I recall I encouraged you... offered."

Thérèse couldn't even make eye contact she went back to watching the fire.

"I had no right."

But she'd wanted that right and she'd taken it. Now what? Pretend it had never happened? Try and pretend she hadn't wanted it too?

Vaughn frowned at her words. Kneeling down beside her, he pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. She looked forlorn and she shouldn't. He didn't want her to feel guilty or embarrassed for what they had done. He would never forget that run if he lived to be a thousand. Vaughn knew he should regret it but he didn't; he was grateful. Holding her was risking the rest of his restraint but he refused to let her think she was unwanted without the drive of the full moon upon him. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Kissing the top of her head, he said.

"I knew what would happen before we left." Vaughn smiled softly. "I won't deny that I wanted it. I should have let you go, perhaps, and run the other way but I didn't. I wish I could say that I was sorry it happened but I'm not." Except that he had hurt her with his poor judgment. It was unfair to her, he knew better. Even now most of him thought that holding her felt so good;only a tiny fraction of him resisted out of guilt. He pushed it aside. He might never get to hold her again after today.

It was something of a surprise to have him next to her and though she knew she should she didn't pull away. Instead Thérèse closed her eyes and leaned into him. She smiled faintly as Vaughn kissed the top of her head. Right or wrong, Thérèse reflected, she had -him- to thank for it. Without the mulo's interfering she'd still be in Europe.

She frowned thoughtfully, the truth was she knew as well. Perhaps not 'knew' but suspected at the very least she was aware it had been a possibility. Her mood lightened somewhat knowing he didn't regret it. That might make things more complicated, but it did... help.

"I am glad you didn't. Perhaps it was not the most... appropriate decision I have ever made but somehow it would have been wrong to run the other way."

Thérèse had noticed that he hadn't let her go. But then again, even with the fire, it was cold out.

Merde they had a mess and a half here neither one of them was sorry, yet they both realized it was not an ideal situation. Perhaps there was no solution here.

"If you are not sorry... neither am I."

It wasn't as brazen as she'd been in her other form but close. There was no future here, there couldn't be as much as she wanted one or even just wanted him. For now though, it was enough he didn't regret it. Sometimes the moon and their more instinctual selves were wiser than they'd ever been on two feet.

"Perhaps it was not the most appropriate decision for either of us to have made but, no, I am not sorry."

He nuzzled her softly with his nose, delighting in her scent and the feel of the soft strands of hair against his face. He had to explain and let her decide what to make of him once he was done.

"I am the one who is married, the Sarkis, father of two children." Vaughn laughed bitterly. "Not that it matters but it isn't what I wanted. I was never supposed to lead our people; Rik was."

He looked into the flames as he continued to speak. "I am responsible for Etta though. She doesn't love me. I do not love her. I admire her but we've never loved each other. She loved Rik. I pushed him away from her."

Vaughn glanced at Therese, moving to sit beside her. He propped his chin on his knees as he continued to explain.

"Rik was going to be the Alpha. He had dreams of setting our people free from the vampires hold. Reclaiming the cities. I believed in his dream. In him. So did Isobel. She had found some of the old stories and together they discovered much of our history.

Then he started seeing Etta. Loretta was wild, bold, beautiful. She captivated Durriken. He stopped looking for clues and started taking long walks instead. Perhaps things would have settled down but I don't think so. Things are rarely calm around Loretta.

His Aunt was one of the few people not charmed by her. She and I plotted together. We asked Isobel to come to visit. To remind him of his plans... and I..."

He couldn't say it. Not after what they had just shared. Hiding his head in his arms, Vaughn wept softly for the evil thing he had done. To Loretta, To Therese. He didn't deserve either of them. But she should know.

Lifting his head up, he finished in a voice devoid of life. "I followed her on the night of the full moon. Kept her in sight. We mated. Others, especially Rik's aunt, said it was a sign. Meant to be. When Rik and Isobel later announced their marriage. Etta announced ours." He snorted softly. "It was a surprise to me but I felt I owed her that much."

Vaughn turned to look at her, afraid of what he would see in her beautiful green eyes but unwilling to be coward. "I am not a good man. I do not expect happiness. I don't deserve it."

Appropriate or not Thérèse now knew she could live with the decision that they had both made. She smoothed back his hair and smiled a bit lopsidedly.

"And I knew who you were before we ran."

As he settled down next to her and continued to speak Thérèse listened it was a bit like putting together a puzzle. As she mentally placed the pieces in order she curled herself around him, holding him. This was undoubtedly not a story told often, if ever.

There was a piece missing. Objectively Thérèse considered all he'd said, and not said and found that missing piece. He had feelings for Isobel. Gave away a chance for personal happiness for the dream. It was both sad and noble.

The next bit was harder to deal with, it stung slightly. Yes, there were some similarities there Thérèse had to admit that. But, honestly, what did she have to offer? What could be gained from a liaison with her? A vicious vampire? It wasn't as if she even had eyes for any one else in Nachton so he could hardly be sacrificing himself again. Besides, Thérèse thought wryly, one could only fall on their sword once. Even as she thought about it, the sting dissipated.

She rested her head on his shoulder.

"You cannot think like that. You are a man, I will grant you less than perfect but still better than most. Just because you gave away your happiness for others once does not mean you do not deserve it."

She would not even suggest that she be part of that though. No, they could both still walk away, do the 'right' thing. But... would it truly be right. If she believed him, and she did, would walking away and pretending this hadn't happened be right. Perhaps what happened under the full moon did happen for a reason. Of course, she could be being romantic too.

Her touch was a welcome surprise. Vaughn sighed as gentle fingers stroked the hair away from his forehead.

Her words were also unexpected. He feared that he would find anger and resentment in her eyes but there seemed to be neither. He regarded her in amazed confusion. How did she know? He had not explained that he loved Isobel. That he gave up his own happiness even while he was robbing Loretta of her's. It wasn't as important as what he had done. He didn't want to tarnish Isobel's memory by offering up that love as a reason to feel an ounce of pity for him. Yet, Therese knew that he gave his heart's desire away. Isobel loved Rik but in time she might have come to love him if he had let Etta have her way. Their plans might have died but he -could- have been happy.

Vaughn gave her a small lopsided smile. "Not anywhere close to perfect."

He reached out and ran a thumb gently down the side of her cheek. "But definitely happy, whether I deserve to be or not."

The fire was burning well now. Vaughn stood and walked over to the narrow bed that was pushed against the wall. Reaching a hand under the bed rail, he pulled it to the center of the room and then situated it closer to the fire. He took his blanket off and spread it on the musty bed. Turning to her, Vaughn offered her his hand.

"It was not the same." He didn't want her to think that it was a cruel choice like it had been before. It held almost no similarity in his mind. He was a bit bewildered by his confused tumble of emotions. "It felt...good...genuine." Vaughn regarded Therese solemnly, trying to find the right words for how he felt. Was this what it was like to be with someone you cared for?

"No one is. In fact, if you were to find me a perfect person I do not think I would like them very much."

She softly returned his smile with just a pinch of humor. Certainly she didn't qualify for perfect under the circumstances either. Even if it was a less than ideal marriage she was still with a married man, she was no alpha female and had no right. Worse, she'd been half aware of what she'd been doing and what might happen and did nothing to stop it. But she got those thoughts and feelings under control quickly. She'd worry about them later.

Happiness was complicated, but Thérèse was encouraged that at least for now he was happy, she would do the same. Undoubtedly the Pack had missed him by now, it was less certain anyone would miss her. Again, that could be addressed later. Right now... the floor was cold and hard, the bed looked far more inviting especially with him in it. She took his hand, brought her blanket with her and joined him. They were going to be stuck her for hours they might as well be comfortable and warm and as long as they were alone she certainly wasn't going to pull away now.

Thérèse leaned up against Vaughn and chuckled slightly. His words were awkward but she understood the sentiment.

"Then we are even. I certainly was not forced."

Except perhaps by fate, she was a cruel mistress sometimes. Faint memories pulled at her, it was almost as if somewhere in the line of her gifting something similar had happened.

"Had you not chased me... I might have run after you. I should do it again."

It was an odd time to turn shy, but he did deserve to hear that sooth any remaining guilt. She did not regret it, she had encouraged him and she had... enjoyed herself. It wasn't something she could say in so many words, but she had found her own way to say it.

Vaughn curled up under the blanket with her. The brief walk around the cabin was enough to start freezing extremities. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "The perfect person is probably very annoying. I can say that a few of the people in office who -think- they are perfect are some of the most unbearable people I know."

He watched her, surprised when she said that she might have chased him down. Vaughn smiled and kissed her shoulder gently. "You would have caught me." She was faster than him but more importantly he would have wanted her to.

"So long as you don't regret it." Brushing a hand along the shoulder he just kissed, Vaughn sighed. "I know I don't have much to offer as a mate. I wish I did." He reviewed the words he had said and then blushed a deep crimson. " I mean... outside of... " He turned and pushed his face in the blanket laying on the bed, chuckling softly, until he inhaled and started coughing on the dust. Vaughn sat up a bit and took a few clear breaths before laying back down again. " Apparently I need a PR specialist to write all my speeches or I am likely to make a mess of things."

He smiled at her but then became serious once more. "What I meant was that I wish I could be more for you." Vaughn looked down at the bed. She might not want anything else from him. It might have been just a good time during the full moon. There was no reason to assume she felt the way he did. "If you wanted."

Thérèse was very aware that neither of them had any clothing, which it was back at the asylum, miles away as she curled up with him. His hands felt cold, so she held them in her own.

She shook her head, no she did not regret it. The aftermath, the fall out, that this might have to be the end of it, that she might regret. But not what had happened.

"Regret is a very impractical thing and certainly not the word I would choose."

For a moment she was shocked and her whole body flushed at the though. She could not be his mate, not while he was married, mated to another woman but soon enough his own blush brought giggles, which only increased as he started to cough.

"I have been called unconventional, but I think having your speech writer here would be a bit much even for me."

It was said through barley repressed laughter, although she sobered quickly enough. Thérèse truly wasn't sure what she wanted. The Pack had always been enough, she'd taken the occasional lover but she'd never felt... and she couldn't let herself now. Not to him. Could she?

Deciding it was too cold to be too far apart for long she stretched out with him and in an echo of his earlier action kissed his shoulder.

"Want and need are two different things. The Pack needs a leader and someone within the power structures. My wants do not enter into the equation."

They conflicted with it.

"They do for me." He looked at her very seriously. "Your wants are very important to me."

Were they more important than the pack? It was frightening but Vaughn couldn't say with any certainty that they were not. Perhaps it was because he had given up love before for the betterment of the R'asa. He was not so sure he could do that again.

He could step down, let Thanos lead with Etta. They seemed to get along, most days anyway. It would be a cruel thing to do to his wife. She didn't deserve him abandoning her and sticking her with the responsibilities of leading the pack. Though it is what she wanted, in part. Etta wanted to be the Savia but with Rik, not him. She had never wanted him and most days that was fairly clear, to his mind at least. To further complicate things, Thanos was a Nothos. The R'asa took his being Jiro in stride but Vaughn was not entirely sure it would be a peaceful transition to Sarkis. Then there were the Evenhet. His plans of an alliance might not work if they had to deal with someone else. Then again, Thanos was level headed guy and more human than most of them, perhaps it would work out for the better.

None of those thoughts mattered if she didn't really want him to be her mate. She said that her wants didn't matter which suggested that she thought they conflicted with the good of the pack, as she said. Then again maybe it was simply a nice way of saying, its not worth discussing because it isn't going to happen whether he was married or not.

He laid back and watched her with pale eyes.

She studied him intently for a second before deciding he did mean it. It crossed her mind to lie, it would be so much simpler. It would keep Vaughn away from her keeper, prevent the bastard from getting in Vaughn's head as well. That was the last thing they needed, for the Sarkis to be controlled. It would let the leadership remain stable and that was what was best for the pack. It was cliche but the good of the many did outweighed the good of the one. Beyond that there was his wife, Thérèse had never met the woman but this hardly seemed fair to her.

They wouldn't be in this position right now if that damned woman had shut up and the meeting had ended on time! No, they'd be doing this a few months later, maybe a year. Thérèse was honest with herself, they had been dancing around each other for... maybe not from the first but not long after.

"I want something I cannot have. If I were to have what I wanted it would unbalance the equation."

Her accent grew thicker, if that were possible, with emotion. But in the long run Thérèse was practical, she was a realist not a romantic and the good of the Pack always came first. It was how she'd been taught and what she believed.

He reached up and brushed his fingers lightly through her hair. Giving her a patient smile, she would make a great politician with her ability to avoid directly answering a question. Vaughn couldn't fault her though, she made her wants plain and the problem with them. It was the same struggle he was dealing with, from the other side.

His expression saddened as he thought about how difficult the future would be. Could he give her up? The thought was unbearable, especially now that he was certain that she wanted him too. It was somehow easier before when he could try to discount their glances and touches as wishful thinking on his part. Now, the thought of never holding her like this again was painful.

Tomorrow. They could deal with the future tomorrow.

He reached over and pulled her on top of him. Looking up into her bright green eyes, he said. "I cannot promise you much but I can promise you today. I am all yours for today. Do with me what you please."

She was slightly surprised to find herself on top of him. Not at all displeased by surprised. She shouldn't, they both knew that. He'd said as much. One day though... She really should go. But it was cold out, it was still snowing, neither of them could leave... maybe... just one day. A snow day. Guilt could be sorted out later.

Wrapping her arms around his neck she kissed him. There was no point in pretending to be shy or playing coy either Thérèse was hardly a shrinking violet and as they'd already... well. She did hold back a little though. In her head she knew this was wrong, but also knew she didn't care.

Slightly breathlessly she grinned.

"Fire first. I can't imagine letting it go out is going to do any of us any good."

Sliding out of the musty bed Thérèse added another log or two, noting that they were going to have to find more wood if nothing else. With the fire again roaring she fit herself against him once again nibbling at his jaw line.

"I can give you the same offer though. One day."

Fingers trailed across his chest and Thérèse worked on shutting out her more practical self. It was doubtful how successful she'd be, it would undoubtedly raise its ugly head through out the day but for now...

Vaughn ran his hands lightly up her back before pressing her close as he returned her kiss with plenty of fervor. They didn't need to go anywhere today. They could stay here in bed and find creative ways to keep warm. As she sat back up, he leaned forward and lightly nipped the curve of her neck in playful protest.

Her statement caused him to look over at the fire. It was going well enough for now. Therese jumped up and added more logs to it. Now there was no danger of it going out any time soon. Vaughn rolled over on his side, propping his head up on one hand. He watched her, admiring the view from his place on the bed while she knelt in front of the flickering flames.

Therese climbed back into the bed and tucked herself against him. Her mouth on his jaw and her fingers against his chest felt so good that he closed his eyes to better enjoy her touch. Her words, an echo of his own, were sobering. He knew them to be true even though he wanted it to be different. Vaughn nodded silently. He did not want to further acknowledge the future reality where he could not reach out and touch her.

"Let's make the most of it then."

He propped himself back up on his elbow and ran a hand lightly along her side. Vaughn took his time, drinking in the sight of her hungrily. He wanted to burn every second of the day into his memory, every touch, every kiss, every glance. It would be all he had to keep him warm on the nights to come. Slowly, he bent down to kiss her, gentle and lingering. His mouth left her's and began to explore her neck, collar bone, and shoulder in feather light touches. He tempered his desire to rush onward, reigning in passion in order to savor the experience for as long as he could.

For once she wished it was summer, the day would be longer. Of course, they also wouldn't be snowed in and conveniently trapped alone in a cabin. Tiny, stuffy, dusty and musty, but mostly warm and safe from prying eyes.

She hummed happily as he found a sweet spot on her collar bone turning her head to kiss whatever part of him was nearest. She refused to think that this was only one day. She'd spent months watching him without watching and being proper. Well perhaps their dance on Halloween hadn't been proper. She'd wanted wind her fingers in his hair then, she was free to now and did so.

She buried her face in his neck, breathing deeply, nipping as she had as a wolf again encouraging him. Even though it was the dead of winter they did have hours before the moon called them back. Months of innocent platonic touches became teasing, exploratory and considerably less than professional.

The little noise was encouragement and Vaughn noted which place to pay attention to again later. Her fingers in his hair elicited a noise of his own, something between a little moan and a soft growl. He wished he had more for her to play with but he did find that his shorter hair made it easier for her fingers to slide through it.

Vaughn's attention went back to his own exploration. He kissed a line down her chest and ran the tip of his nose lightly into the valley between her breasts before planting his lips there again. Vaughn moved over, raising up to slid his hips between her thighs before settling down,once more. Now that he had added the warmth of his body to her's, he could go back to taking his time.

He touched his lips to the swell of one breast, kissing and licking his way around it slowly before eventually reaching its pinnacle. Vaughn glanced up to meet her gaze as he lowered his mouth to her nipple. He sucked tenderly, teasing the tip of it with his tongue, letting the warmth of his mouth encompass it before taking that warmth away and moving with equal patience and care to the other one.