Marriage is Murder

The werewolves left in a hurry once James left and his women called a retreat. Remus stepped out from Khaat so quickly, she fell, face forward onto the grass, her sight gone again, the stone now quieting and the light fading.

"Daddy?" she called. "Brian? Anybody?"

"We're here," Brian said, sheathing his wand and going to her. He helped her to her feet. "He's gone?"

"Yes," she said. "I can smell blood. A lot of blood."

"I know. I know, honey."

"My kids," she said.

"They're fine," Kate said. "Remember. They're alright."

"Brian, get her out of here. You lot go. We've got this now. Jim, Michael, Alette--thank you for coming. But do please get her safely out of here now," Robert said.

"Our picnic basket is on the beach," Michael laughed. "I say we go have a sunset picnic and then go home."

"Sounds fabulous," Brian said. "Are you up to it, Khaat?"

"I'm fine," she said. Michael apparated them back to the beach where Brian transfigured his clothes and Khaat's back to their beach wear. Michael transfigured his clothes and Alette's to beach wear.

"Come sit down and eat," Michael said. "Look at the sunset. its perfect." He and Alette sat down on the blanket and began getting out the picnic. Michael opened the wine and poured glasses for everyone. "I'd say we have a lot to toast tonight. A job well done by all."

Brian helped Khaat take a place on the beach.

"Where's Enzo?" Khaat asked.

"Hm. Good question," Michael frowned. He whistled and the dog came out of Alette's house, trotting happily down the garden path, wagging his tail, delighted to see them again. "Here he comes. He's fine, Khaat."

"He does," Khaat said softly, petting Enzo, knowing no one was ready to put up with James anymore. "I do have to kill him."

"Before dinner?" Michael asked, deliberately lightening the mood.

"Oh give it a couple minutes," Alette said. "Here. Try the antipasto. Michael used to make incredibly good anitpasto the last I had it."

"Its gotten better," he grinned.

"Now how can you improve on an antipasto?" she frowned. He picked up a marinated baby carrot and handed it to her.

"Try it and see," he said. She tasted it and her eyes grew wide.

"You did it! You're amazing," she laughed. Brian made one appetizer plate for him and Khaat. He put a piece of prosciutto in her hand and took one for himself. It was delicious.

"You certainly bought some awesome prosciutto," Brian said.

"If we were going to do it, Jim and I were going to do it right," Michael said.

"Jim," Khaat said, unfortunately hearing his thoughts. "He wants me. He used my kids to lure me out. I saw he was just raging angry."

"He had a case of targetting blood lust," Michael said. "He had been obsessing about her. Killing her. And it made him so desperate to do it that he would take any risk to fulfill his obsession. That makes a dangerous werewolf even more desperate. When we get back tonight, I think I should make contact with Edward. This really is his forte."

"It started because he hated my father. He wanted me dead for much the same reason as Gelding," Khaat said, "but it grew out of hand from there. Edward--yes. Good idea. Perhaps he has an idea."

"Enough talk of out of control monsters" Alette said. "Its a perfect evening. Let's enjoy it. There are sandwiches and gorgeous pears and biscotti. And I can very quickly make some lovely espresso to go with those biscotti. If youre going to do it, then do it right."

"I did manage to forget espresso," Michael laughed.

"You did not. You didn't think about doing it on the beach. I'll make it in the house and bring it out," she laughed. "Come on, you lot. Eat."

Alette brought out the espresso in proper cups and served it after dinner, with Michael's biscotti. Michael had managed to make a small bonfire on the beach. Brian was starting to feel a bit less stress. They had struck a hard blow to James today. He was pleased. He was also keeping an eye on Khaat. He could see she was starting to tire and chill from the night air. He took one of the beach towels and shook the sand out of it and draped it around her to warm her.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"How's your pain?" he asked her quietly.

"Ask me after another bottle or two of wine," she sighed. He didn't respond. That meant she hurt. He simply touched her forehead and felt immense pain there. He drew it off for her. It was so different, he felt her growing heavier against him as she was able to relax.

"Should we be going, Brian?" Michael asked.

"Soon," Brian responded. "She needs sleep. And we need to talk to Edward."

"Indeed."

"Coffee and biscotti and a bit more time at the fire first," Brian smiled. "I've got her. She'll be alright."