On The Edge Of Suspicion - By Princess Alexandria

Princess_alex24@hotmail.com

Day 7 Part 1– Sunday – August 3^rd

Trini was sick and tired of gargoyles spying on her! “It is none of your business what happened between Elisa and me!” She hissed out at the female. “It was in the past. It’s over now!”

“It can’t have been to far in the past. You just met her in June!”

Trini clenched her teeth, biting back a growl. Why did she have to always explain everything?! “Dammit, Angela…” Trini was stuck with damage control. Elisa still wanted to keep this quiet. Goliath would take this very, very badly. Trini took a deep breath and tried to let go of her anger at being grabbed like that, and of being watched during an intimate talk… again. “We were together for a very short time.” Trini sat down as Angela stepped out of the shadows, her anger still clearly visible in the color of her eyes. Trini’s red glow was fading. Honesty was going to be the only chance she had of salvaging Elisa’s relationship with Goliath. She had to convince Angela to keep this quiet. “We just… clicked. I fell in love with her so quickly.” Trini looked down at her hands and started to nervously play with her rings. She could feel she had Angela’s undivided attention. “She was the first woman I ever really loved.” Tears were starting to fall down her cheeks. She felt like she was feeling the pain of losing Elisa all over again. “We weren’t even together a week… before I messed it all up.” Trini glanced up to see Angela watching her. The anger seemed to be melting as Angela saw Trini’s tears. “My bond with Fox… It was my need for my bond-mate that ruined it. I couldn’t stop wanting… needing… Fox. I loved them both so much, but Elisa didn’t understand, and I didn’t know how to explain. She wanted me to stop my relationship with Fox. I can’t…ever… do that. The bond between Fox and I is unbreakable… I lost Elisa because of it.” She spoke more quietly, “I never want to lose the bond Fox and I share… but it does complicate things.” If Angela ever found out Trini was now also Demona’s mate, she wanted her to understand that. She stared into Angela’s eyes, she could see confusion and the beginnings of understanding. “I don’t want Elisa to lose Goliath because of what we had. She loves him. With everything else going on, I’m not sure he’d forgive this, even though it happened before they got together. She really didn’t think they were a couple when we… I had to tell her that she should give him a chance, that if he loved her he wouldn’t mind the fact that they couldn’t have kids.” Trini’s voice became bitter, “I had no idea that he couldn’t make love to her… that a relationship with him would mean sacrificing that much. I had no idea that he wouldn’t tell her about that. She deserves so much more, but… she loves him. She’ll probably sacrifice it all willingly.” She was starting to forget who she was talking to. This was Goliath’s daughter. “She’s a passionate woman. I just…” Trini angrily wiped her tears away. “Dammit, this isn’t any of your business. I… just please don’t screw this up for her.”

Angela stood there quietly for a moment, and Trini desperately wished she could tell what Angela was thinking. “I can’t believe Elisa… Elisa too.” Angela muttered to herself. Angela moved to sit on the ledge, but not too closely to Trini. Angela spoke more loudly, and Trini could easily hear the hope in her voice. “You said your pheromones affected her. Is that why she…”

“No, my pheromones started after I got back from Seattle. Anyone who was attracted to me before then…” Trini sighed, “It was real. She really did love me.”

Trini sat in silence, waiting for Angela to talk. At least the gargoyle was sitting, and obviously listening for a change. Normally she’d run to daddy and complain about her. That would have been disastrous in this case. “You’re using a spell to keep the clan from being…”

“Yes.” Trini said softly. That was another secret, one that she didn’t realize she’d let slip. “My pheromones are different. It was affecting everyone. It affects humans too, which they aren’t supposed to do.”

Angela spoke very softly, “I thought I was becoming like my mother.”

Trini felt a little bit of pity for Angela. It had to have been very confusing, and she’d suffered longer than most of the rest of the clan. “It was just the pheromones. I’m… sorry if it upset you.”

Angela looked up at Trini, who was studying her carefully. “Not your fault. You can’t control something like that.” Angela sighed heavily. “I don’t think father needs to know about this. I… I really like Elisa. I’m not going to cause trouble for her.” Angela might have caused trouble for her, but not with Elisa involved.

Trini’s eyes hardened a little, “Did you come here just to spy on me?”

Angela’s eyes widened, “No, I came to ask Elisa something.” Angela gave Trini a searching look. “I called my mother, like you said. I talked with her… mate, Marie. I’m meeting Marie Monday night.”

“Oh, well… that’s good.” Trini felt a bit awkward with the change in topic, and the way that Angela was looking at her.

“Will you come with me?” Angela seemed to be shy suddenly. Trini swallowed and stared down at the roofing. This was a twist she hadn’t considered. “Marie doesn’t seem dangerous, but I shouldn’t go alone.”

“I… I can’t.” Trini stammered out. How did she always end up in these situations? “I already have plans.” She could see how much that irritated Angela.

“You’re the only one that knows I’ve been talking to mother. I don’t know if I can trust the others to keep it quiet. They don’t understand like you do.”

“I’m sorry.” Trini felt really bad, and if she weren’t Marie, she would have cancelled anything to help Angela out with this. “Is that why you were going to Elisa? Were you planning to ask her?” Trini held her breath. Her ex was a detective, fooling her would be a hell of a lot harder.

“Yes. If you can’t do it… Broadway is sweet, but he can’t keep a secret like this. Delilah is still bitter about mother taking you, so she wouldn’t be very nice. I… don’t want anyone to say anything that makes Marie leave. I… I really think she might be good for mother. She doesn’t hate humans and she goes out on patrols.” Trini just managed to not groan at this new dilemma.

“What about Hudson?” or Bronx, Trini added in her mind. Wouldn’t that be nice if Angela just brought Bronx, she wouldn’t have to worry about the pet noticing anything.

“No, he would just tell father. Brooklyn would attack Marie’s choice of mates, Lexington couldn’t keep a secret to save his life.” Trini gritted her teeth at this second opinion on Lexington’s ability to keep quiet. She’d made a mistake trusting him. “I don’t have anyone else, just you or Elisa.”

In desperation, Trini offered a few other alternatives, really not wanting to face Elisa in her illusion. “Fox or David would do it for you.” Especially if I beg them, Trini thought to herself.

Angela squirmed a little in her seat, “I know that you… I just don’t feel comfortable with them.” Trini sighed heavily. Elisa it was. Damn.

“Well, if you are still planning to ask her, could you drop me off on the ground? I like this outfit and I don’t want to ruin it.” Trini stood up. “You could just go and if you aren’t back by sunrise, we could find you. I really don’t think a mate of your mother’s would risk hurting you.”

“That isn’t why I need back-up. If father finds out that I met with Marie, he’ll want to claim she’s manipulating me. I just want a witness to show that wasn’t the case.” Trini would have tried to come up with more alternatives to Elisa, but it would be too suspicious.

“That makes sense.” Hopefully Elisa would be working or something and Angela would be forced to go alone.

Trini pulled into her parking spot and just sat there for a moment. Angela had gone to visit Elisa. Trini got out of the car and went upstairs. She still had a present to give to Delilah. She got a slight smile on her lips as she thought about Delilah. She’d appreciate this gift, and it didn’t matter if she thought her friend was ready or not, it was up to Delilah to figure that out. She’d given her enough of the basics; she just had to trust that Delilah would do whatever the right thing for her was.

Delilah looked a little confused when Trini came to get her, but she was following Trini to their destination. Trini got the gargoyle a room next to hers, but it was on the side of her living room, so that they would still have privacy. Fox had given Trini’s entire room good soundproofing, so this way Delilah benefited from it some. Trini stopped at the door before her own and couldn’t stop the grin from forming on her face. “I have something I want to show you in here.”

Trini opened the door and walked in, Delilah following behind her. The place was the size of her room before the remodel, so it was just a good sized bathroom, and a bedroom with an area for the couch and TV. Trini pointed to the bedspread, which was a pretty blue. “Do you like that?” She turned to look at Delilah’s confused face and smiled, “Because if you don’t like anything in your room, we can change it.” Trini’s smile grew as Delilah’s jaw dropped slightly and the gargoyle started to seriously look around the room. Trini had taken the opportunity to get Delilah some other outfits to wear while they were at it, and they were hanging in the open closet.

“Mine?” Delilah’s voice was soft, full of child-like wonder. “I’ve never had… anything.” Delilah’s eyes shined with unshed tears as she turned her face to Trini, “I have my own room?” Trini took a shuddering breath. She’d never realized that Delilah didn’t own anything but the clothes she was wearing. This… this made this gift huge.

Trini spoke gently, “This room and everything in it is yours. If you want different furniture, pictures for the walls, or anything else I’ll try and get it for you. I can pick up some catalogs so you can see if you’d like anything to spruce it up a bit. I stopped Fox from decorating too much so that you could do it yourself. She has good taste, but… I want you to like this.” Trini was startled when Delilah lunged forward and picked her up, hugging her tightly.

“I love you so much.” Delilah’s voice was teary as she made it a little hard for Trini to breath. Trini wrapped her arms around the white haired female and hugged back.

“I love you too.” Trini said quietly and started to caress Delilah’s hair. Delilah loosened her hold, but Trini made no motion to back away. “I hope you never doubt how much I care about you. I’d do anything to keep you safe.” Trini said very quietly. She was starting to worry about Lex and if he spilled her secret, how Delilah would feel knowing that Trini purposely wasn’t telling her things. She only kept her secrets from Delilah to protect her friend, but she knew that Delilah wouldn’t see that.

Delilah tilted her head a little and looked at Trini with such love and devotion it made Trini wonder about the effectiveness of that spell protecting Delilah from her pheromones. “I know. I’d do the same thing… sister.” Delilah spoke more softly, “I may be a part of Goliath’s clan… but you, you are my real clan.” Trini was surprised when Delilah leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, surprised enough to respond a little. Delilah smiled shyly after she pulled away, “I’ve been kissing with Lex, but… you do it so much better than he does.”

Trini blinked stupidly for a moment, trying to figure out what to say to that. She decided that she’d had more than enough serious talks today. She let that one slide with a brief comment, “He just needs practice. I’ve… had a little more practice than he has.”

Trini followed Delilah out to the main room to get Lex. She wanted to show off. Trini could understand that. She decided to not mention her car, and let Delilah have her night. Lex was getting ready to follow Delilah to see the room, but Trini couldn’t stop herself. She reached out and grabbed his shoulder, stopping him. She glared into his eyes, “If I hear that you haven’t treated her with all the respect and love she deserves… I will make you pay. You will not pressure her into anything, do you hear me?!” He looked a little frightened of her for a moment, and Trini realized her mistake. He knew she was a killer, and would take her threats very seriously. She forced herself to calm down. “I’m sorry, she’s just… I would never…” She took her hand off his shoulder as if he burned her, feeling very ashamed of herself. She’d promised herself that she wouldn’t interfere.

Lex stayed with her so she looked up into his eyes. “I know. It’s okay, I understand. I’d never hurt her, and I’ll wait until she wants to, if she wants to.” She was startled when he reached out and caressed her hair. “You’d move heaven and earth to protect her. I can do no less.” He gave Trini an awkward smile and pulled his hand away, “I better get going before she realizes I’m not there.” Trini just nodded, and he moved to follow Delilah quickly. That was… that was really strange.

“I believe Broadway got that same threat when he started dating Angela.” Hudson’s voice startled Trini. She hadn’t realized that anyone else was there.

“I… didn’t mean to threaten him like that. It just sort of happened.”

Hudson started to chuckle. “That’s what Goliath said.” Trini felt the hint of a smile starting to cross her face. Hudson’s expression became more serious, “Goliath is visiting with Renard, and the others are on patrol.” He looked Trini in the eye, “We need to talk.” He blushed a little, “Regardless of who your mate is there are things you need to know, and since you were raised by a human, I’m betting you need someone to talk to.” Trini’s face reddened instantly when she realized that Hudson was offering to tell her about the birds and the bees, gargoyle style.

“Thank you… but that won’t be necessary. I’ve got that covered.” Trini said quietly. She could see he didn’t believe her. She was glad that she’d spent the time coming up with a cover for this question in case Delilah asked how she was getting the information she planned to share with her. “My grandmother mated as a gargoyle.” Not a lie, but she’d never talked to Selene about it. While it would be amusing to watch his face if she said that she was sure Demona could teach her all about mating while in season, it wouldn’t be worth the explosion it would cause. Still, she grinned to herself at the imagined shocked expression on the old gargoyle’s face. He looked at her a little oddly, which made her realize that she’d slipped into her own little world. “I should get ready for bed.” She looked him in the face with a more serious expression. He’d tried to help. “Thank you, I really mean it. I… know I don’t…” Trini smiled sadly, “I’ll never fit in, but at least you don’t kick me out.”

“Oh, Lassie.” Hudson spoke softly, “You just need to give them time. I know it’s hard on you now, but they will come around.”

She looked into his eyes, “Fox is an essential part of my life. I don’t think Goliath is even trying to understand. I know he’s up to something, and it scares me.” She took a deep breath, “I’m not just gargoyle, I… have so much more to consider in my life. I’m human… I’m also Fey. I can’t ignore any of these parts of me. He’s asking me to deny my feyness along with my love for Fox.” Trini licked her lips a little nervously, “I love Fox… and I wouldn’t want to leave her… but, I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Where are all the Fey supposed to be right now?”

Hudson’s eyes widened a little, “Avalon. You mean if you left her you’d be force to go to Avalon?”

“My love for Fox and our bond is all that is keeping me home. Selene… really thinks I’d be miserable on Avalon, and I know she’s right. All the people I care about are here. If Goliath gets his way and ruins my relationship with Fox… I lose everyone.” Trini didn’t believe Goliath could do that, but she needed allies, and someone that Goliath might listen to, since he wasn’t listening to Elisa. “I lose them and I go to an island prison. One lousy gargoyle egg isn’t worth that.”

Trini could hear Goliath’s deep voice as he talked with Renard while walking their way. “I’ll… try to tell him about this lass.” Hudson said quietly.

She tried to walk past Goliath and Renard as invisibly as possible, but it didn’t work. “So, how was your date with Elisa?” Renard asked nicely, making Trini almost choke on her tongue. She turned to face them and noticed the white glare Goliath sent his way. Renard had a real poor choice of words there.

“It wasn’t a date, we just went out to dinner and talked.” Renard looked completely baffled at why Trini would have any problem with the word date. She knew he didn’t mean it that way, but… just the comment was going to cause her trouble.

Fox’s dad looked at her a little while longer, “I’d like to talk with you.” He turned to Goliath, “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Oh, no… go right ahead.” Goliath said politely and then continued to the library alone. Trini swore she saw an evil smirk for a moment.

“I could use some juice. Shall we go to the kitchen?” Why couldn’t he be like other old people, and be asleep now? Trini thought bitterly.

Trini sat down with her glass and waited for it without taking a sip. It didn’t take long, “Exactly whose mistress are you?” Renard asked very coldly.

Trini took a deep breath as she stared into the old man’s face. He was not looking like a pleasant old guy now. He was pissed. A mistress… what was that, someone kept around to have sex with, but nothing more? A very high priced and exclusive whore? “I am not a mistress.” Her voice held a bit of a growl.

Renard looked at her like she was an idiot. “I’ve known men that kept… artist types… in the house. It never was what they claimed.” His eyes narrowed, “Nice car you bought today.”

Trini would have loved to march out of there right then, and screw whatever Fox’s daddy thought, but she didn’t. She held her ground, and glared at him. “I have a job, I have an inheritance… I am not poor.” At least not anymore, Trini gritted her teeth. She didn’t really have that inheritance yet either. “I have my own money.”

“Oh, really… well then what are the car payments for that pretty car? Or do you have enough money to just buy a car like that with cash?” He asked a little snidely. Trini just started to shake her head. This was not going well at all. She wasn’t able to keep up with him. She had no idea what a car payment would have been on the car that Domi bought her. She may claim to have money, but she had the feeling that if she said she’d paid cash, she’d be nailed to the wall for the lie. “That’s what I thought.” He glared at her, “So whose mistress are you?!”

“Trini, honey…” A voice came from the doorway, startling Trini. She’d been so intent on staring in disbelief at Fox’s dad she hadn’t heard anyone arrive. Delilah crossed over to her and wrapped her arms around her in a hug from behind, while nuzzling her neck suggestively. Trini could see the red of Delilah’s eyes as she looked up at the startled man. Trini forced herself to try and relax, and go with whatever cover Delilah was offering.

“Delilah, Trini…” Lex’s voice sounded a little strained as he came into the room from behind Renard. Trini tensed up a little, but he just gave her a weak smile, “You two love birds…” He shook his head, pretending to be amused. Trini could see a nervous tick in his eye when Delilah leaned down to kiss Trini’s neck. Her friend was getting into the role a little too much. She never made out like that with a lover in front of people. These two also managed to out her as gay with this move to protect her, and they didn’t even seem to realize that.

“Thanks guys, but you don’t need to do this.” Fox said flatly, startling Lex so bad he jumped, and Delilah stepped away from Trini quickly. Fox seemed to just appear from out of the shadows. She stared at her father, “This is Trinity… my lover.” Fox’s face showed little to no emotion, but Trini could just imagine how the outrage on her dad’s face must hurt. Trini noticed Lex and Delilah leaving quickly, and she envied them. She had to stay, Fox might need her.

“I thought you got over this… phase.” He glared at Fox, and then turned his glare to Trini, obviously measuring her up and finding her wanting. “You’re raising my grandson around this… this type of thing?!”

Fox’s voice got colder, “I don’t want to have that discussion again… dad. What we have isn’t a thing, isn’t a disgrace, and isn’t any of your damned business!”

“David just lets you get away with this?!” His face was turning red in anger. “Or do you let him play with your little toy too?” Trini was taking deep breaths and trying to stay calm. If she let her eyes burn it would be more trouble. She couldn’t let him see she wasn’t human like that.

As soon as Renard was escorted out by Owen and the Owen look alike Trini turned to Fox. She could see how tense and upset her lover was. He’d ranted at Fox for several minutes before Owen came by and Fox had him escort her father out. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.” Fox said quietly.

David slipped into the kitchen with them, looking at Fox in concern. “Are you okay honey?” He asked softly while coming close enough to touch Fox on the shoulder. Trini just stood there, watching… and feeling horrible. It was because of her that Fox had tears in her eyes. Her father wouldn’t have said those awful things to Fox if Trini had handled this better. If she’d stayed away tonight… or completely, Fox’s father wouldn’t have disowned her tonight. He’d called Fox horrible names, and Trini… Trini couldn’t stop him. Fox looked like nothing fazed her as he ranted, but Trini knew better. And now she could see it. Fox bury her head in David’s chest, obviously upset, and her own eyes teared up. She shoved her hands into her pockets and turned to stare at the wall, not sure about what she should do now. David was doing the comforting. It left her feeling trapped, unable to help, and unable to leave.

There was something she could do though. Trini’s face hardened and she quickly left the kitchen to head back to the library. Goliath had looked too smug before this happened. He had something to do with this. Fox was crying, and he was involved in some way. By the time she’d gotten to the closed Library doors she was fuming, her vision burning so bright it lit up the dark hall. She kicked the door open violently and growled as she stepped inside. She didn’t notice the other gargoyles… she just saw him. “You said something didn’t you… YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!!” Goliath set his book down and stared up at her. “When are you going to get it through your thick skull?! How would you feel if I tried to break up you and Elisa?! You know… I could do it. I could make her leave you… If I told her about the shit you’re doing to us… to me, she’d drop your ass!” Trini was yelling. She didn’t notice Angela’s eyes widen in alarm. She didn’t even notice Angela was there.

“No, she wouldn’t. What Elisa and I have is real love.” Goliath’s eyes burned as he took a step towards Trini. “I’m not sharing her with someone else… She’s mine.”

Trini gritted her teeth, ready to yell at him for his misleading Elisa as well. “Trini… don’t.” Fox said very quietly from the doorway. Trini stopped talking instantly and turned her quickly fading red eyes to her lover. The worry on Fox’s face made her lose her anger.

“I love you Fox. I love you, and I’m so tired of having to…” Trini’s voice choked up. “You’re my mate. Mine.”

“She’s David’s mate.” Goliath interrupted.

Hudson hit him in the shoulder and glared at him while talking quietly, but not so quiet that Trini couldn’t hear him, “Can’t you see the lass is in enough pain as it is? She’s in her breeding season… you aren’t a hatchling, you know what that does to a female.”

Fox stepped into the room and pulled Trini into a hug. Trini felt bad, she was trying to defend Fox, but she was so busy trying not to cry she couldn’t do it. She was just so tired. Tired of constantly fighting, and hiding. Tired of not being able to protect her lover from the nasty glares and the angry words. The things that Renard had said… had sounded so much like Trini’s mother. He said hurtful, abusive things to her mate… and she couldn’t protect her. “Come to bed.” Fox whispered into Trini’s ear. “I don’t feel up to confronting Goliath now… please, lets just go to bed.” Trini nodded. “I need to check on Alexander first. I’ll meet you there.” Fox left and Trini trailed after her slowly.

David had been standing in the doorway, waiting for them. He held the door open for her, and Trini noticed that she’d damaged it on her way in. It was cracked up the middle and wasn’t going to be salvageable. She reached out and touched the artistic door and spoke to David. “I’m sorry I broke your door.”

He smiled gently at her, “Don’t worry about it.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and turned with no hint of a smile, to stare at Goliath for a moment. “I can understand why you did it. She’s your lover.” He closed the door behind them and walked along side Trini, “I know why you thought it was Goliath… but it wasn’t. Renard has been pushing us about you all night. He seemed to believe you were with me, because he couldn’t stop glaring at me all night.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He smiled flirtatiously, “The only thing I regret is that it wasn’t true.”

“Please don’t.” Trini sighed heavily. “I can’t… not tonight. Tonight’s been a complete mess.” His flirting was grating on her nerves. It didn’t usually do that.

David looked at her for a moment. She could feel him studying her. “Do you need to talk about it?”

Trini carefully looked around, not willing to have another conversation overheard tonight, “Domi saw me out with Elisa and looked pissed. It’ll ruin our date tomorrow. I just know she’s waiting for me to come over so she can yell at me. I told her I had plans with Fox, so she wouldn’t cancel on Andrea. Then later Angela overheard Elisa and me talking and found out about us. I had to practically beg her to keep quiet.” She didn’t mention that Delilah seemed to think kissing her like a lover was okay, because he would just get off on that. It was a problem, and it was Trini’s fault. She was drugged when she’d made the decision to teach the gargoyle about kissing, but it was her decision. Trini’s voice got quieter. David opened his bedroom door and she followed him in without even thinking about it, since she was so deep in thought. “And now I couldn’t protect Fox… I don’t know what to… she’s losing her family because of me.”

“Renard has always been a problem. This isn’t your fault. He’s judgmental and old fashioned.” David closed the door behind them, and Trini suddenly realized she’d followed him home.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to.” Trini inched closer to the door, embarrassed about invading David’s bedroom.

“Don’t be.” He smiled at her, “Fox will be with Alexander for a while. You can stay and visit.” His face became more serious, “Whenever she’s really upset, she’ll just go in there and watch him sleep for a while.” Trini felt like she should go to her, hold her. “She wants to be alone with him. We just have to wait.”

Trini scooted back on the bed so she could lean against the headboard while she talked with David. “I never told my mother about my being gay. It was just easier to avoid the arguments. She was always trying to make me into what she wanted me to be, and she could be… very hard to stop when she got that way. I had visions of endless therapy trying to cure me if she ever found out.” Trini sighed, “When my body started to change I figured I was never going to have sex again, so it didn’t matter anymore.”

“You thought you’d be alone forever.” David said quietly while studying her.

“Yeah. I really regretted letting what Robyn did to me stop me from dating once I thought that my dating days were over.”

“Robyn?”

“My first lover. Not that…” Trini sighed heavily, “She slept with me and then left a note saying goodbye in my dorm room the next day. I was a virgin, I had those hard to explain scars. It felt like a total rejection for her to leave like that, like she couldn’t stand to look at me again. I didn’t want to hurt like that again, so I never tried to date again, until I came here. I mean she’d introduced me to her brothers, acted like… and then she just disappeared.”

David seemed so sympathetic, and they’d never really talked like this. “The first girl I was with left me for a guy with a sports car. I couldn’t afford a car back then.” Trini’s eyebrows rose. She’d just assumed David was always rich. He grinned at her, “I’m a fisherman’s son. I… acquired… a few thousand dollars, and managed to make that money grow. I resisted the urge to spend it all on a fancy car to impress the ladies.”

Trini grinned at him, “You haven’t seen my new car yet, have you?” She recognized a friendly barb when she heard it.

David chuckled, “No, but I heard about it. Renard was asking me how much a car like that costs.”

“Too much.” Trini leaned forward on the bed with a serious expression, “I’m sorry you got blamed for me being here.” She glanced over to the wall that separated this room and Alexander’s. “She’s been in there a while.”

Trini quietly opened the door to Alexander’s room, and she saw Fox right away. The redhead had fallen asleep in a chair while watching over her son. The moonlight came in and illuminated Fox, making her look like a goddess. A small smile crossed Trini’s lips as she just stared at her. She opened Alexander’s bedroom door wide and walked quietly through his room towards Fox. She couldn’t let her sleep here, because it didn’t look comfortable.

Trini lifted Fox out of the chair effortlessly and gently carried her out of the room. When David saw her enter the room, he stood up and started to move towards her, obviously planning to take the redhead out of her arms. Trini spoke very softly, “I am stronger than you. I can handle this.”

“Oh… of course, I just…” He sighed, “I forget sometimes that you…”

Trini eased Fox down on David’s bed, because if she tried to carry her further, she might wake up. She wanted to let her lover sleep; she’d had a hard day. She stood up a little awkwardly. This left her without Fox for the night. David spoke very quietly as he came back from closing the bedroom door. “It’s a big bed. You could just stay here.” Trini stared at him, shocked. He sighed, “You’ve slept three to a bed before, I heard about Fox’s nap at Demona’s.”

Trini glanced down at the evidence that her pheromones worked on him. He was wearing his pajama bottoms, and the subtle tenting… she blushed as she noticed it. “I shouldn’t. It isn’t…” Trini took a deep breath and pulled her eyes up to his face, blushing further when he smirked at her, obviously knowing where her eyes had been drawn.

“I can control myself, and I’ll be on the other side of the bed.” He lost his smirk, “You can wake her up and go, it is your night.”

Trini stared down at Fox, looking so fragile with tear tracks on her face. She couldn’t wake her up, Fox might have trouble falling to sleep again, and it was late. “I’ll go change.” She said quietly, “I need to shower too.” She was going to cut down on the temptation for David, by taking care of the pheromones a bit. He looked a little surprised his trick worked. Trini knew he was trying to get her to trust him more, she wasn’t fooled, but… she remembered how nice it had felt to wake up surrounded by Fox and Domi. It was a gift she could give Fox. She could endure some awkwardness to make Fox feel better.

Trini snuck quietly back into David’s room. He appeared to be asleep, and Fox was more in the middle of the bed than she’d been before. David probably moved her. Trini was wearing the bulkiest pajama’s she owned, because even though she was doing this, she didn’t really feel comfortable with it. She noticed David open his eyes and look at her as she approached the bed. She didn’t say anything, just slid in next to Fox in the unfamiliar bed. It took her a while to fall asleep. At least David didn’t snore.

The sisters were waiting for her. Trini found her eyes wandering over the landscape, staring at their shoes, basically avoiding their eyes. “Trini…” Selene said softly as she stepped closer, and reached out to gently force Trini to look at her. “You don’t need to be so embarrassed.” Trini blushed hotly as she looked into the eyes that looked so much like her own. She never told Fox about how she’d… Fox wasn’t here was she?! Trini tried to glance around, worried that her lover would hear about that dream. Selene’s light gray eyes hardened and the hand holding Trini’s face still took a stronger grip. “I… don’t want this awkwardness between us. It’s affecting your lessons.” Selene took a step back, releasing Trini, but Trini knew better than to look away now. Selene ran a hand through her own hair.

Luna stepped forward, “We aren’t going to apologize for who we are. We have always, and will always be… together, in all ways.”

Trini stared at Selene, trying to figure out what she should say to that. They’d never really hidden it. They’d insinuated it before. If she hadn’t been staring she would have missed the brief vulnerable look on Selene’s face. My God… they think I’ll reject them over this, Trini blinked in shock. Her reaction to that dream last night must have hurt them. Trini stared down at the ground as she thought. That dream wasn’t really a nightmare, but… maybe it was her trouble accepting this part of her family that caused it. As she thought she didn’t see Phoebe and Selene share a troubled and guilty look, and then both looked over at Luna slightly accusingly.

The way she felt about the sisters’ relationship was her problem, not theirs. They were still family. She wasn’t going to push them away like Renard did to Fox. She didn’t understand… but it didn’t really affect her if they were together in that way. She’d wanted a real family for so long… she wasn’t going to give them up for something like this. They’d been like this forever, knowing the way her bond with Fox was, she could see how it would be hard to not BE with a bond-mate. Maybe their bond was like hers. Regardless, she was going to have to learn to accept this.

Phoebe’s arms suddenly wrapping around Trini in a hug startled her. The other sisters moved in to hug Trini as well. She never had to say it. They were listening in on her thoughts.

Trini trained alone tonight. Fox wasn’t showing up. Trini was worried about her lover. “We blocked her out so we could work with just you tonight.” Selene explained after Trini looked around the meadow for Fox yet again.

Phoebe was staring at Trini’s hands, so Trini looked down at them. They looked fine. “Can I see your rings?”

Trini blushed a little, and Phoebe grinned a little at her, but she looked more serious than Trini had ever seen her. Trini held out her hands, and Phoebe took the one with the broken ring. Trini let the other hand fall back to her side. She now had a red ring, a half red and black ring, and the silver one. Trini watched Phoebe cover up a concerned expression as she fingered the silver band.

“What do they do?” Trini asked softly, while Phoebe looked distracted.

“They are about sharing.” Luna answered for Phoebe as she glanced at the rings. Her answer made little sense to Trini.

Trini cuddled closer to the warm body she was sleeping next to as she slowly regained wakefulness. When she opened her eyes she smiled gently at the redhead staring at her. “You stayed here?” Fox whispered, which made Trini wake up more as she realized she wasn’t in her own bed. She looked over Fox’s body to see David sound asleep on the other side.

She looked over Fox’s tired face and her slightly running mascara. She’d put Fox to bed fully dressed. “Didn’t want to wake you up by carrying you down the hall.” Fox continued to wait for an explanation. Trini blushed a little, “I thought you might like to wake up like this. I… when it was you and Domi I liked it.”

Fox smiled wickedly and leaned over to whisper in Trini’s ear, “I definitely like… how…” Fox’s voice became more mischievous, “adventurous are you feeling today?” Trini started to blush hotly, “because I would love to just ravish you right now, while he’s sleeping.”

“Fox… I…” Trini’s heart was beating a little fast. She wanted her lover to touch her, but not like this. It didn’t feel right to do it near David, and Domi wouldn’t want her heard or seen by him.

“Relax, I’m just teasing you.” Fox kissed her on the cheek, “I know you wouldn’t feel comfortable with it.” Trini looked into her lover’s eyes, and knew that Fox wished that Trini could do that.

Trini reached up and caressed Fox’s cheek. “I don’t want… what we have is just between us. I don’t want David, I like him, but I don’t want to touch him, and I don’t want him to see us. I’m not comfortable with that.”

Fox kissed Trini gently on the lips, “I know. I understand, and I already told him that.” Fox’s cheeks reddened a little and she looked a bit guilty, “He was a little disappointed, so… sometimes I talk about you.” Fox looked into Trini’s eyes. This wasn’t news to Trini, because some of the things that David said to her lead her to believe he knew more about what went on in her bedroom than he should. Trini sighed. She’d wanted to say something about that, but the timing was pretty lousy now. She would never tell Fox details about her and Demona’s sex life without Demona’s permission. It didn’t seem right to share intimate details with someone else like that, yet Fox did that to her. Fox continued a little nervously when Trini didn’t say anything. “Nothing too… just a few little things.” Fox leaned down to give Trini a lingering gentle kiss. Trini relaxed and decided that no real harm had been done. She realized she was being a push over.

Fox stared into Trini’s eyes, “Are we okay?”

“Yeah.” Trini smiled and rolled onto her side. Fox cuddled up behind her and wrapped an arm around her to hold Trini tight to her body. When she continued to rub against Trini suggestively Trini strangled out, “Maybe we should go to my room. I need you.”

They were trying to quietly make their way out of the room. David’s amused voice startled Trini, “Have fun ladies.” Trini turned to see him smirking at her.

Trini smiled softly as Fox leaned over her to help her apply her makeup. “This is an afternoon date, so less makeup is required. You need to look more done up than someone coming from work and less done up than someone going out for the evening.”

Once Fox finished with Trini’s eye shadow Trini smirked at her, “You realize you are helping me go on a date with someone else, right?”

Fox blushed a little and spoke more quietly, “You can’t ever tell anyone this.” Fox leaned closer to whisper in Trini’s ear, “I think she is so sexy… just knowing that she touches you turns me on.” Trini whimpered as Fox’s words re-awakened her desire. “If I thought she would… god, I wish…” Fox pulled away to shuffle through the lipsticks self-consciously. Trini could almost feel Fox’s embarrassment at that admission. She’d seen this coming in the smiles her Fey lover shared with Domi, and the way she’d been so interested in hearing about how Demona reacted to Trini’s lovemaking.

Trini pulled up to the gate at Destine Manor just before two. She was early so that maybe Domi would be able to get her yelling done with before they had to go. Not the best way to start a date, but Trini strongly suspected that her gargoyle wouldn’t be able to ignore what looked very much like a date between her lover and her worst enemy. Fox had filled her in a little on the relationship between Elisa and Domi, and it wasn’t pretty at all. Fox had also warned Trini that she needed to be clear with Domi that Elisa wasn’t going to be stealing Trini away from her, because Domi seemed to feel like that was what happened with Goliath.

Trini got to the door just as Domi opened it. She’d called ahead to tell her that she was going to be early. Domi was dressed in a nice black pantsuit with a blue silk shirt underneath. Trini smiled softly at Domi, ignoring the suspicious glare she was getting, “You look very nice.” She could see that Domi had spent a little time with makeup herself. This was their first official date.

Domi held the door opened so Trini could come in, and Trini could almost feel the redhead's anger, frustration… something. Domi was also standing a bit rigidly. “You said you had a date with Fox last night.”

With a heavy sigh Trini turned to look at Domi, “I didn’t want you to cancel your time with Andrea. Fox’s dad was visiting, and I was not invited. We didn’t want him to know about me. He found out anyhow, but that’s another story.” Trini moved to caress Domi’s hand, but Domi pulled it away. That hurt. “I was bored and hungry, so I asked Elisa to go out with me. It wasn’t a date or anything.”

“You were letting her drive your car.” Domi crossed her arms in front of her.

“I just wanted to show off to someone. Fox was too busy with her dad to come and see it, and Delilah… I can’t take her out like that.” Trini sighed and gave Domi a weak smile, “Elisa will never really like her car again. You could look at it that way.” Domi didn’t smile back.

“She was hanging all over you.” Domi growled a bit.

“She’s affected by the pheromones. I don’t think she even realized she was doing it.”

Domi’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Trini, and Trini felt very nervous. “There is something you aren’t telling me. What is it?” Domi’s eyes burned a hole into Trini, “Did she try to touch you?” Domi growled. “You’re mine! I don’t want that bitch…”

Trini knew she had to tell Domi about her past with Elisa, but she really didn’t want to do it right now. “Domi… she was a little flirty, but nothing more. You don’t need to worry about Elisa.” Trini stepped closer to her lover and reached up to caress Domi’s cheek. “I love you.” Trini whispered and leaned in to kiss Domi gently. When she kissed her a second time, Domi responded a little.

“I don’t like her.” Domi said quietly.

“I’m not asking you to, but she is my friend.”

Domi smiled weakly, “You look very nice.”

The play wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t that good either. Trini might have been able to follow it better if she wasn’t so distracted by the light caresses Domi gave her tail periodically. Trini leaned over to whisper in Domi’s ear in the middle of Act two, “I was thinking of sneaking out and making love to you in the back of my car, what do you think?”

Domi smirked, “I think the back of your car is in no way large enough for that. We also don’t want to get arrested for indecency, and I can guarantee your screaming would bring the police.”

Trini smiled wickedly back, “You think you can make me scream? You are quite full of yourself aren’t you?”

Domi’s voice got deeper, “Honey, I could make you beg.” The caress on Trini’s tail became more sensual, and Trini had to nibble on her lower lip to keep herself from moaning.

“I know you could.” Trini conceded quietly, “You’re a goddess, and I want you so badly, I have no problem with begging.”

“Trini, lets get out of here. The play was a nice idea, but it just isn’t working. I’d rather talk to you.” Trini nodded to Domi and they made their way out of the theater. Talking wasn't exactly what Trini had in mind, but any time with Domi was good.

They went to a restaurant closer to Domi's neighborhood, so that they wouldn't be accidentally seen by anyone. Trini hated that they had to think like that, especially since the only people they really had to worry about during the day were Elisa, Matt, and maybe anyone that would tell the clan or the detectives they saw them together. After the waiter took their order, Trini reached out and took Domi's hand. They had a pretty private booth. "I wish I didn't have to keep you a secret." Trini's eyes looked into Domi's, "You do know that I'm in no way ashamed of us. If it weren't for all the problems it would cause... I'd tell everyone." She didn't want Domi thinking she was ashamed of her because of her past, or that Trini didn't think she was good enough to stand up for.

Domi caressed Trini's knuckles lightly, "I know... but I have my own reasons for keeping this quiet too. The clan or MacBeth... would use our relationship against me." Domi looked a little angry at that. "I wouldn't put it past MacBeth to kidnap you just to make it so I had to rescue you. I try to avoid him whenever possible, because he's been a little suicidal lately."

Trini's eyes widened, "You better not fall into a trap like that."

As Trini was driving them back home, she started to dread the conversation she felt she needed to have. If Angela let it slip before she said something it would look bad. When she pulled into the driveway Domi spoke quietly, "You might want to pull into the garage, so Gregory doesn't know you stayed the night again."

Trini stopped the car and turned to Domi with a small smile on her face. "Gregory is the one that gave me the tickets. He knows we're a couple, and he told me that he was happy for us." Trini noticed Domi tensing up and the beginnings of anger in her eyes, so she spoke quickly, "He was just worried that you wouldn't find someone good enough for you, but apparently I passed the test." She didn't want Gregory losing his job for caring.

Domi blinked in surprise, "I still think I need to talk with him about the need to keep my private life private." Trini nodded and parked the car beside the garage. At least here, they didn't need to hide.

Trini sat on the couch, staring at Domi. If she didn't want Domi to glide away before they could finish the conversation she needed to have, she needed to do it before nightfall. That gave her a half hour. "Domi, I..." Trini started, but she stopped and rubbed her forehead. How was Domi giong to take this? When Domi turned the TV off and turned to give Trini her full attention, Trini had no choice but to plow ahead. "I have a problem. It's one of those things that... I have to betray someone." Trini sighed heavily. Telling her about Elisa would betray Elisa and not telling her would betray Domi. "I... God, I hate this!" Trini clenched her fists and stared at the coffee table. "I don't want you to hear this from someone else, and the way all my secrets have been falling apart lately, you would."

"Trini? Trini look at me." Domi's voice was getting a little forceful, probably because Trini had just admitted to keeping something from her. Trini looked up a little fearfully. Domi's eyes seemed to burn into her. "What is going on?"

"Angela overheard a private conversation. No one was ever supposed to find out..." Trini sighed heavily, "that Elisa and I were together for a while." Domi's eyes were narrowing dangerously, so Trini continued quickly, "I didn't tell you because you hate her. I... don't want to be used against anyone. If the clan ever found out... Goliath would hurt me." Saying that she was also keeping it a secret so that Elisa could have Goliath wouldn't really sway Domi to keep the secret.

Domi jumped off the couch and stared at the fireplace. "I'd suspected that... but when I found it was Fox waiting for you at your apartment, the day I took you... and you told me Fox touched your tail after we escaped from those bastards... I..." Domi turned to glare daggers at Trini. "You only told me because you were afraid you'd get caught!"

Trini stood up to reach for Domi. Domi stepped away from her. "I..." Trini's arms fell to her side. "She asked me to not tell anyone. She loved me, and I betrayed her. I broke her heart. Giving her that seemed like a small price to pay." The redhead just continued to glare at her, so Trini continued. "I... got involved with Fox very shortly after Elisa and I became a couple. I lied to her..." Trini sighed heavily, "Fox is like an addiction I can't break, she always was. When I finally told Elisa about the bond Elisa couldn't understand that and wanted me to drop Fox." Trini had tears in her eyes, this felt so much like the argument she'd had with Elisa about Fox.

Domi's glare didn't ease up, even with Trini's tears. "She was looking like she wanted you back last night."

Trini shook her head, "It was just the pheromones."

"And if she still wants you back after you've mated with me and the pheromones are gone?"

Trini tried to reach out to her lover again, and managed to cup Domi's cheek. "I wouldn't chose her over you." She caressed a tear away from Domi's face as she leaned closer, "You are my mate. Mine. I don't ever want to hurt you like that. Elisa is just a friend now. Nothing more."

"That Human touched you." Domi was standing very stiffly. "I hate her and she touched you. I hate her even more now." Domi growled out. "It's bad enough she took Goliath... but you..." When Domi bent over in pain and her wings ripped through the back of her blue silk shirt, Trini's eyes widened. She hadn't realized it was that late.

Demona went upstairs to change into her normal night clothes. Trini sat on the couch and waited for her to return so that they could finish this conversation. After ten minutes she became concerned and went up to check on her lover. The open balcony doors and the empty bedroom made Trini's heart begin to pound. "Oh Shit!"

She called Fox frantically as she raced out of the house towards her car. Once Fox answered she spoke quickly, "I told her about Elisa and now she's missing! She glided off."

"Shit!" Fox said loudly, "I'll try to find Elisa... I... dammit how am I suppose to tell Elisa to watch her back, I shouldn't even know Demona's gunning for her."

Trini stopped just long enough to reactivate the security system, and then she gunned her jaguar as she barreled down the residential street. She was going to have to race Demona to the city. "God Dammit Blue, why can't you just listen!" Trini muttered angrily to herself. She didn't want to fight her lover, but she couldn't... Elisa was so very mortal. Trini's car raced over a hill, and she flew through the air, bouncing a bit as she landed again. She was moving faster than she'd ever driven before.

Trini was almost to the city a half hour later. Luck was with her, no cops had noticed her weaving in and out of lanes. The phone rang. "I couldn't reach her on the phone, and she wasn't working. I'm on my way to her apartment." Fox paused, her voice becoming flatter. "Trini... I'm armed."

Trini sighed heavily as she weaved around a semi. Fox liked Demona, this... this was a mess Trini created. "I love you Fox. I'm so sorry." Trini gassed the car even faster after she hung up. She had to stop this, or someone she loved was going to get hurt.

Trini pulled up in front of Elisa's apartment and parked her car quickly. She leapt out of it without even opening the door and ran for the building, completely ignoring the few people walking around as she bolted into the apartment building and ran up the stairs, because she couldn't wait for the elevator. She'd seen Fox's car out front as well. She heard the breaking glass as she raced down the hallway. Trini kicked open Elisa's door, because it was locked. She then stared in alarm at the scene before her.

Fox only briefly glanced at Trini from her spot next to Elisa, because she was busy focusing on the irate blue female that was standing in the broken glass of Elisa’s skylight. Demona’s eyes were burning brightly as she glanced over at Trini and sneered. “Rescue party?” Trini took a deep breath. It didn’t look like her lover wanted to back down.

Day 8 – Monday – August 4^th

Trini stepped into the room and shoved the front door closed behind her. Elisa’s door was going to have to be replaced, because it wasn’t lockable anymore. She did all of that without even thinking about it. She moved quickly towards the gargoyle that was getting ready to attack.

“Trini… get out of here!” Elisa sounded pretty worried about her. Trini ignored her and stepped closer to the enraged gargoyle.

Fox pulled out a gun and aimed it at Demona, and Trini’s eyes widened. “Demona, Don’t!” Fox said coldly. Trini could see that Fox would shoot Demona if she came closer. Elisa stood unarmed beside Trini’s fey lover in a battle ready stance.

Demona growled, “So, you plan to shoot me Fox?”

Trini’s eyes started to burn red. “No one wants to hurt you. Just… leave. This is ridiculous.”

Demona growled and leaped at Elisa. Trini’s heart began to pound frantically as she lunged forward and tackled Demona out of the air, slamming both of them into the wall. Trini could hear the cracking of the wood, and had to force her mind away from worrying if it hurt her lover. Trini spoke coldly and quietly when Demona started to get back onto her feet, “God Dammit, stop this!”

“Demona what the hell are you doing here?!” Elisa must have moved, because her voice wasn’t where Trini thought it should be.

“I don’t want you anywhere near my mate, you fucking slut!”

“He’s not your mate anymore.” Elisa’s voice was cold. Trini would have turned around to look at her, but she didn’t want to take her eyes off of Demona. “I thought you had Marie now.”

Trini stared in wide eyed horror as she realized that Demona was too far gone in her rage to watch what she was saying. “You will not touch her. She’s mine… not yours!” Demona’s face took on a slightly purple hue as her face reflected her anger.

Trini was feeling so horrible for Demona she couldn’t speak. She really thought Elisa was a threat. “Of course Elisa won’t take your mate. Don’t you trust your mate at all?” Fox said softly.

“Elisa steals everyone… She took Goliath and the clan, she took MY Daughter… I don’t want her near my mate.” Demona argued loudly while taking a step closer to the detective. Trini tensed up and took a step to the side to end up right in the way.

She was staring into Demona’s glowing eyes. She had to move a little from side to side as Demona tried to march past her. She spoke quietly, calmly, even though she just wanted to scream. “I… I don’t want to even try to hurt you, but… I can’t let you hurt her. Please… don’t make me have to do this. Just let it go. Just leave and go home to your mate and let this go.” When Demona didn’t seem to even notice she was talking Trini spoke more desperately, “Please, Blue… don’t.”

Trini didn’t see the sharp look Elisa gave Trini’s back when she said that, or Fox’s glancing over at the detective in concern. “This…this isn’t going to make the people you love very happy.” This was not going to be easy, talking down her lover while keeping their relationship a secret.

“Maza’s a whore, I’d be doing everyone a favor keeping her out of our way!” Demona snapped at Trini, obviously thinking she was helping Fox out with this attack as well. Fox was standing with a gun pointed at the gargoyle and Demona thought that Fox wouldn’t mind if she killed Elisa? Was she crazy?

Trini’s eyes burned red, “How the hell did you get so fucking warped?! Think about what you’re doing!”

“Demona, I…” Elisa started, but Fox interrupted her quickly.

“Let Trini handle this.” This earned Fox a strange studying glance from Elisa, before Elisa turned to watch Trini talking to Demona.

Trini didn’t take her eyes off of Demona. “You’re looking pretty scary now. Is that what you want? I’m scared.” Trini took a shuddering breath and took hesitant step closer. Demona looked ready to rip someone apart with her talons.

The crunch of broken glass under Trini’s foot almost distracted her, but she kept her eyes on Demona, who was glaring at Elisa. “Angela is pretty fond of Elisa. I heard you’ve been talking with her. Will she want anything to do with you if you hurt her friend?”

Demona spun her gaze to Trini, “Leave my daughter out of this!”

“Your daughter isn’t going to let this go. Can you fight her? How would you feel having to truly fight someone you love, because I can guarantee you will need to do some serious damage if you continue with this.” Demona’s eyes widened a little. “We both know I’m not a match for you. I’ll try, but… I can’t…” Trini’s eyes had tears in them. She swallowed hard. “Dammit Blue… don’t make me do this.”

Demona sneered at her, “So, you’d be willing to fight me for that detective?”

Trini had moved so that her back was to the others. She mouthed to Demona, “I love you… please… help me.” Some of the red glow in Demona’s eyes faded at that, and her sneer slowly left her face.

Trini started to slowly release the breath she’d been holding as she saw her lover’s body becoming less tense. It was working.

Elisa couldn’t keep quiet anymore, “Demona, I’m the one you came for.” Trini sighed as her ex-lover decided to play hero. She could hear Elisa moving closer behind her.

Trini watched as Demona glared over Trini’s shoulder at where Elisa must be.

 Unfortunately a new voice entered the room at that moment. “Demona!” Goliath growled as he landed.

Trini could hear Fox mutter, “Fuck.”

The sneer returned, but it was focused on the towering gargoyle glaring at her. “Well, nice of you to drop in on this little party Goliath. Your pet human is very… popular.”

Trini was forced to take a step back as Demona turned with her wings wide to try and push her out of harms way. The circle around Demona was a dangerous place to be right now. Demona muttered to her, “Go play with the halfling. That’s what you do, isn’t it?” That comment stung, she was dismissed callously, but she knew why. Demona was protecting Trini’s cover now. Trini was glad that her lover was finally able to think more clearly, but… dammit, why did that overgrown male have to show up now?! A few more minutes and she could have stopped this on her own.

Demona struck a sexy pose and sneered at Goliath, “I just dropped by to tell Elisa she has my blessing. She can have you… well…” Demona smirked evilly, “she can’t really HAVE you, but you get my meaning.” Demona glanced over at Elisa. “You should really check out his goods before you decide to buy. He’d put you in the hospital human.” Demona’s voice became more condescending, “But he loves you so much… I’m sure he already told you what happens to human women that try to mate with our males.”

Goliath growled. “Get out of here! If you ever go after Elisa…”

Demona sneered, “No I won’t be killing her anytime soon. I hope she has a long sexually frustrated life with you. You never were good for more than the old in and out, and you can’t even do that with her.”

Trini watched this with an open jaw. Demona was really good at vicious remarks. Goliath’s eyes burned even more brightly, “Well, I don’t see your mate around. Did you already stab her in the back?”

Trini didn’t even realize she’d taken a step in Goliath’s direction until Fox put her hand on Trini’s shoulder. “Stay out of this one.” Fox whispered in her ear. Trini glanced back to see Elisa standing still, looking between her, Demona, and Goliath. The look of suspicion in Elisa’s eyes made Trini very nervous. She hadn’t said anything that would reveal her relationship with Demona, had she?

“I left Marie at home.” Demona’s eyes narrowed at Goliath.

Goliath’s sneer was pretty ugly. “Marie… maybe it is time you went back to her. I’m sure someone needs to open her cell and let in some light.”

Trini growled lightly, wanting to wipe that smug look off of his face. Fox’s hand on her shoulder held her back again. Luckily Elisa was so intent on covering Goliath she didn’t notice that Trini was growling at Goliath and not Demona. He was acting like the only way Demona would keep a lover is to… that was just sick! Her lover would never do something like that! 

“Oh gee. That’s clever, but I’ve actually had sex with my lover, so I guess I can look the other way. You’re just too sexually frustrated to think more clearly.” Demona leaned closer to Goliath, “And she really does put you to shame. A woman… I should have switched sides years ago.” She spoke more loudly, “Wouldn’t you agree detective? Female lovers are better?”

Trini hissed in a breath. That barb was too close. She glanced over at Elisa to see the detective paling a little. Oh shit. Demona’s snide voice brought Trini’s glare back to the blue female, “That’s what I thought. You agree.”

“What?!” Goliath’s shock expression as he glanced over at Elisa would have been comical if it weren’t for the situation.

Demona took that opportunity to try and make a break for it. She’d sold Elisa out for a clear shot at the balcony door. Too bad it didn’t work. Trini held her breath as she saw that huge oaf reach out and grab Demona’s upper arm tightly. Trini’s eyes widened and started to glow green. It felt like everything started to move in slow motion as Trini watched his talons cutting into Demona’s skin. She growled when she saw some blood seep through his talons. As Demona pulled back to swing at him with her talons out, Trini reacted instinctively and raised her arm shooting a magic bolt at Goliath. The bolt hit him squarely in the middle of the back. He was tossed into the wall. The sound his body made when it contacted the wall was a loud crack that made Trini think the wall might never be the same. His head missed the wall and went through the window instead. Trini wasn’t really too concerned about Goliath’s well-being at the time. Demona was bleeding; she couldn’t let anyone hurt her mate like that!

Elisa started towards Goliath immediately. Trini’s eyes found Demona’s shocked ones for a moment. Trini mouthed, “Go.” Trini then hurriedly started to apologize, “I… I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…” She stepped forward one step and felt a little bad about the gash in Goliath’s forehead when the male turned over to try and get up. Elisa was obviously worried about him. Trini resisted the urge to remind her ex that he’d be good as new after a days rest, it wouldn’t sound remorseful enough to point out that he wasn’t that bad off. Demona hesitated for a moment, but then took the opening Trini gave her and ran out to the balcony so she could glide away. Trini was glad she’d made it out of there.

Goliath turned to glare at Trini, “What the hell do you think you were doing?”

Trini took a deep breath and tried to think of something, but she was still seeing Demona’s blood on his hands and she just wanted to kick him. Fox answered for her. “Those magic bolts take a lot of practice to aim correctly. Isn’t this the first time you’ve tried to use one since we started training?”

Trini looked down at the ground in relief. That was a good cover. “Yeah. I really thought… I’m so sorry.” She looked up to see him still glaring at her as he sat up. Elisa was staring at her a little too intensely. Trini sighed heavily.

Trini sighed heavily as she walked with Fox out of the apartment building. “I need to get back to the mansion and kick her ass!” She turned to Fox. “Thank you for…”

Fox caressed Trini’s cheek. “It’s okay.”

“I can’t believe she did this… she… she would have…” Trini shuddered a little. Demona had looked ready to kill.

Fox looked very serious. “Maybe you should give her time to cool down. She doesn’t seem to be thinking too clearly.”

“She’d never hurt me. She wouldn’t.” Trini protested quietly.

“I’d feel better if you didn’t see her until it was daylight.” Fox pulled Trini into a hug as they stood next to Trini’s car. “Please, I’d just worry all night.”

“Fox… now is when I need to be with her.” Trini sighed as she saw Fox about to protest. “I won’t be hurt, but… she’ll assume I’m never coming home if I don’t right now. I have to go.”

Trini drove normally on the way back, even though she wanted to race home as well. Luck had been with her on the way to Elisa’s and she wasn’t going to push it now. The time to think wasn’t really something she wanted right now. The memories of the way Demona had seemed so threatening towards Elisa haunted her a bit. It was her decision to trust Demona that put Elisa in danger, but… you have to be able to trust a lover. She’d accepted Demona’s proposal, was going to be permanent mates with her, and… they didn’t have the trust. Demona thought she’d leave her for Elisa, and the gargoyle decided to prevent that in the most permanent way possible, even though Trini had told her repeatedly that Elisa was a friend.

Elisa had glared at her when Goliath had a hard time getting to his feet. She didn’t seem to look like she completely believed Trini when she claimed it was an accident. In truth, Trini’s aim had been perfect, even though she hadn’t really thought about it. She hadn’t even realized she was using her magic until the bolt was let loose.

It was a little after two by the time she pulled up the Destine Manor. She let herself into the house and listened to try and figure out where Demona was. She climbed the stairs and slowly opened the bedroom door. She’d found her. Demona’s wings were shaking a little. “Blue?” Trini said softly as she stepped into the room. Demona spun around quickly, and Trini could see the tears in Demona’s eyes. She’d wait to yell at her gargoyle, right now it looked like Demona needed her. Trini moved quickly to pull Demona into a hug. “I love you. I do.”

“Oh God… It took you so long, I thought…” Demona’s voice got quieter, “I thought I lost you.” Trini started to take shuddering breaths and the potential horror of tonight hit her. She… she just…

“You can’t kill my friends. Promise me!” Trini pleaded and she rested her head on Demona’s shoulder. “I don’t ever want to have to fight you like that for real… never.” Trini clung to Demona tightly. She felt the wings encasing her and Demona holding her just as tightly. “I love you so much… but I can’t let you, I can’t. If you did that, I… I’d have to leave. I wouldn’t be able to trust you, and every time I looked at you I’d see…” Demona started to caress Trini’s hair as Trini started to cry. “I don’t want to lose you… I love you Blue… please…”

“Oh… baby, I’m so sorry… Don’t cry, I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Demona said softly while pulling Trini tightly to her body and rocking slightly side to side. “I won’t…” Trini could feel Demona’s body tense up, as the gargoyle’s voice got a little flatter, “I won’t kill Maza.”

Trini called Fox to let her know that everything was okay about a half hour after she got home. Fox picked up the phone in the middle of the first ring. “Trini?”

“I’m fine.” Trini said quietly. Demona was taking a shower. “She’s not mad at me. I need to get ready for bed, but I didn’t want you worried.”

Fox was quiet for a moment, “I’m glad I didn’t have to shoot her. Tell her that for me, will you?”

Trini slipped into the bathroom to brush her teeth and deliver Fox’s message. “Fox wanted me to tell you she’s glad she didn’t have to shoot you.” Trini leaned against the wall and watched Demona rinsing out her red hair. She could see Demona’s confusion. “She likes you, it… would have been hard on her. She would have done it, but she wouldn’t have slept well, even though you heal like me.” Trini then turned around and started getting ready for bed. She was too emotionally exhausted to follow through with the thoughts that came into her mind while she watched her mate bathe.

Trini flinched in her sleep, which made Demona look over at her. “No… Elisa… Blue, don’t hurt her…” Trini said quietly in a voice full of pain. Demona looked down at Trini. “I never wanted you afraid of me.” She whispered to Trini, but Trini didn’t wake up. “I… I am so sorry that I scared you tonight.” Demona put her business magazine down and rolled onto her side to pull Trini into her body and wrapped a wing around her. Trini relaxed against her lover and fell into a more restful sleep.

Fox walked up to Trini in the dream state, and Trini could easily see that something was wrong. “Elisa tried to call you here. She… knows you aren’t spending the night with me now.” Fox’s eyes stared into Trini’s, “She told Goliath about you and her. She wanted to warn you before he got back. I heard him knocking on your door when I was getting ready to go to bed with David.”

Trini stared blankly at the ground, until Fox pulled her into a hug. “I… think you need to talk to Elisa about this before you see him, because she wasn’t giving me any details.” 

Trini woke up and glanced over at the clock. Domi would be getting up soon. Trini rolled onto her side and stared down at the redhead beside her. Domi looked so peaceful, so content. Her nightmares seemed to be over for the most part. Trini studied the face that she knew so well. This is how she saw her lover, and even though she’d seen Domi angry before, last night was a shock. She’d never seen her like that. That was the Demona that the clan knew, the one that Trini had doubted existed in real life.

Trini reached out and caressed the red locks draped across Domi’s pillow. Her gargoyle had lead a horribly lonely life, far more lonely then Trini had ever been. Was she going to lash out at anyone she thought of as a threat to their relationship like that? Was Elisa really safe? Domi had promised to not hurt her friend before.

When Domi opened her eyes, Trini smiled tenderly down at her. “Morning.”

Domi looked up at Trini and smiled gently. That smile always melted Trini’s heart. “You’re unusually awake this morning.”

“Yeah, just couldn’t sleep.”

Trini laid on the bed and watched Domi shuffling through her closet. She sighed heavily before speaking. “I… I need an advance on my paycheck. Is that something that can be done?”

After Domi turned to face Trini, with a look of confusion on her face. “If you need money I’ll just give it to you.” Trini felt like Domi’s eyes were trying to read her mind.

“I don’t know if you’d want to. I…” Trini stared down at the rug. “I did a lot of damage to Elisa’s place. I should pay for that. The wall we ran into is cracked, and then when I tossed Goliath off of you…” Trini spoke more quietly, “and I always liked her skylight. She’s not that well off. She can’t just call for someone to fix all of that. That apartment was left to her in an aunts will. She’d never have been able to afford it on her own.”

Trini looked up when she didn’t hear Domi. The redhead was staring at her in disbelief, and it made Trini worried that another argument was about to start. In all honesty, Domi should be the one to pay for all of that, but Trini didn’t think she could talk her lover into taking responsibility for the damage she’d caused. That just left Trini to try and right this, because Fox shouldn’t be held responsible for it. Fox had done no damage and had gone to try and protect Elisa as soon as she heard about the way Demona had rushed off. Fox may be able to afford it, but Trini wasn’t going to let her other lover clean this mess up.

Domi took in a large breath, “You want an advance to give your money to her?!” Domi’s voice was rising, and it irritated Trini.

“Yes… I really think it should be you to pay for all of that, but I don’t think you will. She did nothing wrong, and I am not sticking her with MY jealous lover’s bill!” Trini’s body tensed as she glared at Domi. She forced herself to try and not get louder, but she wasn’t very successful. “I trusted you, I told you I was being put in a hard situation, and you just made it harder! And that crack you made about Elisa and a female lover is going to cost me too! I know you hate her, but you hurt me with that one too!” Trini took a deep breath, “She felt she had to tell him, and now he’s looking for me.” Trini’s eyes burned into Domi, “Do you think he’ll take it better than you did, or are they about to find out I’m immortal when he tries to kill me?!” Domi stared at Trini with her mouth hanging open slightly. Trini rarely yelled at Domi like this. “So, are you going to do the right thing and foot the bill, or at least give me an advance so I can try and clean up the mess you made?”

When Domi made no move to answer Trini growled, “That’s what I thought!” Trini rolled out of bed and angrily marched into the bathroom. She couldn’t look at Domi right now. Domi reached out to her, but Trini flinched away. “Don’t touch me, I’m… I’m too angry right now.” She said quietly and continued past the redhead into the bathroom. She didn’t ever want to hit her lover in anger, she didn’t want to do that to anyone she cared about. She was not going to become her mother.

Trini stood underneath the shower, just stood there. “Maybe I can get a loan on my car.” She muttered quietly to herself, as she tried to figure out how she was going to make this up to Elisa.

“You will do no such thing! I bought you that car, I don’t want you having to make payments on a gift I gave you!” Domi’s voice startled Trini. She turned around quickly to see her lover standing in her robe right outside of the large shower. Domi was glaring at her. “You won’t just forget about this will you? You actually want me to pay Maza… that bitch touched you and you want me to apologize and pay for her remodel!” Trini just stared at Domi, that didn’t really require a response, and she was so close to yelling that Elisa was not a bitch. Domi sighed, “If I do that will you stay away from her? No more dinner dates?”

Trini’s eyes flashed red as she took a few steps in Domi’s direction. “No. She’s my friend, I will still go out with her if I want to.” Trini watched Domi narrow her eyes and continued in an almost growl, “I’m not sleeping with her anymore Domi, so don’t start telling me who I can and cannot have as friends. I don’t let anyone control me like that, or were you planning to lock me up like Goliath said?”

“Maybe I should, since you have a tendency towards adultery!” Domi growled at her, and Trini felt like she’d been slapped. “First with Fox behind Maza’s back, and then me behind Fox’s… who’s next? Who else do you plan to fuck?”

Trini just stared, dumbfounded. That one comment made her feel like Domi really thought she was a slut. Tears came to her eyes, but the water dripping from her hair hid them. “I don’t believe you. How can you say that?” Trini’s voice held steel. “Get out. Just get out of here.” Trini turned away from Domi, not wanting to let the redhead know how much that hurt. She walked back to the shower to try and continue with what she’d been doing. “Leave me alone.” She said flatly, because she could still feel Domi’s eyes on her. She refused to turn and look at her lover, because she was trying to look stronger than she felt, and didn’t want Domi to see through her act. She just wanted to be alone with this pain right now.

When Trini heard Domi step into the shower, she tensed up, waiting for another cutting remark. Her lover’s tongue could definitely be too sharp at times. She didn’t find it so amusing on the receiving end as it was last night when it was directed at Goliath.

“Trini.” Domi’s voice made her flinch. The redhead’s voice became softer. “Trini… honey, I’m sorry. I… I didn’t mean it.”

Trini’s voice was a little deeper as she tried to keep the pain out of it. “No, you did mean it. That’s what you really think; you think I’m some sort of a slut. I thought you understood, but you don’t.” She sighed as her voice cracked at the end of that. So much for sounding strong. “I don’t sleep with people I don’t love. I know it looks… but I’m not a slut. I had to stand there and take it when Fox’s dad practically called me a whore, I can see that Goliath thinks I’m just a glorified sex toy to Fox, Elisa acts like she thinks I’m playing sex games with David and Angela treats me like I’m some sort of evil succubus, but you… I can’t believe that you…” Trini took a moment to try and get the tearful sound out of her voice. “All I really have are you and Fox. I’m sure that even Delilah would think… I just have the two of you, and you treat me like this.”

Her body flinched when she felt Domi’s hands on her shoulders. Domi spoke in a soothing voice. “I’m sorry baby. You aren’t a slut. I know that. I know you wouldn’t do that.” Domi’s hands slowly trailed down Trini’s back to rub circles on her lower back. Trini bowed her head forward, allowing this physical apology.

When the hands started to trail up towards her scars she spoke. “I’m not in the mood now.” She was still tense from the argument. The hands stopped suddenly.

Domi’s voice was a bit seductive. “Let me bath you. Like you did for me in Oregon.” Trini could feel her lover lean closer to her back. The slick feel of wet skin against her back let her know that Domi wasn’t dressed. Trini felt like she should say no, they were still arguing, it wasn’t over yet… but the slow caress that Domi trailed along Trini’s arms promised so much. Trini spread her legs a little and just bowed her head again, waiting for the touch. Domi leaned in and whispered into Trini’s ear, “I’ll have you begging for me before I’m done.” Domi then gently kissed Trini’s neck, where she’d bitten Trini the night they made love. A small whimper came from Trini’s throat surprising her. This was going to be a battle of wills that she couldn’t win.

While trying to sound unaffected Trini replied, “Don’t you have to get ready for work?”

Domi was kissing her neck and Trini could feel the smile that covered her lover’s face. “I already called in. I won’t be in until later today.” When Domi reached around Trini to take the washcloth and body wash Trini glanced at her lover. This was a precious gift. She had wondered if Domi would ever feel comfortable being with Trini in her human form. That fact that she was initiating this spoke of trust. It was probably a conscious decision on Domi’s part, a statement she was making in action.

Trini stood passively and waited for the feel of the woman behind her. Domi started behind Trini’s neck, and slowly moved the cloth in circles over her skin. It was soothing and very nice. Trini tilted her head to the side and Domi gently massaged her shoulder through the washcloth before sliding down Trini’s back to circle the sensitive scars ever so gently. The feel of the rough cloth caressing her skin and the feel of Domi’s hand through it was making Trini arch back into her lover a bit. She forced herself to stop that. She knew she’d give in eventually, but it might be fun to make Domi work for it. The caresses around her upper back continued until Trini was worried that her legs wouldn’t hold her anymore. At that point Domi moved on to soap up Trini’s arms. Trini realized that Domi was taking the same path that she had used with the gargoyle weeks ago. She remembered everything that Trini did to her; the careful cleaning of Trini’s fingers showed her that.

When Domi’s hands trailed down Trini’s lower back towards the base of Trini’s tail, Trini’s body tensed a bit, but the gargoyle in human form moved her caress to further down the tail without ever touching the base. “I don’t want you getting off just yet.” Domi’s slightly amused voice whispered as Trini felt the deep massage start on the rest of her tail. She moaned out her pleasure at the sure and penetrating touch. “It reaches the ground now. It’s really amazing to watch how your tail grows.” Domi said quietly as she neared the tip. Trini glanced down at Domi, who was squatting near the ground to reach this part of Trini. “It should be done now.”

Domi’s hands moved to Trini’s ankles. “Pick up your foot.” This was something Trini hadn’t done for Demona. She almost hissed as she remembered how ticklish her feet could be, but she did what Domi asked, hoping that she wouldn’t fall over if it tickled too much. Domi used firm pressure, which didn’t tickle at all. It felt nice, and reminded Trini of Elisa, but she’d never tell Domi that. As lovers, Elisa and Domi had a lot more in common than they realized. They both shared a love of firelight, were both tender but liked to be in control, and this line of thought could really get Trini into trouble, so she tried to push the comparisons out of her mind and focus on the fingers massaging her toes. “I like your black nails, it looks good on your skin. Your coloring is very nice.” Domi said gently and Trini managed to suppress a laugh. That was too familiar.

The hands trailed up Trini’s calf, doing more massaging than cleaning at this point. Domi had abandoned the washcloth completely and was just running her hands along Trini’s body. As Domi started to knead the flesh of Trini’s ass, Trini found herself panting and arching back into her lovers touch. “Do you want me? Do you want me now?” Domi’s voice was a bit breathless as she asked Trini that.

“Oh, God… Please Domi… Please take me, I need you so bad I can’t think… take me… oh God take me.” Trini spoke quickly, desperately. If Domi needed her to beg, she’d do it without hesitation. The wetness between her thighs had nothing to do with the water cascading over her body. Trini braced her hands on the tile in front of her and bent forward in an attempt to encourage Domi’s explorations.

“Trini… Trini do you want to go to the bed? This is going to be a little hard to do in here.”

Trini barely took time to towel off, and Domi was pretty damp as well by the time they got to the bed. Trini whimpered as she felt Domi trailing her hands along Trini’s sides. “Please… just do it.” It took all of Trini’s control not to roll over and pin Domi down, to not just take her lover and unleash the passion that Domi had stirred in her. She didn’t want to scare the redhead, never wanted to scare her… but she needed her so badly.

“Making love isn’t something to be rushed.” Domi said gently as she leaned down to kiss Trini’s lips lightly. Right now Trini wanted Domi to take her as frantically as Fox did, this teasing, torturing, that the gargoyle so enjoyed was making her desire almost painful to endure.

Trini was lying on her back, passively allowing Domi to touch her because she didn’t know how much she was allowed to do to Domi’s human form. After Domi started to lightly circle around Trini’s sex without touching her where she most needed it the throbbing and need was too strong for Trini to ignore. She rolled over slowly and started to kiss Domi as she continued to roll, forcing the redhead onto her back. Trini straddle Domi’s hips and pulled away from the kiss to stare down at her lover. Trini’s eyes were full of desire and concern. She licked her own lips and waited to see what Domi’s response to this position would be. She leaned in and started to kiss and nibble on Domi’s neck, her own body tense and hyperaware of the woman beneath her. If Domi so much as flinched she was getting off of her.

Domi pulled Trini’s head towards her own and Trini was relieved to feel real passion behind the kiss Domi gave her. Domi’s voice was breathless when she spoke. “Trini… I…” Domi reached out and caressed Trini’s cheek, while Trini stared down at her with passion and love. Trini could see the love mirrored in Domi’s eyes and smiled in understanding.

“Forever… I give you forever.” Trini whispered into Domi’s ear and then gently kissed the redhead’s neck. This insecurity that Domi had in their relationship was both endearing and worrying. Trini knew that males had given the promise of forever to her mate before, and she was alone when Trini found her. Trini decided to show her lover how very much she cared, as she started to tenderly make love to Domi.

The fact that Domi didn’t flinch at her most intimate touches did a lot to heal Trini’s soul. After what Trini had been forced to do, she was amazed that Domi could endure her touch while in her human form. The painful flashbacks never came for either of them.

Trini reached around to hug Domi while the redhead was cooking a late breakfast. This was the time that Trini would normally be getting up. A slight smile crossed her face as she realized she in no way regretted the lack of sleep now. Domi seemed to melt into her a little, and the feeling of love, of completeness, that simple act gave Trini was amazing to her.

After eating Trini could see Domi tensing up a bit. “About Maza…” Domi started stiffly, and Trini’s mood began to plummet. “I don’t like that you see her.” Trini’s eyes flashed, but Domi held out a hand to placate her, “however, I do trust you. If you say you won’t do anything with her, I’ll trust you.” This time it was Domi’s eyes narrowing, “but if I find out you are cheating on me… I will make you regret it.” The look in Domi’s eyes made it very clear, that was a very strong threat. Trini just nodded submissively. She had won, and Domi’s threat was justified. If she hurt her lover like that, she deserved whatever Domi dished out. Her quick acceptance of those terms resulted in Domi’s body seeming to relax a bit. “I’ll write a check… I’ll estimate high. I don’t want you borrowing money on the car.” Domi said quietly as she stood up to put her dish in the dishwasher. Trini stared at Domi’s back. Trini had really won that argument; Domi was taking responsibility for Elisa’s apartment. A small smile crossed Trini’s lips. She got rid of the smile as she saw Domi turning around. “How are we going to get Maza the check? She’s not going to take this well.” A slight smile crossed Domi’s face, probably at the imagined embarrassment of the detective.

Trini thought about the appointment Marie had tonight. If Elisa didn’t show, she could just give it to Angela. “I have a way. Just give it to me.” She’d tell Domi about the meeting after it happened. If Demona followed her to Angela, the girl might never trust Marie again, and she really had some things she needed to say without her temperamental lover around.

Trini drove separately to work, because she needed the car, and was going out with Andrea right after she got off from work. It gave her more time to think. She was going to follow Fox’s advice and try to talk to Elisa before she saw Goliath. She didn’t want to admit to anything more than the detective did, or she’d get Elisa into more trouble with her boyfriend. Maybe he didn’t know how far they’d gone. The spell she and the Weird Sisters were using to change her appearance was going to last all night, so she wasn’t going to be able to go home to the Eyrie tonight.

She’d need to ask for tomorrow off of work, because she was going to be pretty tired, and she needed to talk with Elisa. Domi didn’t realize that she was changing their schedule; because she needed to spend Tuesday night at the Eyrie with Fox since she wasn’t going to be there tonight. Elisa and Goliath were already suspicious about her nights out, being gone several nights in a row wouldn’t help.

Trini wondered what she was going to look like as a gargoyle. She’d tried to get Luna or Phoebe to spill some information about the illusion they were planning, since Selene was keeping it quiet, but they wouldn’t budge. She really wished that Demona could see her in the illusion. The only hint the Sisters gave her was that this was what they believed she would have looked like if she were a full gargoyle.

Trini pulled up to Andrea’s studio at almost five-thirty. She smiled as the artist seemed to bounce at the doorway before pulling her into a hug. “Trini, you have to see what I’ve been working on.” Andrea grabbed Trini’s hand and pulled her into the studio. Andrea had a paint smudge on her cheek, and was still wearing her painting clothes.

“What time are the reservations?” Trini asked while glancing at Andrea’s clothing. The artist wasn’t even close to being ready to go out. Andrea’s white t-shirt had smears of blue and red across her chest, and the pants were adorned with drops of black and blue.

Andrea got a concerned look on her face and looked at her watch. Trini could see Andrea visibly relax after a moment. “We have time. I’m so sorry, I was busy and lost track of time.”

Trini smiled fondly at the artist. “I understand. It happens to me too.”

Andrea’s eyes seemed to shine, as she started to talk to Trini like a fellow artist. Trini had the impression that Andrea hadn’t really made the connection between her writing and Andrea’s art before. “How is that going? You said you were having trouble coming up with an idea.”

Trini sighed as she thought about her latest story. “I have something going…”

They left forty minutes later, after Trini looked at the latest painting. She barely managed to not say something about the wings on the latest creation. It was a made up gargoyle, not one she’d ever seen. Andrea needed a model badly. The artist did a great job, but she just didn’t know enough to make it realistic.

Trini was a little nervous about having Andrea see her car. It was so obviously more than she could afford. Andrea fawned over it properly, but Trini could see the question her friend was too polite to ask. How did she manage to get it? Trini didn’t offer any information that wasn’t asked. Her and Domi’s friendship with Andrea put them in an awkward position. They were having to keep the fact that they spent any time together a secret, because they couldn’t explain that Andrea couldn’t tell anyone about the friendship, never mind that they were lovers. Trini had no idea if Andrea would be able to handle the fact that Domi had a female lover now, and didn’t want to ruin Domi’s friendship with the artist.

They went to a nice, but inexpensive restaurant. They chatted about Andrea’s trip and the commission she did, and Trini’s trip to Seattle, minus most of the truth.

Once the waiter took their orders Andrea turned to Trini and grinned while widening her eyes. Trini gave her a confused look, which Andrea rolled her eyes to and spoke quietly, “He was so completely checking you out.”

Trini glanced after him. She hadn’t noticed. She was getting used to being hit on and checked out. Her pheromones made her popular in a way that was creepy and disturbing. “Oh…”

Andrea’s smile became wicked and Trini felt a bit uncomfortable. “He’s pretty fine, and you didn’t notice the way he was trying to be EXTRA helpful to you?” Andrea leaned closer, obviously not letting this go. Trini felt a little warm and a light blush covered her skin at Andrea’s stare. “Maybe we can get you a date for next weekend.”

“I…” Trini stammered. “I’m not interested in dating anyone right now.” Trini silently prayed for that to be enough, but the look in Andrea’s eyes told her it wouldn’t be. Trini glanced around the room slightly nervously, and her eyes widened to see someone familiar staring right at her. Shit! Trini tried to casually glance back at the table and direct her attention at the now obviously curious Andrea.

Andrea’s voice got softer, and a little concerned, “Why?” Trini sighed heavily as she realized she was stuck in a bad situation. She tried not to glance at the man she could practically feel staring at her back now. He only made this worse. “Did you just go through a break up?”

Trini took a deep breath as she tried to think of what to say. If she lied, it would only lead to her having to come up with an entire story to cover it, and Andrea would still push her to date, to get over the fictitious man. She looked up at Andrea, “I’m gay.” She really wished she could also admit to having a lover, or two, but both of her lovers needed to keep it quiet. One of which was doing it because of the man Trini could feel staring at her. It was really unnerving.

Andrea’s eyes widened for a moment, and Trini’s body tensed imperceptibly as she waited. “Really?” The tone of Andrea’s voice was surprised, interested, and not hostile. Trini relaxed a little. Maybe this was going to be okay.

“Yeah.” Trini sighed and took a sip of her drink. Dinner hadn’t even arrived yet, and she was suddenly very desperate for the distraction of eating.

Andrea excused herself to go to the bathroom shortly after the dinner got there. Trini watched her leave with a little concern. Andrea seemed to be full of curiosity, asking when Trini knew she was gay, if she liked men at all… all the typical questions. Trini was glad to be able to be honest about this, but she was feeling a little like an exhibit.

The older man with the white beard started to walk towards her table as soon as Andrea turned into the bathroom. Trini felt her heart pounding a little, but she tried to seem calm. She knew he recognized her, it was her table that was clearly the destination.

“Hello.” Trini turned to look up at MacBeth. This was really lousy luck. She tried to look properly puzzled as to who he was.

“Hi.” Trini couldn’t help but glance over at the bathroom doors. Hopefully Andrea would take a while. “Can I help you?” She didn’t really know what to say. What would she say to a strange man that came to her table to talk if she didn’t know him?

“I thought I knew you.” MacBeth smiled charmingly, “Do you work for NightStone Unlimited?”

Trini hoped her expression didn’t give away any of her panic. “No, I don’t.” Her breath caught in her throat for a moment as his eyes narrowed a little at her lie. She realized too late that she’d made a mistake in lying about that. What, did she hope that he’d assume he had the wrong woman? This man was too smart for that. He knew.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I was wrong.” He stepped back to go. “Have a nice dinner.” Trini nodded politely and watched from the corner of her eye as he returned to the table with his dinner companion, a bookish looking woman in her mid forties. She looked like a professor.

Trini was glad when halfway through her and Andrea’s dinner she noticed MacBeth and his friend leaving the restaurant. She turned her smile to Andrea, who was relaxing and being more like herself again as she slowly accepted that Trini was gay. She didn’t notice MacBeth turned back from the door to stare at her briefly before leaving.

Trini dropped Andrea off at her studio a half hour before sunset. That only gave her an hour and a half to get to the NightStone building, get into position, and get the sisters to do the spell. She had to move quickly.

The sun was setting as Trini moved to the roof access door of the building Angela was meeting her at. She used one hand to hold her cloak together. She felt the cool breeze on her bare legs as she forced the door opened and slipped outside. Illusions were visual. The sisters had told her she’d need to get some gargoyle like clothes so that if Angela did accidentally touch her, she wouldn’t see skin, and feel her shirt. She was also warned to keep people from touching if at all possible, to prevent inconsistency from being discovered.

Trini walked to a darkened corner of the rooftop and removed her cloak, to lay it on the ground, so that she could sit on it. It was time. . Doing this here, unprotected, really scared her, but this is what she had to do to contact her family. She made sure she was well concealed before she took a few deep breaths and tried to relax. She couldn’t afford to drug herself here, without any protection. She was forced to use a trick that the Sisters tried to teach her, she attempted to meditate.

The meadow was waiting, as were the sisters. Selene stepped forward. “We are very glad that we can help you in this manner.” Trini felt an air of ceremony to the way the sisters stood stiffly, and the strange tone in her grandmother’s voice, formal, and distant. It was a little unsettling and Trini began to doubt the wisdom of allowing them to use magic on her. It hadn’t gone so well for Demona when she let them cast a spell on her.

Luna stepped closer to Trini and reached out slowly to caress Trini’s hair. “No, we won’t make you regret this child.” Luna said gently.

Phoebe, Selene and Luna sat in a circle on the grass. Selene motioned that Trini should sit down as well. The sisters had equal space between them on each side, and Trini interrupted that space by sitting between Luna and Selene. Phoebe gave Trini a look of mock hurt, being the sister left out, but it still made Trini feel guilty. She just didn’t feel as comfortable with Phoebe as she did with the other two.

Phoebe’s eyes darkened a moment, but it passed quickly. Trini hated that they could read her mind, there were some thoughts that weren’t meant to be shared. She cared for Phoebe… she just… Trini sighed heavily and tried to focus on what was going on. Selene helped by leaning closer to her to explain.

“We can create the illusion first and then attach it to you, so that you can see what we are doing, and make suggestions if you want.”

Phoebe smiled, “We have to keep your basic body type, so you aren’t getting bustier in this deal.” Trini blushed at that. She felt she was well enough endowed. She didn’t need to be busty. Phoebe’s eyes softened, “You are fine just the way you are. I was just teasing you.”

Luna interrupted them, “We need to get started.” Trini watched with wide eyes as the sisters each held up their left hands and pointed to the middle of the circle. The green glow that shot out of each of their hands merged in the middle and started to form a shape. In seconds it looked like Trinity was standing in the circle, staring blankly ahead of her. Trinity stared at the illusion of herself. It gave her a creepy feeling to see herself like this, so blank and still. It didn’t even seem to breath.

“Okay, we need to do this from the base out.” Phoebe said out loud, and Trini got the impression they only talked to let her know what they were up to. Trini saw a slight smirk on Phoebe’s face before she turned to look again at her doppelganger, and her eyes widened as a blush covered her face. It was naked now.

“Is this really necessary?!” Trini hissed out quietly while glaring at Phoebe.

Luna answered for her sister calmly, “For this, it is.” Trini sighed and tried to relax. She felt naked and exposed, and it wasn’t really her.

Trini watched as the doubles hands changed to talons, like hers did. The fingers were going black and reshaping into longer sharper tools. The talons then merged, to get rid of the extra talon that Trini had on each hand, and the blackness of her talons crept down the hands and along the arms, stopping at the elbows. Each change followed the green of magic as it seemed to caress the illusions body. Trini felt a sympathetic shiver in her own body, watching the magic touching like that, knowing how good that felt.

She watched as elbow spurs grew, but the coloring here started to go red. A fiery red gave the illusions hands the look of being in a pitch black glove. The magic continued to travel up the arms, changing the color of the skin… Trini was baffled at the bright color. She’d assumed she’d be… a more mute color.

“Your grandfather’s coloring is where we are getting this.” Selene said quietly, but Trini didn’t take her eyes off of the display in the center of the circle. “We can change it later if you want.” Trini just nodded, now really curious about what she’d end up like.

When the glow of magic reached it’s shoulders, Trini watched, mesmerized as wings started to grow. Black wings that spread out as they grew. Trini swallowed and wiped the tears from her eyes. Her wing-span was impressive, a little wider than Demona’s. The image kept the wings spread wide as the magic trailed downward, spreading red skin in its wake. Trini blushed as she watched the breasts change color, but the black nipples stayed the same. The magic trailed further down and Trini watched her belly-button disappear, and a moment later, her pubic hair. She had no idea why they needed the illusion to be so detailed. Angela wasn’t going to see her naked.

The knee spurs grew and a little further down the skin turned to black. Trini watched as the feet changed, the way that she couldn’t get her real feet to do. Her feet became talons and then the magic moved back up towards the face that hadn’t been done yet. It looked strange, seeing a gargoyle body, and her human skin tone on the head on top of it. It was completely mis-matched.

The magic traveled over her face once, changing the color red. It then passed over her face again more slowly, and Trini watched as a brow ridge started to grow. She had a minor bump in the middle of her forehead and two larger bumps started to grow above her eyes along her hair line. Her hair changed to a snowy white. Her lips went black and the familiar fangs of a gargoyle showed in the images open mouth.

Trini put her hand over her mouth as she studied it. It moved so that Trini could see it from the back, and she noticed that the strip up her back was the same size, but her tail had gotten wider, fuller. Her own tail was actually a little on the thin side for a gargoyle tail. It made it easier to fit in her pants. The illusion caped her wings and then reopened them, showing a white halter top and loin clothe like Demona wore. Trini sighed.

“What do you think child?” Selene asked softly. Trini stared at herself, and felt a shiver. She looked like a demon, like a female satan, all she was missing was a pitch-fork and horns and she’d be set to rule the underworld. That coloring was so… strange. And to think she’d been afraid she’d turn green. It would have been an improvement, because then she wouldn’t resemble a demon. Otherwise, she made an impressive gargoyle.

Luna patted the space next to her on the ground. Trini had to crawl over to her white haired relative in order to sit beside her. The sisters were spread out a bit to do this. “We can change the coloring. What would you like better?”

Trini thought for a moment. This was her, as she would have been. She was reluctant to change it, but this shade of red… it was fiery, bright, easily visible in the darkness. She wanted to say blue, but she didn’t want to look too much like her lover either. Maybe a darker blue or a teal? The magic didn’t even wait for her to finish her thought, the sisters magic caressed the illusion quickly, changing the red to teal, and her black wings, tail, talons all went to a deep plum.

She stood up and hesitantly walked over to it. She couldn’t really look at the vacant look on her own face and think this was alive. “This face still looks too much like me.” The magic caressed her hand, so she snatched it back away from the illusion she’d been about to touch. Her flesh still tingled with the power of her family. The first thing she saw was it’s hair changing from a snow white to a deep purple that went with the wings. The hair grew longer, stopping when it reached the middle of it’s back. The magic slowly moved over the face, making the brow ridge more pronounced, and giving her two small horns that curled back, that didn’t look as bad with the teal skin as it would have with red. Her cheekbones became more pronounced, and her lips a little fuller. It had the effect of making her look less human and more elf-like in the face. It was still her, but different. The white clothes were changed to black.

“I don’t think you looked like a demon.” Selene said quietly, “but you are right. That coloring was hard for your grandfather to hide. He was killed, in part because the hunter found it so easy to find him.”

Trini stepped over to Selene and slowly pulled her into a hug. She had no idea that he was even dead. She hadn’t even really thought much about him, since no one mentioned him.

Selene gently wrapped her arms around Trini. “Child. It is your loss, not mine. Our relationship was one of convenience. He needed a mate on the breeder’s moon, and I needed a child.” Selene pulled back and started to tuck Trini’s hair behind her ears. A weak smile crossed the fey’s lips. “I had never been with a gargoyle before. It was… an experience.”

Trini woke up and looked down at her hands. Purple. She was ready, she just needed to wait. She glanced up at the moon, and then down at her wrist watch. She had a few minutes before Angela said she’d be there.

Trini pulled her now purple hair forward to obscure half of her face, it was long enough to do the trick. It felt strange, she ran her hand over the hair, and when she got to the point that the illusion moved past her real hair she felt nothing. She could see the hair, but it wasn’t there. She reached out to touch the wings caped around her body, but they weren’t there either. Trini sighed heavily. It would have been nice to really have them. She thought about uncapping her wings, and the illusion obeyed. She caped them again and moved to sit further in the shadows.

Trini could see Angela gliding towards the building, carrying someone. Trini took a deep breath and tried to force her tight shoulders to relax. She moved to stand up, but she stayed in the shadows searching the night sky for other gargoyles. She didn’t think that Angela and Elisa would pull a stunt like that, but she needed to be sure.

“This was the building you were supposed to meet her on?” Elisa said as Angela lowered her to the ground. “Why not NightStone?”

Trini spoke in her deeper voice, the one that she used as Marie. “Because Demona would find out about the meeting too soon.” Trini watched as Elisa spun around, and almost reached for her gun, before stopping herself. Her ex was definitely on edge tonight. Demona’s breaking into her apartment last night would have made it worse.

“Marie?” Angela took a step towards her hiding place. Trini steeled herself and stepped out of the shadows partially.

“Yes.” Trini smiled at Angela. “I was worried you wouldn’t come. I didn’t want to spend all night here waiting.” She could see both Angela and Elisa staring at her, taking in her appearance. She waited nervously to see if it fooled anyone.

Elisa spoke a little coldly, obviously very suspicious, “Why are you hiding this from Demona?”

Trini glanced at Elisa, but turned to speak to Angela. She was here for the girl, and even though she’d like to talk with Elisa about this, she needed to make it clear that this wasn’t a police matter, it was a family matter. “You know your mother wants to see you. She might have tried to follow me.” Trini’s voice softened. “She loves you very much.” Trini slowly moved to her cape and started to pull something out of it. She could see Elisa tensing up. “Detective, I heard what she did last night. I offer my apologies.” Trini turned to see Angela standing a little protectively next to Elisa. Good, the girl should protect Elisa, because Marie was supposedly an unknown. Trini looked right at her ex-lover, and it was easy to see that Elisa didn’t recognize her. That was a strange feeling. She smiled gently at her, trying to ease Elisa’s worries. “I was pretty upset with her when she got home.” Trini stepped closer, and the females stood their ground, watching her warily. “Knowing her she did some damage. I…” Trini blushed and looked down. This was embarrassing, having to apologize for Demona. She was going to have to tell her lover how hard this was, it might stop her from putting Trini in this position again. She sighed and looked back up. “I made her write a check. She wasn’t happy… but she did it.” She handed the check to Elisa and watched the detective’s eyes widen at the amount. She could tell the second that Elisa began to feel insulted, so she spoke quickly, “I… had to… it wasn’t easy to get that. I want her to learn to take some responsibility for her actions.” Trini looked at Elisa pleadingly. The detective’s eyes were cold. “I know she had no right to try and attack you, but she’s…” Trini stared helplessly at Elisa. She couldn’t explain this. “Please take it, it should be enough to repair your home.”

Angela picked the check out of Elisa’s hand and stared at it. “You got mother to pay Elisa? How?”

“I have more than a little influence with Demona.” Trini blushed and looked down. “She is my mate, after all.” It felt freeing to be able to say that, but her illusions took some of the pleasure out of it. She wished she could tell people that it was Trini that loved Demona. Since she was looking down she didn’t see Angela’s eyes soften while looking at her.

“Why did you want to meet me?”

Trini looked back up at Angela, but then glanced over at Elisa. “I… dammit, she isn’t going to be happy with me talking about this in front of her.” Trini indicated Elisa. When Elisa stiffened Trini moved to sit on the edge of the building. “I don’t want anything I say to be used against her. She… means the world to me, and I don’t want to be responsible for hurting her like that.” She looked up at Angela and motioned that the girl should sit. “She trusts me… you understand how rare that is? She loves and trusts me.” Trini took a deep breath, “I wanted to ask you to try and be a part of her life. I had to hold her as she cried when you said you wouldn’t visit her.”

“If she hadn’t tried to use Angela against the clan she could see her.” Elisa said with a bit of a growl. Angela looked down into her lap, and Trini could see the hurt on the female’s face.

Trini’s lips thinned, “She wants to help you. The breeder’s moon is soon, and the males won’t know what to tell you. She missed your growing up, and she just wants to be there for you now. She’s the only game in town, the only female around that knows anything about this.” Trini tried to soften her voice further, “She really does love you Angela.”

The gargoyle turned an asking glance towards Elisa, and Trini glanced over at the detective to see a look of confusion and uncertainty in Elisa’s eyes. Angela then turned her eyes back to her, “Trinity… she told me to ask Trinity.”

“It’s sad that she is the best the clan has to offer on advice; A wingless half-breed lesbian that’s going into season just months earlier. She isn’t going to be able to tell you everything you need to know.” Trini was surprised at the vehemence in her own voice. Marie didn’t sound like she liked Trini too much. In truth, what she didn’t like was having to pretend to be the expert because her lover wasn’t allowed to take the role. Elisa’s eyes hardened at the insult, and Trini really wished she could redo that last line. Her voice softened, “I’m sure she’d try, but she’ll never… Demona told me it’s different between a male and female.”

Elisa’s eyes narrowed, “So you’ve never been through a Breeder’s moon either?”

“No.” Trini bit her lower lip gently, “This will be my first too.”

Angela seemed to stiffen up. “You’re my age?”

Trini closed her eyes and started to rub her forehead. Of all the stupid things to… Angela decided that having her mother date someone her age was upsetting. Trini’s voice was weary, “Well, there really aren’t a lot of people her age, are there? Your father is a mere child to her too now.” Trini put her hand back down and looked at Angela with a very serious expression on her deep blue face, “I love her… but my age is really the least of our problems.”

She’d spent the last half hour talking about Demona, and about their relationship. She was more honest about things as Marie than she could ever be as Trinity. She’d even spoke of her worries about what she’d have to do if Demona decided to try to kill the humans again. “It isn’t easy to change, but if she has no reason to, why would she?” Trini kept her eyes on Angela, “I love her completely, but she knows that if she tried to kill off the human race I’d try to stop her. I made it clear before we ever got involved, and she still decided to be with me.” Trini waited in silence as that thought seemed to penetrate Angela’s mind. She spoke more quietly, feeling very aware of Elisa’s stare. “I’ve seen things in her that the others can’t see. She isn’t a monster, you know that. I even made her save some humans with me… she did that for me.”

Angela looked up at Trini quickly, obviously shocked. “Mother saved humans?”

Trini smiled, “In Oregon, we ran into some kids trapped in the river. She pulled them out. She also helped me stop a kidnapping a few days later.” Trini spoke more quietly, with a bit of humor, “She’s not too proud of that, so I wouldn’t mention it if I were you.” Trini’s face lost the humor. “I love her, and I want to give her every chance to… realize that she’s condemning an entire race for the actions of a few. She even has a human friend, but she doesn’t make the connection. I’m trying, but I could use help.”

Angela’s face was stunned, “Friends, she’s making friends?”

Trini glanced over at Elisa, “I heard you met Andrea.” Demona might not be willing to mention her friendship with the artist, but it was important evidence in Trini’s favor.

Elisa looked a little startled when Angela and Trini turned to look at her. “I… Yes, I met her.” Elisa then told Angela the story about Trini saving the artist, and the fact that Dominique had come to the hospital at night to see Andrea. Elisa seemed doubtful, but Trini could see the hope in Angela’s eyes.

Trini could feel Elisa’s eyes on her, watching her every move, and it was really unnerving. Could Elisa figure out who she was? The spell covering her with an illusion was pretty good, but Elisa had a strange look on her face when she looked at Marie. Trini was being very careful to keep her voice sounding different, and she was working hard to not do any of the little nervous things that she did as herself, but she was getting the feeling that Elisa was somehow seeing through that.

“So, how are you proposing Angela meet with Demona?” Trini could hear the disapproval in Elisa’s voice.

“I don’t know. I’m sure that if Angela wanted to, she could come up with something.” Trini turned her eyes to the lavender female. Her voice got softer. “I… wish I could invite you to our home, but knowing where we live would put you in a bad situation with your father, and it’s not really my place to do that.” Trini gave Angela a weak smile, “This… coming to you wasn’t really my place either, but… I just couldn’t… I love her, and I want her happy.”

“What would make her happy is the destruction of the human race.” Elisa said argumentatively.

Trini took a deep breath. “No, it wouldn’t. She… just thinks it would.”

There was an awkward moment of silence as Trini stared at Elisa. The detective’s next words started to make her heart pound a bit. “It looks like we have company.” Trini turned wide eyes to see gargoyles gliding towards them. She would have dove for the shadows, but it was so obvious that they’d seen her. She took a step to the side to keep Angela between her and the males when they landed. Brooklyn and Broadway looked at her in shock.

“You found another gargoyle?” Brooklyn said quietly to Angela. Trini could see Angela’s back was tense. She was just as surprised about being caught as Trini was.

Another shadow in the sky made Trini’s heart sink even further. Goliath was landing.

Trini took a deep breath, “Angela?” She said softly. She couldn’t use her magic or they’d figure out who she was… and without it she wasn’t able to defend herself very well.

“It’ll be okay.” Angela turned to glance at her, but the worry in Angela’s eyes wasn’t really comforting.

Trini felt Elisa moving closer so the turned her head in time to see the detective reaching out to touch her shoulder. “No, don’t touch me.” Trini said a little too quickly. More quickly than her Marie persona talked, it sounded dangerously close to her own voice. Trini had to remember to keep herself in character… no matter what. Even though Elisa had been a little hostile with her, she’d been reaching out to comfort her. It was so obvious by the tension in Trini’s body, which the illusion didn’t cover up, that she was afraid. These gargoyles hated Demona… how would they treat Demona’s mate? Her illusion wouldn’t hold up in a fight, where they could feel her wings weren’t real. She turned her attention to the males, and didn’t see Elisa staring at her, with her eyes narrowing.