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It was a couple days into Rose’s trip home that the Haven wanted to throw an engagement party to celebrate that Billy and Tommy were both engaged. The whole house was buzzing as they were decorating and Kim and Aislinn were cooking. Merrick hadn’t been paying much attention to the festivities he congratulated Tommy on getting engaged to his sister and gave his congratulations to Aitf and Billy but he had work to think about. A pack of wolves was going to be arriving at the Sanctuary making them the first official wildlife on site. Faelan was in the living room getting lots of attention as Rachel, Cora Lee, Lily, Bianca, Hope, Jessa and Blaire were all rolling a ball between them and in wolf form Faelan chased after it. “Alright so you are sure with the party you will be able to handle Faelan?”, Merrick asked leaning into the kitchen. “Oh Faelan will be fine. I’m sure that between Rachel, Cora Lee, Lily, Blaire, Bianca, Hope , Jessa and Rose he’ll get lots of attention.”, Kim said dismissively. Merrick frozen when she said Rose’s name. “Actually mom…”, he said checking his phone. He was actually sending a text to Isadora asking her to watch Faelan. “I spaced, today I have it on my calendar that Isadora was going to watch him. She wanted ‘nonna and nipote’ time. I’ll just quickly pack his diaper bag and drop him off before I go to the shop. “, Merrick quickly came up with an excuse to get Faelan out of the house.
Tristan carefully walked by with a cane Merrick had made for him. “Hey handsome.”, Tristan smiled. Merrick rolled his eyes. “Hey gimpy.”, Merrick teased back. “I see the can is working out.”, he commented starting to pack up a diaper bag with some of Faelan’s toys and treats. “Oh yeah, perfect height. My physical therapist’s receptionist was admiring it yesterday said it looked very nice.”, Tristan commented. “You sure she wasn’t just talking about you and using the cane as a euphemism?”, Malcolm teased carrying in some ice. Tristan chuckled. “Hardy har har Mal, but I’m a woman woman man. After all I got the most gorgeous and thoughtful girl ever. How many of you have a girlfriend that became a licensed massage therapist just to give you at home massages?”, Tristan smiled. “Um none because we aren’t dumb enough to jump onto a two ton bull thinking we are in control.”, Merrick stated zipping the bag. Tristan stuck out his tongue but smiled. “Yes well the bull made a life choice for me. I owe him in a way. Because of him I get to fall asleep and wake up to Blaire every day.”, Tristan said. “Aww is someone sucking up in there?”, Blaire teased. “No just being honest, beautiful.”, Tristan answered. Merrick rolled his eyes shouldering the bag. “Faelan.”, he said with a whistle. “Awwweee.”, the girls all said as Faelan changed to human and raced to his father.
“What daddy?”, he asked. “Come on you are going to nonna’s.”, Merrick said bending down picking Faelan up. “YAY NONNA!”, Faelan said gleefully. “Hey before you leave we still on for tomorrow?”, Malcolm asked. “Yes. We are still driving up to Boston to meet with Nana Hazel. Zoe only has a practice so she’ll keep Faelan with her.”, Merrick nodded. “What is she performing this time?”, Rachel asked. “Pride and Prejudice. I know not a musical or opera like she’d prefer but it’s a role. She landed the lead of Elizabeth. Nana Hazel is so excited for it she loves that book.”, Merrick answered. “What are you and Malcolm going to Boston for with Hazel?”, Landon asked. “Looking at a storefront. Nana thinks it would be wise to open an actual store for Aonair Mac Tíre. So I can do more than just individual orders and people can actually look at the products in person instead of just online.”, Merrick explained. “So Malcolm is going to drive up with me to look at the space, he wants to go in on the business with me.”, Merrick added. Cora Lee raised an eyebrow this the first she’d heard of it. “What? You know how much he’s made in just a year? Yeah I want in on that. If I put up money to get the storefront going I get a percentage of the profit which will double my investment in the first couple months.”, Malcolm defended. “And you didn’t think to talk to me about this?”, Cora Lee asked. “Okay and on that note I’m leaving. Something about being between my short tempered cousin and my best friend...I’ll pass. Bye guys.”, Merrick waved heading out the door with Faelan.
Donovan and opted out of going to the engagement party wanting to spend time with Kyle. “Are you sure you don’t want to come? I mean Aitf and Billy are your friends too and well Atif is your family.”, Rose asked leaning over the back of the sofa in the game room that Donovan and Kyle were sitting on. “Aye. Ah sure. Ah can meet yer American mates ano’ter time. Dis visit more bout spending wid Kyle. Ya go, ‘ave fun wid yer mates.”, he suggested with a smile. “Alright, I’ll see you later then.”, she said messing up Kyle’s hair. “Be good.”, she instructed. “I will Miss Rose.”, Kyle smiled trying to fix his hair. “You be good too.”, she said giving Donovan a kiss on the cheek. “Mmm. Ah tink bout it.”, he winked before pulling her closer giving her a real kiss, letting it linger a bit before letting her go. Rose smiled shaking her head, he was making a point with how long he held that kiss. The first week of being in Bayville was almost half over and they’d been dating since about the second day. They’d not really been alone much the last few days between his family and Kyle. He’d said he was okay with waiting in regards to getting physical, but she got the feeling that the waiting didn’t exactly extend to at least making out. At least the way he just kissed her left that impression. “I’ll see you later.”, she smiled rubbing her lips together leaving the two to playing their games.
She drove her motorcycle to the Haven, it having not exactly crossed her mind that she might come across Merrick in this endeavor. She was certain he wouldn’t be home for the party. he didn’t stay for parties. It would probably take Malcolm getting married for him to stick around for a party. She was hoping and mostly confident that she could be at the Haven and not lose it with his scent being everywhere. As she pulled into the driveway on her Harley Merrick was walking out the front door carrying Faelan. Merrick froze seeing her, and ass he took off her helmet she froze seeing him. Both exchanging a deer in headlights stares. Neither knowing what to do now that they were face to face. Rose gulped a little looking at him, he still looked and smelled as good as she remembered. Merrick was trying to not breath, her scent was already getting to him as the summer breeze gently blew. He could feel and even hear his heart starting to quicken, old feelings he thought were dead stirring. For a moment both had the same thought, kissing like old times but both pushed it aside. Merrick pushed it aside because he knew he has Zoe and she had his heart not Rose anymore. And Rose knew that too, that he was Zoe’s now and she had to remind herself she was trying to be with Donovan.
Rose decided to make the first step as her talk with Landon went through her mind, he said she could either run or just say hello. She knew she couldn’t run, all her friends were inside so that left her with the option of greeting him. “Hello Merrick.”, she managed to speak getting off her bike. “Hi. Excuse us, I have to go to work.”, he spoke his voice colder much like the tone he’d have used in his Academy days. But behind it there was pain which despite himself shown in his green-yellow eyes. Rose inwardly sighed seeing the pain on his face, she had done that to him. She nodded a little not able to really look at him for long instead looking at Faelan. Faelan looked rather confused by the encounter. “Hi Faelan. You probably don’t remember me. You were sleeping when I last saw you.”, she greeted smiling at Faelan. Merrick shifted Faelan in his arms and stepped around Rose to open the door of the GTO starting to buckle Faelan into his carseat. “So um saw you are dating Zoe. You two seem happy together. I’m glad she’s able to give you both what I couldn’t. I’m just...I’m going to inside.”, she said pointing to the door. “Yeah you probably should.”, he said his tone unchanging. Rose held back a sniffle and a tear, she’d hurt him she could see that and he was being cold and distant like he’d been when they’d been in high school. She nodded a little and headed inside. Merrick sighed and rested his head on the roof of the car. “You didn’t even try…”, he whispered before getting into the car.
Rose leaned against the front door covering her face with her hands trying to get in control. Landon and Atif were the two to notice the door opening. They sighed in unison and both walked over just hugging her. “Rose sandwich.”, Landon teased. Didn’t take rocket science to know she must have run into Merrick as he’d just walked outside with Faelan. Landon had seen how it hurt her to see Merrick from a distance at the park and this was a face to face confrontation. “You going to be okay today?”, Atif asked. Rose sighed smiling a little at being sandwiched between Atif and Landon both hugging her tightly. She nodded a little. “Yeah. I’ll manage I think. Want to be here to celebrate with the Haven family.”, she smiled wiping tears from her eyes. David and Aislinn walking out from the kitchen, Aislinn using David’s eyes to see, both looked confused. “What are you boys doing to poor Rose? You’ll suffocate her.”, David teased. Landon and Atif let her go and rolled their eyes. “Hi pops, hi ma.”, Rose smiled walking over giving David and then Aislinn a hug. “Good to see you Rose.”, David said. “Always happy to have almost all my extra children home.”, Aislinn smiled. Rose smiled going to the living room to greet everyone else. She was doing her best to focus on all their scents and ignore the permanent scent of Merrick and Faelan and even the subtle scent of Zoe that was all around her. She was also trying to not look around too much as Kim had hung up many new pictures and some contained Zoe with Merrick and Faelan.
Merrick dropped Faelan off at Isadora and Damon’s house, Isadora perfectly fine with watching Faelan. Damon was still not fully adjusted to the idea of being a nonno but Isadora was happily taking on the role of nonna. Merrick tried to put the encounter behind him when he got to his workshop. But as he was working a piece of wood fell from a shelf and when he picked it up he stopped and looked at it. It was part of the maple tree that had their initials in it. He set ti block of wood down and headed upstairs to the back yard. He needed to get out his aggression. So he grabbed the axe and some large blocks of wood tossing his t-shirt aside as he started chopping wood. As per her normal Zoe stopped at the shop to bring Merrick lunch, she’d just finished her morning shift at the restaurant and didn’t have rehearsal to go to so she wanted to stop and eat with him. She also wanted to see what was going on since when she called her mom she was told Faelan was there. She went down into the basement of the shop and was confused not seeing him. “Where is he?”, she wondered heading back upstairs. As she did she noticed the back door was open and started in that direction.
She smiled setting the lunch pail on the railing of the deck and leaned watching him split wood. It was certainly a sight she could watch and enjoy for hours. Him without a shirt on, sweating from a combination of the summer sun and the repetitive motion of lifting and lowering the axe and seeing his muscles constrict and loosen with each movement of the axe. But his head turned just enough when he caught her scent and she saw the look on his face and stopped smiling. The look on her face told her something was wrong, he couldn’t hide from her. “Merrick? What’s wrong?”, she asked concerned. “Nothing.”, he answered grabbing a new block of wood started to split it. He didn’t dare look in her direction, he knew her and that she’d know. “Want to look at me and say that?”, she asked folding her arms as she started down the steps of the deck. “Nope.”, he stated grabbing another piece of wood lifting the axe to split it. “Put the axe down and look at me Merrick Edward.”, Zoe started keeping some distance just because she knew you never got too close when someone was swinging an axe. Merrick sighed and brought the axe down laying in onto the ground.
Reluctantly he turned and looked at her. Zoe frowned walking closer putting her hands on the sides of his face. Yeah she knew something was wrong. Even if this was before they started dating, before they fell in love she’d have known. There was that deep bond of friendship, and she could just read him like a book. “Tell me what happened.”, she requested speaking softly as she gently rubbing her thumbs on his cheeks. “Rose.”, he sighed that one word being difficult enough to say. “Okay. I’ll need more than that Lupo Cattivo.”, she retorted. “She’s at the Haven, for the engagement party. I was told as I was getting ready to leave she was coming. So I changed plans to have Faelan go to your parent’s. She arrived as I was trying to leave.”, he explained. Zoe sighed and leaned up giving him a soft kiss. “My poor lupo cattivo. That explains everything then. How about you take the afternoon off? We’ll eat the lunch I made then we can just got to my place. But don’t think for a minute this means I’m letting you just be silent about this. We are going to talk.”, she offered. “I can’t take the day off. I need to go to the sanctuary we are getting a pack of wolves today. Apparently their food was getting scarce due to over hunting by idiot humans and they were going after farm animals. So it was either relocation to the sanctuary or the farms started shooting them.”, he shook his head.
“Alright so I’ll go to the sanctuary with you. Then we can go to the apartment.”, she said changing the offer. “Alright but do we really need to talk? Could just go to your place and have lots of sex.”, he countered with a smile. “The talk would be after that.”, she smiled. “So you’re going on the assumption we won’t be too tired to talk.”, he retorted. “Well either we end up too tired to speak or we talk about it. Win win for me.”, she smirked giving him another kiss. “Hmm so the only way I win is to screw you speechless? Challenge accepted.”, he smirked wrapping his arms around her picking her up. Zoe chuckled shaking her head a little. “How about we skip lunch and I get a head start?”, he offered backing her up against the deck bringing her legs up around him. Zoe sighed rolling her eyes but was smiling. “Have I mentioned that I love you wear skirts?”, he teased a hand starting to move up under her skirt to rub and tease. “You might have mentioned it… I mention that I like when you’re shirtless and sweaty?”, she teased pulling his lips to her kissing him deeply. Sure they were technically in a public area being outside, but it was the backyard of the old Haven and no one was going to be interrupting them. And it wasn’t always a guarantee that they’d be alone without interruptions like Faelan so when the moments presented themselves both seemed quick to take advantage.
While Merrick was having his own version of therapy/recovery with Zoe Rose was having trouble keeping her control at the Haven. Everything just smelled of him, there was no escaping him. Finally she broke down and went over to Atif. “I’ve tried. I just...I need to go.”, she said softly shaking her head. Atif sighed and nodded giving her a hug. “You do what you need to. Give me a call when you get to your hotel alright.”, Atif smiled a little. “Thanks.”, Rose nodded walking away. She didn’t speak to anyone else but her departure was noticed. Landon sighed. “I’m going to say bye to Rose real quick.”, he said giving Rachel a kiss leaving her talking to Blaire. Landon followed after Rose outside. “Hey? You going to be alright?”, he asked. Rose nodded silently reaching for her helmet. “Want to look at me and tell me you are alright?”, he asked grabbing her wrist gently. Rose sighed and looked up at him tears welling in her eyes. “I can’t be here. It all...it just.”, she tried to get the words out. “Reminds you have my cousin.”, Landon nodded. “Alright. You do what you gotta do Rose. If you need someone to talk to you know my number, call it.”, he said. “You should go have fun with our friends celebrate. I don’t want to be a bother.”, she shook her head a little. “Rose you are my best friend, you are never a bother. I don’t care what time it is or what’s going on. If you need me I’m going to answer. Okay so I might not answer if I’m alone with Rachel, but that’s different. I’m here if and when you need me.”, he said giving her a kiss on the cheek before lightly wiping a stray tear from her face. Rose nodded. “Okay.”, she said putting her helmet on and take off. She didn’t know where she was going, too many placed in Bayville made her think of Merrick. Instead she got into the Long Island Expressway and just drove with no destination in her mind.

Donovan had called Rose’s cell just to see how the party was, but got her voicemail. He didn’t think too much of it figuring she was having fun and didn’t hear her phone over the party. But when he headed for his hotel that night he tried again and no answer. This time he called his cousin who informed him that Rose had left early, needing to get some fresh air and to just leave her be. Donovan of course wasn’t going to take that suggestion. He called a few more times before finally falling asleep. Atif and Landon had each called once just saying they’d gotten back to the Manhattan house and to call them so they knew she was okay. Rose had driven all night and found herself at the far end of Long Island in Orient Point. She pulled into a gas station filling up her motorcycle. She’d been crying behind the lens of her helmet her thoughts a jumble thinking about all the good times she’d spent in Merrick’s arms over the years, about how it had killed her to walk away from him and Faelan, how it killed her that he’d found love in Zoe. She sighed taking off her helmet and took her phone out of the compartment of her bike. Eight missed calls.
She checked the missed call list and saw Atif, Landon, Xavier, and then five from Donovan. She sighed and started to listen to the messages. “ ‘Ello Princess. Just Donovan wanted ta see ‘ow da party going.”, Donovan’s first message. “Oy Rose Ah ‘eading back ta mah ‘otel. Atif said ya already left da party. Someting wrong?”, Donovan’s second message. “Hey Rose just got back to the house. Give me a call when you get in, want to make sure you are okay.”, Landon’s message checking in. “Rose, it’s just Atif, got back to the Manhattan house. Donovan is worried about you. Give me a call when you get to your hotel and maybe call his Scottish arse.”, Atif’s message. “So dis mah t’ird call. Call me back.”, Donovan’s third message. “Aunt Rose you said to call if I found something. And I’ve got something. Call me from a secure line.”, Xavier’s message. “So it now midnight. W’ere da fook are ya? Call me.”, Donovan’s fourth message. “Okay now Ah worried it three in da morning. CALL ME.”, Donovan’s final message. Rose sighed trying to decide who to call first. She wanted to know what Xavier had, but he said secure line so she’d have to call from the institute or use her communicator which was back at the hotel. Donovan sounded the most worried, well of course he would be Landon and Atif knew her well enough to not worry as bad.
So she sighed and called Donovan’s cell figuring it would go to voicemail and him be asleep. On the first ring he pick up. "W'ere da bloody fooking 'ell ya been lass?!", he demanded sitting up on his bed. She winced and move the phone away before putting it back to her ear. "Driving.", she said softly. "Driving? Dat yer answer? Ya kne it six in da morning? Wat da 'ell is going on? Ya go ta da engagement party den don't answer yer cell. Atif tells me ya left early. But ya dinna answer yer cell. Ah get dis yer territory an all, buy Ah pulled dat back ‘ome ya’d be c'ewing me out fer no answering w'en Ah called.", he went into the rant that had been brewing all night. "I know, I'm sorry. I fucked up.", Rose said submissively. She rubbed her face with her free hand, sitting on her bike and leaning on the handles having just filled up. Donovan blinked. She submitted? "Seriously? Wat da fook wrong? Ya never submit, least not dat easy.", he questioned. "You've never seen me beaten, Donovan.", she let out a heavy sigh. "Aye... Cause way Ah understood is Howletts don't get beaten dey do da beating. Wat 'appened?”, he inquired. "I... Saw Merrick. He was trying to leave the Haven before I got there and I saw him and he saw me.",she exhaled. "The look in his eyes, his tone... I did that, Donovan. I did that.", she closed her eyes and exhaled, it shakey like she had been crying. "Then at the party all I could smell was him and Faelan and... and Zoe.", she explained. Donovan sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "Ya made a c'oice, princess. And some c'oices 'urt more dan ot'ers. As ya said he did find anot'er lass. And well it only been a year and ya've not needed ta face him till now. Dey say time 'eals all wounds. It a lie. Da wounds remain. In time, da mind, protecting its sanity, covers dem wid scar tissue and da pain lessens. But it is never gone.", Donovan let out a sigh.
"It isn't even that. I mean, I hurt. And I hate that. But it is what I did to him. And I wanted to just hold Faelan and be there. But I can't. I couldn't. Faelan needs a mom and I'll never be able to be a mother and I couldn't ever be his being part of Excalibur. Merrick deserves someone who can be his entirely, to love him so much. God I loved him, I still love him. And Faelan deserves a mom, not... whatever half-assed thing I'd limp along being.",she took a shaky breath, trying not to sob or start crying again. "I hurt him that bad. That was me. Because I was scared and wanted more for them than I ever could give.", she gulped back a sob. Donovan sighed. It wasn't exactly a comfortable conversation for the new guy, but he could choke that back. He'd been her friend and teammate longer. "Ya put dem first. Wat would be best fer dem in da long run first.", he pointed out. Rose could hear the sigh and frowned. she realized she shouldn’t be talk to him about this. He wasn’t just a teammate anymore. He was her boyfriend, well trying to be. “I’m sorry. I should probably go and talk to you later.”, she concluded. “Wat ya sorry fer?”, Donovan questioned. "Because this isn't your fight or a conversation I should be having with the only guy I trust enough to try something with..", she tried to explain. "Not seeing 'ow it really a fig't. Yer facing yer past, and 'indsight is always a bitc'. Sure not da most comfortable or comforting conversation being told by yer new lass she still in love wid her ex. But two points. One Ah was yer mate before ya deciding ya could try ta be wid me. And second if we gonna really try dis is someting we s'ould be able ta talk bout.", he argued.
"Donovan...",she smiled a bit. It was hard not to with him reassuring her. "He isn't an ex. We were never together. He... never told me how he felt.", she shook her head. "Ah said ex Ah dinna say ex boyfriend. He an ex lover. Fooking git, sorry dat da moderately jealous Scottish boyfriend talking.", he chuckled a little trying to joke. She laughed a little and wiped her face a final time. "Maybe Atif and Landon could wait. I don't know how long it'll take to get back, but would you be willing to wait for me to come back?", she asked. "Ah gotta keep telling ya dis princess? Gonna write it down fer ya Ah swear. Ah ain't going anyw'ere.", he smiled. She chuckled. "I know. I mean more, clear your planner because I just... need quiet, maybe a movie, and lots of cuddles.", she explained. "Ah dinna 'ave plans fer today. Kyle got training wid yer mum and his team today den said he was gonna see a film wid mah wee cousins. So Ah free as a bird.", he smiled. "I'll see you um.. however long it takes to get back from wherever I am.", she said looking around. "Good luck on dat. Dat's w'y Ah dinna rent a car. Wouldn't kne w'ere Ah going. Not ta mention ya freaking yanks drive on da wrong side da road. See ya w'en ya get 'ere ya kne mah room number.", he smiled ending the call. Rose sighed putting her phone away. Everything else could wait. Now just to find her way back to the Long Island Expressway so she could get back to Donovan.
Merrick and Malcolm drove up to Boston first going to pick up Hazel. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen your Nana. Think she’ll remember me?”, Malcolm asked as they pulled up. “You are a bit hard to forget Malcolm. Last time she saw you you started a lightening storm taking out the power in the house because Emma and Josalyn convinced you that grandma Emma’s astral form had survived and haunted the house.”, Merrick teased though growled a little when he said Emma’s name. Malcolm sighed a little hearing Merrick growl. He knew why Emma was blacklisted by Merrick, and didn’t blame him one bit. Hell he’d have blacklisted her after what she did to Leslie. “Yeah well I was only eight. Let’s see if I can make a better impression this time.”, Malcolm said getting out of the passenger seat and moving to the back knowing Hazel would get the front even if she was shorter than him. Merrick chuckled and got out to get her but Hazel was already walking out of the front door. “Hi Nana. Remember I told you we’d have a guest with us for our travels. My best friend Malcolm is in the back.”, he greeted. Malcolm peeked out the window at her. For being elderly she didn’t carrying herself that way. She still had her shoulders back and perfect posture and her blonde hair may be more gray but it was still obvious she’d been a blonde. She walked with a cane which Malcolm figured was more form than function. “Ah yes the lightening boy. I recall you mentioning that he wanted to invest in your company.”, Hazel nodded getting closer and giving Merrick a hug and pulling him down to her level to kiss his cheek. Malcolm laughed a little at the sight of Merrick hunched over at the will of an old woman.
“Yes Nana. Malcolm Durvo, his mother was president once.”, Merrick commented as Hazel started to get into the car. “Good to see you again young man. Any friend of my Merrick’s.”, Hazel smiled looking into the back seat. “And well good to see you grew to have your father’s build, lord you’re big..”, she commented. Tristan chuckled. “Why thank you ma’am.”, he smiled brightly. Merrick smiled as they drove to look at the storefront. “Investing in Merrick’s company is a smart move. I understand that you have a girl that you might want to marry some day?”, Hazel asked making conversation. “Yes ma’am. Merrick’s cousin Cora Lee Bryant. I’m hoping the investment will pay off so that I can get the perfect ring for her. I’m not sure I can top my cousins Billy or Tommy in out they proposed and don't’ think I could even top how her brother Landon popped the question.”, Malcolm explained. “Well all it takes is asking and having the ring. Long as she’s the right girl the yes will follow. Which reminds me Merrick…”, Hazel said turning her attention to Merrick. “What Nana?”, Merrick asked. “When are you going to propose to Zoe? Josalyn is getting married in July. Lily is getting married next April. Catch up boy.”, Nana questioned. Malcolm chuckled from the back seat. “Shut up chuckles. You haven’t proposed to Cora Lee.”, Merrick countered. “Leave Malcolm alone, He at least plans to and is making final preparations to buy the perfect ring. What about you?”, Hazel asked.
Merrick sighed as he parked. “I don’t know Nana. I love her. I want to be with her. Do I want to marry her? Yes of course. Hate nights that she’s at her apartment and I’m at the Haven. I just would need to find the right ring is all. Now come on let’s go look at this storefront.”, Merrick suggested getting out. Hazel sighed and Malcolm shrugged as they got out too. They all got out and first walked to the storefront a realtor there to greet them and show them the space. It was certainly large enough to hold furniture and be a store/showroom for his business. “Thanks for showing us the space. My associate and I will discuss it further go over the numbers and get back to you in a week.”, Merrick assured shaking the man’s hand. “I look forward to hearing from You both Mister Bryant-Frost and Mister Durvo.”, he said shaking Merrick’s hand and then Malcolms. The three started to walk down the street now on the opposite side than when they’d walked up from the parking garage. “Alright so you love Zoe, you are expanding your business so you’d be able to provide for her, so let’s ring shop.”, Hazel stated. Merrick sighed shaking his head. “It’s not just about finding the ring, it’s also about the right time right place. And it’s not like I’m Landon where I’ll just be walking past a jewelry store and see the perf….”, Merrick’s voice trailed off as he stopped in front of a jewelry store despite his own setup of the situation and looked into the window. There shining in the afternoon sun was a white gold right with a pearl and diamond leaves holding it in place. “What was the inconceivable premise you were setting up?”, Malcolm teased looking around Merrick at the ring. “Oh fuck you Malcolm.”, Merrick shook his head. “Oh save that offer for Zoe.”, he teased. Hazel chuckled. “So let’s go in and see how much it is. If you buy it you’ll have it when you decide it’s the right time…”, she suggested. Merrick nodded. “Yeah.. I suppose. It doesn’t mean I’m proposing to her when I get home or anything. But that’s a pearl and I can’t really think of a better ring for her..”, Merrick agreed walking inside.
“Whatever gets him through the doors.”, Hazel whispered to Malcolm who chuckled softly. Merrick walked up to the counter. “Hey how much is the pearl ring in the window and what’s it size?”, he questioned. “That’s a lovely choice too. It’s three hundred. And it’s a size five.”, the man said picking up the pearl ring to show Merrick. “Three hundred? Yeah okay I’ll take it.”, Merrick nodded. He’d been expecting the man to say more a lot more. “Excellent sir I’ll get that rung up for you right away.”, the clerk said cashing Merrick out. “Wow I can’t believe it. Merrick buying an engagement ring.”, Malcolm teased. Merrick rolled his eyes taking out his wallet. “This doesn't’ mean I’m proposing immediately. I need to think this through. Zoe deserves a perfect proposal. So neither of you are going to breath a word about this ring to anyone. Malcolm you breath a word to anyone at the Manhattan house, I’ll rip out your spine. I do not want this getting back to Zoe.”, Merrick commented taking his bag containing the ring.. Malcolm pretended to zip his lips and then lock them. “My lips are sealed.”, he smiled. “I won’t say anything either. You ask her when you are ready.”, Hazel nodded before they walked out. Merrick drove Hazel home first.
“Soooo guess you are taking me home?”, Malcolm asked glancing at the clock it was almost six. Merrick looked at the clock, Faelan had been with Zoe most of the day now. He looked to the jewelry store bag in the center console and sighed a little. “I need a drink I think.”, Merrick said. “Um alright. I can’t drink yet but sure.”, Malcolm agreed. Merrick didn’t really care if he had company or not when he went to the bar. So Merrick found a bar and the pair headed inside finding a space at the bar to sit. “Heineken.”, Merrick ordered when the bartender came over to them. “I’ll just take a water, not twenty-on yet.”, Malcolm added. “So lot on your mind?”, Malcolm asked taking a sip of his water after it was set down. “Yeah something like that.”, Merrick shrugged taking a long swig from his beer. “Zoe? Or Rose?”, Malcolm asked. Merrick shook his head. “Both then. Come on man I know I’m your best friend. I know that Rose being back in town has to mean something. What happened with Rose?”, he asked. “What do you mean by that?”, Merrick countered. “I mean the summer before Faelan was born Cora Lee and I almost came upon you and Rose hooking up at her hotel. I got Cora Lee to leave just before you got to the floor. Then Rose left and Jenna got knocked up. She came back and left early without giving much reason.”, Malcolm explained. Merrick sighed and ran his hand over his face.
“Rose and I had fooled around, hooking up since her senior year of high school.”, Merrick shrugged. “Oh shit. Um alright. So you fell for her? What happened? Faelan? You shacking up with Zoe?”, he questioned. “All of the above. Yes I fell for Rose. God help me but I did. I mean you know I always thought she was hot. And then when I got her, god.”, he shook his head. “I don’t know what to really say. The sex was incredible, and because she has her healing factor and we both have an animal nature to our powers it was rough in the best kind of ways. And over the years it became about more than sex. The summer before Faelan I was pretty sure I was in love. Obviously not enough for me to ask her out or not sleep with other people. Then there was Zoe. Those seven months with Zoe before Faelan was born. We didn’t have sex but everything else was amazing. It was a relationship. It wasn’t based on sex, it was best on friendship. I hadn’t been happier or more content than those months with her. Then I had Faelan and tried to focus on him. And Rose came back and part of me hoped that maybe she could accept Faelan and what happened with Zoe. That she loved me back enough to want to be with me. She met Faelan and I was honest about everything. She had her choice of fight or flight”, Merrick sighed taking a long drink of his beer.
Malcolm nodded with a sigh. “She took flight. But it worked in your favor man. You got Zoe. She’s your, other, best friend. You are truly dating your best friend. She loves Faelan, hell she loved Faelan before he was born. Because really everything she did in helping you prep for him showed how much she was going to love that boy. So yeah it sucks Rose didn’t thinks he could fill that role and be more to you. But you got Zoe, the woman you love out of the deal. Zoe is here in Bayville not an ocean away. You don’t have to wait months on end for her to come home just for a visit. You can see her anytime you want. She’s the yin to your yang. And that’s why you want to marry her. Because you finally found your one. It took you longer than the rest of us, but you found her. She had to fly all the way from Italy and go through some serious pain and shit with her family but she found you and you found her.”, Malcolm smiled. Merrick nodded. “You’re right. That’s why I wanted the pearl for her. Because a pearl is created from an oyster taking the pain and irritation of the grain of sand and forming it into a miraculous one of a kind beauty. And Zoe was that grain of sand and everything she’s gone through as made her into truly a one of a kind beautiful pearl.”, Merrick smiled taking a long drink of his beer. “Fuck that’s deep for you. You have moments that you are such a fucking Bryant.”, Malcolm teased.
As the two drank and talked a couple women kept looking down the bar at them before finally deciding to get up and approach. “Hey um, do you mind if we join you two? Seems a shame for two good looking men like yourselves to be sitting here alone. I’m Jennifer and this is my friend Rebecca.”, the blonde greeted with a smile looking at Merrick. Merrick looked over his shoulder at the two women, they were attractive and if this was pre Faelan and being with Zoe his answer would probably have been different. “Yeah...not in this lifetime. We both have girlfriends.”, Merrick commented in his more asshole mode tone. Malcolm sighed shaking his head at Merrick and he flashed a smile to the girls. “We are very flattered ladies. But we do have amazing girlfriends. So gotta say nah we good.”, he smiled being a bit sweeter with the response. “Oh and where are these amazing girlfriends?”, Rebecca asked folding her arms across her chest. Which she did that one to look a bit more serious and the other to try and draw attention to her chest. Merrick rolled his eyes. The last time he’d been hit on unwantedly was at Zoe’s wrap party at the club from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers where he just said he was there with Zoe and walked away. He didn’t have that option this time, she wasn’t there. “Our beautiful women are at home. Mine attends NYU getting her masters of business with a doctorate in music.”, Malcolm answered proudly bragging about Cora Lee. “And mine is home with our son.”, Merrick stated. Both girls blinked. “Wait you have a son together?”, Rebecca asked. “That’s what I said isn’t it. Now excuse us.”, Merrick said stepping around the two girls. Malcolm smiled finishing his water. “Have a nice night ladies.”, he nodded to them getting up and following Merrick. “Well if that was ever a test I don’t know what is. At least we passed.”, he smiled getting into the car. Merrick rolled his eyes. “Yeah. Well let’s go.”, Merrick said driving Malcolm back to Bayville to catch the train back home.
Rose found her way to Donovan’s hotel room and knocked. Donovan got out of his bed rather groggy not having really slept and opened the door. “Glad ta see yer sense o direction dinna fail ya.”, he smiled sleepily. “You haven’t slept at all have you?”, she asked stepping into the room. “No. But nor ‘ave you. Some come on den we can sleep toget’er just not in da naked fun way.”, Donovan smiled shutting the door. Rose rolled her eyes taking off her riding jacket and boots before getting onto the hotel bed stretching out. She’d not been in a hotel room with a man since Merrick, and he’d held her then. She tried to not think about that as Donovan got onto the bed next to her. Donovan wasn’t exactly sure if he should try to hold her or what, she said she wanted to go slow after all. Rose sighed a little wondering he if he was going to try and cuddle or what he was going to do. There was barely an inch between them on the bed. Donovan decided to try for the cuddle and rolled his side bringing and arm over her, tucking the other under the pillows, pulling her closer. “Can ya just not worry me like dat again?”, he asked. Rose smiled and nodded a little. “I’ll try.”, she agreed. “Good. Now Ah gonna get sleep and yer not goin now’ere.”, he stated holding her a little tighter for emphasis closing his eyes. Rose sighed but didn’t fight it and let herself fall asleep in his arms.

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It was a couple days into Rose’s trip home that the Haven wanted to throw an engagement party to celebrate that Billy and Tommy were both engaged. The whole house was buzzing as they were decorating and Kim and Aislinn were cooking. Merrick hadn’t been paying much attention to the festivities he congratulated Tommy on getting engaged to his sister and gave his congratulations to Aitf and Billy but he had work to think about. A pack of wolves was going to be arriving at the Sanctuary making them the first official wildlife on site. Faelan was in the living room getting lots of attention as Rachel, Cora Lee, Lily, Bianca, Hope, Jessa and Blaire were all rolling a ball between them and in wolf form Faelan chased after it. “Alright so you are sure with the party you will be able to handle Faelan?”, Merrick asked leaning into the kitchen. “Oh Faelan will be fine. I’m sure that between Rachel, Cora Lee, Lily, Blaire, Bianca, Hope , Jessa and Rose he’ll get lots of attention.”, Kim said dismissively. Merrick frozen when she said Rose’s name. “Actually mom…”, he said checking his phone. He was actually sending a text to Isadora asking her to watch Faelan. “I spaced, today I have it on my calendar that Isadora was going to watch him. She wanted ‘nonna and nipote’ time. I’ll just quickly pack his diaper bag and drop him off before I go to the shop. “, Merrick quickly came up with an excuse to get Faelan out of the house.
Tristan carefully walked by with a cane Merrick had made for him. “Hey handsome.”, Tristan smiled. Merrick rolled his eyes. “Hey gimpy.”, Merrick teased back. “I see the can is working out.”, he commented starting to pack up a diaper bag with some of Faelan’s toys and treats. “Oh yeah, perfect height. My physical therapist’s receptionist was admiring it yesterday said it looked very nice.”, Tristan commented. “You sure she wasn’t just talking about you and using the cane as a euphemism?”, Malcolm teased carrying in some ice. Tristan chuckled. “Hardy har har Mal, but I’m a woman woman man. After all I got the most gorgeous and thoughtful girl ever. How many of you have a girlfriend that became a licensed massage therapist just to give you at home massages?”, Tristan smiled. “Um none because we aren’t dumb enough to jump onto a two ton bull thinking we are in control.”, Merrick stated zipping the bag. Tristan stuck out his tongue but smiled. “Yes well the bull made a life choice for me. I owe him in a way. Because of him I get to fall asleep and wake up to Blaire every day.”, Tristan said. “Aww is someone sucking up in there?”, Blaire teased. “No just being honest, beautiful.”, Tristan answered. Merrick rolled his eyes shouldering the bag. “Faelan.”, he said with a whistle. “Awwweee.”, the girls all said as Faelan changed to human and raced to his father.
“What daddy?”, he asked. “Come on you are going to nonna’s.”, Merrick said bending down picking Faelan up. “YAY NONNA!”, Faelan said gleefully. “Hey before you leave we still on for tomorrow?”, Malcolm asked. “Yes. We are still driving up to Boston to meet with Nana Hazel. Zoe only has a practice so she’ll keep Faelan with her.”, Merrick nodded. “What is she performing this time?”, Rachel asked. “Pride and Prejudice. I know not a musical or opera like she’d prefer but it’s a role. She landed the lead of Elizabeth. Nana Hazel is so excited for it she loves that book.”, Merrick answered. “What are you and Malcolm going to Boston for with Hazel?”, Landon asked. “Looking at a storefront. Nana thinks it would be wise to open an actual store for Aonair Mac Tíre. So I can do more than just individual orders and people can actually look at the products in person instead of just online.”, Merrick explained. “So Malcolm is going to drive up with me to look at the space, he wants to go in on the business with me.”, Merrick added. Cora Lee raised an eyebrow this the first she’d heard of it. “What? You know how much he’s made in just a year? Yeah I want in on that. If I put up money to get the storefront going I get a percentage of the profit which will double my investment in the first couple months.”, Malcolm defended. “And you didn’t think to talk to me about this?”, Cora Lee asked. “Okay and on that note I’m leaving. Something about being between my short tempered cousin and my best friend...I’ll pass. Bye guys.”, Merrick waved heading out the door with Faelan.
Donovan and opted out of going to the engagement party wanting to spend time with Kyle. “Are you sure you don’t want to come? I mean Aitf and Billy are your friends too and well Atif is your family.”, Rose asked leaning over the back of the sofa in the game room that Donovan and Kyle were sitting on. “Aye. Ah sure. Ah can meet yer American mates ano’ter time. Dis visit more bout spending wid Kyle. Ya go, ‘ave fun wid yer mates.”, he suggested with a smile. “Alright, I’ll see you later then.”, she said messing up Kyle’s hair. “Be good.”, she instructed. “I will Miss Rose.”, Kyle smiled trying to fix his hair. “You be good too.”, she said giving Donovan a kiss on the cheek. “Mmm. Ah tink bout it.”, he winked before pulling her closer giving her a real kiss, letting it linger a bit before letting her go. Rose smiled shaking her head, he was making a point with how long he held that kiss. The first week of being in Bayville was almost half over and they’d been dating since about the second day. They’d not really been alone much the last few days between his family and Kyle. He’d said he was okay with waiting in regards to getting physical, but she got the feeling that the waiting didn’t exactly extend to at least making out. At least the way he just kissed her left that impression. “I’ll see you later.”, she smiled rubbing her lips together leaving the two to playing their games.
She drove her motorcycle to the Haven, it having not exactly crossed her mind that she might come across Merrick in this endeavor. She was certain he wouldn’t be home for the party. he didn’t stay for parties. It would probably take Malcolm getting married for him to stick around for a party. She was hoping and mostly confident that she could be at the Haven and not lose it with his scent being everywhere. As she pulled into the driveway on her Harley Merrick was walking out the front door carrying Faelan. Merrick froze seeing her, and ass he took off her helmet she froze seeing him. Both exchanging a deer in headlights stares. Neither knowing what to do now that they were face to face. Rose gulped a little looking at him, he still looked and smelled as good as she remembered. Merrick was trying to not breath, her scent was already getting to him as the summer breeze gently blew. He could feel and even hear his heart starting to quicken, old feelings he thought were dead stirring. For a moment both had the same thought, kissing like old times but both pushed it aside. Merrick pushed it aside because he knew he has Zoe and she had his heart not Rose anymore. And Rose knew that too, that he was Zoe’s now and she had to remind herself she was trying to be with Donovan.
Rose decided to make the first step as her talk with Landon went through her mind, he said she could either run or just say hello. She knew she couldn’t run, all her friends were inside so that left her with the option of greeting him. “Hello Merrick.”, she managed to speak getting off her bike. “Hi. Excuse us, I have to go to work.”, he spoke his voice colder much like the tone he’d have used in his Academy days. But behind it there was pain which despite himself shown in his green-yellow eyes. Rose inwardly sighed seeing the pain on his face, she had done that to him. She nodded a little not able to really look at him for long instead looking at Faelan. Faelan looked rather confused by the encounter. “Hi Faelan. You probably don’t remember me. You were sleeping when I last saw you.”, she greeted smiling at Faelan. Merrick shifted Faelan in his arms and stepped around Rose to open the door of the GTO starting to buckle Faelan into his carseat. “So um saw you are dating Zoe. You two seem happy together. I’m glad she’s able to give you both what I couldn’t. I’m just...I’m going to inside.”, she said pointing to the door. “Yeah you probably should.”, he said his tone unchanging. Rose held back a sniffle and a tear, she’d hurt him she could see that and he was being cold and distant like he’d been when they’d been in high school. She nodded a little and headed inside. Merrick sighed and rested his head on the roof of the car. “You didn’t even try…”, he whispered before getting into the car.
Rose leaned against the front door covering her face with her hands trying to get in control. Landon and Atif were the two to notice the door opening. They sighed in unison and both walked over just hugging her. “Rose sandwich.”, Landon teased. Didn’t take rocket science to know she must have run into Merrick as he’d just walked outside with Faelan. Landon had seen how it hurt her to see Merrick from a distance at the park and this was a face to face confrontation. “You going to be okay today?”, Atif asked. Rose sighed smiling a little at being sandwiched between Atif and Landon both hugging her tightly. She nodded a little. “Yeah. I’ll manage I think. Want to be here to celebrate with the Haven family.”, she smiled wiping tears from her eyes. David and Aislinn walking out from the kitchen, Aislinn using David’s eyes to see, both looked confused. “What are you boys doing to poor Rose? You’ll suffocate her.”, David teased. Landon and Atif let her go and rolled their eyes. “Hi pops, hi ma.”, Rose smiled walking over giving David and then Aislinn a hug. “Good to see you Rose.”, David said. “Always happy to have almost all my extra children home.”, Aislinn smiled. Rose smiled going to the living room to greet everyone else. She was doing her best to focus on all their scents and ignore the permanent scent of Merrick and Faelan and even the subtle scent of Zoe that was all around her. She was also trying to not look around too much as Kim had hung up many new pictures and some contained Zoe with Merrick and Faelan.
Merrick dropped Faelan off at Isadora and Damon’s house, Isadora perfectly fine with watching Faelan. Damon was still not fully adjusted to the idea of being a nonno but Isadora was happily taking on the role of nonna. Merrick tried to put the encounter behind him when he got to his workshop. But as he was working a piece of wood fell from a shelf and when he picked it up he stopped and looked at it. It was part of the maple tree that had their initials in it. He set ti block of wood down and headed upstairs to the back yard. He needed to get out his aggression. So he grabbed the axe and some large blocks of wood tossing his t-shirt aside as he started chopping wood. As per her normal Zoe stopped at the shop to bring Merrick lunch, she’d just finished her morning shift at the restaurant and didn’t have rehearsal to go to so she wanted to stop and eat with him. She also wanted to see what was going on since when she called her mom she was told Faelan was there. She went down into the basement of the shop and was confused not seeing him. “Where is he?”, she wondered heading back upstairs. As she did she noticed the back door was open and started in that direction.
She smiled setting the lunch pail on the railing of the deck and leaned watching him split wood. It was certainly a sight she could watch and enjoy for hours. Him without a shirt on, sweating from a combination of the summer sun and the repetitive motion of lifting and lowering the axe and seeing his muscles constrict and loosen with each movement of the axe. But his head turned just enough when he caught her scent and she saw the look on his face and stopped smiling. The look on her face told her something was wrong, he couldn’t hide from her. “Merrick? What’s wrong?”, she asked concerned. “Nothing.”, he answered grabbing a new block of wood started to split it. He didn’t dare look in her direction, he knew her and that she’d know. “Want to look at me and say that?”, she asked folding her arms as she started down the steps of the deck. “Nope.”, he stated grabbing another piece of wood lifting the axe to split it. “Put the axe down and look at me Merrick Edward.”, Zoe started keeping some distance just because she knew you never got too close when someone was swinging an axe. Merrick sighed and brought the axe down laying in onto the ground.
Reluctantly he turned and looked at her. Zoe frowned walking closer putting her hands on the sides of his face. Yeah she knew something was wrong. Even if this was before they started dating, before they fell in love she’d have known. There was that deep bond of friendship, and she could just read him like a book. “Tell me what happened.”, she requested speaking softly as she gently rubbing her thumbs on his cheeks. “Rose.”, he sighed that one word being difficult enough to say. “Okay. I’ll need more than that Lupo Cattivo.”, she retorted. “She’s at the Haven, for the engagement party. I was told as I was getting ready to leave she was coming. So I changed plans to have Faelan go to your parent’s. She arrived as I was trying to leave.”, he explained. Zoe sighed and leaned up giving him a soft kiss. “My poor lupo cattivo. That explains everything then. How about you take the afternoon off? We’ll eat the lunch I made then we can just got to my place. But don’t think for a minute this means I’m letting you just be silent about this. We are going to talk.”, she offered. “I can’t take the day off. I need to go to the sanctuary we are getting a pack of wolves today. Apparently their food was getting scarce due to over hunting by idiot humans and they were going after farm animals. So it was either relocation to the sanctuary or the farms started shooting them.”, he shook his head.
“Alright so I’ll go to the sanctuary with you. Then we can go to the apartment.”, she said changing the offer. “Alright but do we really need to talk? Could just go to your place and have lots of sex.”, he countered with a smile. “The talk would be after that.”, she smiled. “So you’re going on the assumption we won’t be too tired to talk.”, he retorted. “Well either we end up too tired to speak or we talk about it. Win win for me.”, she smirked giving him another kiss. “Hmm so the only way I win is to screw you speechless? Challenge accepted.”, he smirked wrapping his arms around her picking her up. Zoe chuckled shaking her head a little. “How about we skip lunch and I get a head start?”, he offered backing her up against the deck bringing her legs up around him. Zoe sighed rolling her eyes but was smiling. “Have I mentioned that I love you wear skirts?”, he teased a hand starting to move up under her skirt to rub and tease. “You might have mentioned it… I mention that I like when you’re shirtless and sweaty?”, she teased pulling his lips to her kissing him deeply. Sure they were technically in a public area being outside, but it was the backyard of the old Haven and no one was going to be interrupting them. And it wasn’t always a guarantee that they’d be alone without interruptions like Faelan so when the moments presented themselves both seemed quick to take advantage.
While Merrick was having his own version of therapy/recovery with Zoe Rose was having trouble keeping her control at the Haven. Everything just smelled of him, there was no escaping him. Finally she broke down and went over to Atif. “I’ve tried. I just...I need to go.”, she said softly shaking her head. Atif sighed and nodded giving her a hug. “You do what you need to. Give me a call when you get to your hotel alright.”, Atif smiled a little. “Thanks.”, Rose nodded walking away. She didn’t speak to anyone else but her departure was noticed. Landon sighed. “I’m going to say bye to Rose real quick.”, he said giving Rachel a kiss leaving her talking to Blaire. Landon followed after Rose outside. “Hey? You going to be alright?”, he asked. Rose nodded silently reaching for her helmet. “Want to look at me and tell me you are alright?”, he asked grabbing her wrist gently. Rose sighed and looked up at him tears welling in her eyes. “I can’t be here. It all...it just.”, she tried to get the words out. “Reminds you have my cousin.”, Landon nodded. “Alright. You do what you gotta do Rose. If you need someone to talk to you know my number, call it.”, he said. “You should go have fun with our friends celebrate. I don’t want to be a bother.”, she shook her head a little. “Rose you are my best friend, you are never a bother. I don’t care what time it is or what’s going on. If you need me I’m going to answer. Okay so I might not answer if I’m alone with Rachel, but that’s different. I’m here if and when you need me.”, he said giving her a kiss on the cheek before lightly wiping a stray tear from her face. Rose nodded. “Okay.”, she said putting her helmet on and take off. She didn’t know where she was going, too many placed in Bayville made her think of Merrick. Instead she got into the Long Island Expressway and just drove with no destination in her mind.

Donovan had called Rose’s cell just to see how the party was, but got her voicemail. He didn’t think too much of it figuring she was having fun and didn’t hear her phone over the party. But when he headed for his hotel that night he tried again and no answer. This time he called his cousin who informed him that Rose had left early, needing to get some fresh air and to just leave her be. Donovan of course wasn’t going to take that suggestion. He called a few more times before finally falling asleep. Atif and Landon had each called once just saying they’d gotten back to the Manhattan house and to call them so they knew she was okay. Rose had driven all night and found herself at the far end of Long Island in Orient Point. She pulled into a gas station filling up her motorcycle. She’d been crying behind the lens of her helmet her thoughts a jumble thinking about all the good times she’d spent in Merrick’s arms over the years, about how it had killed her to walk away from him and Faelan, how it killed her that he’d found love in Zoe. She sighed taking off her helmet and took her phone out of the compartment of her bike. Eight missed calls.
She checked the missed call list and saw Atif, Landon, Xavier, and then five from Donovan. She sighed and started to listen to the messages. “ ‘Ello Princess. Just Donovan wanted ta see ‘ow da party going.”, Donovan’s first message. “Oy Rose Ah ‘eading back ta mah ‘otel. Atif said ya already left da party. Someting wrong?”, Donovan’s second message. “Hey Rose just got back to the house. Give me a call when you get in, want to make sure you are okay.”, Landon’s message checking in. “Rose, it’s just Atif, got back to the Manhattan house. Donovan is worried about you. Give me a call when you get to your hotel and maybe call his Scottish arse.”, Atif’s message. “So dis mah t’ird call. Call me back.”, Donovan’s third message. “Aunt Rose you said to call if I found something. And I’ve got something. Call me from a secure line.”, Xavier’s message. “So it now midnight. W’ere da fook are ya? Call me.”, Donovan’s fourth message. “Okay now Ah worried it three in da morning. CALL ME.”, Donovan’s final message. Rose sighed trying to decide who to call first. She wanted to know what Xavier had, but he said secure line so she’d have to call from the institute or use her communicator which was back at the hotel. Donovan sounded the most worried, well of course he would be Landon and Atif knew her well enough to not worry as bad.
So she sighed and called Donovan’s cell figuring it would go to voicemail and him be asleep. On the first ring he pick up. "W'ere da bloody fooking 'ell ya been lass?!", he demanded sitting up on his bed. She winced and move the phone away before putting it back to her ear. "Driving.", she said softly. "Driving? Dat yer answer? Ya kne it six in da morning? Wat da 'ell is going on? Ya go ta da engagement party den don't answer yer cell. Atif tells me ya left early. But ya dinna answer yer cell. Ah get dis yer territory an all, buy Ah pulled dat back ‘ome ya’d be c'ewing me out fer no answering w'en Ah called.", he went into the rant that had been brewing all night. "I know, I'm sorry. I fucked up.", Rose said submissively. She rubbed her face with her free hand, sitting on her bike and leaning on the handles having just filled up. Donovan blinked. She submitted? "Seriously? Wat da fook wrong? Ya never submit, least not dat easy.", he questioned. "You've never seen me beaten, Donovan.", she let out a heavy sigh. "Aye... Cause way Ah understood is Howletts don't get beaten dey do da beating. Wat 'appened?”, he inquired. "I... Saw Merrick. He was trying to leave the Haven before I got there and I saw him and he saw me.",she exhaled. "The look in his eyes, his tone... I did that, Donovan. I did that.", she closed her eyes and exhaled, it shakey like she had been crying. "Then at the party all I could smell was him and Faelan and... and Zoe.", she explained. Donovan sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "Ya made a c'oice, princess. And some c'oices 'urt more dan ot'ers. As ya said he did find anot'er lass. And well it only been a year and ya've not needed ta face him till now. Dey say time 'eals all wounds. It a lie. Da wounds remain. In time, da mind, protecting its sanity, covers dem wid scar tissue and da pain lessens. But it is never gone.", Donovan let out a sigh.
"It isn't even that. I mean, I hurt. And I hate that. But it is what I did to him. And I wanted to just hold Faelan and be there. But I can't. I couldn't. Faelan needs a mom and I'll never be able to be a mother and I couldn't ever be his being part of Excalibur. Merrick deserves someone who can be his entirely, to love him so much. God I loved him, I still love him. And Faelan deserves a mom, not... whatever half-assed thing I'd limp along being.",she took a shaky breath, trying not to sob or start crying again. "I hurt him that bad. That was me. Because I was scared and wanted more for them than I ever could give.", she gulped back a sob. Donovan sighed. It wasn't exactly a comfortable conversation for the new guy, but he could choke that back. He'd been her friend and teammate longer. "Ya put dem first. Wat would be best fer dem in da long run first.", he pointed out. Rose could hear the sigh and frowned. she realized she shouldn’t be talk to him about this. He wasn’t just a teammate anymore. He was her boyfriend, well trying to be. “I’m sorry. I should probably go and talk to you later.”, she concluded. “Wat ya sorry fer?”, Donovan questioned. "Because this isn't your fight or a conversation I should be having with the only guy I trust enough to try something with..", she tried to explain. "Not seeing 'ow it really a fig't. Yer facing yer past, and 'indsight is always a bitc'. Sure not da most comfortable or comforting conversation being told by yer new lass she still in love wid her ex. But two points. One Ah was yer mate before ya deciding ya could try ta be wid me. And second if we gonna really try dis is someting we s'ould be able ta talk bout.", he argued.
"Donovan...",she smiled a bit. It was hard not to with him reassuring her. "He isn't an ex. We were never together. He... never told me how he felt.", she shook her head. "Ah said ex Ah dinna say ex boyfriend. He an ex lover. Fooking git, sorry dat da moderately jealous Scottish boyfriend talking.", he chuckled a little trying to joke. She laughed a little and wiped her face a final time. "Maybe Atif and Landon could wait. I don't know how long it'll take to get back, but would you be willing to wait for me to come back?", she asked. "Ah gotta keep telling ya dis princess? Gonna write it down fer ya Ah swear. Ah ain't going anyw'ere.", he smiled. She chuckled. "I know. I mean more, clear your planner because I just... need quiet, maybe a movie, and lots of cuddles.", she explained. "Ah dinna 'ave plans fer today. Kyle got training wid yer mum and his team today den said he was gonna see a film wid mah wee cousins. So Ah free as a bird.", he smiled. "I'll see you um.. however long it takes to get back from wherever I am.", she said looking around. "Good luck on dat. Dat's w'y Ah dinna rent a car. Wouldn't kne w'ere Ah going. Not ta mention ya freaking yanks drive on da wrong side da road. See ya w'en ya get 'ere ya kne mah room number.", he smiled ending the call. Rose sighed putting her phone away. Everything else could wait. Now just to find her way back to the Long Island Expressway so she could get back to Donovan.
Merrick and Malcolm drove up to Boston first going to pick up Hazel. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen your Nana. Think she’ll remember me?”, Malcolm asked as they pulled up. “You are a bit hard to forget Malcolm. Last time she saw you you started a lightening storm taking out the power in the house because Emma and Josalyn convinced you that grandma Emma’s astral form had survived and haunted the house.”, Merrick teased though growled a little when he said Emma’s name. Malcolm sighed a little hearing Merrick growl. He knew why Emma was blacklisted by Merrick, and didn’t blame him one bit. Hell he’d have blacklisted her after what she did to Leslie. “Yeah well I was only eight. Let’s see if I can make a better impression this time.”, Malcolm said getting out of the passenger seat and moving to the back knowing Hazel would get the front even if she was shorter than him. Merrick chuckled and got out to get her but Hazel was already walking out of the front door. “Hi Nana. Remember I told you we’d have a guest with us for our travels. My best friend Malcolm is in the back.”, he greeted. Malcolm peeked out the window at her. For being elderly she didn’t carrying herself that way. She still had her shoulders back and perfect posture and her blonde hair may be more gray but it was still obvious she’d been a blonde. She walked with a cane which Malcolm figured was more form than function. “Ah yes the lightening boy. I recall you mentioning that he wanted to invest in your company.”, Hazel nodded getting closer and giving Merrick a hug and pulling him down to her level to kiss his cheek. Malcolm laughed a little at the sight of Merrick hunched over at the will of an old woman.
“Yes Nana. Malcolm Durvo, his mother was president once.”, Merrick commented as Hazel started to get into the car. “Good to see you again young man. Any friend of my Merrick’s.”, Hazel smiled looking into the back seat. “And well good to see you grew to have your father’s build, lord you’re big..”, she commented. Tristan chuckled. “Why thank you ma’am.”, he smiled brightly. Merrick smiled as they drove to look at the storefront. “Investing in Merrick’s company is a smart move. I understand that you have a girl that you might want to marry some day?”, Hazel asked making conversation. “Yes ma’am. Merrick’s cousin Cora Lee Bryant. I’m hoping the investment will pay off so that I can get the perfect ring for her. I’m not sure I can top my cousins Billy or Tommy in out they proposed and don't’ think I could even top how her brother Landon popped the question.”, Malcolm explained. “Well all it takes is asking and having the ring. Long as she’s the right girl the yes will follow. Which reminds me Merrick…”, Hazel said turning her attention to Merrick. “What Nana?”, Merrick asked. “When are you going to propose to Zoe? Josalyn is getting married in July. Lily is getting married next April. Catch up boy.”, Nana questioned. Malcolm chuckled from the back seat. “Shut up chuckles. You haven’t proposed to Cora Lee.”, Merrick countered. “Leave Malcolm alone, He at least plans to and is making final preparations to buy the perfect ring. What about you?”, Hazel asked.
Merrick sighed as he parked. “I don’t know Nana. I love her. I want to be with her. Do I want to marry her? Yes of course. Hate nights that she’s at her apartment and I’m at the Haven. I just would need to find the right ring is all. Now come on let’s go look at this storefront.”, Merrick suggested getting out. Hazel sighed and Malcolm shrugged as they got out too. They all got out and first walked to the storefront a realtor there to greet them and show them the space. It was certainly large enough to hold furniture and be a store/showroom for his business. “Thanks for showing us the space. My associate and I will discuss it further go over the numbers and get back to you in a week.”, Merrick assured shaking the man’s hand. “I look forward to hearing from You both Mister Bryant-Frost and Mister Durvo.”, he said shaking Merrick’s hand and then Malcolms. The three started to walk down the street now on the opposite side than when they’d walked up from the parking garage. “Alright so you love Zoe, you are expanding your business so you’d be able to provide for her, so let’s ring shop.”, Hazel stated. Merrick sighed shaking his head. “It’s not just about finding the ring, it’s also about the right time right place. And it’s not like I’m Landon where I’ll just be walking past a jewelry store and see the perf….”, Merrick’s voice trailed off as he stopped in front of a jewelry store despite his own setup of the situation and looked into the window. There shining in the afternoon sun was a white gold right with a pearl and diamond leaves holding it in place. “What was the inconceivable premise you were setting up?”, Malcolm teased looking around Merrick at the ring. “Oh fuck you Malcolm.”, Merrick shook his head. “Oh save that offer for Zoe.”, he teased. Hazel chuckled. “So let’s go in and see how much it is. If you buy it you’ll have it when you decide it’s the right time…”, she suggested. Merrick nodded. “Yeah.. I suppose. It doesn’t mean I’m proposing to her when I get home or anything. But that’s a pearl and I can’t really think of a better ring for her..”, Merrick agreed walking inside.
“Whatever gets him through the doors.”, Hazel whispered to Malcolm who chuckled softly. Merrick walked up to the counter. “Hey how much is the pearl ring in the window and what’s it size?”, he questioned. “That’s a lovely choice too. It’s three hundred. And it’s a size five.”, the man said picking up the pearl ring to show Merrick. “Three hundred? Yeah okay I’ll take it.”, Merrick nodded. He’d been expecting the man to say more a lot more. “Excellent sir I’ll get that rung up for you right away.”, the clerk said cashing Merrick out. “Wow I can’t believe it. Merrick buying an engagement ring.”, Malcolm teased. Merrick rolled his eyes taking out his wallet. “This doesn't’ mean I’m proposing immediately. I need to think this through. Zoe deserves a perfect proposal. So neither of you are going to breath a word about this ring to anyone. Malcolm you breath a word to anyone at the Manhattan house, I’ll rip out your spine. I do not want this getting back to Zoe.”, Merrick commented taking his bag containing the ring.. Malcolm pretended to zip his lips and then lock them. “My lips are sealed.”, he smiled. “I won’t say anything either. You ask her when you are ready.”, Hazel nodded before they walked out. Merrick drove Hazel home first.
“Soooo guess you are taking me home?”, Malcolm asked glancing at the clock it was almost six. Merrick looked at the clock, Faelan had been with Zoe most of the day now. He looked to the jewelry store bag in the center console and sighed a little. “I need a drink I think.”, Merrick said. “Um alright. I can’t drink yet but sure.”, Malcolm agreed. Merrick didn’t really care if he had company or not when he went to the bar. So Merrick found a bar and the pair headed inside finding a space at the bar to sit. “Heineken.”, Merrick ordered when the bartender came over to them. “I’ll just take a water, not twenty-on yet.”, Malcolm added. “So lot on your mind?”, Malcolm asked taking a sip of his water after it was set down. “Yeah something like that.”, Merrick shrugged taking a long swig from his beer. “Zoe? Or Rose?”, Malcolm asked. Merrick shook his head. “Both then. Come on man I know I’m your best friend. I know that Rose being back in town has to mean something. What happened with Rose?”, he asked. “What do you mean by that?”, Merrick countered. “I mean the summer before Faelan was born Cora Lee and I almost came upon you and Rose hooking up at her hotel. I got Cora Lee to leave just before you got to the floor. Then Rose left and Jenna got knocked up. She came back and left early without giving much reason.”, Malcolm explained. Merrick sighed and ran his hand over his face.
“Rose and I had fooled around, hooking up since her senior year of high school.”, Merrick shrugged. “Oh shit. Um alright. So you fell for her? What happened? Faelan? You shacking up with Zoe?”, he questioned. “All of the above. Yes I fell for Rose. God help me but I did. I mean you know I always thought she was hot. And then when I got her, god.”, he shook his head. “I don’t know what to really say. The sex was incredible, and because she has her healing factor and we both have an animal nature to our powers it was rough in the best kind of ways. And over the years it became about more than sex. The summer before Faelan I was pretty sure I was in love. Obviously not enough for me to ask her out or not sleep with other people. Then there was Zoe. Those seven months with Zoe before Faelan was born. We didn’t have sex but everything else was amazing. It was a relationship. It wasn’t based on sex, it was best on friendship. I hadn’t been happier or more content than those months with her. Then I had Faelan and tried to focus on him. And Rose came back and part of me hoped that maybe she could accept Faelan and what happened with Zoe. That she loved me back enough to want to be with me. She met Faelan and I was honest about everything. She had her choice of fight or flight”, Merrick sighed taking a long drink of his beer.
Malcolm nodded with a sigh. “She took flight. But it worked in your favor man. You got Zoe. She’s your, other, best friend. You are truly dating your best friend. She loves Faelan, hell she loved Faelan before he was born. Because really everything she did in helping you prep for him showed how much she was going to love that boy. So yeah it sucks Rose didn’t thinks he could fill that role and be more to you. But you got Zoe, the woman you love out of the deal. Zoe is here in Bayville not an ocean away. You don’t have to wait months on end for her to come home just for a visit. You can see her anytime you want. She’s the yin to your yang. And that’s why you want to marry her. Because you finally found your one. It took you longer than the rest of us, but you found her. She had to fly all the way from Italy and go through some serious pain and shit with her family but she found you and you found her.”, Malcolm smiled. Merrick nodded. “You’re right. That’s why I wanted the pearl for her. Because a pearl is created from an oyster taking the pain and irritation of the grain of sand and forming it into a miraculous one of a kind beauty. And Zoe was that grain of sand and everything she’s gone through as made her into truly a one of a kind beautiful pearl.”, Merrick smiled taking a long drink of his beer. “Fuck that’s deep for you. You have moments that you are such a fucking Bryant.”, Malcolm teased.
As the two drank and talked a couple women kept looking down the bar at them before finally deciding to get up and approach. “Hey um, do you mind if we join you two? Seems a shame for two good looking men like yourselves to be sitting here alone. I’m Jennifer and this is my friend Rebecca.”, the blonde greeted with a smile looking at Merrick. Merrick looked over his shoulder at the two women, they were attractive and if this was pre Faelan and being with Zoe his answer would probably have been different. “Yeah...not in this lifetime. We both have girlfriends.”, Merrick commented in his more asshole mode tone. Malcolm sighed shaking his head at Merrick and he flashed a smile to the girls. “We are very flattered ladies. But we do have amazing girlfriends. So gotta say nah we good.”, he smiled being a bit sweeter with the response. “Oh and where are these amazing girlfriends?”, Rebecca asked folding her arms across her chest. Which she did that one to look a bit more serious and the other to try and draw attention to her chest. Merrick rolled his eyes. The last time he’d been hit on unwantedly was at Zoe’s wrap party at the club from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers where he just said he was there with Zoe and walked away. He didn’t have that option this time, she wasn’t there. “Our beautiful women are at home. Mine attends NYU getting her masters of business with a doctorate in music.”, Malcolm answered proudly bragging about Cora Lee. “And mine is home with our son.”, Merrick stated. Both girls blinked. “Wait you have a son together?”, Rebecca asked. “That’s what I said isn’t it. Now excuse us.”, Merrick said stepping around the two girls. Malcolm smiled finishing his water. “Have a nice night ladies.”, he nodded to them getting up and following Merrick. “Well if that was ever a test I don’t know what is. At least we passed.”, he smiled getting into the car. Merrick rolled his eyes. “Yeah. Well let’s go.”, Merrick said driving Malcolm back to Bayville to catch the train back home.
Rose found her way to Donovan’s hotel room and knocked. Donovan got out of his bed rather groggy not having really slept and opened the door. “Glad ta see yer sense o direction dinna fail ya.”, he smiled sleepily. “You haven’t slept at all have you?”, she asked stepping into the room. “No. But nor ‘ave you. Some come on den we can sleep toget’er just not in da naked fun way.”, Donovan smiled shutting the door. Rose rolled her eyes taking off her riding jacket and boots before getting onto the hotel bed stretching out. She’d not been in a hotel room with a man since Merrick, and he’d held her then. She tried to not think about that as Donovan got onto the bed next to her. Donovan wasn’t exactly sure if he should try to hold her or what, she said she wanted to go slow after all. Rose sighed a little wondering he if he was going to try and cuddle or what he was going to do. There was barely an inch between them on the bed. Donovan decided to try for the cuddle and rolled his side bringing and arm over her, tucking the other under the pillows, pulling her closer. “Can ya just not worry me like dat again?”, he asked. Rose smiled and nodded a little. “I’ll try.”, she agreed. “Good. Now Ah gonna get sleep and yer not goin now’ere.”, he stated holding her a little tighter for emphasis closing his eyes. Rose sighed but didn’t fight it and let herself fall asleep in his arms.