Path of the Hunters [PART 3]

She licked his cheek fondly, pleased to finally have him smiling. "Of course." There was the sound of sniffling from the babies' direction and Aurélie licked his other cheek. "Time for you to go play Daddy."

"Only if you play Mommy," he said playfully, nuzzling her.

"Mm... As long as the diapers are dry, 'appily." She nipped his ear, smiling.

He got to his feet, bringing her with him. "Not the cleanest job in the world, is it?" he said with a smirk. "Good thing for you, I've got experience in this."

"Mm... Oui." She meandered over to them, lifting Aurora first. Her diaper was dry, but she seemed hungry. Easing into a chair, she let the girl feed, smiling softly. They were still as precious as they'd been the day before; the overwhelming love she'd felt hadn't wavered.

Nova followed, bringing Dart into his arms. A dry diaper, thank goodness. They might have been good children, but they sure knew how to make a mess. It was a good thing he knew what to do, otherwise they would have been in trouble.

He chuckled softly, nuzzling his baby boy. He then cried out when Dart grabbed his lower lip and pulled. Pulling away from the boy's surprisingly strong grip, the both of them went into a laughing fit. They were so precious, he couldn't keep his normal cool around them. Not that he minded, of course.

Aurélie watched the pair with amusement, gazed down at her daughter who looked back with undeniable curiosity. "Mm... What an interesting few years this is going to be," she murmured, smiling.

"Yeah, it is," Nova said, Dart giggling his agreement. "So, what should we expect in London? An army, maybe?"

"In London? No. I 'ave no enemies in London and we should be able to keep our travels there secret." Aurora's tiny hand curled into a loose fist, resting on the curve of her mother's breast. The dog gazed down at her daughter, a determined light in her eyes.

"We will keep them a secret, but we will be prepared for anything. It is France that may prove difficult. I am sure that someone may 'ave located Kane's passageways. If not, taking the Baudoin elder should prove to be simple."

"Well, Crescent says Kane knows how to cover his tracks." He looked down at Dart, who sent his own curious eyes to his father. "But still, if they really are working together, it'll be far from easy. Not to mention he might have something to use against us."

Aurora looked over at her father, gurgling. "Trade," Aurélie mused, smiling softly.

He noticed Dart looking over at his mother, reaching for her. "Okay." He brought Dart over to her, taking Aurora from her arms.

She took Dart, laughing softly when he immediately started to feed. "'E knows what 'e wants," she murmured, tilting her head back to smile at Nova. "Je t'aime."

He chuckled, nuzzling Aurora as he did Dart. He turned back to Aurélie, smiled. "I love you, too. I'd hate to be cliche, and say that you and the kids are the proudest things in my life, but who am I kiddin'?"

She laughed again. "'Oo wouldn't be proud to 'ave been lucky enough to 'ave me? Or them," she added, smiling at her son.

"I think they would've been proud just to survive you, let alone have you. After all, you're one of, if not the most dangerous woman on the planet. Our families have a lot to fear from people like us." He looked down at his daughter, smiled. "Especially now."

"Oui." She stroked Dart's back gently. "We should leave today or tomorrow... Waiting a week or so would mean they would all relax their extra guards, but... Not waiting risks another attack."

"Not to mention the safety of their hostage... And anyone else they managed to round up..." He sighed, thinking about who else could be in danger.

"Star... She should be saved today. Everyone will 'ave slept; we 'ave the energy to deal with them again."

He nodded. "What about the kids? I don't think you wanna bring them on a death run, like this."

"No..." She sighed. "Even not pregnant, I am stuck." She gently nuzzled Dart, tugging Nova's shirt (she hadn't wanted to sleep in her dress and nothing else had been available) back in place. "I will stay with them again."

He shook his head. "You said you needed to go; You will go. Besides, I'm sure Elesis won't mind watching them. She's already watching Yue, as it is."

She nodded. "Part of it is me just not wanting to leave them..."

"I empathize, but we can't give them any leverage over us. And I need you out there, by my side."

She smiled. "Then I will be there, mon coeur."