The Completion of a Circle - Dark Love 3

CHAPTER 2

The cold that announces all travelers from the Dark Paths filled the room as Azrael returned Titania as he had sworn.

Cerberus was first delighted, then stunned, as yet a third emerged. His delight rapidly swung to fury as he recognized yet 'another' of the Lined Elders. "Who is that?" He hissed pointed to Isis.

Titania moved to place herself before the tiny Elder. "Watch it Cerberus." She gave him a single warning. "This is the only one out of five Elder's on the council that backed me. The others would have let my Sire's killer get away with it." Her voice was low, and full of threat. She might not be able to even cause the Covenstead Master so much as a moment's grief, but if he came at the ancient old woman, she was going to try.

He growled. "Damn you Azrael. I told you, did I not? 'I did not', want another of the Lined blood , most especially not one of the, 'Elders', knowing where I live." He glared at Isis.

Azrael shook his head in exasperation as he grabbed his arm. "I have fought enough for your rights today, Childe, that you should try to show some graciousness." The threat was there, clear and clean. Covenstead law, or no Covenstead law he would not be called to task by this Fledgling, a mere Childe. "This is one of, 'my' blood. She is the sister of my Sire." He lifted a slim finger. "And, she was the only, Elder, at that Tribunal that had final say in your little Charges fate." He pulled Cerberus forward to face her, refusing to be ignored. "Hate it as you might. 'She', is the one Elder that you should be overjoyed to have within these walls. And you, 'will', show her the respect due her by her age and her wisdom." The tone of his voice allowed no argument, as he forced Cerberus to his knee. He understood Cerberus's fear, and pains, but to take the attitude that all Elders are evil. No. That he could not accept.

Cerberus felt a brief, burning flash of fear. Covenstead law or no, here, now, he would bow, be forced to bend. "Forgive me," he whispered the words. "My apologies, Mistress."

Isis just smiled. "Oh, Azrael, do let the boy be. If we have failed in our duties as badly as it does seem we have. Is there any wonder, why he does not want those of the Line's in his realm?" Her hand touched Azrael's where it still held Cerberus's shoulder.

Azrael nodded, "Sorry, Covenstead Master, it just seems as I have done nothing but fight for you and yours for so long. Your caution hit me as ingratitude." He patted the younger Kin's arm. "Now, where is Morgan?"

Eris looked up from the card game he was playing with Morgan, at the new voices. Titania was back, and with her came his little charges Master. He did not know what to be happier about. The fact that Titania was back and alive, or that Azrael had come back and he would be able to relinquish his baby-sitting job.

He folded his hand smiling. "Card game is over dear, your Master has returned for you. Why don't you go on and hurry back to him. I'll put this stuff away."

Morgan wasn't used to the layout of the house. It was not like anywhere she had lived, past or present. So she backtracked her steps through rooms filled with Kin carefully seeking, the, living room once again.

The decor wasn't bad at all. True it was nothing like she had become accustomed to living with Azrael, but it was better decorated than her old home had been.

But there were too many damned rooms, she kept getting turned around, trying to remember which room was which. She should have paid more attention to where she was going when she left the main room. If she had, she wouldn't have ended up as lost as she was now.

She was going to need help. Like it or not, she needed help to find where she was going. "Uh," she reached out and tapped a young looking man on the shoulder. "I hate to bug you, but how do I navigate in this place?"

Blond hair, dark brown eyes, in a face that marked him a hunk in her mind, brightened with a grin turned to meet hers. "And just who might you be?" A tone, as bright as the smile, "you're not one of us, and I think I know all the mortals here, did one of the crew slip you in while I wasn't looking?" He reached up and brushed her cheek with his fingers. "I think I might just be jealous."

Several other Rogue's laughed behind him. "Mike, that's the Elder's girl." One of the other men in the room shook his head. "You don't remember?"

"Ah," now it made sense. "I didn't see her when she came in. I was out." The merriment in his eyes didn't change as he looked back at her. "I'm sorry, I didn't know." He stroked her cheek again. "What's your name honey?"

She didn't feel any bad vibes from him, he felt a lot like Joseph felt, warm, safe and good. And as used to vampires as she was, his flirting with her didn't even bother her. "Morgan." She held out a hand. "Now, could you please tell me how to get back to where I started this day at?"

He chuckled. "Do better than that, pretty girl, I'll lead the way." He offered her his arm. "I know just how you feel. When Cerberus first brought me here, it took me days to find my way around. Just be glad you don't have to live here."

"Why not?" She didn't understand his statement. Was it meant as a warning or a threat?

It was neither. "Because, my dear," he escorted her into the main portion of the house. "Then you would have to learn how to navigate here, and it was a bitch for me, and I'm a vampire. It takes new mortals, weeks to learn all the places in this maze."

Her helper, forgotten Morgan squealed as she released his arm and rushed to her Master. "You got back." It felt so good to be back in his arms. She had been so worried.

"Yes precious," it was difficult not to laugh at the relief in her face. "Did you think I would abandon you here?" He hugged her. "Silly thing, you are my Chosen."

Cerberus was having trouble absorbing all the things happening in his home. "As you see Azrael, I kept my word. She's returned to you, no worse for staying here."

"Yes," Azrael squeezed her once more before letting her go. "I did not doubt your word Childe, just your refusal to listen to reason." Then to Morgan, "sweet, allow me to introduce you to my Sire's sister, my aunt, Isis."

Large brown eyes in a small beautiful oval face greeted her as she turned to look at the woman who was so old, that even her Master was a Childe compared to her. "Umm," okay, what should she say? "I-I am honored, your Ladyship. It is good to meet you. I didn't know there were any older than my Master."

The soft deep mellow chuckle was soothing. "Not many little one, but a few." She turned to Azrael. "No power here, but what a darling Childe she will make regardless of the lack of Magecraft abilities." She was impressed with her nephew's good fortune. "But then you always did have the devils luck when it came to your young."

Azrael smiled down at Morgan. "Yes, she is as precious and as dear as any Childe I have ever given my blood to." She glowed under his praise. Preening and blushing at the same time. It was the one thing she liked most about living with her master. She never had to wonder what he thought or felt about her. She knew he would tell her. That constant, almost parental, support was what had helped her heal and grow over the years.

"Pity that Osiris no longer walks among us." Isis looked upon her brothers Childe fondly, as he lost himself in the young mortal's eyes. "He was never anything but proud of you."

"Aye, I miss him still, though he has been gone from me since just after I pushed my First-Born from my home, to learn to be adult." Over a thousand years and it still hurt. Would he ever stop missing the man who made him what he was, and through him many others?

A soft clearing of a throat brought them back to the here and now, and away from memories better left in the past, where they belong. "Excuse me, Elders," Cerberus stood there, Eris at his side, both watching them closely. "But if it is all the same to you Azrael," he bowed his head at the elder Kin. He had been forced to bend once in his own home tonight, already. He didn't want to repeat the shame. "I have kept my word, your Chosen there is returned to you safe and in as good a condition as you left her. Thank you for standing for Titania, for seeing that she got the justice that she needed. But again, I must ask you, to leave. My Brood, have come to accept that you will not do them wrong, and through you, we can even accept the near immortal there. But as you know, not all those in my home are my Brood."

There were murmurs of agreement from all around the room, with one exception. The young Kin that had led Morgan back to the main room shook his head. "Scuse me, Master." He looked to Cerberus, merriment dancing in his eyes. "But, like it or not, we owe them at least something of a welcome."

Cerberus looked at him. It was Zephyr, putting his two cents in. He should have known. This one was the one and only that he had given the Gift to in the last twenty years. And as the baby of the family, the Fledgling had always felt safer to speak as he felt. Knowing that approve or not, none of his elder brothers, nor his Sire, or his Sire's Husband would allow him to be really harmed. "Zeph, I didn't know you had made it back from your hunt. Any luck in your search?" His tone was light, but there was warning in his eyes.

The boy was looking for a new pet. He had decided that all the ones in the house belonged to others, and he couldn't keep filching blood from his Sire or his brothers.

Zephyr chuckled moving to throw, himself, into a chair, completely missing his sire's warning glare. "Nope, came up empty handed again. It's hard to find one that fits the bill, ya know?" He looked both Azrael and Isis over. "So rumor has it that Titania's trial went well. She's back, and whole. So how come you're standing there acting like we're about to go to war?"

Eris could have kissed the boy. He too had been wondering for days why his lover was so bent about this. They were Rogues. There was nothing that could be done to dispute this. But on the same token so far the Elder, who had come after Set and made him pay for his crimes, hadn't made any moves that could be read as threatening in any way. Even after forcing his husband to bend, was willing to beg pardon for his loss of temper. "You know Cerberus, your son has a valid question. Why are we refusing any connection between us, and the other Covenstead? Obviously they follow the Laws. Titania would be dead by now. You in chains, if they didn't. What is the hang-up?"

Cerberus turned to glare at his husband. * How dare you question me, here like this? * His thoughts battered at Eris's.

* Well stop acting like a fool, and I won't question you. You know how I feel about this. I am ashamed. This Elder has done nothing to earn your hatred, if anything he has worked to do all that he can to make us feel safe and that he would back you. I won't just stand back, silent, and let you shame me . * He held his head up, eyes locked with Cerberus's. * Will you force his hand? Will I lose my Husband and Sire? * Not a sound was heard in the room as the two Kin faced each other. Both believing, that they were right. And both trying to make the other see in a silent battle of wills. It did not go well for the house when these two fought. Any who had been at the Covenstead for more than a few decades had learned. Cerberus and Eris, almost never fought, but on the rare occasion they, did, it was best to get out of their way.

Mike as all but, Cerberus and Eris knew him, cleared his throat trying to break the stalemate. "I'm sorry, Father, didn't mean to cause this fuss." He'd get his ears boxed in if this kept up much longer. "I'll take myself and my mouth out of here." He moved to leave, but Eris wouldn't let him. "Do I have to?" He began to swear softly at the curt nod. "Shit."

Morgan tugged at Azrael's sleeve. "Az, maybe we need go, hu?" She had been with Azrael and his folks for almost three years now, and she knew what the look on Cerberus's face meant. He was mad, and as soon as they left, someone was going to get an attitude adjustment.

"Yes, Azrael, your Chosen is right, we need leave these to their own lives. Enough disruption for one evening." Isis wanted no more chaos. She had had quite enough for one night.

He nodded. "Yes, you both are right. No need in standing here listening to what is obviously a lovers quarrel." He moved to break the two up. "Excuse me, Coven Master, but there is not need for this. We are leaving. On your word, that there be peace between our houses."

Cerberus turned from Eris, "On one condition Elder. Your word that neither you, nor any of the Elders you are tied to return here. Your coven members, and mine are welcome to inter mix, but 'you, and those like you' stay out." There was an embarrassed anger in his voice, one that had it not been so important to keep the peace, Azrael would have laughed at.

Both Eris and Zephyr rolled their eyes. It was obvious that it was going to take them a little time to warm their lover/Sire, to the idea of having the Lines in their life again.

Azrael bowed. "Though I can not speak for any but myself, I give my word, I will violate your home no more with out your permission." He looked to Isis, who nodded smiling. "You have both our words Cerberus, but know this." His tone was a breath above a threat. "As you have said, I too will allow my Fledglings, and those who seek protection in my home to visit with those here. But should the day come that any in my care are harmed. My agreement is ended." And with that, all three faded from the room.

Eris sighed in relief. " 'Well that' could have gone better." He hit Cerberus. "When will you learn to lighten up. In case you have forgotten, that 'particular' Elder, has not only stood by one of us, but also dealt with getting rid of a little problem of yours." Though he was shorter than Cerberus, his lack of size had never slowed him down in any way. "Or haven't you figured it out yet. Had Azrael not killed Set, it would only have been a matter of time before he would have challenged you. And you know what might have happened then." Then there was, pain and fear in his eyes. "And to challenge him, I do not want to be a widower." He almost sobbed. "I have no life without you, please, don't let your own stupidity be the end to ours."

Like it or not, Cerberus could not argue the point with his husband. Set had been pushing those last few months. He might have challenged him, and had he lost, not only would the Covenstead been lost to him, but his lover and Children become nothing more than Set's slave. "Okay, baby, I'll give it some thought." He bent a little. "Though I have to tell you, it is going to take a little time to get used to this again." His lips brushed Eris's, "I'm sorry for scaring you baby. Just got away from myself, that's all, like I said, give me a little time."

Eris nodded, sighing in relief. "Well, love," he could feel the tension in his husband's body. "Aren't we lucky that, that one particular commodity, has been given back to us."

Cerberus turned to look at Zephyr, the smile on his face fading. "You on the other hand." The look on his face promised harsh retribution. "Looks like I am going to have to teach you to keep you mouth out of my business, again." He hated when he had to punish any of his children, but this one most of all. "Strip, then go over there and lean against the wall."

Eris lay a hand on Cerberus's arm. "Are you going to hurt him like last time?" He wouldn't try to stop him, he had learned a long time ago, that, fighting with him when he was like this only promised whichever Childe had earned punishment, would be hurt more.

Cerberus shook his head. "No, I don't feel like living with you throwing knives at me with every glare. I'll whip him, chain him downstairs and then I'll think." He began to unbuckle the belt at his waist as Zephyr stripped. "Go on with you boy. When are you going to learn," the first blow fell, even as the Fledgling leaned against the wall.

Zephyr struggled not to cry out as the first was quickly followed by a second, third, fourth and more. His Sire was angry, and he would suffer for it.

"Poor, love," Eris shook his head, talking to no one inparticular as he watched Cerberus reduce his Childe to a bleeding huddled mass on the floor. "I don't know what is going to hurt Cerberus more, the humiliation of having to publicly bend to another, or the shame he is going to feel at his taking it out on Zeph."

* * *

Morgan shivered to herself as the returned to their home. Everything had been returned back to normal and it felt like home again. Everyone was so calm, so relaxed. Not even Jason who had been worried about her earlier this evening, was bothered in the least as she moved to where Azrael sat, nodding to Isis to take her seat as well. "So, Az," she pulled up into his lap. Her little mouth, soft against his, promising sweetness. "I did like you asked. You promised me your full, complete and undivided attention when we got back here, if I behaved myself. I'm holding you to that promise." She understood that her Master would, of course, want to spend time with his relative, and yet she had followed his directions to the letter, with the promise of a night of him, and no one else, as a reward if she were good.

He chuckled. "When have you ever known me to break a promise, sweet?" He gave Isis a knowing look before looking back down at him, lovingly. "I spoil you, and you know it."

She giggled as he bit along her throat. "To the core." He could keep doing this for the rest of eternity. She loved him, and as long as he held her, the world was right and there was a tomorrow.

"I can only stay briefly little sister, so if you will wait, I need to bid my nephew a fond farewell." Isis knew her brother, and in knowing him as well as she had, was not at all surprised at Azrael's excesses. If anything, had Azrael put off his Chosen, she would have wondered.

They both sighed. "Yes, Elder," it was amusing in a way. He was almost four thousand years old, and still having to bend to those older than he was. It was not something that happened often. "You will not stay, share these delightful darlings with me?"

"No, I too have a pet. Unlike you, who still need so much, I feed out of need once, mayhaps twice, a year." She smiled as Morgan and several others in the room gaped at her in amazement.

A movement from the, shadowy, corner. "Excuse me." Joseph cleared his throat. "But Lady, if you only need to feed about once every six months or so, why keep a mortal?

The bell like ring of her laughter seemed to fill the room with music. "I said, out of need . But even one as young as you, must know that the feeding is not all for need. I am a quiet woman. The lad I have is all I need. Unlike you youngling's who must feed so often that unless you keep a house full, you will be forced to hunt. I only need one. And at my age, the fewer distractions the better." She rose to stand. "I must leave you now dearest. I know where you live once more and we will be together again, soon, but for now I must go."

They all understood what she meant. Usually, by the time Kin reached her age most of them, they lived alone. Disturbing no one, and allowing no one to disturb them. The very concept that a Elder Kin who was nearing her ten thousandth year, and was willing to still keep a mortal, and speak to those around her, was something of a surprise. "Aye, and I know that you are near." He released Morgan as he stood to bid his aunt and Elder farewell. "It has been too long. I was no longer sure you still lived. When my Sire died, I lost my tie with you, and no longer felt your life as I had once."

Though Azrael was not by, modern standards, a tall man, the little Elder Kin was tiny in his arms. A feeling of almost having his Sire with him once again swept over him as she returned his kiss, reaffirming the old ties and connections. "Do not stay gone so long this time, Isis, now that I know that you live, I would welcome you gladly, with joy and love, within the walls of my domain."

Soft, large, brown eyes smiled up into his as she laughed again. "Aye, I have missed you as well little one. And though I never once in all my years, ever, expected to be reintroduced to you as I was, I am glad I have been."

Robyn rolled her eyes. "You know something." She whispered to her soul-bonded. "You would think with the way they are acting, that none of them has ever run up on anyone who has been out of their lives for a long time." She laughed as Torin swatted her.

"Hush, I think it's sweet. And just think. We got a great-aunt now, and once we have pulled our hundred years here, it's a place to go." He was a planner, and knowing that there was another of their Master's line still, out, there, that they could call upon other than Michael was refreshing. "Besides, how many Female Elders are there anyway? I've seen two so far, and one of them we didn't even know existed, but now that we do."

She nodded. "You do have a point there, pretty face. Kin is so male oriented, that it would be rather cool to have a Lady Elder to hang with." She had been considering David's Sire, but with the renewed awareness of their blood Kin, it changed things. "Only question we still have, is, would she take us? You got to admit, even though she don't look a day over maybe thirty-five, she's old."

Isis turned smiling at the two. "I heard that." And the smile turned to, out right laughter, as the two sputtered apologies. "Hush, both of you. I am old. Even Kin ages eventually. Now what is the question that the two of you were discussing in regards to me?"

Robyn looked to Torin with a, 'you wanna say it, or shall I' , look. He nodded to her. She was female after all.

"Umm." She thought hard on how to put this forth. They were not even vampires yet, and already they were planning on where to run when Azrael threw them out. "It's not important. Just running over possible hiding spots when we wear out the welcome here."

Azrael chuckled. "Those two, as you see, are both Magi, as well as my Chosen. And it would seem that they are making plans for their future. Though I have not even made them my Fledglings yet. I am waiting until I believe that one can live through the beginnings of the other's transformation." It was rather amusing. And he knew exactly which of the two have begun the planning. "Torin, the boy, is a planner. He tries so very hard to leave nothing to chance."

Isis nodded. "And where have I seen that trait before, I must wonder." Though the thought of having not one, but two young adults under her roof was neither wanted or peaceful, she had to admit to herself that when the time came, it might just be pleasant. "And I am being considered by these two?"

"Torin, he is ever conscious of his bond mates needs. There are far too few of her gender in the Lines. So she is, of course, seeking an elder female Kin to finish her training under once she has served her time here with me. Sharra has been considered, and has agreed with me that for Robyn's own emotional stability that she would accept them, but now."

She nodded before looking back, to, the two, youngling's, who, held, their, breaths. "I, must, warn you children, I am old. Living with me will not always be easy, so set in my ways am I, but" she smiled at them. "If when the day comes, you seek me out, I will not turn you away. I owe my nephew that much. I would never ban a Childe of his from my protection."

"Hey, that's great." The tension in Robyn's eyes left at the reassurance that they would not be refused. "Thanks." She hugged Torin before turning to hug Isis. "Thanks Lady, you have no idea how good it is to know where we are going."

Isis did not stay longer than was needed to bid them all a fond farewell, and extract several promises from Azrael, now that they were known to each other again, to keep her abreast of how things were in his home.

Once she was gone, the house exploded into many voices, all talking at once. Azrael allowed the relief of shock, stress, and joy for several minutes before calling it to a halt. "Enough children." He was no longer simply chuckling, but laughing full throatily. "So Megel, what do you think of your great-aunt? You have not seen her since you were a Childe."

Michael smiled in fond memory of what he had known, and what was now so obviously still the same. "She is just as she has always been to me Azrael. 'Great, grand, and glorious . "

"I didn't know any female Kin were still alive that were as old as she, other than Diana." David was floored. He had seen, heard, and honored an Elder so wonderfully beautiful and gracious that he almost worshipped her as much as his own Sire. "You really didn't know that she still lived?"

Azrael shrugged, a habit he had taken from Jason, his Childe's Chosen. "I have always hoped and assumed that if she had died, I would feel something , but no I was not sure. So I did not dwell upon the thoughts." He pulled Morgan back against him. Pleased to see that she was eager to be there.

"Well I think she's neat as all hell." Morgan snuggled in his arms. "Now, my turn."

"You are a greedy thing. You know that, do you not?" It was over. He now knew, for certain, that the ancient Elder who was his aunt lived. His home had been strengthened and life would go on better and more settled than it had been in years. "Megel." He turned his attention for a brief moment back to his eldest. "I am taking my girl here and seeing that she is rewarded as befits her efforts. See to it that the rest are settled and that those on the Hall are seen to, and fed."

Michael nodded. He should have known that once it was over, Azrael would seek a quiet corner with one of his bunch. It could not be easy on him, having so many outside Kin in his home. He needed to relax. "You go take care of yourself Azrael, I will see to your domain."

And he could not help himself, so often today had he been reminded that to some he was still the youngling. That the one shot was impossible to pass up. "Thank you Megel, you have always been such a good Childe." With that he and Morgan faded from the room, just before Michael could react.

After they left, David chuckled. "I know someone who is going to walk bow legged for days." He commented with a nod in the direction that both Azrael and Morgan had gone.

"Yes, but she will be happy." Michael went to take care of all that needed to be dealt with before taking his three and heading for his rest. "Remind me, tomorrow, that I need to track down another for the Hall. I am taking Benjamin. He's the last of the first eight, and I think he has paid for his crimes." The he grinned. "Besides, I will need a new pet soon enough, my boy over there is going to be my Son before the week is out."

Jason looked up from where he and Joseph sat playing with Amber. "Master?"

"You heard me Jay, by the end of the week, latest, you will be my Childe. I have been reminded this evening how much the Lines need to grow in numbers."

Jason sat there stunned as Michael left the room to go tend to the nine feeders that they kept. He was going to be a vampire soon. He had such a hard time believing, after only three years, that Michael was going to go ahead and go all the way.

There was no question about him wanting it. He had been, wanting it, from that first night that he had learned that he would, one day, be Michael's Childe. It wasn't even the knowledge that he would probably be real sick for a good week that bothered him. It was simply that he was having a difficult time assimilating what was with what would be. "I'm gonna be like you." He whispered to Joseph.

Joseph hugged him. "That's right, and it will be really great having a little brother, that is as close to my age as you are." He grinned. "You know I should be bent out of shape. I haven't been Megel's for even a full three years yet and already he is taking on another. But I'm not. I'm thrilled for you."

"Megel is much older than I am Jay." David sat beside them. "I didn't take care of Cain when he was my Childe, I was still too wrapped up in Lil, but I am sure that your Sire won't have near the problems I did. I am beginning to believe that between Azrael and him, that there is damn near nothing that they can't do."

Amber pulled closer to him. "I for one, and glad to know that you are being taken out of the running. Like Azrael said, as soon as you become Megel's Childe, I become first, pet, with him. I happen to like the thought of being first in something for once." She teased, kissing him. "Congratulations Jason."

CHAPTER 3

Ben sat up as the door opened. "Master," his voice soft.

"Good evening, pet." Michael moved to sit on the edge of the bed smiling at him. "I hope you didn't think you would be left out."

Ben shrugged. "It's late, I figured that what with all the noise I heard earlier that you all would be too busy to worry about us." He held out his hand, and the cold metal band that held him, chained to the bed, was released.

"Azrael is busy. But you should have known that Vincent or I would have made sure that you were taken care of. You're blood bonded to us now." The boy wasn't shy. Over the last year, since Azrael had first blood bonded with the feeders, Ben had become more and more friendly. And Michael approved of that friendliness. It wasn't but just, under a year ago, when if he had come into this room, he would have been met with fear. Now, now that their blood had begun to work on the mortal in his arms, he was greeted with a willingness that was delightful. "Are you thirsty tonight?"

Ben nodded, looking down. "Have you made up your mind yet, Master?"

Michael looked up at him as he unbuttoned his shirt. "My mind about what, Ben?"

The boy sighed. "Nothing." He had been stupid. Michael had hinted that he was considering taking him out of this. "I just thought, well yesterday, you said."

"Ah," Michael pulled a knife from his boot. "Well, yes, I have made up my mind. It is why I took your chain off. It would be damned hard to take you with me if I had to drag the bed along down the hall."

Ben looked up at him, stunned. "Really?" His voice cracked in amazement.

Michael chuckled. "Yes, really. I don't tend to make promises that I won't keep." He set the boy back on the bed. "Now I want you to listen to me." He took the boy's hand. "You have to understand some things. I am not the only Kin that you will answer too."

"I know. I was warned last night." Ben bit his lip.

"No, not just the Kin here, in the house, but both Cain and soon to be Jason as well. They will be as much your Master's as I, for I am taking you as our pet." He looked him over. "Do you understand what I am saying?"

Ben nodded. He had over the last ten months come to accept what they made him feel. "Will they bite me too?"

Michael shook his head. "No, or at least not for a while. Cain is still locked to me, not that he can't stand alone now, but he is still healing from a past trauma and I will not push him away until he is ready, and Jason is still only, Chosen. It will be some time down the road. But they will you understand that. Eventually they will."

Ben sighed, again. "Okay, I can live with that. As long as you promise me that I get out of here." He had learned over the last year that honesty wasn't punished for here, only if he tried to be stupid and play head games did he get the shit beat out of him.

"Do you want to go to bed now, or after you drink from me?"

Ben looked at him, hoping beyond all hope. "I got a choice?"

Michael laughed softly, reaching out to tousle the boy's hair. "Sure you do, pet. As of now, you are no longer just one of the, Hall, but my pet. If you would just as soon get out of here as fast as you can, I will take you to where the rest are waiting, and will see to you there. But if you need a few more minutes of privacy, then-" he smiled. "I am a patient man."

He could get out of here. Okay so he would have to get used to getting fucked a lot, but that was okay, he could deal with that, hell if what he felt when they drank from him was any indication, he would like it a whole lot. "If it's all the same to you, Master, can we get out of here."

Michael sheathed the blade and stood, holding out a hand to him. "By all means, let's go to bed."

* * *

Morgan moaned softly as Azrael's fangs broke through the flesh of her neck. It had been a scary day, and she was so happy to have lived through it all. But more than that, she was overjoyed that she was here, with this man that loved her and would always love her.

"You are still the sweetest of my darlings." He cradled her against him. "I am quite sure that there has never been a child so loving and delightful."

She giggled. "You ain't seen nothing yet." She lightly bit his right nipple and then his left. Fingers moving up the inside of his thigh, before capturing his erection in a grip, that, had he been mortal, would have brought blinding pain. As he was not, it only added to the pleasure that he was already feeling at her willingness to love.

"You do realize that if you keep that up, you will be forced to finish this." He warned playfully.

"Not yet." She kissed the flatness of his belly. "Not before I finish," she looked up at him. "Please."

It took every ounce of self-control he had, not to pull her back up to him, push her, back, and bury himself into her sweet sex. But he only smiled and nodded. "I am, as always, all yours pet. Have fun."

As she went to blow him, she remembered the first time he had had her do this. She had been so shy, and at the time, had no clue what all this was about. But now, as she looked back on the last three years that she had been with him. She was more than just glad he had decided to take her into his care. At moments like this, she was ecstatic.

Azrael closed his eyes, sighing as the warmth of her mouth captured him. This was so sweet. She was such a delightfully physical creature. Wanting only to please and be pleased. She was made to be Kin, and as she reached to tease his with thrusting fingers, as she nipped and pulled on his scrotum he decided that, once he had gotten both Torin and Robyn through their first year, she would be next.

" 'Enough' ." he reached for her. "You drive me mad." There was no shyness, no hesitation, as her legs parted and she welcomed him between her thighs. "You are mine." He thrust down, eyes blazing as his power flowed over her. "Today, tomorrow, and forever." * You are mine ! *

*Yes , * she responded sobbing against his lips as his thrusts began to pound into her with force and passion that was just shy of painful. The knowledge of his complete domination over her did nothing but drive the joy and pleasure that she felt, anytime he held her farther still.

* * *

Ben looked around the room as Michael pulled him into it. There were others here. But he had figured they would be. What he hadn't counted on was how young they looked. He had gotten used to the vampires that were around him looking young, but not young . But as he looked first to the vampire on the bed, and then to the guy beside him, who was holding a woman, he realized that they were young, really young.

"So this is the one you keep talking about." Joseph grinned. "Hi Ben. I bet you never thought you would end up here, did you?"

Ben looked at him, unsure how to answer that. "No, but then I didn't think that I'd end up on anyone's menu either." He looked to Michael. "Master?" He had tried to get away with not addressing them as, Master, just once, and after the beating he had got, he decided that it was easier to just use the damn word.

"Go on boy, go crawl into bed with them. I'm here for you, and I won't forget you tonight." He finished undressing as Ben went to let them pull him up with them.

"So, pet," Michael sat beside him. "Before I begin with you. How much of a virgin are you?" He had not yet taken the boy, and as far as he knew, none of the others had either. Choosing instead only to ease the needs with his hands and mouth, so far.

Ben blushed. "Well," he looked anywhere but at the man that was looking at him. "Back before, you know, I came here. I had a girl friend. We fooled around, a, lot ." He was on fire as he, blushed, a deeper shade of red.

"No pet, has any of your Masters here done more than just touch you?"

Ben shrugged. "You, and David, and the Elder, but no one else, and then all you have done is get me off." Then, in a softer whisper, "I had to blow the Elder once."

Michael nodded. "Had to pet?"

He nodded. "He told me to, and he'd already beat me that day, so I wasn't going to argue the point with him. But that was back when I first got here." He wasn't going to point out that they all had, at that time still been living in the basement, and had lived in fear that one of them would be next to suffer. He remembered Casey, and what was done to him. But he didn't know if they knew that Casey had not been the first victim, only the most abused. He had never been raped, but he had been beat six separate times. Once by the Elder, three times by Derrick and once by both Michael and David. Of the six, he had to admit that three of them he earned. But the other three had been uncalled for, and more brutal, but that was all over now, he had not been beat in close to eight month, and now he was off the Hall and safe.

Michael resisted the urge to coddle the boy. Poor lad actually thought that they were unaware of what had happened. That once they had brought them upstairs, that the crimes done against them would still be secrets. "Are you afraid?"

He nodded. "Yeah, a little." He had watched Casey get fucked over real, bad, back then. And though he was pretty sure that that wasn't going to happen to him, he had to be honest with himself. Getting fucked, up the ass, had to hurt.

Michael reached for him. "I won't hurt you. You can ask Jason, Cain and Amber. They will attest that I am a gentle man." He kissed him. "Now you and I will bond. And you will belong to me, body and soul."

Ben cried out at the flash of pain shot through him, before the feelings of pleasure and desire took him. It shouldn't be like this. Being a living breathing buffet shouldn't be this good. But as he felt the gentle pull of Michael's mouth as he drank he loved it.

Michael chuckled as he pulled away, trying to disengage himself from the boy in his arms. "Easy goes it there, pet. I'm not going anywhere."

"What's next?" Ben tried to relax, but it wasn't easy. His whole world seemed to be centered on this strange and wonderful creature that held him. "You gonna do it now?"

There was soft laughter in the room as both Joseph and Jason could sympathize with Ben. They both had been where he was, and they knew how badly he was aching for something, a something that he didn't quite understand yet.

"Poor kid." Joseph reached out to ruffle his hair. "Go on Megel. If you wait much longer, he's going to be in sad shape."

"Is that so, Ben?" Michael reached for the blade again. "Do you want to go forward?" 'Jupiter's Balls, but I want this boy'. He thought to himself, drawing the blade across his chest, over his left breast. "Go on baby, drink."

It never changed. This wonderful feeling that he was getting. If anything it only got better, the more that he did it. If it would only last longer, he would be happier. But it never did. No matter how quickly he moved to catch the blood, or how hard to sucked. The most he had ever gotten was three quick sips, but oh what a great thing it was. And as hands began to roam his body, touching, stroking, pulling and teasing, he just gave in and accepted the reality of this.

Michael pushed him back, pressing him into the bed, laying over him. "You three, play while I welcome our newest pet." His eyes never left Ben's. "Later, we can all play together. But for now, I think it is better that it be just him and me."

"Michael." Jason touched his arm. "Have fun;" he grinned. "I know I will." And with that and a wink, he turned his attentions back to Joseph and Amber.

"He is a scamp." Michael chuckled bending down to kiss Ben. "But he is right, he will enjoy himself, and I am sure we will too."

Ben nodded. His whole being lost in the warm, soft, loving dark blue eyes that seemed to smile at him with understanding and compassion. "You gonna fuck me, right?"

'Oh well, here we go again' . Michael sighed. "No pet, I mean yes I will make love to you, but vampires almost never just, 'fuck ."

"Oh." Ben wasn't sure he understood what Michael had said, but he wasn't about to argue semantics with him right now. "Okay"

Michael looked at him, calling up the power that was always just a breath away. "Benjamin, I want you to pay close attention to what I am telling you. Listen and believe everything I say." He cupped the boy's face. "I will not hurt you. There will be no pain. Pleasure is all that you will feel, and as you feel it, you will begin to become part of it. This new life you lead, it might not be always easy for you, but you must believe, and accept, that here with me like this, * there will be no pain . *

'No pain', he promised. Of course there wouldn't be any pain. He didn't understand why the one, his master, was making such a big deal about this. "Okay." He reached up for him, mouth open as his arms wrapped themselves around Michael's shoulders. "Now, you gonna do it, now?"

* Yes pet, I will love you now . * Michael reached for him, willing that he give into the pleasure that he knew he could make the boy feel. "Roll over pet, I feel how much you want this, I want it too."

The soft half moan, half cry that escaped Ben's lips as Michael's cream slick finger slipped in, offering an ease of entry, a promise of painless love. "Ssshh there, there, pet, relax. It only gets better from here." He leaned down to whisper in the boy's ear. "Breathe, relax, enjoy. You have long since earned this. Poor thing, you have been going without for far too long."

Jason and Amber grinned as they watched Michael seduce the boy. "I envy him. I remember what it was like the first time he had me." She nodded in agreement.

"Me too." Joseph smiled as Michael began to make love to their new pet. "He is the greatest. I hate to say it, but I love him as much, if not more than I ever loved Vincent." He turned his back to his Sire as Michael began to bring cries of pleasure and pleas for more from Ben. "But as my Sire is busy, I suppose I will just have to make due with what is on hand." He smiled down at Amber. "So baby, you doing anything at the moment?"

Amber grinned. "Yeah. I'm getting balled silly." And the three turned their attentions to each other, leaving Michael to his newest charge.

Ben, was mindless, it was so good. But even as the pleasure that Michael gave him, thrusting with controlled passion. New pleasures assailed him as suddenly a hand found him, and as Michael began to make love to him in earnest, he set up a milking rhythm to drive him to madness.

* * *

Morgan cuddled against her master. Content, and sated. "So what happens next?" She drew patterns on his chest with the tip of her finger. "I mean, now that the word is out. Those Rogues, now that they know they can visit here, how weird is it going to get?"

Azrael stroked her hair, playing with the curls. It was so strange; her hair, which had been blonde and straight before her illness, now was of a reddish cast and curled in pretty ringlets. "Nothing, love. They are far more frightened of what Cerberus will do to them if they cause trouble, than anything I would do. That might be short sighted of them, but it will serve to keep trouble at a minimum." He looked at her with concern. "Why this fear, precious? Did any of those Rogues say anything ill to you? You should have said something to me. I would have taken who ever frightened you to task."

"Oh no," she sighed. "They were nice enough to me. It's just," how could she explain it. "They were so angry. I felt, I dunno, wrong for being there. Like it was all my fault." She hid her head in his chest. "I know that none of the folk connected to you would do anything bad to them, but I'm going to be one of the Vampyr real soon, and I felt guilty. Like I was part of what was to blame for what they had gone through."

Azrael snorted. "That is what they want you to think." He touched her lips with a finger. "I do not think that they are projecting the guilt purposely. If they were, I would know it. But there is a lot of hurt there, and they do blame the Line's, and for the most part are, justified, in their pain. But it is not your fault." He kissed the top if her head. "How could it be. You are still only Chosen. A, great many who live there, within that house, have been there, as long if not longer than you have been alive. Even if they could blame all the Lines for every pain they had ever suffered. You cannot be held accountable for things that took place before your birth." He hugged her tighter. "Go to sleep pet. Let, those of us better able to worry about the problem attend to it. You have done your duty, and I am proud of the way you held up. But I will not allow you to be placed at risk any more. You will be my Fledgling before I allow you to return to Cerberus's realm."

"He really wasn't a bad guy, ya know. And Eris, he was nice."

"Yes, I do think that that is a youngster that is going to do a great deal in creating a peace for his husband. Even if Cerberus fights him the whole way."

She giggled again. "Yeah, I guess your right. Like it or not, eventually Eris will wear him down." She reached up and kissed him. "G'night Azrael. I love you."

"Pleasant dreams, precious."

* * *

William curled up against Zak, relaxing for the first time today. It had been a scary night. "Do me a favor." He muttered.

"What?" He had noticed how stressed William had been all night.

"Remind me never to piss any of you off."

Zak chuckled at that. "You really are upset, aren't you?"

William pulled up, resting on his elbows, to look down at Zak. "Upset, man, that is like saying the sun is just a little deadly. I was scared out my mind."

Zak looked at him closely. "Why love? You aren't Kin. They wouldn't have killed you. You are a Mage. Taken you home with them, yes, but not killed you." William growled at him. "I'm not real afraid of death, at least not anymore. But there are worse things than death. I know. I lived that hell once, I don't want to ever have to again."

Zak brushed William's cheek with the tips of his fingers. "What happened to you? I know that you have given me hints off and on since I moved in with you, but you never told me the full story. Please lover, tell me what it is you fear."

William didn't want to tell anyone what had happened to him. Cindy knew, but she was dead, Robyn know, but would die before she ever told anyone. The only other man, other than his father, who knew had been Adrian, and he was dead too. But Zak had the right to know. Maybe if he understood why he didn't always deal well with some of the stuff that went on in the house, Zak wouldn't get so frustrated with him.

"Back when Cindy and I first started to like each other, there were some problems. My folks hated her. She wasn't rich enough, her dad wasn't as important as they wanted. They basically thought she was just a gold digger. We had a lot of fights as Cindy and I started to fall in love."

"Yes, she had told me that your parents hated her for a long time. But I never found out what happened to make them stop trying to separate you."

"Well, it all came to head one night, when my folks found me at her house, and blew up. I guess you weren't in at the time. They told her that if they had to get her arrested to keep her away from me, they would. And flat out told me that if I ever tried to see her again, they would send me so far away that I would never get back home."

Zak shook his head. "I can just imagine how well that went over." He couldn't see either Cindy, or William putting up with that kind of order.

William nodded. "I told them to get fucked and split. I ran away." He shrugged. "Me a skinny, not overly butch looking kid loose in the streets of Chicago." He stopped. There was no way he was going to be able to pull this off. *Let me love, * Zak's mind touched his. * Just open to me; let me see what it is you fear . *

*Okay , * he was glad. It was easier to just let Zak in, if he found what he was looking for, good. But if not, well at least he didn't have to talk about it anymore.

Zak held his face between his hands, eyes searching as he opened himself to his lover. Pushing gently at the barrier that William had put up around the past. * Let me in my friend . * He pushed ever so lightly.

There was a moments more of resistance, and then.

The memories came unbidden. The anger, the pain, and betrayal that sent a much younger William running from home. Leaving the safety of everything that he knew, and into the jaws of danger.

Zak watched as in his mind that scene played itself out. A, angry young man, alone and stranded in Chicago.

A man was there, the pain that surrounded this man could only mean that he had hurt his love badly. But Zak had no idea how much until he dug deeper.

It was then that the full horror began.

This man befriended William, bought his trust with lies and false kindness, a younger, trusting, boy finally gave into the older mans seduction, and believe he was in love. It was then that the betrayal began.

The memory and pain of that first morning, waking up, still naked on the bed, finding himself chained there, unable to get away, struck at him with a force that Zak didn't think any but Kin could feel .

"'What," becoming more frightened each passing minute. He didn't know what was going on, and he was beginning to believe he didn't want to find out. A confused boy, pulling on the chain that locked his ankle to the bed. He couldn't figure out why Randy had done this. "Randy?" He looked around the room. Too confused to be frightened yet. But as he realized that he was alone, then the fear began to set in. He pulled at the chain that held him to the bed.

'Hours passed. Until William was beginning to worry that he would be left her, alone, chained to a bed to die? But as night finally crept upon him, the door opened'.

'The man he had known as Randy was there, but he wasn't alone. There were three other men with him. A large black man, another who was not only so ugly that he made William's stomach knot at the very thought of having him anywhere near him, but was so fat that the layers of his chin covered his neck completely. The third was an older man, thin and cold. Each of them came in with Randy, each of them looking at William'.

'The boy tried to hide under the sheet. "Randy?" He whimpered. "What's going on?"

"'Shut up, kid." Randy reached down and with a quick movement yanked the sheet from him, leaving him naked and exposed to their sight'. "Just keep quiet, and you won't get hurt'."

"'He is absolutely darling." The fat man reached out to touch him. "Do you mind?" 'He paused, looking at Randy.

'The man shrugged. "'He's for sell, you know that, go on, take your time'."

'William cried out, pulling away as the sweaty hand grabbed his thigh. "Kid'," a single blow silenced him. "I ain't going to tell you again, be quiet, and be still. You pull anymore shit, and all it is going to do is get you fucked up and sold anyway. Face it, you're mine now, and before too much longer, you're going to be going home with one of these gent's." Hard hands grabbed his wrists, forcing his arms above his head, leaving him unable to cover himself'.

"'You get pretty boys, Randy, but the last one I bought from you didn't last any time at all." The black man added his hands to the others. "This one stronger?"

"'He's healthy, I've kept him fed and out of the rain as it were for almost a month. Took that long to get him to my bed. Virgins, you know how they are'."

"'And is he?" The silent man, the thin and cold one that had been silent for so long, moved forward to look down at William who lay there, crying, trying to figure out what had gone wrong'.

"'Yeah, I blew him last night, but I didn't fuck him. I know how you three like to be the first. So I figured he's be worth more with his cherry still intact'."

"'I'll give you ten thousand for him, now, untouched." The cold hands moved up William's leg, coming closer to his privates. "But only if I can have him now'."

'The man looked at the other two, "Tim?" He looked to the black man. Who shook his head. That was a bit too steep for him. "George'?"

"'Alas, but no, not even that pretty ass is worth ten grand to me. I'd never make it back off of him. He's too cute, I couldn't restrain myself from popping him'."

'Money passed hands. William lay there stunned. He had been sold, like a piece of property. "Please Randy, don't do this." He, begged, as he was unchained'.

"'Look kid. Some one would have gotten you, if not me, then someone else. I at least took care of you. You could have been a lot worse off. Andrew here, doesn't sell boys, he just likes to keep them around. Be good, and behave and he might even let you live after he's done with you." He pulled him from the bed. "Now I am going to tell you this just once. He owns you now. He is your Master. You go and you drop to your knees at his feet, and give yourself to him. If you don't, I'll have you fucked up but good'."

'William fell to the floor before the cold, thin, man. Randy cleared his throat. "I'll be good." He sobbed'.

"'You know Randal, if you get anymore like this one, I might be inclined to do business with you again. Virgins are hard to come by. Especially pretty and quick ones like he is'.

'The man laughed. "Be more than happy to. I just hang around the bus station and they come in, but you're right, I don't get many as nice as Willie boy here'."

'The cold man, whose gray eyes lacked any emotion at all, bent to look at him. "Now boy." The cold whisper. "I will tell you this, only once, you will come with me. Crawl down to the door, my car is waiting there and the night man will let you pass. You are not the first I have bought, nor will you be the last. But I can assure you, that if you give me any trouble. I will get my moneys worth out of your hide, before I kill you. And that is not something you will like'."

'A jumble of fear and confusion, as the boy was lead down the hall. The blank shock that radiated from him was absolute. He could not believe or understand what was going on now. Though he was by no means naïve, he just could not believe this was happening to him'.

'True to the cold mans words, the security guard, at the back door of the apartment, said nothing. Was silent and never looked up from the book he was reading as William was being forced, naked, to crawl into the back of a black limousine'.

'It was one of those limousines that the really rich rode in. Two sets of seats, and enough, floor space that William could huddle there, trying to hide his nakednesses.

"'Come here boy." Again the cold voice, as the man moved to unfasten his slacks. "Blow me'."

'William shook his head, numb and refusing to believe that this all could be happening it him'.

'A hand reached out for him, fingers tangling in his hair as he was pulled forward. "Do as I say boy. Either you wrap those pretty lips around my cock and blow me, or I will make you do it." Once again, no emotion, nothing, he could have been discussing the weather, or the stock market for all the passion he displayed'.

'William almost threw up when the man forced his erection into his mouth. "Don't do it boy." Was the only warning he was given as he began to gag. "Make that mistake and I'll see that you are given to the dogs before you die. Now, Randal blew you last night, you know what to do. Do it'."

'More shame, disgust and fear as the images shifted once again. The utter confusion and disbelief of his first beating and rape. Though William hadn't been sheltered growing up, and he knew, that things like this did happen to people, it was other people. And as the blood ran down his legs as the cane came down on his ass and the backs of his legs, he gave in. He couldn't fight what was happening. Nor could he understand why it was happening to him. The only thing he could do was to allow it. Give in without fighting, trying to please this sick pervert as best he could, and hope that he didn't die'.

'His first rape was the most horrifying thing that he had ever experienced. Not even the caning that he had received compared to the ripping pain as the man forced his way into him, dry'.

'But it didn't end there. "Up on your knees boy." The icy voice. "Wrap that hand around that pretty cock of yours, I want to see you cum." There was no room for debate in the mad mans voice'.

'And so the next three months passed. William being raped and tortured nightly, being forced to spend hours kneeling in the room that his master worked in, masturbating, between agonies. And William doing everything he was told. It no longer mattered how frightened he was, or how much it hurt. He would do anything to keep this man happy, anything'.

'The images of horror rose from the depths of the mind that just could not deal with the ugliness. Layer upon layer until Zak was worried that there would never be an end'.

'That final night, when after being beaten and raped again, with, the man's fist this time. He had been left alone, curled into a ball in the floor of the closet. But the click of the lock never came. The man had either forgotten to lock the door, or he believed that William was no longer able to gather enough courage to risk an escape'.

'Moments passed, the boy laying there holding his breath, waiting, straining to hear any sound that might indicate that it was safe for him to run'.

'After a few minutes of waiting, he heard the front door open and close. Minutes felt like hours as he waited, praying that his master had left the house. Laying his whole being and faith in luck and chance as he waited'.

'He had lain there for almost an hour before he decided that if he ever was going to get a chance to get away, this was is. And crawled carefully from the closet'.

'Again more images, shifting emotions, flashes of memories. One, of a young, naked boy crying, as he ran from a house into the snow. Then the police, the, hospital, questions upon questions as they tried to get to the bottom of what had happened to him'.

'Then his parents came. The pain, anger guilt in their faces cut at him. They were hurt that he had run away, angry that he had been hurt, and guilt at what they believed was their fault'.

'The ride home, the silence and guilty glances as he sat between his parents. They kept apologizing for what they knew had caused the rift between them, kept promising that they would interfere with he and Cindy no more. If he would only, forgive them'.

'He had spent three weeks in a hospital, and was tested every three months for the next year for any diseases, HIV in particular. But luck, fate or the Gods had been with him, and he came away from the, three month, nightmare with nothing but some scars, both physical and emotional. And these would in time heal'.

'The night after he finally couldn't take his fathers inability to handle what had happened to him, that he spent the night with Robyn. Adrian who had been almost as much his big brother as he had been Robyn's had listened to the horror and had been willing to let a still frightened and scarred boy cry on his shoulder. And never once not, even for a second, judging or acting as if William had been anything but a victim'.

'That had been the last night he talked about it to anyone, and had kept his silence for almost a full ten years. His telling Jason and Amber didn't count. He was stressed out and drugged at the time. He had locked it away and pretended it had never happened. And went on about his business as if the night didn't frighten him, the threat of violence against him didn't make him want to cry and hide'.

Zak pulled away from the horror of memories that would have been far, better, forgotten. "I'm sorry love. I had no idea." No wonder William sometimes reacted the way he did to Robyn's submission. His lover had never known dominance that was not horror and pain. "I can take pain of these memories away form you, if you want. It would be better, I think, if you didn't have to live with this in your soul."

"You can make me forget it?" William didn't know if he wanted to throw a chunk of his life out, no matter how much it still bothered him.

Zak shook his head. "No love, I can't erase your memory, but I can take the pain and the fear out of it. Much like what Tori did with Robyn, but you have no reason for grief, no cause to need to remember the pain. So I can take it and make it feel like it happened to someone else. But only if you want me too. I will only do this if you want me too." He brushed William's cheek again. "You do want this, don't you?"

William leaned against him. "Yeah, I want it. I've lived too long trying to forget what they did to me, I just don't want to care any more." Trust had been a hard thing for him to learn, once it had been destroyed, but now, it was okay. He knew Zak would die before he betrayed him. "What do I got to do?"

"Lean against me, close your eyes, and just relax. I'll take care of the rest." He hurt for his love. He had know that something in William's life had hurt him, but had never realized how much damage the past had done to him. "And lover." A soft voice. "If this man who harmed you so is still alive, I will track him down. It might take me some time, but I swear to you, I will track him down, and he will pay for what he did to you, and others like you."

"Thanks, Fangs. That means a lot to me."

"Close you eyes, sweet heart, I'll take care of everything."