BDSM Library - The Completion of a Circle

THE COMPLETION OF A CIRCLE

Dark Love - 3

By: V.L. Marquette

Lightly edited by; Ravyn

(Author's Note) Okay, this time I do believe I am going to get it all out first so I don't have to keep going back and repeating myself.

*****NO ONE, and I do mean NO ONE.***** Under the age of eighteen or who lives in area's where this sort of reading material is considered illegal should read ant farter.

Now having said that, if you are still with me, the material within these pages is Fiction. Thus saying, anything any resemblance too anything or anyone living or dead, or in the vampires case, Undead are purely coincidental. I mean let us all be real for just one moment. This is a vampire erotica, as in smut. True high-class smut, but it is smut nonetheless.

So, now that I have your complete and undivided attention, have fun.

Vampire's and Mage's and Blood Bond's oh my.

THE COMPLETION OF A CIRCLE

Dark Love 3

The Final Adventure of the Undead.(For Now)

Prologue

David was as nervous as Christian as he prepared himself to see his Sire again. It had been over fifty years since last he had seen Sharra, though he had kept her abreast of each Childe he had sired, from Anna to Christian. And now, she would not only know about his Brood, but have the chance to see them as well. Also hanging over his head was the mistakes he had made with Joseph, would she take him to task for those? And well he knew the type of punishment his Sire was capable of putting him through.

* * *

Anna sat beside Christian, trying to calm him down. He was a nervous wreck. She felt for him. It must be difficult for him, knowing that he was to meet his Grand-Sire for the first time. She knew how nervous she had been about her first visit to Sharra. Christian had it easier this time than she had. He at least had David and her to hide behind if he needed to. When David had allowed Sharra to safeguard her passage from their space to hers through the Dark Paths, she had been alone. "Little brother, you are going to have to relax." She chided him. "You keep this up, and when she gets here she is going to think your Sire has been telling horror stories about her."

Christian looked down, shamefaced. "I don't mean to be like this, Lil, it's just that I never got to meet Kali. The whole idea of getting to meet my new Grand-Sire just blows my mind."

Anna chuckled and patted him on the arm. "Oh, she isn't that bad. I am betting money that you fall in love with her in the first five minutes."

* * *

Morgan was none too thrilled with the prospect of being asked to stay, alone, in a house, full, of vampires that she didn't know. "Do I ' have', to do this Master?" She wouldn't whine, she knew he expected better of her, but she did want him to understand that she was not real happy with this, just one more time.

"Yes, my sweet one, I have given my word. Unlike my two there," he pointed to where both Robyn and Torin sat watching them. "You are no Mage, Tori and Robyn both are strong enough now in their art to make several of the younger Kin frightened. And the older Kin might be tempted to make them theirs since Mages are so uncommon now. And I would rather not have that temptation added to an already tense situation. So it is you who I send to reassure Cerberus that no harm will befall the youngster that I am bringing here."

She sighed, shoulders slumping. She knew that tone, so trying to make him change his mind was a waste of time. "Okay, Az, I'll, go. I just want to go on record, again, as saying, I don't wanna do this."

He chuckled, pulling her close against him. "Tell you what, precious. You go and be my good girl, and I promise you, once the council is over and my house returns to the quiet peace that I love, I will see you well rewarded." He bit at her lower lip. Promise and comfort in his kiss. "I promise you, sweet, when I bring you home again, I will see you are given my full attention."

The promise of getting a chance to have him all to herself was worth the unpleasantness of having to stay with the Rogue vampires. "Well, okay." She giggled trying to evade his tickling fingers. "But only, if, you promise." Pushing his hands out of the way, she pulled close, striving to prove to her master and, one day, Sire, how much she loved him.

Azrael laughed at her as she willingly pressed herself against him. "Well then I suggest we hurry along. The sooner I drop you off with Cerberus, the sooner I will be able to return for you."

She nodded, letting him pull away just far enough to take his hand. "Okay, I'm game, let's go."

CHAPTER 1

David moved to greet his Sire. "Sharra, Mother, it's so good to see you."

Sharra smiled up at her Childe. "And to see you too my dear. So how is my new Grand-Childe?"

"Christian?" David turned to look at his new Childe. "Come, meet my Sire, and your Grand-Sire." He grinned at Sharra. "Mother, this is Christian, he was Shiva's boy, and now he is mine."

Sharra hugged the young Fledgling. "Hello sweet. It is good to see you. I knew your Sire's Sire. Kali was a good friend of mine."

Again, the willingness to accept him stunned Christian. "I-Umm," he struggled to speak to her. He had no idea what he should say to her. "Vincent has told me all about you." He refused to pull away. Allowing instead for this woman to welcome him. This was the one thing that Shiva had been unable to offer him. Shiva's Sire had been dead, and so there was no family to come to know, his Sire's brothers hated him, and so alone they had struggled to face the world.

She smiled at him warmly. "Yes, I can just imagine. Well don't pay him any mind. Only about half of what he says about me is true. The rest is just him." She looked to David. "I am so proud of you. You should have been my first Childe." She looked back at Magnus who stood anger and fear clear on his features. "After all I seemed to have failed with that one."

"Don't worry about it, Mother." David wouldn't let her beat herself over Magnus's wretched state of existence. "You can't always predict how the Fledgling will fly, once it leaves the nest. I've made some pretty stupid mistakes myself, and I've only been gone from you a little over sixty years. He's had lots more time to screw up." He wouldn't let her take the blame for this, and even if he had to anger her, he would make her see that she wasn't responsible for everything that one of her Brood does. "But I have to admit," he went on. "I might have done some stupid things, but I never killed any Kin without reason, most assuredly not because they wouldn't be my slaves. The shame is his, Mother, not yours."

* * *

Azrael could feel the tension as Morgan and he appeared in the Rogue Covenstead. The feel of a foreboding was, so heavy that it was almost a physical blow seemed to permeate from everyone.

"Greetings Elder." Cerberus rose to step into his role as Coven Master of his domain. "This gathering is long in coming, I think Titania is going to bust a gasket before it is all over. Is this the one you are leaving here?" He indicated to Morgan, who was standing there pressed against Azrael.

"Yes," Azrael had to physically push Morgan forward. "And where is Titania, I am after all here for her." Long in coming, the boy didn't know how right he really was. It had taken Azrael almost a year to first get a hold on the accused, and then set it up so that he had five, and no less than five, elders to sit on the council. But tedious and time consuming as it had been he had done it.

"She's coming, just messing around with her dress and makeup. You're a little early. She is almost finished." He held out his hand. "Why don't you let your girl there, come on in and take a seat. After all, being a living promise that the Kin under my protection will not be harmed, does not include being made to stand in the middle of the floor for hours waiting for her release or doom."

He nodded, motioning for Morgan to take a seat. "Precious, you are safe here. None here will harm you." He tried soothing her nerves. "You trust me, do you not?"

'Sure I do. I know I will be just fine'. She tried to convince herself that Azrael was right, 'unless, things go all wrong'. Despite her best efforts, the thought came to her. 'Then I'm take-out'. "Just rush things along Master, if you can. I'll be good, stay, behave." A small hand fit well into his. "I know I'm supposed to be safe and all, but if you could hurry things along, I'd be real thankful."

"That makes two of us." Titania stood in the doorway. Her usual garb of black silk, lace and leather was exchanged for a simple black dress and heels. "I am ready Azrael. Again, your word, You won't let him kill me." She was as thrilled about going into a Lined Covenstead, as Morgan was about having to stay here. They both knew how much danger they were in. Despite all the words that both Coven Masters had uttered to assure them.

He rolled his eyes, "On my oath as a Lined Elder of the Vampyr, you are safe. There is nothing else I could promise you that would be anymore true than the words I have just spoken. Now are we need go? It will not be long before the others begin to make an appearance within my home."

Titania took one last good look at her surroundings before taking the hand that was offered. "Okay Elder, it's your ball game, I only hope I'm on the winning team." She muttered under her breath as the black of the Dark Paths took them.

'Okay, so I am here, now what'? Morgan looked at the vampires around her. The reacquiring nightmare she had been living with for the last near year, she was being held as a hostage in trust for Titania who had left with Azrael. 'I only hope Az, is as good as they say he is'. If, he, wasn't she would end up lunch, and several of the Kin around here looked as if they had not been eating none to good lately. Not very reassuring, all around her, they watched. Both Kin and kine alike, they sat, stood, lay and lounged watching her. She had never felt so out of place before in her life. She felt like the Blue Plate Special at the local diner, a feeling that she was not particularly happy with. She looked up to Cerberus. "So," she hated to be a pest, but she needed to know what the deal was here. "Can I ask, Master, what am I supposed to be doing right now? I mean like how many of y'all want to add me to your menu?"

The young slim, overly pretty, vampire that sat, in, Cerberus's lap, laughed. "Do?" He looked down at his husband and lover. "Cerberus," he punched him in the arm " 'Tell her' something, she is scared stiff." He had no patience for this foolishness. Azrael had not lied. He had been open to them, going out of his way in the past months to ease their fears. Only truth could pass mind to mind, and lies could not be held there. And, yet, still Cerberus had insisted on having a hostage for Titania. And knowing how much this would frighten the ancient Elders Chosen. He couldn't help but think that it was a really rather stupid thing to do.

Morgan looked to the older Kin, as she tried to decide whether the rumbling coming from his chest was a chuckle or a growl, and not being able to. She came to the conclusion that desecration really was the better part of valor, so she sighed, and pulled back. "Uh, never mind, Master, I'll just sit here and hope that the council meeting doesn't take too long." She was, no, more ready to anger Cerberus, than she was Michael. Both were young to the Vampyr, but that didn't mean they couldn't fix, her, but good.

Again that rumble, as Cerberus reached out patting her hand. "Kid, relax, I'll be honest with you. I would just as soon not have your Master decide to take a pound of my flesh because he thinks one of mine frightened you." He tightened his grip on the younger vampire in his lap, hugging him. "It's okay, Eris, I'm not going to let anyone here hurt her. I keep my word, as long as Titania returns in one piece and no one is going to come and seek revenge because what was done this day, the old one will find that, I have kept his little one here just the same." His hand moved to include the room. "I don't care what you do here Morgan, watch the idiot box, read a book, sit and chat with anyone who wants to talk to you."

Having her options listed made her feel a, little, better. But TV had never been much her thing, and 'read a book' ? Who was he kidding? Like she could even think in this mess. So that left talking to one of them. Could she just turn around and strike up a conversation with one of the many who watched her.

Eris rolled his eyes. 'I swear. The fool acts like she should be used to things like this' . "Damnit Cerberus. She doesn't 'know' anyone here right now." He gave his partner, one last final look of, utter, disgust and slid from Cerberus's lap, reaching for her hand. "Come on honey, lets go see what kind of trouble we can get into." He shook his head at the caution in her eyes. "You don't have to look at me like that. I might not look like much, Morgan, but believe me. There is not a soul in this house who would even so much as 'dream' of questioning me. I may look very young, but other than Cerberus, I am the eldest here, and if I was in a situation where I was going to lose, " he snickered. "Well being the husband to the Covenstead Master does have its advantage."

'Oh happy, happy, joy, joy'. She sighed, mentally echoing William's favorite whine, as she followed him.

* * *

Titania looked at the gathered Elders, and at the face that had filled her nightmares for almost four years now. It was Magnus. He was, having, to be forcefully restrained by both, the, woman who was his Sire, and another of his blood. He wanted to see her dead. She knew that. Nothing could take that knowledge away from her, or deny the truth. They did not care. The horror of the truth, though it was painful, did not surprise her. She had always known it, deep down inside. The monster had killed her family, and would kill her, if only he had the chance, and they did not care. She had been a fool for coming here. They would not listen, did not concern themselves with the petty actions of a Lined vampire. They acted as if she was more in the wrong by demanding justice than Magnus had been for killing her Sire and brother. And before this night was over, unless the Elder who stood as her protector and advocate pulled some sort of magic trick out of his hat, she would die.

She looked up into the face of the Elder's First-Born, who had physically protected her from Magnus as he tried to attack her. He looked so angry, so betrayed by the others. Would he be the one to do it? Would they punish Azrael for disturbing them in their own little worlds, would they force him or his Childe to kill her?

Neither Azrael, nor Michael had been prepared for the utter stupidity that so many of the Lined Elders were showing. First, none would help track the murderer down, and then it had taken literally months, once Magnus had been found, for Azrael to gather the needed Elders. And now, Magnus had had to be restrained as Azrael had brought Titania into his domain, and yet not one of those Kin other than Sharra had made a comment about the violations of the Law, that his refusal to obey Covenstead Rule represented. The poor Childe clinged to Michael as she looked at the Kin who had murdered her family. Azrael had been wrong. He realized that now. They did not want to hear her, nor did they really care what crimes one of the Lines committed against a Rogue. As long as they could go on about their little lives, in peace and ignorance, the rest could go to blazes.

"Silence!" Azrael grabbed her from Michael, ignoring her startled cry. "I am Master here. And I will be obeyed. Now I want all of you to tell me," he thrust her at the five Elders who sat before him. "No, better yet, 'tell her' , that she has no right to our protection. Explain to this, Childe, how it is that, for the one simple sin of being born outside of the Lines, she can expect nothing more than to die. To be enslaved at best, abused and tortured more likely." He released her allowing her to stand alone before them. "Go on, 'Elders', " the sarcasm in his tone was a blow all by, itself, and several of them actually flinched. "Go on, I dare you. The first one of you who dares to cast this Childe aside without even a token of an effort to protect her and her rights, I will challenge, 'Myself' ." Not a one of them could meet the icy, raging, gaze that Azrael swept them with.

Sharra had never seen her oldest friend like this before. "Cousin." She lay a hand on his arm. "If you keep this up, there will be war."

"Good," he stepped away from her, and towards those who sat before them. "Let there be war. If we have sunk so far as to have forgotten who we are, and what our purpose is, better it is to die fighting for what is true, than to quietly, and meekly live a lie." He never once looked anywhere but at the oldest of the Elders. "Isis," his voice was soft. "Aunt, sister to my Sire. Would you sit aside and allow all that we were taught to be law, trampled? You who are the eldest of us gathered here. Whose words alone will decide this council. Will you let this sit as it is? Is, what, I am hearing true? 'Can there be no justice for the Rogues'? "

The ancient Elder moved slowly. Age sat on her in loving layers. Even as ancient as she was, it would be many more millenniums before age forced her to fade. "My brother's Childe", her tone was loving, "I see my brother did not fail you in your training, nor you in the passing of it. But alas, though it pains me to say this the age's have changed us." Her voice was filled with regret, and the lovely eyes that Azrael had remembered holding only amusement, were now filled with pain. "A millennia ago, This tribunal would have never been needed. Rogues were not left to their own designs, but taken in by Lines and trained, adopted and protected from the world, and in doing so, the world was protected from them." She lifted a hand to forestall a comment. "But times have changed. Now the lawless breed like rabbits." She pointed to Titania. "For every Lined Kin, there are fifty such as she. We no longer have a choice but struggle to come up with a way to reduce the count. For if we fail to, then all law will crumble."

Titania cried out in protest as she pulled away from Michael. "Damn you all." She turned away, seeking out Azrael's face. Her eyes hollow chunks of ice as she raged. "But damn you the most. You swore I would be safe here, that I would see 'justice' ." The bark that should have been a laugh, was more a sob. "But despite all the pretty words, all you have done is to get me killed." She launched herself at him. "So be it." The voice was a harsh hiss. "But know this, 'Elder' ." Her fingers tightened around his throat. "You lose your Chosen with my death. At least I know that if I have to die, it isn't for nothing." Her hands gripped around his throat, trying to kill him. If she were to die now, she would go out fighting, it had been the one thing she hadn't been able to do when her Sire and Brother died, but this time, she would not shame herself again. If she were to die, then so be it. But she would go down fighting.

The room erupted in chaos. Shouts and bodies moving forward in a single-minded attempt to protect the Elders. Michael and David stood before Azrael, who struggled with Titania, and the others, who were too ready to call fault. There would be war. There was no choice. The Lines would fight, and they would attack and see that Azrael and all those in his keep died first.

"' Enough'" Isis rose, a chilling rage in her eyes, as all but one of those about her fell away. Azrael, stood his ground, arms around the fear maddened Orphaned Rogue. "You would see that war was fought?" She did not understand the man that her brother had sired. "Blood shed, all for her a Rogue orphan?" There was no reaching him. "Why? Can you answer me that? Why?"

Titania looked up to her, a snarl on her face as she spat out before Azrael could respond. "He wouldn't be the only one either. If I die, then the Kin of the Warlock's, my Covenstead of brothers and sisters, will see, Line blood, flow, or they're gonna die trying."

Azrael shrugged, more than just a little pleased with the Childe's willingness to stand up to, any and, all that faced her. "Her words are true Isis, you know they are, the entire room knows this." *None may lie here, try, and see if you can prove me wrong. *

Isis shook her head, her face one of contempt as she turned to look at the others. "I will not have it." She turned away, looking to Sharra. "The criminal is of your Line niece. He is your problem. See he pays for his crime." She looked once more to Azrael. "Osiris would be pleased with you, my brothers Childe. The Law lives, and breathes within you. I will not forget this day." And she turned to face the other Elders. "Nor will I let anyone else pretend that it did not happen."

To the man, the other four Elders rose in protest. "You are mad", "Senile", "Crazed." The cries sounded out through the room. "She is nothing. The boy acted harshly, but it is not as if it mattered. This trash, just as her Sire before her, are little better than Renegades, who we lawfully track down and kill."

A cry from the corner of the room as a body hurled itself towards the converged Elders. "You lie." A thud and a crash as flesh met flesh. "You don't just, track down, Renegades. You help create them."

The Elder, who Christian had hit, growled, pulling the boy from him and hurtling him across the room. "That will change Renegade, with your death first." He crouched preparing to leap at Christian, as the boy struggled to pull himself up.

Both Sharra and David moved as one to block the Elders path to the boy. "Touch my Grand-Childe, fool." Sharra's voice was the merest of whispers. "And I will make you pay with your life."

The Elder who Christian had attacked sputtered. "The fool boy attacked me. You would allow that without justice?"

"Why not? You would let this one," she pointed to Magnus. "Attack Kin, for no reason and allow it. Why not another? If you are willing to allow this, then what is to prevent all the law to be ignored." She looked back at the Childe who huddled in David's arms. "Admirable Childe, but a bit foolish. Attacking an Elder is not the way to go about getting their attention." Then she looked back. "Mocking them on the other hand, seems to be the just the solution."

David looked him over, anxiously. "Baby, you all right? He didn't hurt you did he."

Christian shook his head, before reaching to pull David's head down to his. "Tell them Master, tell them the truth. Tell them who I was, and what was done to me. Tell them how Shiva died." He would see that Titania was not the only one who spoke and was heard this day.

"Yes, Vincent, tell the, ' wise' Elders, how you came to have your Childe." Michael moved to stand with David. Leaving both Azrael and Isis to face the rest.

The four looked to David. They would hear him. He was Legal blood. "Yes, Childe, tell us of your foolish Fledglings beginning." The youngest of the Elder's who had presented themselves spoke.

David looked down at Christian. "Go on, my Son. Tell them the story. Let them know how good they are at the tracking and destruction of Renegades." David would not take this chance from his Fledgling.

Not a sound, not, a word, as all attention was focused on this infant. Each one, wondering what the youngster could possibly think important enough to demand attention as he had. Christian struggled to stand, leaning against David for a moment. "I'm sorry." He nodded towards the Elder that he had attacked, as he brushed himself off. "My Sire," with a glint in his eyes that only David understood, he added. "Both of them, taught me better." He paused, letting the words he had just spoken sink into the minds of those who listened.

'Both of them' , this Childe had, two, Sire's? The very act was rare enough to startle them. How was it that this boy had lost one Sire, and gained another so quickly. He could not be more than two maybe three.

Finally, the one who had up until now remained silent moved forward. "And your first Sire was, Childe?"

Christian looked at him. "And your name Elder?"

"I am known as Bane. Now would you answer my question Fledgling, who was your first Sire?"

"Shiva, he was my Sire, his Sire before him was Kali, and hers before her was Izzan." He stood before them, back straight, head held high. "He saved my life when I was eleven, and made me his when I was sixteen. I lived with him as my Sire for almost two full years. I still carry his brand. Orphaned, I was, but no Rogue." He looked to David. "I am here now, with my new Sire, because." He took a deep breath. "Shiva was challenged by a soul stealing Renegade." Again he paused, but this time to allow those who were so full of, themselves, to, hear what he had said, and to understand the truth. "My Sire died. Set, that was the Renegades name, he killed him, but trapped his soul, stole his powers." He moved from David towards Azrael. "I was sure I would die eventually, but the bastard made a fatal mistake." And he nodded to Azrael to take up the story.

Azrael nodded smiling at him. "I was unaware of Christian's plight." He lay a protective hand on Christian's shoulder, squeezing gently. "I knew of Set, who was the Renegade that had killed my adopted Childe, Selene's, Sire. I had sworn that I would see that he paid for the crimes he had committed against her." He lowered his head. "I should have moved against him, the moment I knew who he was, but, like a fool I was certain in my belief that no Kin mad enough to attack the young of our Line, would ever be insane enough to attack one as old as I." He shook his head chuckling. "I learned how much of a fool I really was. For it was not a full twenty-four hours after adopting Selene, that the animal had taken his vengeance for me out upon one of my Pets." He pointed to the small, mousy, quiet mortal in the corner, who was watching from the safety of Torin's, who was yet another of those he claimed as, Chosen, arms. "He attacked, tortured and raped my love, solely to punish me for daring to take what he believed belonged to him."

There was silence absolute within the room, as Vampyr sat stunned, trying to believe that any Renegade would be that mad. To attack, not, only an Elder, but an Adept Mage as well.

"You killed this one, did you not?" Bane's voice trembled with rage. The fury that he felt, that they all felt, at the blatant disregard and disrespect that the attack represented. "Does this soulless beast still live? If you won't finish him off, I will."

Azrael chuckled. "Oh, yes, he died. Though it pains me to say, not as I had wanted him to, screaming in agony as I tore him asunder. My fury was so great, my pain unlike any I have known for so long, it, galled me, to be forced to offer him a quiet death for the sake of the souls he held. But, yes, I killed him. And in killing him I freed not only Christian's Sire from the chains upon his soul. But Selene's Sire, Mara, as well as several others. Allowing then to, at last, finally die in truth."

The chorus of voices that rose in response was ear shattering. Azrael stood there silent, waiting for the clamor to die down.

"My nephew," Isis came to stand beside him. "I understand what you are saying, and I feel the pain that this has caused so many within your house." She smiled. "Yet I feel that there is a reason for all of this, other than to explain where the Childe of two Sire's and the Rogue child who you now claim as yours came from. Finish the tale."

He grinned at her. "Osiris used to swear that no man, nor woman of the Lines could ever fool you. I see he did not exaggerate." He tilted his head at her in respect. He then turned back to the room.

"It was when I was allowed to track my adopted Childe's and pet's abuser down that I first met the most incredible collection of Rogues that I have ever had the good fortune to meet.

"It had been the Covenstead Master Cerberus who had enable me to finally track Jenna to where Set had dragged her, at no small risk to himself and his own, I might add." These words were not lightly spoke, for they all knew how dangerous they could be when they raged. "And it had been at his consent that I took my justice upon the body of the madman."

Michael cleared his throat, a soft smile on his face. "Father, tell them what brought about this gathering of Elders." Michael knew his Sire; he could and would go on for hours if left unchecked.

Azrael nodded at him. "Yes, Megel, you are right, forgive me. I do tend to be the bard, if the story is good." Then back to the collected Kin, who sat watching him. "Upon freeing both Shiva's and Mara's soul, and collecting yet another orphan for my home. I learned of crimes so vile, that I only wish I could have disputed them. Alas, painful and ugly though they were. They were the truth. Titania stands here before you, because her brother and Sire died to be free. Innocent and guiltless though they were, they were given the choice of slavery or death. Ghede who was no true Rogue, but orphaned Line, as well as his First-Born, Baal, they chose to die as free men, rather than to bend to the will of another. Titania ran, her brother, Baal, holding off pursuit with his life. Cerberus had found the Childe, huddled in a basement, starving, living in fear that Magnus would keep his vow and track her down and see her dead as well."

Again the absolute silence as the tale came to an end. "So we are here. And I am ashamed to say that I was wrong. The Law does not live as it once did. Petty concerns laziness and apathy has taken its place. Not the first of you were willing to help track the murderer down, and it took me almost a year to set this up, you all had so much more 'important' things to do." His gaze moved to each of the Elder's in turn, causing them to bluster and look away. "Why do you think that they breed unchecked, or that the Renegades prey on them as openly and as freely as they do. It is because we," he made a move to include the room. "All of us, we have failed to keep our word, to protect our people." His eye stopped flat on the youngest Elders face. "We prattle law, and oaths, and codes. And yet I bring a victim before you, why is it you all are so ready to see the criminal freed, and the poor Childe dead, all because she dared face you and demand justice?"

Bane nodded, conceding that Azrael was right. "You have brought up some very valid points, Azrael. Several of these points shame me in their ugly truth. The Rogue's and Renegades never touch me." He looked to Sharra. "I agree with the Lady Isis, he is your Childe, so be it your responsibility to his punishment."

And with his words, the other three fell in line. Each of them, adding their voice as quickly as they could. Four ancient and powerful Elders were in agreement on this. The three were not so old yet, nor foolish enough to stand against them in something as important as this was. The Lines would look to their duty to the Vampyr, as a whole, again.

Magnus struggled as Michael as well as David moved to hold him in place, as Sharra neared him. "I will see you pay." He spat at her. "You are little more than trash like that, bitch, there." He fought, but to no avail. "Both of you, sleep light. I will seek you out, you will pay." But for all the threats he made, he could not break free and as his Sire's hands closed over his face, the fight was lost. "Don't do this Sharra, please, I'm your First-Born." She would strip him of everything he had. Do to him, what he had sought to do to the Rogues that he had killed, strip them of all freedoms and enslave them. "Please, Mother," a whimper. "Mistress." He moaned against the loss. "Damn you!" He half screamed, half sobbed, as the pain began.

Sharra heard nothing, would hear nothing as she drained him, stripping all his training from him, and crushing his will to hers as she broke him, quickly without care for pain or any effort to show mercy. "Yes, damn me." She pulled back. Slapping him with such force that he was knocked from Michael and David's grasp. "I let you free as this monster. I deserve to be damned for this." She reached for him, yanking his face to hers. "Damned though I am, I will take my guilt out on your hide for years. I strip you of freedom, your powers, your self, and your name. You are nothing. And nothing you will be until I free you once again. And if I were you, I would pray that I relearn all that my Sire had attempted to teach me so many centuries ago, and do so quickly." She dropped the sobbing wretch on the floor, wiping her hands on her pants, as if to remove an invisible stain.

Azrael relaxed. "There will be no blood, no war, no loss. Though it shames me at how difficult the attaining of it truly was, we have seen to justice."

Titania stared at him, mouth working but no words forthcoming. She had come here to see justice, on this ancient one's word, and so it had come to pass. Her, Sire's and brother's killer would pay for what he had done. "F-forgive me." She dropped to her knees, waiting for what ever the Elder would feel was her just due. She had threatened him, struck out at him, tried to kill him. He could see her pay. Cerberus would not lift a hand once he knew what she had done.

Azrael shook his head. "Childe, there is nothing to forgive. Rather it is I who needs beg your pardon. I had been so sure that this would be ever so simple in attaining the justice that you so rightly deserved. But alas, it would seem that I no longer know my Kin as I once did." He turned to see the Elders beginning to move to leave. "Isis, my Sire's sister, will you stay?"

The little woman turned smiling at him. "What do you need Azrael? What do you plan to do next?" He wasn't so old, or she so dignified, that she could refuse this opportunity to tease her younger blood. "Great it must be indeed. I have never seen anyone set Bane back as you and that infant have. Next you will be raising the dead, and returning my brother to me once more."

Azrael, who had not blushed in what seemed to be time immortal, chuckled. "No, I simply ask that you return with me to where my Chosen is waiting, in the care of the Rogue Covenstead Master. Allow me to collect the child and return this one to her home. Meet those that the others would see killed. Take the knowledge that you gain from your visit, to the others, those who were not with us this day. Call them to their duties once more.

She nodded. "And this youngling who stands as Master of these children. He will not protest my presence in his home?"

Titania laughed. "Lady Elder, if Cerberus so much as utters a peep in protest, I'll trounce him myself. You are as much to thank as the, Elder, here." She lay a hand on Azrael's shoulder. "Had you not been willing to stand by him, those others," she shuddered. "They would have seen me dead."

"Well then Childe, I will graciously accompany my nephew to return you to where you live, and collect the child held as hostage for your safe return." She reached up to stroke Titania's cheek. "But before we leave, you must know this. Justice or no justice, neither, Azrael or myself would have ever allowed you to be killed. I have not strayed quite so far, so that I would see an innocent killed for crying justice."

Titania looked up, a gleam in her eyes, one of joy, that had not been there for much too long. "You know something, Lady, I do believe you're telling the truth, and you would not have let anyone do me wrong." Tears sparkled in her eyes, as she kissed the Elder Kin "Thank you."

"You are so very, very, welcome. Now come Childe. My nephew is anxious to see to his Chosen, and I to return to my domain, let us return you home."

And as one, the three faded.

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."