Author’s Note: Thank you to Error-Author as usual and thank you to Levin Colter for being so wonderfully supportive of my writing. I’m sorry to say if you’ve been reading this up until this point, and enjoying it I’m not sure how you’ll feel after this chapter. It definitely took a different turn then I intended and I ended up with three separate endings, which if I had included them all would’ve been a bit Lord of the Ringsish wouldn’t it. I have introduced new characters here, and a new degree of mind games and in a way politics. I know some of you will enjoy them while others will not. I have named two of the characters after one character in a TV show; the person to figure it out deserves a prize, unless it’s you Levin because I told you already. Now without further ado, please enjoy...

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Elias sat on the lounge in the bathroom for a few moments once he was left alone, feeling immediately sorrowful in the other man’s absence. It was amusing really, he loved his master, he loved him greatly and would do anything for him yet it was Kale who always helped everything fall into place before. It was Kale, his kin who he yearned for when he wasn’t around. Now Elias wasn’t entirely sure he would yearn for his master if they were to be parted, not unless it was the yearning of a junky, someone with a horrid addiction. He wrapped his robe tightly around himself as he finally opened the satin covering the uniform he was to wear for the evening. He wasn’t surprised to find the outfit was entirely made of leather as it seemed to be one of the quintessential parts of vampire life. Sighing he pulled some powder out from the bathroom cupboard and smoothed it over his skin before tugging the pants on and snapping the bands that covered his thighs into place, immediately feeling a sense of confidence and security. He pulled the light linen knit black shirt on, liking the way it moved against his skin, chafing yet stroking all at the same time.

Kale pushed open the door moments later, looking pleased when his eyes rested upon Elias. He couldn’t deny he felt deeply for the younger vampire, more so than he should of course. He knew it was dangerous, and was, as per usual very careful about showing his feelings in front of anyone else. Especially Adin, who would most likely delight in once again having Kale in his hands to do with as he pleased. Kale could remember vividly every moment he’d spent at Adin’s harsh hands, the abuse, the so called “training.” He’d seen none of the faux loving relationship the master vampire bestowed on Elias now. Bringing himself back to the present Kale reached out a hand and drew Elias in close to him, tucking the other man’s hair behind one ear he kissed him just briefly on the lips, not long enough to leave his taste or scent.

“Is it uncomfortable?” Kale asked melodically, stroking his hand up Elias’ thigh just barely, feeling the supple flesh and then the contrast of the cool slick leather beneath his skin. He was glad he was known for his control or the uniform would be in shreds on the floor.

Swallowing heavily Elias could see something in Kale’s light eyes that had never been there before, or at least not that he’d noticed, glancing away he smoothed down the shirt. “No, it’s a perfect fit; you know just what size I am.” He averted his eyes to the floor and squared his shoulders as though preparing himself for battle. “I’m ready.”

Kale swallowed and nodded, looking at his reflection in the mirror his features seemed to smooth out, once again emotionless. “My poor brave dear heart,” He touched Elias’ chin lightly before turning and heading toward the living room, opening the door slowly he wasn’t surprised when all eyes swung toward him. “I apologize for the wait brothers; we had to have a chat.”

Bastian smirked deviously from his position on the floor in front of Adin’s chair, his head rolling back lazily to rest in his master’s lap. “I’m sure you did,” His voice was wry and sarcastic. If it had been anyone else Kale kindly would’ve ripped his throat out for being so insolent and rude.

Adin carefully hid a smirk, combing long fingers through Bastian’s hair as he shot at look at Kale, barely swallowing his disgust. “Hush Bastian, I didn’t teach you to be so rude.”

Elias walked out slowly, immediately heading to greet each man in the room as he’d been instructed. He kissed Bastian on the lips softly first, going for familiarity even if it was revolting to him. Moving on he stopped in front of the palest man in the room, reaching out a hand to take the other man’s hand he resisted the urge to shiver at the coolness of Byron’s skin, “It is nice to see you Byron.” He commented lightly, managing to not gag at the stale scent of death on Byron’s breath. He didn’t care if this was basically Adin’s favourite childer, he was despicable and had even been so as a human being.

Byron smiled toothily, displaying his fangs he leaned in close, cupping the back of Elias’ neck he kissed him again, not caring or rather enjoying the feeling of Elias shivering beneath his touch. He was pleasant enough to look at, not as attractive as his kin but it was Byron’s mind and the ability he had in completely destroying human life that made him revolting to Elias, and to a different extent Kale. “It is always lovely to see you Elias,” He practically hissed, his eyes showing remembrance of the last time Elias had been considered his for a week.

Barely managing to stop himself from retching Elias pulled away, his eyes watering. The stench of death was so heavy around Byron that it overwhelmed his senses; he moved onto the next brother, bowing down on one knee in front of the light haired man who appeared to be angelic but was anything but. “Sully, I didn’t think you’d be coming,” He commented lightly, already leaning forward to gain his kiss.

Sully smiled just barely, lighting up his surreally blue eyes, almost the colour of the ocean if it were to freeze. “I decided this year I might as well,” He tipped Elias’ chin upward and brushed his lips across the younger vampire’s just barely before releasing him. Elias moved away quickly, skirting away from the middle childer of their clan, even though he knew Sully would hate to be thought of that way. He wasn’t that bad truly, but was prone to fits of anger the likes of none that had ever seen before. It was that which truly kept Elias from trying to get too close to him, or being near him for any lengths of time.

Kale sat down in one of the armchairs, beckoning Elias close he gestured for him to sit at his feet, stroking his hair leisurely he waited for someone to say something, anything. He hated these meetings, they mostly involved politics or bragging rights, who’d bagged who and who’d done what. It was enough to drive a sane vampire crazy.

“I’d be worried Adin, Kale looks awfully familiar with your pet,” Bastian of course would be the first to comment, always one to want to throw in his two cents, no matter if anyone wanted to hear what he had to say or not, he was stubborn and didn’t even realize it had only been two hours and he was already stepping on Kale’s last nerve.

Adin tugged on Bastian’s hair punishingly, nearly hard enough to rip it from the root. “Do not be a rat Bastian, I’ve seen enough of them in my time and they are most definitely not appreciated.” He delighted in the small choked whimper which emanated from Bastian’s throat, he knew his childer well, and Bastian’s vanity, and therefore his hair was his weakness.

“We’re all familiar with his pet,” Byron let out his typical high shrill laugh, causing Elias to cringe back against Kale’s legs before he could stop himself. He resisted the urge to cringe again as it only seemed to make Byron laugh harder, the sound grating on his sensitive hearing and his nerves. It was hard for him not to twitch every time he heard the sound, but this time he was already on edge because the atmosphere seemed tense.

Adin smirked lightly, not seemed to care to defend Elias from his kin. “Now children,” He rolled his eyes skyward. “We need to have a talk. I will be reassigning your posts in the world, Byron, you will be returning to England as soon as possible because the vampire’s you have created have become quite vicious in their killings, and quite foolish in covering them up. I am sure you know which of those two situations truly bother me,” He smiled coldly at Byron. “And believe me dear, you will be punished for it as soon as this is all over.”

Byron inclined his head, not even showing the usual fear anyone had at the thought of being at Adin’s hands for torture. Instead he seemed rather eager, almost as though he was anticipating the session that would happen. “I would expect nothing less,” He glanced over at Kale and winked slyly when he noticed the other vampire watching.

Kale shot a barely noticeable glare back at his “brother”, completely disgusted by him. He wouldn’t have put it past Byron to have created unruly vampires purely for the idea of getting punishment in return. “I’m sure you’re just trembling in fear,” He couldn’t help but comment then cursed himself, why did he continuously allow himself to fall into petty arguments with Byron. It was one of the many reasons he was glad he only say the other vampire once a year, twice at most and that usually could be invited.

“Moving on,” Adin sounded annoyed, his fingers tightening in Bastian’s hair. “Bastian will be staying with me for a little while, as he has gotten himself in quite a bit of trouble and he needs my immediate protection.”

Elias resisted the urge to hiss in disgust. He couldn’t believe that Bastian would be staying with them from now on; most likely he would be with them for awhile as all Bastian seemed to do was get into trouble. He tried to relax under Kale’s ministrations, enjoying the feeling of being petted and cared for.

“Kale, I know you have need of a traveling companion, and seeing as Elias is childish, and cannot let go of some silly grudge that he has against Bastian, he will be travelling with you. I will of course expect reports and phone calls each week.” Adin continued on as though there hadn’t been a stunned silence in the room. Although Bastian was considered a favourite one of his main reasons for leaving was that Adin had thought his recklessness was becoming a danger to them all, and now Adin would be putting himself in the line of fire and Elias was being cast out. “I will expect you to visit the Master in Europe, I believe he’s in Paris this time of year, and Kale you will offer Elias to him as a gift, to do with whatever he would like except for death.”

Kale stiffened, not enough for it to be noticeable but just enough for Elias to feel it. He looked, for a moment like he might protest. His last visit with the Master had not gone well, and he was definitely not looking forward to seeing him again, but if he had to. If he didn’t he knew it would be punishable by death. He couldn’t even rejoice in having Elias sent away with him, for the youngest of them all would never forgive him after he’d been a pawn in the Master’s game.

“As you wish,” Kale replied, sounding defeated.

Byron clapped his hands together in delight, letting out another ear piercing laugh he turned to Adin. “I do enjoy these meetings, they are always so pleasant.”

“Ah yes Byron, we all know you enjoy them, but do you have to conduct yourself with such…commonality,” Sully replied drolly, rolling his eyes upward. “I really don’t know why I bother coming here.”

Adin smiled, flashing his fangs barely, “I think it’s because you enjoy seeing others be punished, and as such I will require your help with both Byron and Bastian. If you wouldn’t mind staying…” He trailed off, Sully was the only one of them who wasn’t immediately under his control and he preferred it that way. Sully most likely, and his temper would be Adin’s downfall in the end. “I did after all hear about what happened with Byron and that young consort you liked so much….oh what was his name?” He played the game well, his face a perfect mask of confused innocence which was chilling to them all.

“His name was Avery,” Sully practically growled, his eyes flashing silver, then red as they rested on Byron. It would be nice to get his pound of flesh.

Byron moved away, just slightly. Where he enjoyed Adin’s attentions even if it were torture Sully was a different matter, he knew then he would be lucky to live through the night, another piece of his master’s puzzle.

“I don’t want to leave,” Elias spoke up suddenly, managing to square his shoulders when everyone looked at him. It was disconcerting knowing any of them could sense the slightest quiver of muscles or indication of fear in him.

Adin smirked, the look vicious and serene all at the same time. “Well, you don’t have a choice in the matter. You either go with Kale, or you will find yourself on the rack for a month, you would make a wonderful display.” His eyes displayed nothing but hatred for the young vampire, his patience had finally grown thin. “I tire of your constant whining and need for attention, you’re really lucky to even be here you know.”

Elias shivered; feeling humiliated as tears welled in his eyes and even Sully threw his head back and laughed at Adin’s word. He should’ve known, he really should’ve known that it would only have been a matter of time. “I’ll go,” He whispered, the words almost ending on a whimper.

Kale managed to smile, showing some sort of pleasure in Adin’s words. He rose from his seat, “On that note gentleman, and I do thank you for the invitation, but I believe we must already make our way to Europe if we are to catch the grand Master in Paris. I am very thankful for my gift master, and I will definitely take good care of it.” He looked down at Elias and smirked cruelly, hoping the other vampire would understand the act and his need for sensitivity in getting Elias out of there before the violence began.

“Come Elias, you have to collect your clothing and other personal effects,” Kale ordered coldly.

Elias managed to stand, just barely as his legs were shaking he made his way to his bedroom slowly.

“Very nice Kale, perhaps you have more of me in your than I originally knew,” Adin told him admiringly. He’d never even thought that Kale had a cruel bone in his body, it was refreshing to see and in a way made him proud.

Kale nodded his head, “I couldn’t have him thinking he was going to be coddled this whole time now could I? I don’t have time for such things, and he is a very pretty piece, I know the Master will definitely appreciate him.” He turned on his heel, smiling when he felt everyone’s eyes on his back and made his way from the room. He’d done well he knew, and now…Elias was finally his. Oh yes, it would be a fun trip indeed.