Author: Artemis ()
Disclaimer: This series and all characters are original, so they’re owned by me. If someone wants to use them or the universe - just ask.
Distribution: Please write me an e-mail when you archive it anywhere. I want to show-off ;-)
Book: Book 2
Rating: G
Chapter: 1/2
Summary: Mild slash Like the title says, this book is about Antoine. It tells parts of his past - and so also a part of Kaya’s, Jason’s and Oth’s - with flashbacks. But also, it is a direct sequel to Latin Moon Protection. Means, there’re two plot lines which - I hope - will not be too confusing.
Author's note: The village Goldbrook inclusive all shops etc. and Goldbrook Castle are only existing in my head.
I apologize again in advance for all the mistakes. English still isn’t native to me.
Well, I like history - I really do - but I’m not very familiar with Central European and African history 17th till 20th century. Kaya’s story will be more accurate, promised. I’m fascinated by ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and so on.
starts and ends a flashback

Antoine: Aristocrat - Killer - Bodyguard - ?
2nd Book in the Bound by blood and vow Series
By Artemis ()

Prologue

Paris, Summer 1674 AD

It was the 11th July, a beautiful, idyllic summer evening at the palace when Antoine’s father paced restless through the palace. He’d already annoyed the servants until no one stayed free-willingly in the same room with him for longer than one minute. And now he’d finished the second round through his city palace.

The aristocrat was worried for his wife Jeanne. She’s now already for two days in labour. A few hours ago, the doctor had told him that both child and mother were in danger. He’d feared it all the time because - though nobody had told him anything - doctors and midwife were worried from the beginning.

Suddenly a shrill shriek broke through the palace’s silence. For a few seconds, the Comte allowed himself to relax and be pleased about his obviously healthy child.

A few minutes later, the anxiety was returned full force. Why couldn’t he hear his wife’s voice? Was she perhaps unconscious? That couldn’t be a good sign! Pierre was ready to bolt into the room and look after his little family’s well-being, when the big doors opened.

The midwife’s clothes were blood-soaked when she left her lady’s bedroom with a tiny bundle in her arms. She looked even older now, deep sorrow was chiselled into her once pretty face. “Mylord, this is your son.”

With deep affection watched Pierre his sleeping heir. The little boy was lovely. “May I please hold him?”

“Whatever you wish, Mylord”, agreed the surprised midwife. “If you permit, I would like to bring your son into his room.”

“That… that is a good idea. But first, is my wife alright?”

“The doctor will come out every minute to talk to you, Mylord.”

This increased only Pierre’s worries. Why couldn’t he go to Jeanne? “Uh… thank you.”

“Mylord, can we please go to the study?”

“I would prefer to see my wife now, doctor.”

“I hoped we could talk about your wife’s condition.”

“Just say it, for god’s sake!”

“Mylord, the birth wasn’t easy for the Comtesse. I fear… I fear she won’t survive the night. She lost a lot of blood, her body is heating up alarming and she’s exhausted...”

“Is there any chance to save her?”

“In my opinion not. But I advice you to call a second physician. I’m specialised on childbirth and I don’t want to risk anything.”

“Call a doctor of your choice.”

“Comte, I also advice you to call for a priest.”

“Sure.”

“Please accept my sincere condolences. I wish I could’ve done something to save her.”

“Can I go inside?”

“In a few minutes, Mylord.”

When Pierre entered his wife’s bedroom, the remaining maid fled hastily. When he saw his wife who’s face looked even paler in the dim light of the candles and fireplace, he couldn’t help but feel like in a very bad joke. With the beautiful summer scenery outside and the full moon, it’s just too much like a cliché.

But he knew it wasn’t, when he recognized the figure at Jeanne’s bed as her favourite confessor. “Will you please leave us for a moment alone?”

“Of course, Mylord. But please hurry, Mylady wished to get her last holy sacrifice while she’s still conscious.”

It was really such bad? This wasn’t fair. They only had married two years ago! “I will.” When the priest had left, Pierre sat down at the bed’s edge and kissed tenderly his wife’s forehead.

“Pierre. Is our baby alive, love?”

“Alive and screaming. In a few years he’ll be louder than us.”

“I’m going to die, Pierre. Don’t pretend anything, I know it. I saw the faces of the servants, of the midwife and the doctor…”

“You’re not.”

“Please, Pierre, don’t lie to me. You never lied. Is it a girl or a boy?”

“A little boy.”

“I’m glad that our family’s future is secured. I hoped I could give you a son as my last present. Will you please call him Antoine?”

“Everything for you.”

“Thank you. Please call the priest back in, I want to be alive when I get my last sacrament.”

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

Author: Artemis ()
Disclaimer: This series and all characters are original, so they’re owned by me. If someone wants to use them or the universe - just ask.
Distribution: Please write me an e-mail when you archive it anywhere. I want to show-off ;-)
Book: Book 2
Rating: PG-13
Chapter: 2/2
Summary: Mild slash Like the title says, this book is about Antoine. It tells parts of his past - and so also a part of Kaya’s, Jason’s and Oth’s - with flashbacks. But also, it is a direct sequel to Latin Moon Protection. Means, there’re two plot lines which - I hope - will not be too confusing.
starts and ends a flashback

Antoine: Aristocrat - Killer - Bodyguard - ?
2nd Book in the Bound by blood and vow Series
By Artemis ()

Antoine was sitting at the balcony of his bedroom and looked out into the nightly countryside of England. It’s beautiful. From the 3rd floor, he could see everything from a mile distance. And somehow it reminded him of a part of his childhood he would’ve preferred to forget.

Cyprus, Summer 1678 AD

The little four years old with white blonde hair and piercing green eyes run laughing through the garden. He’s chased by his giggling former wet-nurse and now nanny.

“Can’t you keep the boy silent for one single minute?”, asked another female annoyed. This blonde woman sat annoyed at a bench and arranged with their cook the dinner menu. She still didn’t understood why Pierre insisted on bringing his child along. She didn’t liked the boy! And anyway she wanted the child she would soon carry to become Pierre’s heir.

“Mademoiselle.”

The nanny looked up from playing with her more or less foster-child to see her Comte. “Mylord, is something wrong?”

“How is Antoine?”

“Oh, he’s fine. He likes Cyprus.”

“I got this impression also. As you know certainly, the Baronne and me will return to France in two weeks. I supposed it would be of advantage if you would be prepared to stay with my son at Cyprus. Just temporary, of course.”

Jacqueline thought bitter for whom it would be better. For her master and his love affairs or for Antoine? She couldn’t quite believe the latter… Although his father didn’t cared a lot for him since he got involved with Tatiana, the little boy loved and adored him. She just hoped he would never get into Tatiana’s way. On the other hand, there were less opportunities for her to make him suffer when they’re far away… “That’s a very good idea, Mylord. Why didn’t I thought myself about this?”

“I’m glad you agree. You can choose yourself the personnel you want or need to stay. Also, I would like if a teacher stays for Antoine.”

“Daddy?”, asked the boy confused and sad. He’d understood enough of the conversation to know he couldn’t stay with his father.

“Antoine, I want you to stay for another few months at Cyprus with Jacqueline. But you’ve to promise me that you’re a good boy and behave yourself. I won’t be there for you, but I know you’ll get along.” When his son started to cry, Pierre hugged him. “I’m sorry, but you can’t go back to France with me. Tatiana doesn’t wants you to. But it isn’t long, trust me. You’ll not even notice that I’m away. Just a few months.”

The little boy freed himself of his father’s embrace and nodded brave. “I will miss you, Daddy.”

“I’ll miss you also, Antoine. But trust me, it’s better. For all of us.”

“Antoine, please go back to your playthings and busy yourself for a few minutes. I’ve to talk with your father.”

“I will.”

“Mylord? When do you want us to return? I need to know this to give you - if necessary - a message along that we need winter clothing.”

“Very thoughtful of you. Let all servants write a list what they need and I’ll take care of the immediate shipment.”

Jacqueline’s heart sank even more at this words. She’d hoped they could spend Christmas together in Paris like the two years before - Antoine just loved to spend this time of year with his whole family and it’s his favourite festivity… “How long do you plan us to stay, Mylord?”

“Antoine has to be at Paris to my wedding - otherwise rumours would start. I would like you to stay until two months before it. The winters aren’t good for travelling - especially when a child comes along… Why don’t you take the first ship home next spring?”

Jacqueline nodded quickly and resumed after a bow playing with Antoine. She feared her voice would betray the anger she felt. Perhaps - when both her and Antoine were lucky - she could trick her master into letting them move to Jeanne’s family after the - certainly pompous - wedding. She didn’t knew Jeanne’s family very well, but she’d ever been told what good people they were. And how couldn’t they with such a daughter?

She’d served her first mistress with body and soul. Jeanne was caring, understanding and generous while Tatiana was cold-hearted, manipulating and only greedy for luxury. She’d even managed to turn Pierre into an ice-cold man. If it hadn’t been for Antoine, she would’ve gone back to her lady’s people. After all, Jeanne had employed her, not Pierre…

“Jacqueline, can we please play hiding again?”

“Of course, my dear, but let’s move to another part of the garden. Uh… it’s more fun there. More things to hide behind.”

Paris, Summer 1679 AD

Dressed in a beautiful suit, Antoine sat in the first row at the church when the bride walked past him. His step-mother. He didn’t understood much of the whole thing, but what he knew was that his father married again. And that from now on, this strange woman who couldn’t stand him and only yelled at him all the time would replace his mother…

Jacqueline - who’s more mother for him like everyone else - had told him that it was his father’s right to marry again, that he should be happy for and with him. But he couldn’t. He’d never known his real mother, but everyone told him what a good and loveable woman she was - Tatiana wasn’t the least bit like her.

And he’d heard enough from the servants. When they thought no one heard them, they told about her being a beast, a witch, a dangerous, evil woman who’d laid a charm upon his father. That he didn’t believed because Jacqueline told him magic was just fantasy. What he believed, were other things. Like their whispers about her killing her first husband because he’d lost his power. And that she’s already pregnant with a child that she wanted to become his father’s hire…

When there’s asked if someone wanted to protest against this marriage, he’d to keep himself from yelling. Antoine knew that it wouldn’t be of any use - only then, Tatiana had another reason to beat him up. So he snuggled up closer to Jacqueline and hoped that she would never leave him like his father had done.

“Will you stay quiet, you brat! I don’t want my wedding painting to be ruined just because you can’t sit calm for longer than a minute!”

Searching for help, Antoine looked to Jacqueline. Before their long vacation at Cyprus, he would’ve looked to his father…

“Please do what she says, my dear, I promise you that it doesn’t takes long. We won’t her to get mad again, will we?”, whispered Jacqueline.

“Sure. Can we disappear early from the celebration and visit the park again? It’s so beautiful there and no Tatiana.”

“I will do my best.” She hugged the blonde boy another time before he’d to sit for the painter.

“No, that’s not right”, he told himself. “There’re also happy parts of my mortal life...”

Hesitantly, Antoine went to his bureau and took his drawing utensils out of one of the drawers. Sitting down again at the open window and started a pencil drawing of a scenery he’d seen long ago.

Antwerp, Fall 1679 AD

Cheerful bounced Antoine at his carriage seat. Finally! “Jacqueline! Look out! I can see the lights of a city!”, shouted he excited. “Is this Antwerp?”

“I guess so. After all, it’s the only city big enough at our way.”

“Why are you nervous?”

“Nervous? No, my dear, I’m not nervous. I’m just exhausted”, lied the nanny. “I didn’t thought our journey could be this hard. But we did it! Antoine, my dear, you’ve to be a big boy now. We’re in a strange city and here Daddy can’t help you.”

“Why?”

“Well, do you remember what I told you already?”

“Antwerp is a Dutch city?”

“Exactly! At Antwerp, our French nobility has no power. So your father can’t make everything OK with asking some very distant relative a big favour and so on. Here, we’ve to behave very good. And you have to be a little gentleman.”

“Why are we here then?”

Jacqueline rolled her eyes playful. No matter what, she wouldn’t show Antoine how anxious and worried she really was. Although the war was over, she’s afraid. No way would the Dutch be happy about their presence - even if they’re invited guests. By now, she couldn’t even remember why exactly she’d asked this favour of her cousin…

Tatiana didn’t allowed her and Antoine to move to Jeanne’s parents - she’s afraid they could hear this way about her methods and plans. Jacqueline’s cousin was working for someone who’s very powerful at the administration of Antwerp. When she told her how much the situation for Antoine got worse every day, she’d told the local nobility to invite them. Because many people were owing her favours, she managed to get them really the precious, hoped for invitation.

Yes, she remembered again. She didn’t wanted Antoine to get into danger and decided that it would be better for him to be raised among enemies than his very own family. Pitiable, but she’d made the right choice. Here, they could start anew - without Tatiana and her plots.

“Because we’ll make a nice long vacation! I heard from my cousin that it’s a beautiful city everyone should’ve seen.”

Antoine gave her his “don’t give me this shit” look. ”Okay, okay, I capitulate! We can stay here as long as we want to and I supposed this would be better than staying with your step-mother. Because she didn’t allowed us to move to your grandparents, we needed some people which’s invitation she couldn’t refuse. And the people we’re going to stay with are some of them.”

“Great!” Instantly, Antoine became serious again. “Jacqueline, can we please stay forever here? I don’t want to go back to Paris. Tatiana is so mean to me and I trust you that we visit now nice people.”

“Darling, I fear that’s not possible.”

“Please?”

“Forever is very hard. When you’re… Your father said we should stay here as long as you want to and at most until you’re grown-up, around 15, if you get a good education here and are prepared for your duties properly. That’s still a long time. Can you imagine how long ten years are? You didn’t even lived this long!”

The Dutch soldier who’d accompanied them since they crossed the border, smiled for the first time. “And perhaps you’ll marry a noble Dutch girl. Then you don’t have to go back at all…”

“Sir, I don’t think Comte…”

“Let’s see…”, he said mysterious and watched again in silence through the carriage’s windows at his city.

“Look at this! Oh, Antwerp’s even more beautiful than Paris!”, shouted Antoine when they drove past a mansion.

“Wait till we reach our host’s house. Marie told me a lot about his beauty…”, said Jacqueline smiling.

With every building they passed, Antoine’s amazement increased. He was sure that he’d never seen a more beautiful city. “I love it!” Just when they passed an even more beautiful house, the carriage stopped abruptly. If it hadn’t been for the soldier, the child would’ve tripped over. “Thanks, Sir.”

The door was opened from a servant and Antoine stepped after Jacqueline out of the carriage. He’s now even more impressed. What a beautiful city Antwerp was, indeed… And their hosts also looked like nice people. On the other hand, who could beat Tatiana…?

“Mademoiselle, young Comte, welcome at Antwerp!”

“Thank you very much, Sir.”

“Good evening, Sir.”

”May I give you a round?”

“That is my room?”, gasped Jacqueline when she entered the beautiful, spacious bedroom.

“Isn’t it satisfactory, Milady?”, asked the lady of the household worried.

“Madam, this is the biggest servant’s room I’ve ever seen! It’s… it’s not just satisfactory, it’s wonderful! How can we ever thank you for everything, Sir?”

“Jacqueline - if you allow me to call you this?”

“That’s a matter of course. You’re doing more for us than we deserve, I’m embarrassed, Madam…”

“That’s our usual hospitality. But if you insist, I’m sure that you’ll find a way to show your gratitude.”

Way too soon he’d finished the drawing of his host’s house at the evening of his arrival. It wasn’t hard for him to remember every detail because memories were for vampires even more important than for humans. Vampire lived to some part from the memories. For the most of them they’re every connection they still had to the mortal world…

He laid the pencil and drawing paper carefully onto his bureau. He wanted to go downstairs and meet his family, but somehow Antoine found himself back in another time again…

Antwerp, Winter 1690 AD

The last 11 years at Antwerp had been everything Antoine ever wished for.

Antoine and Jacqueline settled fast into their new surroundings. His nursemaid was even courted three months after their arrival. She married the well-off landlord two years later on condition that she could still take care of Antoine until he’s adult. By now, he’s also having a girlfriend - their host’s oldest daughter.

Only the first few months, they’re met with mistrust by the other occupants - everyone knew that they’re French after one week. Then, life became business as usual: Antoine’s classes started, he made friends and learned Dutch. Jacqueline got her boyfriend, helped their hostess and also got friends.

For Antoine, it’s the first time ever that he had a real family. Granted, he still hadn’t his own parents, but with host and hostess, their children and Jacqueline it felt like a family. And having - for the first years - two mothers also had disadvantages, how he soon found out…

Antoine sat with his girlfriend at the balcony parapet. “I have to go now. Mum wants me to change for lunch. Will I see you later alone?”

“Yeah, sure. Do you want to visit the fun fair with me?”

“Great! I’ll wait for you at three o’clock at the roundabout. Dad’s coming, I’ve to go. Bye!”

“Bye!”

“Antoine, how many times did I told you not to sit at the parapet? You could hurt yourself, boy!”

“I’m sorry, Sir. I’ll not do it again.”

“If I would get a coin for every time you say that I would be rich man now, my boy”, chuckled the man.

“You are a rich man, Sir.”

“You’re right. Now get down of the parapet and change for lunch. I bet you’re again full of mud and dirt.”

Suddenly, they could hear shreds of a vivid conversation downstairs. “Do you know this male voice?”

“No. You?”

“Never heard before. Let’s see if everything’s alright! Wouldn’t be the first time that we’ve to throw someone out.” The gut feeling urging him to hurry - or at least he’d a very bad feeling about this - Antoine run down the stairs like his very life was depending on it. He’s shocked, to say the least, when he saw a French soldier. “What do you want here?”, he demanded in - still - fluid and accent-less French.

“Change and come along if you’re Antoine, son of Comte…”

“I don’t think the boy has anything to do with France anymore. You can’t just burst in my house, threaten my wife and treat my children like this!”

“It’s okay, Sir, I suppose I’ll get along with this guy.” Within a split of a second, his whole behaviour changed back to that of an aristocrat. He’d lived the last years without the formalities, but he’d been trained well… “Who calls for me, soldier?”

“Your mother, Mylord.”

“Who?”

“Comtesse Tatiana…”

“She’s not my mother! I don’t know what you’re told, but she’s not my mother! Never call her this again! Happened something to my father?”

“Indeed, it did, Mylord. He’s sick. Very sick. The doctors say he won’t live to see the next year.”

“And that’s concerning me how exactly?”

“Mylord, you’re his hire! You have to keep yourself ready to become count. Your father asked you to come immediately back to France.”

Antoine expected to feel worry and anxiety, or at least compassion for his sick father. But there’s nothing. He couldn’t even panic. In this moment, the aristocrat made a decision. “Are you familiar to his family?”

“Yes.”

“Has he children with his second wife? Sons?”

“Comtesse Tatiana gave him three daughters. No sons, Sir. That’s why you’re so urgently needed at Paris. The Comte could die every day.”

“Do I get this right: After 11 years of not one single letter he suddenly remembers me when he needs a heir?!”

“I suppose so.”

“What would happen if I refuse?”

“Then his son-in-law would inherit his title and county.”

“I’ll think about it. Please leave now. I’ll visit you at the Inn.” This time, the compassionate faces of his family couldn’t help. “Excuse me!”, said Antoine and run onto his room. After he’d locked the door, he fell onto the bed and cried. It’s the first time he’d cried since he came to Antwerp…

Why couldn’t his old life let him in peace? Why couldn’t his damn father just give the county to someone else? Someone who wanted it. Because he didn’t. His noble origin ever only brought him pain and he wanted it to end. Besides the little minority that he’s absolutely not prepared to survive among the French high society…

Paris, Winter 1691 AD

His face a stone mask lacking any emotion, Antoine left the carriage that brought him to his father’s winter residence at Paris. The 16 years old had no eyes for the beautiful palace or the palace grounds they walked through. He also ignored the indignant gasps and dark glares aimed at him which caused the woman at his arm.

Hooked in was Hanna, his girlfriend from Antwerp and now officially his “female travel company”, like his servant called her. A girl from lower Dutch aristocracy walking among them, that’s just too much for the nobility they met. How could the brat dare…? And so, Antoine introduced her to everyone who crossed their path…

Antoine didn’t blinked when they met Tatiana and the girls he supposed to be her daughters and the fiancé of one of them. He introduced them quickly to Hanna and resumed the path to his father’s bedroom.

“Will you please wait here? I would like to talk alone to my father.”

“Sure. Take your time, Antoine.”

“Thank you.” Still with an unreadable face, Antoine went into the bedroom. “You called for me, father. I hope you’ve a good reason because we didn’t travelled from Antwerp to Paris just for fun.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Antoine. What took you so long?”

“It’s a long way.”

“Yes, my boy, that it is. I’m sorry that I didn’t ever visited you. Tatiana didn’t wanted me to.”

“Well, that’s your loss and my gain!”

“Please, Antoine, please don’t hate me. I failed Jeanne, I don’t want to fail you also.”

“Why do you think you failed her? Everyone told me she loved you.”

“Shortly before she died, she made me promise to take care of you. That you spent your childhood at Antwerp is prove enough that I didn’t.”

“I suppose it’s better for both of us this way. I could’ve never been happy with Tatiana always making me suffer.”

“I want you to inherit me, Antoine.”

“Yeah, that you made pretty clear with sending me a soldier.”

“No, please. Listen to me, Antoine. The man Juliet will marry isn’t a good man. He wants my property, but he’ll destroy everything.”

“Why would a 30 years old man marry a child old otherwise, huh?”

“Tatiana…”

“If you aren’t brave enough to make decisions your wife doesn’t likes, how can you then ask me to run your county? Tatiana is in control of everything and without your support I can’t fight her!”

“I’m too weak and tired for fights. That’s your fight, Antoine. You’re Jeanne’s child, not Tatiana’s, never forget that, my boy…”

When his father had difficulties with breathing, Antoine went to call the doctor in. But he knew that it’s of no use. He’d seen enough dying people in his short life to know that he wouldn’t make it. And - this time to his own shock - Antoine noticed that he wasn’t grieving. He’s just worrying about his new position.

“Antoine, what is it?”

“He wants me to do it. Hanna, my father is serious about this. And if I don’t accept the inheritance, this slimy blockhead who’s going to marry Juliet will own everything!”

“This means, you’ll stay?”

“I don’t want to, but…”

“This means it’s over with us?”

“Only if you don’t want to be married to a Comte…”

“I guess I could endure that…”, smiled Hanna and kissed Antoine softly. “Hey, you promised me to visit the fun fair with me. I’m still waiting!”

“When the grieving time is over, we’ll visit a fair fun, my dear. Promised!”

Goldbrook Castle, Summer 2001 AD

Kaya stood in the middle of their main living room and told her family for the fourth time this night what they’d to do while Maurice’s presence. “I can’t allow that you don’t behave yourselves! Remember, everything you do and not do I’ve to take the responsibility for in the end. And I so don’t need to explain Maurice why you’re behaving worse than Lions!

First rule: Stay ever respectful. Address him on principle with Prince or Master. Only if he allows it you explicit, you can call him Maurice. But also then you’ll restrain yourself. “My Princess” is reserved only for me. If you call him “my Prince”, I’ll make you a head shorter! Cause you’re first and foremost loyal to me, you’re living in my city, after all!

Second rule: You behave like adults! No bitching, no fighting, no quarrelling and no whining in his presence. You’ll only embarrass yourself and me. This also means no “but I don’t want to go hunting now, Kaya, it’s raining and I don’t want to get wet”! You’ll do whatever I say, when I say it and without hesitation! Remember that he’s bringing along his protégé and a few fledglings. You’ve to be good examples for them.

Third rule: If Maurice asks you for something, you’ll do it as you would for me. No, that’s a bad example. You wouldn’t do anything for me, anyway… Just keep in mind that he’s older than me and that he’s so very powerful. More powerful than me. This is my city, but all Moon Clan members will gather at the meeting sooner or later. So even in 100 years you can get into trouble because of the mistakes you do today.

Fourth rule: Uh… I suppose, that is everything for the moment. No! Sorry, I forgot to remind you that you shouldn’t make too conspicuous kills - if you insist on killing or he asks you to prove your skills. We’re still having this Lion killers around and with Thomas maybe dead, every careless kill we do can endanger our masquerade. I know you can’t hear it anymore, but it’s really important.”

“By the way…”

“Sorry, Antoine, but I’ve to drive to the airport now. I’m already late. Whatever it is about, do what you think is best!”

Before the blond vampire could contradict, his Sire was already out of the door. Antoine shrugged indifferent. This way, it’s better anyway. “Othieno, Gerard, go and change into street clothes. We meet in 15 minutes in the foyer. Lila, please prepare everything for Prince Maurice’s arrival and inform Kaya that we’re at the cemetery. This if the first night Thomas White could rise, judging by the serious injuries he had and the power of Lion blood.”

Lila’s face went pale at the thought of Kaya’s business associate becoming a vampire - a member of the Lions even. Moons and Lions couldn’t live in harmony or even tolerate each other - apart from the minority that such a toleration would weaken Kaya’s position. It would be terrible for her Princess to kill him… “Yes, I’ll do that, Tony. Do you think he’s…?” She couldn’t even manage to say it aloud.

“It’s unlikely. The Lions usually prefer to create humans who’re not at the good side in their mortal life. They’re harder, more difficult to corrupt and patience isn’t exactly one of their strengths. I just want to be absolutely sure.”

Crouching behind a gravestone with his Childe and a non-stop complaining teeny wasn’t exactly what Antoine called a fun boys night out. But then, they weren’t here for fun…

Frankly, he didn’t knew what he would do if Thomas White really rose this night. A fledgling was easily to kill - especially when it just dug his way out of his grave - but there’re rules at London for killing a vampire. They couldn’t just kill him because he was a member of another clan - a clan they couldn’t stand. Granted, it’s reason enough for him, but the odds were that the Assembly wouldn’t agree with him for once.

If he’d had time to talk to Kaya about this, she could’ve given him her blessings for the kill. As Princess, she had the right to decide something like this by herself - although she preferred the Assembly’s back up. After all, the young vampire’s creation had neither been allowed by her nor was it possible that White agreed to his turning. And a forcible creation - like the turning of minors - had to be especially allowed by the Prince or the fledgling was illegitimate…

In this case, it’s the Prince’s decision to decide what happened to the fledgling. If the young one was kindred, it would usually be adopted by the Prince, if it belonged to a clan they’re friends with, from their leader in the city. But if the Childe belonged to a hostile clan, the pronouncement of his final death was the common way to proceed…

While he waited - bored out of his mind - Antoine remembered his own turning.

Paris, Fall 1694

The 20 years old blond Comte pushed his way through the crowd into the darkest corner of the shabby bar. Around him most people were drunk - the only reason why they came to this bar - and he’s planning on being totally loaded at the latest in two hours. The refreshing thing here was, that nobody knew more about him than his first name, nobody knew that he’s one of the aristocrats they despised so fierce.

Almost all of the customers were labourers and poor farmers - if someone asked him, he told them he’s working for a county. In which position, he didn’t told them… And nobody cared because important was only that they’re getting drunk here and could forget their miserable lives for a few hours.

In some weird way, Antoine was glad his wife was visiting her parents for a few months again. She still wasn’t accepted by his “family” and Tatiana did her best to make his pitiable Hanna’s life a living hell. He loved her, he really did, so Antoine only went to this bar at Paris when she was at their county or Antwerp…

Suddenly, a dark-haired woman caught his eye. She’s looking Hispanic - that alone was quite a surprise - but then her clothes… The young woman wore a beautiful, expensive dress that didn’t fitted into this bar. Also, she’s looking wealthy. “Perhaps a noble woman in search of her husband…”, he muttered bitter.

“Good evening. Is this seat still free?”

Antoine was mildly surprised that the woman choose his table. But then again, here she wouldn’t attract much attention… “Good evening, Madam. Please take a seat.”

“Thank you. Ale, bartender! Uh… are you also new at Paris?”

“I was born here.”

“Oh, sorry. I just thought it because you’re looking as lost as I’m feeling. The city is very big and a lot changed since I was here the last time.”

“When visited you Paris the last time then, Madam?”

“Oh, that’s like… centuries ago. I saw this city when it was young. I suppose Paris lost some of the atmosphere it had at the time of his foundation.”

Usually, this’d arouse Antoine’s suspicions. After all, Paris was already existing since times when Rome was the centre of the world… But he’s too drunk to think this far. “Yeah, it isn’t anymore what it was. But there’re a few new bars who’re quite worth visiting.”

“Madam, your drink.”

“I see. Oh, thank you, boy.”

“I’m Antoine, by the way.”

“Kaya Jordan.”

“You’re British?”, asked he incredulous.

“Yeah… well… not really. I’m not really a Brit, but I was married to an Englishman and got the name from him. I was born far away.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“U-huh. I feel like getting a few gulps of fresh air. Do you want to accompany me outside?”

“Madam, I’m married and I’m happy with my wife.” Antoine didn’t suspected anything of what would await him outside, he just didn’t wanted to hurt Hanna. Most likely the woman would be OK, but something about her was odd… Way more odd than that she didn’t quite belonged into this surroundings…

Kaya laughed lightly and showed him for a split of a second her true face. “You don’t have to worry about that. I would just like to talk with you about a few things. Inside here it’s too loud and I prefer when we’re alone.”

Sighing, Antoine threw some money onto the table and followed Kaya Jordan outside. He’d a bad feeling about this, especially because something was wrong with her eyes and her skin… But the blonde went outside, just couldn’t resist her orders. Because she’s hypnotizing him, he would know later. By now, he couldn’t be prepared for what he saw, though, when she’d dragged him with superhuman strength into a dark alley…

Suddenly, her chocolate brown eyes became golden and fangs gleamed in the moonlight. Maybe it’s the shock, maybe he’s too drunk or really brave, Antoine didn’t remembered later. But because of some strange reason, he didn’t fled or screamed. Not that he could with her pressing him with her whole body weight into a wall… “What are you? And don’t tell me all in your family are like this.”

She growled slightly, “in fact, all of us are looking like me, my boy.”

There was something familiar about her… He’d read a book some time ago about tales of people who looked like this woman… “You’re a vampire, aren’t you?”, he asked with some kind of curiosity.

“Yes, that I am. You’re clever, you surprise me”, she said approving.

“Whatever… Why can’t you just bite me and we get over with this?”, Antoine asked irritated. No, he wasn’t totally indifferent to his life, he just didn’t liked being the plaything of some monster. And most likely just a touch too drunk to care for his miserable life…

Kaya watched her prey with a mix of surprise and curiosity. The amazement was plainly visible at her face. “I’m not used to prey like you. It’s no fun when you don’t fight me. Your blood will be sweeter when you’re afraid and the kill will be better if you beg for your life, human. Perhaps I’ll even allow you to live for further examination…”

“No.”

“What?!”, she snarled.

“I’m not going to beg for my life or fight you. If you want to kill me - do it! I would even grateful for it. If you aren’t able to kill me, let go of me so I can go on drinking myself to death”, Antoine answered with a calmness that surprised even himself. In this moment, he found out that he really didn’t cared much for his life. Hanna would find a better man than him, he didn’t deserved her. When had he ever done something that was really important? No, his life was useless…

“You’re a very interesting prey, my boy. Very interesting, indeed…” She sighed. “What a terrible waste to kill someone with your potential, who could make me as proud as you could… Oh, I suppose I just found a very good solution for our little problem, my boy. How old are you?”

“20.”

“You’re of noble birth, aren’t you?”

“I’m Comte.”

“Good, Antoine, very good. I knew you wouldn’t lie to me. Do you want to live the life you’re now having? Do you really want to die in 10 or 15 years from the alcohol? Without ever having seen more than Paris, your county and Antwerp…”

“How do you know about my childhood?”

“I know way more than just where you lived, my dear Comte. You maybe didn’t noticed it, but I’m for some time interested in you. You caught my eye the first time at Antwerp. From then on, I watched your life, I scared the other vampires away because I wanted to know if you’re worth my blood. And you are. But it’s your decision. I don’t need to create you by force - this Childes are only rebellious and of no use.”

“What’s the deal?”

“I make you one of my kind, give you immortality, a good position in our society, I’ll train you and give you company until you’re able to get along by yourself.”

Sounded very good, very tempting. And exactly that was the reason why Antoine was suspicious. Why should someone give him all this? “The hook?”

“You’re going to die! We’re not like you, we need human blood for survival and we need to kill sometimes. There’s a beast inside us who’s all the time making us crave blood, death and destruction. The weak ones fall to madness because they can’t resist the demon’s urges, the strong ones can make use of them.”

“Okay!” He couldn’t quite believe his own words. Was that really him? Or did this woman hypnotized him? He’d heard about it in the tales and it seemed like she did it already before… But then again, if she could force her will onto him, why should she have bothered with asking him, with explaining to him what being a vampire meant? Antoine tried to get rid of the emotional turmoil, he tried to form a clear thought to take his agreement back - he couldn’t really do this to Hanna, after all - but it’s already too late.

Sharp fangs pierced the vein in his neck and cool lips descended upon the wound. Then she started to suck his blood, careful not to hurt him. At first, it’s painful, but after only one or two minutes, Antoine enjoyed the bite. More than he should, he remembered. But how couldn’t he? Kaya was only lapping at the blood, never sucking hard enough to cause pain and she was tender, affectionate, almost as if she cared for him…

“Come on, Kaya, if you’re drinking this slow all night, we’ll never manage to eat our fill!”

“I want him to enjoy his first bite, Jason”, told Kaya her hunting partner.

“Whatever… wait a minute! You’re making him your Childe?”

“You could say it like this… This gorgeous young one becomes my Childe. Isn’t he a great addition for our clan, Maurice?”

“Hm… you’re right. Yeah, he seems to be well-build. And at the clothing style you can still work. Is he the one you’re obsessed with for years?”

Kaya let go of the almost unconscious man’s neck and fed him blood from her wrist. “Antoine, my Childe, drink this. Yes, brother, that’s the one I observed. But I was never obsessed with him. I wouldn’t have waited this long if I’d been.”

“He wasn’t 16 when you saw him last time, so you couldn’t have turned him back then - even if you had wanted.”

“Granted, you’ve a point. But I was never obsessed with him. What do you think? Should I leave him here or…”

Antoine wished he’d heard the rest of the discussion - it was kind of amusing when you’d lost almost all of your blood - but just then he lost consciousness…

London, Summer 2001 AD

Gerry threw the fifth empty can of Coca Cola into the rough direction of the garbage can. His seventh cereal bar package followed instantly. Not caring for the noises he made, the teenager yawned and searched in his duster pocket for another chocolate bar.

“With all the noise you make no vampire would be stupid enough to come near the cemetery.”

“Well, you wanted me to come along though I’ve a heartbeat. I’m playing the bait and you’ll not complain about me making noise, wasn’t that the deal, Tony?”

“We didn’t made any deal like this”, said Antoine in a very strained voice. He’s so short before breaking the boy’s neck…

“Well, it’s worth a try… Besides, if I’m going to play a plausible bait, I’ve to make some noises. Or do you know about humans being absolutely noiseless while walking around a graveyard at night, huh?”

“Gerard! Don’t test my patience!”, growled the older vampire.

Othieno rubbed his back in soothing gesture. “Please calm down, Sire. It doesn’t does any good if we fight.”

Antoine couldn’t believe his ears. Since when got Othieno pacifistic? Just this evening they’d had a major fight just because the couch squealed and woke him up. “And that’s telling me the man who gets a fit of rage because of every minority?”

“It doesn’t fits you.”

“If you say so…”

“I…”

“Ssh! Did you heard this too?”

“U-huh”, nodded Gerry and winced. Why had he agreed to spending the night with them fighting vampires at the graveyard when he could watch a movie and get drunk with his friends from Mount Olympus? OK, he knew the answer. He wanted to spend time with Antoine, which was of course totally stupid because Antoine would never like him…

The blonde vampire couldn’t help but smile. Sometimes, when he’d had another fight with Oth, he read Gerard’s mind for self-confidence. He would never admit it, but he’s very flattered that the human was having a crush on him. Antoine hadn’t ever regretted his short flirt with his future brother. Yes, he had to admit that he liked Gerard.

If Othieno hadn’t been back such soon after this night and demanded his attention, he’s sure that he’d reconciled and tried a real relationship with him. At least then, he would have less problems with Kaya and spend less nights bored out of his mind at graveyards. Of course, there’s no guarantee that his Sire would have really granted them a relationship. Especially, because she’s herself interested in Gerry and the human was sure that Oth was his boyfriend. Just too much confusion…

“Let’s see what’s going on!”, urged Gerry.

“Yeah, he’s right, Antoine.”

“Okay. I suppose a vampire, but what I receive is confusing.” Antoine preferred to not remark, that he’s used to this kind of confusion. Abilities like mind reading, empathy and telepathy only worked at humans and fledglings of the own clan. This kind of confusing signals he remembered from trying it at a very special clan…

What they found surprised them more than a whole bunch of Lions waiting for their newest clan member to leave his grave’s confinement. A teenager in vamp face who’s still wearing his - now muddy and torn - funeral dress was beating up gravestones and his own flowers. With their superhuman eyes, they could see that he’s in tears.

“What happened to him?”, asked Othieno no one in particular. He’s obviously shocked, to form it very careful.

“I suppose he has no Sire…”

Paris, Fall 1694

Antoine was getting anxious. He’d never felt comfortable in cramped rooms. And this was very cramped…

When he finally managed to push one hand through the ground, he would’ve heaved a sigh of relief if he’d had the breath for it. Suddenly, he felt another cool hand grasp his own and then he’s pulled out of the grave.

The first thing Antoine saw in his unlife, was his Sire. Kaya stood in front of his grave - her clothes dirty from removing the impressing stack of flowers from his grave. Still, she’s the most beautiful sight in his existence. Her raven hair flowed around her and her tanned skin made her look even more exotic.

“Hello Antoine, my Childe. Welcome in your new life”, Kaya said softly. She sat down with Antoine at his gravestone and hugged him with one arm, caressing his face with the other. “Are you hungry, my dear? You’re looking tired.”

The presence of his Sire, mixed with the bond between them, calmed Antoine down. “Yes, Sire, I am hungry. But I don’t understand. I’m not hungry for food.”

“The confusion is usual. Don’t be afraid, darling. I will teach you good and I’ll show you how to survive. Until you can do it by yourself, I’ll take care of you.”

“But…”

“Hush, my dear Childe. I drunk exceptionally much blood before I came to take you home to let you drink from me. You’ll need the blood of humans soon, but as your first meal the blood of your Sire is better. It intensifies our bond and is very powerful.” Kaya offered her neck to the new vampire in a gesture of complete and utter trust. Then, she moved his mouth to her jugular, “drink, my dear, drink.”

At first, Antoine was hesitant. What if he hurt his Sire? Would she then send him away, wouldn’t she love him anymore? But through their empathic and telepathic bond he could feel that she wanted it, that it would even be pleasant for her. The new sensations were too strong for him to understand - he didn’t even realized why he could suddenly feel her like a part of himself - that the fledgling did the only thing he knew was right: Trusting his Sire’s decisions and obey.

With every gulp of blood, Antoine became stronger. Also, his demon - who’d been the most anxious part of him - calmed down. It’s soothed, calmed and comforted by Sire blood. Soon, Antoine found out that he’d gotten some kind of basic knowledge. He knew how to feed, a little bit about hunting, he knew that he’d to obey his Sire and he knew that he would be safe with her. Also, he learned with every swig more about what he’s capable of. It felt, like he shared Kaya’s knowledge.

With a low growl, the vampiress ordered her Childe to stop. “I’ll give you later more blood”, she told him telepathically. “Let’s now go home and get you clean clothes, shall we?”

“What’s with this?”

“I asked a few Minions to take care of that mess. At sunrise, your grave will look like it did before your rising.”

“Thank you, Sire.”

“No need to thank me. After all, I’m not doing it myself. Just follow me, our mansion isn’t far away.”

The mansion Kaya lived at was very big and luxurious. “I’m living here with your siblings Elisa and Trevor. Down here is the living area, at the basement we’re sleeping. It’s better down there because there’re fewer windows to keep shut at day. You’ll get to know my other Childes later or tomorrow. This is the bathroom, I ordered a Minion to keep the water warm. If you prefer cold water, it’s no problem. I just thought something familiar would be better for you. He also prepared clothes for you. Take your time, I’ll be waiting at the study for you. It’s the first room right, the door is open all the time.”

“Thank you.”

“See you later, Antoine.” When the door was shut and locked, she went downstairs to clean herself in the other bathroom up and change into a more comfortable dress. Having 14 Childes and half a dozen foster-childes, Kaya knew that this night would be long. Fledglings were so cute, eager to learn and so very, very impatient…

A hour later, Antoine entered the study hesitantly. It had taken him longer than expected to get rid of the graveyard mud and now he feared getting told off from his Sire. He couldn’t feel angriness through their bond, but everything was new, confusing and unfamiliar to him, so he wouldn’t rely on it…

Kaya looked up from the book she’s reading. She smiled reassuring at her Childe and patted the couch, urging him to sit down beside her. It’s cute that Antoine was afraid of her because he thought he made something wrong, but she didn’t wanted their relationship to start with fear. He’s too important for that. “Sit down, darling.”

Antoine nodded and obeyed, carefully watching the vampiress next to him. When she pulled him tighter, the fledgling got courageous and cuddled up to her. “What do you want to teach me, Sire?”

“First lesson: Don’t be afraid without reason. I’m not your enemy and I won’t use my power over you for beating you up and so on. I’m not compliant, I don’t tolerate meaningless excuses, I will know if you lie to me and I’ll not - never - forgive you betraying me. You’re my Childe and you’re only loyal to me and the Clan of the Silver Moon - that’s the clan we’re belonging to. I’m not good at forgiving and forgetting and I don’t plan on changing this. But as long as you behave, you don’t have to fear me.”

“I never want to disappoint you, Sire.”

“Good. You’ve to learn many things. The rules of our clan, how a vampire society works, how you’ve to behave and what’s forbidden. I’ll teach you many things, many things you’ll learn just by living here with us. Sometimes we’ll have differences of opinion, you’ll perhaps be mad at me for making you what you are. Such things aren’t uncommon. I want you to know that I never will stop loving you, my Childe, and never doubt that you’re important to me.”

“I love you too, Sire.”

Kaya couldn’t help but smile and sigh happy. What a lovely Childe she’d created…Still, she didn’t set great store by his words. Young ones obeyed and loved their Sires on instinct, only in a few centuries she would know if it’s real…

Antoine felt safe, protected and loved. More than he ever did in his mortal life - because nothing was as strong as the bond of blood and vow.

Still, he could feel some indecision coming from his Sire. Especially, when he started to tickle her with lapping at her jugular. One of his basic knowledge was, that the Childe’s desire for physical contact was natural and the Sire was usually happy to comply. Everyone just needed another amount. While some Childes only felt comfortable when they shared their Sire’s bed, other felt already embarrassed from hugging… “Do you… uh… want me to… uh…”

“Darling, you’re getting tomato red!”, chuckled Kaya.

“Yeah, I suppose so.”

“It’s your decision. I don’t force my Childes into anything - I don’t even force them to kill when they aren’t ready for it. When the time is there, it’ll feel right…”

“Psst! Kaya, are you alone?”

The timid voice of her fledgling convinced Kaya not to throw her pillow at him and tell him to never wake her up again in the middle of the day. “What is it, Antoine?”

“I’m sorry, Sire, I didn’t wanted to wake you up. If I’d known that you hate it, I wouldn’t…”

“Never mind, Antoine. What’s up?”

“Can I please sleep at your couch? I feel so empty without you…”

“Sure. But if you feel more comfortable, you can also take the bed. I mean, it’s big enough, I use anyway only this side and you wouldn’t get your first lumbago in your unlife…”

“Thank you very much, Sire!”

London, Summer 2001

“That’s terrible! The poor boy!”, gasped Gerry. He felt deep compassion for the newly risen vampire. After all, he knew how it felt to be without your parents.

When all looked expectantly at Antoine, he cursed silently his own good, caring Sire. How could he not feel compassionate for this fledgling who would never learn how much your Sire could mean to you, who would never feel this kind of belonging that you could find nowhere else, who would never be allowed to feel safe, protected and loved…? “What do you’ve in mind?”

“I don’t know.”

“Me too. But we’ve to help him.”

“Well, we could take him to Kaya. After all, she’s responsible for him.” When two eyebrows rose simultaneously, Antoine groaned. “Well, he’s a kid. The turning of children has to be granted by Kaya. If she’d allowed it, I would know about it. Besides, he’s showing the aggression of a Lion and there are no Lions officially in London. This means, he’s illegitimate. And for illegitimates is the Princess responsible.”

“Also for fledglings who’re abandoned by their Sires. The baby vamps can’t survive by themselves without making major damage and perhaps ruining our whole secret identity. So she’s to take care of him”, finished Gerry. He’s proud that he still knew this paragraph of the Moon Clan’s laws.

“You’ve a good memory. There’s only one problem: Maurice!”

“Hm?”

“You may not know it, Gerry, but I remember from the few times I met him that he’s hating the Lions fiercely. It’s almost obsessive. He wouldn’t approve if we bring a Lion along. And with him being there, Kaya can’t really do what she thinks is right. Not that she would feel any compassion for a member of the Lion clan…”

“Perhaps she would in this special case. She also accepted Gerard and Lila as her protégés. But you’re right, Oth. Maurice will demand that she orders his final death.”

Surprisingly, it’s Gerry who said next, “as much as I feel with him, we can’t keep that from Kaya. If he endangers all of us, we’ve to accept his possible death - as much as it pains me to admit that.”

“Kid-vamp is right”, agreed Othieno.

“Then let’s talk to him. Perhaps we can find out what’s going on and persuade him into visiting Kaya. I would prefer not using force.”

With normal steps - because they didn’t wanted to startle him - the three men approached the young vampire. They found him leaning exhausted against a gravestone, crying. He raised his from blood tears and mud stained face and said with as much venom as possible, “can’t you gloat somewhere else?!”

“Don’t talk like this to a Master, fledgling!”, shouted Antoine and threw him with full force into the tombstone. He hated to treat the young vampire like this, but he hadn’t much choice - if he would stay calm, the little Lion would never respect him. For his clan, violence and fear were the only languages.

The boy stayed indifferent. “And who says me that?”

“I’m Antoine, member of the First House of the Assembly of London and Childe of Kaya, the Destroyer. Perhaps you heard of me as Prince of Hell…”

After long moments, recognition was visible in the teenager’s eyes, He startled to struggle and spitted at Antoine. “Keep your hands off me, Moon!”

“Oh, really? You know, you’re really making me afraid”, mocked Gerry annoyed.

Antoine threw the fledgling onto his own grave and held him with a heavy boot in his back down. “Say that again!”

“I don’t know what you want, but I’ll not do anything for or with you, Moon!”

“You’re quite cocky for a newly risen fledgling. How long are you undead, huh? A few minutes? A hour?”

“Two days.”

This got Antoine’s attention. “Care to explain that?”

“When I rose two nights ago, my Sire wasn’t here. I only found a letter. I hoped he would come back…”

“Well, I’ve news for you, boy: He won’t! For god’s sake, you’re Lion! Lion Sires never care for their Childes if they aren’t of use for them!”

“That seems to be commonly at you. Cause my Sire wrote that Moons only use their Childes for entertainment, as heirs or slaves and throw them away when they’re tired of them anymore. Like you treat us Lions…”

“Granted, boy, our clans aren’t the best friends. But I was absolutely prepared to talk with you like civilized vampires do. You choose the hard way… And trust me, our Sires take care of us. I’m a few centuries old and I know about such things.”

“Why are you here then? What do you want from me?”

Antoine wasn’t surprised that the Lion had already resigned. They’re violent and driven by emotions, instincts, but they weren’t stupid. So he let him sit up again. “You’re abandoned from your Sire and you’re illegitimate, Lion fledgling. We’ll bring you to the Princess. It’s her right to decide what happens with you.”

“No! Please, Moon, please don’t do that! I don’t want to die!”

“Perhaps you’ll not.”

“But what will she do with me, Moon? Think about it! My Sire wrote me about this in his letter. He said the Princess would punish me with the final death. But I didn’t did anything! I would at least like to get something of this eternal life I was forced into!”

“You didn’t wanted your creation?”

“Are you crazy? This guy suddenly jumped me, sucked my blood and gave me some strange, but good tasting drink. Then I lost consciousness and the next time I’m awake I’m in this damn coffin! Somehow I knew that I can make it to the surface, I noticed that all my senses were enhanced. I searched for my Sire - although I didn’t even knew what a Sire is before I died - but I couldn’t find him. So I went for the day back into the coffin. I didn’t knew where else to go. I found the letter.”

“Can I read it, please?”

“Why?”

“We just want to help you, fledgling. But we can’t if you don’t cooperate with us. There’s ever a way to keep an illegitimate vampire undead - even if it isn’t a fun thing.”

“That’s the letter. I don’t know who my Sire is, he didn’t signed with his name.”

“Thanks. Well, it’s understandable that he didn’t left any name. The Princess will be mad at him for disobeying her and being the coward he is, he thinks he can get away this easily. I promise you that we’ll do our best to find your Sire. If it’s possible, we’ll give you the chance to talk to him. Uh… you’re sure it’s a male?”

“Yeah, I saw him.”

“Good. Do you promise to not run away or fight us if we move now?”, asked Antoine.

“I don’t have anywhere else to go. And my Sire wrote that at London are no Lions.”

“That’s right. What’s your name?”

“Nicky Parker.”

“Okay, Nicky, let’s go back to our watch post. We’re observing this grave over there. Perhaps there’ll rise a friend of our Princess.”

“Why don’t you know if he’s turned?”

“He can’t be turned by kindred because she protected him. If he got vampire blood, he’ll most likely also be a Lion.”

“Cool!”

“It’s not cool, Nicky. It’s very dangerous and maybe deadly. For both of you. Don’t get your hopes up that he’ll even rise.”

“Yeah, well… sorry. I just thought, if you manage to keep me undead, I wouldn’t be lonely with him nearby…”

“We’ve around one hour until we’ve to go drive back to the Castle. Taking a sunbath isn’t on my list for heroic ways of dying in order to save the world. Perhaps we can teach you a few basics in this time. The most important is: Even if you get adopted by a Moon Clan member, you’ll still be lonely. You are Lion. You can’t change that - even if you would want to. There’s no way that your clan will accept you as the Princess’ Childe or Grandchilde!”

“You’re really great succeeding in raising my mood!”

“I’m not planning on raising your mood. It’s not important what you wish for and what you suppose you could have, you’ve to face the truth. As sooner as you accept it, as sooner you’ll learn to cope. Your clan will be disgusted by you, by the smell of your blood, by your very existence. They’ll not even just dislike you, they’ll hate you. Call you a traitor and hurt you in every way possible every time they get the chance to. They’ll look down at you. The Moon Clan will tolerate you because the Princess demands so. But they’ll never accept you as one of them!”

“Pretty new world I got myself into”, sighed Nicky. “Perhaps I can take the sunbath?”

“Let’s first see what the Princess has to tell you.”

“Yeah, we can’t make a decision about you ending your life or adopting you or whatever without her granting it.”

“Antoine, I know this sounds odd, but could you imagine adopting him?”, asked Oth his Sire telepathically.

“Well, he’s a fledgling and I wanted a child or second Childe for a long time. But it won’t be easy. You remember how hard the beginning was for you because you have a conscience?”

“It’s terrible!”

“It’ll be ten times harder for Nicky. I even suppose that he would prefer the final death if he knew what he would have to endure. I met once a Lion who’s adopted by a Moon. Granted, their situation was different because he knew before about the existence of vampires and he was adult… The Moon member was a Prince and the Lions in this city only followed him reluctantly. They couldn’t accept this Lion wanting to be adopted after his forcible turning and when they became lovers it got only worse.”

“No, I can’t imagine Kaya with him.”

“You should. He’s 14 or 15 years old, but when he gets older, his power will increase and he can make himself age.”

“But then he’ll be used to being one of us.”

“Nicky, how old are you?”

“16.”

“Thanks.” Othieno he told, “you see? He’s already 16. He can become her lover. What are three years of difference in their body’s age?”

“Oh no! I can’t take even more of this love merry-go-round! First Jason and you, then you and Gerry, Lila having a crush on you, me and you sometimes almost, this fledgling vampiress falling in love with Gerry who can’t stand her, now Nicky and Kaya, perhaps Lila turns her attention also to him…”

“How long do you know it?”

“Kaya told me.”

“I will kill that bitch!”, snarled Antoine suddenly aloud.

Nicky looked funny at Antoine. Gerry explained him, “they’re all the time chatting telepathically. You’ll get used to the insanity that is my life.”

“I sincerely doubt that… By the way, why are three of you all night watching one single grave?”

“We fled from my Grandsire’s brother.”

“I take that back. I will sure as hell never get used to that!”

Antwerp, Spring 1695

Antoine had been the last months such busy with his Sire, Elisa and Trevor - his vampire siblings - that he didn’t noticed how much time had passed until he woke up one evening and Paris was bathed in snow.

His life had been just so exciting, intriguing and new… And it’s busy. He’d often helped Kaya with her work as the new Princess of Paris - she’d inherited her brother Maurice who wanted to explore America. And then there’s also a lot to learn. Within a few months, he became a good hunter and talented torturer - although the latter wasn’t often of use.

But then, Antoine decided, it’s time to show some gratitude - in both ways. The first person he tried his new skills at was his step-mother Tatiana. A week after she disappeared, her bruised and broken body was found in the palace’s garden. His next victim was his little half-sister’s husband who tried to get the county from his still mourning Hanna who withdraw to Antwerp in her grief.

Now he’s with Trevor - who became a good and true friend for him - back to Antwerp, his true home city. There were a few things he had to take care of before he could resume his undead life…

“You’re sure this is a good idea?”, sighed Trevor.

“Yes, I am. And even if it’s the most stupid idea a vampire ever had, I have to do this. It’s important. I can’t unlive in peace until I finished this.”

“I’m sure as hell I’ll never get used to your kind of logic…”

The two vampires climbed onto the mansion’s balcony with practised ease and opened the door that led them into a bedroom. Without making any noise, they went inside and watched the two sleeping figures. While Antoine hypnotized his former foster-mother and host into waking up and not alarming anyone, Trevor did the same with the head of the household.

“I’m real. I didn’t died. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier about this, but it really wasn’t possible. I’m not human anymore and my Sire wouldn’t approve me staying longer than absolutely necessary, so we don’t have much time. This man’s name is Trevor, if you want, he’ll give you a gift from me. I offer you immortality. In some time, you can even become young again. Please accept, because that’s the only chance for us to meet sometimes again and I want you to get this. You’ll like it. Please?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, boy, but I trust you to do the right thing”, said he with a slight smile.

“I also trust you.”

“Thanks. Trevor will have to do something that might be a little bit bothering at the beginning, but you’ll understand soon. Trevor, can you please go on for yourself? I want a few minutes with Hanna alone.”

“Sure.”

“I owe you!” Before he could have second thoughts, Antoine run to the room he knew Hanna would be in. He repeated the hypnotisation and said his little speech, told her what happened.

“What do you mean, you’re not human?”

“I’m a vampire. But we aren’t bad. Some of us do good things.”

“If we have even the slightest chance at being together again in a far future, I’ll gladly become like you.”

“I hoped you would say this. Trevor, my vampire brother, will take care of you because I’m too young to create you myself or train you. But a long future awaits us…”

“I finished over there, Antoine. Relax, lady, and turn your head to one side. I’ll be careful not to hurt you.”

With sad, golden eyes watched Antoine his wife die. In the morning, someone would find them and a funeral would take place soon. In one or two weeks then, they would rise and be welcomed by Trevor, who would also give them letters of him in which he explained everything… “Let’s go to Jacqueline now. Do you think you can do another two?”

“Yeah, sure. I feel good and I can rest the next days.”

“Thank you, brother.”

When the sun rose in the morning, Antoine had already left Antwerp. Kaya hadn’t left any doubt that she would be very disappointed if he stayed only one night longer than she wanted him to. And this way, no one living in the city would ever know that he had been there…

In a sun proof carriage, the young vampire was on his way back to Paris. Antoine hoped, that Kaya, Elisa and him would be able stay there for quite a long time. Because now as a vampire, he’d started to like Paris…

Tired from the hard, very eventful night and the long travel, emotionally drained from being able to see his beloved wife again but not to stay with her, the blonde vampire fell asleep. Well, he did, after he assured himself that his hairdo wouldn’t get damaged…

Goldbrook Castle, Summer 2001 AD

Antoine, Gerry, Othieno and Nicky went straight to the main living room from where they could hear Kaya’s and Maurice’s voices.

“I hope so too, Maurice, I do really! But I fear for our clan when we’ve to take them up.”

“I can’t imagine that going to happen. Lions are known to be loyal to their clan - even if just because they’re afraid - and I’m pretty sure they would choose death over staying with the Moon Clan.”

“Yeah, well, we can only hope so. Because there’s no way I’m going to take up another Lion! Do you have any idea how much trouble one is going to make me? And the worst part is, that I have to do this for Thomas because I own him. Well, at least one of our people found and buried him. If the police doesn’t gets suspicious that I reported him sick, he can return to the Metropolitan Police and be of use for us.”

Antoine cleared his throat noisily.

“Hey! There you finally are!”, said Kaya in a cheerful voice when she finally noticed the four men standing in the living room’s door. “Huh? We’ve got a guest?”

“Yes, we do, Kaya. I have to talk with you about him, it’s important.”

“Then start. It’s almost sunrise, I’m tired and Maurice can hear everything, Antoine.”

“Uh… why don’t we go to the kitchen and get you a cup of blood, huh, Nicky?”

“No!”, shouted Antoine. “I mean, it’s better when Othieno accompanies him for the blood, Gerry.”

“If you insist…”

When Nicky and Othieno were out of earshot, Kaya growled, “I expect a good excuse for bringing a Lion into my house!”

“We have a good explanation, Kaya. This is Nicky’s third night. He’s sixteen and was forcefully turned, his Sire only left him a letter in the coffin. And yes, he’s turned at London.”

“Ha! Finally! Antoine, Gerry, I’ve to take that back. You brought me the proof that Lions are in my city, that’s very good.”

“Yeah, well, to be honest, we didn’t thought about that when we brought him along.”

“You didn’t?”, repeated Kaya, suspecting what would follow.

“I ask you officially to adopt Nicholas, my Princess.”

“Excuse me?!”

“Uh… when I think about it, I’m feeling very tired. I’ll better go to bed. Good night.” Maurice did all but fled out of the room. He knew that after a real fight at Goldbrook Castle first thing the building needed a new painting and furnishing - and he could think of more fun things to entertain himself with than sitting in the middle of a war zone…

“Are you totally out of your mind?! I told you exactly to not embarrass me in front of Maurice! It’s enough that you’re doing it all the time!”

“Well, we wanted to talk to you alone.”

“Whatever… Now bring please the Lion back to his Sire, I don’t want to get into trouble.”

“No, Kaya, that’s serious. We didn’t did that to annoy you or embarrass you, I really want to adopt him. And Othieno wants to help.”

“You’re such troublesome childes…”, sighed Kaya. “Why can’t you do for once what’s expected from you?”

“Don’t you expect us to do what we think of as right, what we’re convinced of?”

“Okay, tell me what’s going on with your little Lion.”

“No way! Forget it!”

“But…”

“Forget it! Why don’t you just ask me to marry a Lion? This would perhaps not ruin my reputation as much as what you’re suggesting!”

“But Kaya…”

“No!”

“We’ll take care of him ourselves. You don’t even have to see him because we can move into the basement and use the personnel entry.”

“Antoine, it’s not like I wouldn’t begrudge you to have the kid you want for so long. I know you and Othieno are willing to take care of him and it’s better than creating yourself a Childe, let alone bring another human into my house, but it’s not that easy.”

“Why?”

“Because a little Lion needs more than just love.”

“Why?”

“Please, don’t make it harder for me than it’s already is! Lions aren’t like us, they can’t think the way we do. They’ve their own logic. And that involves hating the whole Moon Clan. Sooner or later your little baby will become big and then you can’t control such a vampire anymore. They’re already enormous dangerous as fledglings! Look just at Maximus…”

“But we could try.”

“I can allow you to adopt him because his fate is anyway in my hands. So I can take him away from the Lion Clan and make him a member of ours. But his blood will always be Lion. We can’t do anything about that. And you know it.”

“There’s a chance that he’ll be happy with us. And if it’s even just for a few months, we want him to have this chance…”

“What then? You can’t just take him to your heart and then shut him out when the Lion he is comes to the fore. I know it doesn’t works this way because I tried to take care of a Bear fledgling a century ago. I did it because I was in love with him and I didn’t wanted him to be given to his clan who would make him suffer because we loved each other. He was turned by them as revenge. But it didn’t worked out. After three years he went into the fire.”

“I understand that this makes you hesitant. But can’t you just allow us to make our own mistakes? Hadn’t you had three happy years with your Bear lover?”

“Would you like to miss this time?”

“Of course I wouldn’t! I loved him and even though it was most of the time hell at earth, I was more happy than ever before or after with him”, confessed Kaya.

“And we can’t have such a time? I know we won’t have much time with Nicky, but we can try and perhaps - just perhaps - we’re more lucky…”

“Okay.”

“Huh?”

“Not “okay” like I’ll do it. But I’ll consider your suggestion.”

Antoine knew that this was for the moment everything he could get. And if Kaya was willing to think about it, at least they’d gotten a chance… “What do you want me to do with him?”

“Well, we can hardly send him back onto the cemetery to sleep in his coffin! Of course he can stay here as long as he promises not to attack anyone and behaves himself. Bring him upstairs.”

“Thank you very much, Sire.”

“My pleasure.”

After he’d brought Nicky to bed, Antoine went into his own bedroom. The boy’s arrival was a welcome change from fighting with Kaya and Gerard, taking care of Othieno.

But having to take up again with the member of another clan reminded him of one special person from a different clan that meant very much to him. Jason. And he wasn’t sure if the memories were good or bad…

Paris, Winter 1699 AD

Just a few minutes till midnight and the 17th century was history…

Antoine didn’t knew if he should be happy or sad about this new year. When he was human, he hated New Year’s Eve. It meant another year was gone and the day when he’d return to his father was again closer or he didn’t managed to do anything useful another year, couldn’t really fight Tatiana or do something to deserve Hanna. When he became a vampire, he liked new years. They were such a sweet foretaste on eternity. But this time he wasn’t sure.

Last week a Minion with a message from Trevor arrived. He would move with his family and friends to Scandinavia for two or three decades. Hanna wanted to see the polar light. It hurt him deeply that his big brother could offer his former wife something that he couldn’t.

Elisa would leave in a few days to travel through Asia and find her inner vamp, make peace with her demon. She didn’t cared that everyone was making fun about her strange idea, she’s sure of herself and her goals.

Jason would also leave - he wanted to go to Italy and challenge the Prince of Rome. Antoine thought that his Tiger Clan lover was totally crazy - Jason couldn’t stay anywhere longer than a few months without getting restless and had a obsessive dislike of responsibility. The real reason though, was, that he didn’t wanted to loose him also. And he was hurt by Jason choosing his career over him - the offer to accompany him wasn’t real realistic.

But he couldn’t stop the inevitable: Him and Kaya would be alone at Paris. No, he didn’t feared that his Sire would bore him or something similar, he just couldn’t imagine Kaya being happy this way. The older vampiress needed adventures or - as substitute - many people to care for. Although she would never admit it, she liked playing mother and housewife.

Antoine liked Kaya’s caring side, but he couldn’t stand it all the time. And the expectation that Kaya would centre all her efforts around him, scared him more than he could take pleasure at it. He’d gotten to know another side of her, a very obsessive one. A trait of the Moon Clan was, that they didn’t liked to share what they thought of as they and got very nasty then. What he didn’t considered, though, was, that he’s even more possessive than his Sire…

“Happy New Year!”

Paris, Fall 1737 AD

“Happy Death Day, Antoine!”, wished Kaya and kissed her Childe’s cheek - over two human bodies at the couch.

“Thank you, Sire.” Antoine wiped a few drops of blood from his cheek that he’d gotten from Kaya. Both of them had celebrated the night of his turning with a few humans as banquet. He wasn’t allowed often to kill - although there was nothing more delicious for him than fresh, human blood that was mixed with the scent of death - so his Sire had picked just the perfect gift.

While Kaya filled their glasses anew with champagne, Antoine opened the other present his Sire had gotten him. It took him a few moments to recognize the sign at the ring. A moon made of diamonds at a gold ring. The jewellery of their clan… “Oh Kaya, Sire, thank you!”

“You deserve it, my boy!”, she said and hugged him. Suddenly, Kaya pulled frowning away. “What’s up, my Childe?”

“Huh?”

“Something’s bothering you, I can feel it. There’s no sense in pretending anything, my dear Childe, you can’t lie to me. And I won’t tolerate lies! So tell me what happened or whatever is worrying you enough that I can feel it through our connection though you’re shielding it?”

“That’s not the right occasion for it, Kaya.”

“Don’t get like this boy! I knew from the beginning that you have quite a weakness for arrogance, but aren’t supposed to behave like this with your Sire, okay? You can tell it me. Whatever it is, I won’t be mad.”

“I wouldn’t count on this…”

“Okay, say it, boy!”

“I love you, Sire, but I think it’s time for me to see something of the world. When you made me, you asked if I wouldn’t want to see more than Antwerp and Paris. Although I love Paris, I would now like to see more.”

“I can’t leave already, Antoine.”

“I know. And because of this I thought I should better travel alone. You would be worried if you had to accompany me and I don’t know who else I could ask.”

“Sorry, boy, but I don’t feel comfortable with you already travelling alone through the big, wide universe. You’re still young.”

“I know. And because of this I thought I could spend some time with Jason at Rome, explore Italy, before I travel to Africa.”

“You still love Jason, don’t you?”

“I don’t know. No, it’s not anymore romantic love, but he’s my mentor, like a father. And besides, I enjoy his company…”

“I know you won’t admit it, but you love him. Just don’t allow him to hurt you again. Because Jason isn’t right for you. He’s a caring, gentle man. But he’s not a man who can be loyal. Today he shares his bed with his protégé, tomorrow with his Childe and next day with some mortal he picked up at the street… Second part: You want to Africa? You can’t visit Africa! There’s way too much sunshine! You could easily get yourself killed!”

That was exactly the reason why he wanted to travel alone. He really appreciated Kaya’s concern, but sometimes he wanted to be treated like a big boy. After all, he wasn’t a baby anymore… He could take very well care of himself and that he’d proven Kaya often enough. But she couldn’t see it, couldn’t accept it. And by now, this closeness was more often uncomfortable than comfortable. It’s threatening, confining him…

“Kaya, Sire, I know Africa isn’t exactly the perfect place for vampires. But I can take care of myself. I’ll be careful and look that I find every morning somewhere to hide from the sun. Besides, I’m old enough to stay for longer periods of time in the sun. Perhaps I’ll just stay a few years in a city and work there like a mortal. Or I’ll join a tribe. Then they’ll take care of me and protect me.”

“That’s not exactly what I meant when I said you should learn to live among mortals and that it couldn’t hurt to live like a mortal sometimes…”

“But that’s what I want to do now. I understand your concern, I appreciate it, but it’s time for me to leave the safe Sire’s lair and explore the world.” Antoine wished his Sire would understand - sometimes in the future, at least - but he hadn’t had much hope. Kaya would even see him in a millennium as her little boy…

“When do you want to leave?”

“I’ll leave that to you. If you need me now for your Princess thing, I’ll postpone my plans. Otherwise, maybe at spring.”

“Spring is a good choice. Antoine, I don’t want to be in your way. I myself had the same problem with my Sire and I suppose it’s usual. Just like with humans... If you’re in spring still sure that you want to make this travel, you’ll have all my support and my blessings. If you don’t want to or if you want to break it up, you’re of course still welcome. Otherwise I want at least half a year a letter and you’ll warn me before you come back, okay?”

“I love you, Sire.”

Rome, Summer 1739 AD

Almost two years after he’d told his Sire about his plans and more than one year after his departure at Paris, Antoine reached the house at Rome in which his friend was supposed to live.

The vampire jumped off his horse and fastened it to a streetlamp. Then, he took a mirror out of the saddlebag and checked his looks. Vanity was a weakness he could accept. Antoine meant, some faults everyone had to have in order to be interesting. So why not a weakness that helped him looking good…?

With a big smile at his face, Antoine knocked at the heavy wood door. He just hoped Jason was at home himself because he didn’t wanted to kill a Minion. It’s just so boring to fight inferior opponents… On the other hand, he feared the confrontation with Jason. Kaya had been right - he was somehow in love with Jason. But they could never be more than a meaningless love affair. Besides, Jason didn’t returned his feelings - for him, he’s just the Childe of a good friend.

“Who’s there?”

“Open the bloody door, Jason, it’s me! Do you remember me? Antoine!” The door was opened hastily and Antoine was roughly pulled inside. Before he could complain, the door was already shut again. He stood in front of his former lover who’s shirtless and soaked in his own blood. “Goodness gracious! What happened to you, Jason?”

“Just a little confrontation with the newest Master in town. He wants my position…”

“Who wouldn’t want to become Prince of a city like Rome? But why did he attacked you?”

“Well, to become Prince of Rome. Duh!”

“Sorry, I just didn’t thought someone would dare to attack you. I mean, you’re more than 1000 years old and you’re powerful... And I’m babbling. Let’s get you fixed up! Do you’ve bandages?”

“In the living room. I just wanted to bandage me when you knocked.”

“I’m sorry if I frightened you.”

“It’s OK.”

Antoine was shocked, to say the least, that his friend admitted his fear. When he saw him the last time, Jason would’ve laughed about such a comment and said that he didn’t even feared the celestial court as long as he got a good cup of blood there…

The younger vampire pushed Jason onto the couch and sat down next to him. With practiced ease, sure movements - and slightly trembling fingers - he dressed his ex-lover. Then, Antoine took care of the minor injuries like black eyes, grazes and cuts.

With a wave of fresh arrogance, he watched his treating proudly. Not bad for someone who only had learned how to cause such injuries… “You’re looking too pale. I mean, you’re always looking pale, but this time you’re even too pale for a vampire. Do you’ve some humans in stock?”

“No. I drained already the two I had.”

“Okay, let me think… Close your eyes and just imagine it’s your Sire’s blood!”

Jason looked puzzled at his old friend and lover. “You’re planning on feeding me your blood?”, he asked incredulous.

“Do you see other vampires here?”, said Antoine soft. By now, the practised calmness was returning to him.

Vampires apart from Sire and Childe usually only exchanged blood when they’re lovers - to strengthen their relationship. For members of different clans there was even only one other reason: Punishment. Because vampires kept their blood, willing blood exchange a final decision that you couldn’t cancel. They would be bound by blood, would share something very special, unique and intimate…

“I know it’s quite… unusual. But you need vampire blood. Apart from the little minority that we’ve no access to human blood. Please. I couldn’t ever forgive myself if something happens to you.”

“Antoine, your Sire will not be pleased.”

“I know. But she’s far away and she’ll understand when I explain it to her. Now drink my blood! Or do you want me to force it down your throat?”

Drinking from the neck would’ve been too familiar after such a long time. It’s the most intimate thing vampires could share at all because it took complete trust - the other could drain you to death… So Jason gripped Antoine’s arm and bit into his wrist, drinking greedily.

Because feeding was a very pleasant experience for vampires, Antoine didn’t minded when Jason took more blood that necessary. He would’ve enough time to regain his strength at the day and after sunset he could hunt… ”Better?”

“Yes. I owe you my life.”

“Unlife, mate, unlife”, chuckled Antoine.

“Yeah, unlife. Do you mind if I take a nap now? I feel like shit.”

“I’ve to take care of my horse anyway first…”

Two hours later - the sun was just rising - had Antoine looked after his horse, bathed, changed into not blood-soaked clothes and cleaned the mess. Yes, he’d to agree, he indeed was vain. But just a little, little bit…

The blonde watched the motionless figure from a chair at the bed, still shocked how near he’d been to loosing Jason. If he had stayed another night at the little village outside of Rome - like he’d planned - he would’ve just found a no longer walking corpse. Suddenly, he knew that he couldn’t suppress his feelings for his mentor anymore. He didn’t cared for Kaya’s warnings…

Believing that his friend was asleep, he wanted to train his little speech. “I’m sorry for not coming along with you to Rome, Jason. I know you’re hurt when I turned your offer down. It was a mistake. I just thought you wouldn’t want me really when you chose your ambitions over me. Kaya is doing it all the time. I know she loves me and she cares for me, but if she’d to choose, I fear she would choose being the Princess. I even understand it... When you also left to become a Prince, I thought you wouldn’t care for me. I’m still not sure. But I care more for you than I should. I suppose I’m falling again for you.”

With a sad blood tear rolling down his cheek, Jason turned around in the bed. He’d been roughly awoken from Antoine entering the room. His favourite student still hadn’t learned that some people used door handles to close doors and not just banged them shut…

“Antoine, there are many things I can’t tell you by now. You just have to trust me. As much as I would like to be your lover again, it’s not that easy. You’re bound to Kaya, not to me.”

“But…”

He sighed, “you’re a millennium younger than me. You just stopped being a fledgling, I’m a Prince. You’re Moon Clan, I’m Tiger Clan. We’re living very different lives. I just don’t want to hurt you again, Antoine. And I will if we’re again lovers. Because you’re too young to stay at one place, to serve and obey me all the time. You need someone who shares your hunger for adventures, who wants to roam the world with you. I have to take care of my “ambitions” and worry about talking my deputy out a girl which he just wants to turn because he can’t get a woman without being her Sire.”

“I changed. Granted, I’m still impatient and I can’t stay interested in one thing for more than a few years. But you’re the same when you left for Rome. Do you remember? You got a fit when you’re longer in one city than half a year.”

“And I was behaving like a fledgling although I should have behaved like a Prince. Although I’m Tiger and we never get really mature, it’s my duty to pretend I am. You can still enjoy being one of the young, you can live your unlive without caring for duties, responsibilities and account to your Prince and lover for every minority.”

“Huh?”

“Antoine, didn’t you thought about that? You’re really young still, my scholar… If you stay in Rome, you become one of my inferiors. We don’t just have to get along in our relationship, you also have to accept me as your Prince. You’ve to obey me, to serve me. Whatever I order is a law for you. If I ask you to come to me although we had a fight, you’ve to obey. You can’t just contradict me - because I can’t tolerate anyone contradicting me. Especially in a situation like this it’s too dangerous to show weakness.”

“You’ve a point… I already hate that I’ve to obey to Kaya all the time as my Sire and as my Princess. She’s quite making use of it.”

“And I’ll too. Even if I don’t want to use my power against you, in the end I will. I can’t help being what I am. We Tigers are like this. We ever try to get the easy way what our heart desires. That’s a part of having control for us - it’s the only thing we get in return for binding us to a city, giving up our freedom. While the Moon Clan can control, can provide Masters and Princes who’re able to just show everyone his place without making a big fuss about it, we can’t. It’s important for us to sometimes savour our price. It’s the sweetest part.”

“I understand. You fear that I’m not able to submit to you as Prince and still be an equal lover.”

“Yes. That’s why you shouldn’t stay here - as much as I would love to have you all the time with me. You’re Moon Clan, you’ll sooner or later naturally rebel against the submission I have to demand from you. And then we’ll hate each other. That I don’t want. I don’t want you to hate me and I don’t want to break up with you for good. But we can only have one thing.”

“Then I suppose we could choose the third choice.”

“Huh?”

“I’m anyway planning on exploring Africa. Why don’t you just come along for a few years or decades? I see that you’re not happy with being a Prince who gets beaten up from Masters and I know you’re tired of staying in one city for such a long time.”

“You’re really wanting my company, Antoine?”

“Otherwise I wouldn’t offer it.”

“Thank you.”

“When are you planning on starting?”

“Well, when we travel together, we’ll have to adapt to each other’s traits, preferences and wishes. Besides, it’s your idea.”

“I can live with that, Jason.”

“Good.”

Goldbrook Castle, Summer 2001 AD

Yawning walked Nicky down from the 3rd floor at which the bedrooms were to the 1st. With some longing he looked to the big front doors. But he couldn’t. The Princess would be angry if he didn’t stayed inside - she hadn’t allowed him to go into the garden, after all.

Two hours and a lot of explorations later, Nicky had found out, at the 1st floor were only the ball hall, offices and conference rooms. In the basement were studios, music and exercise rooms, a sauna, solarium. At the 2nd, he finally found the kitchen. After he’d seen half a dozen of living rooms and a library. He downed two bags of blood instantly. Only then, he noticed another presence nearby. “What do you want?”, he demanded.

“Oh, I use to spend some time in my kitchen”, answered Kaya sarcastic. “Of course only, if you don’t mind…!”

“Princess.” Slowly, Nicky turned around. He had a hard time to keep his demon from attacking Kaya without any stimulation. Just her being a Princess and Moon vampiress was enough.

Kaya felt the fledgling’s confusion, rage and hesitation. It’s such strong, that even the different blood couldn’t keep it from her. “Lion”, she said with the same hateful coolness. “I see you helped yourself.”

“You didn’t ordered me not to leave my room, nobody brought me blood, so I supposed you wouldn’t mind.”

“I don’t. You can heat yourself another few bags before you go upstairs.”

“Heating? Why should I heat the blood bags?”

Kaya sighed silently. Hadn’t she known it before already? In the end, she would’ve to take care of the boy! “You should heat the blood before you drink it. This way, it’s tastier and it’s fluid.”

“Oh. But how do I do that?”

“In the microwave.”

“Thank you, Princess.”

“My pleasure. Uh… if you need some help, I’m in the library.”

“Okay.”

“Good evening, Gerard.”

“What do you want, Tony?”, asked Gerry unnerved. He’s staring holes into the pond.

“I… I wanted to talk with you.”

“Well, I’m here and listening.”

“Thank you for helping me with Kaya last night. Without your support I couldn’t have persuaded her into letting Nicky stay.”

“It’s not about you, Tony, don’t even think that. Your megalomania shouldn’t be this serious… I just helped you because I know how it is to grow up without your parents. I don’t want him to go through the same.”

“Still. I owe you.”

“Wait till Kaya decided. There’re still chances that she chooses to send you into a psychiatric clinic.”

Antoine groaned and rolled his eyes before he sat down beside the human at the bench. He fed the fishes before he turned his attention back to Gerry. “Me and Othieno aren’t lovers”, he stated.

“Huh?”

Okay, he would’ve to practise this communication thing some more… “I just want you to know that Othieno and me aren’t lovers.”

“Yeah, I got that already the first time. Just don’t understand why that’s important for your adoption of Nicky. Or do you want him as your boyfriend?”

“No, I don’t have any romantic interest in him. It would feel like incest for me - like with Othieno. Besides, I for my part, have had enough inter-clan relationships.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Jason. He’s Tiger.”

“Tiger? How could you stand the leader of the Tigers? They’re…”

“…irresponsible, annoying, moody, unreliable, liars, conspirators, big kids, impulsive, silly, unnerving?”

“Yes, that’s more or less what I wanted to say. I heard such things about them.”

“They are exactly like this. And that’s why I don’t want a repeat performance. I can’t imagine standing a Lion lover. They’re even worse than Tigers and Jason drove me more often insane than not…”

“Yeah, I can imagine that. But why are you telling me all of this?”

“Well… I made a mistake when I treated you bad this evening. I was just so angry at you for catching me off guard and then I was too busy with Othieno to set things right.”

“Just to make sure I get this right: The last months you just ignored me and now suddenly you decide that you want me to become your boyfriend? Just for fun? No reason? No hooks? Sorry, Antoine, but that’s just not like you!”

“I have some ulterior motives, Gerard. Jason will not come back for the next years, I got a letter from him. Even if he does, he’ll bring his new lover along. He got himself a girlfriend. And apart from that, I wouldn’t give you up. Even if we should reconcile.”

“And you just assume that that’s OK for me?”, Gerry asked incredulous.

“Jason is my lover since I was given life by Kaya, he’s my mentor and with Othieno the best friend I ever had. What do you expect from me?”

“Well, something like breaking up with Jason for good?”, suggested Gerry with venom. He just couldn’t believe it! How could Antoine just treat him like a toy? He was human, for god’s sake! He didn’t wanted to be thrown away as soon as something better was available...

“I could never do that! I’m sorry, Gerard, but that’s out of question. I love Jason and I’ll love him for the rest of my existence. Besides, you’ll get very fond of him. It wouldn’t be the first time that we accepted each other’s lovers.”

“But I don’t want to be your alternative for when you can’t get Jason!”

“You didn’t understood me right. I don’t want you as the second-best lover. I want you as my first and only lover. But at some point Jason will come back. Perhaps tomorrow - wouldn’t be the first time that he changes his mind just for fun - and perhaps in a millennium. But that doesn’t has anything to do with you. I would still be loyal to you.”

“But how? You love Jason, I know that. But how can you love two people? I don’t want to become uninteresting as soon as your Jason’s back!”

“And what if he brings along his girlfriend? I would accept that too. I wouldn’t start anything with her, but I would accept that he doesn’t gives her up. The same it’ll be if he comes back while we’re together. I suppose you would even like him…”

“That doesn’t matters! Why can’t you just understand that I’m sick of being the second choice? And even if you don’t want to accept or admit it, I would be. You and Jason, you’re big love. And what would happen with me? I would somehow stand between you and him. I would only bother you two.”

“No! Would you please listen to me? For once?”

“Okay.”

“All the time I’m trying to tell you that you wouldn’t bother us. I’m realistic enough to know that Jason will soon loose interest in me again. And then we’ll be the next decades just for us. I’m sorry, but I can’t leave Jason for good. We’re too close to risk our relationship for anyone. Frankly, I don’t want to go without the time with him. Now and then I need this fighting, this uncertainty and the hard work we’ve to put into our relationship every time.”

Gerry snorted. “Oh, that you can have also with me!”

“Really?”

“Hey, that’s no “yes”. I’m not going to make it this easy for you. But perhaps I’ll give you a second chance and we even manage to work things out. You bet that we’ll have a lot of fighting, uncertainty and so on! Look at us, Antoine. We can’t keep ourselves from getting at each other’s throat for more than five minutes!”

“Our record is 18 minutes.”

“Don’t try your luck, vampy!”, threatened Gerry playfully.

“Can I maybe persuade you into giving me this second chance?”

“Oh, let’s see…” Before Gerry could get second thoughts - as if he would… - he got the kisses he’d hoped for the last months. “Yeah, I suppose you can”, he gasped.

“Antoine?”, called Nicky.

Human and vampire groaned. “Remember me to lock our family into the basement before we have a date…”

“With pleasure! I’m here, Nicky. At the pond.”

“Hi!”

“Good evening.

“Hey, sit down. We’re not gonna bite or something.”

“Thanks. Can I please ask you a few questions about the adoption, Antoine? I considered it and I think I’ll ask the Princess for it. It’s the only way to survive and I really don’t want to die. Although you’re Moon Clan, I even suppose you’re okay…”

“Thanks. What do you want to know?”

“How does this works? I mean, do I get your blood? And how do I become a member of your clan?”

“We’ll exchange blood like when someone is turned. I’ll almost drain you and then feed you my blood. This will create a bond between us that’s near the bond of Sire and Childe. Because you’re still a fledgling, it’s easier. We’ve to repeat this seven times - each night one time for a week. Then the Princess will introduce you to The Assembly as my Childe.”

“That’s it?”

“Pretty much. But nothing can prepare you for how it feels. You never met your real Sire, so you don’t have any idea. The bond is stronger in the beginning because you get more Sire blood than a fledgling who never exchanges blood with his Sire. It’s important that you get the following year at least two times each month my blood. The more, the better.”

“That doesn’t sounds too bad.”

“When both are careful, it doesn’t even hurts. Just when there’s no trust, the feeling is uncomfortable because I could easily drain you. But if you allow yourself to enjoy the rush of feeding - it’s intoxicating, you’ll soon find that out - you don’t even notice it.”

“Do you I’ve any choice?”

“No, not really. But nobody forces you to make this. The vampire who would adopt you would be me because Kaya has already to take care of Thomas. And I don’t need a Childe who fights me - it’s tiring and not the least bit satisfying.”

“OK.”

“I can’t help you at this. When the Princess comes back from watching her friend’s grave, you should talk to her.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you, Antoine.” With a honestly grateful smile went Nicky back into the castle.

“You have quite a feeling for treating him the right way, huh?”

“Yeah, I’m myself surprised. I thought it would be more difficult. But with Othieno’s help and perhaps even yours I can do it.”

“I suppose he feels that you like him, that you care for him. That’s more important than the clan you belong to.”

“I’m afraid you’re wrong with this, Gerard. I’ll be able to control him for some time - half a year, at most a year - and then he can’t ignore his origin anymore. If my blood can even give us half a year…”

“I’m sure you’ll do the right thing. Are you coming along to Jimmy’s pub? I’m gonna meet there some friends of mine.”

“No, I’ll rather pass.” After a goodbye kiss, Antoine watched Gerry disappear in the shadows of their garden. The boy had learned well his lessons… He just hoped, their relationship would work out as easy as his maybe future boyfriend’s vampire playing. But was Gerard right? Would he just be a replacement for Jason? Antoine didn’t thought so, because he’s sure that no one could replace this lover of him…

Rome, Winter 1745 AD

Although both hadn’t even believed it in their wildest dreams, Antoine and Jason had been able to stay happy and in Rome for years. It’d been a hard time - for both of them. But Jason tried hard to control the instincts that wanted to force his inferior into submission and Antoine was prepared to make compromises. So everything worked out…

Until the restlessness overcame them. Both wanted to realize finally their travel plans, wanted to explore Africa and find a new Childe for Jason. So they finished their travel preparations in November 1745. Jason had even managed to find a good successor.

“Can we celebrate Christmas?”, asked Antoine suddenly in the morning’s silence.

His lover had already been half asleep and didn’t looked happy about the interruption, It’s their last night at Rome and Jason had decided they would spend it with relaxing. “Antoine, we’ll be already at our way at Christmas. Besides, vampires don’t celebrate Christmas.”

“I know. Because of this I asked you if we could. I would like to celebrate Christmas.”

“No, Antoine, we will not”, yawned the older vampire.

Antoine went into full sulking mode - wanted to beat the Tiger with his own weapons. Usually, Jason would give in when he just annoyed him long enough. “Please, Jason. I didn’t celebrated Christmas since I was turned. And without my mortal and vampire relatives I want at least to have a few familiar celebrations.”

“Please don’t do that to me. You know I’m going to give in if you go on like this. And I really don’t want to celebrate Christmas! It’s… ridiculous! And I’ll sleep now. No more discussion about Christmas!”, ordered the Prince.

Naples, Winter 1745 AD

After a tiring night of riding, the two men had found only a little, shabby Inn room to spend the day at. So Antoine’s mood couldn’t have been worse.

The young vampire was laying at his stomach in bed and read a book the previous occupant of their room had left. It’s mildly interesting, but he wasn’t really good at Arabic, so it could’ve been the worst book that was ever written and he just hadn’t noticed… When the door was opened, he didn’t bothered turning around. “I thought you wouldn’t go out at day, Jason.”

“Well, I had to fetch something up and there’s no time before.”

The cheerful mood of his lover finally made Antoine turn around. When Jason left, he’d been muttering something about him being a “useless brat”. His deep green eyes met emerald ones who’re sparkling mischievous - of course for a human, it’d been frightening. But Jason was all the time looking like someone perfectly capable of teaching the bad guys a lesson and playing with the good guys children, so this was no surprise for Antoine.

And when he looked down, he also found the reason for Jason’ suddenly risen mood. Two gagged humans were lying unconscious to his feet. Antoine just jumped on time out of the way before they’re thrown onto the bed. He still didn’t got what’s going on, so the blonde vampire looked questioning to his lover and mentor.

Jason sat down onto the bed and kissed his confused lover. “Merry Christmas, Antoine.”

“Merry Christmas, Jason. I love you.”

“I love you.”

When he’s utterly honest to himself, Antoine had to admit that he never could have a relationship that he could compare to what he’s having with Jason. Apart from the fact that he hadn’t had more than a few one night stands and flirts, he’d never felt any desire for a relationship with someone else. Why should he bother when he could have Jason?

For the first time, this was now different. He desired Gerard as more than a good meal or a name- and meaningless one night stand. The boy could arouse his interest - and that wasn’t easy. With Gerard, he’s able to forget what he’s supposed to be, was able to forget that the other male was human - a big no in the vampire love handbook.

There had been only one time in his existence when he’d been interested in a human like he’s now in Gerard…

Cairo, Fall 1748

“I’m sorry, Antoine, but I can’t see any sense in dragging me at night through a marketplace although we ate our fill and don’t need anything.”

“Jason, why can’t you just relax for once? Nothing will happen to you here, don’t get scared”, Antoine teased. “I just want to explore the market. It’s an oriental market and we never had before time to really explore one. Oh look! A snake! Isn’t that exciting?”, beamed the younger vampire with joy.

“If it makes you happy, let’s explore every niche!”

“I know why I love you so much!”

“On one condition: I can buy books. And you make a drawing of this market.”

“That’s fair!” Suddenly, Antoine’s attention was drawn to a stall at which a young man was haggling. “Hm…”

“What is it?”

“Do you see him?”

“Yeah, what’s up with him? I can’t feel any other vampire in the marketplace.”

“I know. And I didn’t meant that he’s a vampire. I would like to get to know him. His emotions are a big mess and still he’s hopeful, he’s very strong.”

“I… Oh, I get it. You want to turn him!”

“Perhaps. At least he’s a good candidate for my first Childe. But perhaps we can just take him along if he’s good.”

“I wouldn’t mind some travel company besides you. By now our relationship should be strong enough to withstand this.”

“Yeah, I guess so too. Let’s follow him! I want to know where he’s living so I can stalk him again.”

Jason rolled his eyes. “Whatever…”, the brunette vampire groaned and followed his excited lover. Frankly, he wanted Antoine all for himself - but if he made him happy, he would tolerate someone else. Even a human…

The following two months, Antoine didn’t allowed the young African to even look out of the window at night without being watched. But especially proud he was that he’s able to talk Jason into following him occasional at day. The blonde vampire wanted to know what his newest obsession was working and if he had family.

“Hello, Antoine. I just managed to make someone from Othieno’s employer talk. He’s some kind of slave.”

“Great!”

“How should that help you? You can’t even talk to him alone for more than a few minutes this way, can you?”

“Of course. But I’ll not talk to him at work. I found out that he’s going every week or so to a bar. I suppose the slaves are having one night a week off. Then I can talk to him. And it’ll be easier to persuade him into coming along with us when he doesn’t has any future here. Don’t you understand? He’ll be grateful for every chance to get away!”

“Granted, but the most people from poor families want their parents and siblings to be safe and secure. That’s impossible for us.”

“If that’s his condition, we can buy them and let them go. I met a week or so ago a nice vamp who’s living here. He promised me a favour…”

“What the hell did you do?”

“He wants his Childe to become a Prince. Because he’s himself only a Master, he needs someone who can teach it to him. And I gave him a letter of recommendation for Kaya.”

“Okay, that’s favour enough to make him take care of a few humans... But what are you going to do with him? We can’t just appear in this bar and offer him immortality.“

“It worked with me, didn’t it?”

“Yeah, but what if the bloke is sane?”

“Watch your big trap, Mister!”, threatened Antoine in mock dismay.

“I suppose you should first try to befriend with him. We can tell him later what we are - if he doesn’t finds it out on his own. When he trusts you, it shouldn’t be hard to persuade him into agreeing to the creation.”

“That’s my plan!”

When Antoine entered the bar, he turned his nose up in disgust. Thick waves of smoke made him cough, the smell of alcohol, bad blood, misery and sweat wasn’t better. His sensitive vampire senses were offended by the odour, let alone the mood, shabbiness and noise.

“I can endure this. I survived worse”, he told himself and went determined to the table of his victim. After a quick trip to the bar to get himself a drink. “Good evening. This free?”

“Uh… yeah, sure.” Othieno’s confusion was visible in his eyes. He knew that he’d met the man before, he just couldn’t remember when and where. Until… “I’m glad you finally left the shadows.”

“Huh?”

“I already thought you would never dare to approach me. The game started to become boring…”, told Othieno the vampire calm.

”Huh?” Antoine was so surprised, that he couldn’t form any coherent sentence.

With a mysterious smile told Othieno the blonde, “do you really thought I wouldn’t notice it? I wouldn’t ever feel your presence? I knew from the first evening that you stalked me. You followed me home from the marketplace.”

“You’re clever, boy”, admitted Antoine.

“At least I’m clever enough to know that you and your games are very dangerous. I would really like to know what you’re planning. Don’t you usually kill your victims as soon as you spot them?”

“The most of us proceed this way… I’m Antoine. Some people use to call me Prince of Hell.”

“Othieno. Just a mere human who doesn’t wants to play anymore.”

This got Antoine’s attention. He raised an eyebrow quizzically. “Oh, I’m pretty sure that you still want to play. You wouldn’t give me this many chances to kill you otherwise. Do you even know how easy I could kill you? You humans are so fragile…”

“You leave my family out of this and I’ll resume our little game. You or your friend ever come near my family’s house again and the prey doesn’t plays anymore.”

What a good choice! The boy was brave, naïve and so marvellous innocent… Cute that he tried to protect his family, but Jason could just erase his memories of discovering him near the house with his new magic powers… “Don’t try to fight me, my little human. You’ll regret it. Nobody survives trying to make the rules of my games...”

“Oh, really? Well, what are you going to do? Kill me? That’s not what you’re really interested in. If you would want to just turn me, you would’ve done it a long time ago. The game is no fun when I don’t react to whatever you do.”

“You’re walking at dangerous ground, Othieno.”

“I know. And perhaps that’s exactly what I want to do? Hell, I’m a slave! Do you really think you could scare me with death? That would be better for me than the miserable life I’m having now!”

“You don’t have to entertain the whole bar. I don’t think the other customers are interested in whatever bothers you. I know this kind of bars. Nobody helps you if I drag you outside and beat you up. Or if I just drain you here.”

“And next you will threat me with rape. Come on, Antoine, you really can do better than the usual robbers!”

The vampire growled dangerously. He didn’t liked when someone figured his tactics out and he absolutely didn’t liked being compared to street robbers… “You better learn some respect or I’ll teach it you the hard way!” He vamped out when he’s sure nobody watched them. Not that it would be a problem if someone did - he would just kill everything alive in the bar…

Antoine stood up and sauntered around to the human, whispering into his ear, ”don’t play the ice-cold, hard-boiled. It doesn’t works with vampires. I’m more experienced. And in contrary to you, for me time’s a friend…”

This did it for Othieno. He had managed to show nothing of his fear till now - which wasn’t hard because he’s quite a good actor - but now he had to gulp hard. “what are you talking about, vampire?”

“Oh, Othieno, I’m very disappointed with you. Didn’t you figured it out by yourself?”

Weakly, the mortal shook his head. He didn’t knew if he really wanted to know the answer.

“For example, I could use you as provisions for rainy days. Then I could have fun with you and a snack now and then. Or I give you to my lover’s best friend as his toy… No, that would be too cruel. For his clan, human lives are as important as the lives of earthworms and they enjoy the pain of mortals too much. But I could use you as my own toy and lend you to them sometimes. Or I just stalk you for the rest of your miserable life. Never allow you to get your peace, become the ever present shadow that burns the fear so deep into your soul that it’ll appear to you like a part of yourself…” With an unholy glitter in his eyes, Antoine caressed the young man’s cheek.

Othieno had to agree that he couldn’t accept any of his suggestions - or should he say promises? What meant, that there’s only one possibility left… “Okay.”

“Excuse me?”

“Okay, you’ve won, Antoine. We can go on with your little mind game. I’ll accept your rules and it goes on. Or whatever you want.”

Antoine enjoyed the slight tremor that shook his victim’s body like watching a sunrise without getting burned. Who claimed that physical force was necessary to bring fear into mortal hearts, to break someone’s will? Just a few words used in the right way, an innocent - and still so meaningful caress - and your prey gave itself willingly to you… “I’m glad we agree. Very glad, my little mortal…”

“What do you want?”

Okay, this wasn’t going as he’d planned. Gaining Othieno’s trust and then asking him to agree with the turning was now out of question - at least for the moment. First, he would’ve to teach him who’s the predator and who the prey. It was hard to keep someone as strong as Othieno without violence submissive - and exactly the challenge he’d searched for since his turning!

At some point, he would finally win the boy’s admiration, friendship and trust to make his victory even sweeter…. His Sire had taught him that only the slaves were really valuable who obeyed him without threats and force, who wanted to stay. Because every vampire could break a human’s will, but only the fewest forever…

“What I want? Oh, I want a lot. You should be more worried what I want from you and what I want to do with you…”

“That I am.”

“Good. You’re still smart. Fear is most times a good counsellor for humans. But some times, fear makes your kind weak.” Agonizing slow, Antoine took another sip of his drink. He wanted to delay his first orders as long as possible. Not only would he make Othieno crazy with it, perhaps he could also think of sensible orders in the meantime…

“Can you please stop that? You’re making me crazy!”

“I know.”

Othieno groaned aloud and rolled his eyes. Why had he to pick of all vampires who could be obsessed with breaking him the one who wasn’t able to make a decision? “Can we go outside? Please?”

Outside was good. Outside he could get a foretaste of the next months and a quick bite… “If you insist…”

After Antoine paid for their drinks, the men walked in silence outside. The air was relatively cool this night - something the vampire was immensely grateful for. He couldn’t think very good when it’s heat and he didn’t wanted to show hesitation, let alone weakness, in front of Othieno. The major part of the skill wasn’t to show superiority, it’s to show no weaknesses - at least this Kaya had taught him…

As soon as they’re out of sight from the people chatting outside of the bar, Antoine gripped Othieno’s wrist in an iron grip. Then, he dragged the boy into a corner that wasn’t visible from the street. Just like his Sire did in the night he’s turned, Antoine used his own weight to sandwich Othieno between a wall and his body. “If you keep quite and don’t move, it won’t hurt”, he promised.

“Uh… really?”, asked Othieno suspicious. “You won’t drain me, will you?”

“I just want a taste. Relax, if you fight me, it’ll be very unpleasant”, he told his prey - making him at the same time obey with his supernatural powers. Usually, he didn’t cared if he hurt his victims, but the reason of all the mind games was after all, that he didn’t wanted to use physical force or violence… He made sure that Othieno would neither be able to move nor want to. Then, he bit him with greater care than he’d ever but with Kaya used…

Kaya entered the conference room in an elegant ev