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Ben’s POV
I have a big smile in my face as we drive away from the warehouse. I try to keep a straight face but it’s impossible.
“What are you smiling about?” Brian asks me.
“Nothing, sire,” I tell him.
I roll my lips in my mouth and stay focus on the road.
“Don’t lie to me,” he says.
I stay quiet.
“Look at me Ben,” Brian instructs me.
I look at him and slowly the smile comes out. Then I start chuckling and I can’t stop even though I know he’s getting angry.
“Ben!” Brian growls.
“I just thought it was funny how Kevin, Justin and Max were fighting each other over you,” I reply and I keep laughing.
“Ha, ha,” Brian spits. “Not fucking funny. Now watch the road and stop laughing.”
“I’ve never seen Justin so jealous,” I tell him. “I mean he’s always fought for your attention but that was too much.”
“He has nothing to be jealous about,” My sire says. “He’s always going to have me. Maximilian will be gone one day just like the rest of them. And Kevin…well, never mind him.”
“I never left,” I point out.
“You’re unique,” he replies. “I adore you, Ben.”
I know he means it. I don’t know why but I was never able to do like the rest of my brothers and sisters and leave. I know that one day I’m supposed to be master but I don’t want to live without him. I love him with all my heart. I would die for him. Even thought I know that the only person he would sacrifice himself over is Justin.
I look at him and I know something is wrong. “Is everything okay? You’re worried about the men that came into our home.”
“No,” he tells me. “Justin.”
“Justin?” I ask not sure what he means.
“He’s acting weird,” Brian tells me. “Like he doesn’t want me around, I mean he’s always been defiant but it feels different.”
“You’ve been punishing more than ever,” I say. “What did he do?”
My sire sighs and shakes his head. “Never mind.”
I drop the issue knowing I’m not going to get anywhere. I know that Justin is different now, he’s right about that. But I don’t know what it is. I can only feel it when he’s close to me. Something in me shakes to the core. It doesn’t scare me but I don’t like it either. I hope everything works alright. I know that my sire couldn’t live without Justin.
“Melanie,” Brian says suddenly. “Where does she live?”
“London,” I tell him.
“Mmm,” Brian grunts. “I don’t like London.”
“I know,” I reply.
“Whatever happened to Cody?” he asks me.
“I don’t know,” I tell him. “I think he managed to get himself killed.”
“I’m not surprise,” he mutters. “Mmm, how many childes do I have left out there, Ben?”
“Well,” I say. “Brent killed most of them after you were gone. The ones that survived became his slaves. The ones that made it out like Melanie and Wyatt are living out of the states.”
“We’re too many to travel at once,” Brian informs me. “Plus I don’t want to.”
If it was any other person he would take whatever he needed and leave everyone else hanging. But Brian has always taken care of us. That’s why he’s such a wonderful master and everyone loves him. Not many masters care much for their children and the ones that do are treated like gods. I look at Brian and I know he’s always felt like he is one having the power to give eternal life. He’s never told me how old he is but I’m thinking very, every ancient. My sire always knows what to do and he’s never wrong. Maybe one day he’ll tell me his age.
“How about…Brent,” Brian says.
I don’t say anything. If we go and talk to Brent about staying with him and it all turns into hell like I know it will, and in this instant I agree then it’s going to be my fault. But I won’t say no and go against my master either.
“Drive there,” Brian commands me.
I do. I’m not even going to try and convince him this is a bad idea.
“Problem solved,” Brian says and I drive towards Brent’s estate.
I can’t wait for us to find another house. Brent and Brian hate each other to death. But they tolerate each other because they are brothers. And not the kind your sire is my sire kind of brothers. They had the same human parents before they were turned. Brian and Brent were turned the same day. Brian became his sire’s favorite and Brent became a jealous ass and always made Brian’s life a living hell.
When the Macklin killed Brian it was hell for us. Brent came and took over everything; it was the rules after all. You’re closest family member is entitle to everything. In case there isn’t one or the person refuses the wealth then it goes to the master’s eldest childe. Brent accepted every cent. He took over Brian’s money and the majority of our family. He only wanted to punish them for belonging to my sire.
I grabbed everything I could and left. Michael came with me as well as Cody, Melanie, Wyatt, Susan and some others. After a few years I managed to get some of my family away from Brent and I was able to make a home for us. I took care of everything until the day I found out I could bring Brian back. Then when he was back I gave him his rightful place as our master. Brian didn’t even bother to contact Brent because he knew his brother wouldn’t give him anything back.
“Home sweet home,” I hear Brian whispering.
After two hours of driving we’re finally on the small road that leads to the estate. This used to be our home. I look at my sire and I see how pissed he is that he’s back here. I know it must rub him the wrong way that Brent has everything that once belonged to him. When we arrive at the estate Brian gets out of the car and tells me to stay in the car. I don’t like it but I obey. I keep looking at my watch thinking it’s busted because it hasn’t move much and yet it feels like forever.
“Okay,” Brian says as he gets back in the car. “Drive to the east wing.”
I don’t say anything as I drive. Brian always kept that part of the manor empty because that’s where he lived with his sire. I know that by the time I came into the picture Brent was gone and Cassandra was dead. I park the car and look at him.
“We can stay,” he informs me. “For a month.”
I frown. “That’s it? That fucking bastard!”
Brian chuckles but I know he’s angry as hell. “Start arranging everything to find a new place. And inform everyone where we are. Also go bring my boys to me,” he tells me before he gets out.
I look at him standing in front of the doors. Then he pushes them open and walks slowly inside. I move quickly because I don’t know if anyone followed us to the warehouse and they might be in danger. When I get back everyone is still there. I tell them where they have to go. They know how to get there and the ones that don’t go with the eldest ones. They will find their way to the estate and be careful about it too. I go up the stairs and to the second floor. In one of the rooms I find Michael crying over Emmett’s body. I had lost track of him and didn’t even know they had made it here.
“Ben,” Michael says without turning back. “I can’t make him wake up.”
“Who brought you here?” I ask him.
Michael sighs. “I did,” he answers.
“We’re at Brent’s estate,” I inform him. “Do you think you can get there with Emmett?”
He nods as he caresses Emmett’s face. “Not now,” he tells me and I leave him.
God I really hope that Justin hasn’t run away. Sometimes he would do that to piss Brian off. I know he likes to misbehave in purpose to get Brian’s attention, but now is not the time and I’m not in the mood. I start to think about why Justin went against our kind. Up to this day I don’t know what happened to him the day Brian was killed. Maybe they tortured him or told him they were going to kill him. I don’t know what the fuck happened to make him want to kill vampires. Brian never wants to talk about it saying he can’t remember. I know is total bullshit but I know not to push my luck.
When I enter the room where Justin was with the others my eyes open wide. For a moment I think I’m going to have to kill Maximilian and Kevin. They are both feeding from the blond but then I see that Justin is okay with it. Jesus, who the fuck understand them? Hours ago they wanted to rip each others’ throats out.
“It’s time to go,” I say.
Justin opens his eyes and looks at me. He pushes Max away from his neck and gives him a growl for effect.
“Where is Brian?” Maximilian asks. “I want to see him.
Justin rolls his eyes and starts to grab Kevin’s clothes. “Get dress, Kevin,” he instructs him.
“No,” Kevin yells. “I want to play.”
“We’re not going to play now,” Justin tells him. He squats in front of his brother and tries to dress him by force.
Maximilian glares at them before he walks outside. I go inside and between me and Justin we manage to get Kevin dressed.
“Let’s go,” I say.
Justin and Kevin follow me. Max is already outside leaning against the car. I open the door and suddenly Kevin launches himself and Justin.
“No,” Kevin yells. “No, no, no.”
Justin gets up and pushes Kevin away from him. “Can you relax?”
“Me with you,” Kevin tells him like a little kid.
I frown as I look from Kevin to Justin. I glare at him because it’s clear as day that Justin is thinking about bolting and Kevin has read his mind about it. It’s funny that Kevin always kind of knows when things are about to happen. Sometimes I can’t even understand what he means until whatever it is has occurred.
“Get in the fucking car, Justin!” I hiss at him.
“Fuck off,” Justin tells me. “You don’t own me.”
“What’s going on?” Maximilian asks. “Are we going or what?”
I walk over to Justin. “Please, just get in. Now is not the time.”
Justin seems to be thinking about it.
“There are men out there that we don’t even know who they are,” I tell him. “Brian would kill me if something happened to you.”
“Why would he…he hates me. He wants to make my life a living hell!” He hisses.
“You’re nuts!” I yell. “Just get in the damn car!”
“I’m hungry,” Kevin says looking up at Justin while he squats on the floor.
“Jesus,” Justin whispers.
He makes Kevin stand up and go into the car. Then he goes inside too and I’m so grateful. Max gets in the car as well and I drive them to the estate. Halfway there I feel like killing all of them. It’s like they’re five years old and won’t shut up or stop arguing about Brian. How is Brian going to deal with all of them is beyond me.
When we arrive Brian is waiting for us outside. Max jumps out of the car and runs to him. Brian laughs and picks him up. I see that Justin is glaring and Kevin is patting the blond. I go inside the house and to my surprise Brent is in the foyer talking with Susan and telling her that if she ever needs anything not to hesitate on asking him for it. I roll my eyes because is all a bunch of lies. He could care less about all of us.
“Brian,” Brent says smiling. “You have rebuilt your family quite well.”
Brian just nods.
“And this,” he says. “More boys.”
“Who is he?” Max asks.
“He’s my brother,” Brian answers.
“Can we go to our room?” Max asks seductively.
Brian smirks at him. Then he turns to look at Kevin and Justin. “Let’s go.”
“I’m not going anywhere with that asshole!” Justin yells.
“Oh shut up!” Maximilian says. “You’re just jealous of me.”
“Ahh,” Justin screams in frustration. “You’re an idiot!”
I find this really hilarious.
“I’m hungry!” Kevin hisses. “I’m very hungry!”
I wonder what’s up with Kevin. He’s always fucking hungry. I’m going to have to look into it.
“Move it!” Brian yells.
“Maybe I can feed them,” Brent says as he caresses Kevin’s face.
Kevin frowns and arches a brow. “You’re going to make a river of blood.”
“What?” Brent asks him.
I wonder what the hell that means. It doesn’t have much logic to it.
“Want to come with me?” Brent asks Justin while he ignores Kevin.
“A pretty river,” Kevin whispers and pulls away from Brent.
“Fuck off,” Justin hisses at Brent.
“You should teach your childe better manners, Brian,” Brent says.
“What?” Brian asks suddenly. He was too busy kissing Maximilian in the middle of the stairs. “Didn’t I tell you two to move it?”
“I should go, Brian darling,” Brent informs him. “I have things to do.”
Brian looks at him and smiles. It’s a fake smile. I can see that he hates the fact that Brent just called him darling in that sardonic tone. “You’re so kind,” Brian replies.
I look back and see that Brent is smiling at Justin. I smile too because a plan has occur to me. In any case that something was to happen to Brent this place goes to Brian because he’s the next of kin. I’m thinking that Brent has set his mind to have Justin just to piss Brian off.
“Stay the fuck away from me!” Justin yells at Brent before he goes over to Kevin and picks him up.
I watch them go up the stairs behind Brian and Max. I go over to Brent and smile like I like him. But I don’t because my sire doesn’t and that’s enough for me to hate him as well. “Justin always thinks he can do what he wants,” I tell him like it irritates me. It doesn’t because Justin can do whatever the fuck he wants.
“Why is that?” Brent asks carefully.
“He’s master’s favorite,” I lie. Brian’s favorite childe at the moment is Maximilian and I say at the moment because that infatuation always dies. I’m please to say that I’m his favorite one. I don’t abuse of that though.
“I thought it was you,” Brent says.
“Oh no,” I say. “He’s fond of me because I’ve stayed around and always help him with everything.”
“He looked to be doting of the redhead,” Brent points out.
I see that he’s not convinced yet.
“Max is just the youngest addition,” I tell him. “Two weeks old,” I add for effect.
“Mmm,” Brent mutters as he runs a hand down his shirt to smooth it out.
“Justin has been in the family for over a century,” I inform him. Pretty much after you have been about fifty years with Brian he gets tired of you and if you ask to leave he lets you. As long as you pay your respects to him, which means sending money or presents, that means a tasty human, for the rest of eternity to him. I think it’s a fair deal for freedom and after the magnificent present he’s given us.
“Oh,” Brent says.
“Yeah,” I whisper.
“You want him gone, don’t you?” Brent asks with a grin.
“He’s never going to leave,” I say like it pisses me off. “He has a good life being our sire’s favorite childe.”
Brent rubs his chin and I know that means he’s coming up with a plan. He doesn’t say anything as he turns around and walks away. I go up and check on everyone. In some rooms I find one or two guys and in others up to eight. Not all of them are there but I have hope they will make it here before nightfall. They’re all a bit gloomy because they have lost someone. When I reach the room Brian is going to be staying at there is a war going on.
My sire is on the floor straddling Kevin and hitting his head against the floor. Max and Justin are gripping each other’s throat and pushing back and forth against one another.
“Max!” Brian yells as he gets up and grabs Max by the arm pulling him away.
Kevin then pulls Max towards the bed and after a few seconds he gives in.
“Everyone in, Ben?” Brian asks me as he pins Justin to the wall.
“Not yet,” I tell him and swallow.
I feel myself growing hard by just looking at them. My sire licks Justin’s neck from base to top before he buries his fangs on them. I turn around and leave the room. I close the door and rest my back against it. I close my eyes and lean my head back. “Fuck,” I mutter.
I so wish I was Justin right then. God, I wish I was him every day.
“Pull yourself together,” I tell myself as I move away from the door.
I remember the first time I saw Justin. He was in bed singing and he looked so fucking gorgeous. Michael had told me he had given Justin to our sire a present to have fun. But when I tried to take him he fought me and then Brian came into the room. My sire beat the shit out of me telling me that no one could touch his golden boy. He tortured me for days that turned into weeks that became months. I’ve never again tried anything against Justin. And I would gladly give my life for Justin because I know he’s the one that makes my sire happy.
It could have been prevented if I had been paying attention. Justin was covered in blood from head to toe and I didn’t notice the stain. I only saw the mark. The mark is that first bite where he sucks all your blood and then gives you his. Then you’re turned and you become one of his boys forever. Mine is over my left nipple, it never heals; the scar is there for all eternity. Justin had the stain on his mark but since he had been covered in blood I didn’t see it right away.
A vampire can put the stain, like we call it, on the neck or the chest so it’s visible to everyone. You can put it anywhere you want though. I’m not surprised that Brian placed it with Justin’s mark as well. After all, my sire is a big romantic. Ages ago it was done like that as a sign of love. Now vampires for an union for the single fact that they want to add power to their family. But I know that’s not the case with Justin. When Brian took Justin, the boy was nothing. He was just a toy that Michael had brought home for entertainment. Boy did that turn into something else.
I remember how heated I was as I looked at it. There were so many things going through my mind. Brian made me stare at it as he torture me and Justin would laugh at that. I wanted to hate him but couldn’t. Even if Brian didn’t pick me to be his mate I still loved my sire. I love them both and would do anything for them.
That’s why this plan has to work. I’ll ask my sire how fond he is of his brother and then I know if the plan I just cooked up can continue. But I’m sure this is as good as done. I’ll only be asking out of courtesy.