Chapter 21

~Rien’s POV~

I slammed my fists against the surface of the table and the hard wood shattered instantly. No one in the room uttered a word as they watched me.

“Any word from the trackers I sent out?” I questioned no one in particular, but Kaio’s voice rose up from the group; soft and lacking its usual confidence.

“They lost the scent my Lord. Tony cannot be found beyond the walls of the coven.”

A flurry of scenarios spun through my mind, each one more terrifying than the first, and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, before I spoke again.

“He has been missing since the morning, how could you have kept this news from me until now?” I questioned my most loyal drudge in the calmest voice I could muster.

I could hear the rapid beating of his heart as he struggled to answer, and for the first time since I had known him, I felt a disappointment so great, I could hardly stand to look at him.

“I thought I could find him on my own my Lord. He is my duty and I failed you.” He whispered.

I closed my eyes, calmed my breathing, and listened to the silence, searching out Tony’s heartbeat as I had done so many times since I had learned the news, but as with all the other times, I heard nothing but the sounds around me, which meant he was too far away from the coven, or…or his heart was no longer beating.

For the first time since I awakened on this earth I knew what it meant to be afraid. I could not begin to understand what had happened. I had left him sleeping soundly between my sheets only this morning, and now not a soul seemed to know where he was.

My first thought had been that he had run away, but without help, he would not have been able to pass through the main gates, and there was not a vampire here willing to aid a human in his escape.

Now I imagined far worse things; like his lifeless body drained of blood, or him trapped and afraid somewhere, waiting for me to rescue him.

I turned my eyes on everyone in the room, my gaze travelling from one face to the next, from the drudges, to the warriors and to my trusted brethren. “You will search high and low for him, both inside the walls of the coven and outside. Harm no humans in your wake, just bring Tony back to me safely.” I commanded, then watched as they departed.

“Kaio.” I called out as he turned to leave. “You will remain here with me, and you will explain exactly why you allowed him to take one step outside these doors without your supervision.

………………………………………………….

~Tony’s POV~

“You sure the thing you sprayed on us will cover our scent?” I asked Christophe again, and he regarded me as if I was stupid.

“As I have said so many times before, no blood drinker will find us. We are free to enjoy what is left of this night, just as we have enjoyed the day so far.” He finished with a smile. Then he pointed to the drink I’d ordered for him just moments before.

“Now tell me, what is it about this concoction that humans find so tasteful? I fail to see the attraction.”

I grinned. “It’s not supposed to taste good, it just makes you feel good.” I explained and once again he picked up the glass and sipped the amber liquid.

“I feel no better than I was a minute ago.” He announced in annoyance and I laughed.

“You’ve only had two sips Snowflake, what’d you expect?”

“Oooh Snowflake, is that what they call you baby?” a small male body forced itself between us, and we were both left to stare at the intruder.

He wore the skimpiest attire, so tight that it fit him like a second skin, and his multicolored hair was practically glowing in the flashing lights.

“Of course not. I am Lord Christophe of the warrior coven.” He said simply, and I shook my head.

The twink standing between us ran a finger up his arm and Christophe watched the movement with interest.

“You’re funny… I like that.”

Christophe’s eyes lit up at the compliment. “Thank you… I have certainly always thought so…not very many tend to appreciate my humor, it is nice to-”

“I like your accent. Where are you from sweetheart?”

Christophe looked at me, then back at him. “Did you not hear me? I am from the warrior coven, and my name is not sweetheart, it is Christophe, Lord Christophe, and it would do you well to address me as such.” He commanded and I chuckled.

“Oooh kinky, I like that. Alright Lord Christophe, you wanna dance?”

Christophe looked appalled. “Dance? I would sooner suck you dry than dance with you.” He said seriously and the twink practically melted.

“Baby, you can suck on me all night, how about we go back to my place for a little while.”

I rolled my eyes as Christophe now watched the man with obvious interest.

“You would allow me to drink from you?” he asked in surprise. And the man held out a hand which Christophe took, and with a quick sip of my drink, I stepped between the two.

“Trust me, you don’t want any part of the sucking he’s planning on giving you.” I told the stranger, whose gaze raked over me and a smile brightened his face.

“I wouldn’t mind a little fun with you too honey.” He began, and I batted his hand away.

“Not interested, now… go away.” I turned my back on the guy, and moved back to my stool where Christophe was taking yet another cautious sip of his drink.

“I had not a clue humans were so willing to offer us their blood. It is no wonder the familiars flock the human world so regularly.” He began.

“He wasn’t offering his blood Chris, he was trynna pick you up.”

His brows furrowed. “Pick me up? With those meagre arms?” then he laughed, and I rolled my eyes. The guy wouldn’t last a day in this world.

I glanced around the room and caught the eye of a guy, watching me as if I was an order of bacon he couldn’t wait to taste. By the time I glanced back around, there was another twink standing beside Christophe.

“I like your muscles daddy, do you work out?”

Christophe’s eyes widened in shock, much like it had been doing pretty much all day. “I assure you, I have never fathered a child, and if I had, it certainly would not be human!” he said, clearly insulted.

I called over the bartender and left the cash on the counter.

“Come on daddy, time to go.” I said, pulling him away from the new guy.

Maybe a gay bar hadn’t been the best idea after all.

When we stood outside I led him down the semi crowded street, and his eyes travelled from person to person, skating across shop windows and skyscrapers as we walked. We’d left the coven early this morning, and I’d dragged him all over the place.

He’d seen more of the city than many people got to see on a single vacation, and despite his general cluelessness, he seemed to be enjoying himself. If I let myself admit it, I was too.

“Come on, I should have done this earlier.” I told him, and when he stopped to touch the parking meter standing on the side of the street, I grabbed his hand and pulled him along with me. He followed willingly enough, looking like a child seeing the world for the first time.

I pushed open the door of the first clothing store I spotted, glad it was still open this late and we walked in.

“It’s time you take off that damn dress and wear something normal.”

He glanced down at his robes.

“I’ll have you know, these robes were made from the finest…”

………………………………………………….

~Rien’s POV~

An hour later and I still had nothing to go on. The trackers were useless, as was everyone else. Not even I could scent him, and I knew his signature smell inside and out.

“My Lord, Malik wishes to speak with you.” Kaio announced when he entered the room with Malik in tow.

“I saw the bruises.” He said simply, and I looked up from my ruined desk and at his face.

“Malik as much as I do enjoy a good riddle, now is certainly not the time. I am not sure whether you have been informed, but your brother is missing.”

“I know…maybe he’s running from you.” He said, his anger obvious. “I saw the bruises you left on his neck asshole.”

I stood, and my chair toppled over. “Bruises? I have never left an unpleasant mark on his body. When did you notice this, did you speak with him today?”

Malik looked from me to Kaio, and his expression melted into one of uncertainty.

“Are you saying you weren’t the one who hurt him?”

“I am saying I know not what you speak of. Explain yourself.”

“I saw him this morning, he said he was going out. He looked pissed off…but that could’ve just been because I was in his room. He had bruises all over his neck…I thought it was your doing.”

As if it were even possible, my worry grew.

“His skin was unmarred when I left him this morning. Where did he say he was going?”

He shook his head. “He didn’t tell me, but he looked like he was in a hurry.”

The door of my study burst open, and Lord Nathanial came in followed closely by Thames.

“Witnesses say that Marcan threatened Tony in the square today. They said he promised to end his life.” He announced and my blood ran cold.

………………………………………………….

~Tony’s POV~

“Who knew peasant clothing could be so very comfortable.” Christophe was saying as we waited to be served at the restaurant I’d picked out.

“I’m getting a burger, what’d you want?” I asked, staring down at the menus I held.

“A serving of blood will do quite nicely.” He said, looking at me expectantly and shook my head, wondering about him.

“They don’t serve blood here, choose something else.”

He offered me a blank stare. “Perhaps I should drag the chef outside and make a meal out of him instead.” He said seriously and I ignored him, ordering us both a burger and fries when the waitress came to take our order.

“I have never filled my gut with anything but human blood.”

“Well it’s a good thing there’s a first time for everything.” I said with a grin and his eyes narrowed.

When I took my first bite I was in heaven. It had been months since I’d had anything like this, and it melted in my mouth, all the flavor settling on my tongue and sinking between my teeth. It was intoxicating.

Across from me Christophe spat the bite he’s just taken back into his plate, and looked at me in horror. “This is horrendous. How do humans consume this garbage?” he said loudly enough for a few heads to turn, and I bit into my burger again and ignored him as his rant continued.

When he realized I wasn’t about to take part in his little melt down, he fell silent, instead watching me as I continued to eat. His eyes followed my hand as I picked up a fry, right up until the point where I plopped it into my mouth, and so it continued until my plate was empty, and he looked as though he might throw up at any minute.

“Where shall we go next?” he asked when I paid the bill, and I thought about it for a minute as we exited the place.

It was getting late, most places were already closed for the night, which left only one more place to go before our adventure came to an end.

“We’re gonna go watch a movie.” I said, leading him down the street, where we’d passed a cinema only hours before.

“That’s hardly very exciting. I have watched movies before.” he complained.

 Oh the life of the spoiled, rich and famous.

“You’ve never watched it on the big screen.” I explained.

“I hardly see how that will make much difference.”

I grinned. “It’ll make all the difference, trust me.”

“Very well. I shall take your word for it.

……………………………………………….

~Rien’s POV~

I burst through the door of his bedchamber, and pulled him from the sheets where he lay with his whores.

“What have you done with him?” I raged, slamming him against the wall which gave way to a crack.

He shoved against my hold, and managed to dislodge my arm, but within an instant I had him pinned once more. He may be strong, but in the face of my fury, he could not hope to escape.

“How dare you enter my bedchambers in this way! Pry your hands off me!” he shouted, eyes clouding with rage.

“You attacked my mate in the square, left him injured and with a threat to end his life. What have you done with him?”

“I had every right to retaliate after he had the nerve to insult me before my people!”

My rage built, and my hands tightened “What. Have. You. Done with him?” I asked, my voice cold and harsh in the silent room.

“I have done nothing with him, but that is not to say I was not tempted. He has a foul mouth that filthy human of yours, and if he dares to use it against me in such a manner again, I will rip out his tongue!”

He was being truthful I realized, and I thrust him from me.

“He is missing. I need to find him, tell me what you know.”

 He looked me up and down in disgust. “Ask that white haired familiar he travelled with, I know nothing of his whereabouts, now leave my dwelling place at once!”

“I will find him brother, and if you make the mistake of laying a hand on him again you will not be pleased with the result of such a foolish act.”

I turned to leave, descending the stairs as quickly as I had come. Out in the courtyard my men waited for me.

“Find Lord Christophe and take him to me.” I instructed, and without a sound three men fled in search of him.

“Your father has surely heard word of this Riener. If he finds that your mate is no longer in the coven, he will have him executed.” Lord Nathaniel warned me.

I looked at him, then back into the direction the men had gone. “Tony could very well be dead already.” I said, and the pain that clenched my heart became so great, that I had to lean against the stone walls for support.

………………………………………..

~Tony’s POV~

He enjoyed the movie just as I’d expected, with his eyes glued to the big screen in awe. When I’d made the mistake of asking him something while he watched, he’d shushed me, before giving the movie his undivided attention from that point on, until the very end.

“This day has been truly remarkable Tony. I cannot believe just how much I have missed while trapped in the coven. I am eternally grateful.” He said, the sincerity in his gaze unmistakable.

“No problem, we should go find a room for the night.” I said when the cab I hailed pulled up to the curb.

“A room? No, we must make our way back to the coven. Our presence will surely be missed by now.” He said and I shrugged.

“It’s too late, I’m tired and we’re miles away from the coven. We’ll just find somewhere to crash for the night, then we’ll head back in the morning.” I told him, and after only a moment’s consideration he agreed.

………………

Later that night, safely tucked away in our motel room, I lay staring at the ceiling. Across the room, Christophe stood by the window, looking out into the street.

“Perhaps we should find a way to contact Lord Riener. I would not want him to worry for your safety.” He said thoughtfully and I shook my head.

I’d gone a full day without feeling the stress of all the decisions I had to make, and the feeling of being trapped in a world I couldn’t understand. I just wanted to enjoy what I had left of the night without any thoughts of the place I’d left behind this morning.

“He’ll be fine without me for one night.” I assured him, then I pulled the blanket up over my shoulder and turned to him.

“You’re not such a bad guy after all Christophe.” I said softly.

He turned to look at me with a grin. “I never thought I was.”

                                            AUTHOR'S NOTES

I JUST HAD TO GIVE YOU GUYS ANOTHER UPDATE.

ENJOY!

-DoUbLe.A

-unedited.