Chapter 39

"Trust him? I repeated with a laugh. "No, I fear that would be a foolish mistake."

"So what? You think your father knows? That maybe their trying to get us to lower our guard?" The Beta questioned and it was unfortunate that I was unable to provide him with a determinative answer.

"That could very well be so. Or he could be speaking the truth, but my brother is not an easy one to read." I explained.

"Then we'll just continue as planned and whether or not he's planning to attack in a few days or a few months we'll be ready."

I nodded. "Yes but it is still my hope that we intercept them on the coven grounds, so do what you must and assemble as much help as is possible. I am also gathering other warriors to aid us. They shall descend upon the camp in but a few short days."

"They're welcome here provided they follow our rules."

I nodded in answer. "They will be advised as such, though I doubt you will have an issue with them, they are humans after all."

"Humans?" The Alpha questioned in surprise. "What're we supposed to do with a bunch a humans?"

"They are more adept than you're thinking." I told him. "In fact, they are hunters."

"What do they hunt?" The Beta questioned.

"Blood-drinkers mostly, but it would not surprise me if they've added other like creatures to their list of beings to torment."

"So you're friends with people who hunt your own kind." The Alpha surmised.

"It is a complicated situation I'll admit. I am a friend to one of their high ranking members, though the story of how that came to be is a matter for another time I'm afraid. I must visit my coven tonight."

The Beta's brows furrowed, while the Alpha's expression remained stoic.

"You have any reason in particular why you're visiting with them at a time when we should be planning our attack?" The Alpha questioned disapprovingly.

"I've never been one to believe in coincidences young Alpha." I began.

"Would it kill you to call us by our names?" The Beta—Thomas interrupted.

"Very well. When we spoke earlier my brother seemed far too keen to keep me away from the coven. Therefore, I believe it is incumbent that I visit so that I may judge for myself whether he and my father are concealing an alternate plan of action.

"And if they are?" Thomas questioned.

"Then you shall know of it. I hope to return by late evening tomorrow. I believe that shall be enough time for me to gather the necessary information. I only ask that you keep an eye on my mate while I am away."

The nodded in unison. "He's in good hands, just keep us informed." The Alpha—Carson requested.

"Of course."

"When do you leave?"

"Within the hour. I only need visit shortly with Tony, then I shall be off."

"Alright go, we'll deal with everything on our end. Do what you gotta do." Thomas offered and with a nod and a simple word of thanks I left the room.

As I walked across camp I thought of the great debt I now owed them for their hospitality. One I would be sure to repay within their lifetime.

I paused briefly when I reached the door of the medical center, half hoping Tony was awake, though knowing that he still slept.

Before I could push the door open however, it was pulled by Kaio, who greeted me with a bow and a string of apologies.

"We will talk about it when I return." I told him. "I am to dine with father tonight and I have only enough time to bid Tony farewell."

"Of course my Lord." He began respectfully. "Am I to accompany you to the coven?"

I walked past him and further into the room, my eyes planted on Tony who still slept in the very center of his small bed. "No. You will remain here and keep Tony safe and comfortable."

 I glanced around the room before allowing my gaze to settle on my drudge. "Where is Malik?"

His expression was one of guilt as he failed to meet my eyes. "He went for a walk my Lord. I apologize for his behavior. He is not usually prone to such—"

"Later Kaio. I have not the time." I interrupted his ramblings and went to sit by Tony's bedside.

I took hold of his hand which was warm to the touch.

"I fear I must leave you for a short while my love but I shall return before you know of it. I only hope you will wake in my absence and greet me with the evidence of your health when I come next."

As I watched him I felt only sorrow, then I looked at his hands and squeezed gently.

"You know that I have never been the praying type Tony. Do not let me start now." I beseeched and with a final look upon his face I stood and exited the place.

 Kaio did not follow, though I did not expect him to and when I was half way across camp, I heard him whispering assurances of my return to Tony as he slept. I hoped that if he did not listen to me, that he would at least listen to Kaio and finally open his eyes.

...................................

~Years prior~

"Must you fidget?"

Tony frowned, loosening the tie around his neck as his eyes darted around the room. "They're all looking at me." he said.

"I assure you no one in this room is looking at you." I told him, but he only shook his head before finally pulling the tie off and dropping it onto the table before him.

"They know I don't belong here. Can't we just go somewhere normal?"

"This restaurant is completely normal. Why would you not belong here?"

He looked me dead in the eyes and his frown deepened. "Because these are rich, stuck-up snobs and I'm just normal, dirt-poor Tony." He said with conviction.

"Well then take pleasure in the fact that you all at least have one thing in common." I began

"What's that?"

"You all tend to whine and moan when you don't get your way." I said. "It's your birthday...enjoy something different for once. Now pick up your menu and decide on your meal."

He sighed but picked up the menu nonetheless. "They don't have burgers or fries or anything I recognize."

"Try the salmon, I have been told it is superb."

When he only continued to frown down at the menu, I glanced around and caught the eye of a waitress, who without pause, started in our direction.

"Have you decided what you'd like?" she questioned with a smile and I reached over to pluck the menu from Tony's hands before handing it off to her.

"My companion will have a burger and fries and I will have a glass of red wine, thank you."

She hesitated, looking decidedly uncomfortable. "I'm sorry sir, but...we don't serve burgers or fries here."

My eyes met her own. "Of that I am aware, however judging from your menu, I see that you do have the necessary ingredients and as I also gather that you have a chef on staff who seems to be fairly competent in the kitchen, then I would like you to prepare a burger and fries for the gentleman." I gestured to Tony, who was looking expectantly between us.

"Preferably before he starves." I added and looking as red as a tomato, she mumbled a few words and turned away.

"They're gonna kick us out." Tony commented as he watched her go and I smiled.

"They wouldn't dare. Now tell me about your day. What did you do?"

He shrugged. "Hung out with Noah mostly. Met up with the guys for a little while, then snuck into the movies with Jerry...nothing good was playing though."

"Met up with the guys." I repeated. "What illegal activity did you get up to this time?"

Another shrug. "Dee stole a car." He said simply, then glanced down at the screen of his phone. "Haven't heard from him since though, so I'm thinking he got busted."

"Is that all?"

"Yeah, it's been a pretty boring day today for some reason. Oh!" he exclaimed, before standing after which time he pulled the shirt from his pants and lifted it so that I could see his chest...just below his right sternum where a small tattoo was nestled.

"A tattoo?"

"Yeah he said it's the symbol for brothers, but this one means we're closer than blood." He said proudly, before finally lowering his shirt and retaking his seat.

"I'm assuming he stole his father's equipment to do that. I'm not surprised the man has an ulcer putting up with the two of you as he does."

He waved away the notion. "He's got an ulcer because he wanted it. It's got nothing to do with us."

"I'm sure."

"Excuse me sir. I am the manager here. Is there anything I can do for you?" I glanced up to see a short, balding, though immaculately dressed man standing by my table with the waitress from earlier, hovering just behind him.

"Yes. I'd like to be served right away please. We've been waiting for long enough I think."

"Yes, I understand sir, but, you see...we do not serve..."

He trailed off when I handed him one of the many Identification cards I carried on my person and for a moment his eyes widened when he looked at me.

"I apologize sir... I didn't realize." He'd practically turned red himself. "You'll be served momentarily. I apologize for the delay."

When I only nodded, he handed the card to me and left as quickly as he came, the waitress quick on his heels.

"What's so special about your ID?" Tony questioned then.

"My family, despite our nature, has made a mark on the world you'll one day learn. After all we have been around for quite some time. The name alone is bound to turn a few heads."

"Have any of you ever robbed a bank?"

I suppose I should have expected such a question from Tony, who I'd long ago learned tended to ask the most random questions.

"Of course not."

He frowned. "But why not? You guys live forever, you can't be held in a prison, you can't be killed. You can get away with anything. You could have made a fortune from—"

"Stealing from humans?" I finished and he nodded.  Had I not known his mind, I would have taken offence. "We have our pride Tony. We need not be so petty as to pinch from humans. Not when we can use the brains we possess to earn our own way."

Tony only shook his head, his eyes wide with disbelief or disappointment. Perhaps both.

"What a waste." He mumbled.

"Not everyone has the mindset of a criminal as you clearly do love."

When the waitress stopped by our table to serve the wine we paused to watch her and when she departed, I raised the glass to my lips and took a sip.

A drop of human blood would have made it exquisite I decided and lowered my glass just as Tony raised his own to take a gulp of his water.

"I believe now is as good a time as any to make your birthday wishes don't you agree?"

He lowered his glass and for a moment seemed to think on my question.

"I wish I could move out of that damn zoo I live in, get my own place and never see my foster parents again."

"You could. You are of legal age as of today"

He shook his head "Doesn't matter. The money my parents left me won't be mine till I'm nineteen because of whatever bullshit reason the lawyer said so I'm stuck."

"Perhaps it is for the best." I said honestly. "I can only imagine the havoc you would wreak were you on your own."

He shrugged, looking decidedly depressed. "That was not a good wish anyway, make another."

"I don't have anymore. Might as well be realistic anyway. Wishing can only get you so far right?"

"Let us imagine that all wishes, no matter how ludicrous, could actually come true. Tell me yours."

"Why?"

"Well isn't it obvious? It is simply something I would like to know."

He shrugged. "That's easy then. I'd want a brother...or sister, whichever."

"Really? Did you not just tell me of Noah's claim on you?"

He shrugged. "Yeah, but Noah already has an actual brother. I'd want somebody I didn't have to share you know? I'd teach him everything I know and he'd be a part of my crew. We'd really look out for each other you know?"

"Ah, a brother who you could suck into your life of crime. Yes, I suppose I can see it."

He shook his head. "You wouldn't understand, you don't even talk to your own brothers."

"Well take it from someone who has centuries of experience in the field of brotherhood...it is not all it is puffed up to be. You're quite possibly better off as an only child."

"I doubt it. For what it's worth though, I think you should make it right with them. There are people out there who'd kill to have what you have."

"Then let them kill and when they do get it, they'll see that it was not worth the bloodshed."

"Your burger and fries sir." Tony looked up when his food arrived and shifted his tie out of the way so that the plate could be deposited before him.

"Thanks." He mumbled to the woman before digging in immediately.

"You know, today marks exactly a year since we first met." I told him as he bit into his burger. "I suppose you could also call this an anniversary of sorts."

"This is pretty good." he mumbled and I surmised he had not heard a word I had said.

"Do you want some?" he questioned when he glanced up briefly and caught my gaze.

"Eat your food Tony." I urged him, then raised the glass of wine to my lips once more.

......................................

~Present~

 ~Rien~

The coven gates were opened immediately upon my arrival. I did not return in the usual vehicular transport and I suppose it was strange to the familiars who stood around watching as I walked through them and up the path.

I did not have time for pleasantries as I went, but I did drink in the sights. This was my coven; the place I had lived for a good part of my life. These were my people, faces old and new, who had watched me grow and I them. These were my gardens and my streets and my walls and my father was foolish enough to risk it all.

I  made no stops as I went, not even to my own dwelling house—I had one goal; one destination in mind and the sooner I did what needed to be done, the better it would be for us all. 

I felt the usual multitude of eyes on me as I walked, familiars and nobles watching my progress as I made my way up to the steps of my father's private chambers. The coven guard greeted me with a nod when I entered and I followed the sound of my brothers' voices down the hall.

The scent of rich human blood wafted through the air, as did the sound of clinking glass. Another guard nodded in greeting when I passed him by in the hallway and when I finally turned the corner at the end of the hall, I took in the sight of them. My brothers and my father seated around his dining table partaking in a meal of blood and bread.

"It is good that I am not prone to bouts of jealousy, for the sight of you all would have surely sent me into depression." I spoke and they all glanced up.

Kandane was the first to react, his mouth turning down in a displeased frown and his eyes narrowing. Then there was father, whose very face lit up at the sight of me and his smile was as big and bright as the moon in the sky.

"Riener." He greeted. "I was told you would not be attending."

"Yes well, I decided I might as well be unpredictable every once in a while."

"A chair." My father ordered the guard standing by the south window and he was quick to act, pulling out a chair from the very end of the table and placing it to my father's right side as he directed.

I took my place by his side, but did not miss the scathing look Kandane threw my way as I did.

"I do believe Kandane wished to be seated by your side father. He watches me now with great contempt."

Father looked between us before raising his glass to his mouth. He took a sip and swallowed before his eyes rested once more on me.

"It is no secret that you are my favorite Riener." Came his simple reply and I could only shake my head.

"No...but perhaps it should be." I needn't look toward by brothers to see their displeasure.

"Nonsense. Now grab a glass of blood and tell explain to me why it is you have defied me." He said it as smoothly as though this were a normal topic of conversation and I was careful to show no reaction to his words as I poured the treat into my glass.

"Do explain father. In what way have I defied you?"

He was smiling as he watched me, his eyes dancing as though to advertise that he knew something I did not. I felt an almost overwhelming urge to look to my brothers then; to see which of them had slipped him the news, but instead I kept my eyes on that of my father, for he would expect no less.

"Do you think I would not find out that you have removed the human from the coven?" he questioned and for a moment I was able to relax...though only slightly.

"I saw no point in keeping him here any longer."

"That was not your choice to make." He returned, though for some strange reason, his expression remained cheerful. It was a disconcerting thing.

"No matter...it is done."

"And what makes you think I will not send out an army to hunt and slaughter him?"

"Because you have other uses for your army as you have made very clear."

He leaned back in his chair, the blood-filled wine glass in one hand. I watched him swirl it around and around, his gaze never breaking from mine.

Not a sound came from my brothers, who tended to wilt with shyness in my father's presence...or perhaps fear was the operative word.

"Ah yes...the army I will use to conquer the wolves." he said slowly—calculatingly.

There was something bigger at play here. I could feel it.

"How are they by the way?" he questioned finally. "The wolves I mean. Have you succeeded in allying yourself with them or is still a work in progress?"

He said it so clamly, so confidently and with a smile on his lips, that this time my eyes travelled around the table almost of their own accord.

"Do not despair Riener." Father continued. "Your brothers told me nothing. They are surprisingly loyal to you. Or so it would seem."

I turned my gaze back to his and waited for his next words. I only felt a hollowness as I watched the leader of the coven. He knew of our plan. He knew and he was confident in his knowledge. There was no point in putting on a show and so I did not.

My mind went immediately to Tony and I felt a sudden burst of real worry at the thought of what father could have planned next.

"You think I have betrayed you." I stated

"Oh I know you have. Do you think I am a fool my son? Do you think that I know not what goes on in my coven?"

I needn't answer. I had always known never to underestimate him. I had always known he was wise beyond reason and once I had even worshipped him for it.

As I watched him, I wondered how long this conversation would be allowed to continue before he ordered my death...before he ordered all our deaths.

"Don't you wish to know how I came of know of your plan?"

I ran a finger around the rim of my glass. "No matter. I know that you are resourceful."

"Yes I am, aren't I?" he said proudly and still, his quiet glee surprised me. Where was the anger? Where was the rage?

"I know of how you planned with your brothers to overtake the camp. I know that you have met with the wolves, I know that the human lies ill and I know that you succeeded in making them your allies." He spoke. Then he turned his attention to Kandane who stiffened when father's gaze connected with his.

"Tell me Kandane, were you also scheming with them to betray me?"

"Of course not father. I have always been loyal to you." The lie fell easily from his lips. He did not know the meaning of the word loyal. He was a liar and a coward.

"How easily you lie to me." Father commented and Kandane almost dropped his glass.

"Father I swear—"

Father raised a hand and he fell silent.

"Now that you know of our treachery, what is it that you plan to do father? What is the point of conversation? Do decide your mind." I told him and to my annoyance his smile grew.

"Is this not the part where you throw yourself at my feet and beg for forgiveness?"

"You know that I have never been the sort." I commented simply and he nodded slowly.

"Yes, that I do know. Just as I knew that from the moment you learned of my plan to invade the wolf pack you would take action." He said. "Just as I knew that the moment you learned that I was conquering the territories of other blood-drinkers you would act. Just as I knew that if given just the right nudge, you would fight back."

"Is there a point to your babbling?"

His smile, for the first time since I had entered the room, fell as he regarded me coldly and in but a fraction of a moment his hand shot out and I felt the sting of it across my cheek. I could feel the shattered bones of my cheek and the trickle of blood from my right nostril and in an instant I could also feel myself healing.

I suppose I should have known that was coming. After all, I had received enough of his abuse throughout my early years. I retrieved a napkin from the table and dabbed at the blood leaking from my nose.

"Watch your tongue Riener." He continued. "Now where was I? Ah yes...I know you Riener. I know your very thoughts before you think them, I know your every move before you make them and I know your very heart. I know you because you are me. You are like my very reflection. My beloved son."

"I suppose this is the point where I should say I am nothing like you."

"But we both know that would be a lie." He finished and I neither corrected him nor agreed.

I felt the tightening of the tablecloth beneath my hands and I looked to my left where Jorlon sat, his hands bunched in the cloth, as though he were holding on for dear life.

He was afraid, I realized. Afraid of what our father would do to him, I surmised. When he caught my eyes, I offered him a small smile, one which he returned with some great degree of effort.

Father cleared his throat and we both glanced his way. "There is but one reason I summoned you all here today my children. Though I had thought I would have had to send the guards to fetch you Riener." He said as an aside. "You have all plotted against me, planned my downfall, allied yourselves with my enemy and wished to see me fail and now there is but one thing I have to say to you." He looked at each of my brothers in turn before his sharp, wizened gaze fell on me and I braced myself for his next words.

"Well done."

........................................

~Kaio~

"Perhaps you should try to sleep a while." I urged him, but he only shook his head. "You cannot be of much help to him if you tire yourself Mal." I continued.

"I'm not much help to him anyway." He said bitterly. "The least I can do is stay with him for as long as he needs me."

I glanced between the brothers, my gaze settling on their joined hands and I thought of how awful he must feel, wondering if he would ever be free of his secrets.

Then I looked at Tony, at his face which, as the hours had passed had gained some color. Whose whimpers had ceased long ago and who now only lay in silence. I knew that Malik was even more hopeful now than ever, but I had lived long enough to know that there were times when a person seemed to glow just before they parted ways with the earth. When they seemed to get better, only to melt away into the night.

I only wished I could prepare him for the inevitable. It had been hours since Lord Riener's departure and when I had noticed the changes in Tony I had tried to contact him. Now I glanced down at the screen of the phone. He had yet to answer.

He should be here for Tony's last hour. He would never forgive himself if his lover parted ways while he was away.

"Kaio!" I glanced up at my mate when he hissed my name. "His fingers moved!"

I shook my head. "An involuntary twitch I'm sure. I have told you Mal, he may look as though he is getting better, but do not get your hopes up...Tony may very well—"

I froze mid-sentence, disbelief and surprise preventing further speech.

Disbelief because I had not truly believed there would be a miracle tonight and surprise because as I stood there, Tony's eyes were open. Open and watching me as I watched him.

"Tony, you're...I...you're awake!" was my somewhat incoherent reaction. He winced, groaned as he tried to shift on the small bed, then finally, he turned his head to his right, his gaze first landing on his hand which was trapped in Malik's and then slowly, his eyes traveled up-up-up, until it stopped on Malik's face."

For a moment they stared at each other and then as though realizing he had no right, Malik pulled his hand from Tony's, his expression one of uncertainty.

"Tony..." he trailed off as though unsure of what to say.

I watched as Tony, blinked, a slow lowering and raising of his lids, before he swallowed, though his eyes remained fixed on Mal.

 "So," Tony began, his voice sounding as hoarse as I had ever heard it. "I hear you're my brother." 

AUTHOR'S NOTE

ENJOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

-DoUbLe.A

-unedited.