KANE TRUSTED HIS instincts even when they led him to do questionable things.

Like charging a bloodthirsty vampire with red slits for eyes and fangs as long as his middle finger.

The vampire discarded the lump of fur in his arms. Pitiful whimpers fell from the kid's mouth. Tiny canines bit the air in what Kane assumed was an attempt at self defense. A broken bark erupted from the little one when a large foot kicked them under a bush.

Kane didn't think himself brave. After all, he screamed in the face of danger not as a battle cry but because he was truly terrified. Yet he liked to think that what he lacked in courage he made up for with sincerity.

And if there was one thing he couldn't stand it was bullies.

Kane lunged, fear fueling his adrenaline and tackling the lanky man to the ground. A loud hiss filled his ears. He struggled to keep the vampire pinned. While the creature didn't look like much with his thin arms and legs, he certainly had plenty of strength to put up a good fight.

The ashy vampire loomed closer, lips curling into scarlet sneer. "Filthy mutt! I can smell the tainted toxin in your blood. Not good enough to eat," the blond slammed his knee into Kane's ass, catapulting him forward, "but good enough to kill."

Needle sharp fangs grazed Kane's neck. He gasped. Kane didn't think about his next move. He only acted, hoping that Tempest was right about what she said earlier.

Jerking to the side, Kane swallowed a scream as the vampire's teeth scratched his neck. A pained howl echoed throughout the night when the monster bit into Kane's armor. Using the situation to his advantage, Kane fumbled for the fallen weapon beside them. He then plunged the stake into the vampire's heart.

Kane watched as the creature froze, wide eyes weeping crimson tears. The vampire trembled. His skin turned dark then flaked. Orange fire burned between the cracks of his breaking canvas, pushing past the thin lines. With a broken wail, the vampire burst into flames beneath him, leaving only ash behind.

Kane touched his face, shocked to find his face smeared with the monster's remains. But unscathed by the vampire's demise.

"Not bad," Tempest said, reminding him of her presence. "Death gave you an easy target. This one looked like he hadn't fed in weeks."

Kane dropped the stake, leaning back on his calves to look up at Tempest. Her face was softer, more serene as she cradled the sniffling kid. Through her cooing and gentle bouncing she managed to lull the furball to sleep. Kane was gobsmacked by this new side of her as she expertly carded her fingers through the kid's hair. The corner of her lips twitched, raising in what Kane guessed was a half smile.

The memory of her hands on his skin as she maneuvered him with ease resurfaced. It was hot and definitely shouldn't have been because:

A) Tempest thought he was an idiot.

B) She was Silver's sister.

They were friends. Bro code dictated that he controlled his thirst. So he really tried to.

But then he remembered that she was his type and holy shit she touched his thigh and—

Kane sighed, this was stupid. He probably hit his head earlier and forgot. That's why his brain was mumbling nonsense.

When their eyes met her expression closed up. She jerked her chin towards the path. "Let's go."

Kane scrambled to his feet, trailing after the cold fae. "How are we gonna find the kid's parents?" he asked, endeared by the lazy tail wagging.

"He doesn't have parents," Tempest replied harshly. Her shoulders rose as she took a deep breath. This time Kane was certain he wasn't the one she was annoyed with. "Werewolves abandon weak runts in the Otherworld to die."

Kane shook his head, not surprised. Years of volunteering at homeless centers for at risk youths taught him many things. Parents loved discarding their kids for whatever reason suited them best. And they did it so carelessly too.

"What are we gonna do with him?"

Tempest sighed, rubbing the kid's back. Little by little he shifted until there was a tiny, freezing baby in Tempest's arms. She swore, picking up her pace.

Kane's feet worked without his mind's permission. The next thing he knew he was holding Caliburn and walking in front, shielding them from the chilly wind.

"I'll figure something out," Tempest said. "Also, what you did back there was very brave." She cleared her throat, avoiding Kane's stare for half a fraction when he glanced over his shoulder. "But stupid!" she spat, glaring daggers in his direction. "Perseverance is fine but brainless actions will get you killed. You need to nip that in the bud."

Kane eyed the shield of armor protecting the pup. "I think kids make you soft," he said, ignoring the compliment and verbal lashing.

"Shut. Up." she growled, clenching her jaw.

Kane shrugged, turning to face the path with a smile on his face. "It wasn't an insult. Kids make me soft too."

Nothing more was said but Kane didn't mind. This time, he actually enjoyed the silence.

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QOTD: What do you think are Kane's strengths and weaknesses as a fighter? Thoughts on Kane's infatuation paired with Tempest's indifference? And what exactly should they do with this cute little runt?!