Thank you Davidsmate24 and JulieMcIntrye4 for helping me overcome my writer's block for this chapter.

I paced back and forth in my room. What was I to do? I couldn't swear a blood oath to never see or speak to Lucy again. That would literally wind up killing me. Yet, I couldn't let her brother be turned into one of us just to punish me.

"Sir your being summoned to your father's office."

"Now what does he want?" I grumble.

"Have you made a decision?"

"Norman if she is my Mate and I am 100% certain that she is, then you know swearing a blood oath to never interact with her would be the same as rejecting her. That would be deadly in more ways then one."

"You've seen what can happen if a vampire is denied their mate. However, let her brother go and I will do what is needed to be bound to Lady Valentine."

"I'm afraid that simply won't be possible. Lacroix has taken a liking to the boy. He has adopted him as his own."

I turn to Lacroix "what have you done?"

"I gave him a gift the gift of eternal life." Lacroix replies.

"This wasn't the arrangement. You promised me 13hrs in which to decide."

"I did but Lacroix and the others made no such promises and your continued infatuation with that mortal has threatened their way of life." Norman replies.

"Nicholas." Lacroix called gently almost lovingly.

Nicholas entered the room and frowned. "I thought you said there would be something for me to eat." He said grumpily.

"All in good time my son. All in good time. Good things come to those who wait. Now, what was it that you wished to say to Azeral?"

"Azereal huh? Fitting name for someone like you." 

"Exactly what is that supposed to mean?" Norman replies defensively.

Lacroix intervenes of Nick's behalf. "Please forgive him He meant no disrespect."

"I don't need you apologizing on my behalf."

"Be careful how you address me and any member of my family boy. I allowed Lacroix to give  you the gift of life eternal and I can just as easily order him to kill you."

My mother walked in and placed a hand on Norman's shoulder in an effort to calm his rising temper.

"Norman Dear, need I remind you that when you were at his age you were very oppositional and defiant towards those in authority? You still do have that tendency when it comes to your father. If I understand the situation correctly he just became one of us a few hours ago. I'm sure all he needs is some time to adjust to his new life."

Norman sighs "very well Cara, I will spare his life for yours and Lacroix's sake. Lacroix, make sure he understands our ways of life. I won't be so forgiving next time."

"Yes Sire. Come Nick."

"If it's all the same to you I'd like to remain behind to speak with Azeral in privet."

Lacroix glances over at me worriedly. "It's alright Lacroix I'll make sure that he stays out of trouble."

However, before I could speak with him Nick had already disappeared I found him in the kitchen about to bite into one of the servants. "Oh Nick what's become of you?" I state with a sad sigh as I stopped him from attacking her.

"I am what you made me. Nick is dead only I remain. You may call me Nicholas."

"I am so sorry."

"I am not your failure Azeral. I don't need nor do I want your pity or apology. Just stay away from my sister or I won't hesitate to kill you." Nick says as he shoves me.

"Nick please don't do this. This is what Norman wants. He wants you to attack me because doing so is considered a challenge. A challenge that is to the death. Norman wants you to attack me because he wants me to kill you."

"He will then make sure that your sister learns that I was the one responsible for your death. She will wind up despising me and ultimately reject me which will force me to marry Lady Valentine. As no heir to the throne next in line or not, is not allowed to be without a bride."

"And that's my problem because?"

I run my fingers through my hair then sigh. "Do what you feel you must."

"As much as I'd like to kill you and believe me I really would, I hate this Norman more."

"Nicholas, I think you've taken up enough of Azeral's time." Lacroix states appearing out of no where.

"Yes, I do suppose it's about time I was heading home."

"Home? This is your home now. Your one of us." Lacroix replies.

Norman walks up to the group. "we wouldn't dream of keeping you here against your will. Your more then welcome to leave."

"Thanks. I'd say it was nice meeting you but that would be a lie."

"Why you..." Ares says angrily but Norman holds him back.

"It's fine. He has a right to his opinion. Come boys, let's go feed. Don't look so forlorn Lacroix. When the blood lust gets too much for him and he drains whoever is nearby dry he will return."

"Lucy." I whisper realizing why Norman had let Nick leave the hideout without any argument. My face turns pale.

"Why Azeral, whatever is the matter?" Norman asks with a smirk and a slight chuckle.

I glared at him before turning and walking away. "Don't turn your back on me boy."

"Oh no Norman, it is you who should not turn your back on me." I reply.

The next thing I know Norman's in front of me his eyes flashing in anger. "Is that a challenge?" He demands.

"Temper, temper. I wouldn't dream of challenging you." I reply semi sarcastically.

"Pity why not?" My brother's Ares and Jareth mumble.

"A wise decision. You are no match for the King." Lacroix replies.

"When it comes to brains I got the lions share but when it comes to brute strength I'm afraid Normal will always be King." I reply before walking out of the room.

"What am I going to do with that boy? It's as if he delights in irritating me." I hear Norman state with a frustrated sigh.

"Turn about is fair play Norman. Now you know how I have always felt about your behavior." Peter states with a slight chuckle.

"It's not funny." Norman replies with a grumble.