Clocksworth

My eyes carefully studied the wolves; they stood clustered together, appearing to have some sort of meeting. They looked stressed and worried—not surprising, considering the alpha's son was mysteriously missing. I could immediately point out the leader of the group and decided not to prolong the issue. 

When Marianne called for the first time in years to tell me that Belmont's wolf was missing and that it was probably her fault, I didn't have much of a choice. I hated that he was involved with him, but I loved Belmont, so I was going to help him, I thought as I stepped out of the shadows, lit a cigar, and walked confidently toward the group. Their alpha was enormous, but I kept my pulse steady. Predators like them would easily notice shifts in my mood.

"Ruadh Kendrik?" I met their questioning looks with calm confidence before continuing, "My name is Théodor Clocksworth, and I understand that your son is missing?" I said in my thick French accent.

"And why does that matter to you?" he asked tersely, scrutinizing me from head to toe.

I flashed a crooked smile and displayed a long fang before answering, "It didn't, until a family member of mine decided that your son was worth risking his life for," I replied bluntly, flicking the ashes into the air before taking another puff. "I want to help Belmont, and you want to help Conor?" His gaze was steady as I continued, "I propose a partnership."

The wolves moved uneasily around us; the younger ones were impatient. I could see and feel how they wanted to leave to find their pack member without discussions or meetings. But their alpha remained calm, appearing to consider my words.

"Something must have happened," muttered a younger wolf to his alpha. "Belmont should have called a long time ago."

"He should have, but instead, he called someone else in a panic," I muttered, making no effort to hide my displeasure. "You're right; something has happened, otherwise, I wouldn't be standing here asking for help."

"We should wait; Conor trusts him. That has to mean something, and we have no idea who this guy is," whispered the young wolf in his leader's ear. 

Ruadh stood hesitantly, listening to what everyone had to say, and I took my chance to make my point.

"Belmont is young; he runs straight into the hornet's nest without thinking," I inhaled deeply from the cigar, and amidst the thick cloud of smoke, I met the eyes of the large man and said the words I hesitated to acknowledge in front of everyone, "he follows his heart instead of his head."

It worked, I thought triumphantly; they clearly knew that Belmont was smitten with the long-haired sourpuss, and maybe this giant remembered what it felt like to be infatuated and impulsive.

"Get to the point; tell me why you're here."

I rolled the cigar between my fingers and admired the red glow. "My daughter gave me the address, but it's no small place, and I might need your expertise," I explained further.

"Daughter?" A voice snorted from the darkness. "Does he let a five-year-old run daddy's errands?"

I raised an eyebrow and smiled into the darkness where the person stood; I didn't bother using night vision; I already knew it was a pup who had opened his mouth.

"I am over three hundred years old, boy, and my daughter has lived half that lifespan with flying colors. She doesn't need a babysitter anymore." I exhaled as I shook my head and muttered quietly, "unlike Belmont."

Ruadh nodded in understanding but remarked, "Noxwood has changed since you came."

"We won't stay," I assured him. "What happened here was unfortunate. We'll sort out the mess, and then you won't have to think about it anymore."

"Sounds good," he mumbled, scratching his chin, "but the boys..."

"Need to be found," I quickly filled in, handing over a piece of paper with an address. "Be careful; it's not a pleasant place. The vampires there are weak from their addiction, so you should have a chance."

He nodded again and turned to the others, and I seized the opportunity to slip back into the shadows.

Belmont

My long claws gripped her upper arm, and I ripped at her flesh with all my strength. She was strong, but I had to be stronger. 

Why was it always someone trying to control my life, kill or be killed? Fuck, I was so tired of this crap. I roared out my frustration and anger, and I noticed how different I sounded, so inhuman and so furious. 

 The other vampires stepped back as I glared at them. Why? Then it hit me; I have fucking prince's blood in my veins, I thought cockily and made another lunge at the girl. Fangs flashed in the dim light. Claws ripped and slashed and I unleashed years of pent-up rage through my roars. 

The beast took over, and I welcome it. Claws teared through flesh, and I couldn't hear when she gave up, when she begged us to leave. I didn't stop until I heard a sharp, commanding voice behind me. 

 "BELMONT!"

 My hands immediately released her neck. 

"Belmont, stop!" The command echoed through the room, and my body froze in motion. 

 Finally, I backed away from the vampire I had pinned against the concrete. My breathing steadied, but I demonstratively licked the blood off my fingers, one by one. The vampires scattered, and wolves stepped forward hesitantly; their eyes were on Conor but they hesitated, and I felt their flickering gazes on me. 

Waves of emotions crashed over me—fear, worry, hatred, and anger overwhelmed the little gratitude that some of them felt for me having saved Conor's life. Claws turn into fingers, and my fangs were back to normal. My breath was heavily and I chose not to meet Clocksworth's gaze. 

When I was myself again, I slowly backed away until I was straddling Conor protectively. Then I rose my gaze and met Clock's eyes steadily. "She asked for it," I hissed, nodding toward the girl lying lifeless on the floor. 

 Clocksworth nodded calmly but said nothing, casting a glance at the half-conscious man on the floor. "What happened, Belmont?" 

 My eyes wandered from Clock to the man I knew was some sort of father figure to Conor, whether he wanted it or not, I thought with a bitter smile, as I recognized that feeling all too well. 

"He just needs to rest," I assured him, stepping aside. Ruadh nodded, and immediately Cian and someone else came to help him to his feet. 

"You're coming home with us," the Alpha's words were a clear order, not to be questioned.

 Despite that, my wolf stands still, meeting my gaze, and I held it. "I'll manage," he growled, shaking off the arms that held him upright to take a step toward me. 

 The atmosphere was tense; I glanced at everyone involved and noticed how Ruadh looked at Clocksworth, and with a rising pulse, I realized they had made som kind of deal. With growing bitterness, I see a hint of insecurity wash over Theo before the usual cold mask took over and he placed a hand on my shoulder. 

 "Come, it's time to go." 

 I turn to him and raised an eyebrow. "If you think everything is suddenly fine between us, then think—" 

 "We're going home too," he calmly interrupted, and his grip tightened around my shoulder. 

 "A-are you kidding? You can't just—!" 

 "It's an order, Belmont," he adds firmly, and I saw a red glimmer spreading in his eyes. 

 My heart stopped in my chest; he had never used our bond against me before. I had seen Anthony do the same to others and had watched how they immediately fell in line, but knew in my heart that Clock would never do this to me, that thought had never existed in my world. 

 I frowned and looked down at the floor as my body involuntarily took a step back and fell in behind him. Tears burned behind my eyes, and I struggled not to cry in front of them all. I wanted to scream at Clocksworth. I wanted to run to Conor and drag him away from there, but I couldn't even look up at him. 

In their terms, Clocksworth was my Alpha; I might have been able to resist his words, but he was stronger than ever. I hadn't drunk blood for months, so it wasn't going to happen. 

 The vampire within me fell to its knees, even as the human tried to stand tall and look strong.  

"It's for the best, Belmont," he said loud and clear, but instead of looking at me when he spoke, he looked directly at Conor, "you are a danger to yourself right now and to everyone around you." 

 A single tear made its way down my cheek as I reluctantly followed the clockmaster out of the factory, away from all my dreams of a future with him and his hypnotic heartbeat. 

With a broken heart, I pulled the large hood of the oversized sweatshirt over my head and breathed in his scent. 

 "It's for the better," he repeated, as if to convince us both. 

 "I wish you had never given me your blood," I whispered bitterly. 

 "I know, Belmont," he replied tiredly, opening the car door for me. 

 With a sigh, I sank into the seat and stared down at the hands resting in my lap; fuck, it couldn't end like this. 

The car moved at the same pace as the tears streaming down my cheeks. Everything felt like a nightmare, as if I were enveloped in a fog. With a forceful effort, I pulled out my phone to send a message. I stared at the screen for a while, and finally, I forced myself to write the words I had wanted to say so many times; Conor, I love you.

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A/N - I'm not crying... you are!  But seriously .... thoughts on Clocksworth giving Bel 'The order' to come home. Did he do the right thing?  Who are we voting for here? Clock or Conor?