I drove until I reached the outskirts of the city and exited off the highway.  I made my way towards the small town called Beaufort.  The small town had 400 residents where everyone knew everyone who lives there.  I made my way towards one of the many homes that I owned in the town and parked in front of a white house with a white picket fence.  All of the lights still on, waiting for me. As I entered the house, I was welcomed by Dana, a petite blonde with green eyes. 

"Your meal awaits you, my Queen." 

"Thank you, Dana.  When I'm done, please bring my invitation cards to my office." 

"Yes, my Queen." She said. 

My meal was waiting for me in the dining room parlor and he looked delicious.  He stood six feet tall with bronze skin and broad shoulders.  His hair, a dark chocolate brown flopped over his eyes.  His eyes gleamed in the dimly lit room in enthusiasm.  I could hear his heart beat fast as I came closer to him.  The anticipation of the feeding was exciting me.  

"What's your name?" I asked as I caressed his cheek with the back of my hand. 

"Daniel." He whispered. 

I led him to a chaise and push him down.  Straddling him, I lean into him as he dipped his head to the side and back giving me access to his neck.  I pushed my hand through his hair and pull his head back even more.  I could feel him shiver under me as I lay light kisses from his neck moving upward towards his jawline to his ear. 

"Who sent you here?" I whispered. 

Daniel tenses as I wrap my hand around his throat. I kiss his cheek and turn his head to face me. 

"Don't even try to glamour me, it doesn't work." He said in an even tone. 

"Didn't even cross my mind. I have many other ways to make you talk." I answered as I squeeze his neck with my hand. "I'm getting impatient. Speak quickly or you die." 

"You won't believe me, even if I told you." He choked out. 

"Try me." I said as I licked his cheek.  I could smell his fear and excitement off his body.  "A pretty little thing like you dying so young.  What a shame." 

"Marcus." 

I froze. My mind and body froze for a second before finding my bearings again. 

"Marcus sent you?"  I skeptically asked. 

"Yes." 

"He couldn't of sent you. He's dead." 

"I know. I have been under his protection for some time now.  He told me to come seek you and ask for protection, should something happen to him." 

"And what exactly is he protecting you from?" 

"From who killed him." 

"And who," I said through my teeth, squeezing my hand tighter.  Barely letting him breathe. "Who exactly killed him? 

"My father." He gasped out.  

"And who is your father?" 

"He's a dhampir." 

"His name is..." I growled through my teeth. 

"Brutus." He squeaked. 

I hiss at him and let him go immediately as I hear my brother's name from his lips.  There is no love lost between us and we haven't kept in touch since a millennia ago.  He stayed in Europe and I traveled to the New World.  I thought the world was big enough for the both of us.  Apparently it wasn't.

"Is he here?" 

"In the city? Yes." He said as he gasped for air.

"He's looking for you?"

"Yes." 

"How long have you been in my territory?" 

"Three months." 

Three months and I didn't even sense him?  Not even a flicker of his powers. He hid himself well from me.  Has his powers grown so much that he acquired new powers, just like me? 

"What does he want with you and why do you refuse to be found? He is your father, after all." 

"Have you met him? He is evil incarnate.  I've grown up my whole life knowing he will come for me. He's killed everyone I love.  My family, my friends, my pack.  I have no one left.  I was ready to give up, but Marcus found me and gave me hope again.  He said you'll help.  That you'll understand.  That you'll continue training me until I'm ready."

"How did Marcus die?" 

"He was out on patrol for The Guild.  He call and told me to stay hidden in the safe house, he said he had a bad feeling that night.  Next thing I know, I sense my father's aura close to the safe house and I ran.  The next day, Marcus's death was on the news.  I knew then that my father found him and I was next." 

"What does he want with you?"

"I don't know." He frustratingly said. 

"How old are you?"

"23" 

I ease off of him and sat down next to him.  

"That'll be enough for now." I said settling down into the seat.  "Answer all and any questions I ask truthfully, do everything I say and don't question my decisions.  If you follow these simple rules, you can stay. I'll feed you, clothe you, let you stay here and protect you.  I'll even see to your training, agree?" 

"Seems too good to be true. What's the catch? Am I going to have to offer up some blood? " 

"No catch and no blood. Everything is free of charge." 

"I'll pay you back, I swear!" Daniel said excitedly. 

"First rule to your education. Never make a deal with a nightwalker, you do know that includes me. Second rule, never trust a nightwalker you don't know. Third rule, never promise anything to a nightwalker." 

"But I mean what I just said.  I'll pay you back. I hate being in debt to others." 

"You want to pay me back?" 

"Yes." He nodded with sincerity. 

"Your payment, is the true death of your father." I said as I stared into is eyes. 

His eyes lit up and he smiled.

"That's it?"

"Yes." I said. 

"Why are you being so kind to me?" 

"Because," I said as I got up. "You're my nephew." 

His smiling face froze as he processed Luciela's words.  Utter horror and disgust flashed on his face.  How could the one person he trusted more than his own life send him to his enemy's sister?  It was just as bad as sending him to his father.  

"Close your mouth, you're a Wolf, not a fish." 

Daniel closed his mouth, but the look of devastation took over. 

"How are you ever going to kill your father with that expression? Don't you know that you should not show any expression in front of a nightwalker?  They get excited by it." 

Daniel sat up straighter and fixed his face to look serene. 

"Don't worry, I won't bite you. You're family after all."   I said as I laid a hand on his thigh, tapping it lightly to comfort him.

"Don't touch me Manmukh." Daniel said as he tried to swipe her hand off of him.

"I'm more surprised of you knowing that word, than angry that you called me it." 

"Get your Manmukh hand off of me." He hissed. 

"Or what?" 

Suddenly his hand grabbed mine and fire erupted.  His fire caught my hand and quickly made its way up my arm and body. I played along and began to scream.  I jump up from the chaise and rolled down to the ground as if to put the fire out, as if I could catch fire, as if I was just another nightwalker. My scream became laughter.  The laughter that began as a light chuckle and transformed to a hearty mocking laugh.  Sitting up, I moved the fire around me, taking it away from me in a form of a ball.  Getting up, I split the fireball in half, then in half again until I have four fireballs moving around my body.  Daniel's eyes lit up as I sent the four fireballs at him.  He pressed himself into the chaise and before it could harm him, I distinguished it right in front of his face. 

"Got anything else up your sleeve?"  I said as I sat next to him again. "If you do, tell me. Better yet. Show me, so I'll know first hand how weak you are and know how much I'll have to teach you."

"How did you do that?" Daniel asked in awe.

"Same way you did it, only better." 

"But you're a nightwalker." 

"And?" I said questioningly. 

"Nightwalkers hate fire.  They burn like paper." 

"Obviously you know nothing about me." I pretended to pout. "My feelings are hurt." 

Daniel stared down at his hands for a long time before making a decision. 

"Are you anything like my father?"

"In some ways yes and in many ways no." 

"What ways are you guys similar?" 

"Brutus, is not my biological brother, he is my brother because I was killed and reborn by the same crazy father.  His biological father is my maker.  Being raised and taught by your grandsire was rough. He made us tough, ruthless, a total brute who kills without a second thought.  We're patient, strategic, strong, fast and we're greedy. We want more power, more control, more followers.  You name it, we want it.  We're greedy bastards that are hard to kill. And if you want to have any chance of killing him, you'll need me." 

"And what ways are you different from him?"

"The different in us is vastly great.  My first life, was good life.  I was raised in a loving household so my mind is not as fucked up as your father's. I have values, morals, certain things and people that I place great importance on, such like Marcus.  I'm nice to those who are nice to me. I'm cruel when I need to be." 

"Why do you guys hate each other?" 

"For many reasons. I'm faster, stronger, more talented than your father.  Growing up, he was always compared to me, that's when the resentment started, I guess. He was jealous that he was just a dhampir, while I'm a vampire." I said. 

"Does he have any special powers?" 

"Some, but if he gained any more, I wouldn't know." 

"Why can't you just kill him?" 

"It is against our coven's rules.  If I was to kill him, our clan will rain down on me and mine.  To do that, I would need to be stronger than I am right now. We can't kill each other directly." 

"What do you mean by that?" 

"I'll use you as the sword to take off his head. I'll give you all the tools you need to have a fighting chance to kill him. You and I have a mutual interest to see to his true death, so why not work together."

"How can I trust you? You're a nightwalker and my father's sister. How do I know what you're saying is true?" 

"You don't, but what we both can agree on is that we trust Marcus with every inch of our lives and for me, that's enough reason for me. And it's going to have to be enough for you too." I got up. "If it's not, there's the door.  Don't let it hit you on your way out." 

I walked into my office and called for another meal, by the time I finished feeding, Daniel stood by the door and was waiting for me. His arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the door.  I sat on my meal's lap, this time not even asking what his name was. As I fed, I was grinding myself on to his harden bulge that hid underneath his jeans. His groaning could be heard down the hall as I fed.  Pleasure whipped through him from head to toe, sending him into an abyss of fulfillment.  

"Took you long enough." Daniel said as I sent my meal away.  

 "You volunteering?" I said while licking my lips as I smile wickedly. "You're still here, does that mean you change your mind?" 

His hand squeezed tighter by his side, making them into fists.  Wanting to stay, but not having any where to go.  Needing to stay, but not trusting her. 

"How about we try out our arrangement for a week.  I'll invoke Guest Hospitality for you and in this week, you may stay here, free of danger from me and mine.  Free from the eyes of your father and his allies. You'll be treated as a guest here and any injuries you incur in my home will be my fault, in which I will compensate you $10,000.  Any injuries caused by your hand or during training does not apply to the Guest Hospitality rule.  This trial week, you'll decide if you want to stay or if you want to go.  If you stay, I'll help train you to kill your father and we can get justice for Marcus.  If you choose to leave, I'll let you leave, although I think it would be foolish of you to do so, I'll send you on your way with enough money to help you with food, lodging, and a way out of my territory for 5 years so you can go back to hiding in small spaces until your father hunts you down and kills you." 

"Why would you do so much for me."

"The main reason is for Marcus. I raised him, trained him, and loved him. I sent him out into the world as a gift to them.  He was beauty and perfection in this accursed, ugly world and he lived greatly.  The second reason is that your father and I have a great, old grudge against one another and the only way to settle it, is within your hands. And lastly, because you're family.  My Beaufort clan has become my family.  If you ask any of them, they'll tell you that I never once left anyone behind. I took care of all of them and in turn they have served me willingly.  For generation after generation, for close to two millennia, they have had me and I them. So Daniel, what will be your choice?" 

Daniel stood there for a long time looking at me. Staring at me as if he could read my mind. As if I would show him any emotions on face. Sighing heavily, he knew I had him within my grasp. I showed him to his room.  On the way there, we met Clara, the head maid to the home. 

"I have invoked Guest Hospitality to Daniel for a week, my reborn blood nephew. Please have someone show him around tomorrow." 

"Yes, my Queen." 

"Prepare something for him to eat and bring it to his room.  I'll be putting him in the sunrise room.  He will be in your care and Nikki's care for the week."

"Yes, My Queen." Clara bowed.  

I led him to his room and bid him goodnight.

"Wait. " He said as he entered the room. "I didn't say thank you to you yet.  Thank You." 

"Don't thank me yet. You might change your mind later." I told him.  

I went back to my office and wrote out the invitation to my house to be sent to the King of all Beast.  I open up the envelope that Marcus had given me, it was  a letter explaining Daniel and his situation.  And the reason he didn't want to tell me about Daniel's existence was because he didn't want me to use Daniel for my selfish reasons.  He didn't want Daniel to owe me anything.  So he kept Daniel's presence and identity to himself.  

I sigh heavily, because Marcus knew me so well.  I would have used Daniel to be my sword, to get what I want.  Like how I am doing it right now. I put the letter in the safe and I go into my training room train my powers.  

---------

The next afternoon as I awake early for the scheduled meeting with the King of all Beasts, I take my time getting ready and make my way upstairs to the dining room where Daniel is having lunch.  

"Good afternoon Daniel how did you sleep last night?" I ask him as I sit across from him. 

"Very well." He answered as he shoved food in his mouth. 

"And your tour?" 

"It went well."

"And my staff?"

"They treat me just fine." He mumbled. 

"That's great to hear."  I said as a young woman of 18 was brought to me.  She sits demurely next to me and offers her neck.  Instead I trace my finger from her neck and down her arm, taking her wrist into my hand.  I rub her wrist with my thumb in circles until her breath becomes quicker, her anticipation written on her face as she moans lowly, begging me to pierce her skin and drink from her.  I bring her hand up to my lips and kiss it before my fangs breaks through her skin.  She moaned out loud instantly, she closes her eyes as she rides her pleasure. Her legs squished together as she tries not to touch herself. I drink lightly then increased my sucking, drinking her deeply making her moan even louder, I bring her up to her highest ecstasy and her body convulses as she cums. I watch her as she rides her pleasure, her body limp against the chair now, her eyes glazed over with satisfaction. Her breath, coming back to normal.  I kiss her wrist and let her go and she sits in the chair with her eyes close and a smile on her lips. 

"Is like that every time?" Daniel asks me. 

"Not every time. It just depends on the vampire that does it."  Luciela tells him. "Have you met the King of all Beast before?" 

"Never personally, no." Daniel said as he got back to eating. 

"Well, here's your chance now. King Ian will be here soon with his people. They are here to share information about Marcus's death.  They share information and then you share information. Quite simple." Luciela tells him. "Once you're done, meet me in the office they should be here in 30 minutes." 

I leave and goes into my office and to prepare for my guests, several drinks and snacks were provided. The King of Beast and his people made their way into the house.  They had a look of confusion on their face when they arrived.  The location of the vampire's lair was a normal looking house?  And a small one at it?  The house looked like it held 5 bedrooms.  There was a living room, a dining room and a kitchen as they pass through each room.  They made their way to the back of the house, to the office where books lined the walls from top to bottom.  

The vampire was siting behind the desk and the curtains were drawn back to let the sun shine into the room.  She sat with the sun beaming down on to her as she clicked away at the computer on the desk.  Her hair glowed a nice red, shiny and silky.  The memory of her hair blowing in the wind, popped back up into his mind as they approach. 

"My Queen, your guests are here."  The petite human said as she ushered them inside. 

"Please take a seat." I tell them as I get up and move away from the desk.  

The King of all Beast brought six Weres with him.  Two feline, thee canine and one bird. 

"Can I offer you something to drink?  Tea? Coffee? Water? Juice? Alcohol?"

Everyone denied a drink so I leaned against my desk and waited for them to begin the questioning. But before they could begin, Daniel walked in and sat in a seat far from the group. 

The group was quiet while they looked at Daniel with eyes like daggers as if he betrayed their own kind.  

"Lets start with introductions shall we?" I said as I push myself on to the desk and sit on the ledge of the desk.

"My name's Luciela, my favorite color is Red.  Not because of my hair, but because I love blood." Luciela points at Josh and says. "You're next puppy." 

"I'm Josh." He said. 

"Gabe." Said the feline. 

"Breaker." Said the bird

"Lisa." The other canine said. 

"Michelle." Said the third canine. 

"Kane." Said the other feline. 

"Ian." 

"He's the KIng." Luciela says as she turns to Daniel.  Daniel nods his head as confirming he heard her. 

"Daniel." He tells them.  

"Good, now that we're all not strangers, lets talk shall we?" 

"I would like to ask you something first." Ian said as he took over the meeting. 

"Go ahead." 

"What's your relationship with Marcus?"

"He use to be my retainer." 

"You're retainer?  What do you mean by that?"

"Lets start in the beginning, shall we?  I know Marcus, because I know his whole family.  They have been my retainers for well over several generations.  I was there when he was born, I was there when he took his first steps, I was there to hear his first word.  I've held him in my arms when he was a child, watched as he grew up  and taught him everything he knew. As my retainer, they are subject to harsh training, but they come out of it a stronger person.  Retainers serve me. Not as a meal," I chided Josh as he made a face. "I am their Queen and they are my subjects." 

"Then how did he get out?" Josh asked. 

"Get out?" 

"Get out from your authority?" 

"You're making it sound as if I'm forcing them to be my retainers.  They have their own free will to choose what they want to do.  When the time felt right to him, Marcus left beautiful Beaufont and became a Guild Member.  Which by the way, broke my heart, but he thought what he was doing was the right thing to do.  Who am I to say otherwise?" 

"Why didn't Marcus mention you to us?" Ian asked. 

"I'm not sure.  But my reasoning is that he wanted to keep all of us safe." 

"I don't think we can trust her words." Gabe said. 

"Do you want pictures?" Luciela asked him. "Should I pull down the shades and show you a slide show? Or should I invite his mother? His brother?  His sister? Would you like to meet them so they can be a character witness for me?" 

"We don't have to go that far, but I would like to meet his family to give them my condolences." Ian said. 

"That could be arranged." I tell them.  "Now, on to the business at hand.  What evidence have you gathered about his murder?" 

"He was working on a case, the night he died. He had been following a lead that would catch the culprit.  What the case is, I'm not too sure about the exact details, but from what I've been able to gather, is that its a supernatural case.  A serial supernatural killer.  It doesn't matter if it is a lycanthrope, a nightwalker, a witch, a wizard or even a mage.  No one can escape the serial murderer. And since it hasn't killed a human yet, The Saint Guild is not putting it on the top priority list.  So instead, Marcus took the case.  The files and his notes should be in his office." 

"I haven't gone to his office yet."  I tell them. "We can go after this meeting, if you have time." 

"That sounds like a plan." Daniel said out loud. 

"And how do you fit into all of this?" Gabe ask him as he tried to hold his aggression back.  Daniel growls back ready to pounce on him and the people Ian brought with him move to fight as well. 

"My pets," I say.  "Calm down.  You will regret touching a hair on Daniel's body." 

"We're not your pets." Daniel yells at her. 

"I did invoke Guest Hospitality to you, but if you disrespect me in my own home, I will take that back and kill you myself.  The hell with what you want and what I want, I will shut you down."  

"You need me." Daniel tells her.

"You need me more than I need you." I remind him. "So what if you can be my sword?  You act as if you're the only sword I have. As if I'm going to put all my eggs in one basket and rest all my hopes and dreams on you."  

When Daniel didn't speak up I made things clear between us. "You are a guest in my home, remember that. If you want to leave, you know where the door is. But you will mind your manners around me and treat me and mine with respect. Got it?" 

Daniel gets up and walks towards the door. He stops and waits there for a while before sitting back down on the same chair again

"Crystal." Daniel said.