Seeds of Jealousy

A/N: I have been given the esteemed honor by Lieutenant Caine to complete Seeds of Jealousy. Without his work, this would not be possible and his faith in my abilities to continue this story unto conclusion is staggering. I thank him for his confidence in me to finish this and his insight.

And without further ado, I give to you, Seeds of Jealousy…

Chapter 22

A perfect war had taken over the streets of Miami, and Tyrell reveled in the debauchery as he and his newly formed contingent of minions reigned freely over the Miami nights. He was vaguely amused at law enforcement efforts to contain what he considered his masterpiece, but wasn't quite content in bathing the city in blood. First, he had business to attend to before participating in pleasure, knowing that once he was rid of Sebastian once and for all the city, perchance the world would finally know its master. As he watched a trio of young vampires accost and then brutalize two women, he licked his fangs in anticipation of the power that he would hold.

He was mildly surprised that Sebastian had survived and recovered from his attack, but he should've known that his children would sacrifice anything to save him. Their previous encounter was merely his introduction into this world, showing all what was coming. He showed mercy to the beautiful blond and her irritating infant of a mate, but the next encounter would not end the same. His plan was cunning and decisive, predicated on Sebastian's high regard for honor and loyalty, neither of which he himself held in any esteem. War brought loss, and as evidenced by their history together, Tyrell knew that Sebastian was too lenient to strike when it was most needed. It would be Sebastian's downfall, and he, Tyrell would pick up the pieces. He knew that Sebastian had taken a lover. Perhaps, he thought with malicious glee, when he was done with Sebastian, he would slake his lustful desires upon her body and make her pay for even loving the elder vampire. But first he had to bring Sebastian to his knees, and for that he had a plan.

The screams from the two women filled his ears and the acrid stench of their fear was only enhanced by the beautiful scent of their spilled blood. Leaving his perch above them, he landed softly and watched with glee as the trio respectfully parted, leaving the two women exposed to his greedy glare. He was known for his brutality, the word spreading among the covens of Miami, and he didn't see why this would be any different. With each life stolen, he was growing more powerful and readying for the battle he was going to bring upon Sebastian and his coven this very night. As he gorged himself of their blood, he smirked malevolently at the thought of the pieces falling into place at that very moment.

Cleaning his gun, Frank barely listened to the television as it reported the news of Miami, shaking his head at the amount of depravity that held the city within its grip. Of course, he knew where most of it originated; with Tyrell held captive by the sun, he'd sent his loyal followers who had not yet been turned to wreak havoc among the unsuspecting citizens of the city. Gang violence had risen along with senseless murders where most of the victims were found decapitated or eviscerated, painting a gory scene for the cameras. Even though Tyrell could not flaunt his presence during the daylight, his mindless minions were doing a bang up job at serving up the city to the maniac.

Hearing of yet another body found, Frank shook his head in disgust and sighed, glancing to the two clips that lay beside the cleaning solution. One held the department issued rounds that took care of business during the day; the other was filled with bullets cast in pure silver, made especially for those increasingly frequent night calls. Having to hold sentry for both the day and night over his beloved Miami, Frank was finding himself increasingly exhausted, a fact that was by no means eased by the thought of Natalia now altered on his arm. His heart stung at the brief thought and he grumbled as he threw his cleaning rag down and grasped at the amber bottle, turning it up wards. He had to work with Sebastian and the others, but his heart had not fully healed from his loss.

Slamming the bottle down, he groused irritably, "At least he's taking care of her."

Picking up the rag, he set in again to cleaning his piece, losing himself in the act. After twenty minutes, he put the weapon back together and slipped in the silver clip, knowing that at any time, he would get the call to roll. Just as he pulled the slide back and chambered a round, he extended his arm and pointed it to his door, making sure the sights were to his liking. The sound of a faint knocking caught his attention and he glanced at the clock, sure that he wasn't expecting anyone.

Waiting on the other side of the door, two vampires smiled deviously at each other, glancing down at the welcome mat placed neatly at the door of one Detective Frank Tripp. They had their orders; to dispatch the lumbering Texan and then to meet their Master at the determined location with evidence of his demise. They had been promised great reward. Licking their lips, the twin vampires glanced down the now deserted corridor of the apartment complex, their glamour working faultlessly. They were assured a proper blood bath would be in store for the city as soon as this night was finished.

An eerie sensation assailed Frank and his brow knit as he crossed the room, slipping the safety off. Peering into the tiny hole, he placed his hand on the knob and gripped his gun tightly, taking a deep breath. He'd been thrust into this blood war by simply being friends with the opposing side, there was no way he was going to be reckless now.

Unlocking the door, he realized too late that he'd made a terrible mistake. The two vampires snatched the door off its hinges and tossed it about like a mere toy, their red eyes centering on the detective. Despite weeks of being in the company of vampires, Frank was still hesitant, his heart thumping wildly as the adrenaline coursed through his body. Without thinking, he fired off two shots, both missing and propelling the two to attack. When the gun was knocked out of his hand by the swift moving beings, he cursed aloud and raised his fists as one appeared in front of him, the smug look on his face telling of his lack of concern for the human's choice of defenses.

"You realize that just like that stupid gun, you're no match for us, right old timer?" Chuckling insolently, he nodded to his partner as he grasped the older man by his arms, holding him tightly. As he approached, he licked his lips and allowed his fangs to show, "I decided not to eat knowing that I was coming for you. You're gonna be enough for the both of us, big guy."

The other vampire laughed raucously behind Frank and he frowned, his eyes skittering over his apartment in hopes of finding where his gun came to rest. A surge of relief washed through him as he spotted it and he retained his gaze in the hopes that these two were young and stupid.

Well, here goes nothing, Frank thought as he gathered all his strength. Lifting his legs, he kicked out at the vampire, the momentary surprise of the act loosening the grip of his captor. Bending, he flipped the other over his back and winced as the wood splintered under him. Having no time to think about the damage, Frank dove for the gun only to feel the burning sensation of a slash on to his arm and he turned and kicked again, realizing that if the other recovered, he was as good as dead. The vicious snarls above him hastened his desperate groping and just as he found the gun and grasped it, the vampire caught hold of his ankle and twisted it with a simple flick of his wrist. The exquisite pain of bones snapping ripped a bellow of pain from Frank's throat and momentarily his temporary hold on the gun relaxed. As tears formed in his eyes, he re-gathered what strength he had left and grabbed the gun forcibly, bringing it to bear on the mocking vampire.

"Humans…it's really pathetic that you just don't …" The report of the gun and the bullets meeting the vampire between the eyes silenced him. Quickly, Frank pumped the second vampire full as he pounced for an attack, the growls dying in his throat.

Scrambling back, Frank watched in horror as the vampires began to twitch, the spasms of their muscles evidence of the silver coursing through their veins. Blood began to flow copiously from them. The foul stench met his nostrils and Frank wretched, the dull throbbing in his ankle forgotten.

As they both ceased to move, Frank stared at the bloody mess and then attempted to stand, the pain roaring back to life. Cringing, he knew that he couldn't succumb; if there was an attempt on his life, he knew that the others were in danger as well. Forcing himself to hobble back to the table, he grasped the cell and sat down bodily, panting at the effort given.

Dialing the familiar number, he glanced to his arm and sighed heavily, "Aw…hell…"

Hoping that Horatio wasn't otherwise engaged, Frank listened for him to pick up, his breathing now returning back to normal. Hearing the smooth voice on the other end, Frank winced as he sat up more, his words biting, "Never guess who just came to see me, H. I think Tyrell is making his play…"

Horatio could feel the tension in his old friend's voice as well as hear the obvious pain and his eyes widened as he looked to see Calleigh rising from the bed, her nude form silhouetted by the light of the full moon. Sitting up quickly, Horatio questioned, "Frank…are you okay?"

Hearing the concern in her lover's voice, she turned to face him, her own concern growing.

What's going on, my lover?

It's Frank, he's been attacked. He sounds like he's in a lot of pain. We should go…

As quick as the thought formed, Horatio was suddenly cut off by a surge of pain, causing him to drop the phone and releasing a bellow that shook the structure of the house. The sound of Frank's frantic voice faded into the background as another voice filled Horatio's head. He would have known that mocking voice anywhere.

Tyrell.

And he was coming to exact his demand for fealty or death.

Horatio was willing to give him neither.

TBC…