I decided to write few more chapters of this since some of you requested that. Thank you for the feedback.

Finding his butterfly

England, 1865

Lucien Castle was bored. He was attending yet another celebration, just like almost every night. The host was Sir Charles Tayburn, a very dull and gloomy middle-aged nobleman. His mansion was of course luxurious and the champagne was excellent, but Lucien expected nothing less. He had traveled across England couple of weeks now and his trip had been very successful so far. The old noble families owned surprisingly many ancient artifacts that could be useful to Lucien one way or the other. He had been collecting those artifacts for centuries. Anything that would make him more powerful.

Yet he had quickly noticed that he hadn't really missed the old aristocratic ways while living in America. These English nobles were maybe stiff, but he did enjoy playing with the noble girls. Many of them were looking at him right now, although they tried to hide it. He smiled charmingly at one of them, making her blush and bow her head. Too easy. He sighed and picked up a glass of champagne from a waiter. As far as he knew, Sir Charles didn't own anything that would have interested him, but these events could be useful in other ways.

Socializing with humans didn't interest him, but unfortunately it was required sometimes. He was a very successful businessman after all. That didn't change the fact that he was utterly bored. After a brief consideration he decided to take a little walk outside. Perhaps he could grab a bite. He made his way to the doors that led to the garden. They were open for the guests who needed some fresh air.

The night sky was starry and the moon was full. He walked around aimlessly, looking for a suitable snack. Then he saw her, a young woman standing next to a rosebush, looking up at the sky. She had a petite frame, her long copper hair was down and she was wearing a modest light blue and white dress. He could only see a part of her face, but that was more than enough. For some reason he found himself staring at her. There was something about her that was drawing him towards her.

Mine. Mine. Mine…

Suddenly she sensed his presence and turned to look at him. Her big hazel eyes observed him cautiously.

"Hello," she said, she sounded a little insecure.

He opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out. She tilted her head and took a step towards him.

"Are you alright, sir?"

Finally he managed to clear his throat.

"Yes… Yes, I'm fine."

She observed his face with a worried expression, he noticed her silver necklace. A butterfly.

"Are you sure? I can get you a glass of water…"

"No! I mean… That won't be necessary, thank you." He paused and stepped in front of her. "My name is Lucien."

She looked at him cautiously.

"It's nice to meet you. Excuse me…"

He blocked her way when she tried to get past him.

"I didn't catch your name, miss."

She blinked nervously.

"I'm sorry, but I really need to go. I shouldn't be here."

"Why not?"

"I…"

"Miss Brea," a cold male voice said.

Lucien recognized the big and muscular man; he had seen him talking with Sir Charles earlier.

"Lord Tayburn requests your presence."

Lucien frowned.

"Are you his daughter?" he asked.

"No," the girl murmured. "I'm his niece. Excuse me, sir."

She moved quickly next to the big man and walked with him towards the servant's entrance.

"What did you think you were doing?" the man hissed. "You know you're not allowed to go outside."

"I'm sorry," the girl murmured. "I just… Is he angry?"

Lucien couldn't hear the man's reply; they were already too far away. He felt like he would have awoken from a trance. What had just happened? He pressed his lips together and headed back inside. As soon as he entered the hall, he noticed three new guests. Vampires. And not just any vampires, Lucien had seen these ones before. They were members of the Strix. What were they doing here? They didn't notice Lucien when the big man approached them.

"Lord Tayburn will see you in his study," the man stated. "This way please, gentlemen."

Lucien followed them; he most definitely wanted to know what Tristan's lapdogs were doing here. They walked across two long hallways before reaching a large mahogany door. The big man knocked before opening it and they all went inside.

"Welcome, gentlemen," Sir Charles' voice said.

"Is this her?" one of the vampires asked.

"Yes, this is my lovely Brea. Quality merchandise, as promised."

"Uncle, please…" the girl's desperate voice said. "I can be useful to you, please don't do this…"

"I need to test her before you will receive the payment," one of the vampires stated. "Lord de Martel's order."

"No!" the girl shouted. "Get your hands off me!"

"Behave, Brea!" Sir Charles snapped. "I apologize, my lords, Morris can hold her down for you if you want…"

"That won't be necessary. I think I can handle one girl…" The rest of his sentence turned into a cry of pain. "Not very smart, sweetheart," the vampire snarled. "I will make you pay for that."

No.

Before Lucien even realized what he was doing, he had broken the door and zoomed into the study. He managed to surprise the vampires; they were all dead within two seconds. Then it was the big man's turn. Sir Charles he left the last.

"No, no, please…" he pleaded before Lucien ripped his heart out.

Then it was dead quiet. All he heard was one rapid heartbeat. He turned slowly to look at the girl; she had backed away against the wall.

"It's alright, darling," he said. "I'm not going to hurt you."

She didn't say anything; she just looked at him cautiously.

"Listen, I'm sorry about…" he paused and waved his hand towards the bodies. "…that."

"I'm not," she murmured.

He smiled and held out his hand for her.

"Come with me."

She tilted her head.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because there are more of them," he replied, pointing at the dead vampires. "I can keep you safe from them."

"In exchange for what?"

"We can talk about that later, right now I suggest we leave."

She was quiet for few seconds before replying.

"Why should I trust you?"

He grinned.

"Well, for starters, you are still alive, darling. I don't know why they want you, but since they do, there aren't many people who can keep you safe."

"Right. And you are one of those people?"

"Yes, I am." He held out his hand again. "Are you coming?"

She hesitated for a brief moment before taking his hand. She was a warm little thing, warmer than most people. There was also something very special about her scent. She blinked nervously and touched her butterfly necklace when he lifted her up into his arms. This celebration had certainly turned more than interesting.