Sorry for the wait. I had a hard time writing this part for some odd reason. I would like to thank you all of the reviews and I hope this chapter stands up to your expectations.
Rumors of vampires running rampant up in the north had reached Francis Bonnefroy's ears six months prior to his arrival in Denmark. The Frenchmen was a skilled vampire slayer in his own country. A bit too skilled for his own good because the blood suckers had started to move out of his country and finding their kinds was becoming increasingly difficult for Francis. Worst of all, with no vampires to kill, he no longer had the finances to fund his extravagant life. Francis no longer could finance to have a warm body in his bed every night and the best of wines as his morning drink.
Francis knew he had to move out of France and follow the migration of vampires, but he had a problem. He believed that any language that wasn't French was too barbaric to pass through his lips. His love for his beloved, romantic language had hampered him from learning another language to the point of fluency. Sure, Francis knew just enough English that he could properly insult an Englishmen and order their bland and disgusting food. But whenever he spoke it came out broken and slow. Besides, Francis knew that Britain had a low population of vampires with skilled slayers patrolling the island and he needed to head east and north. He needed German and more importantly a Scandinavian language to continue his hunting. If Francis could establish himself in one of those cold, backwards countries he would be set for life.
It was said that generations of vampires lived in these countries of little fear of being hunted. They had blended in with the population, and the normal humans forgot what the signs of vampires were. A body showing up in a river or disappearing whores did not disturb them and were seen as a norm. If Francis was going to setup an establishment he would need a partner to speak with the locals and over hear the rumors. So Francis located a well-educated German named Ludwig Beilschmidt. He was a strong and disciplined man, a perfect candidate to help Francis out on his dangerous job. Best of all, he had experience in slaying these immoral monsters in his own city.
When they reached Denmark they were instantly hit with the signs. Strolling down the streets of Copenhagen they glanced down alleyways and saw dead whores and homeless drunks lining the gutters. Without realizing the people had the habit to walk with in the poorly lighted lamps at night. The wise people knew that being in plain sight kept them safe from theft. What they didn't realize it wasn't keeping them safe from muggers but vampires.
At first Francis and Ludwig were finding a vampire every other day. But slowly they became more and more difficult until their trail went cold.
"Maybe we've killed them all." Ludwig suggested one night as they investigated the streets.
Francis paused and crooked his head as he considered Ludwig's words. A rookie would believe this, but Francis was no rookie. "I believe not." he answered before swiftly walking away.
Ludwig had to sprint forward to catch up with Francis and he inquired in a strained voice, "What makes you so sure? We've slain scores of them."
"Because mon campagnon, I can feel it in my gut. Look at these Danes," Frances fluidly motioned with his hand to several Danes chatting idly. "Any one of these Danes could be one. They have assimilated. They know we are here and are being careful. The woes of hunting a monster that looks human. Mark my words, Ludwig, we've only killed the foolish ones."
"Then why have we been killing them off?" Ludwig snapped. "If this were the case then we should have used one of the ones we killed to sense them out."
Francis gave Ludwig a flirty laugh before turning towards him and lightly running a finger over Ludwig's chest. This caused his partner to stiffen and Francis said in a vivacious tone, "Because my dear Ludwig, those ones were old enough to have lost their humanity."
Ludwig lightly swiped Francis' hand away before pressing further on, "Then what will we do?"
Giving Ludwig a broad smile, Francis answered, "We look for a 'miracle'."
Xxx
Mathias spent the next few days after his kiss with Niels in a dreamy bliss. Things seemed to go back to normal for him. The following morning he woke and ate the biggest breakfast he ever had. Each bite tasted savory and Mathias even commented on Tino's cooking. His time with the whore appeared to be a sick hallucination and he tried to not think about it. Instead, Mathias focused on sneaking kisses with Niels when people were not in the same room. He could never tire of kissing Niels and his body always flushed hotly each time he felt the soft imprint of the other man's lips on his own. Nothing could ruin Mathias' content, over flowing feelings. Or at least, so he thought.
One morning Mathias woke smelling something sweet. At first he thought Tino was baking a cake and Mathias deeply inhaled as he lay on his bed with his eyes closed. Something shifted in his arms and he slowly remembered that he and Niels had fallen asleep together the previous night.
Opening his eyes he peered at his perfect angel. Even though his usually neat hair was disheveled, he looked so adorable laying there relaxed and his mouth slack. It was then that Mathias noticed that that sweet smell was not coming from Tino's cooking but Niels himself. Taking deep breaths, Mathias revered in the wonderful scent. It was so fresh and clean and he couldn't help but bury his nose in his hair and deeply inhale to the point his lungs strained. God Niels didn't just smell clean and fresh but exciting. Mathias didn't know how to describe it. But his mere scent made Mathias' heart pump quickly and his hands itched to touch him. Every muscle twitched for Mathias to run his hands down Niels' backside and grope that soft mound of flesh.
Sighing happily, Mathias leant back and ignored his urges. He didn't want to soil his pure Niels. That scent was so pleasant he just wanted to bask in it. If he allowed himself to touch then he would go further, then Niels wouldn't be clean and pure. It all made perfect sense as he sleepily laid there.
A few minutes later Niels stirred and sat up groggily. He twisted his body and Mathias could hear his joints pop.
"Sleep well?"
Niels nodded silently as he fought to wake further. "Babe, you look gorgeous." Mathias commented suddenly making Niels peer down at him with a bemused look.
"I'm wearing yesterday's clothing." He pointed out as he pushed his messy hair to the side and out of his eyes.
"I mean it." Mathias pressed on, his senses still taking in that wonderful scent. "C'mere and give me a kiss." He requested opening up his arms.
Niels scoffed and shook his head as if Mathias' words were absurd. Maybe there were but Mathias wanted that kiss so he let out a moan when Niels finally bent down and kissed him. Quickly, Mathias wrapped his arms around Niels and brought him down so he could drape over Mathias' body. Continuously he kissed Niels, his tongue darting into Niels' mouth and he could taste more of that sweetness. Groaning roughly Mathias couldn't help himself from flipping Niels onto his back before dominating him with more kisses.
"Babe, I could eat you, ya know that?" he murmured between kisses.
Niels merely chuckled before pushing Mathias away. "Enough. We have work to do."
Mathias sighed before rolling over onto his back with a big smile still plastered on his lips. "Ya, ya. You just wanna go and splash some water on your face."
"And eat." Niels added as he smoothed down his clothing.
Mathias giggled at the response as he watched Niels exit the room. That sweet scent all but disappeared with him. Getting up, Mathias went about grooming himself by pulling on his pants and strapping on his suspenders. Mathias looked like every other middle class male in Denmark. His clothes weren't particularly clean, and his shirt had been worn for the past few days in a row. Only Niels and Berwald wore different clothing each day and to Mathias it was almost a weird habit. But Berwald came from a wealthy family and changed his daily like all better off people did. Most likely his habit rubbed off on Niels. Not that Mathias was complaining, it gave Niels a certain charm that Mathias adored.
Smelling breakfast, Mathias hurried up and rushed down the wooden and worn stairs before pulling out his chair at the table. Tino was bent over a single stove in the corner with two breakfast dishes lying on the counter that partially wrapped around the small kitchen area. Cheerily he said to Tino, "It is almost done? I'm starving."
Tino answered brightly back, "Of course, Mr. Kohler. Just give me five more minutes."
Mathias took the newspaper that was laid on the table for Berwald at the servants words. Flipping through it he scanned the news. Though he tried to not think about it, Mathias was still paranoid over the whore he killed. Once again he didn't see any stories. There never were, or at least not for whores. Mathias let out a sight of relief as Berwald grumpily pulled up a chair. Mathias folded up the newspaper and looked at the Swede cockily.
Ever since he had been kissing on Niels the usually stoic Swede had turned sulky. It was no news to Mathias of Berwald's feelings for Niels. From what he understood, Berwald had left Sweden to avoid a marriage set up by his father. And Niels caught his attention.
"Morning, grumpy pants." Mathias mocked as he handed the paper over. He was taunting him, wanting him to say something or pussy out by taking the paper silently. Mathias smile widened when Berwald's hand swiped the paper out of his hand and open it up without a word.
Serve him right for looking at his Niels.
"Here you go, Mr. Kohler." Tino chirped as he dished him out his food.
Mathias quickly shoveled a spoonful of food into his mouth only to gag and spit out onto his plate. Tino stood beside Mathias biting his lip nervously as Mathias started to cough and choke.
Berwald rustled from behind his newspaper and grunted rudely, "Tino worked hard to prepare that food. Be a man and don' make a show if you don' like it." Mathias quickly lashed out by slamming his fists on the able making the dishes chatter.
He glared at him defiantly before taking another bite and chewing the food thoroughly. The disgusting food made his taste buds cringe but he swallowed it after some great effort.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I merely choked." Mathias countered before shoveling more food into his mouth.
Niels and Eirik joined them shortly after, Tino served them booth nervously and kept his eyes down cast. Mathias felt bad for his action. Tino was Berwald's servant yet he served him, Eirik, and Niels willingly. Luckily Eirik commented on the good food and raised Tino's spirits.
As Mathias ate, he noted how their difference in wealth really stood out. Mathias' cotton shit was thin and baggy with smudges of soot from previous day's worth of work on it. Berwald's shirt was heavy and clean with stitching that gave it pattern woven between the fibers. His vest, which Mathias only owned one brown vest for special occasions, had silk pinstriped lines. It wasn't just his anger over Berwald's feelings for Niels, but his wealth that irritated Mathias as well.
"Today we should produce about five chains. Then tomorrow we will mount them all and sell the bikes. Can we use Tino to ride one for advertisement tomorrow, Berwald?" Niels asked as he buttered his bread thickly. Berwald shrugged, not looking away from his newspaper.
Mathias felt his lips twitch into an irritable frown. Of course the Swede would act cool in an effort to impress Niels. Not be out done Mathias offered quickly, "I can ride one too."
"No, I need you here." Niels said blandly. Mathias felt foolish by competing against Berwald after he won Niels, but he felt insecure. He merely brooded as he tried to continue to force himself to eat. Deeply Mathias begrudged Berwald for being well enough off to own a servant.
The rest of the morning was uneventful except Mathias' stomach twisting in pain. It felt similar to earlier that week when he ended up throwing up only much worse. After only an hour in the shop, Mathias had to excuse himself and barely made it to a basin before throwing up once more. Relief coursed through his body after Tino's vile food left his body. As he gasped and panted against the basin, Mathias felt himself lick his lips and his mouth begin to salivate. At first he thought he was going to puke once more but it slowly dawned on Mathias he was craving something.
Shaking, Mathias wondered if it was the same disgusting craving as before. The last few days had given him a false security. He had eaten with no problems so why was it now that his body was wakening and telling him he needed blood? Trying to not think about it, Mathias returned back to the shop hoping he could control his urges. By working had and making more bits for the bike chains he distracted himself. He even had Niels' sweet scent beside him to breathe in.
So alluring. It almost made Mathias feel high and drunk at the same time. He heard a customer come in by the ring of a bell. Berwald was in the front reorganizing the bikes and Mathias could faintly hear his voice grumble to the customer. He knew they couldn't see them so Mathias placed his blow torch and hammer down before leaning up against Niels inhaling that scent deeply from his hair. Niels stiffened at Mathias sudden actions but Mathias didn't care. He kissed the crown of Niels' hair and his hands groped Niels' body.
"What are you doing?" Niels asked slightly coldly.
"I can't help it. Yer too sexy and you smell nice." Mathias answered and scooted closer so he could wrap an arm around Niels.
"I do not smell nice. I'm sweaty. Mathias, stop that." Niels hissed in annoyance.
This only caused Mathias to chuckle. Indeed he was sweaty; he could smell that wonderful scent even stronger because of it. "Mmm… so ya are." Mathias said before running his tongue up Niels' neck tasting the salt and feeling the pulse of Niels' heart. It would be all too perfect if Berwald came back after serving the customer to see them in an embrace. The very idea made Mathias' body flood with a happy feeling.
"That's gross." Niels persisted when Mathias started giving him open mouth kisses, making sure to leave wet marks across his skin as he tasted every inch. "Not to mention there are customers."
"Well I don't wanna stop." He pointed out as he tried to drag Niels into his lap.
"And I don't want to be caught." Niels slipped out of Mathias' hands, scooting away a few inches. Mathias for a moment thought that he had pushed Niels too far. Instead he could see the dark look in Niels' eyes. He wanted him, Mathias could see it.
"We could go upstairs." Mathias said in a rushed voice before standing up and pressing Niels back against him.
Niels let out an indignant sound before saying sternly, "We have work."
"Then tonight, I'll be good. Just let me have you." Mathias pressed some more making Niels face flush. He probably pushed too far. They had only started this relationship earlier this week, but something was roaring in Mathias' chest that compelled him to go further and further. He wanted him and he wanted to drown himself in that sent. What was that lovely scent? Mathias didn't know but it was driving him nuts. And Niels wasn't answering making Mathias feel frustration to the point he wanted to press Niels up against the wall and his way.
"Mathias…" Niels said suddenly, snapping him out of his dark thoughts. Slowly Mathias felt confused at his own thoughts and let Niels go.
"Sorry." He muttered frightened by what was going on internally in his body.
"Why are you sorry?" Niels asked a bit bewildered. "I was just going to say within reason." Mathias nodded, not sure what Niels even meant as he lost himself in his thoughts.
"Right." Mathias said slowly before he felt Niels kiss him lightly and return to his tools. Mathias shook his head and returned to his work as well silently.
Berwald returned to the back telling them he made a sale and Niels smiled happily up at his cousin. "Good job. We might have enough to pay off some of our debts."
Mathias squirmed, unhappy at feeling those words were directed at him. Of course he made the stupid deal after all. "Ya good job, ya done gloatin'? Should get back to work." Mathias remarked before pounding away at his small lump of metal.
For the rest of the work day, Mathias remained silent as he worked sulkily. Every time he heard Berwald talk to Niels, his ears trained in and he listened to the business like talk with pure jealousy. Luckily, they had enough customers inquiring on bike parts and placing orders that Niels often disappeared to the front of the shop. It was better to have him there versus having Berwald say nice things and do nice things.
They stopped their work day when Eirik finally returned home from university. Seeing Niels' brother made Mathias smile automatically. He always had this soft spot for Eirik, seeing him as his own little brother. And Eirik was holding something in his hands, wrapped in brown paper. "What do you have there?" Mathias asked as he watched Eirik try to sneak up the stairs from the kitchen.
"I got a little something for a friend." Eirik said shyly, his cheeks growing red and hot.
This perked Mathias' curiosity and he stepped closer before taking the package suddenly from Eirik's grip. "Hey what are you doing!" Eirik snapped with frustration as he tried to take back the package.
Mathias kept the younger male back with one arm. His strong muscles barely budged as Eirik tried to push it away and reach for the package. "I'm just curious as to what you bought, Eirik." He said innocently before pulling one of the strings and opening it on one side. Mathias found his lips smirking as he saw lace and some candies inside.
"Who's the lady friend?" Mathias whistled.
"None of your business!" Eirik growled as he ducked under his arm and latched his hands around the package. Mathias countered by wrapping his arms around Eirik tightly, trapping him.
"Now, now I'm not gonna let ya go 'til ya give me a name." Mathias joked with a chuckle. His smile faded slightly as he inhaled a similar sweet scent on Eirik. It made his mouth water and his stomach twist in hunger. Not to mention he felt suddenly warm in a region he didn't want to associate with Eirik. Suddenly his hold loosened and Eirik burst from his arms whirling on Mathias angrily.
"You can be a jerk sometimes." Eirik seethed.
For a moment Mathias couldn't respond and he felt sluggish. But he managed a retort saying, "You're just too adorable to not tease."
Eirik glared at him Mathias, his face flaring red before whirling on Mathias and leaving the room in utter frustration.
Mathias stood there for several long moments trying to think about what just happened. Instinctively Mathias could feel that Eirik and Niels had something in common. Not just their brotherly looks either. It unnerved Mathias because he couldn't brush off this predator feeling. The upsetting thoughts made Mathias run his fingers through his hair, yanking on the ends.
What the hell was going on with his body?