Chapter Twenty One (In The Misty 'Moonlight'..)
Josef stood, straightening his tie a tad. He exchanged enigmatical looks with Mick St. John. "This is where we separate the men from the boys...stay back..." He grinned over at his friend. "Boy."
Mick shook his head at the being's antics, following him out of the billiard room where he and Josef had been passing the time with a friendly game of 9-ball. Mick was down two hundred big ones already, so..he wasn't all that sad when Josef had sensed Nicholas De Brabant's arrival.
He could not sense LaCroix, but one surmised the Ancient Vampire would be near his son now, on any given occasion.
Voices carried down the hall, echoing slightly from the foyer, as the two males made their way to their destination.
"LaCroix!" Janette greeted the new arrivals warmly, with an embrace for her Master and a discreet, almost chaste kiss. "I have sorely missed you!" She whispered into LaCroix's ear. Immediately, the blue eyes sought out.. "Nichola!" A beautiful smile welcomed her former lover as the two embraced tightly for a goodly while. Tears glistened in Janette's eyes when finally, she was able to release her hold on the being. "Nichola! There are..no words!"
"None of that." LaCroix cautioned. "This is a happy homecoming!"
"Yes!" Janette laughed breathlessly, her hand refusing to relinquish it's hold on Nicholas'. "Yes! A joyous occasion indeed!" She embraced Nicholas yet again.
LaCroix stiffened, casting an imperceptible glance Janette's way.
Nicholas' senses were just as attuned, he, having 'felt' the sensations as well, his look one of inquiry only, however.
"..We have..guests, LaCroix." Janette had hoped for more time to prepare the Ancient. Alright..to cajole him. To..explain her reasoning. "Be nice." She pleaded almost scoldingly.
Josef and Mick approached, both halting their steps for a moment, neither certain of how they would be greeted.
The hair on the back of Mick's neck tingled as his eyes met the crystal blue orbs observing him so..intently.
Josef set his mind, continuing on determinedly. He crossed the few meters, head up, eyes direct and focused. He halted slowly, having come face to face with the Master Vampire. LaCroix was a good head taller than he, and Josef was six feet.
LaCroix's stare bored into his soul, but Josef refused to give an inch, bearing the steely gaze admirably.
Mick held his breath unconsciously. Nicholas shifted a wary glance to Janette, uncertain of LaCroix's tolerance for 'guests' at this stage. A tense moment passed slowly indeed.
Josef Kostan remembered his manners. He..lowered his head, going down on one knee, remaining in the subservient position. "....I honor Thee, Lord." He stated quietly.
Mick St. John's mouth fell agape as he witnessed the unprecedented act.
LaCroix looked down upon the other vampire, his expression a rather impersonal one then..the lifeless gaze was lifted to: Mick St. John.
The young vampire sensed all eyes on him. Josef cast a sharp reprimand of a glare, before returning to his former position.
Mick hesitantly..aped Josef's actions, slowly..uncertainly..kneeling, then..bowing his head.
LaCroix did not make them suffer long, his soft, almost menacing tone carrying in the emptiness of the mammoth foyer. "...Arise."
Josef did so, but..waited patiently for the Master to speak first.
"..You are her friend." LaCroix nodded ever so slightly, his gaze and unwavering one. "You wish only her welfare. Duly noted."
"If I could ask forgiveness for any transgressions made?" Josef 'asked' respectfully. "Or perhaps..to take any blame and of course..consequently..suffer the retribution. I would gladly accept any and all judgements decreed."
"Noted." LaCroix seemed slightly impressed. "..It will be taken into account."
Josef had hoped for more. "I ask leniency." He took what was offered in the vein it was given. "And patience with her youth, of course." That went without saying, surely. "Understanding of her short-comings and remembrance, please..that Althea dearly loves and respects her Sire even above her own life. I think, all these things..you already know and accept."
LaCroix..nodded once.
Mick St. John wondered if he could get up. No one had said anything one way or another. He thought it best to take no chances, so he..remained kneeling. He had no knowledge of the protocol expected.
"...Your word?" Josef knew he was pushing the limits of 'propriety', but..he required some kind of reassurance...he would take anything at this point.
"...Have it then." LaCroix had not appreciated the gall, his abruptness indicating as such but then ..he seemed to transform into a gracious host in the very next second.
"Janette..we are famished." He turned to the female. "Make a weary traveler and his..son.." He put a territorial hand on Nicholas' shoulder, his features most solemn for a beat. "..feel welcome."
Janette smiled happily. "Of course, LaCroix. Your wish!" She went to the being, slipping her arm about his waist. "Your rooms await!" Here, holding out her hand.. "Nicholas! Join us, please! Yes? LaCroix?" She asked hopefully.
"Decidedly." The Elder's gaze was a gentle one as he observed his 'children'. "Together once more! As it should be..yes, Nicholas?"
'Nicholas' could find no fault with such a statement. He had missed Janette terribly. Seeing her again only reinforced the fact.
The female had always filled a gaping hole inside his heart. They had been together a hundred plus years. Nothing could erase that time or the great affection and love he felt for her.
He desperately needed the particular brand of healing only she could offer at such a time in his life.
"Yes!" He agreed wholeheartedly for once with LaCroix. "Yes, LaCroix! As it should be!" Nicholas could not take his eyes off Janette, drinking in the sight of her beauty.
LaCroix lifted his noble head, well pleased. "You children go ahead." He motioned with a regal movement of his hand. "I will join you later."
"Are you..certain, LaCroix?" Nicholas was grateful for such consideration.
"Quite certain." It was bid. "...enjoy." The blue eyes flicked with amusement for a second before returning to Josef Kostan. "I need to feed."
Josef blinked. Had he meant.. 'feed' as in...by using himself as a ...tv dinner..as in..sucking the life out of him? As in..draining him dry..as in..the LaBrea Tar Pits would soon have another unwilling resident? Well..small enough price to pay, he supposed..considering.
He swallowed..hard, then remembered to discreetly motion to Mick St. John. The younger being quickly scrambled to his feet, feeling a little sheepish for all that.
"Will you..gentlemen.." Clearly, LaCroix doubted the accuracy of his assessment. "Join me? I understand it is the way of the young to..merely partake then.." He offered a disgruntled sound in his throat. "Move on..without harm to the..recipient." He removed his coat, laying it on a nearby bannister railing. "I find such practices..unsettling. I give fair warning." He turned, facing them. "That is ..NOT.. 'my' way. If you find such things..distasteful then.."
"Not at all." Josef stated and Mick held his composure easily. LaCroix did not believe in the idea of 'Freshies'. His 'meals' were absolute and finite. The 'course' did not survive the ordeal.
"We would be honored."
Mick doubted the accuracy of the adjective used but he remained pointedly silent. Althea Adams had gone against this being for him and Beth's sake. The least he could do was attempt repay her in whatever way necessary to appease her Sire. Slighting LaCroix was not in the cards, no matter how distasteful the task asked.
It wasn't as if he hadn't killed before, himself. Only in anger or..purpose, though. In essence, was he any different from LaCroix?
He liked to think so, of course but..the reality was..they were all predators, by nature. Killing did not come easy to Mick St. John but neither did it repulse him if the need existed.
He killed..moved on. He lost no sleep over any death he had perpetrated because he believed he had acted justly..for the greater good.
He was, perhaps..deluding himself.
LaCroix watched Nicholas lead Janette up the staircase, his features serene.
Josef exchanged glances with Mick, signifying.. 'that's one fortunate guy..that'.
Mick sensed Nicholas and Janette were not going off to play a hand of 'go fish'. It was understood. They were about to 'reacquaint' themselves as lovers and when LaCroix said..he would 'join them' later..it was not as a third hand at the game. There would be a threesome granted.
Mick sighed mentally. They were all grown ups, after all. More power to them, in fact.
Manage a trois was a lovely phrase. Josef smiled mentally. He envied Nicholas de Brabant greatly. He held fond memories of his time with Janette.
He turned his attention where it was needed. He smiled politely to..his host. "They make a handsome couple."
"They always have." LaCroix did not disagree. He held his hand out and..Josef lead the way to the inner part of the home. He knew the way by heart now. He knew Mick would find the proceedings they were about to embark upon ..distasteful, but he also knew..the younger vampire would keep his feelings on the matter to himself.
Josef hoped against hope..that ingratiating himself to the Master Vampire might just help Althea's plight. He wasn't sure how it might do so..he was following his instincts. It's all he had to go on at this point, but..his instincts had always served him well.
LaCroix would be watching them closely.
He was determined to make no mistakes. He knew what was expected of them. He would inform Mick when and if..he was able. Mick was no dummy. He would wait and watch. Learn. Josef had complete faith in his friend.
Now...to work. Josef crooked his finger at the waiting 'Freshie'...and she floated toward him. He caught her about the waist, instantly sinking his fangs into the soft, giving flesh, drinking heartily.
LaCroix shifted his gaze to..Mick St. John. Mick smiled slightly. "Your choice, Master." He bid. "I will take..which ever you do NOT want."
Josef liked Mick's style, halting his 'feeding' momentarily, his eyes still glowing a soft, shimmering green, however, for he was deep within the 'moment'.
LaCroix set his sights on..a statuesque brunette who stood, hand on the mantel..her eyes for the Master alone. She..smiled seductively, moving her form forward with a purposeful motion.
LaCroix opened a side door, allowing her to precede him into the softly lit room. He closed the door quietly, with but one 'look' to his counterpoints.
Mick released his 'Freshie' hastily, joining Josef . He kept his voice ever so low. "Do we stop him?"
"That is somewhat laughable." Josef reminded. "First..we couldn't even if we wanted. And secondly...are you insane?"
Mick settled. "I..I don't think she knows he..I mean." Mick looked to the closed door fretfully. "She thinks he's only going to..you know. Right?"
"Janette explains the procedures, Mick. She is here because..she wants to experience it." Josef shook his head. "She has been a 'Freshie' for a long time. She wants to..upgrade."
"Knowing what it means??"
"She wants ..LaCroix."
"I..don't get that.." Mick didn't.
"They immerse themselves in our culture.." Josef had released his own 'meal'...sitting on the divan with Mick, facing the dying embers of the fire. The Freshie sat on the brick, warming her now cold body. The revitalizing of her blood drained body would take time. "She has wanted to be turned for years now. She may talk LaCroix into the act. She probably will not." Josef shrugged. "It's none of our affair. Stay clear of it."
Mick sat back. That? He could do. He just wanted out of here. He wanted to see Beth. She made him feel fresh and clean again. He wanted...that.