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Sorry for the delay but I've being trying to post this chapter since last Sunday but Fanfiction's had some kind of type 2 error which hasn't allow me to post

BLOOD CARTEL

Chapter Fifty-Five

After he had closed the door Bobby stood in his hallway piecing together what Dean hadn't said. It was the hopelessness in Dean's voice, the way he looked around as if it was his final visit which was causing Bobby some concern. Dean wasn't one for pushing his brother away without good reason which only confirmed his suspicion that the boy was keeping a secret. Hearing the car drive off Bobby headed to his study window, looking out he saw the car disappearing out of the junkyard. He couldn't help but think that Dean's visit tonight was a silent plea for help something he couldn't say out loud. Looking at his watch he realised it was too late or too early to be calling other hunters, the best thing he could do for now was to try and get some sleep, he had a feeling the next few days sleep was going to be in short supply

Bobby rose before the sun; he hadn't slept well, the night's events having played heavily on his mind. None of it made sense but what made least sense of all was Nikolay turning up like that, maybe he had the kid bugged so he could track him, his gut told him otherwise, it wasn't going to be as simple as removing a bug not when a witch was involved. He thought about telling Sam that Dean had visited but that would open a can of worms, questions he couldn't answer. Heading into the kitchen he made himself a strong coffee before sitting down behind his desk to ring the network of hunters for information on the witch called Carla

XXXX

The instant Dean woke he knew he wasn't alone, turning his head he was surprised to see Vladimir and not Nikolay sitting in a chair next to the bed.

"How do you feel?" Vladimir had been sitting watching the young slave sleep; he found the soft rhythm of his beating heart soothing "Now that I have my strength back I have healed your wounded side"

Dean knew his fever had gone along with the pain in his side "thanks". He didn't remember much after leaving Bobby's, he vaguely remembered the car ride back. Looking around the room he noticed that Celeste's clothing and belonging had been removed from his sight; his eyes fell on a pair of jeans, a white T and a check shirt lying on the end of the bed

"Get dressed" Vladimir stood up and walked towards the door "tonight we leave for Jonas's mansion, be ready"

Still half asleep Dean swung his feet over the side of the bed "What's Nikolay going there for?" quizzing

"He's not" Vladimir replied leaving the room that was something else he didn't like, the slave asked too many questions, another one of Nikolay's failing in taming him but he would soon rectify that.

Leaving the bedroom Vladimir walked down the staircase and into Nikolay's study "We're leaving tonight"

Nikolay looked up from his paper work he didn't like the thought of Dean being away from him, "Master is this really necessary, can't you punish him here?"

"It is out of the question, you may even benefit from the distance" Vladimir sat down in the chair while Nikolay stood to make his master a bloody Mary "There is work to be done at Jonas's mansion and the only way to tame a stallion is to work it, I will break his spirit"

That was one of the things Nikolay was worried about, he liked Dean's spirit; there was never a dull moment. Maybe it was the bond or Dean's rich blood that was having an effect on him, using his master terminology "I have no use for a broken stallion what I would prefer is obedience"

Vladimir watched as Nikolay set to making him a bloody Mary "You're worried I can see that, I will not break him completely if that what you wish"

"Thank you" Nikolay handed Vladimir the drink and then walked over to the window, the sun was up but at this time of year there was no real heat to it. He thought that telling his master would relieve him of some of the burden but now he was more worried than ever

Vladimir could see that Nikolay that something was on younger vampire's mind "If you're worried about his safety don't be, Lord Ivan will be there to act as bodyguard, he has also agreed to work Dean hard; sword training will give him discipline and I will work on his obedience" Vladimir stood and walked over to stand behind Nikolay "Do you know what we have here, power Nikolay that's what. Together we can control the council"

"How?" Nikolay quizzed

"My body is strengthening and soon my powers will return then no one will dare stand against me on the council" Vladimir held his head up defiantly "And if they do, they will regret it"

"That's what worries me master; questions will be asked of your new found strength and power" Nikolay couldn't see how they could hide the truth, it would only lead to more mistrust amongst the council members "I have another option, one where suspicion will not fall on us"

Vladimir was quick to pick up on Nikolay's line of thinking "The hunters, camped outside the mansion wall" he had wondered why Nikolay hadn't disposed of them

"And expendables" Nikolay added

"Which brings me to the subject of the witch, I have ordered her death" Vladimir was surprised that Nikolay hadn't already dealt with her, the fewer who knew about the bond the better

It made sense that Vladimir would want to order the witch's death but he could see his master's hunger for power growing and along with it his need for Dean's blood "I will back your decisions when it comes to the council but remember I make the decisions where Dean is concern, after all he is mine"

"Of course" Vladimir nodded in agreement

XXX

Crouched on the basement floor Lucy's naked skin trembled with the coldness, Nikolay's goons had striped her down to her panties while she screamed blue murder, they had found her death threats amusing and now she waited for the next humiliation. She didn't have to wait long as she heard the sound of footsteps approaching and then the door opened.

"Stand" Nikolay ordered as he entered the room.

Lucy defiantly remained where she was as Nikolay approached and bent down in front of her "You hunters certainly have attitude but that what I like it makes it so more pleasurable when you become compliant" Nikolay grabbed hold of her chin and looked directly into her eyes "stand"

Looking deep into Nikolay's soft brown eyes Lucy felt her own body betraying her as she found herself standing against her wishes. It scared her that Nikolay had this power over her, he could make her do anything he wanted against her will

Nikolay looked Lucy over as walked around her; he could see the tremble of her body. She was slimly built but strong "You're not to most vampires' tastes which make you less sellable and before you say it, yes I can"

Lucy stared wide eyed as she forced back the tears that were forming as Nikolay came full circle "Your mine now to do as I wish" he whispered closely to her ear

"You can go to hell, I belong to no one" she was unable to hold back the hot stinging tears, they rowed down her cheeks

How many times had he heard that statement but like the rest she'll learn "how original I must say you hunters have a very limited vocabulary" Nikolay walked to the door, he wasn't gone a second before he was back carrying a light blue dress. "But this on"

Lucy took the dress, it wasn't something she would choose but it was better than standing in her panties.

Nikolay watched her slip into the dress before he stepped around her to zip up the dress "Come" he ordered. Lucy followed him out of the room obediently

XXX

The jeans felt rough against his skin as he walked down the staircase, going into Nikolay's study he found it empty, walking out he headed for the reception room as he neared he heard Nikolay's voice, entering the room he saw who Nikolay was talking too "Lucy"

Lucy turned at the sound of her name "Dean" she was on her feet in a second and rushing over to him, last night she had heard Nikolay's goons talking about Dean taking off and when Nikolay brought him back he looked half dead

The hug came as a surprise, as Dean hugged her back he could feel her trembling in his arms

"Come in Dean" Nikolay ordered "Join us"

Dean released his hold on Lucy "Please Nikolay let her go"

"But we were just getting acquainted, wasn't we my dear but..." Nikolay sat down stretching his arms along the back of the black leather sofa and crossing one leg over the other, having already decided to release her he played along "If it means that much to you I will let her go"

"What?" Dean couldn't believe his ears, that was too easy

"She's a hunter; hopefully a good one and I need good hunters I can trust" Nikolay stood and turned his attention to Lucy "Can I trust you?"

"Yes... yes of course" Lucy couldn't believe the turn of events

"Good because there something I want you and your hunters to do for Dean. I want you to track down Campbell and bring him to me" Nikolay had to admit he was good having these hunters at his disposal

"Ok" She was surprised; did he really think that they would sit back and do nothing? "But why us; why not track him down yourself?"

Nikolay ignored her question "Dean is leaving tonight for Jonas's old mansion, make sure Samuel gets the message" he turned to Dean "show her out then come to my study" walking out he left Dean and Lucy looking confused

At the door Dean found Lucy a pair of old boots that probably belonged to Celeste or Marcy "Here but these on"

After slipping the boots on she kissed Dean on the cheek "thanks" stepping out of the door she stopped "any message for Sam?"

Dean looked down at his feet "No"

"He loves you, you're his brother don't push him away"

Dean snapped, he looked her in the eyes this time "Do you think I want to push him away, there are things that you don't know, things that I can't say" because of the repercussions, he would be putting their lives in danger. Dean took a deep breath; he shouldn't take his frustration out on her, it wasn't her fault he was in this mess "Tell Sam I'm sorry" he closed the door and headed into Nikolay's study "What was all that about?"

Nikolay looked up from his paperwork; he had heard the conversation on the doorstep "Sit"

He didn't want to sit instead he walked over to the drinks cabinet and poured himself a whiskey and turned to see Nikolay's surprised expression "Guess I'm going to be punished for taking off last night" Dean held up the glass "add it to the list" he down the whiskey in one

"Dean" Nikolay's voice was stern. "Do not try my patience" Nikolay watched as Dean walked around the back of the chair opposite his desk and sat down. "You asked for Lucy's freedom and I gave it to you?"

"What's going on?" Dean glared at Nikolay, he knew he was up to something

"Can't I do something nice once in a while or would you rather I enslaved her, killed her instead of putting her to good use?" Seeing the puzzled look on Dean's face Nikolay stood and moved around the desk, he was going to miss the taste of Dean's blood.

"Nice, you, come on?" Dean mocked as he pulled slightly back against the cold feel of Nikolay's finger running down his neck. Dean saw the hurt look on Nikolay's face "What's the real reason?"

Pulling Dean's head towards him, he whispered in Dean's ear "all in good time" his fangs descended he couldn't resist the lure of Dean's blood any longer.

TBC