Chapter 55: Descent into madness

Previously…..

Then he made a painful connection. "Valentin? Could you have betrayed me?" He recalled how he had been on his way back to Dean when Valentin had distracted him. In fact, if he had not have been distracted, he would have been there when the escape would have went down. Despite his distrusting nature, Viktor fought hard to quell his thoughts that his second in command could be a traitor. Surely it had to be a huge coincidence? But what if it was true?

It wasn't too much of a leap, given that Valentin had expressed on a number of occasions his thoughts on Viktor's closeness and connection with Winchester. Could this all be attributed to simple jealousy? Then there was Bridget. Was she involved? After all, it was her mate, Kate, who had attempted to get close to Dean just a few hours ago. What if Bridget had conspired with Valentin to get rid of the hunter? Could he really trust anyone in the household?

Then he tortured himself by going further. He had not factored in the Richsteins. Heinrich had been hiding something for most of the last half of the summit. It was clear that they had been pissed by how Viktor had nearly killed the other Grand Master. It was clear that both Heinrich and Frederick wanted Dean Winchester, albeit for different reasons. Given that Michael was now in the building and currently trying to take Dean away from him, he needed to do something, but who could he trust?

As his emotions spiralled out of control, the spell ended and he no longer could see Dean and as such, he had no excuse to hold back. He knew Michael had taken an unconscious Dean and was currently about 10 minutes ahead of him. He needed to make a choice and make it fast. He didn't know who to trust, should he place his trust in any of his own clan? Should he place his trust in vampire kind? Were the Fischer's involved?

With so many questions it was becoming very clear to Viktor that he was on his own. He could trust no one. Well, no one, but himself. He knew that Dean was close to breaking and would put up little to no challenge. If he could just get to Dean and drink his fill of that delicious blood, then he could take on the archangel without relying on the help from anyone. That was his only option. Any other approach had too many risks.

Decision made, Viktor began to make his own plans, after all, the fox was in the hen house!'

Viktor's POV:

He had only managed to take a few determined footsteps when he felt a faint pull through his connection to Dean. At first, he had almost missed it, which would not have come as such a surprise, given that his newfound powers hadn't been working as well as they should have been. But still, the sudden familiar rush of angst and self-loathing was very much welcomed. It meant that Dean was no longer unconscious, but as Viktor tried to finely tune into Dean's mind he found there was still a wall of what could only described as a smokey fuzziness, dampening all sound and imagery.

'Dammit!' It was clear to the ancient vampire he was going to have to find Dean the old fashion way, but when he did he was going to have to identify what the hell was wrong with his powers. Something or rather someone was interfering with the connection. His first thoughts strayed to the archangel. As Dean was his true vessel, and there had been a marker on Dean's soul, there was a possibility that the arrival of Michael at the mansion was the reason for the weakening of this powers, but Michael couldn't have been so long under his roof undetected as he had been experiencing problems for over 12 hours. No! There had to be a different cause, but he knew that he couldn't spend too much time on finding the answer now. Instead, he needed to deal with the real problem, and that was Michael.

In the absence of his new powers, Viktor resorted to his old powers and using his vampire nose he was able to identify Dean's unique scent in the air. It was stronger than it had been a few moments ago, which told him the hunter had passed through there about 8 or so minutes beforehand, which meant Viktor was gaining ground.

As he followed the three unique odours of Dean, Trevor/Michael and Ketch he allowed his nose to lead the way. As his body went into autopilot his mind couldn't help but return to his previous thoughts of paranoia, anger and vengeance. There was so much happening all at once. Mentally exhausted from hours and hours of negotiating and arguing was bad enough, but he had to do endure it all whilst being so far away from his soulbond.

Recalling the previous evening, he came to the realisation that his powers had all begun to go wrong since he left Dean with a shattered bone in a pool of his own blood. Perhaps there was a link, after all, if he was to be injured then so would Dean. Those were the rules, so maybe there was a similar, but different effect, when the situation was reversed. Maybe Viktor would not suffer a broken bone, but would be pained in some other way. Maybe this was his punishment. 'Dammit!'

Thinking about how he had left Dean created an ache deep within his chest. So much so, he had to physically stop himself in mid run and place a hand on the nearby wall, in order to recentre himself. As he focused, his mind flashed back to the previous evening and to the last few minutes with Dean. Why had he done what he had done? Yes, Dean was a danger to himself and others, but did he really have to break his leg like that? Surely, a punch to the face or a solid whipping would have sufficed?

In an attempt to ignore the beginnings of guilt, Viktor chose to refocus on what was fuelling his paranoia. Unfortunately there was just too much going on. His mind felt muddled as he tried to wade through everything that had happened. First of all there was the situation with Kate. Why had Kate come back? Surely she knew this was a bad idea? Ignoring an order to return was bad enough, but to physically disobey and edict from the Clan Grand Master and invade his personal quarters in an attempt to steal Dean was just suicidal.

Then there was her successful disappearance and how it didn't make sense. After all, he was living in one of the most secure buildings in the world. It was covered in wall to wall cameras and had a mixture of well-trained mercenaries as well as murderous and loyal vampires. 'Or were they?' She had managed to evade capture for a few hours now, but seemingly was still on the estate. So, faced with the facts, Viktor could only deduce one of two reasons for her success – one, it was pure incompetence of his security team or two, there was a traitor or traitors running freely around his home; keeping her secret and keeping her safe.

His mind strayed to the old saying that it was either a cock up or conspiracy but everyone knew that nine times out of ten, it's always a cock up. But on this occasions, Viktor was not so sure. Looking back over his morning, he couldn't help but recall Bridget and Valentin's behaviour. They had been hiding something. In fact, as he remembered the last hour of the summit, he was hard fixed to find anyone around the table that was not hiding something from him.

That thought then lead him to the question as to why his mind reading powers had stopped working? In short, everything pointed to a larger plot against him and as he ruled out Richsteins and Fischers as potential allies, he then turned his focus to who he could actually trust within the Volkov Clan.

It was obvious that through her connection to Kate, Bridget was not an option. Viktor's last conversation, or rather it could only be described as a fight, Bridget had given him glares and the silent treatment. If anyone could hide Kate it would be Bridget, but she couldn't do it on her own and none of the other vampires lower in the pecking order would have had the big balls to defy their Grand Master. Which only left Valentin.

The thoughts of his second in command made Viktor's heart ache again. Valentin had always been his constant. Whether through wars, famines or feasts, his trusted blood child and lover had always been there. But he couldn't help but remember how their relationship had taken a turn for the worse these last few weeks. It had all went sour the moment Dean Winchester had arrived. Deep down, Viktor realised it had been deteriorating for some time, ever since he had put out the call to find the elder Winchester all those months ago. And if Viktor was truly honest with himself, his obsession had started the moment he had laid eyes on the hunter.

Shaking his head in an attempt to shift his thoughts away from Dean again, Viktor chose to focus on his relationship with Valentin over the past few days. Granted, he had been locked down in his suite with Dean, but still, his second in command had been distant and, at times, insubordinate. And then there was the impromptu booty call only an hour or so ago. Looking back it was a clear as day that the sex had been an attempt to delay him from returning to his Dean. 'But why?'

How could he have been so stupid. Of course Valentin had betrayed him and he was most likely helping to hid Kate someone in the mansion. If he had to guess, she was probably languishing in one of the many rooms in the basement. It would also explain why Kate came back and made a beeline for Dean. Valentin either wanted Dean's precious blood for himself or just was jealous of the hunter. What better way to get rid of the competition than to have him taken by a jealous and easily manipulated vampire. Though it didn't make sense in some ways as Valentin and Bridget had always been close, like brother and sister. There was no way he would endanger his sister's mate.

All the thinking was making Viktor's head hurt, which only reminded him of his desire to be back in the arms of his soulbond. At least when he was with Dean everything made sense. He was happy and content and that beautiful, luscious blood just made everything right. In fact, Dean had only been missing a few minutes, and already his world was going to hell in a handcart. He needed to get his beloved back and back soon.

That thought process brought him straight back to the real problem. MICHAEL!

The enemy was no longer at the gates. The enemy was past the gates and was sitting down and making themselves a bloody cuppa tea. Michael was in the building and had stolen Dean. The archangel had also had help from the British asshole, Kirch, Ketch or whatever his bloody name was. Which meant that there was a possibility that Michael had someone aiding him on the inside, because there was no way that the human could have done it all on his own. This thought led him back to Valentin.

All the thinking nearly made the Grand Master miss a call from his mobile. If hadn't been for the phone vibrating Viktor would have missed the call altogether. Irritated by the interruption, the ancient vampire pulled the phone from his jacket pocket and glared at the name on screen. 'Speak of the devil, Valentin!' Pressing the screen with enough force to almost crack the glass, Viktor answered. "What is it Valentin? Please tell me you've located him!" Unfortunately, his second in command's reply was unsatisfactory. "I'm sorry Grand Master, but we can't find Dean or Ketch anywhere.

Fire flooded through Viktor's veins. All those cameras and yet he couldn't find an injured slave. The phrase 'cock up or conspiracy' echoed in his mind, only this time he was leaning closer to conspiracy. Valentin was muttering something unimportant whilst Viktor considered his next steps. He really knew he had to get to Dean, but he also realised that a house full of enemies was endangering his slave even more.

As he debated over whether he should follow the trail to Dean, explosions went off just outside the mansion and it was now clear to the ancient vampire that the situation was rapidly deteriorating. The explosions were accompanied by gun fire, only this time it was coming from inside the mansion and he knew deep down that there was more than Michael and Ketch working against him. But Viktor now had to decide what was the best plan of attack? He had various options. Firstly, he could assume that every vampire was on his side and were united against hunters and archangels. This would include the Richsteins and the Fischers. The second option meant he could only trust his Clan and he had a house full of enemies, vampires, hunters and archangels alike. His third option was he could trust no one. Valentin, Bridget and many of his own household were traitors, hell bent on betraying him. As he thought further, he realised that all three options had one common thread, every option was focused on taking Dean away from him and that simply wouldn't do.

It was clear to him that Fischer would side with Michael and Richstein would side with whoever best give him an advantage. That left Valentin. As if by magic, Viktor's ears picked up Valentin's voice. At first, he was confused and then realised that whilst he had been deep in thought, he had forgotten that his second in command was currently giving him a run down on what was happening in the mansion by phone.

"I'm sorry Valentin. I didn't hear that last bit. You know, explosions and all that. What was that you said?" Viktor hoped his excuse didn't betray his confusion. Thankfully Valentin repeated. "It seems we've an incursion of hunters within the walls Viktor. I can't get proper surveillance as it looks like they've taken the security room, but from what a few lieutenants have managed to tell me, it looks like Sam Winchester has finally come for his brother. What are your orders?"

The first thought was of Dean and how he would have replied to Valentin's observation with 'no shit Sherlock', but the very thought of Sam Winchester rescuing his brother only renewed Viktor's mission to protect what he believed was his, and Dean Winchester was HIS! Michael, Sam Winchester, Bridget, Kate, Frederick Fischer, Heinrich Richstein, Valentin. All of them be damned. All that mattered was Dean. The money, the power. In fact, everything that he had created and built was irrelevant and in that brief second of time, he realised that the only thing that was truly important to him was taking Dean and getting away from every threat in the building.

"Hmmmmm.. Excuse me, what are you orders father?"

'Dammit!' He had forgotten that Valentin required him to respond using his words. "Oh, sorry Valentin. We need to regroup. Order the vampire guards to focus on the humans inside the house. Let the human mercenaries deal with the hunter filth outside." Viktor was proud of how controlled his voice seemed as he relayed back his orders to his second in command.

"Certainly Grand Master. And what about Dean Winchester? Do you wish me to continue looking for him?... I can .." The very mention of Dean's name on Valentin's lips just made him snap. "NO! .. Emm.. I mean no that will be OK. Dean Winchester will be found. I will find him." Valentin went to interrupt. "It's not up for discussion Valentin. I know where he is and I have a fair idea where he's heading to. The house is in lockdown and there's no way past my guards. I need you to come meet with me in your office as soon as possible. We need to discuss the possibility that we may have to move very quickly and we will have to relocate our assets even quicker."

Valentin muttered his agreement to meet and hung up. As he stood there on his own in an otherwise empty corridor, the ancient vampire considered his next move. He wasn't sure why he had insisted on meeting Valentin in his office. After all, there was so much to do and now was not the time for a brief chat or team catch up. Now was the time for action. The walls had been breached and he wasn't entirely sure who the enemy was. The matter was made a million times worse by the fact that Dean was being quickly escorted out of the mansion.

The walk to Valentin's office was uneventful, or at least it was uneventful in physical terms. But whilst he walked towards his destination, Viktor's head was filled with what if's and conspiracy theories. So much so, his very soul ached by time he got to the entrance to Valentin's chambers. Had he made the right decision to forego his chase of Dean? Why did he feel he had to speak to Valentin immediately? So many questions, but if Viktor was totally honest with himself, he didn't have the answer to any of them. That alone made him even more nervous. Viktor was strategic. Everything he did had a purpose and a goal to be achieved. His decision to waste time meeting Valentin when Michael was practically walking Dean out of the building didn't make sense.

For a smidgen of a second he entertained the possibility that he might be losing it, but he buried that thought as he burst through the door and looked around the vacant office. Within seconds, Viktor searched what he could of his second in command's working space. He wasn't sure what he was looking for and he didn't really expect to find any damning evidence, but he had to do something as he awaited the arrival of Valentin.

As he waited he considered his options. With hunters on the grounds, it was going to be difficult, but not impossible to devise an exit of escape. The issue was made more difficult by the fact that the archangel was already past the warding and in the house, never mind the fact that he was currently carrying Dean towards freedom. Thoughts of Michael's movement made Viktor concentrate on the connection with Dean. Channelling everything he had he pushed at the smokiness that surrounded their link and for a brief second he managed to reconnect.

The image was fast and fleeting but it was something and he would take the win as he found it. It took a few seconds to decipher what he had witnessed, but as he played and replayed the image through in his mind he recognised the walls of the specific corridor as each floors corridors had a specific design. Dean was current one floor below and travelling very slow. The other important point was that Ketch was there, but there was no sign of Michael. Though he was overjoyed that the archangel wasn't with Dean, it left a more serious question, where was the archangel and why had he abandoned the real and only reason he had come to the mansion in the first place?

It was at that very moment that Valentin arrived in the office. Almost taken aback by the presence of Viktor, Valentin remarked, "Father! I was expecting to get here before you. For some reason I thought you were further away than you must have been. Anyways, sorry for keeping you waiting."

Viktor could tell that Valentin looked nervous. Normally his second in command wasn't so chatty, so the fact he was almost providing excuses likely a guilty school kid caught with contraband told him Valentin was hiding something. That thought alone made him want to physically reach across the room and kill but he immediately stopped himself. 'What is wrong with me? Get a hold of yourself. This is Valentin. Your Valentin. The one that has had your back for centuries. Do you really think he would betray you now? Especially in your greatest hour of need.'

That thought was the icing on the cake as he tried to comprehend the mixture of feelings and thoughts he had on the matter. His mind was in disarray, swinging from worried, to angry and then to paranoia, and then right round again to worried. It was so unlike him. He wanted normality and he wanted his control back. Control was everything to the ancient vampire. The fact that he wasn't in control probably explained his rapid descent into madness. But if Viktor looked more closely he would have seen how the connection wasn't helping him at all. In fact, the absence of his soul bond was speeding up the process into insanity as Viktor found himself beginning to pace the room.

Viktor realised his pacing and silence was making Valentin even more nervous as his second in command was now standing slightly further away and his eyes had widened. "Father, are you alright? You look…. Well.. you look unsettled? Is there anything I can do to …emmmm.. relax you?"

Viktor wasn't sure what his sire was trying to tell him. One part of his mind felt the kindness rolling off the younger vampire. Was Valentin sensing the uneasiness in his body and mind or was his second in command trying to distract him, like he had done earlier that morning? With that thought, Viktor snapped, "NO! I don't need your help in finding comfort."

Clearly upset, Valentin tried to compose himself in his reply. "I'm sorry if I've upset you in some way father. I merely was trying to calm you down. You're clearly unhappy about something." Valentin's words infuriated the older vampire. "Clearly unhappy!? Of course, I'm unhappy and unsettled. Tell me you've worked out that the Samuel fucking Winchester is in the house? Or did you miss all the gunfire and explosions. And that's before we get to the point that someone stole my prize slave from my heavily fortified quarters. Would you like to tell me which part I should ignore and just relax about?"

Clearly seething with anger, Viktor's nostrils had flared and his eyes were wide and blood shot. He made a scary sight, but his sire seemed to stand his ground, albeit standing slightly smaller in an attempt to come across as more submissive. "I'm sorry. Of course all is not well, and it was a poor choice of words on my behalf. I'm just trying to work you out this weather. Since our bond has been weakened so much I haven't been able to anticipate your needs or feel your feelings and it's left me out of sync. I should have shut my mouth and said nothing."

Viktor knew he was being a dick about it all but he couldn't help it. His blood was up and he couldn't help himself. "Always about your bond, isn't it? Contrary to belief Valentin, it's not always about you. In fact, none of this business is really about you. It's about me and what's important to me. It's about what's mine. Nothing else matters. Do you hear me?"

Viktor's body language and his words seemed to strike deep as Valentin lost all composure. "You know what Father? I don't know what to do to help. I've tried. By Mother of Eve, I've tried everything. I've tired to be a leader in your absence, whilst you set up playing happy fucking families with a hunter, and no ordinary hunter, a mass murderer of our kind, Dean bloody Winchester. But no that doesn't stop there. Why would it? Then the shit show got worse, because I had to be peace maker and chief negotiator for the clan, having to beg, barter and bleed in order to keep the peace amongst a bunch of greedy and self-centred …"

It was clear that Valentin was struggling to find the right word to describe the other Grand Masters without crossing the line, but given as his tirade had practically driven a 'tank' across the line, he shouldn't have held back.

Raising his hand slowly, Viktor grabbed his attention. "So, now the mask slips, go on Valentin, tell me what you really think. Are you tired of having to play second fiddle here within the Clan? Have you and Bridget got tired of living under this old man's shadow? Or has any of the others on the Council been plotting with you to overthrow me? Come on, which is it, because I'm not sure whether you're jealous of Winchester or of the position. So why don't you tell, which is it?"

Viktor was practically spitting out the words, but surprisingly enough, the argument hadn't descended into a physical altercation, but the ancient vampire felt it was only minutes away from blows being traded as he watched Valentin's anger increase.

"You're losing it father. It's the blood. I know it is. You've not been the same since you started drinking from the hunter and especially since that bitch of a witch worked that black magic. I mean, the connection destroyed everything. And I'm not the only one that's felt it. Bridget has too. We wouldn't have cared if you had wanted to keep him as a sex slave, but did you have to practically marry him. I mean, why not just turn Winchester, it would have given you better control… but no. You would have lost that lovely tasty blood, wouldn't you? And that's all that matters isn't it. I.."

Tired of the tirade, Viktor shouted, "Just answer the fucking question Valentin, are you jealous of Winchester or is this all about a power grab?"

Valentin looked physically wounded by his accusation. So much so, it took him a few minutes to pull himself together enough to provide any sort of coherent answer. "I won't lie to you. I hate him. I hate everything about what has happened. I wish you'd never laid eyes on him. I wish you'd never brought him here. I wish you'd never tied yourself to him. But none of that matters, because it's already come to pass and we can't change that. But that aside, I may be angry at what has happened, but I don't understand this line of questioning. Tell me Grand Master, why do you question my loyalty?"

A further explosion goes off somewhere outside, this time it's much closer, possibly in the courtyard. It is followed by renewed gunfire and screams from within the building. It's very clear to both vampires that the house is in turmoil and the hunters are gaining ground. The window for decision making is quickly narrowing.

Despite the mini war being enacted around them, both senior members of the Volkov clan remain locked in a strange kind of stand off. Valentin stood rigid with his hands in fists down by his side. It was clear his anger was growing, maddened by the accusation of betrayal. Viktor watched and took it all in, and at any other time he would have considered compassion, but not now. Not here, not when Dean was currently being dragged further and further away from him and the dreaded archangel had vanished, doing Eve knows what in the house. He can't afford to take any more chances. There's no one he can trust.

"I don't question your loyalty Valentin. No. I did an hour or so ago when I tried to work out why you thought having sex with me would distract me and delay me from returning to my quarters." Viktor's tone had surprisingly remained measured. Unfortunately Valentin's did not. "WHAT? … I don't.. I don't believe you would think such a thing? I reached out to you, because we needed each other. It was clear to me during the summit that something was troubling you. I only wanted to reconnect, because I missed our bond. And yes, I might have been pissed with you over Winchester, but I never would have done anything to destabilise the Clan and to destabilise you. I certainly wouldn't have invited hunters and Samuel fucking Winchester into our home. What do you take me for?"

Choosing to ignore Valentin's defence, Viktor jumped on the last statement, "OK, you say you wouldn't have invited hunters or the younger Winchester in, but tell me Valentin, did you harbour Kate? Did you invite Michael in?" As he spoke, Viktor attuned his powers as much as he could in an attempt to detect any lies and falsehoods.

What he found made him uneasy. His very questions had sparked confusion and inner turmoil within his sire's mind. Though he could sense the turmoil, he couldn't decipher any further detail. All he knew was that his questions had left Valentin guarded and secretive. Unfortunately the highly charged situation, combined with his increased paranoia ensured that the ancient vampire didn't distinguish between the two questions. If he had, he would have picked up that the deceit he was detecting from Valentin was mainly due to his sire's role in protecting Kate. It had nothing to do with helping Michael.

"Eh, I don't know what you're talking about? Kate! Michael? I've been busy chairing a summit on the clan's behalf. I haven't had time to think, never name plot or lie against you. I'm just trying to keep things a float, especially since you relinquished all responsibility for Clan business a few days ago, when you decided to lock yourself in a love in with that blood bag, Winchester. I've had to practically run everything and I'm not just talking about the mansion, I'm talking about leading and making decision across multiple corporations, representing over a billion dollars of assets. So forgive me, I've been a bit too busy to plot and betray you."

Despite Valentin's speech, Viktor sensed the discomfort within his soul and for the ancient vampire that constituted a lie and deceit and that simply couldn't be tolerated. As he pondered over his next action, his second in command made an attempt to de-escalate the situation by changing the subject. It was a brave attempt.

"Look Father. I know you have your doubts but I care about this Clan and I care and love you. So much so, I'm willing to do everything in my power to save Dean Winchester and to get things ready for a swift departure. I'm assuming that's why you called me here, isn't it?" Though there seemed like a question, neither vampire were interested in answering it, so Valentin continued. "I've already called the bankers and some of the council and they're already moved about 70% of the assets and business into a secure position. It just leaves what's important in the safe in both our offices as well as what you feel is able to be lifted from the business vault. .. I also assume we're taking Dean Winchester with us when we make our departure?"

Inwardly Viktor was impressed by his coolness and calmness currently on display. He had stood and listened to Valentin update him as to all the arrangements he had made. Deep down, he knew this was because of his second in commands expertise and loyalty. The younger vampire was a shrewd and calculated business man and would have moved immediately to mitigate and minimalise risk when the first bomb went off. But as much as the rationale part of his brain kept providing an explanation, the irrational and emotional side of Viktor's mind couldn't stop screaming, 'traitor, liar, theft!' Those three words echoed in his mind and where started to repeat over and over again.

In an attempt to regain some composure he replied. "Good. That's good. Hmmmm.. mmmmmm. Yes. .. The answer is yes, we'll .. emmm.. I'll be taking Dean with me. It's time I took him to warmer climates. I think he's looking a bit pale on it and he needs to heal up as he's hurt himself. Fell down and broke his leg, the silly child that he is, he didn't look where he was going. But I'll take him out of America and far away from everyone. Somewhere secret…. Somewhere safe!"

Viktor could see discomfort in his second's body language every time he mentioned Dean. It was clear that Valentin really did not like the idea of their relationship, especially when he mentioned taking him away. Viktor felt he needed to expand his explanation. "Just so we're clear here Valentin. Dean is bonded to me. It's a very special bond and it's nearly complete. I'm less than hours away from breaking him and once I do, I'll have access to everything. So much more than your or any other's tiny little brains can comprehend. Do you hear me? But I need time and peace and quiet and Dean must be devoid of hope. He's so fragile and if he see's his brother or that angel, then it's going to slow things down. And I've worked too hard to let that happen."

"What about Michael? Emmm.. you mentioned that Michael was here and looking for his vessel. Surely you're not going to take on the archangel as well as who knows else?" Valentin was set to add something else but Viktor snapped back. "To hell with the archangel. I am not afraid of the feathered freak from another universe. I have access to Dean's blood. I'm so much stronger and once the hunter breaks, I'll be practically invincible. So, I do not fear Michael."

Valentin seemed to not share his confidence. It was infuriating as it only reinforced Viktor's opinion that his second in command at best, was being disrespectful and in complete disagreement with him, and at worst, was plotting against him. "Father, I know you feel confident, but this is the archangel Michael. Dean's blood might be powerful, but I doubt it's that strong enough to take out God's right hand warrior. Is it not better to leave Dean behind and run. At least this way you'll live. Michael just wants his vessel back. Let's give Winchester up as part of a trade. At least this way, our Clan will survive and you will survive to lead us. Please Father, don't let the human's blood blind you to common sense."

Poor Valentin, if only he could sense the growing anger and hatred that was building within his Father's soul. If the sire's bond had still been in place, he would have known immediately when the decision was made, but it was unfortunate for the younger vampire, as he was almost oblivious to the power and anger that was surging through Viktor's body.

Instead, Valentin moved closer. "Please Viktor. I know you think so little of me, but I have always been here for you. I've always been your constant, why would I betray you now? I love you, I worship you… I'd die for you. Surely you know this?" Valentin was open and vulnerable, as he poured his heart out. In over a hundred years, Viktor had never witnessed his sire be as expressive.

Every part of him wanted to believe in Valentin's sincerity but he couldn't. Every time he attempted to find forgiveness and trust, Dean's face would flash in front of his mind and he'd recall every conversation, every negative comment and every facial expression of displeasure that Valentin had when Dean was mentioned. It was clear his second didn't want Winchester anywhere near the Clan. It was clear that he would do anything to get rid of the hunter, even if it meant lying. And that was the sin that would never be forgiven.

Looking over at Valentin, Viktor sighed deeply and opened his arms, gesturing to Valentin to embrace him in a hug. With tears of pain and possibly relief in his eyes, the vampire moved towards his Grand Master with arms stretched and then he heard the crack of something snap and then immense pain. With eyes wide open in shock, Valentin stopped and stared directly at Viktor before looking slowly down at the fresh heart – his heart – as it was currently held in Viktor's right hand. Looking back up towards Viktor's face, he managed to whisper out "why?"

Viktor watched as Valentin slowly fell onto his knees. His face still had the look of complete shock and pain as the younger vampire realised that his father had finally made his choice. In the end it had been extremely simple for Viktor. He put aside love and family and he chose power, control and blood. He chose Dean Winchester.