A thirsty vampire is quite dangerous. Will Chase be able to control himself ?

Julia landed right near the corpses. Chase lifted his head, noticing Carmen's team at the window. Immediately, all the remaining domestics jumped at them, keeping them away and holding them behind them.

" What is happening ?" asked Ivy.

" Danger." replied Claire.

" What danger ? I thought the wolves were defeated." said Zack.

" Indeed. The danger is our master."

" What ?" intervened Shadowsan.

" That opponent was as strong as him. He got several deadly wounds and needs blood to replenish. Urgently. That's what makes him very dangerous at the moment, because he loses all common sense. All he wants is blood, and it's a very strong desire, the one that overwhelms your will and reason." explained Claire.

An uncontrollable one, excepted maybe for the oldest or experimented ones. Chase didn't seem to move for an instant. Then, in the blink of an eye he came to where Carmen was. His butler tempted to occupy him by sending his sword, while Julia grabbed Carmen and rushed away. However, Chase broke his butler's sword before cutting path to Argent and his Chalice.

" Sir ! It's your Chalice ! You won't forgive yourself if you hurt her !" reminded Julia.

Carmen observed the vampire. His face was so cold, his eyes were expressing nothing more than the desire to drink. It was frightening. Like death was standing before them. Carmen could hardly believe it was the Devineaux she came to know and like. The one who protected her several times, risking his life for her like tonight. She didn't have to reflect on it more. He already violently pushed Julia aside, and was now grabbing her neck in a real vice.

" SIR !" shouted Julia.

" Chase … stop … please …" articulated Carmen.

The vampire lifted a hand in order to tear her clothes.

" I trust you … you won't hurt me. I know … you won't …" said Carmen, her hands around his forearm.

Julia was desperately looking for a weapon, anything to prevent the vampire from drinking from Carmen, to the point of killing her. Other retainers were coming, with a smell she recognized with a certain relief : blood. If they could got here fast enough and divert his attention from Sandiego …

" We got blood for you master !" yelled Claire.

But what blood could be compared to Carmen's one ? Julia had to tempt one more time to stop him. Even if for Devineaux, she had as much strength as a kid. But as she was ready to rush to him, she saw him slowly releasing the woman. It was like he was fighting the invisible, taking his hand away.

" Nnnnngh !"

He managed to step back.

" Take …. her …" he moaned.

Carmen didn't wait that to react and ran to Julia. The retainers hurried to him and gave him a bottle. Chase drank several sips.

" Take her away from me !" he yelled.

Julia pushed Carmen, taking her inside the mansion. Her teammates embraced her, relieved.

" What will happen now ?" wondered Shadowsan.

" Danger is over. He'll calm down now that he has blood. It's a miracle he could control himself. Means he had a strong will." replied Julia, looking outside.

Chase was surrounded by his servants.

" Are you okay master ?" asked one.

" I'm sorry …"

" Don't be. Some of us already went through this, and you were here for us."

They gave him a second bottle. He lost control. He … oh my god he almost … what he did to Carmen … shame invaded him. Why didn't he take that damned vial ? He would have killed this pack sooner. But no, he had to rush without thinking once again. Chase cursed himself.

Suddenly, a telephone rang. Everyone looked at Davis's corpse. Frowning, Devineaux approached, then took it and picked up.

" Is it done ?" he heard.

Chase rounded eyes. It was him. Rage filled his chest.

" Gunnar. You filthy vermin. How dared you attack my place ?!"

" Lord Devineaux. Finally I can put a name on the face of the one, who stole my precious Chalice from me."

Chase had trouble to not crashed the phone in his hand.

" Carmen is mine. You'll never touch her. The Council is already aware of what you did. Pray that they'll find you first, because I will smash your fucking head." warned Chase.

He made a sign for a retainer implying to warn the Council. Hearing what he said about the Chalice infuriated Maelstrom. Carmen belonged to him.

" We'll see about that." retorted Gunnar.

" Then come. I fucking dare you to face me."

" I'm afraid we have to sooner or later. Well then, see you soon."

Gunnar hung up. An instant later he pulverized his desk. Another failure. He called because he knew that Davis was a womanizer, and wanted to warn him to not do anything stupid. Chase roared, crashing the phone and cracking the ground with his energy. Alerted, Carmen came running.

" Carmen wait !" called Julia.

Noticing her, Devineaux vanished. Carmen called him, in vain.

" Claire, what just happened ?" interrogated Sandiego.

" He called. Lord Maelstrom."

" Oh."

So Chase must have been furious. Carmen wanted to comfort him, so she asked Claire to help find him. The vampire nodded, then used her senses. She spotted her master's scent. Then, she brought the woman to him. Chase was collecting ashes on the floor. He stopped noticing her presence.

" Chase." called Carmen.

" Claire. Bring her back to her room." ordered Devineaux.

Carmen frowned. He didn't even turn to look at her.

" Yes master."

Claire took Carmen by the arm. That one wanted to protest, but the attendant hold her firmly. Carmen was back in her room in the blink of an eye. Claire wished her good night, then went back to her master. Sandiego totally disagreed with that behaviour. So she went off and undertook to join Chase again. She walked silently, hoping that it would be enough. Given what happened, casualties must have happened. Therefore there should be only choice possible as to where he was. The familial cemetery. The wolves bodies had been put there. Chase was here, still shirtless. He put an urn on a columbarium. He sighed. He heard Carmen incoming, but didn't want to mind for now. His attendants were touched he decided to include them in this place. Like they were his family.

" Claire, Philippe, Thomas. You're to remain here to guard the domain, my Chalice and her team. All the others … you're coming with me." he said.

Claire advanced, tending him a shirt. He put it absentmindedly.

" Where are we going milord ?" asked someone.

" We're going to kill all supporters of Gunnar, including VILE's one."

Carmen was shocked. She have to stop this. She didn't want any death, even among VILE, except for Maelstrom. Carmen made a step. However the vampire disappeared once more. The thief grumbled. Claire went to her, in order to accompany her back to her room. Carmen requested a meeting with Chase. The attendant accepted to carry the message. She sighed once in her room. Time to try to sleep then. Carmen hardly slept that night. When she awoke, Claire informed her that Devineaux already left. The young woman kept silent. On his side, Chase attacked several VILE facilities, killing every human in it. The vampires collected and stored their blood, then burn the corpses before ending by destroying it.

" Lord Chase Devineaux, the Council just want to give a little warning."

They called him after a week of this treatment. Chase was in a hotel room, standing before a window holding a glass of fresh blood.

" We know you're in for retaliation. We don't mind you killing humans, but we can't allow you any murder of a vampire. We already closed our eyes when you killed some of Gunnar's followers, since they attacked first and you were simply reacting accordingly. We will handle the one responsible for intruding in our archives, but we'll see who will reach Maelstrom first."

Chase closed his eyes, holding a sigh.

" You already killed the wolves responsible for attacking your domain. So don't overdo it."

" I heard you."

Considering the message transmitted, the Council ended the call. Devineaux let his hand fell as well as a sigh. Of course they would say something about this. Part of him understood, he would have done the same. Other part however … the one who was angry. Mad. Who wanted to shed blood. Get revenge. Who felt offended. That one was still in control right now.

" Very well then. But if my path crosses a vampire's one … I won't hold back."

He and his attendants went back to the domain to store the collected blood. Chase heard Carmen coming and calling for him. He tightened his jaws then vanished. The Argentina stopped, disappointed. She made another attempt. But since he was sensing her coming, he always disappeared before she could approach. Carmen confided in her old friend Graham.

" I heard the battle. That was Davis, a vampire killer. Works as a mercenary. You're lucky your vampire is powerful enough to handle that kind of opponent. Devineaux is renowned for his fighting skills among vampires." revealed Crackle.

" He is ?"

" Yes. I've heard his name before but never saw his face."

Carmen had a feeling of pride hearing this.

" I see. But the thing is, he's avoiding me since that night. I'd like to know why, but he keeps avoiding me." Continued Carmen.

" I'm afraid I can't help, I don't know him well enough for that. Try with his other attendant, that Julia girl." advised Graham

Carmen agreed, thanked her friend then went looking for Julia.

" Julia, why is Chase avoiding me that way ?" she asked, when they were back once more.

" Certainly because he's ashamed of what happened." replied the wolf.

" You mean when he attacked me ?"

" Yes. He practically lost control that night and missed killing you." continue the brunette.

" Did he talk to you about it ?" wondered Carmen.

" No need. Us werewolves are really good at reading body language. I just deduced from what I saw."

" I must confront him about this topic. But how since he is avoiding me like the plague ?"

Julia reflected.

" I might have an idea."

On VILE island, Gunnar was listening with a growing displeasure reports from Cookie Booker. Apparently, several of their hideouts had been attacked, all henchmen or operatives on site were killed. He was furious. He knew his opponent would resort to this. Their final fight was getting closer. Maelstrom wondered if he could win this. He failed to obtain Carmen, to bring her back here. He had known nothing but failures. Now he knew why : Devineaux's fighting skills weren't usurped. The report finally ended, and he left without waiting. That VILE was being taking down wasn't a problem. No, all this was nothing compared to what he could gain with Sandiego's blood. The vampire kept wondering how could she escape. How could he let her escape, although she was so precious.

Well, part of him never imagined she would try it. Wasn't she cherished here, utmost taken care of ? Maybe he should have tried to gain her trust more, like Brunt. Pfff, for what it had served her. In the end she was captured. Carmen still escaped four years ago. Oh, that wrath when Gunnar understood. The island sinking would have been less troublesome. He sent vampires to find her back then. But no one could retrieve her until she decided to reappear. Maelstrom got hope again that he would catch her. In vain. Not only he didn't, but she was stolen by another vampire. Total disaster. He made a last move, a desperate move that failed as well. Now it was all getting back at him, tenth time worse. He would certainly die. For a moment, Gunnar believed he could get the precious young woman back. He ruled a powerful and feared organization, able to strike anywhere on the globe.

Finding her should have been a piece of cake. He just forgot that she was skilled. Very skilled, the finest of this organization. Gunnar sighed. His dreaming of domination was falling apart. Chase wouldn't come to him without drinking her blood first. The winner was already known. He gritted his teeth, before sending his fist on a tree, that collapsed right after.

" No ! There MUST be a solution ! Something to do !"

Like tricking him, or Carmen or … or … or what ? What could he possibly do before the Council or Devineaux found him ? The first getting more chances than the second. Or maybe he could simply give up. He chuckled. His last transgression wouldn't be easily forgiven. In this instant, he felt no hope.

Carmen took a deep breath. Then, she yelled Devineaux's name as loud as she could, with an alarmed voice. Julia left in order to leave them some space. A few seconds later, the vampire appeared in front of the Argentina.

" What's wrong ?" he exclaimed, worried.

So he really came. Julia suggested Carmen to pretend being in danger. Carmen smiled to him.

" Sorry about this, but I have to talk to you." she said.

Chase blinked.

" You mean I just smashed a door, three walls and a window for nothing ?"

Oops. Carmen didn't think it would go that way.

" Hum. Then sorry about that too. But listen, I saw that you weren't feeling good lately and I … hey wait !" began Carmen.

Chase just turned her back on her.

" Stop fleeing me ! Can't you see you're hurting me even more ?!" she exclaimed.

Chase stopped. Oh my. He couldn't face her yet after the nocturnal attack, wondering if he would be able one day. But hearing it was simply aggravating the case, different story. Seeing him not moving, Carmen approached. He turned his eyes when she faced him.

" Chase. Look at me."

He didn't. She sighed.

" That's what I want to talk about. You don't have to be ashamed of what happened."

He closed his eyes, shame and anger appearing on his face. Carmen put a hand on his chest.

" I don't resent you for that. I told you I trust you to not hurt me. And you managed to control yourself." she reminded.

" I did hurt you. When I … when I … grabbed your neck." he said.

" I saw worse than that. I forgive you, so please stop running away from me."

He shivered when feeling her fingers slowing caressing his torso.

" You shouldn't. This isn't solely about last night. Your life had been completely upset ever since you met me. You were forced to be tied to a person you didn't know, being in constant danger because of my kind, compelled to remain in quarantine in here … how can you forgive me ?" he said, backing away.

" Because it's not your fault ! You're not the one who made me into a Chalice, I was born that way. But you're the one who offered me a protection." she contradicted.

" Pfff. I just wanted to avoid a war within my world, nothing more. Don't imagine things." retorted Devineaux.

" Oh really Chase ?"

" Yes really. You're just a Chalice, and needed to be monitored."

Carmen widened eyes. That was hurtful.

" Then why did you let me find intel about all this ? Why didn't you just drag me to the Council like your cousin huh ? Why did you tell your servants to let me do as I please concerning my outfits, let me continue my activity and not cloistered me here right from the start ? Because you care about me !" exclaimed Carmen.

He couldn't help but blush, and negatively shook his head.

" Don't lie to yourself." she said.

" I-I'm not."

" Then answer my questions. And tell me why you were worried about the Council taking me away from you, why did you comfort me, drank my blood before appearing in front of the Council. Come on, I'm listening." continued Carmen, crossing arms.

Chase remained silent, looking at the ground. Of course he cared about her, he was holding her dear, even.

" So ?" she insisted.

" I …"

He tightened his fists. Carmen approached him again, and cupped his face.

" You didn't lose control. It's not like you did this intentionally. You were protecting me. I thank you for what you did for me. I'm still free thank to you, and your kindness. I told you before, but I couldn't ask for someone else. You're perfect for me."

" I am not perfect." he moaned.

" You're stubborn, aren't you ? You really want me to scold you ? If so, then I can send you to your room or deprive you of dessert. Like taking this sweetened blood you collected last time." said Carmen, her fingers caressing his cheek.

That managed to snatch him a smile.

" I'm sorry." he breathed, putting a hand on hers.

" It's okay. I know how hard it is for vampires to resist blood call. Don't blame yourself for that, alright ?"

His other hand went to lodge on her hip. Carmen got closer, before they end up in an embrace. He tightened her a bit too strong, as she let know with a muffled sound.

" See ! I'm doing it again, I'm hurting you I …" he exclaimed, backing away.

" Shush. I don't want to hear that again." cut Sandiego.

" But !"

She put a finger on his lips, then a kiss on his cheek. Chase closed his eyes, then hugged her again. He was relieved she reacted that way. The vampire relaxed, as Carmen felt, and gave her caresses back. Julia went to see how it went between those two. She saw them from a distance in a sweet embrace. She smiled. Good.

" Chase ?"

" Hm ?" replied that one, his face buried in her hair.

" There's also something else I wanted to discuss." announced Carmen.

" What is it ?"

This was harder than the previous part. She had a hunch he wouldn't listen. But she had to try.

" I don't want you to go after Maelstrom."

He straightened, looking at her with a surprised face.

" What ? But why ?"

" Because he's really powerful, I know you're good at fighting but please. Let the Council punish him." she began.

" I'm sorry Carmen, but I have to find him. This was bound to happen, and I owe it to my servants who fell because of him." objected Chase.

" I'm begging you, stay here with me. I don't think I'll stand to remain here while you're fighting him."

" I'll have your blood so I'll be fine." reminded Devineaux.

" But what if he don't let you time to drink it ? If he takes you by surprise, or blackmail you ? Please Chase, I … I'm scared." she confessed, leaning her head against his chest.

" Don't be. If anything happens to me, the Council will take good care of you." assured Chase.

" No you don't understand ! I'm not scared for me but for you ! I keep telling you that I don't want anyone else than you. It means I don't want to lose you Chase ! I won't stand that, I love you !"

Carmen realized what she said. Both blushed hard, and she put a hand on her mouth. Did she just … not only said that she loved him, but out loud ?! Carmen's heart beat so hard she thought it would just pop out of her chest. As well as a huge feeling of embarrassment. Then her body transmitted another urge to her brain. Flee.

" Never mind that !" she exclaimed.

Carmen turned her back and ran away. Julia saw her jumping above a flower bed she was contemplating.

" What is it now." she wondered.

Argent stood up and walked to where the thief came from. She discovered a vampire planted here, red cheeked and scratching his head.

" Is everything okay sir ?"

Chase raised eyes to her.

" Yes Julia. Just … it was quite unexpected."

Julia looked intrigued. Chase sighed with a little smile, then decided to walk back home. He went later to his room, and passed before Carmen's one. She wasn't sleep as he could hear. He bit his lip with a smile, reddening. Inside her room, Sandiego was laid on her belly on her bed, hugging her pillow. What she said turned in circle in her head. Why did she say that out of the blue ? Was it even true ?

" Do I … love him ?"

Then if not, why was her heart beating that way ? Why was she missing him when he was gone on a mission ? And why was she so worried about what could happen, why didn't she want to be separated from the vampire ?

" I think I really love Chase."

Carmen blushed again and buried her face in her pillow. Sleeping that night proved to be hard. The young woman decided to have breakfast with Graham. While doing this, she explained what happened. Crackle stood with a rusk on his mouth.

" So. You finally realized it." he said with a mischievous expression.

" What ?"

" Your feelings for your owner."

Carmen frowned. The wolf finished his rusk.

" It sounds like you knew about this all along." Said Carmen.

" Well yes, I noticed how your face enlightens when you spoke about him, how glowing your eyes were, the affection in your voice." explained Graham.

" Oh."

Carmen ate a bit more.

" But .. what am I going to do now ? I don't even know if he likes me back. Maybe … I just a Chalice for him. To be treated well but nothing more." asked the girl.

" Can't tell here pal, sorry. You can still have a try."

" Yeah, maybe. But if he doesn't share my feelings, it won't be easy since I'm linked to him." remarked Carmen.

" Carmen, this link is simply a protection for you. That doesn't compels you to stay here once everything is over." made Crackle.

" You're right. If Chase doesn't love me, then I'll just leave."

That wasn't what she wanted, but it was a solution. Just in case.

" How can I convince him to not fight your master ?" asked Carmen.

" Hum, not sure that I can answer."

" Ugh ! You're right this could be dangerous for you. I'm sorry." continued Carmen.

Crackled waved. They finished their breakfast. Later, the young woman went to stroll in the garden.

" Well hello, miss Sandiego."

Carmen startled. Turning she discovered Helena Montoya, accompanied by Kaleo.

" Oh ! It's you, lady Montoya and Lord Tuatari. What brings you here ?"

" To be frank, it's you." answered Kaleo.

Carmen frowned. Were they here to take her ? That idea made her take step back, and she took a breath, ready to call for Chase.

" Don't worry, you're to stay with your owner. We're just here for back up, in case Maelstrom got the good idea of coming here." announced Helena.

" Since we're as old as him, we can hold against him." added her colleague.

Carmen almost sighed in relief, and simply relaxed her body instead. She said that she'll escort them to the mansion. Chase's heart skipped a beat when he heard her calling, then rounded eyes when he saw his congeners. He had to admit it was a good idea to have them here. The vampire avoided looking at Carmen. The latter didn't get offended at all, feeling on the same wavelength for now.