Update! I'm serious about not abandoning this story. Even if no one's reading anymore, that's not going to stop me.

As always, themes of sexiness and a constant undertone of angst. Hey, because any reason for comfort is welcome.

WITH THE DEAD
Chapter 11

Zack was in one of his favorite places, on Angeal's lap and leaning back against the broad chest that had always meant refuge, even when his heart had beat and his skin was warm. The boy was naked from his moments-earlier bath, both his parents clothed, and such a situation always felt wickedly even more delicious than it would be were they all nude. And it was a good situation, Angeal's cocooning arms holding him and stroking his bare skin all over, and Genesis on his knees between Zack's legs and his talented mouth full of the boy's cock. The elder sire was pinching the erection at just the right spot to keep the boy from ejaculating while he gave pleasure with lips and tongue.

Zack's thrusts would have choked him had Angeal not been restraining his hips with one encircling arm. Zack, for his part, even while lost in pleasure was doing his best not to move in a way that might cause Genesis discomfort. Good boy, Angeal whispered to him mentally, my good baby.

Daddy. Zack rested his head back on Angeal's shoulder, tilting it in such a way that Angeal knew what he wanted, and the sire gently broke the flawless skin with his fangs, lapping up the blood that trickled out and smiling to know he was giving his child even more pleasure. Daddy, I love you.

My baby, you're everything to me.

And to me, Genesis melodious mental voice floated up from the carpet.

As mildly frustrated as Zack was about wanting to come and not being allowed, he smiled with true contentment. This was what his life had become since being transformed into a vampire, being the adored offspring of the two best men he'd ever known, who gave him a love and happiness the likes of which Zack hadn't known even existed. Genesis and Angeal, Zack's proof soulmates existed, loved each other so much and yet had made the boy the center of their shared universe. In their presence, Zack felt a constant flow of love and desire from them both, and though the two had been protective of the boy while alive, that was nothing compared to the care and carefulness with which they treated him now.

Zack's fighting training had continued and he was doing remarkably well, but in vampiric terms he was still a child, still unable to fully use his preternatural strength and little more than a boy with some skill with a sword. No matter; there was little or no danger because the young vampire was never left alone. Since the day he'd been transformed, either Angeal or Genesis or both were never more than a couple rooms away from the boy. They wanted very much to make him strong, but neither sire would lie if asked – they were enjoying Zack's babyhood, enjoying needing to care for him.

If only that damn letter had not come, nothing would've intruded in this domestic bliss.

"Gen, p-please," Zack finally groaned.

Baby cub needs to come? You're ready?

"Pleeeease."

As much as Genesis loved keeping Zack on edge, he also could not say no to the boy. The pinching fingers released, and Zack with a lovely cry began his usual long, slow spurt. Genesis drank it down eagerly, the most delicious fluid he'd ever had with Zack's blood the only exception. He massaged the pendulous testicles to encourage them to empty, while Angeal stroked Zack's upper body all over with strong, massaging hands. Even though the boy still orgasmed frequently, most or all of the times he did took several minutes. Genesis was proud to have once drawn it out to half an hour with calculated touching and sucking, but Zack had immediately passed out afterwards, and Angeal was alarmed enough to tell his lover he was not to do that again.

Genesis stood up, licking his lips, and gently framed the beautiful young face with his soft artist's hands. Much as he wanted to put the tired boy to bed and cuddle him for an hour or ten, he instead pushed energy into the child. After a couple minutes, Zack opened his eyes, and Angeal let go to let him stand up.

"Okay. I'm okay." The boy went to the neatly folded pile of clothes Angeal had placed on a chair earlier and began to dress.

With Zack distracted, Genesis allowed himself a look of misery at Angeal, who rose to hug him. They tried to keep their thoughts private; luckily perceptive Zack was letting them.

'Gealy, I'm fucking scared.

They're not gonna take him from us or anything, they have no cause. Worst-case scenario –

Worst-case scenario my baby gets mandatory visitation with a psychopath.

Angeal couldn't think of anything to counter that for certain, but he tried. Maybe he's changed. You know Zack's effect on people. Remember that time he pouted at the president and his entire class got a day off?

Genesis smiled, but only for a second.

We do what we can. We tell them our concerns and demand concessions, surprise inspections, the works. We do what we can. That's all we can do.

Just as Genesis reluctantly nodded, Zack turned around to face them. Though Genesis and Angeal were dressed on the formal side of casual, they had chosen for Zack a purple, long-sleeved, well-pressed superhero T-shirt, jeans and purple sneakers. He looked younger than he was, especially with the spikes Genesis had combed to frame his face. This was the idea. To make him look like a child who needed to stay with his parents.

"I'm ready," the boy said quietly, so that neither parent would have to ask.

agzagzagz

The Council's headquarters were on an island not far off the mainland, a place not reachable by any regular human means. Zack was brought via flight by his parents, and saw that the small, rocky place was barely big enough to house its one structure, a while building with imposing pillars and statues of creatures he couldn't name. He walked between his protective parents inside, through an empty antechamber, and when he sensed the three of them being called in, they entered a startlingly white room, bare save chairs against one wall and a long table where nine men of varying visible ages sat. Zack just barely took it in before gasping and falling to his knees.

"Baby cub?" Genesis at once dropped to his knees to cradle the boy. "What's wrong?"

"It's-it's loud, it hurts…"

Fortunately, Angeal understood. "Sirs, our son is still learning to not listen to thoughts not meant for him. If you would be so kind as to cloak your thoughts…"

There was some surprised mumbling among the Council, but they acquiesced at once, and Zack was able to get to his feet and offer a sheepish "Um, sorry."

Oliver the storyteller, whom the boy remembered from the party, smiled. "I had thought I sensed a lot of power from you, child."

"A newborn should not have been able to hear us, much less so loudly," another vampire said, frowning.

"So we have an exceptional one," Oliver said jovially, coaxing a tiny smile from nervous Zack. "Hardly a bad thing."

The eldest-looking vampire at the center, who seemed to be the leader, gestured the family closer. "Zack Fair of Clan Varius, child of Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos, welcome. My name is Draven and I am the head of this Council. Please don't be afraid. You have not been summoned because you're in any trouble. This is purely a family matter, an issue of custody."

Though Zack had been determined to show only strength, he shook a little, enough so that Angeal thought the hell with propriety and wrapped broad arms around him.

"Why is the boy frightened?" one of the men asked, sounding concerned.

A snooty-looking member spoke up. "I believe our other summoned wanted to explain that."

A door Zack had not even noticed before opened, and – Angeal tightened his embrace – Dagan walked in, giving his descendants a sad smile before turning to the row of vampires and briefly bowing.

"I believe I can explain, honored Council, and in doing so will relieve the need for Zack to talk about something embarrassing. You see, when I heard that Angeal and Genesis had become parents, I didn't let myself believe it out of fear of disappointment. Then when I ran into Zack at the party, I let myself believe the rift between myself and my children had a bridge at last. I sensed my own blood in the child, and I have no excuse, I touched him inappropriately.

"I would like to apologize to Zack, dear boy, for showing you a poor example of what should've been a full-grown vampire's control, especially a grand-sire, and to Angeal and Genesis. Boys, you are absolutely right to be angry, I touched your child without your permission and that was wrong, and also for, well, I think there's enough blame to go around for the rift – " Angeal restrained Genesis mentally, " – but if it makes either of you feel even a bit better, I am deeply sorry for my behavior preceding it. I admit it, I wasn't as good a father as you two deserved. I just hope more than anything – " there was an actual tear here – "that I can prove to myself and you I can be a good grand-sire, and show you that I'm worthy to be a part of Zack's life, especially his childhood, when having an old, experienced grump like myself around can be most helpful."

While an angered Angeal mentally restrained and tried to calm Genesis, a pleased sort of murmur went through the Council. The snooty-looking one spoke up.

"To be clear, Lord Dagan of Clan Varius, you are taking responsibility and apologizing to the boy."

"I am, sir."

"I find that commendable," another vampire said, though he seemed a bit unsure. "Zack, do you think you can accept this apology?"

"I…"

Genesis spoke tersely. "My baby was sexually assaulted by a complete stranger who blocked us from him while doing it. I find it at the very least distasteful that a newborn is being pressured to accept that sham of an apology."

"Gen, be careful," Angeal murmured.

"No, Angeal," Dagan said with seeming remorse, "Genesis is right. I would like to show my regret through actions, not words which may or may not be genuine, but Zack – "

"Don't speak to him!" Genesis snapped.

A heavy, surprised silence reigned for a moment. Then Draven, the head of the Council, spoke sternly.

"Genesis, we understand you have a tumultuous history with your sire. But here in these chambers, all are permitted to speak to all, especially those who are trying to make amends. Please watch yourself and respect this sacred space."

"I pray you pardon me," Genesis said with clenched teeth.

"Of course we do," Oliver said quickly, though some of the others continued to frown.

"Zack," Dagan began again, "I am still a stranger to you and I don't blame you for not trusting me, even fearing me after what I stupidly did to you. You need not say anything in response to this, but I am sorry."

Zack tried to hide his confusion from his quietly-tense parents. Zack was normally a good judge of character, and he could have sworn the vampire's apology sounded…genuine.

"Is this all the Council requires from us at this time?" Genesis asked, though he knew the answer.

Draven answered. "No, our primary issue today is one of custody. Lord Dagan of Clan Varius has made a formal request for grand-sire rights of visitation."

Before Angeal could preempt him, Genesis very clearly, loudly, and simply said, "No."

The snooty-looking elder frowned haughtily. "I'm sure you know, Genesis, that such a request falls under the purview of the Council, not the parent, especially so when involving a prominent house and its elder."

"If you think I am handing over my baby – "

Angeal interrupted, worried for Genesis, for their case, and for Zack who was sensing his sire's stress and hurting from it. "Gen," he said quietly, "go sit down and pray for a few moments, okay? I'll stay with Zack."

Fortunately, hot-headed Genesis saw reason, kissed his partner and child, and went to settle in one of the chairs lining the wall. Zack probed just enough to sense Genesis's mind go bright before turning to Angeal.

Is Gen –

He'll be all right, Pup.

I don't want – Zack scowled suddenly and looked at the snooty Council member. "Gen is not 'mentally unstable,' he just worries about me. Aren't parents supposed to do that?"

"Dahr," Draven said, blinking with surprise, "were you thinking such a thing?"

"Privately, my lord, and cloaked," the snooty one said, his mouth forming a hard, thin line. "The child should not have been able to hear it."

All nine were now looking at Zack with even greater interest. The boy flinched in a way that triggered Angeal's protectiveness, and he did his best to hide the boy in a tight hug.

"Is this normal, Angeal, for the boy?" a kind-looking Council member asked.

"He is…advanced," Angeal said, hating to have to tell anyone.

"Have you precog-tested him?" the same Councilor asked.

"Yes, sir, he doesn't show signs of it, thank Gaia."

Zack pouted and stepped back, fear forgotten for the moment. "Is anybody going to tell me why it's bad to be precognitive?"

Angeal hesitated, combing his fingers through the boy's hair and regretting his last utterance.

"He has a right to know, I think," Dagan spoke up. "Zack, it is common for precognitive vampires to go mad, especially after many years of living."

Angeal curled his arm back around Zack's shoulder, missing the boy giving his grand-sire a confused look of gratitude, and the sire was frowning darkly.

"Honored Council, I think you will agree that it should have been mine and Genesis's decision when and how to give Zack that piece of what might once have been upsetting information."

A Council member waved his hand rather dismissively. "It's not without precedent, a grand-sire being involved in the passing of information down as a part of parenting."

That monster is not going to PARENT my child. Angeal almost groaned aloud; Genesis had intentionally blasted the venomous thought loud enough for everyone present to hear. The kind-looking Councilor frowned, but giving the impression he was more worried for Genesis than angry at him.

"Genesis, if you can't be civil, we will have to ask you to leave these proceedings and wait outside."

I…apologize. Genesis sounded convincing; he had always said he should have been an actor. I meant not to cause offense to anyone here. Please forgive a new and very worried parent.

The Councilor smiled with relief. "Of course, we understand you being protective, and worried. But I don't think you need be. We're very curious about Zack, but from what we can tell, he seems to be both healthy and well-adjusted. Wyrm? Did you wish to speak?"

The Councilor who was seated last on the right side was rising from his chair, a very tall, broad, tanned-skin man with thick black hair that spilled over his shoulders. He was dressed less formally than the suited or robed others, seeming to be wearing a well-tailored outfit of linen and animal pelts. He slowly walked around the table and slowly, trying not to cause fear, approached Zack.

Angeal did not know this vampire well; no one did. Wyrm was so old he claimed he could not remember his long-ago human life or much of anything till his recent past. Despite his unknown pedigree and clan affiliation, he sat on the Council because he was not only mentally and physically powerful, he had gained the trust of nearly all the known vampires on Gaia, including Angeal, by being a fair, just, compassionate lawman. He was also one of the Councilors who had argued for Genesis and Angeal's emancipation when they were newly adult, saying they should not have to live where they were unhappy, helping them while at the same time not making an enemy of Dagan. Such a move was characteristic for this enigmatic man who seemed to love order and peace, and for no one at all to be hurt if at all possible.

Zack knew none of this, of course, and blinked curiously at the stranger who was walking up to face him. He wasn't afraid, because he knew his parents would be reacting if he was in any jeopardy, so he looked into the dark, seemingly-black eyes that came to rest on his face. In a very gentle, almost asking-permission manner, Wyrm's mind brushed Zack's, and without meaning to the boy reacted.

Wyrm chuckled and shook his head. "Your shield is very good for your age, for any age, in fact. Try using it when too many minds overwhelm you, as we did when you came in. It will dampen the noise a bit."

Zack smiled beautifully. "Thank you, sir, I will."

"I have a shield up myself, now. Try breaking through it."

"Um…" Zack felt reluctant, though he wasn't entirely certain why.

The kind Councilor laughed. "Wyrm, don't make the child feel bad. Even Draven can't break your shield."

"I am not asking him to break it. I'm asking him to try."

Angeal?

It's okay, Pup. Go ahead.

Wyrm was smiling at Zack in a way that the boy recognized; it was similar to Angeal's teasing, baiting, challenging teacher-smile. It had always made the teenager try his hardest, so he threw caution to the wind and shoved at the elder's mental shield as hard as he could.

The forcefield took no damage, but rippled from the force of Zack's mind, and Wyrm's look of surprise was reflected by every member of the Council, as well as Angeal and Genesis.

"Uh, what? You were right, I couldn't break it."

Wyrm had recovered from his shock faster than the others, and spoke calmly. "We are all so surprised, Zack, because the damage you did inflict was more than any member of the Council can do."

Angeal was not surprised to sense Zack's unease, as the boy always reacted to evidence of his gifts this way. He quickly re-enfolded the nervous newborn into a protective embrace.

A member of the Council who'd been silent till now spoke up. "Perhaps we should have the child try each of us."

Genesis, still sitting apart from them, felt his almost-subsided anger rise again. "My son is a newborn, not a science experiment, and he's upset."

"Remarkable." Dagan spoke, everyone having almost forgotten his presence. "But yes, I suggest we conclude our business here so the boy can go home and get some rest."

Draven folded his hands on the table in front of him. "The Council has conferred amongst ourselves on this matter, and we have come to the decision that the fairest course of action would be a test of the grand-sire custody Lord Dagan has requested, a month-long visit with Zack."

Genesis sprang up, and in milliseconds his arms were around Zack too. "Not alone," he said in a threatening-to-break voice, Genesis who had only shown anger up till now. "I implore you, not alone. Let us go with him."

The haughty Councilor frowned. "Such an arrangement would not be a true test of Lord Dagan's ability to act as a grand-sire. The boy will go alone, and will leave for this visit one week from /tonight."

Angeal was trying to stay stoic, to keep Zack calm, but Genesis was struggling not to fall apart. "Council, I beg of you," he said shakily, "please remember the circumstances in which Angeal and I left our sire. You cannot risk my son experiencing the abuse I did."

Zack snaked an arm around Genesis and hugged him tightly.

"If I remember rightly," Draven said, actually looking somewhat sympathetic, "we were divided on the matter of whether abuse had indeed taken place. An unproven accusation cannot override the custom of grand-sire rights. Genesis, it is only a month-long trial, and if Zack is mistreated, he has only to tell us, and any further visitation requests from Lord Dagan will be denied. I can sense that the boy is truthful, even to a fault."

Gen, he's right. Dagan won't dare hurt him if he only gets a month, knowing he loses future custody if he does.

Genesis wanted to believe this, but couldn't entirely, judging by the fact he was actually letting Zack see him cry, something he'd always tried to hide before. Zack was more alarmed by this sight than by the Council's ruling.

Gen, Angeal's right, I'll be fine. If he hurts me, I'll scream so loud you'll hear me. It's just a month.

Genesis sniffled and ungracefully swiped at his eyes, and let out a mirthless laugh. So at the very best, I don't have my baby for an entire month.

Just think, you and Angeal get a break from me and my –

Zack's mental voice cut off abruptly. The boy's body stretched up on tiptoe, and his eyes rolled back as familiar groans left his open mouth. Angeal tried to shield the sight of Zack orgasming from the room's inhabitants, knowing Zack was naturally private about sexual matters and would not especially want the rulers of the vampire world to see him climaxing like a newborn with no self-control (even if that was in fact what he was).

As Angeal blocked the Council's view (the members were politely pretending nothing was occurring), Genesis did his best to keep Dagan from watching Zack. It hit him that this was going to happen probably many times in the month Zack would be away. Dagan would see it, and possibly more. It didn't matter that right now the grand-sire had seemingly-kindly turned away to face the wall. Zack had been jarred by the elder's kindness tonight. Genesis was not fooled. He'd sworn upon reaching adulthood Dagan would never trick him again.

agzagzagz

Genesis was quiet most of the way home, not unusual for the pensive man, and it was commonplace for there to be little or no talking while moving quickly high above the ground anyway. Zack, cushioned between his parents for the journey, slept a bit, and the sires took this time to talk. So far as they had seen, Zack while in dreams did not pick up on their thoughts.

They even said no to surprise inspections, 'Geal.

I know, babe. Dagan is powerful and the lord of a prominent clan, it's in their interests to not offend him more than absolutely necessary. But remember, Dagan will have to keep his hands off Zack or he loses rights to him forever. You've said yourself you can hear Zack long-distance when he's upset. We get a whiff of something wrong, we contact the Council, we get Zack home early.

Genesis's mental voice broke. Great, now I almost have to hope the bastard tries something, because then we at least get the baby back, permanently. A month, 'Geal, a fucking month, and I can barely handle it when he sleeps more than several hours and is only that far away from me.

We'll try to stay occupied. You'll help me with the garden. I want it looking like a magic forest for Zack when he returns. We'll renovate, re-roof, take trips, we'll go camping in Banora and you'll be distracted by your fear of snakes and bugs.

'Geal, it's all going to be okay, isn't it?

Of course it is, babe. I love you.

I love you.

Genesis went quiet again, and eventually they touched down just outside the front door. Zack began to stir, and Angeal scooped him up bridal-style in his bulky arms as Genesis unlocked the door.

"Don't let him go back to sleep, 'Geal."

Angeal's eyebrows lifted questioningly, but he wasn't really surprised. Nothing comforted Genesis like feeding Zack, not even close, and Zack could probably use it as well…and Angeal loved feeding their baby as much as his partner did. They could all use some healing closeness right now. Zack, the perceptive boy, probably sensed the mood and blinked rapidly to try to clear the sleep from his foggy brain. In no time, he was being settle across Genesis's lap, and Genesis removed his own shirt faster than Zack had ever seen him do anything before the boy's mouth was being guided to the flat, hairless breast.

Zack was used to drinking from this place for around the same number of minutes each time, not that he actually counted, but when he started to move away, Genesis drew him back.

"Give me just a couple more minutes, cub, okay?"

Zack looked at Angeal, who generously nodded, and went back to sucking from the fang-wounds he'd made around the nipple. Shortly thereafter, Genesis reluctantly released the boy to Angeal's encircling arms, sitting up behind Zack to stroke his sides and back as he ate and to carefully maneuver off his clothing below the waist. As soon as the teenager let his mouth fall away from Angeal's neck, his remaining shirt was whipped off, and he was happily nude between his parents being touched, it felt like, everywhere.

Angeal wanted to go carefully with Zack right now, as he knew the boy was thinking about what was ahead of him and wanted to give him privacy to do so for a little while, and would have been happy just caressing Zack through however many orgasms he needed to feel better. But Genesis had grabbed the lubricant at some moment and was already two fingers' deep into the boy, massaging the prostate as Zack, lost in pleasure, clung to Angeal and rubbed his face against the broad chest he was hugged to. In no time at all, Genesis had fed his length into the slicked passage, and the motion of his thrusts pushed Zack's erection against Angeal, and thus began his series of orgasms.

Angeal was enjoying himself too, watching and feeling Zack, but after orgasm number seven, he caught Genesis's eye. Babe, you almost done?

No.

Gen. You're exhausting him and I don't think he wants to sleep yet.

Genesis couldn't argue that, they could both sense Zack, though he wasn't complaining, was also fighting sleep. He feels good. I want him to keep feeling good.

Sex isn't the only way to be happy.

Happy? I just don't want him…

What?

Awake. Thinking. As expected, Genesis was able to hold a conversation while never pausing his thrusts. He didn't want to be saying what he was really feeling, but he'd never regretted being honest with his soul mate. Being afraid.

Babe, we can't keep him either asleep or climaxing for an entire week. We'd be spending that time better drilling Zack on the survival code we taught him as a SOLDIER, making him practice long-distance communication, reassuring him with words.

I know. I do know.

Genesis allowed himself several final, more intense thrusts, and came into Zack just as a ninth orgasm was shuddering its way through the boy. As Angeal had expected, instead of letting himself drop off, the boy pressed his face to Angeal's shoulder, and the elder could sense him trying to shake off the post-orgasm lethargy. Angeal pushed energy into him, and Zack lifted his face and smiled.

"Thanks."

"How do you feel?"

"I don't know…maybe it hasn't sunk in yet."

Privately, deeper down than the parents knew he could hide anything, Zack remembered Dagan's seeming kindness, how he had, to Zack's excellent character judgment, seemed genuinely sorry for what happened at the party. Zack was in no hurry to accept this man into his life, he was too loyal to Angeal's protectiveness and Genesis's pain, but he was confused. Could it be that Dagan really wanted peace? Could Zack somehow heal this "rift," as the vampire lord had called it, and help Genesis by doing so?

While Genesis cleaned up all the spilt semen, Angeal held Zack's face and caressed the sides of it. "You look pensive, Puppy."

"I'm just trying to remember anything from SOLDIER training that might help me while I'm gone."

Angeal deliberately made his voice light and casual. "Well, the camping you learned, definitely not. Dagan prefers mansions. But there is something from your survival training. Do you remember what I taught you?"

Zack did, word for word, the instructions that had first annoyed him as babying, but ultimately made him feel loved. "Do whatever you have to do to survive until I can come get you," he repeated. "In such a situation, survival justifies anything you have to do, and whatever consequences we have to deal with afterward, we'll deal with."

Word for word. We never told Zack he's a genius. Just as well, he so dislikes being exceptional.

"Good boy. Can you do that for me, for us?"

Angeal's not sure I'll be safe. I think he's being strong for Genesis…and me.

Zack managed his heartthrob grin. "No problem."

"Since you'll be away from us, you'll have to hunt with Dagan. We'll make sure he knows that it's obvious evil-doers only. Can you handle that, for a month?"

Zack felt stronger than he'd expected to, maybe it was because Angeal was showing such faith in him. "Yeah. I should probably get some practice, since I was so stupid about last time. Sorry," he added quickly, seeing Angeal beginning to object. "Not stupid. Just, um…"

"Just you, Pup." Angeal stroked the pale, cool cheeks, and left a long kiss on the boy's forehead. "Just miraculous, perfect you."

"Does Dagan ever use weapons? Not that I'm expecting him to use any on me," Zack forced a laugh, "I'm just curious."

"He used to enjoy fencing."

"Can we do some sword-training tonight? Just in case I need it?" He also still loved using his sword, a smaller version of Angeal's famous Buster, which had been an extravagant gift from Angeal when they'd only been student and teacher.

"Of course," Angeal said with an indulgent smile, though it faded quickly. "Remember to let us know what you're feeling, baby, always. That's the only way we can help."

"I'm okay, really."

"Whatever you may be thinking about the Council, remember that they are, for the most part, well-meaning. The whole vampire world was divided when they heard our case against Dagan long ago. He was good at playing the slighted parent then, too. Looking back, it's actually surprising that Gen and I had as many on our side as we did. Dagan must have disposed of his victims before us, or kept them frightened and silent."

Angeal didn't say what he was thinking, that he'd never known his sire to take such an interest in anyone as he had in Zack, really pulling out all the stops in terms of performance for a chance to have Zack to himself, even if there was no way he could lay an intimate finger on him without losing all rights to him forever. Deep down, he was wondering why, then, the elder vampire was pushing for access to Zack at all.

While the former commander idly caressed the boy and gave a short time to his thoughts, Zack enjoyed the touching and also did some thinking. He found he couldn't stop thinking about what lay ahead of him, and despite his parents' assurances, he didn't totally trust that Dagan would leave him alone physically. But he also found himself thinking of Dagan as a puzzle he could solve. Maybe…just maybe…the man's apologies had been genuine. Maybe there was a chance he even meant well. And if there was any hope of bringing peace to Zack's wounded older sire, the boy knew he would jump on it. No matter the personal cost.

To be continued.