CHAPTER 7: A Gift

I watched my fledgling and his friend and I could not help but be moved by their pain. I had always known that these two were close but somehow I did not realize how close until now. The blood tears fell down my cheeks as well as I watched them cry in each other's arms.

I sighed and closed my eyes. I knew what had to be done. But I could not do so without the consent of both of them. If it wasn't done I would loose Shawn. He would resent me forever. I laid a hand on Kevin's arm. He looked down at me and I could see the anger in his eyes. I had taken his Heartbreaker from him.

"Kevin," I began softly, "Please believe me when I say I never meant to cause pain. In my desire for Shawn I neglected to realize how close you really are. Allow me to make amends," I paused praying to God and not sure if he would hear the prayers of one of the damned, "I have given my ancient blood to Shawn and now I offer it to you."

Shawn pulled away with a gasp and looked at me with wide eyes, his face streaked with blood, "Briana . . .," he whispered looking from me to Kevin and back again.

Kevin stared at me transfixed. Gently, I urged Shawn to step to the side and took Kevin's hand. I looked into his eyes searching. I nodded satisfied. Kevin had a good heart. "You may choose to refuse my offer. I forced it on Shawn but I won't make the same mistake with you. Shawn could never exist without you. I see it now and I suspect the same is true of you. I need only the consent of the two of you and it will be done."

I let go of his hand and stepped back. This was up to Shawn and Kevin. I would not attempt to influence their decision. The two friends stared at each other their eyes expressing what words could not.

Kevin looked to me again, "If I agree what happens?"

"I will drain you to the brink of death and then I will give you my blood. When the exchange is done, your body will die and you will be a vampire. The transformation is painful but the pain is fleeting. You will have a home with Shawn and I. I will teach you and protect you as my fledgling." I waited for his answer. I had been as honest as possible. I wanted him to know what he was getting into.

"Shawn?" Kevin turned to his friend, "What do you think?"

Shawn smiled sorrowfully and shook his head, "I want you to come with us but it's your decision, Kevin. I can't make this choice for you."

Kevin sank down into an armchair and he was silent for a long time. At last he looked up at us and I knew his answer before he said the words. "I want it," he told me grimly, "My answer is yes."

"Very well," I extended a hand and pulled him to his feet, "Come sit on the couch with me, my darling." He followed obediently and when we were seated I drew him into my arms, "I will be as gentle as I can," I promised brushing his blond hair from his neck, "Close your eyes," I whispered.

Kevin looked at Shawn one last time before closing his eyes. I leaned forward and sank my fangs into his neck. His warm blood gushed into my mouth. I drank seeking to give him as much pleasure and as little pain as I could. When I pulled back he was limp in my arms. I laid him back and bit my wrist. I held the wound to his lips, "Drink," I told him, "and the pain will pass."

Kevin drank feebly at first and then with vigor as the thirst for my blood overwhelmed him. I repeated the process several times as I had with Shawn and when it was completed I sagged against the cushions exhausted. Making two fledglings in such a short period of time had drained my reserves.

Kevin began to convulse as his body died and Shawn stood frozen not sure who to go to. "Go to him, Shawn," I said making the decision for him, "I will be fine."

Shawn needed no further prodding. He took Kevin in his arms and held him until several minutes had passed and Kevin lay still in his arms. Shawn kissed his forehead. "What do I do?" he asked, "I can't carry both of you home."

I tried to stand up but I was too weak from the exchange. I looked about the room. Good, the windows had thick blinds. "Put a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, Shawn," I replied, "We will stay here tonight. Draw the curtains and we should be fine." I had nothing to worry about of course. It had been centuries since the sun had troubled me but my fledglings would not be able to withstand it for at least a hundred years or more.

I forced myself to sit up straighter and examined my newest childe. He was still conscious but his eyes drooped sleepily. I hated it that I was too weak to take care of him. Nash was my responsibility now just as Shawn was. "Take him to the bathroom and wash him, Shawn," I ordered, "Then put him to bed. He will sleep until tomorrow night."

Shawn looked down at his friend doubtfully and I laughed, "You'll be able to lift him, my Heartbreaker, you'll be surprised at how strong you are."

Shawn stood lifting his large friend in his arms. I burst out laughing. The picture it made was hysterical as Nash was nearly seven feet tall and Shawn was not much over six. Yet, Shawn cradled him in his arms as easily as if Nash weighed little more than a child. Shawn grinned and with a wink carried his friend to the bathroom.

I must have dozed because when my eyes opened Shawn was standing over me. I noted that the blinds had been pulled to block out the sunlight. "You need to feed," he stated flatly.

I laughed, "Yes, but I am afraid it will have to wait. I am too weak to venture out tonight."

"Take my blood then," he ordered me sternly.

"That's not necessary, Shawn," I smiled grateful for the offer.

"You don't seem to understand me. I'm not taking 'no' for an answer, lady."

"Shawn . . ."

"Drink," he cut me off.

I laughed again, "Last I checked I was the master of this little group and yet my fledgling of only two days is telling me what to do."

"Damn right," Shawn growled sitting next to me. He placed his arm around my shoulders and pulled me to him. "You did it for me last night now let me do it for you."

My heartbreaker was beautiful in his sternness. "All right already," I chuckled, "Have it your way, my love." Shawn placed his hand on the back of my head and guided me towards his neck. I allowed my teeth to break the skin and he sighed in pleasure as did I. I took only a small drink but it restored a bit of my strength. I would be quite comfortable now until I could feed tomorrow. I pulled back licking the blood from his neck even as the wound healed. "Thank you, Shawn," I whispered snuggling against him.

We heard the footsteps and looked up to find Kevin standing several feet from us. He looked like he was ready to drop. I don't know how he managed to wake let alone get to his feet. Most fledglings sleep for an entire day after being made. I pulled back feeling instinctively protective. "What are you doing out of bed?" I scolded, "Come here and sit down before you fall down."

As tired as he was he had the audacity to arch an eyebrow in amusement. Shawn chuckled, "Better do as she says, Kev, or she's likely to pick you up and carry you back to bed." Kevin's features softened when his eyes came to rest on Shawn. He came to the couch settling next to Shawn.

"Why am I so tired?" he asked laying his head against Shawn's shoulder.

"It's the transformation," I told him, "You should be in bed. You need to rest."

Kevin blushed, "I d-didn't want to be alone," he muttered looking down.

My heart melted. It was disarming to see this giant so gentle and uncertain. "Why don't we all go to bed?" I suggested gently, "Dawn is coming and Shawn must sleep soon."

Kevin looked back up and a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, "Okay."

I escorted my fledglings to the bedroom, my arm around Kevin to keep him from stumbling. I tucked Kevin in and Shawn lay down next to him and then I lay down next to Shawn. "Sleep my beautiful, children," I coaxed kissing them each on the forehead.

They closed their eyes and were soon asleep. I took this opportunity to study them. I was proud of them. They were so beautiful. Kevin was quickly finding place in my heart next to the one that Shawn held. I lay my head on the pillow and closed my eyes following my children into slumber.