Disclaimer: See previous chapter.

Chap. III

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The first thing she thought was, How foolish of me. Had she been more attentive, she would have noticed the lycan scent on him. It was faint, but it was definitely there. Perhaps it was because of her exhaustion yesterday, or perhaps she thought she was Michael, but either way, she failed to notice. Regardless, she knew now and her gun was trained on his temple before she even thought about it.

Michael was utterly surprised by both his words and Selene's action. He still wasn't sure what was going on, but he did recognize the strange man. But from where? More images flashed in his mind, causing him to shut it briefly. Lucian...his memories...of him...Ethan. Meanwhile, Ethan seemed perfectly calm for someone with a gun trained on him. He continued to keep his head forward and calmly answered.

"Yes. I am a lycan. And you are a vampire. A Death Dealer if I'm correct."

Selene cocked the hammer, but he continued, "Strange that a lycan would save a Death Dealer, don't you think? But I guess that just as strange as a Death Dealer running away from her kind."

Selene hesitated, but didn't lower the gun. At this point, Michael shook off the surfacing memories and called to her.

"Selene, please."

Selene's ice blue eyes shifted from Michael back to Ethan. As much as she hated to admit it, Ethan had saved their lives. But was there a hidden reason for it? She didn't know, nor did she want to chance it.

"Selene. If I really wanted you two dead, you would not be here." He stated. "So could you please lower that weapon?"

Selene seemed to consider his request and then slowly lowered her gun. Ethan closed his eyes briefly before opening them again.

"I'll be waiting in the living room."

Ethan turned around and walked out of the room. Selene's eyes continued to follow before she turned back to Michael. Michael simply looked back at her, wondering if she was going to do anything. But rather she simply indicated to the pile of clothes by the bed.

"Get dressed."

The two later left the room and into the living room. Michael, now fully dressed, strode behind Selene and followed her into the room. There, their noses were gifted to a strong smell, although Selene didn't recognize it. Michael however, did.

"Ribs...and steak."

Right on cue, Ethan walked in from what appeared to be a kitchen. He held in his hand two plates of food. Meat actually. He placed the still smoking food on the table in front and turned back to the kitchen.

"Please, dig in...uhh. I never did get your name."

Michael had to pry his eyes away from the delicious meal, "My name is Michael."

Ethan smiled, "Michael. Anyway, help yourself. I'll be right back."

Ethan disappeared into the kitchen again and Michael instantly dove into the steak. Selene watched with a bemused interest as Michael practically gorged on the meat. It has been several days since he had eaten and she figured he was famished. Michael looked up from his food and after seeing her gaze, slowed down and his face flushed a bit from embarrassment. Selene didn't react though and simply looked on. Ethan returned in the room with a cup of red liquid on which he placed in front of Selene.

"Blood strained from the meat. Sorry. This may be a little stale from what you're used to, but..."

Selene simply took the cup and placed it on her lips. Her face tightened a bit at first, but she gradually took it in smoothly. After drinking half the cup, she placed it back on the table. Meanwhile, Michael had slow down in his meal and stopped for a bit.

"We have much to discuss, I imagine."

Ethan nodded, "Quite right." He smiled to himself, "Young pup. Lucian called me that when we were younger."

Looking up, he continued, "Lucian was my elder brother. In the days when we served the vampires, we were the closest of friends. Then...he met Sonja."

"Sonja..." Michael repeated softly.

Ethan looked up and the blond-haired young man, "Yes. She was beautiful. Very much like you." he added, looking at Selene. When she didn't respond, he continued, "Anyway, they became inseparable. Despite the Covenant, they remained together. I was happy for him, but I knew it wasn't to last." Looking back at Michael, "I guess you know what happened afterward."

Michael nodded solemnly, "Yes."

Ethan nodded sadly and continued, "After Lucian escape, he was hell-bent on avenging her. He released a few of us, myself included, in order to fight against the vampires." He looked over at Selene, but he still got no reaction out of her. Curious.

"We fought, with him in the lead. The battles were bloody, but even-sided. I don't think Viktor expected such resistance from us. Then the great battle was waged and we were defeated. Lucian refused to quit though and managed to hide himself. But I had vowed to stop fighting. It had gone to far that time and the cost was too high."

Both noticed the hint of sadness in his voice, but he quickly covered over it, "I went into hiding at first and then later, I slowly resurfaced, living the life of a mortal human. I never changed into my bestial form again, even in the light of a full moon. I believe that's one of the reasons you didn't notice at first."

Selene simply took another sip of her drink. Ethan sighed and refocused his gaze on Michael once again, "Okay, your turn. You were turned by Lucian; that much is clear. But your scent is strange. It's lycan, but also something else. I don't understand."

"Vampire."

The response came from Selene, much to Ethan's delight. However, confusion also entered his mind.

"Vampire? How is that possible?"

"Michael is a hybrid of lycan and vampire." she stated simply.

Ethan blinked in surprise, "Well, that is a surprise. And judging by your knowledge, Lucian is your lycan half. Shall I venture a guess that she is the vampire half?"

Michael nodded simply and Ethan smiled thoughtfully, "Fascinating. Lucian's will personified. I wonder what he's doing now."

"Lucian is dead."

Selene again; cold and to the point. Ethan gazed in her direction and for the first time, a glare crossed his features. It slowly faded, but his face was as stone.

"When? How?"

"Last night, before you picked us up. He was shot to death by a vampire named Kraven."

A wolfish snarl escaped his lips, "Kraven."

Selene simply watched his change of mood passively while Michael seemed a little scared. True, with his powers, he didn't need to be. But some old habits die hard.

Ethan shook his head lightly as he reined control on his temper, "I knew it was a mistake to let him live."

Selene continued to be passive, "You knew Kraven?"

Ethan frowned thoroughly, "In that great battle, Kraven had snuck through our defenses and tried to ambush us from behind. But if you know Kraven, you know that he wasn't much of a warrior. More like a damned sewer rat. I took him down, but he asked for his life to be spared. Lucian granted it, after seeing that the battle was taking its toll. He wanted to keep Kraven in his pocket, but I didn't trust him. I hated Kraven, he..."

Ethan's rage seemed to return, but again he kept it in check. "I believe that's enough about me for now." He smiled, but they knew it was feigned. "What's your tale of woe?"

Selene didn't want to get into this. She just wanted to get away before the Death Dealers returned.

"We can not stay. We must go now."

Selene stood from her seat while Michael looked in confusion but arose anyway. Ethan remained in place.

"I understand. But before you leave, answer me this." His gaze was directed at both of them and Selene could truly see for the first time his eyes. Deep, brown eyes. She didn't see Lucian that many times, but she felt that that was what he eyes looked like. They showed a wild ferocity, but cool intelligence and strength.

"Does Kraven still live?"

Selene nodded, "Yes."

Ethan nodded back, "Not for long. A safe journey to the both of you."