Author's Note: I love you guys! Thanks so much for all the encouragement and support you've given in your reviews! Elbow update: My right arm is in a removable splint. I have another x-ray today; I hope it looks ok and I don't need surgery. It still hurts, but not as much and I'm able to move my fingers now.
There's quite a bit of explanation about Tony's unique qualities and Gibbs' backstory with Adrian and Gabriel in this chapter. It slows down the action some, but this information has to go somewhere. I added in several flashbacks, and hopefully some pieces will come together for you. The next few chapters after this deal with Tony's reaction to finding out Gibbs' secret and Tony finally meets Gabriel again. Oh, and we discover Abby's involvement in the whole scenario.
Gibbs refers to his Maker in this chapter, but doesn't mention him by name. So I give you a challenge: Who do you think it is? Your guesses are usually spot on and I never seem to fool anybody. I look forward to hearing your ideas!
TLH
The naked woman groaned and moved to push herself up from the floor. Gibbs saw the shuffle and sped to the other side of the room so quickly Tony barely had time to blink. No one can move that fast, Tony thought. No one human.
Gibbs grabbed a fistful of red curls and jerked the female's head back violently, exposing her creamy white throat. Tony could see the pulse thrumming in the vein of her elongated neck. Is she alive? What are these things?
"You can kill me Leroy, but it won't change anything!" she shouted, her fangs bared and blood dripping from her lips. My blood, Tony noted ruefully, hand flying to the sticky area above his collarbone. "Someone else will come for him next. You can't stop us! Gabriel will have his way!"
Ducky handed Gibbs a knife. The dim light in the foyer glinted off the steel blade. Without a word, the lead agent placed the knife on the woman's throat, opening up a small cut in her jugular vein. Tony watched in morbid fascination as crimson blood dripped down her neck and onto her breasts. He couldn't look away as her smooth skin cracked and peeled like withered leather. The changes were subtle, but obvious; the more her blood flowed out, the more she aged. Her vibrant hair lost its shine and developed streaks of grey. In less than five minutes, her youth was lost and she had taken on the appearance of an elderly woman. A very naked elderly woman.
Gibbs grasped her arms roughly and shoved her toward the door. "Tell your master the next one of his leeches who shows up anywhere near Tony won't come back. He's been warned."
She gave him a murderous stare while pressing a hand to the seeping wound. "He and Adrian are far stronger than you. You cannot defeat them."
Gibbs didn't respond to her taunt. "If you hurry Gabriel might be able to heal that cut. But I wouldn't waste any time if I were you."
Narrowing her eyes at Gibbs, she pressed harder at the bloody hole in her neck and ran out into the night. Ducky shut the door behind her and whispered a revoking of the invitation that had allowed her in.
The sound of Tony's hysteria-edged laughter caused Gibbs to look around, concern etching his stoic features.
DiNozzo waved his hands, oblivious to the blood that coated his fingers, and continued to laugh mirthlessly. "You know, I was always curious which movie got it right. I was hoping it would be a little more like Dusk Till Dawn; I'm a big fan of George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino is a fricking genius." Tony's green eyes were wide and a little wild as his speech sped up into a hyperactive rant. "Of course, that movie is fairly edgy. Salma Hayek kind of reminds me of this chick, except for the hair. And they are in a vampire strip club. Which turns out to actually be an ancient vampire temple, and I don't think Ducky's house is the entranceway for something like that. But then again, I haven't been in his basement yet…"
"DiNozzo! Enough!" Gibbs barked, interrupting the diatribe. Tony stopped talking, but continued to stare at Gibbs like he might have been looking at the devil himself.
Gibbs glanced down at the stained knife in his hand before carefully placing it on a table. Ducky stood behind him, blinking and hesitant. They both watched Tony like he was a skittish colt ready to bolt.
What they didn't know was that the only thing keeping the senior field agent upright was the wall he was pressed into. He tried to control his breathing, which was threatening to race away into panting. Ignoring the pounding in his head Tony attempted to figure out how far it was to the door, and if he could make it there in time. After the speed Gibbs displayed moving across the room, he doubted it. His eyes darted from the door to Gibbs and back again.
The older man sensed Tony's panic and knew his agent was about to run.
Gibbs took a few cautious steps forward. He lowered his voice into the gentle tone used for victims of violence, traumatized children, and senior field agents who had just had their lives turned upside down. "DiNozzo, are you ok?"
Tony laughed again, louder and harsher than he intended. He let the back of his head hit the wall. "Am I ok? Considering I've been used as a snack bar for two nights in a row and I just found out my boss has been lying to me for years, no I don't think I'm ok."
"You're bleeding, Anthony. Let me have a look at your neck," Ducky requested gently, moving a few feet closer.
"Don't fucking touch me!" Tony yelled, putting his hands out and pushing himself further against the wall, scooting towards a corner that might provide more protection. "I don't want either of you to take one step closer to me!"
These people were my friends, but now, hell, they aren't even people.
"Let us help you, Tony. You're losing blood and you're in shock. Ducky and I are no different than we were this morning; we aren't going to hurt you." Gibbs kept his voice calm and even, attempting to sound as rational and reasonable as possible.
Tony blinked at him in disbelief. "What the hell are you? I mean, I know what you are, obviously, but what are you? You breathe, you bleed, you eat, and for God's sake you drink coffee like it's water. I don't understand. I've seen you in the daylight and you have a reflection. You don't even sleep in a fucking coffin! That's what Abby does….oh shit, is Abby one, too?" Tony looked down at his red stained shirt, and touched his neck again which was continuing to ooze blood. When he took his fingers away, he stared at the dark substance coating them. He held his shaking hand out toward Gibbs, who had the decency to look appalled. "Do you guys want a drink? Everybody else seems to think I taste pretty good." He shook his head and braced himself against the wall; suddenly quiet and still. "This….this isn't possible. I trusted you."
Gibbs took a few more cautious steps forward, his clear blue eyes following Tony's every movement. "Abby is not like us. You need to settle down and let Ducky do something about your neck before you keel over."
Always reasonable, Gibbs. Even when he's outing himself as a damn vampire.
"I can't. Please…..please don't touch me," he pleaded desperately, unable to handle the thought of their hands on him. Overcome with exhaustion, Tony slid down the wall and sat on the floor, his knees bent and his arms wrapped around them tightly. He wanted to pretend none of this was real, but it was too crisp and precise to be a nightmare. He's been dropped down the rabbit hole with Alice and this was actually happening.
He couldn't stop shaking and it pissed him off. Gibbs knelt down on one knee so they were at eye level.
"You aren't human, are you?" Tony finally whispered despondently, unable to come up with any other explanation.
Gibbs took a chance and moved over to sit down on the floor beside Tony, leaning his back against the wall, careful not to touch his agent. "I'll explain everything to you in the morning once we've all had some rest. Any questions you have, I'll answer. How long have you known me, Tony?"
DiNozzo didn't make eye contact; instead he stared at a spot of blood on the floor. "Ten years."
"In all that time, have I ever given you a reason not to trust me? To be afraid of me?"
Tony didn't hesitate with his answer. "No."
"Then trust me now. We need to get that bleeding stopped and you need to lay down for awhile."
Tony flicked his eyes at him. "My blood won't send you guys into some kind of feeding frenzy? You can control it?" His entire body quivered as he tried to accept what he'd just witnessed.
"Don't make me headslap you, DiNozzo. Yes, Ducky and I can control it, and no, we are not going to attack you. You've seen me around blood before, has it ever been a problem?"
Tony closed his eyes and thought that over. "No, not a problem. But that was before I knew you were a….."
"I know what I am, DiNozzo," Gibbs couldn't hide a small note of irritation. "It doesn't change anything."
"That's where you're wrong Gibbs," Tony looked him straight in the eye. "It changes everything."
Abruptly Tony pushed himself up. "I have to get out of here. I have to go." He staggered across the foyer, the look on his face daring Ducky to touch him. The ME raised his hands in the air and backed away. "Don't follow me, Gibbs, don't…."
His legs buckled and he sagged to his knees; before he could stop him, Gibbs sturdy arms were around his waist and under his shoulders and he was carrying him to the couch. Ducky pressed something to his neck and he flinched against the flaring pain.
"You've been lying," he mumbled as Gibbs arranged him on the sofa; he tried to push Gibbs off but found he was too weak and shaky to do anything more than batter against the rock solid chest. Tony was by no means a small man, and Gibbs had carried him as easily as he would a toddler. "All this time, you've been lying. I can't trust you….I…..I can't….." He stopped talking and wrinkled his forehead. "I fucking hate vampires." Then his eyes fluttered a few times and fell shut, his arms dropping limply to the side.
"He's passed out," Ducky stated. "Even someone as strong as our Anthony can only handle so much shock and blood loss. Hand me my bag."
Gibbs retrieved the black satchel and Ducky set to work closing the bleeding puncture sites. "You know the easiest way to do this," the doctor stated, looking at Gibbs for permission.
Gibbs nodded at Ducky before the ME leaned down and carefully licked each opening. Sitting back, he watched with satisfaction as the wounds closed, although the bruising remained.
"He'll never trust us again," Gibbs commented. "I can't say I blame him." He scanned the room, taking in the trashed foyer, the blood streaked wall where Tony had been standing, and the puddle of blood where the woman had knelt.
Ducky laid a hand on Gibbs' arm. "Don't underestimate our young friend. It might take him some time to get his head around all this, but I have no doubt that in the end he will understand we mean no harm." The ME paused. "And don't underestimate yourself. You will find a way to make this right."
Gibbs took a deep breath before standing. "I'll clean up," he said, and moved toward the entryway.
NCISNCISNCIS
Leroy walked along the rocky path, stopping when he saw two young boys running toward him, laughing as they chased each other. They nearly toppled into his legs before they noticed his presence.
Both lapsed into silence and stared at him, fear on their innocent faces. Gibbs pushed his scabbard farther behind him, hiding the long sword beneath his cloak. Reaching into his leather bag he took out two apples and leaned forward, handing one to each of the children.
They hesitated, but cautiously accepted his gifts. He smiled, his blue eyes sparkling warmly while he rubbed each boy on the head. They bowed slightly before turning on their heels and running off. The dark haired boy called timidly over his shoulder, "Thank you, Uncle Leroy!"
"Stay out of trouble, Adrian," the blue-eyed man called back.
He sensed the individual behind him without turning around. "They're afraid of me."
The other vampire scoffed. "You're a frightening soldier."
"Not as frightening as you."
That comment elicited a chuckle. "No, and you never will be. You seem to be doing better—taking care of the boy has been good for you."
Leroy shrugged noncommittally; the child had given his life renewed meaning, but he wasn't going to admit it. "There was no one else to take him in when his parents died. He knows me as his uncle, but it is more like great-great uncle; he is already very curious—I fear it will be difficult to keep the truth from him as he gets older."
They walked further down the path past small houses with thatched roofs. Their leather boots crunched into the gravel as they walked.
"I'd still change back if I could," Leroy clarified.
"You'd rather die like that?" His companion pointed at an old man sitting on the ground, blind and broken, his gnarled hand held out begging for whatever food a passerby might give him.
"Yes, I would. At least I'd still be a man."
"Are you implying I'm not a man? The wench I took to bed last night would disagree with you." The voice held a hint of mock indignation.
Leroy smiled. "Fine. At least I would still have a soul."
"Prove to me you don't have a soul. You are a stubborn bastard."
"I know, but so are you."
The low laugh rumbled beside him. "One day you'll change your mind, Leroy. Wait and see."
Gibbs sat up and looked around, remembering he was still at Ducky's; he had fallen asleep on the couch after helping the ME move Tony up to the guestroom. The dream faded into the background and he was glad to see it go; too much time had passed to dwell on those memories now. He rubbed his eyes, and then noticed the smell of coffee. Ducky entered the living room and offered him a steaming mug; no matter what happened, Ducky was a constant he was lucky to have.
"Sleep well?" the Scot asked.
"No," Gibbs grumbled, taking a large gulp from the cup. "How's Tony?"
"Still asleep. I'd say he'll be out a few more hours. What are we going to do today?"
Glancing at his watch, Gibbs cocked his head. "I need to go into work. I'll tell McGee and Ziva that Tony's wrist is bothering him, which isn't too far from the truth, and put you both down for sick days. Palmer can cover autopsy."
"And Abigail?"
A wry grin crossed his face. "She'll hold 'til after work. I'll bring her back for dinner. It might help if she talks to Tony, too."
"Once Anthony wakes up, he'll be full of questions. Should I answer them?" The doctor blew into his cup and took a sip.
Gibbs imagined the impending conversation and decided reinforcements wouldn't hurt.
"Go ahead. It might be easier coming from you first. He's going to absolutely despise me."
Ducky gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before disappearing back into the kitchen. Gibbs followed, finishing his coffee and pouring another.
"Do you think you'll be safe here today?" Gibbs asked.
The old ME smiled to himself. Gibbs was nothing if not protective of his adopted flock. Ducky looked up from where he was rinsing off dishes. "Safe enough, I would guess. A daytime attack isn't Gabriel or Adrian's style, and as long as I make sure Tony doesn't invite in any unwelcome guests we should be fine." He wiped his hands on a towel and leaned against the counter. "Besides, I haven't been in a skirmish for awhile, and I have a feeling there's still some fight in these old bones."
The corner of Gibbs' mouth ghosted up and he nodded grimly. "I trust you with my life, old friend."
"And Tony's. Now, get out of here and into the office. I'll call if we need anything."
Gibbs nodded and left the kitchen, pausing at the bottom of the staircase before bounding up. Soundlessly he entered the guestroom, unable to leave without one final check on the young man sprawled on the bed. He wasn't entirely pleased with what he saw; Tony's face had always been a dead giveaway when he was sick, and right now his normally tan skin was pale with shadowy smudges under his eyes. The events of the last few days were obviously taking a toll, and Gibbs doubted things were going to get better anytime soon. Once Tony woke up, it was anyone's guess how he would react to his newly acquired knowledge. They were sailing in uncharted waters on stormy seas. The lead agent straightened the blanket from where it was tangled around Tony's legs and sighed. "What the hell am I going to do with you, DiNozzo?" he said softly, resisting the urge to push a few stray strands of hair off Tony's forehead. Instead he ran a hand through his own silver hair before slipping quietly into the hallway.
NCISNCISNCIS
After a quick trip by his house to shower and change clothes, Gibbs headed toward the Navy Yard. He drove slower than normal, considering his options. He had known for a long time this day was coming, but had hoped somehow to avoid it.
The first time he met Tony, years ago in Baltimore, it was immediately apparent he was meant to help the younger man. He had been inexplicably drawn to watch out for Tony, to protect him, to teach him. The brash young Italian had been like a vessel waiting to be filled, and Gibbs had wanted to share with him all the knowledge he had gained over his many years on earth.
The fact that Tony was a bellus had taken him by surprise on that rainy Baltimore morning. Well, wouldn't DiNozzo shit when he found that out? A bellus was a rarity in vampire culture; most had never encountered one and Gibbs had bumped into DiNozzo at a random crime scene. Since he didn't believe in coincidences, he chalked it up to fate instead.
In another time, centuries ago, Tony would more than likely already be indentured to some powerful vampire coven. Thankfully, the younger man had never had to be concerned about that. For the past ten years Gibbs had made sure of it. He didn't own Tony and never wanted to; his only interest was to keep DiNozzo safe and out of harm's way. The fact he was the best young field agent Gibbs had ever worked with was an unexpected bonus.
The significance of owning a bellus was undoubtedly part of what Gabriel wanted from Tony, along with the added benefit of humiliating Gibbs if he took his protégé.
The lead agent was swept back to another memory from long ago.
Gibbs rode through the camp, observing the gathered vampires with a clinical detachment. Adrian knew the truth about his nature after stumbling upon him feeding several months before; his nephew rode a few feet back with a stern warning from Gibbs to stay close to his side.
The teenager was angry, but Gibbs was resolute; he would not turn him into a vampire. His greatest wish was for Adrian to live a normal human life, to raise a family and grow old, as he would have done if he could. Adrian couldn't understand the denial, seeing only that Gibbs was refusing him the opportunity for strength, power, and immortality. Gibbs hoped that witnessing the true nature of the vampires at the gathering would convince his ward there was nothing glamorous about it, but the trip was having the opposite effect and Adrian appeared more determined than ever that he wanted to be changed. Gibbs was considering sending Adrian away on an extended trip overseas as a distraction from his obsession.
Jeering laughter rang out ahead of them; Gibbs pulled his horse to a stop at the edge of a cluster of vampires who were cheering in appreciation of what he could only view as a disgusting scene.
A tall, imposing vampire with flowing blonde hair and golden eyes ruthlessly taunted his human prey, a young girl clutching desperately to a scrap of cloth covering her breasts; she was completely naked otherwise. Her long brown hair was as disheveled and crazed as the look in her eyes, and from the various cuts and bloody gashes on her skin the game she was trapped in had been going on for a while.
The vampire stood with his hands on his hips. "Why don't you run away?" he asked with a sneer. "You're free to go—if you're fast enough."
The girl let out a sob and scanned through the crowd for some sign of help. Gibbs watched impassively, waiting to see what happened next. He was surprised to notice that Adrian sat on the edge of his saddle staring at the large, impressive vampire with something akin to awe. They would definitely need to talk about his choice in heroes later.
With a lunge, the girl sprang up and dashed for the edge of the circle as for away from the imposing blonde as she could get, but he was too quick and blocked her path in an instant; knocking her back he ripped the cloth from her hands and exposed her heaving chest to the frantic crowd. She scrambled back through the dirt, oblivious to the insults and catcalls raining down, begging for mercy from what to her must be a demon come to life.
The vampire slowly walked forward until he stood over top of her, legs spread to straddle her body. He smiled broadly to display his fangs and dropped to his knees, leaning forward to lick her neck. The girl cried out in fear and misery, resigned to her destiny.
"Do you enjoy playing with defenseless humans?" Gibbs asked quietly, having had enough of the cruel display. "Or are you afraid of taking on someone with the strength to fight back?"
The blonde hair swung around and the golden eyes stared him down. "What business is it of yours?"
"My name is Leroy Gibson. I don't like to see vampires torment innocent humans."
The vampire stood and faced the newcomer. "Are you challenging me, Leroy Gibson?"
Blue eyes twinkled in anticipation. "Yeah, I guess I am." He handed the reins of his horse to Adrian, who frowned unhappily, and jumped down, walking into the circle. The girl crawled out of the way and curled in on herself.
"Why do you want to protect her? She is beneath us." The blonde brought his sword out from its scabbard.
Gibbs removed his own weapon. "That is where we disagree. I find most humans to be far superior to our kind. We have lost all respect for humanity."
The blonde rushed forward and their swords connected. "I have no need for humanity." They fought furiously, weapons clashing angrily, before Gibbs twisted behind his opponent and kicked him in the back, sending the vampire sprawling. Picking up the blonde's sword, he tossed it into the crowd which rippled out of the way, before turning the vampire over and pointing the tip of his blade to his opponent's neck.
"What is your name?" Gibbs demanded.
Fury and humiliation poured from the golden eyes. Gibbs ground the sword into his neck, drawing blood. "Your name!"
"Gabriel," the blonde spat out defiantly.
"Well, Gabriel, maybe next time you decide to abuse someone for sport, you'll think of me first." He bashed the heavy hilt of his weapon into the side of the vampire's head, stunning him.
Gibbs walked toward the frightened girl. "Throw me a blanket," he called to Adrian, who seemed reluctant to obey. The boy received an impatient glare and followed his command. Gibbs wrapped the girl carefully and led her through the now silent crowd to his horse; he lifted her up and followed suit. Making sure to meet eyes with every individual in the mob who encouraged this travesty, he nudged his horse and turned to go.
An outraged voice followed him. "You will pay for this, Leroy Gibson! You will pay!" He didn't look back at Gabriel, who screamed in frustration, but Adrian did, and Gibbs noted a strange glint in his nephew's eyes.
It was then the girl started to cry, and Gibbs focused on comforting her.
Gibbs blinked himself back to reality; that event was the beginning of an eternity of hatred; if he had known, would he have done things differently? Probably not. Adrian had always possessed a darkness of spirit that would have manifested itself one way or the other whether he had encountered Gabriel on that fateful day or not.
Adrian was so unlike Tony, who could find a way to bring light to the blackest of days. Whether by slapstick, dry wit, a play on words, double entendre, sexual innuendo, or as a last resort self-deprecation, DiNozzo would do what it took to get a laugh or a smile. The only thing Gibbs hadn't heard him use was a knock-knock joke, but he doubted if that was off-limits, Tony just hadn't found a way to work one in yet.
There was no way to tell if Tony's personality was a result of being a bellus or if it was just Tony being Tony. He liked to think it was something innately DiNozzo.
Both men and women could be a bellus, but they always descended from a family with ancestral ties to Eastern Europe. They were beautiful, more often than not with a joyful spirit and a zest for life. Most humans found them naturally captivating and attractive. What truly set them apart was their unique blood. It was powerful to vampires, giving them improved strength, heightened senses, and tasted…..the taste was indescribable. It was completely intoxicating, almost like alcohol, and nearly as addictive. Just the scent of a bellus could drive some vampires with little self-control insane. The most powerful vampires throughout history had owned a bellus, often considering them their most prized possession.
In Gibbs' mind, the reverence given them never changed the fact they were more often than not glorified slaves with no control over their own lives.
Many families had attempted to breed specifically to have such a child, but all had failed. It simply happened, for no rhyme or reason; however, vampire blood was a vital part of the lineage. Tony was both Italian and British, and more than likely had some gypsy heritage, which corresponded perfectly with the known background.
Abby understood the genetics far better than he did, having done the research on Tony when he first joined NCIS. She had begged Gibbs to tell DiNozzo, but he had never found a way to do it. He had a feeling the information might crush his friend. Instead, he had somewhat foolishly hoped to find a way to avoid Tony ever knowing the truth.
Gibbs couldn't entirely convince himself his decision to keep Tony in the dark had been wrong; the young man had lived a long time without the burden of knowledge that would soon alter everything he perceived of the world. The years he had given Tony to enjoy his life as his own, without any strings attached, was something he could never regret.
He just hoped Tony didn't hate him too much for the sacrifice.
Now it was time to choose; he could turn Tony, and by making him a vampire ensure no one else could easily possess him, or he could continue trying to protect him against Gabriel, Adrian, and others like them. If he were turned, Tony would belong to Gibbs' family, and as his first-born, would be nothing short of his very own Child. It was the most obvious solution to the dilemma. Of course, it would open up the option of Gibbs and Gabriel settling their feud officially, but that was the least of Gibbs' concerns.
It wasn't like Tony was weak or fragile and needed help; it was actually quite the opposite. DiNozzo was strong and capable, able to withstand and thrive over the many lifetimes Gibbs could give him. It was built into their nature to survive, and to seek out those who could enhance the longevity of their species. Tony would be an asset to their "breed." He wouldn't lose the qualities of a bellus and his blood would remain far more potent than others, but at least he could exert some control over whether he let anyone drink from him or not.
Yet turning him didn't come without complications. A vampire had to be mature before making another, since it was a serious undertaking with many obligations. A new vampire could not be left alone to face the world and expect to survive; the fledgling required care and attention to be able to take his place in the often violent underworld they inhabited.
Gibbs had waited longer than most to consider creating any offspring, even though the turning was an expectation, something all first-borns were required to do in order for their kind to continue. At one time, he had thought his blood would carry on in Kelly, but that wasn't meant to be. After Kelly was gone, Gibbs didn't have the heart to even consider making anyone else a vampire Child. Until he met Tony.
It would have been one thing to ask his own flesh and blood to continue along the path he found himself on. He didn't want to force someone else to make the choice he had been compelled to make; a painful death or eternal life built upon the blood of others. How could he ever ask Tony to choose between those options?
Gibbs certainly wasn't afraid to fight Gabriel, as Adrian had implied; his greater worry was not destroying DiNozzo. Tony deserved a full and complete life without hiding from the world; he shouldn't have to watch his own humanity slip away and be associated with all that was dark and despised. There was something about Tony that, despite what anyone else might say, was completely pure and innocent. Gibbs couldn't risk destroying that with his "gift," no matter what vampire law compelled him to do.
From the first day in Baltimore, he knew Tony had looked at him as a mentor, and even as a surrogate father. It was up to Gibbs to take care of him, even if what Tony needed protection against was Gibbs and all the others like him.
But he had stalled for as long as they were going to let him; he was going to have to make a decision soon; turn Tony or somehow try to prevent Gabriel and Adrian from taking the younger man as their personal blood-slave, living only for them to drink from DiNozzo as they pleased.
Unfortunately, Tony's very existence had become the stakes in a poker game Gibbs couldn't afford to lose.
NCISNCISNCIS
Gabriel coldly assessed the injured female kneeling before him. "I am sorry, Master, that I did not completely fulfill your command. I did bite the bellus, but did not take much blood since the two more powerful vampires you warned me about intervened."
Her voice was soft and contrite; he watched as blood continued to flow from the wound in her neck. She was trembling, both from fear and loss of the life-sustaining substance. Gabriel sighed. "You know I cannot abide failure in my offspring." His voice showed no compassion.
Adrian moved from the shadows and lifted a large sword from the wall, handing it to Gabriel. The older vampire hefted the weapon and without hesitation sliced it smoothly through the air, watching without reaction as the once beautiful head separated from the girl's body and fell to the floor. Her body tumbled down beside it.
Gabriel handed the blade back to Adrian and wished the legend that vampires turned to dust when they died was actually true. It would make situations like this a lot simpler. "Get someone to clean up."
Adrian followed his command without question, leaving briefly to return with a servant who efficiently removed the remains.
Adrian seated himself in a leather chair flanking Gabriel's ornate desk, crossed his legs, and laced his fingers together, studying his Maker. As usual, the handsome, unlined face revealed none of the emotions that welled underneath.
"Do you think our actions are having any impact?"
Gabriel walked to his own chair. "Absolutely. We are striking exactly where it will impact Leroy most; the deaths of innocent humans and harming his latest pet project. He will not hold out much longer."
"You are confident we can defeat him? He is powerful in his own right,"
Gabriel's gaze sharpened; showing a small hint of anger. "Do not doubt me, Adrian. I have always given you what you want, is that not true?"
"Yes. I just remind you not to underestimate my Uncle. He is not to be taken lightly."
"Regardless of his decisions we will get what we want. If he turns Anthony, we will fight and kill him, with the Conclave's approval. If he does not, we will take the boy for our own and leave Leroy to suffer the loss. Either way, you should be satisfied."
Adrian scowled at the options. "I would rather see him dead."
"The anger you felt when you came to me is hardly diminished by time, my Child. I would be glad to see you let it go."
It had been centuries, but Adrian knew he could never forget the injustice Leroy had done to him. "Have you spoken to the Conclave? Are they still willing to support us?"
"There are those who wish to see me added to their ranks and those who support Leroy, despite his ambivalence about a leadership role and his nauseating love for humans. However, they all agree it is time for Leroy to do something about establishing a bloodline. Since the bellus is available, they see him as an appropriate choice. A representative of the Conclave is coming to visit us soon to discuss the matter."
"If Leroy refuses to turn DiNozzo, will you do more than take the bellus for his blood?"
Gabriel stood and walked behind Adrian, laying a thin hand on the younger vampire's dark hair. "An odd question, my Son. Do I detect a note of jealousy? I thought you were glad to no longer be a part of my broader….appetites."
Adrian sat perfectly still as Gabriel stroked his hair. A part of him wanted to shudder, memories of what he had given to become a vampire forever etched in his mind; it was part of the reason his hatred for his Uncle would never wane. Leroy was supposed to protect him and care for him like a father, and instead had pushed him into the embrace of this hedonistic creature. It was unforgivable. "I am not jealous, just curious. Knowing you were using the boy would drive Leroy insane. You know what he was like when he found out about me."
"Yes, Leroy was quite upset, although in his heart he knew you were a willing participant. I do suspect I would have little self-control if we bring the boy here. I've tasted his blood, and it is the most unbelievably sweet experience I can ever remember. To have that enhanced with other pleasures of his flesh would only heighten the sensations. He is quite beautiful." The vampire moved his fingers to trail along Adrian's jawline. "I am sacrificing quite a lot by allowing Leroy the opportunity to turn him."
Adrian swallowed. "You have been very good to me."
"Yes. I have even given you the chance to find your own mate. Maria has made you happy, has she not?"
"She has," Adrian replied. When Gabriel had finally lost interest in him as a plaything, he had been lucky to find someone like Maria who could help him forget all the long years he had lost. She meant everything to him now.
"You will always be my first-born, Adrian. You will always hold that special place in my heart, even if you are no longer my lover and have become much more of my Son. I've enjoyed the others that have taken your place, but it would be nice to have someone like Anthony to indulge with for a time. We shall see. It will all depend on Leroy, now."
Adrian closed his eyes. Would Leroy really turn DiNozzo? Would his Uncle give the bellus the gift of blood that he himself would have cherished above all else? It would be devastating if Leroy actually went through with it, choosing another when he was denied.
But it was the only way the Conclave would ever give them permission to fight and he would finally see the vampire he despised above all others appropriately punished for rejecting him as his Child.
When his Uncle decided to take the young man under his protection, Anthony's life had been forfeit. DiNozzo would pay a high cost for taking his place in Leroy Gibson's life; he would either die with his Maker or live his life in slavery to them.
Adrian had all eternity to make sure of it.