CHAPTER SIX

November 10, 2009

Tonight would be different, Steve told himself. For the past few nights, he had missed all the Authority meetings. However, this time he would only be fashionably late. Important public figures such as himself were delayed all the time. He could pass it off as a sign of significance, status, and demand. His time was most valuable and anyone would be lucky to be in his presence.

That wouldn't be an idea too hard to sell…

Steve was fueled by his lucky duct tape as well as his continual dosage of vitamin D. He did indeed feel much better. The aches and pangs were gone. The symptoms had felt like daggers to the flesh, but they were remarkably dismissed by something so simple and so human.

Steve felt immortal once again. However, he felt that way whenever he was around Russell. Russell had been so insistent, demanding, and unapologetic over something as plain as human vitamins. Steve dared to describe his immediate and instinctive response as chivalrous.

Naturally, Steve's thoughts did not stop there. It was plain to see that Russell's gallantry lit up his dreary nights. Shadows meant nothing to him anymore and Steve knew that no matter where he went or how trivial his predicament was, Russell would be the shooting star that flickered through the dark skies. He would always surround Steve, and death instantly became less lonely.

Their relationship had evolved into something greater. Something more instinctual than lustful. Spanking was a shocking yet effective subject to approach, and the reason and affection behind it caused something to stir deep inside Steve. It showed that Russell was unyielding when it came to his care and it seemed as if he and Russell had finally entwined their lives together.

They were more than lovers, but something different than progeny and maker. Steve knew that Russell would be that consistent force in his life. After all, there was never anything in 3000 years that could stop Russell Edgington. He had survived walking in sunlight and the rays of the sun still sparked within him…

Those sparks were one of many reasons Steve could easily recognize Russell's shadow in the sanctum. The Authority members were gathered around the conference table. Each one was their own black silhouette, but Russell's shadow was alive with an energy that predated everyone.

"Reverend Newlin," Salome's voice greeted somberly as the elevator doors opened. "It's so nice of you to finally join us."

Steve's eyes immediately snapped to the silhouette of tangled curls. As he walked closer, he was able to see everyone's faces beneath the lamplight.

"Please excuse my tardiness, Guardian," Steve apologized as he unbuttoned his jacket. "I was—"

Steve fumbled for an appropriate excuse. One that didn't involve hep D. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught Russell shaking his head.

Steve decided that Russell was right. Why even bother? So instead, Steve smiled and took a step back.

"What have I missed?" the reverend asked politely.

"Well," she sighed in annoyance. "It appears someone has massacred all our guards on Level 2."

In an instant, every head turned to face Russell. He was still covered in blood. It was too tacky to drip, but the crimson mess sparkled like a crystal prism on his skin. Steve wondered how he did not notice it at first, but he quickly realized that it was something that was just so naturally him. It was a part of his character and Steve probably could not recognize Russell without a little bloodshed.

In fact, Steve took a moment to marvel at the sight…

Russell was like an ancient treasure trapped in amber. His fierce and vicious impulse had to be preserved. To shatter it would be to destroy Russell Edgington himself. That was why mainstreaming was to become a thing of the past. Russell was the very essence of everything vampire.

"I'm sure whoever it was had his reasons," Steve said softly as took his rightful seat beside Russell and rested his hand on top of the ancient vampire's.

Russell greeted Steve with his own adoring smile and he leaned across the table. His voice was still hoarse from the recent horror.

"Aren't you glad you stuck with me, darling?" Russell whispered quietly against his ear and some more blood dribbled from his lips. "Why waste time running silver through everyone's veins? My way shows results. If it were possible, I would have every head on a spike to serve as a warning to others."

Russell then rubbed his bloodied hand over Steve's as he promised, "No one messes with Reverend Newlin."

A wonderful shiver shook through Steve as he watched Russell coat his hand with the blood. He was responsible for this bloodshed and he wholeheartedly agreed. Fuck interrogations. The Authority's procedures were too slow. Russell's reaction was slight if it meant he had peace of mind. Steve knew that whoever had infected his meal was no longer a threat.

However, Salome was aggravated not to be privy to Russell and Steve's conversation.

"You don't have to whisper," she instructed like some sort of schoolmarm. "I'm sure everyone here is interested in anything you have to say."

Russell groaned irritably. "Oh, I wish you hadn't distracted me. Now I forgot what Steven and I were talking about."

Steve smiled at the ancient vampire's determination. Following his cue, he jumped in his seat, eager to play along. "Me too!"

Russell's head snapped back to Steve's unexpected response and he just had to smile at his enthusiasm. He could admire a baby vampire who had the ability to catch on.

It was clear that Salome would get no answers from either Russell or Steve, so Russell had to chuckle.

"Isn't he remarkable?" he bragged to the entire room and decided that Steve was becoming a fine vampire indeed.

"Forgetfulness is not remarkable!" Salome snapped as she slammed her pen against the table. "Tardiness is not remarkable! Reverend Newlin has become increasingly unreliable since he started sharing his time with you."

Russell's bloodstained lips thinned. He leaned back against his chair as he studied Salome with a speculative look. He was insulted by the implication and it showed in his eyes.

While he was momentarily showing great restraint, Steve still knew that Russell could cause a scene at any moment, so he immediately intervened.

"I admit at times I have been careless," Steve defended confidently. "But you have my assurance that I'll make it up to you. After tomorrow night, you will be impressed by what I say on TBBN." He then offered a nervous laugh. "I mean, when have I ever disappointed you on TV?"

Salome sat back. The answer was never and she knew that, but it was only a matter of time. Eventually, Steve wouldn't be able to separate his private life from his public life. His habits from his human days would eventually seep through.

"Well," Salome sighed impatiently, "Whoever it was also killed the cleaning staff." She gave a stiff nod to the mess Steve and Russell were making. The moisture from the blood was eroding the varnish on the table and forming a puddle on the floor.

"I think you two should wash up," she instructed firmly. But at this point, she probably just wanted Russell out of her sights.

"Good," Russell groaned in agreement. "I don't breathe and even I know the air is too stuffy around here."

He stood up and held his hand out for Steve. "Come on, kiddo. We better go make ourselves pretty for the new Guardian."

Steve ignored Salome's exasperated eye roll and accepted Russell's hand…

Once they entered the hallway, Russell dropped Steve's hand and settled on guiding him through the rest of the way by the small of his back. Steve felt another wonderful tremor surge within him. This ancient, erratic vampire who posed questionable to all others was always the epitome of gentlemanly behavior whenever they were alone. Russell had the bewitching ability to make him lightheaded and even if Steve hadn't been ill, he knew Russell could reduce him back into a shaky, boneless being.

"Close your eyes," the ancient vampire ordered as they halted just before the doorway.

Without hesitation, Steve snapped his eyes shut. That could only mean one thing – Russell had brought him a present.

With Russell's guiding hand, Steve entered his chamber and he could hear a loud whimpering echoing in his empty room. The smell of fear and resistance wafted through the air and Steve instantly knew what Russell had brought him. After feeding on Tru Blood to force the vitamins down, Steve craved something warm and trembling.

Steve couldn't resist and his eyes popped open before Russell gave him the okay. A young woman in her bra and panties was bound to his bedposts with ropes. Russell's beautiful handprints bruised her neck, but other than that, her blood was intact.

Nevertheless, there was just something about a woman tethered to his bed that didn't sit well with him.

"Oh," Steve stammered hesitantly. "You brought me a girl…"

"Oh, don't be so ungrateful," Russell casually admonished, but after giving it another thought, he quickly remembered something. "Ah, yes, that's right... I forgot you're such a finicky eater."

"No, it's not that!" Steve quickly argued. It was sooo not that. He was too eager to eat anything that wasn't manufactured. He would have been thankful for a single drop of authentic blood. Whether it was female or male didn't matter at this point.

"It's just that… I thought…" Steve willed himself not to sound too eager. "I thought we could go out to eat?"

It had only been a couple of nights, but Steve missed the closeness he and Russell felt whenever human lives were at stake. The nastiest of his aches were gone and he was sure his speed would return shortly.

"Hmm." Russell considered it for a moment just because Steve sounded so disappointed. "I don't know. You're still a bit sluggish."

"Yeah, but I'll have you there."

"True."

"Just one night," Steve reasoned. "It doesn't even have to be a group of people. Just a party of two. One for me, one for you. We'll make it a quiet evening."

"Well…" Russell looked back over at Steve's bed, which was currently occupied with a human victim – one that would have to be eaten anyway. He ultimately decided that he did have a lesson plan at hand and he shouldn't let a baby vampire interfere with that.

"Perhaps tomorrow night," Russell answered. "Just until you get your reflexes back."

Steve pouted at the ruling. "You're not exactly supposed to go out either," he sang irritably. "Your disguises aren't fooling anyone."

"You don't need disguises when you're quick like me," Russell easily dismissed. Then he grabbed Steve's shoulder and pointed him towards the human girl. He did have a point to make, after all, and would just ignore any further pouting.

"I handpicked her myself," Russell bragged. "I doubt she was ever sick her entire life. See the full color in her cheeks? The plump face? It's not always easy to pick out a human with hep D, so I suggest staying away from anyone with a gaunt face or dark circles beneath their eyes."

While Russell's voice sounded informative at first, it quickly became dark and shadowed with sensuality as he continued, "As soon as you pierce her skin, you'll notice how snug she feels. It's like her flesh clings to your fangs, begging to be devoured…"

Steve tried to listen, but Russell's words were eventually drowned out by the girl's racing heartbeat. Her pulse drummed through Steve's ears. He was instantly mesmerized by the muscles in her neck, pumping back and forth. It was so healthy and strong. Russell merely gave a slight push forward and Steve was already on his way.

Russell sat down at the table. The girl's screams were merely background music now. It only proved how healthy her lungs were. Russell casually admired Steve's feeding technique as he skimmed through a pile of index cards left on the table. He soon picked up a pen and began adding his own notes.

Within moments, the girl's screams died down and Steve collapsed onto the chair across from Russell. He was still swimming in the sense of gratitude after finally having a hot meal.

He learned that Russell had exquisite tastes. The girl he provided for Steve had a staggering quality that surpassed the monotony he had to suffer through by drinking the Tru Blood. He could still feel her heat deep inside him. She was remarkably different from the sick human he had originally fed from…

"I thought you had a teleprompter for this," Russell interrupted Steve's euphoria as he referred to the index cards.

It took a moment for Steve to focus his eyes. "I do, but I like to be prepared. Suzanne has a lot of surprises and she's never on topic."

"Ah," Russell agreed. "Well, I've prepared a short speech perfect for any such occasion."

With a satisfied smile, Russell handed a card over to Steve.

Steve accepted the card just as eagerly. He frowned slightly when he read it aloud, "Fuck you?"

Russell merely smiled. It took a moment for Steve to recognize the simplicity and truth of those words. When he did, he grabbed Russell's hand adoringly.

"You have such a way with words," Steve purred.

Russell agreed with his own quiet chuckle. Then he began rubbing Steve's wrists. They weren't as shaky as they were the night before, but he still had to ask, "Feel sore?"

"Not at all."

Russell's hands then moved up his arms. Since Steve didn't flinch, it was clear that his joints were no longer swollen. However, to be sure, Russell needed to wrap his arms around Steve's neck. His actions were only met with a simple shudder that had nothing to do with the hep D. It was a reaction Steve had simply by being in the older vampire's presence. Russell was quickly standing, gripping Steve fiercely as the younger vampire still sat in his chair.

As Russell deepened their kiss, Steve noticed that he gave a low, rasping growl very similar to the sound he made whenever he fed on a victim. It was feral and beastly and Steve realized that Russell had an uncontrollable side that wasn't only brought out by violence.

The hep D had dulled Steve's senses, but at this moment his senses had never been more intensely alive. Every life Russell ever took could be felt in his hands and soon those hands were at Steve's tie, pulling it free from his sweater and loosening the knot.

That's when Steve's fangs sprang forth.

The low, rasping sound stopped and the hands at his chest stilled. For a moment, they had not been able to think rationally, but their common sense materialized out of thin air as soon as they heard the harsh click.

"I believe that's enough for now," Russell said as he pulled back from their embrace.

Steve choked back a sob. "No!"

Russell regretfully ruffled Steve's hair. "I'm not about to be infected, too."

"I'll wear a muzzle!"

Russell laughed. "Unfortunately, we should maintain at least a degree of discretion."

Steve murmured a quiet 'oh…' and Russell frowned at the disappointed look on the young vampire's face. He grabbed his chin one more time and kissed his apology. Steve moaned happily at first, but shortly whimpered because he knew Russell's old worldly scent would linger in his mind and no doubt torture him for the rest of the night.

"Don't worry," Russell whispered coarsely at his ear. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Thank god!" Steve gasped. He wouldn't be able to stand it if Russell left him alone another night to rest. While he had felt like collapsing that first night, he no longer felt that ill. He had no idea what he and Russell could do to past the time, but anything was better than sleeping alone.

Unfortunately, out of nowhere, there was a tap at the door.

Steve frowned when Salome stepped into his chamber without waiting for an invitation. He had forgotten about her.

"The meeting isn't over just yet," she said. "At least, not for Reverend Newlin it isn't."

Perfect, Steve thought and took one last desperate look at Russell. He was never eager to lose the ancient vampire's company, but he did have his own responsibilities. Responsibilities that he actually grew proud of.

"I guess I'm just a busy fella," Steve shrugged and stood away from Russell.

"I'll be here," Russell informed as he played with a strand of blood in his hands, not even offering a single glance at Salome…

Steve rode awkwardly with Salome in the elevator. He knew she was agitated with Russell and suspected that she might take her aggravation out on him. It was a few moments before she finally spoke.

"Russell is somewhat of an antiquity," she said casually as the elevator sunk lower.

"That he is," Steve agreed proudly and watched as the buttons of the elevator lit up.

"He's very nearly a thousand years older than myself."

"I believe so."

The elevator finally arrived to the sanctum with a jerky stop, but Salome's hand quickly locked the doors before they could open.

She sighed before she approached Steve. "You must remember that I was the one who recognized your gifts for communication and leadership. It was I who persuaded Roman to give you a chance and I will always look out for you, Steven."

Steve was somewhat confused, but he was always prepared with a smile and an answer. "You have been most kind."

"You are meant for greatness, Steve. I feel it and Lilith feels it, too."

There was no ignoring the intensity on her face. Steve was already well aware that he didn't rise to greatness. It was something that was bestowed upon him. He was more powerful now than he could have ever been in his human life. Salome was reminding him of that fact.

"I don't want to see you hurt," Salome continued. "You have so much potential. I hate seeing anyone stifling it."

She pressed a button and the elevator doors immediately opened. Steve stepped into the sanctum, but he noticed that Salome did not follow.

"Where is everyone?" Steve asked as he stood inside the empty hall.

"They've all gone," Salome answered. "This little meeting was just for you and I. Russell may be an icon, but I'm afraid you've fallen under his spell. You certainly cannot think that he's impressed with anything you've seen in your four months? He's desperate and he's lonely. He's looking for anything to pass the time and you're so much more than that. The AVL depends on you. The Authority depends on you. An entire race depends on you."

Steve immediately froze. He liked the idea of power, and unrequited love was something he had more than enough of. Three thousand years was an awfully big age difference. While he loved what Russell had to show him, Steve knew that he had nothing to offer in return. Even as a vampire he found a way to be sick and weak and downright embarrassing.

Steve was also familiar with the tales of vampires who turned world-weary. They had no desire to form emotional attachments to anyone and eventually ended their own lives.

Salome watched Steve's expression freeze and knew that he only needed one last push.

"Immortality breeds too many dangerously bored vampires," she cautioned before she pushed a button and closed the elevator doors.

Steve was left to ponder that statement alone in the empty sanctum. He wanted to be so much more than just a distraction for Russell Edgington.