Boston's Burning

by Firewolfe

The Boston Homicide team runs into a unique serial Killer and Help comes from family and friends they did not know they had. Connections to both Maura and Jane's past pop up and will change their lives forever. Maura may soon learn that her family is a lot more complicated then she ever believed.

12. Chapter 12 The real braiman

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or series I am just borrowing them from their awesome creators.

Boston's witch burnings

By: Fire Wolfe

A/N: 'Telepathy or thoughts', "Speech"

Sunday, April 07, 2013

Part 12 The Real Braiman

Luke was not happy. It was a rare day that he had to run from anyone or anything. He was not a Master Vampire that took to hiding from his opponents. He had been in and around Boston since the city was founded and did not like having to run and hide. He clearly had miscalculated a little bit. He had no idea that Caylin's sister was a slayer and that would complicate things a great deal. He walked into his home from the underground access and moved to his study. While feeding on the guard had been helpful he was still rather hungry. Upon reflection he had made a mistake trying to turn Caylin when he was starving. It was a rookie mistake and it had almost cost him dearly. He went to small refrigerator next to his desk and pulled out a bag of O negative blood. He poured it into a mug and placed it into the microwave. As it heated up to the perfect temperature he considered his many errors. Errors he would not have made had he been thinking clearly and logically. Being in love was a pain and clouded one's judgment. It was the reason he had so avoided the state for so many years. Love made one rash and reckless. He recalled having once mocked William the Bloody for his being Love's Bitch but it seemed he had fallen into the same trap. As he sipped his blood he considered his position with care. If he continued to chase Caylin he risked running into the slayers. It was not a recipe for a long life. However, he genuinely wanted the girl. It had been over 200 years since he had wanted to keep a girl/woman around and he was fascinated by the young woman. She was vibrant and alive and made him want. It had been many years since he had been turned and for the first time in those years he regretted being a vampire. For the first time he wished he was once more a mortal who could properly court and claim the woman who had so intrigued him. Ok he could admit when he had first seen her she had merely been on the menu for a brief moment that was until the arrival of other vampires who had tried to attack her had changed all that. She had fought them off and shown a rare courage. Courage he had admired. It was not often prey escaped his kind but she had done so. Of course Luke had dispatched the upstarts for daring to attack her and try to hunt in his town without his permission because to do so was the height of arrogance. He was the Master of Boston and he would not allow random violence. Hunting in Boston was carefully regulated and controlled. In fact in the last 50 years kills were rarely allowed. The vampires that came to Boston had to follow a strict catch and release program or he made them dust. Catch and release ensured that the prey stayed around to serve another meal and that they never got wise that they were on the menu. That did not mean that sometimes accidents happened but they were rare and dealt with carefully, Luke had survived because he was smart. He avoided the appearance of a vampire infestation and stayed off the Council's radar. Luke was a Cabot and the old joke about the family being above most was in fact something he was proud of. His brother and his family had helped build Boston and the United States so Luke was naturally possessive of the town. He had lived here most of his life and un-life seeing no real reason to leave. Oh he had traveled from time to time but Boston well it was home and it was his. He had seen this town through many a high and low points but it remained solid and strong. He sipped his blood and wondered why he had to deal with slayers now. They had never really been in this area before. His careful rule had ensured that those of his kind did not draw attention to themselves and his family's power protected him. He leaned back and decided he needed answers and sadly that meant he had to speak with some of his extended family. It was an indulgence one he rarely allowed because he did not want to compromise his family. He was a vampire and if it became known that his people had harbored him…well it could be bad. Only the head of his family knew who and what he was. He did sometimes appear at family events every few years but he stayed to the background often mistaken for a bastard child of one of the elders. That did not bother him much because it was after all the truth. However, in fairness his father had taken good care of him and he had been a loving parent and a generous lover. His mother who was a Chaffee /Cooper though like himself born on the wrong side of the blanket yet she had never lacked for anything in her lifetime and honestly Luke thought she fared far better than his father's wife. Of course the morals of the day were far different and he never judged. He understood then and now that appearances were important to some people. Having a half native as a wife would not do. A mistress was fine and she had been acceptable to society passing herself off a wealthy widow it was foolish but he decided it had not really affected him much so he did not care. He was before his turning as wealthy and protected as his legitimate siblings all of whom he loved dearly. He sipped his blood and once more wondered why he was so different then many of his kind. He knew most slaughtered their families but he had never had that desire. In fact if anything he had become far more protective of his family he thought it may be a trait of his family line; Dracula always did claim to be superior to other vampire lines and he too had formed a family of sorts. He sat down and picked up the phone and dialed the family Patriarch. This had to be handled with care as another Boston Brahmin family was involved. He sighed it was never simple or easy. He dialed New York City and not for the first time wished it had never been bought from the Indians. That damned place was always a mess. He recalled New York had once hosted a slayer and a damned good one at that. He had so smirked at the havoc she had caused the then Master of the City Tomas Johansen. The vampire had never reigned in his people and in doing so got a slayer. One who eventually ended his reign, one more reason to use restraint and care Luke thought.

"Thomas Cabot's office how may I help you."

"Mrs. Holmes how good to hear your voice again, this is Lucas Mitchell Cabot Cooper I was wondering if I could speak to Tomas today? I am afraid I have some rather pressing issues to discuss with him."

"Oh it is good to hear from you Mr. Copper, let me check his calendar, he is out to lunch with Mrs. Cabot right now but he is due back in the office at 2pm. I can leave a message for him?"

"That would be lovely my dear, I so appreciate your taking the time for me today."

"Oh it's no problem sir. He could use the distraction, just between you and me I think he will be glad when Alexandra returns home she can help keep her mother entertained. He loves Julia but he is being kept busy shopping and taking her to lunch."

Luke laughed at this. "Yes, well Julia is a handful, a lovely lady to be certain but a handful, I am sure he will love a chance to have Alex take over for a bit. He really should have allowed her to have that dozen or so children she wanted."

The personal assistant laughed at this. "Well to be fair Alexandra was is a handful. I am sure he thought more would see him into an early grave with worry." She joked with him as only an old family friend might do. She loved Lucas he was a good for her boss. It was a shame he never claimed him publicly.

Luke laughed at this. He loved Tomas but the man was a bit foolish. He should have had more children if only to protect the family line. "Yes well I shall drag him out for cigars and a drink soon. We can do male things to ease his worry of being around the ladies too much."

Mrs. Holmes laughed with amusement. She truly loved her boss and his family. She worked for him as a friend and because she loved the challenge not because she had too. Her own husband often grumbled that his Harvard Buddy stole the best assistant in the whole of New England but he never complained as his wife love her job. Kevin Holmes was a rare and special man. Katie Holmes knew it. She smiled thinking her boss would do well to spend some time with his boy. She just wished he would have claimed him he would have been a loving and protective older brother for Alex she would also have not felt such pressure to succeed. Oh well hers was not to question. "I'll leave the message sir."

"Mrs. Holmes, how many times do I have to tell you call me either Lucas or Mitchell?"

She laughed. "It would not be proper sir."

"I can see how you can keep him on his toes. Well good day, I'll not keep you any longer, have a good afternoon Mrs. Holmes."

"Have a pleasant day sir. I'll make sure he gets the message."

Luke hung up and sighed. He leaned back. Soon he would have to change his name again. He leaned back and hoped he could make this work. He wanted Caylin and he wanted to keep his city safe. Something had drawn the slayers here and he would; know what or there would be hell to pay. He sipped his blood and wondered why acquiring a mate had to be so damned complicated? He briefly wondered if maybe William had the right idea find a soul and secure your mate; Of course that had not quite worked out for him either. Ah well he would succeed he would allow no other outcome. Slayers or not he would claim Caylin and she would be kept safe as a vampire she would never have to worry about failing kidneys again. He needed an edge and considering that there were slayers here he needed help. As loathe as he was to do this he picked up the telephone and dialed his Sire. Dracula might be a bit dramatic for his tastes but for all that he was a good sire and he would help. Plus if he recalled correctly the blonde slayer and he had some unfinished business. Yes his sire could be a help with this mess. After all his 'father' had been after him for some time to take a bride.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Faith looked on stunned. "Well, I did say this mission was blessed by Murphy."

"Understatement much," Dawn said. "Ok we all so need to get the introductions straight. I can see this is a shock to everyone but losing it won't help."

"Dawn is right." Buffy said she gave her sister a smile. Dawn had come a long way and her logical and calm manner were greatly appreciated. It bought them all time to process.

Willow looked gobsmacked at the idea of the Irishman being a king of some sort. Her agile mind was racing to figure this out. It could and would complicate matters deeply. It was clear to her as well as the slayers that Doyle was not exactly human but he was not a demon either. "What are you?"

"Ah lass that's a question isn't it. What I am is not important at least not at the moment. Know that I mean you and yours no harm as long as you are not a danger to me and mine." He gave Buffy a hard look. "There will be no more endangering my daughters. Try to harm my Faith again and I will make sure number five sticks."

Buffy glared at him. "You could try."

"Back off Paddy, I earned the wounds from Buffy. We fought fair and square and she was just a bit better than me. We got over it and she and I have no issues anymore." Faith said her saying Buffy's full name made it clear she had no problems with the eldest slayer. "You have no idea what went down. I get you are getting all protective like now. But I don't need it. I needed it when I was a kid, where were you? Now not so much so back the hell off?"

Paddy Doyle had the grace to blush deeply and even look a bit contrite and he would give Faith that point. "I made many mistakes Faith. I own them all and the worst sins of my life were in regards to my children. I tried to keep you all safe and away from my life and the life of crime. I protected you from your grandfather who had no patience or understanding for those who were not fully of our line and power. He hated mixed breed children and he would have killed you all. It mattered not that all your mothers accept Collin's had their own power he hated that it was not something he could control. So you were seen as liabilities. He would have killed you all and your mothers all to try to force me to wed and have the heir he wanted well it never worked. It's why I hid Maura and Matty and why I lied to Hope. It was the hardest thing I ever did. I backed down then and it cost you all I will not make that mistake again."

"Matty where is he?" Hope demanded. She moved toward Maura protectively, "I want to know he is safe. I saw him die, how is it he is alive now as well? What games are you playing at Patrick?"

Paddy nodded. "He is, for the moment safe enough. There are no games, there never were it was necessary."

"That is hardly reassuring Paddy." Hope said glaring."Talk or I may be using your methods to find the answers."

"It was not intended to be. Mathew is not in the city at this time which is actually a very good thing because he would be wanting to hunt this killer and the vampire that attacked your youngest. He can be very protective of this city it's in his blood even if he knows it not." That was said with a dark look clearly he was not well pleased with the idea or fact that Hope had another child one he was not the father of. "He is a good man and he is a protector he is a natural leader and will make a fine king when the time is right. Not that he knows it of course. He is away on a mission right now but when he returns I will arrange for you to meet him."

"You know him?" Maura asked. "You kept contact with my twin brother?" She was clearly hurt he had not done so with her.

Paddy smiled at his daughter "Aye I do, he is just like you and your mother though he prefers to work on the living. He's a doctor and one who is every bit as skilled as you and Hope. Not that that was how he started out of course he is a warrior born but, life events changes people and he took a new path not that I am complaining mind you. It's a lot safer than his old job." He glanced at Sean who shrugged.

"Hey it's so not my fault the rug rat had to follow me around like a puppy Uncle Paddy. He is still a damned fine Marshal for all his being a medical doctor now too. I never intended he follow me Into the Navy and the Seals you know."

"No its not but you never stopped him either did you Sean." Vicky said. "I swear you boys gave your mother and I grey hair."

Hope spun around and glared at Vicky. "You raised Mathew, how and why how could you!"

Paddy moved between the two women knowing full well Hope was angry and that an angry mother was every bit as dangerous as a slayer. "I arranged it. I would have had her and her husband raise both children if it had been safe. He survived only because Victoria worked to save his life. The doctors had written him off the useless sods. She breathed life into our baby boy and she saved him. His death certificate was already processed when she saved his life. Only his being like me saved him from being brain dead or worse. So modify your tone Hope Victoria does not deserve your anger. She did only as I asked her too. She and Kerrigan loved Mathew he was raised as their own and she never treated him as less than her son, he was raised with love and care and has three brothers and two others sisters as well."

"You stole both my children." Hope said anger showing. She looked at Constance and back at Victoria with anger. "I know they loved the children but they were mine, ours you never …. You knew where they were and watched them live and grow I ….I never had that. I loved you and trusted you." She turned away and began to weep. Her heart breaking again, her fear made her shake she could lose all her children and all because of Paddy. As she turned too sharply she cried out in pain as her hand hit the wall she now remembering her injured arm. The sharp movement had jarred it badly.

"I protected them Hope." Paddy said almost pleading. He tried to move to her side but Maura stopped him as did Constance clearly siding with Hope. They might not all get along at times but they were forming a family of sorts and Doyle had just messed with it something no one would be wise to do. Jane covered them all. She would not let Maura be hurt and hurting Hope hurt Maura.

"Look Doyle best intentions or not this is a bomb shell." Jane said. She looked over at Faith who seemed to be an outsider in this. "How does your other daughter fit into this?" A part of her hated Doyle for his games but a part of her understood why he did what he did, if he had stayed away well then she would have had less issues with him. His constant reappearance in their lives complicated things a lot. She looked at Faith and oddly enough she could now see the family resemblance it was in the fluid way they all moved. "And what the hell is this bull shit about vampires? There is no such thing as vampires what are you trying to sell us?"

"Ah Faith, she the one I failed the most. I was certain she was well loved and cared for with Honor and her family, I would never have left her be otherwise. I was wrong and so much went south because of that."

"Yeah think you bastard." Faith shouted. She was glared at by Vicky but it would take more than a nurse to intimidate the dark slayer. Hell even B had to work at it most of the time. She jumped at Patrick Doyle intent on adding her own bruise to his face. He owed her and she wanted to make that point up close and personal in a way her father would understand. However he simply raised his hand and stopped her cold. She was frozen mid air. "Faith my dear I owe you much but battering my body will not help with this. I need to remain awake and alert to help you. We will deal with everyone's complaints soon enough and I will let you all have your justice but, that is not why you are all here is it? I believe you are all here chasing a killer."

Faith scowled but her anger calmed as she realized he was right. Damn him. "Let me down, Red can you help? How the hell are you doing this Mojo? It's not possible?"

Willow was as shocked as anyone at the casual display of power she spun around to face Paddy Doyle and raised her hand to help Faith only to slam against absolute power. It was a shock and it almost knocked her off her feet. It had been a long time since anyone had the power to stand against her. She was supposed to be the most powerful witch in the USA but she could not help Faith. She was held tight by a power stronger then she could battle without touching the darkness. She struggled to even move much less help Faith.

"Powerful you may be Red Witch but, I am not weak. You cannot fight me with the powers of the light and I am rather certain you would not seek to use the darkness in a battle to defend one you care for as a sister."

"Who and what are you?" Willow demanded raising her hand to fight and defend wary now, she could now move but it took a lot. She was not about to let Faith down. She had almost let arrogance cause an issue she would not make that mistake again.

"Ah lass it's about time someone thought to ask that one."

"Doyle enough of these games I'm so not in the mood. Maybe we should have let Dean have you." Jane said with a warning tone. She was certain this was not good and it was going to complicate her case and she just knew it would upset her beloved so her patience was at an end. "We want answers and now would be a good time. I do not for moments understand what it is you are doing but I don't believe in magic or in vampires, or other fuglies so start explaining now before I haul you in on general principles. Maybe have them do a psychological exam because clearly you have lost it."

"Enough silence Detective. I tolerate much from you because of my beloved Maura but do not push it." Patrick waved his hand and Jane found herself unable to speak. "I am a Druid King and have no time or patience for games or one up-man-ship right now. There are killers loose in my city and I will not have it. Plus if I am right Hope you will be needing your wrist taken care of. Hitting a slayer is not wise they are rather durable. Bones tend to break when they land on them." He waved his hand clearly scanning Hope's wrist.

Willow felt the power roll off him as he directed it toward Hope. She sensed no ill intent but rather a sincere desire to check the doctor's wounded hand. She was oddly enough impressed and even a bit intimidated the power wielded by the Irish Mob boss was impressive.

Faith blushed. "Yeah well I tried not to hurt her. I am sorry about the wrist Doctor. I only wanted to prevent damage or further violence."

Hope nodded at that. She glared at Paddy he had the gall to be angry about Caylin when he had two other children as well. A part of her was very angry about that while another said it was only fair as she had moved on too. Or she had tried to.

Paddy gave her a hard look. His eyes narrowed. "Moving on was not …not my choice." Paddy looked sad and almost defeated.

Hope glared. "It doesn't matter now. Maybe I should have my wrist looked at it seems to be swelling a little. Maybe I should get some ice for it. I don't want to leave until we learn about Caylin."

Maura turned to check her out. She frowned deeply. "I agree we should have this checked out." Maura was confused and trying to process 'What was a slayer and how had her father held that woman in mid air? It should not be possible.' She looked at Jane confused only to see her detective also had a lot of unanswered questions.

A doctor came in. "The family of Seamus Connors?"

Doyle turned to face the doctor."Seamus works for me Doctor he does not have any family. I am his medical proxy."

"Well then I suppose I can speak with you. Mr. Connors is a very lucky man. He lost a bit of blood but he will survive with rest and care."

Jane and the others looked away they had all been so caught up with Doyle that they forgot about the second victim. She looked at her partners who seemed as shame faced as she was. Well it had been a rough day and it was only natural that they were worried about Maura and her family. However as police officers they had almost dropped the ball on this one. It was a reminder of how complicated life was getting.

"Good see he gets the best of care. I won't have him suffer for trying to help patrons of my establishment."

Once more Patrick Doyle got hard stares at him. It was clear no one knew he owned the restaurant they had been planning on eating at.

"We gave him blood and fluids he should be able to leave tomorrow. I want to keep him for observation."

"Good, please keep me informed Doctor." Doyle said with a smile.

The young intern nodded and slipped away. Even as he left another doctor appeared to inform them about Caylin.

"Is the family of Caylin Martin present?"

"We are here Doctor." Hope said. "How is my daughter?"

Hope was supported by Maura on one side and oddly enough Constance on the other. Both women seemed determined to help her despite their differences.

"Caylin is resting. She had had quite shock. She has lost some blood and will need a transfusion. Unfortunately we are out of her type currently. I have her on fluids until more blood can arrive."

"I can donate." Mara said instantly.

"I can as well. I share my daughter's blood type." Dr. Martin said.

"Well then so can I Constance." offered with a wary smile, she noticed Faith rose as well.

"Well so can I and I'm betting B would be willing to donate too, and maybe D as well. I know for a fact we are universal donors."

"Of course we can donate." Dawn said with a grin. "We are all family after all."

Buffy gave her a warning look. Sometimes there were side affects when a slayer donated blood to a relative. Dawn stuck out her tongue at her sister.

"Buffy you know we should I mean if a vamp is after her she could use the boost." Faith said. "She is practically my sister sort of, so can we?"

The others looked at Buffy realizing suddenly that the blonde was in charge.

"Ok yeah we will," She began to roll up her sleeve, "If it changes her then you get to do the Spiel."

"Ok Fair enough D will do the Spiel." Faith said with a grin.

"Huh, Hey why me, I mean she's your relative." Dawn whined.

"Yeah, but you are the watcher." Faith said with a wicked grin.

William who had up until now been standing back laughed. "I can see now why Dr. Giles said you would be a handful."

The female Scooby members all gave him a dark look.

"Well, what changes?" Constance asked.

Buffy brow rose and she pointed to herself then to Faith and then to both Constance and Maura. "That kind of change, like the one you just got only not quite. We still don't know why or how but, it's a boost, not a total kick in but, a boost."

"Ah, oh…Shit!" Constance said she looked at her husband of almost forty years and he smiled sadly as he looked at both his wife and daughter.

"Yes, that kind of change dear one for both of you and…well at least your hip should heal faster now."

"Oh, ah ok." Constance said as she moved to the nearest chair and almost fell into it. Maura was at her side instantly.

"Mother what's wrong?"

"Destiny, it's a bitch my dear." She glared at Patrick and Hope then said. "Maybe Hope should get a transfusion as well. We might as well make it a family deal, because Goddess knows trouble seems to follow this family."

"A wise suggestion Constance, I agree Paddy what do you think?"

"Yes, agreed." He said.

"What the hell. Ok someone tell me what is going on." Jane demanded."What changes and there is no way I am letting you infect Maura with anything." Jane said.

"To late Jane for Constance, Maura or you, and it will help Caylin survive and be stronger and if Hope agrees she too will benefit. As William and Constance have said it should be a family deal."

"What do you mean?" Maura demanded moving to protect Jane."I won't let you hurt her or infect her either. We have a choice in this Whatever this is!"

"No beloved you don't none of us ever did." Constance said looking at Hope. "It's fate Maura mine, yours, Hopes and now if she chooses Caylin's as well. It's a chance to be whole and strong do you take it."

Hope paled. "No, no…not the curse it's not possible…I was passed over and Caylin she's not… she never… Maura….no…I had her checked they said she was not a potential that it was my lost child, not ….no…it can't be it passed Maura over."

Faith pulled a knife and threw it at Maura her hand shot up and she caught it with ease. It shocked everyone who was not a slayer or watcher. Maura angrily threw it back at her sister who casually snatched it from the air and threw it at Buffy who just as casually caught it and then spun around and threw it hard at Constance. The elder Isles lady grabbed it and with a flick sent it at Dawn how stopped it with two hands. She was not as fluid as the others but there was skill there. "It's always about the blood."

"No, damn it no." Hope said as she began to cry. She looked at Constance and suddenly knew why she had taken in her daughter and why she had been so distant. She glared at her then said. "Potentials we, are all or were potentials, but not Caylin she is normal."

"She was until she got our blood." Faith said. "The blood of the last of the chosen and the slayer queen, and the key, it opens many possibilities and doors, in another world, Caylin would have been the potential and now here she will be one because of the blood. It will heal her and make her strong and it will protect her from the darkness that will soon stalk you all."

Hope looked away and then nodded saying. "Do it, Make her strong and heal her, make her and Maura whole once more. If they must pay the price let them be whole that is all I demand for this." She knew she had no choice if she was to save Caylin and it was also true that if she refused this Caylin would not forgive her because she wanted to be equal to Maura in all things. Sadly that meant Hope had to agree to alter her daughter's fate. She might not become a slayer but she would become healthier and stronger and that would be needed that vampire was not going to quite he was fixated and Caylin would need every edge to stay alive. She had to allow this, once more she had to trust Paddy Doyle to protect her children. She silently promised TPTB that there would be hell to pay if harm befell her daughters from this. She cared not about herself but for them she would challenge heaven and hell together to keep them safe.

"Agreed so mote be." Doyle said. There was a flash and he looked at Willow who nodded. "So mote be a new line is born from mothers to daughters and sisters shall they be made."

Nurse Donavan ran to get the blood supplies she knew that this had to be done quickly or else Hope might reconsider and that would be bad for them all. Jane watched not sure what was going on even if she could now move again. She watched as they all gave blood. She would have stopped it but something deep inside her screamed to let this happen. She hated it when her gut spoke like this but did not give a real reason for it. Damn when did life get so twisted that I trust Doyle to save Maura's family? Why did that saying sound like some sort of spell? She looked at Frost and Korsak who were as confused as she was. Since when were their live fairytales about vampires, witches and magic?

TBC….