The New Beginning - Dark Love 4

CHAPTER 14

Megel moaned softly as he woke with his Childe feeding from him. Poor Childe, even after all that had happened the night before, he was still answerable to the inner demands of his young body. *Good evening, Childe, * he held Torin to him.

*Hungry, * the sleepy excuse as Torin fed.

* Well, enjoy yourself, baby. Later, once my Grand-Sire wakes, I will see to it that you and I share this joy with him. *

Torin just moaned softly as he fed. He hadn't seen much of Megel's Grand-Sire so far. Megel had pretty much monopolized his time. Sharing him only with Randy and Sarah so far. And every time one of them went to make love to either, they both did. The tie between them was such that it they were not with each other, they shared anything they did, anyway. *Oh damn, that sounds great. I could really get used to this. * He shuddered as he came as Megel's fangs found his throat.

Megel stopped with the first taste of Torin's blood. *We are going to have to thank Azrael for what he gave you last night. * He kissed his Childe and mate, hard. *And you are going to have to get a little more used to dealing with Sarah. You are dependent on me for your life, no more. *

Torin pulled back, looking at him in confusion. "I'm what, but I thought, you said . . ."

Megel laughed softly, so not to wake the others in their bed. "No, Tori. We still share a soul. All that has changed is that now, with the blood you drank both from me, after I fed from Azrael and my Sire as well, You no longer are locked to my throat alone." Then he kissed him softly. *But, for now, if you aren't ready to feed from any other than me, I won't push you out. Cain was my Childe for over two years before he was finally ready to seek any other but me. If I was willing to let him, who was only my Childe, take the time he needed to heal. You, who are the other half of my soul, have nothing to worry about. I will be here for you, for now, as long as you need this of me. Gladly and with joy and love, I love you Tori. *

*Oh, okay, cool *. He went back to his feeding as Megel returned to the bond he was sharing with his Childe. Hips thrusting against the hand that touched him, stroking with gentle strength. *I love you. * And he did. He had fallen in love with Megel; long before he had ever met the man in his arms that was willing to love him back.

*Evening you two. * Shadow murmured only half-awake. Thorne had, woke, his with the pain of his hunger as well. The night before, by the time that Gabriel had made it back to his room, carrying his unconscious Childe in his arms. It had taken everything he had, had, to make it back here with both Thorne, who had slipped into slumber, and the boys, who were damn near dead on their feet as well. He had been right about his two, once he had fed them. They were more than just a little willing to join Thorne and him in their love with Jewel. There had been a time or two that he thought that Greg was going to hurt himself, trying to lose, himself in the girls arms, and not hurt her. And Jewel, the girl was a screamer. He would have two boy's overly full of, themselves, when they finally woke. *So, how is my little brother this evening, Megel? *

*Ridiculously good Childe. You should feed from your boy there. You are young, so you might not know by the taste, but my Grand-Childe is full Kin now. He did as Tori did last night, and not only fed from you after you did from you Grand-Sire, but from his great Grand-Sire as well. I don't fully understand how it happened, but after Azrael , had drained Drax. His blood had the power to see to it that enough of the mortality that was left in them was burned away. They, all, no matter how young, now, are full Kin. *

Shadow didn't doubt Megel's words. He knew his Sire wouldn't lie or mislead him. * That's great, but am I going to have to push him away, so soon, Father? I mean, I know that I will have to wait to wed him for a while, maybe even until I am a full adult. But do I have to make him stand-alone, already? *

*Childe, * Megel reached out a hand to cup Shadow's cheek. *You are a Sire. You are an adult now. I let your remaining years as a Child, be forfeit when I let you make your Childe your First-Born. For my love for you, I sacrificed all the years I had with you as just my Childe. For you Childe is not the only one who has been transformed by feeding from the ancient's blood. I wasn't going to let you go, but now, you are an adult. *

*I don't care, Megel, you are still my Father, and even if I am a so called adult now, you are, and Azrael is still your father, he is and he is still Osiris's Childe. And like, okay, I'm nothing compared to what you have with Tori, but you are still my Father. Adult or no, I am still your Childe. *

*I have already told you, Shadow. You are my First-Born. Nothing will ever change that. Yes I am your father. I will always be so. And even if you are now an adult. I will not let you go from me, not for the time I am promised with you as my Fledgling. Yes I sacrificed the total devotion that a Childe has with his Sire the first hundred years. But I won't give up that time. I really don't think either of us could live if I did. And now, I have more reason than ever to live. I have a First-Born and a soulbonded. What more, can, any man ask? *

*I don't know, Megel, maybe for his Childe to let him grab a few hours more sleep before, being, woke. Even if it is a wonderful way to be woken, it is, still, an unholy hour of the evening. *

Megel buried his face in Torin's neck, chucking to himself. *And here I thought you were willing to do anything for your son. He hasn't been your First-Born, for more than two nights, and already you are complaining. *

*No fair, Megel, I happen to know how hard it was on you when I was as young as my Childe. I also remember you muttering about my tendency to wake with the setting of the sun. Until I had gotten through that first month or so and could finally sleep as long as Cain and you did before hunger woke me. I would be willing to die to protect Thorne but it is pretty damn early, you have to admit. *

*Well, now that your Childe has fed, follow his example, and go back to sleep yourself. *

Shadow snorted . *Me, sleep now, come on, Megel, and get real. The only, thing, I want to do is pin my boy to the bed under me and see how much I can make him sing. You should have heard him with Jewel last night. I didn't know which one of them was going to break the sound barrier first. That girl is a screamer, and that only encouraged Thorne to try to out do her. Poor Max kept getting left out. I was with Thorne for most of the night, and Greg, once he realized that he wanted to work with women, again, was with her pretty singularly there for a while. And Jewel, after just few feedings from me, and she was all into him. The boy is going to be as bad, if not worse than I am. Thorne had best learn control soon. As is, you are going to have to help me with him, as he tends to Greg. The boy almost has a love for pain that would rival Sapphire's. *

*If that is how it's going to be, perhaps you should think about tracking down a girl of your own, that way, when you pull back into yourself, and your pet decides he would like to spend time with your cousins girl, Max won't feel quite so alone. And I would be more than happy to help my Grand-Childe with his pet. If Greg is as bad as you say. Then it is going to be to your Childe that the kid is drawn to. * He smiled, softly watching as Thorne hold his son. *That boy of yours is almost as much a wunderkind as you are. To think, he has the face of an angel, and yet he is willing to be your master. Now enough worrying for a while, either, take your Childe, or get some more rest. You are right, it is an unholy hour of the night. *

* * *

Mark looked around the kitchen as he watched as Casey, Willow, Brandy, Justin, Melanie and the girl that Topaz had left with his master. He wished like hell that Maria were still alive. More than just to fill the place her death had left in his life and heart. But because she was a whole hell of a lit better at doing this than he was. He had never dreamed of ever being first in Azrael's house. Or at least not for a friggin' long time. But now, All those before him. They were gone, Casey and Willow, there was no way that either of them would ever be able to stand as head of all of those that were mortal in Azrael's home. Mark worried, just a bit, about what would happen when the day finally came that he died. Would Justin finally be strong enough to pick up where he left off? Well, he had a little over hundred and forty years to make sure that he was, and the rest of the new bunch. He wasn't sure if Azrael had any plans for taking more pets or not. And Topaz's two, weren't going to live here forever. Sooner or later, she was going to go with her husband and leave here. So Azrael might not be planning on taking any more new 'pets' for many years. Maybe not until he was a, whole, lot older. ' Great, now I know what Maria meant when she said that her place here, were both a joy and heartache. I always thought she was just being poetic about it. I never realized how fucking serious she was. Shit, what the, hell, am I supposed to do now'? He had been living in Azrael's home for a little over six years, had come to think of it as his home as well. Had accepted the responsibility that would one day be his, but he just never dreamed it would ever be thrown at him so soon.

Well, he would just have to learn to be real fast on his feet. "Okay, guys, let's see what we can do about seeing if we can start fixing dinner for the rest. I guess for now, until they start sleeping without their masters, we will just have to switch our dinnertime back to a later hour. I just hope that they aren't early tonight. There is twelve of us now that are here full time, and that is not counting the fourteen on the Hall, or Susan." He just laughed. "Looks like I'm going to have to drag Willow out and buy some serious groceries tomorrow. I never went on a trip to the grocery store. But she has."

"Well then, if you want us to start, then shouldn't you, Justin and Casey get out of the way. Brandy, Melanie and Sue can help me with dinner, but let's face it, you are men." Willow might be Azrael's and Loki's slave, but she was still one of the few left that had a clue how to function in the kitchen.

"Thank god." Casey sighed. "Come on Mark, Justin, we still have that mess that was left from where that insane Renegade was killed last night. And I know Azrael well enough to know, he will get pissed if it is still there when he and his Sire make it up."

* * *

Gabriel stirred as he felt both Hunter and Virgo as they fed Hunter from his throat, Virgo his wrist. *Evening children. *

*I tried to keep from waking you Gabriel. But I'm starved. * Hunter apologized.

Gabriel's, mental laughed ticked Hunter's mind. * It's okay baby. I meant what I said last night. You and Virgo might be full Kin now. But your control is still almost non-existent. Feed both of you. It's going to be a while before caring for either of you will become a strain on me. * He moaned, softly, as Hunter pulled away to pull Virgo up against him, as he bent to sink his fangs into her right breast.

*No Pain, * Gabriel's will came down on Virgo, as he sank his fangs into her flesh, joining her is the heat, as he entered her anally.

Virgo's cry was near a scream as Hunter pressed her back against Gabriel, moving to love her, even as he sank his fangs into her shoulder. She lay trapped between them, face pressed into Gabriel's neck, sobbing against the flesh under her mouth. So lost in the heat, that she could do nothing but press her face even farther into her Sire's throat, and hold her brother to her as they both made love to her.

Gabriel pulled back, kissing her throat. Up. He lifted them both, as Hunter pulled back. Separating himself; only long enough for Gabriel to gather himself and Virgo, resting back on his knees. Never once pulling away from Virgo, who was still locked to his throat, before coming to be with her again, himself.

This time Virgo did scream, mouth opening under Gabriel's, tongue dancing frantically with his. Her body shuddering with her climax. *Yes! * She pressed back against Gabriel as she clung to Hunter. Drowning in the sea of heated flesh that was behind, before and in her. And as both Gabriel and Hunter sank their fangs into her, she came again, so hard that she could do nothing but cry out, begging them for more.

*Go on baby; I, know, after all Hunter and I have taken from you, you have to be hungry. * Gabriel lay back pulling Virgo against him, as they lay there, quiet. He could get to really like the way they could wake at night now. Before it had only been Hunter, but now. He opened his eyes, to see Jewel watching them silent. A slight blush on the girl's face and breasts. *Oops, I do think we are going to owe Jewel an apology. * He stroked Virgo's hair as the Childe fed.

Hunter reached for Jewel. "Wake you again?"

Jewel didn't try to resist as Hunter eased her close to them. "Wow." She whispered. Blush darkening.

"You should have come and joined us, baby. There is no reason for you to have to lay back here and, just, watch." Hunter fussed at her, smiling.

Jewel just giggled. "To be honest with you Hunter," she ducked her head, "I mean Master, I'm just a bit sore this evening."

Hunter just chuckled. "No, baby, Gabriel can get away with being your master. Me, my, Gift name is Hunter. But I'm just Hunter or Will. I know, so far the only ones that call me that are the mortals, still left here, that knew me last week, Mark, Willow and Casey, but that is, or should I say, was my name, too." For a man, that had a husband, he was suddenly finding himself with a lot of women. "I'm going to have to start drilling it into the new folk's head, to call me Hunter or Will. I happen to be like Gabriel. I can live with my Gift Name, out of other vampires, but the mortals, it is just a tad too close to the mark for me." He kissed her shoulder. "But, you, you're ours, so you can call me any name you want. Just don't call me master, okay?"

Jewel shrugged. "Okay, sure, like I was telling you Will, I don't think I would be up to anything, just yet. I'm still recovering from what that sex fiend did to me last night."

This caught Hunter's notice. "You don't say. Well come on girlfriend, give me all the dirt, and don't skimp on the details."

Jewel pulled away to look at him. "Pervert."

Hunter laughed at her, pulling her back against him. "Guilty as charged, Jewel. But really, I wasn't in any kind of condition to check on you this morning, and I don't think I would have gotten more than a 'fuck you, I'm asleep' our of you at the time either. So how are you? Shadow say's you were quite helpful last night with his two. What went down here?"

Jewel blushed even harder. "I think Shadow said it best when he told the guys he had, we made like bunnies." She blushed even harder, "a lot."

Gabriel, who lay by them just, laughed, hugging Virgo to him. "That sounds like my little cousin. For one who hasn't been a newborn for over three years, he still acts like it."

"How so Gabriel? I always thought he was doing real well in his maturing. I mean Megel did let him take a First-Born."

"Because, love, the only thing that boy ever thinks of is ' making like bunnies' as he puts it. And now with Thorne, I will be almost surprised if we see them at all tonight. He likes a bed, too much. Even for us, he spends more time in one than out of it. He's worse than even you and I. And that is saying a lot. Because unless I'm asleep, I am only truly happy in your arms."

Hunter chuckled. "Every time I turn around, I have something else to be impressed at. Poor Megel, to think that before Thorne, he had that boy of his, all to himself. No wonder there for the longest time, we almost never saw him. If I didn't have you, I think I would be jealous." He shuddered against Jewel as she pushed him back against Gabriel. "Almost, but, I think I got the better deal."

*Behave, both, of you. * Gabriel laughed. "So, my little cousin did right by you last night?"

"Yeah, three or four times, but it was Greg that was the most shocking. I thought, what with as many times Shadow had to feed Max, that he would be the same, but damn. I don't know exactly what his history is, but, damn, I thought he was going to eat me alive there a time or two."

"Yes, he had mentioned something in passing last night as he struggled to deal with both his boy and those two little pets he has, about you being something of a screamer."

She laughed. "Me, he should talk. That guy with him, you know the other vampire. He put me to shame."

Gabriel just snickered. "That would be Thorne. The boy has no idea how much like the uncle he was named after, he is. Thorne used to be a screamer too. I know, I used to see to it that he had a lot to scream about."

Hunter pulled away from Jewel to turn and wrap his arm over Gabriel. "You like screamers, hu?"

* * *

Vincent, stirred, as Wolf latched on to his throat, feeding hungrily. If it hadn't been for the fact that his Childe was still a newborn, full Kin or not, he would have growled at him. But the boy in his arm, was just an infant, and infants were almost always hungry. *Hi, baby, hungry? *

*Sure as hell isn't my way of saying hi. * Wolf muttered sleepily as he drank.

*A little snappish tonight aren't you Childe? * Now Vincent would gladly be woke for his Fledgling to feed, but he would not put up with any lip.

*No, Vincent, you stepped in before I could finish. I don't start feeding from you to say hi. I do this cus I'm hungry. I have a whole hell of a lot nicer ways to say hi. * Wolf finished his though, as his hands ran up Vincent's chest.

*Soon, baby, just let the old folks sleep a little more before we risk waking them. * Wolf was a newborn. Vincent mentally laughed at himself. Of course, he was going to want to say 'hi' in that way. ' Gods, I remember what it was like' . He had forgotten how bad he had been, back then. He had almost worn out his Sire, more than once, when he was the age his Childe was. But he didn't remember Alexander ever fussing at him about his new wantonness. If anything his Sire had encouraged it.

*Don't want to wait. * Wolf argued.

Vincent reached out, mentally, smiling to himself, as he felt those around him. He wasn't the only one who had a newborn with like-minded goals. Azrael had his hands full with not only Crystal, but his Sire as well. Loki was tending to Selene, and Harris, the poor guy had Doc and Christian, trying to devour him. He gave up any concern that he might disturb the others as he rolled over, pinning Wolf under him.

Azrael sighed softly. Holding Osiris as his Childe began to tease him with her hands and mouth. He really should try to get moving. There were things he needed to do still. But he just couldn't seem to gather the energy to move, as he felt Crystal's mouth on him . *Osiris, Father please wait. You have two more new Grandsons' yet to meet, and they both need your help, more than I ever have. * He hated that he had to pull away from the man he loved most of all, save his Childe that was now his soul.

*I know, Cameron, and Derrick has been pestering me since I returned to you. Vincent's sire was never released. But both Cameron and Derrick were, and they both wait and watch. Sharra's boy Vincent as well. *

*Well then, deal with Vincent first. I am sure he has much to discuss with his husband. * Azrael felt, a bit, like he knew Crystal did every time she had one of those flashes of 'knowing'. He couldn't explain how he knew, but he just did. All Vincent had to do was speak to his lifemate, and Azrael was almost positive that Derrick would release his Childe to turn his full love and care on Wolf. Derrick had made some blunders in the past. But over the last few years, the boy had started to truly mature.

*Very well, but I must warn you, Azrael, if I do not give your Brood a chance to speak to you, at least once, before I return to them. I will never be allowed to rest in peace, ever again. That youngest boy of yours, he is down right irritating at times. As is, before I leave, he is going to insist that he be allowed to come, if only for one night. My Grand Daughter is going to push for it. *

Azrael chuckled to himself. *Poor, Drax, I do not think he realizes just how mortality has changed in us. His youngest was my great-great-great-great Grand-Sire. *

*I would not count on that, my son. Why do you think it was you that he passed on his duty? Trust me, Azrael. He is fully aware of what his purer blood will do with the new children. * Osiris reached out and stroked Crystal's hair as she continued to shower his Childe, with her love.

Osiris gently pulled Wolf from Vincent. * Come, Childe. You were not of my Line, but now you are my First-Born's Childe. And your husband waits, and worries. * Then he looked to Wolf, who was watching him with such curious eyes. *Soon, little one. Let your Sire speak to his husband, and then I will see to it that as I share my love with you, that you are allowed to speak to Sharra's Childe that is as anxious to speak to you as he is Christian. *

Osiris opened his soul and power as he formed a brief bond with Vincent. *Okay children talk. *

*Lerion! * Derrick's thought hit Vincent at once.

Vincent moaned low as he struggled to keep his mind on what was at hand. But as the elder Kin's blood filled him, it was hard. *Derrick, baby is that you? *

*Who the hell else would it be? * Derrick's mental laughter danced across Vincent's thoughts. *So rumor has it that you are one of the Lined Kin now. Why else would they have anything to do with me here? *

*I wanted follow you, baby, but Azrael wouldn't let me fade. Or if I did, he wouldn't release me to be with you. So he made a deal with me. I'm part of his Line now, his Childe, I was allowed to put you with the rest of my new family. And I took Vincent's, Chosen, as my Childe. *

There was a silence. *Thank God. * Derrick finally responded. *I had been so worried. You're a hell of a lot deeper than I am. I had just known once I realized where I was, that you'd be following me. *

*I wanted too, God as my witness, love. I wanted too. But Azrael wouldn't let me. And I just couldn't die, without anyone to release my soul. I would have never seen you again. And now, with Wolf, I don't dare. This way, it might take a while, but I know where you are, and eventually, I can be with you again. *

Again the silence, Vincent was beginning to believe that Derrick had ended their communication, then. *Look, Lerion, Master. You can't just keep yourself walled up for the next how ever many hundreds of years you live. We never got around to making our lifemating a formal thing. So, you just go on and live. Forget me. I'm here. You did me the greatest favor that anyone could ever do for a Rogue. So you just go on, and try finding another. That little Childe of yours, he's your First-Born. So let him do what he is supposed to do. I'm dead, lover. He isn't. So go on, live and try to find love again. *

Vincent felt his heart, contract painfully. *Derrick, baby, no. I won't do that, I can't. I love you. Was willing to leave my new home to protect you some years back. I swear it, if I could have followed you, I would have. Please baby. Believe me. *

*Lerion, * Derrick's tone was hurt and angry. *Stop it. Don't you think I know that? Like I said, you're a hell of a lot deeper than I am. Yeah, you probably should have been able to follow me here, but you weren't allowed to, and now you don't dare. So deal, okay? * Then Derrick's thoughts softened. *Go on, Lerion. See if you can get that boy of yours to show you just how much he can love you. I'm dead, so let me go. * Then there was a touch of amusement in his thoughts. *Besides, just because I'm dead, doesn't mean that I stop feeling you know. If I know you are going on and living again. I can start relating to some of these here without feeling guilty. *

Vincent rested in Osiris's arm, weeping. He was going to lose the one man he had loved more than anyone save his Sire. It hurt, felt almost like a betrayal. Derrick wanted to be released, be free of him. Didn't want to be his husband anymore. Was there no end to the pain he would feel?

*Okay, * the pain he felt as his soul cried in agony, beyond description. He hadn't thought he could hurt like this again. Once he had entrusted Derrick's body to where the rest slept, he had thought that nothing else about his lifemates life and death could hurt him. But he had been wrong. Derrick was turning away from him. Wanted to be released. Was leaving him completely alone.

*Damnit, don't be this way. I am dead, you aren't. Neither is the rest of your new family. You can't just live alone for the rest of your life. I love you. But if you do something so stupid as pulling away and pining, I will do more than just stop loving you, Lerion. I will come to hate you for your stupid stubborn streak. Please, Lerion, Master, don't make me hate you. It would kill me to hate you, but I'm dead already. Please, don't do that to us. I can't even die to get away from the pain. Please, I love you, try loving me enough to let me go and find someone else. * The pain that flowed from Derrick to Vincent was almost too much for the younger Kin to bear.

*Okay, damnit, I said okay. Go on with you. I release you from our bond. I'm divorcing you, okay, you happy now? *

*No, Lerion, I'm not happy, how the fuck could you think that? I won't be happy until I know in my heart and soul that you are again. Don't you get it? You have a chance now, and a Childe. You go on and find love and peace again. And then I will be happy. * The link between them swelled as Vincent felt Derrick so close, as if his lover and ex-husband were holding him tight. *I love you. I will always love you. But I also love you enough to let you go, so go. Live, make me proud of you. Be pissed at me, I'm used to that from you. I used to piss you off at least two or three times a month. So get pissed if you want, but just go on and live. * The link was fading softly. *Just remember that I love you. * And he was gone.

Vincent lay, head pressed against Osiris's chest, as he cried. He was really alone now. The one thing that had made going on and living, possible, was the knowledge that Derrick was waiting for him. But Derrick wasn't there for him anymore. Had left him, totally. *I love you too, baby. * His heart cried out into the void that was the link he had just shared with Derrick. *God knows I love you. *

*Azrael * Osiris reached out to touch his Childe's mind. *Take your son. He is in great need of comfort now. His husband has released him. *

Vincent wasn't even aware of his surrounds as Osiris gently disengaged himself from his hold, pressing him into Azrael's arms. He was alone now. Derrick had done more than just die. He had left him. Turned away and broke that bond that they had shared between them. For the first time in years, he was alone, utterly, alone.

"He left me." Vincent wept against Azrael. "Derrick, he left me."

Azrael held him, stroking his hair. "I know Childe. That boy, had he lived, he would have grown into a fine adult." *Father, please, see to Wolf. The Childe needs to comfort his Sire. *

Wolf tried to pull away as Osiris gathered him close. "Vincent?"

"Hush Wolf. Your Sire is going to be just fine." Soft lips brushed Wolf's throat. *Come, Childe, you were still mortal when your master died. But he loved you greatly, and would have words with you now that you are mortal no more. Be with me. *

Wolf gasped at the feel of Osiris's fangs even as he was swallowed by his great Grand-Sire's power. It was so pure, he had never thought that he would ever feel this total purity. But as Osiris's blood filled him, and the power rapped around his heart and soul. He was happier that he had this chance, than he had ever thought he would be.

*Okay, Vincent, the Childe that had been your, Chosen, he can hear you now. *

*Davy! *

*Thank you, Osiris. * Vincent's touch was light, almost shy. *Hello, baby. *

*They wouldn't let me die. I wanted to die. * Again the tears as Wolf's heart and soul sought the man who had saved him from the hell his life had been.

Laughter greeted Wolf's pain. *Wolf, that would have been stupid. At my death, you were mortal. Dying would have done us no good, baby. No, better that you go on, and live. One day I'll see you again. Now, I have that chance. I never thought that my hesitancy at making you my Childe, would be a good thing. But I would much rather know that you have gone on and taken another as your Sire, than have you here with me. So which one was talked into saving you from yourself? I'm no Mage love, so there is much I don't know. I know only that you are mortal no more, that you are now one of my Line, but which one? I want to know, so I can spend the rest of my time here, thanking him. Was it Azrael, or Megel? Or maybe it was Loki. *

*No, Davy, it was Lerion, Derrick died, but Azrael wouldn't let my Sire fade to join him. Offered his Line and me so that he wouldn't die. I'm his First-Born. Azrael, he's my Grand-Sire now. * He was so happy. But he felt a little guilty. David had been his master. He had been his Chosen. *I'm sorry Davy. I love you, but Vincent, he's my Sire. I'm his Childe, his First-Born. You were gone. Lilith went home with Sharra, so that her Grand-Sire could see to giving her a reason to live without you. Christian, he's now with Harris. Billy, Mat, they are dead. Please, understand Davy, I had to do it. I couldn't die, If I did, I would never see you again. * Again, the pain and tears, as another Childe tried to explain why he had chosen to live instead of dying to join his master and love.

A wall of support and love wrapped itself around Wolf's heart. *Vincent, so I take it that when Lerion was given a chance to be Line. Azrael decided that he liked my name too much to just let it stay dead. Wolf, baby. You couldn't have died. That is the one thing I would have truly mourned. No, baby, you have no reason to apologize to me. I am not a fool. Of course, you had to go on. So baby, what did your Sire chose as your Gift Name? *

*Wolf. * David understood. He had worried that his old master would not approve of him going on and trying to make it without him. *My Grand-Sire, he gave my Father that name, because he knew that it would help me. I still have a tie with you. I love you. Azrael knew that, so he gave Lerion your Gift Name, all to help me. * He trembled with emotions that he was still too young to hope to control. *It was all for me, Davy. Vincent was offered a chance to live, to be Rogue no more, if he agreed to make me his First-Born. For me, it was all for me. *

David chuckled. *Don't count on it, baby. Azrael probably would have done anything to keep from having to lose anymore. Oh I am sure your Grand-Sire was thinking of you when he gave Lerion his new Gift Name, but the only reason your Sire was allowed to take you, was to keep him on that side the veil. And now, you need to make sure you take care of your Father. Derrick had turned away from him. He is going to need you. I know that you had no idea when I made you my Chosen, that you would ever be more than just one of my Brood, but now, Wolf, you are Vincent's First-Born. To you goes the job of helping him to go on. I am so proud of you. If it couldn't have been, me, to Sire, you, I am glad it was him. Mages make me uncomfortable as hell, and Azrael and Megel are one of those things. And Loki, lord, It took damn near every thing that Torin, Thorne and Osiris had to put him back together and send him back. I'm saddened to know that Mat died too. But not Billy, he is probably much better where he is now. I don't think there would have been anything anyone could have done for him, once I was gone. He couldn't be offered the chance you were. He would need to be completely dominated, and made to forget me. Azrael would have never done that to Billy. And if he had, I would have made his life a living hell, even if it had taken everything I had. *

*He wouldn't have done that. * Wolf was quick to defend Azrael.

*I know that Wolf. Now I need to let you go, Osiris has yet to offer this to Christian. And I am not the only one here that would love to speak to that boy. Shiva is about to drive me mad. So I will let you go. Just remember, baby, I am proud of you, and I love you. * And the tie broke suddenly. No, slow and gentle fading. No easing of the end, one moment. David was with Wolf, and the next. There was silence.

Wolf pulled back from Osiris, kissing the elder Kin's neck, licking at the wound there as it closed. "Thank you, Osiris." He knew how David felt, that he approved and was proud of what he had done. He had never heard of anyone reaching out from the Shadow Realm. Other than Torin and Sapphire, but that was different. They were Magi, and he was beginning to believe that those of the Magi could do damn near anything. They had healed and returned his Grand-Sire's husband to him. It was a Mage that had just enabled him to reach out and be assured that all was well and good in his life.

Osiris chuckled softly, lifting Wolf's chin so he could kiss the boy softly. "If it were not that your Sire needs you so badly at this moment, Wolf, I would take this to its proper conclusion. But I promise you, Childe. Before I go to my rest again. I will see you know all I feel."

Wolf kissed Osiris quickly as he turned, pulling away to seek Vincent. "Father?"

"Go on, Vincent. Tend to your First-Born." Azrael was almost relieved as Vincent turned to take Wolf into his arms. Going to share his pain with his Childe. Azrael worried that perhaps, Wolf was still too young to deal with his Sire in pain like Vincent was. But as he watched Wolf fussing over Vincent as the young Sire sobbed against him. Azrael was beginning to believe that that boy was going to surprise them all with how well he took to, being, First. Vincent was young, but he was obviously a fine Sire, and though Wolf was nothing more than an infant, but it was becoming equally obvious that he was made for this. Yes, given time, both Sire and Childe would heal and grow.

Wolf fought tears as he was trying to settle Vincent. "Come on Vincent, don't be this way." Wolf wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. Derrick had broke Vincent's heart. Bad enough that he died, but then to turn his back on his husband. He didn't care that Derrick was dead, he had hurt Vincent, hurt his Sire. If Derrick hadn't been dead, Wolf would have tried to kill him for the pain he had caused Vincent. "Please, it's okay. I'm here, I won't leave you." He was almost hysterical. "Please, Father, stop, be with me. Please."

Vincent felt the pain his Childe was feeling. "Ssshh, baby. I know I'm sorry, it is hard, you understand that don't you? I've been with Derrick for so many years. I agreed to live and take you, all so that I could one day see him again." The pain was so bad. "But now, I'm alone again baby."

*No, never alone. I won't let you be alone. * Wolf was crying too. He would make Vincent see that even if Derrick had turned away from him, he wasn't alone. 'Damn you Derrick. I always knew you were flaky, but you had no right to do this to him'. It must be that he was so young, so new to this all, but the rage he felt at Vincent's, his Sire's pain. It was like a red tide as it washed over him. "Ssshh, honey, I'm here. I will always be here for you." He nuzzled his throat, hands moving over his body. Willing to try anything, to settle his Sire. *Come on Vincent. I can think of at lease one or two things we can do, to ease the pain you feel. Please, make love to me. * He was desperate. He had to get Vincent past this. He had never understood what it would feel like to not only be Kin, but to have your Sire in the pain that Vincent was in right now. He didn't know what to do to help him get past this, other than let him hide, for now, in his love. *I won't leave you. I will be with you until you have to push me out. And then I won't be gone forever. Please, Vincent let me help you. * He would do anything for him. He didn't care what he had to do. *Please, oh please, let me help you. * He sank his fangs into Vincent's throat, pulling his Sire's head to his own bared throat, *go on, and let's lose ourselves for a while. Enough pain, please. I can't deal with the pain. Let me take care of you. *

*Yes. * Vincent turned over to pin Wolf under him, feeding, sharing the bond that he shared with his Childe. Wolf was right. Enough pain for now. Oh Derrick's choice to turn his back on him, it still hurt so much. But he couldn't do to Wolf what he was doing to him by suffering the way he was. The Childe was too young. Nothing but an infant, and already he had suffered more than any Childe his age should ever have too. *Be mine, Wolf. I know you haven't been my Childe long, but please. Be mine. * He knew that it was a mistake, Wolf was his Childe, he should never do what he was doing, but Derrick's abandonment, it, hurt more than his death had. At least when he had died, Vincent had, had, the hope of seeing him again one day. But now, he hadn't been alone for years. Couldn't be alone. Alone hurt too much.

Wolf ran his hands down his back, cupping his buttocks, grinding them against his groin as he cried softly. He would, do, anything. Even if it meant turning everyone else out. If Vincent needed him to be with him for life, he would. He understood what a lifemate was for their kind. Had watched Azrael and Loki long enough to understand what it really meant. "Yes, if my being your Childe isn't enough, yes. Forever." 'I'm sorry Davy, but I can't take his pain. I will do this. I love you, but I can't take this'. His hips lifted, to encourage the hand that was stroking him not quite gently, but there was not pain. It felt good. He had never felt anything from Vincent but good. *Make love to me Vincent. If I am going to be with you, forever, then please, make love to me, now. *

*Listen to me Wolf. * Vincent's lips moved up to capture Wolf's under them. *You are Wolf, no matter what name you choose later. You will always be Wolf. You are my Childe and you will be with me for life. I will never push you out. You are my First-Born, and as of now, my new husband as well. I will never turn my back on you. Will never leave you. *

'Wolf', yes, he could accept that. Already it was so hard for him to remember that Wolf was his name as well. But no more, he was Wolf, and he would always be Wolf. And he would never do to Vincent what Derrick had. He would never just leave him.

Harris didn't pull away as Osiris pulled him and Christian close. "You have someone who wants to talk to you, Childe." He was getting to the point that it was almost as easy as thinking to let these little ones, touch parts of what had once been their life.

"Let my Childe talk to Vincent first. Cameron will understand. He was a Sire once too." Harris pulled back, pushing Christian against Osiris. Reaching to hide in Doc's arms.

Christian was almost shy as he leaned against Osiris, trembling as he pulled his head to his throat, even as Osiris went to sink his fangs into his own. *Come on Childe. You have two Sires' who wish a word with you. Shiva is there as well. Open up love. Do not be shy with me. I am your great Grand-Sire. I would never hurt you. *

Christian was crying as he felt the power wash over him. *Dad, * he sent his thoughts out shyly.

*You have done much better for yourself than I had ever dreamed, Chris. * Shiva's thought touched him softly. *Even after all that you have had to live through, you have done so, damn, good. *

*I had to go on, I wanted to die when Set, killed you, but Azrael had released you. I couldn't go. I owed him my life. * Again another Childe was trying to explain to his Sire why he hadn't followed him into death.

*I would have beaten you bloody had you let that son of a bitch, win. No, you did well. Never think otherwise. I didn't save you from death once, just to accept you quitting. I know you were, are young, but you are stronger than that. I would have come with Osiris, but my Magecraft is not up to the task. Kali wasn't a Mage. So she never trained me in the arts. I think I failed you in that. *

*You're a Mage? * Now that was a shock. Christian had been with him for six years, and he had never known.

*I have the gift. But I never was trained, and by the time I realized what I was, I couldn't find another to help me to learn. Had I been able to, I would have never been killed. Would have never left you. * His thoughts were so gentle. But then again Shiva had always been so gentle with him. *But, now, I won't let you face what I had to face. You go to your new Sire, and you tell him that it will take him time, but you are young. Eventually, your own gift will begin to manifest. If he knows what to look for, it won't be near the shock for you, that it was for me. *

Christian almost lost the link. *I don't understand Dad, you trying to tell me, I'm a Mage as well, me, a Mage? *

*No, or at least, not yet, but yes you have the gift. I think it will be a while for you to begin to bloom. Too much has happened to you, so far. * Then Shiva's thoughts were silent for a moment. *Chris, baby. *

*Yeah, Shiva. *

*You need a new Name. ' Christian' is a fatal one. You have lost two Sires' so far. I don't want you to worry about losing another. Take a new Name love. It's okay, I understand. *

*But, Daddy, it is all I have left of you. I don't even have a trace of your power in me anymore. My Name is all I have left of you. Please, Dad, don't make me lose that too. *

*You have too Chris. Enough, you have suffered enough. I am still shocked that you were able to go on after Vincent died. I don't think you can take another loss. I can't ask that of you. No, go on. Take a new Gift Name. I love you, have always loved you. You were so young when I made you my pet. You gave me your innocence. That is something that I will always have. You gave yourself to me, for the first time. Compared to that, what is a Gift Name? *

Christian felt the shock. He was going to have to lose the last thing he had of his first Sire. Would have to truly walk away. He had held on to his Name. But now, if Shiva was right, he didn't dare. He had lost so much already. *Yes, Master. *

*Oh, please Chris, don't give me that 'yes master' line. I have been worrying about it since Vincent came here. I can't risk it boy. I don't want to see you here, not for years. Christian is a dangerous name. I didn't know how dangerous until I got here. There is a bad history for that Name. So now, while my Great-Great uncle is there, and I can speak to you as I am, I am asking you to have your new Sire change it. * Again Osiris's power enabled another to connect with his Childe to the extent that Christian could feel his old Sires arms around him. His love, his pride and his understanding, seemed to enfold Christian . *You, were my First-Born, I love you. One day, I will see you again. Just try, very hard, to take your time getting here Chrissy. Take your time. There is no place for you here yet. Be well honey. I still watch over you. Everything you have done, I have never been prouder of anyone. * The feeling of a, light, kiss on his forehead. *I need to go for now. Remember, I will always watch over you. *

*Shiva, * Christian cried out to him . *Dad, * then even more plaintively, *Daddy. *

*He's gone honey. * Vincent's, soft words of comfort. *Let him go. You have no idea what it took for him to talk to you. I've been given the third degree from him since I got here. Poor Cain, he is terrified of your old Sire. Shiva can be something of an intimidating creature when he wants to be. * There was a touch of pleased humor in Vincent's words. *If it wasn't for the face that you had been his Childe first, I might be jealous of his love for you. But, I have a First-Born too. I know what he feels. *

*I wanted to follow after you. I tried, but Azrael wouldn't let me. He made me go on. I was going to go with Lilith when she went home with her Grand-Sire, but I couldn't. Here is where I belong. * Christian went to explain to Vincent, why he wasn't there.

*Christian shut up. Do you really think I wanted you here? Had you followed me, I would have stood in line to beat you. I know what kind of a man you are. You belong with the living. Or as close to living as we get. * Vincent pressed his connection to his old Childe, to again make it feel as if he was holding him. *Shiva might have been your Sire before me, and Harris might be yours now. But you were my Childe. Remember that Chris. You had been my Childe, and I loved you, more than I could ever explain to you. I loved you, and I love you still. I will see you one day. Now, I need to go. Osiris has to be getting strained a bit. I have no clue how much this costs him, but it has to be getting hard for him. Now you go on, and mind Shiva. Christian is a bad name. Too many have had it, and lost their Sires' because of it. It's bad juju. Safe, sleep my son. I wish you safe sleep. * Vincent's thoughts were gone too.