Chapter 1 (Rewriting/Editing)

(This is one of my first stories on here and I am bringing it back upon request with heavy rewriting and edits. Most comments may not longer make sense.

For those who did not read above. This is being rewritten/edited.)

“Master Jenkins, Master Jenkins!”

Peace and quiet was not something he was used to, but he would have loved to have obtained it for more then a few minutes each week. But alas, that wasn’t likely with such a lively crew. Not that he would have it any other way, though. 

With a quiet chuckle Jenkins looked up through a slightly faded window to see his personal servant running across the sunset-lit main deck toward his cabin. Figuring that he was in for a long update of news that wasn’t quite as important as it should be, he finished up the last few words for the letter he was writing and then set his quill down.

The double doors to his cabin swung open a moment later, drawing his attention back to the short blond young man as he came stumbling in. He’d hired the lad before they’d left Calnarra Port. He was an excitable young man who’d honestly had heard a bit too many stories of the open seas before boarding. He was also the new main lookout for their vessel, the Sangri’ La. While most of his abrupt notices were of pirates and sea monsters that obviously did not exist after investigating the situations, Jenkins had quickly grown fond to the boy. 

As the lad began speaking, Jenkins ran his fingers through his dark, semi-long hair, then moved them downwards to tap at his beard in thought.

“Master, there is a ship approaching from the stern! They are coming on quickly, sir.”

Ah, another restocking ship from the isles, then. 

They had been met by one three days prior, and yet now he was saying they were being followed by one? Moving his hand back down to his desk, Jenkins leaned back in his chair slightly and raised an eyebrow.

“Is it not just a restocking vessel, young Ari?”

The boy quickly shook his head and ran around the side of his desk, grabbing the cuff of Jenkin’s dark blue and gold peacoat before carefully tugging him up and out of his comfortable chair.

“Master, I swear it is not a hauling vessel. They be flying the red n’ black death flag, sir! Please come look!”

The death flag? The only ones who fly such colors are blood pirates…

Without any hesitation, Jenkins quickly followed Ari out into the crisp evening air, taking his looking glass and placing it to his eye when they stopped at the stern. He didn’t want to believe what his eyes soon told him, but there was no denying it. 

“By God.”

His right hand instinctively went to his chest and outlined a cross before he turned and ran across the deck, then jumped up to the steering column.

“All hands on deck! Hoist the sails to full mast. We have blood pirates to the south!” 

The second He mentioned the demons of the sea, his crew froze. 

Darn his kingship for signing so many new sailors for this voyage. 

It was honestly just a simple delivery to the stockades on the northern boundary and considering the resource flag they were flying, it should not even be thought of as worth raiding. That was the unfortunate thing, though. 

While blood pirates were extremely rare and almost unheard of in their current area, there was enough information to make one nervous and wary. They only took the booty half of the time… The old stories tell of ships floating ashore with not a crewman on board, but all of the cargo still below deck. The demons also had vessels that were ungodly fast, and they always seemed to be able to board their targets without even being close. 

Of course, he had no intention of testing any of those stories for truthfulness.

“I said all hands on deck, now! Unless you want to end up at the bottom of the ocean, get a move on. All of you!” 

That seemed to pull them from their dazes, and just in time. The other ship was approaching much too quickly for his comfort. 

“Do you see ’im, Captain?”

“Mmm, yes. What a gorgeous man… tis a shame he keeps his body hidden under all of that worthless clothing.”

“Aye, Captain.”

His body had been aching for a good, fresh meal for quite some time. The king’s royal navy  had been patrolling their local waters with hunters for the better half of a year now, causing quite a hindrance to their hunting ability. Their blood slaves were dwindling with the inability to restock, so the ship before them was of vital importance to claim, and that man…

His eyes rose back to the fleeing vessel, looking for the male who had previously caught his attention.

Ah… giving orders. Captain, then. Fitting. 

A self-satisfied smile curved along his lips as he watched the man work right alongside his shipmates to try and hasten their futile escape. It was rare for a captain to get his hands dirty, but this one seemed to care more for his ships safety than his fancy clothing and cleanliness. And, while he couldn’t see specific details from so far behind, he knew one thing was already crystal clear.

I’m going to have him. 

“Captain, we should be close enough soon!” shouted his lookout from the crows-nest far overhead. He was correct, judging from their current distance, they should be only ten knots or so ahead of them. 

Perfect.

“Aye. Desden.”

His first mate bowed and smirked.

“Enjoy yourself, Capt’n.”

He nodded and hopped up onto the worn railing, easily balancing as the ship rocked in the water. His fangs were already beginning to descend as the chance for fresh food grew closer. 

With one final look toward his target, he grinned and dove into the churning, frigid ocean below.

I am coming for you, gorgeous.

This really only came about because I searched for mxm pirate stories many years ago cause I thought they would be cool to read, but there were none. 

It is now being rewritten and reworked a bit, as well as edited.)

Chapter 2

“Something doesn’t seem right…”

Jenkins watched as their ship easily began pulling away from the blood pirate’s vessel, but considering how quickly they had caught up with them, they must be holding back now for some reason.

“Keep the sails full, I will return in a moment. Ari, keep watch.”

Everyone shouted a determined “yes sir!” before focusing back on their assigned jobs. Jenkin’s gave his spot up on one of the mast ropes to his first mate, Danny, then ran inside to check their location and figure out which direction they could manage while steering clear of the other ship. He didn’t want to risk running into them again, even if they had to go without food for a day or two. 

As he started writing down small changes on his nautical chart, it began to feel like someone’s frozen fingers were walking down his spine. After a few seconds he realized that it was getting harder and harder to move his own fingers, his hand fighting to get the quill to scratch along the worn paper. When it finally stopped moving altogether, he noticed that someone had slipped inside silently and come over to stand quietly right besides him. 

How in the world? I hadn’t even heard him… 

Now that he’d noticed him, though, he could instantly smell the strong scent of sea water and copper clinging to his partially covered body. Jenkins barely managed to turn his head far enough to get a decent look at the man. He was tall, with dark blue eyes, short black hair, and smooth, almost-boyish features. His body had lines of drying sea water sliding down the bare ridges of his chest, but it only took him a second to realize two things that were far more important…

He wasn’t part of his crew. He was a blood pirate. 

Leather creaked due to water saturation as the man slowly leaned over his map, his pale hand moving to where Jenkins’ pen had halted on the paper.

“Hmmm, that would have been an unexpected move. Most humans would only plan for routes where their food stores would allow, yet considering you restocked a while ago, you should be running low for such a voyage and taking this route would have left your crew hungry for several days…”

Jenkins’ eyes narrowed as the man easily picked apart his plan. With a sinking feeling he realized that he had just indirectly told him that their ship had been being followed for days! 

“We spotted your vessel as we were avoiding the royal navy. Those large ships and hunters can get quite annoying… tsk.” 

The man smiled as he shook his head slowly, then tilted it toward him. 

“You are quite handsome for a human. What is your name?” 

Jenkins ground his teeth together as the man nonchalantly grasped his jaw firmly and ran a claw against his black beard, slicing a clean line straight through the bristly hair.

“I am not quite sure about leaving this beard, though. You would look much better without it.”

Of all the things to comment on right now.

Judging from the sounds outside, his crewmen were still busy doing as he’d ordered and hadn’t even noticed his predicament. Not that he was sure they would be of much help against the demon. 

His mind was pulled away from his crew as the man’s hand tightened its grip on his jaw.

“A name, please?”

He thought about ignoring him again, but if he let him get irate enough to kill him, he wouldn’t be able to try and help his men if any of the other demons showed up. Hell, when the others showed up. 

With a slight sigh, he decided it was best to do as he was told… for now.

“Captain Jenkins.”

The words were growled out due to the pain in his jaw, but also because of frustration. Either way, they were audible enough.

“While that is a nice last name, I only want your first.”

Bloody devil.

Still, a name wasn’t worth dying over. 

“Alexandre.”

He could feel the man’s powers wearing off on him, but it didn’t seem like the man was aware of it, himself. 

Don’t give yourself away, then. 

“Good. Now then, Alexandre, please wait here for me, love.”

With a blank expression Alexandre slowly straightened, trying his best to appear like he was doing as told. He waited until the man turned his attention toward one of the windows before abruptly darting for the double doors leading to the main deck. As soon as he reached for the handle, however, his body locked up. He was struggling for air in seconds, but he refused to drop to his knees.

“Perhaps you aren’t as immune to my skills as I thought. But at the same time, you shouldn’t have been able to move, either,” the man said as he walked over and leaned closer, clearly intent on speaking again. 

He didn’t get the chance, though, because Alexandre pushed his body through the man’s strange paralysis ability and swung his fist straight for his face. The hit thankfully took him by surprise, and the moment it connected with the side of his face Alexandre felt himself being free from the last few tendrils of paralysis holding his body captive, allowing him to shove the doors open and shout the alarm.

“Blood pirates are onboard!” 

He whirled back around with his blade drawn the moment his words had been relayed, only to see two more pirates standing on either side of the first.

How in the…

The sound of blades being pulled from their scabbards as his crew’s attention focused on him, then past him, met his ears, but none of the blood pirates even bothered to react. In fact, they looked as if they were comfortably watching a harmless play unfold before them. 

“I like the young one, he’s cute.”

“The one next to the Capt’n’s pick looks delicious…”

Alexandre wasn’t about to let some savages talk that way about his men. They were not to be owned, and especially not by pirates!

“Be gone with you, or fall by our blades!” he shouted, mustering up enough courage to make his words sound as strong as he wished he’d felt. 

The young man standing next to their evident captain smirked and nudged the man with his elbow.

“Ay, captain. Picked a good, ye have. Cocky mouse for sure.”

Alexandre scoffed at the nickname, though after all of his years of training, the slight jab should not have affected him so. The captain’s growing smirk at the joke, more than the words themselves, was what bothered him to no end! And that was why he suddenly lost his calm demeanor. 

“I will show you how a mouse fights, then!”

With a determined yell he lunged forward, swinging his sword straight at the captain’s dark blue eyes. When the blade came down, however, it cut only through air.

 “What?”

He could feel those blasted frigid fingers beginning to inch their way down his spine again and quickly turned, swinging at the reappeared blood captain before he vanished again.

“Stop running and fight me!”

One of the men who were still standing where the captain had been whistled, then smirked, flashing what looked to be a set of fangs.

“He’s definitely a keeper, capt’n.”

A familiar hand appeared out of thin air and grabbed his jaw, then squeezed as the icy fingers on his spine intensified their dance.

His entire body was again paralyzed as a firm, ice cold body pressed against his back. Sharp teeth gently tugged at his ear lobe while Alexandre tried to fight off whatever spell the creature was using on him, but nothing seemed to help. Its power slowly lessened over time, but it had taken at least a full minute to be able to completely move again last time, and he needed to be able to move now! 

“Aye…” the man said as his face appeared from the corner of his left eye, his wet hair swaying before his dark eyes as he spoke. “He will be very enjoyable.”

Feeling the man’s cold tongue against his cheek brought a shiver and a growled warning.

 “To hell with you.”

That seemed to be a humorous thing to speak of, because all three of the pirates chuckled as the captain pressed a kiss to the place he had just licked. 

“I’ll show you what hell really is, love… and by the time I finally allow you to die, you’ll wish that it was like your human version.”

Chapter 3

“Captain…” The lips against his cheek moved to his ear again before whispering against his skin a second time. “I can kill every single one of them without bothering to lift my blade. Tell them to surrender.”

There was no doubt in the man’s voice, which only made his own position harder. The paralysis was wearing off, but that would likely only get him one swing before his muscles were once again locked up.

“You’re frustrated that I keep freezing you, hmm?”

Grinding his teeth together, Alexandre carefully moved his left hand into his coat pocket. He honestly wished that he’d previously shrugged the thing off to be able to move easier, but given the situation, perhaps the small knife in the breast pocket would be of some use.  As his fingers wrapped around the small parrying knife, he felt the damned blood pirate’s hand mirror his own movements, but instead of the knife, he was gripping the fingers he already had wrapped around it.

“That won’t do much against me, love.”

Enough with the nicknames, and cold day in hell I would ever love a blood beast!

“Such aggressive thoughts. They do not suite such a handsome face.”

Did he just…?

The growing smirk on the man’s face told him that he had, in fact, read his thoughts.

God help us.

That seemed to get a laugh out of the man as he stepped around to his front and faced him, removing his hand from around Alexandre’s in the same movement.

“How about I help your decision along, Captain Jenkins.”

Alexandre’s eyes narrowed as his body tensed, finally back under his own control again.

“I’ll let you have one free attack. Run me through if you wish… but if I do not fall, you will come willingly to my ship.”

What was he trying to pull? If I run him through, surely he will die…

With a determined grin Alexandre stepped forward, meeting the other captain’s eyes with rejuvenated vigor. There was no possible way for him to survive a sword through the heart. 

His right hand strengthened its grip around the hilt of his blade before he promptly thrust it straight into the blood pirate’s chest!

Everything went silent except for the beginnings of a storm brewing overhead, giving off ominous booms of thunder every few moments. Alexandre doubted that a single one of his crew even noticed the rumbling noises, though. They were all too focused on what was going on and openly staring at the blood pirate’s chest… and lack of blood dripping from where his blade had penetrated straight through.

He… isn’t bleeding. 

The look of sheer terror on the human’s handsome face was perfect… though that beard still needed to go. Either way, he smirked and stepped forward, letting the sword push farther into his chest without much worry. It hurt a little, but after so many years, pain just didn’t bother one any longer.

“Now then, I believe we had a deal.”

Alexandre’s face fell, as if he had just realized that he now belonged to him. 

With a light chuckle the blood pirate captain reached up and placed his clawed hand on his shoulder, squeezing harder then necessary.

“Do not worry, I take good care of my pets.”

And speaking of pets, he was quite hungry, and since the man now officially belonged to him… 

He was just considering where he wished to nibble on him first when Alexandre suddenly stepped forward, putting their faces so close that they were nearly touching. His left hand then suddenly brought the small knife he’d had hidden in his coat pocket into the side of his face, catching him just beneath his eye. 

The rest of the situation happened so quickly that, even to his supernatural senses, it felt like time itself had sped up. 

The look on Alexandre’s face as he landed the blow showed pure exhilaration and hope, the man clearly ecstatic that he was able to actually injure him this time. As he began to try and push him down to the deck, however, the blood captain managed to get a solid kick in. He could feel bones break beneath his boot right before Alexandre went sailing back into the main master, shaking the sturdy wooden structure from the impact. His body collapsed to the floor a moment later and did not move again.  

To hell, indeed. 

Master, I apologize…

He is still alive, but damn the gods I had not expected such brash actions from someone who looked more the careful type.

Aye, neither did I, Capt’n.

Picking himself up, he yanked the blade from his face, wincing slightly from the pain. When he focused his attention back on the other captain’s crew, his body straightened and he stepped forward. When all the humans quickly jumped back, he knew that there would be no more fight from them. It was too bad, he wouldn’t have minded another go with a man like Alexandre.

Get them back to the ship. I’ll collect my pet.

Aye capt’n. Should I assign rooms to them, or put ’em all in the brig fer now?

Assign. The crew is hungry, but if I hear that anyone has died, I will personally decapitate the vampire responsible.

Aye, capt’n!

With that settled he stalked forward, slightly annoyed that every single human was moving out of his path as if he were parting a wave. Some crew. Not a single one stepped forward to defend their captain. The young man was lucky he had an interest in him, too, or he would kill him for stabbing him in the face. As it were, he carefully got the injured human into his arms and stood up, heading toward the ship’s railing.

Hmm?

The young boy he had seen standing beside Alexandre earlier stepped into his path right before he got close enough to jump. His arms were spread wide, as if he were actually going to stop him.

“Move, boy.”

He did win himself some standing by not tucking his tail and remaining quiet like the rest of the humans, but his patience was waning due to the pain in his face and chest.

“N-no!”

With a drawn-out sigh he narrowed his eyes and froze the boy’s body in place. The lad instantly realized the paralysis as his eyes went wide, but there was nothing he could do about it. Unlike his captain, he definitely had no immunity toward his abilities.

Capt’n.

What, Desden?

If I may…

Aye. He may be the only other human here with a backbone.

That is why I would like him, capt’n.

He gave a nod as his first mate walked over and grabbed the boy. As soon as he had a decent hold on him the paralysis was released. He struggled and kicked, but when he realized that he was just wasting his precious energy he settled in Desden’s arms. He was visibly terrified, but had still stood up for his captain.

Keep him well.

Aye, capt’n.

Their ship had already caught up to their target during their slight skirmish and several vampires were now boarding and choosing their humans. Normally, he or Desden distributed the humans amongst them, but he wasn’t in the mood to argue right now. Everyone was hungry and as long as they didn’t kill any of them, they could do as they wished.

Besides… he hefted his own unconscious quarry a little higher in his arms, then smiled as he crouched to leap across to the deck of his own vessel. Right as his boots landed on the strong, worn, wooden planks rain began to pour down. 

Desden, you are in charge until I leave my quarters. Do not bother me unless there is an issue you cannot manage. 

Aye, Capt’n.

With that he took Alexandre into his cabin built right on top of the deck. It was a large room with heavy, thick black curtains over the one large window that looked out over the bow. They remained closed for the better portion of the day, keeping the room in near darkness. A hardwood desk was pushed against the right wall next to a large, old wooden bookshelf that held a plethora of maps, books, and instruments for sailing. Most were no longer necessary considering the years he’d been at sea, but he couldn’t bring himself to toss any of them. 

“Alright, now let’s get you settled before you awaken.”

God my stomach hurts… and my neck.

Alexandre shifted a little, realizing that he was lying on a fairly soft blanket. His body had sunken into what he figured was a bed, but when he tried to move his arms, he felt cuffs around his wrists, preventing the action. Panic began to well in his belly, speeding up his heartbeat fourfold.

Calm down, love.

A loud gasp broke through his dried lips at the sound of the blood captain’s voice in his mind.

It can’t be…

He began to fight immediately, but those damned invisible icy fingers quickly paralyzed his limbs. That forced him to pry his tired eyes open, quickly showing him the reason why he couldn’t move much in general… the blood captain was lying on top of him!

“Get off!”

When the man didn’t respond, Alexandre tried to turn his head, since it was the only thing the paralysis seemed to have not quite gotten under control. He didn’t understand why the man’s face was tucked against his throat until he felt the uncomfortable pressure in his neck strengthen.

He’s biting… 

You need to calm down, love, or you’re going to hurt yourself. I am just having a drink. You shall be fine if you calm yourself.

He had no idea how exactly he was supposed to calm himself down when he was tied to a bed, paralyzed, and being fed on by a vampire! 

Breathe, you are about to pass out again, love.

Stop calling me that!

Of all things, he knew that it was stupid to be so enraged by a simple nickname, and especially at such a time, but he couldn’t help himself. 

“Alright,  Alexandre.”

The man’s face finally moved away from his neck after he felt two pinches of pressure disappear. After a few gentle licks against his damaged skin, the man’s face came into view. Although, when he saw his own blood coating his lips and running down his chin in several lines, he felt his mind begin to slip.  He tried to focus on anything else to keep his senses about himself, but when he saw the two tiny, needle-like fangs slowly beginning to retract, yet still dripping warm blood… 

A rush of dizziness forced his tired eyes closed, and before he could even try to fight it, darkness took over for a second time.

Chapter 4

Alexandre… W

ake up, love. 

Don’t, call me… that. 

I need you to wake up for me then, Alexandre.

He could feel worry flash through the young human’s mind. 

He thinks that I am still feeding on him. 

While Alexandre had been delicious and will definitely be accounting for many of his future meals, he had better self control than to drain him in one go.

I am not biting you any longer. Your neck is already healed.

The human captain seemed to be fighting with himself internally on whether to do as he was told now, but that’s why he liked him so much. The rest of his crew, except for the young boy Desden had claimed, just surrendered without much of a fight. Some even begged to be allowed to live in exchange for sexual favors! Such a thing would never dictate whether they kept a human or not. They could take anything sexual they liked from them with ease, so that definitely wasn’t a bartering tool. 

His attention refocused as gorgeous soft blue eyes hesitantly blinked open. He always found the human species, in general, interesting. If one focused even a little bit you could read their emotions, and most times, thoughts. Just like a pretty little book. Right now his cute new pet was giving him a clear window into how he felt.

The first emotion was very familiar with the humans they captured. Fear.

The second was hesitation. Also fairly common because they were afraid of doing something wrong or incorrectly around something much more powerful than themselves.

The third emotion swimming in those oceanic eyes though, that one had him smiling. Curiosity. It was such a small inkling, but there was no mistaking what he could see there, plain as day.

Retaining his smile, he showed the human his teeth, then slowly allowed his fangs to extend to half of their length. Alexandre’s body instantly went through the steps of fear. His eyes widened and dilated, then his muscles tensed and his heart-rate doubled. He was only sitting on the edge of the bed staring down at him, but the reaction was ingrained and expected from humans. What he was actually trying to draw out, however, would likely take several more minutes.

Conveniently, I am a very patient creature. Especially when I have a new pet to play with. 

When Alexandre finally began moving, the blood captain kept himself completely still. His human was still chained and completely unarmed, so there was no logical threat to his well-being. Not that he wouldn’t have minded a good fight, but right now he simply wished to have his own curiosity sated.

He watched silently as Alexandre shifted until he was sitting up. He waited a few moments to see if he would be reprimanded for moving, but when he realized that no such thing was going to occur, he very slowly scooted closer. It was clear that he was staring right at his fangs. 

As far as blood pirates went, and especially concerning his crew, they tended to keep their secrets to themselves or kill those who have figured them out. So very few humans knew about their fangs, strength, and speed. Telepathy was also a skill that he, himself, tended to keep between himself and a select few of his crewmen. Most young vampires did not have that ability.

It would seem that his mind had wandered a bit, because when he blinked and refocused his eyes, he noticed Alexandre’s hand just beginning to lift towards his mouth. Over his many years on the planet, he had become accustomed to breathing just like humans did, though it wasn’t technically necessary all the time. He did require oxygen, but could easily hold his breath for twenty to thirty minutes without any issues arising. Now, as he inhaled calmly, he could smell the strong scent of the ocean, peppermint, and male musk.

“Hmm…”

Alexandre’s flinch made him mentally chastise himself. He hadn’t meant to make a sound or nose closer toward his hand, but that smell was just so intoxicating…

“Are you going to kill me?”

He had waited several long minutes for him to try and reach out to him again, but when he began to speak, he had a feeling that his chance to entice him towards his curiosity was lost, for the moment. His quiet, nearly-mute whisper was surprisingly attractive, though. 

The blood captain’s head tilted up as his eyes rolled back slightly, bringing on images of the man lying beneath him, gasping for air as he ravaged his body. It was definitely a scenario he would consider playing out soon. 

“Mmm, yes… I will kill you,” his answered in a slightly gruff voice after a short silence. 

When his eyes slowly returned to normal, he noted Alexandre’s carefully guarded expression. There was no reason to lie. Especially when the man would never be able to escape. If he were to jump overboard he would surely freeze to death or drown. He didn’t like either idea, but surely he wouldn’t try to kill himself. He wasn’t being hurt too badly, considering he had sealed his bite wounds quickly. It was probably a better idea to allow him to think that he had only bitten him once, too. He was fairly certain that if he’d told the man that he had sunken his fangs into him over ten times, he may just decide that jumping overboard would be the best option for him.

“How many of my crew have you killed?” 

The blood captain slowly allowed a smirk to form on his lips, retracting his fangs as he leaned closer. Alexandre didn’t lean away, which he definitely admired. 

“How about we play a little game?” 

Alexandre’s brows furrowed in confusion, but the blood captain just continued smiling as he explained. 

“If you can guess how many I’ve killed within… two tries, I will free you from your chains.” 

Surprise slipped through the man’s careful mask as he stared at him with those widening, pretty eyes. Was the chance to be free from such simple restraints so enthralling? He would still be under his control, even if his hands were free.

“Y-you killed—” “Hold on, love. We forgot what I get if I win.”

He saw Alexandre fidget and chew on his bottom lip, clearly having hoped that it was a one-sided deal.

Mm, I want to chew on that.

Giving his head a quick shake, the blood captain returned his smile to his face and calmly spoke.

“If I win, you will watch as I feed from you. No closing those pretty little eyes, and no turning away.”  

He could tell that Alexandre’s stomach was immediately unsettled by the thought, but when he glanced at his chained hands, his resolve quickly solidified. As his eyes rose back to his, he returned his smile with a fragile one of his own. 

Then we will play this game…

“You killed no one.”

Huh? How did he…

“How did you come to that conclusion, Alexandre?”

The young man pursed his lips and replied.

“The two members of your crew that you had brought onboard my ship looked extremely hungry. I would think wasting… food, would be illogical in your situation since all of you appeared nearly famished. You probably hadn’t fed for a while, which meant that each person on my ship was a vital resource to keep safe.”

He began nibbling at his lower lip again as he waited for a response to his answer, though he should have easily figured out that he was correct judging from the blood captain’s unintentional slight surprised reaction. However…

“That is incorrect.”

The look on the man’s face showed how much that answer hurt him, but then he actually began blinking back tears. He was crying for people he didn’t even seem to know all that well, if at all. No one besides that little cabin boy had stood up for him, either. None of the others humans deserved his tears. 

The blood captain was getting so furious at his human’s unwarranted upset that he had nearly missed his second guess.

“One.”

No doubt Alexandre wished that he’d killed the fewest amount of his crew, but he wasn’t feeling so friendly any longer and simply wanted to make him more upset because of his misplaced emotions.

“I’ve killed twelve.”

Alexandre’s face changed immediately but the blood captain was not going to comfort or coddle him while he wept for people who couldn’t care less about him. Instead, he grabbed his ankle and pulled it back until he was forced onto his back. The movement startled a gasp from those pretty lips, making him grin.

“Time to claim my prize.”

He decided that as the fear flashed through the man’s eyes, that he would keep him clothed for this small bit of feeding. If he scared him too much he may break, and he’d prefer to keep his mind sane for a while. 

Alexandre’s head was already propped up on his pile of pillows so without waiting he allowed his fangs to extend, then leaned down to slide them into his thigh. The pained gasp he heard from the man in response nearly made him groan. 

Tense.  

Warm blood shot into his mouth from the sudden constriction of muscle.

Calm your body, love. It will hurt much less if you relax.

He knew part of the problem was his left arm resting gently atop the human’s privates, but he was quite enjoying the indirect touch. He was nicely gifted for a human male, too. 

I will definitely be seeing that lovely part of his body soon enough. 

Alexandre turned his eyes away after a moment, but that wouldn’t do. With a content hum the blood captain retracted his fangs, only to move much closer to the slight rise in the man’s trousers. When he bit down again, Alexandre immediately stifled a moan, sending a spark of heat through his own cold, hungry body.

Look, love.

When Alexandre laid eyes on him again, he could feel a shiver go through his lovely body. He wore a rather impressive blush on his cheeks, too, and was definitely trying to keep his panting from being heard, but that was impossible to his sensitive ears. 

Far too cute getting all flustered from just a nibble.

After another minute he removed his fangs from the inside of his human’s thigh and sat up, wiping at the blood he had smeared upon his lips while feeding. Considering how much he’d fed on him earlier, he’d barely taken a few sips this time. He didn’t dare risk overdoing it and harming him. 

“By the way, love. I have killed no one… yet.”

(I don’t remember this book being so pervy XD)

Chapter 5

Alexandre swallowed hard when he realized exactly what point the blood pirate was making. No matter how truthful or logical his own words, the other man was the master and he would forever be his slave… until he became bored and deemed him fit to die, that is.    

While his pet peeve was being poked fun at in this sort of way, he knew to hold his tongue. Instead, he forced himself to bare his neck in submission as he whispered.

“Aye, Captain.”

There was a short time where sound was absent between them after he’d spoken, but when the blood pirate did make his move, Alexandre could feel his heart stumbling over itself in response. The man lunged for his throat, but he knew that he had to keep himself in a submissive posture. But dear god above, he wanted to strike out so badly. Even though he knew that it would be futile. 

When Alexandre returned to his senses, he realized that the man was not biting him like he’d thought he would, but was instead looking down at him from mere inches above his face. Seeing him so close, hearing the quiet growls that accompanied his breathing… it was, surreal. He knew that he should be afraid, and he definitely was not in short supply of that emotion, but one could not wonder at how god could have created such an amazing creature, or if perhaps the devil had a hand its shaping, instead.

When he didn’t move or speak Alexandre’s eyes began to slowly wander along the planes of his face. His skin was smooth but also showed the wear of the long, violent life he had lived. There was a nearly-invisible scar just under his jaw, and a burn mark from a cross at the base of his throat. His own jab to the spot beneath the man’s eye also looked like it might leave a sliver of a scar, too. His mind took him back to the mark on his chest, however, drawing a realization to his mind. 

So these creatures can be damaged by holy items?

He tucked away that information for another time as his eyes continued their journey. Well, there was only so far down he could go considering that the man’s coat and shirt, which he had donned at some point before Alexandre had woke up the first time, hid most of his chest besides a faint brushing of pure black curls peaking out from the worn cloth. His mind brought forth the question about his body heat, which he had definitely noticed was much lower than his own, but he didn’t have an answer and didn’t dare to ask. There was so much that he wanted to figure out about the strange man, though. For curiosity’s sake. 

If he was so cold, there was no way that he could logically be alive, but he was right there, staring down at him with those stormy feral eyes.

Curiosity, love.

“It killed the cat,” Alexandre replied in a whisper. 

Indeed, but what if the cat, was not quite a cat?

He had no idea what the man meant by that. 

“Of course a cat is a cat. It can be nothing but what it is…” he eventually replied, the confusion he felt clear in his words. 

For such a curious man, you have allowed your faith and the world of illusion to blind you from what is really there.

Alexandre knew that he could read his mind, but still, he wished that he would at least pretend not to make it known each time he was thinking about something important.

Hmm… so you think that I am important?

Alexandre felt his cheeks burn slightly in the dark room as he glanced away. There weren’t many places he could really look, though, considering that their noses were nearly touching.

Capt’n?

Yes, Desden?

Our food stock for the humans is quite low. If we do not refill our hold at the port city nearby, we may lose a few of them to hunger.

He really wasn’t too keen on going ashore after commandeering a crew from their vessel in local waters, but perhaps… A small smile graced his lips as he narrowed his eyes on the man beneath him. He looked confused at the sudden change of emotion and expression, but that was just fine.

I will send my new human to retrieve some food.

Capt’n? He could get the navy on us in less then an hour. Are you certain?

I doubt that he will even consider such a thing.

Why, Capt’n?

He is far too loyal to these men. Especially that boy you’ve got, I’ll bet.

He does ask of him quite often, but are ye’ sure it is safe?

Aye. I will send him ashore to retrieve supplies.

Understood, Capt’n.

“I have a proposition for you, love.”

A look of hesitancy came over Alexandre’s face almost instantly, making the blood pirate’s own smile grow wider.

“It is quite simple, something even a human could easily manage.”

He relaxed ever-so-slightly before replying with a quiet voice.

“What… proposition?”

He couldn’t help but reach forward and run his thumb along those perfect lips as they moved. Most humans didn’t do well at sea for long voyages, but while his crew’s skin was burned and chapped from hours under the sun, no doubt from multiple trips, his beautiful little human was near-to flawless. Of course, his body was tanned and strong, proving that he didn’t just sit in his cabin, but lucky was on his side as far as his body’s ability to handle the damaging sun. 

Oh, right, the proposition.

“So then…it would seem we are in need of more human food, in order to keep our new catch in decent health.”

Alexandre furrowed his brow and chewed his lips, nearly nibbling at his thumb where he’d left it resting against the soft skin. If he wasn’t sending him ashore in a few minutes, he would bite those gorgeous lips until they bled.

“The deal, my love, is that I will free you from your chains, and you shall retrieve food for your crew.”

He thought that it was a perfectly acceptable agreement. Of course, he would be shackled the second he got back, because he wasn’t going to let his new pet just run free about the ship, but he could have a short bout of freedom. Besides, it might make him behave better. 

“So you’re letting me… go?”

The man’s words made him laugh outright as he patted the poor soul’s cheek. He didn’t seem to understand that he belonged to him for the rest of his life. He didn’t let people go;  he killed them. 

“No. You will always be mine, and if you do not return to me by sundown, I will begin killing your crew, one by one, beginning with that young, energetic cabin boy.”

He could see the man’s eyes widen in the darkness of his room, but to his pleasure, Alexandre didn’t back down yet. 

“You wouldn’t waste…. food.”

He was definitely a smart man, but he was only partially correct about the wasting part.

“If it works as an incentive to return you to me, then there is no waste by spilling their blood. Yes, we might need to harvest some more food from another vessel, but I will gladly follow through with my threat if it brings you back to me.”

When Alexandre didn’t reply he leaned back enough to fish out the key from his pocket and began unlocking the shackles around his human’s wrists.

“You will be brought to shore by my first mate, and he shall accompany you on your task. By nightfall I expect that the shore boat be filled, and you two shall be back here before sunrise tomorrow.”

He could see the relief on his human’s face as the cold metal fell away, but it was soon replaced with a nervous determination. He couldn’t quite read his mind at that moment, but his own curiosity wished that he could. 

“I understand, captain.” 

“Good, because I would hate to have to track you down myself.”

Alexandre lifted his eyes to meet his own. There was another mix of emotions there, but before he could decipher them all, the man had blinked them away. 

“You shall have no need to do such a thing. I will return promptly with the food.”

“Very good, Alexandre. Now then, fasten your coat and wash your face. You shall be off shortly.”

His pet seemed a bit surprised that he was leaving right away, but he didn’t see a reason to withhold the mission when their food stocks were running so low for their livestock.

Desden, you will accompany Alexandre to shore. If he misbehaves, you have my permission to distribute non-lethal punishments but I want his body to remain unscathed below the waist. That is for me to mark, only.

Yes sir, Capt’n.

“Alright, follow me, Alexandre.”

Seeing him get up and do exactly as told had him smiling as they strode out onto the main deck a few minutes later. It was an overcast morning which he was definitely grateful for. He wouldn’t burn in the sun, but it was quite uncomfortable to his eyes. Desden was already over by the dingy, untying most of the ropes to get it down into the water.

“Ready when you are, Capt’n.”

He nodded to him and turned to address Alexandre.

“Desden has twenty gold coins, along with a few silver. You know what your crew eats so just retrieve the money from him when you find what you need.”

“Yes sir,” was the man’s clipped reply before he started moving. 

His eyes followed the human as he ducked around him without another word, but like hell he would let him go so easily. Reaching out in a blur, he snatched the man’s wrist and yanked it hard enough to whip him off of his feet and backward right into his arms. 

No one ever walked away from him without being dismissed, especially not his pet.

His deep growl stopped the beginnings to Alexandre’s struggles as he realized that he’d overstepped his boundaries. He knew that he couldn’t leave a visible mark on him since he was going to be around humans again, but he wasn’t letting him off the hook for dishonoring him, either. Desden might be his first mate, but he knew that he would love the chance to go about the ship telling the whole crew of how he’d let some human play his rules.

With a few good nuzzles from his nose, the blood captain managed to get Alexandre’s coat off his right shoulder and lick the hot skin there a few times. He could hear the man’s mind silently begging him not to bite again, but that was the best way to show dominance and teach the respect he required, even amongst his own kind.

When his teeth sunk in moments later, he felt the man wince, but he wasn’t done this time. He shifted his jaw a little, then bit down harder until he could feel the tips of his fangs scratch against bone. Alexandre’s mind was flickering as he felt pain flare through his system. 

Such a bite was normally his punishment for other vampires who misbehaved, but since Alexandre was his personal pet, he would take the harshest punishments. He handled it well at first, though when he made a chewing motion with his mouth, the pain erupted and a few seconds later, his mind went blank. 

Knowing that continuing would be pointless, he quickly retracted his fangs with a satisfied growl and easily shifted the man’s unconscious body in his arms before carrying him over to Desden.

“Be sure to fix his clothing over the mark before you get to shore.”

As Desden took Alexandre he grinned and replied, “aye, Capt’n.”

Desden carefully laid Alexandre in the boat, then began to lower the vessel into the water.

“Be safe and take care of my human.”

“Yes, sir!”

The blood captain watched silently until the boat was out of sight. For some reason, his stomach was twisted into knots. It oddly hurt, because he was not used to feeling anything, for anyone. Not that he was feeling anything positive towards his new human. He was just simply food and an outlet for pleasure, that was all. There was nothing else for him to be.

Chapter 6

Holy hell on Earth, ow.

“Ah, bout’ time yer awake. Been shakin’ ya for ten minutes already.” 

Alexandre took a few moments to process the man’s words, but couldn’t find ones of his own to respond with. 

“Ah, right! You walked past the capt’n without bein’ dismissed, so he taught ya a lesson.”

He tried to slowly get himself up and orientated as the man kept speaking, but a surge of pain came over his right shoulder, forcing his vision to swim as he fell back into the grass.

Wait a minute… grass? 

“Judgin’ from the look on yer face, you finally figured it out. Yer not on the ship anymore, pretty man, but you are far from free. If you try to alert anyone that we are off the coast, you shall be knocked out and we will leave. However, that would entail that we return with no food.”

Blinking his tired eyes a few times to finish clearing them, Alexandre looked up at the man staring down at him and could see his smile growing a little wider than should be normal.

“If we don’t get food, then you humans will jus’ have t’ eat each other.”

He wouldn’t do such a thing, would he? 

He wouldn’t put it past the man to simply murder his crew, but to watch them waste away or force them to eat each other? 

“If yer thinking capt’n wouldn’t feed ya to each other, ya definitely be wrong. He’s done it plenty o’ times before, but I doubt you’d be on the menu.”

Alexandre’s brows furrowed as his stomach churned at just the thought of human flesh between his teeth.

“Don’t ye worry, he’d hide it some way. Usually by slicin’ it up to look like every other meat you humans eat.”

That really wasn’t what he was worried about. However, as Alexandre looked past the man kneeling beside him, he quickly realized that they were on the outskirts of the town he’d intended to deliver his previous cargo to. 

Sad that I’m now here just to get food so that my crew can be fed on by blood pirates.

“Now now, don’t look so down. Capt’n isn’t all that bad.”

Alexandre scoffed and finally managed to get himself into a mostly-sitting position. He had to lean back on his hands, but at least he was up.

“I do not believe that bad quite describes any kind of pirate, let alone the devil’s breed.”

The man’s teeth flashed in another disturbing smile before he leaned closer, no doubt wanting Alexandre to lean back. Well, while the man was a blood pirate, Alexandre knew he wasn’t allowed to harm him, or at least badly, so he had no reason to back down from his obvious challenge.

“Hmm… no wonder the capt’n likes you outta all the humans. Spunky, tough, and nice t’ the eyes, definitely.”

 Alexandre’s lips pursed at that last part. He didn’t consider himself much to look at, even though he did try to manage his appearance in accordance of the military’s dress code. Now though, he must look a sight. Just the thought of it actually brought a faint bit of laughter from his lips as he carefully got himself to his feet.

“What’s so funny, boy?”

Alexandre instantly glared at him with a slight growl.

“I am no boy. You look much more-so than I.”

The man laughed and waived his hand as if to emphasize that he thought Alexandre was jesting, which only made him more annoyed.

“I be far older than you, young Alexandre, but enough about trivial matters. We were given a job to do, so let’s be off before capt’n comes huntin’ us down himself. I would much like to avoid that from happenin’.”

As would I. 

Even after the hours he had been asleep, he could still feel every single place the captain’s teeth had sunk into his skin. Most of the injuries were healed already, but the memory definitely didn’t dissipate so quickly.

“Alright.”

He made sure to fix his appearance  again as they headed into town. He didn’t want to alert anyone that anything was off. They walked in tense silence, neither really looking at the other. Once they got into the crowds, he was sure that the man would keep to his side like glue, though. The place was packed, so he knew that it would be wise for him to keep an eye on the captain’s personal human.

After a few minutes he realized that the man had no idea which vendors to go to, though, and quickly took the lead. If they were going to get enough food for his entire crew by sunrise the next day, he needed to work fast.

Considering that what they were buying would need to last, he had to, unfortunately, pass up the fresh meats for salted dried ones. They picked up one-hundred pounds of wrapped salted beef, as well as several pounds of salted, flayed fish. Thankfully, the man had rented a large cart, so all they had to do was load everything up. Once the meat was taken care of they dropped it off at the port and paid a young man to be sure it remained where they left it. Then the rest of the day was spent finding vegetables and fruit that wouldn’t spoil right away. Oranges and lemons were definitely important, as well as apples and some dried berries. For the vegetables he got mainly squash, potatoes, and ginger root.

“Why’d ya get that smelly stuff? Capt’n never had nobody buy that.”

Alexandre sat their stuff down at the spot they were using on the port docks before turning to address the man’s question.

“It works well on upset stomachs or illnesses in general. Ari often has to take it in the morning or he becomes sea sick.”

Alexandre grinned and shook his head at that thought. Only god knows why the recruiters thought it would be a good idea to enlist such a young boy who did not even have one sea leg, let alone two.

“….he’s been feeling unwell since this morning,” the man commented, seemingly realizing that his words might hold some truth. 

With a faint smile Alexandre handed him a big piece of ginger root.

“Shave off a tiny piece and add it to some water for him. It should help settle his stomach after an hour or so.”

Desden looked down at the root with a smile, but as he began to lift his head and address him again, Alexandre did the one thing he was hopefully not expecting. He shoved him as hard as he possibly could and was rewarded when the man fell off the dock and splashed into the churning ocean below.

While he might have felt slightly bad about doing such a thing when he was being nice, he knew that he could easily swim in the current since he had come aboard with his captain when they had been miles away. There was no chance he would drown right next to the peer, either. If that were even possible for his kind. 

Before giving his decision any further thought, Alexandre turned and ran as fast as he could back into the crowd of people milling about the market. It had gotten much busier throughout the day but that was perfect for him. He slipped into the mass of people until he came across a large storehouse with tons of fish stocked up from the local fishery, waiting to be sold outside. 

 That’s where he stayed for the better half of five hours. He knew that Desden would come looking for him so he didn’t dare move. The captain would likely punish the man for losing him, but he doubted that he would hold up his other threat against his crew. If he never found him, then the punishment towards them because of him would be irrelevant and a waste of food.

When the sun finally began to set Alexandre slowly stood up and stretched out his sore muscles. Crouching in a warehouse for hours was not the best idea, but he was still finally free. With a self-satisfied smile he gave a sigh of relief and began walking towards the back exit… only to stop dead in his tracks at the sight of a solemn-looking Desden. 

Wait a second. Why isn’t he trying to catch me? 

He just stood there looking upset…

Well, considering that he wasn’t moving yet, Alexandre began backing up, intending to try for the front entrance instead. After a moment, he turned and ran for that door, but before he was even halfway there a figure stepped into the doorway, backlit by the faint glow of candlelight outside. The person effectively blocked the entire entryway with ease. Alexandre didn’t need to see their face to know exactly who it was… and to know that he was in deep, deep trouble.

Instinct was now taking over as he turned and ran toward the stairwell leading up to the storage rafters. One set of nearly-silent, slow footsteps began to echo above his own pounding ones, strengthening his determination to get away. He knew that the man could catch him easily and that he should stop before he made things worse, but he didn’t want to go back to that ship and live as a slave to a blood pirate. 

He quickly realized that the other man would make it to the stairs just before himself, since they were closest to him, so he redirected his attention to one of the ropes hanging down from the ceiling. In fact, there was one just close enough to give him a chance! 

As his heart hammered against his ribs, he began to scale it, easily getting above the other captain’s head within seconds thanks to his previous training to be a sailor. Climbing was an extremely important skill when ropes or sails got messed up in storms. 

His complete attention was focused on getting to the wooden walkway above, so when he finally managed to pull himself up onto it and look down…

“H-he’s gone?” he panted in confusion. 

No…

Alexandre whipped his head to the side as the sound of familiar footsteps met his ears. His heart felt as if he had just thrown it into the ocean when his eyes landed upon the blood captain who was now on the same rafter as himself, still calmly walking toward him as if he had been doing so the entire time and hadn’t somehow just teleported. 

It was frustrating and disheartening to realize that getting away wasn’t a possible option. He knew that he should have run toward the forest, but he’d thought that staying in the fish house would mask his scent enough to hinder their ability to find him.

With narrowed eyes, he shrugged off his dirty peacoat and threw it towards the captain as hard as he could manage to hopefully distract him for at least one mere moment… then jumped.

Chapter 7

(When your roommate babysits your dog and she cuddles, but she doesn’t like to cuddle with you ever lol.) 

No!

His mind didn’t waste time thinking as he threw the coat out of his way and lunged. He just barely managed to snag Alexandre’s ankle but they were already falling… thirty feet. The floor came up in a blur, but he wasn’t focusing on how he was going to land, just on how his human was going to survive. 

As they dropped, he clawed his way up Alexandre’s body and got him tucked in his arms just in time to break their fall with his with own legs. The landing jarred his entire body, but the worst pain came from his snapping left leg.

“Fuck!”

“Capt’n!” 

They dropped to the floor after he lost his balance, but when Alexandre shakily got himself to a sitting position, he sighed with relief. His human wasn’t dead. The man did look completely bewildered as he stared down at him, though, panting heavily from the fall and shock of the situation.

“I’m fine, Desden.”

Reaching down, the blood captain quickly gave his broken leg a yank, setting the bone, though he hissed from the pain that radiated up into his rib cage from the abrupt movement. He stayed on the floor for about ten minutes as he felt his body heal the injury. Alexandre was smart and remained right where he was. If he had tried to run, he would have told Desden to just knock him out. He was already extremely mad that he had tried to run, but then add to that that he had tried to kill himself? If Alexandre had been just another human, he would have taken him back to the ship just to make him walk the plank and drown in the icy ocean waters.

“Why did you save me?”

Eh?

The blood captain looked up at him with an annoyed glare.

“Because you’re mine. Why would I let you kill yourself just to get away from me? I will be the one to end your life, not you.”

With a grunt, he slowly got himself sitting, then continued, “and that young boy you are so fond of will be your punishment. When we return, you will slit his throat.”

He couldn’t be serious!

Alexandre couldn’t manage to shake himself free of the horrible images running around his head at the man’s words. The blood captain wouldn’t really kill the boy because of him, would he? His thoughts trailed back to what Desden had said about them not getting food… He would feed them to each other. Then he’d definitely punish him by using someone he cared about. He would do it.

“Captain….”

“No, I will not change my mind. Now get up. We’re going back to the ship.”

Alexandre realized that the captain was already standing above him with an impatient look on his face. He had just gotten injured only minutes ago, but he knew that they healed incredibly fast. He had stabbed him before, after all, and little good it had done. 

With a defeated sigh, Alexandre got himself up and began following the captain while Desden trailed a few feet behind them. As they got to the peer, he stepped a little closer and tried again, “captain… please?”

A deep growl was his response.

“Please, I’ll do anything!”

When they stepped onto the docks the man spun around and snarled right in his face.

“You’ll do anything whether you wish to or not! You. Belong. To. Me . I can feed from you, have sex with you, kill you, and you will have no say in any of it! You have nothing to offer that can even begin to change my mind!”

There were several people around them who stopped when he began screaming, but when he finished they just assumed that he was the man’s slave and thus, the blood captain was just a simple master. Realizing that he was waiting for a response, Alexandre hesitantly tucked his chin and whispered, “yes captain.”

They walked with Desden to the edge of the planks where the massive ship had docked, then he was promptly scooped up into strong arms as the captain jumped aboard.

“All hands on deck! I want us out of this port, now!”

Vampires appeared from every direction and were instantly at work.

“Desden.”

The younger looking vampire straightened and replied with a partial shout to be heard over the bustle.

“Yes, Capt’n?”

“Go get the boy.”

Alexandre could tell that Desden was upset about it, but he quickly nodded and ran off to get Ari. His stomach churned like the ocean beneath the ship as the man appeared moments later with a the sickly boy. The captain walked over to him, tilting his head in question.

“What is wrong with him?”

“Capt’n, I was told he gets sea sick.”

The captain stared back at Alexandre, but he was too focused on Ari’s feverish face to answer whatever silent question he might have been asking. His chest rose and fell as stress built up painfully. There was no way that he could bring himself to kill the boy. He’d only known him for their current short voyage, but the boy had so much life in him. He wanted to see the world, even with his sea sickness making him bed-ridden most mornings.

“Come here, Alexandre.”

Alexandre didn’t want to, but his feet moved automatically until he was standing beside the captain. The man handed him a small dagger that looked to be embroidered in gold and quite decoratively crafted. It was a ceremonial dagger… just sharp enough for cutting throats.

He nodded to Desden, who shifted Ari in his arms as the boy began to stir. The captain walked around to his first mate’s side and yanked Ari’s head back by his soft, light brown hair.

“Cut it. Now.”

Did he honestly think that he could? The boy looked terrified, even being half asleep, and he was sick for god’s sake!

“No.”

He stepped closer in a blur, the blood captain’s right hand grasping his own, forcing it to tightly hold the dagger as he yanked it forward. The blade was brought to Ari’s neck, even though he was struggling his hardest to pull it away. Everyone had stopped working to watch the public execution, the only sound now coming to his ears was the rush of blood in his body from what he was about to do.

“No…”

Right as the blade began to press into Ari’s flesh, Desden turned. The captain instantly growled but released the boy’s hair as his first mate hunched protectively over the young man in his arms.

“Desden,” he warned angrily. 

“I am sorry, Capt’n James. I c’not do it!” 

“He is a human, Desden, and he is a punishment to one far more important to keep under my command.”

The conversation seemed to continue mentally, because it stopped abruptly, then continued after a few moments.

“You have killed younger. We all have.”

Desden hunched over the boy farther, nearly kneeling on the deck to try and keep Ari from the captain. They seemed to go back to speaking mentally, and after another minute the captain growled but replied verbally again. 

“You will be punished at a later time for interfering… be gone.”

“Understood, sir!”

Alexandre watched as Desden stood up and vanished, taking Ari with him. A huge sigh of relief had him feeling almost light-headed as sound returned to join his other senses.

“Strip.”

Eh?

Blinking, he looked up at the captain, only to feel his fist connect with his jaw. The hit reverberated through his bones, but was just light enough to not break them as he staggered backwards, bracing himself on the old wooden railing.

The blood captain took a step toward him, the sound of his heavy boots snapping him out of his painful daze.

“Strip!”

The command was barked again, this time with a harsh warning in its tone. He didn’t dare think to disobey or stall. Even with nearly the entire blood pirate crew watching him, Alexandre quickly yanked his faded white long sleeved shirt off, then got his pants untied and down around his ankles, leaving him in just his undergarments. He knew that his face was burning, but if it kept Ari safe, he would gladly suffer some humiliation.

“All of it.”

“huh?”

The other captain took another step forward and Alexandre quickly yanked his underwear off.

“Good boy.”

Boy…

Biting his tongue, he straightened but kept his head bowed in respect.

“Come.”

He bit his lower lip and followed him to the mast of the ship.

“Back against it.”

Alexandre did as told and quickly felt a rope being wound around his bare waist and chest. The man wasn’t being frugal with the amount or tightness. When he was finished, he returned to stand in front of him, examining his work with a nod.

“You will stay here for three days. No food, water, or shade.”

Alexandre’s body tensed at the order, but he knew that it was better than killing Ari. With a shaky breath, he nodded.

“Understood, captain.”

He had trouble with his heart when he got too exhausted and didn’t eat enough, but he wasn’t going to risk angering him further by telling him that he couldn’t take such a simple punishment. Well, it was simple, but still rather punishing. Standing beneath the sun, without moving, for three days and nights was extremely taxing on one’s body and mind.

“Capt’n?”

Hearing the call and knock on his door, James looked up to see Desden walk in. He seemed afraid to speak, no doubt because he had been given his own punishment for disobeying him in front of his crew… he couldn’t feed for three days. It was only a severe punishment because he had not touched the boy previously, so he had gone more than two weeks without a meal, and now three days will be added to that.

“Yes, Desden?”

“Um, Capt’n, is’ been two days a’ready and I noticed that your human is not doing well…”

He raised a brow and smirked.

“Is that not what that specific punishment causes?”

“Yes, Capt’n, but he… his heart is starting to sound odd.”

Hmm?

James quickly got up and followed Desden out into the waning sun. It was misting from a storm they had previously sailed through, but his crew had already changed out of their soaked clothing. However, Alexandre remained tied to the mast completely absent of clothes, right where he had left him.

As they got closer, he focused on the man’s heartbeat and nearly tripped over his own boots when he could barely hear it. He’s dying? The punishment was not even over and he had been sure to test it several times before. It had never killed a human before!

“Untie him.”

Desden ran to do as told while James caught the unconscious man’s body as the ropes loosened. He was freezing to the touch and barely breathing. With a growl he hefted him up into his arms and ran back to his quarters.

“Do not bother me under any circumstance! Desden, you’re in charge!”

“Aye, Capt’n!”

Once he had Alexandre on his bed James slammed the door shut and quickly began piling blankets atop his still body.

Alexandre?

Alexandre, answer me!

There was no reply, even as he continued to nudge his mind with his own. He was about to begin rubbing his arms to try and warm him up when Desden ran inside, trying to stop the kid who shoved open the door a second before him. 

James nearly mauled the human boy, but when he began to speak he reigned in his temper and listened.

“He has a heart condition!”

What? Why hadn’t he told me that before?

He probably didn’t so that he had a way to die if things went bad, replied Desden. 

Shit. He hadn’t meant to broadcast that, but whatever.

“How do I fix him?”

The young human boy was already tossing the blankets off of Alexandre. Thankfully, Desden had James’ right arm in his hand or he would have killed the little human for touching something that didn’t belong to him. 

A growl slipped from his lips when the boy began pushing down on Alexandre’s chest. With each press he could hear his human’s heart trying to restart, but the kid was definitely getting tired quickly, no doubt because of his sickness.

“Move.”

The boy didn’t listen, but Desden quickly grabbed him and yanked him away as James climbed into the bed and began pushing on Alexandre’s chest. At first his movements were too hard and nearly damaging, but as he got the hang of the action he began to steadily force the man’s heart to pump. It seemed to be fighting him, dying back down whenever he began to slow, but he stubbornly kept up his pace until he finally heard a strangled gasp and breathless coughing.

 With an exhale of his own James shifted to get more comfortable as he sat beside him, lazily running his thumb along his slightly parted lips. Desden and his boy had slipped out while he’d been busy, so they were alone now.

“You won’t get away from me that easily, love.”

His voice was only a whisper and his human was panting quite loudly, but he knew that he had heard him just fine. When those pretty little eyes opened for him a few minutes later he couldn’t help but smile. Alexandre looked exhausted, but at least his human was still alive… although he would have to be careful with future punishments. 

His breathing slowly began to even out and James noticed his shivering beginning to get worse, forcing his teeth to click together from the chill running through his body. With a quiet grunt he yanked the blankets back over him and made sure that he was completely tucked in, then laid himself down to get some much needed sleep.

Alexandre was going nowhere anytime soon, so just a brief rest for his eyes would do.

He began to awaken about half a day later, feeling oddly… uncomfortable. 

Warm…

It took a lot of effort to make his eyes open, but when they did, he saw a gorgeous face and a cute nose just barely brushing against his own. Alexandre… He was still deeply asleep, but James had somehow found his way beneath the blankets and, err…

He gave a slight shift to try and move away, but strong arms responded automatically and gently pulled him back against the mans warm naked body. It had been so long since he had felt any kind of heat, even while using a human for certain, purposes. It was unsettling that his body almost wanted to remain right where it was, but that wasn’t acceptable.

This isn’t acceptable.

With a deep growl he mentally shook himself out of his stupor and brought his knee up to land a solid hit right between his legs.

Chapter 8

Ouch!

Alexandre whimpered like a pup when he felt someone’s knee catch him between the legs. For a solid five minutes he whined under the covers until he remembered where he was and…

Wait. I’m supposed to be dead!

Yes, you were, Alexandre.

That voice sounded dangerous.

He felt a hand nudge at both of his own where they rested atop his privates. A growl slipped from his lips before he could think about the repercussions of denying the captain what was technically his. The snarl he received in return got his heart stumbling over itself, but instead of James lunging at his throat, he felt a hand gently press against his chest.

Huh?

The blood pirate very carefully nudged him back down to the bed, as he hadn’t even realized he’d begun to get up from his panic.

“Calm down, I just got frustrated because of what you did. I won’t attack you.”

What in god’s name?

“Don’t think you won’t be punished. I know about your heart problem now, too.”

Oh…

“Yes, and you really made me angry by not telling me about it.”

Him?

“Why would I tell you such a thing? Why would you care?”

Alexandre could see his temper flaring behind his eyes, but the man kept his calm on the outside while he got himself out of the bed. That’s when he noticed the smell of freshly cooked food and saw a huge tray sitting on the desk before him. It smelled like heaven. 

His stomach rumbled loudly at the thought of getting even a little of it…

Wait a second. 

He sniffed the air a few more times, then cringed.

It’s all spinach and broccoli. Disgusting. 

The captain’s snicker brought his attention back to him.

He planned this?

“Of course. I said you would be punished, and it just so happens that you told that little human boy the two foods you would never eat.”

Alexandre glared at him before getting himself into a sitting position. He really did need some energy… but not enough to eat such disgusting fare.

“Oh, but that’s exactly what you are going to do, young Alexandre.”

His stomach flipped at the simple thought of touching that food as he backed into the corner the bed was pushed against. Sure, he knew that he was showing a bit more of himself than he intended, but the man had already seen him completely naked and didn’t seem to wish to press physical punishments, so right now he was much more focused on getting away from the disgusting plate of food.

Said plate was suddenly in his lap, warming the blanket that was pulled up just enough to keep him from getting burned by the heat. He cringed away from it, but when the captain spoke…

“Eat it all or I break the boy’s arm.”

Frustrated, Alexandre grabbed the fork that had been dug into the stack of disgusting vegetables and forced a huge mouthful between his lips. Of course, his free hand was squeezing his nose to keep the taste from making him wretch.

“Move your hand.”

No.

James smirked and grabbed Alexandre’s wrist, forcing him to let go of his nose after applying pressure to the bones. The man was damn strong. He tried to hold his breath for as long as he could manage, but when he finally had to take one, the flavors of broccoli and spinach swam through his taste buds… but there was also garlic and quite a few sharp spices.

Wow… this actually doesn’t taste disgusting.

The captain seemed upset at first by his thoughts, but then he saw a smug grin ghost over his features.

“Of course it isn’t disgusting. I am fairly skilled in the galley.”

Wait, if I like this punishment does that mean that I have to endure another?

“Eat.”

Alexandre eyed the man for a moment, expecting something else to replace this failed punishment, but when James just gave a slight nod, he returned his attention to the food. Eating spinach and broccoli had never been something he’d intended to do after he had first tried them, but he cleaned the plate in minutes without a single complaint. 

“Alright, come here.”

James took the plate from him and set it on his desk so that Alexandre could get himself up. As soon as he started getting out of bed he could feel his bones creaking. He must have been out for some time…

“Here.”

Alexandre was looking up to see what he wanted when strong hands came around his waist and helped him from the bed. 

“Oh…. um, thank you.”

James held him there for a moment until he was sure that he was okay on his feet, then grabbed his left wrist and tugged him right out the door. Alexandre’s thoughts first went to embarrassment, considering he was still completely naked, but he soon realized that not a single member of the man’s crew working above deck chanced a look as he pulled him towards the stairs. 

His eyes had just begun to adjust to the light when he was tugged down below and nearly fell several times. There were no lights at all.

“Why aren’t there candles? I can’t see anything.”

James remained quiet for a minute before answering with an air of nonchalance.

“Of course you can’t see. That is the point, Alexandre.”

He was pulled to the left, then down a long hallway. Several more turns happened before they finally walked through a creaking door. His eyes were still trying to adjust to the lack of light when he heard the captain snap his fingers and blinked several times as a small ball of fire suddenly appeared in his hand. Shock had him stopping short, earning him an abrupt yank to continue forward. 

He didn’t slow his pace until they stopped in front of another door. When that one was pushed open the strong scent of cigars invaded his nose, making him sneeze. He wasn’t one to like smoking. He thought it was a dirty habit, but he supposed it didn’t matter much to creatures who lived much longer than humans. Perhaps they couldn’t even get hurt by the ash that filled their lungs from them.

As he was tugged into the room the bustling voices slowly died down to whispers, but there were still no lights on the walls or tables to allow him to see how many blood pirates were there. Every once in awhile the tiny flame in the captain’s palm would give off enough light to catch the flicker from one of the crewman’s eyes, but besides that, it barely did much.

After weaving around seats that he couldn’t see well, Alexandre was shoved down into a plush one before feeling the captain’s weight drop down onto the cushion right beside him. The flame died out immediately since he was now using that hand to wrap around his waist, pulling him snug against his side with a deep chuckle.

Does he think I am afraid of the dark?

It is wise to fear the dark, love. Nasty… nasty creatures, lurk in the dark.

Alexandre felt hypersensitive without his vision as James’ clawed finger ran slowly along his waist, following the V of his abdomen downward lazily. His body wanted to fidget badly, but he bit his lower lip to try and focus on remaining indifferent.

A low rumble started up in the room, but when the captain responded with a growl of his own, it quickly quieted down.

You are a little trouble maker, aren’t you love?

Huh? 

A finger ran along his lower lip before it was quickly replaced with the captain’s mouth. He was sucking softly on his lip… Alexandre was in a daze for a second before he pulled away. 

Why do such a thing? And in front of half his crew!

Just affirming to them what belongs to me, and you bit yourself enough to cause bleeding.

I hadn’t even realized…

There was a deep chuckle in his mind as James patted his inner thigh like one would pat a child’s shoulder to let them know that all was okay. It didn’t make him believe that all was okay , but he would keep that thought to himself.

 “Capt’n…”

“Aye. Report, Desden.”

Ah. I knew that voice sounded familiar.

“We have just enough humans now t’ dispose of the drained ones we got six months ago.”

Alexandre’s body stiffened slightly at that knowledge. Surely if they were intending to let the people go, then they would have dropped them at the shore while they had been docked. He supposed that was why he used the word dispose  instead of release.

James’ hand calmly tightened on his thigh, silently letting him know that he needed to hold his tongue or face consequences later.

“Very well. See to that issue’s completion after the meeting.”

“Yes sir.”

“Next.”

“Captain.”

“Yes, Fiaro. Report.”

“While on shore I heard bout’ a party, Cap’n.”

Alexandre could tell that he was interested right away because his hand stopped squeezing his thigh as tightly.

“…continue.”

“One of t’ royals near Port Galles is holdin’ one come t’morrow eve.”

The captain shifted slightly against him and Alexandre swore he could hear a small murmur of a growl coming from his chest. He had not heard about any royalty in Port Galles, though it was home to many nobles.

“Who is it?”

“Lord Merek.”

Ouch!

His hand tightened the second that man’s name was mentioned, making Alexandre shift a little. Thankfully, James noticed and loosened his grip.

“…very well. Make for Port Galles.”

Desden’s voice cut in abruptly.

“B-but Capt’n! He’s always after ya’ in some way!”

That brought what sounded like a tired sigh from the man beside him.

“I know, Desden. However, if I ignore the information he likely intentionally slipped to us while picking up food, I doubt he will be pleased.”

“….true, capt’n. He has a temper on him, that’s for sure. He’d send a ship after us fer ignorin’ him.” 

“Indeed he would. Well then, are there any other reports?”

The room was silent.

“Alright. Dismissed. Desden, go take care of the former donors, they should be lined up by now and ready, then be sure your boy is getting better and tell me if he is not.”

Captain? Can you not just let them go?

He knew that it was a risk to try and push him to discuss something he had already decided, but he couldn’t help trying to save others. Needless to say, the man’s fingers tightened on his thigh again, but he wasn’t just going to stop. Those people fed them until they could no longer! They deserved their freedom.

Captain.

Silence.

But Ca—

A sharp pain followed a hit to the side of his face, stunning him enough to fall against the man’s chest. Judging from the nausea in his stomach, he would bet that his vision was swimming… but he couldn’t see a damned thing.

“Cap… ’tain.”

“Got a spry one there, Capt’n.”

“Indeed. He still needs to learn that he does not have the privileges he once had.”

“Heh, indeed, Capt’n.”

“Well, if that is all, I will be taking my leave back to my cabin.”

There were a few grunts of acknowledgement as Alexandre was lifted and tossed over his shoulder, then carried back upstairs. He could hear a few people following, but when they got back into the light, he felt his stomach clench and began retching at the sight that was before him. The captain set him down on the deck right before he lost the meal he had eaten.

A loud splash had his aching head snapping up as Alexandre tried to blink away his blurry vision.

What…

They looked like people… but they were just skin and bones! 

At least twenty five were lined up by the side of the ship, with one standing on a dirty plank of wood that had been nailed to the deck years earlier, considering its condition. A piece of the wooden railing had been moved to allow for the people to walk on the plank. Desden was standing right next to them doing nothing, yet the people were still jumping of their own will. 

“S-stop! Don’t jump!”

The people slowly turned their heads, all those pairs of sunken-in eyes now resting on him. His heart hurt as he watched the people try to move their bony bodies, especially the boy who couldn’t be more than fifteen who was currently standing on the plank.

“Why…?”

The boy’s voice was so quiet that Alexandre could barely hear it over the crashing waves. It didn’t even sound like he was asking a question, more like he was stating something that didn’t make sense. Why stay? He was a skeleton, and Alexandre would have bet that the vampires had kept them from doing any harm to themselves to keep them alive for the longest time possible. 

Wait…

“Do you… want to die?”

He dreaded the answer, but the boy did not keep him waiting as he replied immediately.

“Yes.” 

Alexandre turned a little to look up at the captain, but his face was just a calm mask of indifference.

“Captain…”

“What would you have me do? Several have already jumped, preferring death over being on this vessel one more moment. Why not give them their final wish and let them drown out of this world?”

He looked back over at the boy, but the child had no words left for him. In fact, he was slowly backing up, getting closer and closer to the end of the plank… and his death.

“S-stop, please! I…”

His eyes went back up to the captain in desperation.

“Please! I’ll share whatever portion of food I get with them!”

“You know that wouldn’t work. There are thirty… well, twenty four, now. If you fed them all then you would starve, along with most of them… and I will not allow you to starve.”

“T-ten?”

“No.”

“Captain, please!”

He could feel his heart beginning to skip beats, but he couldn’t think about that right then. If he died from the stress of begging for others’ lives, then it would be worth it.

“One.”

His mind was feeling fuzzy, but Alexandre forced his eyes to meet James’ again.

“What?”

“You may have one. Pick now, the rest die.”

He couldn’t respond.

Just one?

One out of twenty four? Twenty three people will die because he could only save one?

“Boy! Come here,” the blood captain yelled abruptly. 

The boy on the plank flinched and started backing up again, almost to the point where he was going to step overboard.

“Stop. You know that I can get you, even if you fall. Save yourself a punishment and come, now.”

The boy seemed torn between still trying to jump, and doing as told, but in the end the captain’s command won out and he shakily walked over to them. Up close the child looked like a literal skeleton. He could count almost every bone in his body.

Alexandre was trying to get words out, though he didn’t know what to say. Before he could think of something, he was picked up and carried into the captain’s room and laid on his bed. It had been made, and a few extra blankets added, but that wasn’t his concern right then. He sat up right away to see what was happening with the others, but the door was already closed… and the sound of splashes had started up again.

“Boy, what’s your name?”

“Ria, Sir.” 

“Ria, you now belong to Alexandre. Any punishment he receives, you shall be put through as well. You are to work for six hours during the day doing whatever is ordered but you will not feed anyone anymore. If someone tries to feed from you, call for me.”

The boy nodded right away as the captain turned to retrieve something from his desk. A piece of bread. He tore a small piece off and handed it to Ria, who quickly devoured it with tears in his eyes.

When was the last time he had eaten?

Five days.

But he’s just skin and bones!

Yes. We had to feed on the ones still alive instead of switching them out earlier due to the royal navy. After awhile their bodies become unable to process the food, anyways. All of them have been declining since a few months ago. You will be lucky if he survives another week. 

Give him my piece.

No.

But!

No.

He handed Alexandre the other, much bigger piece of bread as the boy watched it like a hawk.

You just threw up, eat it.

He needs it more.

If you give him anymore he will throw up. His body isn’t used to food. Eat it or you, and him, will be punished.

Alexandre swallowed hard and did as told, but It felt terrible eating in front of the boy.

“Ria, take a pillow and go sleep in the corner. Alexandre, get some rest. I know you don’t feel well now and I have work to do so I want it quiet.”

The boy quickly did as told, curling up on the pillow easily with his malnourished body. Alexandre stared at him for a long moment, finally taking in his features as his sunken eyes drifted closed. Besides his bony frame, he had dirty blond hair and soft chocolate brown eyes. He couldn’t be more than five foot, with maybe a few inches extra. 

“Alexandre, sleep now.”

He quickly leaned back on the blankets and shut his eyes, not wanting to incite a punishment on the already-weak boy. It took a few tries, but after a warning growl from the captain after peaking his left eye open twice, he finally made himself fall asleep. 

His dreams, though, were haunted by the sounds of rhythmic splashing.

Chapter 9

(Doing some heavier edits from this point on, old comments may not make sense any longer) 

Alexandre shifted slightly in the large bed as he lay sleeping on his back. Something felt like it was pricking at his neck… almost like a mosquito bite, but slightly more painful. It definitely didn’t feel like he was being fed upon, though.

I am no mosquito, Alexandre.

His body instantly tensed, his mind waking up in seconds. When he tried to get out of the bed, however, he was nudged back down. The captain’s growl rumbled through the cabin as well, causing a squeak from someone off to the side. 

Ria? 

“Captain?” he asked, confused. 

Stay put until I finish, or would you rather I mark Ria and bring him instead?

So he’s just making a mark? 

That had him calming down quickly.  

Good boy.

I am no boy… 

All he got in response to that thought was a deep chuckle as the captain continued with what he was doing. It honestly didn’t feel like he was doing much at all, but it still stressed him out. 

Relax, love. It will hurt less if your muscles are not tense.

He remembered him saying that before, so he decided to just try and do as told. Surprisingly, it actually did help, and as he calmed himself further he felt the captain’s body do the same atop him. Hang on a moment… he was completely naked, but James was actually more dressed-up than usual. Did he have somewhere to go?

We, have somewhere to go, Alexandre.

Wait, did he say we?

Yes, he did.

He felt the captain retract his fangs and push himself up onto his hands and knees over him, leaving behind a slight soreness in his neck that was already beginning to fade.

“We will be docking at Port Galles within the next few hours, and you shall accompany me to the party tonight.”

“Will Ria be safe here alone?”

The captain’s right eyebrow rose slightly as well as the right side of his lips.

“If he remains in my cabin, he shall be fine. If he goes outside, I can make no promises.”

“Ria?” said Alexandre. 

“Y-yes, Master?”

“Will you promise me to stay here when we are gone tonight?”

There was a quiet pause as the boy thought about the request. Surely he wasn’t still thinking about killing himself while they were away?

“I will stay here, Master.”

“Also, will you please not hurt yourself while we’re gone?”

That took a bit longer to get a response for, but after a minute the boy agreed not to cause himself any harm, either.

“Thank you, Ria.”

He wanted to get up and go over to the boy and check his health, maybe feed him if allowed, but the captain was still leaning over him.

“Captain, may I get up please?”

The man’s eyes met his briefly before Alexandre looked away, giving him the dominance he was likely fishing for. He knew that he didn’t have anywhere near the abilities he did, so fighting him any longer for what he couldn’t have was worthless. If anything, it would just make him annoyed.

“Smart human.”

He shifted and got off the bed, letting Alexandre sit up and follow after a moment. He quickly made his way over to Ria and wrapped him in a careful hug. He truly did feel like just skin and bones. With a worried expression Alexandre glanced over his shoulder and spoke to the captain, “can I feed him again? Please Captain?”

The vampire seemed to think it over as he laid out an outfit on the bed that looked quite fancy. It was a peacoat like his own dark red and gold-laced one, but the colors were a little brighter, though the pants were the same, black with gold buckles and clasps.

“He may eat after you come with me for a short time so I can get you washed for the party tonight.”

He wasn’t a big fan of the idea of being washed by someone besides himself, but if it got some food in Ria, he’d gladly allow him to do as he wished.

“Best not to think such dangerous thoughts. There are plenty of interesting things I wish to do to you, but I am one of the few vampires aboard this ship who understands and is able to show some form of restraint.”

Duly noted.

Considering that he only got that short thought in response, James figured that it was time to get to work on cleaning up his human.

“Ria, straighten out the bed and sweep the room. Then wait for us on your pillow.”

As the young boy nodded and quickly got to work James lifted Alexandre into his arms and walked out. The sunlight made him wince slightly, but they were quickly below deck moments later and back within the darkness he truly felt at home in.

While his human was relieved, h Alexandre’s arms tightened around his neck in a hug as the light disappeared. Feeling his legs wrapped just as tightly around his waist nearly had him wanting to shove him up against the wall, but unfortunately, they had a party to get to and smelling of sex with a partially traumatized blood slave was no way to make an entrance. At least Alexandre felt his reaction through his clothing and relaxed his legs enough to keep James from losing himself. He also heard a fleeting thought about a certain something not fitting in a certain area…

“Oh, I’m sure I can make it fit nicely.”

Alexandre’s body heat immediately rose, making James chuckle. Such a cute human. He was tough and cared about his crew, well, enough so that they at least would have food available after he tried to off himself, and he even cared for that little bony boy he’d allowed him to have. Yet he had no idea how much of a catch he, himself, was. He probably didn’t think of himself as anything but a simple shipping vessel captain, but James was already beginning to enjoy his company. It was too bad that he would be drained within a few months’ time.

He brought Alexandre down two corridors, then back to a far room that was already steaming with the bath he had requested be prepared.

“Here we are.”

Pushing the old wooden door open, they were immediately enveloped in a thick steam. He did not sweat, himself, but he could smell Alexandre begin to perspire from the sudden jump in temperature. It will make it easier to clean him if all the dirt is pushed to the surface. 

He wasn’t much for waiting, so he calmly walked right over to the bathing tub with a fire lit beneath it and set him inside. Immediately, he heard his human whimper, making his brows draw downwards in confusion.

“Do you not like hot water?”

The door opened behind him right after he’d spoken, making him glance over my shoulder as one of his crewmen walked in with a bucket of ice.

“C-Captain?”

“Yes? What is it? I am going to begin washing my human and would prefer not to be disturbed.”

“I understand, b-but Captain, you are burning your human.”

I was what?

Spinning back around, his eyes widened when he noticed Alexandre shaking in the tub as he tried to suppress the pain he could feel bubbling through him in his mind. With an angry growl James yanked him out of the water and heard him hiss when his hand touched his backside. 

He could tell that his hands were also slightly burned where they had touched the bottom of the bathing tub.

“Why did you not tell me to wait, Helket?”

“I-I apologize, Captain! I was bringing the ice to cool it to the correct temperature without losing too much heat!”

“Apologizing, hmm? For not telling me something so simple as to wait for you to cool the bath? You told me that it was ready, yet now my pet is burned, all because you could not tell me something so important?”

He could hear his voice begin to drop into a snarl as he stalked toward the smaller vampire. He was wise to stay where he stood, but then again, he wholly intended to punish him for causing such preventable injuries to something that belonged to him. 

Before the other vampire could bring his arms up to possibly defend himself James’ free hand was wrapped around his throat, lifting the crewman off his feet easily in the process of choking him. Sure, he was a vampire and wouldn’t die from a lack of oxygen, but if he crushed his neck it would likely cause him to starve to death… especially if he hadn’t fed recently.

He was going to kill him. At first, Alexandre had thought that the captain had put him in the bath on purpose to teach him some sort of lesson, but as soon as he began going after the other vampire, he knew that it was just an honest mistake.

Captain, please don’t kill him. It was a mistake. I will be fine. 

I couldn’t care less. He hurt you and you belong to me. He should have told me something so simple as to wait for him to return with some ice, yet he did not, and now you are burned.

He tried to reason with him further, but his hand just kept constricting the young male’s neck. After panicking for a moment, Alexandre did the only thing that came to his mind that might get a vampire’s attention. Hopefully it didn’t get him killed, but there was no time to waste thinking. With a determined growl of his own, he leaned forward and promptly clamped his jaws over the captain’s neck. 

He bit down hard, trying to focus on yelling into the captain’s mind for him to stop instead of anything else that would make himself hesitate, but after a second he realized that his thoughts were not needed. James had dropped the other vampire, who quickly bolted out the door judging from the footsteps he could hear stumbling over themselves. 

Wait… that just leaves me here alone with a growling captain now.

He expected him to quietly tell him through thought to release his neck, but when his growling got louder and louder he hesitantly loosened his grip and chanced a look at his face. He couldn’t see much in the darkness as he finally allowed his lips to leave James’ skin, even with the small fire going beneath the tub, but it was absolutely impossible to miss the bright, blood red eyes glowing with anger as they stared down at him. 

Not good… 

In one swift movement Alexandre was shoved into the wall, then slid down to the floor. James was actually panting pretty heavily, but at the same time growling, making for a rather terrifying sound in the darkness. He could feel the man’s rage burning through his own mind, making his heart fumble around in his chest. 

Alexandre quickly squeezed his eyes shut as he was flipped over, ready for a punishment that would surely leave him crippled… except the only thing that happened was a slap to his burned backside that was clearly not even close to the captain’s full strength. Sure, it stung and drew a yelp from him, but when nothing else happened, he was confused and nervous. 

“Get up.”

Alexandre tried, but the burns still made it rather uncomfortable to move fast. James remained quiet for a long moment before Alexandre felt fingers gently trace through his hair. His body tensed again, awaiting another punishment for being unable to stand fast enough when told, but James just continued to sift his fingers through his dark hair calmly.

“Captain?”

The word was whispered as he tried not to break the silence too greatly and upset his suddenly docile mood.

“Alexandre… do you know that biting a vampire is a direct challenge to them? Especially while in front of another?”

He knew that he was not being serious about whether or not he knew such a thing. Obviously he would not, but he must say that gaining the information was something he would have been happier had he been gifted with it before he’d made the mistake. It would seem that each move he made on James’ ship kept putting him deeper and deeper into trouble.

“Captain… I can not take back what has been done, nor can I defend myself against any further punishment you would choose to enforce due to my mistake.” 

Alexandre lowered his head and waited for him to act. However, when he finally moved, all that he did was get up and grab the partially melted bucket of ice and dump it into the hot bath. 

Wait a second. How do they even have ice on board? Unless they picked some up in port between catching him… 

“We did not. That vampire can form ice from water.”

Ah, that would explain that then. So the captain had fire and that vampire could make ice. 

“I am going to help you get in the bath. It will likely hurt…”

“I will bear it.”

He did need to be cleaned up. 

They spent the next half hour in the small room, the captain scrubbing him from head to toe as Alexandre sat as still as possible and bit his tongue whenever he brushed over his burns. Thankfully, he wasn’t too rough with them. When the bath was finally finished he felt quite clean, but was also drifting off from the mix of pain and warmth. James carefully set him on the edge of the tub and dried him, then carried him out of the room. Alexandre had no interest in walking and was actually out cold before they had even returned to their room.

When they got to his cabin the food James had requested earlier was sitting on his desk. There was smoked chicken, carrots, and a large pitcher of water. Since Alexandre was asleep again and obviously wouldn’t be eating right then, he set him down to rest on the bed. While he was asleep, he knew there was definitely someone else who was interested in eating what was there. Honestly, he was surprised the boy hadn’t cleaned the plate already.

Turning his attention to the corner, he noticed Ria staring point-blank at the tray. His stomach wasn’t growling, but he wasn’t surprised by that much. Once you weren’t fed for a certain time your body just stopped bothering to send the signals.

“Do you want it, boy?”

As Ria promptly bowed and replied with a stuttering “yes Captain!” James glanced around his room. The bed was made perfectly and the clothing he had left out was folded at the bottom so they wouldn’t get messed up. The floor was also swept well. 

Kept the right human out of the lot.

“Come here, young one.”

The boy did as told immediately, stopping about a foot away with a slightly bowed head. James smiled faintly as he tore off a small piece of chicken, then offered it to him like one might do to a scared street dog. 

Ria took it in an instant and gobbled it down, drooling slightly as his salivary glands flared up at the sudden and rare morsel. While James never really looked at humans as more than food or pleasure, Alexandre and this boy were making him think that it may actually be fun to keep them as pets instead of just killing them after they got too sickly to feed from. Well, all of those other humans were not needed in any way, so he felt no remorse in letting them jump to their deaths, but these two…

“Would you like another piece?”

Ria’s head snapped up with surprise, likely shocked that he was allowed to have more than one. He actually ended up staring at him for a moment in confusion, though he obviously knew better than to meet his eyes, at least.

“Well?”

“Y-yes, Captain! Please, I will work for more.”

A perverted thought crossed his mind at the boy’s statement but he had never had interest in young humans. His human would also never leave him be if he even knew that a thought of such a thing crossed his mind. James tore off another small piece of chicken and handed it to the boy. He inhaled it again, then thanked him for his generosity and asked again if he could be of any use to pay for the food.

“You have done your work… here.”

He took one of the small cooked pieces of carrot and offered it as well, watching with slight satisfaction as Ria took the object and quickly ate it, too.

“That is all for now.”

The boy immediately bowed his head, thanked him once more, then briskly walked back over to his pillow and curled up to rest atop it. When James heard his quiet breathing even out he turned his attention back to his pet. His hands and backside were bright red…

Pulling up his chair, he grabbed a small flask of healing salve he had purchased long ago for his personal blood slaves. It was meant for human injuries so surely it would keep his from becoming infected. With careful fingers he rubbed it on one of his hands, then wrapped it in a strong bandage, then moved to the other. Thankfully, he had fallen asleep on his stomach so that he could easily rub some of the salve onto his backside as well. He didn’t bother trying to bandage that, but it should do well enough to absorb into his skin as he slept until the party. They had to begin getting ready in about an hour, but until then he would just let him rest.

Chapter 10

“Alexandre, it is time to get dressed.”

Don’t want to move… 

“I’d prefer you naked as well, but would you like to go into a mansion full of vampires wearing nothing but those bandages?”

Bandages?

With a tired mumble Alexandre pushed himself up into a sloppy sitting position and rubbed at his right eye. Hmm?  Moving his hand back a little, he noticed that there was a bandage tightly wrapped around it. Looking down, he found the same circumstance with his other hand.

He had wrapped my hands?

“Yes, now get up. I highly dislike being late, especially when I don’t wish to go in the first place.”

Wait, he doesn’t want to go? Then why are we?

“Get dressed, Alexandre.”

He quietly did as told but looked over at Ria a few times to see that he was sleeping. 

Looking back toward the captain as he tugged on the black pair of breeches he’d been given, Alexandre calmly requested, “can he have a blanket, please captain?”

James looked over at Ria, then back to Alexandre before tossing a small blanket into his arms. Alexandre couldn’t help the smile that lit up his face as he quickly thanked him and walked over to the small boy. The blanket wasn’t that big, but it easily covered him and he immediately snuggled into the soft fabric as Alexandre tucked it around his body.

“You need to eat before we go. I don’t want you eating or drinking anything there.”

Alexandre turned and quickly walked back over to the captain, just now noticing the food he had sitting on a tray beside him on his desk.

“I understand, Captain.”

He quickly ate before James helped him with the jacket he needed to still put on, since it had a few extra buckles than he wasn’t used to and his hands were painful to use. Once he was completely dressed, Alexandre ran a comb quickly through his messy hair and then pulled it back into a tiny ponytail.

“Hmm, sit.”

He did so immediately, dropping into his desk chair as he handed him a small cloth.

“Hold it beneath your chin and sit still.”

Alexandre watched as James grabbed a small blade from his desk and began quickly shaving off his beard.

Aww.

“It doesn’t suite you.”

“It made me look older…”

James leaned closer as he worked, and Alexandre closed his eyes to help keep his focus on staying still.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-four.”

“You are young.”

“But I want to look older.”

“Why? There is no benefit to looking older, just in being older.”

“Huh?”

“With age comes wisdom, but looking older does nothing. Besides…”

He leaned back, a faint smile on his face as Alexandre opened his eyes and lifted his free hand to rub against his smooth chin.

“You look much better without it.”

Alexandre pursed his lips but wasn’t going to argue.

“Alright, let’s go. Ria, you are to stay here.”

The smaller half-asleep boy nodded from his pillow as they stepped out into the dwindling twilight. At first Alexandre had wanted to ask if Ria could come, but then he remembered that they were going to a party for vampires and Ria would likely be much safer aboard the ship.

They had docked while he’d been asleep and a ramp had been lowered so that they could walk down to the wharf without needing to jump or use a rope. It was probably just to keep the humans in the area from questioning them. Either way, it was nice to walk on his own, even if his backside was still hurting from the burn. He stayed behind the captain but slightly to the right so that he could see where they were going.

“You are not to talk at this party unless spoken to. Merik is the noble holding the event and you may only address him as My Lord. Do you understand?”

“Yes, captain.”

“Also, if he wishes you to do something, you must do it. I will be watching so if things get out of hand I will do my best to keep you safe.”

It was a bit unsettling that the captain may have trouble against the noble, but at least he cared enough to try. Alexandre suddenly bumped right into his chest without any warning, having gotten lost in the other man’s words. 

Why did he stop?  

He got his answer a moment later when James grasped his smooth jaw with his right hand and tilted it up as he leaned forward.

“I care about others taking what is mine . He always messes with me at these parties but he is more or less stronger than I, so I must attend or face consequences.”

His hand lowered to the spot on Alexandre’s neck that he had bitten earlier that morning, then began rubbing it gently with his thumb.

“This may keep you safe from at least most of the attendees. It won’t keep Lord Merik at bay for long, but at least I remembered to visibly claim you.”

Alexandre’s cheeks lit up a little at his comment, evidently drawing his attention as he leaned in a bit closer and pressed their lips together. He felt the man’s hand slide down his back and gently press him closer, but considering that he was pushing against his burnt backside, it made Alexandre jump and lift his hands to James’ chest.

“Captain, the carriage is ready!”

“Very good, Desden. Alexandre, come.”

James climbed into the carriage, offering his pet a hand as he quickly followed. Instead of letting him sit beside him, he gently pulled him into his lap so that he could nuzzle his neck. Honestly, he was having second thoughts about bringing him along on their little trip. He should have taken one of the other humans since it was mandatory to bring a blood donation. Granted, Merik only fed from a few humans during the night, but he always seemed to go after the ones he brought. He had killed two of the five he’d had accompany him previously, so perhaps this wasn’t the best idea, but they were already on their way…

They arrived about an hour later. The mansion was set on several acres of land far from the main roadways that lead to and from town. Merik enjoyed his freedom, mainly because he enjoyed torturing his humans without any possible repercussions. 

James calmly climbed down with Alexandre in his arms, only setting him back on his feet when Desden walked over to them from tying the carriage off the dirt road.

“Desden, you are free to enjoy yourself. I will notify you when we will be leaving.”

The young-looking vampire bowed, then disappeared inside the house. His second in command normally lost himself at such types of events. James wondered if that was still his plan, even with the young human boy he’d been caring for back at the ship.

Either way, he needed to make his grudging appearance.

“Let us go inside.”

Alexandre nodded and quickly took his place a pace behind him as they headed up the stairs and stepped inside the bustling home. Sensual music drifted from the left and James easily located the three humans responsible for it. It was being played just loud enough to take your mind off of things if you so wished, but not to ignore someone speaking to you.

The home was large and had recently been redecorated judging from the scent of fresh paint and newly cut wood. There were several small half-circles of cushioned chairs in the corners of the room with two large tables of food to the left of the dance floor next to the musicians. Sure, vampires didn’t need to eat, but their blood donors were allowed to partake in the meal because most would be fed on during the party.

His attention flitted back to Alexandre, only to find his eyes blank and staring straight ahead.

Shit!

He quickly stepped in front of him, immediately breaking his eye contact with Merik as the older vampire lazily strode toward them. He looked exactly the same as he remembered him; messy black hair and blue eyes, wearing a pair of dark brown breeches and a bright red long-sleeved shirt with a slit going halfway up his left arm. When he stopped in front of them and offered a hand, James hesitantly took it, letting his grip tighten as the other man’s did before they released each other. 

Time to feign friendly formalities…

“You have a gorgeous human with you this time, James.” 

His lips lifted into a fake smile as he nodded and stepped aside so that he could see his gorgeous human. Merik’s eyes roamed over Alexandre without any restraint, stopping in several places that were not his to ogle. When he finally reached his hand out to Alexandre and smiled, James about snarled.

“Come.”

If he wouldn’t be turned inside-out for attacking the older vampire he would have taken Alexandre back by force. However, Merik was higher in rank and strength, so James made himself bite his tongue and nodded for his human to go along.

He’d called him by his name. 

Alexandre was surprised, but his attention quickly snapped back to the vampire before him as he curled his fingers in a come here gesture. He spared one more quick glance back over to the captain before hesitantly stepping forward and taking Merik’s hand.

Ah, so you know my name, young human.

His head snapped up, meeting the vampire’s eyes for a split second by mistake before he lowered them to his shirt.

I-I apologize, My Lord.

You do not have to fear looking at me…?

Alexandre, My Lord.

Alexandre. You have a beautiful name.

He felt Merik tug him forward and calmly stepped into his arms as they began to slowly move across the dance floor. He was no dancer, but it seemed like Merik was dancing for the both of them while they held a discussion in his own head. It was odd.

You will get used to it, being around vampires.

I suppose.

He spun Alexandre around calmly like one would when leading a female. It was slightly humiliating to be treated as such, but considering that he wasn’t being hurt right then, he gladly swallowed his pride.

Is it so bad, Alexandre? You are obviously the more feminine of us…

His lips pursed at that, but again, he was not going to argue. 

Would you like your freedom from James?

“What?”

He hadn’t meant to say that out loud, but had the man really just offered him freedom?

Not freedom, Alexandre. I offer you a life without that pirate.  

Merik’s hand gently took his right one that had been resting on his shoulder during their dance. He hadn’t even realized that they had stopped moving. The vampire’s fingers ran along his bandaged ones faintly before he brought his eyes up to meet his.

He hurt you… I smell burnt flesh beneath these bandages and I believe you have another related injury beneath your clothing.

Wow, he has a good nose. 

Indeed. So… would you like to live here, with me? Away from that aggressive vampire?

He wasn’t sure why, but he quickly replied in defense of the captain.

He did not burn me on purpose. It was an accident.

He did not?

No, My Lord.

Merik eyed him quietly for a moment before gently tugging him towards a large set of double doors. He could feel the captain’s anger as he watched them, but he didn’t say anything, so Alexandre followed after the other vampire. Besides, the captain had told him to do as Merik wished…

He was taken into a large side room and as soon as they stepped through the doors, they shut by themselves. That made him jump slightly, but Merik simply chuckled and brought him over to a black leather couch where they both sat down. Alexandre winced from the burn on his backside, drawing the vampire’s attention right away. He tilted his head before reaching over and gently grasping his waist.

“My Lord?”

“Shh. Let me see…” 

See? 

Alexandre was abruptly lifted right into Merik’s lap. Before he could find some sort of way to protest that wouldn’t get him punished, he felt a cold hand easily undo the buttons on his pants and masterfully slide the fabric down to his knees that were uncomfortably straddling the vampire’s legs.

Humiliation welled up in his belly as he fought to stay where he was. He felt Merik’s hand travel to his backside and begin rubbing the burned skin there, making him flinch.

“How could he allow such an important area to be harmed so badly? Surely you do not think he caused it by mistake? Vampires are not stupid and we hardly ever make such blunders.”

 He did have a point. The captain was definitely not stupid, and surely he would have known that the bath was going to be too hot for me…

As he thought about the vampire’s words he felt Merik’s gentle fingers from his free hand comb through his dark hair.

“He did it on purpose, and I am sure that was not the only thing he had done to cause you misery. Stay here, with me. You will have the freedom to wander my lands and go into town as you please. All I require is food every week or two. I have several blood slaves so that none ever fall to ill health from being fed from too often.”

He ran his fingers down along Alexandre’s cheek before placing them beneath his chin and lifting slowly until their eyes met for the third time that evening. 

The man truly did have amazingly-beautiful, glowing red eyes… 

“Stay, Alexandre.”

Chapter 11

Pacing outside of the double doors, James waited about ten minutes before forcing his way into the room. It caused a slight commotion, but considering he had just broken the lock and the doors slid back into place a moment later, no guests bothered to inquire about the interruption. What he saw when he looked toward the couch to his left was definitely not expected and immediately had his blood boiling. Everything in him suddenly hurt, too… and not in a safe way.

“Good evening, James. I don’t remember requesting your presence.”

Merik’s hand gently rubbed slowly up and down against his pet’s smooth skin as he spoke, not feeling the least bit bothered by James’ now-bared fangs. 

That is mine! Alexandre belongs to me!

“Well, since you are here, I’d like to discuss changing the ownership of your pet. I want him.”

James knew that he had no right to decline. Hell, most vampires would consider it an honor for him to pick one of their pathetic humans. That’s why most people dressed them well for this specific type of event. However, as his eyes roved over Alexandre’s partially naked body, he knew that he wouldn’t be handing him over just on a simple request. Thankfully, he was silent in Merik’s arms, giving him a slight bit of relief. One did not just talk freely with Merik if you were human, so he silently thanked him for not being rash right then.

“I would prefer to keep him. I do have several other slaves that you may choose from, though.”

James watched him, biting his tongue as the man’s hand squeezed his pet’s backside and nuzzled his cheek, inhaling the delicious scent he, himself, had come to enjoy smelling on his blankets.

“Hmm…”

The gears seemed to be turning quite quickly in his mind because James saw his expression change from upset, to anger, then to thoughtfulness and deviousness. 

Crap, he is thinking about one of his tricks again…

“How about we let him decide whom he wishes to stay with? Surely if you are such a good owner, then he will wish to return with you.” 

He knew Alexandre’s expression would show surprise at the thought of being able to live on land again, which obviously came with the possibility of escape, but when he didn’t react, James knew something wasn’t right. 

“Alexandre?”

His head slowly turned so that their eyes could meet. Dead. They looked completely blank, his normal bluish grey eyes were faded to nearly clear. Both Merik and James were silent as he slowly climbed off the other vampire’s lap. Once he had his pants back up his shoulders straightened and he replied with a complete monotone voice.

“No.”

“What?”

“I will sail with no pirate.”

Waves of emotion he had long-since discarded suddenly crashed down upon his chest. He had spat those words out so quickly, as if they were poison on his tongue. He didn’t understand how dangerous Merik was! James was no meaning of the word nice, but Merik took it so much further. He may not feed on a single slave as often, considering he had plenty to use, while he, himself, tended to keep just one, but he tortured them in every other way.

“You are doing something to cloud his judgment. His eyes are dead of emotion that I know would be there now.”

Merik raised a brow, but did not seem worried about being accused of swaying Alexandre’s will.

“Free him of your spell and then let him speak.”

The vampire lord seemed entertained by his request, considering he had no power to make one to begin with. He tilted his head to one slide, licked his lips, then tilted it to the other. While he hadn’t been around him as much as possible, he did know that he often did that when he was thinking about something seriously, but also finding something amusing.

“Very well, but he barely knows me… perhaps you should stay the night and I shall spend it with your human. Come morning he may make his choice, free of any mental provocation.”

“Understood.”

He immediately agreed, as there was no real ability for him to uphold an argument. Merik was being surprisingly agreeable tonight. He could easily just claim Alexandre for himself if he so chose, so James wasn’t going to press his luck by trying to bend the deal, however…

“I do ask one stipulation, if you would be so kind as to accept it.”

Merik’s eyes narrowed slightly but then relaxed again as he nodded for him to speak.

“I would like to ask that he does not join you in your bed tonight.”

He knew that was his main intention towards trying to claim Alexandre. The man’s body was something even the most womanizing man could find enjoyment in.

“Alright. I shall keep him from my bed tonight, though it is with much hesitation that I accept your request.”

His lips let free a quiet sigh of relief at the moment of his agreement. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about the man taking his pet’s body while he slept… if he slept. That was something he had never thought would occur in Merik’s home. In fact, He will likely just remain awake in case Merik tries something with his human.

Pretending to be under Merik’s control wasn’t easy. His powers had worn off even quicker than the Captain’s, but Alexandre hadn’t wanted to let either of them know. It was really uncomfortable to have someone take over his mind. One would think it would be similar to the captain talking in his head, but it felt more like someone shoving him aside and using his mouth to do their bidding.

He felt the pressure in his head lesson after the captain walked out to rejoin the party, leaving him there with the other vampire. 

Was it odd that he felt that Merik was more dangerous than James? 

“You are a spry one, aren’t you? When did you push aside my mind control?”

Shit!

The need to run bubbled up from his twisted stomach, though he knew better. The man would catch him easily, probably before he even took the six pathetic steps he needed to in order to get to the door, or window.

“True.”

Merik’s hand was suddenly on his hip, gently pushing until he turned to face him directly. Then he had his other grasp the opposite side and pull him against him. He knew that looking a vampire in the eyes, even if told to at certain times, could lead to negativity, so he decided to press his forehead against his chest and wait. 

A moment later Alexandre felt Merik’s fingers weaving through his hair, but it just didn’t feel comfortable. He was sure that he was trying to calm him a bit so that he would be more interested in staying with him instead of the captain, but he was unsure, his fingers just seemed wrong. He would almost say that he preferred James’. Merik’s hands abruptly paused and tensed slightly in his dark hair, no doubt having heard his thoughts. Well, he didn’t care. He didn’t have to like him or James. And he didn’t like him or James.

“Very true. You do not have to like either of us, but you will belong to me by tomorrow.”

Alexandre’s eyes narrowed slightly before closing. He hadn’t realized how tired he was… it was most likely from his body trying to heal the burns.

“What makes you think I will choose you tomorrow?”

The taller vampire chuckled and leaned over, nuzzling into his neck. He knew what was coming, and sure enough, Merik’s tongue flicked out to lap at his throat, which was quickly followed by a sharp bite.

I will be far nicer to you than that pirate. I will not embarrass you or treat you like a slave. I will free you from the world of terror I am sure he has introduced you to onboard his vessel.

I could be free? But that doesn’t make much sense. If I live here, then I am still in the same situation, but with a different master. 

As he thought, he did his best to keep them from Merik, but definitely felt the vampire nudging to get in.

Why are you trying to hide your thoughts now?

His hands lowered to Alexandre’s butt and pulled him against him tighter, making their lower halves rub against each other.

You like that?

Honestly? Not really. He was just too tired to keep his body in check. It had been so long since he had even let himself release. After sailing on several routes, he had come back home to an empty house. His love interest had long-since gone. The amount of time one spends on the ocean often leads to a lack of relationships. Just the thought of having someone in his bed for such things made his body react to Merik’s, but he needed to clarify.

I have no interest in men.

Merik’s deep chuckle echoed in his head as his left hand patted his backside enough to make him wince slightly.

Your body says otherwise… come.

He was suddenly lifted into strong arms before being carried and then, set down on his back on a large extended sofa. He then watched as Merik easily climbed over him.

Having made a deal with James, I will not take you to my bed.

He smiled widely, showing off two slightly elongated fangs.

I can make you feel good, even if your body is to be used as a woman’s.

Before Alexandre could respond, Merik’s mouth was on his. It didn’t feel anything like what it looked like. His lips were rough and he could feel his fangs partially extended through them. It was extremely uncomfortable, just the like feeling of his hips rolling against his own.

I am hurting and very tired… 

He didn’t need to fake either of those things, as he was sure some of the pain was beginning to show on his face as he lay beneath him. 

After a long minute of kissing Merik finally lifted his head to look down upon his face. Alexandre did his best to keep his mind clear, but it wasn’t really necessary. When he had admitted to being tired, the wave of exhaustion he hadn’t realized was there came crashing down on him. He was recovering from burns and had also fed two vampires… needless to say, he believed that he deserved at least a little rest. 

Merik’s right hand came up to gently rub against his cheek, then swipe a finger slowly along his lower lip.

“You do look very tired, Alexandre. Alright. I know how to restrain myself and do not wish to cause you any further discomfort.”

His eyes began to glow faintly, then slowly changed to a fluorescent bright red. Alexandre quickly steeled himself as he began to speak again.

“Rest here for a little while. I will return to my gathering and be back for you in two hours.”

The overbearing feelings he had sensed before came to the forefront of his mind, making Alexandre have to steady his expression to keep Merik from realizing that his mind control wasn’t working. When he finished speaking Alexandre calmly nodded, then allowed his eyes to drift shut. That may have been a bad idea, because he slipped into unconsciousness within seconds.

He awoke, he believed, about an hour later. A glance up at an ornamental clock by the door told him that his assumption was close, forty five minutes. That gave him plenty of time to try and get out. The music in the other room was still going strong, and loud. Perfect . With a grunt of effort he got himself sitting upright, then waited a moment for the room to stop spinning before getting to his feet and walking over to the double window. The latch on it easily flicked open, allowing him to push the heavy pieces of fancy, wood-rimmed glass outward.

“Ah…”

The night air immediately rushed in, flowing through his hair and waking him with its frosty chill. For the first time in days he did not smell the sea. That thought alone brought him encouragement to shimmy up onto the sill and slowly begin to lower his body downward. The drop was definitely going to hurt considering the home was built on a hill, but hopefully it wouldn’t cause a break. Without another thought on the situation, in fear of second guessing himself, he quickly released the windowsill and dropped.

A loud crack accompanied by a strong pulse of pain told him right away that he had just broken his left ankle. Great . He knew that he was in a bad situation, but the damp grass against his cheek felt like heaven. He didn’t want to get up and try to limp away, or face either vampire that would likely be after him soon. All he wanted right then was to remain right where he was, against solid earth without a monster baring over him and an ocean separating him from such glorious land. He had grown up working in the dirt and to finally have it back felt too good to risk losing again. 

Run… that’s what he had to do.

With a great deal of effort he got to his feet, nearly dropping right back to the ground when his broken ankle smarted.

He stumbled but forced himself to move. If he stayed, Merik would easily find him. Weaving around several large bushes and shrubs, he slowly meandered around the lush landscape to the side of the mansion where many of the carriages had been left by the attendees of the party. There were a few people mulling about in the front, but none seemed to be looking his way, this was his chance… though he was not sure if his ankle was going to hold out long enough to get anywhere.

After taking in a few deep breaths to steady his dizzying mind, he quickly limped across the well-manicured grass, hiding behind each carriage… until he noticed a dark form standing by a small one far off by the tree-line. 

The person stepped forward, just far enough into the light to allow him to see an all-to-familiar silhouette.

The captain.

At first, he thought he would come after him or at least try a threat, but he just stood there. That was when Alexandre realized that he was looking behind him. The faint nudge of Merik in his head was easy to distinguish after his first few attempts to take over his thoughts. This time, however, he was way too pumped full of adrenalin and pain to let it affect him. He could sense his upset when he got nothing out of him and had to withdraw his power, but that only brought a faint smile to Alexandre’s pained face. 

His attention quickly focused on the captain before him as he stepped out of the shadows farther.

Why did he look worried? 

Surely he wasn’t in any danger being one of the stronger vampires, so why did he look so stressed?

“Captain?”

He stopped abruptly when he spoke, moving his dark gaze to meet his own. Alexandre’s eyes quickly dropped when they met his, remembering the rules of being a slave.

Look at me, Alexandre.

Huh? 

By sheer surprise his head jolted up, eyes locking with the captain’s. At first, he couldn’t see much since the sun had already vanished from the sky, but slowly, ever so slowly, his eyes began to glow a calm golden in the darkness.

“I believe postponing this little deal until tomorrow would be useless. Alexandre, choose your master.”

Merik’s voice purred the words behind him as he felt him push at his thoughts with more effort. He wanted to control his answer. He didn’t need fear as long as he could control his slave’s minds… but he couldn’t touch his. He may seem like the smartest decision since he couldn’t control him through his thoughts, but that didn’t mean that he couldn’t attack him physically. He had almost done it earlier… hell, he had fed from him immediately after Captain James had left.

Alexandre… come back, that pirate will give you nothing but death.

He knew that. He had said it flat out when he had caught him. He would die aboard his ship. What was getting to him, though, was that Merik wasn’t saying what he intended to do. 

He wasn’t an idiot. He could easily see the fear in Merik’s slave’s eyes. The dead stares behind their false features. He might not be as physically abusive, but it was obvious that he toyed with his slave’s minds, enjoying the pleasure of breaking them down. 

While he continued to calmly try to coax Alexandre back to him, he honestly took more notice of what the captain was doing… or really, what he was not doing.

Why aren’t you trying to convince me like Merik is?

James’ eyes widened a fraction before he calmly replied.

I have no control over you right now. Nor should I. This is your decision. You know my personality and how I treat you, there is nothing for me to say.

Alexandre’s head tilted slightly as he watched the man’s expression change, but disappear again in the blink of an eye. He was hiding something… something that was bothering him. It wasn’t exactly his silence that brought him to take a careful limp forward, or his memory of how he had treated him.

Curiosity, love.

He was right. He was curious. He wanted to know why he had showed such worry. Why he was trying to hide his emotion. He slowly took another step, wincing as his broken ankle sent a jolt of pain up his leg.

Alexandre, come back. He’ll only kill you!

“You will kill me as well, but you aren’t willing to tell me,” Alexandre said without turning to look at the other vampire. “I would rather go with the monster who wears his skin proudly, then one who hides within a sheep’s wool.”

A deep hiss echoed through the night as he  darted painfully toward the captain. His arms opened just as he was falling and quickly wrapped him in a strong hug. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt safe for the first time since his ship had been captured by the monster who now held him.

There is always a higher evil, love.

Don’t call… me that. 

He felt the pain begin to take over, along with his lack of sleep and blood. Pretty soon he was drifting off to sleep, though he swore he heard the captain reply before he passed out.

As you wish, Alexandre.

Chapter 12

(If anyone honestly hasn’t realized this by now, this story is being rewritten lol) 

The deep growl from Merik still had him on edge, but at least he had Alexandre safe in his arms. James easily shifted him so that he was easier to carry, allowing his head to rest against his shoulder as he watched the other vampire slowly approach.

“What did you tell him to get him to come to you? Surely no human would be stupid enough to willingly go back to your disgusting ship!”

At least he was not trying to argue that he had done his best to control his pet’s mind. He was honestly proud of his human for his strange ability to resist their kind. If he had fallen under Merik’s control, he would likely not have him with him now.

“All I told him was that I had nothing to say to convince him. He knew how I treated him and I wasn’t going to tell him otherwise, because it would be false.”

Merik’s eyes narrowed as they burned bright red with anger.

“Then why did he choose you?”

That made James smile, flashing one of his fangs in the moonlight.

“Curiosity.”

Raising his free hand, he gently ran his fingers through Alexandre’s soft hair.

“He is a very curious human and, I suppose, I let a small bit of emotion slip because I could read his mind trying to decipher my intent as he stepped towards me.”

“Curiosity? What nonsense is that?”

His brow rose slightly at that comment.

“Curiosity is when someone or something decides that a risk is worth the reward of figuring out what is behind a secret.”

“The reward? The reward is to be used by you and your disgusting crew until he is dead but a few months later! At least my slaves live out most of their lives.”

“Their lives?”

James’ eyes narrowed to match Merik’s at that comment, though he knew they were glowing a dark goldish red instead of his bright red. He was not sure where Merik got that his slaves were better off. They were all without a mind due to his meddling.

“The way your slaves live is disgusting. You use your powers on them so often that they lose themselves. Not a single one of your slaves had an ounce of understanding in their eyes. They were all just dull, lifeless containers of blood!”

I may be cruel, but at least I do not take away who my slaves are.

Merik stopped about five yards away, his fangs bared, but James didn’t see a threat yet. He had been to his parties several times over his long life, but he had never really seen him get into a fight. He always won his battles with scare tactics, because he could control others’ minds.

“Give me him, now James.”

His arms wrapped tightly around his pet as Desden appeared at his side.

“No. He belongs to me and I will not give him away. You have killed two of my former slaves already. I will not let you have this one.”

The forest was deathly quiet behind him as he waited for the other vampire to respond. He could feel him trying to push into his mind, but for some reason he was getting nowhere. He should not be having trouble since he was mentally stronger, but…glancing down, James grinned at the man asleep in his arms.

“Put him down and fight me!”

James’ eyes slowly calmed back to their normal darkness as he allowed them to rise and meet Merik’s again.

“No.”

The other vampire bristled as if he were having a tantrum, but as soon as he began to stalk forward Desden stepped in front of him and bared his fangs, hissing a warning he would gladly follow through with for his captain.

Merik backed off immediately, though his fury was easy to see in his eyes. James remained silent behind his crewman, but when Desden began to whimper, then grabbed his head, he knew that Merik’s mind control was beginning to work.

“Desden, take Alexandre’s hand.”

He groaned, hunched over as he tried to resist, but thankfully managed to turn and do as told. The second he touched his slave’s skin he instantly straightened and snarled.

“You are nothing more than a cheating leech!” Desden growled angrily.

No one attacked his crew without repercussions. With his own loud snarl James allowed his eyes to glow a deep orange right before the grass around Merik burst into flames. The other vampire quickly jumped back, but he wasn’t going to be nice any longer.

“You attacked two things that belong to me…”

As he stalked through the short grass, James watched with a sarcastic sneer as Merik ran from the flashes of fire sparking along the ground.

“Without your mind control, you are nothing!”

He hadn’t realized that he was stalking him right back towards his mansion until Desden shouted a warning in his mind.

Capt’n! We need to get Alexandre back so that he can rest. Merik isn’t worth your pet getting sick.

He halted immediately, growling but looking down at the young man in his arms. Desden was right, Alexandre would be sick if he did not get him back soon. He may have been asleep, but with everything going on right then he could easily awaken and become more stressed.

You are correct. Leave the carriage, we will run back.

Yes, Capt’n.

Returning to the ship, Desden watched as his captain quickly disappeared into his cabin. He told him to go wake Helket and that to remind him that he would have a double shift. Double shifts were normally used as punishments, and considering the slight brief the captain had given him on their way to Merik’s mansion, he knew that the guy was getting off easy with just some extra work and being unable to feed for a time. 

Either way, Desden got him up and then went back to his own room to check on his pet. He had not fed from him per his own punishment, but tonight he was finally able to so. After not feeding for so long he was extremely hungry for fresh blood. Just the thought had him drooling as he ducked inside of his room… and was immediately hit in the face with the scent of stale blood.

“Ari?”

The room was lit with a small candle on the dresser easily allowing him to find his pet where he stood by the washbasin with a small cloth pressed to his neck.

“Ari?”

The boy flinched and began shaking as he slowly walked over to him. He was bitten. Someone had bitten his pet, but…

“Who came in here while I was gone?”

The boy began to answer, but Desden quickly interrupted him as he stopped mere inches away.

“I warn you, Ari, I can tell when you are lying.”

He gasped quietly and leaned against the wall, holding the cloth to the bite wound Desden knew was beneath it.

“N-no one… c-came in.”

Desden’s head slowly tilted forward as he glared down at the boy, then stepped closer until he was flush against the wall. He could hear him whimpering as he leaned over to whisper in his ear, “had I not warned you that if you leave this room without my permission… that I would break that little arm of yours?” 

He had thought that the warning would have sufficed. Evidently, the boy had not taken him seriously enough. 

His chocolate brown eyes widened in fear as Desden waited for him to answer. He knew what it would be, but he wasn’t going to let him get away without saying it aloud.

“Y-you h-had…”

Desden’s hand gently began sliding from Ari’s left shoulder down towards the spot just below his elbow.

“So then, Ari. Why did you leave my room?”

He was short of breath as he tried to manage an answer. It was rather entertaining to watch. He was often the nicer of the crew, but that did not mean he liked being disobeyed and would not give punishments that had been promised. If the boy had gotten killed, he would have been in deep trouble with the captain, as they had very limited extra food and he was already starving. 

“I-I was bored!”

The tears running down his cheeks did nothing to quell the anger his words fueled in his chest.

“Bored. You were… bored?”

His eyes told him that he knew it was a very stupid answer, but he could also tell that he wasn’t lying. At least, not entirely. He had likely tried to get overboard, or possibly even find his captain. He knew that he was a young human and likely had a good amount of energy considering he had not been fed from… yet, but that did not give him the freedom to be a fool and wander the ship.

He was nearly vibrating against the wall in fear, which only made him angrier. He eased back a little, but there was a punishment to be given.

“Do you not understand that you could have easily been killed? Raped?”

Ari flinched and shrunk against the wall farther. No pirate on their vessel besides maybe the captain, would have held back if they had managed to get him in their bed! 

Deciding not to waste anymore time, Desden slowly began to put pressure on his arm. 

Ari soon had his right hand clenched in his shirt and his forehead pressed against Desden’s chest to help him remain standing while he fought the pain. The break should have taken much longer than it had, as the pain of the initial damage was the true punishment, but he hadn’t had it in him to torture the boy. 

As soon as he was done he reached over to the dresser and grabbed the bandage wrap on top of it. It only took him a minute to get the boy’s arm wrapped tightly enough so that the bones could mend correctly. Then he silently pulled him over to the bed and had him sit. His eyes looked pained and emotionally hurt as he stared up at him. Hopefully the punishment would teach him not to wander off, for his own good. 

He calmly nipped at his own wrist and offered it to him, watching as he leaned over and promptly began to suck the cold skin to withdraw some blood. It was fairly old, but it still held enough power to help his bone heal quickly. Once he had taken enough, Desden withdrew his hand and then nudged Ari backwards until his back fell against the blankets.

“I now understand the energy of a young human boy, so I will be sure to minimize what energy you have to use to get into mischief with.”

Ari’s sweaty brow furrowed as he calmly climbed overtop him, then allowed his body to lower onto his. He then nudged his way into the crook of the lad’s neck and lapped at the previous bite wound.

Helket.

He would have to speak with the captain about him later. Obviously, the vampire thought he was above the rules. Pushing that to the back of his mind for the moment, he let his thirsty fangs sink into Ari’s throat.

The coppery taste of life flowed warmly through his body as his lips sucked hard against his throat. He tasted absolutely perfect. Thankfully, the boy was smart about not trying to fight him, because if he got distracted while so hungry, he might have drained more than was safe. After about a pint he let his fangs retract and cleaned the wound so that it would seal correctly. Finally having the fresh blood in his system had him yawning. Since he wasn’t on duty for awhile, he supposed that a good nap would do them both some good. He shifted a little so that he had his pet in his arms, then got comfortable.

“Sleep, Ari.”

He could already hear the boy’s heartrate calming, taking that as a confirmation that he would do as told. When his breathing slowed to a steady pattern, Desden allowed his own body to relax and fall into a deep sleep.

Chapter 13

Alexandre…

Dark red eyes… eyes everywhere.

Each direction he turned, they were there.

Go away!

The eyes vanished, leaving him in complete darkness.

Come back, Alexandre.

No.

The eyes returned, circling him as he tried to swat them away. His hands just kept going straight through them.

Come back to me. I will make your life so much better…

“Alexandre.”

Get away from me!

“Alexandre, wake up!”

He could feel his hands finally hitting those eyes, but then a sharp sting against his cheek had him gasping and blinking against dim light.

“What…?”

His mind felt heavy with exhaustion as he panted, trying to collect what had just happened into some sort of coherence. He quickly realized that he had been dreaming, but then as he looked up at the captain now leaning over him, he realized that he must have been hitting him a moment ago.

“I am sorry, I did not mean to hit you.”

The blood pirate smiled slightly at that as he looked him over for a moment, but then his lips turned downward into a small frown as he reached forward, fingers gently running across Alexandre’s forehead. 

“Your face is damp and your eyes are bloodshot.”

“I had a nightmare.”

That actually got an impressive laugh from the man.

“You live in a nightmare, dear Alexandre, what could you think of that is worse than your reality?”

He did have a point, but those glowing red eyes… Merik. 

Wait a second…

“We’re… not moving?”

“No. This port does not allow departures at night. We must wait at least another three hours before we may take our vessel safely out to sea.”

“Safely?”

The captain smirked and ran his fingers through Alexandre’s messy hair.

“Yes, Alexandre. This area is surrounded by a reef that becomes partially exposed during the evening. While we could try to sail around it, the port police would prefer that we wait. And, considering that I often need to stop at this port, I have no interest in upsetting them by disobeying their rules.”

I never thought that he would care about his reputation towards humans.

“It makes it easier. While I could easily kill plenty of humans, more just take their place and then the royal navy gets involved and brings hunters… tsk, just not worth the hassle.”

At that, Alexandre couldn’t help but give out a quiet but honest laugh. 

Laughing. He was laughing. Why was he laughing?

“Why are you laughing? What is so funny?”

Alexandre began to open his mouth to respond but then another small bout of laughter escaped, making James’ heart jump oddly in his chest. 

Giving a deep growl, he leaned over until their noses were almost touching, the closeness easily silencing his unwarranted chuckle.

“Why are you laughing at me, Alexandre? Answer wisely or your pet shall suffer the consequences.”

“I apologize, Captain. It just seemed like you were uncharacteristically annoyed? It was just such an odd emotion to see from you that I suppose I lost myself. Please don’t hurt Ria over my mistake.” 

They were both quiet for a moment, but then James just silently nodded and got up. He had things to do and had actually been busy when he’d heard him scream in his sleep moments ago.

“Get up and put on a pair of pants.”

Alexandre quickly did as told, though judging from his clumsy movements, he wasn’t quite awake yet. Looking over to the corner by the dresser, he nodded to Ria, the gesture immediately getting the boy’s full attention.

“Ria, make the bed before nightfall. For now, go do your job on deck. If you finish early you may come back and sleep. I will have food for you later if you do a good job.”

The boy nodded and jumped up, vanishing out the door but moments later. He was regaining his strength rather quickly. He was very lucky that his body managed to make use of the food given to him.

“Ready Captain,” Alexandre said after a moment. 

“Alright, follow me.”

He had fully intended to carry him naked once more, but considering his burns were still healing, he didn’t want the gesture or work he was going to be doing causing more damage. As they descended into the darkness, James allowed a small flame to glow from his palm, giving Alexandre enough light to navigate by his side.

“I need to finish inspecting the stores we have left for our human populace. You will help the cook catch up for tonight’s dinner.”

When he didn’t answer right away James glanced over his shoulder and noticed him shivering slightly. His feet stopped abruptly, and sure enough, his pet’s shoulder knocked into his, snapping him out of whatever he was thinking about.

“Why were you shaking, Alexandre?”

His lips pursed, a sign he’d come to know as hesitation. Thankfully, he tended to speak even with such emotions. James slowly turned toward him and watched as he flinched and stepped back.

“What is bothering you now?”

“The nightmare, Captain.”

The nightmare again? He could easily replace it with something much more frightening, but he was slightly curious as to what had him so afraid. James turned back around, motioning for him to follow as they continued down the hall.

“Well… um. It was about…”

James let a rumbling growl slip from his lips, effectively speeding up the man’s story with the warning.

“Merik. I kept hearing his voice in the darkness, then seeing those glowing red eyes… The color of your flame reminded of it and now I can’t get his voice out of my thoughts.”

“That is troublesome.” 

After they got to the end of the hall he closed his hand, effectively putting out the flame before turning and scooping his human up into his arms. His body was extremely tense, but it slowly began to relax as they went through a door and down a few steps before one more short hallway.

“Here we are.”

James felt him shift a little as he opened the door to the galley. It was lit very dimly with two small torches on the wall. They gave off just enough light to allow humans to move about the room. Alexandre was looking around with tired eyes, though he could feel his curiosity beginning to grow. Such a simple emotion, yet when it came from his pet, it was quite interesting to watch be fulfilled.

“Why am I not allowed to come down here to eat?”

He didn’t sound upset, just his curious coming through. As they walked back toward the small kitchen, James replied, finding no reason not to give him an answer.

“I don’t want any of the other vampires trying to mess with what belongs to me.”

Alexandre deadpanned and James smirked.

“Are they allowed to feed on each others’ humans?” 

“No. They are assigned one human and that is the one they feed from when needed. The only time you may borrow another’s’ pet is if yours is feeling unwell and it would be detrimental to extract a meal.” 

“Captain.”

James stopped right before the door to the kitchen and turned when he heard his first mate’s voice.

“Yes, Desden?”

“Helket fed from my pet without notifying me. I just checked and his human is in perfect health.”

“I see. He is becoming quite troublesome… you may kill him.”

“W-wait, Captain!”

Both of the vampires looked at him, but their expressions were masked by the dim lighting.

“Did he kill them?”

The other vampire, Desden, replied with a slight air of confusion.

“No, but he fed from something that wasn’t his, obviously knowing that it was not allowed.”

“If he didn’t kill the human, then why kill him?”

The captain chuckled and patted Alexandre’s back like one would a child, just making him more flustered about the situation.

“Why do you care about a vampire? You would gladly kill one of us, would you not?”

He was taken aback slightly by his statement. He guessed he was speaking the truth, but it somehow still felt wrong. 

I don’t know.

“Such a cute little mind you have there, Alexandre. Desden, see to it that Helket is put into a coma and locked in the brig. I don’t want him awake for the next two weeks. He has made far too many mistakes for my liking.” 

The other vampire seemed sated by the punishment and bowed.

“As you wish, Captain.” 

When his first mate walked away Alexandre was taken into the kitchen and set down by a stove. It was nearly impossible to see anything besides the faint bit of fire glowing beneath the large item. He did, however, notice several sets of glowing red eyes turn to stare at him as the captain released his arm. 

He quickly grabbed for the man’s wrist, halting him just before he disappeared into the darkness. His mind was playing flashbacks of all of the eyes that had been in his nightmare and then Merik’s voice returned to accompany the images.

I can see into your mind, love.

That was the first time James had called him that since he’d asked him not to… 

It takes a lot of effort to withhold such a fitting name. As I was saying though, the images are from Merik, as well as the voice. His abilities have a fairly long reach.

Alexandre felt him gently tug him forward and he obediently followed. Sure, he was going into complete darkness at the back of the kitchen, but at least he was away from all of those other pirates and the glowing red eyes.

“Alexandre…”

His attention was so focused on what was behind him that he actually jumped when he heard the captain whisper right next to his ear. His deep chuckle echoed in the dark room as pots and plates banged in the background.

“Yes, Captain?”

“Open your mouth.”

That was an odd request… He wasn’t interested in arguing, though, so he quickly did as told.

“Good. Now I am going to press my finger to your tongue. When I do so you need to close your mouth and suck, understand?”

“Yes, Captain.”

Alexandre heard a quiet growl from him in response, and a moment later the finger he promised was tapping against his tongue. The coppery taste of blood was slightly alarming, but he closed his mouth anyway and began to gently suck on the digit.

Very good. With your ability to withstand vampiric pressure and my own powerful blood, you should be able to have some freedom from those eyes and his voice.

He hadn’t even needed to tell him that, because the images immediately stopped and then, with an angry snarl, the voice was pushed out of his mind as well. The sheer relief made him dizzy with the need for a good night’s rest, since he’d had such a fitful one earlier. But first… Alexandre carefully nudged James’ finger from his mouth with his tongue and then leaned into him until he could wrap his arms around his chest. He then allowed his head to fall against his collar bone with a content sigh.

“Thank you so much.”

Odd little human, thanking him so passionately for such a small act of… damn, that had been kindness. He was losing his touch to the pathetic bothersome human. 

He snapped his arm out just in time to prevent his human, who seemed to have passed out from the relief, from smacking his head on the hard wooden floor. He didn’t need blood spilled in the middle of a kitchen full of vampires. Not that he couldn’t have handled the situation, but it was best that it never happened to begin with.

With a grunt he lifted him up into his arms and sighed. Now then, what to do with this troublesome human.  

He obviously wouldn’t be working just yet, though he could easily wake him up to do so, but he had a feeling that his work would suffer due to his lack of sleep from the nightmares. He supposed that he’d just carry him until he finished the inventory he needed to get done… fun.

It took about two hours to finish the rest of his work for the day, and James was satisfied with the amount of food. They wouldn’t need to dock for at least another few days, maybe even a week if they rationed the food correctly.

Alright, time to get a certain human to bed and… ah, right.

“Chef?”

He spoke as he ducked out of the back room and back into the kitchen. A large vampire who looked like he ate quite obsessively in his human days waddled up to him with a welcoming smile. The man was always happy, even when he was scolding him for something amiss in his dishes.

“I need a plate of vegetables and a small portion of cooked salted beef.”

“Yes, Captain.”

The man had the food ready in only a few minutes since he’d already had most of the ingredients cooking, and handed over the platter.

“Thank you, carry on.”

He nodded and hobbled away as James quickly made his way back to his room above deck. The sun was beginning to rise, but they still had a little while before could safely leave. Either way, it didn’t bother his eyes like midday so he welcomed the fresh air before ducking into his room.

“Ria, come take this platter and put it on my desk.”

It was odd that he was back so quickly, but everything on deck looked completed and the room was well cleaned. The young boy hurried over and took the tray, setting it exactly where he’d ordered before returning to his pillow in the corner. Once James’ hand was free of the plate he easily got Alexandre into bed. He looked much more at peace now, and the thought of Merik fuming about him giving him his blood to force him out made his lips curve into a smirk.

He calmly got himself situated on the edge of the bed and crossed his legs before motioning Ria over once more.

“Get the tray and bring it here, then kneel before me.”

He did as told and then waited, his head bowed like a good slave. The boy actually wasn’t bad for a human, and he was actually quite fun to feed.

“Here.”

He looked up and took the slice of cucumber that was offered and quickly stuffed it into his mouth.

“Would you like some more?”

“Yes please, Captain.” 

His enthusiasm for such a simple thing made James grin. He’d seen some picky humans in his life time, but the boy before him ate without a second thought. He could easily poison the food as well, but he’d probably still eat it, if only to get away from his own personal nightmare faster. 

Feeling strangely giving, James took the piece of cooked beef off the platter along with four more big pieces of cucumber and handed it all to the boy. His eyes immediately went as wide as saucers when his hands were filled with the food. It honestly wasn’t much compared to what an adult human might gorge himself on in a normal situation, but considering the boy often just got fed scraps, it probably looked like a banquet. He even had a tear running down his cheek.

“M-may I eat it all, please Captain?” 

He wasn’t sure why he was spoiling him. With a shake of his head, James flopped over onto his bed and stretched out beside his pet. He wouldn’t mind a small nap before the day shift began.

“Yes, you may eat it all.”

The loud “thank you!” he got in return made him laugh inwardly, but as the room quieted down besides the sound of the boy’s soft chewing, he slowly let himself drift off to sleep.

Chapter 14

Captain!

James was up immediately and didn’t need to be told what was going on. Since he had fallen asleep in his clothing, he had to quickly toss off his shirt before running out into the monsoon. Rain was heavy in the air yesterday, but he didn’t think that it would end up being such a heavy storm.

“All hands on deck! I want everything that isn’t already tied down secure with rope. All humans are to get below deck, now!”

Desden appeared before him but their formalities were pushed aside for the time being, it was far more important to get everything taken care of. Ria was scrambling to get below deck when he knew he should have been going to his room, but he’d deal with that later. At least the boy listened to his shouted order.

“Captain, the monsoon was beginning to push us into the pier so we put up the sails to get free.”

James looked over his shoulder and noticed that they had, indeed, sailed a few miles from shore. He could work with that. With a determined growl he ran over to the main mast and began climbing, his claws easily taking him up once he had kicked off his boots. The lookout pointed off into the distance at a much-darker group of storm clouds as James landed atop the edge of the platforms rim. Even with the strong winds buffeting him, his balance was nearly perfect… with a little magical help, of course.

“Get down below and help secure things, once done go below deck with everyone else.”

The man nodded and promptly jumped out of the crow’s nest. Now that he could observe his crew from above, he noticed no one was taking care of the farther mast. Mine then.  With a deep breath he leapt off the structure but a strong gust of wind slammed him backwards into one of the sails. 

Shit. 

The rampaging thunder drowned out a few choice words as he fell along the canvas. Thankfully, his hands managed to grab one of the hanging ropes and after slicing through a few yards of it with his claws, he managed to halt his descent, then quickly climb the rope until he could use it to swing around to the correct canvas. He landed right next to the rope he needed to close the sails. It would leave them with just one for direction, but going off course a few miles was much safer than getting holes in the sails.

Captain?

Alexandre…

What is it you need? I am busy right now.

Where is Ria? He isn’t out in the storm, is he? 

No, he ran below deck with the rest of my crew.

But isn’t it dangerous for him to be down there?

Yes, but I will retrieve him shortly.

I’ll go get him.

No, you won’t. Stay put.

But he could get bitten down there.

So what?

He didn’t get a verbal response, but frustration coursed through his mind as he heard the door to his cabin open far below, then slam shut.

Get back in the room!

Alexandre ignored him again, drawing a snarl of annoyance from his lips. With quick hands he got the sail pulled up and tied-off to keep it from damage, then quickly jumped down to check the others. As soon as the deck was secure for the storm he was going to be tracking down a certain stubborn human! 

“Ria?”

Where is he?

Alexandre couldn’t see a darn thing down below, but he could hear voices all around him. 

“Go back to your master’s room, human. This is no place for you.”

A voice beside him brought Alexandre to a halt. He quickly turned to try and see who it was, but again, the darkness blocked his sight completely.

“Where is Ria? He ran down here and I came to get him back.”

“That little stick of a boy? He was supposed to die, so I’m sure someone is granting that wish. Besides, what would the captain want with him? He’s basically a dead kid walking anyways.”

“He belongs to me.”

“What? Like hell he does, lad. You are a human, if you haven’t forgotten. Just because the captain chose you to be his personal bitch, doesn’t mean you can just claim humans.”

The vampire laughed, chilling his blood more than the cold water soaking through his clothing.

“He is mine. Captain gave him to me. Now where is he?”

“Yeah right, go back to the captain’s cabin and be a good little blood bag.”

He was just about to try his luck with the vampire he was talking to, even though he couldn’t see much of anything in the darkness, when he heard a voice from behind. 

“That is enough. Alexandre, come.”

Captain…

He whirled around and instantly locked onto the captain’s glowing red and gold eyes.

“Captain, someone is feeding on Ria. Please, he’s still too weak to be fed from.”

James wasn’t in the mood to bother with his pleas. In fact, without any effort he tossed him over his shoulder and began to walk away.

Captain, Please. I can’t leave Ria down here.

You directly disobeyed my orders. 

That vampire said they were going to kill him.

He wanted to die…

He began taking him upstairs when he said something that had him hesitating right before the line of rain.

Captain, he was a gift from you, please. His safety is solely my responsibility and I understand that I disobeyed you. I’ll take any punishment you wish to give without argument, but please let me save him. He is a nice boy and deserves to live… at least for as long as you wish to provide for him.

What if I no longer wish to provide for him?  James returned, curious about his pet’s response.

He felt Alexandre’s body sag slightly on his shoulder and soon the sound of sniffling  met his ears. 

Crying shows only weakness.

Alexandre sniffled quietly before replying with a frustrated thought.

Crying shows that you care about something.

He had many more things to argue, but he could feel Ria’s life draining away as they spoke. So, James carefully set Alexandre down on the stairs. 

“Wait.”

He vanished a second after he’d relieved himself of his human baggage, only to return a minute later with Ria’s unconscious form in his arms. He had been bitten by two other vampires, but was not in danger of dying since he’d already stopped the bleeding. Alexandre was up right away and taking the boy from his arms with the gentleness of a mother taking her babe. 

Such emotions seemed wasted on such a weak human… He had no idea why his even wanted the boy around.

“Come,” he said once his pet had his boy settled in his arms.

Alexandre squared his shoulders and nodded. The ship was drifting steadily on the waves, but there were two lookouts to be sure they didn’t hit land or get too close to a reef.

When they got back inside James quickly tossed his wet clothing to the floor while watching Alexandre scramble to get Ria warmed up in the boy’s blanket.

“Alexandre, remove your wet clothing when you have finished tending to him, then come here for your punishment.”

When Alexandre finished with Ria he slowly stood up and turned to face him. There was an admirable amount of determination in his eyes. 

“Come here, Alexandre.”

He obeyed immediately and tugged off his wet clothing without a word. When he walked closer James allowed his fangs to extend, telling him one thing, but knowing that intended to add a little extra besides just a simple bite. 

The second his teeth dug into his soft skin James opened his senses and flooded Alexandre’s. His body shuddered abruptly and began to fight, but he easily held him tight. Humans thought it was all fun and games being a vampire, but the truth was that the senses they acquired when they change are often much too strong for a former human to handle. Most don’t make it through, but several ones who manage are mentally unable to handle the extreme senses and often kill themselves. 

He held back quite a lot, but he could still feel Alexandre’s body go on full alert, nerves quivering, heart hammering, eyes dilating. His mind was a blur of with a mixture of extremely loud sounds, strong scents, and overall sensitivity. 

When a loud boom of thunder rumbled through the cabin Alexandre screamed and hunched against his chest, clearly overstimulated by the abruptly heightening of his senses.  

James relented at that time, not wanting to push it too far. He’d just been curious about how well the man would handle being an actual vampire. Not very well, it would seem. At that point he allowed his fangs to retract and was about to put him to bed when he realized that there was a little bit of blood coming from his left ear and a tiny bit was visible at the edge of his lips, too. The ear he’d been prepared for, as a vampire’s hearing was much stronger than a human’s and his eardrums were not adapted to dealing with such an amplified sound, but why was his mouth…

Captain, that last lightning strike got our side! We’re taking on water!

Shit.

“Ria, help him!”

James quickly set Alexandre down on his bed and pulled on a pair of slacks before racing out of the cabin. Being the captain and the strongest swimmer of his crew, he knew that he was the one going down to fix the damage. Once he got to the railing where Desden was standing he helped him get a rope tied tightly around his waist. 

“Keep the doors closed to be sure we don’t flood. Everyone stays where they are.” 

He nodded as James hopped up onto the railing, then jumped overboard. He had planned on using gravity to fall, but the wind was so strong that he had to dig his claws into the worn wood to climb over to the damaged section.

“Alright, let’s get this fixed.”

Pulling his magic from within, he pressed his hand against the splintered wood and slowly closed his eyes to focus.

“Heal, now. Mend and be whole once more.”

Feeling the power flow through his fingertips was draining, but thankfully the shattered wood began to reform. When it finished he let his hand drop and sighed.

“That should hold for now.”

Desden, is the ship straightening out?

Yes! We’re good, Capt’n. The lightning is also slowing so we shouldn’t have more damage.

Good.

He quickly climbed back up with his claws and untied himself from the rope, then walked back into his cabin. As he began to dry off his eyes looked over at Ria, his quiet cowering taking his attention right away.

“What’s wrong?”

He flinched and hid beneath his blanket.

“I-I couldn’t….”

Couldn’t what?

James’ eyes slowly moved over to Alexandre’s form on his bed.

…dead?

Immediately, he ran over to him and checked his pulse, though he could already sense that his heart wasn’t beating. For once in his life he was at a loss. He wanted to kill Ria for not saving Alexandre. He wanted to yell at him to wake up, but he knew that it was his fault. He had forgotten about his heart condition in response to stress, even though his punishment had been much lighter than some of his others… He had killed him.

As he stared down at the lifeless body unfamiliar depression grew into anger and then further, to rage.

“I hate you…” 

His body didn’t move as James reached down and grabbed his neck. His fingers constricted, but again, no response. 

“I don’t regret it.” 

No response…

“You deserved to die.”

He felt something wet run down his cheek and silently cursed the rain that must be its cause. With a quiet sigh he began to lean over to lift him up when he felt eyes on him… and they definitely weren’t Ria’s little frightened ones.

A deep, rumbling growl began, sounding like a purr from a large feline stalking its prey. He needed to kill him… again. The growling got louder and after a moment he felt a cold hand slowly slide along his cheek, then grip his wet hair.

“Alexandre… I am sorry that this has happened.”

He didn’t normally apologize, ever, but this was a rare occasion where he believed it was necessary.

The chalky white hand began pulling him down and soon he felt a cold nose nuzzle against his neck, then pause as a deep inhale was heard.

“Captain, is he…?”

A dry tongue struggled to lap at his skin.

“….yes. He is a damur. A damned soul, undead but broken. He will feed like a vampire but will never truly be sated. Each time he’ll need more and if he doesn’t get it, his mind will deteriorate. I did this.”

James could feel his partially human teeth tear at his flesh and closed his eyes as his blood began to flow. He could have easily removed him, but he felt like he deserved to have his skin torn up.

“You are safe, though. They may be always hungry… but damur only feed from the vampire responsible for their change.”

Chapter 15

“Alexandre…”

There was a quiet growl in response, but he did not bother to move his lips away from James’ neck. The sound at least let him know that he had heard him. 

“Let me go, Alexandre.”

He could have easily removed him, but aggression was always met with aggression when it came to damur, so it was best to get him to come back to his senses and pull away on his own. Unfortunately, he was rather strong. Not quite to James’ ability yet, but he could easily subdue a weaker vampire and cause some serious damage if one would try to remove him by force.

The suction from his lips broke after a few more moments, then he leaned back so that his head could fall upon the blankets. He looked terrible. Not just because of his pale skin and exhausted eyes, but because of how he felt. His emotions were flowing through James’ mind, but all he could sense was sorrow and hunger. 

His hand gently reached out to rub along Alexandre’s cold cheek, feeling all the blood vessels suffocating beneath his skin.

“Your body is slowly dying…”

He didn’t respond with words, but James could easily read his eyes.

“You want to die now, don’t you, love?”

His voice was so quiet when he finally managed a response that it wasn’t even audible, but after all of of his years on the planet, lips were now quite easy to read. With a fake smile James allowed his thumb to run along Alexandre’s bloody lower lip.

“Would you leave him in my hands?”

Alexandre seemed confused for a long moment before realizing who he was talking about.

“Ria…” 

There was a long pause as James felt him try to form another sentence. 

“You… are a… monster.” 

That was a phrase that used to make him laugh, but now he couldn’t find the humor to the words.

“As are you now, Alexandre.” 

His eyes closed slowly as he sighed out another near-mute reply.

“It hurts.” 

“I know, love. I’ll fix it soon.”

Capt’n, the storm has cleared for the most part. It is just raining now and repairs are being made to any damages. Shall we return to port, or…?

Yes. I have something I need to ask Merik while you tend to the ship’s repairs.

Aye, Capt’n. 

Would you like someone to accompany you?

No, I shall be fine.

Aye, Sir.

It took about three hours to return to the port town since they had been blown so far off course by the wind. During that time he had taken Helket’s slave, since it seemed to be the healthiest, and steadily fed from him while feeding Alexandre. Even though he was taking half a pint each hour, he could still feel his mind slipping away as they spoke.

The second the ship landed he took Alexandre into his arms and jumped from the railing on deck. Several humans stared at his bloody mouth and likewise, James’ stained neck when they landed, but he was not in the mood to deal with the annoying creature’s curiosity right then. Their bodies blurred as his walk turned into a run, their destination one he wished he’d never needed to return to.

Why have you come back, James? I am in no mood to humor you. Be gone.

I need your help.

What…?

He really didn’t want to beg him, but leaving Alexandre to become a mindless zombie, or to kill him, just didn’t feel right. He carried his human right into Merik’s home, immediately causing several of his guests from the previous nights’ festivities to stop what they were doing and eye them in surprise. He had more important things to do than stare, though, and promptly stomped right through the crowded room and into Merik’s private study.

“Merik.”

He was sitting in a comfortable wing chair by the far corner, a book open in his lap. His eyes rose to James’, but then went to Alexandre.

“Well well, a damur. Who would have thought.”

The laughter in his voice made James’ skin crawl.

“You want to know how to reverse it, don’t you?”

Pursing his lips, James took a quiet breath, then nodded. Turning Alexandre was a mistake. Possibly one of the biggest ones of his long life. 

“I tortured him and took too much blood… I want him changed back.”

His laughter grew, making James bite his tongue to keep from baring his fangs.

“What is so funny?”

Merik’s lips stretched into a grin until James could see one fang sneaking free from beneath his upper lip.

“You do understand that the change is irreversible, do you not?”

I know that, but…

“There has to be a way to change him.”

His brow rose and another chuckle came from that disgusting excuse for a mouth as he replied.

“Have you tried killing him yet? I’m sure that would change him…”

“I will not kill him!”

He leaned back in his chair and retrieved the book from his lap…

“Then what is it that you want, Captain James?”

“You’ve fixed it before! I know one of your slaves was freed from being a damur, how did you do it?”

Merik’s head tilted to the side, then back. He was thinking. 

“I do know a way to change him, but the chances of it working are practically impossible for you.”

“What does it matter if its me?”

“It matters, because, a damur isn’t just made. It takes several different emotions and actions. You damned him. Everything that you did brought him to the condition he now suffers.”

“Why are you telling me what I already know?”

He was seriously losing his patience. Obviously he had made him! What he wanted to know was how to unmake him!

“Such little patience, indeed. Alright, James. I shall tell you how to free him of that curse… under one condition.”

His eyes narrowed, but he slowly nodded for him to continue speaking.

“He will be mine. Whether he wishes it or not. Once he is no longer a damur, he will belong to me and me alone… and you, my not-so-friendly friend, you will leave and not return here unless summoned.”

 It took a lot of effort not to snarl and attack him for trying to take what was his again, but if it would save Alexandre… At least he knew that Merik’s mind control wouldn’t work very well on him so that he could live at least a somewhat normal life. 

“Fine.”

 Merik smirked and jumped to his feet, though if you weren’t a vampire it would have looked like he was getting up slowly. He was excited to take his human from him. He quickly turned and grabbed a piece of folded paper off of one of his immaculately kept bookshelves, then handed it to James. 

“…Galayen?” 

“Yes. I know you can read it, even though it is from a tribe of lost vampires thousands of years old. I know you used to be interested in their history and taught yourself the language.”

He nodded toward Alexandre, who was still in James’ arms, suckling lightly at his bleeding neck. 

“You need to set him down and then recite what is on that paper, exactly, word for word, as you stare into his eyes. You must not miss a word, syllable, nothing. It must be perfect the first time, so memorize it now.” 

“What are the repercussions of saying these words? The ancient vampires were powerful but their words sometimes held unfair trade-offs when used.”

“This has no trade, I have used it before, a long time ago. If you want to think of it as one, saying it correctly the first and only time is the trade. If you mess up, then he is doomed.”

No pressure…

With a slight shake of his head he dislodged Alexandre’s teeth from his neck and gently lifted him down. It took him a moment to stand on his own feet, then another few until he finally looked up to meet his gaze. His eyes were so… dead. He had been feeding continuously since he had changed him, but it wasn’t making enough of a difference. He needed to get it reversed fast or he was going to become just a crazed zombie. 

Alright, one try.

“Fyar de’salra jande t’ mias ver qwe’tsi. Gs’tsha byay ksa.”

At first nothing happened, and he thought that he had done it wrong, but when Alexandre dropped to the floor and began to shake he felt himself panic.

“What is happening to him?”

“Calm down, the spell is just doing its job. I’m honestly surprised it worked.”

James’ eyes went back to his human as he spoke to Merik.

“Why?”

“Do you have any idea what you just said?”

“Something about being sorry. I do not remember much of what that language means, only how to read it.”

As Alexandre finally drifted off into unconsciousness, James had to fight himself to keep from picking him up. It didn’t help his control in the least when Merik stepped forward and lifted his human into his arms to deposit him a few seconds later onto his couch. When he turned back around to address him, James felt his stomach drop.

“You said, in general translative terms; I, a demon, have loved you, and for that I have cursed you with my aggressions and my hate. I hereby withdraw my affections so that you may walk as yourself once more.”

What?

“Did you not understand? I thought it was pretty clear. You fell in love with him and as you know, we are cursed to never fall in love. The strongest of us the are most affected become extremely aggressive toward the one we favor, and your love, my dear captain, is what damned him in the end.”

Merik rolled his shoulders as he sat beside Alexandre on his sofa, the general movement and proximity of him, to what should still be his, made James’ blood boil in his veins.

“He is now a vampire, and you are free to leave… now.”

A…

…vampire?

“He can not be a vampire!”

“Why can’t he? Did you think he would just magically become human again? He died , James. I have done as you asked and removed the curse’s hold, now leave!”

Seeing Merik’s outright anger was surprising, but he wasn’t ready to back down yet.

“Alexandre would hate to live this way. He valued his humanity. You must kill him!”

“Oh? So now that I have saved him and own him, I must end his life? You can not have it both ways, James.”

Merik slowly rose from the couch and began stalking toward him. The look in his eyes forced James’ feet to step back once, then twice…

“Being a vampire would be worse than losing his mind. I would not have said those things if I had known!”

“I think he’ll get used to it. Now then. Get out now. “

Merik’s claws began to glow at their tips as he heated them with his magic. James knew better than to try and fight him where they were, but he couldn’t make himself leave, either. Both of them tensed when he realized that he wasn’t going to just let Alexandre remain as he was.

“Fine then. On-guard, Captain James!”

In a blur Merik’s claws were hissing toward his face. At the same time, James was unsheathing his sword. Claws clashed with his blade and they quickly became locked in a struggle for dominance. Being nearly pressed against a wall, though, had him at a disadvantage. 

Merik’s claws began to force back his sword, the edge seemingly useless against Merik’s glowing black magic… but in the blink of an eye his claw’s color faded and he gasped.

James was completely confused for a moment before realizing what had happened. There was a clawed hand protruding from where Merik’s dark heart would be… 

As his body dropped to the floor, his heart shredded in Alexandre’s hands, James quickly ran to the right, but not quickly enough. He was there in a blur, his former human slave slashing at him like the feral monster he so hated… but had become. He needed to tame him quickly and get his mind back from his vampiric side, but considering that he had just killed a noble, they needed to leave first. 

James added some magic to his speed and managed to knee Alexandre right beneath his ribs, effectively knocking him unconscious for the moment. Hearing several people outside the double doors, he quickly tossed the man over his shoulder and jumped out of the open window in the back of the study.

Alexandre’s mind was already humming within his own as they landed in the grass below, telling him that he would wake shortly after they returned to the ship.

This is not going to be fun…

Chapter 16

Loud. 

Everything was extremely loud. He could hear waves crashing against wood. The wood creaking with each hit, almost as if it were groaning in rebuttal from the battery of sea water. Someone was nearby, breathing quietly… asleep. A faint scent tapped his nose, letting him know that it was a human. 

Hmm, it? Am I not a human?

A deep rumble in the back of his head made Alexandre question his previous thought. The sound definitely hadn’t come from the captain… In fact, he couldn’t even feel his presence in his mind like he normally did. He was definitely close, though, because his scent was mixed with that human’s in the air and somehow he could sense that there were two people in the room besides himself. The human… Ria, that was the boy’s name. If he was there, then the other must be James. He could sense other humans on board, too, but the other creatures were what bothered him. 

He also felt cold, right down to his bones. Like, perhaps, he’d somehow changed into one of them. Into a vampire.  

His body abruptly jolted upright in the bed he was lying in, except his new strength sent him onto his feet and about a meter into the air, effectively causing him to smack his head on the ceiling before dropping back down with a bounce on the blankets. 

Woah. 

“Alexandre?”

So loud. 

He winced at the sound of the captain’s voice, but then slowly turned his attention toward him.

Holy…

He looked like a god! There must have been something seriously wrong with his vision. Except, when he glanced around the room to see what everything else looked like, the finer details of things that he had missed while being human were blatantly clear now. Even Ria, with his little stick-and-bone body showed so much more now. His face was malnourished and tinted a faint grey while his eyes, though looking much better, were still sleep deprived and needed quite a bit more nutrients. 

As he let his eyes adjust to the new way of seeing, Alexandre let them study the boy’s reaction. It was clear that he knew what he was now, but curiosity mixed with the fear in his eyes. 

“Ria.” 

Alexandre wanted to hug him. To tell him that everything was going to be fine, that he would make it fine with his new abilities. But then it happened. His stomach lurched, drawing a pained growl from his throat before it did it again, then again. It felt like he was going to throw up, and after looking around in panic for a moment his hair was grabbed roughly and his head pushed down into a bucket. 

The whole motion threw him off balance and off the bed, but he was plenty comfortable on his hands and knees as he began to throw up… what? He hadn’t eaten anything in a long while, if he remembered correctly…

“Calm down and let your body do the work.”

Work?

“I can’t read your mind for some reason, but your body is dead, it needs to get rid of everything that isn’t useful.”

“W-what?”

Another strong lurch from his stomach finally got the process started.

Did I just cough up a lung?

“Your body only needs its heart and basic structure of veins and arteries now. You may end up keeping one of your lungs until your body figures out how to function without it, but the rest is leaving. It should mostly be dissolved by all the vampire blood you drank so just let it come out. You will feel much better once it’s done.”

“Why?”

“Why? Because that is how it is. Some vampires end up keeping a few pieces, some keep it all, but obviously your body has decided to get rid of the useless stuff.”

Alexandre didn’t realize when the man’s hand in his hair loosened and slowly shifted to hold it back away from his face, keeping it from getting mixed in with the unsavory things coming out of his mouth. He was also kneeling right beside him, his nose wrinkled slightly in distaste. 

Alexandre wasn’t very happy with his new sense of smell right then, either.

“Ria, come over here and grab the small knife on my desk,” James ordered.

Alexandre heard the boy doing as told, but there was no way he would drink from him if that were the captain’s thoughts. He still wasn’t anywhere near healthy enough and he had no intention of feeding on anyone, anyways. 

When he finally finished losing most of himself into the bucket the captain pushed it away and then tugged Ria closer before grabbing the knife from his hands… which Alexandre promptly stole away from him. At first the captain seemed stunned, evidently having not even seen his hand move? but then he let out a quiet warning growl and opened his hand in front of him.

“Give it back, Alexandre. You need to feed.”

“No, I won’t.”

That was to answer both questions as Alexandre wiped his wrist across his mouth and stood up. James made a move to grab his other wrist, but Alexandre had his before he could even blink.

“Alexandre…”

His tone was another warning, but he had no intention of listening. He’d turned him into a disgusting blood-sucker. Well, he wasn’t going to accept it. He knew that a vampire didn’t live long without blood, and he likely had less time considering he was new, but hopefully he’d last long enough to do what was needed.

Alexandre’s attention returned to James, who was now struggling to get free of his grip.

“Do not think that your sudden burst of strength will do you any good. It is only because you are a newborn. It will disappear in less than an hour!”

James was baring his fangs and growling, but he wasn’t afraid. One hour wasn’t exactly the amount of time he needed, but it would have to do. With a grunt of effort Alexandre blurred to the left and slammed the captain into the wall right above his bed. The wall splintered, then dropped him down to his bed where he promptly grabbed either side of his face and gave a sharp twist to the left. A satisfying crack was heard as the vampire’s body went limp, telling him that he had broken his neck.

 Good, that should hold him for a while as his body tries to heal.

A quiet whimper brought his attention over to Ria. He could smell the blood in his veins and feel it calling to him, but his self control easily pushed that to the back of his mind. Instead, he opened his arms and smiled lovingly.

“Come here, sweetie. I’m going to fix everything now.” 

The boy looked extremely hesitant to come near him, but when Alexandre didn’t move or say anything else, he carefully stepped closer, then into his arms. Alexandre’s hands could feel every bone beneath the warm skin where they touched, but that wasn’t what caught his attention… he was crying. He couldn’t remember a time when Ria had actually cried.

“Why are you crying, Ria?” 

Alexandre’s voice was a quiet whisper against his soft hair. He felt him shift a bit, making him lean his head back just enough so that their eyes could meet. 

Oh…

“Because y-you’re not bad. You’re… a good monster.” 

That made him smile. He could see something surprising in his eyes… hope. It meant everything to him. The fact that he could give him back such an important thing. 

“I promised that I’d save you, and I will.” 

Kneeling down in front of the young boy, Alexandre took his hands in his own and pressed a kiss to the back of one. 

“Will you stay here and be good until I come back? I’m going to put my new strength to use and help everyone else, okay?” 

Ria quickly nodded, the hint of a smile on his lips. With a light chuckle Alexandre stood and ruffled the boy’s hair playfully. 

“Good boy, I will be back soon.”

Ria quickly ran over to his pillow and sat down, making Alexandre grin as he headed for the door. The sound of two sets of feet running right behind it caught his attention, so when the door swung open, he was ready. Desden and Ari were there. 

Good, I wanted to free him first to be sure he was okay.

“What are you doing…”

Desden’s question was cut off when he looked past him to the captain.

“C-captain!”

Desden snarled, but before he could bother to even raise his fist, Alexandre had him by the neck and was easily lifting him off his feet with a determined growl.

“You’ll be the first to die… again. But this time you will all stay that way!”

He was just about to crush his windpipe when he felt Ari wrap his arms around his waist.

“What are you doing?”

“P-please don’t kill him, Captain!”

“What? Why?”

Alexandre’s grip loosened slightly, but was still easily strong enough to keep the vampire from being able to strike back. He really couldn’t understand why Ari wanted him alive, though. Hadn’t he tortured him?

“H-he isn’t that mean. Please don’t kill him.”

The boy’s eyes were pleading and beginning to water… damn it all.

“Fine, but he isn’t going to be awake for awhile then. I don’t need him getting in my way.”

Ari backed off a few steps as Alexandre put Desden back on the ground just long enough for him to break his neck as well. The sound made Ari jump.

“He’s fine, just put him on the bed with the captain. I have things to do.”

Ria ran over to help Ari as Alexandre stepped over the unconscious vampire. Several of the blood pirate crew were on deck and they were already beginning to gather, having seen what he had done to Desden. 

Good.

“I just broke your captain’s neck as well as his first mate’s. Why don’t you do something about it you disgusting blood suckers!”

The insult got them bristling, and soon enough he had a fight on his hands. The first to reach him obviously had a gift for speed, but was unfortunately not fast enough to avoid his hand digging into his chest. Alexandre blurred away as his body fell to the floor, suffocating with the loss of its heart.

The next two vampires were in range seconds later. One was swinging his blade while the other struck with claws. The sword didn’t bother him, but he’d noticed most vampires had abilities that focused in their hands, so the one attacking with his claws needed to be the first of the two to die. 

Alexandre easily dodged the claws and watched with satisfaction as the blade cut through the vampire’s arm, severing it as he lunged forward and grabbed his head. After just one sharp yank he snapped it completely backwards, then gave one extra turn to be sure that he wouldn’t be healing from the injury.

Fangs sank into his neck as he straightened to find the vampire with the sword distracting him at the worst time. A blade slid through his chest, forcing a painful scream from his lips before he quickly yanked it out and then swung his body around, throwing off the other vampire who was drawing out much needed blood. He hadn’t fed, so he knew bleeding too much would be detrimental to free everyone.

When they both moved in together Alexandre grabbed the blade from the one on the left and used it to easily remove the right vampire’s head. The other jumped back with a surprised look on his face, giving him the perfect opportunity to remove his head as well with the blade he’d so kindly lent him.

The last four on deck were all glowing one way or another. 

Alright, magic users then!

“Come!”

Alexandre barked the order right before they all ran forward. The scraggly man on the left made a punching motion and he just barely managed to move as a bolt of lightning charred the spot where his feet had been not a second earlier. Alexandre couldn’t respond yet because there was a huge wave of water washing over the ship that seemed to be locked directly on him. He quickly noticed the one controlling the water was tinted a glowing shade of blue and blurred his way toward him, slicing through his chest with ease before making his way to the lightning user. 

He was just about to decapitate him when a burst of fire blew them away from each other, then abruptly surrounded him in a deafening roar of heat!

“Captain!”

The fire enveloped him immediately, burning his skin even as he tried to move away. Every time he blurred to a new area to catch a clean breath of air or try to put out the flames on his body, the fire followed. Soon, he was on his knees as the oxygen his body still needed was eaten up by the fire. 

I can’t die here! I have to free the humans! 

A faint flicker in the back of his mind called to him to touch it, but he didn’t understand how. As the flames got hotter, his mind blurred, but the flicker pulsed forward, begging to somehow get to him. A strong gust of wind blew the fire’s smoke away for a split second, allowing him to get a clean breath and clear his mind enough to reach through it and touch that flicker of power.

The results were immediate, and loud! It sounded like a seabird had shrieked into his head as the fire was blown clear out of existence, its host slamming against, and through, his cabin’s walls. It definitely wasn’t enough to take him out, hardly, but it gave Alexandre enough time to stagger to his feet before he was back, walking toward him as flames began to circle once more. 

As his hand lifted, the fire roared back into an inferno, but Alexandre quickly reached back to press against his own flicker of power and gave a satisfying smirk when the fire was once again blown out. This time, however, the captain only stumbled back a few steps before continuing toward him.

W-what?

His fire roared back to life for a third time, choking off all of his oxygen and forcing him to fall to the worn wooden planks. Alexandre tried to use his magic once more, but he found it unreachable and dull. It had already been used up?

There you are, love. Thought you would take my ship, did you?

“N-no!”

His boots stopped right in front of Alexandre’s face, but he couldn’t move enough to even strike at him with his claws. The damned fire had taken all of the oxygen from his blood, right along with his energy.

You cannot have one without the other. The oxygen in human blood is your power. If you had fed you would have likely been able to push me back for awhile longer, but you refused. I suppose it was for the best.

Alexandre glared at him with watery eyes from the smoke as James reached out, running his hand along his face until it stopped at his neck. The fire died down to small flickering pops in the air, then vanished completely.

“You killed four of my crew and attacked me, as well as my first mate.”

His hand slowly moved upwards to run along Alexandre’s jaw, back to his ear, then through his singed hair before he spoke again.

“The normal punishment for such behavior would be death… but I know that is what you wish for yourself, is it not, love?”

He didn’t respond since he obviously knew the answer. He hated what he had become and if he was going to be a vampire and feed on humans just like the captain and his disgusting crew, then he would rather be dead. The man’s sick smile told him that he could hear what he was thinking again, too.

Alexandre watched, determined to stay conscious, as James reached forward and gently pressed his finger between his lips.

“No, I believe there is a much better punishment for a newborn than to die…”

Alexandre was confused until he pressed against something extremely sensitive in his upper jaw, then began circling it. It was extremely uncomfortable and actually was beginning to hurt. 

“Did you know… newborn vampires have extremely sensitive fangs?” 

He flicked the fang lightly, making him gasp and whimper from the sudden burst of pain it caused. 

“Did you also know… that if a vampire loses its fangs that their body immediately shuts down and puts all remaining energy and effort into rebuilding them?” 

He flicked the fang again, making Alexandre wince. He was sure he wanted him to start begging him not to break the fang, but he wasn’t going to. In fact, when he began to circle it again he lifted his jaw slightly and then bit down on his finger with a tired growl. 

The captain didn’t seem bothered as Alexandre sucked at his finger, the blood taking his full attention away. Its taste was good, but it was also a little stale… as if it had been reused several times.

“Indeed. Well, your punishment is not to lose a fang, for I want you awake. No, your punishment will be to exist. You will be a vampire and you will feed from humans just like the rest of us.”

Alexandre was about to open his mouth to reply, but when the captain reached out of his view and then yanked his arm back, Ria fell right in front of him. 

No!

“Starting now, you will feed from this boy until his death. Then you will get another slave and do the same for as long as you live. You killed four of my vampires today so even if this human dies soon, you will have plenty to choose from for your meals… but you may only feed from one until their death, you may not split the feedings.”

“…monster!”

The captain’s smile grew into one that nearly bordered on hysterical before he lifted Ria’s arm to his lips and bit into it with a feral growl. When he moved the boy’s arm away a moment later his mouth was covered in fresh blood and no matter how hard he tried, Alexandre could feel his body calling for it, hungry.

“You will be the worst of us all…”

He then shoved Ria’s small bleeding arm into Alexandre’s mouth. Unable to hold himself back any longer, Alexandre bit down. He refused to drink, but his willpower was slipping terribly fast as liquid warmth began to coat his tongue.

Chapter 17

Feeling hands sift through his hair was unnerving.

“Drink as much as you need.”

Alexandre’s jaws tightened on Ria’s arm, drawing a squeak of pain from the boy and snapping him back to himself. He quickly released him, spitting out the mouthful of blood he had been about to swallow. The hand in his hair slowed, then withdrew as his eyes rose to meet the captain’s. If he was still human he might have thought that he didn’t look tired at all, even after their fight, but that wasn’t true. There was a faint sheen of sweat on his brow and he was slightly pale… He needed blood.

The thought that he might be able to attack him now had Alexandre immediately lunging over Ria. He collided with the captain and rolled, each fighting for dominance. Unfortunately, his observations weren’t as good as he had first thought. The vampire easily pinned him to the bloody planks, a twisted smile strewn across his face.

“Did you think that I would let you feed just to be able to kill me? Your newborn powers are diminishing, and I created you…”

He leaned forward, his face stopping mere inches from Alexandre’s.

“…you will never be able to kill me, Alexandre.”

Just as he was opening his mouth to respond Alexandre heard a loud booming sound off in the distance.

“What the…?”

Worn wood was suddenly blown into the air as a heavy cannon ball slammed through the railing of the ship and struck the captain square in the side. He was spun by the momentum and the easily audible sound of bones breaking crunched through the wind. The captain came to a stop as the ball crashed past his body and through the opposite rail, then into the water.

Holy…

“All hands on deck! Prepare to return fire!”

His mind snapped back to the present when Desden ran out from below deck, shouting orders as he headed for the captain.

“James!”

When the vampire didn’t respond, Desden skidded to a stop and leaped up into the crow’s nest.

“Hunters!”

He was back on deck in a blur, running over to the mast to untie the ropes from the storm when another blast sounded through the air, this one much closer. The cannon ball roared through the main mast, splintering the wood before the entire thing came down. The loud sound brought the captain back to his wits just in time to dodge. The huge mast broke partially through the deck and decimated the rail where it extended several feet over the water.

“All hands on deck! Prepare to be boarded!” 

With the mast down there was no chance of them escaping so they needed to be ready to fight. As James stood he withdrew his sword from its scabbard and his eyes fell upon Alexandre as he, too, rose to his feet. He didn’t look to have gotten injured by the cannon ball that had hit himself. 

Good. 

“Get in my cabin, now.” 

“Go to hell!”

He really didn’t have time to argue with him, especially since his previous attack on his crew was the reason their lookout had gotten distracted and couldn’t warn them of the encroaching ship. 

So be it if he gets hurt! 

Another loud rumble shot through the air, but thankfully the ball sailed just over their heads before splashing into the water several yards off.

He quickly ran over to the edge of the deck to see a giant dark blue ship with white and gold sails begin to run alongside them.

“Shit. It’s the royal hunters!”

“Capt’n!”

His eyes darted over to Desden as the sound of hooks swinging overhead rang out. They easily got caught on the secondary mast, allowing the hunters to begin sliding over using cloth from their higher vantage points to gain the needed momentum.

“Get ready, Desden.”

“Capt’n we can’t take this many…”

“Then we’ll take out what we can. We do not run!”

“Aye, would have never thought a’ it!”

His heart was heavy knowing that Desden would fall beside him, along with the rest of the crew, but there was little they could do when it came to hunters with a broken sail. The surprise attack drew his normally fast ship to a near stand-still. The hunters were also already paid off, too, and with far more money then he could keep on his vessel as a bribe. Not that he would pay to save his own life, but Desden and Alexandre? He would have no second thoughts in doing so for them.

The first few hunters landed on the deck moments later, their bodies obviously protected by some sort of magic to be able to drop from such heights without issue. James left those men to his crew as he and Desden waited for the captain. He knew that the man never sat out on a battle that he could shine in, and getting the blood captain’s head had been one of his main goals over the years. They both looked up as the sound of another coming aboard caught their attention.

“It’s him, Capt’n.”

“Aye… get ready.”

He desperately needed to feed, but his attention was now focused on a middle-aged man who had just landed on deck. He was wearing the royal colors, blue, white, and gold, and had a large dark blue tricorn adorning his finely combed hair. He looked more like a human noble than any man who would dare go up against the infamous blood pirates… but that was his advantage. He had lost many crew members to him, but he would not lose another.

“Wallace…”

The large black-haired man nodded, then smirked.

“Captain James. I see you’ve already taken some damage… to whom do I owe my gratitude?”

James knew that he was talking about his pale skin and the bright red marks around his neck, but he wasn’t going to pick out Alexandre. Instead, he focused his attention on Desden.

Attack right after I do, don’t let him surprise you. He often has a speed spell on him.

Aye, Capt’n.

“I brought a drink for ya, captain… thought you’d like some before ya join the hundreds of humans you’ve sent to the depths.”

James’ eyes narrowed as Captain Wallace reached into his back pocket, then his arm blurred forward and an explosion of glass and liquid at his feet made James jump back. A surprised hiss of pain left his mouth and his lips immediately pulled back from extended fangs.

Holy water!

He could feel the burn through his pants, but didn’t let it distract him since Wallace was now approaching them, blade drawn and, no doubt, enchanted or covered in holy water. When he began to get closer James ground his teeth together and lunged. There was no way he was getting the first attack and he wasn’t going to let Desden take the brunt of the captain’s force. 

No, that was all his!

His blade swung overhead, clanging together with the other captain’s before he leaned back, drawing James’ sword slightly forward and shoving his boot right into his damaged ribs.

James grunted and stumbled back as Desden blurred behind Wallace and slashed at his back. His blade hit home, but there was a barrier of some sort keeping the other captain from sustaining a serious injury.

“Damnit, I knew he had magic!”

He turned on Desden and swung his blade, thankfully missing as his first mate jumped back, but as his feet landed the tip of a sword suddenly appeared in his right shoulder.

W-what?

The wound sizzled before he was kicked in the back, sending him to the floor, unconscious.

Wallace’s first mate, Ricard, walked over to stand beside his captain, a smirk of triumph on his face.

“We’ve got the remaining eight vampires in custody. All the rest were killed while resisting,” he said calmly. 

Both of their eyes were locked on him now, even though Ricard was obviously speaking with his captain. 

Wait, he’d said that only eight vampires remained… 

“Something on your mind, James?”

Shit. He had looked over at his cabin. It didn’t matter anymore. He’d seen what he’d needed to. The door had been opened. 

He listened to me… but it didn’t help. 

“Where is the vampire that was in my cabin?”

Wallace chuckled before addressing his first mate, but not looking away from James, of course. 

“Ricard?”

“He’s in the brig. Oddly enough, he didn’t fight but that won’t save him from execution.”

James’ heart stumbled over itself as he stepped forward, growling while his hands balled into fists. He hadn’t realized that his claws were extending, too, cutting into his skin.

“I changed him by mistake. You can’t kill him for that.”

Wallace’s brow rose in surprise.

“Well well, the great Blood Pirate James is actually asking for us to spare someone’s life? That is quite interesting.”

James bristled but bit his tongue on the curse he was prepared to give him. Honestly, he wanted to burn him to death with his magic, but he didn’t have enough energy to break through the barrier surrounding the two.

“How about this. You come with us and we will try your little vampire mistake in court, and if he isn’t intent on being a murderer, like his creator, then we’ll see about finding him a place where he can live out his life in… safety.”

His jaw clenched before he glanced down at Desden, then back up at Wallace.

“I will agree to come with you, without a fight… if my first mate is not harmed and is awarded a fair trial as well.”

That had the other captain laughing.

“Your first mate? Your right hand man? What makes you think a trial would ever see him free?”

His face burned with a mix of fury and embarrassment, but he couldn’t let the chance to give Desden a little more time pass by. He would never be given freedom by a trial, but he just might be able to escape before he was killed.

“That is the deal. They both get their trial and I’ll come with you.”

Wallace seemed to be thinking about his proposition as his eyes darted from Desden’s unconscious form to James, then back and forth repeatedly until a look of realization struck his features.

Shit.

“You want to save your boy…”

James swallowed hard as the man stalked toward him. He easily got within reach, and James could have technically harmed him, but his first mate was standing over Desden’s body with his holy water-drenched sword by his throat.

“If that boy is your son, then the other, hmm…”

Wallace paced around him, making his body tense as he withheld murderous instincts.

“I’m going to guess that he’s… your lover.” 

James didn’t answer, but Wallace just took that as confirmation.

“Turn around and put your hands behind your back. You are under arrest by the royal navy captain Wallace Galland.”

James bared his fangs and growled but did as told, turning and putting his wrists together behind his back. Twine was quickly wrapped around them, then all the way up his arms. The faint burning told him that they had been previously soaked in holy water. In other words, they were unbreakable. 

Perfect. 

When he was done being tied up Wallace turned him around and shoved him toward his ship. Ricard had Desden already bound and slung over his shoulder, carrying him ahead of them. The other ship had put a long wooden bridge between the two vessels, allowing them to easily walk across.

“Destroy the ship, I want it at the bottom of the ocean.”

What? 

Cannon fire echoed through the air as James watched his vessel take hit after hit, then slowly begin to sink beneath the waves. He had sailed her for over one hundred years…

When it was completely gone from sight he was shoved down a small flight of stairs and into a well-lit corridor. He didn’t need any help in knowing where they were taking him, but when he got there his feet froze in terror. Yes, Captain James of the murderous blood pirates was frozen in shock.

Wallace pressed his hand against his right shoulder, then squeezed as a loud scream pierced his ears.

Roman…

His third in command was chained against the wall in one of the four cells in the brig they stood in, having holy water poured down his throat.

Stop…

Roman’s eyes rolled back slowly as his body convulsed, rattling the chains. Soon smoke was rising from his skin, then he went completely lax against his bindings.

“Roman…” 

When he could manage to move his eyes from his now-dead third in command, he noticed two other steaming bodies leaning at odd angles against the chains.

Yari and Blane…

His eyes slowly moved over the remaining five. All of them looked terrified, an emotion he never thought any of them would have on their faces. The last one chained up was huddled in the corner, his eyes bloodshot and panicked, though he had the least amount of physical damage on his body.

Alexandre.

His head jerked up, rattling the chains and drawing the attention of the four men in the room.

“You want to go next, hmm?”

A man with dark brown hair and a sturdy build, who had just poisoned three of his crew, sauntered calmly over to Alexandre. His former slave quickly cowered back against the wall, shaking. This wasn’t his fault… he didn’t deserve to die because he had changed him!

“Don’t!”

The man turned around, showing a face full of hatred. He had a scar running from the left side of his forehead all the way down to his jawline… and he had no doubt about how he had gotten it, judging from the way he looked at them.

“Mmm, ya like this one, C aptain ?”

The word captain was literally spat out, but that didn’t matter right then. James quickly looked over his shoulder at an amused Wallace.

“We had a deal. Don’t kill him!”

The captain’s eyes roamed lazily over to Alexandre, eyeing him up like he was some sort of toy. It made his blood boil with rage, but he tamped it down and waited for a reply. When he didn’t respond the brown haired man smirked and grabbed another vile of holy water, then yanked Alexandre’s head up by his chin, squeezing hard enough to force his mouth open slightly.

“Time to take your medicine, bloody demon!”

Alexandre fought to pull away and James tried to retrieve some of his magic, but the damned holy water in the ropes was blocking it. 

“Stop, please!”

A deep chuckle behind him stole his attention for a moment, then the words of relief came.

“Leave that one be for now. Kill the other four.”

Wallace shoved him forward and into a cell, then undid Alexandre’s chains and threw him inside, followed by his first mate adding Desden. The door swung shut with a crackle… of course, more magic. Taking his mind away from the chance of escape for the moment, James checked on Alexandre, who was cowering in the corner again. He was in shock, but at least he wasn’t on the floor with poison coursing through his system. After making sure that his son was still alive as well, James looked over at the four remaining members of his crew.

The black haired man was refilling the vials for them in the small basin that obviously held blessed water. He wanted to tell them that he would protect them, as he’d made the four what they are, but there was absolutely nothing he could do as the hunter began pouring poisoned water down their throats.

It was brutal and the screams would likely haunt him for the rest of his shortening life, but it was the easiest way to be sure you killed a vampire. It was their one severe weakness and Wallace knew exactly how to deliver it to kill with just the right amount of torturous pain.

He got so caught up in his crew’s pain that he hadn’t noticed that Wallace had left, then returned an hour later, once all of his men lay dead against their chains. James didn’t have the energy to raise his head as the man’s feet stopped before the bars to their cell.

“We are heading to the port of Gil Cres. You, your son, and your lover will be tried in the king’s royal court, then undoubtedly sentenced to death while the humans you have tortured will be set free to enjoy their lives. Now then, enjoy your last few nights… and I shall enjoy my payment when your heads roll from the guillotine.”

Chapter 18

“Captain Wallace, welcome back!”

Wallace tipped his hat to the dockhand boy who always took care of his vessel when at the port of Gil Cres. He was a young lad, likely in his early twenties, but he was the best of the best when it came to getting things clean and settled.

“Morning, Creito, please see to it that my ship is ready to sail once more within the week.”

The young blond man nodded as Wallace dropped two gold shillings into his hand. He quickly shoved the pieces into his back pocket before running past with a loud “aye, Captain! We’ll have her ready in no time!”

Wallace smiled and headed off toward the courthouse now that his ship was in good hands. The building was tall, three stories to be exact, and was the best in the region. The judges were fair, but they still cared least for vampires and pirates. After holding the door open for a young lass, he quirked a smile at her blush and ducked inside the large building. He might spend most of his time on the ocean, but it felt great to be back on dry land once in awhile. Not to mention that the reward for the captain and his son will likely pay any expense he may acquire while there for the next month or so… plus some.

Come to think of it, there was also a reward on any of the survivors from Jenkin’s crew, with the most money going for the captain. Granted, he was a vampire now and will likely be executed appropriately, but he will be held for information before being dispatched. 

Walking into his favorite judge’s office, the man looked up from a paper and quickly set it aside with a smile.

“Good morning, Captain Wallace. What can I do for you?”

Wallace slid into the large black armchair across from his desk and crossed one leg over the other.

“I have three vampires aboard my ship, two are blood pirates, while the third is the lost captain, Alexandre Jenkins.”

The grey-haired judge whistled a long breath before shaking his head.

“You always bring me the most interesting cases. I assume both blood pirates will stand trial, but what of the former captain, how is it that he is now a vampire?”

“From what I’ve heard from the blood captain, he said that he had changed him by mistake. I don’t doubt that he fed on and tortured him like the rest of his crew we had found below deck, but he probably went overboard and caused him to become a Damir, then changed him completely when he saw what was happening.”

They were both quiet for a moment before Wallace smirked, running his thumb along his lower lip.

“I think we can use him against the blood captain. He begged for us to spare the former human’s life… and the other blood pirate still alive is his biological son.”

“My word, he changed his son?”

“Yes, the bastard ruined his boy’s life. I will enjoy watching his head roll, and considering how long they have been known to sail the seas, I do not doubt that his son is a lost cause… not that your court lets vampires walk free in any case.”

The judge sighed and nodded as he pulled out three pieces of paper. Two were requests for fair trials, while the third was a momentary stay of execution order. He wrote on the first two, then pushed them towards him. Wallace retrieved them as the judge worked on the last piece of paper, writing a bit more for the former human captain. He signed it after a moment, then slid it, too, over to him.

Wallace stood up as soon as he had the documents together. After folding them and tucking them into his coat pocket, he reached over and shook the man’s hand.

“Thank you, Judge Mezric.”

The older man nodded and then got busy with the work he had distracted him from. Taking that as his cue to leave, Wallace quickly headed back outside. His first mate met him right beyond the entrance with all three vampires chained together. People were staring, but he didn’t have time to wave his catch around right then. The sun was beating down on them, burning the two younger ones. 

“Bring them.”

Walking next door, Wallace held the door open as three of his crew lead the group inside. The jail was generally dark, but there were plenty of candles and torches hanging about, making it easy to navigate the large facility.

They passed several rooms used for torturing prisoners, one specifically made to hold vampires in the direct path of the rising sun. He had no need for torture right then, though, considering everyone knew the vampire blood pirates. The judge would hardly need any evidence to sentence them to death. 

When they came to the end of the hall he took a key down from the hook by a door and unlocked it, then swung the heavy iron open. He then turned to the group and unlocked Alexandre from the other two, then pointed at the captain and his son.

“Both of you, inside. Now.”

Of course the captain looked at Alexandre, making him roll his eyes.

“I am trying to give him the benefit of being a former loyal sailor, if you want me to put him in there with you, I will just treat him as any other blood pirate.”

The vampire pursed his lips but quickly nodded before walking inside the room with his son. Good. With a cocky grin, Wallace slammed the door shut and locked it before hanging the key back up and pulling Alexandre with him down a different hall. He was odd for a vampire, not even bothering to fight him as he lead him to an obviously-likely death.

“Why didn’t you fight on the ship?”

He glanced sideways at him before they stopped in front of another room. As he got busy unlocking it, the man replied in a quiet, dry voice.

“I will never commit treason.”

“Well, that is very good to know.”

Wallace gestured into the room with his hand.

“If you would not mind.”

He watched him give a faint nod, then step past the door. When all he did was go over to the far wall and slide down against it, Wallace quirked a brow. Against his better judgment, he stepped inside after a moment, drawing his attention once more.

“Are you thirsty?”

He pursed his lips, swallowed, then nodded slightly.

Wallace watched him for a long minute, taking in the former captain. He was incredibly pale and looked as though he hadn’t slept in several days.

I wouldn’t doubt it with that bastard of a captain claiming him.

Kneeling down in front of him, Wallace gently reached forward and slid his fingers along Alexandre’s cheek, then back into his hair. The whole time his eyes remained strictly on his face.

“You are trying to control it.”

“C-Captain…” the vampire rasped. 

His eyes were slowly dilating and Wallace could easily see two small bumps behind his upper lip.

“Show me, Alexandre. I want to see your fangs.”

He hesitated, then turned his head away.

“Alex… show me.”

Alexandre’s eyes narrowed, then squeezed shut as he rasped out, “I don’t want to bite you.” 

Wallace’s right hand moved to rest atop his left shoulder, easily allowing him to feel the man begin to shake, trying to restrain himself. He was honestly surprised such a young vampire could control themselves so well. At least the captain had chosen a very strong person to change.

“You won’t bite me without my consent.”

Alexandre’s eyes snapped open, glowing a faint gold while his breathing began to turn into sharp pants.

“I-I am so hungry. Please do not make me behave like a monster on my last few days.” 

For some reason, he just didn’t like the words he heard. 

“I have a proposition for you, Alex.”

That got his attention enough for him to focus for another moment.

“What?”

“You will testify against the captain and his son, and in return, I will take command of you and be responsible for anything you do.”

“No!”

His brows rose slightly at his abrupt answer. Surely he knew he was going to die soon, he had even said so himself.

“Why? You know being what you are is often punishable by death, even if you haven’t harmed anyone yet.”

“I-I know that.”

“Then why did you decline my deal so readily?”

“…because you are human.”

Alexandre’s shoulder muscles flexed beneath his hand, warning him that he was losing control.

“Y-you can’t control me… the captain couldn’t e-even control me.”

Wallace’s lips stretched into a wide smirk as he gently used the hold he had on Alexandre’s shoulder to turn him to face him.

“Good, I don’t want to have a weak vampire under my command.”

Alexandre’s wide eyes jerked up to meet his for a split second, then he attacked! 

Hungry… so hungry!

He couldn’t stop himself from lunging at him. He had warned him that he couldn’t control himself, but he had just kept pushing him. 

Wallace was no novice when it came to handling vampires, though, and it showed when he suddenly pinned him to the floor on his belly, both hands tightly held behind his back. The cold stone floor sent chills through his naked body, but nothing mattered to his mind right then besides getting a hot pint of blood to his suffocating heart.

“Kill me!” he shouted against the floor, feeling his body fight against the man even as he asked for his own death!

A sudden lick against the back of his neck had him growling in warning, but he didn’t seem to care about the threat. In fact, Wallace shifted himself to sit on his lower back, straddling him without an ounce of fear.

“Alexandre, I know you despise what you are, but you could use your new talents to aid the country you had once so proudly served. And I… I hunt vampires for a living, and I known damned well I can control one.”

“I-I will hurt people! You don’t understand. If I can’t control myself, how can you?”

“Very easily.”

The purr in his voice made Alexandre turn his head to the side so that he could look over his shoulder at him. The man looked just like the captain he had once been, proud, eager, cocky…

I had thought I was invincible, and my entire crew had paid the price for it.

Wallace switched his hold on his wrists to one hand and leaned over so that their faces were mere inches apart.

“Testify against the blood pirates. Do your duty to the crown and I will take care of you…”

His free hand gently touched Alexandre’s lower thigh and slowly worked its way up along his hips, waist, then curved along his back. It finally came to a stop just within reach of his fully-extended fangs.

“Bite me, Alex.”

Alexandre growled and shook his head, pressing his forehead against the cold floor to try and ignore the meal so generously being offered to him.

“No.”

Wallace’s body shifted on his waist, telling him that he was reaching back for something, but when he suddenly yanked a hard leather strap around his neck and tightened it, Alexandre immediately began gasping for air.

“I told you that I could control the pathetic creature you’ve become. You are mine, now do as I say or I will kill a human just to get you fed.”

He let the strap drop from his hand after a few tense moments before bringing his palm back down and nudging it against Alexandre’s lips. He really didn’t want to feed, but he knew that he was close to dying if he didn’t. He was so close to peace, yet he couldn’t allow himself to be responsible for Wallace killing a human.

So, after licking his palm hesitantly, Alexandre opened his mouth and let the man nick his own skin on his fangs.

The effect was immediate, instincts making his jaws clamp down with a ferocious snarl. He was embarrassed to have made such an animalistic sound, but the hot blood now flowing into his mouth blurred his normally-calm thoughts. He wanted more, needed it.

“Stop.”

Being told what to do just made him tighten his grip and growl.

“Alexandre Jenkin’s, release me right now.”

He gave a slight shake of his head in response, but it wasn’t exactly to say no, but to try and clear his thoughts. Realizing that he had been feeding on a human made him finally able to open his mouth and let Wallace remove his bleeding hand.

“Good boy, here.” 

He returned his hand to his mouth, and after a poorly fought battle against himself, Alexandre clamped back down on it again. This time he drank for a few seconds before he was ordered to release him. He did as told, though it took some effort. By the sixth try he was easily able to release him when ordered. It was a shock that he had as much control as he did, but Wallace was just strong enough to back up his words… and he wasn’t afraid to, even with him being a vampire.

When he had finally gotten his thirst sated Alexandre released his hand for the final time and rested his right cheek on the cold stone floor with a content sigh. The captain’s bloody hand ran through his hair for a moment before he released Alexandre’s arms and leaned over.

“Testify, then hunt what you hate by my side.”

After having so much blood he felt quite tired, but he did manage to respond to him before letting himself drift off to sleep.

“I will…”

Chapter 19

“Alexandre.”

Captain must be hungry…

Alexandre gave a quiet sigh of breath and bared his neck. The teeth he had been expecting slowly began skimming along his skin, making his body arch slightly in response. The captain had never gone as far as to bed him, so, surprisingly, he was comfortable showing a little appreciation. Besides, he could have easily harmed him or used his body for his own pleasure each time he’d fed, but he never had.

“The captain has made you quite obedient, Alex.”

James never spoke that way…

Feeling firm hands skim along his side, Alexandre gently reached up and wrapped his arms around the man’s neck, wanting to urge him down to drink so that he could get back to resting.

“Bite, please… very tired.”

When he heard a deep chuckle his eyes inwardly rolled, but as soon as the man began to bite down Alexandre’s body relaxed, eager to get back to sleep. However, the familiar sensation of being drunk from never came… and when James spoke again, he finally pushed through is sleep-clouded mind and realized that it wasn’t his voice.

“You are well trained by that demon.”

His eyes snapped open immediately as a breath hitched in his throat.

“W-Wallace?”

Alexandre should have been worried about how he had gotten into the man’s bed chambers and why he was naked atop him, but his main thought went directly to something completely different.

“Why do you have me unchained?”

His brow raised as Alexandre began struggling to get away. He needed to get himself tied up! He couldn’t be free around humans.

“Calm down, will you? I told you I could handle your vampire.”

Alexandre stopped struggling against him but his mind was still panicking, his breath coming in quiet pants.

“Captain, I cannot be free!”

His head tilted slightly, not exactly looking afraid… or even amused, really.

“Are you hungry?”

“…no.”

“Are you going to attack me?”

“Of course I am not!”

“Well then…”

Wallace reached between Alexandre’s legs and grabbed his thighs, spreading them wide.

W-what… 

“What is it now, Alexandre? May I not enjoy myself with such a beautiful body in my bed this night?”

Alexandre’s face burned, making the man leaning over him smile with interest.

“You blush quite easily, love. How many times has that pirate of yours bedded you?”

“…he has done no such thing.”

Wallace’s eyes widened, then narrowed, a flash of annoyance moving across his face.

“You sound almost defensive of that murderer,” he whispered as he moved his right hand toward Alexandre’s face. His thumb began to rub along his cheek before his fingers delved back into his tangled hair that was resting atop silken pillows.

“I would never defend such a man.” He’d intended to yell his words, but they came out sounding quite meek. 

Wallace’s smile widened slightly, then vanished as he spoke.

“Good. Now then, the trial is in five hours, but I am hungry now… let your captain enjoy himself beforehand?”

His hands roamed back over Alexandre’s thighs and around to his backside, then squeezed, hard.

“I-I would not deny my captain anything he wishes…”

“Up, Alex! The trial begins in twenty minutes.”

Alexandre jumped out of bed, and promptly dropped to the floor as an ache in his backside throbbed. Wallace yanked him to his feet with a satisfied look on his face, making Alexandre scowl.

“Oh do not pout, one day I may let you have me.”

Before he could respond to him Alexandre had several articles of clothing thrown at him, along with a command.

“Get dressed.”

There wasn’t much to do besides what he was told, and pretty soon they were striding through the corridors leading out into the bright morning sun.

Wait a moment…

His head whipped towards Wallace as he calmly walked besides him, both of them adorned in dark blue and gold navy uniforms. The only difference between their dress were Wallace’s medals, weapon, and tricorne.

“Are you going to have the trial right now?”

It was extremely bright outside… 

Wallace lazily glanced sideways at him, as if he was bothering him with a obvious question. 

“Yes?” 

“But they are vampires. The sun bothers them greatly.” 

They walked down a long isle surrounded by hundreds of seats on either side. This was the Royal Court, and even though the judge and defendants were not present yet, most of the closer seats were already filled. A large stage was set up just to the side of the judge’s podium, two nooses already strung and waiting for the next unfortunate soul to be convicted.

Next to that? Likely what would end James and Desden’s lives today… the guillotine. Besides holy water, it was the only easy way to dismiss a vampire from this world, and it was stained with the blood of many previously-slain ones.

““Do you not think it is fair? After everything they had done to you and your crew, I believe a slightly uncomfortable stint in the sun is perfectly appropriate.” 

Alexandre inwardly sighed but knew he would not get anywhere with the man. He was right though, the captain did not deserve special treatment, and it was true that most trials were indeed held early in the morning as to escape the mid-day sun. 

“Pardon my mistaken thoughts, Captain Wallace. I agree with your decision.” 

Wallace gave him a curt nod before taking his elbow and leading him to stand in front of one of several desks at the front of the gathering.

“Stay until I come for you.”

He was just turning away when he spun back around on the heels of his boots. “Do you need any blood?”

Alexandre quickly shook his head, surprisingly still sated from feeding off of him the previous night. Wallace gave a curt nod and quickly disappeared into the growing crowd that was now beginning to fill in everywhere they could manage, even though it was soon just standing room.

Hmm, everyone must always be present for such a gruesome execution.

Alexandre abruptly shook his head, clearing the image of James smiling down at him from his thoughts.

I will not stand by you! You are the reason I am now a monster and I will rid the earth of my harmful self, too, as soon as you are gone.

Please do not say such things, Alexandre…

His body startled as that soft voice trickled through his thoughts.

“Get out of my head…” 

Is Wallace allowing you to keep your life if you testify against us?

Alexandre tried to ignore him, but for some reason his question felt like one he was not allowed to leave without a response.

Yes… but I do not wish to keep it once your head rolls.

His eyes slowly opened to see James standing tall on the podium before him, his first mate silent and unmoving only a foot behind him. He had not even realized his eyes had drifted shut or that his head had tilted up so that their eyes met the moment they opened.

“I will die as soon as I witness your death.” 

As he spoke Alexandre allowed his eyes one final look at the man who had kept him hostage and tortured his crew and himself for weeks. Even though his skin was pale and he obviously needed blood, he still stood like any other captain who believed in what he was doing… what he had done.

“You have no remorse for any of it. You will burn in hell for the deeds you have inflicted upon innocent lives.”

“…..Innocence is in the eye of the beholder, my love.”

Before Alexandre could think of a response a sadistic grin spread along James’ pale lips and he began to slowly walk towards the guillotine.

“Dear humans…”

The crowd suddenly got so quiet that even the slightest gasp of breath could be heard amongst the hundreds gathered.

“…I shall not repent for any sin I have committed in your eyes.”

He slowed as he came to the edge of the stage, then nimbly leaped the small gap onto the hanging platform, managing it even with his hands bound in irons in front of him.

“…because you see. Throughout my many years, I have seen humans commit so many vile acts that my own, while malicious in intent, could never quite reach the level of magnitude that your kind has managed to achieve.”

There was a long rift of boo’s from the audience but it immediately silenced as the captain took another short leap and landed quietly on the guillotine platform. As his boots strode towards the deadly device Alexandre felt his heart stumble in his empty chest. When James finally stopped he had his eyes locked onto his with something that looked almost like… regret, dancing within his irises.

James?

I hope Wallace keeps the promise he made to you, love. I apologize for what I have done to you… but only you. You are the only human, in my eyes, that is not a monster.

Alexandre wanted to argue that he had made him into  the monster, but the words refused to form on his tongue.

Good bye, Alexandre.

“W-wai—”

Fire erupted from the stage, engulfing several people as it began to swiftly spread toward the screaming crowd.

“No!”

His mind immediately reached for the energy inside of himself, pulling it out with fervor as he began to spread a barrier among those closest to him.

It’s not enough!

As he looked around, Alexandre tried to focus harder… tried to get more people under his meager protection, but he just couldn’t manage anymore. The fire rampaged around them for several long minutes before it finally began to lower in strength. When he allowed his barrier to fall, the thirty or so humans he had been able to keep from the flames ran, stumbling over body after body after body after… after…

Red.

Everything was red in his eyes.

“I… hate you.”

The world blurred around him, colors mixing and becoming one story that he somehow navigated. A trail he somehow followed…

Jame’s face…

The port…

The distance closing between them with remarkable speed…

“James!” 

His senses rushed back as he slammed into the vampire, their bodies crashing into the weather-worn planks in the middle of the long shipping dock. Several of the pieces of wood splintered and went flying into the water as they skidded along the planks, leaving them separated from the soldiers beginning to gather with rifles and holy water in hand.

James stumbled slightly as he focused on getting to his feet only yards away, discarding what little remained of the shackles he’d burned off of his wrists.

“You are fast, love.” 

“Don’t you dare call me such a thing! You do not deserve to call anyone  that.” 

James’ head slowly bowed, eyes closing for one second before he smiled. 

“You know nothing, Alexandre.” 

James’ words made him tremble with anger.

“You are a murderer! You just killed hundreds of people, and for what reason?”

Without waiting for a response, Alexandre lunged, tired of hearing excuses that made no sense to a logical mind.

“You are a monster who cares for no one but himself! You could have escaped without killing all of those people!”

When James didn’t try to dodge they collided again, but this time they flew off the edge of the dock and into an angry ocean. The water was frigid but that didn’t bother him… what did, though, was that even as he struggled, his vampiric strength was doing nothing to see him back to the surface.

“Alexandre!” 

“Alexandre, wake up!” 

Someone seemed panicked. What was there to panic over?

“Love?”

A sudden urge to vomit made him gag, then cough up several large mouthfuls of salty seawater.

James’ arms were tightly wrapped around his chest from behind as he heaved, but every few moments he would feel himself being jerked backward with a grunt that forced him to expel more water.

“James…?”

Why had he even saved me?

“I am still going to kill you.”

James’ breathing caught his attention as he coughed.

Panting? Had he swallowed seawater as well?

“No, love. I can swim.”

Alexandre scowled and turned, but James wouldn’t let him out of his arms as he was hugged against the man’s chest. His mind was screaming at him to attack, to finish him while he was obviously weak, but as James leaned forward Alexandre found his body unable to move… and his mouth unable to form a single word as James’ covered it.

The kiss ended nearly as soon as it had begun.

“I am afraid that this is where I must say goodbye to you, Alexandre. I truly hope that our paths never cross again.”

Before Alexandre could even blink, James was gone, leaving behind a spreading pool of dark blood on the small portion of undamaged dock that remained.

Chapter 20

Two months flew by in the blink of an eye… and without any sight or sound from the former blood captain. 

“Captain!”

Ari ran up to Wallace, bowing his head before reporting. He had come with them when Wallace needed several new men for his next voyage… one to find, and rid the world of, the previous blood pirate, James. 

Alexandre had eagerly offered his services, though he hadn’t really been given a choice in the mater. He didn’t want to be away from Wallace. He was the only one who could control him without being harmed. He had also made sure that he got several extra crew members in order to keep him fed,  but not inflict lasting harm on any one person.

“Captain, I noticed the missing ship several leagues to the west, they appear to be heading for Blood Port.”

Wallace and Alexandre both grimaced at the mention of the terrible place. No one from the royal navy ever stepped foot on that island. It was crawling with the most disgusting, demonic pirates and murderers one could think of.

So why does no one bother to raid the peninsula and take every man in for the reward on their heads? Simple, no one without a pirate’s seal or tattoo has ever left with their life.

Wallace nodded back to Ari and Alexandre felt his hand, which was currently on his waist, gently tug him closer against him. He knew the gesture well and looked up, meeting his eyes.

“Well, what do you say, Alex?”

Wallace leaned down, pressing a kiss to his lips right before Alexandre spoke.

“I think we have a pirate to catch… and if he is at Blood Port, then that is where we need to be.”

His arm moved farther around his waist, turning him with his own body as he reached with his other hand for the helm wheel. “Aye, no wonder James kept you well.” 

Alexandre’s heart gave an extra quick pump at hearing the man’s name, surprising him into a quiet gasp.

“What is wrong, Alex?”

Wallace’s hand rose from his waist to delve into his hair, calming him.

Except, it didn’t. He preferred James’ attention. 

Alexandre gave another gasp, this one in surprise at his mind’s disobedience. To stop himself from being questioned, and to keep his thoughts quiet, he pressed his forehead against Wallace’s chest and sighed when he felt his lips gently move along his hair.

“Are you hungry, love?”

Love.

Alexandre’s eyes darted up to Wallace’s, but for a split second he couldn’t help but see James. Wallace never called him love… it was always Alex or Alexandre, nothing more. He didn’t even technically have a job on the ship, either. He called him his first mate, but he had a feeling that had more to do with him gracing his bed most nights over any kind of actual job on the vessel.

“No, Captain. I… I do not feel very well.”

 “I see. Go get some sleep, we will be close to port come nightfall and I want you well rested.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Alexandre dismissed himself and began heading down to his room. He slept there everyday, once Wallace was content with his body. When they had set out two months ago he had given him his own cabin and he was to use it whenever he was not needed. Well, he hardly ever found himself needed  for anything relating to the ship, but he supposed that he should just be grateful that his execution had been suspended indefinitely… as long as he obeyed everything Wallace commanded of him.

Falling back onto his uncomfortable bed, he stretched out and gave a wide yawn… then realized that he was not the only one in the room. It was nearly pitch black, but he didn’t need to look up or light a candle to know who was there. He remembered his scent.

“Ria.”

The young human boy hesitantly took a step closer, his hands clasped in front of him nervously. He didn’t look anything like the skeleton he had saved several months ago. With three square meals a day and no one draining his blood, he had gained a good twenty pounds and filled-out quite a bit. Granted, he still could use another forty or so, but he looked so much better.

Pushing himself up against the wall to sit up, Alexandre gave him a small smile and spoke quietly.

“How are you doing, hun?”

He watched as the boy nibbled at his lower lip, unsure how to really begin speaking to a vampire. He still highly disliked them, and he couldn’t blame him. He had seemed to do his best to not treat him any differently from other humans, but Alexandre knew that he scared him. Hell, he scared himself some times.

“I am good…”

Alexandre nodded. The boy had grown a lot, but his voice never really raised much more than a whisper. It was likely from his time with James’ crew and the trauma he had suffered there. His heart hurt as he looked into his haunted eyes.

“Ria?”

The boy blinked several times, seemingly lost in thought. He had probably been thinking back on something he shouldn’t. Alexandre never wanted him to have to look back on what had happened in his short life. He wished that he could just erase those memories and let him start over with positive ones… but that was impossible. Ria took a slight step forward, making him tilt his head in question.

“A-Alexandre.”

The faint sheen of tears in his eyes had Alexandre reaching forward slowly, offering him his hand. Surprisingly, he took it in both of his. They were shaking, making him want to pull him closer. He wanted to tell him everything would be fine now, that he would never go through what he had in James’ hands, but his thoughts were interrupted as Ria literally jumped toward his arms!

Alexandre reached out to keep him from hurting himself. Obviously, the light in the room wasn’t quite good enough for human eyes… he’d almost jumped right into the wall! When Alexandre pulled him into his lap his body tensed and began to shake, but he had a feeling he had come just for this. So, deciding to see what happened, he gently wrapped his arms around him and pressed a soft kiss to his hair.

“It’s okay now, Ria. No one will ever hurt you again.”

At the sound of his whispered words he felt the boy slowly began to relax until he felt his shoulders jerk once… then twice. “It’s okay…” Alexandre’s hand rubbed his back as the sobs began, this being the first time that he had actually seen Ria cry. He knew that he was afraid of him, but he was so grateful that he had come to him for comfort. 

“I’m so scared of you…”

His words were muffled by Alexandre’s clothing a little, but he could still understand enough to reply.

“I’m sorry.”

His arms loosened, figuring that he would want to leave, but when he reached up and wrapped his own smaller arms around his neck for a tight hug Alexandre couldn’t help but smile and return the gesture.

“It isn’t your fault… he changed you.”

Alexandre nodded, not really sure what to say to that. He had been changed against his will and was now what he hated, but there was no way to change him back so he tried not to dwell on the thought.

They stayed that way for a long while until Ria slowly drifted off to sleep, the gentle rocking of the boat eventually persuading him to join him.

“Capt’n?”

“Mm?”

Desden gave a tired sigh, shaking his head as he dropped some coins on the table and carefully began lifting his father from his seat. He had done nothing more than drink since they had dropped anchor there two days prior. Granted, he deserved to relax after healing from all of the bullet wounds he’d sustained while escaping the city, but he had a feeling that he was now trying to drown away something completely different.

He was thankfully able to walk enough to get back to their room upstairs, but then collapsed onto the cot with a drunken grunt.

“I’m surprised you can even get anymore alcohol down, Capt’n.”

He had told him to start calling him father again while they were alone, but he just couldn’t get that word wrapped around his tongue after so many years. Granted, he did owe his life to the man, in more than the obvious way, but he had always been his captain first, and his father second.

 “Alright, well, since I assume you are going to be out for a good while, I’m going to get something to eat.”

James’ eyes watched the ceiling of the old inn with disinterest. This is not where he should be… nor in the state he should be in. He was the feared blood pirate, James. Not some drunkard who drowns his sorrows in disgusting human poisons. He had consumed enough alcohol to easily kill ten humans, but he was barely ready to stop. Sitting up, his vision swam for a moment before clearing, fueling his anger. Sometimes he wished he were human once more, if only to indulge in the affects of losing one’s mind in drink.

Feeling an urge he had not in a very long time… the need to relieve himself, he got to his unsteady feet and found his way out of the room. Since the second floor walkway was outside, he just unbuttoned his pants and watered the plants below. He may have hit someone but it was their fault for being drunk and passed out on the grass. When he had finished he buttoned his pants and turned to head back downstairs. The alcohol was already wearing off and that meant that he would begin thinking about things again… and he did not want that. Not yet.

His feet took him to the end of the hall but abruptly stopped when a familiar scent drifted into his nose. Instead of looking up, he growled under his breath.

You know he is not here. Stop causing yourself more problems!

But when that scent hit him again, he couldn’t keep his eyes from rising and seeing the one person he had been trying to drink away.

Alexandre saw him seconds before he noticed him, giving him ample time to settle his hand upon his sword, the length of it having been coated in holy water for just this occasion. Captain Wallace had sent him specifically to dispatch James… and he would not have had it any other way. He expected to see him draw his own weapon and face him for their fated fight, but all he did was mumble something that stirred something in his mind.

“Come here…”

When he didn’t move, James’ eyes narrowed and he felt him slowly inch his way into his thoughts.

Come here, Alexandre.

“No.”

“Come here…”

“No!”

Even as he declined each request, he felt his feet moving slowly towards him. It felt like there was a chain around his thoughts, beckoning him forward, telling him to listen to him. He could smell the alcohol on his body from where he stood and silently thought of the amount he would of had to drink to drown out his true scent… Alexandre looked him over and noted that his clothing was disheveled and his eyes blood-shot.

“You are drunk.”

“Come here, Alexandre.”

His feet took another step forward, nearly putting him within arm’s reach of the man.

“You have half the royal navy hunting you, and here you are at the most predictable port, drunk to such a state.” 

James’ cocky sideways smile had Alexandre grunting with annoyance.

Come here, love.

His body moved immediately, taking that final step before James’ arms pulled him into a bone-crushing hug.

Kiss me, love.

He obeyed.

You are mine.

He didn’t argue. 

Love me.

Alexandre’s eyes blinked open and he shoved at him, but James only took one step back before returning to standing straight.

“Never! You are a murderer!”

“The ones you defend are far worse than I,” James replied calmly, the alcohol, perhaps, not affecting him as much as he’d thought it would. 

“You lie!”

“I do not lie.”

“You lied when you spoke of the number of crew you had killed months ago!” Alexandre retorted, trying to find a way to break through his own unwanted affections for the man before him. 

He saw him pause, eyes going wide in slight surprise. At first, he thought that he had actually won and he would at least back off trying to speak through his thoughts, but when his smirk returned and he gave a deep chuckle, Alexandre knew he wasn’t even close to letting him go.

Wait a second, I have a damn sword in my hand and my vampiric powers. 

Giving his own smirk, Alexandre began to withdraw his blade. He just had to strike him down, and then he could end his own life.

“You will not strike me with that weapon.”

Alexandre’s teeth ground together as James stepped forward. He was fighting with the order, wanting to finish their fight here and now…

“Drop the sword, love.” 

He did as told, but only because James was now pressing him against the wall, his mouth devouring his. He wanted to scream at him to stop, but he couldn’t find the thought, let alone the words to do so. They were lost in his mind as his own lips hesitantly began to respond to the kiss. 

Love me…

His right hand was holding Alexandre’s waist painfully tight while his left one eagerly dove into his pants. He tried at least turn away, but the stubborn man kept repeating those damned words into his head, softening his resolve… Alexandre eventually managed to push his hands against his chest to try and move him back a little, but they just began exploring beneath his jacket, the fabric of his worn white shirt soon bunching between his fingers.

Love me.

The sensation of being lifted ran through his mind, but he dismissed it.

Love me.

They were moving… then James’ body fell upon his own and their limbs tangled in hurried actions.

Alexandre was naked, his clothing torn from his body as James’ hands touched everywhere. The sounds coming from him were not his own, or at least he would have sworn they weren’t… even though he would have been lying. He remembered laying with Wallace. He was rough but hid it as best he could. But not James. He could feel blood run along the areas he had already scratched while tearing off his clothing. He wasn’t holding him tenderly or trying to prepare him for what he knew was coming. No, he moved inside of him with a hunger he felt boiling in his own chest, the pain of his actions making Alexandre gasp and arch for him.

The invitation was not overlooked. Fangs were soon sliding hungrily into his throat, no gentleness to be seen even in the delicate area. James pulled at his skin roughly, growling as he worked his lower body with his own.

Alexandre began to leave his own marks on James’ strong body, dragging his claws down his skin as muscles contracted beneath them. He soon felt his climax coming on strong and just barely managed to get in a breath before he screamed the name that had truly been on his mind the past two months. 

The click of a gun being cocked moments later made his heart jump into his throat.

“I’m so glad that you have enjoyed my toy. I thought it would be nice of me to allow you one final round with him before I end the pathetic life you have made for yourself, James.”

Chapter 21

Desden cocked his own gun the exact same time Wallace did, making him think that he was the only one with a firearm ready. He had been at the bar earlier in the far corner staring at his father for quite some time, so he knew that he would take his chance when James was drunk or… busy. Everything was going according to his plan until he heard a click completely unrelated to himself, or the man standing before him.  

“It has been a long time, Desden.”

His stomach sank as his heart jumped into his throat.

“Ari…”

“Well well well, it seems we have reached quite an interesting impasse.”

Desden’s attention focused back on Wallace as the man spoke. He still had his weapon pointed at his father and he didn’t doubt that the bullets inside were coated in holy water.

“Put your gun down, Desden.”

“No.”

Not a chance in hell. 

He heard Ari grunt behind him, then felt the gun press against the back of his head.

“I don’t want to have to kill you.”

Okay, that little confession made him grin. He didn’t want to have to kill him? After knowing how much blood he had on his hands? After breaking his arm and forcing him to feed him repeatedly?

“I am not stupid, Ari. I know you would love to put a bullet in my head, however, my gun would go off just before your own so you are simply trying to threaten me in order to save your new captain.”

“Oh no. He couldn’t care less about me in all honesty. He wants you,” Wallace said nonchalantly. 

“Does he now?” Desden questioned, not quite believing him. 

“Yes, I do,” Ari responded calmly. 

Well, I suppose that makes sense… somewhat. 

He really wanted to turn around and look at him, though. It had been so long since he had seen him and his voice had definitely deepened a good amount. He wondered what he looked like now that he had likely grown some.

“Are you sure you do not want me in bed now that you have matured?” he finally responded, a mocking tone to his words. 

He heard a grumble behind him and took his chance… as did Wallace. Gunshots rang out right before the entire room burst into flame. His father blurred out of the fire with his lover in his arms, obviously not hurt, though he did smell blood.

He hit Alexandre. I am taking him to the ship.

Understood, coming father.

Well, he had intended to follow after him since he had ducked, avoiding Ari’s bullet, but as he began to move he felt a sharp pain pulse through his back and burn into his body. He hadn’t heard the gun go off a second time with the fire roaring just to his left, and after he felt another bullet slam into his back, his mind dissolved into darkness.

Desden was not sure how long he had been unconscious, but he knew immediately as he began to awaken that he was on a ship. Granted, he remembered being shot in the back, twice, so he knew it was highly unlikely that he was on his father’s vessel.

Wait a moment…

Blinking open sore eyes, he glanced down.

There is something on my face?

He tried to open his mouth, but whatever was fastened around his head made it impossible.

“You will not be able to open your mouth with that muzzle on.”

Desden’s head jerked up along with his eyes, needing to see the owner of that voice. That sound had haunted his dreams ever since they had escaped from the trial months prior.

Ari…

The young man’s eyes narrowed on him, but Desden didn’t bother focusing on that. What he did notice was the fact that he had grown quite a bit and put on some weight. That was no surprise, though, since he was likely being fed much better than when they’d had him.

“Captain wanted your father, but when I got you he just wanted to force you to swallow holy water like the rest of your disgusting dead crew, but I asked if I could have you instead.”

Desden’s body relaxed slightly against the worn wall of Ari’s room, which looked quite nice compared to what his father’s old ship had had. Even his father’s room hadn’t looked this… nice? Or perhaps clean was a better word for it.

“You belong to me until I decide that I have no further use for you. Then you will die.”

If he was trying to scare him, it wasn’t exactly working. Yes, he was hesitant to anger him considering he was chained up and for all intents and purposes, gagged, but he was still just a frail young human in his eyes.

“I know you’re judging me. You don’t think I can handle you.”

I know you cannot.

He flinched, immediately drawing his full attention. He had been checking out the room and trying to listen in on any possible conversations going on in the hall, but Ari was much more interesting now.

You can hear me, Ari?

His entire body stiffened before he glared and turned away, stomping over to a large tub that appeared to be steaming slightly.

Ari?

He tugged off his blue navy coat and then removed his white button-down long sleeved shirt. His back was to him, but it wasn’t helping the lad’s nerves calm in the least.

Ari… come here.

The young man paused for just a moment, but that was the only hint he needed to know that his words were getting through.

Don’t ignore me, Ari. Come here.

Desden waited for a long moment as Ari stared at the warm water before him. When he finally reacted it was out of anger… or at least that was what he wanted him to think. He could see something deep in his eyes as he turned around.

“I own you now! You will listen to me, not order me around!”

Desden’s head tilted slowly to the side as he watched him shake with anger.

What are you not telling me, Ari? You are angry, yes, but I see something else.

He bristled like a feral cat in the streets as he stalked toward him, a dagger from his belt now in his hand. 

“You want to know what I am feeling? It’s hatred , Desden! You disgusting, vile creature! I hate you.” 

Come here, Ari.

He pointed the dagger at him as he finished walking over, then knelt down in front of him with the blade inches from his throat.

“I could kill you with this. It was soaked in holy water while being made.”

Touch me, Ari.

His brows drew together in confusion, but when Desden didn’t say anything else Ari grabbed a strong fistful of his hair and growled in his face.

“Happy?”

Desden closed his eyes as soon as he felt Ari’s knuckles press against his head. Grabbing his hair did nothing, but as long as he was touching him, skin-to-skin somewhere, he could use his ability.

“ Well ? Why did you close your eyes if you wanted me to touch you?“

Desden focused harder, making his power flow into Ari’s system. He was extremely restless, but he knew that it was beginning to have an affect on him when he began to calm his breathing and relax his body.

Relax, Ari. 

His words were whispered through their thoughts and not verbally responded to, but he did see him get more comfortable on the floor before him as he opened his eyes. 

“What are you doing to me? I won’t unchain you.” 

I just want you to relax a little. You never did well under stressful situations.

He blinked, leaning away and breaking their contact.

“You remembered my first night on your ship…”

Of course. You worried me greatly when you began to lose your breath and shake.

“I grew up! I don’t do that anymore.”

I am glad… but I just wanted to make sure.

“Make sure? I shot you, Desden, twice! It’s my fault you’re now on Wallace’s ship and likely going to die within the next few days.” 

Thank you for cleaning the wounds. I am not hurting very much from them now.

“I didn’t do it.”

Please touch me, Ari. You are beginning to shake again.

He flinched and jumped to his feet, only to pace repeatedly by his bathing tub before returning to glare down at him.

“I don’t need your h-help to calm down!”

Ari, please breathe. I can’t help you if you pass out.

He bit his lower lip to try and stop himself from hyperventilating but it was just making him hold his breath, which was honestly no better.

Touch me, now.

He took a step backward, but Desden wasn’t going to let up this time. He did not want him injured when he fell from lack of breath, which was likely to happen very soon if he kept panicking.

Touch me, Ari. Now.

He could smell sweat on him and easily saw it glistening on his bare chest from the faint light shining on them from a candle on the nightstand.

Ari…

Desden was about to try again, desperate, when he was suddenly being hugged. Tight but shaking arms wrapped around his neck as Ari settled himself into his lap.

It’s okay, Ari. I know you get stressed having a murderous vampire in your possession… and to have saved it, but I honestly appreciate still having my life and do not intend to cause you any trouble as my thanks.

They remained still for several minutes as his shaking slowed, then stopped, along with his panting.

“Now I know why I stopped being afraid when you were touching my hand or shoulder… you were doing it. Calming me.”

He didn’t answer because the answer was now obvious. 

Ari was silent for another minute before Desden saw him reach around his head and felt him unfasten something. After hearing several clicks the mask around his mouth fell away, allowing him to take in a deep breath he had been yearning for. Sure, he didn’t need to breath nearly as often as humans but it was definitely nice to be able to open his mouth and take in a good breath once in awhile instead of just breathing through his nose.

“Thank you, Ari.”

“I-I won’t unchain you.”

Desden’s lips turned up into a small smile. 

“I would not ask that of you.” 

Ari hesitantly nodded before getting up and heading over to his cooled bath. When his breeches dropped to the floor Desden couldn’t withhold his eyes from roaming over his growing figure. He still looked boyish to him, since he was sitting just-barely past the age of maturity and had not been properly fed previously, but he was definitely becoming more of a man day by day. 

“You torture me…” he whispered quietly.

“Huh?”

Smirking to himself, Desden just shrugged his shoulders and leaned his head back against the wall.

“I am tired. Enjoy your bath, Ari.”

Chapter 22

“Alexandre?”

“Wake up, love… please.”

Don’t… call me, that. 

“Only if you wake up for me, Alexandre.”

Feeling a soft brush against his cheek made Alexandre’ body finally begin to come around. It felt like it was on fire, though. Especially his left shoulder.

“Don’t try to move too much, you’ve been shot.”

Aren’t vampires generally immune to regular bullets?

“It was not a normal bullet, Alexandre.”

Figures… damn thing hurts.

There was a deep chuckle in response to his words, then came the feeling of something warm and wet being placed against his shoulder. It felt good after the initial pain from being touched dwindled.

“It has medicine on it to help heal the wound faster. I already got the bullet out but some of the coating, which was made using holy water, is still inside and will likely slow your ability to heal.”

I’m still going to kill you.

“Of course.”

He could tell that he was just humoring him as he fastened the warm cloth in place, then began running his hands down his body.

Wait a second… am I naked?

“Of course. We were interrupted while enjoying intercourse so I did not think to re-clothe you while fleeing from another possible attack.”

But I remember hearing another shot. Maybe two? When we were moving.

“Yes…”

What happened? Is Desden okay?

Silence met his question, but perhaps James was so focused on rubbing the second cloth he had in his hand over his chest that he hadn’t really been paying attention?

“Is Desden okay?”

He didn’t respond again, and the cloth moving against Alexandre’s chest slowed to a halt. He could feel the tension in James even though they were barely touching. Something had to have happened.

Forcing his eyes to open, Alexandre blinked in the dim candlelight and tilted his head enough to look up at the other vampire.

“Is he gone?”

He wasn’t sure what to make of his expression as James fought to control multiple emotions warring across his face.

“James?”

The man above him bared his teeth, but he knew it wasn’t honest aggression. He was mad… most likely at himself. Sitting up, Alexandre reached out with his right hand, snagging James’ shirt-sleeve so that he couldn’t walk away.

“James, talk to me.”

His eyes cut to his before they narrowed.

“Why? You are going to kill me, so what does it matter to you if my son is now dead?”

So he took the two bullets I had heard…

That wouldn’t have been enough to kill him, but it definitely would have done enough to allow Wallace to finish the deed. 

“I-I’m—” “Don’t you dare apologize when you don’t mean it.”

Alexandre shut his mouth right away. James was right, he wasn’t really sure if he meant to apologize. If Desden was dead, then that was one less monster to drain the life from innocent humans.

“My son did not want to do that.”

“What?”

“He did not want to hurt anyone. He was one of the few vampires I had on my crew who never mistreated their human unless a punishment was absolutely necessary.”

Alexandre’s lips pursed at that thought, but it didn’t sway his way of thinking much.

“He still ended lives…”

“Yes, he did.”

“How did he become a vampire?”

Surely vampires can not procreate like humans or they wouldn’t have the ability to change another, right?

“Correct, I had him before I was changed. I do not recall my wife’s name, but I do remember her beauty. Desden looks just like her.”

Alexandre gave a slow nod, urging him to continue since he had not technically answered his question.

“I was attacked long ago by a rogue vampire murdering people throughout our small town. I was one of the few that survived, and after my first accidental kill, I figured out what I had become.”

 “Oh… did he change your family? Is that why Desden was changed as well?”

“No.”

Okay, that was a bit of a surprise.

“His mother died in the attacks, but Desden healed… though he had to use all of his energy on that, leaving him unable to fight the plague that found its way to our area merely days later.”

Alexandre’s heart hurt at the thought of losing someone so close after just barely managing to survive.

“I changed him to save him from the disease. I was almost too late, and I honestly thought he wouldn’t survive…”

His body sagged once he finished speaking, making Alexandre reach out and tug him onto the bed before he collapsed.

“I really am sorry… Not because a vampire was killed, but I do know that you cherished your son.”

James studied him for a long moment before giving a faint smile and leaning against him, head dropping onto his shoulder.

“I miss him so much.”

Alexandre carefully shifted so that he could wrap his arms around the man’s shoulders. His right hand began rubbing his back, making him honestly a bit surprised that he was allowing him to comfort him. He was trying to find something to say, but he quickly realized that there were no words that would bring Desden back. So, he just took a deep breath and hugged James tighter. He was not crying, but he knew that he was hurting terribly and if it was all he could do, then he would be the shoulder he could lean on. 

Ari…

Ari, wake up.

He had been panting heavily for the last five minutes, making Desden’s decision to wake him necessary. Well, he could have let him just deal with the nightmare, but he did not want him to be afraid when he should be resting.

“Hmm?”

“Ari, you were having a nightmare.”

He grunted and moved a bit, kicking at the blankets, but did not end up getting out of bed. Instead, it looked like he was trying to bury his face in his pillow.

“What was bothering you, Ari?”

“Be quiet, Desden.”

“Ari.”

“Dammit, Desden, shut up!”

A pillow came sailing at his head, smacking him in the face.

“Oh that hurt.”

Ari growled at his sarcasm, but then fell silent. Desden waited for several minutes in the darkness before he heard the bed creak. Another minute passed and Ari was curling up in his lap with one of the heavy blankets.

“I’m not going to unchain you…” he mumbled sleepily as he snuggled against his chest.

Desden chuckled deeply and leaned over, licking Ari’s cheek and making him jump.

“H-hey!”

“What?”

He wiped at his cheek and grumbled, making Deden smile.

“Are you hungry, Desden?”

Now that I think about it…

“Yes, Ari. I am very hungry.” 

Ari fidgeted in his lap, then got up on his knees awkwardly. 

“What are you doing?” 

The lad’s eyes met his in the darkness for a moment before he leaned forward and tilted his head to the side. 

“Have something to eat.” 

“You… are okay with me feeding from you?” 

Ari did not answer, but he also did not move away, so he figured his silence was an okay  to do it. So, Desden bit him as carefully as possible, licking his soft skin before allowing his fangs to sink in. 

You taste delicious.

“Sh-shu—” his words were cut off quickly as Desden bit down a little harder, then began to feed. 

Desden’s bound hands easily slid free of their chains so that he could wrap Ari in his arms. He could have freed himself at any time, but he did not want to scare him. Since he was channeling his calming ability into him, Ari only fidgeted a little when he realized that his arms were no longer bound to the wall.

It’s alright. I belong to you and I will do nothing unless you wish me to.

Desden retracted his fangs and smiled when Ari looked up at him sleepily.

“Rest, young Ari. I will be right here when you awaken.”

He looked hesitant, but Desden knew that he was close to falling asleep again.

“The best of dreams for you… love.”

Chapter 23

The sound of a cannon in the distance forced him to blink open his eyes. Alexandre had been sitting on James’ bed with his arms softly wrapped around the man’s shoulder as he leaned against him for the past thirty or so minutes.

“What was that sound?”

“A warning shot,” James mumbled quietly, his voice slightly muffled by Alexandre’s skin as his lips brushed against it. 

“Warning shot?” 

“Wallace.” 

Alexandre jerked his head up, jumping to his feet in a blur before rounding on him. 

“What!” 

James looked up at him with sad, calm eyes, and shrugged.

“I am tired of running. I have lost the one thing I had brought into this bloody world to save.”

What? Where is the demonic Blood Captain who had taken me hostage months ago? This man before me is tired and broken, nothing like the incredible monster that he had been…

“James…”

James’ hand reached out, fingers curling slowly in a silent request for him to move closer. Alexandre could not disobey the simple request, nor did he wish to. He stepped into his arms, sighing when James pulled him into his lap and nuzzled against his neck. 

“I will not say that I am sorry about all of the human deaths I have caused.”

“I know…” Alexandre whispered quietly as he wrapped his own arms gently around his neck.

“You need to go.”

His eyes widened a fraction at that.

Go?

“Yes. Wallace will kill you as soon as I am dead.”

“He…” 

“Do not tell me he will not. I know you are not lacking a mind, like so many others.”

You’re right. I know Wallace will kill me once he gets you. He made that clear many times, even if he hadn’t spoken the exact words. All I was to him was a body for his bed and bait for the man in my arms.

“I do not wish to leave.”

“You… want to die? Do you detest so much what I have changed you into?”

Do I? Yes, I hate what I am. I have to feed from people I grew up being taught to respect and treat with kindness. 

“I will die along with you,” Alexandre said calmly. 

He knew that James was about to respond again, but the sudden sound of boots thumping onto the planks above their heads immediately drew their attention upwards.

“They are here.”

“Desden.”

What a nice sounding voice…

“Desden, wake up!”

The scared whisper finally brought him out of his slumber… right as a creaking sound filled the room, telling him that the door was being opened. 

Desden looked up, still half-asleep until he noticed Wallace stride in.

“Well well well. I give you one simple rule for keeping the vampire and here I see you have already broken it.”

Ari squeaked and jumped out of Desden’s lap, a strong chill quickly taking over with the sudden loss of his body heat.

“I-I did not unlock the chains, Captain!” 

Wallace smirked and looked down at Desden, ignoring Ari as he began to pant quietly from stress. 

“He tells the truth. They were not tight enough to hold me.” 

“I see… and why is it that now that you are free, you choose to remain on my vessel when you know that it will surely lead to your death.”

He was fishing out a pistol even as he spoke. Which was no surprise, considering that the man got paid per head, and he’d bet that his own, and his father’s, were at the top of the list for the highest payment. 

He should have said something in response, but instead, Desden pushed himself to his feet and walked calmly over to Ari.

Sure, giving his back to Wallace was not the best of ideas, but he knew that if he wished to shoot him, he could at any time. He might have fed from Ari the previous night, but that wasn’t nearly enough to bring him back up to his former strength after being shot twice. So, instead of paying the man behind him any mind, he instead wrapped his left arm around Ari’s slim waist and pulled him snug against his body. Desden’s right hand rose to lift his jaw ever-so-slightly, giving him the perfect angle as he leaned down and pressed his weather-worn lips to his soft ones.

“Awww, how sweet. First your father falls in love with my whore, and now you, his pathetic son, have fallen for my look-out boy.”

Ari leaned back when he heard those words, a look of shock and confusion clear in the dim light of his room.

“Y-you…”

Desden’s lips curved into a knowing smile. He may be the look-out, which is generally a job given to a man who was thought to be able to do nothing else but stand and stare, but a look-out was the most important job of them all. Wallace thought Ari was one of the weakest of his crew. Well, he was dead wrong.

“Desden…”

The sound of a gun being cocked rang out in the quiet bedroom, but he ignored it.

“I don’t remember if I had told you before, young Ari.”

Ari’s breathing hitched, eyes going wide. 

“I love you.” 

The sound of a cannon thundered throughout the cabin, along with a gunshot. Desden felt a sharp pain slash through the side of his head, making him immediately drop to the floor. It wasn’t a fatal hit, but the sound of Wallace’s boots running off let him know that he had just gotten away with his life… for now.

“Desden!”

Ari dropped to his knees, the sound of his shout reverberating painfully into his head, worsening the headache the bullet brush-wound and cannon fire had begun.

“Shh, I am okay, love.”

“Don’t give me that shit.”

Such a foul mouth from such a sweet boy.

“I am no longer a boy, Desden.”

It is becoming hard to forget that. You have definitely grown up into a very handsome man.

 Desden forced himself to slowly sit up, wincing slightly at the brush of pain in his scalp.

“You need to leave.”

His eyes rose to meet Ari’s worried ones. He couldn’t help but smile at the fact that the lad was worried for him, but that was not something he ever wanted him to be bothered with.

“No.”

“B-but Wallace will kill you!”

“I am aware.”

“Then why? Why won’t you leave?”

Was it so hard to see?

Desden leaned forward, pressing their lips together once more with a quiet but deep chuckle.

“Ari, you are what I want most in this world, and if I cannot have you, then for what reason should I leave?”

 The young man stammered, face heating up, much to Desden’s pleasure. He knew he wished for his safety, but he cared not about such a thing. Desden wanted to share his life with the human before him. He would live out his life as he was, and he would be there until the end to love and cherish him.

“Leave with me, Ari.”

The lad blinked, standing and taking a step back from sheer surprise.

“I-I, y-your father would…”

“He would leave you be. My father is no changed man, but he has fallen deeply in love with your former captain, and I am sure Alexandre will have quite a strong say in what my father does from here on.”

The sound of the shouts above their heads grew in volume and Desden heard his father’s infamous Blood Captain title being thrown here and there. Not being able to wait any longer, he stood and retrieved a sword from Ari’s bedside and tossed him the other there.

“I will protect my father, his lover, and you. No one else has any meaning to me. Please stay here until it is safe, Ari.”

“No! I know how to fight, too!”

“I do not want you getting into a fight with my father. He likely thinks that I am dead, which will lead him to murder anyone who comes close.”

“Then I will fight with you…”

He could not believe the words he had just heard.

“You will be hurt!”

Ari’s back straightened and he rolled his eyes at him.

“I can take care of myself, Desden.”

Yes, because a young lookout can handle himself in an intense sword fight. I would not like to see the outcome of that thought.

“Stay.”

“No.”

“Ari!” 

“Desden!” 

They were both panting with anger and frustration, neither giving way.

“….fine! But you must stay by me! Do you understand?”

Ari grumbled but nodded, knowing that he could easily be knocked out if he didn’t agree to something reasonable quickly.

“Let us go.”

Desden sighed and nodded, but leaned in one last time for a hungry kiss before they turned and ran for the door.

Time to end this horror story… and Wallace’s life!

Chapter 24 End

Alexandre’s sword was already drawn before they got above deck. He had no doubts that Wallace would meet them there, and he did not disappoint. The man stood tall at the stern while they stepped out into the dim light by the bow.

“How nice of you to allow us to catch up so easily, blood pirate.”

His eyes moved to Alexandre, making him straighten his back with self respect. It was something he hadn’t felt in a long time, especially while in Wallace’s care.

“I see that you’ve brought me back my whore, too. Well, I have no use for it any longer so it can follow you to hell since you seemed to enjoy it so much last night.” 

Alexandre had to force himself not to flinch at the man’s words. That was how Wallace worked. He demeaned you and got beneath your skin, then used it all against you when he needed, or wanted, certain things.

“He was mine to begin with, so I do believe you have no right putting such a title on him,” James said as he slid an arm around Alexandre’s waist, then pulled him gently to his side. 

“Alexandre is one of the most noble men I have known throughout my years. He gave his freedom and bent his will to save his crew. Those are not the actions of a whore.”

“How touching.”

Judging by the sound of Wallace’s voice, he didn’t find it emotional in the least.

Ignoring the man’s words entirely, James took a step forward and lazily unsheathed his weapon.

“Do not waste anymore of my time, human. Draw your blade.”

Wallace smirked and shrugged, doing as told as he stalked toward them. Alexandre got ready to attack with James, but before he could, James calmly lifted his arm, tapping his chest gently.

“You will not fight my battle.”

He didn’t want to let him go against Wallace by himself, especially since he had a strong feeling that Wallace had plenty of spells on him already, but he also wouldn’t argue. Instead, Alexandre started toward three of Wallace’s guards. Considering he had stood by the terrible man for the past several months, he knew he would not care if his men were cut down. All he was ever concerned about was his own well-being and profit. His men, however, were loyal, and would gladly step in to save him from James. He couldn’t have that…

There was no hesitation in James’ actions as he lunged. He would not give Wallace the first move since he did not know which spells he had on himself. When he didn’t bother blocking his blade, James knew right away that the first spell was a protection barrier. It was a simple thing and fairly easy to break, but it took a few swings. Those swings, however, could leave him wide open for an attack. So, he immediately withdrew, reading the situation just fast enough to block the swing that had been aimed at his own abdomen.

Their swords clashed together loudly before James shoved Wallace away. He may have magic, but he was still a stronger creature. He also didn’t seem to have a strength spell on him this time, either. It was odd, but that was how it went with magic. Some spells didn’t mesh together well. 

Not wanting to give him a chance to recover, James lunged again, hissing with anticipation. His blade hit hard, but the spell broke the attack before it could harm his opponent. That was alright, though, at least he was wearing down the barrier.

Wallace tried to return an attack of his own, but James managed to dodge any dangerous strikes. His sword did clip his wrist, but that was nothing to him.

“Not bad, blood sucker. I am honestly surprised you are still standing. Must have fed from that whore of yours,” Wallace taunted. 

James scoffed, a smirk on his face as he replied, “must you speak so much? My ears are becoming pained.”

“Aw, I apologize… I shall remove them to spare you such discomfort!” Wallace shouted right before his body blurred, then vanished.

A speed spell?

Where he would reappear was obvious, making James whirl around just fast enough to block the blade swinging down from above. He had to actually focus his strength to keep the weapon from coming down the last few inches to meet his face.

“You are an insane man to have such a spell cast upon you!”

“Am I? I think the added speed has put you off your skills, Captain.” 

“It will tear your human body apart,” James replied honestly.  

“I am strong, I will survive. You, however, will not.” 

The man’s knee came up at a speed far too fast for James to be able to block safely. He took the hit to his ribs with a slight wince, but managed to stop the sword swinging toward his thigh. Their blades slammed together again and he took his chance, slashing out with his right hand’s claws. It was a risk leaving his sword in such a compromised position, but he couldn’t let the chance to strike back slip away.

His claws struck true, breaking through the barrier just enough to force Wallace to jump back or take the hit directly. James heard boots beginning to move all around him, but none of Wallace’s humans seemed to bother with them. They were, however, going after Alexandre. His love was already bleeding from several wounds, but he did not see his steps falter as he moved, telling him that he was at least not injured badly enough to cause issues in his fighting ability yet.

I need to finish with Wallace faster, before my love is struck down.

“Wallace! I tire of this,” James growled as he lifted his blade once more.  

“Then by all means, die, devil!” 

The man charged him, his speed spell making his image blur once more. James allowed his own speed to come into play this time, vanishing before leaving a plume of smoke in his wake. He was glad that Wallace had not changed his rash way of fighting. He did change his spells often, but the man never thought ahead when in the heat of battle. 

Thus, he was stumbling through the smoke when James turned and let loose a tornado of flame, the magic shooting from his hand quickly forming a whirling funnel of fire around the human.

Of course, Wallace still had magic on his side to help him, but he’d forgotten that James did as well. Perhaps he had not thought that he was strong enough to use it after last night, but he was sorely mistaken that he would roll over so easily.

James turned when Wallace didn’t emerge from the flames, his eyes falling upon his lover. Alexandre was standing, barely, but he was alive. As soon as his eyes rose to meet his he gave him a tired smile that made James’ stagnant heart beat.

Are you alright, love?

He nodded, panting as he straightened. 

James didn’t need to hear him speak the warning he meant to say in the next few seconds, though, because the moment his eyes began to widen he spun around and forced all of his magic through his hands towards an attacking Wallace! 

“Stay down!” James yelled as he felt his power draining with the amount of force he was putting into the blast.  

Wallace staggered into him, even as he lit him aflame. He supposed that he thought he would be able to burn him with his own fire, but he was sorely mistaken. His magic could not harm himself. He still did his best to hold onto him, though, even as his body burned away in the inferno. 

“You wished to send me to hell… I welcome you to take my place there,” James said as the reflected flames danced in his eyes.  

Little Ari was, surprisingly, quite the swordsman… though still a bit clumsy. He tripped over his own feet twice, forcing Desden to block incoming attacks for him. He took several gashes and a few stabs for it, but he would never regret helping him.

When the last human attacking them fell, he turned to the young man and pulled him into his arms with a content sigh. There had not been too many left to deal with on the ship they were on. No doubt, most of them had gone after his father.

“Desden, y-you’re bleeding!”

“Mhm…”

Ari started mumbling something else when Desden leaned over and pressed his mouth to his.

Be quiet, love. I am fine and I wish to enjoy my spoils.

He felt him heat up in his arms, making his mouth stretch into a smile against Ari’s.

You are so cute.

“I-I am a man!”

“Indeed… and may I take this courageous man  to my bed tonight?”

That immediately had him stuttering, then in an instant his face was buried in his shoulder.

“I love you, Ari.”

“Sh-shush…” 

Heh.

Alexandre watched as Wallace’s body crumbled to the floor of the boat. He had survived the initial attack and tried to catch James off-guard, but he didn’t bet on the blood pirate reading his expression so quickly.

Are you alright, love?

His lips quirked up into a smile as he jumped down to the main deck, watching as James calmly approached him. All of the weaker humans were dead, even though he had not intended to harm anyone but the blood captain on his current journey…

You cannot choose whom you love…

“Love?”

James chuckled, the deep sound making Alexandre step forward, closing the last bit of distance between their bodies. His arms wrapped around his waist with little hesitation as Alexandre let his head rest against his shoulder.

“This did not work out as planned.”

“I apologize that I am not dead… but my son is standing aboard the other ship just across the water. I could not let myself fall while he is still of this world.”

The news that his son was alive did not surprise him much. Desden was extremely smart and the fact that he had survived being taken by Wallace just made him more impressive.

“You’ve got yourself one hell of a son.”

“Yes, indeed I do.”

Alexandre spared a glance over at the other ship, grinning when he noticed Desden quite literally making the best of poor Ari’s mouth. If Ari hadn’t grown some during the months they had been apart he may have had to go over there and speak with the other vampire.

You would not be able to have a talk about sex with them.

“I-I would just warn Desden!”

About what, love?

“A-about stealing Ari’s modesty…”

Okay, he wasn’t even sure if he believed himself on that one. Especially when he felt James’ hand slide down along his back and into his trousers.

“We are pirates, love…”

Alexandre leaned back just enough so that their lips could meet in a brief kiss before moving forward once more to settle himself against his lover’s firm chest.

“…modesty is the last thing on our minds.”

-End