III

"That was some party wasn't it? " Seiji says. His hands are resting behind his head. He looks confident but his voice is shaky.

"Eh, if you say so." David looks at him sideways while playing 'Call of Duty'.

Lucian is laughing quietly sitting next to him. I know that it was Alexa that started trouble, but him and Adam have had this nonchalant attitude towards what happened. It makes me wonder if they ever thought of doing something like that to one of us?

"Ahhbbbuuh…." I shiver thinking about it! But I didn't mean for it to be so noticeable. Everyone pauses what they were doing to look at me. "Umm…. what?!" I quickly pretend that I didn't just do that and go back to reading my shoujo Manga. Now that I think about it...what were they like at that age? Hmm...maybe I don't want to know. When we talked about going to human schools the parents vaguely mentioned what Lucian did once. I wonder what happened? Ahhh…. nah, it's scary to think about. Those two have honestly always given me the 'willies' like Noko said once.

"So, summer break is coming up." Adam says.

"Yeah, and the summer birthdays are coming too. Are you guys still getting matching tats?" Says Seiji.

"Of course! It's even better now that we're paired." David says.

"That's cool."

"What ya'll getting anyway?"

"Ahh...still deciding. We're stuck between the Edwin symbol and her Navajo tribe symbol for water."

"Heh, the Edwin symbol?" I say.

"Wait...do you mean the wolf enveloping the lunar eclipse?" Lucian turns his head to look at David.

"Yea, I've always really liked it ya' know." She says.

"Really?" Adam says.

"Well yea. I think it's pretty cool! And let's not talk about the Lunar Eclipse parties we have."

"I've always wondered why that's the Edwin Estates symbol." Kim says tapping her chin with her uno card.

"It was my dad's idea. They voted and it won. One of the other options was a dragon with the sun in his mouth." Says Lucian. He went back to playing the game.

"I would've gone with the dragon." Seiji says, stroking his hair a little.

So many things have happened between our families over the years and we are still clueless about most of it. No matter how much our parents tell us…. there are still many secrets that are kept from us. The twins experienced a lot, but I'm told because of circumstances they were with Uncle Marques for two centuries away from everyone else. It's so weird. Hmm...is that why Lucian is more similar to him?

****

It's been two months since the Selection Process officially ended and I became a slave under Master Marques. Life in the Manor is wonderful! I get to see and hang out with Lucian, Seiji, Dae, and Noko during my free days after completing my schoolwork. School, I thought for sure that I would be taken out of school and put into home school but my parents and the Domenicis agreed that it would be a bad move. So, yea, I still attend school with Dae and see all my friends but of course I haven't mentioned the changes that have happened in my life these last two and a half months. Unfortunately, I do get hounded with questions when Matthew drops me off every morning right behind Dae's dad.

"He's my cousin on my mother's side, staying with us for a while." I told Tyler when he saw me exiting the black and yellow Maserati for the first time.

It wasn't the best lie but it's what I could come up with on the fly. Other than that school life is pretty much the same except I have cut back on some of my activities. I only play soccer and have stayed on the Student Council. I quit French Club, track, baseball, and a bunch of other stuff that I'm now realizing was quite a lot. I can't believe I did all that and still managed to keep my grades up. It's a relief to only be doing two school activities. Not that any of that is on my mind once I return to my new home.

After the first week that the Selection Process ended Master Marques…started…having sex with Henry and a few weeks later he started in on Jesse. He does these things in front of us. I think it's so that we know what to expect when it's our turn. No matter how often I see it I just can't get used to two men having sex with each other. What bothers me most…is that it will be my turn soon.

The second week after he took Henry, Matthew and I are in our room after finishing serving Master Marques and watching him have sex with Henry.

*Knock*Knock*Knock*

"Yes." Matthew answers walking towards the door.

"It's me…Henry." Comes the sullen hoarse reply.

Matthew opens the door and Henry quickly rushes inside. He seems flustered standing there staring at me with his clenched fists at his sides.

I begin to speak as Matthew closes the door back but before I'm able to he cuts me off.

"—Why—why is he taking his time getting to you?" He stammers, "He even had sex with Tiffany already! So why!?"

"Henry, I don't think that you should be here saying these things." He says to him with a calm manner that he started to display last month.

Walking closer to him he reaches out to try to place his hand on his right shoulder but Henry quickly moves away and moves an inch closer to where I'm sitting.

"I don't care! He's going slower with you—because you're a Council members' son? Or is there another reason?" He goes on still stammering a bit, his face so red it looks like he might pop at any moment! "You know—he barely touches you—like he—wants to treasure you—or something! Sure—he drinks your blood—but he drinks all of our blood." Looking up with tears starting to fall down his face he adds, "He hasn't kissed you since the Selection Process. I hate you!" he huffs rolling his eyes at me as he stomps out of the room.

After he leaves, I look down staring at my thighs clutching the arms of the chair shaking a little. Then I feel Matthew's hand on my shoulder, and I look up to see him kneeling in front of me with caring eyes. I look back down not knowing exactly what to say or how to feel.

"It's common. No one will say this out loud, but there are favorites among the slaves and servants." He states calmly and quietly in a soothing voice. "Master Marques is taking his time with you but most likely because you are still young according to this society's standard."

When I hear those words, I look up and start to feel a bit more reassured.

"I could be wrong, and he just might want to take his time with you and treasure you even more. As I said, playing favorites is a common thing around here. If you excel in your duties, they don't go unnoticed." A sad look appears on his face after saying this. "I…should've told you this when I was first told…but I couldn't find the words."

"What is it?"

"Promotions are coming up and I'm a candidate for a regular house servant position under the leadership of the butlers. After this position, if I continue to succeed, I have the chance to become a butler."

"So that's why you go off in the middle of the night and get pulled away from Master Marques by Daniel?"

"Yes…and…other things…" He mumbles averting his eyes.

"Hm, is there something else that you're doing?"

"I—don't know if I'm allowed to say."

"Well, check first and then if you are allowed then you tell me." I smile completely forgetting about Henry's outburst.

****

I wonder where we're going this year for summer break. Aruba sounds nice, but it's been a while since I've been to Paris.

"So other then these twos birthdays what other plans do you guys have for summer?" Seiji says.

"Hmm…I'm not sure yet. What about you?"

"Ah, I don't know. I asked dad to take Noko and me to Paris."

"Wow really! I was thinking the same thing." The look David gives me is a horrible one as if to say, what do you mean you're going to Paris?

Since the truth has slowly started being revealed David has a different attitude towards Adam and I. He probably hates me even more because of Scott's loud thoughts about me. I'm not sure why it bothers him. We hang out with him more then he does…maybe that's it. It can't be because he's his Nutem's pet!

"You just said that you didn't know yet. Where did that come from Lucian?"

"Well, I was just thinking about whether I should go back there or not. It would be nice if I could take Jakartha with me…but his due date is near and he has to rest a lot more these days…so getting on a jet or anything is impossible right now."

"Then…shouldn't you stay here?" She has the most thoughtful look on her face. I guess I could take her with me instead…but…she might be right.

"Yea, I totally agreed." Says Seiji.

"And since most of us will be gone on our trips The Manor will be empty except for a few slaves and servants."

Ah, that's right. The slaves and servants are given the choice to leave at certain times throughout the year and do whatever they want. Most go home while others get to go on the trips with their Masters. I think…Scott…is staying.

"Yea, I can't believe that I didn't think about that! It will be less stressful for him to have less people around." I perse my lips and look at Dae for a minute. "I'm going to stay home this year. It will also give me more time to spend with Alexa."

"Oh!" He finally perks up and dip into the convo.

Adam convinced Minho and Ji Suk to spend more time with all of us, so they hang out with us more often when they get done with work and school. I think Ji Suk was able to stay in the States to help run the Arcadia branch. Uncle Marques had a hand in persuading Uncle Demetrio. He told me once that these two need to be around us more so that they can develop better Zathira habits and not human ones.

"We decided to take her with us. But if you want her to stay, that's totally fine."

"Ah…ooh. Hmm…I do want to spend more time with her." I tap my lip.

"Yea, so that's cool. We can take her next time. Or go on a mini trip to an amusement park or something. No biggie." Ji Suk says.

"Ok! Thanks, you two!"

"Of course! She probably would've asked if you were going anyway. We hadn't told her yet. We are still doing the itinerary."

This is great. I can tease Scott too. It will be fun!

****

So I decided to stay in The Manor. I know it's my first time away from home but to be this close to Lucian…how can I pass up this opportunity?! I even heard that he's staying here this year and not going on a trip. Score! I start planning different stuff we can do together in my head. I really love hanging out with all of them more then the friends I grew up with. Is that bad? Well, anywho, I'm totally stoked about summer break! I'm not missing anything. My parents come by often anyway to talk with their parents and have brunch and stuff.

I think they come more now since I've been here. But it explains where they go when they finish work or why when dad returns from one of his excursions he stops by here first. He likes to talk with Master Demetrio and Master Marques about his most recent finds and asks their opinions on it.

"This is a good piece you have." Master Demetrio is saying.

"Oh! You think so?"

"Yes, Amataretsu would love to have a look at this."

"It would be even more if she were the one that made it." He chuckles and catches my glance. I look down quickly. Even though we are on break, I'm still in The Manor. I can't look directly at them without permission. "Scott, did you want to speak with your father?" He waves me over.

I smile and raise my head up. I walk over to them and greet the two masters properly before greeting my dad.

"Wow! Look at this hair!" He ruffles my hair with a big smile on his face.

"Dad! Come on!"

"He hasn't been any trouble has he?"

"Not all. He has adapted well. Does as he's told." Master Marques gives me a soft glance.

"That's good. I've admitted to you before that I was a bit worried when he asked to do this. But it seems I worried for nothing."

"Excuse me." We hear a voice from behind me. We turn to look. It's Lucian. "Hi Mr. Delaney. Can I steal him from you guys?" He points to me.

I feel the smile on my face get bigger. From the way he's looking at me, my eyes are probably sparkling right now.

"Sure!"

"Have fun Scott. I will see you again when your mom and I come for brunch later this week."

"Okay. Master Demetrio…Master Marques."

I follow Lucian down the hall leading to the big gym that I was in only once before. He's dressed for basketball. I must go to the locker room in there to change.

Hearing the ball bouncing brings back memories of the first time I played with Adam against him and Seiji. We lost by a couple of points. It was a fun game.

Since it's just the two of us here, I think I feel a bit anxious. I bet he knows I have a crush on him. I mean, I try not to look at him that way…but I really can't help it! My heart beats faster when I'm around him.

Swooping my hair into a ponytail I run onto the court. He tosses me the ball. It's times like these that his tail is hidden.

He's in front of me blocking me. He smiles. I bet he read my mind. Damn.

*****

"Marissa?" I walk from the elevator. "What a surprise."

"Even more a surprise that I'm allowed in the door." She looks around cautiously. Reaching inside her inner jacket pocket she pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to me.

She turns to leave not saying a word. Just then Cisla walks in passing right by her. He frowns looking at her in disdain suddenly a gust of wind hits her face and mine! It fills the lobby making all the vampires freeze in their steps. He has spread his wings! Marissa looks on in horror as they expand above her.

"CISLA!" I shout. Cisla brings them down behind him and hides them in his body once more.

Marissa walks out of the rotating doors, stopping short once she is a few meters away from the building to catch her breath waiting for her knees to stop shaking.

"What is that foul thing doing here?" He says.

I show him the key and note that she handed me.

"After the battle she has come to understand that there is no going against us. She is no longer in agreement with Andrew."

"Let me go with them... I will watch from above and intervene when needed."

After speaking with the others and showing them what she left me, we decide to act the next night.

Cisla sits on a cloud that he has solidified with his powers. He hears Michael say that there seems to be a human inside after the truck with the salvius inside drives off. He swoops down landing softly behind them on the roof.

"A human?" His voice startles them. He scans the building. His eyes look like a trillion stars with purple and blue hues.

He sees three Drastida in a small room around a human lying on a hospital bed with IVs stuck in his arms. Inside the bag is the liquidfied salvius. Cisla looks closer. I look through his eyes now, no longer looking through the small pool in the Atrium.

"No…that's a vampire…." Michael and the others look at him in surprise. But he smells human! How can that be! I can tell from their faces that that is what they're thinking.

Just then, he brings forth his bow and arrows. Three of them grace his bow. The release is so beautiful and swift it's as though they disappear through the air, they do! Only to reappear upon contact with the three Drastida in the room killing them instantly.

"We have the truck." Michael says.

"Go fetch that halfling and take him back to Arcadia."

Inside one of the hospital/lab rooms the fresh one named William lays on the bed getting the salvius pumped out of him. Cisla appears next to me. We stand behind the two way mirrored lab looking at the salvius that was handed to him.

"Look at this."

"I wonder…. how they were able to liquidfy it…or maybe it's liquid from inside the salvius?"

"Yes. I think so." I get a closer look. "…. Wait…this isn't from a salvius. It's from…a star."

"A what?!" He looks up at me. We both look down at the microscope.

I pick up petri dish and get an even closer look at it. "How did they get their hands on this?"

"I don't remember hearing a star fall anywhere on this planet."

"Neither do I…."

"Amazing that it was able to turn him back into a human."

"He is from one of those so-called disbanded covens. Starla turned him."

"Ah, so the blood is a mere trickle in him."

"So it would seem."

"I guess…after three generations it starts to wane."

"Alexander. Once all of it is removed you will turn him this time." I say. Lowering my voice, "He wants desperately to be a vampire."

Cisla looks over at Tut as he stands further away from us looking at William. Telepathically he informs me, but I already know.

Ohhh…. I do wonder what would happen if he had sex with him. He's bold enough.

That one has become stronger just from sucking him off and having the seeds change as they penetrate through every ounce of him.

Hmph. Eh…I wonder…Martheos is not at all what I expected. It doesn't seem to worry you either.

I've always known. There are no secrets between us.

Oh? He wraps his arm around my waist. So, he knows about our little tryst?

Yes, because he also knows that that was a onetime occurrence. I remove his arm from around me giving him a 'Remember that' look. Cisla smiles and cuffs his hands behind his back.

Alexander enters the room as the attending doctor removes the IV. He sits next him looking into his eyes before inserting his nails into one side of his neck then slowly inserts his other nails into the other side pumping his blood into him slowly at first and then picking up speed. William's body begins to jerk and twist in pain and ecstasy. The moans growing louder.

"Once his transformation is complete, take him back to Edwin." I say to him through the mirror. We don't need microphones or speakers. They can hear us just fine on the other side if we want them to.

****

I don't know why this happened to me. I guess I was an easy target to them. Damn. It's so humiliating being caught by those horrible creatures! Oh, this place. I've seen it in his memories. I've seen a lot of things. Things I wish I could take back. The others are lucky. Oh, I think Starla came here for a few months after we were made to stay in that big mansion with guards around the clock and told that covens no longer exist.

After being turned again by him…. I will never disobey them again! My senses and power are much better than the last time! Wow! I can see and hear much more now! This place is amazing! Are those slaves? Are they human?! What? And these servants are human too. Oh, but these butlers…are definitely different.

Ah, I saw that one in my Master's memories…oh and that one! Man, I have to take this all in!

In person, these classes are really hard. And the instructors are not going easy on us for sure. But I'm meeting some nice people that I never knew existed. There are even 'fresh ones' as they call us, that I never heard of before. I asked one Vamp how long they've been here training and he said two years since he was turned! Man, I don't think that the old coven leaders stayed here that long. Wild!

Breakfast is extravagant! The food is the best I've ever tasted even when I was human!

What's that smell? I look up and see a cute blonde blue-eyed kid seating at a table with their kids.

I look away from him and look at one of the guys from class sitting across from me, "That human smells differently from the other humans."

"Oh yeah. He's one of the Council members kid. Don't even look at him."

"Is that why he's allowed to eat in here with us?"

"No, he happens to be friends with them too." He gestures towards the table with the twins, a red-haired little girl, an Asian guy, Indian chick, two light-skin girls one of them looking mixed with Asian, and a white guy that the blonde pet sits next to.

For some reason, a memory from my new master enters my mind.

"Cladua is very dear to us. She has existed since the dinosaurs like the dragons. Her mate was killed by the big salvius that hit this Planet so long ago. Because of us she was able to preserve the last egg sac that she had and thus gave birth to those before you. I have continually looked for a planet for her and her species to thrive and roam freely. It's hard finding one with optimal conditions."

The entire time she was petting one of the spider's legs looking at my Master with the most frightening expression.

Now slowly walking towards him she says, "The silk from her is stronger and more durable than that of a silkworm. It's very good to make clothing with…and…to wrap her prey." The young spiders on the ground clear a path for her as she continues to walk forward. The fear in my Master is very apparent. "It can hold for centuries, eons…. eternity…a female can plant her egg sac inside of you…wait for it to erupt, the infants springing from you, blood draining slowly. You would heal only to have another sac placed inside of you to repeat the cycle." Her face is 4 meters from his now, a spider crawls to sit on her shoulder.

"How long can a vampire twice removed last without a drop of human blood to refill him?" Suddenly out of nowhere a spider drops down into her outstretched hand that went up so fast you would believe that it was attached to her! "This one is a male. They are few…while females are plenty." My Master's breathing is haggard…I feel the fear that he felt then.

I'm brought back to the world by the sound of my name being called.

"Billy. Yo." Cross says to me snapping his fingers in my face.

I look at him then back at the table. The little girl is smiling at me then a large spider crawls up next to her…...I feel my body begin to tremble. It jumps towards me! I fall backwards onto the floor! Mouth gaping but no sound escapes.

My eyes tightly closed. I only open them after I hear a soft serene voice speak to me.

"Children are so mischievous." His hand is stretched out to me. I grab hold of it and am lifted swiftly.

He picks my chair up and helps me to sit back down. Now that I look at him this closely, he is stunning. His long braid swooped over his shoulder doesn't have a strand put of place. Wow…what a nice pin. I look back at his smiling face.

Did he hear me? Is that possible? He goes back to his seat. The others with red hair are looking at me now too…wait…was he always there? Is that…. a tail?! Fur! Oh! Oh! She had a tail too…. but why does he have fur on his? I…don't think I want to know!

Oh! The dungeon…...I feel my lips quivering as the memories of them from my new Master seem to flood my mind all at once.

This is way out of Starla's and the others grasp.

They turn away from me reminding me of 'Children of the Corn'....creepy.

I think Cross is saying something but all I can think about is the horror that he has experienced and what might befall me should I speak a word of it to anyone. I force myself to finish eating. My skin still tingling. The sound of flesh ripping, and bones cracking feels my ears…