Jaden

Oh boy another chapter completed, thanks for the reviews and the ratings keep them coming. I love reading them and it encourages me to update faster.

This chapter has spanish language so for those who don't read spanish I have included the translation below:
mi querido amigo > my dear friend
Mi estimado amigo, usted no requedas > my dear friend, you do not remember?
Si > yes
No, lo siento > no, sorry
calma. Esta bien, ningun problema > calm, it is fine,no problem
Perdóneme, > forgive me
I think thats all of them, if I miss any, please let me know.

I hope you enjoy - finally we're at the church.

Chapter 34
(Midnight Mass – Part 1)

Jaden was excited to see how the helicopter would land; jumping out of Marcus’s lap, he plastered his face up to the window as he looked down into the city below, seeing only rooftops and an ocean of yellow cabs in the street.

He expected to arrive at the airport instead he was surprised to see the pilot land the helicopter on top of a building not too far from St. Patrick’s.

Jaden cried out excitedly “Who owns this building, Donald Trump?”

Marcus moved up behind his mate wrapping his arms around his waist, “No” Marcus answered, “This building belongs to the House of Drakar`, and it is here where the business of house issues is taken care of.”

The pilot easily landed the copter on the roof; salutations and instructions are exchanged between Captain Paulo and the command post within the building. The helicopters propellers and engine soon became silent as the pilot made his final checks and began flipping switches to shut everything down.

Jaden wondered why nothing happened, Marcus pulled him back on his lap and told him to wait. A few minutes later, he could hear gears shifting, as it made a low hissing sound. Metal components moaned and groaned as the landing pad slightly trembled.

For a moment, Jaden thought the roof would cave in with the weight of the helicopter, he held on to Marcus and looked past him out the window wondering what would happen next.

Jaden’s eyes widen as he realized what was going on, in his excitement he quickly crawled off Marcus’s lap to get to the window for a better view of what was going on.

“This is so freaking cool!” Jaden was so thrilled, “I feel like we’re in a James Bond movie.”

Everyone smiled at Jaden as he pressed his face back to the window, not wanting to miss a thing. He watched in awe as the landing pad slowly lowered the helicopter and its passengers into the safe confines of the building

When the elevator made a complete stop, Jaden’s attention was drawn upwards. He craned his neck pressing closer to the window to see a huge hatch slide across the ceiling, and lock itself in place closing off the opening of the roof.

“Wow, that’s amazing.” Jaden whispered still pressed up to the window, his breath fogged the glass.

Turning towards his family, his smile reached up to his eyes and said.

“I remember a movie me and Lizzie watched on TV, some kind of boring nighttime soap opera. It was about mean rich men against the good poor slobs. Anyway, there’s this scene of a small helicopter, and it flies into the city to land on the roof of a building, a building just like this one. The men get out, and have to bend down so their heads don’t get chopped off by the propellers and then they have to hold on to the rails to avoid getting blown off the roof while they try to get into the building.”

Everyone just smiled at Jaden looking at him, not sure where he was going with this story, Jaden frowned and slapped his hands down on his thighs to get their attention.

“Don’t you guys get it? that’s the closest I’ve ever been to seeing anything like that, and I thought that was great, but after seeing and being in this helicopter, compared to what I saw in the movie, well this is just so…. AWESOME.”

Everyone burst out laughing, seeing Jaden get so excited like a kid in a candy store. He looked so cute and it pleased them all to see him happy. Jaden grinned and jumped back onto his mate’s lap when Marcus spread out his arms beckoning him back into his embrace.


Jaden faced him and wrapped his arms around Marcus’s neck and Marcus slid his arms around Jaden’s waist to pull him in closer, they looked into each other’s eyes and actually did an Eskimo kiss. With foreheads together, they breathed in each other, remaining silent lost in each other’s eyes.

Everyone else quietly stepped out of the helicopter to allow the newly bonded couple a little alone time.

Walking beside Marcus, Jaden held on to Marcus’s hand while he was given a mini tour as they headed towards the private elevator to get to the garage in the lower level of the building.

Marcus told Jaden that the last four top floors have been designated as the helicopter’s hanger, just like being in their own private little airport in the middle of the city. No need to leave the aircraft topside and they will not have to be exposed to the cold weather. “From here, we take the car to the church.”

Having made a brief stop for feeding, the driver parked the car behind the church. A dark haired man opened the door for them; he bowed his head respectfully and welcomed them into the church.

“Good evening my lords, welcome to St. Patrick’s.” he spoke softly with an accent that Jaden compared to an old actor he watched on TV, the name Sean Connery came to mind.

Marcus greeted him warmly, “ahhh Garreth, my old friend, always a pleasure.”

Garreth smiled proudly and wished them all a Merry Christmas, his eyes looked at the smaller man beside his master. He could not help but admire his beauty and his bright gem like green eyes. His eyebrows knitted in surprise as he turned back his attention towards Marcus.

“Master Marcus” he spoke apologetically. “Please forgive me, my wife Elise and I rarely stay abreast with news from the house. Am I in err to congratulate you and your mate?”

Because Garreth is not from the Drakar` bloodline he was not sure if they were mated to each other, his master had a long standing record of staying unclaimed. Seeing Jaden by his side took him by surprise.

Everyone believed the master had no desire to domesticate his lifestyle. Even though he heard the rumors of the master romantically involved with a new vampire, he never put much stock in rumors.

Marcus smiled and patted the man on his shoulder, gesturing to his mate, “Garreth I am pleased to introduce to you my blood bonded mate, Jaden Drakar`”

Garreth’s eyes widen in surprise; the handsome man placed his right hand over his heart, the other at the small of his back. He bowed at the waist and welcomed the newest member to the House of Drakar`.

“My Lord Jaden, I know that I speak for my mate Elise and myself. We are honored to meet you and welcome you to our hearts and to the House of Drakar`. For three hundred years we have pledged our loyalty to the Drakar` family, we honor you and will protect you to the end of our days.”

Jaden was again taken by surprise to be greeted in the same manner as the pilot did earlier in the evening. It was going to take time to get used to. In return he tilted his head respectfully towards Garreth and thanked him.

Garreth led his visitor’s toward the church, Jaden realized that they entered through the basement and were soon at the entrance of the church. Marcus asked where he would like to sit, and Jaden remembered with a lump in his throat that he and Lizzie always preferred to sit or stand in the back of the church so that they could people watch.

While Victor and Adrian scouted the pews to hold seating for them, Jaden and Marcus made their way to the candles. He searched his pockets for money to put in the poor box and smiled at Marcus when he saw him put a few bills in the box for him.

Looking up at Marcus he smiled, “That was super generous of you Marcus; I think they would faint when they see how much you put in there.”

Marcus smiled back and lightly caressed Jaden’s cheek with the back of his right hand, he wanted to embrace him and kiss his mate tenderly. However the church was filling up quickly as more people made their way into the warmth of the church leaving the cold breezes outside and he did not want to attract too much attention to them.

Already a few humans could not tear their eyes away from them wondering if they were a pair of celebrities or Calvin Klein models. Either way straight or gay anyone who noticed could not help but find them beautiful.

Marcus scanned the church, in his mind he spoke to his brother, {Victor? I was under the impression that Master Batista would have security here waiting to escort our party from the church to the penthouse. Have you heard anything from them?}

{I was thinking of the same thing, I will go outside and see if I can call Batista.} As Victor started to leave his seat, Marcus motioned for him to stay.

{No, do not leave your mate alone. It is best if we stay together. I may be over reacting and I am sure they will here be shortly.}

Both brothers nodded in agreement to each other and Victor sat back down. He took Adrian’s hands into his own, and bringing them up discreetly to his mouth he blew warm air on his cold fingers. Adrian leaned into his mate and gave him a quick peck on the cheek not caring if they were seen being romantic with each other.

Marcus stood behind Jaden and watched over him as he lighted his candles, Jaden looked up at the beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary and stared into her eyes. In his mind he spoke to her apologizing for not being much of a believer. He was here for Lizzie and she had faith, so for her he asked the Virgin Mary to please watch over her and care for her.

While Jaden took a few moments to remember his lost sister, Marcus’s head snapped up as he suddenly became aware of a very familiar presence. Jaden also noticed it and slowly turned to see what had gotten his attention. The presence so strong was like thick air pushing against him.

Jaden believed that no one else could be taller than Victor and Marcus unless of course he played basketball, now some of those guys are tall. The man that entered the church was a vision to behold and Jaden almost felt guilty for even thinking that way.

But to be fair this man attracted a lot of attention without meaning to, he dressed in a simple but elegant black wool coat and black dress shirt and trousers with a light silk gray scarf around his neck, which accentuated his beautiful light gray eyes.

His eyes so light it seemed liquid and transparent, his hair long and thick with soft wavy curls which hung loosely around his face and past his shoulders. Jaden could see silvery hues of color in a mass of white silky hair. It seemed that the man was pure perfection; he is beautiful like his Marcus, only he seemed a little more.

Jaden could not help but stare at the man, as Marcus smiled and greeted him with a warm embrace.

“Esteban, it has been too long since we last met. What a wonderful surprise to see you here. How long have you been in the city, and why have you not called me?” Marcus scolded his friend with warm affection in his heart.

Jaden could swear that Esteban’s smile could blind a defenseless poor human, his teeth beautiful and white. And even thou he spoke in a soft whisper he could feel his voice like a sensual caress on his skin, that he actually felt goose bumps.

The more he looked at Esteban, the more he realized that the man is not human, and he had a difficult time trying to figure out if not human then what? Because he knew he was definitely not vampire, and if he is a vampire why couldn’t he be sure of it?

As the man continued to speak with Marcus he noticed a pleasant Spanish accent which added to his allure. However, it frustrated Jaden that he could not be sure of what he is and he was sure of him not being human only because he could feel power in this man, great power.

When he first saw him, he felt the power and it almost made him trip over himself. Could it be he thought that perhaps this is an ancient vampire? So ancient that he could not tell for sure if he was? He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not realize that both Marcus and Esteban were looking at him and smiling.

Marcus reached over to Jaden pulling him close with his arm around his shoulders, “Jaden I like to introduce you to a very dear and close friend, Esteban Castelleanos.”

Before Marcus could finish introducing him to Jaden, Esteban raised his hand and stopped his friend in mid-sentence as he continued to smile down at Jaden.

“Ahhh, Marcus mi querido amigo, my dear friend. Let me guess, you at last have found the love of your life, your soul mate. I am so pleased and honored to meet you Jaden.”

Jaden almost giggled when Esteban bowed towards him, greeting him in the fashion of noblemen from olden days. The beautiful man’s movements were fluid, graceful and Jaden thought of him as Prince Charming, which confused him even more about his theory of what he is.

Marcus chuckled as he closed Jaden’s mouth, he did not realize he was staring at Esteban with his mouth open.

“I know my love.” Marcus kidded him, “Meeting Esteban for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, and he is not doing anything. It is just what he is when one meets him, after a while you do not notice it.”

Leaning in closer to whisper into his ear, “One of the advantages of being human is that they do not feel what you are feeling, his decent good looks yes it is noticed and admired.” Marcus grinned when he heard his friend grunt at his remark. “However, they do not notice the power that surrounds such a creature.”

Marcus then gave Jaden a quick kiss to the top of his head, and gently caressed his face to help him snap out of his trance. Jaden blinked his eyes and suddenly felt embarrassed, blushing he looked down at the floor.

“Um sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. And um well it’s nice to meet you.” Fidgeting next to Marcus wishing he could go and hide under a rock, Esteban smiled and shook Jaden’s hand. The heat from the man’s flesh was intense; Jaden looked up into light gray eyes in surprised curiosity getting the best of him.

“Wow, you’re hot!” then Jaden quickly snapped his mouth shut realizing that some humans heard his remark, in fact one young woman who had been admiring the tall god sighed as she passed them.

Adding to Jaden’s remark her own lustful remark, “Oh honey, he’s more than hot, he’s a wish come true.”

Her eyes blinked slowly as she took a good look at Jaden and Marcus, like a cat in heat she smiled at them, “Oh my God, you’re hot too, and you too. Are you guys single? I’m Alice…”

Before the young woman could say anymore an older woman grabbed her arm, getting her attention and pulling her further into the church to find their seats. Marcus, Jaden and Esteban realized it was the girl’s mother, as she kept her voice low scolding her daughter.

“Alice, what has gotten into you? Have you forgotten that you are in church? Come on honey, dad is waiting for us. Honestly Alice sometimes you can be too bold for your own good.”

The pretty girl looked dreamily at them; with a big grin on her face she waved bye-bye as her mother led her away. The three of them looked at each other, and smiled. Trying very hard not to laugh out loud, not wanting to bring any more attention to them. Again Jaden felt like a fool for his remark about Esteban’s unusual temperature.

The tall silvery white haired man chuckled, “It is our Latin heat that makes our blood run hotter than the average human or… other creatures.” He winked and nodded towards Marcus.

Marcus rolled his eyes at his friend and Jaden realized Esteban was kidding when he winked at him.

Esteban’s soft laughter made Jaden smile making him realize there was nothing to be embarrassed about, and after a few minutes of talking with him he felt like his own self again and very comfortable speaking with him. He liked Esteban and hoped to get to know more about him, not wanting to keep Marcus from his friend Jaden excused himself.

“You two keep talking; I’ll go sit with Victor and Adrian.” Jaden shook Esteban’s hand once more, “It was nice meeting you, I hope you’ll come visit us soon?”

Jaden blushed when Esteban smiled beautifully at him and bowed his head promising that he would love to visit with them.

Marcus leaned in closer to Jaden, letting his fingers brush back his hair from his eyes, “Thank you my love, I will be with you shortly.” He watched as Jaden went to sit in the last pew with his brothers.

When Marcus turned to his friend to ask him something he realized Esteban was not listening to him. He followed his friends look to see him stare at the young priest at the altar preparing the church to begin the mass.


Marcus looked at his friend in surprise when he heard a low whimper escape from his lips, sounding like a sad little puppy. For a few minutes they both watched Father Keaton until he finished his preparations and then disappear behind the altar.

Esteban let out a soft sigh, he and Marcus slowly walked away from human ears off to the side to one of the alcoves so that they could speak freely with each other.

“He is beautiful Esteban, I see you enjoy a challenge as always. Is he the reason for your visit into the city, our pretty little priest?”

Esteban shook his head, his silky hair moved about him like a soft breeze. Smiling sheepishly he asked. “Mi estimado amigo, usted no requedas?”

Marcus seemed puzzled as he answered his friend, “No, lo siento”

“Think back Marcus, I believe almost twenty years ago in the forest?”

Marcus frowned as he tried to make out what Esteban was talking about, he thought back in the past of the few times they have gotten together and then it hit him, his eyes widened as the memory came back to him. He pointed towards the empty altar as he whispered to his friend.

“Is that the little lost boy in the forest, the one you said is your future mate?

Esteban smiled sadly as he nodded; letting his breath out slowly as his shoulders seemed to sag and bowed his head. He then lifted up his eyes to look at his surprised friend.

“Si” he nodded slowly, “It is my beautiful one, my heart’s desire.” His eyes searching the altar in the hopes the young priest would step back out so he can admire him from afar.

“In all seriousness my dear friend, you do realize he is a priest?”

Esteban shrugged his shoulders, “He is my mate, at least he will be someday.” Looking mournfully at nothing he sighed again like a love sick puppy.

“You know as well as I do, that our kind is very sensitive when it comes to matters of the heart. We do not freely choose with whom we would fall madly in love with, we have our little flings in the meantime, nothing serious of course. But when the right one comes into your life, your heart knows that this is the one, the only one you can truly love for life.”

Marcus felt bad for his friend as he tried to reason with him, “Esteban, he is a priest, a priest. I understand how we are drawn to our mates; it is only now that I really do understand when I found Jaden. However, there was no doubt in my mind that we belong to each other. You must be sure; I remember now when we found the lost boy. He was not frightened of you, in fact he seemed quite drawn to you as well, but I believed it to be a small child’s natural curiosity.”


Esteban agreed with Marcus, “What you say is true my friend, but I could not forget him. So for years I followed his progress and it broke my heart when he chose the priesthood. I have never interfered in his life, but you forget, I am able to see and hear into anyone’s mind. My beautiful one is in denial, so much so that he shies away from such thoughts. He is so unaware of his true self. He fears it so much that he has forgotten it; he does not even see himself as a man with normal desires. And as happy as he may be to work alongside with the only father he has ever known, he is sad, he knows something is missing but he does not know what it is.”

Marcus moved closer to his friend, keeping his voice lower then before he asked, “Is it your intention to show him the errors of his ways? Do you even know for sure what his preference is?”

Esteban winced at Marcus’s statement, “His mind is very confused on that subject, however no, I will not say anything to him. In fact I have been told that as long as he is a priest I am forbidden to make any contact with him. I cannot influence him in anyway, and I cannot let him see me, it would be considered interference on my part.”

Marcus felt bad for his friend, to be so in love with someone that you may never be with. He now understood the sadness in his friend’s eyes, “So you choose to suffer, hiding in the shadows yearning for a love that cannot see you. When he first saw you, he was a little child. Remember it was a child’s inquisitive nature that drew him to you, far too young for his soul to recognize you as his mate.”

Marcus’s hand gently squeezed his friend’s neck to get him to look at him; Esteban was taller by at least two inches. Gray eyes looked down into ice blue gems, “I know you believe him to be your soul mate, has it not occurred to you that he would never leave his vocation? That he will live out his life as a priest and never come to terms with whatever leaves him feeling incomplete.”

Esteban closed his eyes and nodded in agreement, “Yes it is possible, but I cannot help myself I am so drawn to him, and if he sees me he will feel the same pull towards me, I truly believe his soul will take over and accept me as his mate.”

Esteban placed his right hand over his heart, with hope in eyes he continued to speak.

“Marcus in my heart, my soul, deep down to the very core of my whole being, I know that he is my mate. I feel it, I sense it and I cannot deny it anymore then you can deny your own feelings for your mate. With my kind when the time has come, somehow we are drawn to our mates. Call it fate, call it intuition it does not matter. My beautiful priest will be my mate when the time is right, until then I wait. I come into the city at least four times a year to see him, the rest of the time my cousins who live here keep me up to date on his well being.”

Marcus nodded and sighed sadly for his friend, he cared very much for Esteban and he has always wanted the best for him. It has been awhile since they have seen each other, too much time passed between them and now that he is here he was wondering what he could do to help cheer him up.

Esteban looked at Marcus and smiled, he was pleased that Marcus did not need to shield his thoughts from him, a sign of true friendship and trust.

“I will be fine Marcus; it is my cross to bear.” Smiling down at Marcus, Esteban straightened up and patted him on his shoulder.

In fact, as I was making my way to the church tonight, I was happy to find you here. There is something else I wish to speak with you about.”

Marcus remained silent as he listened to his friend.

“My cousins and I have picked up an unusual scent, it is foul, anger and evil in this scent. Even here within the church some scents are not very pleasant, only because not everyone here has good intentions. But I am sure you already know that?”

Marcus nodded in agreement, “Yes our kind is quite sensitive to such things, our senses are enhanced within the blood. If I really pay attention I can pick up on the scents of everyone here.” Marcus frowned for minute as he seemed to discover something,

“There is one particular scent that I find quite offensive; human this one is I can sense cruelty in this scent.”

Esteban agreed his nose twitched in irritation.

“Yes I picked up that odor as well, but you forget my friend.”

Marcus looked back to Esteban wondering what he was getting at. Esteban smiled as he tapped his own nose.

“This is far more superior compared to your own little nose.”

Marcus shook his head once more in agreement, “I stand corrected my friend, so tell me what has your superior weapon found, or smelled?”

Esteban tilted his head to one side as he tried to explain this unusual scent; his face grimaced with the memory of it.

“It is most foul, this scent. My cousins for the past few days have been frustrated, angry as they were unable to track down this creature. The scent lingers, but the creature whoever he may be is long gone.”

Marcus had to ask, “You say creature, what kind of creature do you think it may be?”

Esteban carefully considered his thoughts before he answered, “It is vampire, there is no doubt. We are familiar with most of the scents within your house. However this scent is new, not a new vampire, just the scent. It is awful, it made my cousin Anton’s eyes water in irritation. Poor Ernesto felt sick to his stomach; can you imagine such a scent so strong to us and the power this vampire must have to cause such discomfort?”

“And how does this scent affect you?” Marcus asked.

Esteban shook his head as if trying to throw something off, he pressed his lips together in an effort to hold back an irritated growl from his lips.

“My cousins are young and are not equal to me in strength and power, but the scent at first provokes my anger. That is all it does, the odor so foul and evil it angers me. I have tried to track it to its owner, but the bastard is quick.”

Marcus was deep in his own thoughts, and then he looked at Esteban, an idea forming in his mind. Shame crossed his face but for only a quick second.

“Esteban, please forgive me if I offend you. But I was wondering if perhaps, you would consider spending a few days at our estate. I would like to take advantage of your superior nose.”

Now it was Esteban’s turn to be confused, his eyes narrowed in understanding when Marcus opened his mind to his friend. He allowed Esteban to see the frustration that he and Victor experienced as they tried to find whoever had the dogs upset. He could see the twin brothers search in vain throughout the property and coming up empty.

Esteban realized why Marcus requested his help, if the scent lingers he needed to know if what Esteban and his cousins found. Would it be the same scent around his house?

“So my friend you are asking me to play your blood hound?”

Marcus’s face blanched in shame, “Perdóneme, Esteban I truly did not wish to offend you.” With one hand he pushed back his hair away from his face, not quite sure if he should go on.

Esteban chuckled softly, as he waived away his remark, “Calma Marcus, calma. Esta bien, ningun problema.”

Marcus smiled relieved to see his friend was only kidding him, “I have come to realize that I could use your help, and as foolish as it may sound. Yes I need for you to be my blood hound; your sense of smell may very well be far more sensitive than ours are. Will you consider it?”

Esteban nodded, “I would be offended if you did not ask, you are a very dear friend. I care for you as you care for me. Of course I will do it.”

Esteban looked towards the altar one more time still no view of the young priest, and he let out a sad sigh. “I am sure the elders will not object if I go with you for a little while, everyone in my house is tired of seeing me mope around for my little priest. I could use a good distraction for now.”

“Then perhaps.” Marcus said, “How about a trip to Europe?”

“Europe?” Esteban’s eyes stared at Marcus in confusion.

Marcus quickly explained the death of Gunter Storka, he believed Esteban can be a big help to him there as well. Maybe with his friend’s keen sense of smell he might be able to help expose the murderer. Esteban was excited to be part of the hunt and agreed to help.

The church seemed to become quiet, human murmurings ceased a sign that the mass was about to begin, they watched as the choir, priests and other church members took their places at the back of the church to begin their walk towards the altar.

Both Marcus and Esteban agreed to continue this conversation after mass and made their way towards their perspective seats.

Midnight mass at St. Patrick’s is a very big event anyone who wanted to attend had to get tickets. Jaden and Lizzie when they could would sneak in with the crowd and to stand at the back of the church, or if they were lucky enough they would find seats all the way to the back since most people like to be up front and close. Most of the time they could not see much, but that was all right with Lizzie it was the tradition of going to church and hearing the mass that mattered to her.

As Jaden sat waiting anxiously for Marcus to join them he thought about how easy it was for them to get in. Having an inside man like Garreth was helpful, even Esteban had no problem walking in the church like he owned the place. He wondered if he used the power of his mind to get in anywhere he pleased. He knew Marcus was able to leave persuasive thoughts in humans and he was teaching him how to do it.

While he fed, all he had to do was think of something positive he would like for the human to do and somehow the thought or suggestion would come to the human after he was long gone. It was up to the individual to decide to follow up on it or not.

He tried it once as he fed from a pick pocket; he planted the idea that it was better to find work doing anything, even if he had to flip burgers. It was better than having to look over his shoulders all the time and worrying about getting caught.

A few nights later Jaden saw the same thief working the newspaper stand. He had no idea if all of his suggestions were taken, but at least he had the satisfaction of knowing this man changed his way of living.

He was brought out of his thoughts when Marcus sat beside him, pulling him closer to give him a quick kiss on his cheek. Not caring if any of the humans nearby were offended by his action. Jaden smiled up at him, admiring his mate’s beautiful ice blue eyes.

“Marcus.” Jaden whispered, “I like Esteban a lot, he really is nice and super tall.”

Marcus nodded in agreement, “He most certainly is.”

The organ music started, and they stood up along with the rest of the churchgoers. The choir began to sing “All Come All Ye Faithful” as the group of priests, choir and other members of the church started the slow walk to the altar. Jaden was still frustrated as he could not make out what Esteban was; curiosity getting the best of him he tugged on Marcus’s sleeve to make him leaned towards him.

“Marcus what kind of vampire is Esteban, I can’t tell if he is one. I had no problem recognizing the others, but he’s different.”

They were able to speak to each other, with their lips barely moving. No human would notice it or hear. Marcus’s eyebrow arched as he could hear his brothers trying to hold back their giggles, and Jaden kept asking questions. Always the curious one, his little mate is.

“I mean I know he’s not human and yet, he is human? No he can’t be, no human looks that good, so he’s got to be a vampire right? But then again, I can’t tell if he is. And his hand was hot, kind of a nice hot though. Comes in real handy when it’s freezing cold and... um what was I thinking of? Oh yeah…..”

Marcus put his hand over Jaden’s mouth, his thumb caressing his soft skin. Jaden’s eyes smiling up at him, he just knew he was rambling again. His words came out mumbled through his fingers.

“Sorry, buh I got ta know, wha iz he?”

They sat down in their seats along with the rest of the humans, no one really paying too much attention as the mass began. Both Victor and Adrian were waiting patiently for Jaden’s reaction when Marcus would reveal the truth about their friend. Even Esteban, who sat all the way to the left side of the church; with his power to be able to hear all thoughts, smiling to himself as he imagined what would Jaden think?

One of the speakers stood up and asked everyone to pray with him.



All of the humans responded, many made the sight of the cross.

Marcus whispered softly into Jaden’s ear, telling him what he wanted to know.

Jaden could not remember if they stood up and then sat back down, but now they were on their knees while another prayer was being recited. His eyes blinked several times as he tried to understand what Marcus said. Now they were standing again, as everyone sang another song.

“Huh?” he mumbled, his brows bunched in confusion. “What the hell is a freakin…..”

In the background the mass continued on.



Marcus tried so hard not to laugh, he was sure he would make a spectacle of himself and the humans would notice. Leaning back towards Jaden’s ear, and unable to resist he nibbled his tender lobe making his mate giggle.



Marcus whispered to him, repeating his answer.



Jaden’s eyes widened, he could not believe what Marcus told him.

“No way.”



“Are you serious?”

Marcus said no more as he stood there smiling down at his surprised mate.

Jaden thought he misunderstood Marcus, but his mate’s silent smile only confirmed what he heard him say. They were sitting again and Jaden leaned all the way forward like a child trying to see across the other side of the church where Esteban sat. He watched in fascination as the silvery white haired vision also smiled at him, causing him to snap back sitting straight in his seat.

Everyone turned the page in their books so that they could all join in as they sang a new hymn, when suddenly Jaden grabbed Marcus’s arm again and asked, “Does he know what we’re talking about?”

A soft chuckle escaped Marcus’s lips, “Yes compared to us, his hearing is quite sharp as are all of his senses. Another unique gift he has is that he can read our thoughts if we do not shield from him.”

Now Jaden was flabbergasted, as he sat there next to his mate he could not help leaning forward again to look at Esteban. Narrowing his eyes at him he asked him a question in his mind to see if he could read his thoughts.

{Did you hear everything that we said way over here?}

Esteban nodded his head in answer to his question. Both of Jaden’s eyebrows arched in surprise, but still wanting proof he decided to test him.

{Is it true? What Marcus said? About what you are I mean are you really what he says you are? If it’s true, then wave to me.}

Jaden had no idea he was holding his breath in anticipation of what would happen next; he suppressed any sounds escaping his mouth as he watched Esteban slowly raise his right hand and wave. His breath hitched and he hiccupped so amazed that he was understood.

Jaden sat quietly as his mind went into overtime of hard concentration. Marcus let out a relieved sigh; it seemed that his mate was satisfied with his new discovery. He was about to look up and watch the younger priest stand to take his place at the podium when Jaden grabbed him again.

“Agh….Jaden, what is wrong?” Marcus’s peace of mind was soon disrupted when Jaden held fast to his collar yanking him closer to whisper into his ear.

“Holy freaking cow, Marcus that is so cool!”

Jaden was thrilled, he was so excited he started rambling again; he wanted Esteban to move in with them so he could learn more about him. He was practically begging like a child wanting a new puppy. Jaden was beyond thrilled that he was fidgeting so much he could not sit still. Marcus put his right arm around his shoulder and pulled him in closer to face him; his left hand caressed the back of his neck to get his attention.

Feeling Marcus’s warm hand caress the back of his neck soothed him into silence; he looked up into his mate’s eyes and smiled like a sleepy cat. Jaden then pressed his face into Marcus’s shoulder to stifle his excitement; he just could not help it he was beyond thrilled about Esteban and what he can do.

Still pressing his face against Marcus, Jaden came up with an idea to share with his mate.

“Marcus how cool would it be if Esteban bit me, than I can really.…..”

“No, now behave we are in church.” Was the only reply Marcus gave his mate as he kissed him quickly and made him sit still next to him. He along with his brothers and Esteban tried very hard not to laugh, Jaden’s excitement was infectious.

Jaden giggled softly as he grabbed Marcus’s right hand between his own two hands to rest on his lap. His smile reached all the way to his ears as he looked up at Marcus, and still a little excited he whispered again, “I can’t believe how freaking awesome this is.”

Esteban smiled and pulled his mind away from Jaden, he was happy for Marcus. In all the years he has known his friend it was rare to see him smile; his little mate was good for him.

He turned his attention to his pretty priest and could not help but sigh to himself, he knew he was feeling sorry for himself but he did not care. Father Charles Keaton is beautiful, his sweet innocent look made Esteban’s blood burn for him. In fact he knew the young man is completely innocent which made the dominant protective side of him want to take Charles away and shelter him from any dangers in the city.

{Ahhh, Esteban you are a fool in love.} He chided himself. But looks is not the only thing that made Esteban appreciate the man, he loved his smell, his hazel eyes and if only he could grow out his hair he wanted to run his fingers into that thick silky blond mane.

He loved the way he moved and sometimes smiled at some of the young girls in the pew as they batted their eyes at him. He loved how his pale flesh blushed so easily, full of innocence and not truly understanding their infatuation with him. Esteban fantasized licking and kissing his cute little button nose, and devouring his full mouth.

Even though Father Keaton is in his mid twenties, he looked like a teenage boy, standing only about five feet nine and knowing how truly innocent he is added to his youthful appearance.

But most of all he loved his voice; it was soft and soothing to his aching heart. His soul cried out for its mate if only he could just talk to him, just to say hello. Surly it would not be considered influence on his part, would it? But sadly Esteban knew better, yes he was a curious child when they first met, but their souls knew better.

And so Esteban sat in his seat and suffered quietly, he prayed that someday they would be together. He just knew deep in his heart it would happen, it had to happen. He will obey the council’s rule to not interfere in the young man’s life and let it run its natural course. He had to have faith and believe in the advice given to him by an elder.

[Esteban my beautiful prince, have patience. If he is truly your souls true love then it will happen, there is always a reason as to why events happen as they do.] And as he thought of these words repeating it over and over in his mind, for now it gave him little comfort.

Every now and then as Father Keaton read from the bible he would look up to speak to the people as they all sat quietly listening. Esteban of course sat all the way in the back, and not wanting to draw too much attention to his height, he slid down in his seat to give the illusion of being of average height.

Esteban closed his eyes and blocked out all sounds so that he could only hear the voice of his beloved, and the more he listened, the more he realized something was off. To the human ear there was nothing to notice, but for him he was able to hear a slight tremor in the voice. He concentrated even more and he could hear the young man’s heart beating fast, his priest seemed frightened.

He relaxed his body and let his mind wander around the young priest; he opened his mind completely to him and listened to his thoughts. At first all he could get was confusion, guilt mingled with fear and worry for his father. He was able to pick up that Father Dumon` has taken a turn for the worse, hospitalized, intensive care, condition critical.

Esteban felt so bad for his little love, he wanted nothing more right now but to run away with Charles to hold and comfort him. While he wished he could steal the young man away he suddenly stopped cold. His hands curled into tight fists and kept his arms rigid by his side.

There were other emotions in the young man’s mind, he could tell that Father Keaton had pushed these feelings way back in order to concentrate on his task to complete the Christmas midnight mass. He was terribly frightened, filled with so much guilt and confusion. Esteban slowly peeled away at his thoughts to get to the source of his fear. His whole body practically trembled in anger as his eyes popped open.

In his mind he was able to play back what took place in the back room, where Father Keaton and Cardinal Rocca dressed for the mass. He could see the young priest pace back and forth trying to reason with the older man, he did not want to be here. Father Keaton wanted to go to the hospital to be with Father Dumon`.

“Please your eminence Benny is… I mean Father Dumon` is very ill. Surely Father McBride would be very happy to replace me. He would be delighted to stand by your side for tonight.”

Esteban watched in horror as the cardinal suddenly grabbed him by the hair from behind, the older man taller and easily stronger by intimidation. He held the young priest hard against his body, and like the low life he is pushed his hips into the smaller man’s backside.

Poor Father Keaton was shocked and did not know what to do or say, tears spilled from his eyes as he could feel the cardinal pull harder on his hair and the other hand slid down to hold him in place by placing his hand between his legs, grabbing and squeezing if he dared to move.

This kind of pain and intimidation was so alien to the priest; he stood frozen, so afraid of what would happen next. Whatever the older man whispered into the younger man’s ear, made him turn bright red in shame, what saved the priest was a knock on the door. The vampire Garreth actually opened the door to enter and the cardinal was forced to release his hold on Father Keaton.

Had it not been for Garreth entering the room, and offering to give Father Keaton a ride to the hospital, who knows how far Cardinal Rocca would have gone?

Esteban watched his young priest collect himself and wipe away at his eyes, telling Garreth that he was so worried about Father Dumon` and as much as he would like to leave now, he did promise to take care of the mass for Christmas.

The vampire of course was not a fool, he knew that Father Keaton was afraid for Garreth’s safety not knowing if the cardinal would go so far as to try and harm the caretaker. So Garreth told Father Keaton that after mass he would take him to the church.

He said this as he glared daggers at the older man, making it a point to assure the young man that he would be at his side until Father Dumon` came home. The statement of course was a warning to the cardinal.

Esteban shook the memories away from his mind; he made a mental note to thank Garreth for watching over his future mate. However, this information did not calm him, he was furious and he wanted blood payment.

He scanned the front of the church and stopped as he glared in murderous rage at the older priest who sat with a smug look on his face looking at the backside of his beloved. Esteban’s nose twitched in irritation as he recognized the odor that he and Marcus picked up on. The cardinal stank of pure cruelty.

[You] Esteban told himself, as he stared at the cardinal. [Will soon learn who I am] his body continued to tremble; a thunder of rage boiling to the surface, a satisfying smile graced his lips as he made special plans for his eminence demise.

“Mommy I think a doggie got in the church, did you hear him growl?”

A little boy sat in front of Esteban with his mother. He was about six years old and he got up on his knees to face the silvery white haired man behind him. He was the cutest little child with big inquisitive eyes, putting his small hands up to his mouth to whisper as he asked Esteban.

“Did you hear the doggie? I think it’s under my seat, can you see him?”

Esteban realized that the child heard him, he was so angry that a low growl escaped his lips. He merely shrugged his shoulders and nodded, leaning towards the little boy he smiled and said, “I’m afraid he found the mass to boring, so he left.” And he winked at the little boy making him giggle.

The child’s mother wrapped her arms around her little boy, hugging him to her. “What’s so funny sweetie?”