Jaden

Hiddy Ho everyone, at last a new chapter. Sorry for the long wait, but as usual I had a bit of a time trying to figure out how to work it out. Anyway I hope you all enjoy, and as always I write for your reviews and reading pleasure. Kudos will be forthcoming in the next chapter.


Chapter 35

(Midnight Mass – Part 2)

Jaden was not looking up at the altar; he was too busy playing fingers with Marcus’s hand. He held his mate’s right hand between his two hands, fingers intermingling and caressing each other. Jaden would press his hand up against Marcus’s and compare the difference in sizes; he smiled as he remembered how wonderful those long strong fingers made him feel.

Marcus kept himself occupied as he looked down at his mate and watched what Jaden was doing; every now and then he leaned over to kiss Jaden on the top of his head. It seemed that Victor and Adrian were also too busy to watch the mass go on. Victor was busy playing with a lock of his love’s hair as he held it between two fingers, and Adrian trying not to let Victor distract him was trying to keep up with the mass as he read his own book provided by the church, following the passage the young priest was reading from.

Jaden at this moment felt so happy, he closed his eyes and began to listen to the priest read from the bible. He felt at peace and was beginning to have an understanding why Lizzie liked to be in church. Everyone in the church looked so nice dressed in their Christmas finest, the warmth and the smells were comforting.

Having Marcus in his life fulfilled him completely; he could not wait for them to be alone again. He had plans for his mate and he wanted to show him how happy he truly was. As he sat there quietly, he thought that it was too bad the young priest finished his reading from the bible, he liked his voice.

By now the older priest, Cardinal Rocca stood up to speak directly to the people. He started off with the usual greeting as Father Keaton took his seat behind the older priest. Jaden smiled as he heard everyone laugh when the cardinal made a small joke to break the ice. With his eyes still closed, and holding on to Marcus’s hand he relaxed and decided to pay attention.

For some reason Marcus did not like this voice and when he took a deep breath, he recognized the scent that he picked up on before the mass started. It was an irritating scent, one that told him this priest was not really holy. He drew his eyes away from his darling mate to look at what made him feel uneasy. His crystal ice blue eyes quickly bled to black as he used all the power within him to control his anger. He could hear his brother Victor speak to him in his mind.

{Do nothing Marcus; we cannot afford to bring unwanted attention to ourselves. The world, this city is not large enough for him to hide. Jaden needs you now, control your emotions and look at him.}

Marcus looked down at his mate. Jaden after a while began to squeeze his hand, he was trembling and he looked sick.

Jaden was busy thinking of the things he would like to do once he and Marcus were alone, but then he began to feel strange. He felt as if the weight of the world came crashing down on him, his stomach ached and the air felt thicker making it hard to breathe, if he could he would throw up.

He tried to think of something else but failed, he still felt horrible. He hated to ruin the evening but he just had to get out. He felt Adrian’s hand touch his shoulder and he saw Victor look at him with concern in his eyes. He turned to look at Marcus and saw black angry eyes look back at him, which changed back to his beautiful blue when he blinked.

Jaden’s voice trembled when he asked if they could leave. It was a good thing that they sat at the end of the pew all the way to the back of the church, making it easier for them to quietly get up and walk out, only stopping at the exit with Esteban standing there wondering what was going on.

Adrian had put his arms around Jaden holding him and rubbing his back, trying to comfort him. While he held on to his little brother he stared at the cardinal, he made so sign of recognition as Victor was standing beside him with his arm around his waist.

Marcus stood behind Jaden, his hand gently petting his head. “We are leaving soon my love, I will have the car brought around to the front of the church, and then we will leave.” Marcus was worried and wanted to get Jaden out of the church as soon as possible.

Jaden shook his head, his hands trembling. He was anxious to get out of the church; he just did not understand why he was feeling this way. But he felt insecure and needed to get out.

As much as he wanted to get Jaden home, Marcus was reluctant to leave. Without looking he found one of the men that abused his mate, he knew he would be able to find him again but he hated taking the risk of the cardinal leaving to who knows where.

{Marcus there is nothing to be done about him now, the church is far too crowded.}

Victor warned his brother. Marcus nodded in agreement, but it frustrated him that he could not do anything. What mattered now was to get his mate home.

Esteban had noticed a change in his friends and joined them offering his help. Marcus had his brothers’ wait inside the church with Jaden as he stepped outside with Esteban.

“Wait here, I need to see if the car is outside and see where our security team is.”

“Marcus I want to go home, please can we leave now?” Jaden’s voice sounded small and fragile, he seemed so lost and frightened.

Marcus hugged his mate, “Yes my angel, we will leave soon. I need for you to stay with Victor and Adrian in here only for a minute. I like to make sure our car is ready to take us home.”

Both Marcus and Esteban stepped outside, Marcus looked around, still no security team to escort them home. It appears Master Batista had much to answer for.

“What is wrong Marcus is Jaden hurt?” asked Esteban.

Marcus began to pace, rather than to explain everything it was easier to allow Esteban to see into his mind and give him a quick summary of what has happened. For Esteban it was like a seeing a movie on fast forward, but he understood completely Marcus’s anger toward the priest and how it anguished him to not be able to soothe away his mate’s fears.

“Marcus I am so sorry, but Victor is right. There is nothing to be done about it now.”

Marcus’s face scrunched up in anger, “That animal must die; I will not allow him to get away.”

Victor had stepped out of the church to stand beside his brother; he too noticed no security waiting for them. He took out his cell phone and dialed Batista’s number.

“Well?” Marcus asked impatiently.

Victor shook his head and answered his brother, “Nothing, no one is answering the phone.”

It was then that Jaden came running out of the church with Adrian following close behind him, he ran into Marcus’s arms and looked up at him pleading.

“Please Marcus lets go, please?” he was almost in tears.

Marcus caressed his mates face and kissed his forehead, “Yes we are leaving now, I will go and get the car and we can leave…”

Jaden shook his head, “No, I’m fine. The cold air makes me feel better, and Adrian said the penthouse is really close we can walk, I want to walk. Ok? Please?”

Adrian wrapped his arms around Jaden, holding him close. Speaking low to help soothe his nerves and chase away his fears. Victor scanned the streets; it was relatively empty, if the people were not at mass, most were at parties and at this late hour everyone else stayed home in their beds.

Looking at his brother Marcus nodded and said, “Very well then, we will walk.”

Turning to his friend, he asked. “Esteban will you come with us?”

Esteban took Marcus’s arm and led him away from the others, keeping his voice low so only Marcus can hear. Pointing towards the church, his light gray eyes turning cold,

“Whatever plans you have for that one, I want in. He has hurt my little priest and he must answer for that as well.”

Marcus smiled, “You know me my friend, I am only too happy to share. I will have Garreth keep an eye on him.”

Esteban shook his head, “Allow me to help there, I can have my cousin Tomas watch him, he is our best tracker. That damn fool will not be able to shit without me knowing it first. Before you know it, he will lead us to his friends as well.”

Marcus was pleased, “The one I want the most is the man who covered his face, that one is mine, as for the cardinal he is yours to play with.”

In his mind Marcus relayed the conversation to Victor, all three of them smiled in agreement.

Esteban closed his eyes for a minute informing Marcus that his cousin Tomas was on his way.

“As soon as Tomas arrives, I will leave. I need to inform the elders of my plans to stay with you; afterwards I will meet with you at the penthouse. I should be there in about twenty minutes.”

Marcus hugged Esteban, “Thank you my friend, I will see you shortly.”

As Marcus walked towards his family, Esteban called out to him.

“Marcus you should have security with you, I know you don’t like to have guards follow you around, but I can have my people here in minutes”

Little did Esteban know that Marcus was royally pissed off with Batista, his own security had yet to show up. It was not in Batista’s nature to be so careless; the man was extremely anal when it came to protection. If he had his way, Marcus and his family would have a whole team of body guards follow them everywhere. They would sleep under his bed if he let them.

Marcus waved to his friend and said, “There is no need, Batista has arranged for a team to escort us, I am sure we will meet up with them on the way to the penthouse. I will see you soon my friend.”

When Marcus approached Jaden he lifted him up in his arm, hugging him tight. They held on to each other and kissed. Marcus asked, “Are you sure you want to walk, it is cold and you have a warm blanket in the car to keep you toasty.”

Jaden laughed and shook his head, “naw its ok, I’m still warm from being inside. Besides it’s a short walk and we’re be there in no time.”

Marcus nodded as he let Jaden go, “Very well, let us be on our way.”

Jaden pulled on Marcus’s coat to whisper into his ear, “I can’t wait to be alone with you, I have a birthday wish that I want you to make come true.” He reached up on his tip toe and kissed his nose.

Marcus, Victor and Adrian laughed as they all wished him a happy birthday. It seemed the farther away they walked from the church, the more Jaden was himself again.

Marcus and Victor walked about eight feet behind their mates, they watched out for Jaden and Adrian as they walked ahead of them. The two younger men had their arms wrapped around each with their heads together as if sharing a secret.

It was early Christmas morning, a little after 1 am. The city was quiet considering no police sirens or emergency vehicles were out rushing to save lives. Even though they were about a block away from St. Patrick’s they could still hear the people pray and sing Christmas hymns. The normal sounds of the city seemed subdued at this time of the morning; it was indeed a silent night.

Adrian held on to Jaden, hugging him close. He had become very protective of Jaden, especially after he recognized the cardinal from the DVD. He could tell that both Marcus and Victor knew who he was also, and he was glad not to give himself away about his knowledge of Jaden’s past abuse.

He knew that the two older men wanted to kill the cardinal right there, he felt the same way when he saw the horrible man. It broke his heart to see Jaden look so frightened, he had an idea of what caused it.

Hugging his little brother tighter he asked. “Are you feeling better lovely?”

Jaden let his head rest on Adrian’s shoulder as they walked. He was confused and lost in his thoughts trying to figure out why he reacted so badly in the church.

“Yeah, I think the cold air is like clearing up my head. But I’m feeling much better now. I, don’t know, for a while I felt sick. Can vampires get sick?”

Adrian tilted his head to one side thinking about his question, he shrugged his shoulders. “I do not believe so, could it be perhaps that you felt uncomfortable because going to church is a tradition you shared with Lizzie?”

They walked in silence, listening to their boot heels tap on the sidewalk. The idea mulled around in his mind, “I don’t know, I mean I miss her every day. But for awhile there I was scared, really scared and the worst part of it, is not knowing why.”

“You have been through so many changes in just a short period of time; do you think it finally overwhelmed you?” Asked Adrian.

“I never really thought about it that way, maybe.” He lifted his head, looking up at Adrian, he said. “But then again, I probably fed off from an alcoholic drug abuser. Now that, would mess anybody up.”

The two vampires giggled softly as they continued to walk still hugging each other closely.

Marcus and Victor followed their mates and at the same time they were scanning the streets all around them, watching, and listening for any signs of trouble. Even though it may not have looked like it, but Adrian was also on guard. He too while chatting with Jaden helping to ease his mind was also on the alert.

However, the events that happened next took them all completely by surprise. No amount of training or experience could have ever prepared them for this.

Marcus and Victor stopped walking and quickly turned around when they heard a loud angry growl come from behind them, a flash of silvery white hair was running towards them. Esteban was trying to warn them, but before they even had the chance to react. Something crashed into them.

Something unseen, something powerful, something unknown, a force so fierce fueled with pure rage. Whatever this unknown entity could be, it smashed into them like a bull dozer knocking the brothers apart.

The power so insanely strong, grabbed Victor like an Olympic hammer throw and sent him flying across the street, he slid into the trash buried in the snow and crashing against the building, the impact sounded like thunder.

This strange unseen force that attacked Victor then turned on Marcus, steel like fingers clamped like a vise onto his throat. The speed and the force of its movement lifted Marcus ten stories off the ground slamming his body into the brick building behind him and then throwing him easily to crash thru one of the apartment’s windows. Luckily for Marcus no one was home.

Both Marcus and Victor were able to shake off the attack as if nothing touched them, and flew back to the street, brushing off loose dirt, glass and trash. Esteban reached them, an angry snarl escaped his lips as he lifted his head up in the air sniffing. He snapped back his head as if hit by a bolt of lightning, he growled and his eyes narrowed in anger.

“It is that same scent my cousins and I have been trying to track, the bastard was here and his foul stench lingers.”

They all turned to look down the street where Adrian and Jaden were walking, but there is nothing there to see, the street was empty.

“Jaden!”

“Adrian!”

Marcus, Victor and Esteban called out for them, they were nowhere to be found.

Adrian and Jaden were nowhere to be found, it's as if they disappeared.

~~~~**~~~~

The elite vampire Master Batista was burning a hole in the rug as he paced back and forth. He was waiting impatiently for Marcus and Victor to arrive. The few other elites that were invited also became restless wondering why the masters have not shown up yet.

Looking at his aide for the 100th time he barked his question, “Well, where are they? They should have been here at least thirty minutes ago!”

The young aide looked frightened, “My, my lord. They have not called, the guard detail you sent have not called. I…I do not know why they are not here.”

Batista closed his eyes trying to center himself, he promised not to lose his temper. His aide was hard working, but sometimes the poor lad lacked common sense.

“You do not know why? Anders why the hell do you not get on the phone and CALL THEM!!!”

Poor Anders shook like a trapped bunny rabbit, “Ye…yes good idea. I’ll call them. I’ll call them right now.”

He ran into the penthouse office and picked up the phone, but before he could dial the number he looked up sadly at his master.

“What is it now Anders?” Batista’s face was getting red with frustration.

Anders looked apologetically at his master and said in a shy timid voice, “I’m sorry master, but what number should I call?”

Batista pinched the bridge of his nose, he was probably the only vampire to have headaches. He loved Anders really he did. He is such a sweet boy, eager to please, but perhaps clerical work is not his calling.

Batista walked quickly to Anders holding out his hand to him, the boy took his hand thinking his master wanted to cozy up to him. Batista sighed, shaking his head. The other elites laughed quietly in the background.

“Anders, may I please have the phone?”

Blinking baby blue eyes, Anders blushed as he realized his mistake. He looked down as he handed his master the phone.

“Of course sir, I’m sorry.”

Batista playfully slapped Anders on the ass, “You’re doing fine my dear, perhaps I need to give you more training, later?”

Now Anders smiled bashfully as he gave his master a quick kiss on the cheek. Batista sighed and dialed the number to call Marcus, he frowned and looked at the phone.

“What the hell is going on? The line is dead!”

Anders became very nervous and began tugging on Batista’s suit.

“Anders cut it out, it’s very annoying when you do that.”

Anders was a bundle of nerves and could not stand still, “No need to call anyone..... they’re....”

Batista glared down at his little aide, “Anders, what are you……”

The main entrance doors were slammed opened as a very angry black eyed Marcus and Victor came storming into the penthouse followed by a very tall equally pissed off Esteban.

“Here!” Anders yelped and ducked behind his master to hide.

Marcus walked right up to Batista and glared angrily at his chief of security. He did not scream at him, but it made Batista nervous to hear his master’s cold whisper.

“Before I kill you, please explain why we were not met with security guards at the church.”

Batista’s eyes widened in shock, but he quickly straightened his tie trying very hard not to lose his temper with his master.

“Master Marcus I know how you hate to have guards follow you around, and at the risk of incurring your anger. I not only sent the guards to meet you, but I sent ten of my best to meet you all at Drakar` House. From that point on they had orders to stick with your party like glue.”

Before Marcus or Victor could argue, ten men entered the penthouse. The leader Captain Torre` stepped forward and bowed his head respectfully towards the masters as if nothing happened.

It was Victor who stepped forward to questioned his captain, “Where were you Captain Torre`, why did you not meet us at Drakar` House?”

The look on his masters face un-nerved the captain, it was obvious something terrible had gone wrong. The fact that he did not see Adrian or Master Marcus’s rumored mate in the room, had something to do with the anger he was sensing from them. He stepped back out of habit, but he did not know depending on what he said could very well end his existence.

“My lords, we were on our way to the house to meet you. In fact we were about to enter the building when the orders were changed and I was told that you changed your mind and decided to land at the airport. Why you chose JFK airport when La Guardia is much closer to the city….”

The captain stopped talking, as now he had both masters of the house glaring at him, Marcus moved closer to him, “It has been more than an hour captain, you and your men are able to fly, why did you take so long to get here?”

Captain Torre` wondered if he would live past this night, the power of the masters was felt in the air, all the other vampires felt it, poor Anders whimpered in his master’s arms.

“My lords” Captain Torre` had to clear his throat before he could go on. “The holidays have the airports packed with humans, we were forced to move about as humans do. Until we found a safe secluded area, we could not fly here.”

Batista had had enough, he was past furious. “Enough of this nonsense, Captain Torre` you and your men were ordered to House of Drakar`, you were to meet and stay with the masters until further notice. Why did you change my orders?”

The captain frowned in confusion, “I did not change the orders, my lord. I received a call on my cell phone.”

“Oh really captain?” Batista glared at the captain, he was a good man, an excellent soldier when he was human, he is even better as a vampire. He just could not believe he would deviate from his orders.

Batista needed to find out what happened and why, his skin was prickling with the power from the masters. If he did not diffuse the situation soon, the masters were likely to kill everyone in the room.

“So who the hell called you?” Batista asked.

Captain Torre` was confused, he answered as if Batista knew the answer.

“Lord Batista, the call came from you. You changed the orders.”