Jaden

Chapter 37

(Out of the Pan, Into the Fire)

Jaden groaned, once again he found himself back on the floor. After being thrown across the cell, his back hit the stone wall and he slid back down. He was grateful to not end up flat on his back; he landed half sitting and half way down, his back supported by the wall behind him.

He cursed silently to himself as he looked up to see the offending figure responsible for his current position.

The newest member of their little cell stood by Adrian’s prone body, he could not make out his features as silvery black hair covered the stranger as he stared down at his brother.

Eventually the stranger slowly turned his gaze away from Adrian to coldly stare at Jaden. That look chilled Jaden in place, as if things weren’t bad enough. Now he had this intruder to deal with, and it appeared that he was not in any mood to be friendly.

The stranger did not move he stood stone cold still as he studied Jaden’s reaction to him. The look he gave Jaden made him feel like a lab rat, black eyes watching as if he waited to see what he would do next. For the moment Jaden decided to ignore that look and concentrated on his senses to tell him what he was dealing with.

Of course he knew that the man standing next to his brother is a vampire, but now his senses told him that the vampire is as old as Marcus. In fact, he is indeed the same age as Marcus his powers and strength is equaled to his mate. What bothered Jaden more is that the vampire who stood there, is also considered a Master Vampire to be highly respected and guarded by the council in his own house.

[Great, just fucking great.] Jaden thought to himself, an unfriendly master vampire who dressed all in black.

The vampire was not as tall as Marcus perhaps shorter by one and half inches, but his slim figure made him look taller. Silvery strands of loose hair framed an attractive face while the rest of his ink black hair was gathered back in a pony tail tied half way down his back, and the rest ended at his waist.

The blackest black eyes Jaden had ever seen set in a pale smooth face, romanesque nose and thin lips smiled crudely at him, what a pity that the cold cruel look diminished his good looks. Jaden watched him and wondered where the hell did he come from?

Neither he nor Adrian sensed his presence, and looking back at the bars he wondered how he got in without making a sound and locking himself in with them. Reluctantly Jaden realized that if he had any common sense left, is that he better not piss off the new guy in the cell.

Not wanting to show that he was being intimidated by the vampire’s glare, Jaden took the opportunity to stare right back at him. So much for using common sense, Jaden hated the smug look he got from the intruder as he struggled once again to stand up.

He felt the look he received, justified him as he continued to stare back in defiance. There was amusement in the black eyes as Jaden used the wall behind him to help him stand and keep his balance. He groaned in annoyance when the older vampire snickered at him, it seemed he took pleasure in Jaden’s discomfort and physical weakness.

“Only an asshole would think this is funny.” Letting his anger get the best of him, Jaden spoke without thinking of the reaction he would get.

Ignatius’s smile quickly faded, and was replaced with an angry frown. Black eyes bled to a dark gray with a red rim surrounding his pupils as he snapped his fangs at Jaden.

Jaden’s stared wide eyed at the vampire; he knew he had to be losing his mind if he so much as challenged the angry creature. But, he himself was beyond reasoning he was tired, and his thirst was creeping up on him.
He snarled back at Ignatius, his response dripping with sarcasm.

“Who the HELL let in the rabid dog?”

Ignatius moved fast, and before Jaden could react. He found himself face to face with the taller vampire invading his personal space, much too close for comfort. Red furious eyes glared down at him, trying to intimidate Jaden with his height.

He showed no fear, however in his mind he was screaming trying to remind himself to not mess with an older, more powerful angry master vampire. Unfortunately he was not good at taking his own advice. His anger took over and his need to feed forced his thinking side of his brain to take a back seat.

His temper actually added fuel to the fire giving him enough strength to suddenly punch Ignatius squarely in the chest with both fists. Effectively pushing Ignatius far enough away from him; almost three feet back.

The surprised look on Ignatius’s face was almost worth it, which quickly returned to anger as he made to move towards him again when Jaden shouted.

“Back the fuck off, mental!”

Ignatius stopped cold, his eyes bled back to his normal black and his anger melted off his face. He stared at Jaden, analyzing each word as he thought about what was said to him.

In the background they could hear Adrian trying desperately to get them to stop as both Jaden and Ignatius stood still glaring daggers at each other.

The older vampire seemed to freeze in place like a statue; he kept repeating Jaden’s remark over and over in his mind. His head barely tilted to one side, his dark eyes narrowed never blinking as he stood stone still, staring a hole into green eyes.

Jaden stood his ground, and even though his body trembled with fear he did not let it show. There was something creepy about him; and he did not like the way he kept staring at him as if he grew an extra head on his shoulders.

He had to wonder if tall dark and gruesome was doing it on purpose, trying to throw him off balance. The staring was getting on Jaden’s last nerve, which only served to make him angrier.

“Fucking creep.” He muttered under his breath, hoping said creep did not hear him.

Jaden got startled and almost jumped back when Ignatius threw his head back as he broke out in a fit of laughter. He found Jaden to be quite amusing and then as if someone turned on a switch, he stopped. Glaring, staring hard once again at Jaden.

He was about to say something when Ignatius asked. “Mental?”

Jaden shook his shoulders as if trying to throw something unsavory off of him; the sound of Ignatius’s voice gave him chills, but not in a nice way and it left him feeling cold inside. Raising his arms, he hugged himself trying to chase the coldness away.

“What is, this, mental?” Ignatius asked again, in fact the tone of his voice made it seem as if he dared Jaden to answer him truthfully. He knew Jaden insulted him and he did not believe the young man would try it again.

He waited, cold black eyes narrowed and he arched an eyebrow as if he was warning Jaden to choose his words wisely. Instead of being addressed with some colorful response from Jaden, all he got was silence. Which of course angered the older vampire, he did not like to be ignored. The corner of his mouth curved up in a smile as he expected Jaden to cower and apologize.

Jaden noticed the annoyed look in the vampire’s eyes, and he smiled arrogantly back at him. He hugged himself tighter, refusing to acknowledge him any further. But then he decided to be cooperative, glaring back in defiance he grinned as he answered his question.

“Oh you know, nothing complicated, I’m sure you understood what I meant by calling you mental. As in coo-coo, lost in space, lights are on… but no one is home, loony tunes nutso, screws are loose… you crazy ass FUCK!”

Whatever little smile Ignatius had quickly faded as anger took over.

“How dare you address me in such an insulting manner.” His voice dripping with venom, he wanted to rip away the smug look in Jaden’s face.

He raised his hand to strike Jaden, only to stop when he heard Adrian cry out his name.

“Ignatius! Please… I beg you, do not harm him.”

Ignatius stopped; breathing hard as if trying to decide what to do next he had a moment of indecision as he stood there. Jaden was surprised that he listened at all, he was sure the vampire was going to kill him. He breathed a sigh of relief and reminded himself to thank Adrian for the short reprieve.

He watched Ignatius slowly close his eyes and then it was as if he was seeing a slow motion movie, as Ignatius turned towards his older brother, cold black eyes opened to look down at him. Once again like a flip of a switch Ignatius angry frown was smoothly replaced with a smile.

“Please Ignatius; your quarrel is with me. Jaden has nothing to do with our history.”

Although Adrian lay on the floor, he made every effort to look submissive and he forced his eyes to look down. He was all too familiar with his formal master’s temper; too many times he had been the recipient of his anger. Just being in the same room with him was a nightmare he hoped never to re-live.

Adrian was beginning to feel better, but he did not want to give anything away as far as Ignatius was concerned. And so he continued to give the appearance of being weaker then Jaden, making sure that Ignatius was focused on him. He needed time to come up with a plan and how to get away unharmed.

Now it was Jaden’s turn to study the older vampire in front of him, it was so nerve racking to see him crazy silent and just staring to suddenly be angry, and then to laugh, go back to anger and now to be calm and smiling as if nothing out of the ordinary happened.

The more he watched him, the more he came to the conclusion that perhaps he was not too far off in calling Ignatius mental. He was nothing like the drooling mess he occasionally saw in his neighborhood and most of them were harmless. Ignatius is a different kind of crazy, the worst kind of all.

In Jaden’s mind Ignatius was a calculating kind of mad man, one who is fully aware of his actions. And he seemed to purposely enjoy the fear in him and Adrian. He could almost swear the man was getting off on it, and as much he liked pissing off the vampire Jaden had to keep in mind not to take it to the point of no return.

Lizzie once told Jaden be careful who you choose to annoy because you know how it starts, but one never knows how it ends. Jaden had to control his temper; he could not let Ignatius get the best of him. Because the last thing Jaden needed was to be challenged by an out of control, mad man who by the way, is a Master vampire that could probably easily kill Jaden with a flick of his finger.

Ignatius turned back to look at Jaden, he shrugged his shoulders and snorted in disgust as he looked away from him.

“I see the Drakar` twins share the same taste for whores.”

The insult hit Jaden hard; it was as if Ignatius could see right through his greatest fear. The bastard hit the nail on the head, Jaden worried that his past would hurt Marcus’s reputation as a master vampire. He feared that in time his mate would lose the respect of his peers because of him.

Even though he was told over and over again by Marcus and his family that his past did not matter in their world, it still hurt to be reminded of what he once was. However, he consoled himself considering from whom the insult came from.

He snickered and made sure Ignatius heard him.

“I may have been a whore, but at least I’m loved, I’m valued in the eyes of my mate.”

Ignatius made a face, waving his hand to dismiss Jaden’s remarks.

“My family loves me…”

Adrian tried to get Jaden’s attention, he had an idea of where Jaden was going and he did not want him provoking Ignatius any further, he knew it took very little to incite the master’s anger.

“And, this whore has so much love, respect and friendship… hum where does that leave you? Oh yeah! I’ve got everything, you got shit. Cause only shit begets shit, you dumb FUCK!”

Adrian groaned, why must the mouse goad the cat? He shook his head vigorously to make Jaden stop insulting Ignatius. There was very little he could do if the vampire decided to kill him.

Jaden saw the warning look in his brother’s eyes, however against his better judgment he could not resist grinning towards the angry master. It was a smug smile letting Ignatius know that he was far better them him.

“What was it that Adrian called you, Ignoramus? Whoa, when your parents named you, they already knew what they were getting with you. Nothing but shit and ignorance.”

Ignatius moved towards Jaden, there was a crazy furious look in his eyes. Which caused Jaden to flinch back a little, and it pleased Ignatius to see the slightest hint of fear in the young man’s face. But it was not enough for him, he wanted to punish Jaden. He was determined to put him in his place and remind him that he should show the proper respect.

Adrian needed to re-focus Ignatius attention back to him; he silently beseeched Jaden to behave. He called out angrily to Ignatius, hoping to distract him away from Jaden.

“Ignatius! What have you done, why did you take us away from our mates?”

Secretly Jaden was relieved when Ignatius stopped and decided that now was a good time to shut up. As for Ignatius he turned towards Adrian, looking down at him as he lay pathetically on the floor.

He stood over Adrian; his face gave nothing away as he seemed to be in deep thoughts just looking at him. His face shifted trying to pull off a sad look as if his feelings were hurt. Placing his right hand over his heart he asked.

“You accuse me of stealing from your mates? I am hurt Adrian, how can you believe that I could be capable of such things?”

Adrian tried to sit up, but fell back down letting Ignatius believe how weak he is.

“If I have wrongly accused you.” Adrian whispered, “I humbly beg your forgiveness, surely you can understand why I would even think of it.”

Adrian sighed taking in a deep breath; just talking took so much energy he did not have enough of. Jaden kept his eyes on his brother listening to every word he said, wondering why he would apologize. It was obvious who had taken them, but decided to keep his thoughts on that subject to himself.

Ignatius clasped his hands in front of him, bowing his head appearing to pray, “Yes” he agreed softly.

“I can understand your assumption of me, given that you left me without my blessing.”

He raised his right hand up, as if he wanted to keep anyone from interrupting him.

“However, I have long forgiven you…” He smiled and shrugged his shoulders, “You are my guest, and I would never think to harm you.”

Forgetting that he was supposed to keep quiet, Jaden cut Ignatius off.

“Then how come, we’re stuck down here in this cell like a couple of prisoners. Sure as hell doesn’t feel like we’re welcomed quest.”

Ignatius glared at Jaden and growled in anger making a face of annoyance; he pointed his finger in his direction.

“That one!” he shouted.

“Has much to learn, I am disappointed that Marcus would allow such behavior from his own mate.”

Tilting his head back a bit to look down his nose at Jaden, revulsion in his tone of voice.

“Such antics cheapen the finest masters.”

Jaden attempted to respond, but Adrian quickly cut in.

“That is for Master Marcus to address.” He answered softly, respectfully to Ignatius, but his eyes never left his brother’s as he spoke.

Jaden got the message and wisely kept silent. Ignatius made an annoying laugh as he watched Jaden’s reaction to his brother.

Ignatius turned his attention back to Adrian, despite the condition he is in he found him beautiful and he missed having Adrian in his life. He stared down at him, his eyes roaming, admiring the pretty vampire.

The looks he got from Ignatius made Adrian uncomfortable to be leered at. He could feel Ignatius strip him naked with his eyes, making him feel cheap and disgusting. But he did not allow his feelings to show. He only let him see how weak he is, hoping to garner pity in the hopes that Ignatius remained calmed and not get angry again.

“Why are we here, how did we get here?” Adrian asked timidly.

Ignatius took his time to answer, as he was not yet finished admiring Adrian’s body. He let out a strained sigh as if he had to explain things to a child who rudely interrupted him, he finally answered.

“I found you, both of you. I did not see Victor nor Marcus anywhere and I believed you were either abandoned or… perhaps attacked? Really, it was quite strange finding you while I was out hunting. I took in your poor condition and thought it best to bring you back with me.”

And as an afterthought he added, “Despite our past, it was only my intention to help.”

Adrian stared at Ignatius eyes and knew instantly that he lied. Unbeknownst to anyone else, Adrian always knew if the man lied. Ignatius had a tendency to look away; it was the tiniest flutter of his pupils. If Adrian looked hard enough, he can see it happen.

He had always been able to rely on that faint movement and it only happened when Ignatius lied. He could see him look away and then in a blink of an eye he looked back not missing a beat and keep talking. Ignatius was completely unaware of what he was doing; he arrogantly believed no one would doubt him.

In fact, there are only three vampires in existence who are capable to notice Ignatius built in lie detector, they have become experts in seeing right through him and Adrian is one of them.

The silence hung thick between them, as they both looked away feeling awkward. Ignatius felt righteous indignation as he crossed his arms over his chest, he growled in frustration.

“Well? Can you not allow yourself to believe that I am capable of unselfish deeds?”

Adrian smiled in response he could see that Ignatius looked hurt, only he knew it was an act on his part and not doing a very good job of it.

“Again I must beg forgiveness Ignatius, at this moment I am not myself” Adrian lowered his eyes, showing respect by being submissive which pleased Ignatius. He asked one more question.

“I am so weak Ignatius, and so is my poor little brother Jaden. Did you bleed us, or were we already found in this state?”

Ignatius moved slowly to stand closer to Adrian’s prone body, his expression giving nothing away as he looked down at him. His movements slow, moving his arms to clasp his hands behind his back.

“I bled you.” He replied as if this was a normal everyday occurrence and for once, Ignatius told the truth. He scowled in anger when Jaden yelled at him.

“What! Why the hell did you that for?”

The boy easily irritated him to no end; he really wanted to beat obedience into the young disrespectful youth. He should do it; really he would be doing Marcus a favor. Something caught his attention and he looked down at his foot, Adrian’s finger was tapping his shoe. He was already forgetting the loud mouthed pup behind him.

“If you really want to get even with my little brother, just ignore him. Our fledgling is terribly spoiled; he will do anything for attention.”

Ignatius smiled; he could hear Jaden in the background muttering unpleasant threats.

“See.” Adrian said, as if Jaden’s angry words proved him right.

Believing Jaden to be spoiled as Adrian claimed, Ignatius ignored all of the young man’s remarks being directed at him. He laughed when Jaden made a few crude suggestions, yes he thought to himself a very spoiled little pup.

“As I was saying…” Ignatius glared at Jaden daring him to interrupt again.

“I bled the both of you; I only did it for your own protection.”

When no one said anything, Ignatius went on to explain and as he talked. His eyes continued to admire Adrian’s body. He became so engrossed on enjoying the view before him, completely forgetting about the existence of Jaden standing behind him. He made every effort to ignore his presence as he spoke only to Adrian.

Jaden in the meantime inched his way closer to the master vampire. Adrian remained focused on Ignatius’s face, not once did he react or dared to look away. He let Ignatius believe that he had his complete attention.

“Considering the past, our past Adrian. I know now that I have behaved badly when you left our little family. In fact, my behavior is simply unforgiveable. As I remember some of the unsavory acts I committed.”

Ignatius sighed dramatically, trying to look remorseful. Adrian knew it was all an act for his benefit; Ignatius is incapable of gentle emotions.

“Ah-well it is because of our past, I felt it was best to keep you weak. I had to make sure you would not try to attack me before I had a chance to explain how you came to be here.”

Cold black eyes bored down into Adrian’s amethyst eyes, as if he could see deep into his mind.

“Had you attacked, I would have been forced to defend myself and most assuredly I could have hurt you. I am sure Victor, would have had serious issues with me if I allowed that to happen.”

Ignatius voice came out hard and cold, it cut deeply into Adrian’s soul. He could not stop himself from trembling as he recalled how violent Ignatius had been in the past. He believed the older vampire thrived on his pain, the memory of it still fresh in his mind.

Ignatius once again shrugged his shoulders as if he could do no more. Tilting his head to one side, he remained silent standing there, waiting to see if Adrian had any objections to anything he just said. His eyes did not miss seeing the violent eyed beauty trembling before him. A small smile slid across his thin lips.

“I am pleased to know that I can still have such an effect on you.” The sound of his voice dripping with arousal.

Adrian could see lust cloud over Ignatius cold dark eyes, what Ignatius took for sexual intent was in fact disgust and fear on Adrian’s part. He tried not to gag watching Ignatius swallow and lick his lips as he moved closer into his personal space.

His eyes opened wide when Ignatius knelt down beside him, and he could hear Jaden order Ignatius away from him. Adrian shook violently hearing the master snap his head back to utter threats towards Jaden, he hated how easily hot tempered his old master could get.

It sickened Adrian how Ignatius can go from one extreme to the other, his ugly angry face smoothed away as he once again looked down at him, he cringed when he felt his right hand resting on his chest . Long fingers lightly playing with the lapel of what remain of his suit.

“Armani, suits you well my pet.” His voice came out in a low husky whisper and Adrian could barely hear him.

Adrian forced any will power he had left in his body to not start screaming obscenities in Ignatius’s face. The thought that this creature could believe that Adrian had any form of desire for him made him want to roll over and wrench his guts out.

Instead he tried very hard not to show his true feelings on the subject, but the past seemed like only yesterday when he was freed from Ignatius’s wrath. He suddenly stopped breathing when Ignatius leaned in closer to him to bury his face in Adrian’s neck.

The level of trust between vampires is practically zero; unless they were blood bonded no vampire would dare put their fangs anywhere near the throat of another. No vampire would allow themselves to be this vulnerable for attack. Clearly Ignatius was taking advantage of the situation; he smiled in his mind feeling Adrian shudder beneath him.

Adrian slowly closed his eyes as he tried to remain silent and calm his fears, now more than ever he would not want to do anything that could provoke Ignatius into a blind rage. He forced his body to freeze in place and not move a muscle, he was grateful that even Jaden did not make a sound. And he prayed that the master would not tear his throat apart.

His breath hitched in shock and his body trembled once again when a cold tongue licked his neck moving slowly over his flesh and up behind his ear. Adrian pressed his lips together, afraid that Ignatius would try to pry his mouth open if he kissed him.

Ignatius laughed softly in Adrian’s ear; his breath came out cold to caress his skin. He enjoyed seeing the fear in those precious eyes. He remembered how once upon a time those eyes, this beautiful body belonged to him. How he loved touching and feeling his smooth silky skin, fisting his hands in thick lustrous hair and forcing his head back to kiss and taste his skin. Just the smell and feel of his long ago pet intoxicated his senses.

Adrian hated feeling so weak right now, having been bled by Ignatius was not meant for his protection. He knew Ignatius lied even before he said it. Bleeding him made it easier for the coward to take control of him. He always believed that Ignatius was eccentric and cold hearted, now, he knew for sure that the vampire has indeed lost his mind.

The taking of a vampire from one’s home against their will was severely punishable, but to take a blood bonded mate…. Well Adrian could only imagine how the council would rule; they would most certainly support the taken mate’s sire the right to challenge the offender to the death if he so chose.

The thought of Victor wanting to kill Ignatius frightened him; he knew they are equally matched in strength. But he also knew there was something more to Ignatius now, otherwise how had he been able to get past two master vampires to take him and Jaden away? No, Adrian thought to himself, he did not want his Victor to challenge this mad creature, not until he could learn more about him.

Adrian would end his own life if he lost Victor, as it is right now he could not stand to be away from him. He would not let Victor go blindly into battle against Ignatius; he had to know what was so different about him now.

Opening his eyes, he was a little startled to find cold dark eyes staring down at him. A cruel smile on the black haired vampire’s face, and he watched in horror as Ignatius licked his lips and then slowly began to lower himself down closer to his face.

Adrian wanted to scream, the floor underneath him held him trapped with Ignatius above holding him in place. It was so frustrating this feeling of helplessness, he felt so trapped. He knew he would lose his composure if Ignatius kissed him.

Ignatius stopped when their noses touched; he took in a deep breath inhaling Adrian’s scent.

“Ahhh Adrian.” he sighed.

“My beautiful exquisite little Adrian, your taste is as delectable as your scent. How I have missed you my sweet. Your beauty moves me to forgiveness.”

Ignatius then moved back, his face a cold stone as he stared into those big violet orbs. Adrian was at a loss for words, after so many years his master still wanted him? He had hoped that after all these years Ignatius would have given up on him.

When he was a human boy he hated Ignatius and after the change he hated him more. Because of Ignatius he suffered so much, the thought of just being in the same room with him further fueled his revulsion for him.

Ignatius voice hissed like a snake, “Come back to me Adrian, I have forgiven you. Your family misses you terribly and you belong with us.”

A cold hand reached up to caress the left side of Adrian’s face, if he remembered anything about Ignatius it was his cold touch. No matter how well he fed, his skin has remained cold. It was believed that Ignatius had no soul to warm him. His touch always chilled even the oldest vampire.

Ignatius smiled down at Adrian; he took pleasure in seeing the smaller body beneath him trembling.

“Adrian my pet, fear becomes you beautifully. My blood boils for you; my body remembers every inch of you.”

He closed the distance between them to kiss Adrian’s trembling lips.

“God damn it! Are you fucking deaf? Leave Adrian alone! Don’t you touch him! Get your filthy hands off him, you fucking pervert!”

Ignatius could no longer ignore Jaden’s outburst. Yanking his head back up he growled his disapproval, still kneeling beside Adrian he glared back at Jaden.

“Such an annoying little pup! I will have great pleasure in teaching you your place.”

His black eyes bled red when he saw Jaden grab his crotch.

“Oh yeah? I got your place right here, bitch!” Jaden answered with his usual flair.

This time Ignatius was not going to let that remark go unchallenged, he had enough. He would not kill Jaden but he will hurt him. He intended to make the young fledgling submit to him. As for Jaden he had no idea how to defend himself against a master vampire, but if it took him away from Adrian he’ll figure it out.

Suddenly Jaden grabbed his stomach and bent over in pain, the hunger was getting stronger. Still kneeling beside Adrian, Ignatius smiled. What better punishment then the pain of blood starvation and he taunted the frightened young vampire.

“Hold your tongue lad if you expect any mercy from me, a little pain should teach you manners.”

Ignatius turned back to Adrian when he felt his hand being pushed away, at first he wondered why.
Adrian was hot with anger and disgust as he glared angrily into Ignatius eyes, he practically spat in his face as he pushed the cold hand away from him.

“You do not have the right to teach my brother anything; don’t you dare hurt him. And you have no claims to make on me, remove your cold soulless body from me!”

As if red angry eyes could not get any redder, Ignatius anger broke the dam. He threw his head back and screamed a blood curdling growl, promising much pain and torment directed at anyone within reach. Unfortunately Adrian drew the lucky number, realizing what he said and did will put him in a world of pain.

Ignatius grabbed Adrian by the collar of what remained of his ruined suit, he pulled him up into a sitting position bringing them both too close for comfort, and once again they were nose to nose.

“You ungrateful little bitch!” he screamed into Adrian’s face, “Fucking whore, you dare look down your nose at me!”

Adrian desperately tried to free himself from Ignatius’s hold; he only managed to rip the collar. Ignatius face became a mask of horror, whatever good looks he had faded as his skin seem to take on a darker hue making his red eyes bloodier. He watched, frightened and trembling as Ignatius smile spread wider across his face.

As for Jaden he was doubled over, holding onto his stomach. The hunger could no longer be put off; the thirst wanted what it demanded. His body shook so badly he was surprised he did not fall back down, and somehow he was able to keep standing still inching his way towards Adrian.

He cried out in pain, his throat felt like a dried up dessert. Breathing became more painful, as if a vacuum was sucking the air right out of him. If he could see himself in the mirror, he would see his skin become ashen and transparent. The veins showing through like thin crooked lines on a road map.

His eyes bled into a sickly yellowish gray even covering the whites, with his head bent down his hair fell over; a curtain of the same yellowish gray, as it soon lost its thickness and vibrant black colored tresses. His skin became so painful, the slightest breeze felt like fire scorching his flesh. He watched as his skin slowly dried up and wrinkle almost papery thin.

He would not die he knew this, but to him it felt like it. Jaden’s body looked like it aged a hundred years, and every movement sent shooting pains throughout his limbs. His vision clouded over as he tried to focus and see where he was going.

If anything he was still able to concentrate as Adrian had told him he would, but it was hard. As long as he listened to Adrian’s voice he will be able to control his mind. Which Adrian made easy as he kept screaming at Ignatius.

The need to quench his thirst consumed his every thought and he fought hard to control his desire to feed in order to keep thinking clearly. Jaden blinked his eyes several times to be able to see, but the world was starting to look very fuzzy.

He knew Adrian was in his path with Ignatius’s back to him. He battled his mind and body to keep moving forward. He stopped in his tracks when his sense of smell kicked in, blood, nice and thick, warm comforting life giving blood. The need to feed roared in his mind like a wild angry animal.

He stared hard ahead of him, seeing only red blurs. One larger than the other, as if the blood he graved took on its own shape giving it a life of its own; it suited him just fine. Jaden inhaled deeply to saturate his whole being with the delicious scent his body now demanded. Feed he roared in his mind feed.

Jaden kept walking like a drunken man, as his sense of smell guided him to his goal. The closer he got, the more energized he felt. It was not insanity that moved him; it was his survival instinct that now took over.

He was there, it was within his grasp. All he had to do was take it. Being this close to his goal eased his pains; his body crouched low like a panther getting ready to pounce on its prey. Snapping his head back, gray yellowish mane swept away from his face, opening his mouth wide in a silent scream as his fangs dropped down and his thirst ruled his body.

No longer feeling weak and frightened, no more trembling and awkward movements and feeling no pain his body moved like a well oiled machine. The muscles within his body moved effortlessly as he crouched down even lower, using his legs, he waited. His hands flat on the floor steadying him, nails turned to grayish black and grew long like claws.

The world as he knew it, seem to disappear. Red fuzzy movements caught his attention; his mouth watered anticipating his reward, his lips formed an ugly grin, hunching his back, shifting his legs into position. Claw like nails dug into the stone floor beneath him, taking in one more deep breath inhaling the sweet aroma that lured him.

He sprinted high into the air and flew the remaining short distance between him and his unknowing prey.

Note: I wish to give a special thank you to violentstorm and mcdgoddess for sticking with me for so long, you have no idea how much I look forward to your reviews, please keep them coming. Gellybelly I'm so glad you like it so far, a movie? really? I'm so honored. kistina, Aypearl,lilac,kylee and smint45 welcome and thanks so much for your comments. To everyone I am so pleased to see the votes. I hope you like this new update and I will do my best not to keep everyone in too much suspense. I love you all, please keep the reviews coming.