Jaden

Chapter 42
(Band of Brothers)

Adrian and Jaden followed Philippe outside to the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean below, the winds snapped around them and the ocean roared as it crashed into the side of the cliff. Jaden wondered why they were led here and not to a boat, he turned sensing the presence of other vampires walking towards them.

One he recognized as the vampire Aaron who escorted Alarica earlier, three younger vampires followed closely behind Aaron each one carrying what looked like bags and blankets. But the two that caught his attention were two taller vampires leading them.

Tall with obvious rock hard bodies, dressed in black leather that looked as if it was painted on them. Blades were strapped to their thighs, and the arms. They way they carried themselves led Jaden to believe that at one time in their lives they were fierce warriors.

Black hair neatly braided close to the scalp with piercing black eyes, their bodies moved easily comfortable in their own skin. He could feel strength and power from these two, the resemblance gave way to the fact that they are related, brothers.

One of the brothers kept walking passed them with a very pissed off look on his handsome face. The other showed no emotion; instead he merely nodded respectfully towards them. He stopped in front of Adrian pulling his shoulders back, and smiled.

“Very good to see you again Lord Adrian, it is unfortunate that your visit is not under pleasant circumstances.”

Adrian nodded in return; he glanced at the other brother and sighed. “Thank you, Micah. It appears that your brother is not too pleased to see me.”

Micah looked over to where his brother stopped in front of Philippe and snorted in response. “Pay no attention to him, Kathel is older therefore he is grumpier.”

Kathel turned sharply at this younger brother, the look on his face made it quite clear that he was not in a joking mood. Micah just rolled his eyes and snorted in his direction, others in his command would cower and look away. Except of course for Micah, they are both equal in strength and although he respected his commander in chief he was not intimidated by him at all.

Seeing Jaden standing beside Adrian, Micah ignored his brother’s glare and nodded towards the younger vampire.

“Good evening to you young lord, many blessings to you and Lord Marcus. It will be my honor to fly you safely into Paris.”

Jaden blinked, now he understood why they were led here. The brothers it appeared will fly them out; he turned towards Adrian touching his arm.

“I don’t get it, if we have to fly then why don’t you fly us both, why do we need them?” looking at Micah, “No offense, but I don’t know you.”

Micah merely shrugged his shoulders, letting Jaden know that he was not offended at all.

Adrian shook his head, “I am sorry Jaden, Not all vampires that can fly have the same ability. Some like myself can fly, but only short distances. While others for example, Micah and his brother Kathel not only can they fly long distances, but are faster more powerful flyers.”

“Do not worry Lord Jaden, my brother and I will have you safely in Paris before you know it.”

While Micah and Adrian explained the difference in flying abilities to Jaden, both Philippe and Kathel were deep in their own conversation. It was more than a conversation; it had become a heated argument as they whispered angrily to each other.

Philippe stood firm, staring up into dark eyes trying not to lose his temper with his chief of security, Commander Kathel.

“That is enough Commander I will not place my brother’s safety and his brother in anyone else’s hands. That is why I requested you and Micah.”

Kathel was furious; he did not like the idea of leaving his First without his protection. He glared down at Philippe trying his best to get him to agree.

“Have you lost the ability to be reasonable? It has only been days since the death of Lord Storka and his First the Lady Elsa. I do not feel that I should leave you and Princess Alarica unprotected. I must insist that I stay with you.”

Philippe sighed in irritation; it was not like the commander to refuse any of his requests.

“Nonsense Commander, Master Ignatius is home. With the Master of the House here, we are not defenseless”

Kathel growled in anger, “All the more reason why I must insist on staying.”

Philippe was taken aback by Kathel’s remark; he wondered what he meant by that.

“Commander Kathel as I was saying….”

Kathel breathed out in frustration, not meaning to raise his voice and interrupt his first.

“A murder Philippe! another of our kind has been killed; do not dismiss me as callously as if I were a new born fledging!”

Everyone stopped and turned towards Philippe and Kathel, realizing what he had done he shook his head and bowed towards his first.

“Forgive me Lord Philippe” He bowed at the waist and spoke softly under his breath. “I apologize for shouting at you, but I will not apologize for what I said because it is true. I will not leave you unguarded; I am staying here with you.”

The look on Philippe’s face was cold and hard, those of Ignatius House knew better than to challenge the first.
The wind carried the soft velvet voice of the first as he looked into the dark eyes of his commander.

“Commander Kathel, walk with me.” there was no kindness in his words, it was merely a statement.

Kathel was never intimated by his first, respected him yes, very much. With head held high and his shoulders back he nodded and stepped to his side allowing Philippe to lead the way. They did not walk to far, just enough so that they can speak more privately.

When he felt he had enough privacy Philippe stopped, and turned to confront his commander. His deep blue eyes looked cold and gave nothing away as far as to the state of his emotions. However, Kathel would not be deterred, he was determined to be with Philippe and protect him.

For awhile Philippe said nothing, he stood there looking at him. To say that he was angry was putting it mildly.
He looked up into the dark eyes of his commander trying not to lose his patience with him; he was in fact surprised of how demanding the commander had become lately.

To Philippe it felt as if the whole house was losing their minds. He understood that everyone was on edge with the recent murders and he has tried to re-assure them that they were safe as long as everyone took extra precautions. After all he had great confidence in Commander Kathel’s wisdom, and he has never failed the house.

It is one of the reasons he was happy to have Kathel and his brother, both men are highly skilled and powerful in their own right. Their knowledge and experience as seasoned warriors are the envy of other houses. Even though others have tried to woo them away, they chose to stay in Ignatius House.

For a brief moment Philippe’s eyes softened as he looked at the handsome face of his commander. He tried to understand him; really sometimes the man confused him. Philippe almost blushed when he noticed that the commander was also returning his look.

The commander was not just looking at him as if in casual conversation, it was more like he was looking inside of him. It was an odd and strange feeling and he almost stepped away, instead it angered him more. Kathel could see Philippe’s eyes turn hard, and slowly bled darker, he continued to look into him and let a small crooked smile show on his face.

“Really Philippe, no need to take that tone with me, I am loyal to you. You are my main concern first and foremost.”

For a moment Philippe was at a loss for words, but he quickly recovered.

“Commander Kathel if I had the luxury of time, I would drag you through the coals and beat you senseless.” The only reaction he got from the commander was a bigger smile.

“I am fully aware that the current situation is sensitive and I demand, not ask, that you and your brother Micah follow my orders.”

Philippe would die first to admit he was sorry to see the smile disappear from Kathel’s face and the commander became serious and ready to speak again. Philippe raised his hand stopping Kathel from opening his mouth.

“I advise you Commander, it is not in your best interest to interrupt me.”

Kathel stood in a relaxing position with his hands clasped behind his back and nodded, allowing Philippe to continue.

“I trust only you and Micah with Adrian’s safety; I need for him and Jaden taken into Paris into neutral territory where they will be safe in the care of Master Helena’s care.”

Without thinking Philippe stepped closer to the commander and looked up into his eyes, he was silent as he looked and then continued to speak this time with less authority in a softer voice.

“If I treated you less then you deserve, I apologize. It is because you are not the callous fledging you so determinedly stated earlier. It is because I rely on your strength and skills to care for what is so near to my heart.”

Both men stood silent, waited. Philippe could see that the man’s eyes softened as he looked at his brother. He understood how Philippe felt about Adrian, for he felt the same for his brother. He almost reached out to touch Philippe’s arm and quickly stopped, for a moment he felt awkward.

Once again Philippe felt confused and shook his head to clear his mind; he hoped his commander did not notice. Realizing that he was standing too close he stepped back and cleared his throat.

“Commander I ask that you do not force me to make a hard choice.” He let that statement sink in the stubborn man’s mind and waited.

“You will ban me and my brother from the house if I refuse.” It was not a question, it was understood the lengths that Philippe would go to protect Adrian.

“Only, if your brother refuses as well.” Philippe answered.

Kathel’s eyes narrowed as he saw a hint of a smile on the blue eyed first.

“Damn you Philippe, why make such a threat? You know damn well that I am not going anywhere.” He hissed in mock anger and crossed his arms.

Philippe sighed and rolled his eyes, “I suppose you feel better now, that you had your little tantrum.”

At first Kathel was going to refuse, but he also understood something else. Adrian would not be safe in this house, not with Ignatius around. This thought also made him realize that it also put Philippe in a bad position with his master, because he would be forced to keep Ignatius away from Adrian.

Either way it was a bad situation for all of them if Adrian was not taken out of the house. Coming to an understanding he reluctantly gave in.

“Very well, I will take them. Only because you asked so nicely.” Before Philippe could say anything he pointed his finger at his first. “On one condition, Aaron, Roman and Bernard remain at your side. They are your shadow until I return.”

Kathel turned away and headed back towards the others, he made sure he had the last word as he left Philippe behind.

“There will be no further discussion, this conversation is ended.”

Just when he thought he had no more to say, Kathel also added. “Oh and by the way Lord Philippe, as the young mortals are prone to say, I am very pissed off with you.”

Philippe’s eyebrows arched in surprise, oh yes Kathel confused him to no end.