Jaden

Note to Readers
I am so so so sorry for making everyone wait for the next chapter, I really thought I have this done a lot sooner. I admire the writers that do this and manage to get their stories up in a reasonable time. And that is the key, time of which I have very little of these days. I hope I haven't lost anyone and beg for your patience as I put the finishing touches on the next chapter. I promise the next one will not take as long. As always I appreciate your support and look forward to hear from you, all of you. I hope you enjoy this new installment.

Chapter 46

DEFCON 1

Ami Hadassah is an ancient vampire, master and maker to Victor and Marcus Drakar`. A highly respected member of the council, and when he asks for your service he is really giving you an order. Both Marcus and Victor understood this.

As the years passed between them their relationship shifted from that of Master and servant to close dear friends, it was as if Master Ami became their father and mentor. And as any good father he had sent his private jet fully equipped, fueled and ready waiting for the Masters of Drakar` house to arrive.

Having been reassured of the safety of their mates and are in Master Helene and Henri’s care, Drakar` House had been turned upside down. It was as if DEFCON 1 had been declared and all pertinent members of the house were at maximum readiness.

Ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice from the commander, Lord Batista wasted no time. In fact, he had all key personnel ready and waiting even before the master’s exited their rooms. Marcus and Victor did not have to say anything as they quickly walked out of the penthouse; Commander Batista knew what was expected of him, and he did not earn his position by being careless.

It was organized chaos as the commander gave out orders, and personally confirmed that it was followed to the letter. He was exceptionally proud of his aide for not falling apart as he too remained calm and professional; when it really mattered Anders always came through for him.

Amidst the hustle and bustle the commander’s keen hearing picked up his mate’s conversation on the phone and nodded absently as he went about his work, pleased that Anders thought of calling on the service of their alliance and good friend Asim Jabari.

“That is most disturbing news Lord Jabari, I will give the commander your report and request additional security is in place at the Paris airport. The Masters look forward to seeing you there, please give Lord Cyrus my best and on behalf of Drakar’ House we are eternally grateful”

Disconnecting the call, Anders quickly speed typed the report on the Commander’s laptop so that he can read it and be prepared to apprise the masters during their flight. It will be a long flight, a little over seven hours and plenty of time to plan their next step.

Everyone rushed into their cars and made quick time getting to the airport, Captain Torre` easily kept pace with the commander as he reported to him.

“The second team is in position sir.” And then he disappeared with his men to shadow the Master’s of the House.

The only response from the commander was a low grunt as he acknowledged the Captain’s report and accepted the laptop from Anders. On the way to the airport he read the report. Having closed the laptop the commander settled back in his seat as he quietly re-read each word in his mind.

“This is most disturbing, Asim and Cyrus did not see their attacker and yet the scent of the blood…… the taste and smell is so toxic. Do you suppose the lab rats can learn anything from the blood sample they collected?”

Anders turned to see his mate’s profile in deep thought; he knew that Batista was not really talking to him just thinking out loud. But he too also thought about the events that took place, and it frightened him. Not being able to sense an attack before it happened would unsettle them all.

There was silence in the car, when Anders squeezed his mate’s right hand. He had an idea and was not sure if it would make any sense.

“Lord Batista, the blood is everything for our kind…….is that true?”

His train of thought ended hearing his mate’s soft voice; he lifted his small hand and kissed his fingers. With a gentle smile he nodded.

“The blood creates our kind, it binds us, unites us. It is the life line, and our strength it determines the blood line of each house.”
His smiled deepened as he looked into the baby blue eyes of his mate, “Why do you ask my love?”

Anders returned his smile and sighed.

“Well if the blood is our beginning; then it’s in the blood where the truth cannot hide. Is it possible that the sample in the lab can identify its origin?”

The commander thought about that and nodded, “I do not think it can be tested in the same way a mortal’s blood is tested. According to the report from Asim it appears that the blood is tainted, who knows what the lab can learn from it.”

Anders nodded his head, and thought about that for awhile, “If that sample is so tainted, then where would it come from?”

Batista was about to say that he didn’t know, when suddenly he felt a cold chill down his spine. He did know, and that is what gripped his heart in fear. Without realizing it he squeezed Ander’s hand tighter making him hiss in pain.

Realizing what he was doing, he quickly rubbed the pain out and kissed his mate’s hand, “Oh my angel I am sorry, please forgive me.”

The commander took out his cell phone and hits the speed dial. He waited, impatient for the receiver to answer his call, hearing his voice he spoke urgently.

“Your highness, I must ask a great service of you and your people, with respect to our alliance it is most important.”

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They arrived at the airport in record time, no need to go through the terminal like the rest of humankind they went straight to the hanger that housed their private jet. Both Marcus and Victor stepped out of the car and greeted Master Ami’s personal pilot.

While Marcus was pleased to see his second team of security already there, he was also surprised to see additional security from Esteban’s clan. Just as Batista joined him at his side, Marcus arched an eyebrow at him.

“Commander Batista, although I highly commend you for your dedication and attention to detail.” Marcus made a motion with his hand towards the security team.

“However, do you not think that perhaps this is overkill? You practically brought in a small army, not everyone will fit in the plane.”

The commander nodded his head respectfully.

“Actually Master Marcus, once you read Asim’s report I believe you will want to double the team.”

The commander is not prone to hysterics; he has always been practical, calm with a touch of cold calculation. Marcus did not question his commander and relied on his good judgment. They had a long flight ahead of them and plenty of time to talk.

“Thank you Commander Batista, as you were.” Marcus nodded in return and turned to greet his friend.

In the background the commander went about his work, choosing who would travel with them and greeting the head of security from Esteban’s clan.

“Esteban my friend, thank you for joining us. I believe we will be greeted by Asim and his people when we arrive in Paris.”

Esteban smiled and patted Marcus on his shoulder, “It has been a long while since we last saw each other, and I am looking forward to seeing our old friend Asim and his mate.”

Marcus nodded and watched as his commander ordered his men around, assigning who goes on the plane and who stays behind to guard Drakar` House and its people. Both the commander and Esteban agreed that his people will stay behind.

“I am sorry Marcus your private home will also be guarded by our people as well as yours. You can no longer limit it to Drakar` House. “Esteban shrugged his shoulders apologetically at his friend. He knew Marcus hated having security in his home that he preferred to keep house matters outside his personal domain.

However, with the current situation he did not argue. Perhaps he thought once all was resolved he could kick them out, then again. With Jaden in his life and his brothers living with him, he thought better of it. Jaden and his brothers completed his life and he would be lost without them.

Everyone within the house mattered; there would be no house without them. No, he told himself. He would do what all Masters of the House did; provide a secure and safe sanctuary for them all. It was time that he gave serious thought of appointing a body guard for his Jaden.

Marcus could not help but smile, if he knew his mate well, he knew that he would balk at the idea. Like him, Jaden loved his privacy as well as his freedom, and he could not wait to be scolded by his little darling; it should be a lot of fun.

With all tasks assigned Marcus along with his brother, Esteban, the commander and his team all boarded the plane. Marcus sat across from his brother while Esteban took the commander’s laptop to read the report from Asim, he chose a quiet corner to concentrate and analyze the report.

It was a mad rush to leave and not everyone had to the chance to say good-bye, Anders stood on the tarmac with an umbrella as he waited patiently for the plane to lift off before he turned back home. Just as the commander was about to sit down Marcus called his attention.

“Commander Batista will you not say goodbye to your lovely mate?”

He was caught off guard and looked out the window to see his mate standing by the limo. “Um well sir, I did not think, we were all in a hurry to leave, my mate will understand.”

Sitting in his seat Marcus never looked at the commander as he stared out the window, he made a slight motion with his hand as he directed him outside.

“Surely there is time to say a proper goodbye, Anders deserves no less.” Ice blue eyes looked up at the commander.

Commander Batista nodded, “ Thank you sir, I shall only be a moment.”

Anders looked a little worried when he saw his mate disembark from the plane, wondering if he forgot anything. Batista stood in front of his mate and looked at the umbrella.

“Anders, my love why the umbrella?”

His young mate said nothing when suddenly lightning flashed brightly across the sky followed by loud thunder literally making them flinch in surprise. Batista looked up at the darken sky just as a heavy down pour of rain came down on his head.

It didn’t last long it was a passing cloud and the rain soon turned into a light drizzle, Batista looked at his mate when he heard him giggling.

“Really Sal you should pay more attention to the weather channel more often.” Anders said as he tried his best not to laugh at his soaked mate.

Batista merely smiled and nodded, then he grabbed his mate in a tight embrace making Anders lose his umbrella and kissed him. Anders laughed and wiped the water from his mate’s face. “You have an extra change of clothing on the plane, do take care and be safe.”

The commander released his mate and picked up his umbrella, “I shall return before you know it, in the meantime the Castelleano clan along with our people will provide security for you and Drakar` House. I will call you as soon as we arrive. Stay safe my love”

Anders nodded and accepted the umbrella kissing his mate one more time. “And you my love, I expect to have your safe return and at my side soon. I love you.” He then turned and entered the waiting limo. Batista watched it a few seconds as it carried his equally soaked mate home.

“Batista?” asked Marcus, ice blue eyes filled with amusement as he looked at his wet commander when he re-boarded the plane. “You really should pay more attention to the weather channel.”

The commander gave the master of the house a tight smile in return and he made his way to the back cabin, glaring at his men daring them to find anything funny about his current condition and slammed the door shut so that he can change in private.

Once everyone was seated in their seats the plane took off. The commander sat in the back with Esteban going over the report and discussing possibilities. As the plane finished it’s ascend it leveled off and glided quietly towards it's destination to France.

Marcus’s tension eased as he released the armrest and relaxed his muscles, the commander and Anders were always a source of amusement for him. They certainly were the odd couple, at first he felt sorry for the little guy. But he soon learned that Batista, for all of his gruff exterior was actually a softie at heart when it came to his mate. Anders as it turned out can hold his own against the best of them.

Marcus looked at his brother, throughout the whole trip from the penthouse to the airport Victor had remained stoic. He sat still in his chair and looked comfortable, looking out the window resting his chin in one hand. To anyone else he appeared calm and relaxed, just a passenger enjoying a leisurely flight.

However, Marcus knew better. He can feel the anger within him and he wondered if anything happened to Adrian.

{I trust Adrian is well brother?} Marcus communicated with his mind so that they can speak in private.

Victor never moved, only the slightest blink of his eyes let Marcus know he heard him.

{Yes} he replied curtly, {At least according to him, he is well and unharmed.}

Marcus crossed his legs as he made himself more comfortable in the plush seat; with hands folded neatly on his lap he turned towards the window to see nothing but darkness. Only to be slightly illuminated from the planes lights as it flickered on and off.

{And his well being somehow angers you?} From the corner of his eye he could see tension as his brother’s eyes narrowed.

{Of course I am pleased that he is well, however he is…..}

Marcus remained silent waiting for his brother to finish what he wanted to say, to sort out his thoughts.

{He is well, that much he has told me, and if I know my Adrian well. I know he is hiding something from me. And that my dear brother is unacceptable.}

{Surely Adrian only wanted to alleviate your worries, and he would never lie to you.} Marcus tried to soothe his brother; instead he became angrier as he turned to face his brother.

{No, he has not lied. But hiding information from me is the same as lying. If he thinks I will go easy on him, he is sadly mistaken. I love him; I care for him and protect my mate. In return all I ask for is honesty and not to be kept in the dark. I also know Ignatius well and if that bastard hurt my mate in any way….. I will KILL him!}

He knew that being within Ignatius house also worried Marcus, when Philippe called to let them know about their mate’s safety he was a little relieved but he couldn’t help and wonder if Ignatius was foolish enough to try and do anything to his Jaden. Especially Adrian, he was not a gracious man when Victor took him away.

{Give him time brother, you know as well as I do that being in the same room with Ignatius can be very traumatizing for your mate. He was not ready to speak of it and he was only thinking of you. If he held anything back then he had a good reason for it.}

The slightest sound of irritation escaped Victor and he too crossed his legs as he graciously accepted a glass of wine from a passing steward. He took a sip and closed his eyes savoring the delicate aromas and taste. Leave it to Lord Ami to stock the very best.

{I do not care if he had a good reason, when I see him he will confess every detail. I have yet decided a suitable punishment for him, I am sure I will come up with something by the time we arrive.}

Sipping his own wine, a golden eyebrow arched in Victor’s direction. {Surely you will do no such thing; we are not like that you and I. We respect, love and care for our mates and we would never raise a hand to them.}

Victor scowled at his brother and finished his wine. {Of course not, in all the centuries we have been together I have never even considered it. However, if my mate expects smiles or to be swept up into my arms well…… he will receive no warm welcome from me until he has confessed everything he has been hiding. And then, perhaps I will give him a kiss.}

Victor now glared openly at his brother to hear him laughing in his mind. {Oh you find amusement in my agony for my mate’s well being? Mark my words brother, I will be stone cold when Adrian sees me.}

{Oh yes brother, there have been many occasions that I myself witnessed as to how cold you can be with your mate. Nonsense, the minute you see him, he will melt your heart. As you have always done in the past and as I expect to be when I lay my eyes on my own mate. Face it brother, our mates own our hearts and we love them for it.}

Victor refused to dignify that statement by answering him; instead he motioned the steward over to re-fill his glass. Now if only he could punch his brother between the eyes to stop that annoying laughter in his head.