Notes to reader:
I went with BDSM, but please note there is also a fantasy element. If Vampires turn you off, look away now!
You will get more from these characters if you read the stories in order, but it's not compulsory.
Tess-O'Meter -- Green / Amber.
-X
Previously on Castle Nevoie.
"I'll get it," Camil insisted, and rose to the pot keeping warm over the fire.
Ana smiled. She loved the mix in the kitchen, a modern microwave and coffee grinder alongside the old fireplace and huge copper pots. Ancient and modern. Somehow it was so perfectly Eugen and Camil.
Emil walked back in and headed towards Ana in the chair. Pausing as Camil's head snapped around and the pot fell back to the stove with a clatter.
"What's wr," Ana didn't get any further as the kitchen door blasted open and a man thundered in.
A blur of speed and Emil crashed back against a stone column. His feet were kicking in the air as his throat was crushed.
Camil shouted and ran forward. There was a snarl and a grotesque ripping sound. Less than two seconds later Camil was falling to the floor, his throat torn, blood pouring from the wound.
Ana launched from the chair like a fury. It was like crashing into a wall. A large hand clamped down, crushing her shoulder as she was shaken hard. Emil choking and Camil bleeding, flashed across her vision as her feet left the floor.
Suddenly Eugen was there. Hands held up, eyes pleading as he shouted, "Please, NO."
-X
"Please, NO." Eugen looked desperate. "My Lord, she's human."
Ana's feet hit the ground but the grip didn't ease.
"My Lord, we didn't do this." Eugen's eyes were eloquent on the stranger's. "Please, let them go. Please, I'm begging you."
Ana found herself pushed towards Eugen, who caught her to him. She turned to see Emil released, dropping to his knees and gasping in air.
The man, a little taller than Eugen, stared at her in amazement before moving his eyes to Eugen. "What, in the name of God, has happened here? How can this be?" He reached down and pulled Emil's head up, although not unkindly. "He can't have been turned more than three weeks."
Ana struggled out of Eugen's hold and fell next to Camil, supporting him as he fell back into her arms, gurgling and choking on his own blood.
"Less. I'll explain, but please, My Lord." Eugen gestured helplessly towards Camil.
With a muttered curse and a nod, the stranger quickly knelt and reached for Camil. His eyes flaring when Ana shoved at him. "Don't touch him. Leave him alone."
"Ana, it's okay. Let him help." Eugen caught her hands and pulled her against him. She watched the stranger gather Camil into his arms tenderly, speaking in a low voice.
"Sweet Camil, I'm so sorry. Come here my love, it's okay." He lowered his lips to the gaping wound and began to heal it. Cradling Camil as if he were the most delicate treasure. Camil tried to reach up to touch the man's face, but he was too weak.
"I've got you," he moved Camil easily onto his lap and bit his own wrist, Camil latching on and drinking deeply before trying to pull back. "Little bit more, just a little more," the stranger encouraged, before brushing Camil's hair back and quickly healing his own wound.
"There you go, okay now?"
"Yes, My Lord," Camil mumbled and allowed himself to be cuddled close. "I'm sorry," he started, but was hushed.
"Shhh, don't think on it, just rest a little."
Ana found herself being studied again by light brown eyes. She glared back, and saw amused respect creep in.
Then his eyes moved to Emil, who was watching Camil with concern.
"He'll be fine," the stranger said.
Emil dipped his head. "My Lord."
Eugen moving slowly, placed Ana into the chair, then pulled Emil up and pushed him in also. The stranger watching them closely. Eugen then knelt and took a good look at Camil before bowing his head.
"I am in your debt, My Lord."
"What are you talking about? He attacked them," Ana broke off angrily when Emil hurriedly hushed her.
"It was my fault," Camil said, still cradled in the stranger's arms, but looking better.
Eugen caught her eye and shook his head slightly, so she subsided. Temporarily. Giving Eugen the look that she wanted a very good explanation, very soon.
The man's eyes turned again to her and Emil, snuggled in the chair. "That should not be possible."
"His control, My Lord. It is incredible."
"Hmmmm!" He turned back to Eugen. "I assume Constantine is responsible for Emil's new condition?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"I'm going to put a stake through his heart," Ana promised in a dark voice. One that she hoped put him on notice as well. Her eyes narrowed when he looked at her with amusement.
"I'm sure you would try," the stranger agreed. "As it happens, I have already done it for you."
Camil turned around to look up into his face, still secure in his arms, "What?"
The man bent and kissed Camil's forehead tenderly. "He is gone. It was not possible for him to hide from the Council forever." He looked over at Eugen again. "I came to tell you that I had been unable to find any trace of Emil. Only blood. I came to tell you I had failed, but here he is."
"It's a story, My Lord. I have written to you, but have been unable to send the letter."
"I'm sure," the stranger's eyes moved back to Emil. "I'm so sorry, Emil. I was too late."
Emil shifted in the chair. "You were searching for me?"
The man nodded.
"Thank you."
The stranger stood and placed Camil on his feet. "Go and clean up, that much blood is not a good idea around a fledging."
"My Lord," Camil bowed his head and turned.
"Take the human with you."
Ana bristled but was quietly hushed again by Emil. She stood and walked slowly past the man, staring daggers at him the whole time. He smiled benignly back, but Camil grabbed her hand and tugged her away.
The man turned and embraced Eugen, apologizing again before looking back at Emil. "It shouldn't be possible for you to be around a human."
"I wouldn't hurt her," Emil defended. Trying to keep his tone respectful.
"It's been amazing," Eugen confirmed. "I don't understand it."
The man smiled sadly. "No, I don't suppose you do." He gestured to his clothes, soaked in melted snow and Camil's blood. "I also should change. I assume I may use my usual rooms?"
"This is ever your home, My Lord," Eugen smiled, but it was edged in concern. His heart was still racing. "If you go to my room Camil will find you clean clothes. We will light your fire and make your room ready later."
The man nodded, pressed a light kiss to both Eugen and Emil's lips, and then walked out. Leaving them to stare at each other, wide eyed.
-X
Camil tugged Ana as quickly as he dared through the passageways to his room. Hushing her questions until the door was closed behind them.
"Why all the bowing and scraping. He nearly killed you," Ana demanded.
"It was my fault," Camil insisted. "And please keep your voice down."
"That's ridiculous. He attacked Emil."
"Because he knew Emil had been changed. He didn't understand what was happening." Camil yanked his soiled shirt over his head and threw it straight in the fire, he was never getting that much blood out, then he pushed Ana into a chair and knelt in front of her.
"I don't know how to make you understand, but you must be careful with him." Then his eyes lit up as inspiration hit. "Of course, your wolves."
"What about my wolves?"
"Well what happens if the Alpha is challenged? What if a young male tries to stake his claim over a healthy pack leader?"
"He gets the shit kicked out of him, or his throat rip," she faded off. "Are you saying he's your Alpha."
Camil nodded. "He is Eugen's Sire. So his authority is absolute over any vampire living in this castle. He is also the Council leader. So basically his authority over any vampire living, is absolute." He gripped her hands. "Please don't cross him. And please don't judge him by what happened here. It was my fault. I should never have challenged him. I panicked."
"As did I." They both stood as the door opened and Eugen's Sire entered. He looked at Camil gravely. "I am deeply sorry, Camil. I hope you can forgive me."
Forgetting to stand on ceremony, Camil threw himself into the man's arms. "It's done. I'm fine. It was my fault and I love you. I don't need to forgive you, My Lord."
Eugen's Sire hugged Camil and kissed his hair. "You always were so sweet."
"My Lord," Camil looked up.
"Yes. Constantine is dead. I wielded the sword of justice myself."
Camil lifted and kissed a ring on his middle finger.
"Eugen said you would have some clean clothes for me?"
Camil considered, "Perhaps something of Emil's. You are slightly taller than Eugen." He looked between Ana and the man.
"She'll be fine for a moment, off you go."
With a discreet, two fingers, to suggest two minutes, Camil hurried out.
"American, or Canadian?"
"Canadian," Ana said, hating that she felt so nervous.
He smiled. "Then I don't think 'My Lord' is going to come naturally to you." He took her hand, bowed and kissed it, before stepping back. "My name is Dragan Baciu. You may call me Lord Dragan, or Lord Baciu, both are correct. I will also accept your Canadian habit of Sir, if that is easier for you."
"Thank you, Sir. I am Ana. Ana Bryant-Jones."
"From?"
