Hello, readers,
Sorry I've been MIA. Its getting near the end of the semester and needless to say its been a while since I've had time to write. For those of you waiting for the next installment of College Days, expect it around Christmas.
Love always,
kitten2010
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Hektor woke feeling sore and heavy. Alarm rushed through him, all too familiar, at finding himself alone in his bed. He stumbled to his feet, reaching for the nearest weapon. He rushed into the hall like a madman and turned threateningly at the first sound he heard, raising his sword.
Glass shattered and Gir scrambled away. It took Hektor a moment to register what had happened. He dropped his weapon and knelt down, pulling Gir away from the shattered mess of a meal on a tray before he cut himself trying to clean.
Gir jumped at Hektor's touch and started to speak frantically. "I'm sorry! I-I didn't think...I wanted...I'm sorry..."
Hektor gently wiped the tears from Gir's pale cheeks and kissed the warm skin of his forehead. The large man ran his fingers through Gir's snowy hair. He was careful, always careful. Gir was fragile like the porcelain dishes that had just been shattered and Hektor had to constantly remind himself to be gentle.
"You frightened me," Hektor said in a low tone.
"Hektor, I'm sorry. I just w-w-wanted to bring you b-br-breakfa-fa...food."
Hektor smiled and held Gir's slim body closer to his chest. "I did not like awakening without you next to me. After yesterday's events, I'm sure you understand why."
Gir shuddered at the memory, pressing his cheek over Hektor's heart. He whimpered and started to quiver.
Hektor felt a pull in his chest, an overwhelming need to protect Gir. One thing he was certain of was that they could not remain in his manor near the Capitol. He took Gir by the hand and led him to the parlor. He found that sitting in the room surrounded by his books helped him think and he needed to act quickly.
Hektor set Gir on the couch and slumped into his favorite chair by the fire. Hektor decided it was safest to assume that everyone would betray them. After all, the vampire was probably capable of extracting information from anyone. Hektor knew he would have to plant false leads and lies everywhere.
A small meow preceded a mangy looking cat. Hektor grunted in frustration. He had told the cook a thousand times not to let those flea bitten creatures in the house. Gir squealed in delight and slid to the floor. The animal rubbed against him and purred. "Hektor, look!"
"Hush, Gir," Hektor snapped, and then immediately felt apologetic. "I'm sorry." He reached out and patted Gir on the head. Gir accepted his apology with a smile and scooped up the cat before sitting down at Hektor's feet.
Surprisingly, the feral cat did not protest to being hugged and cuddled. Hektor idly watched Gir's interaction with the feline as his mind worked out a plan. Gir wrinkled his nose and sneezed which made Hektor smile. He stood and held his hand out for Gir. "Alright, put that thing outside."
Gir kissed the cat on the top of its head. "Its my friend," he said softly.
Hektor sighed. "Go ask the cook to help you feed your friend then."
Gir scampered off delightedly and Hektor shook his head. He stretched and let out a low, frustrated groan. He stood with his feet shoulder width apart and hands clasped behind his back. Finally, he formulated a plan. He yanked a red velvet rope, triggering the bells located all over his estate that would call his employees immediately to him.
He instructed them to wait in the hall and come in one by one to receive their tasks.
The first was instructed to have a tailor make clothing suitable for a hot climate, ready the next day, no matter the cost.
The second was sent to request cold weather clothing from the other tailor in town with the same instructions regarding time and money.
The third was to pack a portion of Hektor's belongings and send them to his southern estate.
