Vampires, Magic, and Monsters - Page 6

Word was that he was spotted downtown at the eastern end which was less populated, and a bit run down. If the man was looking for victims this would be the place to hang out. Although he would stand out in his suit and tie. Alistar was searching a derelict building one of many on the block when he received a call from Master Kilconnor.

“I hear that you’re tracking the rogue.” He stated.

“Yes, sir.”

“Why are you not with your adored?”

“He wanted some space and some time to process everything. The awareness was coming upon him, and he became overwhelmed.” It sounded idiotic now that he said it out loud. They were a Fated pair, and they should be together building their bond.

“I understand the desire to give your loved one what he asks for, but I wouldn’t stay away too long, Alistar. I have not found my adored yet, but I remember my father saying that the closeness between a Fated pair is imperative to build a strong and lasting bond.” The Master paused for a second and then added the punch.

“The longer you are apart, the more the vampire in you will yearn for and crave your adoration. It will get out of your control, and the hunger will take over. Do not let that happen. I need you back as soon as possible and at full capability. Don’t become weakened by confusion and uncertainty.” His words were not simply a warning. They were an order. “I know you want to finish this job, but Rian is capable of handling it. Go to your adored and set things right. I need you, Alistar. I need you settled and back on the job. You’re my best.”

Alistar was touched by his words. “I’ll go to him sir and I will get this settled. I need him and he needs me.” It was time to clear the air and lay it out to Neal, they were a Fated pair and he had to be feeling it too by now. The awareness would help him and ease the way. It had been several hours, and the separation was becoming distracting and painful. He thought he could stay away but it was proving impossible.

Byron entered the apartment and went straight for the bottled water before meeting Neal in the living room. He sat on the edge of the chair with his forearms resting on his thighs and he stared at Neal and shook his head. “You’re dating a fixer who works for Agincourt and just so you know, Mr. Von Hale is one of the executive level managers at Agincourt.”

“Not dating Alistar, but I just met him last night.” Neal clarified.

“He saved your life and then provided you care throughout the night.”

“Yes, he did.” Neal felt good about that fact and found his need to support his new friend was outweighing his fears and confusion. He shouldn’t be discussing Alistar with his brother a feeling of disloyalty was coming over him. He should put an end to this Alistar deserved his loyalty and protection.

“Agincourt Bank is a very powerful entity. A fixer is a problem solver who operates below the radar, and in regard to Agincourt, that would be someone who makes their problems go away. When I say go away, I mean they don’t care how he does it. They just want it done. Your Alistar is a very dangerous man, and I would advise that you stay away from him.” That wasn’t what he wanted to hear, and honestly, he could not equate his Alistar with some heartless, bloodthirsty killer, although he did make short work of those guys at the dry cleaner.

“He dealt with some very violent people who were planning to eat me. He took care of me and seemed rather disappointed when I asked to go home. I think he wanted to hang out a while longer. I don’t see anything wrong with the guy I was just spooked by everything.” Neal continued to defend Alistar; he felt a yearning in his heart, and he was beginning to miss him.

He wondered where Alistar was and what he was doing and if he was thinking about him. He suddenly felt stupid for needing to go home and talk to his brother. He should have talked to Alistar and worked this out with the source. He wasn’t afraid of him, and he longed to be with him again. He couldn’t keep his mind on the discussion as his thoughts continually turned to Alistar.

“They’re not human.” Byron blurted, pulling Neal away from his brooding thoughts.

“Who?” He snapped.

“Agincourt, they aren’t human.”

“What are they?” Neal knew, but he wanted to see what Byron had to say.

“I don’t know for sure, vampires maybe or demons of some sort. I know you don’t believe me, but it’s true they’re something beyond human, although they look human.” Byron took a drink of his water and then stared at it for a few seconds before continuing. “I saw them they’re not human.”

“You believe in vampires?” Neal asked.

“I do now.” He said sharply. “I saw some things at the Sin Lounge a few months ago, and it was eye-opening.” He took another drink, nearly draining the bottle. “A friend was working with an associate from Agincourt and told me some scary stuff.”

“Who?”

“I don’t want to say; I don’t want to get him into trouble. Agincourt takes care of themselves, and they have people, like Alistar, who handle their problems quickly and cleanly.” He looked pointedly at Neal.

“I know about the vampire angle, and I know there are some supernatural aspects to this town, but with that said, I have to tell you that I trust Alistar.” Neal sat up and regarded his brother squarely.

“I was scared at first, but the longer I was with him, the more I understood and the more I liked the guy. I don’t know the details of what he does for Agincourt, but I know that what he did last night served to protect us all. Those things were insane.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I ran because I was inundated with so much information so fast that I couldn’t take it all in. But now I’m starting to understand.”

“Are you going to see him again?”

“I hope so.” He surprised himself with his own words. It was how he was feeling, but he hadn’t expected to put it out there like that. “I was overwhelmed by it all and needed some space to think, and he brought me home, no questions asked. He’s not a bad man, Byron.”

“If you’re lucky he won’t pursue this further.” Byron stated direct and to the point as always. “Most of the Agincourt people simply enjoy a good time they aren’t into dating or relationships. A few are married but not many from what I understand.” He took another sip of his water and glanced absently around the room.

“The second in command, Sloan Dobre, recently got married to a local boy, a nondescript little man with very little to offer someone of Sloan’s caliber. He probably functions as nothing but a blood bag, and I don’t want that sort of future for you.”