Progeny
By: Delilah deSora

Chapter 3

Cayle clung to his sire’s side, his other hand clasped firmly in Dorian’s as they shrank from the press of bodies in the too small room. A myriad of lights and sounds deafened his senses and he felt as though either his head or his heart would burst, though he was unsure if it was the overload of senses or the choking fear that would kill him first.  His only consolation was that Dorian was as frightened as he was. He could hear the soft sounds of fear his friend couldn’t keep silent, his sharp nails digging into the back of his hand as their sires ushered them through the crowd. 

People kept talking too loud, their voices ringing in his sensitive ears as the humans grabbed for him and Dorian, exclaiming over their hair or eyes even as they tried to escape their strangely warm grasp. He didn’t like it one bit but whenever he tried to break away from the press of people his sire blocked his escape and practically pushed him back in.

He didn’t know how long they stared there until Dorian’s eyes welled with tears and he buried his face in his sire’s arms, refusing to be dislodged. The people made sympathetic sounds over their glasses, blowing strong scents their way that made Cayle’s head feel strangely detached from the rest of his body. Finally Dorian's sire expressed their apologies Cayle clung wearily to his sire’s neck as he was lifted up and carried away from the throng.

Even in the room they staid in he could hear the humans, their cars making a racket outside the window as ones who seemed to have lost their senses stumbled about, throwing up in dark corners. He trembled as his sire undressed him, helping him into the simple nightshirt he wore to sleep.

“I want to go home.” He whispered, huddling against his sire’s side as he climbed into the bed.

Cain stroked his son’s hair and back, soothing the child’s trembling. “I know,” he murmured, “and we will, in a few days.”

“I don’t like this.” Cayle protested, peering up at his sire’s face. “They’re loud and smelly and they feel weird. Their skin is too hot!” He exclaimed, pressing his cheek against his sire’s cool chest.

Cain smiled, remembering his first time among the humans. “It’s all right. You get used to them eventually.”

Scowling Cayle moved to protest but a yawn silenced him. His sire patted his head before enveloping him in strong arms. Safe in the embrace Cayle stared out into the dark windowless room.

“I miss father.” He whispered.

Beneath his cheek he felt his sire sigh. “I know. I do as well.”

Cayle was crying.

Shido jerked awake with a start, his hands clutching the wooden edges of the coffin. It took him a few moments of studying the dark cellar to realize that the cries had been in his mind, not his ears. Releasing his breath in a heavy sigh he fell back, staring up at the dark wooden ceiling. His muscles were heavy with fatigue, telling him just as assuredly as the sun that had just dropped below the horizon that it was too early to be up. Even without a young boy shaking him into wakefulness he was still trained to wake with his son’s early punctuality.

He rubbed at his cheek, staring at the brown flakes that came off his pale skin. Sitting up he brushing the remains of the breed from his body. His clothes were torn and bloody and he discarded them as he moved through the empty house. He had not furnished it, would not be using it long enough to make it worth his time, but he had hunted down someone to turn on the water and electricity. Both of these amenities he indulged in as he turned on the shower, basking in the heat that suffused through his body.

His muscles ached but his body had healed. Only a thin ribbon of flesh, pink against the white of his skin remained where only the night before a breed had tried to bisect his leg. He doubted he had even that small reminder on his back where the creature had clawed at him, trying to free its human host from his strong hold and sharp fangs.

Hands slick with soap glided over his skin as he leaned into the pounding water. Renzo and Este’s home was full of large baths and small pools but it was behind in terms of technology. If there was a shower installed somewhere upon the island Shido had yet to find it. He enjoyed the luxury of a bath deep enough to practically swim in but there were simple pleasures only a shower could give.

His hands brushed over his arousal and he grit his teeth forcing them away as desire spiked readily within him. Not so long ago it had taken much to get such a reaction from his dead body but Cain had been meticulous in his constant seductions and now even the mere thought of sex had him quivering in want. Desperately searching for his self-control he shut off the water and stepped out of the steam into the cold hallway.

The city beyond the house’s brick walls was swarming with breed and Shido was determined to make as big a dent in their population as he could before necessity made him hurry back to the island before his mate’s return.

Squeezing the water from his hair and casting about for the discarded towel he forced such thoughts from his mind, concentrating instead on the night’s activities. He would have to head home soon if he wished to beat Cain and Alexandru’s arrival.  They knew nothing of his trips while they were gone and he had no wish for them to learn of them.

Alexandru shared his son’s distrust of humans, if not his unrelenting hate. Humans were dangerous and growing, their civilizations invading upon lands that had once been barren except for their immortal occupants. He too believed that something needed to be done if their kind was to survive the next few centuries as technology. The humans were rapidly outpacing thousands of years of evolution that had given their kind advantages over their prey.

Neither would be pleased to learn of his efforts to destroy their main tools.

Stretching, he dug through his small pack for a pair of clothes. Pulling them on absently he tied back his hair and abandoned his home. His nature forced him to waste an hour searching for suitable prey. Some small bit of narcissism made him search out a human as beautiful as the people of his own kind and he left the man dazed in a doorway after taking the sustenance he needed.

Licking his lips he took to the rooftops, crouching under the stars as he searched for what he sought. The evening wind blew warm against his cheeks and he closed his eyes, enjoying the small bit of freedom.

The children watched the woman intently, fascinated by her. She had a body unlike anything they’d ever seen before and Cain shared an amused glance with his sire as they followed her with their eyes through the crowd. While still interested in the differences between male and female bodies, Dorian and Cayle had lost their rapt fascination by it. What had caught their attention with this woman was the novel shape obesity had lent her.

Alexandru caught his questioning glance and nodded his approval. Reaching down Cain touched his son’s shoulder. When green eyes fixed upon his face he smiled and tilted his chin towards the woman. Grinning Cayle leapt down from the chair and disappeared into the crowd.

Setting his full glass aside Cain followed, watching his son slip between people. He couldn’t help but feel a measure of pride as the boy sidled up to the woman’s side. Cayle tugged on her shirt to get her attention and pointed plaintively to the bright red strawberries piled high upon the table next to them, well beyond his reach. She happily obliged and was rewarded with a heart-warming smile.

Cain kept an eye on them, watchful for any mistake the child might make that would reveal himself as other than human. The boy had lost his fear of the humans after a few nights and had taken to his lessons in luring them away from the pack like a fish took to swimming.

Cayle’s head turned this way and that, a false look of worry crossing his face as he pretending to search for his missing parent. The woman knelt, asking him something and he responded, the look of worry evolving into one of panic.

Laughing to himself Cain watched as the woman rose and took the boy’s hand, leading him away from the table. The strawberry she’d fetched for him that had been hidden under his napkin falling away unnoticed to the ground.

Positioning himself near the door where she would be bound to see him he waited, painting a look of worry across his own face when she finally spotted him and practically drug his son over to his side.

Cain feigned relief at their approach, going down to one knee to lift his son up into his arms. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” he pretended to scold.

Cayle, the consummate actor widened his eyes and looked like he was going to cry. “I’m sorry.” He replied, burying his head under his sire’s chin.

“Ah well, thank you so much for finding him.” He said, giving the woman a grateful smile.

The woman flushed and Cayle watched in wonder, cocking his head as her heart beat increased as she and his sire exchanged words. He didn’t understand it, nor did he understand the sudden coyness of her actions as his father invited her to join them for a walk.

A look of hesitation crossed her face and Cayle sat up, watching intently as his sire’s voice deepened. Despite his watchfulness, however, Cayle couldn’t figure out what his sire had done to make the woman’s face go blank and follow him as he took her hand and lead her away from the party. Scowling he hunched back down, resting his chin on his sire’s shoulder as they moved through the dark streets.

Something caught his eye and he stared up at the rooftops. For a moment he’d thought he’d seen a figure there but whatever it was had moved too quickly for him to see it clearly other than a flash of pale hair as it fled. Frowning he turned his attention away from the sky and back to their destination as they reached the building that housed their apartment.

Cayle hopped down out of his arms as they entered the apartment and Cain let him go, locking the door behind him as the woman stood motionless in the room. Alexandru came forward, taking her listless hand and leading her to one of the bedrooms. Dorian and Cayle watched with hungry eyes as he laid her down and pushed her sleeves away to bare her arms.

The children practically pounced on their prey, inexperienced teeth gnawing at her wrists until they broke veins and the blood pumped freely. He and Alexandru watched as the two struggled to contain the blood, still losing more than they actually drank. The woman was still alive when they pulled away and the adults moved in to take their share. As her eyes dulled in death the children took the last bit of nourishment their young bodies needed from their sires’ veins, chasing warm human blood with the cool thicker substance that followed within the velassi’s body.

Laughing at his son’s stained face Cain retrieved a handkerchief and licked it, scrubbing the blood from flushed cheeks as Cayle tried to squirm away from him. Rising he took Dorian and Cayle to the other room to amuse them as Alexandru wrapped up the body and destroyed the evidence of their feeding.

Leaning back against the arm of the couch he smiled happily as the pair of boys jockeyed for a better position on his lap.

Finally Dorian glanced up at him with sleepy blue eyes. “Can we go home now?” He asked.

Nodding he brushed his half brother’s hair from his pale face. “Tomorrow.” He promised.

Shido turned his face to hide his soft laughter as Cayle scowled at the puddle of blood as though it were to blame for his failure to give it a solid form. Next to him Este released his own weapon, the bow spilling through his fingers as he gave the boy a few words, encouraging him to try it again. Cayle’s face remained pinched as Dorian exclaimed happily, the blood that blossomed from the bite on his hand springing upwards and forming into what Shido suspected would eventually become a staff, a weapon well suited for the slight form he had inherited from both father and sire.

Opening a new wound Este reformed the bow, patiently repeat the method to the children and watching carefully as they attempted to mimic his actions. Face scrunched in concentration Cayle again failed, his blood dripping formless from between his fingers as Dorian repeated his small success. White teeth flashed as Cayle growled and stomped in annoyance. Assured that his son, who couldn’t abide not being able to do anything his younger playmate could, would continued with the lesson as long as Este had patience to keep teaching him, Shido turned away.

Leaving the two to their lessons Shido followed the faint urgings that led him to the study where Cain sat at a large table, the candlelight he favored over electrical lighting turning his golden hair in a myriad of reds and yellows. Packets of papers, some sealed in the old ways with bits of wax and twine, were spread out before him. A pair of maps, both marked with symbols Shido did not understand, were close at hand, a pen poised over them as Cain squinted at the page before him.

Though he would never admit it, it lightened his heart to see the deep lines at the corners of his eyes as Cain struggled to make out the writing. They’d never spoken of it but Shido was positive his mate was somewhat farsighted. It wasn’t much of a flaw but it was enough to make him seem more human and less perfect, if such a thing was possible. That this vampire who could moved through the air, travel faster than Shido could even see, take from him his very will and memories if he wished, could barely read a piece of paper held before him put Shido more at ease than all his mate’s whispered words in the dark of the day.

“Anything?” He asked, moving to the other side of the desk where he couldn’t see the papers that undoubtedly contained information on matters he did not wish to be a part of.

Cain grumbled something that Shido chose to take as a negative as he scribbled something on one of the maps before him.

Though he refused to be party to Cain’s part in the vampires’ continuing war on humanity Shido studied the maps, memorizing which areas were unsafe for him to sneak off to while Cain took the children out to practice blending and hunting in the outside world. Cain knew nothing of his journey nor of his own continuing hunt of the breed. It was a small secret but one he knew his mate would be angry over for he would see it as a manifestation of the human influences over him.

Despite his gentleness and loyalty to his family Cain was unforgiving when it came to humanity. His little war had no room for sympathizers and Shido had found it easiest to just let Cain continue to believe he was content with just not knowing about what his mate’s court was doing under his orders while they raised their son.

“I take it he still hasn’t figured out how to form a weapon yet?” Cain asked, startling Shido out of his thoughts.

Nodding Shido ran his fingers over the smooth wood. “He’ll get it eventually. Dorian’s already gotten the hang of it so Cayle will keep at it, just to prove that Dorian isn’t better at him in something.”

Cain set the papers down and stood, coming around the side of the desk. Shido’s lips parted as his mate leaned over him, trapped between Cain’s outstretched arms. Pale lips curved into a sinful smile that made him shiver.

“And Este is with them?” Cain asked.

Shido nodded, licking his lips absently.

Golden eyes narrowed as they followed the movement. “Then we should take advantage of Este’s eternal patience, shouldn’t we?”

Shido’s breath quickened as Cain’s hand slipped behind his neck, loosening the ribbon that held his hair back. His scalp tingled as Cain’s fingers brushed through his hair, pulling long silken strands over his shoulders to tease the white cravat at his throat before tumbling down to his lap.

Cain’s hand cupped his chin and drew his face up to meet his mate’s gentle kiss.

“Father!”

The door slammed against the wall, blown back in the face of the hurricane that was their son. Shido caught the flash of irritation that was overcome by a fond smile as Cayle climbed the side of the chair and insinuated himself between them, oblivious to what he’d just interrupted.

“Watch!” He demanded, biting the pad of his thumb a bit deeper then necessary. Blood pooled in his palm and seeped from between his fingers as he stared at it intensely. The blood in the pool shifted and moved, rising up in a half hearted attempt at making something of itself. After rising only a few inches Cayle’s concentration broke and it tumbled down, normal blood once more.

Cayle’s face lit up, a bright smile showing white teeth as he twisted and pressed his hands to his father’s chest. “Did you see?”

Shido grinned, brushing loose strands of golden hair away from the boy’s face as he pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Very nice!” He congratulated.

Cain’s hand came to rest on their son’s head, his thumb affectionately stroking his hair and making the boy twist in his father’s hold to search his sire’s face for approval.

“I did it all by myself while Este was busy with Dorian.” Cayle stated, puffing his chest out in pride.

Cain laughed and lifted him up off Shido’s lap, balancing him on one hip as he began to gather the loose papers into a haphazard pile. Shido rose, grimacing at the bloody hand print on his white shirt as he pulled his hair back behind his shoulders.

“What shall we do to celebrate this achievement of yours, hmm?” Cain asked.

Cayle’s face took on a look of thoughtfulness. When no answer seemed forthcoming Shido stepped towards them, his hands wandering towards their son’s golden hair. He smiled as Cayle leaned back against his touch.

“Why don’t we go into town?” Shido suggested, watching Cayle’s green eyes light up.

“Yes! I want to go into town!” Cayle pleaded, staring up at his sire with wide eyes.

Laughing in the face of his son’s cuteness Cain nodded. “Alright then, tomorrow night we’ll all go into town. But,” he held up a finger sternly, “you have to do something first.”

Cayle’s face turned suspicious, his eyes narrowing as he studied his sire’s face. “What?”

Cain swung the child down, setting him on the floor. “You have to spend the day with Alexandru and Adrian, deal?”

The suspicious look dissolved and was replaced with one of pleasure. “Okay!” Cayle promised.

Shido spared his mate a dry look as their son skipped ahead of them and an arm slipped about his waist. “Whose reward is this supposed to be, again?”

Cain grinned, showing off sharp fangs. “Ours, of course. We made him didn’t we?”

Rolling his eyes Shido pretended to ignore the lewd look he received, even as it sent expectant shivers down his spine.

Brushing a goodnight kiss over his son’s forehead Shido spared him the obligatory ‘be good’ warning as he stepped back. Cayle made a face at him from behind Adrian’s arm, making the older father laugh.

“Come on now, troublemaker. Time to get washed up and then it’s off to bed for all the babies.”

Cayle scowled, squirming in his grandfather’s arms. “I’m not a baby.” He protested.

“Yes, yes.” Came Adrian’s reply as he carried the struggling child down the hall.

Smiling Shido closed the door to his and Cain’s rooms, pausing a moment as a sense of melancholy came over him. “Hmm.” He murmured as he turned, passing through the empty rooms to his own.

“Is the hellion safely locked away?”

Shido started as arms wrapped about his waist and lips brushed against his neck. “Adrian just came to pick him up.”

“Mmm good.” Cain replied, his teeth nipping at his mate’s neck, making him groan.

Shido closed his eyes, tipping his head back to allow his lover better access to the sensitive skin. He reached backed and gripped Cain’s shoulders, murmuring as long fingers pulled his shirt free of his pants and skimmed up over his stomach to his chest.

“Cain.” He whispered, the name slipped from his lips as he was urged towards the bed.

His shirt was pulled off and he turned in his mate’s embrace, crushing their lips together so hard that their fangs clacked against each other’s.  Cain made a startled sound, apparently surprised at his sudden willingness but Shido ignored it, content to feast upon his lover’s mouth.

Cain finally pulled back, his pupils wide, making his golden eyes seem darker than they were. “How you undo me, lovely.” He whispered, his voice husky with desire.

Shido leaned back onto his elbows, staring up at the man above him silently.

Long fingers plucked one of the many roses from the vase next to the bed. Shido did not know where his mate got them from but they were everywhere in their rooms, giving the air a heady scent. The rose brushed over his cheeks and lips, soft against his skin and Shido groaned, laying back fully on the bed as it traveled over his chin and down his throat.

“That’s it . . .” Cain murmured, following the rose’s trail with a hundred ghostly kisses.

Another groan escaped him as petal and thorn teased his nipples, followed by a cool mouth. Cain kissed them, lapping at the ache until Shido trembled under his hands. Pleased to see his lover’s face twisted in need he went lower, dipping his tongue into his mate’s navel and teasing it until hands buried themselves in his hair, urging him lower.

Pressing a kiss to his mate’s cloth covered erection he slowly picked at the bindings holding his pants closed. Shido lifted his hips, helping him to divest him of pants and shoes. Once he and his mate were gloriously naked Cain sat back, feasting upon the vision before him.

“So beautiful.” He whispered, drawing the rose along the curve of his lover’s erection.

Shido bucked and hissed, white fangs glinting between pink lips as he gazed down at him with green eyes gone golden in lust.

Grinning possessively Cain answered the challenge in that gaze, positioning himself between his mate’s legs and laying claim to his body even as Shido’s took him in and claimed him as well. Arms wrapped about his neck and they moved against one another, both taking and receiving pleasure.

Their tongues battled as they kissed, fangs nicking flesh and giving each of them a taste of the delights that awaited them once the pleasure took control.

Gathering his knees beneath Shido Cain shifted, lifting him up a bit onto his lap. He felt his cock hit something within his mate and Shido arched, golden eyes widening. Grinning like a predator about to claim its prey Cain turned ruthless, striking that spot again and again until Shido’s nails dug into his back and his voice turned hoarse from crying out.

His mate’s body spasmed about his and Cain snarled, feeling his control slipping as instinct took over. Fangs sought out flesh and they fed from each other as their bodies found release, Cain’s victorious cry muffled against his mate’s neck as he spilled himself deep within Shido’s body.

They clung to one another, their bodies as taunt as bowstrings until the moment  passed and Cain practically toppled off of Shido and onto the bed. He peered at his mate’s face, grinning at the lazy smile he found there. Nudging closer he pressed himself against his lover’s side and closed his eyes in bliss.