Vampires, Dark Knights... And Smut
Part 2

Posted: June 2003
Author: Estella Greenleaf
Type: RPS
Characters: Viggo/Orlando, Karl/Dave
Timing: One year after Vampires, Dark Knights...And Smut Part 1

*****

10pm, Sin City East

"You should tell him."

Distracted, the blond vampire lost concentration and missed his shot. After watching the white ball rolled into the pocket in defeat, David looked up from the table at his companion. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Come on, Davie. You are so obvious. I don't need to touch your mind to know you are pining for Karl," commented Orli as he retrieved the ball from the pocket and studied the pool table for his shot.

"I think you are imagining things," replied the blond vampire as he took a seat on the side. After a year with Viggo, the younger demon had become an expert in pool and darts. David fully expected to lose this game to his little brother. But that was the least of his worries - Orlando had discovered his secret. Since the dark-haired demon had a one-track mind, the blond vampire knew he was in serious trouble.

"I think you are in denial," retorted the dark-haired vampire as he pocketed two solid-colored balls in one shot. Straightening himself to look at his brother-by-blood, Orli continued, "I am awake now. The four Guardians had done their duty. There is nothing that stops you from approaching him."

"Alright, let's assume I like him and there is nothing keeping us part. We both know I am not his type," reasoned David, hoping this would be the end of the conversation. Everyone knew Karl liked wild, untamed males who oozed raw masculinity and power. The stoic blond vampire happened to be the exact opposite of that description.

Unluckily for David, his little brother was not so easily discouraged. "This may come as a surprise for you, but people aren't completely fixed in what types they like," commented Orli after pocketing yet another ball.

"And that coming from someone who only take Dark Knights as lovers?" quipped David with a raised brow, pointing out the gapping hole in his little brother's argument.

"That's different. I am special," replied the dark-haired vampire with a grin before making his next shot, which cleared the table of the solid-colored balls.

"You mean strange," sighed the blond vampire, rolling his eyes affectionately. David could still remember not liking Orlando when he first took the little one in. After all, the dark-haired vampire was a living reminder of the betrayal that shattered David's heart into a million pieces. Yet, as the younger vampire grew, developing an exuberant personality and a quick dazzling smile, David could not help but adore the little devil.

"Well, that too," grinned Orli goofily as he downed the 8-ball to win the match. "I win again. Pay up."

"I can never understand this. You refuse my offer for financial assistance, but you keep swindling me in these silly games of yours," sighed David, shaking his head as he pulled a twenty out of his wallet. The younger vampire had started challenging people to games of pool and darts in the local bars to help Viggo's business stay afloat. Of course, the protective Demon Hunter knew nothing of these activities. But David could not help but feel that his beautiful little brother did not belong in these shady pubs; perhaps it was time to talk to Viggo.

"Pool is not silly. You only say that because you lose all the time," replied the dark-haired vampire defensively as he took the cash. "Want another game?"

The older vampire was about to refuse, thus preventing further discussion of his non-existent relationship with Karl, when he remembered what happened last week. He had to go to the police station to bail his little brother out for starting a bar fight. David was in no mood to repeat that particular piece of history. "I guess. It's the only way to keep you out of trouble," sighed the blond demon as he reset the table for a new game.

"I can take care of myself, thank you very much. And for your information, I didn't start that fight. I was just defending myself," pouted Orli. He was glad his brother was sworn to secrecy. If Vig found out, he would undoubtedly be grounded forever. Since his handsome lover spent a lot of time in the office, the prospect of spending the rest of his life in Vig's tiny apartment was not too promising.

"Just remember, for every action, there is a reaction, " chuckled the blond vampire meaningfully as he started the game. Now that he reminded Orli that he had blackmail material, perhaps the younger vampire would hesitate to pester him about talking with Karl.

But to David's dismay, daredevil Orli was not so easily daunted. The younger demon would risk Viggo's wrath to make his brother stop running from his attraction to Karl. "Back to our serious discussion, you really ought to tell him. You have nothing to lose. It's not like he bites or anything… well, unless he wants to claim you as his bitch, but you can always bite back..."

The words prompted David to send a ball flying off the table as he exclaimed indignantly, "Orlando!"

"Sorry for the language, Davie," grinned Orli unapologetically as he moved to retrieve the ball and brought it back to the table. "My turn?"

The blond vampire was still too shock to speak. Thanks to Orli, the image of Karl, growling in heat, biting into his shoulder to mark him started tormenting David's mind. While attracted to the werewolf, none of the vampire's fantasies ever went that far. Tender words and loving smiles were as far as David permitted his brain to go. Perhaps, he was still afraid to trust another person enough to lose control; he still bore the scars from the first time he offered himself completely to someone.

"Seriously, Davie, the only way to live is for the moment. You've got to take a chance."

"Some things are just not meant to be," sighed the blond vampire softly after stomping down the delectable mental image of a naked and aroused Karl.

It was only a few months ago that he had finally come to terms with the fact that Karl would never be his; he did not want his little brother to raise his hopes again. But Orlando did have a point - David had let his past weighed him down for too long. It was time to put an end to the depressing chapters of his life and start anew. "See those guys over there. They've been staring at us for an hour. I am going over there to introduce myself."

"Davie, you can't be serious," said Orli in a barely contained shout. While it was common for his kind to have a little 'dessert' after the 'main course', neither of them had ever taken their quarry to bed. In fact, he knew his brother had not been with anyone since before he was born. This could not possibly be happening.

"I am serious, Orlando. You and Harry were always telling me to lighten up. I am just taking your advice. It's time for me to open my eyes to new possibilities," said David before turning to smile at the group of handsome young men. Ignoring his brother's flabbergasted expression, the vampire glided towards his new acquaintances. Tonight, David would break his protracted years of celibacy. His partner would not be who the person of his dreams; but as Karl put it, sex was always fun, even if it were not with 'Mr. Right'.

*****

11p.m., Vie de Mari

Orli never visited his boyfriend at work; he had completely faith in the Demon Hunter's abilities. But after the disaster at Spike's tonight, i.e. Davie leaving the pub with a sandy-haired frat-boy for a 'wild adventure', the younger vampire was in desperate need of advice and comfort. As nothing could brighten his night like a special hug from the one and only Dark Knight Viggo, Orli decided to make an exception and give his boyfriend a hand. The sooner the demons were sent back to the underworld, the sooner Vig could come home and cuddle.

As the dark-haired vampire parked his brother's Porsche in front of the 'haunted' industrial building, he had a horrible premonition. The entire building was shrouded in darkness; the security guards on duty nowhere to be found. When Orli reached the partially opened door of the building, he knew what was wrong - human blood had been spilled tonight.

Worried, Orli sent a mental message to his lover through their bond. Though Vig was not a vampire, the couple had exchanged enough blood to allow telepathy. After a few agonizing seconds of silence, the Demon Hunter replied - he was in the office on the top floor. Without further ado, Orli transformed into mist and traveled swiftly towards his destination.

"What happened?" asked the vampire as he materialized a small distance away from his boyfriend. The Demon Hunter sat on the floor, holding his side in an attempt to hide his injuries. Orli swore that if he ever found the one who did this to Vig, he would tear the demon apart limb by limb.

"There were a lot more demons than the client told me," hissed the man as he closed his eyes in remembrance. "I conjured a shield around my group to keep the demons out. Everything was going fine until someone from inside the protective circle stabbed me."

Orli could feel his lover's pain through their blood bond. Viggo's injuries were more severe than the man pretended. "Move your hand, love. I need to see your wound," said the vampire softly.

Reluctantly, Viggo shifted, revealing a deep gash that would have killed him if not for his demon blood. The laceration itself, however, was to least of the vampire's worries. The flesh around the wound had begun turning black. The weapon used to create the wound was cursed.

"They killed everyone else right in front of me, then they just left," sighed Viggo softly, not understanding why he was allowed to live.

But as the Demon Hunter watched his boyfriend's expressive chocolate eyes darkened with rage, the answer dawned on him. This whole job was a trap to draw him in. He, in turn, would be the bait for Orli. But their enemies miscalculated - they did not know that Viggo would sacrifice his life to keep his beloved safe. Moving slowly to avoid drawing the vampire's attention, the man drew his dagger, ready to die and stop Orli from attempting anything dangerous.

Luckily, the dark-haired vampire felt his partner's despair at the last minute and grabbed the blade before it could pierce the man's heart. "What do you think you are doing?"

"Everything is a setup. They left me here for you to find. I will die to protect you," vowed the Demon Hunter, gazing resolutely into Orli's eyes.

"And you think I can live without you?" whispered the vampire, tears clouding his exquisite coco orbs.

"Oh, Orli..." His statement was cut short when the vampire's lips met his in a gentle kiss. When the vampire moved back to gaze at him lovingly, Viggo marveled at how lucky he was to have the love of this wonderful being. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Vig. I won't let anything happen to you," promised the vampire as he looked once more at the wound.

Orli knew what he must do, but he would not risk performing the healing ritual here. Their enemies might return. With Davie out on a 'date' and Sean away on business, his only hope was Karl or Harry. Reaching out with his magic, the dark-haired vampire was able to find Harry; the Jaguar was restoring one of his classic motorcycles in the massive underground garage of the Sanctuary.

The vampire knew he could trust the Jaguar to keep watch while he traveled into Viggo's body to reverse the effects of the curse. While Orli was certain he was powerful enough to save his lover, he feared his spirit would lack the strength to return to his own body after healing the man. In that case, he would forever exist as a Shade in the Human World, neither living nor dead. But it was a risk Orlando was willing to take; life without Viggo would be no life at all.

*****

Midnight, Westside District

Karl blinked, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks him. On the dance floor was a tousled blond babe in a gray silk shirt and navy-blue crushed-velvet pants that bore an uncanny resemblance to his stoic vampire friend. But the immaculate Dave would never come to a club in the red-light district; nor would he be flirting up a storm with a gorgeous sandy-haired hunk. The way those two were grinding, they might as well be having sex right there.

No, the exquisite dancer could not be his familiar demon; this was probably the result of missing his friend too much. Ever since Orlando awoke, Dave's visits had drastically decreased in frequency. In fact, he had not seen the blond vampire for the past three months. While it was nice at first, being able to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh again, Karl quickly grew tired of the awkward goodbyes after his one-night stands. Besides, the sex wasn't as great as it used to be. Nowadays, instead of dreaming of an endless supply of gorgeous lovers, Karl wished things were back to normal - at least he would have Dave's constant company to keep the loneliness at bay.

Karl's attention drifted back to Dave's doppelganger. The tousled blond was now behind his dance partner, breathing softly against the other man's neck as their hips swivel in sync to the primal beat of the drums. It had been two months since the werewolf stopped his nightly forage for new lovers; but this wild hot temptress captured Karl's attention in a way none had. In fact, not only was his leather pants growing too tight, his primal instincts were clamoring to be released. His animal side was urging him to stake his claim on the desirable golden boy before it was too late.

Karl was debating whether to give in to his instincts when it happened. In a subtle movement, the blond figure bit into the sandy- haired man's neck and began to suckle. None in the club noticed anything out of the ordinary; but the werewolf knew better. The smoldering temptress was a vampire; correction, not just a vampire - the sexy blond babe was his Dave.

In his shock-induced loss of motor control, Karl watched the vampire slipped his hand onto his victim's cloth-covered arousal, kneading the large bulge gently as he fed. The man moaned in ecstasy, thrusting his hips backwards, rubbing his backside into Dave's groin. With a flick of the tongue, the vampire closed the wound and whispered something into the man's ears.

From the lustful smile on the sandy-haired dancer's face, Karl knew what Dave had just proposed. There was no way Karl would allow such a thing to happen. It was time to return the 'favors' the vampire had done for him these past hundred years. Willing his limbs into motion, the werewolf slid onto the dance floor, stealthily closing the distance between himself and his friend.

*****

"Hi, there," purred Karl as he grabbed his friend's arm from behind, spinning Dave around to face him.

For the first time in a few millennia, David was caught off-guard. A few hours ago, it would have irked him intensely; but now, he didn't mind. Ever since he approached the group of young men at the pub, he had deliberately thrown caution and inhibition to the wind. He did not even bother scanning the area for other demons when he arrived. It was strangely exhilarating, acting without analyzing every possible scenario and their consequences.

"Fancy meeting you here, Karl," said the vampire with a smile. Winding his arm around his prize, he continued, "This is Chris; we met at Spike's."

"Hi. Dave, may I have a word alone with you?" asked the werewolf, fighting hard to keep his jealousy under control. While most humans were aware of the existence of demons, letting his demonic nature took over in a crowded nightclub was not exactly a good idea; and that meant he needed to get Dave's hand away from the human as soon as possible.

"Sorry, buddy. We have plans tonight," replied the man on the vampire's behalf as he wound his arms around David and nuzzled the vampire's neck, prompting a soft moan of pleasure from the blond demon.

It took every ounce of Karl's self-control to refrain from literally biting the man's head off. Didn't matter that the human did not know a vampire's neck was a sacred spot reserved for the closest of lovers. This Chris barely knew Dave for eight hours; he had no right to kiss the blond demon, period. Even the werewolf, who had known the vampire for over two thousand years, was not offered such a privilege. Eyes turning feral yellow, teeth sharpening to the fangs of a werewolf, Karl hissed, "Back off now if you value your life."

While the sandy-haired man was oblivious to the fact that David was a vampire, he was not entirely stupid. It would be suicidal to anger a demon; and no lover, even one as handsome as David, was worth risking his life for. It would be better to retreat and find another sex partner for the night. "Sorry, didn't know he's already taken," said Chris shakily as he took his hands off the vampire and proceeded to quickly disappear into the crowds.

The vampire was surprised by the turn of events, but could not decide whether he should be pleased or annoyed. Watching Karl's eyes followed the retreating youth, he summoned his calm to transform to his usual unflappable self. Smoothing his hair in a swift brush of his hands, he suggested in his normal voice, "Maybe we should take this outside."

*****

"What did you think you were doing?" asked the vampire as they reached the end of a deserted alleyway.

"What you've been doing for the past hundreds of years," replied the werewolf quietly, eyes fixed on his future mate. Dave was his usual self again; the passion that captured Karl's attention seemed to have dissipated the moment the sandy-haired man walked off. The thought that the vampire found a mere mortal more arousing than himself was beginning to drive the werewolf insane with jealousy. He needed to act now to prevent anyone else from taking his Dave away.

Sensing the rising aggression in the werewolf, the vampire built an invisible barrier around his friend and reasoned quietly, "I don't announce to the world I'm not human."

"That's not the point!" exclaimed the chestnut-haired demon, fully annoyed that the vampire was blocking his movements. Dave allowed Chris to kiss his neck, but would not even let Karl close enough to touch. Life was too unfair; the werewolf wasn't even planning anything drastic, just a little bite on the shoulder that would mark Dave as his.

"So what is the point, Karl?" asked the vampire quietly. Dave could feel his composure starting to go up in flames as the werewolf devoured him with a smoldering gaze. But he knew he would not accept a one-night stand; he was too in love with Karl for that. But he was open to other suggestions - namely he could be persuaded to give the werewolf a chance to 'court' him.

"I want you," replied the werewolf fervently, hoping to melt the vampire's icy demeanor with his passion. Tonight, when he watched Dave danced, his primal instincts had recognized the vampire as the one person he could not be without. He would mark Dave as his, even if that were the last thing he would do.

"We can't always have what we want, Karl," answered the vampire softly, trying to keep the sadness out of his voice. The werewolf wanted a night of passion, nothing more. He should have expected that, but the words still hurt.

"Why not?" exclaimed the werewolf, barely able to control his demonic nature any longer. Karl had not lost control of his animal side since he was a cub; but the intense jealous and hurt at Dave's rejection was overwhelming his senses. In an accusing tone, he added, "You are more than willing to go off with Chris and fuck him senseless just now. Why not me?"

"Because I care about you," replied Dave, holding the werewolf's eyes with his own, allowing his friend to see the hidden emotions within. Orlando was right about telling Karl - until David made his confession, he would never truly be free to move on.

The raw emotion in the vampire's azure gaze melted away Karl's anger and jealousy. The melancholy and hopeless affection in those cerulean orbs were unmistakable. Dave had been attracted to him all these years! Though he was never good at being tactful, he would do his best to show Dave how he truly felt. Both their happiness hung in the balance.

"I care about you too, Dave. I admit I acted like an idiot just now, but I had to stake my claim. I mean, the past three months without you felt wrong; and I don't want to have to spend eternity like that. I know I've been a cad in the past; you probably think what I'm doing tonight is my standard drill. But I swear to you I've never claimed any of my previous lovers; and when I watched you danced tonight, something just clicked. I knew I have to have you for as long as I live. I kind of overreacted, but I've never felt this way about anyone before. If you can forgive me for behaving like a total jerk all these years, maybe you can give me a chance to do this the right way."

Karl's speech was not all what the vampire anticipated. Shock, pity or scorn, those he expected, but not love. The sincerity and naked emotions in the werewolf's words reminded Dave of why Karl had captured his affections - the younger demon was so open and trusting and passionate and direct and, all in all, sweet. As the werewolf regarded him with intense hazel eyes that threatened to set him ablaze, part of David wanted to drag him to bed right this moment. But the voice of caution in his head warned him to proceed slowly, reminding him of how badly burnt he was the last time he gave his heart to another. In the end, the vampire decided he wanted romance as well as time to settle into this new relationship. With a smile, Dave lowered the barrier and suggested, "Alright, pick me up at my place tomorrow night at seven."

"I'll be there," promised Karl, feeling happier than he could ever remembered.

After giving the werewolf a peck on the cheek, the vampire transformed into mist and disappeared into the night's sky. Skin still tingling from the lingering sensation of Dave's soft lips, Karl was certain he would go up in flames if the blond demon were to offer him a real kiss. Though impatient by nature, the werewolf grinned widely during his entire journey home - good things come to those who wait.

*****

1 a.m., Pacific Hills

Viggo opened his eyes to find a slumbering little devil by his side, except tonight, something was wrong with the blissful picture. Orli was ghostly pale, and the vampire's hand, which lied upon Viggo's chest, was ice-cold. Strange that the man could not remember anything after his lover helped him into the car. More mysterious still were their surroundings; the medieval décor was unlike any place he had visited. Viggo wondered if they were attacked and captured on the way to their destination. When the door opened, the man instinctively tightened his embrace around his vulnerable lover. He would defend Orli with his life.

"Easy, Vig. Don't fancy getting blasted to smithereens for bringing you a midnight snack," joked Harry as the door opened further to reveal a grinning Jaguar carrying a tray of junk food and beer.

"What happened? Where are we?" asked the Demon Hunter, slightly relaxing his hold on his unconscious lover. Viggo then proceeded to sit up and pull Orli's head onto his lap so he could stroke the little one's hair as he spoke with the Jaguar. He needed the comforting sensation of having his lover beside him after the events of the night.

"Orli came to the Sanctuary with you in tow. I figured since we never found the people who infiltrated the place a year ago, it's not safe enough for what the little one had in mind. So, I took you here, my personal hideout. Other than myself, only Dave knew about this place. Well, Orli too, since the little devil knows pretty much everything," replied Harry, tossing a beer to the man. He figured Viggo would need a drink tonight.

"Is Orli okay?" asked the man urgently, worried despite Harry's cheery demeanor. The Jaguar was the antithesis of David, taking everything too lightly.

"Yes, though I admit I was worried for a bit. It took over an hour to undo the curse on you; he wouldn't have made it if the blood bond between you two wasn't there to guide his exhausted spirit back," replied Harry with a smile before taking a gulp of his beer and opening a bag of peanuts. "Want a peanut?"

"No, thanks. I'm glad Orli is okay. I will never forgive myself if anything happens to him," sighed Viggo, who finally mustered the strength to stop stroking his lover's silken curls to open his beer.

"Don't be happy yet. Orli will be without magic until the next full moon. He is completely vulnerable. Whoever wants you and him dead will be sure to try again," warned the Jaguar casually as he tossed some peanuts into the air and caught them with his mouth.

Viggo stared at his friend who seemed not at all troubled by this worrisome news. With their unknown foes still at large, it would be better if Orli had just let him die. The Demon Hunter feared he would fail to protect his beloved vampire as he failed the guards earlier.

"That's not your fault, Vig. You can't read minds," commented Harry as he patted Viggo on the back after reading the Demon Hunter's dark thoughts.

"Right, just like I can't keep myself out of trouble. Maybe Dave is right, I am a liability," sighed the man, looking down at the slumbering vampire in his arms.

Viggo loved Orli with all his heart, and knew his feelings were reciprocated. Yet, he could not banish the nagging fear that he was not good enough to be the dark-haired beauty's lover. He knew how many admirers the vampire had, immortal and mortal alike. Perhaps one day, Orli would find someone better and move on. Because of his insecurities, he had yet to accept the Dark Gift. An eternity of watching his beloved with another would be worse than Hell and a thousand painful deaths combined.

"I hate to agree with you on this, but Dave is right. As long as you stay half-human, you will always be a liability," replied the Jaguar, giving the Demon Hunter an intense probing gaze.

"Eternity is a such a long time," whispered Viggo in a pained voice, his doubts clear for Harry to see.

Harry was certain Orli never suspected how insecure the Demon Hunter felt about their relationship. Though it was not his place to interfere with the couple's love life, someone needed to set the man straight. And with Orli being a pushover where Viggo was concerned and Dave trading barbs with the Demon Hunter whenever they met, the responsibility had fallen to him. "True, but that's a good thing if you have the one you love beside you."

Before Viggo could speak, the Jaguar added, "To a mortal, eternity is a long time. But for an immortal, a few decades is but a blink of an eye. I know you love the little one; so, I ask you this: Will you give him a fleeting glimpse of happiness when you have the power to offer him a lifetime? And can you refuse the Dark Gift, knowing he will follow you in death?"

"No," sighed the Demon Hunter quietly as he broke eye contact to gaze at his sleeping lover. He knew what Harry said was true. The incident tonight showed Viggo that his lover would follow him in death if he refused immortality. He loved Orli too much to allow such a thing to happen. He would face his fears and accept the Dark Gift as soon as his beautiful vampire recovered enough to perform the ritual.

"Glad you've finally come to your senses. But we can't wait for Orli. Our enemies are powerful enough to hide their presence from us. It will be better if you have the magic of a full immortal in the upcoming confrontation. I'll give Dave a call."

As much as Viggo hated the thought of being a fledging of the oh-so-superior David, he knew Harry was right. "Fine," sighed the Demon Hunter with a nod. When Harry left the room to make his call, the man slid back onto the bed and wound his arms around his beloved vampire. From this night on, Orli would be his sun.

*****

1:10 a.m., Pacific Hills

"Call Sean and tell him to be careful. I'll be there in an hour," replied Dave, wanting to get off the phone as soon as possible. Harry had alerted him to Orli's condition; and he had a hunch that the mastermind behind the human wizard who captured Viggo last year was finally ready to launch his attacks. The assault on the Demon Hunter was just the beginning.

"An hour? Where are you?" asked the Jaguar incredulously, knowing the vampire could traverse the city in less than ten minutes if he wished.

"Home, but I am going to get Karl," explained the vampire, mindful that he would be subjected to interrogation on this answer later. But right now, he was too worried for the werewolf's safety to care. He kissed Karl in public tonight, which mean their enemies knew of his soft spot or the werewolf. Karl would be their enemies' next victim if he did not get there in time.

"Dave, be careful," said the Jaguar softly before hanging up. He wished he could go with the blond vampire, but he needed to remain to protect Viggo and Orli. All he could do was hope that his two friends would return unscathed.

*****

1:30 a.m., Lakeshore Heights

Karl was stroking himself leisurely in the shower to the mental image of Dave doing a striptease when the doorbell rang. He was of a mind to ignore it, but the incessant buzz was grating on his sensitive ears. After throwing on a bathrobe in haste, the werewolf stalked out of his bathroom to answer the door.

His visitor was a small dark-haired youth wearing a boy scout uniform. While he did not sense malice in the young man, it was a strange time for a boy to be out on his own. Something was not right. A flash within the apartment caught the werewolf's eye. Instinctively, Karl dodged, barely avoiding the silver darts flying straight at him. The werewolf reached out with his magic, but could not locate his assailants.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang again, momentarily distracting the chestnut-haired demon. His enemies used this opportunity to throw a net of silver threads over him, prompting Karl to howl in pain as the precious metal burnt his bare skin. Satisfied that the werewolf was properly entangled in their web, the assailants emerged from the shadows. Now, Karl understood why he could not sense them - his captors were lifeless wooden marionettes, most likely controlled by the 'boy' outside.

The youth strode into the apartment as one of his minions opened the door. "Hello, Karl, like the present I made especially for you?"

There was something familiar about that voice, but the agony of his charred skin was slowing his brain. "Who are you and what do you want?"

"Oh, how can you forget an old friend from the days when we demons ruled this world? You've hurt my feelings, Karl; I guess I'll just have to hurt you back," smiled the boy cruelly as he pulled out a silver dagger and crouched beside the captured werewolf.

Mustering his strength to glare at his tormentor defiantly, Karl spat, "Do your worst. My friends will hunt you down and avenge me."

"Your friends," laughed the boy sarcastically before adding, "If you are referring to the Demon Hunter and Orlando, they are most likely dead. And I am sure your David will be too traumatized to put up a proper fight when he finds you disemboweled and beheaded."

"You bastard!" yelled Karl as he renewed his struggles, the need to keep Dave safe numbing him to the burning pain each movement caused.

"This is so easy. I cannot believe Arius lost to you pathetic weaklings. But then, Lord Fortibras should never have trusted a human to do a demon's job. Say goodnight, Karl. It's time for you to die," smiled the youth in a singsong voice as he raised his knife, ready to plunge the weapon into the werewolf's chest.

The boy never got a chance to land his blow. Suddenly, the air in the room tensed as a whirlwind burst from the floor to surround Karl, shredding all the marionettes into pieces and throwing the youth against the door. "I don't think so, Marcellius," hissed Dave, materializing to stand over the werewolf.

"Glad someone remembers me," said the dark-haired youth with a cold smile and narrowed eyes, gauging Dave's combat abilities. He remembered the vampire was primarily a spell-caster; a physical fight would be to his advantage; the question was how to trick the intelligent Guardian into falling for his trap.

"I like your new human suit. I am impressed; you had us blinded the entire time," replied David quietly. The vampire wanted to end this quickly so he could tend to Karl's wounds, but Marcellius was the second-in-command of the Third Lord of Havoc, with magic that could flatten a city. A full-blown battle here would incur too many casualties.

Sensing the vampire's reluctance to unleash his full powers, Marcellius smiled, "Thanks. I know I am no match for you in magic, but Lord Fortibras would have my head if I don't at least put up a fight. Maybe we can have a little duel with swords?"

"Sounds good to me," sighed the vampire as he called to his weapon. In a blinding flash of light, an enchanted sword appeared in Dave's hand. After setting a protective shield around his beloved werewolf, the blond demon glided towards his opponent and readied his sword.

Marcellius could not believe how easily the vampire fell into his trap. Calling his own magic weapon to him, the demon charged his opponent. A triumph smile broke across the evil one's face as David failed to move in time to avoid his thrust. But the 'boy' did not expect the vampire to dissolve into mist the moment before the blade hit and took shape again immediately behind him. The evil demon barely had time to duck to avoid getting decapitated when the vampire kicked the back of his knees. Howling in pain, Marcellius tried to spin and slash at his assailant; but again, only a wisp of smoke remained where Dave once stood. The next time the vampire materialized, he landed a stunning blow on his enemy's shoulder, sending the small 'boy' flying onto the floor. Dave held his sword to the dark-haired demon's neck and smiled, "As you said, this is so easy."

"Please don't kill me," pleaded Marcellius, using his human disguise to put on a wide-eyed, scared expression. He could not believe how seamlessly his opponent had integrated magic with swordplay. Judging from the vampire's performance right now, David could be an even match to Lord Fortibras. He must return and warn his master of the imminent threat to their plans of taking over the world.

"I don't intend to. Just crawl back and tell Fortibras that if he wants a fight, he's got one. I'll be paying him a little visit soon," replied the vampire as he lowered his sword.

"I'll be sure to relay your message," promised Marcellius as he staggered to his feet. Muttering a reversal incantation, the demon burst out of his human suit, revealing his hideous true form. Raising his right hand, the humanoid-snake chanted a teleportation spell that brought him back to the Demon World. He might have lost the fight today, but the battle had just begun.

*****

"Are you okay?" asked the vampire as he carefully freed Karl from the silver net.

"Yeah, I'll heal," said Karl as the wounds began to heal once the metal was removed. It was a good thing that werewolves healed extremely fast - except for the more severe burns on his arms and legs, he should be scar-free for tomorrow's big date. "I might get a few scars here and there tomorrow, but..."

The werewolf never got a chance to finish his sentence as Dave whispered, "Not if I can help it" before bending his head to lap at one of the larger burns on his arm. Karl moaned softly as the healing touch of a vampire's tongue erased the scorching pain, replacing it with a pleasurable heat that sent electricity through his veins. As Dave continued his administrations, all the werewolf could feel was the fire that started pooling in his loins with each stroke of the vampire's tongue. Aroused to the point of pain, Karl gasped, "Dave, stop."

Lifting his head to look at his injured companion, the vampire asked with a frown, "You don't like it?"

The werewolf found the insecurity in Dave's voice endearing. His previous lovers had always been confident in their abilities to pleasure him, even when the confidence was not grounded. The vampire, it would seem, was the exact opposite. With a smile, Karl reassured his future mate, "Dave, I'm going to come if you keep that up. I just thought we should go somewhere safer and more private."

The vampire thought he had lost his ability to blush a long time ago, but he was wrong. Still slightly embarrassed by the compliment, the vampire replied, "Right, we should get to Harry's. Viggo has finally stopped being stupid and wants the Dark Gift. I left my car with Orlando. Can you give me a ride?"

*****

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