At that time Lastryc was walking down the hall when he heard a scream from outside the open window as he pasted it. He stopped short, approaching it. Leaning his head out into the chilly air, he sniffed. Lastryc’s eyes widen when he recognized the scent. Quickly he hopped onto the windowsill and jumped the two stories down.

He landed with ease, both feet and one hand touching the ground. Swiftly he ran through the trees. Lastryc arrived to an unwanted scene. Jakobe was pinned against a tree, Kieran’s hand on his backside.

“Kieran!” Lastryc growled, ready to strangle the man.

“Just in time, Lastryc.” Kieran smiled, yanking Jakobe in front of him. He held him tight as he wrapped his fingers around his neck.

“Let him go. I’m warning you.”

“Oh? How dare you speak to your Master with such a formal tone.”

“Kieran I told you-”

”Lastryc.” he said sternly.

Lastryc didn’t like that tone of voice. Kieran’s nails became longer, sharper. Lastryc’s eyes changed. “Please...” he said softly, afraid for Jakobe. “Don’t do this.”

“As your Master, Lastryc. I’m only doing this for your own good.”

“No!” Lastryc screamed, going forward at exactly the same time Kieran sliced Jakobe’s chest open. He caught Jakobe before he hit the ground.

“Jakobe...” he yelped.

Blood gushed from Jakobe’s chest, soaking his shirt deep. His life was slipping but he held on as best as he could. He wasn’t ready to die.

“Bastard!” Lastryc screamed at Kieran. “I’ll fucking tear you limb from limb!”

Kieran smiled more, his eyes red with blood lust. “You better make a decision fast. The boy’s light is almost out.”

Lastryc lowered his head, closing his eyes tight as tears slipped from his closed eyelids. His heart ached. He didn’t want Jakobe to live a painful life as a vampire but he didn’t want to lose him, not like his. Suddenly he felt a cold hand to his cheek and he opened his eyes to see Jakobe smiling warmly at him, his eyes narrow.

“I was just happy...” Jakobe choked on his words.

“Jakobe...”

“That you looked at me...” His hand went limp and fell beside him.

“No!”

Kieran looked to his watch. “What a waste-” Then his nostrils fared to Lastryc’s blood and looked up. Lastryc’s wrist was cut open and it was raised to Jakobe’s lips. Jakobe drank, biting deeply into Lastryc’s flesh.

“That’s a good boy.” Kieran said with delight.

Lastryc was silent. He wanted nothing more than to take care of Jakobe. He would deal with Kieran later.

***

The next day rolled around. Lastryc stood by the window, watching the workers plow the fields for the next harvest. Jakobe slept in his bed, still fitting from the bite. Lastryc sighed deeply. His mind wondered to that night.

There was so much blood. After he tended to Jakobe Kieran attacked him from behind, sinking his teeth deep into his neck. Lastryc was overcome with self-conscious as Kieran held him against the wall, devouring him like he hadn’t eaten in days. He knew Jakobe was out but he was embarrassed by the fact that he was in the room. Kieran drank until Lastryc collapsed and like always he was left where he fell.

Lastryc glared at the man’s back as he was left before his word went dark. When he awoke he took a long hot shower. He was weak and he needed blood but he wasn’t desperate- yet. So he went to Jakobe’s side and watch him. Lastryc was overcome with dizziness and he stumbled, holding his head some.

“You’re a sad sight, my love.” Kieran said as he walked into the room

Lastryc growled some but he didn’t move.

Kieran pushed Lastryc’s head back some and turned it to the side. “Your bites are not healing. You need blood.”

“I’m fine...” he tried to say.

Kieran held Lastryc’s head, leaning over his shoulder as he licked the bites.

Lastryc flinched. “If you take any more...”

Suddenly Kieran held a Matri’caria in front of him. “Eat this. It’ll keep your strength until you can feed.” He let go.

Lastryc took it once Kieran let him go. He stared at it before sighing and shrugging. He took a huge bit. Kieran smiled.

***

Several days later.

Jakobe’s eyes slowly opened. Groggily he rubbed his forehead. Why did he feel so tired... and hungry- so very hungry. He noticed one side of the bed was heavier than the other. Lastryc was sound asleep next to him, his face tense.

Jakobe figured it was because he never left his side. It made him feel warm inside. Then his eyes fell to Lastryc’s neck. He had a sudden urge to taking a bit. He clenched his lips, his teeth forming, his eyes dark with bloodlust.

Desperately he needed a bit... he needed relief! But he held back. Something inside him told him not to bit his Master until he was given permission. Before long Lastryc stirred before opening his eyes. Jakobe moved back.

“Lastryc blinked. “Oh good, you’re awake.”

Jakobe bit his slower lip softly, nodding.

Lastryc took a breath as he pushed from the bed. “I bet you’re starved, Eugene.”

“Eugene?” Jakobe questioned.

He turned some, nodding. “That will be your name from now on.”

“Why?”

“Because if I use your real name it makes you submit to my rule.”

Eugene moved his head a bit to the side like a puppy trying to figure something out. “Submit to your rule?”

“It’s a binding spell.”

“Oh?”

“Stay right there.” Lastryc ordered when Eugene stopped short and fell to his butt.

Lastryc left then was back before Eugene even thought about getting up and roaming the room. He returned with a girl Eugene worked with in the fields.

“Sue has agreed to give you your first bite. She is a willing family Donar.”

“I see...” Eugene answered sadly.

“Eugene,” Lastryc walked behind him and pulled him close. His hot breath fell to his nape and Eugene shuttered. “Take a bite Jakobe. It will make you feel better.”

Eugene’s eyes dimmed. “Yes Master...”

Sue sat on the bed, exposing her neck, “Please young Master, quench your thirst.”

Eugene licked the side of his mouth, his sharp teeth aching. He wanted to bite and drink but he didn’t want hers. He looked to Lastryc.

Lastryc smelt Eugene’s desire but he tried desperately to ignore it. Right now he was deprived. It had been two days since last he drank and since Kieran had his fill, he was really weak.

“Jakobe, drink.” Lastryc ordered, rubbing the side of his face while holding his other arm across his chest, holding his shoulder tightly.

Eugene nodded and leaned over Sue. He inhaled her scent before bitting down. He held her tight and drank like he haven’t eaten for days. Lastryc watched him. Before long he pulled Eugene away from Sue and took her from the room.

He returned to find Eugene lying in bed, sound asleep. He smiled, relived. Then he took care of himself, finding a field worker and taking her in bed and neck.

***

Next morning Lastryc peered into his room. “Eugene?” he asked as he entered. First he looked to his bed-noone- then to the window. Eugene was staring out the open window.

“Eugene,” He walked to him.

Eugene turned around smiling, his arms crossed. “Good morning.”

Lastryc smiled. “Yes it is. How do you feel?”

“I feel different.”

Lastryc nodded. “Yes, it can be difficult.”

Eugene looked at him. Lastryc smiled warmly at him. His eyes widen when Lastryc smiled. He enjoyed that smile. So warm. But it was a brief one.

“You should smile more often.”

That comment surprised Lastryc. He smirked some. “I’ll try.”

“Alright,” Eugene nodded once. They stood together in silence.