Chapter 1

Andrew walked onto the porch of the old plantation house, weary from his travels. He could see the architectural influences of his former master among the moldings of the home. The columns that supported the veranda’s second floor and roof were enormous. The oak front doors looked large enough to drive a truck through, and had the Helmsley family crest burned into it. As Andrew knocked on the door, he thought it odd that he was knocking on his master’s crest. According to his master, this family was no longer associated with him. Being tired, lonely, and more than a bit nervous and scared, Andrew stood with his head held high as the door slowly creaked open.

The scariest man that Andrew had ever seen was standing on the other side of the threshold. He was at least seven feet tall, and shrouded in a black cloak, with piercing green eyes that seemed to bore holes in him. Andrew temporarily lost what he was about to say. All he could do was stand there and gaze at the muster that stood before him. Finally the monster spoke. “State your business.”

Andrew started, but recovered quickly. “My name is Andrew Douglas, and I’m afraid I have some bad news concerning your previous Master.” Andrew said, hanging his head as a show of respect.

“I’m afraid you’re.....” The monster said, but was quickly cut off by a hand on his chest.

“I’ve got this Marcus.” A man said, gently pushing Mark away from the door and stepping out onto the porch, shutting the door behind him. “What are you doing here, Andrew?” Raven said, when he was sure they were alone.

Andrew would have known this man anywhere. His Master’s confidant, and his best friend in the Helmsley clan, Raven. “Raven, I thought you were dead? How did you survive?” Andrew said, practically jumping on Raven. He was certain his entire clan had been destroyed, and seeing Raven now, overjoyed him.

Raven pushed Andrew away, with an angry look on his face. “Listen to me.” Raven said, grabbing Andrew by the elbow and dragging him even further away from the door. “I do not know what Hunter has told you, nor do I have the time to learn. I do know there were things in Hunter’s life that he guarded very deeply, and if you choose to live, then you will refrain from speaking while in this house. Is that understood.”

Andrew did not know what to do. This man that was threatening his life now, was the same man that Hunter had made vow to protect him. Andrew was so confused all he could do was shake his head. He was lead into the house after this altercation, still not knowing what to think or do. He just followed behind Raven, doing what Raven did.

Andrew was shown a seat, and pushed down into it. “I will have to contact the council.” Raven said, sitting next to a young man on the couch and pulling him into his lap. “They must have not heard what has happened, with Hunter. They have sent me a fledgling to rear.” Raven said, placing a tender kiss the young man’s lips. Andrew couldn’t help but stare. It had only been two days since the massacre that took his family away, and already Raven had someone else. Something about this didn’t feel right. That’s when Andrew noticed it.

There was a small child sitting on the lap of yet another monster. She had long, wavy blonde hair and the brightest blue eyes Andrew had ever seen. He was shocked to see such a young child in a place like this. Surely she couldn’t be a vampire. There were laws regarding such matters. It would be a travesty to create one so young. That’s when she smiled. The moonlight shining in through the windows, glistened off of her pearly white fangs. Andrew couldn’t believe his own eyes.

“London?” A man said, descending the steps. “What’s wrong? I sense you’re distressed.” When Andrew looked up, he recognized the man immediately. Hunter had pictures of this man and this child in his house. This was Christopher Jericho and London Orion Helmsley. Hunter’s deceased husband and child. Although, to Andrew, they didn’t look very dead. Christopher walked up to his daughter and took her off the monster’s lap. “Thank you Sean.” He said to the man. “I’ll take her. Now what’s troubling you?” London, simply, pointed at Andrew. Christopher turned his attention to their guest.

“He smells like daddy.” London whispered into her father’s ear. “He’s also wearing daddy’s shirt. I don’t like him.”

Christopher handed London to the man that had opened the door, and turned his attentions to Andrew once again. Andrew could tell by the look on his face, this wasn’t going to be a pleasurable experience, and it was only confirmed by the mans tone of voice. “Come with me.” Christopher said, walking towards a door. Andrew stood up and shot Raven a glance. Raven quickly stood and started to follow. “Alone.” Christopher said, turning on Raven and pointing to the sofa. Reluctantly Raven sat back down.

When Andrew walked into the room, he was amazed by all the books he saw. His clan wasn’t really big into reading, they were more hunters and lovers. “This room is..” Andrew said, and was abruptly cut off, being slammed against the wall.

Christopher leaned his body against Andrew’s taking a large breathe in as if he were smelling him. “How long?” Christopher said in a dangerous voice. Andrew stood there, unable to move, or answer. “How long?” Christopher repeated in an even more alarming tone.

“How.... How long?” Andrew said, his heart pounding and pulse racing. “I don’t understand.”

Christopher took another long breath in. “How long have you been fucking my husband?” He said, looking Andrew in the face, making sure he saw his fangs. “He didn’t die in some battle did he? You were with him recently. You reek of his smell and I can tell that he’s claimed you by your aura. How long has he had you on the side?”

Andrew began to shake. He didn’t know what to do. Either way, it looked as though he would be killed that night. “I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything. Raven told me that if I chose to live I would keep my mouth shut.”

“And you are listening to a peon like Raven why?” Christopher said, backing off and letting Andrew breathe.

Andrew took a few long breaths in, trying to catch his breath. “Because, he is my Master’s confidant.” Andrew said, not wanting to say too much.

“Well, I am Prince.” Christopher said, advancing on Andrew again. “And unless you want to get a really close look at the sunrise, I would start talking right now.”