Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended, this story is strictly for fun, not profit.
Author's Notes: A huge thank you to Sherri, Tess and Valaria, for beta'ing this for me. Any final mistakes are mine.
Warning: This is a Halloween story. And although it gets hairy for a moment, just call me the Queen of Happy Endings, 'kay? <g>
Summary: Darkness threatens to take Ezra away and it's up to the others to avoid it.
Extra Notes: Rebecca Nurse and Mary Easty were indeed sisters, their maiden name Towne. Both were accused of practicing witchcraft, tried and found guilty. Rebecca was executed on July 19th, Mary on September 22nd, 1692.
Kieran (Kee-ur-an) is the Anglicization of the Gaelic name Ciaran and means 'Dark, Shadowy'
Garbhan (Gar-uv-an) means 'Rough'
I tried my best with the Gaelic, but won't vouch for 100% accuracy. <g>
Kieran exited the airport's main entrance, as always, aware of the human following close behind.He looked up at the star-sprinkled sky, a wave of excitement flowing over him. The prophecy was about to come true; he was finally going to be joined with the chosen one, the one who would become his mate for all eternity.
But first...
"Garbhan," he called out softly to his human shadow.
"Yes, Master?"
Kieran smiled at the old man's eagerness. Garbhan had been with him since his early teens. Now in his sixties, the Scotsman still lived to serve him, would in fact die to protect him. It was rewarding to have one as loyal as the human by his side.
"Go to the hotel, see if everything is as I requested. I'm afraid that after twelve hours trapped on that airplane, I am feeling somewhat peckish," he finished ruefully.
"And the prophecy, Master?" Garbhan tilted his gray head slightly, blue eyes regarding him serenely.
"We shall meet tonight; it is all I know. I will recognize him somehow, Garbhan, never fear. My loneliness is about to come to an end. Soon -- very soon -- I will have him with me. Now go! I shall travel the streets of this town in search of some nourishment... and the chosen one."
"Yes, Master."
Kieran waited until his servant hailed a cab before venturing through Denver's unfamiliar streets. After spending the last centuries a virtual prisoner in his castle in the Scottish Highlands, it felt invigorating to finally be able to move at will, without fear of recognition.
He strolled easily through the busy streets, soon leaving the traffic and the faceless crowds behind. Looking around, he spotted several warehouses, most of them looking as if they hadn't been used in a long while. It was perfect for his needs; hunger was beginning to claw desperately at him, he couldn't afford to wait any longer. The worst of human kind usually dwelt in places such as these; he was bound to find someone to quench his thirst.
It was time to feed.
^w^0^w^
Gravel crunched loudly under Chris' boots as he paced beside the surveillance van with an annoyed frown.
"Where the hell are they? We can't afford to screw this one up, there's too much at stake. If all goes down as planned, we'll be able to arrest Blidge and his supplier in one bust."
"Calm down, Chris. The supplier and his men are already inside the warehouse; Ezra should be here any minute now with him. You know Blidge is notorious for always being late for his meetings." Buck reminded him.
Chris exhaled slowly, trying to bring his anxiety under control. "I know, Buck. I just don't want anythin' to go wrong. Ezra is wired, right?"
"Yep," JD nodded. "I wired him myself before he left to meet with Blidge. We'll be able to hear them as soon as they're within reach."
Josiah opened the van's side door, headphones firmly placed on his head. "They're here. Ezra is giving Blidge hell for making them late," he stated with an amused grin. "They're walking inside the warehouse now."
"Finally! JD, start recordin' and put it on loudspeaker, I want to hear. The moment we have enough to have them convicted, we break up their party. I don't like the idea of Ezra bein' in there with no backup," he admitted softly. "When we go in, make sure to keep him covered."
Maybe once he had Ezra back with them, he would be able to shake the feeling there was something terribly wrong.
^w^0^w^
Ezra left the Jaguar parked in front of the warehouse, walking over to the rundown building with Blidge by his side, resisting the urge to berate the man anew. They were over thirty minutes late to meet with Blidge's gun supplier. Chris would undoubtedly be fuming by now, wondering where the hell they had been.
It wasn't his fault. Blidge was a narcissist at heart, taking hours to find the perfect garment to show off at his meetings. If the case wasn't about to come to a conclusion, Ezra might have been forced to strangle the man out of sheer frustration.
He was surprised to notice the lights in the warehouse were off, his sixth sense warning him to be careful. He tried the switch but nothing happened; they remained enclosed in darkness.
"Max?" Blidge called from beside him. "Where the hell are you?"
Ezra shook his head ruefully; it was too much to hope that for once a bust would go down as predicted. Something always had to occur and usually not for the best.
"Mr. Blidge, I have some flashlights in my vehicle, I believe it would be prudent to fetch them and try to find out what has happened to our business associates."
He heard the other man sigh. "Guess you're right, Ethan. You go get the flashlights; I'll wait here. No sense in both of us going."
Ezra ran back to the Jag, opening the trunk to retrieve the flashlights. "I seriously hope you are able to hear me, Mr. Larabee," he said softly, knowing the wire he was carrying would be able to pick up his words. "I believe there's something wrong. The lights in the warehouse don't seem to work, and while that could have been an electrical problem, I find it highly suspicious Blidge's supplier failed to answer his call. I might need some assistance."
He went back to join his 'employer', only to find Blidge was not where he had left him. "Now what?" he muttered. "Mr. Blidge? Mr. Blidge, where are you?"
Using one of the flashlights to illuminate his way, he began to search for the missing men, taking his time to look around, not wanting to be caught unawares should any miscreant be responsible for the disappearances. Even with the powerful light to guide him, it was hard to see where he was going and he gasped as his foot suddenly caught on something lying on the ground, nearly causing him to fall.
"Oh, Lord," he whispered, as he regained his balance and aimed the light down.
The 'something' lying on the ground was a body. Blidge's, to be exact. The man's eyes were practically bulging out of their sockets, the fear he had felt at the moment of his death clear to see. His throat had been torn open, nearly ripping his head from his shoulders, the blood slowly pouring onto the dusty floor.
"Gentlemen, I believe you should join me," he said as he reached for his gun. "Blidge is dead. And..." he trailed off as the beam of light from his electrical torch focused on the three bodies lying near the back wall of the warehouse. "...so is Max Dudley and his two bodyguards. Same M.O. as Blidge; someone ripped their throats open."
He climbed up a flight of stairs, now looking for a murderer. As he was moving into a corridor, someone collided with him, a hand hitting him painfully on the arm and forcing him to drop his gun. Trying to control his frantic heartbeat, he aimed the light at the stranger before him, taking in the calm visage regarding him curiously.
The man before him was tall, at least as tall as Josiah, but slender, although his whole bearing exuded power. Dark, sable eyes shined with amusement from within a handsome face framed by long, wavy brown hair.
"Who are you?" Ezra blurted, paralyzed by the stranger's intense gaze.
"Your destiny, Ezra," the man replied gently, a soft accent flowing in his tone. "It is you I have been waiting for, looking for." He leaned closer, his lips brushing over Ezra's ear. "Yes, oh, yes. The Towne's blood is strong in you. You are the chosen one."
"How do you know my name? Chosen one? What --?" Before Ezra could stumble through his questions, the man wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling Ezra firmly to him.
"It is time to wake the power within you, mo gradh (My love)," the stranger told him.
He captured Ezra's lips, forcing them open and kissing him thoroughly. Ezra fought him fiercely, gasping as he suddenly felt something liquid within his mouth and trickling down his throat. He recognized the coppery taste of blood, somehow knowing it was not his own, but coming from the man holding him captive.
A wave of intense pain washed over his whole being and he screamed into the mouth ravaging his, no longer fighting, no longer having the strength required to do so. Pain gave way to extreme weakness and he welcomed it, surrendering to it and allowing it to take him into sweet oblivion.
^w^0^w^
"Blidge is dead. And... so is Max Dudley and his two bodyguards. Same M.O. as Blidge; someone ripped their throats open." Ezra's voice reached them loud and clear -- if somewhat shaky -- through the surveillance equipment.
"I've heard enough," Chris growled. "JD, keep the tape rollin'. The rest of you, let's go."
He ran for the warehouse, knowing his men were right behind him, flashlights and weapons ready for action. They burst into the building, easily hearing voices coming from the first floor. When Ezra's muffled scream reached his ears, Chris didn't hesitate one second; he rushed up the stairs, freezing in shock at the scene before him.
A man was holding an unconscious Ezra up in his arms, the Southerner's head tipped back, left arm swinging lifelessly at his side.
"ATF, freeze!" Buck shouted from beside him, anger and fear clear in his voice.
The man hissed, cradling Ezra to his chest, his eyes suddenly glowing bright yellow, sharp fangs shining by the light of their flashlights.
"No way," Vin whispered incredulously. "No fuckin' way..."
Swallowing his own disbelief at what he was seeing, Chris forced himself to keep in control of the situation. "Put him down. Slowly."
The creature before them obeyed, laying Ezra gently on the ground before straightening up to his full height and growling at them, "You will not be able to stop me, humans. He will be mine."
"I don't think so, you mad bastard. Back up against the wall. Now!" Chris snapped, when the thing before him didn't move.
"Remember my name, human; Kieran. We will see each other again." The words were barely out of his mouth and Kieran was already running towards a large window, flying through it in a cacophony of broken glass.
Chris ran after him, seeing him land in an impossible crouch on the ground below before disappearing into the shadows. Knowing there was no point trying to follow whatever the hell that creature was, he turned to the man lying on the cold floor.
He watched with barely hidden concern as Nathan examined the undercover agent, shaking his head in confusion. "I don't see anythin' wrong, can't imagine what that... man must've done to him. You better call an ambulance, Chris."
Chris nodded, already on the phone with 911. There would be time later to determine what exactly had happened. All that mattered now was making sure Ezra would be all right.
^w^0^w^
Two hours later the six men were loitering in a hospital room, waiting for Ezra to wake up, having already heard the tape containing their friend's conversation with Kieran.
They also had the coroner's preliminary report on the four bodies found in the warehouse. While Blidge and Dudley had died from having their throats slit open, Dudley's bodyguards had been completely drained of blood, which only confirmed what they had seen that night.
"You know, we're goin' to have to talk about this," Nathan began. "I mean, I know make-up and special effects have come a long way, and the stuff we see in movies... it looks real, but... That guy, Kieran, it didn't look fake."
Buck shook his head slowly. "I don't think it was, either. Those fangs of his looked mighty real. I've seen kids wear them at Mardi Gras and costume parties, but I've always been able to tell they were fake. Usually they're plastic or some other material that doesn't even resemble enamel."
Chris leaned his head tiredly against the wall and closed his eyes. "So what are we sayin'? That we saw a vampire tonight?"
Vin cleared his throat awkwardly. "Basically, yeah."
A groan from the bed prevented any further words as the six men converged on the bed, surrounding their friend. Ezra sighed softly, eyes fluttering open and looking up at them.
"Hey, Ez," Vin whispered. "How ya doin'?"
"I'm fine," Ezra replied, sitting up against the headboard and accepting the glass of water Josiah held for him. "What happened?" He asked, after taking a few careful sips.
"Don't you remember?" Chris asked him.
Ezra frowned in concentration, confusion slowly being replaced by sheer disbelief. "That man..." he whispered.
Josiah nodded. "Kieran, or so he said his name was. What did he do, Ezra? When we reached you, you were unconscious."
Ezra paled, swallowing audibly. "Um... He forced me to drink his blood."
Chris forced himself to remain calm, the implications of what Ezra was saying almost too much for him to handle. "How?"
To his surprise, Ezra flushed slightly. "He kissed me. I couldn't break free from his hold; he was too strong. He felt almost..." he trailed off, pensive.
"Almost?" Buck prompted.
"Unearthly."
Nathan touched Ezra's arm gently. "Ya know you'll have to take a HIV test, don't you? Better safe than sorry, Ez."
Ezra nodded, his face grim, but apparently calm. It was always hard to tell what he was feeling at the best of times, let alone after a night like the one they'd had, Chris mused wearily.
"Ezra, what does the name Towne mean?" JD asked. "That Kieran guy said the Towne's blood was strong in you."
Ezra sighed softly. "Towne was my father's name, Richard Towne. He killed himself before I was even born, short weeks before he was to wed Mother. He... claimed he was possessed by the devil, that he could foresee occurrences before they took place. When I was in college I tried to discover exactly what had happened to him. Maybe there was some history of mental illness in the family, and if that was the case, I should know."
"And?" Vin asked.
"There was nothing I could find, no explanation as to why he chose to take his own life. Except that all of the relatives on my father's side of the family were thought to be eccentric, to say the least. I did some research on his family tree and discovered his ancestors were originally from Salem, Massachusetts," he stated with a grimace. "Not only that, but two of the women thought to be witches during the 17th century trials were his ancestors. Rebecca Nurse and Mary Easty were sisters and their maiden name was Towne."
"So you're sayin' you come from a family of witches?" Buck quipped.
Ezra chuckled weakly. "Or so it seems, yes. Perhaps this man, Kieran, is obsessed by that unfortunate aspect of our history and is somehow convinced I possess some hidden powers. He did say he wanted to wake the power within me, before he gave me his blood."
Chris rubbed a hand tiredly over his face. "There'll be time to speculate about the whole thing tomorrow. Nathan, find the doctor, see what can be done about gettin' Ezra out of here now. About the HIV test..."
"I know a clinic where it can be done, no questions asked. We can go there tomorrow mornin'," Nathan replied. "I know the owner, we can trust him."
Chris nodded, then turned to the man on the bed. "That okay with you, Ez?"
"Perfectly, Mr. Larabee."
"In that case, you better get dressed. You're goin' to the ranch with me. And no protests!" he added when Ezra seemed about to object.
Thirty minutes later Chris was saying his goodbyes to the others, Ezra already snuggled up on the Ram's passenger seat. Chris felt like he had been awake forever, his whole body feeling twice its size and weight. All he wanted at that moment was to go home, climb into bed and sleep at least until noon the next day.
Unfortunately, nothing in life ever went the way he wanted it to. It was past two in the morning and they would have to be back at the office at nine.
^w^0^w^
Ezra walked into the bedroom with an easy stride. He looked around, nodding slightly as he noticed the heavy curtains were pulled shut, preventing any light from breaking through.
By Lucifer, but he was angry! Fury burned deep within him, making him want to lash out at something, someone. It was the kind of rage that made you want to kill savagely, over and over again, until the fire inside vanished and you were left hollow as so many times before.
He dismissed the man standing by the door, watching him so worriedly, and laid down on the bed, without even bothering to take off his garments. There would be time for it later, when the sun set on the horizon and he was free to roam the streets anew.
For now, he needed to rest.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to let go of the anger and soon he felt his body relax, allowing him to fall into a deep sleep...
And then there was nothing.
Ezra sat on the bed, startled by his strange dream. He glanced at his surroundings, relieved when he found himself back in Chris' guest room, between the sheets in the familiar bed, the curtains pulled back to reveal the dawning day.
He closed his eyes with a weary sigh, his head resting on his bent knees. It hadn't been a dream, not really. He couldn't understand exactly what he had seen and felt, but he knew it was tied to the man in the warehouse, Kieran. The room with the heavy curtains had been unfamiliar; he had never seen the old man hovering at the door before, and the furious rage... It hadn't been his own.
Maybe there was some truth behind the superstition regarding the Towne's blood. And if that was the case, he was in some serious trouble.
^w^0^w^
Chris walked into his office, seeing his men were already sitting around the conference table.
"'Mornin', boys," he greeted as he sat between Ezra and Vin. "I just came from AD Travis' office. He isn't exactly happy with last night's events, but he understands there was nothin' we could've done. There's an APB out on this Kieran guy; all we can do now is wait and see what happens."
"And the HIV test?" Nathan asked softly.
"I told Travis you and Ezra needed to take an hour off this mornin', didn't go into any details. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
From beside him, he heard Ezra sigh. "I will take the test if it makes you gentlemen feel better, but I am certain it will be a waste of time. There is nothing wrong with me."
"How can you say that, Ez?" Buck interrupted with a frown. "That bastard was a madman. There's no way of knowin' what was goin' through his head or why he forced ya to drink his blood."
"Yes, well. I believe there is something about last night and Kieran in particular that you forgot to mention, isn't there?" Ezra asked calmly.
"Um... Well, I don't know 'bout anyone else, but I think we got a little spooked last night," Vin began awkwardly. "I kinda think we overreacted to what we saw."
"Yeah," Buck jumped in. "We even talked about it while we were waitin' for you to wake up. But... it couldn't be. He couldn't be, ya know?"
Ezra chuckled humorlessly. "Gentlemen, that is probably the worst, and most confusing, explanation I have ever heard in my life. However, you are both wrong. You didn't overreact, and he is."
Chris exhaled slowly. "Ezra, are you sayin' what I think you're sayin'? That Kieran really is a vampire? That's... unreal! We have been workin' practically non-stop on this case for over three months, it was dark in that warehouse, the guy had a convincing mask. That's it."
Ezra shook his head.
"No?" JD guessed grimly.
"No." Ezra confirmed. "Whatever he did last night, it... linked us together. This morning, just before the sun was up... I could see what he was seeing and I definitely experienced what he was feeling. I am not certain why he seems obsessed with my person, or what he meant by the chosen one, but the fact you managed to ruin his plans... He was furious, beyond reason."
Chris groaned. "It's too early in the mornin' for this," he bemoaned. "Okay, humor me anyway. Go with Nathan and take the test. I'll think of somethin' in the meantime."
Ezra nodded. "Very well. Mr. Jackson, shall we go?"
Nathan rose from his chair. "Yeah, Ez, let's head out. See ya in a while."
"What are we goin' to do if Ezra is right and this guy really is a vampire?" Vin asked once the two men had left.
"Find some wooden stakes," Chris replied from clenched teeth.
There was no way in hell he was going to let anyone harm Ezra, or snatch him away from their midst, human or not human. Kieran had picked the wrong man to mess with.
^w^0^w^
Ezra knocked briefly on Chris' door before he let himself in the office. The blond was sitting behind his desk, browsing through some papers, but he looked up the moment Ezra walked in.
"Did you take the test?" He asked immediately.
Ezra nodded. "Yes. Mr. Sanchez said you wanted to see me?"
"Yeah. Look, Ezra, bottom line here is we don't know if this guy really is a vampire or a loon, and to be honest, it doesn't matter either way to me. What does matter is he's after you and he obviously won't go away just because we managed to stop him on the first try. The only thing we can do is keep an eye on you, at least for the moment. So... we're goin' to drive by your house after work and pick some of your clothes. You're stayin' at my ranch for a while, and I intend to have two of the others there at all times to help with this guy."
"Are you serious?" Ezra asked in an incredulous tone. "You expect me to accept your decision, just like that, without even having been consulted first? I refuse to be a prisoner in your ranch merely because there's a madman out there who is out to get me. I know you, Mr. Larabee; I won't even be able to sneeze without having one of you breathing down my neck!"
Chris rose from his chair, walking over to him. "You don't have that much of a choice, Ezra. It's either that, or havin' us tailin' you twenty-four hours a day. It would be easier on us knowin' where you were, but if you want to do it the hard way..." he shrugged slightly.
"I don't believe you!" Ezra snapped. "You know how much I despise having you hovering constantly. I have been on my own since I was a child, I don't need any keepers!"
"Damn it, but you're a stubborn bastard!" Chris gritted out. "We're only doin' this because we don't want anythin' to happen to you! Why can't you see that?"
"I can take care of myself, Mr. Larabee," Ezra hissed in his face. "Why the hell can't you ever back off?"
"Because... because..." Chris began, frustration clear in his expression. "Damn you, Ezra!" he finally huffed hoarsely.
Before Ezra could even blink, Chris was crushing him in a warm embrace, molding their bodies together, tilting his head to the side and covering Ezra's lips with his own. The kiss was soft and gentle and it lasted only for a brief moment. When the blond broke the kiss, all Ezra could do was stare at the flushed man before him.
"Wha --?" he began breathlessly.
"I'm sorry, Ezra. I shouldn't have done that." Chris sighed tiredly. "It's just that sometimes you drive me crazy. It's all I can do to keep my hands off you."
"Then don't." Ezra retorted, not sure who was more surprised hearing the words slip from his lips, Chris or himself.
Chris gave him a wicked grin and then suddenly they were kissing desperately, lips moist and insistent as they fought for dominance. Ezra chose to surrender to the other man's claiming, parting his lips slightly and allowing Chris' tongue to steal inside and explore, shuddering as he was skillfully swept off of his feet by a mere, if intense, kiss.
"Damn," Chris whispered when they came up for air.
Ezra frowned as he tried to catalogue every mixed up emotion currently taking hold of him. "What was that?"
Chris shook his head fondly. "You mean you didn't see it comin'? Vin says sometimes it feels like there's electricity cracklin' around us."
Ezra closed his eyes, chin resting on his chest as he slumped slightly. "Yes," he confessed softly. "I thought it might come to this. Eventually. Now is not the best of times."
"Ezra, look at me." When he failed to do so, Chris cupped his cheek gently, forcing him to look up. "I am fallin' in love with you, Ez. It's been a long, hard fight with myself to get to where I am now, able to recognize it, willin' to chance it. But I understand you might not be ready yet and might never be. How about I give you some time to think it over? Let's get rid of this Kieran creep first and then we'll sit down and talk. Okay?"
Ezra found himself smiling. "I must agree your idea does have some merit."
Chris threw him a mock glare. "Can't you just say yes or no?"
"No." Ezra replied, his smile getting impossibly wider, until he was chuckling at Chris' disgusted expression.
Suddenly life wasn't so bad, even with all the trouble looming ahead.
^w^0^w^
When Chris parked in front of the townhouse it was already dark. Ezra waited until Buck's truck had parked behind them before turning to the man in the driver's seat.
"You do realize I am doing this under protest, don't you? I would rather remain in my own abode."
Chris nodded. "I know. But the ranch is easier to secure and we won't be steppin' on each other's toes every time we turn around. Hurry up and bring what you need. Let Buck have a look around first."
Ezra rolled his eyes. "Yes, Mother."
He left the black Ram behind, Buck joining him by the front door. He allowed the mustached man to check the apartment, then walked over to his bedroom to pack a small bag.
"Mr. Wilmington, would you be so kind as to bring me my toiletries from the bathroom? It would save us some time."
Buck grinned. "Sure thing, hoss. Be right back."
Ezra was zipping his bag when he heard a muffled groan followed by a loud thud, coming from somewhere inside the apartment. He rushed out of the bedroom, searching for his friend's location.
"Mr. Wilmington? Buck, are you all right?"
"He is fine." A male voice spoke from the living room.
Kieran was standing by the balcony window, hands in his pockets, regarding Ezra with the same calm expression from the previous night.
"How did you get in here?" Ezra asked, eyes narrowing, his mind already trying to come up with several ways in which to subdue the creature before him. "What have you done with my friend?"
Kieran gave him a crooked smile. "He is all right, I simply knocked him unconscious and locked him in the bathroom. He really should have looked on the balcony when he was searching for intruders; it might have saved him a headache. As for how I got in here, I wish I could say I flew to your window, but the truth is I have been here for some time, waiting for you. I picked the lock. "
"And the alarm?"
The vampire's smile grew. "While there are a considerable number of old wives tales about my race -- such as the ability to fly -- which, unfortunately, are not true, we do have the power to read human minds. I know everything about you, Ezra. You hold no secrets from me; I know your every dream, your every fear. I know you, gradhach (Beloved)."
Refusing to acknowledge even to himself why he was suddenly able to understand Gaelic, Ezra decided to ask the question rolling around in his mind since the night before. "Why me?"
Kieran nodded, as if satisfied with his query. "I was born in the Scottish Highlands over two thousand years ago, Ezra. And while I enjoy the life of darkness given to me, the ability to do as I please without any of the guilt or regret you humans face, there is one thing I miss terribly from my human days; companionship, someone to stand by my side."
A frown creased Ezra's brow. "I fail to understand what that's got to do with me."
"You are the chosen one. There is a prophecy amongst my kind about you, Ezra. You are the descendant of witches blood I have been searching for so long. Our blood will link us together for all eternity. You have the Towne's power within you. The blood I gave you yesterday is bringing it forth; even now I can feel it growing, reaching out to me. As the power grows, so will your bond with me. Once I have tasted your blood, once I have turned you into one of us, the bond will be complete. We will have no barriers between us, we will feel the same, see the same; we will be one. Night will be ours. And in time you will learn to love me."
Ezra shook his head slowly, beginning to understand the level of madness harbored within the vampire. "You're insane," he whispered. "I would never love you. You want to turn me against my will, to snatch me away from a life I enjoy, from the people I love. I would only learn to despise you, to hate you. I don't want this."
Kieran smiled gently. "You will. Think about it, Ezra; to live forever, to witness the rise and fall of entire civilizations, to travel throughout the world, having several lifetimes to accomplish every single thing you ever hoped to..."
"Having to kill to survive, never again feeling the sun's warmth, having to hide from the world or face death, having to live forever surrounded by darkness..." Ezra retorted. "I. Don't. Want. It!"
Kieran took a step closer. "You are afraid; the unknown can be a frightening experience. But fear not, mo gradh (My love). I will guide you through it, you will have all the time in the world to adjust to the new changes in your life."
"I don't think so," Ezra growled, reaching for his gun and firing several shots into the vampire's chest.
^w^0^w^
Chris looked impatiently at his watch yet again. "Where the hell are they?"
Vin grinned. "Take it easy, Cowboy. Ya know Ez; he's probably choosin' his best 'garments' to take to your 'abode'."
Against his will, Chris chuckled. "Shut up, Tanner. It'll be bad enough havin' to put up with you and Buck until tomorrow mornin' without havin' to listen to your wisecracks."
Vin gave him a mock glare. "Hey, watch it with the insults. I left my jeep back at the office and agreed to ride shotgun with Bucklin; I deserve some slack. Either the man can't drive worth a shit or he needs glasses, bad. I don't know how JD puts up with it."
Chris' reply was forestalled by the sound of gunshots. "Ezra!"
They rushed up the stairs, bursting through the door, guns ready. "Ez? Buck?" Vin called out.
"Here," called Ezra from the living room.
Kieran was lying on the floor, several bullet holes visible on his dark shirt. Ezra was still aiming his gun at the unmoving figure, apparently unwilling to move any closer.
"Ez, you okay?" Chris asked softly.
"Fine. Buck's locked in the bathroom. Kieran told me he merely knocked him unconscious, but I'm not certain he was telling the truth."
"I'll check,"Vin offered.
"Is he dead?" Chris gestured towards Kieran.
"I'm not sure. I emptied my gun, but according to the legends, bullets can't kill vampires."
"I hope he's not dead; I want to put a couple more bullets in him myself," Buck groused as he walked in the room supported by Vin.
"Mr. Wilmington, are you all right?" Ezra asked, his attention finally moving away from the vampire.
The mustached man gave them a half-smile, half-grimace. "Yeah. Hell of a headache, though. Damn bastard knows exactly where to hit."
"It's a gift." A voice Chris recognized as Kieran's replied smugly.
He turned to see the vampire standing once again, shirt open to reveal a smooth chest... with no bullet holes. Chris aimed his weapon at the vampire, seeing Vin and Buck do the same from beside him. Kieran, however, didn't pay them any mind, dark eyes focusing on Ezra.
He tsked. "You ruined my favorite shirt, mo gradh (My love). A mere waste of time, as you can see." His hard gaze moved to Buck. "Still want to 'put a couple more bullets' in me, Agent Wilmington? You are welcome to try, although it won't do you any good."
"Do it anyway," Ezra gritted out.
Kieran laughed, obviously delighted. "Such passion, such fire! You will definitely make a worthy mate. Now, I am afraid is it time we left. Perhaps you should say goodbye to your friends?"
"You're not goin' anywhere except jail," Chris told him. "I don't care who or what you are, but you killed four men last --"
"Scum," Kieran interjected softly. "They sold weapons regardless of who they were selling them to or for what purpose. They deserved what they got."
"Maybe," Chris admitted. "But it's not your decision to make."
Kieran shook his head with an annoyed expression. "You humans and your morals. You believe me to be a monster, and yet there are worse monsters amongst yourselves. You should thank me for ridding the world of such immoral souls." He sighed. "I was hoping to accomplish this the easy way, but I can see you are only going to fight me." He glanced at Ezra. "You are coming with me, mo laise (My flame)."
"The hell he is!" Chris exclaimed, but when he tried to step between Ezra and the vampire, his legs seemed stuck to the floor. "What the --? I can't move!"
"I can't either!" Vin growled angrily.
"Join the party," Buck muttered hoarsely.
Kieran smirked, fangs gleaming dangerously. "You are paralyzed, gentlemen. If not for Ezra, I would show you no mercy; you have cost me enough time as it is. But since he is quite fond of you, I shall let you live." He approached the Southerner. "It is time. You shall feel but the slightest of discomforts as my fangs sink into your flesh, then the pleasure will be such as you have never experienced before."
Chris watched helplessly as the vampire wrapped a gentle arm around an equally paralyzed Ezra, lips brushing delicately over an ear, kissing silken skin, seducing his unwilling victim even as he prepared to steal Ezra's last breath. Chris snarled as Kieran opened the first buttons on Ezra's shirt then leaned down, lips parting as the sharp fangs...
Suddenly Kieran screeched, eyes glowing as he pushed Ezra violently away. Unable to keep his balance, Ezra collided against the others, all four men sprawling painfully on the floor. Chris shook his head to clear the dizziness. When he looked up Kieran was gone, the balcony windows wide open.
They were alone.
"What the hell happened?" Buck asked as he sat slowly.
About to reply he had no idea, Chris looked at Ezra's neck and found himself chuckling, an edge of hysteria to it. Ezra was wearing a small cross around his neck, obviously the reason why Kieran had fled. Vampires were supposed to be repelled by crosses.
"Didn't know ya were given to religion," Vin commented, having also seen it.
Ezra turned on his back with a tired sigh, looking up at the ceiling. "I'm not," he whispered. "It was Mr. Sanchez' birthday gift this year. I..." he shrugged slightly. "It was not the symbol, but the meaning behind it. I will have to thank him again for it; it just saved my life."
Chris jumped to his feet. "Come on, let's get out of here. Buck, leave your truck here, we're all sharin' a ride in the Ram. No way are we goin' to go in separate vehicles."
"Wise decision," Ezra agreed. "The rules have changed; you are now targets as well. I believe it would be prudent to call our associates and warn them, perhaps they should stay together for extra protection."
Chris looked down at him. "How do you know this?"
Ezra sighed sadly. "I just know."
"That link thing ya have goin' with Kieran?" Vin guessed, a sympathetic expression settling over his features.
Ezra nodded. "Yes. This isn't merely about me any longer; he will stop at nothing until you are all out of the way. I believe he has just realized that it will be much easier to get to me if you are not around. And it is my punishment for having the cross."
Chris helped him to stand. "He hasn't won yet, Ezra. He may have an edge, but he's just one, there's seven of us. We'll beat him. Trust me."
Ezra's gaze bore into his, assessing. Seemingly satisfied with what he saw, he graced Chris with a rueful smile. "You know, Mr. Larabee, if anyone could beat the devil at his own game, it would definitely be you."
Chris smiled back. "So, you're willin' to take a chance on me?" He asked, knowing he was no longer speaking about Kieran.
Ezra was already walking to the front door. "Well, as you know, I abhor gambling," he stated mischievously as he turned. "But for you... Yes, I believe I can make an exception." He finished, giving Chris his trademark two-fingered salute and leaving the others to carry his bag and follow behind.
Chris shook his head fondly. He may just have bitten off more than he could chew; Ezra Standish was one hell of a handful. Somehow, though, he couldn't make himself regret it. Comfortable and secure and predictable were all right for other people; he wanted someone to challenge him, to make him feel alive. And Ezra was the one to do it.
^w^0^w^
Chris exchanged a concerned glance with Vin and Buck as they watched Ezra sitting quietly on the window ledge, looking up at the star-filled sky.
He had recognized their banter as they were leaving Ezra's apartment for what it really was -- relief. Relief they were all alive and unharmed, relief Ezra was still with them, relief they were still together, still a team. They were all seasoned agents, used to danger and having their lives on the line, but Kieran was far more deadly than anything they had ever faced on the job before.
The banter had, unfortunately, died down on the way to the ranch. Ezra had hardly said a word since arriving, his dinner left nearly untouched on his plate.
"Ya were alone with him for an awfully long time," Vin commented suddenly.
Ezra didn't move from his perch, but he did reply. "I was curious, I needed to know why. Why all this, why me?"
"And?" Buck prompted.
"I'm quite certain his advanced age has left him somewhat unbalanced. Supposedly he's over two thousand years old and he's looking for a life partner."
"You?" Chris managed to control his jealousy. "Why?"
"Kieran told me there is a prophecy amongst vampires where I am alledgely mentioned. This link between us... at the moment it is one-sided. I am the only one capable of seeing and feeling what he is experiencing. So far, it is not constant. I catch glimpses of locations, emotions, then abruptly it's over. But once he has turned me into a vampire he would also be able to see and feel as I do. There would be no barriers, no secrets between us."
Buck shuddered visibly. "Dang it," he whispered. "With someone you love and trust, it might be somethin' worth explorin'. But bein' forced to bond with a vampire and have to endure it for eternity..."
Ezra smiled bitterly. "Fear not, Mr. Wilmington. Kieran has forgotten one of humankind's most endearing qualities -- stubbornness. I am not ready to call it quits just yet. I --" His next words were cut off by a startled gasp.
Chris frowned as Ezra drew his legs up, wrapping his arms around his knees, and closing his eyes as he paled considerably. "Ezra?" he called out softly.
"I'm all right, Chris," Ezra replied in a strained voice. "He's... feeding. I would venture to say he is being particularly brutal for my benefit. A sort of payback for having escaped him a second time."
"Bastard!" Vin spat with feeling.
Ezra chuckled bitterly. "I couldn't agree more, Mr. Tanner."
Buck jumped to his feet. "We need to do somethin'; stop him, call the cops --"
"And say what? That I somehow bonded with a vampire and know he is feeding on someone at this precise moment? That I have no idea where to find him, but that he is out there somewhere?" Ezra whispered brokenly. "I want nothing more than to find Kieran, kill him, destroy him for what he is doing... But there is nothing we can do." He relaxed slightly. "It's over." He took a shuddering breath. "Quite amazing, this bond, really, and it does seem to be mutating somehow. The victim was a beautiful African-American teenager. She... wanted to be a lawyer, perhaps wed her boyfriend and raise a family, have a dog. She begged him not to..." he trailed off, shaking his head and letting it fall against his knees.
"You got all that from the link?" Buck asked in a hushed tone, horror shining from within his eyes.
"Unfortunately." Ezra replied, his voice muffled. "He read her mind as he was draining her and I picked it up. That's what I meant when I said the bond was mutating. It's not mere images and emotions any longer; somehow I am privy to some of the knowledge he possesses. He has a servant, a human servant, Garbhan. All he remembers from his past is being an orphan; he was raised by an uncaring man who owned a tavern and made him work from sunup to sundown. He was turned in his early thirties by a female vampire, but she soon got bored and vanished... It goes on and on and on."
Chris couldn't find a thing to say. He understood that Ezra had probably given them the short version of what he had seen, of what he was seeing. Nothing he could say, no matter how heartfelt, would help Ezra in any way. Words had no meaning at the moment, instead they would have to act.
"Maybe we can use that against him," he ventured.
Vin looked at him. "How?"
"Maybe Ezra can find out where Kieran is hidin'. We could go there durin' the day and stake the bastard."
"We don't even know if that stake through the heart thing is true!" Buck rebuked.
Ezra sighed. "It is. And as we have witnessed tonight, crosses, and also holy water, hurt them. Not garlic, though," he said with a slight smile.
"Thank God," Chris breathed, trying to bring some of the banter back. "I was dreadin' havin' to spread garlic throughout the ranch to keep him away."
Ezra shot him a grateful look. "If that were the case, I believe I would join our colleagues at Mr. Jackson's abode."
"And I'd join ya!" Vin agreed. "Hate the smell o' garlic."
"In any case," Ezra began, serious again. "I have no idea, at least so far, where Kieran is residing. I do know his slumbering is much like ours. He would probably regain consciousness if we were to barge in. Besides, Garbhan would be there to protect him."
"Still, let's not throw the idea away just yet, we might need to use it." Buck stated, a yawn muffling the last words. "Man, I'm tired! I think I'll hit the hay."
Chris looked down at his watch. "It is gettin' late. Vin and I will take the first watch. Ezra, you should try to get some sleep as well. It's been less than twenty-four hours since you've left the hospital."
Ezra nodded. "I am fatigued. Very well, I shall take my leave now. Goodnight, gentlemen."
"'Night, Ez."
"Goodnight, Ez."
Chris waited until Ezra and Buck disappeared into the guest room before turning to Vin. "I want you and Josiah to do somethin' for me first thing tomorrow mornin'. If Kieran is comin' after all of us, I want us prepared. I want each and every one of us to wear a cross, and carry a small vial of holy water. And if you can get anythin' resemblin' a wooden stake..."
Vin nodded, his expression determined. "Leave it up ta me, Cowboy. That bastard isn't takin' Ezra away from us; no way, no how."
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