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Benedict cursed as he raced towards the exit of the High Council. He had been so careless. So foolish. He kept replaying Arina’s words in his head. What she had said was troubling. What was Moira doing at Helena’s bog? Accompanied by a pair of goons, no less. And, at this unseemly hour?! Her behavior was completely out of character. The Moira he knew would either be resting for the big day or executing last minute changes to the grand annoyance of her servants. Hell, she had been planning for this moment ever since she understood the concept of marriage. Oh, the possibilities with a marriage to the Voss Household!
As Benedict passed several closed doors in the dimly-lit hallway, he sensed his paranoia grow exponentially. Usually, when confronted with this feeling, he would shrug it off, or try to excuse it. But, not this time. Benedict would never trust the Verdons again. Coincidences were one thing, but a series of coincidences was an entirely different matter.
Speaking of the Verdons, he noticed that he was but two doors away from Vincent’s office. Benedict clenched his fists. What if he stepped out of his office? Grinning with that famous fake smile on his face. Benedict could not let that happen. He needed to avoid Vincent. He would be slowed down with inane chit-chat, or worst, additional paperwork. By Blood! He couldn’t afford to waste any more time!
But, Benedict truly had the most rotten luck. And, as if by premonition, Vincent’s door swung open.
Another coincidence?
If Benedict didn’t know any better, it seemed that Vincent had been waiting for him. Damn it, it was becoming exceedingly hard for him not to be overly suspicious these days.
“Benedict! Just the vamp I was looking for! Do you have a minute? I have a few questions regarding all these urgent documents we’ve been receiving lately.”
“Sorry, Mr. Verdon, but I must be on my way. You see— “
“Now, now... It’ll only take a few minutes.” He insisted. “I’ve been working like a damn servant over these cursed things. Won’t you help an elder out?” He asked with a warm smile on his face.
Benedict sighed. He promptly reminded himself that Vincent was an Elder, which meant he was answerable to him. No matter the urgency, it would be a sign of disrespect to simply brush him off without a proper explanation. Although he never thought Vincent to be the type to place a complaint against him, he knew that he could. It should be noted that Vincent didn’t take insults very lightly. Benedict figured he might as well give in. It probably would be quicker to help than to waste more time trying to come up with an excuse.
“Alright, but I’m seriously in a hurry. I can’t linger for more than five minutes.” Benedict conceded, turning to Vincent.
“Excellent! This should take less than half that time! I’m afraid all these centuries are finally catching up to me. Not as sharp as I used to be. I daresay I might even consider self-exile if it gets any worst.” Vincent chuckled as he guided Benedict into his office.
As Benedict stepped in, he immediately took notice of two large figures standing in the shadows. They stood motionless; their slow raspy breath cutting through the otherwise quiet room. This was getting a bit alarming. Benedict slightly turned over his shoulder and noted that Vincent’s demeanor had changed. He was no longer the cheery Elder looking for help. He was no longer thankful for Benedict’s time.
With a quick hand gesture, Vincent slammed the door to the empty hallway. Benedict watched as a blue-glowing substance began to ooze between the door and its frame. He was amazed. He had always been an admirer for terrific spell work. Vincent shouted one final word and sealed the only exit with the strongest lockspell known to him. Now, only a caster who knew the keyword could break the spell.
Clearly, this new twist could only mean one thing; the discussion with Vincent could not, and would not, be a short one.
Shit.
Without saying another word, Vincent casually moved towards his desk, sat on his oversized chair and turned on his lamp, illuminating the room. With a soft glow, the identities of the figures were revealed. Benedict groaned. More goons. What was happening in his realm? Never had he seen so many goons in such a short timeframe. Weren’t these heinous creatures supposedly banished from his world thousands of years ago? He shrugged mentally. As time went on, he realized that the Verdons played by their own rules.
“Is this an ambush?” Benedict asked finally, unimpressed that once again he would surely be delayed by more of these irritating tactics.
“Benedict, son—“
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
Vincent smiled at this rebuke. “Whether you decide to marry Moira or not, you will always be family. Have I not watched you grow from a young vampling into the successful and ambitious vampire that I have the honor to work with every day? Have I not been there to guide you and mentor you throughout your existence? I will always cherish you, son.”
Benedict remained quiet. While keeping his eyes on Vincent, he broadened his view and scanned the room for any object that could be used as a weapon. Unfortunately, it seems that the office was swept clean of any potential item. Shit. He felt vulnerable. Forced to figure out where to go from this point on.
“Listen, Benedict,” Vincent pressed on. “I must admit I’m very disappointed with the way you’re treating my daughter. First, you accept to be betrothed to her, then you decide to delay the union countless of times, and now, I get this sickening feeling that your heart is not into it. You know, as a father, all I want is love and happiness for Moira.”
“I found my mate.” Benedict responded flatly.
Vincent blinked. It took him a moment to register the words. Benedict had revealed, without much persuasion, what Vincent has known for the past few days. But, in the end, he always hoped that Benedict would come to his senses. Would this imbecile really throw everything away for a repugnant human? A race that would certainly tarnish his household and bring more shame into their realm? Did he forget how humans tried to kill them off? He exhaled and attempted to calm his nerves. Vincent was just going to have to persuade him to do the right thing. Too much was at stake. Even Benedict could see and understand that.
“You found your mate? Human, I presume.” Vincent asked from his desk. “So, what are you planning to do, Benedict?”
“I plan on marrying her as soon as I step out of this office.” Benedict asserted, without hesitation.
“I see.” Vincent said. Slowly, he stood from his chair and motioned for one of the goons to fix him a drink. The tallest rushed towards the bar and poured a liquid into a golden goblet. A sweet, metallic fragrance filled the room. Benedict quickly recognized the scent; Blood. High quality, freshly obtained, illegal human blood. The goon carefully handed the goblet to his master, and carefully backed away, returning to his initial position.
Vincent swirled the contents around for a few seconds, apparently deep in thought. He knew this was a very delicate situation, as it always was when love was involved. He knew if he said the right words and played the right cards, he may persuade Benedict to drop this scheme. But at the same time, he grew tired of placating him. He no longer wanted to play games, and if he were unable to quickly get Benedict on his side, so be it. He brought the goblet to his lips, as he quietly inhaled its aroma before draining the cup empty.
“Forgive me, Benedict, but I can’t allow you to humiliate my daughter like this. Is there a way I could change your mind? Any threats I can say to make you see reason?” He grinned, exposing the tips of his fangs.
“No.” Benedict replied with a flat smile. “No existing threats are intimidating enough for me to give her up.”
Vincent nodded, but he was bitterly disappointed. He wanted to get through to Benedict. Hoped that one day he could succeed in making him see the light. But, if he were unable to reason with Benedict in a pragmatic way, then he knew he was left with only one choice.
He ordered the goons to seize him.
Quickly, the two grotesque beasts grabbed Benedict by both arms and restrained him.
“I’m sorry, Benedict, but like I said I can’t allow you to marry your mate. It would be an embarrassment for both of our households and a detriment to our society. I understand where you are coming from. You are not the only vampire with these sick ideals for love. However, I hope to rectify this problem soon.”
Vincent stood before a struggling Benedict and quickly looked him over. He was satisfied when he confirmed no weapons or runes were on his person. Keeping him locked up in his office should be easy enough, he thought.
“Now, if you truly care for Ally, then you won’t try to do anything reckless. My patience has run out. Do you remember what goons like to snack on? Humans, in case your memory is failing you.”
“H-how? Who- who told you—" Benedict stammered. How did he know Ally’s name?
“Benedict, please. You know how. You know why. Did you think that you wouldn’t be followed by my agents when so much was at risk? Why don’t you drop this naïve charade? It’s very unbecoming.”
Vincent, then, muttered a command in the guttural language of the goons. The goons both nodded their heads sharply and picked Benedict up and shoved him on Vincent’s chair.
“If you’re curious to know, Ally is safe for the moment. In the end, I don’t really care if you want to sully your household with impure blood. As disgusting as it is, it’s your choice. But, if you think I’ll sit idly by and accept the idea that your impure offspring will inherit what should be rightfully mine... Well, I won’t go down without a fight. You have until midnight to let me know if you’ve changed your mind. Or else, our agreement will be upheld, and you will forfeit everything for this distasteful, incompatible, loathsome feeling you want to call love.”
He strolled towards the door, hands on the knob and looked back towards Benedict one last time.
“Wheels are in motion, Benedict. You should choose your side wisely.” With that, he slammed the door and chanted a few words to ensure that his precious prisoner could not escape from his prison.
