Bronson woke to the sound of Sarge’s cell phone ringing. He nudged the sleeping vampire in the ribs, receiving only a grunt in response. His arm felt heavy as he reached for the Marine’s phone. Looking at the caller ID, he saw that it was Woody.
“Morning, Woody,” Bronson answered with a yawn.
“Bronson?”
“That would be me.” Bronson shuddered slightly, attempting to clear the cobwebs of sleep.
“Where is David?”
“He’s still asleep,” Bronson sat up and began shaking the vampire next to him in an attempt to wake him up.
“You need to get him up,” Woody said. “We need to be at the barracks within the hour.”
“Okay, I’ll do my best to get him up.” Bronson shook Sarge more vigorously. His efforts were rewarded with another grunt as Sarge rolled over. “Do I need to be there also?”
“Yes, you especially need to be there,” Woody answered. “I am on my way there now. As soon as I get there, I’ll send the car for you.”
“We can walk, Woody.”
“No, Bronson, you need to conserve as much energy as you can,” Woody said, sounding concerned. “I do not think you realize how close you came to dying. Please, just do as I say.”
Bronson sighed heavily. “Okay, Woody, whatever you say.”
“Good, I will see you shortly then.” The call ended.
“Come on, David, move your ass.” Bronson shook the big hairy Marine once more, only to be rewarded with another grunt. “Okay, you asked for it,” Bronson said with a snicker.
With both feet in the small of Sarge’s back, Bronson braced himself with his arms and pushed. A loud thump echoed through the room when Sarge hit the floor.
“Ouch! What the fuck?” Sarge yelled as he jumped up, ready to fight.
Bronson snickered as he looked at the huge man, Sarge’s big dick pointing right at him.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Sarge barked at Bronson.
“I tried to wake you several times,” Bronson explained. “Your phone rang, it was Woody. He wants us at the barracks ASAP.”
“Still, did you have to dump my ass on the floor?” Sarge looked none too happy.
“Ohhhh, I’m sorry, David, but really, I couldn’t wake you up.” Bronson snickered again. He licked his lips, looking at the magnificent dick that was staring him in the face. “Too bad we’re in a hurry.”
“I think we have time for that.” Sarge waggled his eyebrows as he started to crawl towards Bronson.
“No…we…don’t.” Bronson scampered backwards, getting off the bed. “Woody is sending the car for us, and it will be here in a few minutes. We have just enough time for a quick shower.” Bronson turned and ran into the bathroom, but Sarge used his vampire speed, beating him to it.
“No fair,” Bronson protested as Sarge captured him in his big arms.
“All is fair in love and war,” Sarge growled as he took possession of Bronson’s lips.
Bronson pushed the vampire Marine away. “Really, David, we don’t have time.”
“Fine,” Sarge grumped.
Bronson turned on the shower, adjusted the water temperature, and then pulled Sarge into the shower with him.
“I wonder what the hurry is?” Bronson asked as he lathered Sarge’s massive, hairy chest.
“I’m guessing that Hatshepsut has arrived, but why the barracks?” Sarge lifted his arms at Bronson’s nudging. “She’s always had us meet her at the Willard Hotel.”
“Yeah, she seems to like the Willard.” Bronson washed Sarge’s hairy armpits, his own cock so hard now, it was throbbing.
“You sure we don’t have a few extra minutes?” The lust was clear in Sarge’s eyes.
“No, we don’t, as much as I wished we did,” Bronson said honestly.
“Damn.” Sarge pouted.
Sarge’s phone rang again, as the two men were drying off.
As the two men were drying off Sarge’s phone rang again.
“Yeah?” Sarge answered. He listened. “Fine, thanks, we’ll be right down.” He grabbed Bronson in his arms for one last kiss. “I guess we do need to hurry.”
“I told you.” Bronson smirked as he pulled away.
The two men dressed quickly and left Bronson’s apartment. Bronson winced as he went down the stairs.
Sarge noticed. “What’s wrong?”
“My ass hurts.”
Rage crossed over Sarge’s face. “They better not leave me in the same room with that asshole.”
Bronson took Sarge’s big hairy hand in his and lifted it to his lips. “Thanks, David.”
Sarge’s look of fury was replaced by a soft smile.
The driver jumped out to open the door when they exited the building. “There is coffee in back,” he commented as they got into the back seat.
“Oh God, thank you,” Bronson commented as he settled into the seat. He reached for the carafe.
They didn’t have time to finish their coffee before they arrived at the barracks. Both Bronson and Sarge carried large Styrofoam cups of coffee as they walked into the barracks. Davis was on the door that evening. He saluted Sarge who returned the gesture, before letting the men know they’d been asked to go to the command center.
When they walked in Hatshepsut stood and then took Bronson’s hand in her own. “My poor Bronson, I have heard of your ordeal,” she said, her accent thick with sincere sympathy. “Woody has also informed me how much you have contributed in helping us solve this…disastrous affair,” she concluded with a wave of her free hand. “Are you in much pain?”
Bronson blushed. “Thank you, your Majesty,” he said hoarsely as he bowed slightly. “I will be fine. Just a little sore is all.”
The Queen looked to Sarge. “You are talking good care of him, I trust?” A slight smirk curled around her lips.
“As well as he will let me,” Sarge huffed.
“See that you do.” She smiled at Bronson. “So handsome you are, even now.” Bronson felt his cheeks heat up.
The noble sat down next to Mathghamhain. “Let us get down to business. We do not have a lot of time.”
She, Mathghamhain, and Woody sat together, while Sarge and Bronson sat opposite the members of The Committee. Johnson was standing guard at the door.
“I have already contacted the judicial court to hear the trial of Mr. Burrows,” she announced. “As soon as they arrive, his trial will begin. I am sorry this has happened to you.”
Bronson started to say something, but a frown from Woody stopped him.
“I have also been informed that Léonide Durand and Fidencia Santos, along with those they recently created, are on their way here. As soon as we have concluded here, I will call an emergency meeting of The Committee. It will be the first time, we will all meet here, in the New World.”
“Umm, Your Majesty.” Woody grinned. “It has not been called the ‘New World’ for several centuries.”.
Hatshepsut waived her hand dismissively. “Whatever. At any rate, we need to be prepared. Woody feels that Washington, D.C. may be too visible for such a meeting. He has also suggested that we need to secure a place here, in the New World, to hold these prisoners. I feel he is correct, for now and for possible future use.”
“Would this be something long term?” Sarge asked.
“Yes,” Mathghamhain answered. “It would prove to be problematic trying to transport prisoners back to Europe, not to mention the risk of escape by Léonide. He may be a spoiled brat, but stupid he is not. In any case, it is time that we had a secure place in which to meet here in North America.”
“I may have a solution for you in that regard,” Sarge suggested. “There is an old prison in Western North Carolina that would probably work for you. Last I heard it was for sale, or the land was, at any rate.”
“I will look into it immediately.” Woody made a note on a yellow legal pad.
“Excellent.” Hatshepsut nodded. “We will need to move fast to secure such a location.”
“The next thing we need to figure out is what to do with these rogues that are about to arrive,” Mathghamhain said, his Scottish brogue apparent as he spoke.
“The poor kid I rescued from the depot deserves a chance,” Sarge instantly interjected. “He didn’t ask for this.”
“From the reports I have,” Hatshepsut began, “there are only nine rogues arriving with Léonide and Fidencia. Mathghamhain, Woody and I will interview each of them and make our suggestions to the rest of The Committee, time permitting of course.”
Mathghamhain nodded his head in agreement.
“If I may,” Sarge spoke, “where are we to house these incoming prisoners? We only have the one cell here, and Burrows and the kid from the other night are already in there.”
“I am having the basement of my townhome converted into a makeshift jail as we speak,” Woody answered. “It was the quickest solution that I could come up with.”
“I am afraid we are going to have to impose upon you.” Hatshepsut addressed Sarge. “We will need you and your men to provide guard duty while the prisoners are here.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Sarge readily agreed. “Whatever you need.”
“Thank you,” Mathghamhain said.
“Now that we all know what our responsibilities are, I suggest we get started.” Hatshepsut rose to her feet.
“I have a question, if you do not mind?” Bronson asked.
“Of course, Mr. Rudan.”
“Will I need to testify against Sergeant Burrows?”
“That is not necessary, Mr. Rudan,” she answered. “Do you wish to be heard? It is highly unusual, but I will allow it for you, if you so desire.”
“Yes,” Bronson’s voice was subdued. “I would like to be heard, Your Majesty.”
“I can only imagine how violated you must feel,” she said, her eyes soft as she looked at him. “Please know that he will be held to the highest degree of punishment allowable.”
“That’s just it,” Bronson said, looking down at his hands folded on the table. “I don’t think he deserves that.”
“What?” Sarge swiveled violently toward him.
Hatshepsut returned to her seat, her expression unreadable. “Please, explain, Mr. Rudan.”
“I think that if I talk to him, perhaps we could come to an understanding.”
“That is not for you to decide,” Mathghamhain growled.
“It was me that was raped,” Bronson protested, looking up.
“Indeed it was, Mr. Rudan.” Hatshepsut seemed puzzled. “However, please understand that if I were to allow you to testify, it would be but a courtesy and would have no real bearing on our judicial system.”
“I think that is unfair, as I was the one attacked,” Bronson pushed.
Hatshepsut folded her hands on the table. “Are you suggesting Sergeant Burrows go unpunished?”
“What I’m saying is, I think it was merely a misunderstanding that can be cleared up,” Bronson said, arguing his case. “I certainly don’t think he deserves death.”
“Mr. Rudan.” Hatshepsut looked deep into Bronson’s eyes. “Sergeant Burrows has been charged with attempted murder and rape of a chosen one, namely, you. Am I to understand you think that was only a misunderstanding?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I am,” Bronson answered. “Well, not all that, but the reason for it.”
“I see,” the Queen said simply. She sat quietly for a moment before she spoke. “Mr. Rudan, considering all that you have done for our international community, I hold you in high esteem. Therefore I will think this all over before I make any decision. Will that conciliate you for the time being?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, it will.” Bronson smiled.
“Very well.” Hatshepsut rose to her feet once more. “Let us all go and take care of the business at hand.”
* * * * *
Ariston snapped the neck of the servant then kicked the body away. “I said I was in a hurry,” he screamed down at the dead body, before stepping over it. The other servants scattered before him.
“Ariston, please calm down,” Helena begged while staying out of arms reach.
“I will not calm down until I am in Washington, D.C.! I will personally break his silly peacock neck and then rip it from his lifeless body,” the ancient Greek bellowed as he threw himself through the door. Turning on a dime he asked the woman, “Do you, or do you not, have my bag packed?”
“Yes, Ariston, it is at the foot of the stairs,” she replied, her voice quivering. “The car is waiting to take you to the airport.”
Ariston took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He opened his arms. “I am sorry, Helena, but you know how much I was depending on him, and now this…”
Helena moved into her vampire lover’s arms, “Yes, dear. I know.”
“I will see you when I get back,” he said, kissing the top of her head.
“Ariston, please be careful.” Helena kissed his cheek before he left her embrace.
“Of course, course I will,” Ariston again preoccupied with leaving. “I will try to call when I get there.”
“Yes Ariston.” Helena watched him go.
* * * * *
Léonide opened his eyes, unable to focus on anything in the dark room. As his eyes started to close again, he was able to make out Fidencia, unconscious, bound with steel cables, silver tape around her head. He paid no attention to all the noise behind him. His eyes slowly closed again as he faded back into unconsciousness.
* * * * *
“Why are you so anxious to save Burrows?” Sarge scowled at Bronson.
“I don’t think he deserves to be put to death is all,” Bronson said quietly, not looking at Sarge as they walked down the corridor to the common room.
Sarge stopped and turned Bronson toward him by the shoulders. “I know you better than that, Bronson. Give it up. What are you doing?”
Bronson looked up at Sarge. “I don’t want to be the cause of someone dying that you care about,” he said, starting to get angry. He pulled away and continued down the hall. “I need more caffeine.”
“What the hell…” Sarge followed Bronson, stopping him before he could enter the room. “I told you there was nothing between me and Burrows.”
“I know what you told me, but he is one of your men, and I don’t want you to hold it against me if he gets put down like a dog.” Bronson poked Sarge in the chest with his forefinger.
Sarge let Bronson go, sighing heavily. “Look, babe, if he’d done this while he was human, and was court-martialed in the military, he would have gone to jail for the rest of his natural life, more than likely. It’s different now because he has no natural life.”
“I still think that if I can have a chance to talk to him, I could make him understand that I didn’t know he was still interested in you.” Bronson wasn’t about to give up.
“Bronson, even if he was interested in me, I wasn’t interested in him. Don’t you get it?” Sarge rolled his eyes. “He kept coming on to me long before you were in the picture, and I shot him down every time. I didn’t want anything to do with him in that way.”
“Okay, I believe you, but I still don’t think he deserves to die.”
“If that’s how you feel, I can live with that.” Sarge smiled before kissing his forehead.
“Now can I have my coffee?” Bronson glared at the Marine.
Sarge laughed loudly. “Yeah, let’s gets some coffee.”