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Blood. Lust. Family. Chapter 5
Pairing: Sakumoto
Genre: Vampire AU, fantasy, drama, mpreg
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Contains violence, gore, blood.
Summary: There is an attack, and plans are made.
Previously: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4
Jun admired his gently rounded belly in the mirror; in the last few weeks his clothing had gradually become tighter. His skin was still damp from the shower as he massaged in some body lotion. He hadn’t even meant to make love to Sho; it had somehow just happened. Sho had come home from his daily jog smelling of sweat, and the scent had penetrated every pore of Jun’s being, filling him with a rush of hormones. Jun had been unable to resist jumping his mate. They hadn’t even had time to undress. Sho had lifted him up onto the dining room table and pushed aside just enough clothing to allow access. The sex had been fast and furious and both of them came loudly and simultaneously within just a few minutes.
Now that the morning sickness had abated, apart from an aversion to certain foods, and Sho had stopped treating him like an invalid, Jun was finally getting the chance to enjoy his pregnancy; and the first thing on his agenda was searching for a new larger apartment. Surprisingly Sho had immediately agreed when Jun first suggested it, rather than arguing to keep their current place, which had been Sho’s prior to their mating. It had only taken a few days before Sho had come up with a short list of possible new homes, all of which seemed to have the highest levels of security and safety. Although he thought that Sho was being a little over-zealous in his instinct to protect him and their youngling, Jun was definitely not going to deny that Sho being so adamant made him feel hot all over.
Sho emerged from the bathroom with a towel tied loosely around his waist. His damp hair was tousled and his neck and chest were covered by faint bruises left by bite marks which had already healed. The sight of Jun utterly naked and looking so delicious caused Sho’s eyes to turn to dark pools. The towel dropped to the floor and his eyes gleamed with intent as he approached Jun, who did not look unhappy at all, even though they were going to be late for their appointment with the realtor.
****
“As you can see, security is paramount.” The vampire realtor gestured to the heavy bars which marred the view of the night sky. He even thumped his hand against the metal to demonstrate their sturdiness. “Safety is more important than having a view. It was easier in the old days when vampires had their living quarters underground.”
To Jun, who found the whole apartment restricting and slightly depressing, the bars were just another example of what was wrong with every place they’d looked at so far.
“Security is important, but so is fresh air,” Jun hissed into Sho’s ear.
Sho winced as Jun dug sharp claws into the palm of his hand. He hadn’t informed Jun of the exact nature of his meetings with Nino and Satoshi regarding the attacks on vampires. Sho definitely didn’t want to add to the strain that Jun was already under and perhaps worry him unnecessarily. With Nino’s Vampire Council agents out on the streets in the most troublesome areas, things had cooled down slightly. Even though Sho knew that Jun would be angry if he discovered that Sho had been hiding the full truth from him, he still believed that keeping Jun in the dark was in Jun’s best interests.
Even Sho had to admit that the realtor had completely failed with his choices. The apartments were large enough, but they resembled maximum security prisons, rather than the luxuriously comfortable nest he sought for Jun to raise their youngling.
“I’m sorry Nagano-san but Prince Matsumoto is feeling a little tired,” Sho said, nudging Jun lightly in the ribs. “Perhaps we can put the rest of the properties on hold for another day?”
Jun nodded and leaned into Sho, rounding his shoulders in an attempt to look exhausted.
Nagano pursed his lips, and scrolled through his schedule, looking for another opening. “I will be free to show you tomorrow at ten pm.”
“What a shame, that we aren’t,” Sho said with a regretful shake of his head. “Prince Matsumoto has an appointment with his doctor at that time. I will get my secretary Aiba-san to reschedule just as soon as we are available.”
****
Sho hustled Jun into the car before collapsing onto the seat beside him with a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry Pet. That was an unmitigated disaster.”
“It wasn’t your fault. Although perhaps you over-emphasised the security part of what we were looking for,” Jun giggled as he fastened his seatbelt. “I imagine that any maximum security prison facility would be happy to have any of those apartments. You should pass the details on to Nino.”
Sho laughed as the car pulled out of the underground garage, taking out his phone to search for a different realtor, one who might fit their needs better.
Their driver Sakamoto-san paused to allow a car to pass before pulling out into the traffic. A moment later the window on Jun’s side of the car exploded as an unknown object struck it from outside, piercing the tinted glass. Jun was fast enough to mostly shield his face from the fragments. Sho attempted to leap across to protect him, but he was hampered by his seat belt. The loud noise startled Sakamoto-san and he momentarily lost control of the car, almost veering into the oncoming traffic. Sho was frantic with worry for his mate, but rather than halting the vehicle, he ordered the shaken driver to get them home as quickly as possible. He wanted Jun to be in a place of safety before he tried to figure out exactly what had just occurred.
Sho reached across the seat for Jun’s blood-coated hand. “Pet, are you hurt?”
Jun turned to Sho with eyes like blank saucers, before collapsing back into the seat in a faint.
****
Shun-sensei was already waiting for them at their apartment when Sho carried Jun through the door. Aiba helped to remove Jun’s shoes before Sho continued on through to the bedroom and placed him carefully down on the bed.
Sho was barely able to keep his anger in check, pacing around the room with clenched fists as the doctor calmly went about his business. Unable to keep his angry hiss in check as the physician loosened Jun’s clothing, Sho earned himself a frustrated hiss in return from Shun.
“If you are only going to make my job harder, I suggest you leave the room,” Shun said as he lifted Jun’s limp hand to check his pulse. “I am sure that the wounds are superficial, but I still wish to examine Jun-sama more closely.”
Sho, who had been a hair's breadth away from turning feral, took a steadying breath and collected himself. “I’m sorry Sensei. I will control myself, but I will not leave the room. Not when my mate is injured.”
Fortunately, once Shun wiped the blood from Jun’s hands and the side of his neck, it could be seen that the wounds were already healing. A little slower than normal, but that was usual in a vampire who was breeding. There were no other injuries and Jun slowly began to regain his senses, stirring under Oguri’s gentle touch.
Without any warning Jun sat bolt upright, slashing razor-sharp claws at Oguri’s face and growling deeply as he climbed backwards on the bed. Jun’s eyes were blank as he protectively shielded his belly, curling into a crouch amongst the pillows. He seemed entirely unaware of his surroundings, running on vampire instincts alone.
Shun, who had nimbly managed to avoid Jun’s attack, retreated to a corner of the room, allowing Sho to go to Jun and attempt to calm him.
Striking out blindly, Jun caught Sho’s neck with a claw, ripping open a deep gash which caused blood to stain the collar of Sho’s shirt. The scent of blood worsened Jun’s state and he hissed and attempted to sink his fangs into any part of Sho which was close enough for him to reach. Jun’s eyes were blank dark orbs, bereft of any trace of their usual gentle purple glow as he mindlessly fought to defend his youngling.
Dodging and weaving, Sho managed to grab first one of Jun’s wrists and then the other, pinning them firmly together as he pulled Jun closer. Jun struggled and kicked out with his legs, growling and hissing. Finally Sho managed to drag Jun around so that he could sink his teeth into the back of his neck. As Sho’s fangs closed down on his nape, Jun instantly sagged, going limp in his mate’s arms. Sho stroked Jun’s side with his free hand as he rocked him in a gentle motion.
Deeming it safe to move, Shun left the safety of his corner and cautiously approached. Jun’s eyes fluttered open, once again infused with soft lavender light as he whined and struggled to move closer to Sho’s solid presence. The doctor nodded to Sho and left them alone after quietly reassuring Sho that his mate was unharmed, but should rest as much as possible for the next few days.
“Sho release me,” Jun said softly. His voice was trembling and weak. “Please hold me.”
Taking care not to hurt Jun, Sho unlatched his fangs from the back of Jun’s neck, kissing and licking the deep puncture marks until they began to knit together. Letting go of Jun’s wrists, he tugged his mate onto his lap and held him tight. Stroking Jun’s hair, Sho looked into his mate’s eyes, seeking reassurance.
“Are you sure you are okay? And our youngling?” Sho asked, urgently. “Oguri-sensei told me you are both well, but I prefer to hear the words directly from you.”
Now that the rage had left Jun’s body he was pale and exhausted looking, but his voice grew in strength as he replied. “We are fine; shaken up but not injured. I refuse to allow anyone or anything to hurt our youngling. I apologise for going feral. I think I hurt you.”
“My love, you were just following your instincts,” Sho replied softly, showing Jun that his neck was already healed.
“I don’t understand what happened. The window just exploded with no warning, as if something was fired through it.”
Sho hummed into Jun’s hair, “Don’t worry about that now. You need to rest.”
“Maybe for a few minutes,” Jun murmured tiredly as Sho laid him down and drew Jun’s favourite soft fluffy pale blue blanket over him.
****
Satoshi was restlessly pacing the living room and muttering to himself as Sho emerged from the bedroom wiping the crusted blood from his neck. Satoshi instantly froze and his body tensed. “The doctor told us that my brother is shaken but unharmed. Is this so?”
“He was terrified, but has calmed now,” Sho replied, taking it for granted that Satoshi would be here and tiredly cracking his neck as he walked. “Our youngling is uninjured.”
Aiba almost dropped the tray of drinks he was carrying when he saw the two together. “Sorry Sir. I took the liberty of informing Prince Satoshi and Nino-san about what happened.”
“Thanks Aiba-chan,” Sho said as he took a beaker of blood from the tray. “I take it that Nino will be here soon?”
“Nino is right here,” Nino said as he glided silently into the apartment. “I have been investigating what it was that broke the window.”
With a look of distaste Nino carefully pulled a plastic bag from the black backpack he was wearing. Holding it gingerly between his fingertips, he showed them the flattened silver bullet which he had collected from the floor of the car. It glinted dangerously in the light and Satoshi and Sho instinctively recoiled from its deadly aura.
“As far as I can tell, it was fired from across the street. As to who did it, I have a few ideas, but not a lot of concrete proof.” Nino carefully slid it back into his bag with a sigh of relief.
“It must be those humans,” Satoshi snarled, bunching his fists tightly by his sides. “I say we destroy them. This has been carrying on for too many weeks now. It is time for us to act.”
Nino patted Satoshi on the shoulder in an attempt to calm him. “As much as I would love to do that, there is a little thing called proof. I want the perpetrator punished just as much as you do, but I want to make sure that we have the right people. I apologise that the investigations are taking longer than anticipated. Please allow me a little more time.”
For once Sho was on the side of caution; for the moment he was unable to leave Jun’s side, bound by the primal need to protect his mate. So even though deep down his feral side hungered for revenge, he agreed with Nino, leaving Satoshi angry and frustrated.
****
“What was that about?” Satoshi demanded. He caught hold of Nino’s sleeve, preventing him from climbing into his car. “Since when do we wait when family members are in danger? Or don’t you care?”
“Of course I care, and it’s not just Jun and Sho who are in harm’s way. You had better keep your head down too until I can figure this out,” Nino wriggled his arm to free himself.
“You think it’s someone other than those human gangsters? Vampires maybe?”
“I didn’t say that. Like I told Sho-san, let’s just keep calm until we know exactly what is going on,” Nino replied as he climbed into his black SUV.
“You’re planning on doing this alone aren’t you?” Satoshi accused, holding the door and preventing Nino from closing it.
Nino’s grin was predatory as he replied. “Now, what would ever give you that idea?”
****
When Sho woke, he groaned and stretched, trying to relieve the ache in his shoulders. He hadn’t meant to sleep in the armchair beside their bed, but Jun had such a firm grip of his hand, and he didn’t have the heart to let go.
Jun had woken only once to feed, drinking only a small quantity of Sho’s blood before falling asleep once more. The sun was setting and Sho needed to speak urgently with Nino, but he didn’t want Jun waking up alone.
As if reading Sho’s thoughts Jun stirred, grumbling as he attempted to sit up. His bladder felt as if it would burst if he didn’t relieve it within the next couple of minutes. For a moment all he worried about was the need to pee, and then the events of the previous night rushed into his brain and he clutched his belly protectively.
Feeling the echo of Jun’s panic in his own stomach, Sho soothed his mate. “Don’t fret, my love. Our youngling is safe and well.”
As Sho reached out to stroke Jun’s thigh, Jun squeaked and hurriedly shuffled out of bed, heading towards the bathroom with as much speed as he could muster.
Sho couldn’t help laughing at the cutely concentrated expression on Jun’s face as he tried to make it in time.
“You aren’t laughing at a pregnant vampire’s urgent need to pee are you?” Jun turned around and narrowed his eyes, glaring at Sho.
“I wouldn’t dream of it Pet. Or more correctly, I wouldn’t dare.”
When Jun had relieved himself and returned to bed he munched on a handful of ginger cookies. Although these days he was rarely upon rising, he enjoyed their taste, and the decadence of eating in bed.
Sho accepted a cookie from Jun and prepared to find them some breakfast, breathing a mental sigh of relief that Jun hadn’t mentioned the incident. He would prefer to discuss things when they were both more awake; but his relief was short-lived.
“We were attacked, weren’t we? I didn’t just dream it?” Jun’s eyes were wide and his expression one of worry.
“I’m afraid you didn't.”
“But why? Does Nino have any ideas?”
“There has been a series of attacks on lesser vampires over the last few months, possibly by human gangsters. This incident may have been an escalation of these incidents. Nino is investigating even as we speak.”
“I understand. I suppose you are going to tell me that you have all known about this for weeks. I knew that you were meeting with Nino and Satoshi regularly, and that there was an important reason for it. I know that you were all trying to protect our youngling and I from too much stress.”
Jun’s calmness confused Sho, who was expecting his mate to be more upset. “Pet, are you sure you're okay?”
“Of course. I will simply tear anyone who tries to harm my youngling apart with my bare hands.” Jun replied with a sweet smile as he held out a brightly-coloured packet. “Cookie?”
****
“You can't blame Jun for being protective of the youngling he is carrying,” Nino said soothingly.
“It is we who should protect him, and once again we have failed,” Satoshi huffed sulkily.
Sho instantly stiffened. “Don't you mean me? I am his mate after all.”
Nino could take no more of their constant bickering. “With all due respect to your Royal status and I mean no insult. But will you two quit it? You both promised to stop behaving like a pair of spoiled children arguing over a favourite toy. And yet every time we meet you continue this inane bickering. Jun is an adult vampire, not some immature vampling still in nappies. All weaker vampires at the moment need protection against these attacks, not just Jun. And they don’t have the protection of bodyguards twenty-four hours a day as he has either. So can we stop this nonsense and carry on with this meeting?”
Sho and Satoshi stared at Nino in stunned silence. Nino glared at them unapologetically until they both muttered a muted apology.
“It’s not that I don't care about Jun’s welfare. But with the information which has come into my hands today, I realised that I have to worry about the pair of you as well,” Nino continued with a serious expression.
“What. Why would humans act against a Royal Family?” Satoshi was genuinely puzzled. All of the attacks so far had been against low-ranked vampires. It would be foolish indeed to attack the powerful Royals.
“Because the attack against Sho and Jun wasn't perpetrated by humans. My agents and I have sorted out the mess involving the gangsters. And believe me, they won't be coming back for more.” Nino’s grim smile was wolfish.
“So you're telling us that we were attacked by vampires? How is that possible? There has been peace within our kingdoms for centuries.” Sho was sceptical.
“I have had my suspicions for a while now, and the attack against you has proven me right. I believe that King Matsuoka’s heir Masahiro has the desire to increase their territory,” Nino said, earning a fresh pair of sceptical glares.
“If that is true, how would attacking Jun help?” Sho was fervently hoping that Nino was wrong.
Nino raised an eyebrow. “They weren't targeting Jun. They were attempting to remove the Sakurai heir. With you out of the way, the Sakurai Kingdom would fall into disarray.”
“But how would that give an advantage to Matsuoka?” Satoshi asked.
A spark of realization glowed in Sho’s eyes. “I presume that Masahiro would generously offer to help my father in his hour of need. But what would happen to Jun in this scenario? He carries my heir.”
Nino’s expression of anger said it all; he didn't need to spell it out to the two shocked vampires.
A deep rumble issued from Sho’s chest. He wasn't even aware that he was the one making the sound, and looked around absently as if seeking the source of the noise. This was not just a threat to his kingdom; it was a threat to the life of his mate and unborn heir. He would not rest until this threat was eliminated.
****
“Pet, if I ask you to go to our mating place for a while will you go without asking any questions?” Sho massaged Jun’s thigh as he spoke, hoping that the action would keep Jun calm. After the meeting with Satoshi and Nino, Sho had felt it necessary to tell Jun the complete truth of the situation. He hoped that it would make it easier to persuade Jun to go to a place of safety until his things were resolved.
Jun, who was laying facing Sho on the bed, didn't even need to think for a moment before replying. “You know that I can't do that.”
“My love, there are things which need to be sorted and it would be safer if you weren't here when it happens.”
“My place is by your side. Matsuoka Masahiro doesn't frighten me.”
“Have you forgotten the silver bullet fired through our car window? It almost struck you.”
Jun knew that Sho had his best interests at heart, but it appeared that Sho had not thought of something. “You realize that if I do flee, you and Satoshi and Nino will all be here, and I will be all alone. What if they follow and attack me there?”
“Pet, I…”
“It seems that I will be in danger in both places, but at least if I stay here I will have more protection,” Jun said, gripping Sho’s hand and entwining their fingers tightly.
“I couldn't continue to exist if I lost you,” Sho whispered.
“Nor I you,” Jun replied softly. “So we have to make sure that things go our way, and swiftly.”
****
If Satoshi and Sho were agitated to have Jun taking part in their discussions, Nino appeared to be the complete opposite. He showed no surprise when Jun accompanied Sho to their next meeting in an anonymous hotel room. The same couldn't be said of Satoshi who glared at Sho with a fierce expression, but swallowed any complaints after receiving a low warning hiss from Nino.
Sho made sure that Jun was comfortable on the two seater sofa, before taking a place at the small table with Nino and Satoshi.
“It appears that Masahiro paid the human criminals to harass the vampire population. He obviously intended them to cause sufficient unrest to distract the Vampire Council and its agents while he carried out his plan to assassinate the Sakurai heir.” Nino handed around a written confession from one of the gangsters.
Jun dug his claws into the arm of the sofa. The idea of someone wanting to kill his mate brought violent feelings bubbling to the surface of his mind. His stomach churned and a cold sweat broke out on his brow. Instinct led his hand to rest protectively on his belly, cupping the slight swelling under his fingers.
“So we have the proof needed to arrest Masahiro?” Satoshi was impatient. Matsuoka needed to be locked up as soon as possible.
“We have proof of his payments to the humans. There is no tangible proof of his connection to the shooting,” Nino replied with a shake of his head.
“Why don't we just speak directly to King Matsuoka? He may not even know what his heir is planning. Perhaps he will step in and stop this,” Jun suggested hopefully.
“I doubt it. Over the past few decades he has handed most of his responsibilities over to Masahiro,” Satoshi sighed. “But perhaps Masahiro might just listen to me. He was my senpai at school and we remained in touch until he began to fill his father's role. Until what I have heard about him now, I would've still considered us to be friends.”
Jun perched nervously on the edge of his seat as worry for his brother filled his heart. “But Satoshi, if he is after the Sakurai Kingdom, then surely he is after our Matsumoto Kingdom also. You could be walking into a trap.”
“Yes, he could,” Nino replied with an eager yellow gleam in his eyes. “And that would be absolutely perfect.”
Genre: Vampire AU, fantasy, drama, mpreg
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Contains violence, gore, blood.
Summary: There is an attack, and plans are made.
Previously: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4
Jun admired his gently rounded belly in the mirror; in the last few weeks his clothing had gradually become tighter. His skin was still damp from the shower as he massaged in some body lotion. He hadn’t even meant to make love to Sho; it had somehow just happened. Sho had come home from his daily jog smelling of sweat, and the scent had penetrated every pore of Jun’s being, filling him with a rush of hormones. Jun had been unable to resist jumping his mate. They hadn’t even had time to undress. Sho had lifted him up onto the dining room table and pushed aside just enough clothing to allow access. The sex had been fast and furious and both of them came loudly and simultaneously within just a few minutes.
Now that the morning sickness had abated, apart from an aversion to certain foods, and Sho had stopped treating him like an invalid, Jun was finally getting the chance to enjoy his pregnancy; and the first thing on his agenda was searching for a new larger apartment. Surprisingly Sho had immediately agreed when Jun first suggested it, rather than arguing to keep their current place, which had been Sho’s prior to their mating. It had only taken a few days before Sho had come up with a short list of possible new homes, all of which seemed to have the highest levels of security and safety. Although he thought that Sho was being a little over-zealous in his instinct to protect him and their youngling, Jun was definitely not going to deny that Sho being so adamant made him feel hot all over.
Sho emerged from the bathroom with a towel tied loosely around his waist. His damp hair was tousled and his neck and chest were covered by faint bruises left by bite marks which had already healed. The sight of Jun utterly naked and looking so delicious caused Sho’s eyes to turn to dark pools. The towel dropped to the floor and his eyes gleamed with intent as he approached Jun, who did not look unhappy at all, even though they were going to be late for their appointment with the realtor.
****
“As you can see, security is paramount.” The vampire realtor gestured to the heavy bars which marred the view of the night sky. He even thumped his hand against the metal to demonstrate their sturdiness. “Safety is more important than having a view. It was easier in the old days when vampires had their living quarters underground.”
To Jun, who found the whole apartment restricting and slightly depressing, the bars were just another example of what was wrong with every place they’d looked at so far.
“Security is important, but so is fresh air,” Jun hissed into Sho’s ear.
Sho winced as Jun dug sharp claws into the palm of his hand. He hadn’t informed Jun of the exact nature of his meetings with Nino and Satoshi regarding the attacks on vampires. Sho definitely didn’t want to add to the strain that Jun was already under and perhaps worry him unnecessarily. With Nino’s Vampire Council agents out on the streets in the most troublesome areas, things had cooled down slightly. Even though Sho knew that Jun would be angry if he discovered that Sho had been hiding the full truth from him, he still believed that keeping Jun in the dark was in Jun’s best interests.
Even Sho had to admit that the realtor had completely failed with his choices. The apartments were large enough, but they resembled maximum security prisons, rather than the luxuriously comfortable nest he sought for Jun to raise their youngling.
“I’m sorry Nagano-san but Prince Matsumoto is feeling a little tired,” Sho said, nudging Jun lightly in the ribs. “Perhaps we can put the rest of the properties on hold for another day?”
Jun nodded and leaned into Sho, rounding his shoulders in an attempt to look exhausted.
Nagano pursed his lips, and scrolled through his schedule, looking for another opening. “I will be free to show you tomorrow at ten pm.”
“What a shame, that we aren’t,” Sho said with a regretful shake of his head. “Prince Matsumoto has an appointment with his doctor at that time. I will get my secretary Aiba-san to reschedule just as soon as we are available.”
****
Sho hustled Jun into the car before collapsing onto the seat beside him with a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry Pet. That was an unmitigated disaster.”
“It wasn’t your fault. Although perhaps you over-emphasised the security part of what we were looking for,” Jun giggled as he fastened his seatbelt. “I imagine that any maximum security prison facility would be happy to have any of those apartments. You should pass the details on to Nino.”
Sho laughed as the car pulled out of the underground garage, taking out his phone to search for a different realtor, one who might fit their needs better.
Their driver Sakamoto-san paused to allow a car to pass before pulling out into the traffic. A moment later the window on Jun’s side of the car exploded as an unknown object struck it from outside, piercing the tinted glass. Jun was fast enough to mostly shield his face from the fragments. Sho attempted to leap across to protect him, but he was hampered by his seat belt. The loud noise startled Sakamoto-san and he momentarily lost control of the car, almost veering into the oncoming traffic. Sho was frantic with worry for his mate, but rather than halting the vehicle, he ordered the shaken driver to get them home as quickly as possible. He wanted Jun to be in a place of safety before he tried to figure out exactly what had just occurred.
Sho reached across the seat for Jun’s blood-coated hand. “Pet, are you hurt?”
Jun turned to Sho with eyes like blank saucers, before collapsing back into the seat in a faint.
****
Shun-sensei was already waiting for them at their apartment when Sho carried Jun through the door. Aiba helped to remove Jun’s shoes before Sho continued on through to the bedroom and placed him carefully down on the bed.
Sho was barely able to keep his anger in check, pacing around the room with clenched fists as the doctor calmly went about his business. Unable to keep his angry hiss in check as the physician loosened Jun’s clothing, Sho earned himself a frustrated hiss in return from Shun.
“If you are only going to make my job harder, I suggest you leave the room,” Shun said as he lifted Jun’s limp hand to check his pulse. “I am sure that the wounds are superficial, but I still wish to examine Jun-sama more closely.”
Sho, who had been a hair's breadth away from turning feral, took a steadying breath and collected himself. “I’m sorry Sensei. I will control myself, but I will not leave the room. Not when my mate is injured.”
Fortunately, once Shun wiped the blood from Jun’s hands and the side of his neck, it could be seen that the wounds were already healing. A little slower than normal, but that was usual in a vampire who was breeding. There were no other injuries and Jun slowly began to regain his senses, stirring under Oguri’s gentle touch.
Without any warning Jun sat bolt upright, slashing razor-sharp claws at Oguri’s face and growling deeply as he climbed backwards on the bed. Jun’s eyes were blank as he protectively shielded his belly, curling into a crouch amongst the pillows. He seemed entirely unaware of his surroundings, running on vampire instincts alone.
Shun, who had nimbly managed to avoid Jun’s attack, retreated to a corner of the room, allowing Sho to go to Jun and attempt to calm him.
Striking out blindly, Jun caught Sho’s neck with a claw, ripping open a deep gash which caused blood to stain the collar of Sho’s shirt. The scent of blood worsened Jun’s state and he hissed and attempted to sink his fangs into any part of Sho which was close enough for him to reach. Jun’s eyes were blank dark orbs, bereft of any trace of their usual gentle purple glow as he mindlessly fought to defend his youngling.
Dodging and weaving, Sho managed to grab first one of Jun’s wrists and then the other, pinning them firmly together as he pulled Jun closer. Jun struggled and kicked out with his legs, growling and hissing. Finally Sho managed to drag Jun around so that he could sink his teeth into the back of his neck. As Sho’s fangs closed down on his nape, Jun instantly sagged, going limp in his mate’s arms. Sho stroked Jun’s side with his free hand as he rocked him in a gentle motion.
Deeming it safe to move, Shun left the safety of his corner and cautiously approached. Jun’s eyes fluttered open, once again infused with soft lavender light as he whined and struggled to move closer to Sho’s solid presence. The doctor nodded to Sho and left them alone after quietly reassuring Sho that his mate was unharmed, but should rest as much as possible for the next few days.
“Sho release me,” Jun said softly. His voice was trembling and weak. “Please hold me.”
Taking care not to hurt Jun, Sho unlatched his fangs from the back of Jun’s neck, kissing and licking the deep puncture marks until they began to knit together. Letting go of Jun’s wrists, he tugged his mate onto his lap and held him tight. Stroking Jun’s hair, Sho looked into his mate’s eyes, seeking reassurance.
“Are you sure you are okay? And our youngling?” Sho asked, urgently. “Oguri-sensei told me you are both well, but I prefer to hear the words directly from you.”
Now that the rage had left Jun’s body he was pale and exhausted looking, but his voice grew in strength as he replied. “We are fine; shaken up but not injured. I refuse to allow anyone or anything to hurt our youngling. I apologise for going feral. I think I hurt you.”
“My love, you were just following your instincts,” Sho replied softly, showing Jun that his neck was already healed.
“I don’t understand what happened. The window just exploded with no warning, as if something was fired through it.”
Sho hummed into Jun’s hair, “Don’t worry about that now. You need to rest.”
“Maybe for a few minutes,” Jun murmured tiredly as Sho laid him down and drew Jun’s favourite soft fluffy pale blue blanket over him.
****
Satoshi was restlessly pacing the living room and muttering to himself as Sho emerged from the bedroom wiping the crusted blood from his neck. Satoshi instantly froze and his body tensed. “The doctor told us that my brother is shaken but unharmed. Is this so?”
“He was terrified, but has calmed now,” Sho replied, taking it for granted that Satoshi would be here and tiredly cracking his neck as he walked. “Our youngling is uninjured.”
Aiba almost dropped the tray of drinks he was carrying when he saw the two together. “Sorry Sir. I took the liberty of informing Prince Satoshi and Nino-san about what happened.”
“Thanks Aiba-chan,” Sho said as he took a beaker of blood from the tray. “I take it that Nino will be here soon?”
“Nino is right here,” Nino said as he glided silently into the apartment. “I have been investigating what it was that broke the window.”
With a look of distaste Nino carefully pulled a plastic bag from the black backpack he was wearing. Holding it gingerly between his fingertips, he showed them the flattened silver bullet which he had collected from the floor of the car. It glinted dangerously in the light and Satoshi and Sho instinctively recoiled from its deadly aura.
“As far as I can tell, it was fired from across the street. As to who did it, I have a few ideas, but not a lot of concrete proof.” Nino carefully slid it back into his bag with a sigh of relief.
“It must be those humans,” Satoshi snarled, bunching his fists tightly by his sides. “I say we destroy them. This has been carrying on for too many weeks now. It is time for us to act.”
Nino patted Satoshi on the shoulder in an attempt to calm him. “As much as I would love to do that, there is a little thing called proof. I want the perpetrator punished just as much as you do, but I want to make sure that we have the right people. I apologise that the investigations are taking longer than anticipated. Please allow me a little more time.”
For once Sho was on the side of caution; for the moment he was unable to leave Jun’s side, bound by the primal need to protect his mate. So even though deep down his feral side hungered for revenge, he agreed with Nino, leaving Satoshi angry and frustrated.
****
“What was that about?” Satoshi demanded. He caught hold of Nino’s sleeve, preventing him from climbing into his car. “Since when do we wait when family members are in danger? Or don’t you care?”
“Of course I care, and it’s not just Jun and Sho who are in harm’s way. You had better keep your head down too until I can figure this out,” Nino wriggled his arm to free himself.
“You think it’s someone other than those human gangsters? Vampires maybe?”
“I didn’t say that. Like I told Sho-san, let’s just keep calm until we know exactly what is going on,” Nino replied as he climbed into his black SUV.
“You’re planning on doing this alone aren’t you?” Satoshi accused, holding the door and preventing Nino from closing it.
Nino’s grin was predatory as he replied. “Now, what would ever give you that idea?”
****
When Sho woke, he groaned and stretched, trying to relieve the ache in his shoulders. He hadn’t meant to sleep in the armchair beside their bed, but Jun had such a firm grip of his hand, and he didn’t have the heart to let go.
Jun had woken only once to feed, drinking only a small quantity of Sho’s blood before falling asleep once more. The sun was setting and Sho needed to speak urgently with Nino, but he didn’t want Jun waking up alone.
As if reading Sho’s thoughts Jun stirred, grumbling as he attempted to sit up. His bladder felt as if it would burst if he didn’t relieve it within the next couple of minutes. For a moment all he worried about was the need to pee, and then the events of the previous night rushed into his brain and he clutched his belly protectively.
Feeling the echo of Jun’s panic in his own stomach, Sho soothed his mate. “Don’t fret, my love. Our youngling is safe and well.”
As Sho reached out to stroke Jun’s thigh, Jun squeaked and hurriedly shuffled out of bed, heading towards the bathroom with as much speed as he could muster.
Sho couldn’t help laughing at the cutely concentrated expression on Jun’s face as he tried to make it in time.
“You aren’t laughing at a pregnant vampire’s urgent need to pee are you?” Jun turned around and narrowed his eyes, glaring at Sho.
“I wouldn’t dream of it Pet. Or more correctly, I wouldn’t dare.”
When Jun had relieved himself and returned to bed he munched on a handful of ginger cookies. Although these days he was rarely upon rising, he enjoyed their taste, and the decadence of eating in bed.
Sho accepted a cookie from Jun and prepared to find them some breakfast, breathing a mental sigh of relief that Jun hadn’t mentioned the incident. He would prefer to discuss things when they were both more awake; but his relief was short-lived.
“We were attacked, weren’t we? I didn’t just dream it?” Jun’s eyes were wide and his expression one of worry.
“I’m afraid you didn't.”
“But why? Does Nino have any ideas?”
“There has been a series of attacks on lesser vampires over the last few months, possibly by human gangsters. This incident may have been an escalation of these incidents. Nino is investigating even as we speak.”
“I understand. I suppose you are going to tell me that you have all known about this for weeks. I knew that you were meeting with Nino and Satoshi regularly, and that there was an important reason for it. I know that you were all trying to protect our youngling and I from too much stress.”
Jun’s calmness confused Sho, who was expecting his mate to be more upset. “Pet, are you sure you're okay?”
“Of course. I will simply tear anyone who tries to harm my youngling apart with my bare hands.” Jun replied with a sweet smile as he held out a brightly-coloured packet. “Cookie?”
****
“You can't blame Jun for being protective of the youngling he is carrying,” Nino said soothingly.
“It is we who should protect him, and once again we have failed,” Satoshi huffed sulkily.
Sho instantly stiffened. “Don't you mean me? I am his mate after all.”
Nino could take no more of their constant bickering. “With all due respect to your Royal status and I mean no insult. But will you two quit it? You both promised to stop behaving like a pair of spoiled children arguing over a favourite toy. And yet every time we meet you continue this inane bickering. Jun is an adult vampire, not some immature vampling still in nappies. All weaker vampires at the moment need protection against these attacks, not just Jun. And they don’t have the protection of bodyguards twenty-four hours a day as he has either. So can we stop this nonsense and carry on with this meeting?”
Sho and Satoshi stared at Nino in stunned silence. Nino glared at them unapologetically until they both muttered a muted apology.
“It’s not that I don't care about Jun’s welfare. But with the information which has come into my hands today, I realised that I have to worry about the pair of you as well,” Nino continued with a serious expression.
“What. Why would humans act against a Royal Family?” Satoshi was genuinely puzzled. All of the attacks so far had been against low-ranked vampires. It would be foolish indeed to attack the powerful Royals.
“Because the attack against Sho and Jun wasn't perpetrated by humans. My agents and I have sorted out the mess involving the gangsters. And believe me, they won't be coming back for more.” Nino’s grim smile was wolfish.
“So you're telling us that we were attacked by vampires? How is that possible? There has been peace within our kingdoms for centuries.” Sho was sceptical.
“I have had my suspicions for a while now, and the attack against you has proven me right. I believe that King Matsuoka’s heir Masahiro has the desire to increase their territory,” Nino said, earning a fresh pair of sceptical glares.
“If that is true, how would attacking Jun help?” Sho was fervently hoping that Nino was wrong.
Nino raised an eyebrow. “They weren't targeting Jun. They were attempting to remove the Sakurai heir. With you out of the way, the Sakurai Kingdom would fall into disarray.”
“But how would that give an advantage to Matsuoka?” Satoshi asked.
A spark of realization glowed in Sho’s eyes. “I presume that Masahiro would generously offer to help my father in his hour of need. But what would happen to Jun in this scenario? He carries my heir.”
Nino’s expression of anger said it all; he didn't need to spell it out to the two shocked vampires.
A deep rumble issued from Sho’s chest. He wasn't even aware that he was the one making the sound, and looked around absently as if seeking the source of the noise. This was not just a threat to his kingdom; it was a threat to the life of his mate and unborn heir. He would not rest until this threat was eliminated.
****
“Pet, if I ask you to go to our mating place for a while will you go without asking any questions?” Sho massaged Jun’s thigh as he spoke, hoping that the action would keep Jun calm. After the meeting with Satoshi and Nino, Sho had felt it necessary to tell Jun the complete truth of the situation. He hoped that it would make it easier to persuade Jun to go to a place of safety until his things were resolved.
Jun, who was laying facing Sho on the bed, didn't even need to think for a moment before replying. “You know that I can't do that.”
“My love, there are things which need to be sorted and it would be safer if you weren't here when it happens.”
“My place is by your side. Matsuoka Masahiro doesn't frighten me.”
“Have you forgotten the silver bullet fired through our car window? It almost struck you.”
Jun knew that Sho had his best interests at heart, but it appeared that Sho had not thought of something. “You realize that if I do flee, you and Satoshi and Nino will all be here, and I will be all alone. What if they follow and attack me there?”
“Pet, I…”
“It seems that I will be in danger in both places, but at least if I stay here I will have more protection,” Jun said, gripping Sho’s hand and entwining their fingers tightly.
“I couldn't continue to exist if I lost you,” Sho whispered.
“Nor I you,” Jun replied softly. “So we have to make sure that things go our way, and swiftly.”
****
If Satoshi and Sho were agitated to have Jun taking part in their discussions, Nino appeared to be the complete opposite. He showed no surprise when Jun accompanied Sho to their next meeting in an anonymous hotel room. The same couldn't be said of Satoshi who glared at Sho with a fierce expression, but swallowed any complaints after receiving a low warning hiss from Nino.
Sho made sure that Jun was comfortable on the two seater sofa, before taking a place at the small table with Nino and Satoshi.
“It appears that Masahiro paid the human criminals to harass the vampire population. He obviously intended them to cause sufficient unrest to distract the Vampire Council and its agents while he carried out his plan to assassinate the Sakurai heir.” Nino handed around a written confession from one of the gangsters.
Jun dug his claws into the arm of the sofa. The idea of someone wanting to kill his mate brought violent feelings bubbling to the surface of his mind. His stomach churned and a cold sweat broke out on his brow. Instinct led his hand to rest protectively on his belly, cupping the slight swelling under his fingers.
“So we have the proof needed to arrest Masahiro?” Satoshi was impatient. Matsuoka needed to be locked up as soon as possible.
“We have proof of his payments to the humans. There is no tangible proof of his connection to the shooting,” Nino replied with a shake of his head.
“Why don't we just speak directly to King Matsuoka? He may not even know what his heir is planning. Perhaps he will step in and stop this,” Jun suggested hopefully.
“I doubt it. Over the past few decades he has handed most of his responsibilities over to Masahiro,” Satoshi sighed. “But perhaps Masahiro might just listen to me. He was my senpai at school and we remained in touch until he began to fill his father's role. Until what I have heard about him now, I would've still considered us to be friends.”
Jun perched nervously on the edge of his seat as worry for his brother filled his heart. “But Satoshi, if he is after the Sakurai Kingdom, then surely he is after our Matsumoto Kingdom also. You could be walking into a trap.”
“Yes, he could,” Nino replied with an eager yellow gleam in his eyes. “And that would be absolutely perfect.”