3.12 Betrayal

The door opened as a nurse walked in. Seeing Beverly on the floor and Adam holding her body the nurse bolted from the room screaming. "Adam listen to me," Ambrogio commanded "you need to leave now."

"I can't....I can't leave her. Not like this...." he protested.

"That nurse is out there telling everyone that you woke up in a feeding frenzy. Soon you'll have doctors in here with straight jackets and sedatives to subdue you," Ambrogio told him.

Adam tried to ignore what Ambrogio was telling him. Holding Beverly tight against his chest he knew Ambrogio was right, he had to leave. Laying her body carefully on the floor Adam staggered to his feet. He ripped open a plasma fruit packet and gulped it's contents. He could feel some of his former strength returning. "How do I get out? he asked surveying the room. "I can't fly and someone is bound to see me once I leave this room."

"There is a  way but you'll have to trust me," Ambrogio began but was interrupted by the door being thrown open.

Adam watched as several angry vampires filled the room. Trying to still his beating heart he looked from one sinister face to another. One of them stooped and picked up Beverly's body. Adam took an involuntary step forward bristling "leave her alone."

The vampire ignored him as he left with her. "What a shame that in your blood lust you killed your beautiful young wife," the vampire specialist said as he approached Adam. "She really should have let me give you that blood transfusion."

"Alessandro did that to her not me," Adam protested taking a step back.

Shrugging the specialist continued "you will be going to Moonlight Falls to pay for your crimes. There's an asylum there for vampires like yourself who have succumbed to blood lust. We can't have you running around free draining innocent humans now can we?"

Backing away from them Adam's back was against the window. "Do you trust me?" Ambrogio asked in his head. 

"I trust you more that I trust them," Adam said as he watched the vampires come closer.

"That's not what I asked," Ambrogio stated impatiently "do you trust me?" he asked stressing each individual word as if it were a magical spell.

"Yes...yes I do," Adam affirmed.

"Good," Ambrogio said "when I tell you...jump."

"What?" Adam queried.

"You said  you trusted me."

"I do but I...."

"You either do or you don't," Ambrogio said his tone angry maybe a little hurt.

"I do trust you," Adam confirmed willing to do anything to get away from the vampires surrounding him.

The lights flickered followed by a brilliant flash. "Jump" Ambrogio commanded.

Adam jumped without thinking as if his will had been taken from him and someone else was in control. His mind screamed in panic as he realized he was falling several stories to the ground...

***

"Sir you can't go in there," the nurse yelled at Heath as he ran past her to Adam's room. Percy and Alanon followed behind him. He rushed into the room as Adam jumped from the window. "Dad no," Heath screamed. From his perspective it looked like his dad had been pushed. "You had no right," he yelled at them not seeing the danger he was in.

"We did nothing," the specialist told him as he turned from the window. With a wave of his  hand he instructed "take the boy."

The vampires closest to Heath grabbed him before he could react. Struggling in their grasp one of them asked "what do you want us to do with him?"

Smiling the specialist said "when the girl wakes up he'll make a tasty meal for her." The others laughed as they dragged Heath from the room.

"Where are you taking me?" Heath screamed to no avail "let me go."

Alanon held Percy back as he struggled to go help his nephew. "Let me go. He needs help."

"What help can you give him? You'll be caught too" Alanon spoke harshly in his ear. "The best thing you can do for him is to remain free and fight later."

Hanging his head in defeat Percy banged his fist on the wall behind him. "What happened to Adam?" he asked watching the vampires file from the room.

"I....don't know," Alanon shook his head unwilling to tell his protege what he feared had happened. He had heard Adam cry out. Scream in agony as he hit the ground. Alanon couldn't believe his oldest and dearest friend had betrayed his own descendant in such a heartless way. Gained Adam's trust just to do this to him. Alanon had heard it  happening. Heard the spell being cast. Tried to warn Adam but Ambrogio had blocked him from Adam's mind.

Looking at Alanon Percy grabbed his arm squeezing hard "tell me what you know. I can see it in your eyes that something happened."

"Not here," Alanon shook him off and headed for the stairs.

Confused Percy looked in the direction the vampires had taken Heath. Moving to follow he shrank back against the wall as the vampire specialist came from Adam's room talking to Alessandro. Fear shot through him as he stared at the vampire. His decision made Percy hurried to follow Alanon down the stairs.

***

Ambrogio smiled as he flexed his hands and legs. It felt good having control of a body again. He had been sure Adam wouldn't say the words but when he had Ambrogio could have wept. He heard Adam scream as he tried to take control of his body and found himself powerless to do so. Smiling to himself as he limped towards the wooded area close to the hospital. He had been surprised when Heath had finished what Silver had started. The boy really shouldn't have made that deal with Silver. He obviously had no idea what it entailed.

Whistling while he waited at the designated spot. Movement to his right alerted him that he was not alone. "Silver?" he called out a hint of fear in his voice.

Laughter to his right sent a thrill of desire through him. "I should have known I couldn't sneak up on you," Silver said emerging from the bushes he was in. "It's been too long," he said grabbing Ambrogio and devouring his mouth with his own. "Didn't I tell you I had the perfect body waiting for you?"

Looking into Silver's light blue eyes Ambrogio smiled in agreement bringing his mouth to Silvers in a hungry passionate kiss.

"I've missed you," Silver whispered in his ear as he tugged the hospital gown off him " this body is magnificent. I can't wait to explore it."

"I've waited so long for your touch," Ambrogio kissed him again encouraging Silver in his lustful pursuits.

An hour later they woke on the ground in each others arms. Silver held his wrist out to him to drink. Shaking his head Ambrogio declined the offer. He saw the disappointment in Silvers eyes.

"Why do you refuse me?" anger deepening his voice.

"Please Silver let me relish this body free from blood lust. The transformation is not complete. Please let me have this choice," he pleaded with Silver who was glaring at him, his displeasure evident.

"You will drink," Silver told him "for now I will allow it if it pleases you."

"It pleases me very much. Thank you." Ambrogio looked up catching the stern look of displeasure and cruelty that crept over Silver's handsome features. 

"Thank you what?" Silver asked harshly.

"Thank you...mmmaster," Ambrogio whispered in despair. This part of their relationship he had not missed. The cruel master servant relationship where Silver felt free to hurt him. The tender moments never quite overcame the deep seated fear Ambrogio felt in the face of Silver's displeasure. "You are displeased with me," Ambrogio said his voice small fearing the backlash of Silver's anger.

"Yes I am greatly displeased with you. We have not been together a day and you are already defying me." Silver stood rage clouding his eyes "it will take time for me to figure out a suitable punishment for you." Stooping he extended a hand towards Ambrogio "come my love we must leave this place."

Taking his hand Ambrogio didn't like the veiled threat of future punishment. How did he get into this predicament? Much as Adam had by saying he trusted someone who had the power to control him. Following Silver he knew his life was nothing more than an endless punishment. Breathing deep Ambrogio told himself he had to remain strong there were things he had to do.

***

Several days later Beverly stirred on the cell floor. Heath went to check on her "mom," he called as she cowered in a corner "mom it's me Heath."

"Get away from me," she growled.

 "Mom please...." Heath pleaded.

"I....I" she licked her lips listening to his heart beat. "Get away from me," she screamed scooting closer to the wall shivering.

Frightened Heath scurried to the far side of the cell. He had no idea what was wrong with her. Beverly had never raised her voice to him before. It was like he was seeing a different person.

Laughter caught his attention as the door opened and Alessandro walked into the dungeon. "Don't worry my young IF when she's hungry enough she'll drain you of all your life's blood. Then your troubles will be gone forever.

"You turned her?" Heath asked anger overcoming his fear.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time," he shrugged "now that Adam is gone it was rather pointless."

"What do you mean my father's gone?" Heath asked as fear gripped his heart. He could feel his heart being squeezed taking his breath away.

"He took a  header out the window," Alessandro laughed "maybe he thought he could fly." Sobering he shouted "he ruined everything. Now I have no heir. All I have is you and you can't be turned." 

Turning to Beverly he commanded "feed."

Beverly looked up eyes glowing. She advanced upon Heath heedless of the fact she was about to feed upon her own child. Her master had spoken she must obey. Cornering the boy she had no problem subduing him. She sank her fangs into his neck feeding upon his blood.

***

Ambrogio felt the pain as Heath began to die. He stumbled from the shock. He could feel Silver watching him as he picked himself up. "Adam's son is dying," he said in response to Silver's unspoken command.

"The body is still connected to the little nuisance," Silver chuckled enjoying Ambrogio's pain as he struggled to keep pace. "Good. One less problem to worry about."

"What do you mean?" Ambrogio asked despite the fact Silver would take his words as rebellion against him.

Stopping Silver glared at Ambrogio "that's no concern of yours." He turned and kept walking. 

Nodding Ambrogio remained silent following in his master's wake. Stumbling Ambrogio fell to his knees weak from too much exertion and lack of nutrients. He reached for a plasma fruit pack bringing it to his lips he managed to get a couple of swallows before Silver grabbed it from his hands. Throwing the drink as far as he could he said " I allowed you the choice to not drink from me. That did not mean you could drink this substance. You will either drink from me or die. That is your choice."

Leaning down Silver confiscated the remaining packs and drained them on the ground. Laughing as he watched Ambrogio's pained and desperate look. "You brought this upon yourself," he chided "I'm reasonable but I won't let you think you can live without me. That will never happen. You are mine." He pulled Ambrogio to him forcing a kiss upon him despite his protests "you'd best remember that."

***

"Help me," Percy moaned in response "help me please..." Crying out Percy bolted upright in his bed. Running his hands through his hair he gulped in air trying to steady his beating heart. "Help me." Percy covered his ears trying to block out the pleas. "Leave me alone," he moaned stumbling to his feet.

Staggering to the bathroom he splashed water on his face before crumpling to the floor. "Help me" the voice cried out to him. "I don't know how," Percy cried in response. He swatted at hands that were trying to uncover his ears. Near to hysterics Percy screamed "leave me alone."

"Percy it's me Alanon" a firm voice broke into the haze in his mind. "What's wrong with you?"

Opening crazed sleep deprived eyes Percy grabbed Alanon demanding "make it stop."

Bewildered Alanon asked "make what stop?"

"The voice. Make the voice stop," Percy said curling into a tight ball on the floor.

Sitting back on his heels Alanon pondered his words before asking "whose voice?"

"I don't know," Percy panted gasping for air.

Grabbing his shoulders Alanon demanded "think. Do you recognize the voice?"

Shaking Percy tried to ignore Alanon's question until the voice started again becoming more insistent. "I....I...." his eyes flew open in shock "it's...."

***

Once her hunger had been sated she dropped the boys body at her feet. Wiping thoughtfully at the blood on her face. She stared at Alessandro waiting for his next command. 

Laughing Alessandro turned his back on her walking purposefully towards the dungeon's door. Stopping he turned back releasing her from her trance commanding her "remember." Slamming the door behind him the cell reverberated with the sound.

Shaking her head Beverly stared at her hands. Smeared in blood. Sitting on the floor she stared around her "what...what happened?" she whispered. Her eyes fell upon Heaths still lifeless body and shuddered. "No," she wailed crawling to him. Cradling his body in her arms she screamed as the fog in her mind lifted. She remembered. She did this. Drained her son. Took his life. It didn't matter that she didn't know what she was doing. That she was being controlled by an evil monster. She was the instrument of his demise.

A low keening began from deep inside her that gradually grew louder as the magnitude of what she had done sank in. How could she have done this horrible thing? She remembered Adam's struggle to resist the urge to feed. How he had insisted he was dangerous. Insisting he was a monster when all the time it was her who was the monster. She hadn't resisted. How could she live with what she had done? What would Adam think of her? Her life was over as she knew it.

***

"Silver where are we going?" Ambrogio asked.

Stopping Silver stared at Ambrogio without speaking. He let his displeasure wash over Ambrogio with his silence. After several minutes he turned and walked away expecting Ambrogio to follow.

Ambrogio was becoming weaker and knew at the pace Silver was setting he would need to feed. Once he did there would be no going back. The transformation would be complete. It had been days since he had killed Adam taking control of his body and it had been at least a day since Heath had become silent as well. He marveled at himself and how easily it had been for him to betray his descendants. His children in every respect and he had destroyed their lives.

He was nothing more than a monster. A monster that had lived to long. A monster under the control of a much older, crueler and stronger monster. What was Silver up to? Where were they going? Where was the child? Don was pregnant...that's what Silver was after. He wanted control of that child as well. Did that mean they were on their way to Dragon Valley? With each step they took Ambrogio knew without doubt Silver was going to have him get Don. Remove him the protection of the dragons. The dragons would trust Adam. They wouldn't know Adam no longer possessed his own body.

"Silver where is the girl?" he asked with a feeling of trepidation.

"Safe," he intoned walking faster.

"Please I need to know," Ambrogio insisted "she's my descendant...I have a right."

"How dare you talk about rights. You have no rights, not after what you have done. Betraying your very same descendants. Taking possession of Adam's body. Allowing Alessandro to take Heath. The boy is probably dead by now." He smiled as Ambrogio blanched at the things he had done. "By all rights I should be protecting the girl from you." He walked closer to Ambrogio putting his arms around him "because I love you I'll take you to the girl. After you do one thing for me."

Heart pounding hard in his chest Ambrogio wanted to refuse but knew he had no choice but to comply. "What?" he asked.

Silver smiled and gently kissed Ambrogio's forehead "you must bring Don to me. It's time he fulfilled his destiny."

3.11 The Deal

Entering the park they moved to the side closest to the hospital. Alanon turned to Percy and Heath "concentrate on Adam. Clear your minds of everything else," he instructed.

Closing his eyes Percy shoved all his concerns and worries away locking them into a corner of his mind as Alanon taught him. He forced all his thoughts and willpower to focus on Adam.

Heath looked at Percy and Alanon unsure what he was supposed to do. How could he just close his mind off to the worries and concerns he had. His child was growing up rapidly without him. His father was in a coma only they could break if they're lucky. How was he supposed to shove all that aside and concentrate only on this one thing. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes concentrating only on his dad.

Sensing others around him Heath reached out. He felt someone take his hand "it's ok Heath you did it." Percy reassured him. Opening his eyes he groaned "it's still so dark. It's not working." His disappointment palpable.

"It's working," Alanon insisted moving towards them. "We're inside Adam's mind."

"How do you know?" Heath asked "it's so dark and foreboding. Just like before."

"Don't give up hope," Alanon asserted "we'll break through the dampening field. We have too."

Sighing Heath closed his eyes concentrating only on his dad. Several seconds later his eyes flew open "did you hear that?"

***

Covering his ears to block out the maniacal laughter Adam gritted his teeth. "Alessandro get out of my head," he demanded.

"I can come and go as I please," Alessandro said with glee "I've looked for you for years now that I've found you I'm not letting you go."

"I won't become like you," Adam shouted.

"You don't have a choice," Alessandro informed him "once I arrive you'll be given blood. Then you'll be my successor. You are the chosen one."

"I'm not. You chose Ambrogio..."

"Yes and I killed  him," he spat out "I've searched for his descendants and it brought me to you. I adopted you. Made you what you are today."

"I'll never be like you," Adam retorted.

"As I said before you have no choice," Alessandro stated "you must fulfill your destiny. You must produce the next heir..."

"Never" Adam shouted "I won't produce vampire children. I refuse to accept this is destiny. I won't drink blood. I won't give up my humanity."

"You talk like you have a choice. What will happen when I drain your loved ones of their life's blood?" Alessandro threatened "think about it. Can you live with that on your conscious? Everyone you love either dead or turned knowing you could have prevented it."

***

"Hear what?" Percy asked in concern looking towards Alanon "maybe this is too much for him."

Shaking his head Alanon knelt beside the boy "what did you hear?"

"Someone was laughing and my dad was shouting," Heath told him breathing hard. "I have to try again. I can feel him. He's close. I know he is."

Alanon nodded in agreement "this time we'll try together." He reached out and took Heath's hand as he cleared his mind and forced his way through the barrier. 

Heath could hear two voices. Their anger overwhelmed him as he recognized his father and the other was unfamiliar to him. Alanon murmured "Alessandro" as the shock seeped in it knocked them both from the field. Shaking his head he mumbled "I'm sorry." 

Heath turned towards Alanon "you know who was threatening my dad," he accused.

Nodding Alanon said his tone flat and lifeless "Alessandro." He pronounced the name like it was a curse. Percy shuddered hearing it.

"Who is Alessandro?" Heath asked.

"A powerful vampire," Alanon stated "ruler of Moonlight Falls and Midnight Hollow." Standing Alanon shook his head "to hear him so clearly he must be close."

"If he's the ruler," Heath began trying to piece together everything in his mind "he's the guy who wants my dad to remain a vampire. To succeed him."

"Yes and yes," Alanon shouted impatiently "we're running out of time. We have to break through this dampening field. You dad needs to wake up before all is lost."

***

"Alessandro," Ambrogio called out unable to remain silent "leave my descendant alone. He's my child not yours. I won't allow you to possess him as you have done so many others."

Laughing harshly Alessandro replied "so this is where you've been hiding baby brother. I thought you'd h ave been some place your lover or has he abandon you too," Alessandro taunted "you never could tell friend from foe."

"Selene may have been a mistake. At least I'm not married to the deceitful old hag. That pleasure's all yours." Ambrogio retorted having grown bolder through the centuries.

"Watch your tongue you little rodent before I rip it out," Alessandro spoke venting his anger.

"A little hard to do since I haven't got a body or a tongue for you to rip out," Ambrogio laughed at  him. "After all your lies and broken promises you still can't defeat me."

"I will," Alessandro snarled "all it will take is one drop of blood and Adam will be mine. Everything you strove to prevent. Everything you have done will be for nothing. I'll win and when I do you'll die. No coming back. No second chance. No prophecy to fulfill. No lover to prevent it from happening."

Silence fell around them almost as impenetrable as the darkness beyond. "Alessandro," Ambrogio screamed in despair. Falling forward he dropped his head in his hands giving in to the despair he felt. A firm hand on his shoulder squeezing tight brought him to alert awareness.

"I'm sorry," Adam said above him.

"So am I," Ambrogio sniffed "I'm sorry you were born of my descent. I'm sorry you were chosen. I'm sorry I can't protect you."

"None of those things are your fault. Why should you feel sorry for it? You've tried to help as much as you could. Sometimes we have to roll with the punches." Adam sighed heavily feeling as if his life was nothing more than one endless struggle. One thing he knew for sure he couldn't quit not when his family was involved.

***

"Dad," Heath called out desperate now for a response. It felt like he had been calling for his dad for days but in reality it had only been a few minutes. "It's hopeless," he cried opening his eyes breaking the link. Squinting his eyes as he looked out across the water imagining a world without his dad in it. Burying his head in his hands he gave vent to his bottled up feelings. Jumping as a hand landed upon his shoulder. Looking up he found Percy staring down at him.

"I know it's hard but you can't give up," Percy told the boy "we have to keep trying."

"For how long?" Heath asked staring out to sea.

"For however long it takes," came the harsh response from Alanon "quit feeling sorry for  yourself and...."

"Alanon give the kid a break," Percy said coming to Heath's defense. "You don't know what he's been through. Leave him alone."

"I'm not going to baby him," Alanon grumbled "we don't have time. We either do this now or not at all."

Grabbing his arm Percy squeezed hard "I'm telling you to layoff. He can't do anything if you keep pressuring him..."

Blocking out the sounds of the two older men bickering above him. Heath felt himself relax as a stirring within his mind alerted him to a presence. Closing his eyes he reached out tentatively "who are you?"

"I'm the guy who has your daughter," came the arrogant response.

"Daughter? Give her back," Heath shouted at him.

"I will...in time," came the cryptic response.

"How much time?" Heath demanded feeling his pulse quicken "she doesn't have time. Not within the time bubble. I want my child..."

"Haven't you heard patience is a virtue?" Silver taunted "after all the help I've given you this is the least you could do for me. After all I saved your life along with the life of your lover. You owe me your lives."

"I don't care," Heath shouted "all that matters to me is getting my daughter back. She's mine not yours..."

"Then you should have done a better job of protecting her." Silver laughed at him "I didn't contact you to discuss your daughter."

"Then why did you?" Heath grumbled knowing he wasn't going to be able to reach him or find his daughter without his dad's help.

"You give up too easily," Silver taunted "that's what I like about you. You remind me of your ancestor Ambrogio."

"What do you want?" Heath demanded.

"To offer you a deal. One you can't refuse...."

***

"Wake the kid up," Alanon told Percy ignoring Percy's attempts for him to be nicer. They didn't have time to be nice not when Alessandro was coming or may already be here.

Percy squatted down beside Heath shaking is shoulder. "Come on kid wake up. We've got to try again." He shook him harder often receiving no response. "I know your tired but this is your dad we're trying to save....Heath?" His irritation melted to concern as Heath continued to be unresponsive. 

"Alanon I think we have a problem."

"What now?" Alanon asked his irritation making his voice gruff and his manner harsh.

"Heath won't wake up."

Squatting beside him Alanon lifted Heath's eyelids peering into his eyes "not asleep," he muttered.

"What do you mean? What's happening to him?" Percy asked imagining Heath in a coma like Adam. 

"Is this happening because of our attempts to help Adam?"

"I don't think so," Alanon got up walking a few steps away running his hands through his hair 

"someone is in contact with him."

"Alessandro?" Percy asked his heart pounding at the thought.

Nodding "I think so," Alanon said.

"What can we do?" Percy asked frantic now that Alessandro was close to make contact with them. 

"Why would he be contacting Heath? Why not me?"

"I don't know," Alanon shook his head "I should have come sooner. Should have realized Alessandro would be aware of Adam's helplessness. I'm sorry."

***

"What deal?" Heath demanded.

"I'll tell you how to wake your father," Silver announced.

"In exchange for what?" Heath asked knowing Silver wanted something that Heath wouldn't want to give.

"Time."

"Time for what?" Heath asked becoming irritated with the half answers and snide remarks.

"To bond with your daughter. Two weeks should be enough..."

"No," Heath shouted "no way in hell. I want my daughter now. Not another minute more."

"Too bad," Silver tutted at him "you'll lose both your father and daughter now. You'll have no one to blame but yourself."

"What....what do you mean?" Heath asked appalled at the prospect "why would I lose both?"

"My dear boy refusing my deal Alessandro will arrive, force a blood transfusion on your father finishing his transformation. He won't be the same person you know not after Alessandro has control over him." Laughing Silver added "I'll just keep the girl and have someone in the time bubble raise her and in a year and half of your time she'll be dead. Do you really want that?"

"Why are you doing this?" Heath cried "I've done nothing to you..."

"It is what it is," Silver stated simply "we all must live with the decisions we've made."

"Doesn't that apply to you too?"

"It does more than you know," there was hint of regret in his voice "do we have a deal?"

***

A low moan caught Percy's attention "I think he's coming around." He peered into Heath's face watching him close for signs of coming around.

"Here let me," Alanon said holding a foul smelling rag over Heath's nose.

"What is that?" Percy asked gagging in disgust.

"You don't want to know," came Alanon's response "but I think its having the desired affect on our young friend."

Sure enough Heath was wrinkling his nose from the stench assaulting his senses. "Get that away," he grumbled swatting at Alanon's hand.

"Open your eyes first then I will," Alanon demanded.

"I hate deals," Heath mumbled opening his eyes. Sitting up he said "we have to hurry. Alessandro is almost here."

Percy and Alanon exchanged a worried glance as they helped Heath up. "We'll proceed as soon as your up to it."

Nodding Heath leaned back as he said "I'm ready now."

***

"Ambrogio what's it like to be a full vampire Adam asked full of dread as he felt Alessandro's presence become stronger and fill him with terror.

"That's not going to happen..."

"It is. You and I both know it," Adam insisted "as long as I remain asleep I'm helpless to prevent it. Beverly can't protect me from someone like Alessandro. Hes too powerful and ordinary laws won't detour him from getting what he wants."

"I know," Ambrogio acknowledged sounding defeated.

"So what's going to happen to me?" Adam asked again.

Sighing Ambrogio decided Adam deserved the truth as bad as the truth might be. "Very few retain their true selves. I'm an oddity I remained much as I was before the transformation. Most become soulless evil creatures."

"Your talking about those who are turned later in life not those born as vampires," Adam stated more than asked.

"Yes the transformation is difficult on normal humans and many lose their minds becoming a danger to their loved ones. For those who are able to maintain control are miserable creatures..."

"Are you miserable?" Adam asked his ancestor.

"I have been but not since I met you and become a part of  you," Ambrogio admitted "I'll help you maintain control. I know your strong enough. You won't become a monster."

"Shh did you hear that?" Adam asked alert.

"Hear what?"

"That," Adam shouted excited "Heath is that you?"

"Dad," Heath cried as he made the connection "I'm coming. Hold on I'm almost there."

Adam pulled Heath in a fierce hug as soon as he broke the barrier. "Dad you can hug me for real once we're out of here."

"I know, I know." Adam mumbled as Heath set to work on remove what Silver had done. Ambrogio observed his every movement. When it had become obvious he asked "when have you been in contact with Silver?"

Faltering in his process Heath hedged "what makes you think Silver has been in contact me?"

"You too much and are too sure of what your doing. The only person who would know how to undo this would be Silver." Approaching the boy he asked "when did Silver contact you?"

"Today alright," Heath wheeled around facing Ambrogio "he made a deal I couldn't refuse...."

"Silver can't be trusted."

"Don't you think I know that?" Heath shouted "but what was I supposed to do? He told me if I didn't accept it he'd keep my baby girl until she grew old and died in the time bubble. Dad would become like Alessandro. This way I can help dad and if Silver is on the level he'll bring my little girl to me in two weeks." Tears welled in his eyes "this way even if Silver doesn't keep his word we can still search for him. You and dad know how to locate the time bubbles. I don't. I can't lose both. I've already lost my baby. I can't lose my dad too. This way gives me hope."

"Heath as soon as we're out of here we'll look for Silver. We won't stop until we find your daughter," Adam asserted.

Nodding Heath turned his attention towards Silver's handiwork. What his dad told him bolstered his confidence. It's what he expected. The two of them together. Silver didn't stand a chance.

***

Unaware of what was happening inside Adam's head Beverly sat holding his hand. She refused to give up hope despite the dire predictions of the so called vampire specialist. Adam was going to wake up and he wouldn't need blood to do it.

A low moan from Adam had her attention riveted to him so she did not see the dark sinister figure enter the room behind her. "Adam" she cried as his eyes blinked open focusing on the man behind his pretty wife.

"No" he shouted as Alessandro grabbed Beverly from behind sinking his teeth into the tender skin of her neck. She cried out startled but became lip as he sucked her life's blood from her. Ripping his teeth from her, leaving large jagged tears in her skin he smiled licking blood from his mouth. "Let's see if you'll resist me when your wife joins me for eternity." He sank his teeth into again transmitting the transformation venom into her veins before dropping her limp and lifeless body to the floor.

Falling from the bed Adam pulled himself to Beverly's body. Cradling her in his arms he pulled her tight as tears streamed from his eyes. This was his deepest fear ever since this nightmare began. he had wanted to spare her this pain. Could he face living knowing he had brought this upon her? Did he want to become human again if she were doomed to be a vampire for eternity? Could he give himself to Alessandro's will to give her back her mortality? The answers to that last question was a resounding yes. He would do whatever it took to give her back her life.

"Adam you mustn't give into Alessandro's will," Ambrogio spoke in his  head.

Sniffing loudly "what do you expect me to do? I can't let her suffer alone. She doesn't deserve this..."

"Neither did any of us," Ambrogio told him "Beverly wouldn't want you to sacrifice yourself to save her."

Shaking his head unwilling to listen. Unable to see beyond the darkness that surrounded him. Without the light of his life he didn't want to live.

"Think of your son," Ambrogio entreated "you promised you would help him find his daughter. What about your other children? They need you now more than ever."

Shaking like a leaf in wind storm Adam cried out in anguish. He knew Ambrogio was correct. He couldn't abandon his children. Beverly wouldn't want that. If nothing else he owed that much to Beverly. Maybe there was another way to save her from this fate worse than death.

3.10 Seeking a Connection

"Mom, Dad" Don stopped looking at his parents seeing their concern for him in the way they watched over him. "I'm moving to Dragon Valley..."

"What no," Evelyn exclaimed "what about college? Your degree? You can't just...."

"Evie," Shon reached out and put a restraining hand on her shoulder "this is Don's decision. He's been through enough without us putting more pressure on him."

Nodding Evelyn accepted it. Don could see the worry and concern she felt as she looked at him "why Dragon Valley?"

"I'll be cloaked from my pursuers. I wish it didn't have to be this way. If it was just me I'd stay. I want to stay. Heath and I already lost one child to these people we won't lose another," he explained needing her to understand.

Gasping Evelyn ran to him throwing her arms around him "my boy's pregnant." She hugged him tight "why didn't you tell us?"

Squirming in her embrace "I'm sorry mom it's ...I'm still getting used to the idea myself. We didn't even think it was possible I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. I'm not completely human like I thought but a hybrid mix of Creator and human." He shrugged conscious of his parents staring at him "half the time I don't know what I am."

Evelyn looked at her son then at her husband "you are who you have always been ... our son. We love you. It doesn't matter what DNA you have. You are you and that's who we love."

"Mom I love you," he murmured as she hugged him tight once more.

She got up from the table where he had been sitting. "Son don't hesitate to call us if you ever need us. We'll watch over Heath. Don't worry about him."

Don looked up sharply. They hadn't had a real chance to talk. Too much kept happening. Taking in a large breath Don had to know "you're not upset...you know um that I'm gay." He looked down needing to know the answer but dreading the answer in case it wasn't what he hoped it would be.

"Don't be silly," Shon laughed as he pulled him close "you are still who you are. My son. Nothing will change that." He slapped on the back "besides I've known for a while. Adam and I suspected you boys would eventually get together. The only problem we foresaw was Dana." Looking at Don turning turning serious "don't trust her. She's obsessed with Heath I don't know if it's written in your DNA to be drawn to Heath or not but she's not likely to stop causing trouble."

"I know dad and that's another reason why I nee to go to Dragon Valley. Dana isn't allowed in the town. You could say the Van Winkle are a protected family as such the Dragons cloak their existence. That protection extends to me being Heath's partner." Sighing Don went on "I wish Heath could come too but with his dad here he has to stay. I understand that. He's vulnerable here. If I need to be careful so does he. He's in more danger than I am when it comes to Dana."

"I know son," Shon admitted "we have a warrant out for her arrest. I'll be alerted as soon as she's caught or shows up in Bridgeport. I'm doing all I can to protect you and Heath."

"I know dad," Don sighed feeling the heavy weight of sadness engulf him. "I really wish we didn't have to do this. That we could have a normal relationship. Dana and I will never be on the same side will we?"

Shaking his head Shon pulled him close "no I'm sorry that may never happen. Don't let your guard down because Dana won't hesitate to take advantage of your feelings." Looking at Evelyn he continued knowing he hadn't discussed this with her but he knew she would agree. "Go get some rest son. I'll wake you when I'm ready to go..."

"Go?" Don asked "where are you going?"

"With you," Shon told him "I don't want you traveling alone. Your mother is needed here so I'll be going with you."

Evelyn nodded agreeing "Shon why don't you with him until Heath is able to join him. I don't want him to be alone. He may need help."

***

Percy and Heath waited by the portal for Alanon to arrive. Heath paced the area unable to sit still. His mind racing in a million different directions. He worried over Don going to Dragon Valley without him. Shon staying with Don helped a little but he had grown accustomed to having Don by his side. Don was his strength and support. Without Don he felt weak, lost and alone.

"Heath calm down," Percy said from where he stood watching the boy pace. He wished there was something he could do to help the boy. He knew he would feel that way if it were Grace and people were after their child. The thought of his pretty young pregnant wife waiting for him to come home sent a pang of worry through him. How he wanted to be there with her. For a moment he wanted to join Heath in pacing around the portal. He resisted the urge afraid to add to Heath's frayed nerves. Someone had to appear calm and collected at that someone was him.

Another thirty minutes went by, Heath turned towards Percy "how much longer are we going to have to wait? He's not coming...." a low hum from the portal alerted them that someone was coming through.

"Heath get over here," Percy demanded as he made Heath join him behind some bushes. "We don't know who is coming. It may be Alanon or it could be someone else."

"I know. I know." Heath grumbled feeling like an idiot. Where was his brain? He should have known that was a possibility. Anything and anyone could be coming out of the portal. He heard Percy give a sigh of relief as he looked and found a single male standing on the platform.

"Alanon," Percy said standing up and motioning for Heath to follow.

"Percy it's good to see you," Alanon said warmly "this must be Heath..."

Nodding Heath shook the offered hand "what can you do to help my dad?" he asked getting to the point.

"I don't know," Alanon said walking purposely towards the city "I need to contact Ambrogio first to see what's happened." Looking at the boy he asked "have you been able to get through to your dad?"

"You told me not to do anything..." Giving him a look that said he didn't believe him Alanon asked again. Sighing Heath said "no I haven't been able to."

Smirking in response "I knew you wouldn't be able to refrain from trying." Alanon told him with a cocky glance. "We'll try again together. All of us together. Maybe we'll be able to break through the dampening field around their minds." Stopping Alanon grabbed Heath by the shoulders "they haven't given your dad blood have they?"

"Not yet" Heath told him "but it's only a matter of time."

"Even less then you know," Alanon said picking up the pace. "Alessandro is on his way..."

"What took you so long to get her if you know Alessandro was coming?" Heath asked the bitterness in his voice strong as he all but accused Alanon for taking so long.

"I came as quickly as I could" Alanon said straight faced "Alessandro has me watched. I can't just come and go as I please. I had to make preparations to conceal my where abouts. If I had come as soon as I was summoned I would have been detained at best. Killed at the worst."

"I'm sorry," Heath muttered "it's just..."

"I understand he's your dad," Alanon nodded in understanding "I would feel the same."

***

"Ambrogio ?" Adam called into the darkness. After receiving no response Adam called again. He did this over and over growing more concerned as he did. Ignoring what Ambrogio had told him about not going into the void he called again determined to find Ambrogio if it was the last thing he did.

"Adam," Ambrogio said weak from fighting the void. The dampening field that kept them trapped was weakening him "you shouldn't have come."

"I was getting lonely with only myself to talk to," Adam replied trying to joke. "Come on we've got to get back before we both get lost in here."

"Do you know the way back?" Ambrogio asked.

"Of course I do," Adam said more confident than he felt. "It's my mind after all even if it's dark and foreboding at the moment."

Laughing weakly Ambrogio let Adam help him "maybe you should have gone out here instead of me."

"That's what I told you," Adam said "maybe next time you'll listen to me."

"Don't count on it," Ambrogio muttered "I consider you my child and no parent let's their child go into danger if they can go themselves."

"Well that's comforting to know but I am an adult and capable of making my own decisions."

"Remember that when your in  position similar with Heath," Ambrogio countered "it's not so easy when your in the other person's shoes. I never had a chance to raise my own children. Forgive me if I've become overly attached to you."

"You should have been more open from the start. We may not have butted heads so much." Adam laughed casting his mind around the dark confines of his mind becoming disoriented.

"What's wrong?" Ambrogio asked detecting his uncertainty "are you lost?"

"No I'm not lost..."

"Don't lie," Ambrogio cautioned "if your unsure of where we're at it's best we stop instead of going in circles.

"Yes dad," Adam said sarcastically stopping to get his bearings. "I think it's that way."

"Are you sure? This is no time for guesses."

"I'm positive," Adam grumbled.

***

Don was greeted at the airport by Elliot, Kyle and their daughter. "Heath called ahead and told us you were coming," Kyle explained.

"We found  a small house for you and Heath that has an extra bedroom that will work nicely as a nursery." Elliot added as they walked to the car.

"You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble" Don stammered overwhelmed.

"It's the least we can do for our nephew," Kyle told  him handing his daughter to Elliot while unlocked the doors. 

After getting settled in the car Elliot turned to Don "there's a dragon egg in the entryway. Be sure to talk to it regularly so it gets to know your voice. He'll be your guardian when it hatches."

Swallowing hard "it's safe you know..." gesturing towards their little girl in the car seat beside him "around children."

Looking in the rear-view mirror Kyle nodded "they're not pets. They're intelligent creatures that are there to protect you. They'll alert you to any possible unwelcome visitor or danger that might come up. They're kid safe. We've never had a problem."

"So you have one too," Shon asked.

Nodding Elliot said "everyone related to the Van Winkle family has one. They're not taking any chances. They're safety protocol has gone up since Heath and Don went missing."

"Why weren't they suspicious of Dana when she was here?" Shon asked not ready to entrust his son's and future grandchild's safety to a bunch of dragons.

Kyle spoke from the front seat "they escorted Dana to the airport with instructions to not let her off the plane. She is banned from entering Dragon Valley. What happened to Don was outside of Dragon Valley beyond their territory. If they'd known Dana would have turned on Don they wouldn't have allowed him on the same airplane. At the time they didn't know the relationship between Heath and Don. Now that they do the same protection bubble will surround Don as it does anyone related to the Van Winkle family."

Pulling into the driveway Kyle continued "here's your new home. It's furnished. We didn't know what you'd like so don't hesitate to change anything you like."

"Redecorate to hearts desire" Elliot chimed in "if you need help let us know."

***

"Is there someplace where we can go" Alanon asked "where we won't be disturbed?"

Percy and Heath looked at each other "Don's house," they said together.

"Is that close to the hospital?" Alanon pressed "I used to be somewhat close to where Adam is if we hope to make contact with them."

"How close is close?" Percy asked "I'd say the house is a few miles away."

"No that won't do. Is there a part nearby?"

"It's a city there's not going to be any place free from distractions or interruptions," Heath complained "Why can't we do it in the hospital?"

"Because the vampires here might recognize me and inform Alessandro of my pressence," Alanon replied "the park will have to do. We'll have to make it appear as if we're some group of meditaters." Robbing his eyes Heath groaned his displeasure at the plan. "If you have a better idea tell me; otherwise be quiet."Alanon spoke firmly with a hard edge in his tone.

"Will it work?" Heath asked as he rubbed his temples as a headache began to build behind his eyes.

Looking at hims in concern "do you have a headache?"

Nodding Heath said "it's been getting worse." He swayed on his feet almost falling as Percy reached out and steadied him.

"May I?" Alanon asked before touching him. Heath nodded letting Alanon put his hand on his face. Closing his eyes he felt Alanon probing his mind. He sought to silence the shouting in Heath's mind. 

"We are coming. Please wait until we are ready." He felt the shouting quiet down and cease. Opening his eyes he asked the boy "how does your head feel now?"

Blinking Heath smiled "better much better. What did you do?"

Shrugging "I asked whoever it was trying to connect with you to wait. They ceased their attempts." He looked at the boy thoughtfully remembering the pain he was in when he got the jolt from Ambrogio when he had called out to Alanon in desperation. "I believe it was your dad."

Absorbing what Alanon said Heath put a hand to his head "they must be trying to get out...we have to help them."

"We will," Alanon said reaching out and squeezing Heath's shoulder. "The dampening field must be weakening or there are gaps in it. They seem to have been able to maintain a small part of their combined consciousnesses awake. Where is this park?" Alanon asked turning to Percy "we don't have any time to lose."

***

"Did you hear that" Adam asked

"That was Alanon" Ambrogio said with excitement "the dampening field must be weakening."

"You got through to him?" Adam asked "but why did he ask us to wait?"

Mentally shrugging Ambrogio asked "were you trying to contact someone? Percy or Heath."

"No I..." Adam cast his mind back "I was thinking about Heath hoping he would be able to connect with me. I didn't think I was trying to connect with him."

"Evidently that was enough for your mind to reach out" Ambrogio said deep in thought "your powers must be growing."

"I'm not sure I like the sound of that" Adam mumbled "but we should go back to our little corner before they try to contact us again."

"Your right as long as we stay here it'll be harder for them to contact us," Ambrogio agreed. "Do you know the way?"

"Of course I do," Adam objected to Ambrogio doubting him "it's this way."

"Are you sure?" Ambrogio asked "I think we've been this way before."

"You're worse than a back seat driver."

"I don't know what that is," Ambrogio said.

Some time later Adam reached the lit corner of his mind. Sighing in relief he announced "I told you I knew where it was."

"They why do you sound so to have found it?"

"Did you know how to get here?" Adam asked wishing he and Ambrogio were real so he could hit the infuriating man.

"Temper, temper Adam," Ambrogio laughed "I did not know my way back here. You are right I should be more thankful you did not leave me in the dark."

"You're welcome," Adam said somewhat mollified. He opened his mouth to speak when Ambrogio motioned for him to be quiet. That's when he heard it. The unmistakable voice "Alessandro" they said together.