Frankie Roberts, Gale Harold, Andre Marek and Oliver Mellors ~ Go or die
[Cross posted to frankie_roberts, gale_blood, v_bq_mellors and bqv_andre]
Gale was all smiles as he walked through the city streets. He had spent a few lovely hours with Eliot, something that always put him in a good mood even if occasionally he did come away covered in orange hair.
The dark wolf lifted his snout to the breeze. This wasn’t his city, but his ‘ways’ kept him on the move. Packs didn’t suit his needs or temperament and most pack leaders didn’t understand the threat of Vampires. He snorted at the mere thought of bloodsuckers. The wolf trotted closer to the city and caught a scent on the breeze... Vampire.
There was always a diverse group of weres and vamps roaming the city. So while it went against much of what he had been taught, Gale ignored the scent of an unknown where in his general vicinity.
If a wolf could smile, this one did... the Vampire was a young one. With barely a sound he launched himself into a full run and leaped onto the unsuspecting Vampire bowling him off his feet.
Fuck Gale cursed his own distraction and lack of survival instincts. He had little to defend himself with in this situation and the scent of his were lover all over him. He couldn’t go down without a fight, though, and he growled a warning while trying to push the unknown off of him.
Strong jaws tore at the cool skin and soon the muzzle was spattered with blood. The Vampire managed to get in a few good blows knowing the wolf back, but the were would not be stopped. With a powerful lunge the strong jaws closed around Gale’s throat.
That was it, he struggled to defend himself knowing that it was a fruitless effort. In the chaos he didn’t even think to reach out to his sire or lover, instead he relied on a human instinct and verbally cried out for help.
Frankie heard the cry and reacted with only the vaguest interest. Death was a hidden reality in the city and Frankie only cared when it affected him directly. Then he caught something in the air... a Were. Not pack... not known. He turned quickly and ran towards the scent becoming wolf as he went.
The stranger did not release the Vampire, but looked up as the fawn wolf circled and growled. The Vampire will die tonight. Do not interfere.
Frankie wolf tilted his head. He had no love for bloodsuckers other than his own, but this was an intruder ... and the bloodsucker belonged. In a flash Frankie dashed forward jaws snapping at the dark wolf and forcing it to release its hold on Gale.
As soon as he was released, Gale shuffled away from the weres with the last bits of strength he had left in his body. An unknown wolf had come to his rescue? The loss of blood was muddling his head.
The wolves fought with snarls and clashing teeth, but Frankie was larger and heavier. He soon had the other pinned and growled, Go or die. It was not a question. when he eased back enough to let the other go it turned and snapped at Frankie. As Frankie’s jaws crushed the dark wolves throat he reasoned that the stranger had made a foolish choice.
Gale watched with tired eyes as the were who attacked him perished. But what did this mean for him? Was this new were friend or foe? “Thank you...” he whispered, taking a chance that he was indeed friend.
The fawn wolf turned yellow eyes to the injured Vampire. He could smell the spilled blood and it pulled at him to finish the job the other had started, but Frankie shook his head and slowly shed his wolf self to stand naked in front of the Vampire. “Don’t thank me Vamp... if he was one of mine I would have helped.”
“Still...” he panted. “Thanks...” Unnoticed tears clung to the corners of his eyes as he leaned against the rough brick wall of the alley. He should have just stayed at Eliot’s and now he longed for the safety and warmth of the were’s embrace.
Frankie fought his instincts and asked, “You need to be somewhere?” He took a step closer and smelt something else on this one. “You stink of Were... not wolf?”
“That..” Gale hissed as he tried to push up from the floor and failed, “would be my lover.” Really he had nothing left to lose with that confession, did he? The were could take offence from the smell Eliot clinging to his skin. His lover wasn’t shy about marking him. “I need to get to my sire... need to heal...”
Frankie looked around for his clothes; he needed a cigarette. Turning away he wandered over to the discarded pile and dressed, all the while watching the Vamp and thinking through what he said. “Who’s your Sire?” he asked lighting the cigarette between his lips.
“Andre...” he whispered, pointing unnecessarily towards his sire’s home.
“I know him,” Frankie said with a sneer and walked over to Gale. “Let’s get your sorry ass up and we can take you to daddy.”
“Yeah...” he groaned, pushing himself up along the wall using his leg power, an injured arm cradled against his chest. “Thanks...”
Frankie shook his head and leaned over to wrap an arm around Gale and hauled him the rest of the way up. “Your Were is a cat?”
He couldn’t fight the instinct to hiss as pain shot through him at the sudden change in position, the smell of his own blood torturing his nose. “Yeah... he’s a cat... a beautiful fucking tiger.”
Frankie just raised his eyebrows and hefted Gale into a more comfortable position. “I know me a mountain lion out in the bayou,” he said half in thought then carefully began their journey.
“Lot of diversity... among the weres here in town...,” he tried to smile, his whole body hurting.
A small chuckle escaped past the cigarette. “You could say that.” He checked where they were heading then asked, “So what’s a baby Vamp doin’ with a furry?”
“He likes me,” Gale couldn’t really shrug at the moment. “And I adore him... fucking beautiful...he purrs...” loss of blood making Gale a little loopy.
The last comment actually made Frankie laugh. “Don’t you pass out on me bloodsucker,” he muttered and speeded things up a little until he saw the front of Andre’s place. “This were we should be?”
“Huh?” eyebrows knit in confusion as Gale tried to lift his head. “Yeah... this is it. Dad?” he called out.
He’d been preparing the papers to send to his accountant when the first jolt of pain slapped at him. “Fuck...” Opening his mind fully, he concentrated, searching his links, Andre roared as he came out of his seat. “Gale!” He was across the house when the call reached his ears; he was outside - and not alone. Flinging the door open, the vampire cleared the stairs in one leap. “What the fuck happened!” His bellow could have shattered glass with the shear volume of it.
Frankie stood his ground; his arm still tight around the young Vampire. “Found me one of yours and thought I’d return it,” he drawled ready in case Andre attacked.
He knew the scent of Frankie’s blood from the fight between the mangy were and Jude, “It’s not your blood on my childe.” Moving toward the pair, a more cautious pace, his eyes moved to Gale, “What happened.” Even as he questioned, his eyes were taking in the mangled flesh; the jagged, raw wound at the yearlings throat had Andre stumble a bit. “Bring him in - please.”
Frankie eyed the house and debated the request. He didn’t fancy entering a Vampire lair, but dumping the young bloodsucker in the garden would not be a good idea; the last thing he wanted was it to come back on Mellors. “Come on baby Vamp... home sweet home.”
“Will you contact your prince to let him know of this?” Moving toward the back of the house, Andre closed and locked most of the windows with a thought, he’d worry about the doors later. Indicating the study with is large leather couch, he requested that Gale be placed on it while he gathered items to tend the wound.
Frankie dumped the Vampire on the couch and backed away. “I’ll tell Liam. Not one of our pack and I saw him off.”
Moving toward the couch, Andre nodded, eyes focused on Gale, “He won’t be back? Gale is safe from him?”
Blowing a smoke ring then placing the shrinking cigarette back between his lips Frankie stated. “The baby bloodsucker is safe. The wolf is dead.”
Normally Andre would not allow smoking in his home, especially around his antiques and especially around an open wound, but this were earned a little leeway. “Thank you; you saved me the trouble of having to look for him and then explain to Lia... your prince.” Wiping at the gaping hole, he winced, “Any idea why he attacked?”
Frankie just snorted and shook his head. “The wolf was out of his territory to hunt. Not all fuck outside their species.”
Slowly turning his head, Andre studied the slender man. “Are you alluding to you and Mr. Mellors?”
Gale groaned as he tried to shift on the couch, wanting to explain but not really finding the energy to do so.
“No allusions,” Frankie shrugged not sure he liked Andre mentioning Mellors. “Just cold hard facts.” He turned and looked at Gale. “Your pup looks bad... you better do what you bloodsuckers do.”
With his hand resting on Gale’s forehead, Andre closed his eyes for a moment, entering his childe’s mind. Ease... you’re home and safe. Relax. Turning his dark eyes on the were, the vampire smiled. “Can you contact Mellors? I may need his services.”
I’m sorry dad... Gale allowed his eyes to drift shut, though he knew that blocking out the world wasn’t an option. Neither was rest, really.
Frankie stared at Andre for a second while deciding what to do. “If he came here he wouldn’t make it back before morning.”
“He has had the protection and welcome of my home before, it remains.” Ease your mind for now Gale. Rest. You will be healed. The ragged wound at the young vampire’s neck did worry him though, enough to know that Mellors might indeed be needed. “Do you have a connection with him? Could I impose on you to contact him and request his presence?”
"Can ask," Frankie muttered although he was not at all happy about it and wandered outside to send the message.
Staking the sapling, Mellors finished tying off the support lines as he felt a familiar brush, Unusual for you to contact me - what's up?
Baby Vamp hurt... not by me. Frankie grinned to himself knowing Mellors might assume he'd 'played' with the young one. Andre needs you, but only come if it's safe.
"Dad..." Gale groaned, eyes staying shut as a wave of pain rolled over him. Like a scared child he needed his sire near for comfort.
Standing, Mellors brushed the dirt from his hands as he moved toward the cottage. You didn't... Okay then. What kind of injuries? Deep, long... describe them? Once inside, the vampire moved to his herb chest, gathering items seemingly at random. Who is it that is hurt?
"Shhhhh..." Rubbing his thumb against the warm brow, Andre connected with Gale again and used their bond to numb some of the pain. "Help is on its way..."
Frankie watched through the window at Andre with the young Vampire then wandered closer to the glass. One of Andre's... Gale maybe. Stray wolf bit.
The yearling? Shit... Okay babe, I'll be there in a few - will you? Gathering more (or so he hoped) than he'd need, Mellors stepped outside and 'shifted', moving quickly through the night. Approaching the house, he announced his arrival. Tell Andre that I'm here love.
With a sniff Frankie banged on the window and mouthed 'he's here', then stepped out to the garden to look for Mellors.
Andre looked up at the sound, nodding his understanding but the were was already gone.
Oliver stepped through the wrought iron gate and smiled as Frankie came into view. "Hello Mutt." Closing the distance, he pressed his nose to the were's neck, sniffing as he moved to Frankie's ear. "Time for a kiss?"
"Always," Frankie muttered and gave the gamekeeper's lips a lick before kissing them.
It was easy to slide into the touch, his body pressing against Frankie's as parts stirred at their contact. "You're addictive love.... so very wonderfully so."
Andre stood at the window, loath to break the lover's apart but his childe needed care; a gentle tap to the glass and he moved away, a diminishing shadow that shrank in height as he returned to Gale the only indication he'd been there.
"Baby vamp need you," Frankie murmured and looked up to see Andre disappear from the window.
"Coming?" Pulling back, Mellors caresses Frankie's cheek before moving to the veranda. Once inside, he took a breath, inhaling the scent of antiques and vampires. "Seems like the only time I'm invited here is to play doctor." Muttering to himself, the blond took a step.
"You've never been denied entrance to my home, and considering the kindness' you've shown my children, that isn't likely to happen." Andre smiled, a look still dusted in concern. "He was attacked, barely a year now."
Frankie hung around just outside the door; listening but not intruding. He didn't like being around so many Vampires even though he knew his lover would keep him safe... and anyway, Frankie knew he could do a shit load of damage before a Vamp took him down.
Mellors moved to the bed and stared down at the body; that this was a young vampire was not mistaken - he did not yet exude the power that so many of their kind did. "What was he attacked by?" Crouching, the gamekeeper ran his hand over the other man's face then down to his neck. "It was a mauling - were?" Raising his eyes he stared at the elder, needing answers.
"I'm not certain, I believe so." Andre reached out to Gale, softly entering his mind. Childe - can you speak to the healer? He needs to ask you questions.
"Yeah..." he answered his sire verbally, shifting a bit as he did so and wincing at the pain. "It was a wolf... he did not speak to me... I don't know why.... walking home from Eliot's..."
"Not one of ours," Frankie interjected from the door.
"Rogue?" The question was asked even though Andre knew the answer. "Prince Liam will need to know of this. May I ask that you let him know Frankie?"
Frankie gave a non-committal shrug that actually meant he would pass the information on to his Prince.
Concentrating on his 'patient', Mellors let the conversation flow around him. "Can you tell me how the attack happened, what the were did... how much blood have you lost?"
"He didn't say anything," Gale's eyes fluttered closed again in exhaustion. "I only caught his scent right before he attacked me..."
"Fang..." Shaking hsi head, Oliver turned Gale's chin, looking at the wound. "Teeth or claws?"
Andre moved to step forward but stopped when his body cast a shadow over Gale and the other vampire, "Sorry." Heading in Frankie's direction he offered a smile, "Thank you... for my childe. I'm in your debt."
"Teeth," Gale lifted a weak hand to point at his neck.
"Possible infection then, but I don't think so." Rummaging through his bag, Oliver pulled out a small bottle. Inside was a greasy looking substance, noxious in color and scent when it was opened. "You'll stink for a few days." Laying it aside to 'breath', the vampire took out a soft towel and some cleaning salve. "Now this... it's going to sting." Dabbing an edge of the cloth into the clear substance, he patted it over the wound, thicker in the open gashes.
Andre hadn't been ignoring the conversation between his childe and the vampire; at the mention of pain, he moved to Gale. "How much will it hurt?" Instinct had his voice deepen, hands curling.
"Sting, not hurt." Keeping his back to the elder, Mellors continued to clean the cuts, wincing when some flesh fell away. "His healing will take time."
"I thought bloodsuckers healed fast?" Frankie queried taking some interest in what Mellors was doing.
"Normally yes, if they are older. This one," indicating the yearling on the bed, "his body is still developing all the necessary defenses. That's why staying with sires is so important the first few years."
"Andre 's good sire..." Gale hissed a defense to what his fuzzy brain perceived to be an insult through his pain.
Calm yourself Gale, Oliver was merely explaining to Frankie. If his childe could rise to his defense, it wasn't as bad as it looked. Oh the wounds were still bad, but not as threatening as they had originally perceived.
Ducking his head, the older vampire kept his smile to himself. Bet he could give you a bit of a run for your money love... not that I'd want to see it. Looking over his shoulder, Mellors saw his lover, and maybe it was his jaded eye, but it looked to Mellors like the were was having a hard time feeling comfortable in the house. Do you want to stay the day here with me while I tend this one, or would you rather leave?
Frankie gave Mellors an almost apologetic look. Can stay if you need me...
Sorry... thought he was criticizing my sire, Gale mentally grumbled, eyes cracking open to catch a glimpse of his sire's face. Sorry I fucked up...
I would love for you to stay, but that's me being greedy and taking any opportunity to have you near. If you're not comfortable, it won't be pleasurable for either of us Frankie. Contuining to work on the yougling, Oliver finally applied the healing ointment.
I know, and I thank you for your defense childe. Watching for a few moments longer, Andre sighed, You didn't fuck up Gale... you did not provoke the attack. But I think I will discuss you having an escort for a while.
"Fuck..." Gale hissed, his frustration and pain levels combining together in that one spoken expletive.
Placing a gentle but restraining hand on the young one, Oliver covered Gale's neck with a light gauze. "We'll change that when next he wakes. He'll need blood too."
"I have a supply here for emergencies." Brushing his hand over his childe's head, Andre soothed Gale again, using his connection to send the yearling closer to sleep. Rest
Frankie watched Mellors minister to Gale's wounds and contemplated staying, but the last of the moon called to him. Moving behind his lover he nuzzled the Vampire briefly and said, "Fix this one; might be fun to chase one night." Then with a grin Frankie made his way out the door.
"Thank you..." Gale called out to the retreating were. His eyes remained closed and he couldn't focus to determine if the were was still in the building, but he still needed to say it.
Be safe. Watching the trim figure slip through the door and into the night, Oliver sighed; Frankie was... Frankie. Turning back to Gale, he addressed Andre. "Do you have a bed for this one?"
"I do, it's down stairs, but he can easily have one of the rooms upstairs - they are safe." How did one go about thanking another vampire, but refuse him entrance to their sanctuary? "I can carry him, and show you your room now."
"That's fine, thanks. He should sleep through the night after he's fed and I'll be here in case I'm needed."
Gale was all smiles as he walked through the city streets. He had spent a few lovely hours with Eliot, something that always put him in a good mood even if occasionally he did come away covered in orange hair.
The dark wolf lifted his snout to the breeze. This wasn’t his city, but his ‘ways’ kept him on the move. Packs didn’t suit his needs or temperament and most pack leaders didn’t understand the threat of Vampires. He snorted at the mere thought of bloodsuckers. The wolf trotted closer to the city and caught a scent on the breeze... Vampire.
There was always a diverse group of weres and vamps roaming the city. So while it went against much of what he had been taught, Gale ignored the scent of an unknown where in his general vicinity.
If a wolf could smile, this one did... the Vampire was a young one. With barely a sound he launched himself into a full run and leaped onto the unsuspecting Vampire bowling him off his feet.
Fuck Gale cursed his own distraction and lack of survival instincts. He had little to defend himself with in this situation and the scent of his were lover all over him. He couldn’t go down without a fight, though, and he growled a warning while trying to push the unknown off of him.
Strong jaws tore at the cool skin and soon the muzzle was spattered with blood. The Vampire managed to get in a few good blows knowing the wolf back, but the were would not be stopped. With a powerful lunge the strong jaws closed around Gale’s throat.
That was it, he struggled to defend himself knowing that it was a fruitless effort. In the chaos he didn’t even think to reach out to his sire or lover, instead he relied on a human instinct and verbally cried out for help.
Frankie heard the cry and reacted with only the vaguest interest. Death was a hidden reality in the city and Frankie only cared when it affected him directly. Then he caught something in the air... a Were. Not pack... not known. He turned quickly and ran towards the scent becoming wolf as he went.
The stranger did not release the Vampire, but looked up as the fawn wolf circled and growled. The Vampire will die tonight. Do not interfere.
Frankie wolf tilted his head. He had no love for bloodsuckers other than his own, but this was an intruder ... and the bloodsucker belonged. In a flash Frankie dashed forward jaws snapping at the dark wolf and forcing it to release its hold on Gale.
As soon as he was released, Gale shuffled away from the weres with the last bits of strength he had left in his body. An unknown wolf had come to his rescue? The loss of blood was muddling his head.
The wolves fought with snarls and clashing teeth, but Frankie was larger and heavier. He soon had the other pinned and growled, Go or die. It was not a question. when he eased back enough to let the other go it turned and snapped at Frankie. As Frankie’s jaws crushed the dark wolves throat he reasoned that the stranger had made a foolish choice.
Gale watched with tired eyes as the were who attacked him perished. But what did this mean for him? Was this new were friend or foe? “Thank you...” he whispered, taking a chance that he was indeed friend.
The fawn wolf turned yellow eyes to the injured Vampire. He could smell the spilled blood and it pulled at him to finish the job the other had started, but Frankie shook his head and slowly shed his wolf self to stand naked in front of the Vampire. “Don’t thank me Vamp... if he was one of mine I would have helped.”
“Still...” he panted. “Thanks...” Unnoticed tears clung to the corners of his eyes as he leaned against the rough brick wall of the alley. He should have just stayed at Eliot’s and now he longed for the safety and warmth of the were’s embrace.
Frankie fought his instincts and asked, “You need to be somewhere?” He took a step closer and smelt something else on this one. “You stink of Were... not wolf?”
“That..” Gale hissed as he tried to push up from the floor and failed, “would be my lover.” Really he had nothing left to lose with that confession, did he? The were could take offence from the smell Eliot clinging to his skin. His lover wasn’t shy about marking him. “I need to get to my sire... need to heal...”
Frankie looked around for his clothes; he needed a cigarette. Turning away he wandered over to the discarded pile and dressed, all the while watching the Vamp and thinking through what he said. “Who’s your Sire?” he asked lighting the cigarette between his lips.
“Andre...” he whispered, pointing unnecessarily towards his sire’s home.
“I know him,” Frankie said with a sneer and walked over to Gale. “Let’s get your sorry ass up and we can take you to daddy.”
“Yeah...” he groaned, pushing himself up along the wall using his leg power, an injured arm cradled against his chest. “Thanks...”
Frankie shook his head and leaned over to wrap an arm around Gale and hauled him the rest of the way up. “Your Were is a cat?”
He couldn’t fight the instinct to hiss as pain shot through him at the sudden change in position, the smell of his own blood torturing his nose. “Yeah... he’s a cat... a beautiful fucking tiger.”
Frankie just raised his eyebrows and hefted Gale into a more comfortable position. “I know me a mountain lion out in the bayou,” he said half in thought then carefully began their journey.
“Lot of diversity... among the weres here in town...,” he tried to smile, his whole body hurting.
A small chuckle escaped past the cigarette. “You could say that.” He checked where they were heading then asked, “So what’s a baby Vamp doin’ with a furry?”
“He likes me,” Gale couldn’t really shrug at the moment. “And I adore him... fucking beautiful...he purrs...” loss of blood making Gale a little loopy.
The last comment actually made Frankie laugh. “Don’t you pass out on me bloodsucker,” he muttered and speeded things up a little until he saw the front of Andre’s place. “This were we should be?”
“Huh?” eyebrows knit in confusion as Gale tried to lift his head. “Yeah... this is it. Dad?” he called out.
He’d been preparing the papers to send to his accountant when the first jolt of pain slapped at him. “Fuck...” Opening his mind fully, he concentrated, searching his links, Andre roared as he came out of his seat. “Gale!” He was across the house when the call reached his ears; he was outside - and not alone. Flinging the door open, the vampire cleared the stairs in one leap. “What the fuck happened!” His bellow could have shattered glass with the shear volume of it.
Frankie stood his ground; his arm still tight around the young Vampire. “Found me one of yours and thought I’d return it,” he drawled ready in case Andre attacked.
He knew the scent of Frankie’s blood from the fight between the mangy were and Jude, “It’s not your blood on my childe.” Moving toward the pair, a more cautious pace, his eyes moved to Gale, “What happened.” Even as he questioned, his eyes were taking in the mangled flesh; the jagged, raw wound at the yearlings throat had Andre stumble a bit. “Bring him in - please.”
Frankie eyed the house and debated the request. He didn’t fancy entering a Vampire lair, but dumping the young bloodsucker in the garden would not be a good idea; the last thing he wanted was it to come back on Mellors. “Come on baby Vamp... home sweet home.”
“Will you contact your prince to let him know of this?” Moving toward the back of the house, Andre closed and locked most of the windows with a thought, he’d worry about the doors later. Indicating the study with is large leather couch, he requested that Gale be placed on it while he gathered items to tend the wound.
Frankie dumped the Vampire on the couch and backed away. “I’ll tell Liam. Not one of our pack and I saw him off.”
Moving toward the couch, Andre nodded, eyes focused on Gale, “He won’t be back? Gale is safe from him?”
Blowing a smoke ring then placing the shrinking cigarette back between his lips Frankie stated. “The baby bloodsucker is safe. The wolf is dead.”
Normally Andre would not allow smoking in his home, especially around his antiques and especially around an open wound, but this were earned a little leeway. “Thank you; you saved me the trouble of having to look for him and then explain to Lia... your prince.” Wiping at the gaping hole, he winced, “Any idea why he attacked?”
Frankie just snorted and shook his head. “The wolf was out of his territory to hunt. Not all fuck outside their species.”
Slowly turning his head, Andre studied the slender man. “Are you alluding to you and Mr. Mellors?”
Gale groaned as he tried to shift on the couch, wanting to explain but not really finding the energy to do so.
“No allusions,” Frankie shrugged not sure he liked Andre mentioning Mellors. “Just cold hard facts.” He turned and looked at Gale. “Your pup looks bad... you better do what you bloodsuckers do.”
With his hand resting on Gale’s forehead, Andre closed his eyes for a moment, entering his childe’s mind. Ease... you’re home and safe. Relax. Turning his dark eyes on the were, the vampire smiled. “Can you contact Mellors? I may need his services.”
I’m sorry dad... Gale allowed his eyes to drift shut, though he knew that blocking out the world wasn’t an option. Neither was rest, really.
Frankie stared at Andre for a second while deciding what to do. “If he came here he wouldn’t make it back before morning.”
“He has had the protection and welcome of my home before, it remains.” Ease your mind for now Gale. Rest. You will be healed. The ragged wound at the young vampire’s neck did worry him though, enough to know that Mellors might indeed be needed. “Do you have a connection with him? Could I impose on you to contact him and request his presence?”
"Can ask," Frankie muttered although he was not at all happy about it and wandered outside to send the message.
Staking the sapling, Mellors finished tying off the support lines as he felt a familiar brush, Unusual for you to contact me - what's up?
Baby Vamp hurt... not by me. Frankie grinned to himself knowing Mellors might assume he'd 'played' with the young one. Andre needs you, but only come if it's safe.
"Dad..." Gale groaned, eyes staying shut as a wave of pain rolled over him. Like a scared child he needed his sire near for comfort.
Standing, Mellors brushed the dirt from his hands as he moved toward the cottage. You didn't... Okay then. What kind of injuries? Deep, long... describe them? Once inside, the vampire moved to his herb chest, gathering items seemingly at random. Who is it that is hurt?
"Shhhhh..." Rubbing his thumb against the warm brow, Andre connected with Gale again and used their bond to numb some of the pain. "Help is on its way..."
Frankie watched through the window at Andre with the young Vampire then wandered closer to the glass. One of Andre's... Gale maybe. Stray wolf bit.
The yearling? Shit... Okay babe, I'll be there in a few - will you? Gathering more (or so he hoped) than he'd need, Mellors stepped outside and 'shifted', moving quickly through the night. Approaching the house, he announced his arrival. Tell Andre that I'm here love.
With a sniff Frankie banged on the window and mouthed 'he's here', then stepped out to the garden to look for Mellors.
Andre looked up at the sound, nodding his understanding but the were was already gone.
Oliver stepped through the wrought iron gate and smiled as Frankie came into view. "Hello Mutt." Closing the distance, he pressed his nose to the were's neck, sniffing as he moved to Frankie's ear. "Time for a kiss?"
"Always," Frankie muttered and gave the gamekeeper's lips a lick before kissing them.
It was easy to slide into the touch, his body pressing against Frankie's as parts stirred at their contact. "You're addictive love.... so very wonderfully so."
Andre stood at the window, loath to break the lover's apart but his childe needed care; a gentle tap to the glass and he moved away, a diminishing shadow that shrank in height as he returned to Gale the only indication he'd been there.
"Baby vamp need you," Frankie murmured and looked up to see Andre disappear from the window.
"Coming?" Pulling back, Mellors caresses Frankie's cheek before moving to the veranda. Once inside, he took a breath, inhaling the scent of antiques and vampires. "Seems like the only time I'm invited here is to play doctor." Muttering to himself, the blond took a step.
"You've never been denied entrance to my home, and considering the kindness' you've shown my children, that isn't likely to happen." Andre smiled, a look still dusted in concern. "He was attacked, barely a year now."
Frankie hung around just outside the door; listening but not intruding. He didn't like being around so many Vampires even though he knew his lover would keep him safe... and anyway, Frankie knew he could do a shit load of damage before a Vamp took him down.
Mellors moved to the bed and stared down at the body; that this was a young vampire was not mistaken - he did not yet exude the power that so many of their kind did. "What was he attacked by?" Crouching, the gamekeeper ran his hand over the other man's face then down to his neck. "It was a mauling - were?" Raising his eyes he stared at the elder, needing answers.
"I'm not certain, I believe so." Andre reached out to Gale, softly entering his mind. Childe - can you speak to the healer? He needs to ask you questions.
"Yeah..." he answered his sire verbally, shifting a bit as he did so and wincing at the pain. "It was a wolf... he did not speak to me... I don't know why.... walking home from Eliot's..."
"Not one of ours," Frankie interjected from the door.
"Rogue?" The question was asked even though Andre knew the answer. "Prince Liam will need to know of this. May I ask that you let him know Frankie?"
Frankie gave a non-committal shrug that actually meant he would pass the information on to his Prince.
Concentrating on his 'patient', Mellors let the conversation flow around him. "Can you tell me how the attack happened, what the were did... how much blood have you lost?"
"He didn't say anything," Gale's eyes fluttered closed again in exhaustion. "I only caught his scent right before he attacked me..."
"Fang..." Shaking hsi head, Oliver turned Gale's chin, looking at the wound. "Teeth or claws?"
Andre moved to step forward but stopped when his body cast a shadow over Gale and the other vampire, "Sorry." Heading in Frankie's direction he offered a smile, "Thank you... for my childe. I'm in your debt."
"Teeth," Gale lifted a weak hand to point at his neck.
"Possible infection then, but I don't think so." Rummaging through his bag, Oliver pulled out a small bottle. Inside was a greasy looking substance, noxious in color and scent when it was opened. "You'll stink for a few days." Laying it aside to 'breath', the vampire took out a soft towel and some cleaning salve. "Now this... it's going to sting." Dabbing an edge of the cloth into the clear substance, he patted it over the wound, thicker in the open gashes.
Andre hadn't been ignoring the conversation between his childe and the vampire; at the mention of pain, he moved to Gale. "How much will it hurt?" Instinct had his voice deepen, hands curling.
"Sting, not hurt." Keeping his back to the elder, Mellors continued to clean the cuts, wincing when some flesh fell away. "His healing will take time."
"I thought bloodsuckers healed fast?" Frankie queried taking some interest in what Mellors was doing.
"Normally yes, if they are older. This one," indicating the yearling on the bed, "his body is still developing all the necessary defenses. That's why staying with sires is so important the first few years."
"Andre 's good sire..." Gale hissed a defense to what his fuzzy brain perceived to be an insult through his pain.
Calm yourself Gale, Oliver was merely explaining to Frankie. If his childe could rise to his defense, it wasn't as bad as it looked. Oh the wounds were still bad, but not as threatening as they had originally perceived.
Ducking his head, the older vampire kept his smile to himself. Bet he could give you a bit of a run for your money love... not that I'd want to see it. Looking over his shoulder, Mellors saw his lover, and maybe it was his jaded eye, but it looked to Mellors like the were was having a hard time feeling comfortable in the house. Do you want to stay the day here with me while I tend this one, or would you rather leave?
Frankie gave Mellors an almost apologetic look. Can stay if you need me...
Sorry... thought he was criticizing my sire, Gale mentally grumbled, eyes cracking open to catch a glimpse of his sire's face. Sorry I fucked up...
I would love for you to stay, but that's me being greedy and taking any opportunity to have you near. If you're not comfortable, it won't be pleasurable for either of us Frankie. Contuining to work on the yougling, Oliver finally applied the healing ointment.
I know, and I thank you for your defense childe. Watching for a few moments longer, Andre sighed, You didn't fuck up Gale... you did not provoke the attack. But I think I will discuss you having an escort for a while.
"Fuck..." Gale hissed, his frustration and pain levels combining together in that one spoken expletive.
Placing a gentle but restraining hand on the young one, Oliver covered Gale's neck with a light gauze. "We'll change that when next he wakes. He'll need blood too."
"I have a supply here for emergencies." Brushing his hand over his childe's head, Andre soothed Gale again, using his connection to send the yearling closer to sleep. Rest
Frankie watched Mellors minister to Gale's wounds and contemplated staying, but the last of the moon called to him. Moving behind his lover he nuzzled the Vampire briefly and said, "Fix this one; might be fun to chase one night." Then with a grin Frankie made his way out the door.
"Thank you..." Gale called out to the retreating were. His eyes remained closed and he couldn't focus to determine if the were was still in the building, but he still needed to say it.
Be safe. Watching the trim figure slip through the door and into the night, Oliver sighed; Frankie was... Frankie. Turning back to Gale, he addressed Andre. "Do you have a bed for this one?"
"I do, it's down stairs, but he can easily have one of the rooms upstairs - they are safe." How did one go about thanking another vampire, but refuse him entrance to their sanctuary? "I can carry him, and show you your room now."
"That's fine, thanks. He should sleep through the night after he's fed and I'll be here in case I'm needed."