Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ A Matter Of Choice ❯ Willingly Taken ( Chapter 10 )

Willingly Taken

 

Demetriov sat in Torin's room, knowing that he would come in time. Still, he felt apprehensive. He knew what he was about to do, and he didn't like the thought of it. Saying good-bye to his beloved Torin was going to be hard, but it had to be done. Presently he heard Torin's laughter float up the stairs. The door opened and he entered laughing. Demetriov stood. Torin saw him and smiled.

 

“Demetriov! I didn't expect to see you tonight.”

 

“I had to see you.” Demetriov said quietly his fear wrapping tightly round his heart.

 

Torin sensed something was wrong and closed the door behind him.

 

“What is it Demetriov? Have you fed?”

 

“No, not yet. I had to see you.” That one sentence said so much and yet, not enough.

 

Torin walked up and put a hand to Demetriov's face. Demetriov pulled away, unable to bear the look of concern in the other's eyes.

 

“Don't. Don't make this more difficult than it is.”

 

Torin felt a pang of fear, what on earth could have his friend so worked up? “Demetriov, you are my friend. I care for you in a way I have never cared about anyone. What is it? What is it that troubles you? If you won't tell me at least let me comfort you.”

 

Demetriov sighed. It would be all too easy to fall into this man's loving embrace, and he burned so when he was near Torin, God how he loved this man, but could never say.

 

“Demetriov, please.”

 

Torin stood with his hand on Demetriov's shoulder.

 

“We move on tomorrow. I have to leave you. I have to say good bye.” He was almost choking on the words now.

 

“What!” Torin felt a stab of pain in his chest at the revelation. “Demetriov, you can't be serious. After all we've done together you are leaving me?”

 

“Believe me, this is hard, I don't want to go. It would be so easy to stay here with you, to stay by your side.”

 

“Then stay, stay with me.” He was almost begging now. The thought of losing his friend was suddenly unbearable.

 

“I can't. The hunter is too close. If we stay I put Daniel and Alicia in danger too.”

 

“I won't let him hurt you; I won't let him anywhere near you. I'll kill him myself if that is what it takes.” Anger and desperation began to seep into his tone.

 

Demetriov smiled softly at his friend's outburst. “Brave Torin, no you won't.”

 

Torin was a little angered by the soft retort. “Do you doubt me?”

 

“No.”

 

“Then why do you say I wouldn't?”

 

“You won't because I ask you not to.”

 

Torin softened at this, of course he would do as he was asked. “But why?”

 

“If you get involved he will certainly hurt you too. He is strong, much stronger than he appears. He could deal with you. He has dispatched immortals stronger than I. He would find a mortal very little of a challenge to his talent. I have to go, for your sake and mine.”

 

Silence fell between them. Torin found himself dwelling on what he had been thinking about recently. He knew that this day would come, that Demetriov would have to move on, and how he didn't want to lose his friend. The why wasn't clear, but he knew in his heart that being parted was the last thing that he wanted.

 

“Then I will come with you.” He said, voicing the thought that had been in his mind for some time.

 

“Torin!” Demetriov was aghast, he couldn't possibly… could he?

 

“Demetriov, I have followed you for a year. I have watched you kill, and I have enjoyed your company. Nothing about what you are can deter me. I have come to know you too well, come to care for you too much. I am not about to let such a friend as you pass me by.”

 

Could Torin really mean all this? “And you would leave all you have here?”

 

“What I have here is insignificant compared to what we have. There is no one here I care about half as much as you. What do surroundings matter?”

 

“What about your girls?” He mocked almost playfully now.

 

“My girls.” Torin laughed. “They are just an outlet for male desire. There is no love. It is merely physical. Besides, it is expected for the son of a Lord to have his way with the daughters of his lands. I am merely fulfilling expectation.”

 

“And you don't enjoy it?” Demetriov asked more interested in the answer than he cared to admit.

 

“Of course I enjoy it what man doesn't? I don't care for them. I care about you.” The response almost flippant, but true all the same.

 

Torin reached behind Demetriov's head, pulling out the ribbon that held his flowing hair back. Demetriov's hair fell about his shoulders. He loved to see those curls unfettered; they seemed to add to the air of majesty. Almost in a trance he ran his fingers through the other's hair, overtaken by the desire to be close to him.

 

“A true Lord you are.” He murmured softly. “You may not have your kingdom here but you are a Lord and master. Besides, there are other ways to sate desire.”

 

Giving into the impulse that had been building in him since he had come close to the man before him, he leaned forward and kissed Demetriov on both cheeks, slowly, lingering. Demetriov's heart was pounding, but he stood still as Torin stepped back flushing, suddenly bothered by his boldness. He sighed. Part of him was screaming at him to let Torin join them, to hell with the danger, how could he let this go so easily. He had to put such thoughts out of his head, if nothing else for Torin's sake.

 

“It would be so easy, believe me.”

 

“Then let me come.”

 

“I couldn't. Sooner or later the hunter would find you, and us. You would suffer at his hands.” Just the thought of that possibility tore at his heart.

 

“You would protect me, I know you would.” Torin replied, radiating the belief he had in the other.

 

“True enough, I would, but the hunter is strong, and I myself am not strong enough to defeat him alone. Not yet. I would need Daniel but he would not help.” He was a little bitter about this though he had no right to be. He would not help Daniel either.

 

“Why not?”

 

“He doesn't interfere with things that do not directly concern him. You are not of any importance to him, so he would let you die without a second thought. I would lose you and I cannot do that.” He replied firmly, unconsciously voicing more than he realised.

 

“So you will lose me this way instead.” Torin's tone turned mournful. How could it all end like this? Surely there had to be another way.

 

“Believe me I don't want to. But at least this way I know you are alive and that you are safe from him.”

 

“There is something more isn't there?” Torin posed sharply. He knew Demetriov was holding back. “It isn't just that. I think you could protect me, especially if you cared about me enough. There is something else that hurts you. What is it Demetriov?”

 

Demetriov sagged, slumping on a chair. Torin had always been able to see right through him. How could he tell Torin the truth? It made him seem so shallow. But as he looked at his friend, he knew that he deserved the answer, no matter how hard it was to voice.

 

“If you were with me I would have to watch you age. Eventually you would wither and die. I couldn't bear to watch your looks fade and you waste away. I couldn't bear to see you an old man. I'd end up hating you. I couldn't do it.” His voice trailed away, now unable to look the other in the eye.

 

“There must be some way. I don't want to have to be without you.” Torin was almost pleading again. They were saying so much tonight, and yet so much was remaining unsaid.

 

“I feel the same, but…”He just couldn't finish, he didn't know what else to say, and truth be told tears were threatening and his throat tightened with emotion.

 

Torin sat on a chair dejected. Demetriov turned away from Torin as he started to cry, blood tears starting to fall down his face.

 

Torin felt the tears prick his own eyes as he saw this, he couldn't bear to see the other cry. “Demetriov.” He called softly.

 

“Leave me alone Torin.” He responded sharply.

 

“Look at me Demetriov.” He kept his tone soft, unable to be angry at the other's outburst.

 

Demetriov turned obediently. Torin stood and walked over to him and wiped away the tears gently with his fingers. He drew Demetriov's head to his shoulder. Demetriov gave in to him and slid his arms around the man he loved, holding him tightly to him.

 

“I am going to miss you my friend.” He whispered.

 

He burned as he held Torin close. How he wanted him, but could never have him. If only he had more time, then maybe things might be different, but as they stood, this was the end for them. He stood upright and backed away. He didn't want to get lost to this wonderful man, then do something he would regret.

 

“You travel with them, yet you will not travel with me because of my frail mortality.”

 

“Always the poet aren't you?” He almost smiled despite his melancholy. “They are different; they are vampires and you…” He stopped short, cursing himself, realising he had said too much. He had been afraid that he might let something like this slip.

 

“I am not!” Torin said excitedly, hope suddenly flaring in his chest. “That's it, don't you see.”

 

“What?” He kept his tone even. No matter how he felt he wanted to deter his companion.

 

“If I were a vampire… we could be together Demetriov.” If he were asked, he would have to admit, he had thought abut this before, wondered what it would be like to have that power of life over death. He had shrugged these thoughts off with shame - he was not the kind that craved power, and they were nothing but a dark dream.

 

“I don't know.” Demetriov whispered, overjoyed by the thought of having Torin forever, but pained by the price of such companionship.

 

“Do you know how it's done?” Torin pressed him hard now.

 

“Yes, but…”

 

“Then what is there to lose?” He pressed on earnestly, now he was on this track he was going to see it through.

 

“Do you really want this?” He asked seriously. “Do you know what you ask of me?” While he had considered this course, he had doubted his resolve to carry the act through, after all it meant taking the life of someone he cared about dearly. “Would you really leave all of this behind? Your inheritance, the great life that stands before you. You will never want for anything, and you would throw it all away to spend eternity with me.”

 

“I would want for your company.” He responded truthfully. “Being Lord of this does not mean much. It means responsibility and believe me, that is not what I want.”

 

“You would live with me in eternal night?” His voice was barely above a whisper now, the answer meant so much to him.

 

“Yes, gladly.”

 

He felt his heart swell with joy, even though the feeling was tinged with trepidation. “This is love indeed. Why?” Even though he know Torin spoke the truth, he couldn't leave it alone.

 

“I would be with you. I would be able to see what happens to this world.” He began to voice the dreams he had begun to have since he had learnt of Demetriov's true nature. “I would be able to see the future, the way the world changes. I would be able to see if the predictions and assumptions people make are true. I want to see that change, I want to see the development of humanity.” His voice reflecting the wonder he truly felt at the prospect.

 

“From what I have seen of it already, it is cruel and bloody.” Demetriov sighed shattering the mood.

 

“That is human nature. We rape and pillage what we have, and then we call for more.” He replied thoughtfully.

 

“A philosopher too.” He smiled gently, amused by his thoughtful friend.

 

“Please Demetriov, don't deny me.” He requested softly. “Let us be together. Let me be born again through you.” He knew he wanted this with all his heart. He was scared, but he knew he would be a fool not to be.

 

“And you would bear on your shoulders all that comes with being a vampire.” Demetriov was deadly serious now.

 

“If what you have told me hasn't prepared me enough then be my teacher afterward, be my Lord and Mentor. Just don't turn me away.” He pleaded softly.

 

“Do you know how much I want to?” He ventured.

 

“If it is half as much as I want you to then yes.” He was only just admitting to himself how much he wanted this.

 

“To at last have a companion I can truly live with.” He thought for a moment, frightened it was just a dream. “Daniel pulled me back from the brink and kept me sane yes, but I crave more. As for Alicia… there is nothing there for me. That's why I love your company, you are everything they aren't.”

 

Torin saw his opportunity to turn his friend round. “Then let me be your companion now and for eternity. Let me be by your side.”

 

Demetriov turned away from him. Could he really do this to him, to this magnificent man? He would be robbing the world of one of its greatest personalities. The sense of humour he had, his vivacity, his life. Yet he could have all that himself for eternity. No, that was being selfish. But Torin was giving himself willingly. Did he know what he was doing? Did he really know what he was in for? How could he be prepared for what awaited him if Demetriov fashioned this change? He looked to him, his eyes full of hope and uncertainty.

 

“What is it you really want?” That was the only questions that mattered now.

 

Torin stepped up to him, taking Demetriov's face in his hands. He bent to him and kissed his cheek tenderly, his touch lingering.

 

“To be with you.” He whispered.

 

Demetriov found himself breathing hard, their momentary intimacy intoxicating. Wrapped up in the moment he felt himself give in.

 

“All right.” He breathed in return.

 

Torin stepped back. He unfastened his jacket, taking it off and partially unlaced his shirt, clearing his neck and throat, showing some of his smooth chest. Demetriov hungered at the sight, not for blood, just for him. He swallowed hard and threw off his coat, opening his own collar, freeing the passage to his own throat. Torin stood proud, waiting, ready. This was how Demetriov wanted to remember him forever, the proud and handsome man, there for him and him alone. He saw apprehension in Torin's eyes but he wanted it all the same.

 

Demetriov took a deep breath, heart pounding and walked across to him. He slid his right hand to the opening of Torin's shirt, feeling the warm silken flesh of his chest under his fingers, pushing the shirt back further. Torin closed his eyes, giving himself over to Demetriov, it taking all of his will to remain still, let this be done, no matter how it terrified him. Demetriov revelled in the feeling of the other's proximity. This was all so delicious, so inviting. Demetriov wanted more and unlaced his shirt further so he could slide his hand inside, around the body of this willing man. He felt the hot flesh of Torin's back under his fingers and pulled Torin against him. He burned inside, holding him this way was lighting a fire deep down in the depths of his soul. He slid his left hand behind his head, into Torin's hair. There was no escape now.

 

Torin was breathing deeply, waiting, not knowing what was to come, but waited all the same with closed eyes though the short moments seemed to last an eternity. Demetriov buried his face in Torin's warm flesh, savouring the warmth before he stole it forever. Torin slid a hand to the back of Demetriov's head, pressing him close, the other arm slid around his back. Demetriov felt fire as Torin's scent filled him. How long had it been since he had experienced this mortal proximity? Far too long was the answer that came to mind. He turned his head, his lips against the jugular vein, the fount of life, pulsing and alive beneath the skin. He kissed the surface gently.

 

“Do it.” Torin whispered hoarsely, overwhelmed by the feelings rushing through him, fear, elation, and even desire.

 

Demetriov bared his teeth and bit down. Torin gasped as he felt a short sharp pain, and then it was gone. Hot sweet blood poured into Demetriov's mouth. He crushed Torin to him, pressing his body hard into him, hard with desire. Pleasure filled him, filled every part of him, seeping through every tissue as the blood flowed into his stomach and diffused into his veins. He drank slowly, letting the fire build slowly, growing more and more intense. It rose in waves, the fire within him rising, growing white hot. Torin clung to him and groaned in the swoon, growing weak, groaning louder as ecstasy overtook him. Demetriov joined him, lost completely to the ecstasy, to this man.

 

Torin almost collapsed beneath him, his heart slowing. Demetriov disengaged, his body on fire heated both by blood and sheer desire. He helped Torin to the bed and laid him down. He held himself above Torin and took a small knife from his belt. In an pleasurable fog Torin reached for him, his hands sliding to Demetriov's waist, pulling him down on top of him, wonderfully hard beneath him. Demetriov groaned at feeling the other's arousal, desire filling him. What he'd love to do with him, to really make Torin his… but he had no time. Without his blood Torin would die. Breathing hard he created a slit in his own jugular.

 

He lifted Torin's head and slid his knees under Torin's body, lifting him to his chest. He brought Torin's head to the wound in his throat, Torin's arms sliding round him, one around his back, and one around his neck. They held each other tightly as he began to drink from the open wound. Demetriov was alive, holding Torin to him tightly, almost crushing him. The ecstasy threatened to block out all other sense, but he refused to let it. He took time to let a hand explore his hair, to explore the smooth flesh of his back. He felt Torin press himself against him, hard and hungry, drinking deeply. He wanted to give all he had to Torin, let him take it all, for this one experience, this man in his arms. All too soon Torin was taking too much and he had to pull him away.

 

Torin strained, wanting more, wanting the blood.

 

“I can give you no more.” He whispered regretfully.

 

He lay Torin down, but did not let him go. He knew that the pain would come and that it would be terrible. Torin lay there, panting in his arms, in a swoon, not really aware of what was going on as yet. Demetriov bent down and kissed his forehead, laying his face against Torin's to try and feel the warmth that he had, to feel it once more, just once before this was over. He held onto him for what seemed like a lifetime, but soon enough, the pain came.

 

Torin tensed beneath him as fire began to rage through his body, suddenly aware with a startling clarity. He clenched hard on Demetriov using him as an anchor, teeth gritted in agony, refusing to cry out. Demetriov stroked his head and soothed him, it tore at his heart to see him in pain but he knew it would be over soon. Grunts of pain escaped Torin's lips and he buried his face into Demetriov's chest to muffle them. They could not afford to raise any alarm. It grew worse and he clenched against Demetriov as hard as he could, almost crushing him, letting a hoarse scream out into his chest.

 

“Hold on, it will be over soon, just hold on.”

 

It did end, and Torin relaxed, panting heavily. Demetriov cradled his head in his hands as the change was completed, watching in wide-eyed wonder. Torin opened his eyes and they shone brilliant emerald green in the night.

 

“Oh my god.” He whispered, he just did not know what else to say.

 

“What?”

 

“It's all so… different.” There were no words to express how the changed world around him differed, he was in awe.

 

“You get used to it. How do you feel?”

 

“A little strange.”

 

“Can you get up?” He was a little concerned for their safety now it was over.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then come on. We must get you away from the light.”

 

Torin laughed and pulled Demetriov back down, kissing his throat boldly. Demetriov burned once more, the fire threatening to burst out of control. He pulled himself away reluctantly, and got up, loosely lacing Torin's shirt and pulling him to his feet.

 

“We have to go.”

 

He picked up his cloak and slid it over his shoulders. Torin quickly picked up his jacket and the two walked out. Torin was laughing out loud as they walked out into the night air.

 

“What?”

 

“This is so amazing.”

 

“Don't get lost in it, now come on.” Slight annoyance creeping into his tone now.

 

He took him to where he was staying. Daniel and Alicia had already laid to rest. He led him into his room, the windows blacked out a single bed lying there.

 

They predictably talked long into the night, until Torin eventually succumbed to the inevitable sleepiness as the sun rose. Demetriov smiled and took care of him when he fell asleep where he sat, laying him on the bed. He watched him sleep for a while, before drifting into sleep himself, sat back in a heavy leather chair. As he slept he smiled.

 

 

Author's notes:

Okay, now we are moving. A quick warning, we are going to start skipping some pretty big chunks of time here so please bear with as we do this. I need to cover a few events and a few hundred years in 4 chapters After that we will have reached the present and then we can really get into the meat of the story I promise.