Twenty - Eight

A/N: Comment and Vote! Let me know what you think!

"You're bringing him?"

"You're bringing your were," countered Tanner.

Sven buckled Luca up beside the massive shape of Marco. Luca was staring at him in awe. "Who this?" He inquired. "Smell like Marco--eat Marco?"

His tone was breathless with horror and Tanner almost chuckled. "Marco." The man touched his chest. "Luca."

It was adorable for Tanner and concerning for Griffin--it was making it harder for him to come to terms with ending his life. "So we'll meet at the restaurant." Griffin confirmed as he leaned against his own car.

Tanner had volunteered to take Griffin in his car to spare the awkwardness on the date that suddenly seemed to hold little importance. Sven got into the front of the car, regret deeply set in his choice. He had hoped for a quiet evening playing with Luca and winding down with a bubble bath and a glass of O Positive. Now he was going to pretend the past was their presence two weres with the minds of children.

What would his mother think?

The restaurant was partially filled as they got a table near the back. The newest Vampire's thrill with the evening died considerably as he saw the fourth and fifth wheel. Sven couldn't help but notice the New glow to him. He was young--probably only a few decades.

Did Tanner find him attractive? And did he even care?

The waitress grudgingly took down orders for the weres, reminding them that the restaurant preferred them to be tied outside. Luca and Marco seemed to be communicating with little noises and face expressions mostly. Sven didn't care--at least they weren't drawing unnecessary attention. "I'm sorry about...them." Griffin gestured to the were with an apologetic smile.

Cayden smiled shyly. "It's quite alright. He is rather impressive in his animal form though. Can I ask why he's...like that?"

"He's uh, damaged." Griffin admitted.

Understanding passed over his handsome face. "Oh what a pity. So I trust you'll be selecting a new one?"

"Yes."

"Maybe we could make that a second date?" Cayden suggested flirtatiously.

"So you're not having an awful time so far?" Griffin smiled.

Tanner hadn't looked at Sven once--too focused on scrolling through his cellphone. Sven leaned to seize salt shakers as Luca got his little hands around them. Luca squealed unhappily and the large were growled--a strange noise coming from a human-looking creature. Eyes were drawn by the sound and Sven ducked his head in embarrassment. What a bundle of fools they appeared to be.

"Quiet," Griffin snapped.

The were dunked his head a bit and Luca turned his head curiously. "Daddy, hold Luca?" He pulled on Tanner's sleeve.

Tanner was distracted however--why had he had so much trouble finding a date. He was attracted, had a reasonable amount of money, and he had respect. Why wouldn't Sven beg to come? Why had he had to con and convince him? It just wasn't sitting right.

Is there someone?

He glanced up at Sven. He blonde was lost in his own world, scowling off into nothing. This outing wasn't up to his standards clearly. Sitting at a table with a loaded were (or two) didn't scream royalty after all. "Daddy!"

He came back to earth and looked at Luca. "Your food is coming Pumpkin. Be patient."

The boy pouted. "Daddy hold Luca!"

"Sorry cupcake."

Why did it matter? He had Luca in his life. And he was the sunshine he had needed. But he had needs too. And Luca would never have the mental capacity to make that work. Not that his relationship with Sven was solely sex. As much as he loved caring for his Little he needed to have an intellectual conversation every now and again.

Plus, he missed the romance.

The stupid anniversaries he forgot half the time; the quest for stunning romance when they had grown much too close, to hold Sven when he mourned his future of forever--to excite him for their futures.

Sven's sparking blue eyes turned in him momentarily. Tanner smiled, hoping to see that glimmer if adoration. He remembered a time when he had a drug like effect on the young prince. How he bent so easily to his will, relishing him, worshipping what he was, what he could do, and the two did. And how he dwelled in the sinful acts they performed under the eyes of church, under the eyes of Sven's Gods--proved fake by Tanner's mere existence.

He had opened his mind, drawing him into his dark, seductive world kept far from the eyes of humans. Sven had begged to be immortal, to be by his lover's side forever. He wanted to be captured in his youth, in his beauty. And Tanner had been quick to appease his demands.

He had been the first Tanner had Sired. His own Sire was furious with us decision, ordering him to rectify the situation and drive a stake into the heart of his new lover.

Tanner had turned the stake on his own Sire instead.

If he regretted the choice, he didn't know. He refused to dwell on the what-ifs. But he would always remember Edward and his sultry ways. And of course saving the fact he had saved his life. But when he looked upon the beauty that had followed him through countless lifetimes, he was glad he had made the choice.

He regretted allowing things to grow dull and the two growing apart however.

He may have lost Sven forever.

"Oh no." Tanner looked at his friend's date as he tucked his head down fearfully.

Griffin frowned as he looked for the source. But it became apparent as a booming voice rang through the restaurant. "You little whore."

Tanner sensed the danger immediately, drawing Luca protectively behind him as he stood, tall and intimidating. The new vampire had inked markings on his skin. At his side was a werecougar on a thick chain. The Beast was impressive--it stood nearly the height Marco had. It had to be at least two hundred and fifty pounds if not closer to three hundred. And it was pure muscle.

"Leave me alone Ryker." Cayden pled quietly. "Please."

"You heard him." Griffin snapped stupidly. "You're not welcome here."

The vampire towered Griffin and laughed at him. Tanner didn't dare open his mouth--he knew when it was best to stay quiet. But for Griffin this was a matter of pride.

"Matar." the vampire snarled letting go of the chain.

The creature bunched its muscles, launching itself at Griffin.

The dinner had taken a deadly turn and Tanner wasn't sure what to do. Tanner swung around, grabbing Luca only to be barreled over by a massive wolf. The sound of shattered dishes was drowned out by the scream of the cougar. Tanner turned his head to see two weres tumbling hazardously through the restaurant. Families had leapt out of the way and were making their way quickly to the exit. "Oh my God I'm sorry," Cayden was crying, the stupid bitch.

Surely mentioning an insane ex would have benefited everyone. Blaming the victim may have been wrong but Luca shouldn't have seen such violence. The man gave a furious roar--clearly he hadn't expected his cougar to be sidelined, leaving the target unmarked.

Griffin unfrozen in time to be taken by the throat by the furious vampire who fumbled in his coat a moment before withdrawing a stake. He arm plunged down.

"This is what happens when you fuck someone else's slut!"

QOTC: thoughts? :P