Page 13 of Guardian

That Man always had a way of sneaking into our conversations, regardless if it was a political debate or casual discussion. Everything led back tohim.

Raphael was quick to press his lips shut, his mouth then widening to voice an apology. I stopped him before a single sound could escape.

“What have I said? You’re never allowed to apologize to me when we’re alone.” I sensed his recurring comment on the horizon, and I interrupted him before he could say it, “Even around guardians.”

Although the greenhouse wasn’t soundproof, guardians weren’t supposed to discuss any conversations they overheard between brothers. Yet, Tristan and I never discussed imposing matters due to Kaleb taking in new hires. It was how he was able to discover that Tristan was the one who dug information for me based on a minor tip. Now, I was his messenger.

“Fine,” Raphael huffed. He followed me as I made my way through the maze of flowers and out of the greenhouse. “Are you meeting Kaleb tonight?”

I nodded. Word regarding one’s accomplishments was quick to spread through the household. One of the twins surely informed Raphael, not as a warning, but as a compliment.

Jacque’s loyalty to Noah and Kaleb ran deep, Jacob blindly following his twin in any form. It granted them protection from Kaleb’s wrath and from being sought out. Yet what Kaleb thrived in was my submission, as it was his ultimate revel.

“Do I wish you good luck?” Raphael asked, his tone sincere yet alarmed.

“Of course,” I said, “although luck doesn’t like making an appearance when around Kaleb.”

“You never know; maybe for once it’ll rule in our favor,” Raphael whispered as we stepped into the gathering room. “Good luck, Alek.” He bowed and walked toward the foyer, ascending the grand stairs above while I descended the spiraling stairs beneath.

The vault encompassed a serene atmosphere, one that confirmed that none of my other brothers were present. Tristan stood beside the entrance, his head motioning as I grew closer. There was no laughter echoing through the walls but instead groans that embodied pleasure.

The feeding spaces mimicked a hospital room; the walls and furniture were all the same eggshell-white and held the same stale air. Kaleb and Noah believed the trail of blood from their lips was enough adornment against the plain room.

Kaleb towered over a man that lay in the bed, his bare body trembling with bliss as Kaleb’s fangs sank deeper into his russet skin. He was one of many regular clients that Kaleb favored, their contracts regularly renewed by the agreement that a witness would be present during these feeding sessions. Originally, guardians were responsible for this, but Noah had tweaked the principle that whether inside or outside, a brother could step in as a witness.

Like tonight.

If they were generous, they’d allow the visiting brother to join the feedings. But Kaleb’s fangs dug deeper, blood trickling onto the bed as the man’s moans fluctuated from pleasure to pain. Although a vampire’s bite was one that caused euphoria, the intention behind a feeding could alter such sensations. Surely, Kaleb’s anger persisted due to the occurrence between him and the guardian.

When Kaleb pulled away, crimson drops stained his teeth and lips. Obsidian veins webbed across his chalky scleras and into the surrounding skin. A gray cast hinted through his complexion, similar to those that lay lifeless six feet underground. His narrow eyes studied with disfavor. The man’s breathing steadied, his blood releasing a nectar scent. It was both enticing and overwhelming, an aroma that didn’t cater to my taste.

“Leave us,” demanded Kaleb, his voice almost a growl. His gaze retained its strict outraged expression, his common hazel eyes drowned in shadows.

I stood still as the man rose from the bed and grabbed his clothes, exiting with weary steps. Tristan was sure to help him from the moment the door closed.

Kaleb always overfed, not because of hunger but due to his complexes. Even with clients, he made it known who was superior without the need for compliance. Because despite his actions, everyone would return to his feet regardless of how menacing or seductive he posed.

I waited to be spoken to with no sudden movements that could antagonize Kaleb. I maintained an expressionless and still appearance, Kaleb settling in his chair as the silence blossomed into an unnerving bleakness.

“Little brother,” he began as he crossed his legs and angled his face toward me, “how was your gardening?”

“It went splendidly. Thank you for asking.” I didn’t meet his gaze, but I could sense his stare on my skin.

“Good.” The chair creaked against the floor as he stood. “Did it go splendid in the morning or the second time you returned?”

My eyes flicked onto him as he walked toward me, an action that confessed what he already knew. I was ignorant to think any of them wouldn’t have noticed my presence, but it was foolish to think Kaleb wouldn’t have cared for it.

There was no answer to his question as he stood before me, anticipating a blow or a hold against my throat. Instead, his lips slipped into a vile grin that showcased his elongated fangs, the sharp tips concealed in a rose tint.

“I’ll let this slide, dear little brother. But, one thing I won’t allow to pass is how you did nothing for your older brother as a rabid guardian put their hands on me.”

But you allowed her to,I wished to say, my teeth biting away at my tongue.Because you’re weak.

“My apologies, Brother. It won’t happen again.”

“No, it won’t, but an apology and an empty promise aren’t enough to satisfy me.” Kaleb’s chin rose, his gaze looming over me. “You, my dear little brother, have no means to stay hidden in the shadows anymore. Instead, you shall take the mantle of eliminating such a pest from our tainted garden.”

My chest caved at his words, my head outwardly shaking. He wasn’t handing me the eminent task of getting rid of a guardian. We’d done plenty of that.

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