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Chapter Text

Phayu stood at the large French windows overlooking the beautiful gardens of the home he shared with his brothers. He felt restless, and stared unseeing as he felt something brewing but not quite there. "The Council just called. They want to see us," Phayu turned at Pai's voice. "Why now? And who is us?" he asked, scathingly. "The four of us. You, me, Win and Dean," Pai said, a frown furrowing his brow. "Why now?" Phayu repeated his question. "Don't they know we have retired?" he asked, as he saw his other friends walking in. The four of them had known each other all their lives and their trust in each other was a thing of beauty. Nothing and no one could break their bond. They had gone by several names over the years, but now, they lived as brothers more than friends, even sharing the same surname, making it easier for them to leave their properties to each other in case something happened to anyone of them.

They mostly lived their lives away from the lights, the darkness and mystery shrouding them and their past, adding to their allure. To top it all, the fact that they were amazingly gorgeous looking made their lives tougher, which made it easier for them to hide away, as easily as they could. And then, they could help each other to keep the darkness inside the others a little at bay. Just a gentle presence. But enough for a lifetime. "Chai said it was urgent, and that only we could take care of it," Pai said, breaking Phayu's train of thought. "Let's go find out what they want Yu. It must be something very bad, if Chai personally called," Dean said, putting his hand on Phayu's shoulder. "Okay then. If that's what you all feel," Phayu said.

The Council was housed in one of the calmest places in downtown Bangkok, beside the Wat Arun. Phayu always thought that the ancestors really had the weirdest sense of humour. But contrary to popular lore, their kind was nothing like what history made them out to be. They were not blood-sucking soulless fiends. On the contrary, they were god-fearing and did not actually need humans to survive. They had beating hearts, and loved a good meal. They did need blood, but of another vampire. Mostly friends and family, but once a mate was found, no matter the species, only that blood could fulfil and complete them. 'Draugs' or mate were the ultimate victory and achievement, and very rare to come across. Draugs did not have to be other vampires. In fact, many of their kind had found mates in humans, fairies, weres, the list was endless. The Draugs could become vampires, but it was not a single bite. It was a whole process, and could only happen with the complete consent of both the partners.

As the four men stood outside the chambers of the High Commissioner, they were immune to the glances from other vampires who moved around. Several of the younger vampires actually slithered in to catch a glimpse of the Four Horsemen of the Council. With their looks, Phayu, Prapai, Dean and Win, all garnered attention when they were alone, but together? They were beyond formidable. All were tall, more than 6 feet, and all except Win, had dark hair and dark eyes. Win was blonde and had honey brown eyes. While Win and Phayu had longer hair they pulled back in a bun, Dean and Pai had softer cuts framing their face. But even though they were so different in looks and styles, there could be no iota of doubt in anyone's mind that they were together and a force to reckon with. The entire group of people were taken aback when the for of them turned together with military precision as the door behind them opened.

"Come on in, all of you," someone ushered them. "Swasdi Khap P'Chai, we are glad to meet you," all four of them waiied to him. He waiied back, and the four stood in front of the High Commissioner. "Swasdi Khap P'Pakin," they waiied quietly. Pakin turned around. Pakin and Chai single-handedly ran the South East Asian Council of their community. They were highly respected and were known for being ruthless and just at the same time. Both of them stood no nonsense and were the epitome of great leadership. They were not only partners, but also mates, which made them that much stronger and invincible. Phayu had been one of Pakin's first recruits. He had found him even before he met Chai, living off the streets, orphaned after his parents had been killed in rogue attacks. He had educated him, and trained him, making him his protégé. It was through Phayu that he met first Dean, then Prapai and then Win, and realising that they fit each other like a glove, with excellent non-verbal communication, he trained them to have each other's backs.

Pakin looked at the four boys in front of him. For him, who was almost a 800 years old, the four were actually boys, as they were just about 500 years old. Vampires stopped ageing when they were 25 or 26, but that would not change the truth. But whatever their age, these were the people he trusted most. "We have cases of rogues," he said, without preamble. "You have people who can take care of that," Phayu said, reluctantly. "We know we do. But the situation is trickier than it seems," Chai said. "And that is?" Dean asked. "They sired a few new, who are not mates. And what's worse is, they have some fledgelings!" Pakin said, sounding disgusted. "And they are not usual fledgelings. They are male ones, who can bear young," Pakin said, looking straight at the four of them. Dean gasped.

"Men bearing children? How does that even work?" he asked. "You four disappeared from civilisation, choosing to retire. The world has changed in the past couple of hundred years," Chai said, a chiding note in his tone. "There are more and more couples coming out, more like us," Pakin said. "As you know, it's survival of the fittest. So, nature made it possible for those couples who had no hope at all, to get some. We have strict adoption and surrogacy laws in place, so that no family can hurt or misuse anyone," Chai continued. "Which is why you need to find those four fledgelings," he added. "What's so special about them?" Pai asked. "They are the first of their kind. The first to be born with a womb," Chai said. "Let me explain it to them," a voice spoke up, and everyone turned to the door. Pakin and Chai immediately got up from their seats and waiied to the newcomer. Although the four younger men had no idea who the person was, it was clear that he was someone of stature, so they bowed as well.

"Khun Thiwat? How are you here?" Pakin asked, respect clear in his tone. "And they are?" the man asked, answering a question with a question. "They are our Enforcers who I told you about. They retired a while back, but they are the only ones we can trust for this mission Khun," Chai said. "I am grateful to all of you. You have no idea what it means to us to have you all here to help us out. You see, one of the fledgelings..," Khun Thiwat's voice broke a bit at the end. "One of the fledgelings is Khun Thiwat's son. He is just 19, and still growing into this world," Pakin completed the sentence for him. The four boys looked at one another. They now understood why they had been specially called. From what they had been able to see, Khun Thiwat had some kind of higher position in the hierarchy of their world.

"Although rare, there was a concept called male pregnancy. It mostly occurred in human men, who did not present as female, but in a sense, they had a womb. Under normal circumstances, nothing could come out of it. But when they became mates to vampires, and became vampires themselves, they became more, and were able to give birth. But as I said, such cases were rare. However, as time passed, and things became tough for our people, as fear started setting in in the minds of people, as we started getting hunted down, as our own people turned rogues and traitors, as we went into hiding, biology within us changed, and we started to develop to help us become stronger, and keep to our community. But even if a male becomes pregnant, it's not that easy to keep the child. It takes years of trying, so babies born are also rare. You four were born to such families, isn't it?" Thiwat said, not realising that he had dropped quite a bomb on the four of them!

"But the four fledglings born to us and our friends, turned out to be so different, the first male vampires to be born with a womb. If something happens, and they are bred against their will, it may create unprecedented problems. The fact of the matter is, these fledgelings can only be bred by their mates, as their gestation would require a regular supply of fated blood. Any other kind of blood could kill them. We have just gotten through one war Nong, and we cannot afford to lose our children to this one." Tears flowed down Khun Thiwat's eyes. "You look shocked," Chai said. "We don't remember anything about our families, and Khun Thiwat did. Seems..," Phayu began. "Strange?" Khun Thiwat asked. All four of them nodded. "I know all your families," he said, and Phayu, Pai, Dean and Win were shocked. "We..," Dean began. "I promise you all that we will talk. I am sure Khun Thiwat will answer all your questions. But right now, it's imperative that we find the rogues, as well as the fledgelings," Pakin said.

"Where were the rogues last seen?" Pai asked, curious to know about his past, but knowing where his duties lay. "Northern part of Bangkok. We need to capture them within Thailand. Once they leave us, we will have to bring in foreign enforcers, something I don't want to do," Pakin said. "Okay, send us the last noted location. We will take it from there," Win said, as the four men stood up and waiied to the elders, and left without looking back. "Don't worry Khun Thiwat, we have complete faith on them. They will not fail us, I assure you," Chai said, and Thiwat nodded, as he looked at the door where the four men had passed through.

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"What do you think that was all about?" Pai asked, as they all got into Phayu's Range Rover. Phayu sat a moment after he started his car. "Do you think he really knew our families?" he asked, resting his head on the headrest, his eyes closed. "I don't know. And until we find those fledgelings, we will not either. So, sooner the better," Dean said. "Jing, I agree with Dean. Let's go," Win said, and everyone nods. Phayu pulls away and drives to the location sent to their cell phones. He parked the car a distance away, since they had decided that this was the best way to ensure that no one realised that they were approaching. Years of training and practice stood them in good stead, as they stealthily made their way towards the mostly abandoned looking warehouse in front of them. "Let's take the four corners," Phayu mouthed, as he pointed. The others nodded, as they spread across on the four sides of the building.

"See anything?" Phayu's voice sounded in the heads of the rest of them. Vampires usually could hear each other's thoughts, but they usually kept the doors closed, so that there would be no constant voices to distract them". However, in these scenarios, and especially since it was the four of them, their senses were so finely tuned into each other, that they did not even need practice. They just opened their minds and let their thoughts pour into each other. "I am not sensing any movements, neither outside, nor inside," Dean's voice came through. "But I am picking up remnants of voices that have passed through in the last 24 hours. And a lot of pain," Win said. "Yes, the pain and the fear are overpowering," Pai said, and the others could feel their heart clenching as well.

They all met in the front of the warehouse. Phayu waved his hand and the doors opened. The four of them moved in, using their nose and preternatural hearing and senses to flare out and look for more than just visible clues. "Look at this," Dean said, as others crowded around him. It was a button made of cloth. "It has a strange smell," Phayu said, scrunching his nose. "What smell? I don't get any smell," Pai said, as Win nodded. "It smells of chocolate, with hints of lavender, scented with fear," Phayu said. "Are you actually getting a smell?" Dean asked, surprised. Phayu nodded, frowning. "What does it mean Dean?" he asked. "Your mate! If none of us are able to get anything from this button except the scent of fear, it means, what you get is the scent of a mate," Dean said, shocking Phayu, and the others. "Fuck! Are you saying that one of the fledgelings is his mate?" Pai asked, shocked. "Looks like," Dean said. Phayu was rendered speechless!

Chapter Text

"Where do you think the rogues went?" Win asked, as the four of them stood outside the warehouse, waiting for a response from P'Chai. As soon as they had found that the rogues had moved, along with the fledgelings, they had immediately messaged their senior, waiting to know what their next move would be. "No idea, but I think we will find out sooner than you think," Dean said. "What do you mean?" Pai asked. "Well, since Yu has caught the scent of his mate, it is likely that this person's feelings will hit him soon as well," Dean said. Phayu was in a daze. "Are you serious right now?" he asked, leaning back against the car. "I am kind of annoyed," he said. "Annoyed why? You should be happy. You are the first among us to have found your mate," Win said. "I never wanted a mate," Phayu said. Win snorted. "Right!" he said sarcastically. "Dude, you never say to a mate. A Draugs is a gift from God. You never refuse it!" Dean said. Pai nodded. "Jing! Stop being this way; all high and mighty. You can deny all you want, but you must be jumping inside!" he said.

Phayu rolled his eyes, and refused to say anything. They all became alert when their phones chimed. "It's P'Chai," Phayu said. "They have the latest location. Doesn't seem too far from here," Win said, looking at his phone. They looked at each other, nodded and left the place. The next place they reached seemed a lot more promising. They were lot of noises coming from inside. Phayu again caught the same scent that had been chasing him since the first warehouse. "He is here," Phayu's voice clearly sounded in the heads of the other three. They silently nodded. They split again, using their powerful senses to move around. "I am scenting something," Dean suddenly piped in. "Me too," Pai said. "Well, looks like it's me three," Win said. "Shia! Are we all finding our mates?" Phayu said, mentally face-palming. "Will that weaken us Dean?" Pai asked. The others waited with bated breath for his response. "Ideally, no! The presence of mates adds to our strength. Before the exchange of blood, it's just a feeling of energy and positivity, but post that, it's more like you are enhanced beyond imagination. Both the partners gain more and more as time goes by," Dean said.

This was becoming harder and harder to ignore. "While Phayu's mate is likely to be a fledgeling, since we smelt fear, what about ours? Rogues? Wouldn't that be a pity though?" Win's voice floated into their heads. "Let's go," Phayu said, ignoring Win. They moved their way quietly and stealthily again. It was all about timing, and precision. They had to be quick, and as brutal as possible. While they were afraid of what they what they would find inside, they also knew they had a duty to perform, and they would perform it to the best of their abilities! "I see them," Dean said. "Yeah, there are two here. I guess they are keeping watch. What do you want us to do?" Pai asked. Phayu was their unspoken leader when it came to missions like these, so the question was clearly directed towards him. "Go up," Phayu said. The four of them floated up, to get a better lay of the land. "I see one here too," Dean said. "Damn, he is sleeping," Win said, laughter clear in his voice. "Win, can you handle those two?" Phayu asked. "I can," Win said. "Dean, take care of those two?" Phayu asked. "Dean nodded. "Pai, you come with me," Phayu said. The moment Win dealt with the two guards at the back door, Phayu and Pai slipped inside. Both of them were the most ruthless out of the four of them, Win coming in a close third, and Dean was usually the calmest, the voice of reason, more scholarly. But he could be an absolute terror when he wanted. Phayu and Pai split inside the room, Win and Dean following silently behind. They again gestured, not wanting to broadcast their thoughts. They moved silently, keeping to the shadows, feet not touching the ground, till they were in the four corners of the room. Once they settled in their positions, at Phayu's gesture, they all lifted their hands up in the air. Power flowed out of them in ropes and the whole room misted with a fog. The power that dissipated all through the room through that fog, would only affect the rogues, and not the fledgelings, or the innocent. It's how their strengths worked. What they had would never hurt an innocent. Their control was admirable and spectacular. Within minutes, the rogues were clutching their throats, their eyes bugging out, unable to breathe, they clawed at the air, trying to escape the heaviness that permeated their senses.

As the spell casting continued, the four vampires felt a change in their strength. It was almost as if apart from their own powers, there was another thread of some really different kind of energy running through them. "It's them! Our mates!" Dean exclaimed. "Focus! We can get to them later," Phayu said, feeling Dean pull back just a little bit. Dean immediately snapped back. Within minutes, the rogues lay on the floor, gasping for breath. Phayu waved in the air and the mists cleared. But apart from the rogues, no one was there. They had just begun to look for the fledgelings when the door to the warehouse slammed open and Pakin and Chai rushed in with some of the other enforcers. "Did you find them?" Pakin asked. "We just incapacitated the rogues Phi. We were about to look for them," Pai said. Pakin nodded. "Chai, get rid of this trash. We need them around to question them," Pakin said. Chai nodded, calling out to the enforcers to take the unconscious bodies of the rogues away.

"Phi, before we look for the trapped innocents, there is something you must know," Phayu said. "Can't it wait Phayu?" Pakin asked. "I am afraid not. It is extremely important," Phayu said. Something in the urgency of his tone must have gotten through that made Pakin nod. "Tell me, what is it?" he asked. "There may be four vampires in there who may be mates to the four of us. And we are very sure that Yu's mate is definitely a fledgeling," Dean said, his matter of fact tone a clear indication that the four of them would not give up their mates without a fight. Pakin, Chai and the enforcers may be strong, but at the end, no one could deny that it was Phayu, Pai, Dean and Win who would win that battle. Their powers were always more than the others, and knowing that their fated mates were near gave them exponentially more strength. What was shocking was the fact that this already helped them a while ago. They had felt that transformation moments before, and this was without them even present there, or of never even having laid eyes the older boys. Pakin looked at the four boys and nodded. "Fated mates means exactly that. And I don't think anyone will oppose that. However, if they are one of the fledgelings, then you must court them properly, with the permission of their parents. That's all that I can ask of you," he said. The four of them nodded, knowing Pakin was right.

They started looking for the remaining vampires. Pakin gestured to Chai. Chai immediately nodded and left the warehouse. Suddenly the four men stopped at a spot, carefully sending out their senses in all directions. "Below us!" Win exclaimed. "What do you mean?" one of the enforcers asked. "They are below us, the innocents and the fledgelings," Phayu said. "Do we need shovels Phayu?" Pakin asked. "No need Phi, leave it to us please," Dean said. "All of you step back," Pai said, command clear in his tone. The other enforcers hesitated, until Pakin gestured and they all moved out. Everyone watched with amazement as the four of them floated above the ground, their hands in the air. Power crackled around them, ropes of lightning coiled in, and then they threw the power out. The ground stilted, and with a loud crunching noise, it separated from the centre, leaving behind a gaping hole with stairs going down. Scared faces looked up at the four who were watching. The others also rushed in at the first crack of sound. Everyone watched spellbound as the four came floating down on to the floor.

The four of them looked into the room, as everybody moved into it, Phayu at the lead. He was only using the scent of his mate to guide him, moving forward with a growing urgency that he could not quite put his finger on. He was sure the others were also on the hunt, but he couldn't care less. It was not that he had ever not thought of wanting a mate. But with almost 500 years in the world, he had pretty much given up, at first, not wanting the pain of loss, and then not wanting the pain of the hunt. But now, his fate was just at arm's reach. And the predator inside him had been awoken. And despite anything he said, he would do anything and everything, oppose anyone and everyone, who came in the way of him and his mate. No obstacle could keep him away from the person who held his life in his hands. Phayu stopped abruptly as the room ended, a blank wall was all he could see.

He felt more than heard his brothers beside him. "The rescue mission is ongoing," Pai said, in their unique channel, knowing no one could penetrate their thoughts. "I can feel him behind this," Phayu said. "We can all," Dean said. "That means..," Win began. "All our mates are together," Dean completed his thought. "Behind this?" Pai asked. "Looks like," Phayu said. "What do we do?" Pai asked. "Whatever it takes," Win said. They all nodded and stepped back. Again the air around them hushed as they raised their arms, their mouths moving silently. All four of them were pure blooded vampires, born as such, so their strength were already a lot, plus they could feel the thrum of power come from behind the wall, helping them to easily break the barriers between themselves and their partners. Everyone gasped as the wall just disintegrated and four faces came into view. This time it was the turn of the four of them to gasp as they were engulfed in the most intoxicating scent of their life, a scent that seemed to have embedded itself into their very souls.

Phayu stared at the boy who scented of lavender and chocolate, something only he could feel. The boy was young, as he already knew, but his molten molasses coloured eyes were wiser than anyone else's that he had known. There was strength in them, a maturity rare in a young one like him. His hair was a floppy black, setting off those eyes perfectly. His lips were the finest example of a Cupid's bow. They were dry and chapped right now, but Phayu was sure they would be a pretty shade of pink once the boy was fine. He stepped forward, gently keeping his hand ahead of him. "Hello little one," he said softly. "Don't be scared," he continued. "I am not scared Phi," the boy said, his voice trembling, showing his fear, as he valiantly tried to supress it. Phayu held back a smile. "Of course not. You are brave, but you must be hungry and tired. Phi came to help you," Phayu said, never changing his tone.

"Are you my mate?" the boy asked. Phayu's eyes widened. How was he supposed to answer that? "What do you think little one?" he asked. "You are. You smell like strawberries and vanilla. I love strawberries and vanilla!" the boy exclaimed. Phayu smiled. "That's nice little one. Then I am your mate. Will you tell me your name?" he asked. "I am Varain, but mate can call me Rain," he said. "What is your name Phi mate?" he asked cutely. "My name is Phayu, Phayu Venice Theerpanayakul," Phayu replied. "What should I call you?" Rain asked. "P'Phayu? Can you call me that?" Phayu asked. The boy nodded. "Now will you let me help you Nong Rain?" Phayu asked, aware that his brothers were also going through their own 'getting to know' phase. Rain shook his head. "No Phi, don't call me that," he said, pouting. "Call you what?" Phayu asked. "Don't call me Rain, or Nong Rain. Call me 'little one'. I liked that," he said, grinning and tilting his head to one side. Phayu laughed. Every eye there turned to look at him.

No one had ever heard or seen Phayu laugh, that too with such genuine emotions. People were right when they said that the presence of a mate could change the life of a person. Phayu nodded at his mate, not even realising the storm he had stirred. "So, now can I help you little one?" he asked. Rain immediately nodded, raising his hands for Phayu to lift him. Phayu lifted him and stood up in one lithe motion, the boy's weight negligible in his strong arms. He stepped out of the darkness into the bright lights outside, not realising that during the entire process, morning had dawned. Rain whimpered and hid his face in the crook of Phayu's neck, the sudden glare too much for him to bear. "Rain!" Khun Thiwat rushed forward, with another man in tow, clearly his partner. He leaned forward to take Rain from Phayu and Phayu immediately loosened his grip, knowing it was only right that his mate met his parents.

But Rain's reaction surprised everyone, including Pakin and Chai. "No, no! Rain will be with mate!" he said, clinging even tighter onto Phayu. Phayu looked apologetically at Khun Thiwat. "Khun," he said helplessly. He knew he should pull Rain off and give him to his parents, but this was his mate. There was no one present there who did not know how intense a mate bond could be. Especially under the circumstances they had found each other. "Come with us Phayu. Rain needs you more than he needs us," Thiwat said, smiling sadly. "Ai'Type!" his partner said. "Don't you dare! Don't you remember how you were when we met each other? So, don't start!. He is our son's mate, and as such must be accorded the love and respect he deserves," Type said, his tone a clear warning. "Phayu, this is Thara Kirigun, Rain's dad. He is all hot air. Don't mind his blathering. He just loves his son too much," Type said, smiling at Phayu. "Khun Thara," Phayu waiied with Rain still clinging to him and refusing to let go, . "Son, you are Rain's mate. He is Dad, I am Pa, and we have a lot to talk about, so let's get you home," Type said, waving his hand.

Chapter Text

As Tharn drove, Phayu apologised again. "Don't worry about it Phayu, Tharn has a habit of over exaggerating, especially when it comes to Rain. It's just that, we love our son very much and he is still very young, so we worry," Type said, turning around and looking at Phayu. What he saw made him smile. His son was still clinging to his mate, looking tiny shrouded in his arms. And inspite of his size and clear strength, it was obvious how gentle Phayu was being with their son. He glanced at his husband. Knowing what their son was, Type was happy that he would have a protective mate. And from what Pakin had told them, they had understood that Phayu was a force to reckon with. Plus, it didn't hurt that they knew Phayu's parents. Although they were concerned as to why Pakin and Chai had said that the four of them had no family, when clearly all their family was alive and well.

"Are the others also following us Khun?" Phayu asked. "Please Phayu, drop the formalities. We are Rain's Dad and Pa, and we would like it if you call us the same," Type said. "He can call me Khun," Tharn said caustically. "Ow! Ai'Type!" he added, when Type punched him on his bicep. "If I say he will call us Dad and Pa, then that's what he will call us," Type hissed under his breath. Tharn was too scared of his husband to utter a word otherwise. Phayu watched the interaction with a small, hidden smile. It was pretty obvious from whom his mate got his feisty nature. His mate! Phayu tried to wrap his head around the word. Draugs were precious, more than all the wealth in the world, and his was even more special. His need to protect had always been great, but now with this, the predator inside him prowled with an almost uncanny intensity that scared even him. He was not used to this passion flaring inside him as the scent of lavender and chocolate permeated his senses.

"They are. We all live on the same estate. When the four of them were born, and we found their special characteristic, Pakin suggested that we all move to the same place, with some of the best warriors and with extreme security measures in place. They were warriors of old, but they had returned to their country after serving elsewhere, and we felt that it was only fitting that the old took care of the new," Type said. It was clear Tharn was not willing to talk to Phayu quite yet. "But if there were so many safety measures in place, how did Rain and his friends get kidnapped?" Phayu asked, a bit surprised. If Pakin and Chai had put the security in place, it would be nothing less than state of the art. Then how did this happen? "We were betrayed by one of our own, someone we trusted beyond measure," Tharn said, his mouth tightening. It was clear that his anger was just on this side of controlled.

Phayu was livid. For him, trust stood on the same pedestal as love. And while he had not really found love quite yet, trust was his driving force. He knew he had to trust his mate's parents, and he would, but he would take care of the little one's protection. And he said as much to Tharn and Type. "Of course Phayu, it is your right, and we are no one to stop you. We just hope that you can allow us to be in his life from time to time," Type said. Phayu was shocked. "That's not what I meant Khun Type," his voice betraying his loss of composure. "I don't plan to take Rain away from you. I just meant that if you could let me know before he went out anywhere, I would be the one to protect him. He has a long way to go, and he needs his parents more than his mate as of now. I just request you to trust me in taking care of him," Phayu said, as humbly as possible.

Tharn and Type looked at each other, pleasantly surprised by the young vampire in front of them. They had walked the earth a long time, and had seen how unbelievably strong the need between mates could be, and they had been through that part in their lives. In fact, even today, they felt the same desires that drove them from their first meeting almost 700 years ago. So, it shocked them that Phayu was ready to wait for their son, and he went up a hundred times in the esteem. They looked at each other, the look of relief almost identical on their faces. Rain had not yet woken up since he had snuggled into Phayu after being rescued, and when Phayu tried to put him down, he refused and clung more. Finally, Phayu had just sat with him all wrapped around him. They were also impressed with the amount of patience Phayu was showing towards their son.

Even under normal circumstances, Rain was not someone very easy to handle. He was just 19, but a rebel and sometimes a terror. He was a sweet boy, but he could be stubborn for the silliest reasons. Having been protected all his life, he tended to be too precarious in his actions, not really caring about what people thought of him. While he did not really mean any harm, there was no filter between his brain and his mouth, and he tended to say things that sometimes made no sense, but he was not a bad kid. Phayu would have his hands full with this one. While Tharn and Type loved their son, they knew they had to warn Phayu, which they would do, once everything settled down.

Rain stirred in Phayu's arms. "Are we there yet Phi Mate?" he asked, his voice dripping with sleep, as he rubbed his eyes, pouting. Phayu was shaken, his heart could not handle such cuteness. He stared at the boy in his arms. He had no idea where they were going, so he was not sure what to say. "We are almost there lu," Type spoke up from the front, knowing Phayu was stumped. Rain turned his head around and looked at his Pa. "Are we going home? Where is Sky? And Team? And Pharm?" he asked, sounding worried. "Yes baby, we are, we will be there soon, then you can see your friends again," Tharn said, his tone completely indulgent. Rain looked back at Phayu, his doe-eyes staring into his mate's. "Phi Mate, I have 3 friends. Did you find all of them?" he asked. Phayu nodded. "Yes little one, we did. I am sure they are safely on their way home too," he said, his voice soft and gentle. "Phi, you don't usually smile or laugh?" Rain asked. Phayu looked shocked. "How do you know that?" he asked. "Because everyone stared at you when you laughed after talking to me," Rain replied, shrugging nonchalantly.

If Rain had sensed that while staring at Phayu the entire time, Phayu did have to give him credit for being amazingly perceptive. "No Rain, I don't. I am very serious," he said smiling, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Don't worry Phi, I will make you laugh. I am very funny," Rain said with confidence and giggled. Now Phayu smiled fully, the sound of his mate's laughter being the most heart-warming thing in the world. Tharn and Type looked at each other for a moment once again, before Tharn looked back at the road. This was getting interesting. There was something off, though they couldn't place it right away, they could sense a paradigm shift in their son, something subtly different. "P'Ken is very bad Phi Mate," Rain suddenly said. "Who is that Rain?" Phayu asked. "He was supposed to be my bodyguard. Uncle Vegas said he was the strongest, and so they said he can take care of me. but there was something wrong with him. He hurt me Phi, he made me smell something bad," Rain's words, coupled with his quivering tone, awoke the beast inside Phayu with a vengeance.

"It's okay Rain. We will find him and we will punish him," Phayu said calmly, not wanting his mate to be afraid of the predator uncoiling inside him. "Phi, don't kill him," Rain said. "Why not?" Tharn ground out, before Phayu could. "Because then it's easy," Rain said. "What do you mean Rain?" Phayu asked. He was gritting his teeth so that he would not scare his mate. "It is over in one time. Uncle Vegas says that killing someone who hurts you is easy, because their suffering is over fast. If you want to punish someone, then they should suffer like you did because of them," Rain said, scrunching up his nose as he tried to remember whatever this Uncle Vegas had told him. "I think we need to have a talk with your Uncle Vegas about the nonsense he is feeding you," Type said, his mouth a thin line. "Don't say anything to Uncle Vegas, he didn't know we were listening," Rain says. "It's okay Rain. Don't worry about P'Ken na? From now on, Phi will take care of you," Phayu said. "If you will call me Rain, I will not listen to you," Rain said, pouting again, a stubborn look in his eyes and voice.

"Then what should I can you?" Phayu asked teasingly. "Little one," Rain said, without missing a beat. Phayu smiled at the sweet request of his beloved, but before he could say anything, the car drew up in front of very large gates. Tharn pressed a mechanism on the dash and the two parts separated, allowing their car and the cars following them to move in. Phayu stepped out, trying to put Rain on the ground. "I can't walk," Rain pouted again, looking at him with soulful eyes. Phayu sighed and nodded, understanding his assignment. "Rain!" Type said sharply. "Get down right now, and stop bothering Phayu," he said, in the same tone. "Don't say anything son," Tharn warned, just as Phayu was about to say something. Phayu subsided. It was tough having a mate, but Rain stepped down, a full blown scowl on his face. "I will tell Uncle Vegas what you said," he said, jutting his chin out and stalking away. "We apologise for his bad behaviour Phayu," Type said, raking his hands through his hair in frustration. "Who is Uncle Vegas? Rain talks a lot about him?" Phayu asks politely, not really expecting an answer. Tharn and Type look at each other. "Come in Phayu, we will tell you everything," Tharn says, as he gestures forward with his hands.

Phayu looked up, and his mouth dropped open in shock. Living the lives they did, and the length of time they spent in the world, it was obvious that they had amassed a wealth beyond comprehension. The house that he and his brothers shared, was one of grandeur and splendour. In one of his journeys through the world, he had studied at the Faculty of Architecture, so he had a huge hand in designing their house, but what he saw before him, took his breath away. He could see the same flabbergasted expressions on the faces of his brothers. "For the first time, I am realising what 'estate' means," Pai whispered in his ear. Phayu nodded. The land around them was large, boasting of eight good sized mansions scattered throughout. There was a large building that seemed a bit different from the eight houses, in the sense that it was not as tall, but looked functional. While, to the outside eye, it may seem like a haphazard collation of houses, Phayu could immediately see the essentially gorgeous symmetry that the property exuded. The softly rolling land was a picturesque marvel, and the gardens were, although elaborate, very welcoming and relaxing.

The entire estate was lined by trees on either sides, and their supernatural senses picked up the faint sound of water quite clearly. "You have a beautiful property Khun," Dean said, his appreciation clear in his tone. "Thank you boys. Now please come with us," another man, who Phayu didn't know yet, ushered them to the simple looking building towards the back. "You all go ahead, we will come later with the boys," another man piped up. Everyone moved forward, and soon they were seated in a large conference room in the house. A butler soon came forward with a simple fare, as it was breakfast time. "The four of you have a lot of questions, and we need to debrief, but let's have breakfast first. We will talk when everyone is here," Pakin said. Although he had played it as a request, his tone brooked no arguments.

Chapter Text

A couple of maids were just clearing the debris of the meal eaten when four men walked in. Phayu recognised one as Tharn, but had no idea who the others were. Nonetheless, he stood up, as did his brothers, as a mark of respect. "Please stay seated. Our husbands and sons will join us shortly. We would like to do the introductions once, so that there is not too much time wasted," one of the men said, and the four younger men nodded. "You four did a good job, as usual. Now we know why you guys were so sorely missed," Chai said, with a small smile. "We don't intend to return P'Chai, if that's the implication. We have mates now, not just young, but special. We intend to be there for them," Dean said, in his no-nonsense tone. The other three did not say a word, but the implications were clear. Dean was speaking for all four of them.

All of a sudden, something in the room shifted. Something in the very air stilled, as if a presence enveloped it. While it was not a dark or oppressive presence, the aura was subtly dangerous. The four younger men shifted, and to their surprise, so did Pakin and Chai. They had never thought that anything could affect the older men. The four couples who walked in, were decidedly men of power, individually, and together. They looked older than the other vampires present there. Even though they looked the same age as the others, something about them screamed maturity and experience. However, what shocked Phayu, Pai, Dean and Win was how they stopped short when they saw the four younger men. They were also stunned by the similarities between them and these men. Although they stood up to be polite, they knew they were staring and that it could be considered rude. But they just could not help it. They were powerful beyond measure and it was very obvious.

Just as the younger men decided to ask some questions, they heard some sounds coming from the front doors. They all braced for any kind of an attack, but then immediately everyone relaxed. Phayu, Fort, Dean and Win could feel the presence of their mates, and the stress that they had been holding in dissipated a little bit. The mate bond had not shown them any danger, but it had not been fully established either, and therefore the four were still wary of their place. They knew that they would not be kept away from their mates, but the underlying tension made it hard for them to just be able to relax. Sensing their mates, and their scents, gave them at least a little bit of relief. The commotion quieted as the four fledgelings ran in, going straight towards their partners. Rain was the first to reach Phayu. "Were you worried Phi Mate?" he asked, turning his huge eyes and staring to Phayu's eyes. He was about to shake his head when he felt one of his mate's hands slip around his waist, and the other tugged his shirt down, as he stood on his toes. "You can't lie to me Phi mate," he whispered, his eyes twinkling like stars.

Phayu smiled. He could feel himself melting at this little boy. "I was a bit worried little one," he said, unable to believe he was finally standing with his Draugs. "Don't worry, okay? I will never leave you," the little one was vehement in his vow. Phayu just nodded, and smiled again, as if his entire world was in his arms. Which it probably was. He was nearly lost in the beauty of his mate when someone cleared their throat. "Will you not say hello to us Rainy boy?" one of the dangerous looking men asked, sounding extremely indulgent. Phayu stiffened. Maybe Rain realised it, so he didn't let go of him, choosing to just turn his upper body. "Hello Uncle Vegas! Phi Mate rescued me!" he said guilelessly. The man named Vegas looked at Phayu, and something unnamed passed between them. "We should all talk," Pakin stated, and everyone looked at him. "Let's find a more private setting," he said. Chai and he ushered them into an underground conference room, that had been completely soundproofed. Chai and some other guards cleared the room for any listening devices. Everyone settled in, and all mates were seated together, including those who have just found each other.

"Let's begin at the beginning, with introductions. These are Tharn and Type Kirigun, parents of Rain, Leo and Fiat Suansri, parents of Sky, Tae and Min, parents of Team, Sean and White, parents of Pharm," Chai said, gesturing towards the couples sitting on the right side of the conference table. "And these..," Pakin trails off, as Chai laid a hand on his. He took a deep breath. "These are Vegas Kornwit and Pete Phongsakorn Theerpanayakul, Kinn Anakin and Porche Pachara Theerpanayakul, Tan Wiraphong and Bun Bunnakit Inkhamwiang and Tinn Rachata and Charn Thanapat Koetkasin," he said, gesturing towards the couples sitting on the left of the table. The four boys were shocked to hear the surnames of the men.Pakin again drew a deep breath, as if gearing up to deliver bad news. These are Phayu, Prapai, Dean and Win, the sons of your mates," he said, looking at the couples sitting on the right, "and your sons," looking at the couples on the left. Absolute and ominous silence filled the room.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?" a deep growl filled the room, and Vegas Theerpanayakul stood up, fangs elongated and eyes red, a sure sign that he was not in control of his temper. "Vegas," Pete said, quickly tugging on his sleeve, and making him sit. He sat, his face still thunderous. "Explain yourself Pakin, Chai," Kinn spoke up. Although his voice was low and modulated, the anger in it clearly came through. The other couples didn't utter a word, but it was clear that they were seething, the very air roiling with barely leashed violence. Phayu could feel the same feelings running through him and his brothers. But they held themselves in, knowing that their mates sat nearby, not wanting to hurt them in any manner. But they were fully primed, for whatever needed to be done. "Please hear us out before you say anything," Chai pleaded. "This better be good," Tan said, his eyes still flashing between his actual brown and the vampire red.

"When the last war between the supernatural and human world broke out, the ancients were the first to be attacked. The ancients were attacked, but they had lived too long to be hurt. They hid their children and went to war, trying to ensure as much safety as possible. But the weapons the human had, they were too well imbued by someone of power. Vampire children began to get homeless. However, since it was impossible to differentiate between human and vampire children, chaos ensued. I found Phayu sitting in the debris of the house of the family he had been hidden in, but they had all disappeared. Initially, I thought he was a human child, so I trained him just with the purpose of survival, but I soon realised otherwise."

"Somehow, he was the one who led me to the others, also having lost their families, or that's what we thought. The four of them decided that they were done being enforcers, and I could find no way to budge them, but I knew if I really needed them, they would come back. That's when you ancients returned, having taken a long time to heal from the hurts inflicted upon you. We wanted to tell you time and again about your sons, but I had no idea where to begin from. You were mourning, and I had no idea how to tell you the truth. I knew that I should have revealed everything, but by that time, I was too afraid of the repercussions of my actions. I knew you were still waiting for your sons, so I thought that protecting the fledgelings would be something you could do. I had no idea that the fledgelings and your sons would be mates, and that you would come face-to-face this way. But I knew that it couldn't stay hidden any longer," Pakin said, his worry at the reactions of all the men palpable in his eyes and voice.

"You said you knew our fathers. Did you know about this?" Phayu asked Type, his tone betraying his pain. "No Nong, Believe me. I thought you knew about it, and just didn't want to meet your fathers because of what happened in the past," Type said, completely bewildered. Phayu nodded, not trusting himself to speak. A small hand slipped into his. "Don't worry Phi Mate, Uncle Vegas and Uncle Pete are nice. They will love you a lot because you are their son. They will not scold you, okay? If they do, I will also scold them. No one can say anything to my Phi Mate," Rain said, looking defiantly at anyone who would dare to contradict his words. Tharn and Type were shocked. This was a different version of their son than they were used to. Phayu smiled. "I am not worried little one," he whispered, grateful for how the boy grounded him by holding his hand. A storm was raging in his heart and mind, and he had no idea what to say. He stared at the men who were his fathers, and found them staring back at him. He could see Pete barely holding back his tears, and his husband's hands pressed on his thigh, as if anchoring both of them.

"What you have done Pakin, could be considered betrayal," Tinn said, his voice just above a whisper, but the meaning, and the intent of the words were not lost on anyone sitting there. Pakin and Chai bowed their head in submission. They knew what they had done was nothing less than terrible. But Pakin had not given them the complete truth. Why he had not said anything about the four boys was, because for him, they were his sons. And even though not bound by blood, he loved his first enforcers in his own way. He knew that any punishment that was meted out, he would have to take it, because that's how it worked. And what he had done was not a small thing. To have kept children separated from parents for nearly 500 years, was no mean feat. "We could strip you of your powers," Charn said. "I would accept," Pakin said, with no hesitation. "But there is no one to take your place. However, you must be tried for your transgressions. What happens after will not be our problem," Porche said, barely controlling the scathing comments that just wanted to roll off his tongue.

Phayu looked at his brothers. They silently conversed and finally they nodded at each other. "No," Phayu said, simply looking down the table. "No?" Pete asked. "No what?" he asked again. "No punishment for P'Pakin. I know what they did is wrong, but the truth is, they never harmed us in anyway. Instead, they trained us and made us resilient in every way," Phayu said. "They may have committed a crime by keeping you in the dark, keeping us in the dark, but they kept us alive," Pai said. "Do you understand what you are saying son?" Bun asked. "We do. We do understand. And in a way, you should also be grateful to P'Pakin that your sons are actually alive instead of dying in one of the worst massacres and destructions of our world," Win said. "And we have never lacked anything in those initial years, be it food, shelter, education. You name it. And we had it. Our strengths were honed, and our weaknesses were turned into powers," Dean said. "We don't want any punishments to be given to P'Pakin," Phayu said.

The four couples stared at their sons. The clear intention to protect on their faces was not lost on their fathers. "I understand where you come from, but unfortunately this is not a decision we make. A tribunal will be put in place to try them," Vegas said. "You are one of the ancients, won't your vote count for or against any decision the Tribunal makes?" Phayu asked. "It will..," Pete began. "We will do what we can," Vegas interrupted whatever Pete was going to say, as he continued to stare at his long lost son, never expecting that he will ever see him again. "Vegas!" Porche hissed. "Porche, we should concentrate on the fact that we found our sons, and not worry about anything else right now. Let's just do that, okay?" Vegas said. Porche nodded, understanding perfectly.

"We will leave you guys to talk," Tharn said, as all of them got up. "C'mon boys," Type said, stroking his son on the head, but gesturing towards Sky, Team and Pharm to come as well. "Can't I stay with Phi Mate?" Rain asked, his eyes brimming with tears. "He needs me Papa," he added, jutting his lower lip out. "It's okay little one. I promise I will come find you soon, okay?" Phayu said, brushing his thumbs on his mate's eyes, and catching his tears. "Go sweet boy," he whispered, and finally Rain nodded. He squeezed Phayu's hands in a show of silent support, before following his fathers and other family and friends. Pakin and Chai also left, nodding at the boys, and hoping all would go well.

Chapter Text

The silence stretched. None of the men sitting at the table had any idea on how to begin the conversation. "We never stopped looking for you!" Pete suddenly blurted out. "I am sorry. I know it may seem like we stopped looking for you. But we didn't. We scoured the earth. Finally, we concluded that you all must have..," Tinn trailed off. No one misunderstood the implications of the statements. "We stayed away almost 200 years, looking for you. Whenever we decided to come back here, something sent us in another direction. We finally came back to settle here around 25 years ago, when we found that our friends planned to do the same," Porche said. "Something sent you in another direction? What do you mean?" Dean asked, sounding perplexed. "We don't know son. It was not something we really bothered to find out about. Mainly because we didn't see any point coming home," Kinn said. "But if we had known..," Charn trailed off.

No one said anything. "We are sorry," Porche said. "Why?" Pai asked. "Because we didn't come sooner," Tan said. "Who sent you on these missions?" Phayu asked. Vegas looked at his son. "The Vampire High Council," he said. "Oh!" Phayu said. Just that. He did not elaborate or utter a word. "What does that mean Phayu?" Charn asked. "If P'Pakin and P'Chai knew who we were, and knew who you were, then the Council knew as well," Win said. "So there is no way they sent you off for all those missions without an agenda in their mind," Dean said. "Are you saying they deliberately kept us away from you?" Bun asked quietly, his red eyes the only indication of the anger bubbling beneath the surface.

"I think it was more the other way around," Phayu said, deep in thought. "What do you mean?" Tinn asked. "Do you know why we retired?" Pai asked. The older men shook their heads. "It is true that we were taken in by P'Pakin and P'Chai. But the fact that we got training was on the behest of the Council," Win said. "They weaponised us, probably knowing very well who our fathers were and that we would make excellent warriors," Dean said. "However, what they didn't quite count on, was the fact that we refused to become mindless puppets. We had brains, and we used them," Pai said. "We were sent for mission after mission, with no breaks. We were sent with instructions, but we did things our way. And that the Council noticed. They wanted us to listen to what they were saying, do things the way they wanted. But that was not going to happen. So, they made a mistake," Phayu said, sneering.

"What did they do?" Kinn asked. "Outside of the four of us, no one knows this, so..," Dean trailed off. "Rest assured, it will not be us who tell," Vegas said. "They sent in assassins. But they forgot who they were dealing with," Pai said. "The way we sent back the bodies was warning enough," Phayu said. "All of you get the violent, sadistic streaks from your Dads," Pete said, snickering. "Hey! Not fair!" Kinn said. "I agree with Kinn. True, but not fair!" Vegas said. All the men laughed a little, breaking the tension. "I know it's going to take us time to get to know each other, but I was hoping we can do it, one step at a time," Tan said. "Actually, I know the perfect activity that help with all this bonding," Pai said. The older men looked confused. "Help us take down the Council," Phayu said, not mincing words.

Gasps went around the table. "Do you know what you are saying?" Pete asked, shocked. "Yes, we know. And we also know that if anyone has suffered as much as we have at the hands of the Council, it's you!" Dean said. "Khun..," Phayu had just started speaking when Vegas raised a hand. "I know that it may be very hard for you, for all of you, to call us Dad and Pa, but we would like it if you could call us at least Phi. Khun is so formal," he said. The four younger men looked at each other, then at the older men in front of them and nodded. "Phi, we know this may sound harsh, but the vampires on the Council are too set in their ways. They do not want to adapt with the times. They do not have respect for newer or younger vampires. They don't accord respect to 'born' vampires, forget the ones that are 'made'. Mates are not given common courtesies. Forced matings have become common. And if the children of four of the strongest and oldest vampire couples were kept in the dark about their family's existence, then how much worse could it be? Most important. The fledgelings, our mates. You already know how precious and valuable they are. Can you imagine what would happen if they were taken with no second thought?" Phayu said.

The older couples listened to what Phayu said without once uttering a word. They knew that all the arguments put forward were extremely valid. Plus, they had been given the charge of taking care of the fledgelings. It was too much of a coincidence that their sons ended up as mates to their charges. "You have already taught Rain that enemies must not be killed in one fell swoop. They must be tortured to the point they tortured us," Phayu said, making Vegas look at him in surprise. "Which is why we told you not to tell about P'Pakin and P'Chai to the Council. We need time, if we are planning this coup d'état," Win said. "You are actually serious about this?" Tan asked. "We are. We had been thinking about it awhile. But it didn't just didn't fit. We knew we needed more people on our side. And who better than those who have been betrayed more than us," Pai said.

"Okay," Vegas said, as all the others looked on in surprise. "What? We will help them. Even if they are playing with fire. They are not wrong. It's time for the winds of change to blow away the dust settled on the Council. We deserve to be led by better people, who want the best for us, not those who prefer to do things the archaic way," he said. He looked at the men he had called family all his life. He could see the indecision on their faces. "Do you really want to sit around and wait for the other shoe to drop? Will we take action only after we lose our charges, the way we lost our sons so many years ago?" Vegas asked again. "It may be harder than we think, but these boys are determined to do it anyway. We have lived longer, have more experience and know more about the Council than anyone. What if they walk in with no idea what to do? What happens if our charges lose their mates? We will be left sitting on our asses as we lose not only our sons, but also their mates," Vegas tried to drive his point home.

"Okay! Done! Let's do this," Tan said, first to agree. The others also nodded. "The first thing to do is to ensure that this discussion doesn't go out of this room," Phayu said. "While I agree with you Phayu, I must say, it will be important for us to include the parents of your mates as well into the plan," Pete said. Phayu's face set into mulish lines. Kinn began to snicker. "What?" Vegas and Phayu snarled together. That made everyone else also start laughing. "You guys will understand why we are laughing when you look together into the mirror. The resemblance is uncanny," Tinn laughed uproariously. "Why do we tell them this?" Dean asked, after the room had subsided a bit. "Mainly for two reasons. First, they can protect their children better while you are fighting a war. Second, however they may look like, all eight of the are ferocious warriors who chose a life of peace. They will go to any lengths to support the mates of their babies," Bun said.

"Okay, the safest place for any discussion is our home," Win said. "Why do you say that? Our homes are safe as well," Pete said, sounding disgruntled. "With all due respect, the security of this compound is negligible. There is a stronger word I would like to use, but I will stick with this one for now. Our mates were taken from under your noses," Pai said. "Moreover, P'Pakin, P'Chai and the Council got this compound made. Do you really think they would have left it completely alone?" Phayu said. "Then what about this room?" Kinn asked. "Win took care of it, I am sure," Dean said, smirking. At Win's nod, everyone looked at him. "It's one of my abilities. I can short out any electric or electronic device using my mind," he said, smiling a little. "Okay, then in that case, let's go to your home. We can use the excuse that your mates and their families want to see where you all live," Bun said.

"Tharn!" Vegas called out, as he entered the Kirigun residence along with his husband and his son. "Phi Mate!!!!" Suddenly Phayu found his arms full of a little whirlwind! "Rain! Behave!" Tharn said, walking in behind him, along with Type. "But I am with Phi Mate!" Rain pouted. "It's okay Khun Tharn," Phayu said. "Well it's really not," Type said. "When will you learn to behave na lu? You have a mate now. You need to be good, so that your mate will love you," Tharn said. "But Phi Mate already loves me, just like I love him! Right Phi Mate?" he asked as he turned around to look at Phayu, still hanging on to him like a koala. Phayu smiled and nodded, unable to believe his fate. How had someone grumpy like him ended up with this little ball of sunshine, he had no idea. But he was not going to question them anyways. He was just going to take pleasure in the fact that he would never be alone.

"Well, Phayu has invited all of us to his home, as he wants all of you to see it," Pete said, laughing at Rain's antics and secretly pleased to see Phayu smile. During the entire time they had spoken, he had noticed how serious all the four boys were, especially Phayu. But if their cute little boy could put a smile on his son's face, that itself would make him indebted to Rain. "Yes! Let's go now!" Rain said, immediately jumping down and stomping his foot. "Little one," Phayu said softly, but his tone held enough of a warning to make Rain subside. "Can we please go now Phi Mate?" he asked sweetly. The older men looked at each other, completely startled. They had never seen Rain behave in quite this way. "Well, if you can get Rain to do whatever you say, we may have to keep you around Phayu," Type laughed.

"You can't keep him Pa. Phi Mate is Rain's," he said with complete confidence, tucking his hand into Phayu's and smiling sweetly up at him. "Is that so lu?" Pete asked, laughing at Rain. "Yes P'Pete. He smells like strawberries and vanilla! I love strawberries and vanilla!" Rain jumped up and down in excitement and gesturing wildly. "Little one, let's keep our hands close to our body, yes?" Phayu said softly. The four older men noted clearly how his voice and eyes changed when he spoke to Rain. He never raised his voice, but his tone was firm and never hurtful. Rain immediately brought his hands closer and wrapped it around Phayu's biceps looking up at him with complete adoration. "Shall we go little one?" he asked. "Okay Phi Mate," Rain said delightedly.

"I don't have my car. It's still at the warehouse," Phayu said apologetically. "It's okay. You can come with us. Rain will go with his parents. That way, we will get some time to talk to you," Vegas said smiling. "But Phi Mate..," Rain's whine trailed off when Phayu just glanced at him and cocked a single brow. "We will meet you at your house soon," he said, pouting only very slightly, eliciting a bark of laughter from the older men standing around. They immediately left. In the car, Vegas and Pete spoke to Phayu only about general things, things like how he was a youth, what he studied, what were his interests, as they well knew that the car could be bugged too. They were amazed by the house the four boys lived in. "Did you design this Phayu?" Pete asked wonderingly. "Yes, with inputs from the other three. I couldn't have done it without them," he said, looking proud!

Chapter Text

"Win," Phayu said, the moment they entered the house. "Got it!" he saluted snappily and closed his eyes. There was a soft rumble, and it felt like something had settled in over the house. "What?" Vegas said, as everyone else looked around. "He cloaked the house Phi," Pai said, as they ushered everyone in. "That is also your power?" Tharn asked. "Yes, that is one of my powers. We all have multiple powers. It just helps," Win said. "We will tell you all about that. Why don't you all get comfortable?" Dean said, leading everyone to a large family room. Even though it was just the four of them that used it, they had always wanted something big enough if they ever found their Draugs and had a family. Even though it had been a dream at that point, Dean always believed that there was no harm in manifesting.

Plus the four of them spent an lot of time alone, following their own pursuits, so this room was a daily reminder that even if they didn't have anyone else, they had each other and that there was a need for them to relax, and just be. The elders all looked around the room. "You have remarkable skill Phayu. This room is stunning," Charn said. "I must say I agree. It's so big and so bright," Type said. "I love the feeling the glass ceilings give. But doesn't it get hot during the summers?" White asked. Phayu picked up a remote lying nearby and pressed a button. Suddenly, shutters came down on the glass, plunging the room into darkness. He pressed another button, and the room lit with bright lights. "This is seriously amazing boys! You seem to have thought of everything," Bun said, looking extremely proud.

"Actually this was Dean's idea," Phayu said. "Yeah. He said we needed to manifest having a family. Looks like he just did it," Win said, all of them looking at Dean. Dean blushed slightly. "Oh stop! As if you all didn't want this to happen," he said, scathingly. "Well, we did, but not like the way you did," Pai teased him. "Okay, okay, let's get to the business at hand," Phayu said, and the other three immediately moved in, sitting next to Phayu. "Is Phayu the leader?" Sean asked. "No," Phayu said, while others said 'yes' at the same time. "He is not the leader per se, but he just strategises better. We used to tend to get distracted during missions, but he was always the one with razor-sharp clarity. So when it came to making plans, we knew that if it was Phayu, it would be fool proof," Win said.

"It's not that it's always him. He never does anything without consulting with us or without our consent. It's like, when we are on hard-core missions, it's Phayu, when we are on civil negotiations, it's Pai, when we are on weapons recovery, it's me, when it comes doing research and finding the weakness of an enemy, it's Dean," Win said. "We work together, which why the Council wanted us broken. We work well alone, but together, we can overthrow the Council," Pai said. "But we don't want that. We want that the Council gets a taste of its own medicine and is exposed for its heinous crimes and subjected to public ridicule," Dean said, his mouth twisting in anger.

"Why made you so mad Dean?" Vegas asked. Dean looked helplessly at Phayu. He nodded and patted Dean's back. "Just before the assassination attempt on us, we received intel about a child being turned vampire. As you know, unlike born vampires, child vampires are not likely to grow in the same manner. They are slower as compared to human growth, and they are likely to be more ferocious than born vampires. When we walked into the house to take the child with us, the parents pleaded. They told us that the child was born, not made. We asked them if they agreed to the testing, and they were only too happy to do so. That obviously gave us a pause," Phayu said. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, almost as if he was too hard-pressed to continue. He opened his eyes when he felt his mate's hands slipping into his, and Rain's strength pouring into him. He smiled softly at his little boy and turned to the others.

"We reported back to the Council, who said that we could go back two days later and finish testing the child. Meanwhile they would post lookouts who would not allow the family to escape in case they were lying. Two days later we went back," Phayu's breath shuddered. "Two days later, when we went back, we found a massacre, a blood-bath, almost as if the entire family had been shredded to pieces. We found the child's pinkie nail," Pai took up the story, as a tear trickled down his eye. He looked up gratefully as his mate put his arms around him. "That's when we realised that the male was a former enforcer, who had chosen to move out of the circle. They needed to find an excuse to get him gone, and his child gave him that. His wife and he hadn't told anyone that they were going to have a baby, because that would make them vulnerable. But the Council found out," Win said, clenching his fists and being soothed by his mate.

"They made an example out of him. If you are in, you are in for life. This was around the time we had told P'Pakin and P'Chai about leaving ourselves, which is why they wanted us to see it. See what could happen, if we went against their orders. But this only made us more determined to step back, and eventually step away. It was like lighting fire to the fuse. That's when the assassins happened. That was the first, and last attempt," Dean added, hugging his mate close to him. "Which is why it is physically or psychically impossible to find this house. Till the Council is taken down, this will be the best place to hide in plain sight," Phayu said. "So, how does it look like from the outside?" Tharn asked, pretty interested. "Like an old decrepit cottage surrounded by ruins and a forest," Pai said proudly. "That's a pretty large illusion to maintain," Porche said, looking at the four boys.

"Not really. It's become second nature now," Phayu said, sounding a bit weary. "Phi Mate?" Rain's soft voice in his ears was a balm to his wounded soul. "I am fine little one," he said. Suddenly Pai's mate giggled. Everyone looked at him. "What is the matter?" Pai asked. "Well, it's funny we don't know the names of each other's mates and they don't know ours," the boy said. Everyone looked at each other and began to laugh as well. "Okay, it's introduction time I guess. I am Phayu, and this is Rain," Phayu started the process. "Prapai and Sky," Pai said. "Win and Team." "Dean and Pharm." "Well, now that we know all the names, let's talk about why we are all here," Kinn said. "The boys already spoke to us, and we wanted to keep you all informed too," Pete said, looking towards the other four couples. "What is happening?" Tae asked. "We want to eliminate the Council," Phayu said, getting right to the point. "What?" Min gasped. "What did you say? Do you have any idea about the repercussions this could have?" Fiat asked.

"We do know. which is exactly why we should do it," Dean said. "I don't understand," Leo said. "There is no need to listen to this Leo. It is ridiculous what they are thinking," Fiat said. "Even if it meant letting the people who took your children, go scot-free?" Pai asked. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" White asked. "There were no rogues there, except those who were made. We know this, because we led the rescue," Dean said. "The moment the so-called rogues were incapacitated, Pakin asked Chai to contact the Council, and the fallen vampires were taken away, not killed. That's why we were asked not to kill them outright. We were given the impression they were wanted for questioning, but the truth is, not all the vampires that were fallen were rogues," Dean said. "And then there was Ken," Phayu said. "What about him?" Type asked. "When Rain spoke about Ken, at first I didn't put it together. But when I passed the message to Dean about this person, he told me that Ken was originally an enforcer. He was placed with your family the moment you became pregnant, isn't it?" Phayu asked. Type nodded.

"There were similar guards like that, am I right? Ken, Boom, Todd, and Black, right? These were the ones in the inner circle?" Phayu asked. The older vampires all looked at each other, shocked by how much these boys knew. They were more than brilliant; they were wise, and they were prepared. "The scent that is associated with rogues, you would have smelt it a mile away it these four were infected. Which means, they weren't. So if they were not rogues, then why did they take your sons, and our mates?" Win grumbled. "Are you saying the Council was behind the kidnapping of our children?" Fiat's voice was low, but the anger flowing through it was clear.

"Yes, we are sure. As you can see, the Council managed to keep us away from our families for nearly 500 years. Do you really think P'Pakin and P'Chai had that kind of power on their own?" Dean asked. "He is right Fiat. There are signs that we just can't overlook," Tae sighed. "Do you, the four of you, have any idea what this means for our world?" Min asked. "I know. We know. Pardon me Khun, but you are looking at the negative impacts. Have you thought about the positive ones?" Win asked. "Win," Phayu's tone held a warning. He couldn't mouth off to his mate's father. "Khun, if the Council is allowed to run free, there is more at stake than you can imagine. Once, it was us. Today it was the four of them. Tomorrow, it could someone else. Have you ever thought why the top enforcers of the Council were not put in charge of protecting the fledgelings?" Phayu asked.

"I think Phayu makes valid points. Our babies were precious, that's what we were told. If that is the case, why were they called in to rescue them? Why not make them the protective detail right from the beginning," Sean said. "Also, one more thing. Did you know why the Council took them? Because it would be easy to breed them. They are young, vulnerable. They would have forced the mate bond. And left them in captivity forever. We got this from the minds of one of the rogues, a young girl who was clearly safe from the vapour we had created, only because she was innocent," Pai said. "Where is that girl then?" Tharn asked. "She is safe, as safe as we can make her for now," Win said. "You cloaked her?" Tinn asked, shocked again. Dean nodded. "I did," he said.

The older vampires looked at each other again. Just how powerful were these boys? All of them were feeling intimidated by them. "Well, in that case, we stand with you. What is it that you want us to do?" Kinn asked. "We need to ensure that they don't know that we are planning a coup d'état," Rain suddenly spoke up. "That means we need to change our channel of conversing with each other," Sky nodded easily. "The four of you will stay out of this," Dean and Leo said, at the same time. "Dad, you know that is not going to happen, right?" Sky stated, arms folded across his chest.

"Before this turns into a full-fledged argument, can I say something?" Phayu said calmly. Everyone nodded. Whether they accepted it or not, it was clear he was the one they deferred to. "I know that none of us want our young ones to actively participate in something that could potentially harm them. But they are very intelligent and super powerful in their own rights. Pushing them out of the discussions could be a huge disservice. My suggestion would be to allow them to work behind the scenes, where all of us will protect them in our own ways. They will go about their regular lives, so that no suspicion will fall on them when the time actually comes," he said. "But Phayu," Dean started, then subsided. "Dean, both Rain and Sky gave excellent points. When time comes, so will Pharm and Team. We know what taking stubborn stands can do to people, right?" Pai said. Phayu nodded. "Exactly. And in return, we can ask them to follow a certain set of rules. That will keep them safe. Isn't that what we all want?" Phayu asked the elders. "Leo, Phayu is right. Now that our sons have found their mates, even the Council will be hard pressed to come after them. Plus, the strength we get from mates should not be underestimated," Fiat said. For a minute, there was silence. "Okay, but not a step out of the boundaries drawn for you by us, and by your mates. Is that clear?" Fiat asked, and all the four fledgelings nodded, looking pleased with the developments.

Chapter Text

"We would like you all to have lunch with us. If that is okay with you. And we can show you our house," Pai said, looking at everyone. "And it would be a good way to open our own channel of communication. It will help us to talk to each other without allowing others to know what is happening. Technology can be hacked, but what's within us, cannot be," Dean said. "Alright, that sounds great. Dean and I will show you around, while Phayu and Win will get the meal ready. Please come this way," Pai said. "Can I stay..," Rain began. "Go see the house little one. See if you can find Phi's room," Phayu said, and Rain immediately skipped off happily. Tharn and Type looked at each other. They had really needed to speak to Phayu about their son, because they were amazed how different Rain was with Phayu. For now, they would go with the others, but they vowed to talk to Phayu at the earliest.

The elders were amazed at the simple beauty of the house. It was massive, a large conference room in the basement, a dining table that could seat at least thirty to forty people ("We hardly use this room," Pai said), a formal salon and a large family room on the ground floor, along with a big wonderful kitchen on the ground floor. There were four sets of staircases that went to four different wings, with three levels. The first level had another salon, more private and smaller, the second level had five rooms with ensuites and the top level was again common, with an indoor pool. "It doesn't look like Phayu designed it just for the four of you," Type commented. "Actually, Dean made him design this way," Pai said, laughing. "Why?" Charn asked curiously. "I don't really know. It just felt the right thing to do," Dean said, blushing. "Well, Dean is being humble. He decided to manifest our mates, and a big family. So, Phayu heard no end of demands. Guy wanted to give up after a while," Pai continued to laugh as Dean punched him on the arm.

"Please don't listen to him," Dean said, as he just ushered everyone along. The four youngest men were quickly able to recognise their mates' rooms from the scent. "Strawberries and vanilla," Rain giggled softly. "Jasmine," Team said, equally softly. "Coffee," Sky said, as the other three rolled their eyes. "Butter cookies," Pharm said, making the others giggle again. All the older men watched fondly as the younger ones ran around looking everywhere and trying to discover everything.

They were greeted with a redolent meal. "This looks wonderful Phayu, Win," Kinn said, as they all sat down. "Thank you. Umm, we did not set out blood, as we were not sure if...," Win trailed off. "Not required son," Tinn said. "We are mates, and do not require anything from the outside," Charn said. "How do you feed then?" Vegas asked curiously. "We either use bagged blood, or each other if times are desperate, which doesn't happen anymore, since we do not leave the comfort of our home," Phayu said. "How did the young ones manage without their Draugs?" Pai asked. "We give them our wrist when they need," White said. Phayu, Dean, Win and Prapai looked at each other. "We know what you guys are thinking. It is your duty and your privilege to feed your mate," Pete said, waving his fork around enthusiastically. "But you can't just take our babies from us," Tharn said, a mutinous set on his face. "Khun Tharn..," "The four of you are mates to our children. But the truth is, no matter how old they become, they will still stay our babies," Min said, sounding strained. "We have no intention of taking our mates from their families right now. We only request you to let us know when they need to be fed," Phayu said, bowing his head.

"And what about you Phi Mate?" Rain asked quietly, his voice soft. "We will continue like this awhile little one," Phayu smiled at him. Rain and the other young ones looked at their fathers beseechingly. "Phi Mate..," "No little one. Now eat, before it get cold, okay?" Phayu admonished softly. Rain looked put out, but he grudgingly continued to eat. After lunch, Win offered to show them the area around the house. Phayu was about to go with them when Tharn and Type stopped him. "There is something we would like to talk to you about," Type said, sounding serious. "Of course, anything," Phayu said, leading them to the less formal salon they had. "Phayu, as you know, physical human diseases cannot touch us. We are completely immune to them. However, that doesn't stand true for certain cerebral diseases. Rain is a wonderful boy, and we love him a lot, have no doubts of that. But he suffers from a slight form of ADHD. He finds it difficult to concentrate on things, gets emotional very quickly, needs to move around quite a bit," Tharn said. "Medicines will not work, as they are all of the human variety and our bodies will reject them. What he needs is someone constantly taking care of him as he gets restless. We tried, and I even reduced my working ours to bring some structure to him. But you have seen his dad," Type glared at Tharn, who looked properly downcast, before continuing. "He spoils him, sometimes to the point of overindulgence, just making things worse." "Ai'Type!" Tharn whined, but was subdued by another glare by his husband.

"Khun Type, how can I help?" Phayu asked, ignoring the by-play between the two men, his mind focused on the well-being of his mate. "First, please call me Pa," Type said, smiling at his son's mate. "I would love to Khun, but I don't want to use that title with you until I am comfortable calling my own father that. I wouldn't want to hurt him at any cost," Phayu bowed again. Tharn was impressed despite himself. As for Type, he knew at this moment that this boy, he would be the best choice for their son. "Very well Phayu," Type smiled. "Okay, as to what you can do to help. You have studied Architecture, and that's what Rain is studying at Uni. We request you to give him time, whatever you can, how much ever you can, whenever you can. We can see how comfortable he already is with you, and we can see that he already listens to you in his own way, which is more than I can say about myself and Tharn," Type added. Phayu nodded. "You are his mate, and in a way, a senior. So it would not raise any red flags. You can protect him and you can help him," Type said. "Okay Khun. I will do whatever I can," Phayu said. His tone convinced Type and Tharn that their son was in safe hands. "Let's go and take a look around," Phayu said, gesturing forward.

Later, much later, Phayu, Dean, Win and Pai sat around in their favourite room. "So?" Dean asked. "It was a whirlwind 24 hours," Pai laughed lightly, as he leaned back with his eyes closed, in his recliner, but no one was fooled by it. "I don't think Pakin and Chai thought that the four young ones will be our Draugs. He miscalculated," Win said, voice hard, warrior mode on. "What was he thinking? What was the Council thinking? Kidnapping the little ones?" Dean asked, his anger clear. "Clearly, they weren't thinking at all!" Pai said. "What are you thinking Phayu?" Win asked, noticing that their friend hadn't said a word. "I don't know what they were thinking when it came to kidnapping the fledgelings, or when it came to us meeting our families. I only think that they wanted us to come out of retirement. They wanted us out," Phayu said. "That means they took an unnecessary chance with our Draugs, just to prove a point?" Pai was livid.

"To give them the benefit of doubt, I don't think they knew they were our Draugs. So now, in retrospect, they must be regretting their decision," Dean said, pensively. "Phayu, we need to have a concrete plan before storm the bastion. I guess even you know that. So where do we begin?" Win asked. "Intel. What we need is information about every single member of the Council; their strengths, their weaknesses, anything and everything we can find," Phayu said. The others nodded. "I am on it," Dean said. They knew that intel collection was Dean's forte, so they would leave that to him. "How about our Draugs?" Win asked. "We need to find a way to protect them," he added. "Team and Pharm are studying Business and Rain and Sky are in Architecture. It will not be amiss if Phayu and Pai are helping them," Dean says thoughtfully. "I disagree. Our Draugs need all of us. We need to find a way to be with them and protect them," Pai said.

"Best thing to do would be one of us picking them up and bringing them here. Then they spend time with us. And one of us drops them back. We can alternate," Win said. "That's a better plan. And we need to get our families into our care too. Plus Win, we need to make sure my car is checked out, before any of us uses it, especially if it is about the safety our Draugs," Phayu said. "It amazes me how in a span of 24 hours, we went from 500 years of celibacy to instant family," Pai said, rolling his eyes. The others laughed, but the sound was hollow. "I can't tell you how wild it makes me to know that all this while, we literally lived an arm's throw from our families and mates, and we were fucking clueless," Win said, still seething with anger. "Pakin and Chai have a lot to answer for," Dean said. He was also angry, but he was always more in control than Win.

"You know. I was thinking. What if we ask all of them to move here? We have enough place, and nowhere will it be safer for them than here," Pai said. The others looked thoughtful. "That might be too conspicuous Pai. We are trying to keep the attention away, not draw it on us," Win said. Phayu and Dean nodded. "Win is right. However, since we are all discovering/rediscovering each other, we can ensure that come visit is as often as possible," Phayu said. "Okay. Then what we can do is at least create a schedule for our Draugs. They will be here more often than not," Pai said. "Don't worry. I will ensure more security measures are put in. And Phayu, we need to strengthen the wards around the house. You haven't fed a while. Do it, we need blood tonight," Win said. Phayu nodded. "Then I will go and do that," Phayu stood up, as Dean, Win and Pai set out to do their tasks.

"Also," Phayu said, as the others turned to look at him. "Don't forget to cloak your thoughts. Especially since we are dealing with the Council," he said. They nodded. They knew that even though they were powerful, and it was not easy to get into their heads, they had to be careful at every step. A couple of hours later, Phayu strode into their house desperately wanting a bath. It was always better if the blood they took in for the strengthening of the wards was fresh. Before, none of them had any issues about feeding from each other, or from someone else. But now that he had found his Draugs, he hated the feeling that he had gotten. Drinking from his brothers had been out of the question, because they needed the strength as well. But drinking from a stranger had been loathsome. All he could think of was the chocolate and lavender scent of his fated mate, his little one. But needs must. However, that did not mean he had to walk around with this stench clinging to him. "Shower!" he snarled, when Win called out to him. "What's gotten into him?" he asked Pai and Dean as he disappeared upstairs.

"Once the mate is in vicinity, drinking from someone becomes hard. We drank just a while ago, so we didn't have this worry. And we can make do with bagged blood until our mates are ready," Dean said. "Not the same for Phayu huh?" Pai said. "He hasn't had fresh in years, as far as I know. He always makes do with bagged," Win said thoughtfully. "We are going to be in so much trouble. Now that we have the scent of our mates, our senses are going to be heightened, and we can't depend on them..," Pai trailed off. "Technically, no one can stop us. It's our right and privilege. But they are too young for us. Just settling into their worlds," Dean said. Pai acquiesced. "It is going to be the hardest on Phayu. He is the oldest amongst us, and the most disciplined. Now that Rain has been found, Phayu might not want to touch even bagged blood," Dean said, sounding a tad bit worried. Win and Pai stared at him in alarm. But before they could say anything, Pai's phone rang. "It's an unknown number," he said, looking at it. "Put it on speaker," Dean said immediately as Win took out his phone took out his phone to put a blocker on their location and Dean took out his to trace where the call was coming from. Just then Phayu came down the stairs. Pai gestured and he immediately understood, waiting for Pai to pick up the call.

"Hello..," Pai answered. "Prapai Theerpanayakul?" a voice said. "Yes, that's me?" "You, along with Phayu Theerpanayakul, Dean Inkhamwiang and Pawin Koetkasin are requested to present yourself before the Council as soon as possible, to debrief on the hostage situations of the fledglings," the voice announced robotically. "We already debriefed to P'Pakin and P'Chai. We were asked to come in by them. We are not obliged to answer to the Council," Pai said calmly, looking at Phayu. Phayu nodded at once as he opened the door to a private conversation with his father. "Khun Vegas?" "Phayu?" "We have a situation," he said simply, and allowed Vegas to listen in to the conversation happening beside him. "You are not obliged Khun Prapai, but it would be in your best interests to do so," the voice continued. Pai looked at his brothers. They all nodded, thoughts linear. "Okay, Dean and I will come. You don't need the four of us. We both know what our brothers were thinking, so it's enough if we are there. Also, we will be bringing our representatives," Pai said, his voice frost, and his challenge clear. 'Mess with one, you mess with all!' The voice on the other end probably understood that as they agreed, albeit reluctantly. "Okay, be here tomorrow at 3 pm," the voice said, cutting the call. "Looks like we have finally fanned the embers," Phayu smirked.

Chapter Text

"Charn and Porche will go with them," Vegas's voice said in Phayu's head. He gave a quiet acknowledgment and just like that, his father was gone. "Khun Charn and Khun Porche will be with you," Phayu said. "The signal came from the first abandoned warehouse that we raided that night," Win said. He had joined Dean immediately after putting the blockers up. "Wow! Look at that!" Pai said sarcastically. "Who are they trying to fool? What else?" Phayu asked. "I am tracing it. It can't be that simple," Win said. The others stood around as he fiddled with his various systems. "If they have cloaked this well, they are hiding something," Pai said. "No shit Sherlock!" Dean said, rolling his eyes. "Phayu, I don't like this. We are stuck between a rock and a hard place. We have to protect our Draugs. At the same time, they are too young for us to keep with us all the time. Now this call from the Council. Something is not sitting right," Win said, looking worried. "We will do everything we can to protect our Draugs Win, have no fear of that. And there is something I have been meaning to ask you," Phayu said thoughtfully. "What?" "I know it may be a breach of their privacy, but can't we put trackers on our Draugs?" Phayu asked. Now it was Win's turn to look contemplative. "We can. And we can ask them for permission," Pai said. "How?" Win asked.

"Give them a gift that they need to carry with them at all times or a piece of jewellery they can wear. We can ensure that the trackers will pass the strictest security checks and lie undetected on them," Pai said. "I think we can do that. A necklace would be the easiest. And we solder it with magic. It heats if anyone except us or the Draugs try to take it off," Phayu said. "But not harm them in any manner," Dean said. "Okay. So let's do that tomorrow itself," Pai said. "Now, the other agenda while we wait for Win to do his magic," Dean said. "Our parents?" Win asked quizzically. "Our parents," Dean confirmed. "I know it has come as a surprise, but it somehow feels right. Look at the speed with which we were able to establish a connection with them," Pai said. "We are all victims of the Council," Phayu said. "True, but today I am glad they did what they did. They really miscalculated," Dean said, grinning. Pai was about to reply when Win said, "I got them!" "Where are they?" Pai asked. "Sai Yok, near the National Park," Win said. "They have property hidden inside a national park?" Phayu asked. "Looks like," Win said.

The next day, Rain sat with his chin on his hands and an unfocussed look on one of the tables with Pharm. It was Sky and Team's turn to get their lunch. They always took turns so that it was never a burden on anyone. "What are you thinking about Rain?" Pharm asked. "What happened?" Sky asked, as they put the lunch plates down. "Do you think we are weak Sky?" Rain asked. "What? No way!" Sky said. "What makes you ask that Rain?" Pharm asked in his gentle way. "I have been getting this feeling since yesterday. Our parents don't let us support our mates. Our mates don't let us support our mates. It feels like we are lacking something," Rain said, his beautiful eyes filling with tears. Team rubbed his hand on Rain's back, trying to soothe him, as he looked at the others. Rain was not wrong. They had all felt it in the discussion that had happened at the home of their Draugs. "It's not because we are weak Rain. You know we are stronger than anyone else. Maybe they think we need some time to grow up. That's all baby," Sky said gently. "I understand if they forbid us from joining any kind of planning. I really do. But they forbade us from feeding our mates. In fact, our mates didn't even bother to fight for us," Rain said, sounding disgruntled. "Actually, he is not wrong," Team said contemplatively.

The four fell into silence. After a while Sky spoke up. "There is no point sitting here and breaking our heads over this. Let's eat first, finish our classes and then see how we feel," he said. "That's correct. Rain, let's do what we are supposed to and then we will go and talk to our parents, okay?" Team said. "And we will call our mates and their parents," Pharm said. "They don't know about our powers now, do they?" he added gently. Rain nodded. "Sometimes it feels strange that we need to hide our powers from our parents," he said. "I know Rain. But even without knowing anything, we were kidnapped, and that can't be a good thing," Team said. "I don't think they thought we will find our Draugs in the process," Sky said. "And our Draugs are not normal vampires either," Pharm said. "You know, from the discussion we had at Phi Mate's house yesterday, I can say one thing for sure. Our mates will definitely be able to handle our powers," Rain said, certainty ringing clear in his voice. "When do we tell them?" Sky asked. "Not now. The time is not right yet," Team said, with absolute conviction.

"What do you think about the fact that our protectors turned out to be our mates' parents?" Pharm asked. "I find this whole thing too shady," Rain said, shaking his head. His friends nodded. Pharm was about to say something else when he clearly heard a voice inside his head. "Don't say anything. We are not alone," Rain said, his eyes glinting. They lapsed into other conversation as some of their friends joined them. There was a restlessness in the four of them as they separated to go towards their faculties, reminding each other to stay safe no matter what. Rain and Sky were in their classroom when they felt real distress from Pharm. They stared at each other in fear, but knew that they had to get to him and Team as soon as possible. Luckily, this class had human students and a human teacher, so it was easy for them to use the thrall to disappear. None would be any the wiser and their friends needed them. "Where to Sky?" Rain hissed. "Second floor bathroom of the Business Administration faculty," he said, as both boys literally flew out and towards the building.

The acrid smell of fear and metallic scent of blood teased their nostrils as soon as they reached outside the door. "Pharm?" Rain called out in his head. "Not safe," the low whisper came from Team. Sky and Rain pushed open the door, appalled at the sight. Pharm stood at the far corner of the bathroom holding the stick end of a mop, and Team lay behind him, breathing shallowly. And between them and their friends stood three rogues, eyes bloodshot, fangs dripping and claws clacking. "Team? Can you hear me babe?" Sky asked, their pathways to each other still locked on tight. "Yes," came the bleary whisper. "You know we can't do this without you," Rain voice tried to soothe his fallen brother, sending a little push of compulsion so that Team could at least sit up. He did so with a bit of a struggle. The rogues were licking their lips, seeing they had four tasty morsels instead of the two originally planned. "Ready?" Sky asked and felt the mental nods of all his friends. They slowly, without creating a ripple in the air flitted to the four corners of the room, power building in them, as ropes of energy slithered through the ground towards the rogues. They were so busy trying to fix their eyes on which boy they would feed off first that by the time they noticed the lightening ropes tighten on them, it was too late. The boys pulled the ropes tighter and the rogues shrieked. Luckily, the pitch was too high for humans to hear, but other vampires would have been debilitated. However, Rain had already metaphorically stuffed their ears with cotton.

The four boys kept up the attack and when the ropes had mummified them, Sky and Pharm broke the connection to hep Team, who was almost drained out. "Team needs blood. He need his mate," Pharm said frantically. "Call one of yours. He will relay the message," Rain said nonchalantly. "They are likely to freak out," Sky said, but did as Rain had said and called Prapai. "P'Pai, this is Sky. Please come to the Business administration faculty as soon as you can with P'Win. Team is hurt, and he needs his mate," Sky said. "We will be there as soon as possible," Pai's voice came clearly. "They are coming," Sky said. "I have a feeling all four will be here," Pharm said. "How are we going to explain these?" he added, kicking one of the three motionless rogues on the bathroom floor. "Part truth, part lie," Rain said. "Meaning?" Sky asked. They knew Team was listening in so that there was no error later. "We say you came over the rogues. They fought with the two of you. Then we came and we tried to fight them off," Rain shrugged. "Then you better remove the bindings," Sky said. Rain did exactly that, knowing that the rogues were definitely out of commission. But he still took the mop and whacked them on the head and a couple of other places. Then he handed another mop to Sky, who immediately understood. "Ew! What are you doing?" Pharm asked. "A... A... Attacking th..em.. Proof," Team whispered.

Just then the door burst open and their Draugs stood there, worry and fear etched into their faces! The four older men rushed to their mates and frantically looked for sign of injuries. "Only Team was hurt Phi Mate. P'Win needs to feed him, just a little bit. We fed recently, so just a little will be enough," Rain said sweetly. Win immediately picked up Team and made him sit comfortably, then gave him his wrist. Usually, feeding a mate was more sexual, but with the others around, as well as the rogues in the vicinity, Win chose to feed him from the wrist. Even then, the others politely turned their head away, knowing that this was very private and intimate. The other three older vampires stood up, going towards the rogues. "Did you seriously beat them off with a mop Rain?" Phayu asked, very surprised. "Both Sky and I," Rain said, pointing towards the mop Sky was holding. We had the element of surprise," Sky said quickly, trying not too sound too defensive. "They didn't have a choice P'Phayu. They were trying to protect us," Pharm said gently, his voice soft, looking at tear filled eyes at his Draugs. "We know that baby," Dean said, holding Pharm close and looking at Phayu. Phayu nodded.

"Well, now Win and I have a wonderful gift to give the Council when they visit today evening," Pai said. "You are visiting the Council P'Pai?" Sky asked, wide-eyed, looking afraid. "We will not be alone my Sky," Pai said, stroking his boy's hair. "And our fathers will be with us," Win said, standing up, arms around his mate. Phayu took the mop away from Rain and lifted him up gently as well. "Are you angry with me Phi Mate?" Rain looked at Phayu with tear laden eyes. "No little one. I would never be angry with you. I am just worried. You almost took unnecessary chances," Phayu said. Rain looked at him guilelessly. "But I was not alone Phi Mate," he said, pouting adorably. Phayu melted. He didn't think he ever could resist his little one. The other three younger boys smirked in their heads, and Rain smirked right back. "C'mon, let's get you all home," Pai said. "We have our car P'Pai," Team said respectfully. "I know that you wish to come with us, but you should stay here and get these rogues out. Our friends use these facilities," Pharm said, looking up at Dean. Dean found himself nodding. "Okay, off you all go then. And go straight home. Let us know when you reach," Win said, gently setting Team down, as Phayu did the same. "We will do that," Sky said, as the four younger boys waiied and left, smirking gleefully in their heads.

On the way home, Sky informed his father of what had happened. So, when they reached, all the families were waiting at the gates of the compound. "Where are your mates?" Type asked. "Taking caring of the rogues Uncle Type. Our friends use those facilities," Pharm said, eyes sheening over with tears. "They said they have to go to the Council today Pa," Sky said, whining and leaning into Fiat for support. "Don't worry. Uncle Charn and Uncle Porche will go with them," Leo said, patting his son's head. They all turned as they heard a car drive up. Phayu was the first to step down and Rain ran to him, as did the others when their mates got down. "Where are the rogues?" Vegas asked, his tone razor sharp. "In the boot. Nong Sky and Nong Rain seemed to have done a number on them," Win said, sounding a tad bit sceptical. "Just by chance P'Win. They were afraid for us, so they just lashed out," Pharm said, his tone utterly convincing. "Of course we believe you Pharm," Dean said, smiling at his mate.

Chapter Text

Even though the fledgelings protested, their fathers were not in a mood to listen and they were dragged off for some much needed rest. "Why don't you all stay here while we go with Pai and Win? That way, you can keep your mates safe as well," Charn said, looking at the four boys looking at their Draugs leaving. "Khun Charn," Phayu spoke up. "Yes Phayu?" he replied. "This was not a random attack. I hope you all know that," Phayu asked. The elders all looked at each other. "What do you mean?" Tharn asked. "The rogues knew exactly where to go. And that is not a coincidence the 2nd time," Pai said. "The boys were lucky that they were not together, so Rain and Sky got the element of surprise and could harm the rogues the way they did," Dean said. "And while we are not completely convinced about how they managed to subdue 3 feral rogues on their own, it still begs the question as to how they got there," Win said.

"These are questions the Council needs to be asked," Phayu said. "You think they will tell us anything?" Vegas asked. "No, but at least we get to know if they are lying or not. And that reminds me. We need to fit you all with cameras and listening devices," Win said. "Won't they be detected?" Pete asked, confused. "Nope. Not the ones Win has," Dean said proudly. Pai and Phayu just smirked. "Where do we do it though?" Pai asked. "We can go inside one of the houses," Porche said. The four younger men immediately shook their heads. "No, your homes are not safe at all," Phayu said. "We can do it here. Pai and I are already wired. And I can put yours on here," Win said. "Go ahead. We will cloak you. Don't worry," Dean said. "And honestly, it would be better if you all can come to our house. It's safer and we need our Command Centre," Dean said.

A couple of hours later, a very worried set of people sent off their Draugs into the lions' den. Many warnings about safety were given, as well as many suggestions as to handle the situation. Charn was a legal advisor to the council once and Porche was an enforcer. While officially they were still on the roll with them, this appearance with their children was going to come as defiance of mammoth proportions and they were ready to take the displeasure. This was going to make their stance clear. They would stand by their sons and their mates. Charn and Porche were both older, turned vampires, who had been born with immense powers even as humans, like all the turned vampires in the group, except for Min. Min had been a Lycan, and converting him had taken help from all of them, as he had needed more blood for the transformation. But they were all at a point where no questions could be asked.

Keeping them constantly travelling to make deals and negotiate, as well as set out wars, and put out fires, the need to keep them occupied and not them meet their sons, had been the Council's biggest mistake. Now, they were a force to reckon with, and probably had more allies than the members of the Council. So, it would be in very poor taste if the Council really decided to harm them. Plus, Charn and Porche were very sure that the four young men they had met were more powerful than the Council knew or even imagined. Their sons had an aura that was clearly menacing and despite their sweetness and docility towards their family members and their Draugs, everyone was clear that Phayu, Pai, Win and Dean were not going to take the attack on their mates lightly. And the trackers Win had put on them, they were not the regular ones. It was obvious they were state of the art and something they had never seen. The boys had taken their car because they knew it was safest. Meanwhile, the others would make their way to the boys' mansion, because that's where everything they needed to listen in and watch the conversations was.

The command centre in the boys' house was nothing less than impressive. For Vegas and Kinn, who had worked with people like Arm and Pol, who had seen these things, this was way more brilliant than what they had. "Wow! This is amazing boys!" Kinn said, his awe and pride ringing through clearly. "It's all Win. He is amazing at everything related to technology. And Dean is our resident researcher," Phayu said, sounding proud of his brothers. "And Pai?" Pete asked. "Negotiator. There is nothing he cannot do when it comes to getting the perfect deals. He can also detect when someone is lying and when there is a traitor in the midst. Which is why he is the one who is the public face of our companies," Dean said immediately. "You have companies?" Tharn asked.

"Yes. We have an architecture firm, a technology firm, an import-export company, a biotechnology lab as well as several research firms. Our companies, under Dean, are trying to build safe medicines for vampires, since human medicines become ineffective due to our venom," Phayu said. "What made you think of that?" Type asked, intrigued. It was something he had also wanted to research on, but unfortunately, he did not know any lab that could help. "Around 25 years ago, we saw a young vampire actually suffer from a weirdly human disease called anaemia, which ideally should not harm us. But her mate was human, and she could only drink his blood. He suffered from it, and so she did too. He took medicines to improve it, but they dissolved in her blood. She tried to turn him, but he died because he was too weak. It broke her mind. From a simple problem, it became something else," Dean said. "So your labs have only vampires working there?" Tae asked.

"Yes, they are regular vampires who have studied and are not involved in the Council or anything. They stay to themselves. We have some excellent people working for us. Plus, they can work long time. No need to keep changing jobs, so they are able to put their heart and soul into research. And with the other companies also, we usually hire within us. It is easy for us to know them, and they too don't struggle," Phayu said. "Most young vampires we know would just sit on what they have," Vegas said. "But you seem to have given back to our world," he added. The other elders nodded. Even the young ones looked proud of their mates. Just as Phayu was about to answer, there was a crackling sound from one of the systems behind him.

"Win is connected," Dean pounced on the system and switched it on. The screen filled with the office of the Council. There are still several questions running through the heads of the elders, but they want to see what is happening first. "That is Nefertiti. When did she become a member of the Council?" Tinn asked. "It's been a while. She is the only mated female in the Council. Do you know her?" Dean asked, as he and Phayu continued to watch the screen. "Kinn and I had a run in with her around a couple of 100 years ago. She was hell-bent on destroying a human village because they had sort of harmed her mate. We managed to drag her out, kicking and screaming. She didn't like that. But she had no choice," Vegas said. "I can't believe they put someone like that in the Council. Someone with so many anger issues," Kinn said.

"It's not surprising at all. That is Decha, former enforcer, and not just that, former cleaner for the Council," Phayu pointed out. "Cleaner?" Fiat asked. "He was the enforcer sent in to get rid of vampires who were a problem for the Council. He was the one who gave the command for our assassination as well," Dean said. "And he lives?" White asked. "We will not kill the members of the Council. That will just get us a bounty on our heads," Phayu smirked, just as they heard Pai coming in. "Here is a special gift for you," Pai's voice came first as he himself moved into focus. Porche and he dropped the three fallen rogues on the table. "Bad idea Decha, to send them after our Draugs," Win said, calmly buffing his nails.

"What do you mean? I didn't do anything. And moreover, how can we take you at your word? You could be lying about the fledgelings being your Draugs," Decha said, going on the defensive. "We don't lie Decha, unlike you," Pai said calmly. "You will address the senior respectfully," Aroon, another member said. "Or what? Will you try to assassinate us again? Or try and kill our mates? Or try and keep us from our families?" Win said. "Moreover, in your crazy power trips Aroon, you seem to have forgotten that we are older than both you and Decha. Showing us a bit of respect would go a long way," Pai said. "Getting the position you have now, thanks to your parents, it must have been easy, but these boys are not alone anymore," Porche said.

"You and K'Charn still work for the Council," Nefertiti said. "Used to. We used to work for the Council. As of yesterday, we have already turned in our papers to your representatives," Charn said. "We didn't get any information about it," Decha said petulantly. "Not our problem. We don't have to give you shit," Porche said. "Khun Porche," Aroon said, an appeasing note in his voice. Porche raised a brow. "We understand that you are angry, but we hope you understand it was for the best," he said. "Are you serious right now?" Charn stood up. "Sit down Pa. Pointless talking to him. he has no mate, and no family. He doesn't get their importance," Win said, one hand on Charn's in a clear show of solidarity. Aroon looked shocked, not only at Win's casual address, but also at how easily Charn listened. There was a speculative look on both his face, as well as the face of the other council members. "Did they really think we can't see their expressions?" Sean said wonderingly.

"They are fools. As of right now, they are not considering anything except the fact that they are not in control of the situation," Phayu said, his glee clear. Vegas looked at his son. "What do you mean?" he asked. "If they feel they are losing control, they will try to take it back. And that's when we will strike," Phayu smirked. Pete suddenly giggled and everyone turned to look at him. "What? What is it?" Leo asked. "I can't imagine how much Phayu looks like Vegas when he does that," Pete said. Everyone shook their heads. "What? I know what I know," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. Phayu looked at Vegas and the two shared a small smile. There may not have been complete acceptance yet, but there was respect, and trust, and that was a good beginning.

"We apologise if we have inconvenienced you. But we did not harm your Draugs," Decha said. "We don't know still if they are your Draugs. A test of compatibility must be done. you need to bring them..," Aroon trailed off when both Win and Pai raised their hand. "You dare question us?" Pai narrowed his eyes and tilted his head to one side. "One, we don't need you to tell us who is our mate. Two, our mates will not come to this office, come hell or highwater. Three, there is no compatibility test in the world that will keep us away from them. You can take all your tests and your hidden agendas and stuff it up your ass. It will make us happy," Win said. "And did you seriously think you could say what you wanted to us and get away with it? Just because Phayu is not there, doesn't mean he doesn't know what is being discussed here. Don't test the limits of his patience," Pai said.

"We.. we..," Decha was reduced to sputtering when Win and Pai stood up. "Decha, and the rest of you, you will be well advised to stay away from us, and our Draugs, and our families. All our families. Take it as a friendly warning. You know that if it was Phayu, you wouldn't be standing here, much less throwing out demands," Win said. "And you will also be well advised to remember which families the boys are actually talking about," Porche said, his voice holding a warning that could not be ignored. "The day you cross the line, your lives will be the least of your worries. You are monsters, and we are enforcers, and you know well what enforcers do to monsters," Pai added, his voice low and carrying the threat clearly. "Are you threatening us?" Aroon asked, trying to sound angry. "Aroon, are you really asking this question? Do you think you should? After everything that you did to us and our family? You are lucky this is all that you are getting. Don't forget, I am a lawyer, and I am not kind like my husband is. And there are still authorities higher than you whom we can go to," Charn said, now standing as well, and looking down his nose at the members of the Council.

Chapter Text

Everyone just pounced on the four who had been to the Council. "So?" Tae asked. "Well, for one, I think we should pulling out the contacts of the people who we think might be on our side for this coup d'état," Porche said, his anger clear. "We can't tell anyone yet," Tan said. "I agree. That could prove fatal to the boys' plans," White said. "True. We can't judge loyalty yet. And honestly I don't think that even our most patient Pai will be able to handle the trauma of talking to so many people at the same time," Win laughed. "As it is, that whole room was rank with lies," Pai said, his nose wrinkling in disgust. "What do you all want to do now?" Vegas asked. "Phi Mate, may I say something?" Rain asked. "Of course little one. What is it?" Phayu asked immediately, his attention completely on his mate. "You should not confront them anymore," Rain said, very seriously. "Then what should we do?" Pete asked. "You should lull them into complacency, make them think that you don't care what happens to them, that you are more interested in being with your mates instead. Then you should attack when they are not looking at you," Rain said.

Everyone looked at him in shock. "Wow! Are you really our son Rain?" Type asked. "No. I am Phi Mate's mate. Not your son anymore," Rain said cheekily. The whole room laughed, including Phayu, but there was something in his eyes when he looked at Rain. His mate was not what his parents thought he was. There was a lot more hidden behind that façade. And he had felt this about his friends' mates too. There was also something fishy about the rogues they had captured. Pai had not sensed their mates lying, but there was something they couldn't quite put their fingers on. "Then how about a date?" Pai asked. "I am sorry?" Fiat asked. "How about we take our mates for a date tomorrow?" Pai asked Fiat and Leo, looking at everyone as well. "Hmm..," Leo said. "Say yes Dad! Say yes!" Sky jumped on Leo, as did the other boys, who looked just as excited. "Please Dad? Papa?" Rain asked, his eyes pleading, as he looked at Tharn and Type.

Finally the young ones' parents folded. "Okay, okay, we allow you to go for a date," Type said, smiling at his son. The four boys jumped around in happiness and then hugged their mates. The older boys smiled. The joy of their Draugs was contagious. "We will leave now. You boys take care, and be safe," Bun said. "We will be fine. And we will pick you up tomorrow morning?" Win asked. The younger boys nodded, and all of them walked towards the door. "Why don't you all go ahead? We will just talk to the mates of our sons," White said. The other older men understood. "C'mon babies, let's go," Charn said, ushering the boys out. "We know what you want to say. And we will take care not to touch them," Dean said. "That's not what we wanted to say at all," Sean said. The four younger vampires looked at them in surprise.

"We are mates ourselves and we understand the bonds we have with our own," Tae said. "Moreover, we know our sons. They may be young, but they are also part of a couple and they will feel the pull as much as you. So we can't stop you all," Leo said. "We just ask you to be careful. And be careful with marking them as well," Type said. "The four of you have been extremely sensitive to our needs and that of our sons. Whereas, we did not consider how difficult it would be for you to have them in close proximity and not be able to claim them. So you have our permissions and our blessings," Tharn said. "We assure you. Our mates mean the world to us. We will do nothing to hurt them," Pai said. "We know, which is why we are being frank with you," Min said. "Be rest assured Khun," Phayu said, and all the four boys waiied to the elders as everyone left. "Okay, so now what?" Dean asked. "Before we attack the Council, we need to find out more about our mates. They are hiding more than we see on the surface," Phayu said thoughtfully. "I agree. Ai'Pai, that rogue thing. Did you feel anything wrong in what they said? Were they lying?" Win asked. "It didn't seem like they were lying. But there was something..," Pai trailed off. The four of them looked at each other.

"We will need to tell them everything," Sky said, as the four boys walked in the gardens, a protective cloak around them, so that their voices could not be heard outside. To the world, it would seem like four boys walking, talking and laughing. But their magic was powerful enough to hide their own powers, which were now becoming even stronger, thanks to their mates. "They doubt us already," Pharm said. "Yeah. And we know P'Pai can feel lies," Team said. "You are not saying anything Rain," Sky asked, looking at him. "Sometimes, we do things, not for our protection, but of those we love," Rain said. "So far, we kept silent because somewhere, we knew that the knowledge of our powers could harm us, and in connection, our families. Now that includes our mates. How do we let them get hurt?" he asked. The others also looked concerned. "I understand your concern Rain. But don't you think it will be worse if they get to know some other way?" Team asked.

"We are their mates, and they are ours. If they know everything about us, they can protect us better, and help us protect our families," Pharm said. Rain nodded. "I know and I trust them. They have been nothing but supportive, and I admire their strength. Okay, let's tell them," he acquiesced. "Tomorrow. Let's talk to them tomorrow then," Sky said. All the boys agreed. "Let's go back. They will be waiting for dinner. Uncle Pete is cooking today and I am hungry," Team said. "But one thing," Rain said. "What?" Sky asked. "We will enjoy our date first, then we will tell them. It's our first ever date. And I don't want to ruin it by spilling secrets right off the bat," Rain said. "I agree with Rain. We enjoy our date, and then we talk," Team said. "And we spend the night with them," Rain said. "Ai'Rain!" Pharm said, blushing to the roots of his hair. "What? Don't you want it too?" Rain asked, cocking a brow. The other three boys nodded, all blushing and nodding.

"Hello little one," Phayu said, as soon as he saw Rain. "Phi Mate!" Rain bounced down the stairs right into Phayu's waiting arms as Tharn and Type watched in amusement. "So Phayu, where are you taking our son?" Tharn asked. "Phi Mate, don't tell them," Rain pouted. "Why not little one?" Phayu asked, amused. "Because they will follow me and haunt us," Rain crossed his hands in front of his chest and huffed out his breath. Type laughed. "You see what we have to put up with?" he asked. Phayu laughed, as he gathered Rain close to him. "I can see that my little one is quite naughty," he said, looking down at Rain. "I am not Phi Mate. Pa always says that about me, but I am not," Rain looked up at Phayu with the most innocent doe-eyes. Phayu shook his head, smiling. "Okay Phi Mate, let's go. Otherwise we will never get to go for our date," Rain whined.

"Rain, lu," Type said in his most long-suffering tone. "Don't worry Khun. He will be safe with me," Phayu said. "Of that, we have no doubt. We are worried if you will be safe with him," Tharn laughed. "Dad!" Rain said, completely red now! Phayu grinned. "I will bring him back today evening," he said. "I doubt that," Type said, under his breath, but Phayu heard him loud and clear. He raised a brow at his mate's parents, and their smirks were pretty clear. Just what was his little one upto?

"So little one, where do you want go for our date?" Phayu asked. Today he would indulge his little baby as much as possible. "We all wanted to go to an amusement park Phi Mate," Rain said, his voice filled with excitement. "Okay, park it is!" Phayu said, smiling. His little one's excitement was so palpable, that he hid his own worry about how open the place could be. He could sense his brothers feeling the same, but none of them could deny their Draugs anything. It was impossible. So they would strategise in their head, the best way to keep their mates safe. It was the first of many days of happiness they would get with their mates, and they were more than eager to make each day memorable.

The four younger vampires were extremely happy to be here. This was their first time. Being as protected as they were, they hardly got a chance to do things that young vampires were usually allowed to do. They knew that they were more safe with their older mates that with a whole army of bodyguards. Phayu knew that his brothers and he could get rid of any threat against their mates. It was not him being arrogant. Phayu had lived long enough to know that pride came before a fall. But he was confident, in his abilities, in the abilities of his brothers. And he knew that the Council might not make a move in such an open place. But they didn't know who the Council was using to procure these rogues. That was the real worry. "Don't worry, we have this handled," Pai's voice came in his head. He turned around to see Dean, Win and Pai with their mates. He nodded imperceptibly, just to let them know that he understood.

They made their way in, the younger boys taking in all the sights and smells, running here and there and dragging their friends along. The older boys were more staid, always conscious of their surroundings and taking care of their mates at the same time. It was almost afternoon as the four couples made their way around, when Rain complained of being hungry. The others also chimed in. "Where do you want to eat little one?" Phayu asked. "There!" he pointed to a satay stand. "And ice cream after!" Sky said, laughing delightedly at Rain's choice. They went immediately, and Pai placed the orders, Win and Dean on the lookout, as Phayu watched the mates. The boys were talking a mile a minute, when suddenly Rain stopped, a faraway look coming into his eyes. It was almost as if he had disassociated from self. Seeing that, the other three also went silent, looking around fearfully.

"What is it darling?" Dean immediately asked Pharm. He looked at Dean, shaking his head, putting a finger on his lips. The four older vampires stared at Rain, intrigued, as they literally saw him associate back with his body. It was strange yet amazing to see. They looked at one another, as Rain turned to look at Phayu. He gasped. Rain's molten brown eyes had been replaced by a strangely flickering gold, and if the gasps of his brothers were proof, some kind of change had taken place even in their mates. "They are coming Phi Mate," Rain said. Even his voice was different. Still sweet, but a deeper timbre to it. "Who is coming?" Win asked, slight fear tinging his words. "Rogues!" Team said. Just one word, and the four older vampires spun around. "Stay behind us!" Dean said. "No," Pharm said, sounding calm and collected.

"Pharm?" Dean sounded shocked at the blatant refusal by his mate, and the others also turned around. They stared in disbelief as the four younger vampires flung their hands outwards and a protective cloak covered the entire area, leaving one side open. "Once they step in, we will close it," Sky said, as they continued to watch the open side. The four older men looked at each other. What had just happened? This was completely unexpected and unbelievable. Why hadn't their mates' parents told them about the power their Draugs could wield? But before they think about it further, around seven rogues entered the shielded area. Immediately the cloak dropped behind them and enclosed everyone in the protective area. The younger men had made sure that no humans were within the cloak, which was extremely smart of them.

"Seven against four! Might as well give up your mates," one of them cackled. "Phi Mate?" Rain called out. "Not now Rain," Phayu said, concentrating on the rogues in front of him. "Please?" Rain's voice was soft inside his head. He was shocked. Without a blood exchange, it should have been impossible for Rain to reach out to him like this. "What?" he reached back. "They have weak points. Aim for the head or the heart. Use electricity," Rain said. Phayu immediately passed on the message to his brothers. "How do you know that?" Pai asked, dumbfounded. "Rain!" Phayu said succinctly. "But he didn't speak lou..," Dean trailed off as the implication set in. Although the men didn't show any outward reaction, their emotions were roiling inside. What else didn't they know about their mates? "But we don't know how to...," This time it was Win who trailed off as they watched in horrified silence as the seven rogues, who were busy concentrating against the more experienced vampires, didn't see the trails of lightning that slowly moved upwards, first holding their legs, and slowly their whole bodies prisoner. They struggled against the bonds, but the four younger vampires were taking no chances.

"You can do what you need to do P'Pai," Sky said. Phayu, Pai, Win and Dean turned around. It was unbelievable to see how calm the four boys were, hardly a wrinkle on their forehead. "Go ahead P'Win. The bolts will not harm you," Team said, smiling peacefully. The older vampires strode to the rogues, separating their hearts from their body and crushing it. The rogues fell dead, and the lightning jumped from their bodies to that of the older vampires, cleaning the blood on their hands and burning the heart and bodies to ash as well. When the older vampires turned around, their mates were looking down. They called their names, softly, so as to not frighten them. The four younger men looked up, eyes drenched with tears!

Chapter Text

A couple of hours later, all of them were seated in the smaller family room, the older with a cup of coffee each and the younger with mugs of hot chocolate. The silence was deafening and the tension was so palpable that it could be cut with a knife. "Is there something you would like to tell us?" Phayu asked, wanting to ease the four boys. They were still young, and apart from the tension, the fear in their body language could not be possibly missed. The four younger men looked at each other and nodded imperceptibly. "We will begin a little with our history. To know what we are, you must know what we were," Rain said. "When we were born, they were trying times. Babies born to male vampires was not unheard of, but male vampire offspring born with wombs was a great deal. As such, it put fear in our parents, as this was something they had clearly not expected. The tests done at that point were not complete, as we were very young, but enough was known to ensure that we became 4 of the most highly protected vampire children in the world," Team said.

"We were kept under guards, home-schooled and never allowed to leave our parents' sight. And we let it happen, because we didn't know any better. We had never seen a world outside of ours, and it never made us feel different. We were safe, we were loved and that was all that mattered to us," Pharm said. "And then we stepped out," Sky took up the tale. "We were 4, and we had been exploring the estate. You all have seen how expansive it is, so we were never at a loss for hiding spots, and since we had never gone out of it, we thought that was the end of the world. But during one such day, without realising, we left the walls of the compound. It should have scared us, all those unknown things, but we were happy enough. Until Rain and Pharm felt rogues in the vicinity," he continued.

"Rogues should not have been able to come into our world, so it was clear that we had stepped into theirs. We had moved away from the boundaries set for us, and we were very nearly in trouble. We didn't know where to go, what to do. We were not the targets, we knew that, and we had not called attention to ourselves. But we were close enough to the compound for them to realise that we would be connected. We were in a fix. We couldn't go back in, we were scared to move further away," Rain said. "We couldn't cry, or call out for help. Anything we did, we would be noticed, and that was the last thing we wanted. While we had never spoken to each other telepathically, we knew that this was a possibility. We had sensed our parents doing it," Team continued.

"We had no idea what to do, so we did what we remembered Rain had said about it. Team had mentioned once that it seemed difficult to be able to talk in our heads. So Rain had said imagine talking through a paper telephone, just picture the threads in our head. So we reached out, and surprisingly, it worked!" Sky said. "We decided to start backing up, but unfortunately, that's exactly when the saw us. I don't know what they thought about who we were, but we would make great bargaining chips. We could read that intention in their heads. It was like some energy propelled through us; all that fear, anger, anxiety; it just coursed through us, and the rogues were writhing on the floor," Pharm said. "That's when we started crying and screaming, attracting the attention of the adults. Everyone came rushing and we were scooped up. When we were asked what happened, we didn't know what to say, because we honestly didn't know what had happened. So we just cried and cried. The rogues were taken away, and the guards who had left the gates open were fired. That's when P'Ken and his team of people came to take care of us," Rain said.

"Uncle Vegas explained to our parents why it was important for us to be taken outside the compound and live a normal life, with training that would help us. We were trained like normal vampire children, but we never spoke about our powers to anyone, including our parents," Pharm said. "We trained ourselves on out powers. Learning how to create cloaks and maintain illusions was the first thing we taught ourselves," Sky said. "Our playrooms and our parents' bedrooms were the only areas in the houses that were not rigged with cameras or other listening devices, so we used those places to begin with," Team said. "Then we realised something else. Our powers were exponentially more when we worked together in tandem. So that's what we started doing. We managed to hide all this from our parents for their sake, so that they would not be in trouble," Rain said.

The four older vampires sat shell-shocked during the narrative. They had decided in the beginning itself that they would not utter a word, but once the story started, they realised that they didn't actually have anything to say. It was hard to believe that for 15 years, their Draugs had been hiding in plain sight. "So no one knew? Not even Ken?" Pai asked, wanting to break the silence. "No one P'Pai," Team said, looking a bit downcast, like the rest of them. Rain looked beseechingly at all of them, his eyes finally resting on Phayu. "Are you angry with us Phi Mate?" he asked, his voice soft and sad in the silence that enveloped them. Phayu immediately stood up and knelt in front of Rain. "Never little one," he said, his hands stroking Rain's head. "We are not angry at any of you," he added, looking at the other boys. "How about you show us all your powers?" Win said, standing up and holding his hand out to Team. The others followed suite.

"You don't have to worry about anyone seeing you, since the whole area is shrouded. There will be no eyes on you," Dean said. "What are your powers?" Phayu asked. "We can command the elements. Rain has water, Sky is air, Team has fire and I control the earth," Pharm said. "We will start with that. Is that okay?" Sky asked, sounding hesitant. The older vampires nodded. Then they watched in amazement as the four boys simply controlled the elements as it they were it. Soft drizzling rain fell on glorious flowers that bloomed. As those settled, small fires popped up and air rushed through putting them off, a little playful dance that seeped into the senses. "What else can you do?" Win whispered, the awe clear. "We are stronger together. Would you like to see?" This time it was Team who sounded reluctant. As soon as they got their affirmation, the four of them raised their hands and lightning burst out of them. When that calmed, Phayu and the others watched as the boys in front of them used their powers to create weapons out of the world around them, and their element tied into those weapons. They created illusions and showed them different kinds of cloaking tricks. Their eyes changed colour again, a weirdly shimmering bluish silver, as they powers peaked.

"Do you realise your eyes change colour?" Dean asked. "Yes, as we used increased powers. But since we avoid using them in public, no one can see them," Pharm said. "All of you have these phenomenal powers. And you have been hiding them all this while. So, you used your powers even in the Uni bathroom, isn't it?" Pai asked. The four boys nodded. "That's why Pai couldn't exactly feel you lying. Because you used your powers and then hit them on the head so that you could tell us that," Win said. "Not just you, our parents and guardians too," Rain said. "No one was supposed to know anything Phi Mate," he continued. "And no one would have, if today had not happened," Sky said. "Did you not plan to tell us?" Dean asked, displeasure clear in his voice. "We did. We did intend to tell you, and we were wondering how to, but the choice was dragged out of our hands," Team said.

There was silence after everything had been said. The older vampires were in turn awed and scared of the power their mates had, but what was harder was the fact that the young ones had no one they could share their burden with. They had lived for nearly 15 years, suppressing their sheer strength. They were much smarter, and much stronger, than anyone gave them credit for. "So your ADHD?" Phayu asked, as he looked at Rain. "It was a way to keep his powers hidden Phi," Sky said. "But why don't you all have the same problem? Did any of their parents point it out?" Phayu asked his brothers. they all shook their heads. "Because Rain's powers are the hardest to control. He has the most of it. And trying on focusing to stop it from erupting at inopportune moments is why Rain tends to lose focus sometimes," Team said. "Actually, while all of us control one element each, Rain can control all for to some extent, although water is his strongest," Pharm said.

"Show us little one?" Phayu asked him gently. Rain was almost as red as a tomato with all the attention concentrated on him. He looked at his brothers and they nodded, urging him on. Rain snapped his fingers four times. And each time, a single element pulsed into the air around them. A drop of water, a small flame, a tiny eddy of air, and a blooming flower stayed suspended in the air in front of them, much to the shock of Phayu and his brothers. "Our Draugs are not just special, they are extraordinary!" Pai said, his voice in the heads of the others. "Of course we are P'Pai! And that's why we got you all as mates," Sky's voice echoed in, making the older vampires startle in surprise. "How did you do that? How did you touch our channel of communication?" Dean asked. No one, not even Pakin and Chai had been able to do that. Ever! "Another of our powers. We can touch literally any channel of communication, as long as it is in our vicinity. Another reason why Rain's parents feel he has ADHD. He can read human minds too, so he tends to lose focus," Sky said.

"I have no idea how you managed to hide such important things from your family for 15 years. But we would really like to thank you for telling us today. But this still the begs the question. Do you really not want to tell anyone about this? And why?" Win asked, echoing the sentiments of the other men. "Initially it was because we were not sure what was happening to us. As we grew older, there were things we felt changing. There was fear in our parents' hearts because of what we were," Sky said. "Just like I can read minds of humans, Sky has the power to read emotions in them. So while he might not be able to hear what they might be saying, he can sense what they are feeling," Rain said. "When it comes to the people around us, there was something in the under currents, and that did not sit well for any of us," Pharm said. "Eventually, we decided that we would hide it. If we found mates who could handle it, then we would tell them," Team said.

"And well, we found you. Even behind that closed wall, we could feel your power emanating. We could feel the threads that bound us holding us in a grip we have never felt before. There was truth and purity in it, and we knew that our mates would understand how it was to have the kind of power we had. It would not be a free fall into the abyss," Rain said. "Even then, in the beginning we were hesitant to tell you, especially Rain," Pharm said. Phayu looked at him and raised a brow. "You can't blame him Phi. He felt it would put you all in danger as well. And while we do agree with him, we trust you and know that you can bear the consequences with us," Sky said.

Chapter Text

"Are you angry Phi Mate?" Rain asked, voice low, worrying his lip between his teeth, as he sat with Phayu in Phayu's wing of the house. The four couples had retired to their respective sides, wanting time alone with each other. After whatever had happened at the amusement park, and the confession of the younger vampires a while ago, the four older mates just needed to ensure that their Draugs were real and okay. A heart to heart was much required. Of all the things Phayu had expected of his mate, this spectacular show of power had not been one of them. He knew that he had powers, but his had come from years of use and practice. But this casual show of strength by a 19 year old fledgeling, who could have pretty much blown off the building he had been imprisoned in, and the men who had captured him, but who had chosen to wait to be rescued, because he didn't want to give away what he was, blew his mind.

Phayu had seen a lot of things in his life, and he was mostly hardened against them. But seeing his little one worry was not a sight he would be able to be callous against. "Come here little one," Phayu said gently, as he opened his arms for Rain. Rain lost no time in throwing himself into the waiting arms. Phayu gathered him in without any visible effort. "Little one, I am not angry with you. I can never be angry. But that said, you are my mate, so I will always be worried about you. Now however, my worries have increased," Phayu said, still hugging Rain close. "Why Phi Mate?" Rain asked, his eyes wide, as he stared at Phayu. "Because you and your friends managed to hide this for so long little one. It is always a cause of worry, right? And now, we must protect your family as well, and ours," Phayu said.

"I am sorry Phi Mate. We trusted our parents. And guardians. We still do, we always will. But somehow, their safety was necessary for us," Rain said, pouting softly, his eyes wide. Phayu simply and completely melted. This little boy would be the death of him. He had always prided himself on being someone very sure of himself, someone disciplined, someone with an immense love for structure. But from the moment Rain had come into his life, Phayu' life had been.. well.. colourful, chaotic almost. The boy was a constant reminder that his life was no more his own. He was tied to another, and tied for eternity. Every single moment of his life, from the moment he had caught the scent of his Draugs, had been written into Rain's hands. He was holding the strings to Phayu's life and Phayu had no regrets. But Rain's honesty needed to be reciprocated.

"Rain," Phayu said. Rain immediately looked up, understanding the seriousness of his tone. "Phi Mate?" he asked, looking worried, but trying to sound hopeful. "You were so honest with me little one, so you deserve honesty in return. This is something I have not even told my brothers, but you are my mate, my Draugs. You are my world, and my mind is open to you. I don't want you to find out anything about me from my mind. I want to be open with you," Phayu said. Rain nodded, shifting next to Phayu on the couch. "I was around 7 when I was found by Pakin and Chai, in the rubble of the home of the human family I had been placed with. 2 years later, 8 year old Pai and Win and 9 year old Dean were found in the same way. I had already been training for a while, so I was taking care of them. Pai and I were shocked to know that our surnames were the same, because I had felt a sort of kinship when he was found."

Rain listened intently. He knew Phayu was only physically there, this mind completely immersed in those far away memories, so Rain didn't even try and reach out, even though he desperately wanted to. "As the years went by, we started working more and more for the Council, until finally, one day, we decided we didn't want to. We became targets of the Council that day. Even though we are close in age, I always felt the weight of being the oldest in the group, and so I decided that it was my responsibility to protect my brothers. Soon after we split from the Council, we enrolled in courses we wanted to do. And that's when the idea of this home came to me, a house which would be our sanctum. I had thought of a simple house, for the four of us. But Dean refused. Perhaps he had a premonition of what was going to be our future, or maybe he just manifested his dreams and desires, but eventually, this is what we ended up with."

"But slowly, I started to withdraw. Being here, in this big house, that had been built keeping mates and families in mind, started to gnaw at me. It was like a never-ending pit of misery, and it hurt to be present. Years of training and conditioning ensured that I was able to hide my more morbid thoughts from my brothers, but somehow, they knew. They felt that I was planning to walk into the darkness and end everything. I just had one last mission, the destruction of the Council. Once that was done, there was nothing tethering me to this earth, not even my mates-in-arms. But they sensed something amiss. Which is probably why Pai insisted we go meet Pakin and Chai that particular day, the day we were asked to rescue you. Maybe they thought that the adrenaline rush might do me good."

"Then we found you," Phayu said, turning to look at Rain. Rain was looking down. "Rain?" Phayu asked softly. Rain looked up at him, his eyes shining with unshed tears, lips trembling. Phayu immediately pulled him into his arms. "Rain! What is it?" he asked, alarmed, feeling Rain's pain slicing through him. "How could you think like that Phi? If you had left, what would have happened to me? Did you not once think of the fact that you have a mate somewhere?" Rain asked, his voice hoarse with pain. Phayu hugged him close, feeling the boy shudder. Rain was right. Phayu had never thought about his Draugs when he had decided to end his life after his work with the Council was over. But now, his skin chilled. How could he have so easily dismissed his mate? What if he had done what he had planned? What would have happened to Rain?

"I am sorry little one," he said, breathing on the pulse at Rain's neck. Rain stiffened. All of a sudden, Phayu felt Rain's arousal tinge the air, the aroma mingling with his natural scent and seeping into Phayu. Phayu pulled back, putting Rain on the couch and stepping away. Despite the permission and the blessings of the parents of his mate, he would never risk Rain. Phayu's need was too great. He had stopped drinking from humans a long time ago. The only reason he had used a stranger the previous night was because of the wards that had to be erected. He used to use his brothers, but he stopped that too, choosing bagged blood. Rain was his mate, his Draugs. Every cell in his body called for that exchange that would bind them together in a ritual as old as time. All his senses wanted to drown themselves in the scent of mate. But the fear in Phayu was greater than his desire.

His little one was just 19, and while more than justifiably powerful, he was still coming into the ways of their people, the ways of their world. He could not, and would not, force a bond that was still blossoming. Tying his mate to himself was not something Phayu would do, especially with the battle against the Council looming on his head. "You know I can hear your thoughts Phi Mate," Rain said, bringing Phayu's head up with a snap. "I thought you can read the minds of humans little one," Phayu asked, shocked. "I can hear all thoughts Phi, just like Sky can feel emotions," Rain said, cocking his head to one side. "But..," Phayu sat up straight. "Why I didn't say anything?" Rain asked. Phayu nodded. "I didn't want to make the other Phis uncomfortable. Also, we have learnt to shield our thoughts, as well as the thoughts of and from others. So my brothers shielded the thoughts of your brothers, their Draugs, for two reasons. First, so that I do not feel a sensory overload as it's extremely distracting. Two, because I don't like to read the thoughts of others, especially without permission. Especially since they are the Draugs of my friends," Rain said, calmly.

Phayu found it very hard to believe that Rain was the boy everyone thought had ADHD. Never had he seen a more sorted, more thoughtful and more loving boy. His smile was like sunshine, his eyes like stars. "Face like the moon Phi Mate?" Rain giggled. Phayu jolted again. "No," Phayu said. "Face like my little one!" he said, pulling Rain close. "Phi Mate, you never have to hide from me. If you ever want to keep things to yourself, you just have to tell me. I will never hold that against you, or feel upset. I know there are things we don't wish people to know, and I also know that there will be no secrets between us. You already have proved that by including us in the strategy planning against the Council," Rain said. "I regret that now," Phayu said. Rain's face fell. "No little one. Not because of anything else. Only because you have powers. It worries me that you will become either victims or bait," Phayu said, sensing Rain was hurt. Rain immediately brightened. "Don't worry Phi. We will not take unnecessary risks as we promised you all before. We will support from behind the scenes. I will not put the life of my brothers in danger," Rain promised solemnly.

"Well, I seem to have a very smart little one," Phayu cooed, bopping Rain's nose. "C'mon little one, it's time to go home," Phayu said, standing up and moving towards the door. He turned around when he did not feel any movement behind him. Rain was still sitting on the couch staring at him. "Are you not coming little one?" Phayu asked. "Uh-uh," Rain said, shaking his head. "And why is that?" Phayu asked. "Gonna stay with Phi Mate today," Rain said. Phayu stared at Rain. "No little one. It's not safe for you," Phayu said, desperately wanting to give in, but trying to stand strong against his deepest, darkest urges.

"Phi Mate, I know you drank from a human yesterday," Rain said, shattering Phayu's resistance. He strode over to his Draugs. "What do you mean?" he asked. "I sensed your disquiet. And the way you hated the stench because it hid my scent," Rain said, with complete equanimity. "Rain..," Phayu trailed off. "Phi Mate, you are my mate, and that's an undeniable fact. None of the four of us intend to go home today. Our parents know that. We know that. Why don't you?" Rain asked in a completely reasonable tone. "Because, unlike my brothers, I can't trust myself," Phayu said, dropping on the couch with his heads in his hands. "What do you mean Phi Mate?" Rain asked, gently stroking Phayu's back, feeling the turmoil and darkness swirling in his Draugs' head.

"Rain, little one, you know that it's not that simple. The ritual between us, it's not all that easy as it seems. Your fathers, and mine, have been mates for centuries. So now what they have seems perfect, but I am pretty sure that it didn't begin that way," Phayu said, trying to dissuade Rain from any ideas he had in his head about mating. Although he had never been through it himself, he knew that mating was a hard battle. Luckily, Rain was already a vampire, so maybe it would not be too much for him, but the intensity of emotions and the kind of bond that happened when the blood between two mates was exchanged, it was an extremely powerful thing. He may not be human, but Rain was a mere fledgeling, and Phayu was so much older.

"Are you afraid you will hurt me?" Rain asked, sounding wise beyond his years. "Phi Mate, maybe I should remind you that I may be a fledgeling, but I am not without powers of my own. I am not a foolish child as most people around consider me. I can read your mind, your emotions, and I know very well that you wish to shield me from the power that we would exchange. But Phi Mate, you must understand that the strength we both would gain from this whole thing will be beyond compare. There is a reason you were chosen as my Draugs, and a reason why I was chosen as yours. You need to be at more than full force, if you wish to bring down the Council, and we can help you. Our powers, combined with yours, and we will be invincible," he said. His clear and linear thinking put Phayu's to shame. Why had he ever thought his mate was just a fledgeling? There was so much more to Rain than met the eye.

"Rain, it's not going to be easy," Phayu tried to convince him, still reluctant to mate, not knowing the consequences. He would be going in blind. But Rain took away all the thoughts, questions and confusion he had in his head, as he took the decision away from Phayu. He softly slid into Phayu's lap, straddling him perfectly, the tiny hitch of his breath the only indicator that he could feel Phayu's arousal. Even though he tried to show he was calm, there was a fine raging in his blood. He could only see red, a field of it, as a primal haze took over his mind. He tried to draw his mind back to his control, but somehow, it was like he was fighting a losing battle. Instead of the haze calming and retreating within him, it worsened, spreading like wildfire, saturating ever cell in his body, and giving him no respite as he clung to Rain's shirt, looking for an anchor in the punishing storm in his body, mind, heart and soul.

Chapter Text

Phayu shuddered as Rain's breath misted over his neck. Unlike weres, the mark between mates was not something visible, and was not on the neck. Theirs was considered more private. It was more of a sense of being taken. There would be a faint exchange of scents, maybe a tell-tale sign of the pricks of their fangs, but more it was feeling of having been completed, a sense of having your soul bound to someone. From every story he had heard, Phayu knew that mates could only touch each other physically. So the first exchange of body and blood was almost divine. When Phayu had decided to end himself, he had a chance to feel a momentary pang for the loss he would have been through, but he had felt it was for the best. Now when he thought about what Rain had said, Phayu berated himself. He had almost pushed his mate into a lifeless existence. If they had not met before Phayu had taken that drastic a step, Rain would have withered, losing energy, passion, the need to feel. He would have become a living corpse. And Phayu would have been the one to push that fate on him.

He pulled Rain closer. Rain could feel Phayu's emotions, and guilt was on top. But Rain didn't want guilt. He wanted pleasure. Such pure pleasure that Phayu would have no choice but to bind them together. He wanted to speak those words out, wanted Phayu to say them out loud. He wanted nothing more than his Draugs' body, clinging to him in a ritual as old as time. He jolted, as he felt Phayu's fangs run back and forth over the spot where the mate mark would go, even though Phayu did it over his t-shirt. Rain knew, from friends and others, who had received their marks, that it was a very intense, yet pleasurable feeling. And Rain had desperately wanted that for himself. He had wanted his mate to make him the centre of his universe. After finding Phayu, and seeing the look in his mate's eyes, the love that poured out, Rain knew that nothing in the world could replace that emotion that his mate had set to light in him.

Rain moaned as he felt Phayu's fangs. They had not pierced skin yet, but Rain knew that the perfect bonding could only happen in the ultimate throes of passion. And Rain was feeling wanton. He wanted Phayu, and he wanted him now! Rain deliberately moved to create friction between their bodies. Phayu moaned. No matter how old or disciplined a vampire was, the call of the mate was a siren's beckoning and could never be ignored or kept at arm's length. And Rain knew that. To most people, Rain seemed like a hyper and over-imaginative child. But Rain was beyond that. Even though he was young, he was brilliant, smart and an extremely powerful vampire. And he was even more powerful in the vicinity of his mate, another vampire with great abilities. Just being in his Draugs' presence was enough for Rain to gather even more strength.

Phayu pulled Rain closer to fit in more snugly on his body. Rain was still on top of Phayu. They stared into each other's eyes, before both their eyes dropped to their lips. Rain licked his, and Phayu groaned again, keeping his forehead on Rain's. "Rain? Little one? Phi is asking again. Are you sure?" Phayu asked, knowing that if Rain said no, he would stop, but would die with blue balls, when nothing could actually kill them. Rain rocked forward again. "Yes Phi Mate, Rain wants to be yours," he said, slipping his arms around Phayu's neck and resting his forehead on the elder vampire's neck. Phayu slipped his hands inside Rain's t-shirt, softly sliding all over his skin. Rain jerked, burying his head into Phayu's neck. Phayu edged up until his thumbs brushed Rain's nipple, causing the younger to moan and press his chest further into Phayu's wandering fingers. Phayu pulled off Rain's t-shirt and gasped at the sight of his mate's body.

From the outside, Rain didn't look like it, but he was softly built. Phayu traced his tiny waist, his mounded pecs, his overly sensitive nipples, his bellybutton. Rain's head fell backwards in wanton surrender, as if he was offering himself to his mate. Phayu pulled Rain closer forward, slipping one hand around the nape of Rain's neck, fisting his hair, and used the other to circle his neck from the front, pressing lightly, as he brought the boy down for a kiss. Phayu wanted to be slow, take it easy, but Rain wanted everything. He was burning from inside. Everywhere that Phayu touched, he left behind a molten sensation inside Rain's body. Rain whimpered and opened his mouth on his own, allowing Phayu to sweep inside, pouring all his love and passion into the kiss. Rain kept undulating, looking for something that felt just out of reach, until Phayu tightened his hold on Rain's hips, stopping all movement.

He moved his kisses and his tongue lower and lower, stopping first at the juncture between his neck and shoulder, sucking and leaving a mark. A mate mark was more personal, but this would be the mark that would show that Rain was taken. Even if someone was eyeing his beautiful, gorgeous boy, they would know, know that he belonged to Phayu and only him. Phayu moved lower, sucking the spot where the mate mark would go, on Rain's pecs, just above his heart. He sucked the other side, evenly spreading Rain's torso with bite marks. Rain pulled Phayu closer in invitation, wanting more. He unbuttoned Phayu's shirt as Phayu continued kissing him. Rain broke off the kiss to take a deep breath and run his hands all over Phayu's body. He seemed mesmerised as his fingers trailed a path all over Phayu's torso, almost as if he was in a dream. "Little one?" Phayu asked softly, surprised to the colour of Rain's eyes change from their regular molasses colour to a strange transparent hazel, his fangs elongated, a strange aura around him.

"Little one," Phayu called again, a little afraid now. "Phi Mate? Do you feel it?" Rain asked, his eyes strangely unfocused on Phayu's. "Feel what little one?" Phayu asked. Rain took one of Phayu's hands and placed it on the exact spot where the mate mark would be, keeping one of his hands over Phayu's heart. Phayu immediately felt it, a thread of something rich and deep connecting them, joining their hearts and souls together. There was a throbbing inside them, like earthy drumbeats that kept pace with their heartbeats. Something inside Phayu snapped, and he dragged Rain impossibly closer, kissing him with a ravenous hunger. He flipped Rain over on his back, unbuttoning his jeans and removing both the pants and the innerwear. Rain lay there, looking at Phayu, trust and love shining in his eyes. Phayu looked down at Rain, his eyes unable to believe the sight in front of him. This was his mate, his Draugs, his most prized and cherished person. And this was Rain, the most perfect, the most beautiful partner he could ever have. Phayu realised that what he felt for Rain was not just the pull of the Draugs, but also the awe and respect of being the mate to someone so powerful.

Phayu trailed his fingers down Rain's torso. His lips followed his fingers, kissing and marking every inch of skin that was not already marked. He palmed Rain's cock, that fit perfectly into his hand, softly stroking it, dipping his thumb into the folds, swiping the pre-cum collecting there. He looked into Rain's eyes as he took the thumb into his mouth and licked Rain's essence. They were blown wide with passion and what Phayu did made Rain bite his lip down. Phayu could feel the arousal of his mate cling to every part of his skin and he knew that Rain could feel his as well. He stroked Rain again, pumping his length, using Rain's pre-cum as lube. He could feel Rain's balls tightening, and knew he was on the verge. So Phayu immediately stopped. Rain whined, his moan ringing in Phayu's ears.

He bent down and took Rain completely in his mouth. Rain's answering moan was a long keen that turned Phayu on completely. Although this was new for both of them, Phayu was guided by instinct to do everything that Rain pleased. As Rain's hips began jerking harder, Phayu increased his suction. Rain came into Phayu's mouth with complete abandon, screaming his name. Phayu swallowed every bit of Rain's essence, sealing it inside him like a talisman. Rain lay like one dead, his body still trembling with the aftershocks of his orgasm, and Phayu realised that he was just as shaken by what had happened. He pushed three of his fingers into Rain's mouth, and Rain immediately began sucking them, his eyes locked on Phayu, as if he knew exactly what he was doing. Phayu pulled his fingers out of Rain mouth, and pushing his legs apart, he inserted one finger slowly into Rain's hole. Rain whimpered with the pain, and Phayu stopped.

"Little one? Look at me," Phayu said. Rain lay with his eyes closed. "Little one? Baby?" Phayu coaxed, as Rain slowly opened his eyes. "Are you okay? Do you want me to stop?" Phayu asked. And if Rain said yes, he would. He would stop completely, with no regrets. "No Phi Mate, don't stop!" Rain clutched his hands and tried to push himself onto Phayu's finger. Phayu stilled him and continued to insert his finger. He watched Rain closely and was aware the exact moment when the pain turned to pleasure. He inserted a second finger. Rain adjusted quickly this time, as he fisted his hands into Phayu's sheets. Phayu pushed around inside, looking for the spot that would break Rain apart. Rain's moan told him exactly when he found it. He immediately inserted a third finger, scissoring inside, trying to stretch Rain's hole to prepare him. Phayu knew that he was big, and he was really afraid of hurting his little one. When he felt Rain was ready, Phayu stood up, removing his clothes as Rain watched him. Rain made grabby hands towards him, making Phayu smile at his little one's cuteness.

He quickly slipped on a condom, and added lube over it. As vampires, they had no chance of getting human diseases, but Rain could carry a child, and that meant that Phayu had to be extra careful. He kissed Rain again, pushing his thighs apart, "Little one? Look at me?" he said. As he entered Rain, he captured his mate's eyes, holding him in a thrall. It was the least he could do, when his little one had trusted him so much and given himself so freely. He could take away the pain, leaving only complete pleasure behind. Phayu set a slow pace, not wanting to ever make Rain feel pain. Rain's eyes were still on his, Phayu watching him carefully, wanting to see every nuance of their love making on Rain's face. Rain suddenly arched, almost as if he was demanding more, and Phayu increased his pace, bending his mouth towards Rain's left pec, just above his heart, his fangs skimming the skin. Rain mewled in response, thrusting his hips forward. Phayu took that moment to sink his teeth into the spot, drawing Rain's essence into him in great pulls as Rain erupted under him.

Phayu swirled his tongue over the pricks, leaving a tiny mark. The words of the binding burst out of him. "You, I claim and mark my mate. I place your happiness, your life, your love above all others. Like tides, the ebb that flows, ever changing. Reminders of love for you and let it grow. My mantle on you, mountain fierce and never changing. With my heart and soul you keep. It is with you I shall be whole complete. Ever take a step together. I will cherish your heart, value your trust. Your soul I will protect. I'm yours, you, call you mine now, and will be forevermore." Just as Phayu finished speaking, Rain sank his teeth into the same spot on Phayu's chest. Both of them were shocked as they felt actual filaments reaching between their bodies and binding them together inside and out. The swirl of Rain's tongue triggered Phayu's orgasm, a never ending shuddering that went on and on. Rain bucked under him again, his third orgasm of the evening being pulled out of him. Their auras merged and the power that arced between them was so tremendous that their bodies glowed with energy. They were shrouded in a blinding white light, that shot out from their bodies and snapped back in as soon as Phayu collapsed on Rain.

Chapter Text

The heat from his Draugs' body was what snapped Phayu to attention. Unused to ever having slept with anyone before, Phayu was, at first, a bit disoriented. But seeing the boy gently sleeping beside him gave him a sense of peace and fulfilment like never before. He stroked his hand over Rain's hair, removing it from his forehead. Rain slept tucked like a koala into Phayu, head right on Phayu's mark, arms banded around him, legs slipped between his mate's, and Phayu loved it. He savoured the sense of possessiveness that grew in him. But he also fought against a sense of growing trepidation about the revelations that had come yesterday. Phayu realised that his brothers and he were fighting against a lot of fronts, but over and above, the safety of their mates was of paramount importance.

Their powers were already great, and with everything Phayu had felt yesterday, he knew that the strength of his mate would have grown tremendously. He definitely felt stronger than ever before, thanks to the mate bond having been established. He also knew that this meant that it would be the same for his brothers and their mates. Not being able to bring their parents into confidence would be another negative, but this was something he was going to work around. He was planning to convince Rain and his friends that if everyone knew everything, it would make it easier for them to be protected. From whatever they had said yesterday, he had understood that they feared for the safety of their parents and guardians, which included Phayu's own, long lost parents. But Phayu was confident that they would find the perfect solution to the problem.

He looked down when Rain stirred. "You are thinking too loud Phi Mate," he grumbled in a gravelly voice, that totally gave away the fact that he was pretty much still asleep. Phayu smiled. Every time he thought that Rain couldn't get cuter, he did. "Did you sleep well little one?" Phayu asked. "I tried to, but then Phi Mate started thinking," Rain said, pouting up at Phayu, still snuggled into his arms. Phayu laughed. "Are you hungry little one?" Phayu asked, pushing Rain's hair back off his forehead. "Not yet Phi Mate," Rain said, smiling sweetly. Then his face grew serious. "Phi Mate, are you sure you want to tell everyone? Are we not going to put them in harm's way? I am scared Phi Mate," Rain said, looking like he would burst into tears any moment. "Rain," Phayu said, and Rain immediately looked up at Phayu's serious tone. "Do you trust me little one?" Phayu asked. "More than my own life Phi Mate," Rain said, his words ringing with love.

"Then continue to trust me. I promise you that no harm will come to anyone, okay?" Phayu said. Rain nodded, and moved in closer to Phayu. "Will you kiss me now Phi Mate?" he asked, his pout growing. Phayu smiled and complied, capturing his mate's pout, sucking on his full lower lip before pushing his tongue inside, their kiss slow and carnal. Rain whimpered into his mouth as Phayu's hand slowly reached lower, capturing both their cocks together, softly stroking them both. Phayu would have loved to hear more of the moans he had heard from his mate the night before, but he had to do a lot of things before he could lose himself in Rain. But Rain definitely had different ideas.

When Phayu tried to pull away, Rain pushed him back and climbed on top of him. His soft hands roamed all over Phayu's torso. He flicked Phayu's nipples using the nails of his thumbs, eliciting a moan from his Draugs that thrilled him. He bent down, swirling his tongue over one and then over the other, making Phayu arch his back upwards, towards Rain. He dug his fingers into Rain's hipbones, anchoring himself. The pre-cum from Rain's dick dripped on Phayu's belly button, making Phayu moan again, his entire body sensitised towards everything; the smallest feel, the smallest touch, the smallest scent. Phayu's body and cock jerked as he felt Rain's fangs stroking his mate mark.

Rain lifted his head back, looking at Phayu, and removed Phayu's hands from his hips, lifting them before he slowly pushed his hole down on Phayu's dick. He was open enough from last night, plus Phayu's cock was covered in pre-cum as well. He whimpered softly as Phayu bottomed out. He slowly began to move undulating, rotating motion, trying to find the spot that would give him his release. Phayu lay still, wanting to know what more his mate could do. Rain bucked, wanting Phayu to move, but he just locked his hands behind his head. "Phiiiii! Move!" he urged. Phayu shook his head cheekily, smirking. "You started it little one, be the one to finish it as well!" Phayu said. Rain leaned back, and without warning, opened his mind to Phayu's. Phayu's eyes widened as Rain's memories, passions and desires flooded into his mind, like a never-ending volley, ricocheting like echoes into his head.

Phayu had never been this mesmerised, this aware of someone's heart beating inside his own heart and head. He had never thought that someone would be this powerful to fill every part of him with such need and.. and craving. "You tease," he moaned, his body automatically moving with the ache that poured into him from Rain's mind. He held his little one's hips, thrusting upwards, finding Rain's prostrate immediately, making him moan loudly and throw his head back in delight. The whole line of his body thrilled Phayu, as he ran his hands all over Rain's body, pinching his nipples, before lifting his head off the pillow and sucking on them, making Rain mewl in excitement. Rain put his hands into Phayu's hair, clutching them, using them to pull back his mate's head and taking his lips in a brutal kiss that mimicked the motion of Phayu fucking Rain's hole. As they pulled back, Rain could not resist, reaching forward for one more kiss, that turned into both of them just licking each other's tongues, drawing more moans.

"Phi Mate! I.. I.." Rain was nearly incoherent with desire. Phayu understood exactly what Rain needed, sinking his fangs into Rain's mark. Rain erupted with another guttural moan being drawn out of him, coming in ropes between him and Phayu. Phayu closed the mark, continuing to thrust, just as Rain dropped his head onto Phayu's neck, scraping his fangs on Phayu's pec, piercing through without warning, his sucking of Phayu's blood, making Phayu erupt inside Rain, making Rain orgasm again. Phayu fell back, completely replete and sated, as Rain fell over him, tucking his face into Phayu's neck. "So good!" Phayu said. Rain lifted his head, and pushed Phayu's hair out of his face. "Did you like it Phi Mate?" he whispered. "I loved it little one," Phayu's voice was hoarse with passion.

Rain softly kissed Phayu's forehead, and then both his cheeks, falling back into the crook of Phayu's neck before sighing. "What is it love?" Phayu asked, running one hand over Rain's smooth back and resting the other in the divot in his lower back. "It's time to call everyone Phi Mate," Rain said, sounding worried. "Yes. Shall we get it done little one?" Phayu asked, and felt more than heard Rain's acquiescence. Phayu got up and pulled Rain into the shower, thinking he will let Rain get ready first. But his Draugs was proving to be insatiable, and after a third, even more explosive round in the shower, Phayu acknowledged that his mate had too much stamina. Not that he was complaining, but things needed to be done, and his little one was proving to be much of a distraction. But Phayu had realised that with every exchange of blood, he was feeling stronger and stronger, and wondered if his mate was feeling the same.

Phayu went downstairs, hoping to make some breakfast for everyone. Win was in the kitchen pouring water over the drip coffee that they all loved a lot. "You look.. rested," Win said, cocking an eyebrow. "So do you buddy, so don't go there," Phayu said, smirking right back. "Feeling high on energy boys?" Dean asked, as he came in with Pai. The four of them looked at each other and then burst out laughing. Rain stopped at the foot of the stairs, mesmerised by the joy on Phayu's face. He had understood early on that, of all the four of them, Phayu tended to be the most serious. And he had vowed to bring happiness to his mate. He would hold dear every smile, because that's how precious his love was. Rain had always wanted a mate, unlike his brothers, who were okay to wait. But for Rain, it had been agony. He had always been brought up in love, and even Uncle Vegas and Uncle Pete had given him everything. But his Dad and Pa had each other, and Uncle Vegas and Uncle Pete had each other. And he wanted that, he wanted his own person, someone who was only his.

"He is gone again!" Pharm whispered, waving his hand in front of Rain's face. "Who is gone?" Dean asked, as the four older vampires came up to their Draugs. "Rain becomes this extra-goofy person when you mention P'Phayu," Sky giggled. "Actually, it's like that even if you don't mention Phi. He just has to think about him, and Rain becomes a ditz!" Team laughed. Phayu looked at Rain and quirked a brow. Rain looked back at him, completely unfazed, happily bouncing down the stairs. "It doesn't bother you that your brothers are making fun of you little one?" Phayu asked, smiling. "They are not making fun of me Phi Mate. They are stating facts," Rain said, happily jumping on Phayu and snuggling into his arms. Everyone began to laugh. Rain's innocence was definitely a breath of fresh air in their dark world.

"Are they coming?" Sky asked, looking worried, as they sat down for breakfast. "Are you all afraid?" Pai asked, pulling Sky's chair closer to his. "We have hidden this from them for so many years already. What do you think?" Team asked, looking perplexed. "Actually, we are not afraid of their anger as much as worried about them being disappointed in us," Pharm said, starting to cry. "Pharm, it will be fine," Team said, as the other three boys moved closer to him. "Pharm, look at me," Rain said. Pharm continued to sob. "Pharm!" Rain said, in a stronger tone. The older vampires in the room were shocked to see the power swirling into Rain, his eyes the colour of molten gold. Pharm looked at him, falling into his eyes, his crying abruptly stopping as he took in a deep breath and smiled, wiping his tears. A sense of calm pervaded the entire room.

"What the hell was that?" Win whispered, as everything went back to normal, Well, as normal as could be expected from the younger men. 'How much power do they actually have?' Pai asked, his voice echoing in his brothers' head. "That Phi, was Rain calming Pharm," Team said, grinning happily. "He can do that too?" Pai asked, eyes bugging out of his head. "What all can you do little one?" Phayu asked, trying to wrap his head around the powers his little mate had. "You should ask what he can't do Phi. List would probably be smaller," Sky said, snickering into his hands. Rain just rolled his eyes. "Don't listen to them Phi Mate. They like to make fun of me. You saw that in the morning too, right?" he asked, pouting. "But you said they were stating facts, right?" Phayu asked, making the others laugh. "He got you there Rainy boy!" Dean said, and everyone began to laugh.

They were just wrapping up everything when Phayu held up a hand. "What is it?" Win hissed. "There is someone at the periphery of the house," Phayu said. "That's not our family?" Pai asked. "No Phi, these are strangers," Sky said. "Strangers? As in more than one? How do you know?" Win asked. "Seriously bro? After everything they showed us yesterday, you are still being a doubting dick?" Dean asked, cocking a brow. "They are two. Pharm, tell our parents to stay away. They are too close. They will give away the entrance," Rain said, his voice serious. Pharm closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, they were the same colour as they had been in the amusement park. "Done," he whispered. The older vampires looked at their mates. All their eyes had changed colour, a sure sign that their powers were out in full force.

Win sat at their command centre, looking at the two men loitering just outside their property. "They look human," he said. "They are not. They are not rogues either," Team said, his eyes still sparkling, this time with merriment. "Spies of the council?" Dean asked. Suddenly the four younger boys burst into laughter. "What? What? What is it?" Pai asked, looking askance at the giggling boys. "They are P'Phayu and P'Pai's fans. They were told the two live in this general area, but not where exactly," Sky said. "Also, they are wondering if P'Phayu and P'Pai are so poor that they can't afford a decent home," Rain giggled, covering his mouth with his hand. "Are you serious right now?" Phayu sounded pissed. "How do we get them away from here?" Pai asked, also sounding annoyed, turning around, ready to stride out and give those two boys a piece of his mind. "Wait P'Pai!" Rain said. "If you will go now, they will know you are here," Sky said. "Then what will we do?" Pai asked. "Let Uncle Vegas take care of it!" Rain said, smirking evilly!

Chapter Text

“You seem to have very intense admirers,” Vegas said laughing, as all of them entered the house. “And you seem to have pretty much consummated the mate bond as well,” Type said. “Paaaaa!” Rain whined, while all the younger vampires blushed to the roots of their hair. “We will get to that later. However, I would definitely like to know why your juniors were hanging around this area, looking for you?” Tharn asked, a bite in his voice. “Khun, trust us. We had no idea why they were there. In fact, we didn’t even know who that was,” Phayu said, sounding sheepish. He did not want to talk about this in front of Rain. He could bear anything in the world, but if his little mate turned away from him, Phayu did not think his life would be worth living. Phayu looked down as Rain slipped his small hand into Phayu’s. “You will always have my trust Phi Mate, no matter what happens,” he said, speaking directly into Phayu’s mind. Phayu smiled, feeling at peace.

“So boys,” Kinn said, after everyone was seated. “Tell us everything.” “Where do we begin from?” Pai asked. “First, tell us why the Council is so scared of Phayu?” Leo asked. The four boys looked at one another. “The current Council has 7 members, the original had 9. Did you all know that?” Win asked. “Yes, two were killed in a coup is what we heard,” Sean said. Phayu took a deep breath. “I killed them,” he said. There was complete, deathly and pin-drop silence in the room. Phayu looked around at the shocked looks on all the faces, except for his brothers, and surprisingly his mate, who smiled reassuringly at him. “Explain!” Pete was the first to speak. Killing a Council member could be a death sentence. Just how was Phayu so calm with what had happened?

“On the day we were asked to meet the couple with the child, who the Council thought had been turned, we were instructed to kill the ‘abomination’, as the members called it. And we were more than willing to do it, because a child vampire is definitely not a good idea. An example had to be set, and we were willing,” Dean said. “You know what happened after. We were all revolted. So we went to meet the Council. We questioned them on what they had done,” Win said. “Did Pakin and Chai know about this?” Charn asked, sounding disgusted. “We had informed them that we were going to question the family and test the child. And then we told them that we are going to meet the Council, after the family was massacred,” Pai said. “They told us not to meet the Council immediately, when we were this angry. They said that Council may not want to meet us either. But we are contrary people. The moment they said that, we immediately made our way to the Council, the office where Pakin and Chai sit now,” Phayu said.

The four of them strode into the Council chambers. Phayu banged his hands on the table. “Why the hell did you give the command to kill the family? We said we will test them and you agreed,” Win said, his eyes shifting between red and black, both signs of his seething anger. “The child was an abomination!” Tiew shouted. “And how do you know that? Did you get the child tested?” Pai asked, calmly. The Council members went into a flurry of explanations. The argument continued, but apart from that first banging of his fists on the table, Phayu neither uttered a word, nor showed any outward reaction as to what was happening. He stood aloof, almost as he was bored, looking away.

“That child didn’t deserve to live!” Tiew said, and the entire room plunged into silence. That’s when Phayu finally looked at the members of the Council, his eyes boring into Tiew’s. Tiew raised his chin belligerently. “Tiew is not wrong!” Aya said, anger swirling in her voice. Phayu didn’t utter a word. But something in the room changed, an electrical charge going through, the fine hair on everyone standing on end. “Phayu!” Win hissed. The room settled as fast as it had blown up. Phayu’s eyes held clear retribution as he looked around one last time and walked away.

“You.. you.. you.. c.. c.. an’t kill m.. m.. me!” Tiew stuttered as he looked up into the eyes of death, floating above him. He already had hundreds of little cuts on his body. When Phayu had entered his home, Tiew had thought that, as a Council member, his enormous strength would be enough to subdue him. But he had clearly underestimated the younger vampire. Phayu had used Tiew’s bulk and complacency against him, and sliced him up in shallow cuts in every spot where the little girl had been sliced. While she had died horrendously, parts of her body all over the house, Phayu intended to do the same. He had understood very clearly during the meeting that Tiew and Aya were the people who had given the orders. However, Aya now lay dead in her home, walls splashed with the blood of betrayal, her body marked and burnt, the symbol of a tornado etched boldly into the walls. And now, Phayu stood like the avenging angel of death, twirling his sword, the blood already on it, leaving macabre stains on Tiew’s walls. “Really? Try again?” he said, his eyes red with fury.

“You are a stain Tiew, a blot to our kind. You gave an indiscriminate order to kill a child, a child only you believed was made, not born. You killed her with a cruelty not even shown to grown vampires or rogues. You went against everything, we, as Council members, are taught to do. You became a monster Tiew, and as an enforcer, I can do nothing but rid the world of you,” Phayu said, as he swung the sword down, severing head from the body. He used Tiew’s own blood to draw the storm symbol on the wall that would be clearly visible to anyone who entered the house. His work for the night was done. And now it was time to disappear with his brothers.

The senior vampires all looked at Phayu with a newfound respect. “Is that why the Council decided to assassinate you?” Tinn asked. “They tried to assassinate us before that, almost as soon as we came back from that first meeting. Phayu killed them after that,” Dean said. “They gave the orders for your assassination? Tiew and Aya?” Bun asked, his eyes switching between red and his original colour. Tan placed an arm on his mate’s arm. He could feel the same rage in him and in everyone else. They could have lost their sons even before finding them. And the little fledgelings could have lost their Draugs. It was unthinkable.

“No wonder the Council was shaking in their boots when they heard your name,” White said, smiling faintly. “Phayu did what was right, what was necessary,” Pai said, soundly faintly defensive, worried that the men in front of him would not appreciate what Phayu had done. He was even more afraid of losing their mates. “Not going to happen, P’Pai,” Sky spoke softly in his head. “Don’t worry. We have no intention of condoning what Phayu did. He was right. Justice was served,” Vegas said. “I think we can all agree that whatever happened, happened for the best,” Tae said, looking around. “But I have a question,” Min said, frowning. The boys nodded. “You told us last time that you will not kill the Council members, that you want to take them down in other ways. But seeing how they are scared of you, why don’t you end them the same way?” Min asked.

“The Council never allowed the news of the deaths of their own to leak. Plus, this was more than 50 years ago. The technology today, the Council members would have taken every precaution,” Win said. “We are more likely to become sitting ducks if we deal with them this openly. Before, we could have thought about it, maybe even planned it. But not anymore. We all have Draugs, and we will not put them in harm’s way, no matter how extraordinarily powerful they are,” Phayu said. “So what are you planning to do?” Tan asked. “We need to expose them, bring them out in the open, make them admit to their crimes openly. Until they continue to stay in the shadows, they will always have the upper hand,” Dean said.

“And how do you plan to do that?” Porche asked. “By finding out why they kidnapped our Draugs. I mean, I know that no one knew that they were our mates, but having said that, truth is, they were taken,” Win said. “And Pakin and Chai,” Pai said. “What about them?” Type asked. “We need to know how involved they are,” Dean said. “And if they are involved?” Kinn asked. “Then they will meet the same fate as the others,” Phayu said, his tone soft, yet sending chills down everyone. Only Rain seemed unfazed, looking at his mate as if the sun rose and set with him.

Rain knew very well what Phayu had originally planned. He had decided to kill the Council members on his own, without saying anything to his brothers, and then ending his life. But Rain was not going to let that happen. What powers Rain had shown his mate and his brothers had not even scratched the surface of what he actually was. His powers were explosive, which is why Sky, Pharm and Team kept such a close eye on him. But if he needed to unleash those powers to help his mate? Then he would do so, no questions asked. “What about the rogues?” Pete asked. “That is a question for the ages. How did they know where the fledgelings were? There were 3 at the Uni, and 7 yesterday at the amusement park,” Win said.

“What?” Type shouted, before the men lunged towards their sons. “There were rogues at the park yesterday? Seven against 4? How did you manage to fend them off?” The questions came at a rapid-fire point, while all the men checked the youngers for injuries. Pete crushed Phayu to him, the whole thought of losing his son settling in a shuddering fear inside him. Phayu gently hugged his father back. “I am fine Pa, I assure you. With mates like these by our side, we will never be harmed,” Phayu said. Pete sniffled. “What happened Pete?” Vegas asked, putting his arms around his husband. “He called me Pa,” Pete said softly, but everyone obviously heard. Phayu’s eyes widened and he pinked up. It had slipped out before he could think about it. “Don’t say anything Phi Mate. He is very happy right now,” Rain said in his mind. He wasn’t going to, but he was happy his mate was just so caring and considerate about the feelings of others.

“What did you mean ‘with mates like these’?” Sean asked, suddenly homing into what Phayu had said. Phayu and his brothers looked towards their mates. They wanted to know their final decision. The four youngest vampires imperceptibly nodded, then turned towards their fathers. “Maybe you all should sit,” Pharm said, immediately causing a frown to crease their faces. But everyone sat down without question, since they were able to see that none of the children were harmed. “Do you all remember the incident that occurred when we were four?” Team asked. The elders all nodded. The four of them went on in great detail, recounting whatever had happened, whatever they had told their Draugs the day before.

There was shell-shocked silence again. No one moved or uttered a word, almost as if they were carved out of marble. The fledgelings shifted closer to their mates, afraid of the reaction from their parents, afraid of disappointing them. “Why didn’t you tell us this before?” Min asked, his voice a bare whisper. Tae immediately shifted, putting his arms around his mate. “We were afraid,” Team said. “Of what?” Tharn asked, his voice cracking at the end. “Of putting you in danger. If you didn’t know anything, no one else would. We can shield our thoughts, but not everyone can,” Rain said, sounding sad and apologetic. “When did you get to know this?” Vegas asked. “The whole truth yesterday. But we suspected since the rogue attack at the Uni,” Win said. “How? What?” Tan asked. He too looked shocked. “Well, as you know, Pai can feel when someone is lying. Our Draugs were not lying about what happened at the Uni, but they were not telling the complete truth,” Dean said.

“And honestly, Rain‘s behaviour. In front of you all, he was a different person altogether, and different with me. I wondered if he has something else apart from the ADHD that you told me about. Then it struck me that it is something else altogether,” Phayu said. “So, he doesn’t have ADHD?” Type asked, looking hopeful. “No, definitely not. With the powers he has, he is sometimes not able to confine it, so he gets unfocused. That’s all there is to it,” Sky said. “I am still unable to digest the fact that you all hid this from us for 15 years!” Fiat said. “Why tell us now?” Tinn asked. “Because we want you to understand that we need to be a part of the war that our mates are planning to wage. They need our powers and our strength for this,” Pharm said. “They need all of us. Even if one of us is missing, the whole tapestry will unravel,” Team said.

“What is it that you are all thinking?” White asked, looking at his son and his friends with a newfound respect. “Rain? Would you like to take this one?” Sky asked. Rain looked around, a little shy at all the attention he was getting. Phayu slipped into his mind. “I am with you little one,” he said, on their private pathway, engulfing Rain with unconditional love and support. Rain nodded stoutly and laid out a plan. “Did this all come from your head baby?” Vegas asked, shocked at how brilliant a strategist the little boy turned out to be. “I had a basic plan in there, but Phi Mate has so much knowledge in his head, that I used it to make my plan better,” Rain said, sounding quite proud of his Draugs. Phayu nearly laughed. He should have been proud of himself, instead, he was giving credit to Phayu. “Silly boy!” he whispered lovingly on their path, making him feel as if he was kissing his cheek. Rain’s hand immediately fluttered to the spot and he blushed. The others, noticing this little by-play, just smiled to themselves.

Chapter Text

“Are you all angry with us?” Pharm asked, sounding small. Dean immediately pulled him closer. They had just finished strategizing the plans to bring down the Council, and now that the fledgelings were feeling apprehensive. They had managed to stay away from the topic until the discussions, but this would be something they could not forget. “We are not angry lu, just..,” Sean trailed off. “Disappointed,” Sky said, sounding unhappy. “We don’t want to lie to you and say that we are not,” Fiat said. “But it’s not for the reasons you think,” Leo added. “Actually, if we are going to be honest with everyone, I think the truth is that we are more disappointed in ourselves,” Tharn said. “What? Why?” Rain asked, sounding appalled. “Because we couldn’t give you that safe space that you could confide in us,” Type said. “We let you all down,” White said. “As parents, we should have taken every precaution to protect you,” Tae said. “Instead, you all ended up protecting us. Doesn’t make us great parents now, does it?” Min said. All of them sounded sad.

The fledgelings threw themselves into their parents’ arms, nearly in tears themselves. “Don’t say that! You always protected us, always took care of us!” Sky said, as four of them clung to their parents. “We love you so much, that we worry. We are your parents na lu? We feel that you couldn’t trust us,” Type said. “Okay Pa, that’s laying it on a bit thick, but we get it,” Rain said, rolling his eyes, all tears forgotten, making everyone laugh. Phayu looked at his little one laughing, his bunny teeth on full display. If it was possible to love someone more every day, then that was what he felt for his mate. He looked up at the brush of butterfly wings in his mind. Rain winked at him. “What are you thinking Phi Mate? Falling in love with me again?” he asked, the merriment in his voice spilling from his eyes. Phayu burst out laughing and shook his head.

Suddenly, there was pin-drop silence. Phayu looked around to see everyone staring at him. “What?” he asked. “You laughed for no reason,” Pai pointed out. “Umm..,” Phayu seemed flustered which made others laugh. “This is hilarious, seeing Phayu this way!” Win said cackling. Suddenly his throat seized, as he tried to speak, a croak came out. He tried to clear his throat, with the same results. “Little one,” Phayu’s tone held clear warning. Win tried clearing his throat again, but it was fine this time. The fledgelings giggled. “Was that Rain?” Dean asked, laughing loudly. “Well, you are not supposed to make fun of my Phi Mate,” Rain said, huffing out a breath and pouting. Phayu pulled Rain to himself and bopped his nose. “It’s allowed little one, okay? Brothers can make fun of each other, yes?” Phayu said. Rain immediately put his arms around his mate. “Phi Mate, can we eat now? I am hungry,” he said. Phayu nodded.

“You all need to be careful. I don’t think I need to reiterate that,” Vegas said, as they all stood waiting to leave. “We know Dad, and we will stay safe,” Phayu said, making Vegas’s eyes widen. He nodded. “Are you brats coming with us?” White asked, looking at their sons clinging to their mates. “You should go home, all of you,” Dean said, earning a punch on his arm from Pharm. “We are not going anywhere,” he said, glaring at his mate. “You have completed the ritual, isn’t it?” Kinn asked. “Staying away from your Draugs would be next to impossible, right?” he added. “Don’t look so appalled boys! We are the same!” Bun laughed. “And let me warn you. The spark will never go!” Charn said, slipping his hand around his mate’s waist. “Anyway, we will leave now,” Porche said.

“Wait!” The elders all had just turned to leave when suddenly Rain stopped them. “Rogues!” Sky said, as soon as Rain’s eyes changed colour. Everyone looked at each other. “We need to have a battle plan before we leave here,” Win said. “Why do we have to leave at all? As long as we stay inside, they can’t find us,” Tan said. “That’s not practical Dad,” Dean said. “Phi Mate, you have our powers now and you can use those. We will create a diversion from here with Uncle Sean, Uncle White, Uncle Tae and Uncle Min. You must make sure to get rid of their heart,” Rain said. “Rain, no!” Type said. “Pa, you have to trust us. We will stay safe. I have promised Phi Mate that I will never put my life, or the life of my brothers in danger, and I will keep that promise,” Rain said. “Now go, all of you!” Sky said, as the four of them, along with Pharm and Team’s fathers moved into position on the farthest end of the property.

“Why did you want us here and not with them kids?” Sean asked. “Because you and Uncle White can create weapons and use them,” Sky said. “And us?” Min asked. “Because you and Dad are half and half. Those of mixed blood. Can’t you feel the Lycan aura in the air?” Team asked. Tae and Min looked at each other. “They will give you the weapons, we will aid you with the elements and you can strategize on how to change the path of this fight,” Sky said. “Uncle Min, they probably don’t know you were a Lycan once, many centuries ago. Only family knows that. You and Uncle Tae are warriors of old, who have exchanged blood many, many times. Your Lycan is not gone, just dormant. Wake him up, and wake up his partner, living in Uncle Tae. We will do everything else,” Rain said. There was not a single iota of fear in these boys. They were raring to go. It was almost as if they had been fighting these battles a long time. “We are ready,” Pharm sent the message out on their common path. “We have cast a temporary circle, try not to step out of it until we put all the shields in place,” Sky warned. “Okay! Go then!” Win said, as the others readied themselves. Rain, Sky, Team and Pharm stood within a square, at its four corners, hands raised as they called to their elements. They had already cloaked all their presence so there would be no idea where the attack was coming from.

“From there to here, from here to there; from heart’s gain, oh mellow rain; I call upon thy piety oh loving water deity; I call upon power thine, mix it with me and make it mine; from the North, rise within me; As I will, so mote it be.” Gentle rain began to pour at Rain’s incantation.

“From there to here, from here to there; from lover’s lair, the purest air; I right the wrong, use you in song; I call upon thy grace, wither evil away without trace; from the East, rise within me; As I will, so mote it be.” A breeze blew into the circle that they had been creating at Sky’s words.

“From there to here, from here to there; from death to birth, oh mother earth; I call upon thy will, making the world swirl; I call upon thy charm, to keep loved ones away from harm; from the West, rise within me; As I will, so mote it be.” Columns of earth covered with vines rose, protecting the circle after Pharm uttered his words.

“From there to here, from here to there; you are in the heart of desire, oh ultimate fire; I call upon thy divinity, from now to infinity; I call upon thy flame, make it mine to claim; from the South, rise within me; As I will, so mote it be.” Bright orange flames ran around the circle as soon as Team was done speaking.

The four of them threw their hands in the sky, pushing their powers outwards, to shield and encompass their family and keep them safe. “From there to here, from here to there; we bind upon our weave, not letting the spirit leave; we challenge the wrong, we hold it strong; we claim our power, let our enemies cower; from the four directions, rise within we; As we will, so mote it be.” Every single person within the circle felt the sheer strength that flowed through them. But unfortunately, they did not even get time to be awed by the fledgelings. As soon as the power rippled out, Phayu and Pai created openings through their barrier and the vampires burst out, flying into the air, aided by the spells that had been cast.

Phayu used Pai as a jumping board as he leapt into the air, twisting the head of the rogue closest to him. All of them, including the rogues, were shocked, as weapons formed in the hands of the older vampires. They mercilessly swung them, taking off the heads, using one hand to use the lightning Rain and Sky had created, to incinerate the hearts of the rogues. On the other side, another unique battle was taking place. As Sean and White fought of rogues, Tae and Min used years of mixed blood to rouse the Lycan within, as they used the speed of the wolf and its razor sharp jaws to keep other Lycans from attacking their friends and brothers. “Pa, it’s not lightning for the Lycans, use the fire instead,” Team said, as he set his parents’ swords on fire. One by one, the rogues and the Lycans began falling, until only ash and weapons were left on the ground. “Let us help with the clean-up,” Sky said, as a gentle breeze blew away all of it, and a soft drizzle helped freshen everything behind it.

“Is anyone hurt?” Charn asked, as he and Tinn sat on the ground, just resting on each other. “Everything seems okay. But we should check on our mates,” Pai said, already moving away. The others also stood up, about to leave, when a certain noise stopped them. They watched in wonder as the barrier that had been brought down to fight with rogues was brought back up, sealing the space once again. “I can’t believe how strong they are!” Pete said, wonder in his tone. “What I can’t believe is how they hid this from us for so long!” Fiat said, shaking his head. “We all need to shower, and then debrief. We will show you where you can do that. Would one hour be sufficient?” Phayu asked, just as Rain came running, throwing himself into his mate’s arms. The others also found their way into their mates’ arms. “Yes, one hour is good,” Leo said. “No one is hurt right?” Rain asked. “We are all fine, thanks to you and your gang little one!” Phayu said, smiling at the love of his life.

“Shower together Phi Mate?” Rain asked, smiling slyly, once they had reached their room, as he buried his nose into his mate’s neck, breathing in the scent of vanilla and strawberries, his favourite smell. “We need to meet everyone soon little one,” Phayu said, hardening despite his words. “But I am hungry Phi Mate,” Rain said, putting his hand on Phayu’s chest, tracing his pecs and abs, his eyes following the movement of his hand. Phayu tugged his head back as he slapped his lips onto his mate’s sucking his tongue, literally fucking his mouth. Rain moaned, setting Phayu’s nerve ends on fire. Clothes were discarded haphazardly as Phayu lifted Rain. Rain immediately locked his legs around Phayu’s waist, locking his ankles, without once breaking the kiss.

Phayu carried him into the shower, turning the water on as Rain slid down his torso to stand on his toes as he kissed Phayu again. Rain kissed Phayu’s neck, making his way down his body, finally dropping to his knees, as he took Phayu into his mouth. Phayu threw his head back and moaned, as Rain used his tongue to press against the tip of Phayu’s cock as he moved his mouth up and down in a sucking motion. He popped it out of his mouth as he stroked it with his hand, using his tongue again to lick the head of the cock, swirling the pre-cum in his mouth. He gripped the base of the cock, putting it back into his mouth, using his other hand to slowly massage Phayu’s balls. Phayu could feel his balls tightening, realising that he was about to come. “Little one, I am.. I am..” he stuttered. Instead of moving away, Rain began sucking harder, taking Phayu deeper into his mouth, almost till it hit the back of his throat. With a sudden jerk, Phayu came into Rain’s mouth. Rain didn’t let him move until he had swallowed every drop, then looked up at him, licking his lips, as if sealing his taste.

Phayu pulled Rain up, pushing him back up against the wall, kissing him again, thrilling at his taste in Rain’s mouth. He lifted him up. “Lock your ankles around me baby,” Phayu breathed into Rain’s neck. Rain complied and Phayu rewarded him by sucking his neck, making Rain moan. Phayu sucked his way down Rain’s chest, leaving as many marks as possible. He used his superior strength to hold Rain onto him with one hand. He inserted one finger of the other hand into Rain’s hole, making him moan, capturing it with his mouth. He inserted another finger, scissoring inside him. He put the third finger in, curving it slightly, immediately hitting Rain’s prostrate. Rain whined, wanting even more as he pushed down, Phayu’s strength leaving fingerprints on his hips.

Phayu adjusted Rain’s body, after removing his fingers, penetrating him, pulling him more onto himself, thrusting in and out of Rain’s hole. The sounds of their moans, skin slapping against skin filled the space as they were surrounded by the heat of the shower. Phayu found Rain’s prostrate again and again. Rain could feel himself coming apart at the seams, moaning wantonly, the need in him so great that he couldn’t even bear it. “Phiiiii!” he whined, just as Phayu slammed his cock once again into Rain, piercing his pec at the same time. Rain came, ropes of his cum, coating his stomach. Phayu licked the mark, continuing to move in and out of Rain. Rain leaned forward and sank his fangs into Phayu’s mark, pulling an orgasm out of him, as he came into Rain with a groan, his head collapsing on Rain’s neck, as Rain closed the pinpricks, both of them barely holding on to each other for dear life!

Chapter Text

“While not unexpected, I did not think that they would make a move this soon,” Win said. “They were rattled by our visit,” Porche said. “Well, it’s a good thing. They thought they could take us by surprise, but we manged to get one up on them,” Charn said. “Don’t be so sure yet. They had Lycans,” Min dropped the bomb into the room. “What the actual fuck?” Fiat said, echoing the sentiments of most of the people in the room. “If our babies hadn’t told us, we would have mostly been unprepared,” White said. Everyone looked en masse at the fledgelings. “Is that why you took them with you? It was not for your protection?” Leo asked. Sky shook his head. “It was for yours,” Pharm said. “We knew Dad and Pa could take them on,” Team said. “And Team and Rain added fire to the weapons,” Sky said.

“What does this mean for us?” Tharn asked. “This means that if not for our babies, we would have our asses handed to us on a platter!” Type said, snorting. “This also means that you guys are not safe in the compound,” Dean said. “What do you suggest? We move in here?” Bun asked sarcastically. “I don’t see why not? There is more than enough space here, plus, if we are going up against the Council, we need to train. Together,” Win said. “We won’t hide,” Vegas said, his voice tight with anger. “We don’t expect you to. But Dad, we can’t keep engaging with them. I know we have a plan in place, and we need to pick our battleground,” Phayu said, leaning forward. “Phayu is right. Plus we can use this time to figure out our own strengths and shore up our weaknesses,” Pete said, putting his hand on his husband’s arm.

“But first a visit to the Council is much required,” Pai said, his eyes hard. “Makes sense,” Charn said. “They are expecting us to be dead, with the sheer numbers they sent to annihilate us. We should let them know otherwise,” Tan said, his smile holding retribution over the ages. “Not all of us together,” White said. “Obviously not,” Fiat said. “But Not Uncle Tae and Uncle Min,” Rain said. Everyone looked at him. “They were the reason the tides turned today. The Council must not find out the Lycan ancestry,” Sky said. “How did that slip past them though?” Sean asked. “Mainly because, unlike today, where we have an entire process before turning our mates, and have to register everything about them for the Council records, those days, it would have been fairly easier. You find your mate, and you convert them, that’s all there was to it,” Dean said. “And once Pa turned, no one cared who they were before,” Team added thoughtfully.

“You know, what these guys need are weapons that can harness lightning,” Rain said, looking thoughtfully at the elders training. It had been three weeks since the attack. They had been training to fight and also deliberating who would visit the Council. Vegas and Phayu had been ruled out, because the Council would probably have a collective heart attack if the two of them walked in. Tae and Min were out of the question too, as were Sean and White, because of their unique abilities. Pai felt that the previous team who had gone in was the best choice, but Kinn was not comfortable with sending Porche and Pai into the line of fire again and Tinn felt the same about Charn and Win. “What do you mean?” Sky asked, as the four of them stood inside the house and watched them training through the glass. “Bringing lightning down with one hand and then fighting with the other, it was not easy. We were sharing the battle with our mates, and you all saw it happen,” Rain said. “Rain is not wrong. And we need to figure out fire as well,” Team said.

“We have magic, and the elements. Why don’t we try a spell?” Pharm asked. “But we are not witches. We can’t do spells,” Sky said, looking at Pharm. “We don’t know that. We have never tried. Calling on our elements is much like harnessing the power of nature, which is exactly what we need for a spell too, right?” Pharm said. “Pharm is right. We will not know unless we try, right?” Team said. “Phi Mate has a lot of books in his library. Let’s go and see if there is something that can help us,” Rain said, as the four of them made their way there. Within minutes, they were absorbed in different types of books that could help them. “Rain, here is something, look?” Sky said, pointing at the book he was reading. The other three leaned over his shoulder as they read paragraph after paragraph of potential spells. “We need to see if we can actually make them work for us,” Team said. “Where can we practice? Without letting anyone know?” Pharm asked. “We can do it out back. We will just have to cloak very well,” Rain said. “Do we tell them?” Sky asked, looking at his friends, then nodded, seeing the look on their faces.

“Let’s first set the safeguards. Do you have the words for it?” Pharm asked. Sky, who had been in-charge of writing the words for that particular spell, nodded. He passed the sheets around. They quickly made their circle and took their positions, with 4 candles of different colours in front of them. Team had red, Pharm had green, Sky had yellow and Rain had blue. Apart from that, white candles, marked with symbols of purity, made a circle in the centre. “Ready?” Rain asked. The others nodded, and as one, raised their hands. “As I light this tool, as I firm my hand,” the candles burned as one. “As I call upon water, as I call upon land; as I call upon air, as I call upon fire; as I call upon spirit, I ask not to tire; I call to nature, I call to my aide; I ask you to lead, I ask you to guide; give strength unto me, as I will so mote it be!” Immediately, their presence was completely hidden. No one, not even their mates, could enter the protective shield without being hurt.

Team lifted a hand and the candles in the centre were set to light as well. Sky waved a cauldron over it, leaving it floating in the air. Rain’s gesture caused water to pour into it leaving Pharm to add the herbs and powdered stones of protection. “This forged weapon of glory, this lightning charm; that tells a story of waters calm; this tool honed in hell fire, that which was raised from the deepest mire; come together and bind into one, protected by the moon and the sun; give us the power, so we can see, as we will so mote it be.” They pulled all the weapons that they had gathered and floated it down into the cauldron. There was a sudden blinding light which splashed out into the room that just as suddenly rolled into itself and disappeared, leaving behind a cauldron filled with weapons. “Careful! It could be hot!” Team said, as Rain reached forward to take one of them. “Nope. They are cool to the touch,” Rain said. All of them took out the weapons one by one. Some of the weapons were marked with flames and some with a thunderbolt. “Well, we know who gets what,” Sky said, looking closely at the marks.

“You know they are upto something, right?” Type asked, looking around the room. Their sons had disappeared earlier, saying that they had a lot of homework to do. No one had thought of it at that time, but then Phayu, Pai, Win and Dean had suddenly realised that the pathways between them and their mates had been completely barricaded. When they had voiced that worry aloud, Type had immediately spoken up. “What are they doing? And where are they? They are not in the house,” Dean said. “And I checked the cameras. They have not left the house,” Win said. “Not in the house, not outside either. I am still at a loss. How is it that I know nothing about my own son?” Fiat said, sounding weary. “Well, it is our fault,” Phayu said, and everyone turned to look at him. “We had promised to let them train and brainstorm with us. We did neither, leaving them to their own devices, while we tried to protect them. Truth is, they are the reason the tides were turned that day. We are underestimating them, and it’s obvious they don’t like it,” Phayu said, shrugging.

“Not true Phayu. Knowing Rain, if there is something he doesn’t like, he makes his displeasure known loud and clear,” Tharn said. “That’s such a mean thing to say about your son.” Everyone turned around at Rain’s voice. Phayu quirked a brow. Rain’s mind was still a vault. What was his little one thinking? “True, but still mean. And just for that, we should not give you your presents,” Rain said, pouting cutely. “What presents?” Pai asked. The four boys looked at each other. “Come with us please?” Sky said. They all nodded and followed the fledgelings. They were led to the back of the property, the one place there were no cameras (which Win decided to remedy immediately), to a large open area. Much to the shock of the elders, a large number of weapons lay on the ground.

“What is this?” Win asked, shocked. “Your weapons,” Team said. The elder vampires quickly checked each weapon. “What are these?” Porche asked, pointing to the symbols etched on the weapons. “We were in the heads of our mates as they fought. Fighting with one hand, and calling lightning with another could not have been easy. So we created weapons which can be used to harness the power directly,” Pharm said. “When you are actually fighting, they will be regular weapons. But when you need, they will have power run through it. Those have the bolts on them. The ones with the symbol of fire, are for using against the Lycans,” Rain said. “But how do we activate the powers in them?” Pai asked. “You will have to train with them, and only them. They will take you confidently over the finish line!” Sky said. “We will tell you how they work, okay?” Rain said.

Rain watched as Phayu swirled the sword around, pushing Pai backwards in one sharp motion. Something stirred inside him, a need for his mate, a want that rose sharper than the sword Phayu was holding. Phayu faltered as those desires poured into his mind from his mate’s. He straightened from his crouch. “Later,” he said, as he walked away, leaving Pai staring after him. He pulled Rain up from where he was sitting, dragging him away, much to the surprise of Sky, who stared after Rain with his mouth open. “What the hell are you doing to me little one?” Phayu asked Rain, as pushed him against the door. “What am I doing Phi Mate?” Rain asked, all innocence, as he looked up sweetly at Phayu. “Do you not know what you are doing little one?” Phayu asked, locking Rain’s hands above his head, as he nosed his way down Rain’s neck, slipping his hands under his t-shirt. Rain moaned softly, but made no move to pull his arms away.

Phayu lifted him up, putting him on the bed and laying on top of him, freeing his hands. The moment that happened, Rain quickly shifted positions where he was on top of Phayu. He slotted his lips to Phayu, as both of them got lost in the kiss. Phayu pulled him closer, his hand on the nape of Rain’s neck, his tongue swirling inside Rain’s mouth, as if wanting to know every secret. Rain moaned into Phayu’s mouth. Clothes were quickly shed and Phayu turned Rain on his side, sucking his neck, making his way down Rain’s back. Rain undulated, his head thrown back as Phayu turned him completely face down. He pulled up Rain’s ass and split his legs, thrusting his tongue inside Rain’s hole. Rain convulsed as he came, the scent of his arousal making Phayu go further in and eat him out. Rain continued to thrash and moan. Phayu lifted his head out of Rain’s ass, looking at the overly sensitive boy in front of him. “I can’t believe the images you have in you head, you naughty boy,” Phayu breathed, softly kissing down his back.

Phayu sat on his haunches, pulling Rain backwards, adjusting him until he was impaled on Phayu’s cock. Rain locked his hands around Phayu’s neck, his back settling into Phayu’s chest, as Phayu thrust in and out of him. Phayu circled Rain’s cock, the cum still coating it and pumping it to the same speed as his thrusts. The moment he felt he was about to come, Phayu shifted again, Rain back on his back. He entered Rain immediately, as they clutched hands. Just as he felt Rain was ready, he pierced Rain’s mark, letting Rain erupt again. The moment he close the pinpricks, he thrusted forward with more speed, trying to reach his own orgasm. Rain reached up, his fangs sinking into Phayu, as both of them shuddered through their release!

Chapter Text

“I have everything we need to know about them,” Win said, as he pointed towards the screens in the command centre. “We can ignore the personal information for now. What you guys need to know is the fact that the rogues are being made,” he added. “Being made? What does that mean?” Dean asked. “What is a rogue?” Dean asked. “A vampire who kills the victim while feeding,” Sky spoke up. “That’s correct. They have a different stench to them, and their looks change. Rogues kill indiscriminately, making it a problem for them to stay vampires, so they stop looking young and healthy. However, the rogues we faced, none of them were like that. Except for the ones in the Uni bathroom, the rogues were impeccable, showed signs of intelligence. Except for that foul stench, we would have never pegged them as rogues if we had passed them in the streets, correct?” Dean said.

Everyone looked thoughtful. “So what are you trying to say?” Bun asked. “These are not your regular rogues. They are highly trained people being turned rogues,” Dean said. “How do you turn rogue?” Vegas asked. “Well, drinking the blood of a rogue also makes you one. Because the composition of their blood starts changing once you start killing your victim while feeding. I am a 100 percent sure this is the reason you all never picked up on Ken and others turning,” Dean said. “This all makes so much sense. That is why, yesterday, they were so organised,” Pai said. “Precisely. The Council seems to have found a way to do this,” Dean said. “Converting perfectly normal vampires into rogues. I understand the Council’s greed and motivation for absolute power. But why did the vampires agree to it out of their own will?” Porche asked, his distaste clear.

“We don’t know if it was of their own will yet. How do we know that the Council doesn’t have something against them, some past transgression, something to do with their family?” Pai asked. “So, the question here is; when we fight against them, do we kill them?” Phayu asked, plunging the whole room into silence. “We might not have a choice,” Dean said. “They may still be intelligent and all that, but the truth is; they are too far gone. We will be ending a torture.” “It still feels like murder,” White said. “I know. But we have creed that we live by as enforcers. Save the innocents. And these are hardly innocent. We cannot forget that Ken and the rest kidnapped our Draugs,” Dean said. “Remember how they turned humans? If rogues turn humans, imagine how they must be surviving now,” Win said. “You said you had found a girl, and that you hid her. Do you think she is safe enough?” Fiat asked. “Damn! I forgot! If she was turned by them, she must be in unbearable pain by now!” Pai said. “It must be too late. I really don’t know if we can do anything to save her,” Phayu said, looking guilty.

“Bring her to us Phi Mate. We can help her,” Rain said quietly. “No! I will not jeopardise you four in trying to stave off my guilt,” Phayu said, shaking his head. “Phi Mate, please trust us. We will not do anything to hurt us either,” Rain said. “P’Phayu, many innocents have already been hurt. We don’t need the blood of more on anyone’s hands,” Sky said. Phayu was stumped. “Please trust me Phi Mate,” Rain said, his voice intimately curling around Phayu. “Okay. We will get her here somehow. She can’t find out where we are though,” Win said. “Put her to sleep,” Pharm said. The others nodded. “Okay,” Pai said, effectively closing off that conversation.

“On another note, I think I will go to the Council, with my parents, since I have the most information on them,” Dean said. “You must go with complete protection,” Tharn said. “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary,” Pharm said. “What do you mean?” Dean asked. “The Council is likely to attack us as soon as you stand in front of them,” Pharm said. “So what should we do?” Pai asked. “Why don’t we send this information to our allies and see what they have to say?” Charn said. “That’s good. Now that we have evidence, we can also ask the Lycan Council for aide,” Tae said. “Yes. I am still in touch with them. I will send word out. I have a feeling that they are not aware of what has been happening,” Min said. “How is that even possible Pa?” Team asked. “Because, the truth is that, in every species, there are always the ones with the greed for more, who hurt innocents for their own gain,” Tinn said.

“Okay, give me a list of everyone you think you can trust. I will find a way to get them the info as soon as possible,” Dean said. “How about Pakin and Chai?” Pete asked, sounding a bit sad. “Do we know if they are with the Council or not?” Leo asked. “Actually, we don’t know that. And there seems to be no way to find out,” Fiat said. “P’Pai, you can detect lies. Did you ever feel they were lying to you?” Rain asked. “Well, we haven’t really met them for any reason in the past 50 years or so. So, no idea if they have turned to the dark side as well. When we met them to rescue you, that was uppermost in their minds, so it did not seem like lies,” Pai said. “How do we find out? It’s not going to be easy to subdue someone with their powers,” Win said, looking around the room. “That girl might know? And also, P’Ken would talk to P’Pakin very often,” Pharm said thoughtfully. “How do you know that?” Tan asked.

“Rain told us. He could hear them. There was no shield. But they never spoke anything about kidnapping us. Probably why we were caught unawares,” Sky said. The room fell into silence, everyone trying to figure out the best solution to this rather humongous problem. “I have an question,” Charn said, looking around the room. “What?” Bun asked, leaning forward. “We are waiting for them to attack us, right? Why don’t we take the war to their doorstep? I mean, I know that we need something to substantiate our theories as to what they have been upto, but maybe it will be easier if we take them by surprise?” Charn said. Phayu looked at his brothers. “I am not completely against that idea, but honestly, even though we have proof, we need a lot more that this if we want to go openly to war,” Win said.

“What more do we need?” Vegas asked. “First, we need information on Pakin and Chai; see if they are really too far gone to cull back. Second, we need a place that is safe enough to launch an attack from,” Dean said. “While we know our house is safe, it is a place we need to come back to. A single straggler in this whole war could mean disaster,” Pai said. “Moreover, no matter how much I want to bathe in their blood for all their transgressions, I had rather do it away from a place where our Draugs are not as exposed,” Phayu said. “Huh! Right!” Rain said, pouting angrily. “Is there something you want to say young man?” Tharn asked, raising a brow. “If you think you are going to leave us here when you go off to the Western front, it’s better you think again,” Rain said, his nose in the air.

Everyone burst out laughing at Rain’s cute pout. “I am serious,” he said, scrunching his nose. “We know little one, and don’t worry, no one is going to be left behind. We are stronger together, and everyone knows that,” Phayu said, bopping Rain’s nose. “So, now we need to talk to Pakin and Chai..,” White trailed off when Team hesitantly raised his hand. “Yes lu?” Tae asked. Team looked at the other three he called his brothers and got their unified nod. “We need to move to the compound,” he said. “No! That’s not happening!” Win immediately said. “P’Win, maybe you should listen to our reasoning before you go Alpha male on Team,” Rain said, quirking a brow, making everyone snicker as Win looked sheepish.

“The reason I say this is because here is a fortress. They will never get to us here. While that is good, and keeps us all safe, it will be hard for us to actually have a face-off with the Council. There, they may think we are sitting ducks, and will find it easier to attack, thinking we are vulnerable,” Team said. “And we are not?” Pai asked. “We will not be Phi, I assure you,” Sky said. “But they will know the change in energies used the moment we step out. Leaving this location while the Council is at large may not be that easy,” Dean said. “Your worry is understandable Phi,” Pharm said. “However, they will know all your energy sources, and they will be looking for that, not for ours. We are fledgelings, and they have no idea what powers we have, if any.” “We need to become more visible to them so that we can be more sneaky in the attack,” Rain said. Phayu was the only one who remained silent.

“You are not saying much lu,” Vegas said, looking lovingly at his son. Phayu started, but quickly regained his composure. “Because, while I don’t have to like it, I think the plan of the Nongs is great. But I am going to have faith in my Draugs and trust his words. He has promised that he will not put himself or his friends in the line of fire, so I am going to be holding him to it,” Phayu said, looking pointedly at Rain. Rain smiled and nodded. “Okay, so let’s go there today itself. As in, right now,” Vegas said, not wanting to delay the process any further.

“One important thing before we leave,” Rain suddenly said. Everyone looked at him. “We can shield all of your thoughts as long as you stay close to us. However, when we are not around, we will try to put you in a protective circle. We request you to not cross that until we return.” “How much power will you be needing for that little one?” Phayu asked, concerned. “None at all Phi Mate. We told you right? We are stronger together. And now we can use your powers and strengths as well,” Rain said, smiling. It surprised Tharn and Type tremendously to see how different Rain looked and behaved. Phayu caught the look the two men exchanged and smiled to himself. His Draugs may have been the most powerful, but he was also the cutest one in the world.

A couple of hours later, everyone was settled in their respective homes. Phayu was already missing his little one, but he knew that his love would be safe. Win had already added enough and more security measures. Any and all existing devices had been destroyed and Win had meticulously replaced them with theirs. He would take no chance with the life of his Draugs or his brothers’. Moreover, now even their families were here, and Win knew that he had an added responsibility of ensuring their safety too. Phayu, Pai and Dean had stood guard while Win had worked his magic. Soon after, they were joined by their Draugs and all their families.

“Are you all ready little one?” Phayu asked, pleased as Rain nodded. Rain and his brothers stood in a loose circle, hands lifted in the air, as they sent their powers winging into the sky. The older vampires could see the visible burst of strength from the young ones and they were spellbound. The cloak settled visibly around the compound and then disappeared. “We are safe now,” Team said, smiling. “Wow! I still find it hard to digest that the four of you hid this from us for 15 years!” Vegas said, as he looked around the compound. “I agree,” Tharn said, still a little shellshocked that who he thought was a little gremlin, too bratty for his own good, turned out to be the most powerful vampire they knew.

“Today, we celebrate the return of our sons, them finding their Draugs, and just life in general. Tomorrow, we will meet Pakin and Chai,” Kinn said, as he looked around. The older vampires were settled around, while Dean and Pharm grilled and the other younger couples did something or the other to keep busy. “It worries me,” Tan said quietly, knowing the same thing was uppermost in everyone’s mind; the protection of the fledgelings. “I know exactly what you mean. But we need to trust them. Those boys have powers beyond what we imagined,” Porche said. “So what next?” Charn asked. “Pakin and Chai, if they are involved, are not going to let it go too easily. We will have war on our hands,” Sean said, his eyes faintly red. All of them understood that Sean was angry, because he had trusted the two of them the most.

“We will figure out the truth Papii. Let’s not get upset about things we don’t know yet,” White said, trying to soothe his mate. Tinn was about to speak up when Win called them to eat, They all decided to keep quiet for now and just enjoy these moments with family. As they were wrapping up and cleaning the area around, Rain came up to Vegas. “Uncle Vegas, can we talk?” he asked. Something in his tone warned the older man that the boy was upset. “What is the matter Rainy?” he asked. “Phi Mate planned to kill the Council members and then leave the world,” Rain said, blunt as always. Vegas was shocked by the revelation, and a chill went up his spine to have lost his son even before he had a chance to know him. “Uncle, he will not do that anymore, since he has me, and all of you. But we must still be careful. Right?” Rain asked, the fear and love for his mate shining all around him. Vegas nodded. “Don’t worry baby. I will keep an eye out as well,” he said, smiling at the boy he had loved so long and who was his son’s Draugs. If need be, he would be the one to calm the storm!

Chapter Text

Vegas looked at Phayu, who sat sipping a cup of coffee and reading a book that he had taken off Vegas’s own expansive collection. His tiny little smiles from time to time made it evident that he was in his Draugs’s head, and that Rain was upto no good. Vegas smiled. Rain had always been the most precocious of the fledgelings. When what they had put down to ADHD had become an unbelievable reservoir of power, it had taken all of them by surprise. But somehow, Vegas knew that Phayu had not been as surprised. “Did you know Rain did not have ADHD?” he asked. Phayu looked up, smile still dancing on his face. “I guessed. He was far too intelligent and seemed to be very different when he was in front of you, and when he was alone with us,” Phayu said.

“Even in our wildest dreams we did not think of that. Rain was always the more handful of the four of them, throwing tantrums and letting off steam in the unlikeliest of situations. Some days, it was like playing with fire,” Vegas said, staring into space, and Phayu understood that his father was looking back at some Rain moments in his head. “You didn’t get him tested?” he asked. “Tharn and Type did, and he had above average IQ, but almost no EQ. We don’t really get human diseases, so we don’t really have doctors. And these boys did not really begin to see the world till they were around 4, when they were almost kidnapped. Human doctors couldn’t understand what was wrong with him. And the teachers in school could not control him either,” Vegas said. “To be honest, we have never seen Rain quite the way he is with you.” Phayu and Vegas looked towards the door as Pete sauntered in, a grin on his face at the blush on his son’s face.

He settled comfortably on the couch beside his husband and leaned against him. “Tell us about yourself na lu? We missed so many years of being together with you. It feels like we were cheated on,” he said, suddenly choking. Vegas stroked his back, knowing exactly how Pete was feeling. Phayu thought for a minute as to what he should say. He could feel Rain curling like a kitten in sunlight in the back of his mind, as if waiting for his words, all shenanigans forgotten, and Phayu realised that so many things had happened in the last few days that he hadn’t really gotten the time to talk to his parents or his mate. He drew in a deep breath. These were the three people in the core of his heart. His brothers knew most, if not everything, about him. But these two men in front of him, men who had given birth to him, and the one in his mind, his very soul, deserved to know everything about him.

“Well, as you know, when the humans and vampires went to war, staking, beheading, and all the gory details that I would like to skip for now, Pakin found me in a rubble of a human home, most likely one that belonged to servants of the family. He said he saw ‘potential’ in me, and in a way recruited me to be an enforcer. I started training at the age of seven. I was nine when the other three were found. They were the same age as me, but they seemed years younger, their innocence intact. I felt an immediate kinship with Pai, and when our surnames matched, we realised that we were blood kin of some kind. But every day, staying together, be it work, training, eating, anything at all, we all became closer and closer. I am sure you understand that. We were a covenant against a common enemy, hoping that we could rid the world of them.” Vegas and Pete nodded and that, and Phayu could feel Rain’s agreement as well.

“As we grew older, we began going out on missions. I was 16 on my first mission..,” Phayu trailed off at the growl that emanated from Vegas, guttural enough to put the fear of God into people. “He sent you out when you all were 16?” he hissed, eyes almost completely red. Pete’s eyes also were flashing, and Rain.. Rain was all but pacing around, his fear and anger creating a visible force field around his body. Phayu had thought he had seen everything when it came to Rain, but this shocked him too. He had never seen this kind of aura on anyone. What shocked him even more was how controlled Rain’s energy signature was despite his anger spilling over. Phayu nodded, too speechless to say anything. “What the fuck were they thinking?” Pete asked, his voice pitched low, as he tried to control the tremors in them. “Well, clearly they were not,” Rain’s voice came from the doorway, sounding disdainful.

Phayu immediately got up and went to him. Inspite of his brave voice and seeming control, Phayu understood at once that Rain was not okay. He was still very much a baby when compared to Phayu. He was undoubtedly one of the most powerful vampires Phayu had ever known, but he was Phayu’s little one, not so very grown up at all. “Little one,” he said, gently pulling Rain into his lap, before settling in. Rain immediately curled up there, for all in the world looking like he belonged there, which he actually very much did. Pete and Vegas let them be, knowing Rain was more distressed than he let on at the revelations of his mate. “What happened then lu?” Pete asked, wanting Phayu to let everything out, knowing that the circles he rubbed circles onto Rain’s back to soothe him, probably not even aware he was doing it, were making him relaxed as well.

“It was the time of the Guelders War. Although the wars had started a while back, we had had no idea, but eventually, news started trickling about possible rogues who were hidden within the crowd and were decimating innocents. The rumours rapidly grew, making it hard for the Council to just ignore it, and so we saddled up. It took us a while to travel from France, where we were at that time, to The Hague, from where the news was actually pouring in. We stood on a bloody field, and the stench of rogues was absolutely devastating, hanging think in the air. Then Win scented the newbies. They had made new ones, and that was worse than finding victims who were already gone. At least those would get a decent burial, but the newbies? Just ash and nothing more would be left once we were done.”

“We managed to finish each and every one off, close to a 100 in total, but we were beyond tired and overwhelmed. Life those days was not easy, as you are well aware, but it had been harder to kill our own kind. Even one was bad, and we killed so many more. That was the first time we felt revulsion, and maybe the last, because after that, it just became routine. But that first time..,” Phayu trailed off, shuddering, as the ghosts of the past crowded into his mind. He could remember every face he had removed from the earth, and it made him feel disgusted. Suddenly a cool breeze flew the room, and through his head as well, scented with mate, as it cleansed and purified. He looked down gratefully at his Draugs. “Little one?” he said, the question clear in his voice. “You are to stop blaming yourself Phi Mate. This in no way was anywhere close to your fault, or the fault of your brothers. It was the fault of those people who never considered that this kind of suicide mission they were sending you on, was going to do to the psyche of four 16 year olds, who had in no way signed up for this,” Rain said, anger pumping off him in waves.

“Rain is absolutely right,” Pete said. “You were never at fault lu. Nor were Pai, Dean and Win. The four of you did what you were told to, but those who were supposed to protect you, failed miserably in their designated jobs.” “And yes, it was definitely a suicide mission. I don’t think they thought you would fight so many and come back alive. But you surprised them. Not only did you come back, you also managed to eradicate that many rogues. They must have become afraid, that’s why they kept you so close,” Vegas said. Phayu nodded. “I assume so,” he said. “Then what happened Phi Mate?” Rain asked. “Well, once we returned back, the Council decided to return with us to Thailand. However, there was no set place for an actual office then, so the seat of power was established at the office you have seen, near the Wat Arun. Although the temple was built much later, the Council found a base there. We were sent back into training, and we continued to go out to missions. Eventually, our powers grew exponentially, and we also became trainers for others.”

“After many such missions, we grew tired, and we told P’Pakin and P’Chai that we would like to retire. Then that whole incident we told you about happened, and we withdrew from our world. We then decided to pursue our own dreams and aspirations. We went back to Uni to study. I went into Architecture, Pai into business, Win into Computer Technology and Dean into Biotech and Pharmaceuticals. We lived our lives in relative peace and calm, our only one aim? Destroying the Council by any means necessary,” Phayu said. “And then what Phi Mate? What would you have done after destroying the Council? Would it have been another suicide mission?” Rain asked, the wetness in his words indicating his fear and dread at what he knew was something his Draugs had already decided. “Phayu? What is Rain trying to say?” Pete asked, sitting up straighter. Phayu fidgeted, unable to meet his fathers in the eye, instead glaring at his Draugs, who glared right back, completely unafraid!

“Well, Phayu thought that he would keep his brothers safe and attack the Council on his own. He would eliminate them all, and then he would end his own existence, so that his brothers would get a fighting chance to find their mates and live in happiness,” Vegas said. “Is that true?” a shocked voice said from the doorway, as everyone in the house turned around. Phayu stood up abruptly, dislodging Rain, who whined quietly in protest. His brothers stood there, and not only them, their mates, and all the remaining family members. “Is it true Phayu? Is that what you had planned?” Dean asked, after everyone had seated themselves. Phayu stayed silent. He looked sheepish. “Now you are trying to act all innocent, are you?” Win asked. “Phi Mate, you must not hide anything from your brothers and your family. Tell them everything,” Rain said, adding fuel to the fire, looking completely innocent while doing so.

Phayu just nodded, unable to speak with emotions choking him. “Why would you think of doing something like this?” Kinn asked, his heart breaking for his nephew. “Because I knew that facing the Council meant a death sentence. I wanted my brothers to have a fighting chance to find their Draugs and live well,” Phayu said. “And what about your own Draugs Phayu?” Sean asked, looking at how Rain was staring at the older man. Phayu looked at Rain as well, his heart in his throat. “I never thought someone as tainted as me was likely to get a Draugs. I just wanted to help my brothers and I didn’t think beyond that,” he said, still looking at Rain. The younger boy finally averted his eyes; eyes that screamed heartbreak. “Have you ever imagined what could have happened to your Draugs if you had left the world before you both found each other?” Tharn asked, looking at his son’s mate.

Phayu was silent again. “Phayu, you are the oldest of us four, and are our true North. What exactly were you thinking when you cooked up this harebrained scheme in your head?” Win asked, gritting out the words. “Did you really think we could do without you Phi? Did you seriously feel that we would be okay without you? Be happy with our Draugs if you were gone? Did you never stop to think how guilty we would have been if you had made this sacrifice for us? Died for us? Did you?” Pai asked, his eyes filled with tears, choking on every word, as Sky put his arms around him. Phayu looked so guilty that Rain could not stand it. He knew his Phi Mate was wrong, but no one could talk to his mate like that and get away with it. Rain wouldn’t stand for that.

“P’Pai, Phi Mate knows what he did was wrong. I know you are sad, but don’t hurt my Phi Mate,” he said, protectively wrapping his own arms around his Draugs and hugging him close. “Rain..,” Sky said, a slight warning to his tone. “What? You can be sad for your Draugs, I can’t?” Rain asked, sounding a little put out. But Phayu knew that tone of voice. It meant a temper tantrum was coming and he refused to let anyone else bear the brunt of the mistakes he had made. “Little one, they are not wrong, okay? I did not really take the best decision, but now I know how important it was for me to be with everyone. I will never ever do anything that hurts any of you, okay? I promise,” he said, looking around at everyone, holding Rain close to assure him that he was fine. But Rain knew otherwise, and he also knew that he would never give up Phayu to anyone. He had said he would keep his friends safe, but that did not mean that the circle of protection could not cover everyone. He looked towards the other three, his brothers in-arms, and partners in crime. They all subtly nodded, knowing exactly what Rain was feeling. They were going to make sure that they would fight the fight!

Chapter Text

Rain pored over the books that Sky had found in his father’s library. They had decided that all their research and study would happen at Uni, and since Rain was the lynchpin of the whole attack that they were planning, the other three took the responsibility of finding the resources for him. One of the tomes that Sky had found had been super helpful with respect to battle planning. “Look at this,” he said suddenly, and the others moved in. “What is it?” Team asked. Rain pointed to a paragraph as the others read over his shoulder. “Jeez Rain, isn’t this too risky?” Pharm asked, his eyes wide in shock. Sky and Team also looked rattled.

“Rain, are you sure? This is something neither our Draugs nor our families will permit us to do,” Team said. “I am sure. And this is the only way to keep everyone safe. Our energy signatures are the only one that will be invisible. We have promised to keep ourselves safe, but that doesn’t mean we will let our Draugs or family to be in danger, in the line of fire, right?” Rain asked. The other three looked thoughtful. “Okay. So, what is the next step?” Pharm asked. “We have already cast the protective circle. A direct attack is the only way, right? We need people in our corner, and our Draugs will ensure that. As for the Lycans, your fathers are doing what they can. But we need to find a route into the minds of the Council,” Rain said.

“The Council would be heavily protected,” Sky said. “But not P’Pakin and P’Chai. And they will trust us blindly,” Rain said. “Rain no! No one will ever allow us to get close to them!” Pharm said. “Then we have to do anything we can,” Rain said, sounding stubborn. “How about going and asking them about our kidnapping?” Team asked thoughtfully. “It’s a good idea. And we know where to find them as well,” Pharm said. “And a genuine concern,” Sky said, as Rain nodded. “But we need to cloak really well. If they suspect even a bit, we could be in serious trouble,” he said. “When do we go there?” Sky asked. “As soon as we can,” Pharm said, wanting it to be done before his courage ran out.

The four of them stood outside the Wat Arun, hidden from sight of the Council office. “We are here,” Team said unnecessarily. “Are you all cloaked?” Rain asked. The others hummed in agreement. “So how are we doing this Rain?” Sky asked, still staring at the Council office like it held the secrets of the world. “Pharm, you should go,” Rain said. “What? Why me?” Pharm asked, sounding shocked. “Because you are the only one of us who will not give off a visible energy signature,” Rain said, sounding practical. “And I can make you invisible too. Just don’t bump into people and things, because you are just not ‘visible’, but you will still have your physical body. So that might be weird for people to bump into something that’s not there,” Rain said, trying to think up the ways to send Pharm without rousing suspicion.

“I wish we could turn you into water droplets. Then there would be zero hassle,” Team said. “Oh. My. Fucking. God! That’s it! That’s exactly it!! We can try that!” Rain said, excitement pumping out of in waves. “What do you mean?” Sky asked. “Water molecules! We may have the power to use the elements, but the human body is made up of water, right? To a large extent? So what if we use our powers to draw that from inside of us and become like mist, or dew?” Rain asked. “Can we do that?” Team asked, sounding extremely doubtful. “We can. I am sure we can,” Rain said, as he rummaged in his bag and pulled out one of the books Sky had chosen. He quickly flipped through it until he came to a particular page, which he then showed to his friends. “This looks doable,” Sky said thoughtfully. “So?” Rain asked, looking expectantly at his best friends. “Let’s do this Rain. But we need to find a more secluded space,” Pharm said. Team nodded and the four of them moved further behind the Wat Arun, completely hidden from view.

Pharm floated through the corridors of the Council office, trying to locate Pakin and Chai. He was nervous, to say the least, but he trusted Rain implicitly. They all did. And they knew their faith was not unfounded. Rain had proved time and again that he could protect them, and well! Rain had laid an insane amount of cloaking spells before he had started the spell. Since he had the element of water, he had first used those powers to put Pharm in a bubble, and then slowly used his and Sky’s elements to squeeze the bubble until it was particles. Pharm had felt the compression, a slight wrenching pain, but it had been surprisingly easy. Sky had then used his powers to push Pharm into the Council office, and he had been doing his best to look for the two men. He could sense his brothers in his head too, so he felt quite at ease, knowing they would pull him out as and when needed.

“We are going to be in trouble Phi! I hope you know that!” A voice spoke up, a familiar voice. “That’s the voice of Khun Chai,” Sky’s voice sounded in his head, so Pharm slipped through the keyhole, wanting to hear them from up close. “I know Chai. I am not a fool. But do you think I will let them hurt the boys?” Pakin asked. “Phi, I am sure that this playing of double agent is going to get us in more trouble that we think. We are getting doubted on from both sides,” Chai said. Pakin sighed. “I love those four boys like my own, but at the end of it all, our loyalties lie with the Council Chai. Plus, now, they have found their mates and families. It makes them even more powerful than we can imagine. We are answerable to the Council, so we need to do everything in our powers to stop Phayu, Pai, Win and Dean from doing anything foolish. I know very well that Phayu was behind the death of the two Council members 50 years ago,” Pakin said, his tone controlled, but Pharm could hear the fear in it, as could his own brothers.

“How are we going to give this information to our mates Rain,” Pharm asked, his voice troubled. “We don’t,” Rain said. His best friends looked at him, waiting for him to clarify. “We don’t tell them now. We wait. We have to gather more information. That’s what the book said. In any battle, information is the most important,” he continued. The others looked thoughtful. “We can’t skip Uni much Rain,” Sky said. “I know. Pakin and Chai are afraid of something. Didn’t we always think they were fearless? Which means there are other people involved. Someone higher,” Rain said. “Higher than the Council?” Team asked. Rain nodded. “We always thought our parents and our Uncles were the oldest vampires in existence, right?” Rain asked. The others nodded. “I am pretty sure there are those older,” Rain said, his voice grim, striking horror into the hearts of his friends.

Phayu looked up, as he suddenly felt a disturbance in the air. Since morning, Rain had been locked up tight against him, almost like a vault, and Phayu was feeling the pangs of separation. He had worked out, then practiced with swords and other weapons, both regular and charmed ones with his brothers and families. He had tried to read, to write, draw, do anything to take his mind off of what his Draugs was up to. He knew Rain would not take unnecessary chances, and he would call Phayu if there was anything wrong, but something prickled under his skin. Something was coming, almost as if the winds were changing.

Pete stepped into his line of vision, but stopped short, noticing his son’s unfocused eyes. He knew that Phayu, as well as the other boys, had been trying to get in touch with their mates, but to no avail. Pete stepped forward when he saw Phayu return. “Still no Rain lu?” he asked. Phayu shook his head, looking worried. “Rain is a smart boy lu. And I am sure he will not break his promise to you. Maybe he has classes?” Pete tried to comfort his son. “I know Pa. But you see, how could all four of them have classes at the same time? Aren’t they in different faculties?” Phayu asked. “They usually do Phayu,” Type spoke up from the doorway. Phayu waiied. “Khun,” he said politely. “They have tried to keep pretty close to their timings, so that they can go and come together. Don’t worry so much,” Type said.

He had just finished speaking when there were noises from the doorway, and Rain ran towards Phayu, jumping into his arms, ignoring his Pa and his Uncle Pete completely. Phayu caught him easily, hugging him close, just breathing in the scent of mate. It was then he actually realised how tense he had been when his breath evened out, feeling thrilled with having his mate back in his arms. Type huffed out a snort. “You and I are chopped liver apparently Pete, when Phayu is around,” he said, fake whining to catch Rain’s attention. “I am your son Pa. I am chopped liver when Dada is around too,” Rain said, his voice coming out muffled from where his face was buried in Phayu’s neck, refusing to let go.

It was Pete’s turn to snort this time. “Like father, like son?” he asked, the smirk clear in his voice. Rain hmphed as he jumped down, his arms still banded around Phayu. “As if Uncle Pete and Uncle Vegas are any better,” his voice clearly disdainful in Phayu’s head, making his Draugs throw back his head and laugh. Pete and Type watched mesmerised. Phayu was soft and quiet, a force of nature, his smiles rarer and more precious than diamonds. But when he laughed? It was like the entire joy of the world coalesced into that one face, like the sun shining after a long day of clouds. Rain’s joy at his Draugs’ laughter was such a beautifully palpable thing to see as well. He stared at Phayu as if his whole breath had stopped, and he would begin to breathe only when the man would stop laughing.

Phayu quickly placed a kiss on Rain’s forehead, still smiling at what he had said, shaking his head, then realised that there was complete silence. He looked around. Vegas and Pete’s house was full of people, all of whom were just staring at Phayu. He cleared his throat. “Something on my face?” he asked, a little disgruntled. “You look so beautiful when you laugh Phi Mate,” Rain said, the awe in his voice clear. “And I don’t otherwise little one?” he asked, scrunching his nose and bopping Rain’s. “You always look handsome Phi Chaai. But when you laugh, it’s like the blooming of flowers in spring,” Pai said, looking at his older brother. Phayu blushed, not used to such compliments or even so much attention directed at himself.

“Why is everyone here?” Phayu asked, desperate to change the topic. “We called everyone Phi,” Sky said, looking at him, then at Rain. “What happened? Does this have anything to do with your radio silence today?” Dean asked. Pharm nodded. “We debated whether we wanted to tell you, but it seemed that it would be doing all a disservice if we didn’t,” he said. “But before we say anything, you must promise that you will all listen to us without saying anything. It is extremely important that you do that. Could you?” Sky asked, looking around. The elders as well as their mates, all shared a look, then nodded reluctantly. “Please sit down, and we will begin,” Team said, as Rain joined them in the front of the room. Somehow they were sure that whatever they would hear was going to make them lose their breath!

Chapter Text

“You.. did.. what?” Tharn asked slowly, his voice a dead giveaway, his temper simmering just under the surface. Each and every one of them had paled as the boys had told the tale of what they had done earlier that day. Phayu could swear that his heart had stopped beating for a moment, and the breath had rushed out his body. He could see the same fear pumping out of everyone present there. There were many things he wanted to say to Rain, but he realised that he had pretty much lost his voice. “Dada, I promise you. We were safe,” Rain said, his voice pitched low as well, knowing that Tharn, as well as all the elders there were barely reigning in their tempers. He didn’t dare look up at his Phi Mate, afraid of what he would see there. He could take the anger, but there was no way in hell he would be able to take up the disappointment.

“Do you have any idea of the risk you took? The four of you?” Sean asked. The boys sat silent, wanting to find the right words to convince everyone that there had been no risk involved. “What were you all thinking?” Charn asked, his voice betraying his turmoil. If something had happened to any of them, they would have lost their friends and sons. “We know that you perceive what we did as a risk. But you must understand that we would never break a promise. You all know the decision that Phi Mate had almost taken. You all made him feel guilty about it, but did you all stop to think that if he had taken that step, what would have happened?” Rain said. “We did promise you all that we will not take any chance on our lives; and we didn’t. We were safe, protected. They never knew we were there,” Team said.

“I know what P’Phayu did was wrong, but we cannot condemn the rationale behind his decision before knowing what was in his head. Haven’t you taught us not to judge anyone unless we walk in their shoes?” Sky said. “Rain wanted to protect his Draugs, and I see nothing wrong in that. Maybe we should have told you what we were going to do, shown you what we could do, that’s true. But it’s also a fact that, even now, Rain is protecting us, all of us, and that’s what he did before too,” Pharm said. Every person in the room looked as one at Rain, as he squirmed under their weight. “Rain, little one, come here please,” Phayu said, in his softest tone possible, but the command in it was clearly heard, making it impossible for Rain to refuse. He made his way to Phayu obediently, albeit reluctantly. The whole room was plunged in pindrop silence as Phayu stood, waiting for Rain to reach him.

Phayu stared at his mate, who stood, fidgeting, in front of him, shuffling his feet. Although Phayu couldn’t see his face, or directly feel his emotions, he could guess by Rain’s stance that his little one was not at all happy at being summoned like a naughty child. He shook his head and smiled internally and then opened his arms. “Won’t you hug you Phi Mate little one? After scaring him like this?” he asked, keeping his emotions under control and not doing what he actually wanted to do; drag Rain off privately somewhere and spank him. But right now, his Draugs was craving validation, and who else but Phayu to give it to him? Rain looked up at Phayu in shock, looking between him and his open arms, before flinging himself into them, sighing in relief. The whole room followed suit.

“You scared us Rain, all of you. We could not get through to you, and that made us afraid for you. We know you have powers, and we don’t have any doubt that you four are more powerful than all of us put together, but you have to understand that our worry is real,” Phayu said, finally looking down at Rain. Rain looked up at his Draugs, knowing that Phayu was not wrong, which is why he conceded. “Okay. We are sorry. We should have told you, I agree. But we did what we thought was best at that point,” he said, pouting, and then turning around at the rest of the family.

“Okay guys, let’s stop this. Once we were their age. We have also taken risks. And a lot more than them. Let’s just let this go and move on to more important things, okay?” Tinn said, seeing the emotions of his friends still bubbling. “Well Rainy, why don’t you tell us what you know now?” Tan asked, hoping to diffuse the tension he could still feel in the room. “Pharm will,” Rain said, looking at his friend. Pharm repeated everything they had heard in the Council office. “So they are not sure what they want to do,” White said, sounding thoughtful. “It’s tough playing double agent Uncle White. Things will get nasty sooner or later,” Dean said. “I agree. They are soon going to be stuck between a rock and a hard place,” Charn said, his mind churning with the possibilities of legal repercussions.

“The Lycan Council should be getting back to us. We had sent word out to the two people I trust most. They said they would send out feelers. And then get back to us. It’s the least they can do,” Min said. “Once that is in place, what is the next step?” Win asked. “We will do what Rain initially proposed. We can’t go battle them out full tilt. So we need to let them become complacent and start the attack. If we start a war, it is treason, if they do, it’s self-defence,” Phayu said. “How will we know their numbers?” Win asked. “We need a scout, something small, that can enter and get us information. And no, it will not be one of you,” Type said, effectively shutting down Rain’s question before he even asked it, making the boy pout angrily. It took everything in Phayu to not just coo at his beautiful little one. Instead, he swallowed his laughter before patting his Draugs’ head. “How about you help one of us go inside? Hmm?” he asked.

Rain looked thoughtful. “We could try, but you see, you all require more energy to be hidden,” he said. “Only one of us will go. All the rest of us will stay with you and give you all whatever we have in us,” Kinn spoke up. “I will go,” White spoke up. “No..,” Sean trailed off when White raised his hands. “Listen to me before you start spouting things that you will regret later,” he said, and Sean subsided. “As compared to all of you, I am the smallest in size, somewhat the height and size of our boys. Rain, Pharm, Team and Sky will probably use less energy if it is me. And that would give you all a fighting chance to help them all,” White said. They all looked at each other, not liking it, but knowing that White was right.

“Okay. So now what next?” Bun asked. Before anyone could say anything, Min’s phone rang. “One of my Lycan contacts,” he said, looking around. “Put it on speaker Jagi,” Tae immediately said. “Min, this is Kwan,” the voice spoke up. “Hyung, Annyeong. What news?” Min asked. “We, Jin and I, checked all the information you gave us. And we found what you were saying. There are a few of them, and one of them is on the Lycan Council. They have infiltrated us. The numbers are not high, but there are traitors Min,” Kwan spoke up, sounding worried and perplexed. “What do you plan to do? You and Jin?” Min asked. “We are going to talk to one or two of the people we can absolutely trust. Then we are ready to do whatever you guys are planning. We want to be in on that. We cannot do it alone, neither can you all. We need to join forces,” Kwan said.

Min looked up at his Draugs and his lifelong friends. Tae nodded, knowing whatever he was thinking was what everyone was thinking. “Okay. We are trying to gather more information. We will let you know what we get,” Min said. “Oh, and one more thing Min,” Kwan said. “What?” Min asked. “You have two council members called Pakin and Chai?” Kwan asked, an odd note entering his voice. “We do,” Min said, looking again at everyone, who were listening with bated breath. “They are the ones who contacted the Lycan Council member,” Kwan said, dropping a bomb in the room. They were expecting someone from the Vampire Council to have contacted them, but that it was Pakin and Chai, came as a huge blow. “Kumao Hyung. We will get back to you soon,” Min said, trying to control the tremble in his voice.

“It’s not something we did not expect, right?” Tharn said, leaning back in despair. Phayu looked at his brothers, feeling the pain that his parents were going through, and he could see the same emotions going through Rain, and through him, his brothers as well. Betrayal sat heavy in all their hearts. “We need to take the next step forward Dad, not sit here and feel bad about what we could have done,” Rain said, going forward to hug his father. He looked around. “All the more reason we do this, and as quickly as possible,” he said. “I agree with Rain. The sooner the better. The more we delay this, the worse it’s going to become for all of us,” Porche said. “As of now, they are unaware of us. Kwan and Jin are going to take steps as well, which means that things will start coming to the front soon. We will need all men at arms by then,” Vegas said.

“I think you should know that there are several voices of dissent within the Council as well,” Rain said, speaking up suddenly. “How do you know that?” Win asked, looking at his brother’s Draugs. “I caught snatches of conversation. People were unhappy with the new closed door policies being implemented. Many believe that the Council is losing it’s transparency. Warriors are unhappy they are being used for things other that actual fights,” Pharm said. “So? Can we use that?” Kinn asked. “We can,” Charn said. “We need a concrete plan of action. Rain did give us inputs last time. We need to build on that. Pakin and Chai have an inkling that the murder of the two Council members was Phayu’s work. Which effectively means that in his fear of retaliation, they may become more dangerous than they are already,” Tinn said. “We need to obliviate them out of the picture first,” Pai said, his voice deep and guttural, his eyes changing colour as he thought of the people he had trusted so much, only calming when Sky slipped his hand into Pai’s.

“Then in that case, let’s prepare for sending me in there. Let me find out what I can,” White said. Sean looked nauseous, fear for his mate ponding through him. “Dada, you have to trust us, okay? We will never let Pa be in harm’s way, I promise. We promise. Right guys?” Pharm asked, looking at his brothers. “Yes Uncle Sean. We will protect Uncle White and we will bring him back if we feel he is in any kind of danger, that’s a promise,” Sky said, as Rain and Team nodded as well. “What do I need to do?” White asked. “We first need to make sure we are all on the same page. Any negative energy needs to dissipate before we begin our plan. So everyone is okay?” Team said. Everyone nodded, and Rain, Sky, Pharm and he stepped forward, and began to cloak the room again. As the energies flew around, an almost visible force field shot out. “What was that?” Type asked, his ears popping a bit. “Something that will make us invisible to any and all outside forces,” Rain said distractedly, throwing out the information as if it was something normal, shocking all the older vampires into silence.

“Okay Pa, we are ready. Please come and step in between us,” Pharm said, holding out his hand to his father. White turned around and kissed Sean, before taking his son’s hand and stepping into the loose circle between him and the other three boys. “We are going to be the first bearers of power. Later, you can all send it through to us if you see us falter or we will let you know if we feel tired,” Team said, and everyone nodded. “If you feel tired Uncle White, all that you need to do is tell us. We will bring you back. But make sure that your thoughts don’t spill out of the boundaries. We will help you create a tight channel of communication, so please stay within that,” Sky said. Rain was the only one who didn’t say a word, as he sat cross-legged, poring over some book. “Rain?” Team called out, and he stood and looked up, his eyes glowing a vivid silver, a sure sign that his powers were beginning to manifest. “Have you decided where you want to go?” he asked. White nodded. “Decha’s house. He is the weak link,” he said. “Address?” Sky asked. “Give me a minute,” Win said. In that much time, he placed a paper with the address in Sky’s hand, who then passed it to Rain. The others stepped closer and held hands as they continued to stand in that circle. Everyone watched in shocked wonder and bated breath as White was first enclosed in a bubble, and then compressed into mist, as Sky blew gently on him, sending him away for gathering more information. Fear and faith were their uppermost feelings!

Chapter Text

Rain sat curled up in Phayu’s lap, looking for all in the world like he was fast asleep, but Phayu knew that was a ruse. Rain was in his mind, and Phayu knew that his full focus was on Uncle White. He was guarding his spill of energy as well, which made him tensed up, his eyes closed to all outside distractions. The discomfort of his Draugs was a living, breathing entity inside of him, so he slowly rubbed circles of Rain’s lower back, ensuring a soothing rhythm as he watched Uncle Sean pace around his parents’ salon for probably the infinitieth time since Uncle White had left. Phayu couldn’t blame the man. If Rain had been where Uncle White was right now, he would have been tearing his hair out. It was a wonder that all Uncle Sean was doing was just pacing around.

“You are thinking too loud again Phi Mate,” Rain’s voice whispered in his mind and Phayu hid a smile. His Draugs sounded extremely grumpy and irritated, so it probably wouldn’t do to make it worse. “Sorry little one. Just worried about Uncle Sean and Uncle White,” he said. “Uncle White is fine. I would know otherwise,” Rain said, snuggling closer, his hands going infinitesimally tighter around Phayu. And Phayu knew well that Rain was not bragging. He was simply stating facts. He would really know if something was wrong. But Uncle White had been gone almost an hour. And he could feel the stress building in the room from every source. If he was feeling it so much, then Rain, who was so much more extraordinarily sensitive, was going to be even more troubled by all this presence.

He was about to recommend that they step out for a while, when Rain stirred in his lap. His eyes snapped open, showing that his powers were out again. “He wants to come back,” was all he said, as he slipped down, and was immediately surrounded by Sky, Team and Pharm. They all stood again in a loose circle, and in about five minutes, White was materialising in front of everyone. Before he could even take a breath, he was swept off his feet by his Draugs. “Sean! You are crushing me Papii!” he said, his voice coming out all strangled. But Sean only adjusted his hold, not wanting to let go off his mate. All the others also heaved a sigh of relief. Only Rain and his gang looked like they were enjoying. “Okay, okay, let me go now. I have loads to tell you,” White said, and Sean finally set him down and kissed his forehead. He sat first, pulling White as close to him as possible. Phayu empathised, and even though everyone rolled their eyes, he knew they did too. Having your mate in the line of fire, that vulnerable, it was brutal.

“So what do we know?” Type asked. “They are all neck deep in the conspiracy to overthrow our world,” White said, plunging the room into pin-drop silence. ‘What do you mean?” Vegas whispered, sounding choked. “The boys were right. This is not just about the Council. It is all about absolute power, and how it corrupts. Decha and the others, the members of the Council, are in cahoots with someone who they are all petrified of, someone who has promised them a lot of things. They are greedy, and want absolute power over humans and other creatures,” White said. “But how will that help them?” Phayu asked, wonderingly. “It’s simple Phi Mate. They feel that humans are nothing but cattle, to do as we will. They either don’t have mates, or they don’t care. For them, ruling over and supressing others, making them live in crippling fear, use them the way they want, that’s all they are looking for,” Rain said.

Everyone looked at Rain, knowing he was right. “Then why didn’t they attack until today? Why is it only coming out now?” Win asked. “As Rain said, it’s obvious. The biggest reason is all of you,” Pharm said. “Us?” Sean asked. They all nodded. “As the supposedly oldest vampires in existence, your blood was the most important to them. You all fought for the Council for the longest time, drinking each other’s blood, making you stronger and stronger. Eventually, you reached a stage, where you were nothing less than invincible. They needed your blood ,” Team said. “They knew about your sons, knew that keeping you away from them would create lethal weapons. They had thought of using them as the shield against you. Under any circumstance, you would not want to harm your children. But it was obvious they miscalculated because they were not able to brainwash our Draugs. So then what happens? P’Phayu kills two Council members and all of them disappear,” Sky said.

“No amount of convincing lets them out, so they do the next best thing; kidnap us to put our Draugs in front of their parents’ eyes, hope that they would side with the Council, which they did, and then fight against their families for abandoning them,” Team said. “But they miscalculated again. We ended up being their Draugs, which grounded them, gave the families a chance to sit down together and talk and all in all kill all their plans. In their desperation, they reached out to the Lycan Council, or at least those members who showed the same greed as these people did,” Rain said. All the four boys had sounded so mature and sensible, that their parents were left staring at them in utter shock.

“So who are these older vampires that we will have to go against?” Kinn asked. “That is something we need to find out. Can you think of anyone?” Sky asked. “Anyone you have tangled with before?” Dean asked. “Except for Kinn and Vegas’s fathers, no one. But they died a long time ago. Pete and Porche killed them, if I remember correctly,” Charn said. “Your fathers?” Pai asked, confused. “We are not real brothers. We are first cousins. My father and his, they were brothers,” Vegas said, pointing at Kinn. “All our lives, we were pitted against each other, told that we had to surpass the other. But eventually, we learnt the truth,” Kinn said. “They were pure and unadulterated evil souls, probably the first rogues we knew. Their souls were so black, that even their blood was of that colour,” Porche said. “To keep Kinn and Vegas apart, they used their other brothers, Kinn’s older and younger, Khun and Kim, and Vegas’s younger, Macau. They were kept hidden away, and Kinn and Vegas were told that unless they bring each other’s head on a platter, they would lose their brothers. They fought day in and day out, trying to best the other, but both were too good,” Pete said. “Or so they wanted their fathers to believe. Truth was, they were trying to figure out a way to get their brothers away to safety, without harming each other. But then something happened that changed the course of their destiny. They met us,” Porche said. It was obvious they were not bragging, but there was more to this than met the eye.

“Pete and Porche had been friends for the longest time. Pete did not have parents, and he had been brought up by Porche’s parents, but they had also passed away when Chay, Porche’s brother was around 2 years old. Both of them were older, so they became everything to Chay. Chay had never known anything but the two of them, so it was them against the world,” Kinn said. “Porche and Pete had learnt to fight from a young age, in order to be able to protect each other and Chay, and that’s how we met them. They were fighting with some vampires, probably rogues, and despite being humans, they were really able to hold their own. That’s where we stepped in. While we say we saved them, truth is, they saved us,” Vegas said, a soft smile on his face as he looked at the man who was the centre of his universe.

“But both of them had been hurt badly, and with their permission, we started the process of change. We had realised they were our mates, and while the journey to become fully fledged vampires would take longer, at least it was a beginning. We had no idea where we would end up, especially since we were living under a nightmare ourselves, but as you well know, the call of a mate is impossible to ignore,” Kinn continued. “But as more blood got exchanged, Pete and Porche kept getting stronger, which is when we told them about what our fathers were trying to do. We were struggling, and they were getting more and more suspicious, so it was time to take drastic measures. But what we didn’t realise was that our fathers had come to know about Porche and Pete, so they did the worst thing possible,” Vegas said. “Which turned out to be the best thing actually,” Pete said. “And what was that?” Tinn asked.

“They kidnapped Chay,” Porche said calmly. “What?” Tae said, shocked. “Yes. They kidnapped Chay, and more, they put him in the same place as Kim, Khun and Macau were hidden, and it turned out that Kim and Chay were mates and Chay’s presence there gave Kim the strength to break out from whatever he was drugged with,” Pete said. “He managed to escape, promising he would go back, and came and found us. Porche was out of his mind with worry about Chay, but when Kim came, we knew the right steps had to be taken, otherwise we would just be going down a rabbit hole of misery for the rest of our existence. So we planned a coup d’état that we had never thought that we would,” Vegas said. “We managed to corner them and killed them, freeing ourselves and our brothers,” Kinn said. “And your brothers? Where are they?” Win asked. “They don’t live here, in Thailand. We sent them all to America a long time ago. They would be safer there. Khun and Macau found their mates there as well. So we never got them back,” Porche said.

“And your fathers? Are you sure they are really dead?” Rain asked, as everyone looked at him. “I am sure we killed them,” Pete said. “Staking? Did you take their heads off?” Sky asked. Porche and Pete looked at each other, and then shook their heads. “Then there is no way they are dead. A rogue vampire can only be killed if they are staked, and their head is taken off, heart incinerated, and only with lightning. Which is why we gave you those lightning swords,” Pharm said. “And this is the absolute truth. All the tomes we have read about rogues have said the same,” Team said. All the elders looked at each other. “Are you saying that even after 700 fucking years, we are still being targeted by our own fathers?” Kinn asked, disgust lacing his tone.

“We can probably take that to the bank,” Dean said. “It you staked them, then the wounds would not heal that fast. They would have to spend several years hidden, away from the sun, or anything that depletes their energies further,” Sky said, horror rising on their face. “They would have risen quite recently; not more than 50 years ago. Blood was needed, as fresh as possible. But they would not come to full strength until they ingested ‘blood that called to blood’,” Rain said. “Oh my God! That means there are full chances that they would be looking for your brothers as well Uncle Kinn and Uncle Vegas?” Pharm said, his eyes wide with fear. Kinn and Vegas looked at each other. This was unacceptable! They had protected their family as best as they could. Khun’s mind was broken and only Pol, his mate, could take care of him in such cases. Kim was also terrorised, but Chay’s presence held him back from becoming the very demonic beast that he could become. Macau had been taken just days before Chay, so he was comparatively better, but he was also a force to reckon with, and no one, except his mate Arm, could control his orneriness. They could not be touched, and Kinn and Vegas had to think of something real quick.

“Don’t even think about it,” Phayu said, a growl entering his low voice. “What do you mean Phi Ma..,” Rain trailed off as he gasped and stared at Kinn and Vegas. “No! You can’t! We will not let you!” Rain said, with a calm he wasn’t feeling. “What? What is it?” Min asked. “They are planning to sacrifice themselves so that we may have a have a better killing chance,” Phayu said, glaring at his dad and uncle. “Don’t worry about that. They will do nothing of the sort,” Pete said, shifting a bit. “We need every man on board, like all hands on deck. Please understand that before taking any drastic measures of any kind,” Tharn said. “Dada is right. We need to stand together. Any kind of separation will weaken us. Right now, we belong together,” Rain said, and everyone nodded.

Chapter Text

Phayu stared out of the window of his room, his thoughts going back to the earlier conversation everyone had had before. Although they had discussed being together, he had seen the intent in his Dad and Uncle’s eyes, and recognised it for what it was, because he had had the same look in his eyes not that long ago. But he also knew that his Pa and Uncle Porche would not let anything touch their Draugs. That bond was beyond sacred, and now that Phayu himself had gotten a taste for it, he knew that there was no way in hell he would put that at risk. Two arms slipped around his waist and banded in. He inhaled the scent of mate, almost as if he had conjured him up. “What are you doing here little one?” Phayu asked, turning around and pulling Rain close.

“I am here to soothe you Phi Mate,” Rain said, looking up in complete devotion at the man who held his heart and soul. Phayu could have drowned himself in those eyes, Rain was that beautiful. He lifted a hand and stroked his thumb down Rain’s soft, soft cheek. “Is that so little one?” he asked, his voice husky. Rain swallowed. “Yes Phi Mate,” he replied, his voice heavy with need, his desire coursing through his veins and bursting into Phayu. He bent down and rubbed his nose with Rain’s and lifted him slightly. Rain immediately pushed himself up and clung to Phayu like a little koala. “You scared me today little one,” Phayu said, his breath whispering on Rain’s throat and his neck lolled to give Phayu more access. “I know Phi Mate,” Rain said, trying to control his faculties, but failing miserably as the last word ended on a moan. This was his man, his mate, his Draugs, and it had been ages since he had given himself completely over to him.

“Phiiiii!” he whined, unable to bear the hot, open-mouthed kisses Phayu was placing all over his neck and collarbone. He wanted more, so much more. “What do you want little one?” Phayu asked, sucking at Rain’s ear lobe. Rain keened. “Want Phi Mate. Need him,” Rain said. Phayu walked to the bed, still carrying Rain and deposited him there. He didn’t let go off him, sucking Rain’s neck and eliciting moans from him that were like music to his ears. He lifted the younger man slightly, removing his t-shirt and immediately latching on to his nipple. Rain’s head thrashed from side to side, wanting relief, but Phayu was relentless, sucking one nipple and then moving to the other. Rain tried to find purchase in Phayu’s hair, but somehow, his hands felt too heavy to lift off the bed. Phayu slipped his left hand under Rain’s back, using his right to pull down his sweatpants, inhaling sharply when he realised that Rain had gone commando. Pre-cum was already leaking copiously, and the sight made Phayu’s mouth water, so he did exactly what he wanted to; he bent down and took Rain in his mouth, causing his mate to buck and thrash even more.

Phayu held down Rain’s hips, not letting his Draugs move. Rain had nearly killed him with stress today and it was time to exact punishment. He hollowed out his mouth, taking more of Rain in, the sucking motion making Rain go crazy. He felt the moment Rain wanted to come, so he immediately pulled back, making Rain cry out. When he felt Rain settle, Phayu began again. He would start and stop, start and stop, until Rain was sobbing with overstimulation. Phayu looked up. Rain’s face was sweaty, tear tracks etched on them, his hair dishevelled, chest heaving, breath choking. “So little one, are you going to ever put yourself in danger like that again without telling your Phi Mate?” Phayu asked, his breath whispering on Rain’s cock, that jerked without even touching. “No! No! I won’t! I won’t Phi Mate! Please!” he begged, stuttering with built up emotions. “Good boy. Please what baby?” Phayu asked, his eyes glinting. He wanted Rain to beg, to the point of no return.

“Please Phi Mate! Rain.. Rain.. wants to come!” Rain cried out. “Are you sure?” Phayu asked, breathing down on Rain’s cock. He moaned, nodding frantically. “Words baby,” Phayu said, wanting to hear the words. “Yes! Yes! Su.. sure!” Rain said, even more frantic now. “Then cum for me love,” Phayu said, a scant second before he took him into his and sucked him off again. Rain erupted under him, a low keening wail escaping him, and he jerked into his mate’s mouth. Phayu swallowed him completely, until there was nothing left. He licked his lips as the taste of his mate sealed itself inside him and he felt like he was complete. He looked up at his Draugs. Rain lay as one dead, his heaving chest the only sign that he was still a bit alive. His hands lay to his side, palms up, almost as an offering to Phayu.

Rain’s eyes snapped open as he heard Phayu take off his own clothes. He could feel his body wake up again. Phayu climbed up over him, kissing him, licking and sucking every part of his body that was not already covered by hickeys. This was the part that saddened Phayu. Being vampires, every single mark that he would leave on Rain, except for his mate mark, would disappear, thanks to their healing powers, unless he broke skin. He had done it the first time they had come together as Draugs, marking Rain on his neck, before giving him the mate mark. And suddenly, he wanted to do it again. He wanted everyone to know that Rain belonged to him, to him alone! The need was so great that he sucked Rain’s neck before sinking his fangs in, and Rain erupted under him. Phayu pulled back, both of them staring at each other in shock that something so simple had made Rain come so suddenly. Then Phayu smirked and dipped his hand in Rain’s cum, using that as his lube, thrusting into Rain, all in one motion. Rain’s body bowed, but he met Phayu’s thrust for thrust. Sweat dripped from their bodies, and both of them were almost at the edge of madness when Rain somehow lifted his head off the bed and sank his fangs into Phayu’s mate mark. Phayu shuddered and orgasmed into Rain, his head thrown back, the veins of his hands and neck taut with passion and need. Then he bent down and did the same, as Rain came again, his ass clenching, milking Phayu even more.

Phayu collapsed on him, uncaring of all the bodily fluids that were in them or on them. He was sated, both on a physical level, as well as on a psychological level, where the need to punish his mate for being reckless had been the uppermost thought in his mind. Rain also did not stir, and it was only when Rain snuffled a bit that Phayu realised that Rain was fast asleep, just the way he was. But that would not do, so he reluctantly pulled out of his Draugs, who whined a bit at the loss but slept again. Phayu took a quick shower, before wetting a towel in warm water. He wiped Rain down, dressed him in his boxers and one of Phayu’s t-shirts, and then put him on the couch before freshening up the bed. Then he put Rain back there, holding him close to his body, as he too dropped into sleep with his mate.

“Whoa! What’s that?” Sky asked, as Rain ducked down sleepily into the car early next morning. He had Uni that day, and contrary to usual, he had woken up well before his Draugs, gotten dressed and come down. Team was their driver for the day, and Rain had slipped into the backseat with Sky. “What is what?” Rain asked, still very sleepy and not at all interested in riddles and puzzles at this time of the day. He had hated waking up and leaving his mate, but if he didn’t attend Uni, not only his parents, but Phayu also would be upset, and that is something Rain never wanted. “Your neck Rainy! What did P’Phayu do?” Sky asked, oscillating between horror and humour. All their Draugs were of the same age, but P’Phayu was the one who came off as the most serious and mature, and that he would do something like this was unbelievable. Pharm craned his neck back to look at Rain’s. “Wow! That’s some hickey!” he said, grinning cutely. “It’s not a hickey. It’s a more visible mate mark,” Rain said, so nonchalantly that they all stared at him.

“And you are okay with that?” Team asked, looking at Rain through the rearview mirror. “And why wouldn’t I be?” Rain asked, sounding surprised. “Are you okay with people seeing that? Your parents seeing that?” Pharm asked. “Why not? First of all, my Draugs gave it to me, not some random stranger on the street. Two, I am pretty sure my Pa and my Dad have given each other enough and more of these. Three, as far as people are concerned, I don’t give a fuck. They can mind their business. My body, my neck, my mark. It should not be their problem,” Raim said, shrugging calmly. The other three shook their heads, knowing that Rain had always been incorrigible, and now, he was even worse, with how indulgent Phayu was with him.

Phayu was pouring himself a cup of coffee when he saw his Pa come downstairs, rubbing sleep out of his eyes. He was wearing an over large shirt for him, and Phayu immediately knew it belonged to his Dad. He smiled internally, reminded terribly of his little one. “Lu, can you pour me a cup too?” Pete asked, yawning and sliding into one of the chairs on the counter. “Sure Pa,” Phayu said, quickly pouring a cup for him and sliding it across the island. “Did you and Dad sleep well?” Phayu asked, worry coating his voice. Pete looked up, and then leaned forward, elbow of his right hand on the marble and chin in his hand. “As well as we could. I did talk to him about his harebrained scheme, and he said he will not do something stupid. But I know your father. He is capable of going mad at moments,” he said, shrugging, and taking a sip of the brew. “Wow! This is nice,” he said, cocking his head to an angle and staring at the cup, before taking another sip. “Rain made it,” Phayu said, laughing out loud when Pete choked on his coffee. “What?” he asked, shocked. Phayu nodded, still grinning, when Vegas walked in. He dropped a kiss on Pete’s head and leaned across the counter to ruffle his son’s hair, before sitting on the second chair.

“Where is your Draugs?” he asked, holding his hand out for coffee as well. Phayu handed him a cup. “Gone off to Uni,” he replied. “Hmm. Good coffee lu,” Vegas said, taking a sip. “Rain made it,” Pete said, watching with a snicker when Vegas choked on it. Phayu laughed again. This was hilarious. “Why is everyone so petrified of Rain’s coffee?” he asked. “Did you ask him what he put in it?” Vegas asked, looking askance at the drink. Phayu shook his head, quirking a brow and looking so much like Vegas that tears filled Pete’s eyes. “What happened baby?” Vegas asked, immediately solicitous. Even Phayu leaned forward, worried. “Nothing. I can’t stop thinking how alike you both look,” Pete said, shaking his head. Vegas and Phayu sighed in relief. “Coming back to the coffee. When Rain made coffee the first time, it tasted terrible. And well, Kinn made fun of him. So the next time, he added something really gross to Kinn’s coffee. And it was Vegas who drank it first. From then on, we are a little wary when it comes to Rain making coffee,” Pete said with a smile at his son. “Well, he made this for me, so not likely to be bad. Plus I taught him the right technique of making drip coffee. He is a smart boy,” Phayu said, a fond smile playing on his lips. Vegas and Pete simply shook their heads and smiled at how besotted their son looked.

But almost instantly, their smiles fell of their faces as Phayu stiffened, his eyes unfocusing and body shaking with fury. “What? What is it?” Vegas asked, coming to his feet at once. “Rogues! At the Uni!” Phayu shouted, as he rushed out of the door, Vegas and Pete following a close second. As soon as they stepped out, they saw the others come at a dead run. “You four go ahead, we will follow,” Porche shouted as the four younger vampires jumped into Phayu’s car, Pai driving. They peeled out and the older vampires looked at each other, before going back into their houses and collecting all the weapons that Rain had created for them. They put them in all the cars before taking off to protect their family.

Pai did not even get the time to park before Phayu, Win and Dean had jumped out of the car and run with just one thought in mind; protecting their Draugs and fighting to the best of their abilities. Pai was not far behind but they stopped short at the sight in front of them. Their Draugs were surrounded by a literal army of rogues, at least 30 to 40 of them. More lay on the ground, already decimated. In middle of that chaos, Rain, Sky, Pharm and Team stood calmly, whipping out lightning bolts as fast as they could. Although they had always kept their powers hidden, it was obvious that they hadn’t gotten a choice at this point. The four older men were jolted out of their shock when their fathers, as well as the fathers of their Draugs joined them, throwing weapons into their hands. All of them waded into the mess, and the four younger vampires immediately stepped back, now using their energy to create a bigger cloak around them so that nothing could be seen outside. “Phi, make sure that they are not able to let anyone know about the powers we have,” Sky’s voice came smoothly over their channel of communication, and everyone nodded, getting back to the task at hand.

Soon, nothing but ashes were left, and immediately everyone jumped toward the younger vampires. “Are you all alright?” Phayu asked, turning Rain this way and that. “We are fine. They just took us by surprise. But thankfully, we were able to get across to you before we dropped the cloak,” Pharm spoke up. “How could we see you if you were cloaked?” Pai asked, puzzled, asking the question on top of everyone’s minds. “When we cloak, we have you in our mind, so you are able to see through it,” Rain said. The older vampires stared at them, jaws open in shock. These boys always managed to surprise them at all times. “So now what?” Charn asked. “It’s time to take the battle to the home ground. And I think all of us will agree that it would be safer to keep our fledgelings at home till this is all over,” Sean said. Everyone nodded, their jaws tightening. It was time for war!

Chapter Text

“Who are we reaching out to first?” Tan asked, as he sat with his laptop, going through his contacts, as Charn and Porche did the same. Min walked in, brandishing his phone. “Kwan has started alerting the Lycans he trusts most to the possibility of an impending war. We are looking at a decent number from that end,” he said. “The Salvatore Clan will be of great help. Nefertiti and her husband went berserk on Italian soil when we stopped her and dragged her back. I am sure they bear malice,” Kinn said. “The North Alaskan Clan,” Phayu said. “Why them?” Pete asked. “Drago hates Decha’s guts. The vampire and his family they killed? The woman was Drago’s cousin, from his mother’s side,” Phayu said. “And he didn’t declare war right away?” Vegas asked, surprised. Drago was known to be a bloodthirsty bastard, and any slight to his family would not go unnoticed or unretaliated.

“His mate was close to giving birth. Over and above that Aya and Tiew were gone, who had been the direct reason for that. Decha was a stand-in, but there was no proof that he had any hand in it. So Drago stayed quiet, stewing in his own anger. He will be only too thrilled to come,” Dean said. “Do you know him well?” Tinn asked, looking at his son. “We have met him once. When we had gone to Alaska. But we didn’t talk much. Just gave our condolences,” Win said. “So, will he join?” Bun asked. “He will. He had told us at that time that if he ever gets a chance, Decha will be his. Drago will not let it go. He is a dog with a bone when riled,” Pai said. “Then let’s contact them,” Tan said, noting the name.

“Who else?” Kinn asked. “I think the Hawaiian Ohana will also be interested in joining us, as well as the Irish Clan. They all have an axe to grind with this Council,” Phayu said. “I know Ronan and Finn. I can talk to them,” Pai said. “Let me see if I can get Makoa on board. I am sure he will. Aroon killed his father, Ake,” Win said. “These are big clans. Even if they give us around 20 soldiers, we can do with it,” Vegas said thoughtfully. “If these clans join, their allies will too. We have more than we need. And I know for sure that Drago never travels without his mate, who is probably a better warrior than him,” Dean said. “Who is he?” Tan asked, looking up. “Not ‘he’, ‘she’. Her name is Amara. She was a werewolf before she transformed, but the thing is, like Uncle Tae and Uncle Min, they both became more. She was already a warrior for her pack, and then mated with an older vampire like Drago, their powers doubled,” Phayu said.

“And Ronan and Finn as well. They both have individual powers, but like our Draugs, they are stronger together. Finn’s mate Sloane was actually Garda, Irish police and a human, but she is a master of weapons. Ronan’s mate Liam was born to a vampire and a witch, so you can imagine his powers,” Pai said. “In fact, Liam would be a great help to our fledglings in forging any kind of weaponry that is needed,” Phayu said, looking over at the younger boys, who sat together, discussing something very seriously. “Why can’t we hear what they are saying?” Dean asked. “I am assuming because they are cloaked to us?” Win said. “Their powers are growing immensely. It’s going to get harder and harder to control them,” Tharn said, sounding worried. “We will find a way Uncle Tharn,” Pai said, smiling. Tharn was about to respond when Porche spoke up. “Drago responded. They will be here in 2 days,” he said.

“Where will we put them up? So many vampires coming in. It’s going to make the Council suspect something is up,” Sean said. “May I suggest something?” Rain asked, as he walked up with his gang, smoothly sliding into Phayu’s lap. “Go ahead lu,” Type said, now resigned to the fact that listening to Rain would probably be the wiser thing to do. “Announce our engagement,” Rain said. “What?” White asked, sounding as shocked as the others looked. “It’s simple. Your sons found their mates, who are sons of your closest friends and allies. Wouldn’t you want a celebration? Wouldn’t you want people to witness such an important moment in all your lives?” Pharm asked, looking around the room, from where he sat as close to Dean as he could. Everyone looked at each other. “The Council can’t stop your guests from coming, but we can ensure their thoughts are controlled, so the Council hears only what we want it to,” Sky said. Vegas leaned back, considering Sky’s words. “I have a feeling the fledgelings are right,” he said. “Of course we are,” Team said, smirking.

“And where will they stay?” Kinn asked. “There are 8 houses on this estate. I am pretty sure we can try and fit into two. And the others can use the remaining 6,” Rain said calmly. “That sounds doable. What about the Lycans?” Min asked. “They cannot be exposed. No way should the Council know that you are friendly with the Lycans,” Sky said. “Or that you are Lycans,” Team said. “They can stay in our house. Their safety will be ensured there,” Win said, looking at his brothers, who nodded immediately. “Also, we will need to strengthen the safeguards around our Draugs’ house, as well as this compound. We may need to feed today Phi Mate,” Rain said, looking up at Phayu. “Absolutely. Whatever you all need,” Phayu said immediately. “Okay, then we should be set,” Sky said. “You boys go ahead and feed your mates. In the meanwhile, we will try and reach out to other clans,” Charn said. “One thing. There is a coven of witches that hides deep in Chiang Mai, a coven that was nearly decimated by the Council around 100 years ago. We didn’t have a part in it, because we were in China at that time, but Tiew and Sairon, the third lady in the Council, they gave those orders,” Phayu said. “Sairon’s daughter’s mate was a witch, and Sairon was furious that not only was her daughter mated to a witch, but also a woman. She was disgusted, and she rallied Tiew to give the order,” Win said. “Her daughter and the mate, both died, along with several others, and the coven was never the same. One of their members was in the Architecture faculty with Phayu and tried to kill him, but when the truth came out, and when she found that we had also left the Council because of not liking them, she forgave us,” Pai said. “We met them all after that. The High Priestess of their Coven, Khatha, promised us all the help we needed whenever we decided to put our plan in action,” Dean said. “I will see if I can find them,” Tan said. “Not needed,” Phayu said, throwing his phone towards his Dad, who deftly snatched it out of the air. “Her number is in there. Her name is Kaeo,” he added. Vegas nodded, and the four younger men and their Draugs disappeared.

“Makoa has agreed to meet us. He spoke to Pai a while ago,” Win said, walking in, followed by Team, Dean and Pharm. All four boys looked a little blissed out, which made it obvious that it had not been just a normal exchange of blood. Soon after, Pai and Sky also walked in. “Where are Phayu and Rain?” Tharn asked. Pai smirked. “Oops! Communication on that front is out!” he said, laughter dancing in his voice. “Ew! I did not need that image in my head!” Type said, glaring at the younger man, as everyone burst out into laughter. Just then, Rain skipped into the room ahead of Phayu, the mark on his neck even more pronounced, simply reeking of happiness. Phayu followed, more stoic, but he, unlike Rain, blushed at the scrutiny he received upon entering. Rain was either completely clueless, or he couldn’t give a damn, and if his smirk was anything to go by, it was most likely the latter. He absolutely knew the exact discussion that had taken place before he had walked in with his mate, making him giggle inside.

“Kaeo said that she will talk to Khatha and get back to us. But she seemed confident that the High Priestess will not refuse,” Vegas said, trying to change the course of the conversation. “Everyone that we have invited will have allies of their own. And those allies might also chip in,” Tan said, looking around the room. “We need as many warriors as possible. We have no idea how many rogues and clueless warriors they have. We need to be as prepared as possible,” Porche said. “Agreed. However, if there are good people on that team, they are going to get stuck in the crossfire. Is it possible to get them out?” Pete asked, looking a bit troubled. “We can get them out, provided they are willing to listen to us. If they choose to stay with the Council, then they are fair game,” Phayu said. Kinn nodded. “I agree with Yu. They should choose their sides wisely,” he said. “So, how do we get word to them?” Pai asked, looking around. “If you have even one person you can trust, get word to them. They will figure out who can be on our side and who can’t,” Sky said.

“I vote for Max,” Vegas and Phayu said at the same time and then looked at each other as Pete grinned, and Porche started laughing. “You both are so insanely alike that I find it hard to believe that you were never in vicinity of each other for nearly 500 years,” Sean said, shaking his head and laughing. The others nodded. “It’s uncanny, the resemblance,” Tan chipped in. “Nature versus nurture?” Tinn asked, looking around. “Nature. Absolutely nature!” Tharn said, grinning lopsidedly, as everyone again joined in. Only Rain stood silent, staring at Phayu with a small frown on his face. Phayu sensed that and looked at him questioningly. “What is it little one? What is bothering you?” he asked, curious to know what was happening to his Draugs. “Phi Mate, you are so old!” Rain said, his zero filter back on as the whole room dissolved into intense laughter and Phayu was left staring at his mate, his face and ears beyond red.

The whole room went silent when Phayu’s phone rang a couple of minutes later. Vegas threw it to him. “It’s Kaeo,” he said. Phayu immediately picked it up and put it on speaker. “Kaeo?” he asked. “Phi, I have my High Priestess on line. She wishes to talk to you,” Kaeo responded. “I am okay with that,” Phayu said, wondering what she would want. It had been a promise given, so there was no way they would force her. “Khun Phayu, I am Khatha, as you know,” she began. “I am aware Khun. Kaeo had given us your message a long time ago,” Phayu said. “Khun Phayu, as you must know, we lost a lot that night, thanks to the Council. We were weak, but are slowly gaining strength. Our coven was nearly decimated, but we are finally finding our place back in this world. However, a mating with a powerful being would be what we would need at this particular moment. Kaeo said you don’t have a mate yet..,” she trailed off at the growl that emanated from the phone. She knew it was not the man she was speaking to, but someone else; someone equally, if not more powerful. She could see the portents around her shift.

“Who.. who was that?” she asked, her voice trembling. “My Draugs. Kaeo knew me more than 50 years ago Khun Khatha. Her information about me is old. I have a mate now, one who is the most precious being to me in this world. His very presence is the light to my dark, so no such mating will take place. Not with me, nor my brothers. If that means that you wish to withdraw your help and support, I am.. we are totally okay with that. I won’t hold you to it,” Phayu said calmly, his hand not leaving his mate’s, his eyes boring into Rain’s, as if almost holding him in thrall to stop him from erupting. “I understand Khun. It was but a desire, and not a condition. We will do our best to help you in whatever way we can. Just tell us where we need to be. And our deepest and sincerest apologies to your Draugs. We know how important and rare they are. If I overstepped in any way, I am ready to take my punishment as he or she see fit,” Khatha sounded quiet, contrite.

“There is nothing to forgive Khun Khatha. You didn’t know. I don’t begrudge you. I hope we can all work together as one to end the people who took away your loved ones,” Rain's sweet, mesmerising voice spoke up, and peace stole over Khatha. “I am glad to be of service,” she said quietly, her voice filled with reverence. They said their goodbyes and Rain turned away from the phone and looked around when he realised how silent it was. “What?” he asked, surprised. “Did you know you could do that?” Type asked, awed. “Do what?” Rain asked, confusion in his voice, the same etched on his face. “Soothe someone’s emotions?” Phayu asked, bluntly. “I did that?” Rain asked, looking at everyone and then at Sky, realising that everyone was nodding. “I didn’t know I was doing that. I didn’t know I could do that,” Rain said, sounding small. Phayu could not bear it, and he pulled Rain into a hug, looking over his head at everyone, one thought clear in all their minds. This was not a power that Rain needed right now, which meant, they had do their best to get him shut that extremely empathetic part of him completely off!

Chapter Text

The invitations began to go out from both sides of the family, and when such powerful people expected you to be attendance, the RSVP was not a choice, it was mandatory. Their allies had already begun to arrive, and the Lycans were hidden safely in Phayu and his brothers’ house. Their presence was likely to be the one that would send the Council into a tizzy, but it had to be done. Tae and Min had gone with Phayu and Win to talk to them, and glean as much information as they could. The Lycans had been particularly enamoured by Win’s state of the art technology, and one of them, a man by the name Fenrir, had been more than happy to sit with him and discuss and provide him with names, strengths and weaknesses. At the end of their exchange, Win had an entire dossier on the Lycan traitors.

Rain, Sky, Pharm and Team spent hours in the library with Liam, Kaeo and Khatha, finding out ways to shore up defences for their families as well as all their allies. It was a hard laborious process, and Phayu, Pai, Dean and Win realised that they did not quite care about how often their Draugs’ minds were locked to them. But a promise was a promise. As long as their mates remained safe behind a locked door, a locked mind was the least of their worries. They and their allies made use of the intense cloaking that had been provided to them to train and draw up any and all plans from A to Z. They wanted everything to be foolproof before they jumped into anything when it came to the Council. Days become blurred, but nights were worse. They arranged patrols, but most of them sat together and exchanged the different ways in which the Council had hurt them.

The Hawaiian Ohana was the last to reach and as soon as Makoa walked through the door, he stopped short, sniffing the air around him. “Mak? All well?” Pai stepped forward. Makoa and he had studied Business Administration together at Kasetsart. They had parted great friends, and he had become close to the other three members of the Quartet as well. “Mate!” he growled, still sniffing. Everyone stepped aside, knowing that until he found his mate, he would be tense. Just then Rain stepped out of the library, followed by Kaeo, their heads together, discussing something quietly and animatedly. “MATE!” Makoa said, as he strode forward. Rain was immediately pulled aside by Phayu as the other vampire pulled Kaeo into his embrace. Her eyes widened and she immediately bared her neck, allowing the vampire to bury his face into it. The whole air calmed as Makoa’s whole demeanour shifted, his staggering energy calming at once. The whole room watched, as did Khatha, Sky, Team and Pharm, who had stepped out at Makoa’s growl. Everyone smiled.

“I am Makoa,” the man bowed in front of his mate. “Kaeo,” she smiled. “I am a witch though, not a vampire.” “Doesn’t matter K! I was a witch too. And I still am. You will not lose your powers, only gain more,” Liam said, smiling and clapping his hands in joy. Phayu shook his head. Liam was just like his little one, just a much older version. He really hoped that his little one would continue to be this way, smart, mature yet happy at the smallest things, never losing his joy in life. He hugged Rain closer to him, seeing how comfortably Rain moulded himself into his body. Rain never failed to understand his needs, and that always surprised him. He had always put others before him, and having someone who put him first? It made him lose his mind. “Why does that surprise you Phi Mate? I am yours first. You are mine first. You will aways be my number one. Anything I do, every breath I take, it’s all yours. You claimed me Phi Mate, and I will always put you before anyone else,” Rain’s voice slithered into his head, and he looked down at Rain in joy and devotion. Everyone in the room looked at them. Although they couldn’t hear what was said, they could feel the waves of love that surrounded both of them, and that was enough for everyone to pull their mates closer in happiness!

With the coming of Makoa and his allies, training heated up. Liam, Khatha and Kaeo, along with Rain, Sky, Pharm and Team had commandeered an area at the back of the house, behind the library, as well as the library itself, and little booms and bumps would be heard every now and then, followed by sparks and even a light show at a point. The elders would just ignore it, becoming more and more used to the whole thing. The first time it had happened, a blast had shaken the whole compound and everyone had been shocked, jumping out of their skins in fear. Rain had poked his head out and waved his hands. “Sorry, sorry, it got away from us. You guys continue,” he had said. “What got away little one?” Phayu had asked, assuaging everyone’s curiosity. “A spell. Don’t worry,” Rain had said, and had disappeared again. Everyone had just shaken their heads and continued doing what they had been.

At the same time, the vampires and Lycans worked hard trying to train together in Phayu’s compound. Initially, they did feel uncomfortable, because the two species had not connected for a long while, but eventually, thanks to Tae and Min, things eased out. It also helped that Khatha ended up being Kwan’s mate. They planned every single thing they could, the most minute of movements were planned down to the dot. Strategies were thrown out as much as possible, and maps of the potential battlefields were drawn up. It was after one such exhausting meeting that everyone was seated together when Drago spoke up. “How did you all decide to go against the Council?” he asked. Kinn told them the story of what had happened, and how finally they had met their sons thanks to the fledgelings. Eventually, everyone else also spoke about their experiences with the Council and it turned out that each member had a lot of anger towards the Council.

“You all know that a personal vendetta can cause your downfall, right?” Rain asked, from the doorway of the library, flanked by the others. “Rain!” Tharn hissed. These were all very old and powerful vampires as well as Lycans and they could take offence to what Rain, as a fledgeling, would say. “The little one is not wrong,” Amara said. Rain raised a brow. “Apologies Khun Amara, only Phi Mate can call me little one. I am Rain to everyone else,” he said. Phayu covered Rain’s mouth with his hand, his shoulders shaking in his need to control his laughter. The others all looked first at Rain, then at Phayu, then at each other and then burst out laughing. “Your son is very special,” Makoa said, looking at Tharn and Type when the room subsided. “Well, my apologies to Young Master Rain. However, I think he is right,” Amara said, a small smile on her face. “And why do you think that Rain?” Ronan asked. .

“Anger and bitterness give you tunnel vision. They take away your ability to think rationally and do the right thing at right time. And they don’t let you trust your own instincts when you need to,” Rain said. Everyone looked shocked at the young boy, who, despite his age, spoke such wise words. Phayu looked immensely proud, his heart filled to full with love and happiness that this wonderful person was his. “Well said Nong, well said,” Khatha said, smiling. “We have the most solid wards in place, thanks to all the people who helped with the magic. We have chosen our battleground. Now all you need to do is lure them into our trap, and we will be with you 100%,” Kaeo said. “The safety and security of the Lycans will be of paramount importance, since they will be your secret weapon,” Sky said. Pharm nodded. “Vampires and Lycans, both have superhuman strengths, but what the Lycan lacks in speed and stealth, they make up in brutality. Plus, most of them are trained in fighting with weapons, which puts them at a slight advantage,” he said. “How come? Don’t we also use weapons?” Drago said. “We do. But we are fairly new at it. At the start of it all, we relied on our speed and our fangs to decimate the enemy. Whereas Lycans have been using weapons since times immemorial. They are definitely more adept at it,” Team said. Everyone considered the words of the fledgelings, and then nodded decisively. “So now what next?” Kinn asked. “Now, we send out the invitations to the Council, and wait,” Rain said, a smirk on his face.

Aroon slammed his hand on the table, making the rest of the Council members jump up. “Are we going to sit around like this and do nothing?!” he shouted. “What do you want us to do Aroon?” Nefertiti asked, her displeasure at Aroon’s behaviour apparent. “They are openly announcing the mating ceremonies for their sons, the fledgelings, with the sons of the most dangerous vampires to have walked the earth, and knowing that those vampires are themselves extremely powerful themselves, what do you think will be the outcome?” Aroon asked, his eyes flashing. “Aroon, you are looking at minutiae, and not the bigger picture. They have invited several of their allies, which means that many of our enemies will be there in attendance. This gives us the perfect opportunity to end all of them once and for all. And once we kill the fledgelings, their Draugs will be ours to command,” Decha said. “And isn’t that what we need?” Sairon said. “Correct. We need the life changing supply of blood from the Theerpanayakul family. Once we have those two, we can burn the rest of them without a single worry,” Pakin said. “And are you sure of that?” Nefertiti asked. “Khun Korn and Khun Gun asked only for them,” Chai said. “Then, let’s make sure we get there right on time. Chai, you are responsible for ensuring that our esteemed leaders get there as well. This is the best chance we will get. Plus, the most important thing is, we have other people we can take care of. Permanently. It will be a wonderful feather in our caps,” Aroon said. Chai nodded. “It will be done!” he said.

The day of the mating ceremony dawned bright and clear. “You all know that vampires have an excellent sense of smell. You must stay hidden, downwind. Our Draugs, Liam, Khatha and Kaeo will make sure that you are cloaked. We will need the element of surprise if we want to overpower the Council. So I would suggest that you keep as quiet as possible,” Pai said, and everyone nodded. Phayu, Drago, Vegas and Kinn stood a little apart, discussing something and sweeping the area with their eyes, constantly tracking any motion that they could see. “Dad, Uncle Kinn, I hope you know that you have to stay safe. Please don’t go jumping from the fire into the frying pan both of you, okay?” Phayu said, raising his brow. Drago looked between the three of them. “Your son gives a wise advice. We need to be together to protect each other better,” he said. “We will not take any decision that puts us in harm’s way. I promise,” Vegas said, cupping his son’s face.

Rain turned away from the window, his eyes filled with tears at the sign of affection between two such serious and stoic men. Sky rushed to him. “What happened Rainy?” he asked, worried. Rain pointed to the grounds. Sky peered through and then smiled. “It is lovely to see,” he said. Rain nodded. “It just made me emotional,” he said. “Anyway, let’s get to work,” he added, as the seven people in the room stepped in closer. “Kwan?” Khatha said softly. “I am here my love,” Kwan said, as he cut his finger and a drop of his blood fell into the centre of the circle that had been created. Immediately, the room pulsed with so much energy that even those outside could feel it. The power clung to the air, before it surrounded Kwan, creating a shield. As soon as Kwan was shielded, the energy signature of all the Lycans disappeared completely, almost as if they were not there at all.

The seven stepped back. “The three of you should go down, if we need to keep up the semblance of truth,” Pharm said. They nodded, and left immediately. The four fledgelings looked at each other, taking in a deep breath. “This is it guys. Are we ready to do this?” Team asked. “This is the only chance we have. We have to whatever we can,” Sky said. “But are we ready for this?” Pharm asked. Rain looked at his brothers, grim determination in his eyes. “You know we have to be the ones to do it. No one else,” he said. The other three nodded, mirroring Rain’s determination in equal parts. “Shall we start? Are we ready?” he asked again. The other three stepped forward, hands outstretched towards Rain. “We are ready Rain, ready to save our families, and most importantly, yours and Sky’s Draugs,” Team said resolutely!

Chapter Text

Rain lay over Phayu, his breath finally getting back to normal, and his heart finally getting to beat slower. His mate had very nearly destroyed his sanity as they had come together with a passion and a fear that underlay all their actions. Tomorrow was going to be one of the hardest days in their existence and Rain knew that the path they had chosen was definitely not the easiest. But there were things he had not told Phayu, things that he and his friends had found out, things that would potentially put Phayu and Pai in the very eye of the storm. When they had found that, Rain and Sky had nearly broken down, but Team and Pharm kept them going. They were absolute rocks and the four of them had put their head together and come up with a plan that could help everyone, not just their Draugs.

“What are you thinking little one?” Phayu asked, surprised at how quiet his mate was being. Rain was always the one with the most to say, and for him to be this silent was something that was unheard of. “I am just thinking how hard tomorrow is going to be. There are so many people who came all the way here because they trust us Phi Mate, especially the Lycans. All of them came here with their mates. Can you imagine what would happen even if one of them got hurt? Especially knowing that you are keeping your own Draugs hidden behind closed doors?” Rain asked. Phayu wanted to laugh, but the serious look on Rain’s face gave him pause. He knew that Rain was genuinely worried and it was his job to ensure that his mate would not feel anything but calm and collected at this point.

“Rain,” he said and Rain looked at him carefully, the seriousness of his mate’s tone and the use of his given name making it clear that Phayu was going to say something important. “Rain, my love, hiding you behind closed doors is not at all what we are doing. We are protecting you, not hiding you. Everyone who came here to fight knows that you are fledgelings, that you are more than precious, you are our jewels, the ones who are our aces in the hole. So no, you are not being hidden, I promise. And we will protect every mated couple possible, that is also a promise. As far as the Lycans are concerned, while they did join us out of their own free wills, we will help them too,” Phayu said, looking down at Rain. “Okay Phi Mate. I am going to hold you to it. And there is something that you all need to do for us,” Rain said. Phayu nodded immediately. He trusted his mate too much to be able to refuse him.

“We have found a way to ensure that the Lycans stay hidden until their presence is required in the battle,” Sky said, as everyone met together in the morning. “What?” Khatha said, sounding shocked. Team nodded. “We will need your help, as well Khun Khatha and Khun Liam,” he said. “And a drop of blood from the leader of the Lycans. Well, whoever they choose as a leader,” Pharm said. “Kwan!” almost all the Lycans said together before Kwan could even utter a word. “Well, then Khun Kwan in that case,” Pharm said. “Let me know what to do. I will help in any way I can, as long as that keeps my people safe,” Kwan spoke up.

The four friends stood in a circle, watching and waiting for the one signal that they would need from their Draugs. Rain had ensured that the channels of communication between them and their mates and the one with each other were locked against the other. There was no way they wanted their mates to know what they were up to. “What do you think is happening outside?” Pharm asked, casting worried looks at the window. They had been asked to stay away, not to become visible until things were under control, and while they hated every minute of it, they were glad in a way, because that meant they would have enough time to set their plan in action. “Rain, is there any way we can create a window, where they can’t look up and see what exactly where you are or what you are doing?” Pharm asked. Rain thought for a while. “I have read it somewhere too that it can be done. You want it?” he asked. The others nodded, before Pharm spoke up. “It will not sap away your energy in any way right?” he asked. Sky and Team looked at him in worry. They had not considered that at all. Rain shook his head and smiled as he looked at his friends, his brothers. “No, it will all be fine, I promise you,” he said, subconsciously echoing Phayu’s promise from the night before.

Rain picked a book from the bundle they had kept aside, deciding they would need. “This one,” he pointed out something on a page to his friends. “Hmm. This seems doable,” Sky murmured, as he read through the spell. “And interesting. It will also allow us to listen to all the conversations taking place, at least those that are loud,” Pharm said. “Wait a second,” Team said suddenly, as he jumped towards another book. “We can also hear their mind,” he said, looking at the others in excitement. “How?” Rain asked. “Look!” Team said, pointing to another type of spell. “Okay. We can do this. Together,” Pharm said. “Together!” Team, Rain and Sky said, at the same time, like a vow. In short order, the four of them could not only see what was happening outside, but also hear the minds of those who were present. Since Rain already had that power, he had basically created a way for the others to listen in with him. Nobody outside would be none the wiser that there were four fledgelings who were completely aware of what was happening. Suddenly all of them stiffened, the very air changing, as something dark floated into the air. It was time!

Aroon, followed by Decha and the other members of the Council, entered and walked towards the front of the room, almost as if they owned the place. They stopped short when they saw that the first two rows had already been occupied by someone else. By many someone elses. Their arrogant faces fell. “What is the meaning of this disrespect?” Decha shouted. “Disrespect Decha?” the silky smooth voice of Vegas Theerpanayakul cut through the air, making said man cower in fear behind Aroon, who was not faring any better. In fact, all the Council members looked like they would be anywhere but there when Phayu stepped up next to his father. The resemblance between the two men was uncanny, to say the least, and the Council members were terrified. Phayu had already done away with two of their team, and now he stood, shoulder to shoulder, with the man who looked and was known to be ever crueller than his son.

“Are you not going to respond to the question my father asked Decha?” Phayu asked, smiling, reminding him of the smile Pete would have on his face before he mercilessly decimated an enemy. Thankfully, Pete was not around, otherwise.. The thought trailed off when Pete stepped up on the other side of his husband. “I.. I.. meant.. no.. no.. d.. d.. dis.. respect,” Decha stuttered out, almost as if he had conjured Pete up from his thoughts. “Are you deliberately forgetting the honorifics when you talk to my husband Decha? Just because you are in the Council, doesn’t absolve you from respecting your seniors,” Pete said, a soft smile gracing his face. Decha and the others waiied immediately, knowing that the more softly Pete Theerpanayakul smiled, the deadlier his strike would be. If Vegas was the openly spoken about monster, the visible bogeyman, Pete was the hunter in the shadows, the man whose name was spoken with fear and reverence. And Phayu? Phayu was the perfect combination of the two, plus he was trained by the Council, making him a dangerous adversary. If he hadn’t been needed alive, he would have been dead long ago. “Sit where your names are placed,” Tharn said, walking up, then turning and saying something to Vegas. He nodded and straightened. “Enjoy,” he said, smirking, leaving with his husband and son as the Council members heaved a sigh of relief. They quickly took their places. Decha pulled out his phone to send a message and then looked at the others, who nodded. It was time for the show to begin.

The guests were milling about when Rain’s voice clearly came through to everyone. “We have some rather uninvited guests,” he said, the smirk in his voice clear. Phayu turned, as if wanting ask Pai something. “From our left,” he managed to say, before they were right in the middle of a battle zone. Phayu was the first to meet them, his speed unmatched. His blade sliced through the air as he cut down a rogue Lycan, his fangs sinking into the throat of another rogue vampire before they even realized he was there. Pai, the swift and deadly warrior, was right behind him, his movements a blur as he took down a rogue vampire with a single strike. Vegas, calm and precise, used his agility to avoid a Lycan’s claws and drive his sword, one that had lightning run through it, through its heart. Kinn protected his brother’s flank as he rolled under Vegas and sliced off the leg of an incoming vampire and Porche took off its head. Pete was not far from his husband either, their movements as precise as they could be, bold and like a beautiful, yet deadly, dance.

Rain was in Phayu’s head constantly, giving him, and through him, all their team members running commentary on where the enemy would come in from. He and his friends had taken the decision to keep an eye on their respective directions so that they would know exactly what to do. That way, they would not be distracted by looking somewhere they were not meant to. “You think you will win this?” Rain heard Aroon ask and Phayu laughed. “Even if I don’t, I won’t let you win for sure!” he said. Aroon screamed and jumped towards Phayu, but Phayu was much faster. He swung low, moving away from Aroon’s swinging sword. The man clearly had no practice with holding weapons, because he stumbled, and Phayu used that movement to jump up and use his entire strength as he brought down his elbow on Aroon’s spine. The crack was loud and deafening as Aroon collapsed, and Phayu lost no time in beheading him with the special sword that had been created for ending rogues.

Vegas and Pete fought off another group of rogues, who seemed to come faster and faster, almost as fast as the older couple killed them. “KINN!” Porche’s distressed shout made Vegas falter a bit, but Pete stepped in, taking the arm off the Lycan that was moving towards Vegas. Both of them cut a bloody swathe as they moved towards where Kinn was surrounded, just as Porche and Pai were also trying to get to him. Win and Dean protected their backs and Tae and Min fought in their half Lycan forms, their backs to each other. Kinn turned his back to stop an attack on him as a rogue ran in, sword held high. That’s when Porche had screamed, and everyone had tried to get to Kinn. But they were all too far and could only watch in horror as the rogue leapt up. However, all of a sudden, the vampire stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening in shock, falling back on the ground, a dagger lodged between his eyes. “Looks like you all are still useless without us,” Kim said, as he dusted his hands and walked calmly onto the battlefield, followed by Chay, Macau and Arm, all of them holding dripping swords and sporting identical maniacal grins! “Speak for yourself Ai’Kim!” Porche said, as they quickly moved into the foray again.

Nefertiti faced off Amara as Makoa faced off Decha. Khatha and Kaeo had surrounded Sairon, who was fighting to keep her head intact, but the two witches were having none of it. She was the reason their Coven had been almost completely decimated, and they would not give an inch of room to her to escape their clutches. Drago, the Irish Clan and Sean, Tinn, Charn, Tan, Bun, Tharn, and Leo gave their assistance where it was needed the most. Type White and Fiat fought from near the entrance of the property where their sons were being protected, the mother in them a fierce protector. They knew that Min could not be there, so the responsibility of caring for Team was also theirs. As the battle continued, the rogue, both vampire and Lycan, began to falter with the loss of the Council that was keeping them together. Pakin and Chai tried to rally them together, but after Kim and Macau ended them, the fight went out of the ones who were left. Soon, the battlefield was littered with bodies and the winning side had just begun to congratulate themselves for a job well done, when the very air around them changed!

A kind of darkness fell over the grounds. The air was thick and filled with the scent of black blood and dark magic. The darkness parted to reveal Korn and Kan, the true brothers who had been relentless in the pursuit of ending humanity for their own pleasure. They were ancient rogues whose powers had been twisted by centuries of madness that had seeped into their very essence. The air around them pulsed with malevolent energy, and the earth darkened where their feet fell. They smirked, seeing everyone together. “What a pleasant surprise to see all our children right here!” Korn smirked. “Won’t you greet your father?” Kan asked, a similar look on his face. The Theerpanayakuls only looked on at the older vampires in disgust. “How sad! We had expected a warmer welcome,” Korn said. “Warmth would have been there had you stayed dead!” Kim spat out. “Now, now dear nephew. Is that how you talk to your elders? Didn’t you learn anything from last time?” Kan asked, his grin deadly. “It’s okay brother! Let’s teach these brats a lesson they won’t forget. We don’t need them anyway. Our prize is different,” Korn said, as both brothers raised their hands up in the air! Their eyes widened in shock as the energy they threw out thudded back dully and boomeranged. They leapt aside to avoid the surge. “IT’S A SHIELD!” Kan shrieked, his high pitched voice sending everyone to their knees. From nowhere though, power spun through the air as those hidden behind the shield watched with grim horror!

Chapter Text

As Korn and Gun advanced, their steps heavy and full of malice, Rain raised his arms high. The storm outside darkened, an ominous sign of the power he was calling forth. With a single motion, he unleashed a bolt of lightning that cracked the sky, sending a searing surge of energy directly at Korn. He roared, his body crackling as the lightning surged through him. His eyes flickered with rage, but the bolt had barely weakened him. His skin sizzled, but he was an ancient being, born of darkness itself. “You think your little tricks can stop me?” he snarled at those standing in front of him, not knowing the attack was coming from somewhere else totally, shaking off the surge of energy like a mere nuisance. But Rain was already summoning more energy, his focus unshaken. He called upon the fury of the heavens, and the clouds above him roared to life. More lightning strikes followed in rapid succession, each one tearing into Korn’s body, illuminating his figure with blinding flashes of light.

Beside him, Sky summoned the wind, his hands raised to the sky. The air around him spiralled into a powerful vortex, lifting the earth itself in swirling gusts. With a forceful gesture, he directed the wind towards Gun, slamming into his massive form with the force of a hurricane. The gusts whipped around him, pushing him back several feet, but Gun was a rogue vampire, and his strength was beyond measure. He snarled, baring his fangs, his body writhing with fury as his black goo of blood splashed across the battlefield. “You dare challenge me with your wind?” he spat, his voice dripping with disdain. His claws swiped the air, slashing at the wind like a beast attempting to tear through an invisible wall. The wind responded, however, growing sharper and more violent. Sky increased its speed, turning it into a violent cyclone that whipped around Kan, slicing through his flesh with sharp, icy gusts. With every movement, the goo that covered his body froze and cracked, revealing the ancient vampire underneath. Still, he fought back, throwing himself into the vortex with sheer rage.

But Team and Pharm were not far behind. Team had already moved in to flank his friends. His hands were a blur of motion as he added his energy into the fray, landing a powerful fireball to Gun’s side. His attacks were fast and unrelenting, each jab with fire laden weapons landing with such precision that the monster could hardly keep up. The ancient vampire staggered with each strike, his muscles protesting as the magic of Team’s attacks chipped away at his corrupted form. Team’s attacks were so relentless that they left Gun struggling to catch his breath. But he fought back, his rage filling the air with a palpable sense of dark energy. He swung his own hands wildly, hoping to catch Team off guard, but the fledgeling was not actually there for him to grab, his next strike landing on the rogue vampire’s back with a deafening crack.

Meanwhile, Pharm stood in the centre of the room, his hands glowing with powerful magic. His connection to the earth was deep, and as he called upon its power, the ground began to tremble. With a flick of his wrist, massive tendrils of pure light surged from the earth, wrapping around Korn and Gun’s legs, binding them in place. "Your reign of darkness ends here," Pharm said, his voice like the calm before a storm. The light from the tendrils flickered, burning away at the black goo that consumed their bodies. The energy was pure, bright, and unwavering — everything that the vampires were not. Korn and Gun howled in rage, but they could not break free. Korn, with his body bound by Pharm's magic, struggled violently, his ancient strength testing the limits of the light. His eyes glowed with fury, and he began to tear at the tendrils, ripping them apart with his bare hands. But the light continued to burn, and the darkness began to recede. Rain stepped forward, his voice strong and commanding as he raised his arms high.

“Enough!” Rain’s voice echoed through the storm, reverberating even outside, as peace stole over their allies and lulled Korn and Gun into a sense of false complacency. With that command, Rain summoned every last ounce of his power, the storm above him turning into a violent maelstrom. A massive lightning bolt, the size of a mountain, split the sky and struck Korn directly in the chest. The force of the lightning was overwhelming, and Korn screamed as the power of the heavens coursed through his body, tearing apart the black goo that had once protected him. His form began to burn, blackened by the purity of the magic, and with one final, anguished roar, Korn’s body exploded into a shower of ash and blackened goo that disintegrated into the wind.

Gun, witnessing his brother’s demise, went berserk. His primal scream tore through the battlefield as he broke free from the remaining magical bonds. His eyes, now full of terror and hatred, fixed on Phayu and Pai. "You won't win!" he howled, his form swelling with dark power as he charged toward them. But before he could take another step, Sky stepped forward, his hands outstretched to the heavens. With a single command, he summoned a storm of pure ice that cascaded down in jagged, sharp shards. They struck the ancient with devastating force, piercing his body and freezing the black goo that once protected him. His body froze in place, the darkness within him resisting, but the pure magic of Sky’s ice was unrelenting. The light of the storm penetrated deep into his core, burning away the corruption. “This is the end, Gun,” Sky said coldly, his eyes burning with the fierce righteousness of the elements. With one final cry, Gun’s body shattered, his form disintegrating into nothing but dust, the last remnants of his evil burned away by the light of their combined magic. As the battlefield fell silent, the air cleared, the storm fading into a peaceful calm. The once menacing presence of Korn and Gun was gone, their darkness vanquished by the pure forces of goodness that stood united.

The moment the two ancients were gone, the shield disappeared and the older vampires and their allies all rushed to where the fledgelings were hidden. As soon as they burst into the room, they saw Rain, Sky, Pharm and Team sitting on the floor, holding on to each other, looking absolutely pale and exhausted. “Little one!” Phayu was the first to move as he ran towards his Draugs, followed by the others. “I am okay Phi Mate..we are okay,” he said, curling up in his mate’s arms. He could feel his Draugs trembling. He knew it was more fear than adrenaline, but it was probably 50/50 at this point. “I promise you all.. we are okay,” he said again, his voice soothing everyone’s fears and worries. “Stop it little one! Stop using your powers now good boy! Rest please?” Phayu said, his heart hurting at the thought of how much energy his boy must have spent to get rid of such ancient evil. And on top of that, he was now trying to ensure that no one felt troubled. His boy was the sweetest menace.

“I think we should all rest and recuperate for today. Tomorrow, at dawn, we will all return, but tonight, we will feast. For now, let’s freshen up and sleep a bit,” Drago said. “And mourn a little. We all, both the Clan and the Pack, lost good men today just because they chose to follow the wrong ones,” Kwan said. Everyone nodded at that, their heads slightly bowed at the his words. What he said had been true, and it was really a shame. But needs must, and at that point, it had been just a battle to ensure that all the goodness in their world, and every world around them, remained safe and secure. The four fledgelings were lifted by their mates and taken away, and the others followed suite. All the people present there needed the warmth and affection from their own mates. Those who were not mated, would find solace in friends and family, but for now, it was imperative to just rest.

“Please put us down Phi Mate,” Rain said, requesting Phayu, and in a way, the mates of his brothers. “Little one, you are exhausted. Please, just rest,” Phayu said, sounding worried. “It will just take us 5 minutes. Please?” Sky said, looking at Pai. The four of them looked at each other and something passed between them. The put down their most precious cargo. Rain, Sky, Pharm and Team immediately raised their hands in the air. Every one watched in wonder as blue fire spread across the battlefield, burning everything that was left, in its wake. The moment the fire died down, a gust of wind blew across, taking away anything and everything that was defiled by the blood of the rogues. Water poured from the heavens, soothing the scorched land, as it soaked in the blessed coolness. When everything was settled, the earth split open, and flowers, hundreds and hundreds of colourful flowers, for however far the eyes could see, spread across the land, almost as it they had always been there, leaving everyone thunderstruck!

Later that night, all the allies settled in together, wanting to decide the fate of the vampire clans as well as the Lycan packs. They were now without leaders and needed to have good people on board, people who would consider the good of every single member, and try to work for the betterment of the two entities. “I think you and Kinn should take over as heads of the Council for us,” Drago said. Kinn and Vegas both shook their heads, but before they could speak, Ronan did. “Drago is right. Plus, Thailand has always been our seat of power. Moreover, you have a brilliant team right here,” he said. “Also, most of the Clans by now would be aware of the coup d’état that just took place, and you were the forerunners and catalysts of the change,” Makoa added. “What will work best in your favour are your sons and their Draugs. The eight of them are powerhouses in their own way, which means you can lead the new Council uncontested,” Finn said, raising his glass in a toast.

“I think the fact that you have a Lycan on the team would be great for us as well. I know that sounds terribly selfish, but I am serious. Min can be our go between in any negotiations,” Kwan said, earning nods all around. “You all seem to have put in a lot of thought into this,” Porche said, looking around at all their allies. “Of course. It’s a new dawn for all of us; each and every Clan, Coven and Pack. The terrible nightmares we all went through these past centuries, they may never leave our minds, but at least we have a better direction now. We can put this all past us and start anew, with better bonds and ties,” Drago spoke up. “United we stand, divided we fall,” Ronan said. “And let me add here. If you do take on the leadership of the Council, you can be rest assured that our Coven will be there to provide any support as well,” Khatha added.

“Wow! That’s a lot to take in,” Vegas said, sounding a bit shocked. “But they are all right Vegas, and we can all help. We all have areas of expertise, and we can support you in every way,” Charn spoke up. “P’Kinn, P’Vegas, I think everyone is right. And we can all be your ambassadors in different regions,” Kim said. Kinn and Vegas looked at each other, and then at their mates. Porche and Pete nodded. “Okay, we will do it, but only because you all have promised to stay with us and help us out. You are not allowed to back out at any cost,” Vegas said, glaring around. Everyone began to laugh. “Well, that is a relief. A big decision has been taken. Now when we leave tomorrow, we will leave with much lighter hearts,” Finn said, smiling. “Are you really leaving tomorrow?” Rain’s voice came softly as he came down the stairs with his brothers, and all their mates. “Yes Rain, we must leave tomorrow,” Amara said, smiling. “But you didn’t get to attend our mating ceremony, which is what you came for,” Rain said, pouting, making everyone laugh at his cuteness. “We will come back for it Rain, we promise. We must come back once the Council is back to full power. We will then see your ceremony as well,” Sloane said. The other agreed wholeheartedly. The four fledgelings had won the eternal respect and gratitude of everyone present there, which is why this was a promise made!

Epilogue, 1 year later

White and pastel shades of flowers were beautifully decorated all around the place, their groupings made to look like natural formations. On either side of a broad red carpet were numerous chairs in white with golden bows tied around them. Fairy lights lit up the whole area and mini lanterns hung on the pathway. Although the binding that they had as Draugs at their first mating was all the ceremony they needed, but somehow, they wanted something more visible, a mark of their love for each other. Which is why Rain, Sky, Team and Pharm had come up with this idea after attending the wedding of a senior, and had taken the permission from the elders, who were only too happy to indulge them.

Everyone present there stood up, smiling and clapping their hands, as the four fledgelings made their way down to their mates. Phayu and Rain wore black, Pai and Sky were in red, Win and Team in white and Dean and Pharm in blue. The four couples stood facing each other, with Khatha presiding over the ceremony. After the vows and the exchange of rings, they made their way back to their parents and the others present there, smiling broadly. “If you smile any bigger, you cheeks will tear lu!” Charn said, as he teased his son. Everybody laughed. “We are happy!” Win said, not caring a bit about the laughter. As night fell deeper, the celebrations grew livelier, with laughter and chatter filling the air. Strings of fairy lights twinkled above, casting a warm glow over the garden, where tables were adorned with delicate flowers and shimmering candles. The couples joined hands as the music began to play, leading everyone to the dance floor.

Dean pulled Pharm close, swaying gently to the rhythm, their gazes locked in a quiet exchange of promises. Team, ever the life of the party, dragged Win into a playful twirl, earning cheers and applause from the crowd. Rain leaned against Phayu’s shoulder, their movements synchronized in a serene dance of their own. Meanwhile, Sky burst into laughter as Pai dipped him dramatically, nearly causing both of them to topple over. Khatha, watching from a distance with a fond smile, raised her glass to toast the couples. “To love, friendship, and a lifetime of happiness!” she called out. The others echoed the toast, glasses clinking as the night unfolded with endless joy. As the clock struck midnight, sparklers were lit, illuminating the faces of everyone gathered. The couples shared one last dance under the starry sky, their hearts full of gratitude and love. It was a night they would all remember, a celebration of not just the unions of mates, but also the unbreakable bonds they had built together over the past year. “I love you to infinity Phi Mate,” Rain whispered. “I love you just as much my little one!” Phayu said, gently hugging his Draugs closer.