The tailor has scarcely gone with his measurements. I stand, straightening my garments, and ponder what this Naming holds. From what Sire tells I assume it's to be some sort of gathering where I'm introduced to others of my kind. William the newest Vampire in the Order of Aurelius. Calls to some nature of aristocracy. Though it sounds rather preposterous listening to Drusilla singing it throughout our home.

Last night I slept between Sire and Darla. She curled behind me, held me tight to her chest, and drifted off to sleep. She was exhausted from the Naming preparations and a problematic hunt. I wanted to touch her, the way I touched Drusilla. I ached in my groin, an unmercifully painful erection pressed against my stomach. Instead, I remained paralyzed in her arms. When Sire finally lay beside us, he took one long breath and shook his head. 'You have much to learn, William.' He whispered, and began stroking me until I completed in his hand. It was only then that I could find rest.

I feel, rather than hear, Sire enter the room. His strong hands find their way to my waist, and he leans against me.

"Good boy, yourself."

I shift back against him, and tilt my head to the side, hoping his lips will play along my neck.

"What is it you'd be wanting, lad?"

"Anything you'd give, Sire."

"You're a giving boy, my pup. Always giving."

"Is this not what you desire?"

The arms around me tighten, and I feel his firmness pressed against me.

"You're very aware of what I desire, my boy. But what does my William desire, then?"

"You."

It's true. For all the hunger that burns for Darla, the passion that smolders for Drusilla, the thirst I hold for Penn. it's Sire's touch that thrills me, that comforts me. His touch that brings me this delirium of pleasure.

"You'd be speaking the truth, wouldn't you then?"

"To be sure."

"Tis the very idea that you're being used as comfort that entices you?"

Well, I hadn't considered why. That answer sounds sufficient enough. But shouldn't I feel shame for such wanton thoughts? A longing to be treated as some common whore?

"I don't know."

"You'd be in a position to tell me, now wouldn't you Childe."

"I would. if I knew, myself."

"But you do, William."

"Honestly, Sire."

"Do you trust me, lad?"

"I do."

"Then do not fear shaming yourself before me."

"I'm not. I merely wish."

"To be regarded as my concubine? My courtesan. my whore?"

The sound of these words whispered out against my ear. The arousal. I place my hand over his and move it to my clothed member.

"Is that what you're after then, William? Wish to be offering yourself up to me? To be exploited?"

"Yes."

"From all of us?"

"Only you."

"Aye. Always?"

He turns me to face him. I lower my head in disgrace. My confession looming over me. His hand lifts my chin, and I meet his eye.

"Always, William?"

His eyes aren't condemning me. They're gentle and inviting. As though he's merely attempting to be clear on what it is that I long for.

"Not always. just. "

"But you could never truly be my whore, William. Surely, you're aware, you have my heart beguiled."

"And what we do?"

"Tis but a sport, lad."

"Where will I stand with you in the morrow?"

"You'll put those fears to rest straight away. I'll always love you, William. Of that, you can be sure."

"I understand. And my love for you will be eternal, as well."

His eyes close, and his hands caress my face. The expression he holds is almost sadness.

"What is it, Sire? I'm sorry. What have I done?"

"Ah, boy. Tis the first time you've voiced this."

"But you've known! You must have known! All along, you've known!"

"Shh, lad. I've known. Only delighting in the words now, if it pleases you. Tis a powerful moment, you see."

"I do, Sire. I do love you. With all my heart, I do."

"Say it again, William. I fear my ears are playing tricks on me."

He smiles and leans into me, his nose brushing my cheek.

"I love you, Angelus."

"Once more."

"I love you, for all time."

"Ah, against what I'd be wishing at this very moment, I'll take you the way you'd be wanting."

"Tell me..."

"Time enough for that later, boy. Display yourself for me."

His arms drop from around me, thumbs hooking into the front of his trousers, and he takes a step back. Regarding me. Viewing me, as I slide the fabric down my legs, and begin to unbutton my shirt.

"You wouldn't be after wasting my time, now would you?"

"No, I."

"Expose yourself. offer yourself to me."

Closing my eyes, I shiver with the excitement that pulses into my sex at his words. The shirt I wear is split down the front, and cast to the floor, and I stand before him bared. With a tilt of his head, and a finger placed thoughtfully on his lips, he observes my nakedness.

"Show me what I paid for, lad."

Turning away, I climb onto the bed, position myself on my knees and press my face to the coverlet. Random sensations echo through me, and Sire closes in. His hand against my rear, pulling me open, fingers tweak around my entrance, settle with a hard pinch. and I yelp, with the bliss of it.

"This belongs to me. You'll be worthy of your earnings this eve, won't you?"

"I will."

My lips brush the bedclothes when I speak. My voice is frayed, and breathy. Sire provoking enticements from deep within me. I tremble beneath the heat of his stare. I cannot see his eyes, but I sense them on me.

"I'm not able to set eyes on enough of you, boy. Expose the only place I'd care to be seeing, now."

Reaching my hands behind me, I grip my backside, and part myself to his eyes. A strangled moan, and I can feel him composing himself.

"Oh, a perfect little whore, you are."

My member twitches, and throbs, I ache in my access, and pull myself further apart.

"That's a greedy little hole you have there, William. Already clenching for me."

"Ah, Angelus."

I moan as he slides a finger across me. Crane my head to the side, and get a view of him.

"Don't be gawking at me, boy."

Bury my head in the bedclothes again, and breathe in deep. I can smell him here. That fragrance of delicious, musky spice fills me with desire. His scent. the most potent aphrodisiac.

"Tell me, William. does this bring you the excitement? The pleasure, in being the one with easy virtue."

"Yes."

I'm groaning and thrusting against empty air. I feel oil being spilled over my rear, and powerful fingers working into me.

"Are you aware of what a man does when in the company of a whore, lad?"

"No."

"He uses that fallen soul. takes his pleasure, with no regard for satisfying the one he's with."

Breathing, and my mouth waters. I wet my lips with my tongue and stifle a moan.

"Would that be your wish, then?"

"Yes."

And it sounds strangled and fractured. The thrill of this position courses through me. The sparks I felt prickling my skin on my first night have returned. The oil on my backside makes it impossible for me to keep myself open for him. A steady hand falls on my rear with a loud smack, and I wince and groan around the pain.

"Mind yourself."

I dig my fingers into the flesh, and hold as tight as I can. I feel the fabric from his trousers against the back of my thighs, and the bluntness of his member pressed against my opening.

"Be still."

His sex pierces me with one victorious pump. My body is trembling, and I'm openly sobbing. With hard vicious thrusts, his hips pummel against my rear. The hands on my own hips grip tightly and I'm crying out in pleasure. Moaning his name, calling out for more. I struggle to keep myself still for him. But this lust for him is burning like an ember embedded in my chest. and I can't help but wish to press back against him. to glide along his sex. to feel his heavy sac swinging against my own.

"That's it, boy. still. keep still for me."

"Sire. more. please."

"Ah, lad. Shh, wouldn't do to be hearing your voice now"

A hand covers my mouth, and the other reaches around my hip to toy with my sac. I kiss the fingers against my lips. Kiss them. Wet them with my tongue. Moan against them in appreciation.

"You're aware I'm holding your sac because it pleases me. This isn't for you, lad. It brings me comfort. Pleases my fingers, so it does."

And so many words escape my lips, only to be muffled by the large hand on my face. The freedom to lose myself here is unparalleled. Everything I keep inside, and tucked away is liberated against these fingers. The words, the kisses. the words. use me. use me. use me.

"Ah, no. That little muscle inside is provoking me, boy."

I'm losing myself in the sensations. Sensations of an ocean quenching a parched and cracked earth. The arc of his sex thumping within me. The wetness from my kisses on his hand, as fingertips caress my cheeks. The rough coverlet scratching my forehead, as each of his thrusts drive me further into the bed.

"Needing my release, William. Pull that pretty cock of yours, milk me with your pleasure."

Instantly my hand is on my erection, gripping and fisting along the curve. Begging and pleading against these fingers. Oh God. My sac drawing up against my knuckles. and I feel us plunge together in a transport of taste and sight and sound. The wetness spreading across my fingers, and soaking me inside. Twisting and squirming, we writhe together in suspended completion until the rigorous thrusting shifts into long languorous pumps. The hand releasing my mouth, and the body of my Master slumps atop my own.

"Are you all right, my pup?"

Soft lips press against the back of my neck, and his sex slips from within me.

"I am."

"Would you like to be joining the ladies now?"

"Where has Penn gone?"

"Off to collect your shoes for the Naming. Our Darla, a very particular lass, herself. T'wouldn't do having her boys clothed in anything less than the finest, if you don't mind."

He laughs and runs a hand through his hair.

"Will you take me out on the hunt tonight?"

"Not until after the Naming, lad. Till then, you'll carry on taking your nourishment from us four."

"What transpires after the Naming?"

"You're recognized in our Order. A Vampire that hunts without a name is surely doomed to a brutal end."

"But I have a name. William."

"Aye, lad, but you do. William of Aurelius. Tis but a formality, you see."

I grin at him, and pull myself onto his chest.

"Certainly has a superior ring than 'William the Bloody Awful Poet'."

Suddenly, his expression is dark. Eyebrows push together and his jaw clenches.

"Exactly who would it be that called you that, boy?"

I raise my thumb to his brow, and smooth out the furrow.

"It's of no importance now."

His large hands rest on either side of my face, and he regards me seriously.

"Tis of great importance to me."

"It was only meant to provoke me. I didn't pay it much mind."

"Aye, provoke you. I see. Perhaps we need to pay them a visit."

Bury my head in his neck, and breathe him in. I don't wish to remember what I was. What I am is all that matters now.

"Is your belly empty, my boy?"

"Yes."

"Take your nourishment, then. Let the feed come upon you."

Carefully I pierce his flesh, and draw him in. I feel his hands slide down my flanks and settle on my backside.

"Ah, that's a good lad."

He whispers, as his fingers slowly enter me, and begin stroking softly. I moan quietly, and continue drinking him in.

"William. ah boy, what you do to me. Could die, starving from the hunger for you, so I could."

My teeth retract, and I'm licking and lapping at the swiftly closing holes in his flesh. The sounds of contentment reverberate in my chest.

"Come now, let's get you washed. Wouldn't do to have you running about in your pelt."

"I would have thought you preferred me in this state."

He's answering my grin with a hearty laugh, and pulling me to lie beside him.

"You're insatiable, my little devil."

"I am?"

"Don't be playing coy with me, William."

"I am."

And we're laughing together now. Laughing and rolling about the bed. Blankets bunching under our fingers, as we play at trying to catch one another. There is a knocking at the doorframe, both of us peeking from under the covers to catch sight of Darla standing at the entrance.

"Am I interrupting?"

"Ah, lass. I merely came in to see to the lads' state of dressing."

"I dare say you've seen to his undressing quite well, Angelus. It certainly is a testament to your restraint where he's concerned."

"Join us?"

She smiles so sweetly, I do believe I'm in danger of my skin turning to puddles at her feet.

"I would, but I'm a bit troubled at the moment."

"What is it, Darla?"

"Penn."

Sire bolts upright and stares at her.

"Spit it out, lass. What's happened?"

"Drusilla is balled on the floor, crying for him. Sobbing his name over and over again."

"Lets move, boy."

With blinding speed I'm dressed and trailing behind Sire and Darla through the narrow hallway.

"PennPennPennPennPenn"

Drusilla is in a convulsive fit on the ground, clutching her head and rocking. Sire crouches beside her, and strokes her shoulder.

"Pretty, pretty lass. Sh, now. What is it that has you so saddened?"

"PennPennPennPenn"

I feel Darla's hand on my elbow, her eyes look uneasy, the other hand fluttering to her brow.

"I'm sure it's nothing, William."

She's offering comfort, but I can smell her apprehension. Sire looks up at Darla, his eyes dark, his mouth set in a tight line. For the first time, I'm frightened. Chilled to the bone. Something's happened. Something horrific.

There is a scratching at the door, and Darla races to open it. Penn comes tumbling in, the front of his coat drenched in blood, and he's gripping his chest. In an instant, we are all beside him. Darla holding him tightly against her, as tears flood her face.

"What's happened, my boy. My Penn. What's happened to you? Darla, woman, move your hands now! Now! I can't see! Open his coat. What's happened, boy? Ah, God!"

Sire's hand is on Penn's chest, and the misery etched on his face is clear.

"Who did this to you?"

"He's too weak to answer, Angelus! Look! He's barely made it home!"

Her hand rises to his mouth, and he's drinking from her wrist. She's still sobbing, and I'm shifting from foot to foot, and reaching out to touch his hair. Sire is pacing and he punches the wall. The windows rattle under the force of the blow.

"This isn't helping, Angelus!"

But her voice is so filled with emotion that it's barely audible. Dru has wrapped herself around Penn's ankles and she's humming his name.

"Angelus."

She's whispered through shaking lips. Sire turns to face her.

"I'll see to this, Sire. Tis my vow."

She nods, and lifts her wrist from Penn's mouth.

"Penn, can you speak?"

His mouth is covered in blood, and I'm not able to tell whether it's his or Darla's. it smells like both. I feel my face shift, and this beast within. this spirit. this God. it's rioting in my system. The compulsion to rend, to obliterate is coursing through me. I feel wild, and untamed. A primitive fury inside screams out to me.

"Lusceans."

He manages. And this only serves to infuriate me further. I hear the liquid bubbling through his words, and the sounds of him struggling to swallow. His mouth opens and closes, as though he's gasping for air.

"How many, boy?"

"Four."

The world is fading to shades of red for me. I don't know what to do with myself. It's as though some viper has taken over my very being.

"Annihilate three, send one home with a message, and his brothers' entrails as trimming."

"Drusilla girl. Stand."

"I want to come, too!"

I growl, and I can't believe it's my voice!

"William. Ah, boy. You need to be with Darla, now. No arguments. Help her tend to Penn, aye?"

"Sire. I must."

"Your Penn needs you here, lad. See to his wants. I'll return shortly."

I watch as the pair disappear into the night, and turn from the door when I can no longer see them. Darla is seated on the floor, with Penn's body across her lap, she's feeding him. Feeding him and sobbing quietly. In his hand, he's gripping a pair of bloodied shoes, and now I'm sobbing. I crouch next to them and replace the shoes with my hand. He gives me a weak squeeze.

"Be well, brother."

Is all I can think to say. I want to strip him of these soaked clothes, and clean the crimson from around his face and neck. I want that bloody hole in the middle of his chest to close! I can't bear to look at his crumpled form any longer, I raise my eyes to Darla's face. The draining is wearing on her. Her mouth is quivering and her eyes are closed tight. He's pushing her hand away, and she's struggling to return it to his lips.

"I'm fine, Sire. That's all I need."

"It's not fine, Childe. I'll not have you protesting this."

"All is well."

He turns his face in her lap, and she's stroking his drenched hair. He won't take more than she can give, I understand this. I will give him what I have. I offer him my wrist, and behind the redness, he smiles and places a gentle kiss on my exposed flesh. There is a choked sob coming from Darla.

"You'll take his blood, Childe. It's as precious as the offering itself."

He kisses my wrist again, and softly nicks the flesh. The tender sucking I feel is serving to calm me. He doesn't take much. He releases me, and quietly licks the wound closed.

"Undress him, William."

Gently she lifts his head from her lap, and places it on the rug. I watch as she leaves the room, now returning my attention to my brother. I lean over him, and press my lips to his.

"Please be well."

I whisper against his mouth.

"All is well, little brother."

And I begin to undress him. Carefully, I remove the bloodied clothes from his form. The hole in his chest is almost closed, and for that I'm thankful. Darla has returned with his nightshirt, some cloths, and a bowl of warm water. Together we wring the water over him, cleansing him, and I watch as the water stains pink and red in the white bowl each time we dunk our cloths. We've finished with his cleansing, and we're gently dressing him in his nightclothes. His large grey eyes look tired and heavy, sunken into his face.

"William, will you bring his bed into my room, sweet love?"

"Yes, Darla."

I run, rather than walk, into his room, and pull the bed from the frame. I'm halfway down the narrow hall before I realize how easy this is for me. This heavy bed feels weightless in my fingers. Light and manageable. I spare but a moment to ponder this, as I look up to see Darla cradling Penn's body in her arms and walking down the hall towards me. Cradling him. Carrying him. He's a full-grown man!

"Place it beside my bed, darling."

I realize I'm gawking. But she's so very small! I shake my head, and attempt to compose myself. Drag the bed along the floor and place it next to hers.

"Thank you, William."

We settle him in with pillows and covers, soft words and tender kisses over his face.

"Are you comfortable brother?"

"I am."

"Would you like me to bring you anything?"

His eyes begin to close, and he drifts off to sleep. I move to the edge of Darla's bed, and watch him sleep. The overwhelming protectiveness I feel over him has me a bit stunned. But I refuse to allow anything to touch him. So I sit here, guarding him.

"William, your nightshirt."

I nod, never taking my eyes from him. I dress in the shirt and return to my position on the bed.

"Get some rest."

She whispers against my neck. I lie next to her, still facing Penn.

"Everything will be alright. Sire and Drusilla will return soon, William. Close your eyes."

"What is a Luscean?"

"An Order we were allied with. until this very eve."

"Why would they bring harm to brother?"

"I haven't an answer for that."

"Do you. Will. Are Angelus and Drusilla going to be alright?"

"Sh, they're fine, my love. Sleep now."

"But. Angelus."

"Bears the title 'The Scourge of Europe' for a reason, dearest."

"I see."

I don't, but I tell her I do, because I want her to find rest, and I want to watch over Penn. I leave my eyes open a crack so that I can see him. When he twitches, I twitch. When he moves, I do. Darla is heavy behind me, her weight rested against my back, her hand loosely hanging over my waist. I hear the heavy front door creak open, and the sounds of Sire's footsteps moving through the hall. I sniff the air in the room, willing to bring him nearer. He enters and Darla sits up.

"Is it done, Childe?"

"Aye, Sire."

"Did you send the warning?"

"I did."

"Where is Drusilla?"

"She's gone to her room."

"Call her in. Tonight we rest as one."

"Aye."

Darla pulls me into the middle of the bed. I'm still pretending to be asleep. I want everyone to settle in, and I will continue my watch over us all.

"You called for me, Grand-Mummy?"

"You'll sleep in here, lovely."

"May I sleep in the chair with my dollies?"

"Of course."

There is a flurry of activity, but I do not open my eyes. I hear Sire return, and feel the bed sink with his weight as he comes to rest beside me. His naked legs brush against my own, and I'm struggling to keep still. He's lying on his side and turning me onto mine, my back against his chest, and in this position, I cannot see to Penn!

"My boy, how did he fare?"

"He's weakened. and so pale, Angelus. so pale."

"Sh, lass."

He reaches around me now, and I can hear her gown being caressed.

"You'll wake him, Angelus."

"Aye."

His hands hook under my arms, and he lifts me to Darla's embrace. I open my eyes to see hers, filled with tears.

"Sh, sleep. Sleep, beautiful boy."

"Don't cry."

I tell her. I'll protect you, I want to say.

"You're too young, William. Too young to be exposed to this."

"He'll have his year, Darla."

Sire promises her. My year? I dare not ask, for all I wish is to offer her comfort. To dry her eyes, and feel her laughter fill my ears again.

"Sleep."

She's hugging me close to her chest, and raining kisses into my hair. I still myself, and resume feigning sleep. Sire chuckles behind me, and cups my rear.

"Sleeping Vampires shouldn't waggle their little backsides so."

"Angelus, leave him be. This has been a traumatic evening for all of us, especially him."

"Ah, lass. As you wish."

Between the pair of them, I wait. Wait until I feel Sire roll heavy towards me, and Darla lie flat on her back. I listen to the room. Drusilla is curled on the chair next to the door. I hear her clothes brush the fabric as she turns to reposition herself. There is stirring where Penn lies, and I listen very hard now. The stirring has stopped, and I'm lifting my head over Sire's shoulder to peek down on Penn. He's lying there, on his back, I can see the shadow of his hair on the pillows, and his face looking serene and peaceful. Satisfied, I lie again between Darla and Sire.

Again, a gentle rustling in Penn's area, and once more, I poke my head over Sire's shoulder to get a view of him. He's still there, shifted to his side now. Yet again, I position myself on the bed.

Moments have passed, and I'm beginning to feel the draw of sleep calling to me. One last glimpse, before I succumb. I look over to Penn, who's still on his side.

"I can see you, you know, William."

"It wasn't my intent to wake you. I'm sorry."

"You did not wake me, brother. And why haven't you found rest?"

"I. I'm."

"Are you keeping vigil over us?"

"Yes."

"Then come down, William. We'll watch together."

Carefully I crawl from beneath the covers. Darla's hand slips from my stomach, and onto the bed. I watch Sire move closer to her as I vacate my space between them. The boards creak under my feet as I walk to Penn. He's lifting the covers, and gesturing for me to lie beside him.

"Are you quite sure?"

"I am."

I lie on my side, facing him. He offers me a smile, and I inspect his face for traces of what took place. I see nothing out of place, nothing at all that would indicate he'd suffered an attack. Nothing but the familiar wide grey eyes, the gentle slope of his bottom lip, the defined curve of his jaw.

"What has you so troubled, brother?"

"Why did they harm you?"

"There was no explanation given."

"Will they return?"

"Angelus has sent the message. All is well, now."

"But. they might come here. Looking for us. For revenge."

He laughs confidently, and runs a hand through my hair.

"William, they'd be fools to enter this lair."

"What would stop them?"

"We're descendants of a very powerful and respected Order, brother. Darla, the purest, direct successor of the Master himself. Angelus, recognized as the most brutal and savage killer, often identified as 'The Scourge of Europe'. Drusilla, even at her young age, she's one of the most vicious creatures I've ever seen."

"And you, brother?"

"The Engraver."

He whispers as his thumb gently draws a cross against my cheek. My sex pulses at the light caress, and I'm batting these thoughts away. He needs time to heal. I feel guilt over these desires when he's in this state.

"Ease your mind. Closed, you see?"

He's opened his nightshirt, and I see the small indentation in the center of his chest. The skin has covered over the opening. I lean into him, and softly kiss the disappearing wound.

"Will you rest now?"

"I will."

I turn away from Penn, and feel his body wrap around mine. I find his hand against my stomach, and hold it. I stroke at the tips with my fingers, drawing the pad over his nail, and down to the knuckle.

"William."

"I'm sorry. I'm keeping you from sleep."

"Do you need something before rest, brother?"

"Please."

He pulls his hand from mine, and reaches under my nightshirt for my member. I groan quietly as he closes his fist around my length. Slowly, his hand glides along me, his lips against my shoulder and I feel the puff of breath as he moans out. I crave to feel full from him, the way I feel with Angelus. I lift my leg over his, offering my access to him. The fist tightens around me, and I'm pressing back towards him with great urgency. The hand on my member moves to my thigh, and delicately pushes my leg from his. The fingers move to my entrance, and softly caress the ache there. I'm breathing now, and arching back against those talented fingers, begging him to insert them.

"Oh God, William. not now, dear boy. Not now."

I bite my lip hard to suppress my desire. He needs to heal. Needs to mend himself. His hand returns to my groin, and he strokes me with hard, efficient little tugs. I feel the passion mounting, and I thrust forward into his closed fist. My eyes shut and I'm imagining him driving himself into me. Imagining myself laid out before him and spread wide for his sex. Imagining. and the muscles in my belly tighten, and my sac draws up, and I'm lurching forward now. lurching and spilling and gasping out my pleasure in pulses and throbs. His hand draws down me slower now, collecting my spent wetness and bringing it to his lips.

"Like the taste of life, you are."

He moans, tasting me from his fingers. I turn my head to kiss him, I can taste myself on his mouth. The softest lips against my own. He pulls away and breathes me in deep.

"Find sleep now, brother. Rest well."

Settling my head on the pillow, his arm returns to fall around my waist, his body pressed against my back and legs. I close my eyes, and feel the nagging draw of sleep pulling me in. I will keep them safe, I tell myself. All of them.

*****