Disclaimer: CSI and Ocean’s Eleven or any other fandoms mentioned in the story are not mine. The names of the all characters contained here-in are the property of Jerry Bruckheimer and CB and various other producers. No infringements of these copyrights are intended, and no money is made of it.

 

Disclaimer 2: This story was written as a tribute to the wonderful universe created by Beverly (Bjjones). Her Sylum Stories and the entire world she’s created made me write this. Sylum and the universe is hers, I just play with it.

 

 

Part 5 - Saved

 

*Inside the monastery of Megistis Lavras, Greece, April 2006*

 

Seth had slipped out of the room and stood in one of the alcoves staring outside, but not seeing anything but the horrifying scene he had just witnessed in Linus’ bedroom. He had to calm himself down, had to get a grip on his emotions before he returned. He didn’t want Danny and Rusty to see how their ordeal affected him, didn’t want them to feel guilty for causing him any pain. He might not be their sire by blood, but he was their teacher, their guide in everything else. A shiver ran through him as he remembered the broken look in Rusty’s eyes and his hands trembled as he reached for his phone.

 

For a moment, he stared at the phone before he dialed a number and waited for the other person to pick up. “Seth, you alright mate?”

 

Jack’s voice made him smile for a second, but he sobered fast as he saw Riddick walk out of the room. The other hunter had his phone in his hand and Seth knew that Riddick would be calling Nick with an update on Danny and Rusty. For a second, Riddick looked up and as their eyes met, Seth saw the controlled fury and anger in the silver eyes and he smiled bitterly. Neither he nor Riddick would be the ones to bring justice to Linus; he had attacked a member of Sylum and he would be tried by the ruling Council. But he knew also that Riddick would make sure that the journey back to the US would be as uncomfortable as possible for the captured rogue.

 

“Seth?” Jack’s voice brought him back to reality and he sighed lightly. “We got them.”

 

They had indeed gotten the bastards, had eliminated the threat to Hector and Odysseus, the man who had wanted to kill Danny and Rusty, but at what price? He knew that Jack heard the sadness in his voice and giving up stalling, Seth sighed again. “I need to talk to Will.”

 

Jack was silent for a moment, but when his spoke again his voice was cold and protective. “Why?”

 

Smiling at Jack’s instinctive reaction, Seth wondered how to explain without telling the other vampire everything. He shook his head and closed his eyes as he realized that it didn’t matter, because as much as he needed Will to help Rusty, he needed Jack to help Danny.

 

“Will might be the only one to help Rusty with some of the things that have happened.” This time the silence between them was heavy and when Jack spoke again, his voice had become dark and pained. “I assume that the something you talk about is something I can’t understand no matter how much I wish I did and you need my help to make Danny understand that he can’t understand the way Will understands...”

 

It took Seth a second to untangle the sentence, but as he had managed, he knew that Jack knew.

 

“Yes.”

 

Jack didn’t answer, instead Seth heard him talk to his mate and soon enough Will’s voice filtered through the phone. Seth spoke only briefly about what had happened and he heard the low growl through the phone before soothing words were whispered and Jack’s voice came through again. “We’ll fly over immediately.”

 

It was what Seth had hoped for, but as he thought back to the scene in the room, he remembered Rusty’s horror about anyone of the clan finding out and he hesitated. Will’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts as he spoke urgently almost as if he had read Seth’s thoughts. “Don’t let him hide. He has to face us and learn that we are not disgusted by him. If we let him hide now, then we’ll only cement the feeling that he’s dirty and unworthy...”

 

Seth sighed. He understood Will’s point and yet he ached for Rusty. “He’s terrified of facing Nick and Warrick. He doesn’t want to face Hector and Odysseus. He thinks that he has brought shame to the clan.”

 

Talking about it broke his heart and he heard the muted curse from Jack in the background. Will was silent and Seth could easily imagine him walking around trying to figure something out, trying to find a way to help Rusty and Danny.

 

“I’ll talk to Tony; maybe he can join us in Greece and help me talk to Rusty. Seth one more thing, Danny felt everything, didn’t he?” Seth tensed at the question and swallowed hard at the memory of Danny in his cell. “Yes, he did.”

 

Will cursed, but recovered fast. “I’ll call you back. I need to talk to Tony.”

 

Seth said his good byes, but before he could hang up, Jack’s voice came through once more. “You got the bastard who did it, didn’t you?”

 

He tensed at the thought of Linus unconscious and bound in the room next door and his answer was a low growl. “Yes.” Jack’s laughter was dark and evil and it sent a shiver down Seth’s spine as the other vampire only said one word.

 

“Good.”

 

---

 

*Washington, DC, April 2006*

 

“Sure thing, boss.” Tony grinned at his mate and rolled his eyes, but before he could continue the teasing, his phone rang and one glance at the number made him frown concerned and look up at Jethro while he answered it. “Give me a second?”

 

He hung up again and walked over to his mate. He could see that Gibbs was alert and so he leaned down and spoke silently enough that only his mate could hear him. “Will called; I’ll go into a secure room to call him back.”

 

Not waiting for an answer, he left the bullpen and quickly dialed Will’s number as soon as he was in a meeting room. “Will, sorry, but I needed to get out of hearing distance. What’s up?”

 

“I need your help.” Will’s voice was grave and Tony tensed immediately. There were very few reasons for Will to call him if he needed help and the one that stood out most prominently made him shiver. “What can I do for you?”

 

He had tried for an easy-going tone of voice, but the silence on the other side told him that he had done a poor job. Will was silent for another moment before he spoke and his voice was deep and sad. “Rusty has been raped.”

 

Oh no... Tony’s legs wouldn’t hold him up any longer and he sank down into the chair next to him. Keeping his memories at bay wasn’t hard during the normal day to day work or when he lay in Jethro’s arms, but they sometimes resurfaced after a hard case or when Will called. He thought of Rusty and mourned for the younger vampire, but he tensed as he realized that Will had only spoken of Rusty. “And Danny?”

 

A shiver ran through him, what had happened to Danny? “He’s been tortured from what I heard from Seth, not raped, but Tony, they’re bonded. He felt everything.”

 

Tony balled his hand into a fist and pressed his nails against his palm to keep himself from punching something. Danny had felt everything, not only the physical pain, but also the mental pain, the shame and the guilt. A shudder ran through Tony and he thanked every power on Earth that he hadn’t been bonded when it had happened to him. The thought of Gibbs going...

 

“Tony stop!” Will’s voice was sharper than usual and it served to snap him back to reality and listen to Will’s suggestion. “Rusty’s terrified of facing the clan, he thinks that he has disgraced it. I told Seth that I would fly to Greece and talk to him and since you’re one of Sylum’s ruling council, I thought...” Tony didn’t let him finish, he knew already what Will wanted from him. “You thought that I should go with you.”

 

Will’s relief was palpable through the phone. Everything in Tony’s gut told him not to go, not to open this wound again, but on the other hand he needed to help Rusty. “Let me speak to Nick.”

 

Will told him that he was already having the plane prepared and that he and Jack would fly to DC to pick him up. Tony disconnected the call and stared at the phone. He knew that he had to call Nick and talk to Jethro, but right now he felt drained. A knock on the door startled him, but somehow he wasn’t surprised when the door opened and Jethro walked inside.

 

“I felt that something was wrong.” Jethro’s hands were soft and rested gently on his neck before they started to tease the tense muscles and knead the knots out of them. Sighing softly Tony let his head drop forward. Jethro hummed lightly and sat down next to Tony. Blue eyes looked at him expectantly and Tony tried to smile.

 

“I need to go to Greece.” There was no emotion in Jethro’s face only acceptance and seeing the love and trust in his mate’s eyes, Tony explained everything. He felt his own shock mirrored in Gibbs’ reaction and tentatively reached out to calm Jethro down. The soothing touch seemed to shake Jethro even more and shivering he finally looked at Tony. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

 

Tony remembered their first couple of nights as mates and he smiled wryly. Nick had told him that his cryptic comment about Elena’s pain would come back to haunt him. Tell him the truth, he had told him, and it seemed as if dad had been right. “I told you that I knew Elena’s pain.”

 

Jethro’s eyes were dazed and he shook his head, but as he looked at Tony again, his gaze was full of love and tenderness. “I didn’t understand then, I’m sorry.”

 

Tony knew that Gibbs wanted to say more, but he stalled him as his phone rang. “Nick.”

 

---

 

*Las Vegas, April 2006*

 

Nick was working in the lab when Riddick called and looking to everyone as if he was just going to meet Grissom he walked to the empty office and closed the door behind himself. “How did it go?”

 

He had been on pins and needles ever since Danny and Rusty had embarked on their undercover sting. Nick felt at least partly responsible that they had done this and he wanted nothing more than to have his clan members back safely.

 

“Patroclus is dead, Hector killed him. Stendhal escaped, I still have no idea how, but he somehow made it out. We caught Caldwell alive and I’ll bring him to the manor to stand trial in the next few days.” Riddick’s last sentence was like a punch to Nick’s gut because there was only one reason why neither of the hunters would dust Caldwell immediately and that was if he had committed a crime against a Sylum member.

 

Nick realized that his voice was trembling as he quietly asked about Danny and Rusty. “What is with Danny and Rusty?”

 

The static noise in the connection seemed louder than ever and Nick was close to asking again when Riddick answered. “They’re alive.”

 

The fact that they had not been killed should have relieved Nick, but instead the tentative choice of words scared him deeply. “Riddick?”

 

A sigh came through the phone and as Riddick spoke again, his voice was full of hatred. “They’re badly hurt. Patroclus tortured Danny for hours and Rusty... Rusty got raped by Linus Caldwell.”

 

Nick knew that if his heart was still beating it would have stopped at this moment. He wanted to scream, but somehow he felt that Riddick wasn’t done yet and promptly the hunter continued. “When I found them, Caldwell was draining Rusty and tried to force his blood into him...”

 

Again the hatred was clearly audible, but Nick understood only too well how Riddick felt and growling hard, he promised that Caldwell would know all about pain before the trial was over. He had hurt one of Sylum’s members and he would pay for it.

 

“When are you coming home?” He knew that Odysseus and Hector would take good care of Danny and Rusty, but right now he wanted his two family members to come home.

 

“I’ll be on my way as soon as I pack the piece of garbage that I am bringing with me.” Nick heard a groan and smiled bitterly. Caldwell would not like the journey home, but no discomfort could make up for what he had done to Rusty. “I don’t know when Rusty and Danny will come back. They are in no condition to fly for a long time. Hector suggested that they stay at his and Odysseus’ place in Delphi until they are healed and they agreed.”

 

Riddick hesitated and then tentatively spoke again. “Nick, there’s something else. It’s about Rusty. He’s scared Nick, terrified of meeting you and Rick and the clan. He thinks that he has disgraced the clan.”

 

The words were like daggers shot at him and Nick shivered. Had he failed this much as a clan leader, that two of his members were afraid of coming to him for help in a time of need?

 

“I’ll talk to Tony, maybe he can help.” He had spoken without thinking and froze as soon as the words were out. Riddick hadn’t known and Nick waited for the inevitable questions to start, Riddick though remained silent, either the hunter hadn’t understood or he had understood only too well. He didn’t comment about Tony instead told Nick that Seth was speaking with Will and that the Sanctuary hunter would be flying to Greece. Nick sighed and asked Riddick to give him a call when they were in US airspace.

 

“I’ll do that. Now I have to run and call Eric. He must have felt some of my emotions; I’ve got about a hundred missed calls from him.”

 

Nick said his goodbye and disconnected the line. He looked at his hand and snarled as he saw that it was shaking as he dialed Tony’s number. He had to calm down, he couldn’t deal with his rage, not now, not with the object of his anger thousands of miles away, but he would deal with it later, much later when Linus Caldwell was in the manor. Nick smiled coldly and his eyes were hard. Once Linus was in his cell, he would find out that no one messed with Sylum.

 

“Tony?” Tony’s voice was tired and sad and Nick knew immediately that his child had already heard. “Did you talk to Will?”

 

Tony’s affirmative answer made Nick shiver. He wanted to protect his family, but he knew that he couldn’t protect Tony from his memories. “Will you go?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Nick nodded silently, before he thanked Tony and said good bye. His eyes were dark as he looked at his phone again. He had failed to protect Danny and Rusty. He would not fail them in the aftermath.

 

---

 

*Delphi, Greece, April 2006*

 

“No!” Rusty jerked awake with a scream. He struggled to get away, terrified of what was happening to him. He couldn’t let Linus do this to him; he had to fight harder, if only he had fought harder. Rusty sobbed and the desperate sound resonated through the room as he sobbed in shame and guilt. He had betrayed his mate, had betrayed their bond. A soft hand on his shoulder startled him and he wanted to cry out again, wanted to fight against the touch, but slowly the words that were spoken penetrated the fog of fear and shame and still shivering, he opened his eyes.

 

“You’re safe, Rusty. Everything will be ok, love, I’m here, you’re safe.” Danny’s eyes were full of memories, but at the same time they were also full of love. Suddenly shivering with cold, Rusty moved into his mate’s open arms, glad that he wasn’t rejected, glad that Danny still wanted to hold him.

 

“I should have fought harder.” He felt Danny tense and knew that he was right. Despair made him tremble, but Danny didn’t let him slip into the darkness of his shame, instead his mate forced him to look up. Danny’s eyes were dark and determined and yet full of tenderness. “How, Rusty? He had you tied down, he threatened to hurt me, what could you have done?”

 

It made sense rationally, but the shame remained, the feeling of being dirty and he knew that Danny had felt his emotions as a soft hand ran gently over his shoulders and arms.

 

“You’re not dirty, you haven’t done anything wrong.” Danny’s voice broke, but he got himself under control quickly and still caressing Rusty’s arm, he continued softly. “You held onto me, you fought him... God, Rusty, I felt your pain, I was there. I know that you were so incredibly strong, so incredibly brave... you have no idea how proud I am to be your mate...”

 

Again Danny’s voice broke and this time he couldn’t mask it and Rusty reached out with a trembling hand to soothe his mate. A part of him expected Danny to avoid his touch and he feared the rejection, but instead Danny leaned into the caress and as he felt him calm down, some of the glaring pain in Rusty’s heart calmed down in turn. He kept the tender caresses up and felt how Danny relaxed, how the tension drained from his body and finally Danny sighed and opened his eyes. For a second they just looked at each other and something painful broke in Rusty’s soul piercing him like thousands of splinters, making him sob in despair and cling to Danny while his body shook with the memories of his ordeal. And yet even as he fell apart, he felt Danny shake just as violently, felt him cry just as hard and instinctively he reached through their bond, meeting no resistance, no shields, only love and warmth.

 

Rusty didn’t know how long they had been crying in each other’s arms, but when he opened his eyes the next time the sun was shining outside. It took a moment to understand where he was, but then he recognized the cozy room that Hector had shown them yesterday and his fear ebbed as he turned to look at his mate. Danny was still sleeping, yet even asleep he held onto Rusty and as Rusty carefully tried to get out of bed, the arms around him tightened while spikes of terror flared along their bond.

 

“No, Rusty, no...” Danny’s voice was broken as he sobbed silently and heartbreakingly. Rusty caressed Danny’s face with his hand trying to wake his mate gently. “It’s a dream Danny, only a dream.”

 

Danny woke with a shout and Rusty saw the terror in the dark eyes as his mate scanned the room for any potential threats and he acted instinctively by pulling Danny close to him. “You’re safe, Danny, we’re safe.”

 

Danny relaxed in Rusty’s arms and their eyes met. Rusty saw how the fear slowly disappeared and was replaced by love and tenderness.

 

“Hey.” A smile stole over Rusty’s face at the familiar greeting and once more acting on gut instinct, he leaned over and kissed Danny’s lips. His mate tensed and as if he had been slapped, Rusty drew back in fear. Was Danny rejecting him now?

 

“Don’t move back, please.” Danny’s hands held him and his mate bridged the small space between them as he leaned down and kissed Rusty just as gently as Rusty’s kiss had been. Rusty relaxed and inhaled Danny’s scent, licked his lover’s lips and as they opened he sighed with relief at the beloved taste of his mate.

 

“I was afraid I’d hurt you.” They were close enough, that Rusty could feel the warmth of Danny’s skin and he shook his head frantically. “Part of me is scared of kissing you, but another part needs to be close. I don’t know what to feel right now...”

 

A soft hand moved through his hair and Rusty met Danny’s gentle eyes. “You don’t have to do anything, you don’t have to feel good or bad, just give yourself time. We have eternity, love, we have it.” Danny’s voice trailed off, as his eyes darkened. “Just never let me hurt you...”

 

Shocked that Danny thought he could hurt him, Rusty shook his head and met the scared eyes with a clear and honest look. “You won’t hurt me.”

 

A knock on the door disturbed the peaceful moment and with a light groan Danny got up. Rusty watched him open the door and frowned as he noticed the bloody stains on Danny’s shirt. His mate was still healing from the torture he had gone through and from the look of the shirt, he wasn’t healing well. Hector had treated the wounds, had cleaned off the salt that had been rubbed in and put a healing salve on them. Rusty shivered as he remembered the cries of pain that had echoed through the room as the salt had been washed out. The healing had started once the wounds had been cleaned, but still the wounds were festering and bloody.

 

“I just wanted to check on you, bring up some more blood and balm.” Odysseus’ voice was low, but Rusty heard the concern in his voice. He remembered how he had broken down when the two Council members had walked into the room, how he had shied away from Hector’s concerned eyes and he swallowed hard. He didn’t feel that he deserved their concern felt that he had no right to even be in the same room as they were...

 

“We’ll come down soon.” Danny’s voice was friendly but guarded and Rusty understood that his mate had picked up some of his thoughts. He didn’t want to discuss it though and so he forced a smile on his face as Danny returned to the bed.

 

“You want breakfast in bed?” Danny smiled and winked at him and despite everything that had happened, Rusty laughed freely. “First we take care of your wounds, then we eat.”

 

Danny hesitated as he started to take off his shirt and Rusty growled lightly. “Stop thinking that I’ll run away from you because you’re hurt.”

 

Seeing the shame on Danny’s face, he gentled his voice and held out his hand. “Please, Danny, let me take care of you.”

 

A shiver wracked Danny’s body as he took off his shirt with a pained grimace and lay down onto the bed. Rusty took the balm and gently put salve on the wounds. Danny’s groans of pain made him wince and out of instinct he leaned down and gently licked one of the deepest slashes. A surge of love burst through him as the wound stopped festering and closed slowly. He had the power to heal his lover. The joy at the realization made him shiver and he closed his eyes for a moment.

 

“Let me heal you.” Danny’s hands stopped him and he saw how Danny shook his head. “You need your strength to heal yourself.”

 

Rusty knew that Danny was right, but still he leaned down and licked two nasty wounds at his mate’s neck closed. He didn’t understand why it felt so vital to him that he was the one who healed Danny, he just knew that despite the fact that it exhausted him, it also healed him.

 

---

 

 

*Delphi, Greece, April 2006*

 

Hector could feel Odysseus’ pain like a constant thrumming through their bond. He knew that his mate was hurt by Danny’s cold reaction and a part of him wanted to kill the con man for it. The other part, the rational part held him back though and told him that Danny needed time. His life had been turned upside down more than once in the past year and right now Danny’s sole focus was his mate. He had to heal himself and had a broken mate who needed him. He couldn’t cater to the needs of a man he barely knew just because that man had once been his father.

 

Yes, rationally Hector understood completely. His heart was another matter though and as Odysseus returned from Danny’s room with his shoulders slumped, he wanted nothing more than take his pain away.

 

“How are they?” Odysseus smiled sadly at Hector’s question and a shiver ran through him as he answered. “Healing.”

 

Hector opened his arms and pulled Odysseus close to him. His mate’s body was shaking and Hector swallowed hard. Their ordeal was over, their nemesis was dead, but as he thought of the two vampires in the guest room, he sighed sadly. History had come full circle and Patroclus was dead. They could breathe freely again, but had it been worth the price?

 

“I just want to hold him and tell him that everything will be ok.” Odysseus spoke slowly and his eyes were haunted. He remembered his son, and Hector knew that his mate still felt guilty for abandoning his family. Tentatively he reached out and caressed Odysseus’ face. “It wasn’t your fault.”

 

Neither then nor now, and Hector smiled sadly as Odysseus nodded. “I know, but it’s so hard to see him suffer like this.”

 

Yes, that was it, wasn’t it? It was the fear and helplessness that broke every parent’s heart, letting their kids deal with life, seeing them suffer and be helpless. Hector had been a father too and he had watched his sons fall in the cursed war. He had been a surrogate father to many kids since then, but it never got easier. It didn’t matter whether it was a heartbreak or a failed exam, whether it was physical pain or hurt pride, when a kid hurt, the parent hurt too.

 

“They have each other. Their bond is strong.” Both Seth and Riddick had told them what they had seen and both hunters had mentioned the strength of Danny and Rusty’s bond. It was a small consolation, but it was one and as Odysseus looked up, Hector saw a small smile in his face. The voice from the door though made the smile falter. “Can I talk to you?”

 

Danny stood in the door and it was obvious that he wasn’t sure if he was welcome. Hector smiled and invited him in, before he got up. He wanted to give father and son some time, but Danny stopped him. “Stay, please.”

 

Exchanging a look with Odysseus, Hector sat down again. Danny was silent for a long time, but as he looked up his eyes were haunted. “When Patroclus saw me, he recognized me...”

 

Odysseus tensed next to Hector, but he didn’t speak instead, he put a hand on Danny’s in a silent and comforting gesture. The younger vampire took a deep breath and spoke again. “I remembered his, my, death.”

 

The words were almost whispered and Hector felt the pain from both his mate and Danny like something tangible. Telemachos’ death had been violent and terrible and even now 3000 years later, Odysseus still blamed himself for it. Once more Hector felt torn between wanting to hurt Danny and comfort him and some of his emotions filtered though the bond. Odysseus looked up sharply and his eyes held a clear warning.

 

“It’s the only real memory I have of his life.” Oblivious to the silent argument, Danny continued to speak and Hector nodded finally as he admitted that his protectiveness of Odysseus was over the top. “I know that there must have been thousands of good moments in his life, but all I remember is the pain and violence of his death.”

 

Now Danny looked at both of them and his eyes were openly pleading. “Please, tell me about him, who was he?”

 

It was as if Danny’s plea had broken something inside him and he trembled violently as he tried to hide his tears. Odysseus looked at Hector for a moment, before he stood up and walked over to sit next to Danny. For a second his stance was awkward, but then he pulled Danny towards his body holding him in a loose hug. Odysseus began to speak and his voice was warm and loving as he told Danny of the life his soul had lived so long ago.

 

“I met Penelope when I was still a kid, but even then she fascinated me...”

 

Hector watched as Danny relaxed and listened to the stories. He got up slowly and quietly left the room, but at the door he turned once more and a soft smile graced his lips at the sight he was presented with. Danny was curled up on the couch with Odysseus seated next to him and every once in a while Odysseus’ hand reached out to move over Danny’s head while he spoke about Telemachos.

 

---

 

*Athens Airport, April 2006*

 

There were some really big advantages about traveling with Jack and Will, but as Tony watched the Greek custom’s officer search through Jack’s luggage, he wryly thought that there also were some very distinct disadvantages. Next to him Will grinned and shook his head. “I certainly learned very quickly never to have Jack pack any of his stuff into his own suitcase; he gets searched in every airport we land.”

 

Tony smiled, but the smile faded when Jack finally joined them and they walked over outside into the cacophony that was the Athens airport. He didn’t want to be here, in fact he wanted to be as far from here as possible, but he knew that he had no other choice.

 

“Will you be ok?” Jack’s voice was soft as he spoke and Tony saw a depth in the pirate’s eyes that few people ever would have expected to see in Jack Sparrow. Tony smiled silently and nodded. “Yeah, I just wish Jethro were here.”

 

Will had joined them and together they walked towards the dark SUV. One of Hector’s employees stood there and greeted them welcomingly. Once they were inside the car, Will turned around again and looked at Tony. “Why isn’t he here anyway?”

 

Jethro had wanted to join Tony, but Tony knew that this was something he had to do on his own. What he was about to do was bound to be painful and having a very protective mate with him would only hinder him. Will seemed to read his thoughts as he glanced at Jack and grinned. Tony smiled too, but he knew that it was different. “It’s not the same, you know that. Jack... he knows what Danny’s going through. Jethro doesn’t.”

 

There was a moment of silence, before Jack smiled bitterly. “Be glad that he doesn’t.”

 

Tony swallowed hard at the pain he heard in Jack’s voice. He saw how Will grasped Jack’s hand and held it tightly.

 

They drove the rest to Hector’s house in silence.

 

---

 

*Delphi, Greece, April 2006*

 

“Let’s go and sit outside.” Danny knew already that Rusty would refuse. His mate had not left their room for longer than absolutely necessary and whenever he did, he had avoided any contact with Hector or Odysseus. It hurt Danny to see Rusty like this, pained him to have his mate withdraw from everyone. Rusty had always been a people person, someone who drew people towards him. Now, it seemed as if the outgoing conman was a thing from the past and just as Danny had expected, Rusty shook his head. “I feel comfortable in here. You can go though, if you want.”

 

The words hurt Danny and he couldn’t prevent the slight flinch at the dismissal in Rusty’s voice. Silently he counted to ten and promised himself that he would not let Linus win, he would not let the bastard destroy his mate and their bond. They had survived and they would make it through, anything else was not an option. Carefully he put his arm around his mate and clamped down on the hurt he felt when Rusty tensed up immediately. “I don’t want to leave you, love, and if you want to stay inside, I’m happy to be here.”

 

Rusty’s body remained tense against his and shook his head. “No, Danny, honestly just go outside. It’s not like you to be inside all the time.”

 

Again Danny flinched because it wasn’t just unlike him, it was also unlike Rusty. He remained silent though and waited until Rusty met his eyes. “Do you want to be alone?”

 

Silently he prayed that Rusty would shake his head, that his mate would not send him away, but instead a relieved look appeared in Rusty’s blue eyes and Danny’s heart broke again. He swallowed hard and nodded. “I’ll leave you alone then.”

 

He had to leave quickly and clamped down on his pain and sadness. He didn’t want Rusty to know how he felt, didn’t want his mate to know how much it hurt him when Rusty withdrew from him. The rational part in him understood that this was Rusty’s way of coping with what had happened, but no matter how rational it sounded, it still hurt and as he walked out of the house, Danny promised himself that he would not lose Rusty.

 

---

 

Rusty had never wanted to hurt Danny and yet every time he wanted to reach out for his mate, he heard a voice inside his head telling him that he didn’t deserve Danny’s love. He hadn’t fought enough, he had betrayed their bond and the knowledge was eating him up inside.

 

Danny was the best thing that had ever happened to him and to be bonded with him was all Rusty wanted. He didn’t want to rise to power in the vampire world, he didn’t want to accumulate wealth or have an eternal life. He had never wanted any of this and yet when he had been offered a chance at forever, he had taken it.

 

Shaking with pain and memories, Rusty thought back to the night when he had been turned. He had been out with Basher and the two of them had been planning and talking when Rusty had gone to the bar. All he had wanted was another drink...

 

The pain in his back was searing and cut through him like lightning, he saw the shock in her pretty face and as if in slow motion he saw her body fly back, saw blood spread on her chest, thinking stupidly that the pattern looked like a star before the pain in his body made him sway. Rusty clutched at the railing but he couldn't hold on to it. The fall didn't hurt which was weird, but then he suddenly realized that the fire was been replaced with cold and he started to shiver.

 

"Rusty." Basher's voice was urgent yet soft and as Rusty opened his eyes he saw tears in his friend's eyes. He could hear a noise from far away, but he knew that they would come too late for him. Danny's face appeared in front of his eyes and he wanted to cry out at the injustice. He couldn't die now that he had finally gotten a chance to be with Danny.

 

"Danny?" Basher still looked at him, his hands clutching the wound and pressing against it. Rusty could see the shiver that went through his friend as he asked for Danny. Suddenly Basher moved and reached out taking Rusty's hand and forcefully pressed it. "Rusty look at me, look at me"

 

Confused, he looked at his friend and noticed that they weren't in the bar anymore. When had Basher carried him outside and since when was the other man so strong? He felt darkness tug at his consciousness and closed his eyes only to feel Basher's hand on his face once again.

 

"Rusty, I can give you a second chance to live." Basher's eyes were glowing in the darkness and there was something feral in his face. Lovingly his friend caressed his face before speaking again. "I can give you eternal life with Danny if you want, but I need you to consent."

 

Maybe it was that one moment of clarity before he died, that made Rusty realize what Basher was telling him. He didn't know what to say, when Basher softly spoke again. "Rusty you're fading fast, you have to decide soon."

 

Eternity with Danny or dying out here? That in and of itself was an easy answer, but the deep rooted fear of paranormal things made Rusty tremble as he looked at Basher again. The older man looked back at him, yet he didn't try to convince him, just waited for Rusty to make his decision.

 

In the end it was the memory of last night, of his spoken words 'you are mine now' that made him nod weakly. Basher smiled relieved and with a shudder he leaned in. His teeth had expanded to fangs and with a shiver Rusty jerked back.

 

"Don't be afraid." Gently Basher leaned in and Rusty closed his eyes bracing himself for the pain. Warmth flooded him, driving away the cold that had penetrated his entire body, pleasure soft and tender, not hot and passionate as the one he felt with Danny, more like a warm comforting hug engulfed him and he felt his heart slow down and closed his eyes.

 

"Rusty, don't slip away now, open your eyes, I need you to drink." Rusty’s body felt as if he was made of lead and even a small movement like opening his eyes took all his strength. He saw the extended arm in front of his lips and instinctively knew what to do as he started to drink from Basher. The warmth he had felt before spread once again, turned into fire and then into agony. He heard himself scream, felt Basher's arms around him holding him down as pain unlike anything he had known raced through his body. One last piercing stroke and Rusty welcomed the darkness that engulfed him softly.

 

With a jolt, Rusty came back to reality and a sob escaped him. Had he made the wrong choice back then? If it hadn’t been for him saying yes, Danny wouldn’t have been tortured, none of this would have happened. Rusty moaned as the memories of Linus raping him started to overwhelm him and instinctively he curled in a ball again.

 

“Please don’t hurt me.” His whispered plea seemed to resonate in the room.

 

“You are not alone. I will always be there for you.” Danny’s voice startled him, but the hand touching his back was familiar and gentle and even as he scolded himself for being so weak, so needy, Rusty couldn’t help but lean into the arms that promised safety.

 

“I don’t deserve you. I betrayed you.” The words were out before Rusty could stop them and he felt Danny tense. Looking up, he saw anger in Danny’s dark eyes and immediately withdrew from his mate’s arms. “I don’t deserve to be with you.”

 

Danny shook his head almost frantically and once more reached for him. Rusty reacted instinctively and jerked away. “Don’t, don’t touch me.”

 

“No, Rusty, please don’t do this to us.” Danny’s voice was strained and Rusty felt his mate’s pain through their bond. It was almost enough to make Rusty turn around and move into Danny’s arms. Before he could do that though, Linus’ face appeared in front of his eyes and he heard the vampire’s taunting words again.

 

“But Rusty, don’t you get it? Danny won’t want you anymore; you really think he’ll still love you after I’ve fucked you?”

 

Danny reached out once more and Rusty shook his head in pain. “No, Danny, please, please leave. Leave me.”

 

---

 

*New Orleans*

 

Gabriel watched coldly as Riddick led a cuffed and bound Linus towards the manor’s confinement cell. Riddick’s anger seemed almost tangible and he pushed Linus roughly into the tiny cell. Gabriel could see that Riddick was tempted to keep Linus tied up, but after a warning look from Gabriel, Riddick cut the bonds and Linus immediately looked up.

 

“You have no right...” He looked at Gabriel for help, but trailed off at the look of cold, controlled hatred in Gabriel’s eyes.

 

“You attacked one of our clan members. That gives us the right.” Gabriel had to force himself to speak calmly as he looked at the other vampire. “You will stand trial for the crimes you committed against Rusty Ryan and Danny Ocean.”

 

He didn’t spare another look at Linus and turned around when Linus spoke again. “Danny Ocean? What crime did I commit against him? He was the one who stole Rusty from me.”

 

Anger shot through Gabriel, but before he could say anything, Riddick pushed him aside and stalked into the cell. He lifted Linus up and pressed him against the wall. “He is Rusty’s bonded mate. You raped Rusty, you tried to drain and force-bind him. Whatever crime you committed against Rusty, you committed against Danny too. And I will see to it that you pay for it.”

 

Seeing the hatred in Riddick’s eyes, Gabriel rushed back into the cell and put a hand on Riddick’s shoulder. “Let him go, Richard, he’s not worth it.”

 

His words calmed Riddick enough to let Linus go, but even as the two hunters left the cell, the hatred and anger didn’t disappear from Riddick’s eyes. Concerned, Gabriel looked at his friend. “Are you ok?”

 

Riddick sighed. “I need Eric. I need to see him and make sure he’s ok.”

 

Gabriel sighed and nodded silently. He didn’t really know what Riddick had encountered when he had saved Rusty, but from the bits and pieces he had heard, it had been bad. Riddick was a hard man, one of the hardest that Gabriel knew, but even a man as hard as he was needed comfort.

 

“Go home, go to your mate.” Riddick looked up questioningly and Gabriel smiled. “It will be a while until Danny and Rusty will be able to travel to New Orleans. The trial won’t be for a couple of weeks. Your mate needs you and you need your mate right now.”

 

Riddick clasped his shoulder in a warrior’s grip. “Watch him, don’t let him escape.”

 

Smiling grimly, Gabriel looked at Riddick. “Don’t worry, he won’t go anywhere.”

 

---

 

*Delphi, Greece, April 2006*

 

“Tony, Will, I’m glad to see you.” Hector smiled at the two vampires and then looked at the third one surprised. “Jack? I didn’t expect you.”

 

Jack Sparrow smiled and tipped his non existing hat. “At y’r service, great lead’r.”

 

Hector shook his head, and ushered them inside. He didn’t want Danny or Rusty to see them and Tony, picking up on his intent, frowned at him. “They don’t know we’re coming, I gather?”

 

“No, we wanted to tell them, but things haven’t been well between them.” He sighed and looked at the three vampires. “Do you want to drink anything?”

 

They declined and sat down on the terrace. Hector and Odysseus’ house was built on a hill and from where they sat they could see the lines and lines of olive trees that grew on the slopes of the hill. It was a peaceful view and Hector sighed again. Tony looked at him. “Can you give us an update?”

 

“Physically they are almost healed. Danny was hurt worse than Rusty. He was tortured for several hours by Patroclus. From what we found out, he has been whipped, beaten with a chain and tortured with a knife. Patroclus rubbed salt into his wounds to prevent them from healing. Rusty...” Hector’s voice broke and he trailed off for a moment. Closing his eyes he gathered himself again, before he continued. “Rusty was raped.”

 

He didn’t know what else to say, but looking at Tony and Will, he knew that he didn’t have to say anything. They understood in a way he would never be able to. Hector looked at Jack who had instinctively reached out and clasped Will’s hand in his.

 

“How are they now?” Will’s question broke the tension and Hector shrugged. “Physically they are healing, but Rusty seems to push Danny away more and more.”

 

“He feels like he’s betrayed Danny, betrayed their bond.” Will’s words made Hector stare at him and Jack growl low. But before anyone could say anything, Tony interfered. “We’re here to help. We’ll talk to him and Danny.”

 

Hector nodded and then although he wasn’t sure whether he should say anything or not, he spoke again. “Danny has the soul of Odysseus’ son. It was the reason Patroclus chose him for the torture and not Rusty.”

 

Tony looked at him and Hector saw how the other’s sharp mind worked. “How is Odysseus holding up?”

 

Hector shrugged what could he say? “He knows that Danny’s first priority is Rusty and he respects that. They talked about Telemachos, but it’s hard for him, hard to know that Danny will never really come to see him as his father.”

 

---

 

Danny loved the old, strong olive trees. He felt sheltered among them, and as he sat down underneath a particularly old tree, he leaned against it hoping that some of the tree’s strength would transfer into him. He hoped that no one had seen him leave the house. He needed to be alone for a moment, needed time to cope with the pain of seeing Rusty like this, with the pain of having his own mate withdraw from him.

 

He could see the window of his and Rusty’s room and tears gathered in his eyes and he looked away. From his resting spot he could see the trees around him, could feel the faint breeze that made the green grass sway and the flowers almost dance. It was a beautiful spot and it broke Danny’s heart. With a silent sob, Danny buried his face in his hands and shuddered as the movement jolted his healing wounds.

 

He felt as if he was hurting all over from his wounds and his memories and despite the warmth of the sun he shivered.

 

“Danny?” The sound of his name made him look up and he tensed. “Tony? Will, Jack?”

 

He could somehow understand what Jack and Will were doing here, but seeing Tony unsettled him. “What are you doing here?”

 

The three vampires walked towards him and feeling at a disadvantage Danny got up. He didn’t realize how tense he was until Tony gently touched his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Danny, we’re here to help.”

 

The words made him look at Tony and he shook his head. “We never wanted for the clan’s council to get involved. We never wanted to bother you...”

 

Tony’s eyes had darkened and a sad smile crossed his face. “We know that, Danny, I’m not here to scold you. We’re here to help.”

 

It hit Danny in that instant. They knew. Danny could see it in Tony’s eyes and as he looked at Will and Jack, he involuntarily took a step back. “No.”

 

This time it was Will who reached out and gently pulled Danny back until he could see Will’s eyes. “Seth called us. We were so worried, Danny, we care for you and Rusty.”

 

At the mentioning of his mate, Danny averted his eyes and Will immediately picked up on the movement. “Danny, how is he?”

 

“How do you think he is?” Danny cringed as he realized how harsh his words sounded. For a moment he closed his eyes and as he opened them again, he sighed and looked apologetically at Will. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.”

 

Will only smiled and shrugged lightly. “It’s ok. Where is he? Why are you here alone?”

 

Danny didn’t know why, but the words almost spilled out of him against his will. “He’s in his room. He hasn’t left it since we’ve arrived. At first I thought he just wanted to rest, but now. He doesn’t want me there, doesn’t want me to touch him, he recoils when I try to help him.”

 

Somehow it felt as if it became even more real as he told them and with a suppressed sob, Danny turned away. He felt Will’s hand gently calming him, and as he turned around he saw nothing but compassion in Will’s dark eyes. “He says he’s not worthy of being my mate.”

 

The last words made him tremble and the silence that followed them was almost deafening in its intensity. Tony once again clasped Danny’s shoulder in a silent gesture of support. Will too was close and simply pressed Danny’s hand before he exchanged a look with Tony. “Let us talk to him, maybe we can help.”

 

There was something in Will’s voice that made Danny look closer at him. He gasped silently at the pain and understanding he saw in the dark eyes and as he looked at Tony he saw a similar understanding in the hazel pools. It was then that he understood why Nick had sent Tony and slowly reaching out he grasped Tony’s hand and pressed it. “Thank you.”

 

Tony smiled gently before he turned around to go and see Rusty. Will joined him, but as Danny moved to go with them, Jack held him back. “This is invitation only mate and we’re not invited.”

 

Looking at Jack, Danny frowned and the pirate smiled but it was a tight lipped smile and as Jack continued to speak, he did so without his usual accented voice alerting Danny to the seriousness of his words. “You have to understand one thing Danny. No matter how much we love them, no matter how much we want to understand, we can’t, we’ll never understand the way they do.”

 

Danny shook his head, but Jack simply sat down and pulled at his hand. “Let’s sit down, matey, and let’s not talk.”

 

Something in Jack’s manner told Danny that one day in the not too far future they would have a talk together, but right now he was glad to just sit with Jack under the trees and watch the world pass by.

 

---

 

Tony heart was heavy as he climbed the stairs to Danny’s and Rusty’s room. He felt for the two young vampires and a low growl escaped him as he thought of Linus. Will looked at him with a raised eyebrow and Tony growled again. “Linus.”

 

Will’s eyes darkened for a moment, and he looked at Tony. “He will pay for it.”

 

It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. Will knew enough about Sylum and Nick to know that the clan leader would never let someone hurt one of his clan members and walk away unscathed. Tony simply nodded. “He will pay for it.”

 

Tony smiled darkly as he thought of Nick. His father would make sure that justice was served and that Linus would pay. Still, he thought, justice would have to wait, because the healing came first.

 

Knocking on Rusty’s door, Tony felt his stomach tense in knots. He had thought about what to say to Rusty, but had soon realized that there was no perfect speech and that he would have to act from his instincts.

 

“Tony? Will?” Rusty looked terrible, Tony thought, shocked. He was pale, his eyes were sunken in and he had lost weight. The worst though was the shame that Tony saw lurking in the depths of Rusty’s blue eyes and he acted instinctively as he reached out and clasped Rusty’s shoulder. “Glad you’re still around Rusty.”

 

His words were echoed by Will who gently pulled Rusty in his arms. Tony could see that Rusty was tense, but as Will simply held him in a loose hug, Rusty relaxed slowly. Tony looked at Will and at the silent nod, he put a gentle hand onto Rusty’s shoulder. The tiny contact made Rusty tense up again, but he didn’t withdraw from the touch as he looked up and met Tony’s eyes. “Why are you here?”

 

Will stepped back and still holding contact with Rusty, he made sure that Rusty was looking at him before he spoke. “Seth told me what happened to you and I called Tony. We’re here to help you.”

 

They hadn’t spoken about what they were going to say when they met Rusty, but Tony knew that Rusty would trust Will more than him and so he was glad that Will was taking the lead. Rusty’s eyes darted between him and Will and Tony could see when the knowledge that they knew finally registered. Rusty tensed and paled. “Why did he tell you? He had no right.”

 

Tony easily saw through the anger and heard the shame, the fear and he wanted to pull Rusty in his arms, but still deferring the lead to Will, he remained silent and waited for Will to continue. “He told us because he knows that we can understand you.”

 

Rusty had started to step back from them, but now he stopped and looked at them in shock. “What do you mean? Have you been...?”

 

He didn’t say the word; instead he looked away and shivered. Will approached him slowly and once again gently touched his arm. “Yes, we were both raped.”

 

Tony flinched at the simple and yet so painful words. Rusty looked at him and suddenly it seemed as if all his strength left him as he slid down onto the floor and desperate sobs started to wrack his body. Tony was next to him in an instant and slowly pulled him in his arms. “It’s ok, Rusty, it’s ok to cry. It’s ok to be weak and to be hurt. Just let us help.”

 

Rusty seemed so small in his arms, so fragile and Tony shivered. He had no idea what to do, had no idea what to say to make Rusty feel better and with another shiver, he realized that he had rarely ever felt so out of his depth. Rusty was shaking desperately and instinctively Tony rubbed soothingly over his back. He didn’t know how long he held Rusty like that, but when the sobs slowly calmed and the shaking that wracked Rusty’s body stopped, Tony felt exhausted.

 

“I betrayed Danny.” Rusty’s voice was hoarse from the lack of use and completely devoid of any emotion. He moved out of Tony’s arms and away from them. Tony wanted to say something, but one look at Will stopped him.

 

“You didn’t betray Danny and he would never hold what happened against you.” Will’s voice was calm, but intense. Rusty tensed, but didn’t move away from the window. Will was quiet for a moment, before he spoke again. “Why don’t we go outside to talk?”

 

Tony was sure that Rusty would refuse, but after a moment of hesitation, Rusty turned towards them. “I don’t want them to see me.”

 

“Who?” At Tony’s question, Rusty averted his eyes in shame again. “Hector and Odysseus. I don’t want them to see me...”

 

Rusty’s avoidance of the two Council members was something they would have to address soon, but they had more urgent matters to cover first and exchanging a look with Will, Tony nodded. “I’ll make sure that they are somewhere else than near us. Is there anyone else you want to stay away from?”

 

Rusty frowned. “Nick and Warrick aren’t here are they?”

 

Tony shook his head both relieved that Rusty hadn’t mentioned Danny and saddened that he had mentioned Nick and Warrick. Tony understood the root of Rusty’s request, and he knew that like his issue with Hector and Odysseus, they would have to address his fear of Nick, and yet again it would have to wait.

 

“No, they aren’t here.”

 

Rusty nodded slowly. “Good.”

 

Will gently steered him towards the door and Tony saw how Rusty tensed as he stepped out of the room that had become his sanctuary and his prison in one. “We’re right with you, I promise. You won’t be alone.”

 

---

 

*Las Vegas*

 

Nick sighed as he leaned back against Warrick trusting in his mate not to let him fall. He had just talked to Tony and he was worried. “Rusty’s still so afraid of us and of our reaction.”

 

He felt strong arms wrap themselves around him as Warrick contemplated his words. “Give Tony and Will time. They’ve only just arrived. They have barely had time to speak to them.”

 

Nick heard the smile in Warrick’s voice and turning around he saw how his mate’s eyes glittered slightly. “I know, give them time. I know it won’t be ok within a day, but I just want them to be ok.”

 

Pulling Nick closer, Warrick smiled and Nick felt love swamp him through their bond. He sighed silently as he tried to rid himself of his guilt and worry, but he knew himself well enough to admit that these emotions would only disappear once he had talked to Danny and Rusty.

 

---

 

*Delphi, Greece, April 2006*

 

The sun was slowly setting and underneath the olive trees it was growing dark. Rusty shivered for a moment as he walked along the small path, but even as fear threatened to break his resolve his eyes were riveted on his mate. Danny sat in the shadows and his posture screamed of exhaustion and pain.

 

Rusty’s heart hammered as he slowly approached his mate. He was afraid of rejection, afraid of seeing disgust in Danny’s eyes and yet even as his courage faltered, he remembered Will’s words. “Danny was with you through the entire time. He knows that you didn’t want this; he felt your pain, your fear and your shame. You don’t have to hide from him, you don’t have to tell him anything, he knows, Rusty, he was there.”

 

He hadn’t realized that Danny had indeed felt what he had been going through and the thought of Danny enduring all that pain had horrified him. He had wanted to cry but instead he had looked at Will. “How can he ever forgive me?”

 

For a moment a pained expression had crossed Will’s face and he had swallowed hard, before he had spoken again. “There’s nothing to forgive.”

 

Will had been silent for a moment, and when he had continued his voice had been a pained whisper. “But you’ll always feel guilty for it none the less.”

 

Rusty had understood then, that Will still felt guilty, but before he had been able to say anything another voice had interrupted them. “And it’s my job t’ make sure he don’t wallow too much.”

 

Jack had simply pulled Will in his arms and the sight of the two mates comforting each other had woken a deep longing in Rusty. He needed Danny, he had realized in that instant and so he had slipped away searching for the only person who could make him forget.

 

“Danny?” Rusty watched as Danny tensed, before his mate slowly turned around. “Rusty?”

 

Danny’s voice was tentative, questioning and Rusty felt Danny’s insecurity through their bond. It strengthened his courage and taking the last few steps, he sat down next to Danny close enough to feel his mate, yet not touching him.

 

“It’s getting cold out here.” Silently, Rusty wondered where his famed conversation skills had vanished to, but he dismissed the thought and tentatively reached out to touch Danny’s arm. “Why don’t you come inside?”

 

Heat seemed to radiate from the point where he touched Danny and Rusty suddenly longed to be in Danny’s arms. He swallowed and forced himself to remain silent while he waited for Danny’s answer.

 

“I didn’t know where to go.” Danny’s voice was tired, pained and Rusty shivered as Danny continued. “I wasn’t sure if you want me in our room or not.”

 

Instinct overrode fear and Rusty enclosed Danny in his arms. He could feel how tense his mate was, but to his delight, the tension melted away as he continued to hold Danny close. Danny had never thought of rejecting him, Rusty realized with a jolt and he moved so that he was in Danny’s arms. Turning around he found Danny’s eyes in the darkness and saw the lingering pain and almost desperate hope.

 

“I want you with me, Danny, but I’m not sure if I deserve you.” He felt Danny tense up again and put a finger at Danny’s lips to prevent him from speaking. “I know that I didn’t betray you, I know that I had no choice, but that’s what I know and not what I feel.”

 

For a long time, Danny looked at him and then he shivered. Rusty saw how remembered pain appeared in Danny’s eyes and he felt the echo through their bond. “I know you don’t want to think about the rape, but do you remember how you reached out to me?”

 

The words made Rusty flinch, but Danny didn’t allow him to look away and the memories rose against Rusty’s will. Memories of pain and shame, memories of fear and then slowly the memories changed and he gasped as he was suddenly back in the room, back with Linus.

 

Linus laughed at the broken whispers, but even as Rusty shivered under the continued onslaught of pain, he felt warmth flood him, love was pouring along their bond and Rusty felt Danny’s care and concern. It almost was as if Danny was trying to wrap him into a cocoon of love so that Linus’ hatred couldn’t hurt him. It didn’t work of course, and Rusty cried out at each cruel thrust; still the pain in his soul had lessened.

 

“You held me, you held onto me when I wanted to give in.” Rusty’s voice shook and he knew that he had tears in his eyes. Danny simply pulled him closer and kissed the top of his head.

 

“I never thought that you betrayed me, I never thought for a moment that you had done anything wrong. I felt your pain, and the fact that you survived it makes me love you even more.” Danny’s voice shook as well and Rusty felt himself cling to his mate.

 

“But Rusty, don’t you get it? Danny won’t want you anymore; you really think he’ll still love you after I’ve fucked you?” Linus’ words echoed once more through him, the hateful words that had made him turn away from his mate, but this time they didn’t have the power to hurt him and instead of listening, Rusty caressed Danny’s face with his hand.

 

“You still love me.” He had meant it as a statement, but his voice was too insecure and made it almost a question. Danny simply looked at him and smiled sadly. “I’ll always love you, even if you don’t love me anymore. You’re the other part of my soul, Rusty, you’re my mate.”

 

---

 

Jack and Will watched the two younger vampires from their room and as Danny and Rusty slowly got up and hand in hand walked towards the house, Will smiled at his mate. “They’ve found each other again.”

 

Jack nodded, but Will could see that he was deep in thought. “Jack, you ok?”

 

Will was surprised when Jack suddenly pulled him towards his body and held him close. He could feel the tremors that ran through Jack and sighed. He knew what Jack was thinking, knew that even after all this time, Jack still blamed himself for what had happened to Will and Will sighed, as he met Jack’s eyes.

 

“It’s happened too long ago Jack and I never, ever blamed you.” Jack smiled darkly, but before he could say anything, Will shook his head. “No, Jack, I never did, I hated myself for putting you through the pain, but I know that I only survived because you held onto me.”

 

Seeing the memory of the shared pain in his mate’s eyes, Will pulled Jack towards their bed. “Let’s forget about this for tonight, please? I need you close, I need to feel you.”

 

Jack’s eyes lit up and for they spent the rest of the night in each others arms forgetting the past and living in the here and now.

 

---

 

*Delphi, Greece, May 2006*

 

Danny watched Rusty as he walked through the garden. They had made a lot of progress in the last couple of days, he thought, they both had. He had learned to read Rusty again, had realized that his mate had been hurt, but not changed and most importantly they had understood that their love was still intact.

 

The complete healing would take much longer, Danny knew that, but still he was glad that Rusty was on his way up.

 

“Danny me matey, we g’t to talk.” Danny startled and looked at Jack surprised. He hadn’t heard him walk up next to him. Jack was looking at him with a serious expression and Danny sighed. He had tried to avoid the talk, but he knew that Jack wouldn’t let go. “I’ll tell Rusty that I’m outside with you.”

 

“Y’do that boy, y’do that.” Jack sauntered over towards the terrace and slouched down in one of the chairs. Danny shivered and looked towards Rusty.

 

“Danny, what’s wrong?” Rusty had probably felt his anxiety through their bond. It had become even stronger since the attack and the torture. Danny sighed and leaned against Rusty. “Jack wants to talk to me.”

 

Rusty nodded slowly. “Maybe that’s good.”

 

Danny frowned and looked at his partner. “Who are you and what have you done to Rusty?”

 

Rusty simply pulled Danny towards him. He had heard the anxiety in Danny’s voice, Danny was sure of that and it made him lean against Rusty seeking strength from his mate. “I’m scared. I don’t want to remember.”

 

“Yeah, I know.” Danny was surprised to feel that Rusty didn’t tense up and turning around he met Rusty’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”

 

Rusty shook his head and smiled before he gently caressed Danny’s face. “Don’t be, Danny, it happened and no matter how much I want to make it un-happen, I can’t. But talking helps, realizing that it can happen to anyone, that it wasn’t my fault.”

 

Danny sighed, but before he could say anything, Rusty’s hand prevented him from speaking. “I know now, Danny, but I needed someone to tell me. Someone who wasn’t you.”

 

It hurt and yet Danny understood, understood that Jack had been right when he had told him that he would never be able to really understand what Rusty had gone through. Tony and Will had been able to do so and with a sigh, Danny finally understood that he needed to talk with Jack.

 

“And you think that I need to talk with Jack.” Rusty caressed his face once more and smiled although his eyes were serious. “Yes love, because I know that you still think it was your fault that got me there.”

 

Danny jerked back as if Rusty had hit him and stared at his partner. “How did you know?”

 

He saw the smirk in Rusty’s face and felt a grin form in his face. “Ok, don’t answer that. I know I’ve been hovering.”

 

“You could compete with the best if you wanted.” Rusty’s teasing words made something in Danny unwind and he relished in the return of their playful bantering. He had missed this side of his friend and out of instinct he pulled Rusty close and softly brushed his lips against his mate’s. They hadn’t done anything sexual since their return and Danny fully expected Rusty to withdraw from his touch. Instead he felt Rusty melt against him and tentatively respond to the kiss.

 

The touch was feather light, but still took Danny’s breath away and as they separated he leaned his forehead against Rusty’s. “I love you.”

 

Rusty shivered for a moment. “Love you too.”

 

“Danny, matey where’re ye?” Jack’s voice penetrated their bubble and Rusty met Danny’s eyes. “Talk to him. Let him help you.”

 

---

 

Jack had watched the exchange between Rusty and Danny and he had smiled when he’d seen the tenderness between them. It was good to see that their bond was still strong and that Linus’ plan hadn’t worked. Still he knew that they both were hurting. It was time to talk to Danny and make the lad see reason.

 

“Let’s go meandering and drinking.” He slung one arm around Danny’s shoulder and steered him towards the olive trees. He could feel that Danny was tense, and he understood only too well. Producing a flask of rum, he handed it to Danny who smiled wryly before taking a healthy swallow. Jack took the flask back and savored the first taste of the fine rum on his tongue with a sigh.

 

“Nothing better than s’me real old rum, is there?” Danny smiled and shrugged. “Well, give me a nice Chianti and you can have the rum.”

 

The chit-chat continued until Jack could feel Danny relax and get used to his company again. “Mate, you wanna talk?”

 

Danny sighed and as his eyes met Jack’s, Jack could see the despair and fear in the dark pools. He reached out and pressed Danny’s hand gently. “Don’t ‘ave to, got me? W’can just sit and drink, if you want.”

 

Hell, if he wouldn’t understand Danny, should he say that he just wanted to get smashed and never ever think about it again[LD1] . Jack himself had fought tooth and nail until he had finally talked to someone and even then he had only managed to talk to Will. And yet if there was one good thing from the ordeal he and Will had gone through, it was the fact that he was now able to understand what Danny felt.

 

With a smile, Jack pulled a flask from his coat and handed it to Danny. Danny however shook his head, before he took a deep breath. “I could feel everything.”

 

Jack felt ice slither through his body at the almost silent words. He wanted to stop Danny, but he had encouraged him to speak and now he would have to listen. Longingly he looked at the flask, but didn’t drink from it, instead he put his hand on Danny’s shoulder and looked at the vampire he considered his childe in all but blood.

 

“When Linus...” Danny’s voice broke and he visibly gathered his courage to speak again. “At first all the feelings were like they were covered in wool, because Rusty shielded the bond, but then... He was in so much pain and I couldn’t help him, I couldn’t do anything.”

 

Danny didn’t cry, but he trembled as he remembered and Jack tentatively pulled him towards his body. Danny tensed and then slowly relaxed and let Jack support him. The sun had gone down and they were surrounded by the dim lights of the fading day when Danny looked at Jack.

 

“He was feeling ashamed, he thought that he had betrayed me.” Jack barely suppressed a shudder of his own; he remembered how Will too had not been able to hold back his own shame, his guilt and how that emotion alone had almost killed Jack.

 

“I couldn’t do anything.” Danny finally broke down and Jack held him as he sobbed quietly, desperately while he repeated again and again. “I couldn’t help him.”

 

Soft footsteps alerted Jack and he looked up. Rusty stood there with tears in his eyes and at Jack’s nod, he slowly came closer. Danny didn’t notice until Rusty’s hand tenderly touched his face. Jack watched as Danny tensed and then slowly moved out of his arms and into Rusty’s.

 

“You helped me. You were there for me love.” Rusty spoke softly and lovingly and Danny’s body seemed to collapse against him. Rusty simply caressed his back and continued to murmur soothing words to his mate. Jack nodded to himself before he silently walked away. He had done his job he thought and was already looking for Will. Talking to Danny had hurt him and now he needed his mate more than ever.

 

---

 

Rusty woke up slowly and for a moment he was disoriented. Then he recognized the room and sighed. It was the first night since the rape that Rusty had slept through without a nightmare. Unlike the other mornings, he felt refreshed and a little bit more like himself. Sighing he turned and watched Danny.

 

His mate was still asleep and relaxed which showed even more how much weight Danny had lost. His face looked drawn and edgy and Rusty instinctively reached out to caress Danny’s cheek.

 

“So much trouble, so much hurt.” His murmur was quiet because he didn’t want to wake Danny and laying back he reflected on the last couple of days.

 

Will and Tony had spoken with him several times and every time they managed to bring him closer to understanding that he’d been a victim and was not somehow responsible for what Linus had done. They had made him understand that he hadn’t betrayed Danny and that Danny needed him as much as he needed Danny. A shiver ran through Rusty at the thought of losing his mate.

 

“Love you so much...” Danny smiled in his sleep and Rusty felt his heart beat faster. He wanted to touch Danny, wanted to make him happy and feel good, but he was afraid of his own reaction to anything sexual. What if he turned Danny on only to freeze?

 

Hands trembling, Rusty reached out and drew a line from Danny’s eyes over his cheek to his jaw. The slight stubble of the overnight beard made him smile and the soft moan that Danny made put Rusty at ease. Danny was his mate and every inch of his body was familiar. Daring a bit more, Rusty let his hand slip under the cover and encountered fabric. Surprised he lifted the blanket and frowned at the sight. Danny was dressed in a white t-shirt and black boxer shorts and the sight of his mate sleeping dressed was so wrong that Rusty simply stared for a moment.

 

Danny always slept nude.

 

‘He’s stopped because of you.’

 

His inner voice was right, Rusty realized. Danny hadn’t wanted to make him feel uncomfortable, had probably been afraid that he would scare Rusty away. “Oh love...”

 

He loves me. The thought was more of a shout and Rusty finally felt the last bit of fear leave and slowly he reached out and caressed Danny’s chest through the soft fabric. Danny moaned slightly and turned to give Rusty more access. The implicit trust in Danny’s movements made Rusty smile and he slowly leaned down and pressed a kiss to Danny’s collarbone.

 

“Good morning.”

 

Danny’s voice was sleepy and Rusty smiled as he looked up and met his mate’s eyes. “Yes, it’s a good morning.”

 

He could see understanding dawn in Danny’s eyes before his mate reached out and pulled him on top of himself. For a moment Rusty tensed but once again Danny’s body, his scent and his touch were so familiar that his fears had no chance.

 

“Your eyes are clear.” Danny spoke softly and Rusty nodded in response. “I feel better.”

 

For a while they simply lay together holding each other until Rusty looked up and met Danny’s eyes. “It’s time to go home, Danny. It’s time to face reality again.”

 

---

 

*Las Vegas*

 

“We’re coming home.” Tony’s voice sounded tired and wary and Nick sighed. He knew that talking with Rusty had woken unwanted memories and he hated that his son was hurting. Still the fact that Rusty and Danny were ready to come home meant that they had started to deal with what had happened to them. Nick was sure that Tony’s help was a part of it.

 

“Come to New Orleans. We’re holding the trial once Rusty feels ready.”

 

Fury cursed through his blood as he thought of Linus. He wanted to dust the rogue as fast as possible, but at the same time he understood that Danny and Rusty had a right to confront their attacker. Nick had gotten regular updates from Gabriel and from what his lead hunter had told him, Linus was still the same cocky bastard that he had been when he had been delivered to the manor by Riddick.

 

Nick knew why Linus was so confident, knew that Linus thought he’d killed Rusty or at least broken the bond between Rusty and Danny. Linus didn’t care what happened to him because at least he had reached his goal, Nick smiled darkly.

 

Linus would soon find out how wrong he was.

 

---

 

Part 6 – Healing

 

*Delphi, Greece, May 2006*

 

“Thank you for all you’ve done for us.” Rusty hugged Hector and Odysseus tightly. He had talked to them several times and had overcome his fear of them. He knew now that they had never blamed him for what Linus had done to him and their easy acceptance of him had eased another of his burdens.

 

Hector smiled softly and caressed Rusty’s face in an almost parental gesture. “We have to thank you and Danny, Rusty. If it weren’t for you and the sacrifice you made, we would never have been able to get Patroclus.”

 

“We are in your debt, Rusty Ryan.” Odysseus’ voice was formal and surprised, Rusty stared at the ancient vampire.

 

“No, you’re not. We agreed to do this you didn’t force us into anything.” Danny spoke before Rusty could, but as usual he agreed completely with his mate. Hector though shook his head. “You had no idea what you were getting into.”

 

The simple statement sent a shiver down Rusty’s back and he knew that Hector was right and yet the worst had not been done to them because he was Hector’s descendant or because Danny had Telemachos’ soul. No, Rusty thought, the worst had been done to him because Linus wanted him, Rusty Ryan.

 

“Why don’t we say we’re even?” Rusty looked at Hector who smiled and nodded. Swallowing hard, Rusty smiled almost depreciatingly. “Danny and I never wanted to get involved in politics. We promised each other that we’d live a quiet live as vampires. How did it all go so wrong?”

 

Hector shrugged and pointed at his mate. “Don’t ask me, ask him, he’s the troublemaker in the family and your mate’s his son.”

 

For a moment an honest smile crossed Rusty’s eyes, but he turned serious again. “I’m scared of going home.”

 

“Scared of meeting Nick?” Odysseus’ words were right on target and Rusty nodded. “You never judged me for what happened, but what if...”

 

He trailed off when Hector shook his head. “Rusty, he sent Tony over here to help you, he sent Riddick after you and Danny to protect you. Nick would never judge you for what happened, would never look down at you for being strong. Talk to him, Rusty, talk to him and Warrick and you’ll discover that it’s your fear talking and not reality.”

 

Hector pulled Rusty close once more while Odysseus held Danny in his arms. Rusty could see that it was hard for Odysseus to say good bye to Danny and spontaneously, he looked at the two ancient vampires. “You should come and visit us in Brazil. I think we all need time together.”

 

He could see the emotion that passed through Hector’s eyes and reeled when he understood that it was gratefulness. Odysseus and Hector shared a look and Hector clasped Rusty’s arm in a warrior’s gesture. “We will gladly come and visit you. But for now, remember Rusty that you are strong and that you survived. No matter what happened he couldn’t break you. Don’t fear to love and live, don’t fear those that are your friends and never doubt that you have friends here, Rusty. Never hesitate to call for help when needed.”

 

The sincere words made Rusty tremble and he was glad that Tony interrupted the heavy moment with a shout that they were waiting. Odysseus grinned in the direction of the cars and smiled at Danny. “We might be immortal, but not necessarily patient.”

 

They hugged again and Rusty heard Danny promise that they would soon visit Odysseus and Hector in Switzerland. It took more courage than Rusty had expected to really get into the car. Odysseus and Hector’s house had become a kind of a sanctuary to him, a place where everyone knew and yet still liked him. Rusty shivered as he thought of meeting the clan’s council, but as if he had read his mind, Tony put a hand on his shoulder and smiled at him. “Don’t worry Rusty, you won’t be alone.”

 

Gratitude welled up in his heart and he looked at Sylum’s second in command. He knew that Tony had left his mate behind to come and help him and again felt almost awed. “Thanks for all you’ve done, Tony.”

 

Tony grinned a bit evilly. “You can repay it by teaching me how to beat Warrick at poker.”

 

Danny and Rusty looked at each other and for the first time since they had started their journey to find the Talisman of Troy, they laughed, completely carefree. “How long’s the flight?”

 

---

 

* Miami - May 2006*

 

“I’m going with you.” Eric stood in the door blocking Riddick’s way with a determined expression. For a second Riddick was tempted to laugh, but one look in Eric’s eyes told him how serious his mate was and understanding that he couldn’t shelter Eric from all things bad Riddick nodded slowly.

 

“Did you clear it with Horatio?” Eric simply looked at him and Riddick smiled. “Of course you did.”

 

He wasn’t looking forward to the trial, and if there was one thing Riddick was glad of, it was the fact that Eric would be allowed to take part while the trial was on. He didn’t want to expose his mate to the brutality of what Linus had done to Rusty but even as he thought it, he shook his head. Eric was an experienced investigator, a man who had seen more than his share of violence and brutality. Riddick sighed, he knew that he couldn’t shelter Eric from everything and yet that didn’t mean he didn’t want to.

 

“How is the trial going to work?” Eric’s question brought Riddick back and he sighed before he started to explain.

 

---

 

* New Orleans - May 2006*

 

Rusty shivered as he looked up at the Manor[LD2] . He had been there only once for the clan’s Christmas celebration and he had loved the place. It had been like a symbol to him, a symbol of the strength and power of the clan he was about to swear loyalty to. Now though, he hesitated and could feel his fear growing as he tried to find the courage to walk into through the entrance.

 

Linus was inside. Tony had told him during the flight that Riddick had brought Linus to the Manor and that he was being held there while Rusty and Danny recovered. He had explained about the trial that would be held and that Rusty had the right to take Linus’ head for what he had done to him.

 

Right now all Rusty could think though was that Linus was somewhere inside the one place that he had loved at first sight. It was as if he could hear Linus’ taunting voice again telling him that he wasn’t worth being a part of this clan, that he was...

 

“Rusty.” Nick’s voice interrupted his thoughts and before he could say or do anything, his clan leader was right next to him gently pulling him into a hug. For a second the contact made him tense, but when he felt Nick loosen his arms, he relaxed and hugged his clan leader back.

 

“Thanks.” His voice was barely above a whisper and he was glad that he didn’t have to look into Nick’s eyes, still he needed the other vampire to know how grateful he was that Nick had sent them Riddick. “Thanks for helping us.”

 

Nick stepped back and Rusty looked away in shame. A strong hand on his back made him sigh as he felt Tony’s presence right beside him. Tony had told him again and again that Nick wasn’t angry and that he didn’t look down at Rusty for what had happened to him. Still it was hard to believe until Hector’s words echoed through his mind.

 

“Nick sent Tony over here to help you, he sent Riddick after you and Danny to protect you. Nick would never judge you for what happened, would never look down at you for being strong. Talk to him, Rusty, talk to him and Warrick and you’ll discover that it’s your fear talking and not reality.”

 

The kind words finally made him look up and meet the dark eyes of his clan leader. He saw sadness, concern, but most of all he saw kindness and love. For a long time he simply held Nick’s eyes and slowly his fears started to dissipate. Nick didn’t move when Rusty finally smiled slowly and stepped closer. The hug was fierce and strong this time and Rusty could feel how Nick relaxed too.

 

“Welcome home.”

 

Two words only and yet they meant so much to him and with tears in his eyes Rusty looked at Nick. “Sorry for doubting you.”

 

The words were again only whispered, but Nick simply held him closer before he released him and shook his head. “We need to talk, but first come in and get comfortable.”

 

---

 

Danny had watched the interaction between Nick and Rusty and he had felt Rusty’s relief through their bond. He sighed too and finally stepped forward and greeted Nick with a smile. Nick nodded at him and Danny remembered the talk he and Rusty had had before everything had gone to hell.

 

“Once this is all over, I want you to talk with Nick.”

 

They would have to talk, Danny knew, but that didn’t mean that he was looking forward to it. Nick led them towards the guest rooms, but to Danny’s surprise they stayed in a different area than the last time. Looking at Nick he frowned.

 

“I thought you might feel more comfortable in Tony’s rooms than in the basement.” Nick didn’t say anything else, but Danny immediately understood what he meant. The basement was closer to where Linus was being held whereas Tony’s rooms were further away and would give Rusty a feeling of safety. Smiling at his clan leader Danny nodded.

 

“Thanks!” Nick smiled and looked at Tony who stood next to Danny. “Can you show them around and explain everything?”

 

Tony nodded and Danny felt unease starting to coil in his stomach. He knew why they were here in the manor, knew that the only reason for them to stop over in New Orleans was Linus, and he agreed with Tony that they needed to see Linus and get complete closure. And yet he was terrified of the effect that seeing Linus could have on his mate.

 

Their room was richly decorated and as Danny looked around he noticed the wonderful pieces of art. His eyes met Rusty’s and he could see the appreciation in his mate’s eyes when he heard Tony laugh. “I can just read your minds, and I’ll tell you now: if a single piece is missing, you’ll be in trouble.”

 

Danny laughed too and grinned at Sylum’s second in command. “We’d never even think of taking anything with us.”

 

“As a matter of fact we were wondering what would be an appropriate present.” Rusty chimed in and Danny grinned at his mate. Tony smiled and shook his head. Danny saw the fond amusement in Tony’s eyes before he turned away with a huge smile on his face.

 

“Jethro.” The word was almost a sigh and then Tony was in his mate’s arms. Danny saw how Tony suddenly trembled in his mate’s arms and looking at Rusty he pulled him out of the room and into their own bedroom giving Tony and Jethro some privacy.

 

---

 

Tony felt something calm inside him as Jethro held him close. Leaving Jethro behind had hurt and talking to Rusty had awakened many memories he had thought long buried. He had held himself together but now as he was finally resting in Jethro’s arms, safe in the home of his clan, now he allowed himself to break a little.

 

“It’s ok, Tony, I’m here. I’m here.” Jethro’s voice was soothing and he caressed Tony with soft touches until Tony stopped shaking. Only then did Tony look up and met the concerned eyes of his mate.

 

“I could feel your pain and anger through the bond, I felt your nightmares and there was nothing I could do to hold you.” Jethro spoke softly and Tony smiled sadly. “I’m sorry.”

 

“Don’t be, please love. There’s nothing to be sorry for. I’m here for you, I love you.”

 

The softly spoken words and the arms that held Tony made it easier to talk and yet, he didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to remember and with a sigh, he moved even closer to his mate.

 

“Just hold me close.”

 

Jethro didn’t reply but his arms tightened around Tony and Tony let himself be comforted by the closeness of his partner.

 

---

 

Rusty watched as the sun slowly rose and turned the swamp that surrounded the manor into a sea of colors. The morning had come too fast and yet not fast enough. He hadn’t slept much and after staring at the ceiling for more than an hour, he had gotten up and walked outside. He needed to calm his thoughts and find his center.

 

The thought made him frown and smile at the same time. He had started meditation techniques a long time ago, had thought that they would come in handy sometime. Danny had simply snorted when he’d told him.

 

Do you think your new karma will make the dice roll your way?

 

Of course it hadn’t helped and yet Rusty had found peace in the calm breathing and relief of tension in the ancient forms of Tai Chi. Slowly he moved through the forms until in the end he sat down and concentrated on himself and his breathing.

 

He felt calmer, but the thought of today’s trial sent shivers through his body. He didn’t want to face Linus and yet he knew that he had to. He had to look into the eyes of the vampire who’d tortured him and show Linus that he had lost, that he hadn’t succeeded in breaking Rusty’s bond with Danny, that no one would ever tear them apart. Rusty sighed and tried to focus his thoughts again on the here and now.

 

The manor gardens were beautiful he thought as he looked around. Maybe they would finally have time to rest, maybe they wouldn’t need to run away, maybe they could just stay here and heal. It was a tempting thought Rusty mused when he suddenly felt a presence next to him and looked up.

 

“It’s peaceful here, isn’t it?” Warrick sat down next to him and Rusty sighed as he noted how the older vampire kept a careful distance between himself and Rusty. It was thoughtful and yet the fact that it did indeed make it easier made Rusty angry.

 

“Is it always like this?” His words came out harsher than planned and Warrick looked at him. “What?”

 

“Being a vampire, is it always about old feuds and war? Is there never a time of peace and happiness? Is it always about fights and pain?” Rusty saw that Warrick was shocked at his words, but he could also see that Warrick thought about his answer carefully before he answered.

 

“Yes and no. There are many of us that live quiet lives and never get involved in clan issues and politics and then there are others that even as young vampires get drawn into ancient feuds...”

 

“Like Danny and me.” Warrick nodded at Rusty’s comment and for a moment they both were silent, before Warrick turned around and looked at Rusty. “Do you regret it?”

 

Did he? Tony and Will had asked him the same question, and back then Rusty had replied without even thinking about it. Now though, he took his time before he shrugged. “If Bash hadn’t turned me, I’d be dead. So no, I don’t regret it. Would I have agreed to being turned had I known what I was about to go through, what I was about to put Danny through? I don’t know.”

 

Warrick sighed and then clasped Rusty’s shoulder in a strong yet tender grip. “It wasn’t your fault, Rusty. None of this was.”

 

“Wasn’t it?” Rusty saw how Warrick wanted to protest and shook his head to stop him from speaking. “If Danny and I hadn’t planned the casino job, we’d never been in a place where Benedict could have blackmailed us. All of this would have never happened if we hadn’t started it.”

 

“If you believe that, then you’re not as smart as I thought you were.”

 

Both Warrick and Rusty turned around at the harsh words and Rusty flinched as he saw Gibbs look at him coldly. He’d met Tony’s mate, but had never spoken with him and right now he didn’t feel up to fighting with the Marine. Warrick frowned at Gibbs, but before either of them could say anything, Gibbs continued.

 

“Benedict was just a means to an end. If it hadn’t been him, then Patroclus would have found another way to get to you. He wanted you, Rusty, not because of who you are or because of what you’ve done, but because of what you represent. He wanted you to suffer, wanted to destroy you because in his eyes you were the living proof that Achilles never loved him, that Achilles never respected him and that in the end he lost the one he’d loved and hated.”

 

The longer Gibbs talked the more Rusty tensed, but Gibbs didn’t give him time to recover or answer, instead he simply continued with the same cold, analytical voice.

 

“Patroclus wanted revenge Rusty, and he got it through you. It wasn’t about you, it wasn’t personal. You were...”

 

“That’s enough.”

 

---

 

Danny had felt his mate slipping out of bed and he had understood Rusty’s wish to be alone. He had an idea where Rusty would go and silently he envied Rusty for the calm and peace that he found in the ancient breathing techniques. Danny had tried Tai Chi once and had quickly realized that while the movements came to him as if he’d always known them, they didn’t calm him down. So while Rusty had learned to center himself, Danny had learned to defend himself and had started with real martial arts.

 

He still practiced it and it had certainly helped with Seth’s training. Danny smiled as a wave of calm and peacefulness flowed through the bond and he stretched himself out before he finally got out of bed. He loved the comfort of the rooms in the manor and made a mental note to thank Tony for having them stay in his wing. It had made the night a bit easier, and still Danny prayed silently that the day would be over soon.

 

He wanted Linus out of their lives, wanted closure so that he and Rusty could finally start the real healing process. Deep in thought he almost collided with Tony as he walked out of his rooms. “Hey, good morning. How was your night?”

 

Tony looked as if he’d had about as little sleep as Danny had had and out of instinct, Danny reached out and touched Tony’s shoulder. “You ok?”

 

Tony smiled faintly and shook his head. “Memories.”

 

He didn’t have to say anything else. Danny understood and sighed. “Sorry for putting you through this again.”

 

Tony however shook his head. “It’s ok. At least this time, I’ve got Jethro.”

 

The love he heard in Tony’s words made Danny smile. Tony smiled too and putting an arm around Danny he walked them towards the door. “Let’s see if we can get some coffee and find our wayward mates.”

 

---

 

“Benedict was just a means to an end. If it hadn’t been him, then Patroclus would have found another way to get to you. He wanted you, Rusty, not because of who you are or because of what you’ve done, but because of what you represent. He wanted you to suffer, wanted to destroy you because in his eyes you were the living proof that Achilles never loved him, that Achilles never respected him and that in the end he lost the one he’d loved and hated.”

 

Tony swallowed hard as he noticed how Rusty paled. Every word Jethro spoke was the truth, but now was not the right time and Tony quickly stepped forward when Jethro continued harshly.

 

“Patroclus wanted revenge, Rusty and he got it through you. It wasn’t about you, it wasn’t personal. You were...”

 

Danny stood completely still and Tony noticed that his posture mirrored Rusty’s. One look into Danny’s eyes told him about the emotions that coursed through Danny and most likely Rusty. It was enough to propel Tony into action and with a sigh he stepped forward and looked at his mate.

 

“That’s enough.”

 

Jethro stopped mid-sentence and stared at him and for a moment Tony saw both surprise and a light anger in his partner’s blue eyes. Then it seemed to dawn Jethro what he had done and he paled before he looked at Rusty. “I’m sorry...”

 

Wow, Tony thought with an internal smile, Jethro Gibbs apologizing... Of course neither Danny nor Rusty knew how rare such an apology was and yet they seemed to sense Gibbs’ honesty.

 

“It’s ok. You were right, just... not today.” Rusty’s voice sounded tired and yet he didn’t sound as broken as he had when Tony and Will had met him in Greece. Tony smiled as he watched Danny pulling Rusty towards his body and comfort his mate tenderly.

 

“It’s time.” Gabriel’s voice from the patio made Tony turn around and as he met the hunter’s dark eyes he nodded and gently looked at Danny and Rusty. Rusty met his eyes and Tony saw the strength in them.

 

“The trial?”

 

Tony nodded slowly. “The trial.”

 

---

 

Gibbs had never been part of a clan trial and as he watched Nick walk into the room flanked by Tony and Speed, he was once more awed by the power that the trio exuded. Nick sat down at the table that faced the others in the room and nodded at Gabriel.

 

“Bring Linus in.”

 

Gabriel walked out of the room and returned immediately. Gibbs got his first look at the man who had tortured, raped and in the end tried to kill Rusty. Just an ordinary guy, Gibbs thought as he looked at the vampire and shook his head at his own thoughts. How many times had he seen evil masked with blandness? How many times had they caught a killer that didn’t look like the monster he was?

 

“Linus Caldwell, you are on trial for the crimes you committed against two members of Sylum clan, Rusty Ryan and Daniel Ocean. You broke the rules set forth by this clan and you will be punished under our laws.”

 

Gibbs watched in awe as Nick proceeded through the list of the crimes. He’d been in many real world trials and yet he’d never felt so much respect for a judge as he had now. Nick was literally surrounded by power as he turned towards Linus.

 

“Do you have anything to say as to the crimes that you are accused of?”

 

Linus smirked and fixed Nick with his eyes. “I don’t recognize your authority, nor that of your clan. You have no right to hold me, no right to deny me my true mate. This so called trial is a complete sham.”

 

For a moment the room was silent, then Nick smiled coldly. “You might not recognize the clan’s authority, but you’re here now, so you will have to.”

 

Looking over towards Riddick, Nick nodded and Riddick and Seth stepped forth. They both looked grave and grim as they related in quick, quiet words what they had encountered as they had rescued Danny and Rusty. Gibbs shivered as he felt a frisson of pain flow through his bond with Tony. Riddick’s words were toned down and still, Gibbs could feel the anger that ran through the hunter as he told the Council how he had found Rusty being drained by Linus.

 

“I had a right to do that, he’s my mate.”

 

The speed with which Riddick turned towards Linus at these words was astonishing and before Nick or anybody else could say anything, Riddick grabbed Linus and pulled him up from his seat. “Shut up.”

 

He didn’t scream or shout and somehow the silent words seemed even more threatening than if Riddick had screamed them. A shiver ran through Gibbs and he exchanged a quick look with Tony, before he concentrated on Linus again. The other vampire simply smirked and turned his eyes towards Nick.

 

“You and your clan are nothing but a joke. A relict from ancient times and soon enough you’ll be replaced[LD3] .”

 

Speed rolled his eyes and Gibbs saw how Tony shook his head. Nick, however, simply looked at Linus. “We have heard about your crimes and we have ample proof of your guilt. So now it is time to decide what will happen with you.”

 

Nick locked his eyes with Riddick’s and without another word, Riddick turned and walked out of the room. Nick turned his gaze back to Linus and smiled coldly before he looked around the room.

 

“We will withdraw to decide Linus’ fate. We’ll be back in thirty minutes.”

 

With these words, Nick walked out of the room flanked by Tony and Speed. Warrick who had been sitting next to Gibbs nodded at him. “Come on, time to be jury.”

 

---

 

Rusty shivered as he walked towards the room where the trial was be held. Tony had told him about the procedures, about who would attend and that Rusty would be safe inside the large Council room and still all he could think about was the fact that Linus was right behind that door.

 

“You’ll be fine.”

 

Rusty startled and looked up to find Riddick standing at the door looking at him with a smile. They hadn’t spoken since Riddick had saved him from Linus, but at the sight of the hunter, Rusty felt both shame and gratitude flow through him. Riddick frowned and letting go of the door, he walked up to Rusty.

 

“If you go in there, think of what he’s done to you and your mate. Think of what he’s guilty of, think of what a fucking asshole he is. And never, ever feel like anything was your fault.” Riddick spoke softly, but with such an intensity, that Rusty swallowed hard. He wanted to say something, but Riddick shook his head.

 

“You’re incredibly strong, Rusty. You and your mate are stronger than anything Linus can throw at you. You survived him. Danny is still with you; your bond is stronger than ever. Remember that if you walk in there.”

 

Rusty nodded and took a deep breath before he walked over to Danny and took his mate’s hand. “Let’s go.”

 

Danny smiled at him and leaned down to kiss him quickly. “No matter what you do, I love you.”

 

He would be able to watch the trial, would even be able to say something, but ultimately it would be Rusty who was the one who’d tell his story and who’d ask for Linus’ punishment. Rusty clasped Danny’s hand and opened the door to the Council room.

 

Rusty had known that the entire Council would be there, he had known that those involved in his and Danny’s rescue would be present too and of course he had known that Linus would be in the room. Still seeing all those eyes on him made him want to turn around and run away, but Danny’s presence was next to him and even as he met Linus’ eyes for a moment he remembered Riddick’s words. Rusty took a deep breath and walked into the room.

 

Nick got up and Rusty swallowed hard as he felt Danny’s hand leave his. The Council room wasn’t an official courtroom, but the way the Sylum Council members were seated reminded Rusty of a real trial and a shudder ran through him.

 

Riddick pulled him over to his seat and Rusty sat down watching Nick get up and stand in front of Linus. Linus who looked as if he didn’t care about anything.

 

“The clan’s rules are not guidelines and they are not voluntary. You have broken these rules, have defied them in the worst way and for this we, the Council of Sylum, have set forth the death sentence.”

 

The words made Rusty pale even though he had known that it was the most likely punishment. Nick looked over to him and held out his sword. “Rusty, as the victim of Linus’ crimes you have to right to fulfill that sentence.”

 

Slowly Rusty got up and walked over towards Nick. He took the large sword in his hands and stood in front of Linus. Looking into the face of the man he’d once considered a friend and who’d become his worst nightmare, Rusty felt himself tremble. Linus’ eyes locked with his and it felt as if everything that Linus had done was right there again.

 

“You wanted it, Rusty, you wanted me.”

 

The soft words were like little daggers and Rusty could see how the sword in his hands trembled as he held it out. Again Linus looked at him and licked his lips in a perversion of a kiss.

 

“Does Danny know that you liked it? Does he know how you begged me for it?”

 

Hatred burned through Rusty at the words and he raised the sword to make the killing blow. “Rusty, don’t.”

 

Danny was suddenly standing next to him, holding his arm and Rusty trembled again. Danny turned him around and made him look away from Linus as their eyes met.

 

“He’s goading you; he wants you to kill him. He knows that you would never forget what you’ve done.”

 

---

 

Danny held Rusty’s eyes captive and he saw the deep shame that still lurked in the blue eyes. Sighing silently he reached out and pulled Rusty towards himself, he didn’t care that he was interrupting the trial, didn’t care that the entire Sylum Council was watching them, because right now all he cared about was Rusty. A quiver ran through his mate and Danny pulled him closer before he met Rusty’s eyes again.

 

“Listen to your heart, Rusty and do only what it tells you.”

 

Rusty swallowed hard and Danny remembered the conversation he and his mate had had last night after Tony had told them that Rusty would have the chance to avenge himself by taking Linus’ head.

 

“A part of me wants nothing more than to kill him, to make him suffer like he made me suffer.”

 

Danny looked at his mate and tenderly caressed Rusty’s trembling hand. “And the other part?”

 

“The other part just wants to forget and leave it all behind.” Rusty’s eyes were deeply troubled as he shook his head. “I don’t think I can do it.”

 

Danny smiled gently as he pulled Rusty closer. “You don’t have to.”

 

“Don’t you think that Nick and the others expect me to avenge myself?” Danny reached out and caressed Rusty’s face gently. “No, and even if they did,, it doesn’t matter Rusty. All that matters is what feels right for you. All that matters is you.”

 

Rusty sighed and leaned into the caress before he straightened and looked directly at his mate. “I want closure.”

 

Danny felt Rusty relax slowly against his body and as their eyes met again, Rusty was much calmer. Danny saw that the shame had disappeared and in its place there was a cold and hard resolve. He leaned down once more and kissed his mate before he let go of Rusty and returned to his seat.

 

Rusty hadn’t told him yesterday what he would do to get closure, but Danny knew that no matter what Rusty’s decision would be, he, Danny would be there for him.

 

“You tried everything to destroy the most important thing in my life. You raped me, you tortured me and in the end you tried to break my bond with Danny and kill me.” Rusty’s voice was calm and strong. Danny felt a surge of pride in him as his mate slowly walked over towards Linus and looked straight into the other vampire’s eyes.

 

“By Sylum’s rules I have the right to take your head for what you’ve done to me.” Slowly Rusty raised his sword and put the tip of it against Linus’ throat. Danny saw how the other vampire shivered and paled before Rusty spoke again. “And a large part of my heart wants nothing more than to kill you.”

 

Rusty looked at Linus for a long moment before he stepped back and lowered the sword. He swallowed hard and turned away from Linus towards Nick.

 

“Thank you for the offer, Nick, but I won’t find the closure I need by killing Linus.”

 

Danny watched as Rusty put the sword back in Nick’s hand and slowly walked towards Danny. It seemed like ages until Rusty sat down next to him and for the entire walk the room was eerily silent. Danny felt the tension rise as Nick nodded once and smiled.

 

“I accept your decision Rusty.” His smile vanished as he turned towards Linus and looked at the other vampire. “You have been convicted of your crimes and you will be punished. Sylum has never tolerated violence and crimes against its’ members and for as long as I stand for Sylum, it never will.”

 

He raised his sword and without hesitating once, took Linus’ head. Danny felt Rusty gasp next to him and instinctively pulled his mate closer as Linus body disappeared and dust filtered through the air. The man who had tortured and raped his mate was dead. It wasn’t the end of it all, but as Danny held the trembling body next to his, he understood that it was one more step to the closure that Rusty needed.

 

---

 

Nick waited until everyone had left the council room before he looked at Speed. He knew that the trial had been hard for his son and slowly walking over to Speed and Horatio, he locked his eyes with Horatio, before he smiled and turned around to leave. Horatio was taking care of Speed and Nick knew that no one was better equipped to do so than the redhead.

 

“Nick?” Rusty’s voice brought him back to reality and with a smile he looked at the young vampire who’d just shown so much integrity and courage. He was proud of Rusty and Danny, proud of how they had survived, but as he looked into the deeply troubled eyes of the blond vampire, he knew that their ordeal was far from over.

 

“Can we talk?” Nick nodded and together they walked over to the terrace where some comfortable chairs were already waiting for them. Thomas brought some ice tea and for a long time Nick simply waited for Rusty to say something.

 

“We’re sorry.” Danny’s voice was quiet and sad and surprised at both the words and the emotions Nick looked up.

 

“What are you sorry for?” Danny stared into his ice tea as he answered and once more his voice was quiet and subdued. “We never wanted to be a burden to the clan. We...”

 

Danny trailed off and Nick suddenly remembered the talk he’d had with Warrick right when the entire nightmare had started.

 

“When this is over, I want you and Danny to sit down and talk.”

 

Maybe it was finally time to have that talk.

 

---

 

Rusty frowned as he felt something akin to fear through his bond with Danny before his mate spoke. The words though surprised him even more. “We never wanted to be a burden to the clan. We...”

 

When Danny trailed off, Rusty shook his head and glancing at Danny he remembered the talk he’d had with his mate when they had been chasing the Talisman.

 

“When this is over, I want you and Nick to sit down and talk.”

 

It was far from over, Rusty thought, but maybe it was finally time for Danny and Nick to talk and clear the air. Maybe it was another of the many talks they needed to have before they could really heal. Rusty looked at his mate and at Nick and with a smile he got out of his chair. “I forgot that I wanted to talk to Seth. I’ll be back soon.”

 

The look that Danny sent him told him that his mate wasn’t fooled.

 

---

 

Danny watched Rusty leave and sighed before he looked up and met Nick’s amused gaze. “Have we just been set up?”

 

The smile in Nick’s eyes calmed Danny down enough to grin back and shake his head. “Yes, we have and very unsubtly too. My boy is losing his touch. Got to get some practice again soon.”

 

As soon as he’d said it, he tensed. He and Rusty had just gotten into Sylum’s good graces and now he’d blown it all with his stupid comment about his and Rusty’s profession. He wanted to take his words back, when he felt a hand on his arm. Looking up, Danny met Nick’s eyes and was surprised at the warmth in them.

 

“It’s ok, Danny.” Nick hesitated for a moment and to Danny’s surprise he saw something like guilt in Nick’s eyes before his clan leader began to speak again. “Do you remember what I told you when you swore your loyalty to Sylum?”

 

Danny swallowed hard and remembered that magical night at Christmas.

 

“I know you two are training with Seth down in Sanctuary territory, and know you have loyalties to Vachon as much as me. It's not rare or unheard of for members to have loyalties to two Clans, especially if the Clans themselves have strong bonds between them. Even if at the moment you are at home in Brazil, you have a home here.”

 

Nick’s words had touched him deeply and now all these months later, Danny finally realized that Nick had spoken the truth. Slowly he nodded and looked at his leader when Nick spoke again.

 

“I meant it, Danny, you and Rusty will always have a home here. You’ll always be a part of this clan.”

 

Sighing lightly, Danny didn’t look at Nick as his fears and insecurities got the better of him. “Even as con men?”

 

“Danny, we’re a clan full of con men.” Nick smiled gently. “We’re here for you.”

 

Danny closed his eyes and finally let got of his fear and tension before he met Nick’s eyes again. “Thanks Nick, and remember we’re here for the clan too.”

 

Nick smiled again when suddenly out of nowhere Warrick showed up and fell into the chair next to Nick’s. For a moment Nick stared at his mate and Danny could literally see how his leader’s mind was working overtime. Nick shook his head and looked at Danny and they both smiled.

 

“Truly set up.”

 

---

 

*Epilogue – At sea somewhere in Sanctuary Territory*

 

Rusty watched as wave after wave crashed on the shore. The sea seemed to try as avidly to wash away any memories of the people that had walked on its shores as Rusty tried to erase the memory of his rape. The only difference was that the sea had more success than he had.

 

Everyone had told him that it would take time to forget, that it would take months, maybe even years to heal and one night Will had looked at him and shrugged.

 

It’s never going to go away. You’ll always live with a before and an after.

 

He had time, they both had it. Danny and he had years, decades, maybe even centuries ahead. It should be enough time to get over the memories of fear, pain and the feeling of being dirty. One day he would be able to look back at their capture and not flinch, one day he would be able to forgive Linus. Right now he couldn’t forget or forgive.

 

“You mind?” Danny’s voice was soft, gentle. Rusty knew that his mate didn’t want to scare him. He loved Danny for it, loved him because he cared and at the same time he hated himself for needing the care.

 

“Of course not.” And as soon as the words were out, he wanted to take them back. They had sounded too harsh, too cold and it was as if he could feel Danny flinch through their bond. “Sorry.”

 

The light laughter surprised him, the strong arms that pulled him towards his mate and sheltered him didn’t. Danny kissed his neck and whispered quietly. “Why?”

 

For a moment Rusty didn’t know what to say, then he shrugged and tried to explain helplessly. “For being harsh and unfriendly when you are nothing but wonderful to me.”

 

Danny’s hands caressed his arms and Rusty shivered. He was still skittish about contact although not when it came to Danny. “You’re healing, love.”

 

And so was Danny, Rusty suddenly realized. He felt like an ass, but when he went to say something, Danny stopped him. “I heal with you.”

 

That was something Will had said too, Rusty remembered. Danny would heal from what he had felt through their bond, but he could only heal when Rusty had come to terms with it. It was an additional burden, the knowledge that he was responsible not only for his own, but for his mate’s recovery too.

 

“And if it takes more time?” Danny smiled at Rusty’s words and kissed his neck again. “Then it will. Time is something we have plenty off.”

 

Danny was right and Rusty leaned back. He felt the wind from the sea on his face and the warmth of his mate’s body against his back. He was safe.

 

He was healing.