Elias POV
getting the call from Zachary telling me to clean up the mess again. Put me in a black mood straight away. I was his second, which meant if Zachary wasn't available for whatever reason, I was in control of the lodge and everyone in it.
I should not be summoned like some lackey. Punching numbers into my phone phone, I called the cleaning crew for the lodge. There were six of them. They were all humans who wanted eternal life.
We kept them submissive but alert. It wasn't a difficult thing to do, but of late, I noticed I was having to do it more frequently. There were a few reasons this was happening. One, they were becoming used to the dominance. Two, they were getting tired quicker, because, Three, they were being used for something other than their allotted jobs. If that were the case, then whoever did the fiddling needed to be sort out and expelled from the lodge. It was part of Zachary's rules when subjugating humans. He always assured them protection from the brethren, whilst they remain helpful.
Zachary couldn't know that this was going on, so I told him nothing. Only two of my brother vampires knew I had to do the subjugation three or four times a week. Normally, I would only have to do it once a week. Unless they are really eager, then I only had to do it twice a month.
When I heard the person on the other end of the phone, I barked out some orders to her, then hung up. Sighing to myself, I slowly made my way to the communal area. As soon as I got there, I saw the drained human girl, and one of the new born, William, I believed his name was. This pissed me off, so I summoned Rom from the nursery. He needed to explain to me why this promising new born didn't know the rules.
When Rom appeared a few moments later, I pointed to William ''Explain'' I said. Not in the mood for an in-depth discussion. Rom looked a little taken aback at my attitude, but I refused to feel guilty. If Zachary would punish anyone for allowing this to happen, I would not be me. No fucking way.
'Elias, man. I had no control over this! When he left my nursery, he was perfect. He was primed ready to be a good soldier from the army Zachary is building'.
I shot him a look that had him cowering '' shut up, you fool. No one knows his plans yet. And with those other bastards on the way, it is imperative that any talk about Zachary's plan is strictly forbidden. Do you want to lose your eternal life? Because your going the right way about it''.
I snapped at him, and I could see my words had an effect. Seeing the fear in his eyes and knowing I had put it there was very satisfying. Rom lowered his head in submission and apologised for his behaviour. I told him to take the body down To the incinerator and throw him in.
''I have no doubt Zachary will feel the loss of one of his children. So we need to get our stories straight. You can blame one of the creatures working for you if you want to get out of trouble yourself. But know this, Rom. Whom ever you choose to be your fall guy, they will lose their lives. So you better pick one that is expendable''.
Rom left with William's body whilst I waited for the cleaners. When they had arrived, I made sure they knew what they were doing before I stalked out. I was so fed up with doing these menial tasks. I was more important than that. Or, at least I thought so.
I looked at the gold Rolex on my wrist. I was going to be late. FML, it was not my day today.
Zachary POV
I could sense the change in the air. The whole atmosphere changed when all three remaining originals came together. It was the only time i could move the lodge, and of course the only time that i could not be killed. That may sound stupid, as the first soldier made for the goddess Selene, and then being one of the original ten meant that when we were together, we were protected with the grace of the goddess. It's insurance. So she can make more from us as needed.
I could Hear Remus from up here in my quarters. The fellow really was a blowhole. Always shouting, always demanding. Not as strong as me, nor was Marcus, but Remus still tried to maintain an air of superiority. Ah well, better go and meet the pompous bastards.
Elias had better be there. I dont know what was up with him lately. He was more sullen than usual. It didn't help that he met his brother a few weeks ago. That always seemed to bring him down.
he had better have his game face on. These two vampires were tricky fuckers who loved to lord it over their brethren. I hope Elias was prepared for the next few days.
As I had asked, Elias had put the visitors in the main reception room on the ground floor. As I stepped closer, I heard Remus demanding to be taken to his room. The pompous Pratt.
''I must go to my chambers first, I cannot be expected to see Zachary as soon as I arrive. I have been travelling for what seems like days and i want a rest. Elias. Make this happen. Get one of your foundlings to show me to my room!''.
Elias was trying his best to placate the prick. He was doing a fine job, but I think I will put him out of his misery. When Elias saw me standing in the doorway, he visibly relaxed. He gave me a nod of respect and fell silent.
''Are you deaf as well as stupid, Elias? Do you not hear my demands? Why do you ignore me? I am Remus, third of the original ten. You will listen to me!''. He made to slap Elias. That was when I made my presence felt.
I let my power seep out of my every pore and cloud the room, Remus froze. Marcus, who was sitting by the fire, sat straight and turned to face me. 'Elias is following my orders. He will not now or ever take orders from you Remus. So I suggest you bring it down a little. You will be shown to your quarters when i have spoken to you. You will need time to think about what i am going to say. So it works out nicely. Now! Leave Elias alone and sit yourself by the fire. As Marcus does. And shut the fuck up!''.
I could see how this rankled him, but I did care and he didn't retaliate. He dare not. Remus knew his place when we were together. At least, he better had. I had no time for his theatrics just now.
When Remus finally took a seat, I walked over to Elias first and spoke quietly to him, giving him his next lot of orders. I took the last chair by the large stone fire place. Sitting in the middle one, the largest one. It may seem petty, but for the likes of these two, it was necessary. The pomp and ceremony was a big part of letting these fuckers know I was in charge.
''Brothers'' I said, holding both arms out in a show of solidarity. ''Thank you for coming so promptly. First on the agenda is the moving of the lodge, we will do this after we have dined. Second is a matter of grave importance. It will need our full attention. That is why I want to move the lodge first. When I know that my brethren and I are once again hidden from this hideous world, I can concentrate on the matter at hand'' I added a smile with the hope they took their summoning with good grace.
Who was I kidding? This was Remus I was talking to. A vampire so caught up in his own legend, he rarely knew what was going on in the real world. So placed very little importance on matters he considered beneath him.
''Do you mean to tell me I was asked to this meeting, so you could once again move this maudlin monstrosity? How dare you presume i would help you again. When you denied me, I won't help'.
He was glaring at me with his usual defiance. I had no time for this. Sitting forward so I was closer to him, I said quietly ''You will do this. As I did not ask you here. You were summoned! Know this, if you go against me, I will end your reign, as I will end you'' The threat hit home and Remus hissed at me, showing me his fangs which had elongated in his anger.
I tutted at him, looked him straight in the eyes, and allowed my own fangs to show. I could see his face change, and he must have realised what precarious position he now found himself in. He backed off slowly, making sure to watch me all the time. Which i found amusing and told him so ''You do know That if i wanted to kill you Remus, i only have to think it. You do not need to watch my actions, i will not pounce on you''. Remus lost what little colour he had in his long but beautiful face. ''You finally managed to do this? This is news. You should have informed us both if your powers had adapted in any way. You know this Zachary'' He turned now to face Marcus, who had kept quiet throughout.
''Marcus, tell Zachary that he must inform us if his powers change in any way''.
Before Marcus could answer, I finally let my temper get the better of me. I picked Remus up and threw him towards the fire ''Do not speak like some idiot human child. How dare you tell me what I should and shouldn't do? I made those rules, and I will break them if I want. Do not try to sway the opinion of one of us to suit your own needs''.
Although Remus hit the fire, only his clothes singed. He brushed himself off and took his seat again. Only this time he sat there with his neck bent forward as a sign of his submission.
''Better'' was all i said.
taking my own seat again i explained where the lodge will be moved to and why. They both listened to me now. I didn't talk about the newborn human child. That was for later. But I did tell them I was looking for the portal home. Remus looked excited, I knew how much he wanted to go home. But Marcus, he just looked bored by the time I finished speaking.
I think the problem one in this meeting will be the pliable, soft souled Marcus.
Once again, things were about to turn interesting.