Chapter 114: Withholding source

Damon

It has been a while since such a moment happened between my brothers and I and it felt as if a new beginning had started. I was totally flustered but I learnt to relax eventually. It took a while but eventually, it was over and done with as Harold stated that I should be allowed some air. Peter was the first to walk back to his seat and he really looked pale at this point. I was worried about him and then turned my attention to him.

"Damon , I don't suppose you saw the person who was following you or dare I say people but it proves one thing, we're all not safe out there and for now, it would be best that we come back home on time. I was also thinking of suggesting that we now go out in pairs, that way, there would be backup at all times." He said, looking at me.

That definitely was not the reason for the backups. It had everything to do with me and the fact that I was frolicking with a vampire. It was clear to me that Harold wanted to know who I was hanging with and I still could tell from the hostility of his being that he still hated the vampires. Any attempt from his person to want to see them was to bring death and I knew deep down that we needed Ralph on our side. I mean, it might not seem like it right now but a vampire with his speed, that would be a good plus to us. I was also starting to think about the possibilities of helping him escape so he could convince others to come join us in our fight.

"Harold, I don't think that is appropriate. For years now, you have had us going out to public stuff one at a time so they do not spot us. Even our files from our highschool were kept secret that we were a set and we had to go through university online. Keeping us in pairs would mean destroying that purpose." I said to him,

"These are desperate times, Damon and it calls for desperate measures. Besides, if things go according to plan by your thirtieth birthday, which is already hanging around the corner, you would have to be presented to members of your pack. Then, you can all say goodbye to living in the shadows." Harold said as he looked from me and started glancing around to my brothers.

Certainly, they did not believe all this bullshit, right? I mean, it was one thing to have a thought crossing the mind like this but we all did not have to stand by what he was saying. It was Jacob who spoke first.

"I'm sorry, Harold but I'm with Damon on this. We cannot hang him out loose but he's far above controlling and I'm certain we all do not want to be paired. I for one don't want anything to do with Damon in that way or he would corrupt my good manners and turn me into his apprentice." Jacob said. 

I have never known that my brother could actually make a joke like this and keep a straight face still. I was totally amazed by his response and I felt like I might have been too judgemental towards him.

"Well, I could do with you as an apprentice. I know where all the sexy women and booze are." I responded.

"See. Totally incompatible with anyone here." Jacob said.

"And I don't need a babysitter." This was Garrett at the moment.

"You don't even go out. You're too busy beating your meat to want to see the world." Jacob teased him.

Wait, who was this really and what has he done with my charismatic brother? I mean, this particular version of Jacob seemed really fun but I was sure it was all a show aimed at pacifying Harold. The moment the old man was all calmed down, he would definitely revert to his usual self and I would have been redeemed by my thoughts. But then, something struck me and it was the fact that the one person that has always been my side kick was quiet. Even though we were having our rough patches at this time, I still felt like he could have said something at least to me and I turned my gaze to Peter.

I was horrified when I looked at him. The arm that he had tattooed was let to hang loosely as he reclined on the seat weakly. He was awake clearly but he looked like he was going through so much pain and this actually made me worried. I hated to see him this way as it broke my heart, so I turned to look at Harold.

"Something's wrong with Peter." I said and the old man looked at him. He seemed a little sad as he went over to him and I knew there was more than meets the eyes.

Hell, how was this even possible? Harold was already looking him over as he helped him recline properly.

"What's happening to him, Harold?" Jacob asked.

"Well, this is a result of the tattoo in his arms. Us werewolves are unable to get tattooed because our wounds heal before anything can be made into a stretch and we have always avoided it. But then, a certain criminal wolf named Maddox happened to find a way through his crazy desires. While torturing a werewolf, he realised that he could make tattoos that way and he became an inventor. We all however are not allowed to do it, especially those from the royal family." Harold explained.

Well, the royal family could take a piss if they so desired but I was after my brother right now.

"Is it poison?" Garrett asked.

"Would he live?" Jacob asked.

I could not even ask what was on my mind as I was looking at my brother. Seriously, who was this Maddox guy that had brought Peter this amount of pain and how had he managed to convince him? Whatever my thoughts, Peter who had been really quiet was starting to speak and it was really painful to watch.

"What....happens...to... royalty?" He managed to ask.

"Save your strength, Peter. I would tell you what you want to know when you're strong enough. This phase is just the start and there would be more pains that would accompany it. You need to rest and I will have to send you upstairs soon." Harold said and then turned to the rest of us that was still clearly in dilemma. "To answer you, he would definitely live but we have to pray that he does not lose his limb. It heals as it should and he would be good as new in three days. As per how that asshole created this, it is almost like poison because he found a way to get grinded silver mixed with the tattoo ink. That way, it would remain as it is being drawn and that is why it is draining him. Peter is going through a lot of pain right now." Harold said.

Silver? Peter again? What was it with my brother and getting ill luck at all times? Besides, why did he stay because I was certain that he must have felt pain at least. Also, I was really curious to see what he had gotten at this point. 

Peter wanted to speak but Harold would not hear of it and I also felt like something was wrong about that tattoo especially with the royal house. Well, Harold was definitely not willing to tell us either as he turned now to face the rest of us.

"Well, I guess I would just go on to tell you all why I had called for this sudden meeting. Your father would be coming to take the bounty hunter into custody for questioning and that is tomorrow. I also want everyone to keep what has happened to Peter silent and away from his ears." Harold said.

Wait, he was kidding me, right? How on earth was my father deciding that he would come get the person that I had captured myself? It was almost as if he was trying to rob me and I would not stand for that. I got that bounty hunter by risking my own life for crying out loud!

"No, he's not taking him." I said.

"It's his command and you best not dare you stop him." Harold said.

"But we've not questioned him. And he's our biggest clue to finding those hunters." Jacob said.

"More clues would surface. Maybe, Damon here would introduce us finally to his vampire friend." Harold said and I noticed everyone was looking at me.

Wait, was he thinking that putting me on the spot was going to make me bulge? If that was how he intended to get things going fine for us all then he was actually joking. I was not planning on saying anything about Ralph.

"We've been through that already, Harold. I can't help the vampire. We would have to figure something else out." I responded.

"Damon, if there is a chance that you might be able to get him to...." Garrett started speaking now and I cut him short.

"There is no way at all, brother. If there was, I would not withhold." I lied as I knew I had those coordinates and also the fact that I would stake out Luke.