Castle Nevoie Ch 02

Notes to reader:

I went with BDSM, but please note there is also a fantasy element. If Vampires turn you off, look away now!

You will get more from these characters if you read the stories in order, but it's not compulsory.

Tess-O'Meter -- Green.

-X

Four days after Ana arrived at the castle, she finally felt strong enough to get out of bed.

Whether it was the shock, the cold and wet, or coincidence. The morning after her rescue of the young man, Emil, from certain death, she had been laid low with flu.

Her hosts, Eugen and Camil had discovered her, shivering and sweating, late on the morning after her arrival. Camil, who had so terrified her on first acquaintance, had gone into full-on nursemaid mode and she discovered him to be the most attentive and sweetest of carers.

She had recovered thanks to his tender ministrations, and now she stood under the hot pounding shower, feeling re-born, having gained his permission to shower and have breakfast in the kitchen next door.

"Then we shall see," he proclaimed, as Eugen winked from behind his back and made 'going for a walk' motions with his fingers.

"Oh, boy. Yes please," she murmured to herself as she soaped. She was desperate for fresh air.

Twenty minutes later, she was dressed and sipping coffee, as Camil tutted and dried her hair with a brush and towel. "You shouldn't wander with wet hair, it's no wonder you got sick."

"That's a myth," Ana pouted.

"You'll be surprised how many 'myths' are actually true," Camil told her with a laugh in his voice, earning a warning glance from Eugen, who was cooking bacon at the stove.

"Here you go, come on Camil, sit and eat, you can finish her hair later. It's warm in here." Eugen bustled around making sure Ana had all she needed, and her question about myths slipped away.

"It's beautiful," he told her as he ran a hand down the dark red curling length of it that reached her waist, before kissing her head and sitting beside her.

Ana smiled and bit into her food. The ice had been well and truly broken over the past few days. Pretty much when Eugen came in with a large object and said, "It's a chamber-pot. Don't try and make to the bathroom on your own."

She gave up being embarrassed by noon on day three.

"It is an unusual colour with that texture," Camil chewed and studied her critically. "Do you know much about your heritage?"

"Camil!" Eugen hushed him.

"It's fine." Ana had told them a little, more over the past day or so when she slept less, but had no energy to read. Bored and restless they had chatted, so they knew she has lost her only family, her parent's, aged eight.

"I'm a mix of British Columbian, French Canadian, Irish, Scottish, Ghanian- by way of Jamaica, First Nations -- Beothuk, and English. I blame the Ghanian, Celt, and First Nations for this," she gave a wry smile and lifted her hair in demonstration.

Camil's face had turned sombre, "Jamaica? Were your ancestors slaves?"

"On my mom's side. She was researching," Ana paused and cleared her throat. "I was given some of her belongings when I turned fifteen. There was some research about a lady called Mary, who's grandmother was from Ghana. She was born on Jamaica, and escaped to Canada. It was sad though. They think she left children behind."

"She would be your many times great grandmother?" Eugen asked as Camil silently walked around the table, kissed Ana's cheek and then returned without saying a word. Eugen shook his head slightly, his eyes begging that she didn't ask.

"Yes, but we can't be sure how many greats. The records aren't complete."

They ate in silence for a while, until Ana asked. "How is Emil?"

"Resting," Eugen told her. "We can sedate him for short periods and allow him to rest."

"You have sedatives here?" Ana asked, surprised.

"More like herbs," Camil told her. "Traditional remedies. We are very isolated here, we have to be self-sufficient."

"Should he not be in hospital? I thought he had broken bones, and some of those wounds."

"We can do what needs to be done," Eugen told her.

"Can I see him?"

"Maybe in a few days."

Camil stood, seeing the rebellion in Ana's eyes. "Speaking of, I should go sit with him a while. Don't let her get cold," he instructed Eugen who rolled his eyes.

"I wouldn't dare," he claimed, tipping his head back for a kiss.

Ana's arguments faded. They were so sweet together. Perhaps she had overestimated the injuries, and really. Would a dangerous three hour drive really be the best thing for their friend. The snow was still thick and freezing, even if the sky was clear.

"How long have you been together?" she asked dreamily and Camil snorted softly against his husband's lips before lifting his head with a grin.

"Longer than you can possibly imagine," he claimed.

Eugen watched him leave, a soft smile on his face. Then he flashed a grin at Ana. "Sometimes it feels like forever! Go get your hat."

Ana nodded and went for her outdoor clothes. She had already learnt that neither Camil nor Eugen would answer a question they didn't want to. Although they always side stepped so politely.

However, as they walked through the thick snow to the barn, she tried again.

"So, seriously though. Camil looks about twenty-five. You can't have been married that long?"

Eugen grinned. "He is compact, and his own heritage I think makes him look younger, but that body is in fact twenty-nine years old."

"Get out!" Ana exclaimed in English, making Eugen laugh. "I mean, sorry. Really?"

"I swear it," Eugen placed a hand on his heart. "I believe it's being married to me keeps him young."

"I'm sure," Ana wondered about the secretive smile playing around Eugen's lips. "And you speak English?"

"Yes. So does Camil. If it's easier for you."

"No, no, it's fine. I'll have to remember not to mumble secrets to myself."

"You have secrets, Ana?"

"Don't we all?"

Eugen observed her for a moment. "Of course. Yes, that is true." Then he grinned and motioned her into the barn, where her car sat looking forlorn with the door propped against the rear fender, and further down.

"Ohhhhh. Babies," Ana breathed in delight, and rushed towards the animals.

-X

Ana enjoyed the day, after visiting with the animals Eugen promised she could help out in a day or two, when she was fully recovered. "It's not like I enjoy shovelling shit. You're most welcome to help!"

Then he took her on a short tour, although he stayed to what he called the east wing, which Ana couldn't help but notice was the opposite direction he and Camil always came from. The rooms a little stale and unused.

Maybe they just didn't want Emil disturbed if he was resting.

When they exited a heavy door and were met with crumbling ruins, Ana's questions fled.

"This is the north wing," Eugen told her. "It was destroyed by a fire a long time ago. We use mainly the south and west sections. It's a big place."

Ana gazed at the snow covered mountains that rose above them, her breath clouding the air. She turned to where the remnants of a wooden porch deteriorated into charred remains.

"So the porch came all around from the south wing and the kitchen, and then led to the stables, there." She pointed a little way off towards a heap of tangled brambles, where a beam or two was still pointing towards the sky.

She blinked a little, feeling a little dazed, before turning to Eugen who was staring at her in astonishment. "How did you know that?"

"What?" Ana felt a bit giddy.

"Where the original stables were."

"Oh," she glanced around. "I don't know. It seems to make sense, I guess. Actually, Eugen. I'm feeling a bit off."

"Come on," Eugen wrapped an arm around her waist and led her back inside. "Time for a rest." He escorted her back to her room and tucked her up, but was watching her curiously the whole time.

She had risen for dinner, but then been sent back to bed by her watchful hosts.

Two hours later Ana was wide awake and restless.

It was only ten, and she was a night owl usually. No one had said she couldn't explore.

Taking care to be quiet, Ana, using her phone as a torch, started to wander the hallways.

There were lights scattered throughout, but not enough for her to see by. It was wonderfully spooky, and if this place wasn't haunted it was a waste.

Even as she thought it, Ana heard a strange cry. Almost a howl.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. It came again and she realized not wolves, but what could it be. She moved deeper into the west wing.

The cry came again. A deep moan of pain. Ana's breath faltered when she realized it must be Emil. Perhaps he had taken a turn for the worse.

She hurried forward to help, finding the light increased slightly but the cries turned to screams and became wilder.

Soon she heard voices, and heading towards a door that was ajar she rushed in and stopped in shock, even as the next scream echoed around the walls.

Emil was still naked. His battered body spread-eagled across a bed and chained to the four corner posts. Large leather cuffs encircled his wrists, arms, ankles, and thighs.

His ankles and wrists were heavily bandaged, but his other wounds were clear to see as he writhed and arched up from the bed.

Eugen was stood between her and the bed, but Camil was on the bed, a desperate look on his face, his cheeks damp, as he stroked Emil's hair away from his face.

"Please. What's happening? Emil, please try to rest. I don't understand." He looked up at Eugen, his eyes snapping to Ana. Even as Emil tried to rise, his mouth open in a scream, his black eyes fixed on her.

Ana only managed half a step back before she was surrounded. Eugen lifted her and her head whirled as he rushed her away.

In less than three breaths she was deposited in the kitchen chair and Eugen was looming over her. She hadn't even managed to scream, but opened her mouth to release one now, Eugen's hand halting her.

"Ana, please don't. Stay calm."

A dark blur and Camil appeared by the chair. He placed her dropped phone on the nearby table and looked at Eugen. "Tell her everything," he insisted, before blurring away.

Eugen turned back to Ana, who watched him warily. "That's not possible," she whispered. "It took me over twenty minutes to reach that room."

"Yes, but you were probably walking slowly."

"Eugen," Ana almost growled it and narrowed her eyes when Eugen's lips twitched.

He smothered the almost-smile and pulled over a stool, his eyes on hers. "We're vampires. We can move extremely quickly."

Ana let out a slow breath. "I believe you," she said. "I don't know how, but I believe that's the truth."

Eugen patted her knee, "That's a good start. Let me fetch you a brandy."

"And you lied to me."

Eugen glanced back, the bottle in his hand. "I did not. I don't lie," he frowned.

"You told me Camil was twenty-nine."

Eugen did smile briefly now as he handed Ana the glass and sat back on the stool with his own. "I told you his body was twenty-nine. That's true. He was twenty-nine when he was turned." He held up a hand before Ana could protest. "He is a little under four hundred years old. And really, Ana. Would you tell a total stranger a secret like this?"

Ana pouted but then sipped. "No, I suppose not. Will you tell me now?"

Eugen nodded then shrugged a little. "Not sure where to start," he admitted.

"You can start with why Emil is restrained. I thought you were trying to help him."

Eugen's expression darkened with regret. "We are, but he is. Unsafe. He's," he broke off and ran a hand through his hair.

"Okay, I guess I'll start there. Emil was taken from us three months ago. He left to drive into town and get some supplies. The car was found abandoned by the innkeeper. He is a friend. He made contact, and when we went to see we found a note in the car. That Emil had been taken. Who by," his voice cracked and he sipped, taking a moment.

"He was taken in revenge for something that happened a long time ago. When he left here, he was thirty-two and human. He's been turned. Against his will. In this day and age it's a wicked thing to do. Even worse." He stopped again and rubbed a hand over his face, trying to wipe away the tears.

Ana reached out and took his hand.

"You have to understand, a new-born vampire, a fledging, is very vulnerable. They are strong and wild. Unpredictable. And they are hungry. So hungry. It's a desperate yearning. Without sustenance they go mad. And Emil. The damage that's been done. Some of that is old, from when he was taken. He's been tortured for three months and then turned and left to starve. He's insane."

Eugen covered his face and sobbed. Ana moved from the chair and wrapped her arms around his waist for comfort. "I'm so sorry, Eugen."

Eugen took some comfort, but finally calmed. "Ana. You were the unexpected. The plan would have been for us to find him perished, or eaten by animals, but you came along and wouldn't give up on him. Without you he would be dead."

"But insane?"

Eugen shook his head. "Now, yes. But when he heals. We just don't know, but we have to give him a chance."

"So you can heal him?"

"Yes. Our blood will heal him, but it will take a long time." He reached for her now. "Ana, please stay away from him. Your blood torments him. Human blood, the need is too great. That's why he went so wild. You came too close."

"Oh God. I'm so sorry," Ana gasped, horrified.

"It's not your fault, but please stay in this part of the castle. Even here he's aware of you. And he's not safe to be near."

They both jumped a little when Camil spoke. "What I find curious, is why you're not frightened?"

"Should I be?" Ana lifted her chin.

"No, but most humans would be in your circumstances."

"True," Ana slipped onto the stool when Eugen stood for a hug from Camil. "I can't explain, but I've felt safe here from the start. And somehow familiar." She shook her head. "Anyway, you said Emil lived here and was human. He wasn't scared of you. How long has he lived here?"

"Since he was a boy," Eugen told her and winced at her look of horror. "Not like that, Jesus!"

"I'll start," Camil hopped into the chair. "He's resting now, so I'll start. Can I have a whiskey? And a cookie?"

"Disgusting combination, but of course," Eugen moved off to get them.

"So you do eat, for real. You weren't faking it for me?"

"Oh no, we eat. We need very little blood for wellbeing. Eugen and I could survive independently if needed, but it's better to have a human donor. Willing, I should add. There are rules. Well, laws."

"And adult," Eugen said pointedly as he handed Camil his glass before lifting him and sitting. Settling Camil back into his lap.

"A few sips is all we need. It can be once or twice a month, but we have more energy with regular feedings and human. That whole draining people dry thing, is just bad press."

"Apart from fledglings," Eugen warned. "A fledgling has no control. They will rip you to shreds."

"I'll stay away," Ana promised quietly.

"She understands," Camil murmured, rubbing Eugen's leg before continuing. "I had travelled across the country to buy some equipment that had been advertised online. Drove all night and stayed in a small hotel, before going to the farm the following late afternoon."

Ana frowned.

"We don't turn into a pile of ash if the daylight touches us," Eugen smirked, as Camil nibbled his cookie. "We will burn very easily, but as long as we take precautions, even a summers day is doable."

"Not pleasant though," Camil discreetly brushed crumbs from Eugen's trouser leg. Shooting Ana a 'don't tell on me' look.

"Not really," Eugen confirmed and nipped Camil's ear, proving he hadn't been fooled.

"The farm was on pretty land, but the guy was a jerk. Half drunk, filthy. A few scrawny chickens, really run down. But the stuff we needed was in good condition, well used, but fine. I paid the man, loaded it, started home."

He sipped. "Of course, I knew I wasn't alone in the truck, but I was intrigued. I drove a few miles and then pulled over, yanked back the tarpaulin and there he was. Stubborn expression and a 'what are you gonna about it' attitude!"

Camil's eyes were dark in the firelight, and glazed, as he stared into the past. "He had a swollen lip and a bruise on his face, but was defiant with me. I told him, in my best 'stern' voice that he needed a good thrashing, hitching a ride in my truck."

"Your stern voice is crap," Eugen muttered.

"Is not," Camil protested, then shrugged. "Then I told him I would take him back to his father, he was obviously from the farm. The look in his eyes." Camil's expression was sad. "The defiance vanished and his eyes went blank. Like dead." He looked at Ana, "Those are the eyes of an abused child. One that has lost hope."

He sighed. "Well, I knew I couldn't take him back. He told me he would walk to wherever, but no sooner jumped out of the truck than hit the dirt. He was scrawnier than the chickens. Malnourished. No weight on him. Tall for his age, which I judged about fifteen, and wiry, but no substance."

"So you brought him here?"

"Yea, although he didn't wake for hours. I stopped at a village and brought some hot buns. Cheese, meat, and vegetables. The smell brought him round and he ate like a starving wolf. Those eyes. Emil's eyes are beautiful."

Eugen nodded, "They are. A pale green, almost eerie. Sometimes in low light, especially near a fire, they almost glow amber."

"Very like a wolf," Ana acknowledged.

"Hmmm. And with the dark hair, he's a striking man. And was a beautiful boy." He nudged Camil to continue.

"He asked where we were going and I told him, to my home. He could rest a few days, heal his bruises. It was clear his father had been at him with a belt. And have a few good meals. Obviously he was suspicious. When I asked him how old he was, he told me eighteen. Just."

Emil laughed lightly. "We never did believe him, although we never caught him in the lie. It was several years before we discovered he had been telling the truth all along!"

Camil's smile was soft, but sad. "He was nearly as tall as Eugen even then, taller than me. Had we been in a large town he would have run, but we were nowhere. I guess he thought he could get away from me easily enough. Anyway, the rich food put him to sleep, I had to shake him out of slumber when we got here."

"He was wary," Eugen said. "That's what I remember. Wary but showing no fear. I asked Camil if he had brought me a stray, and he replied, just a lad who needs a few decent meals. I said I was sure we could find some chores to exchange for food and board a few days. Then I added that neither my husband nor I were interested in boys."

"That lifted his chin," Camil grinned. "I'm a man, he told us. Eugen just said, maybe after a few square meals!"

"The following morning, once he had made his displeasure at being locked in, known. I made him breakfast and told him who and what we were." He nodded at Ana's surprise. "I glossed over our 'tendencies' as best I could, as I still thought him a child, but made it clear he steer clear of us when we were occupied. He bolted his food, took in every word, and then told me if either of us touched him, he would kill us."

"Such courage," Camil breathed, his hand on his heart, pride on his face.

"Always," Eugen nodded. "I had been kneading bread while we talked. I put in in the oven, sat down, and told him the many possible ways to kill a vampire."

Ana shook her head. "Why?"

"So he had some power. So he felt safe. It's not like he would have stood a chance at that point."

"So what. Stake through the heart, or is that a myth too?" Ana half teased.

"A stake through the heart will kill pretty much anything, Ana." Eugen said seriously.

"Bullet's easier," Camil added, tapping his chest. "If you're a good enough shot. And no, it doesn't have to be silver!"