CHAPTER FOUR #2
For a man who professed to need no one, he didn't know what he would have done or how he would have survived this moment if Ramos had not been by his side. He thanked God that the man was somehow compelled to help him beyond what was simply his job.
He saw the hand reach out toward him, and it was then that Ramos released Kai’s hands and placed his right hand on the small of Kai’s back.
Kai reached out his hands that were cuffed together, and Master DuCane's large, scarred hand encompassed both of his.
The thought that hit him was the fact that it took a lot to leave a scar on a vampire.
He felt his knees go weak, and Ramos slid his arm around him, keeping him steady and standing.
The Master's energy was surging through him; he was analyzing every thought and memory.
Kai was an open book. He was forceful, but he was holding back.
This man had the capability of destroying Kai; he could strip his mind and leave him an empty vessel if he so chose.
He was going easy on him but was taking everything he needed.
He needed to know him, and he needed to know if he was a threat.
It had only lasted less than a minute, but it seemed to have been an eternity.
When the Master released him, the cuffs that had been on his wrists opened and fell to the floor.
Ramos did not comment, but he continued to hold him steady, and for that Kai was grateful.
He found himself leaning into the man, needing the security of his presence, and allowed himself to take the support he was giving.
He looked up then and caught the Master's gaze. There was a lot in that gaze; Master DuCane had seen it all. Kai was surprised that he did not feel the usual shame that was attached to his past. The Master knew everything about him now, and he knew that he was no danger to him or his people.
“Bring Nolan Azar to me. He is reportedly in Edfu, Egypt.
" The Master commanded Silas, who nodded and instantly pulled out his phone and left the room.
He then turned back to Kai with a look that was not pity, as Kai had expected, but rather deference.
He saw him and did not judge him unfairly.
He'd become accustomed to being attacked or dismissed, so this was a terrifying encounter but also a welcome surprise.
"Why does he search for the Zephyra?" He asked Kai for his opinion.
“I don’t know for certain, but he has always dreaded aging.
” He needed to be careful and clear and entirely truthful.
“The Zephyra is a curse breaker, but I was told by the mage, Thad O’Rourk, the Master would know who that was, that it also had the ability to break the march of time.
There is no evidence of this that I am aware of, but my father is not an entirely rational man. ”
"No, he is not." Master DuCane walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked out with his back to Kai and asked him another question.
He should know the answer, having swept Kai's mind, but maybe this was a test. Kai had no intention of failing any test administered by this man.
"What is your connection to the Zephyra? Why are they targeting you?"
Ramos gave him a squeeze nothing overt, but stabilizing and Kai took a deep breath before responding.
It was complicated and not completely sound.
He tended to follow his instincts when there were no guides or answers, and until Sedona, his instincts had never failed him.
He needed to convey that into words, so he took his time.
"I wanted to find it before he did. He was obsessed, and I wanted to keep it from him for petty and vindictive reasons.
" Kai looked up at Ramos, who was looking at him with an expression he could not describe.
It filled him with hope, and he noticed that a tenderness had started to creep into his hardened heart.
His heart hadn't felt anything in years, not even for his brother.
"I don't have the Zephyra. I haven't located it, but I believe that he thinks I have useful information. In Sedona, they questioned me endlessly, but I could give them very little, and then suddenly they just up and left me to die there.” He paused to think.
“He must have decided to question me further if he sent more hired muscle after me, but I don't know why or what changed.
" That was all he had; it was the best he could do as far as explanations.
“The shifters in Sedona left you because they fell out with your father. He tried to cheat a group of mercenaries.” The Master stated without turning around.
"Sounds like him," Kai responded with sarcasm.
“He told them to kill you.”
"Yeah, that sounds like him too." Kai felt his heart rate escalating, and again Ramos pulled him closer.
"You're okay; no one will hurt you. I guarantee it." The low rumble of his voice was fierce and yet comforting. Kai searched his gaze, wondering if this was true and if so, why? Master DuCane didn't owe him anything, least of all protection.
“I would like for you to remain here at the Palace until this matter is cleared up to my satisfaction.” It sounded like a request, but it hit like an order.
The Master turned around and approached, and Kai felt his body tense.
He wasn’t threatening him, but his energy was so powerful it was impossible not to react.
He stopped to stand in front of him, and Kai found himself desperately leaning into Ramos, who was responding with a grip so tight it was probably leaving a bruise.
"Listen to Ramos; he will keep you safe.
" He then placed his large hand on Kai's shoulder, and something passed between them.
It was a surge of power and a rejuvenation; it was a Master vampire connecting with one of his people.
He'd just been claimed by Coven DuCane, by Master Louis DuCane.
His eyes shot wide, and he could not speak.
"Take care of him, Ramos."
"I will, sir."