Liam reclined by the fire and looked at the New York skyline that sparkled in the clear Autumn night. Liam could see the Freedom Tower that proudly stood against the skyline. Washington Square Park and its iconic arch stood at the center of Greenwich Village. Liam appreciated the beauty of his surroundings but he appreciated more the man whose arms he rested in. He still couldn't believe the whirlwind that had been the last 48 hours of his life.

Wow, was it just 48 hours since he met this man who had turned his life upside down in a way he never would have imagined?

"A penny for your thoughts," Leo said.

"I was just thinking about the last 48 hours and how much has changed in the world I thought I knew."

"I'm grateful that I decided to take that walk in the snow. It's been 80 years since I've felt so alive, and it wouldn't have happened if we hadn't crossed paths."

"Yes, you appeared on my doorstep looking like Ullr, the Norse god of winter. Except your hair is raven wing black instead of pale ice blond." Liam nestled himself deeper into the comforting embrace of Leo's arms.

"Ullr? I have never heard of him," Leo said looking down at Liam.

"He is the Scandinavian god of winter; it is said that he travels across the sky on skis leaving a trail of stars," Liam said as he gestured at the clear night sky.

"Fernando and Genevieve loved celebrating Yule. He would open the house on the winter solstice as the last rays of the sun faded and the sky turned midnight blue. Bonfires were lit on the grounds and the vampire communities gathered with us to celebrate the long night. There would be feasting, blood offerings, and right before the break of dawn a remembrance of the turned, those who had passed and those who were newly born. I haven't celebrated Yule in 50 years."

Liam sat up and looked down at Leo who was startled at his sudden movement. "I have an idea, let's celebrate our traditions together, I can celebrate Yule with you and you can celebrate Christmas with me."

"Liam, I'm not sure," Leo said, sitting up.

"Oh, come on, it will be fun. It is time to move forward, we can honor Fernando and Genevieve with the Yuletide celebration and Alexander and my mom with Christmas. We need to remember our traditions and honor those we have lost."

Leo thought about it for a few minutes before he sighed.

"Alright, but Liam are you ready to be exposed to the heart of vampire society? Yule will be an experience that you may not be prepared for."

Liam looked a little unsure, had he bit off more than he could chew?

"You will be there with me, I trust you to keep me safe." Liam took Leo's hand. "Let's make new memories and honor those who we loved and who loved us." Liam pulled Leo in for a kiss.

"I'm beginning to think that you kiss me to bend me to your will," Leo said, smiling.

"Is it working?" Liam said, smiling back.

"I'm not sure, I think we need to do a few more tests," Leo smirked, pulling Liam in for another kiss.

********

Leo and Liam lay in Liam's room entwined on the bed. Things had progressed from when they were on the roof. Liam was trailing kisses down Leo's neck as he began to unbutton the Charvet button down that Leo was wearing, the cashmere pullover already discarded on a chair across the room.

Liam heard the low growl in Leo's throat and smiled. "Am I bringing out the beast in you Mr. De La Cruz?"

Suddenly Liam found himself under Leo, their positions changed in a second, so quickly that Liam was amazed at the speed with which Leo had moved.

Liam's face paled as he looked up into Leo's eyes; their violet color seemed to glow with inner fire.

"Are you afraid now that you awakened it?" Leo said running his tongue down the side of Liam's neck.

Liam stayed very still, when Leo looked up from what he was doing Liam looked straight into his eyes.

"I will never be afraid of you Leo. I am safe with you." Liam said smiling gently.

The fire seemed to retreat in Leo's eyes and then he rolled over onto his back next to Liam and let out a long sigh.

"I'm sorry Liam, I don't usually lose control like this, I don't know what came over me." Leo said turning on his side, Liam turned to face him.

"It's ok, this is new to both of us, maybe..." Just then there was an insistent knock at the door.

"Mr. De La Cruz," Tristan's voice called from the other side.

"Tristan, now is not a good time," Leo called back.

"Mr. De La Cruz, this can not wait," Tristan's voice sounded more insistent.

"Tristan, I said..."

"Leo, open this door now, or I will open it myself," Tristan said in a voice that brooked no objection.

Leo got off the bed, and Liam could see the anger in his eyes. He opened the door and Tristan walked into the room. Tristan went down on his knees and bowed his head.

"Brother, I speak to remind you who you are, I speak because you have been without blood for 14 days, I speak to remind you of the service I owe you and the covenant we keep." Tristan stayed kneeling as Leo looked down at him.

Suddenly, Leo seemed to deflate and the anger that had been so present moments ago was gone. Leo knelt down in front of Tristan and touched his cheek.

Liam knew Leo had a gentle side but this was the first time he had seen Leo be so vulnerable. Liam's thoughts were a tangle of confusion.

"Thank you hermanito (little brother), I am sorry, I forgot myself," Leo said softly.

"It is my job to remind you, brother. Now you must feed," Tristan said, just as softly. "An expression of concern and hesitation slowly crept onto Leo's features.

I, not now, I can wait a little longer," Leo protested.

"No Leo, you can't, it must be now. Liam, I can sense how you feel about Leo, the same way I can sense how Leo feels about you. But if you are to be in each other's lives you must know all of him and accept who and what he is." Tristan rolled up his sleeve and presented his bare arm to Leo.

Leo took it gently, almost reverently, and then in an instant Leo's mouth was on Tristan's wrist. A small drop of blood escaped and fell on Tristan's black pants. Liam observed as the fire returned to Leo's violet eyes, but then he saw it - that same blazing conflagration in Tristan's blue gaze.

Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter of Blood Match. Dont't forget to comment and vote if you liked what you've read!