As Mark stood in front of The Veil, he asked himself for the millionth time what the fuck he was doing here.

He was standing in line outside with Sean, Felix and Marzia, waiting to get through security. It was after ten at night, and there was a chill in the air that even had him shivering a bit, the others huddled together to try and keep warm.

How much longer is this going to take? Im freezing. Felix complained from his spot between Marzia and Sean.

This place doesnt even open till ten, according to the site, so it shouldnt be much longer before we get in. Sean piped up in response, a visible shudder running through him from the cold. Jesus, I dont know why Im cold. The weather here is downright pleasant compared to home.

Mark moved closer and wrapped his arm around Sean, rubbing up and down his bare arm, making a point not to look at him as he tried to warm him up.

You are in just a tank top, and it rained today. Mark stated. But he wasnt really complaining about Seans choice of clothing. His black muscle tank allowed him to see Seans lean, tattoo covered arms and that was most definitely a treat. He felt Sean snuggle into his side a touch and Mark got a whiff of Seans scent and he had to close his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

It had been a week since the wedding and the effects from the lack of pills were really starting to set in. So far he had kept it under control but he knew what a risk it was to be here. So why was he?

Mark only needed to look down at the man beside him to answer that. And Felixs constant nattering about it.

He had told Sean no when he first brought it up, but when Sean practically begged him too, along with Felixs own two cents, he couldnt say no. The way Seans face lit up with excitement had cinched it for him. Brian had also called him earlier that day about the status of the pills. He said they should be in latest the end of next week. He just had to make it until then.

He had a private courier of his own delivering them to Mark. It had taken a large weight off his shoulders to have that solved, but it had been replaced by his next words.

We think Esma is getting ready to make a move.

What kind of move? When? Mark paced in his office, checking the clock on his computer screen. He needed to go start getting ready for tonight.

Were not sure, but there's been an increase of traffic in the hospital and hotel, more people entering and never leaving. It spiked in the last week. We managed to find some more similar locations in various other states, and its the same result there. We think shes getting close to her end game.

Thats all you have? Its pretty damn vague Brian. Mark didnt keep his irritation hidden. They had put him on stand by and had barely kept him in the loop. For all he knew, they knew exactly where Esma was and just weren't telling him. They had withheld information from him in the past.

Brian sighed through the phone. Thats all we know Mark. We havent been able to garner more information since the raid. We still have people trying to hack into her system. Our two top techs - Dan and Arin - theyre getting close, but we may not have much time left.

So what are you going to do?

I dont know. All the heads are still deciding what our next move should be, seeing as we are going to have to coordinate our efforts. Mark almost laughed at the hint of exasperation in Brian's own voice.

I thought you were the one in charge, don't you get the final decision?

I may have started this organization, but a lot has changed since you've had any kind of active role here. Its become a sort of... democracy as weve grown across the states.

I can taste the disdain from here.

Brain chuckled. They didnt like the idea of one man having too much power.

Are they wrong?

Perhaps. Brain responded. Anyhow, thats all I have for you. When the council makes a decision, Ill let you know.

That phone call had set him on edge the rest of the evening as he got ready. He felt off, and he couldnt pinpoint the exact cause. He blamed it on the news of Esma, but he was still wary.

Oh, the line is finally moving!

Mark broke out of his train of thought, following the others as they made their way to the front. He let his arm slip from Seans shoulder, shoving them in his sweater pockets.

They made it through security and coat check were Mark shucked his sweater, revealing his own muscle tank underneath. It was just a plain white top, matched with a pair of black skinny jeans and a nice pair of runners.

Mark could feel the vibrations of the club as they got through coat check. They had another set of doors to go through that were at the end of a staircase going down. Mark could feel his senses overloading as they got closer. The music thrumming through his entire body, the heart beats of every person in there all thumping in time with the beat of the music. As they pushed through the final door Marks senses were hit with a wall of everything. He was grateful that the group had stopped for a moment as he tried to recollect himself. The last time he had been to any kind of club it had been gentlemen's club, and it had a very different setting than this.

Mark tried to shut down his senses, being bombarded with all kinds of smells and sounds. He felt dizzy, but it wasnt a bad dizzy. He almost felt loopy. His brain was fuzzy as he felt someone grab his wrist and lead him away. Mark allowed himself to be dragged, knowing it was Sean by the way his skin reacted to the hand. It sent a tingle up his arm and he couldnt deny how good it felt. He shook his head, trying to organize his thoughts with very little success. What was going on?

They were standing at the bar, the others ordering a drink. Sean turned back to him, handing Mark a drink.

Its just coke, in case youre thirsty.

Mark took it, nodding in thanks. Sean had to yell over the music, and Mark found he actually had a hard time hearing him. Man, this place was messing with his head but he was loving the feeling of it. The feeling of the music beneath his feet, the sounds of the bodies around him. He could smell the sweat and sex from the couples on the dance floor, grinding and swaying together in a dance of passion and hunger, lights flashing various colours and speeds.

Sean leaned over to Mark, pointing to a couple in the crowd. Hey, Im pretty sure those are my old neighbours. The ones that were always fucking.

Mark followed Seans hand to a couple that were practically groping each other. It was a young man and woman, both tall and dark haired. He found himself captivated by their movements, along with the movements of the entire crowd. It was almost dizzying.

He needed to go stand outside for a minute, let his head settle. He leaned into Sean, telling him he was going to go outside for a moment.

Everything okay? Sean yelled to him.

Yea, just never been to a club. Just need a minute to adjust.

Ill come with you. Felix spoke up from beside Sean. Sean, you stick with Marzia, dont let any of these pretty men snag her away.

Sean saluted him, grabbing Marzias hand and leading her to the dance floor, the two standing near the edge of the crowd. Mark followed Felix up a flight of stairs, through a door onto a smoke patio.

It wasnt too big, and was fenced in by chain link with an opening that lead into an alleyway that was connected to a parking lot. They passed by a few small groups of people who were smoking an assortment of things to a back corner.

Being outside Mark felt himself settle, his mind clearing. Jesus, I knew what clubs were like from T.V. and shit but being at one is an experience in itself.

Felix laughed. You looked like you were high, the way you were just standing there watching everything. You were even swaying a little.

Was I? Man. My head was really fuzzy, I couldnt really think straight. But it was good. The feeling of the music and the buzz surrounding everyone. Mark looked at his wrist. Sean grabbed me and the usual tingle I get felt different but good.

Felix was smirking at Mark as he took a sip of his drink. Welcome to being drunk my friend.

Mark eyed Felix. Is that what it feels like?

I mean, its a little different for everyone but it sounded like it. Maybe its from all the stimulation your sense are getting. Overloading you.

Maybe. Mark looked around him, at all the various people and get ups. Some were dressed more like Mark, casual wear, others were in fancy clothes, dolled up to the nines. There were a few in more exotic wear, one person had an actual top hat on. Havent seen someone where one of those in public since the fifties.

People really go all out at a place like this. Lot of people use it as an excuse to dress up like that.

Mark liked it. It should be like that at any time. Hed seen how fashion had evolved over the years he had been alive and while this time period was certainly the most diverse in tastes, it was still very confined.

Lets head back in, see what the others are up to. Felix nudged at Mark, the two heading back in. As soon as Mark entered the door his senses were once again overtaken by the environment. He was aware that this wasnt exactly the best thing for him when there was so many things he needed to be on guard for, but he found he didnt care. He wanted to be able to let loose a bit and enjoy himself. He couldnt remember the last time he had, and this place was certainly helping mellow him out.

He wasnt all that keen on dancing, so while Felix went off to find Sean and Marzia, he made his way to an empty booth. Slotting himself in, he observed everyone around him with a sort of serene detachment, caught up in the feeling of the club and the couples dancing together. What felt like a few minutes later but could have been an hour for all he knew, Felix and Marzia slid in the booth, sitting across from Mark. Marzias forehead was covered with a sheen of sweat, a smile plastered on her face.

Ah, its been too long since I have gone dancing. It feels so nice. She wiggled in her seat, bumping Felix who was laughing at her antics.

Its good to know you are a lightweight.

Just means you dont have to spend as much on me. Marzia winked, slapping a wet kiss on Felixs cheek. He laughed, and Mark could see a slight blush on his cheeks he tried to cover up by sipping at his drink. Marzia turned her attention back to Mark.

You should go dance! I bet you have some moves you could show us all.

Ah, Im good here. Im not much of a dancer. Nor did he want to be that close to other people. So far, this drunkenness he seemed to have was dulling his blood lust but he wasnt going to press his luck.

Oh come on! Everyone can dance. You can see Sean from here getting his groove on with another guy.

What? Where? Mark whipped his head around, scanning the bodies to find Sean. He found him just within the confines of the crowd, swaying and bouncing to the music. Mark was momentarily distracted by the movement of Sean's body, the way his hips thrusted forwards, his hands traveling down his body then up above his head. It was entrancing, and was completely shattered when he noticed a man sliding in behind Sean, his grubby hands sliding up and down Seans sides as he pressed up to him.

Mark was hit with an intense feeling of jealousy and anger as he watched them. He wanted to go up there and shove that disgusting pig away from Sean. The word mine was circling in his thoughts, and Mark found he wanted to be the one running his palms over Seans lean body, feeling him pressed up against him. What really took the cake for Mark and had him sliding out of the booth and marching over to the dance floor was the way Sean reciprocated the advance.

Nope. Nuh uh.

Mark pushed his way through the bodies, ignoring the smells coming from them as he kept his focus on Sean and that brute what was with him. As he got closer, Sean noticed him and smiled.

Mark! Come dance with us.

Mark looked at the other man with Sean who looked a little pissed off at Mark's presence but after the glare he leveled at him the dude took off.

Awh man, you scared him away. Sean pouted, but Mark could see the evil glint in his eyes. Oh, so that's how he wants to play it then?

Mark threw caution to the wind. His mind was a haze of emotions but the only thing he could focus on accurately was Sean. He stepped up to Sean so they were chest to chest. Mark leaned forward so he could talk into Seans ear without having to yell.

So, trying to make me jealous? Mark felt Sean shift, moving in a little closer, pushing against him and making Mark stifle a groan.

Is it working?

Mark pulled back and looked at Sean. They were still very close and Mark felt his heart beating. It was fast, and he could see Sean taking heavy breaths, eyes hooded. He heard the warning bells in his mind, danger, danger, go back. But they were smothered with Mark's desire being amplified by his surroundings. He placed his hands on Seans hips, Sean automatically bringing his own arms up to Mark's shoulders. He was taken back to last week when he had been in Seans arms at the wedding, how nice it felt. It was nothing compared to what he felt right now.

They started to sway to the music. It was tame at first. Mark kept his hands at Seans sides, moving up and down from his hips to his waist and back. Sean had his hands at the back of Mark's neck, one hand running up into Mark's hair, tangling his fingers in his thick locks. Mark shuddered at the feeling, gripping Seans hips and tugging him closer. Sean moved his hips, grinding gently against Mark.

There was still a part of Mark that was holding back. That last thread of trepidation, the final brick in his wall he had built up so meticulously over the centuries still holding on. He wanted to kick it down, but he couldn't do it alone.

Mark was vaguely aware of the song that was playing, a remix of Shape of You. Sean leaned into Mark, his lips right by his ear, his breath causing a shiver to travel down his spine, and it took Mark a moment to realize he was whispering the lyrics to Mark.

Im in love with your body, Oh I oh I oh I.

Im in love with your body, Oh I oh I oh I.

Im in love with your body, Oh I oh I oh I.

Everyday discovering something brand new,

Im in love with the shape of you.

Mark felt his last wall crack, as his hands ran around the back of Seans body, roving over his ass and up the small of his back, Seans voice stuttering as he continued to speak into Mark's ear.

Come on, be my baby, come on.

Come on, be my baby.

Come on.

That last word in Mark's ear hung in the air, the entire club at a standstill for just a moment as he stood there with Sean, the last barrier he had crumbling to dust.

Mark finally let go.

As everything came back into focus, the music thrumming through his body again, Mark pounced on Sean. He flipped Sean around, Seans hands immediately coming up to tangle them in Mark's hair. Mark ran his hands over the front of Seans body, ghosting over his crotch, letting one hand settle at his hip, the other traveling back up, dipping slightly under Seans shirt, his fingers running over Seans stomach before letting it fall back down and running his hand further up over his chest.

Sean threw his head back against Mark's shoulder, one of his hands dropping to Mark's hip, pushing back into Mark, grinding against him. Mark returned the push, the two setting a slow and steady pace. Mark let his lips run over the shell of Seans ear and down his neck. He felt Seans breath hitch and Mark smirked against his neck. Sensitive was he?

Mark let the tip of his tongue run up Seans neck back up to his ear, and nibbled on Seans ear. Mm. You seem to like that.

Sean responded by grinding his ass back into Mark's groin. Mark groaned into Seans ear.

You seem to like that. Sean breathed out.

Mark settled his mouth just below Seans ear and began to suck on it, lavishing the spot with his tongue. Sean moaned and moved his hand farther behind Mark to grab his ass, kneading it with his hand. Mark let his hand roam, letting it dip under Seans shirt again and running across his stomach up near his chest just shy of his pecs before dropping back down and going to his other hip. He heard Sean let out a frustrated sound.

Stop fucking teasing me.

Mark let out a huff. I dont know what you expect me to do in a club full of people.

Mark went to move his hands again, to continue to tease Sean when he felt him pull away.

Wha- Mark began to ask when Sean grabbed his arm and began leading him from the dance floor to the patio. It took Mark a minute but he caught on, now eager to be outside.

They exited and Sean led him to the opening that lead into the alleyway. Sean turned around and before he could speak Mark pushed him up against the wall of the building, and smashed his lips against his.

Sean opened his mouth for Mark, tilting his head a bit, deepening the kiss. Mark all but shoved his tongue into Seans, pushing, trying to get closer. Sean put his hands back in their previous position in Mark's hair, while Mark cupped Seans jaw with one hand, the other gripping Seans hip again.

Mark felt like his body was on fire. The moment his lips touched Seans, he felt his entire being get rocked by the electric feeling, stronger than it had ever been. It traveled through his body, coiling up in the pit of his stomach as he continued to lap into Seans mouth, who was more than willing to let Mark push into him more and more with his tongue.

Mark moaned into Seans mouth, his hand falling down to Seans leg and slipping under his thigh as he lifted it, hooking it over his hip, Mark opening his own legs a bit to rut up against Seans other leg.

Sean broke the kiss to let out a sinful moan that had Mark stutter, then started kissing and suckling down Seans jaw towards his neck.

God fuck Mark. Ive wanted you for so long, you have no idea. Sean gasped out as Mark kept grinding against him. If only you knew.

As Mark kissed Seans neck, he felt the desire to be closer to him. It wasnt enough, wasnt enough. Mark could feel Seans pulse beneath his lips, his tongue paying special attention to the spot as he felt Seans heart rate pick up even more from the attention.

Mark could feel the blood pumping through the vein, could hear it, smell it. Mark was already intoxicated with Seans scent, and the added smell of his blood fueled him more.

Egged on by Sean, Mark applied more pressure to the spot, sucking. He felt his own blood rushing in his ears.

Fuck! Seans shout of pleasure in Mark's ear almost made him moan. He wanted to leave his mark on Sean, mark him as his. Mark felt his teeth extend, scraping against Seans neck, piercing the skin, hot blood bubbling to the surface, Mark's tongue licking-

He shoved away from Sean hard, stumbling to the other side of the alleyway. He fell against the wall, staring at Sean in horror. Oh God, oh God, what did he do.

What the- Mark what the hell? Sean looked over at Mark, his expression immediately changing from annoyance to concern as he drew in ragged breaths, still high on arousal. Mark are you okay? What's wrong?

Mark moved his gaze from Seans face to his neck and blanched. There were two small pricks there, blood still pooling a bit. It was starting to bruise already. Mark felt vomit rise in his throat and he bent over, emptying the contents of his stomach onto the ground.

Jesus! Mark, whats going on? Sean rushed over to Mark, hands touching his back, but Mark flinched violently, stepping away from Sean.

Stay away from me! Its not safe. Im not safe.

Sean looked at him like he had grown another head. What the hell are you talking about Mark? Come here, let me look at you. Sean stepped forwards again, grabbing Mark's arm.

Mark was still dealing with the effects of his blood lust and lust for Sean, his head still fuzzy and screaming at him, so when Sean grabbed him, he reacted in instinct, and shoved at him, sending Sean flying backwards to the ground.

Sean grunted as he impacted the asphalt, landing on his side. Mark stood there, stock still in shock and horror. Sean, oh my God, Im so sorry- Fuck are you okay? God Im so sorry.

Mark wanted to go see if he was okay but he stayed put. He didnt want to be anywhere near him right now, too scared of what he might do. Seans blood was still filling his senses. The small taste had blown his mind, sending a thrill through his body that absolutely terrified him, and made him hate himself even more. God, what had he done? What had he been about to do?

Mark heard footsteps from behind him, and he spun to see a couple coming out into the alleyway from the club. They were the couple from before that Sean pointed out, his old neighbours. He tried to think of an explanation for the scene laid in front of them, opening his mouth to speak when all of a sudden they were gone.

Marks mind was slow, and he took a minute to process what had just happened when he heard a shout of alarm from Sean.

What the fuck, get off me!

Mark whirled around to see the two hoisting Sean off the ground, Sean struggling in their grip and the woman brought her hand up, swinging her fist down and knocking Sean unconscious. She looked over at Mark, giving him a wicked smile, sharp, pointed teeth showing through.

Vampires. And they had Sean,

Mark felt everything snap into focus as the man hoisted Sean over his shoulder, running down the alleyway. Mark went to go after him, calling out to Sean, only to be met with a blow to the stomach.

He looked up at the woman, who was still smirking as she shoved him back, sending him flying into a clump of trash bins.

Mark shook his head, standing up and wobbling a bit. His mind was still out of sorts, but he squashed down all emotions he currently felt, his sole focus on Sean.

The woman had ran after hitting Mark, catching up with her partner. Mark bolted, easily gaining ground on them. He was only a few yards away when he saw a van pull up at the mouth of the alleyway.

Mark felt his mouth go dry as he watched the van doors open and another person was in there, someone he recognized, reaching out as the man threw Seans limp body at him.

It was Sigurdson, from the team that raided the hospital.

Which meant that Esma was involved.

No! Mark screamed as he pulled Seans body into the van. The other two jumped in, and Mark was barely an arms length away when Sigurdson pulled out a gun.

Mark barely had any time to react as he side stepped, hearing the gun go off. He felt the bullet whiz past him, striking the ground behind him. Mark hit the wall hard, grunting. He looked back up just in time to see the van door slam shut, tires screeching as it peeled away from the alleyway.

Mark shot off the wall, running after the van. He pushed himself, harder than ever before. He reached out for the van as he screamed for Sean, but it was in vain. He wasnt going to be able to keep up with it. The van exited the parking lot, speeding down the road and away from view. Mark stood in the middle of the road, his legs giving out as he fell to his knees, staring where he had last seen the van, the feeling of Seans mouth still on his lips.

Mark didnt know how long he sat there before he felt hands on his shoulders, Felixs voice in his ear, asking him what was wrong.

They took him.

Who? What happened Mark?

Esma. She took Sean.

And Mark let it happen.