Mark sat on his knees, staring off after the van for a moment before something in his head clicked. His face hardened as he wiped his tears and stood. He turned and started stalking over to his car in the parking lot, Felix following close behind with Marzia in tow.

Mark, what happened? Esma was here? She took Sean? Felix asked, alarmed.

There were two vampires, they were Seans old neighbors at his previous place, the ones that he complained about. They were probably placed there to keep an eye on him. Mark unlocked his car, opening the door before turning to Felix, who looked concerned. Marzia had a death grip on his arm, hiding behind him looking confused and scared.

Sigurdson was there too.

Wait, like the guy from the raid? Felixs voice rose in disbelief.

Yes. I dont know what that means, but it has to do with what Esma is planning Im sure of it. Mark turned to reach into the car to grab his phone and a stake he kept in the glove box. He tucked it into his back pocket and opened his phone up.

Im texting you Brians number, call him and tell him about Sigurdson. They will need this info. Mark sent the contact info, hearing Felixs phone ding in confirmation.

Woah, hold up. You are not going after him alone. Who knows how many there are!

ark gritted his teeth. I am not going to leave him to the whims of that psychopath. Who knows what shes going to do to him. I am going and thats that. You need to call Brian and let him know whats going on.

Mark went to leave but Felix grabbed his arm, stopping him.

Ill come with you, its stupid to go alone Mark. They will be expecting you.

No, Im sorry Felix but itll take too long with you in tow and I cant worry about you, Mark's eyes flicked over Felixs shoulder at Marzia. And you need to stay here with her.

Felix looked down at Marzia who tightened her grip on his arm, eyes wide and pleading. Felix turned back to Mark, his own eyes full of conflicting emotions.

You call me the minute you are safe, you hear me? Felixs voice was stern, no room for disagreement. Mark let a small smile slip at the demand.

As soon as I have Sean, Ill let you know. And with that, Mark turned and started heading towards the warehouse from before. He knew that would be where they took him, remembering how they had discussed the human Cole would be taking.

Agreed. Has she given you any further instructions on the human she's been watching? I know she has tasked you with his retrieval when the time comes. When should I have the containment area set up?

No, I'm still awaiting her orders on that. She's being very tight lipped about him. This guy is apparently pretty important to her plans and she doesn't want to risk anything. All I know is that once we get through the trials shell probably want him in next before we go to the next phase.

Once Mark knew he was out of sight of Marzia, he took off into a sprint towards and alleyway where he climbed up a fire escape up to the roof. From there he lept from building to building, making his way to the edge of the city.

Mark did his best to ignore the thoughts screaming in his head. What are they going to do? Are they going to hurt him? Kill him? This is your fault. You let them take him. Youre supposed to protect him, you disgusting monster-

Mark stumbled as he landed on a roof, yelling as he tripped and rolled, hitting the edge of the building.

Mark choked back a sob as he felt the rough ground bite into his skin. He made a sound of frustration as he hit the ground with his fist and forced himself back up.

There wasnt any time for sorrow or self-pity. He needed to focus if he was going to save Sean. Mark took a breath and pushed down his guilt and his pain and he started again towards Sean.

It took him almost half an hour to get to the warehouse. It just had to be on the other side of the city. He crept up along the side of another building, peering out. He saw the van that had taken Sean parked out front, the back doors open. He could see two guards posted at the main entrance, both scanning the area, but there lax body language suggested they werent expecting any attacks. Esma must have failed to inform them just who would come for Sean.

Mark kept at a distance as he made his way to the back entrance where he had entered last time. There werent any guards posted outside, and Mark didnt hear anyone nearby. He snuck up slowly, increasing all his senses as he came up to the door.

He tested the handle, surprised to find it was still broken from last time. He opened it quietly, little alarm bells going off in the back of his head. Had they not checked it since then? Were they the ones to even lock it before?

Mark kept his guard up, ready for a surprise attack. It was the same as before, shelving units full of old crates and boxes. He could hear bodies milling around further down, picking up various heart beats. Mark slowly inched himself closer. As he approached, a structure came into view. It was a large tent, except the walls seemed to be solid metal, steel maybe, while the top was covered in a canvas tarp. There was an entrance that was a plastic sheet and Mark could see bodies moving within through it.

He could only see the one side, so he wasnt sure how large it was. He noticed that some of the shelving units on the other side had been taken down, probably to accommodate for the space they needed for whatever this was.

Which is why I had the material to setup a quarantine area in order to proceed with the work.

Mark remembered clipboard guy saying that when he had spied on them before. So this was the quarantine area for whatever experiments they were conducting? The same ones they were doing in the hospital and hotel most likely. Why here though? The other two places were open to the public as fronts to snatch people. This one was in an abandoned warehouse surrounded by more abandoned or rarely used buildings.

Mark kept the question tucked away for later. He needed to find Sean first.

He worked his way around the perimeter. It was about half a football field in size. He was surprised that there were not guards stationed outside of the tent either. He guessed Sean was somewhere inside, and he figured there was anywhere from ten to fifteen people inside, but he wasn't sure. Sensing heart beats was a lot more accurate with smaller numbers.

He thought about just barging in but hed just get himself or Sean killed that way. Maybe a distraction? He could knock one of the shelves over, at least thin the numbers inside. Mark was thinking of the best way to go about it when he heard a door rattle close to him.

Ducking down where he was, he searched for the source of the sound and saw a vamp leaving a side room that was part of the warehouse. He was speaking to someone on the phone.

Hes unconscious still, though I dont know for how much longer. I was just going to get a sedative from Connors. The guy closed the door behind him and Mark had to keep his heart rate down at the flash of green hair he saw before it closed.

He waited for the man to enter the containment area before Mark crept over to the office door. He quickly opened it and ducked inside, closing it as quietly as he could, locking the door behind him.

Mark turned and gasped, immediately rushing over to Sean who was tied up to a chair, dried blood on his forehead.

Sean.. Mark whispered his name as he gently cupped his face, pushing his hair back to inspect the wound. It was mostly closed now. It was probably from when that female vamp knocked him out back in the alleyway. Mark felt anger boil in the pit of his stomach but he kept a lid on it for now. He needed to stay calm if he was going to get Sean out.

He noticed the bite mark on Sean's neck and he felt his stomach clench. Best not to dwell on that right now.

Mark bent down to remove the restraint on Sean's legs when he heard a soft grumble followed by his name.

Mark..?

Mark looked up to see Sean looking at him through lidded eyes. Mark knelt in front of Sean, hands on his face as Sean blinked at him, eyes glazed over.

Shh, its me Sean. Im going to get you out of here I promise. Mark leaned forward and placed a kiss on Sean's forehead then brought his gaze back to him. Just stay calm, Im going to untie you.

Mm.. Mark. You- youre a- Seans words fell off as his head dipped forwards followed by a groan. Ngh.

You probably have a concussion. Just sit still. Mark moved around to Seans arms that were tied behind him and undid them as well. Sean slowly moved his hands to his head, cradling it, pain etched on his face.

Mark grabbed Seans hands, pulling them away. I know youre in pain but we have to go now. Mark waited patiently as Sean processed the words then nodded as he let Mark help him up. Sean was settled against Mark, heavily leaning on him. Not that Mark was bothered. Worst case hed hoist him over his shoulder. Mark checked to make sure Sean was good and was about to start towards the door when the handle jiggled. Mark swore as he heard a key turn the lock and the vamp from early came in.

Mark froze as the guy stopped midway, staring at Mark and Sean with shock. It only took a moment for him to regain his composure and he took in a breath to yell for help, but ended up just grunting as Mark grabbed him by the throat and threw him into the room, closing the door behind him.

He crashed into the chair that Sean had previously been tied to, breaking it in the process. Sean himself was sitting on the ground, propped up against the wall where Mark had placed him. He watched the scene in front of him with wide but still dazed eyes.

Mark dove at him again, pinning him to the ground with his hip as the man beneath him thrashed. His hand that was holding a needle came swinging at Mark but Mark knocked it out of his grip, bring his own fist down and clipped him in the jaw.

The man's head snapped up with a sickening crunch, blood spewing from his mouth. Mark grabbed his head and brought it up before smashing it down into the floor, a crack echoing through the small room as he went still. Mark quickly stood and ran over to Sean who was looking at the man with wide eyes, his breathing labored.

Sean, Mark spoke his name softly, touching his shoulder as he did. Sean flinched, taking in a sharp breath as he swung his gaze to Mark. M-Mark. His voice was shaky as his breathing started to speed up.

Sean, I need you to stay calm. The others are going to be here any second. We have to get moving. Mark hadnt been able to keep his heart rate down anymore and with the ruckus he just made he was sure someone was alerted.

Seans breathing hitched and Mark watched as his eyes rolled back and he collapsed against the wall, unconscious.

Mark cursed, but all in all, it was better this way. He hoisted Sean up bridal style, then kicked the door open and made a beeline for the back exit. He heard shouts from behind him but he kept running. When he made it outside he saw the guards that had been out front coming around the corner. Mark cursed again and ran the other way, weaving right and left through the passageways between buildings. He managed to lose them in the maze of warehouses and Mark took a minute to think out a game plan.

Luck it seem was on his side for once when he noticed an unmarked van parked behind one of the warehouses. He sprinted over to it and wrenched the passenger door opened. He gently placed Sean inside, buckling him in before getting into the drivers side. He searched for a key, and after coming up with nothing her leaned down and set to work on hotwiring the van. He was no expert, but hed done it a few times and after a couple failed attempts, he managed to get it going.

With a yell of triumph, Mark sped out to the main service road, and from there merged onto the main highway. Mark breathed a sigh of relief as he drove, half his attention on Sean who was breathing steadily, heart rate normal.

Mark pulled into his driveway and carefully extracted Sean from the passenger seat. He took him inside and laid him on the couch as Felix came running from upstairs, Chica and Edgar at his heels.

Mark! Are you okay? Is Sean okay? Felix looked over Mark hastily looking for injuries, then to Sean when he found Mark was fine. The dogs were hovering around the two of them, and Mark gave them both reassuring pats before turning to Felix.

Im okay. Pretty sure Sean has a concussion from when he was knocked out back at the club. He was conscious but dazed as hell when I got him and he passed out again shortly after. Mark wasnt sure if it was from the concussion or the apparent panic attack that had started. Probably both. He was not looking forward to the conversation they would be having when Sean woke up.

I have to go ditch the van somewhere. Watch him while Im gone?

Of course.

Mark drove the van to a junkyard, parking it near the back. It was almost two am now, the club would be on their last call for the night. Mark heaved a heavy sigh. This was not how he expected the night to go but if he was honest, he hadnt really expected it to go smoothly either.

Mark got back to his house and saw Felix sitting in the armchair, barely awake. He looked up as Mark came in and crouched near Sean who was still passed out.

Were making a habit out of this.

Mark scoffed, looking at Felix from the corner of his eye. Twice is not habit.

Id say it was a coincidence but those don't exist in your life. Felix tilted his head, smirking a bit before yawning.

Heh, yea. Mark stood, Felix mirroring him. You should go get some sleep. I assume youve been up all night. Well talk about everything later. Felix nodded, eyes barely open. Hows Marzia?

Shes asleep in my room. I explained some of what was happening to her. We will have to talk to her tomorrow as well. Felixs face was grim. Mark knew he wasnt happy about her being involved.

Cant you wipe her memory like you did Sean?

Felix shook his head. I still dont even know how I did it the first time, and Im not about to experiment with it on her.

Well explain it all to her tomorrow. You called Brian?

Yea, he wants you to call him ASAP.

Mark grunted in confirmation, saying good night to Felix as he drug himself to his bedroom.

Mark settled himself into the armchair, sending a text to Brain saying he would call him later today then turned his phone off. Chica came trotting up to him, settling herself between Mark's legs. Mark's smiled, appreciating her support right now as he stroked her back.

Mark couldnt help but let out a humorless laugh at the similarity of the situation to the last time Sean was lying unconscious on his couch. It had been his fault that time too.

Mark sighed. The scene at the club played in his head on repeat. How he had bit Sean, was about to drink his blood. He was repulsed at himself, and it was yet another thing he would never forgive himself for.

But Mark also remembered how it had felt to kiss Sean. His body pressed up against his, lips pressed together in a passion he hadnt felt is so long. And Sean had been just as into it. He knew how Sean felt, but being able to see it, feel it, had Mark wanting it more than ever.

Mark knew he was a goner. He couldnt stay away anymore. He knew he shouldnt be with Sean, especially after tonight, but he couldnt deny it any longer. When Sean woke up, he would confess to him. Confess everything. Then they could figure out what was going to happen. He just hoped Sean didnt hate him after. He would deserve nothing less, but it would still destroy him.

Might be easier if Sean hated him though. He would stay away then, out of danger. Mark felt his heart clench at the thought. It would be easier in keeping him safe, but not easier on his heart.

Chica, having seemed to sense his waging battle, turned and rested her head on Mark's lap, eyes looking up at him.

Heh, youre such a good girl Chica. Mark smiled, rubbing her head.

Ugh, my God.

Mark's head snapped up and Chica jumped over to Sean who was slowly pushing himself up.

Sean, you're awake! Mark stood, and quickly moved over to Sean, kneeling beside him.

Sean rubbed his eyes as he took in his surroundings. When he finally noticed Mark his eyes widened in fear.

Mark felt his stomach drop.

Stay the fuck away from me! Sean scrambled to get to his feet, backing away from Mark.

Sean, what are you doing? Mark took a step towards Sean, feeling his stomach drop even further as Sean reached for the lamp on the side table, wielding it like a weapon.

I said stay the fuck away from me you monster!

Mark froze. Monster. Sean called him a monster.

I dont know what you or those other things are, but you need to stay away from me.

Mark watched the disgust and fear on Sean's face as he stood there, body numb as Seans words echoed in his head.

Monster. Monster. Youre a monster. Nothing but a blood hungry monster.

Im leaving, and you better not try to stop me or Ill start screaming. Seans grip on the lamp tightened as he held it, eyes darting from him to the front door.

Sean, please. Let me explain. Mark croaked out, his eyes burning and his heart in agony.

You have nothing to say to me. Now let me leave! Sean raised his voice and Mark almost thought he was going to start screaming.

Im not going to stop you Sean. Mark deadpanned. He saw something akin to surprise and possibly guilt flash across Sean's face before it set back to anger. Sean held the vase as he backed away from Mark and towards the door. He set it down on the bench by the front door before yanking the door open and slammed it closed behind him as he ran down the driveway and onto the street.

Marks legs gave out as he fell to his hands and knees, gasping Seans name as tears started to fall from his eyes. He looked back up at the door, feeling a sob build as he watched Sean be taken from him for a second time that night. But really, what did Mark expect?

Monsters dont get a happy ending after all.