Pacing outside of the double doors, James waited about ten minutes before forcing his way into the room. It caused a slight commotion, but considering he had just broken the lock and the doors slid back into place a moment later, no guests bothered to inquire about the interruption. What he saw when he looked toward the couch to his left was definitely not expected and immediately had his blood boiling. Everything in him suddenly hurt, too... and not in a safe way.

"Good evening, James. I don't remember requesting your presence."

Merik's hand gently rubbed slowly up and down against his pet's smooth skin as he spoke, not feeling the least bit bothered by James' now-bared fangs. 

That is mine! Alexandre belongs to me!

"Well, since you are here, I'd like to discuss changing the ownership of your pet. I want him."

James knew that he had no right to decline. Hell, most vampires would consider it an honor for him to pick one of their pathetic humans. That's why most people dressed them well for this specific type of event. However, as his eyes roved over Alexandre's partially naked body, he knew that he wouldn't be handing him over just on a simple request. Thankfully, he was silent in Merik's arms, giving him a slight bit of relief. One did not just talk freely with Merik if you were human, so he silently thanked him for not being rash right then.

"I would prefer to keep him. I do have several other slaves that you may choose from, though."

James watched him, biting his tongue as the man's hand squeezed his pet's backside and nuzzled his cheek, inhaling the delicious scent he, himself, had come to enjoy smelling on his blankets.

"Hmm..."

The gears seemed to be turning quite quickly in his mind because James saw his expression change from upset, to anger, then to thoughtfulness and deviousness. 

Crap, he is thinking about one of his tricks again...

"How about we let him decide whom he wishes to stay with? Surely if you are such a good owner, then he will wish to return with you." 

He knew Alexandre's expression would show surprise at the thought of being able to live on land again, which obviously came with the possibility of escape, but when he didn't react, James knew something wasn't right. 

"Alexandre?"

His head slowly turned so that their eyes could meet. Dead. They looked completely blank, his normal bluish grey eyes were faded to nearly clear. Both Merik and James were silent as he slowly climbed off the other vampire's lap. Once he had his pants back up his shoulders straightened and he replied with a complete monotone voice.

"No."

"What?"

"I will sail with no pirate."

Waves of emotion he had long-since discarded suddenly crashed down upon his chest. He had spat those words out so quickly, as if they were poison on his tongue. He didn't understand how dangerous Merik was! James was no meaning of the word nice, but Merik took it so much further. He may not feed on a single slave as often, considering he had plenty to use, while he, himself, tended to keep just one, but he tortured them in every other way.

"You are doing something to cloud his judgment. His eyes are dead of emotion that I know would be there now."

Merik raised a brow, but did not seem worried about being accused of swaying Alexandre's will.

"Free him of your spell and then let him speak."

The vampire lord seemed entertained by his request, considering he had no power to make one to begin with. He tilted his head to one slide, licked his lips, then tilted it to the other. While he hadn't been around him as much as possible, he did know that he often did that when he was thinking about something seriously, but also finding something amusing.

"Very well, but he barely knows me... perhaps you should stay the night and I shall spend it with your human. Come morning he may make his choice, free of any mental provocation."

"Understood."

He immediately agreed, as there was no real ability for him to uphold an argument. Merik was being surprisingly agreeable tonight. He could easily just claim Alexandre for himself if he so chose, so James wasn't going to press his luck by trying to bend the deal, however...

"I do ask one stipulation, if you would be so kind as to accept it."

Merik's eyes narrowed slightly but then relaxed again as he nodded for him to speak.

"I would like to ask that he does not join you in your bed tonight."

He knew that was his main intention towards trying to claim Alexandre. The man's body was something even the most womanizing man could find enjoyment in.

"Alright. I shall keep him from my bed tonight, though it is with much hesitation that I accept your request."

His lips let free a quiet sigh of relief at the moment of his agreement. At least he wouldn't have to worry about the man taking his pet's body while he slept... if he slept. That was something he had never thought would occur in Merik's home. In fact, He will likely just remain awake in case Merik tries something with his human.

Pretending to be under Merik's control wasn't easy. His powers had worn off even quicker than the Captain's, but Alexandre hadn't wanted to let either of them know. It was really uncomfortable to have someone take over his mind. One would think it would be similar to the captain talking in his head, but it felt more like someone shoving him aside and using his mouth to do their bidding.

He felt the pressure in his head lesson after the captain walked out to rejoin the party, leaving him there with the other vampire. 

Was it odd that he felt that Merik was more dangerous than James? 

"You are a spry one, aren't you? When did you push aside my mind control?"

Shit!

The need to run bubbled up from his twisted stomach, though he knew better. The man would catch him easily, probably before he even took the six pathetic steps he needed to in order to get to the door, or window.

"True."

Merik's hand was suddenly on his hip, gently pushing until he turned to face him directly. Then he had his other grasp the opposite side and pull him against him. He knew that looking a vampire in the eyes, even if told to at certain times, could lead to negativity, so he decided to press his forehead against his chest and wait. 

A moment later Alexandre felt Merik's fingers weaving through his hair, but it just didn't feel comfortable. He was sure that he was trying to calm him a bit so that he would be more interested in staying with him instead of the captain, but he was unsure, his fingers just seemed wrong. He would almost say that he preferred James'. Merik's hands abruptly paused and tensed slightly in his dark hair, no doubt having heard his thoughts. Well, he didn't care. He didn't have to like him or James. And he didn't like him or James.

"Very true. You do not have to like either of us, but you will belong to me by tomorrow."

Alexandre's eyes narrowed slightly before closing. He hadn't realized how tired he was... it was most likely from his body trying to heal the burns.

"What makes you think I will choose you tomorrow?"

The taller vampire chuckled and leaned over, nuzzling into his neck. He knew what was coming, and sure enough, Merik's tongue flicked out to lap at his throat, which was quickly followed by a sharp bite.

I will be far nicer to you than that pirate. I will not embarrass you or treat you like a slave. I will free you from the world of terror I am sure he has introduced you to onboard his vessel.

I could be free? But that doesn't make much sense. If I live here, then I am still in the same situation, but with a different master. 

As he thought, he did his best to keep them from Merik, but definitely felt the vampire nudging to get in.

Why are you trying to hide your thoughts now?

His hands lowered to Alexandre's butt and pulled him against him tighter, making their lower halves rub against each other.

You like that?

Honestly? Not really. He was just too tired to keep his body in check. It had been so long since he had even let himself release. After sailing on several routes, he had come back home to an empty house. His love interest had long-since gone. The amount of time one spends on the ocean often leads to a lack of relationships. Just the thought of having someone in his bed for such things made his body react to Merik's, but he needed to clarify.

I have no interest in men.

Merik's deep chuckle echoed in his head as his left hand patted his backside enough to make him wince slightly.

Your body says otherwise... come.

He was suddenly lifted into strong arms before being carried and then, set down on his back on a large extended sofa. He then watched as Merik easily climbed over him.

Having made a deal with James, I will not take you to my bed.

He smiled widely, showing off two slightly elongated fangs.

I can make you feel good, even if your body is to be used as a woman's.

Before Alexandre could respond, Merik's mouth was on his. It didn't feel anything like what it looked like. His lips were rough and he could feel his fangs partially extended through them. It was extremely uncomfortable, just the like feeling of his hips rolling against his own.

I am hurting and very tired... 

He didn't need to fake either of those things, as he was sure some of the pain was beginning to show on his face as he lay beneath him. 

After a long minute of kissing Merik finally lifted his head to look down upon his face. Alexandre did his best to keep his mind clear, but it wasn't really necessary. When he had admitted to being tired, the wave of exhaustion he hadn't realized was there came crashing down on him. He was recovering from burns and had also fed two vampires... needless to say, he believed that he deserved at least a little rest. 

Merik's right hand came up to gently rub against his cheek, then swipe a finger slowly along his lower lip.

"You do look very tired, Alexandre. Alright. I know how to restrain myself and do not wish to cause you any further discomfort."

His eyes began to glow faintly, then slowly changed to a fluorescent bright red. Alexandre quickly steeled himself as he began to speak again.

"Rest here for a little while. I will return to my gathering and be back for you in two hours."

The overbearing feelings he had sensed before came to the forefront of his mind, making Alexandre have to steady his expression to keep Merik from realizing that his mind control wasn't working. When he finished speaking Alexandre calmly nodded, then allowed his eyes to drift shut. That may have been a bad idea, because he slipped into unconsciousness within seconds.

He awoke, he believed, about an hour later. A glance up at an ornamental clock by the door told him that his assumption was close, forty five minutes. That gave him plenty of time to try and get out. The music in the other room was still going strong, and loud. Perfect. With a grunt of effort he got himself sitting upright, then waited a moment for the room to stop spinning before getting to his feet and walking over to the double window. The latch on it easily flicked open, allowing him to push the heavy pieces of fancy, wood-rimmed glass outward.

"Ah..."

The night air immediately rushed in, flowing through his hair and waking him with its frosty chill. For the first time in days he did not smell the sea. That thought alone brought him encouragement to shimmy up onto the sill and slowly begin to lower his body downward. The drop was definitely going to hurt considering the home was built on a hill, but hopefully it wouldn't cause a break. Without another thought on the situation, in fear of second guessing himself, he quickly released the windowsill and dropped.

A loud crack accompanied by a strong pulse of pain told him right away that he had just broken his left ankle. Great. He knew that he was in a bad situation, but the damp grass against his cheek felt like heaven. He didn't want to get up and try to limp away, or face either vampire that would likely be after him soon. All he wanted right then was to remain right where he was, against solid earth without a monster baring over him and an ocean separating him from such glorious land. He had grown up working in the dirt and to finally have it back felt too good to risk losing again. 

Run... that's what he had to do.

With a great deal of effort he got to his feet, nearly dropping right back to the ground when his broken ankle smarted.

He stumbled but forced himself to move. If he stayed, Merik would easily find him. Weaving around several large bushes and shrubs, he slowly meandered around the lush landscape to the side of the mansion where many of the carriages had been left by the attendees of the party. There were a few people mulling about in the front, but none seemed to be looking his way, this was his chance... though he was not sure if his ankle was going to hold out long enough to get anywhere.

After taking in a few deep breaths to steady his dizzying mind, he quickly limped across the well-manicured grass, hiding behind each carriage... until he noticed a dark form standing by a small one far off by the tree-line. 

The person stepped forward, just far enough into the light to allow him to see an all-to-familiar silhouette.

The captain.

At first, he thought he would come after him or at least try a threat, but he just stood there. That was when Alexandre realized that he was looking behind him. The faint nudge of Merik in his head was easy to distinguish after his first few attempts to take over his thoughts. This time, however, he was way too pumped full of adrenalin and pain to let it affect him. He could sense his upset when he got nothing out of him and had to withdraw his power, but that only brought a faint smile to Alexandre's pained face. 

His attention quickly focused on the captain before him as he stepped out of the shadows farther.

Why did he look worried? 

Surely he wasn't in any danger being one of the stronger vampires, so why did he look so stressed?

"Captain?"

He stopped abruptly when he spoke, moving his dark gaze to meet his own. Alexandre's eyes quickly dropped when they met his, remembering the rules of being a slave.

Look at me, Alexandre.

Huh? 

By sheer surprise his head jolted up, eyes locking with the captain's. At first, he couldn't see much since the sun had already vanished from the sky, but slowly, ever so slowly, his eyes began to glow a calm golden in the darkness.

"I believe postponing this little deal until tomorrow would be useless. Alexandre, choose your master."

Merik's voice purred the words behind him as he felt him push at his thoughts with more effort. He wanted to control his answer. He didn't need fear as long as he could control his slave's minds... but he couldn't touch his. He may seem like the smartest decision since he couldn't control him through his thoughts, but that didn't mean that he couldn't attack him physically. He had almost done it earlier... hell, he had fed from him immediately after Captain James had left.

Alexandre... come back, that pirate will give you nothing but death.

He knew that. He had said it flat out when he had caught him. He would die aboard his ship. What was getting to him, though, was that Merik wasn't saying what he intended to do. 

He wasn't an idiot. He could easily see the fear in Merik's slave's eyes. The dead stares behind their false features. He might not be as physically abusive, but it was obvious that he toyed with his slave's minds, enjoying the pleasure of breaking them down. 

While he continued to calmly try to coax Alexandre back to him, he honestly took more notice of what the captain was doing... or really, what he was not doing.

Why aren't you trying to convince me like Merik is?

James' eyes widened a fraction before he calmly replied.

I have no control over you right now. Nor should I. This is your decision. You know my personality and how I treat you, there is nothing for me to say.

Alexandre's head tilted slightly as he watched the man's expression change, but disappear again in the blink of an eye. He was hiding something... something that was bothering him. It wasn't exactly his silence that brought him to take a careful limp forward, or his memory of how he had treated him.

Curiosity, love.

He was right. He was curious. He wanted to know why he had showed such worry. Why he was trying to hide his emotion. He slowly took another step, wincing as his broken ankle sent a jolt of pain up his leg.

Alexandre, come back. He'll only kill you!

"You will kill me as well, but you aren't willing to tell me," Alexandre said without turning to look at the other vampire. "I would rather go with the monster who wears his skin proudly, then one who hides within a sheep's wool."

A deep hiss echoed through the night as he  darted painfully toward the captain. His arms opened just as he was falling and quickly wrapped him in a strong hug. He wasn't sure why, but he felt safe for the first time since his ship had been captured by the monster who now held him.

There is always a higher evil, love.

Don't call... me that. 

He felt the pain begin to take over, along with his lack of sleep and blood. Pretty soon he was drifting off to sleep, though he swore he heard the captain reply before he passed out.

As you wish, Alexandre.