Chapter Seventeen (Luka)

This was going to be dangerous.

But I didn't tell Noah. There was no need to make him worry anymore than he'd done. He'd get old faster that way, so I kept it to myself.

Noah pulled up to Gavin's house late that night. The mansion was still glowing with lights as if nobody had ever left. I glanced at Noah, who frowned in concern, but I smiled reassuringly.

"It'll be fine. Come inside and have some tea while I get to work." I responded. Noah hesitated, nibbling his lower lip, but I gave his sleeve a tug and he eventually followed me out to the house. I led him to the kitchen before breaking off to go to my room where I changed into one of my uniforms. I took a deep breath, lifting my head before I went up the stairs to Kornelius' room. I heard the microwave downstairs ding, but other than that, not a sound could be heard throughout the entire house, which sort concerned me.

I frowned, approaching the doors. The locks inside grinded and squeaked, obeying the magic that was coiling around them to force the door open. The doors creaked as they opened, letting me step in. I had walked in far enough so the doors could close, but they remained partially open when my eyes realized it was pitch black inside.

The computer monitor was off and there were no lights on, not even the curtains let a sliver of sunlight into the dark room. I blinked a few times, then frowned, lifting my finger to send a spark of magic into the air when the doors slammed shut behind me. My eyes flashed and I whipped around, frowning before turning back around when I heard someone sigh in the darkness in front of me.

"You've come back to me." Kornelius murmured. I stared into the darkness, unable to pinpoint his location specifically, but he was close enough to hurt me. I didn't let on that I was human and could be killed, though.

"I've come for a favor, Master."

"A favor," Kornelius echoed, the sound of his bare feet padding across the room somewhere in the darkness, making my eyes flickering around quickly, "Why should I do you a favor when you didn't do any for me? I asked you to kill me, to masturbate for me, to choke me, to have sex with me. I even asked you to let me out, but you still refused."

"Because Gavin ordered that I do so."

"And Gavin orders you to ask me for a favor now?"

"No, I'm here on my own accord. Gavin doesn't know I'm here, Master." I informed calmly. I heard him hum with interest, making me frown as my eyes searched the darkness. I went to lift my hand and spark magic into the air, but a strong grip caught my wrist. I gasped in surprise before going still as I felt Kornelius standing right behind me, his heated body pressing against mine as his other hand ran up along my shoulder to my throat where his fingertips brushed my skin, giving me goose bumps.

"Mmm," Kornelius sighed against my hair, making me stiffen, "You smell human again... There's not a trace of death on you, Luka. What happened while you were away? What do you expect to give me in return if you no longer have one of the few things on earth that can kill me?" I blinked when the realization hit me, but I didn't let the panic show as I stood stiffly like the butler I was.

"I'll burn you," I decided, gently, "I know you want to die and I will give you that if you can give me what I want."

"Before you start making assumptions and tossing around ideas, what is it you want, Luka?" Kornelius asked, roughly letting go of me and walking across the room. The computer monitor snapped on, making me wince as my eyes adjusted to the bright light that shown from the monitor as well as squeals of pain and  moaning from the speakers. I frowned as Kornelius sat down, lifting a leg and tossing it onto the computer desk by the monitor as he sat there and stared at the screen.

"Master, to let your son Gavin live for eternity with his mate, I gave his mate immortality. In turn, the Fates have given me Kasper's nightmares, but I can't sleep. You know as well as I do that humans need their sleep and I can't sleep if I'm being kept awake." I explained calmly, approaching him as he studied the screen. I frowned at the younger boys in leather, squirming as they were whipped and tormented.

It reminded me of Kasper's nightmares and sent a cold chill down my spine.

"And what's so scary about nightmares? I have nightmares too." Kornelius mused, not looking at me as his eyes glowed. I frowned, ignoring the screen and sounds as best I could, keeping my eyes on Kornelius' unshaven face.

"These nightmares are realistic. The Fates made it so I can hear and feel everything as if it were really happening."

"And what happens to you in those dreams?" Kornelius murmured, reaching his hand out to place the glowing red mouse as he full screened the video he was watching. I avoided the screen to frown at him.

"Excuse me?" I asked, my stomach sinking at his request. Kornelius frowned in annoyance, but still didn't look at me.

"A servant should never question his master."

"No, I simply don't understand what you're asking."

"Describe your dreams to me in detail."

"Master--"

"If you want me to help you, describe in detail of what's being done to you." Kornelius responded firmly, studying the screen. I clenched my fists. I had always known he was sick and twisted. What crazy idea made me think this would be an easy thing to do? I didn't even like dreaming about those things, let alone reciting them. But after this, if Gavin fired me, I'd never have to worry about seeing Kornelius again. I would leave with Noah and we would find someplace else to live.

I took a deep breath and started to recount the nightmares to Kornelius. The entire time, he kept his eyes on his screen, but nodded every so often. His tongue would press against the inside of his mouth occasionally and I saw the corner of his mouth twitch, like he was trying not to smile.

It didn't surprise me. Kornelius was sick and twisted. He was insane. Killing your own mate could do that to you.

I kept going, keeping my voice as steady as possible as I described the leather cuffs, the chains, the whip, and Ash biting into my throat. I mentioned Kyler and that made Kornelius smile before it melted away and I finished my explanation.

"Now if you're quite finished," I concluded, "I need to know if there's anything to make this stop."

"Why would you want it to stop," Kornelius asked, looking up at me in surprise, making me blink, "It sounds perfect for you, Luka. You're always so stern, so proper. It's a nice thought to think that someone could lower you down a peg. As a servant, you should be on your knees licking my feet, but instead, you hold your head up high as if you were superior to me." I bit my tongue to keep back any sarcastic remarks or rude comments.

If I weren't a human and in need of sleep, I'd torment him.

One would suggest that I use magic to make Kornelius do it, but I'd be just like Kira. To mess with free will was just a beacon to the Shadows that would come and darken my soul just as it did to Kira and Kornelius.

And I wasn't going to resort to that.

"I know I'm your servant, Master," I said gently, "And I apologize for my arrogance. It was uncalled for." Kornelius smirked, making me frown and cock my head as he paused the video, exiting the full screen so the light was brighter, making me wince a little.

"Here's an idea... Get on your knees." He commanded. I blinked, then frowned again.

"Master--"

"If you are my servant, you would obey. Mind you, you're also a human now. I could kill you." Kornelius reminded me, turning in his leather chair to face me, sitting with his legs open and his elbow resting on the arm of the chair, his cheek against his knuckles. I gritted my teeth and stood there for a moment, but no quick smart ideas were coming to me.

In the end, I found myself lowering myself onto my knees in front of him, staring up at the shadows that moved across his face from the computer screen. Kornelius studied me, reaching out to run his fingers through my hair. Cold, disgusted chills coursed through me, but I said nothing. My heart was pounding so hard against my chest, I swore it would rip free.

Kornelius said nothing more, just stared at me for a while, then leaned forward. I gasped in surprise as he put his arms around me, hugging me up against him tightly, his hand against the back of my head and his other resting on my hip as he held me close. His lips brushed my ear before he whispered:

"Bathe in the moonlight." His breathed was hot and his tongue wet against my ear as he spoke. I blinked, letting that sink in. Bathe in the moonlight? Was that what I needed to do? Was that really it?

"Bind yourself to your mate." Kornelius whispered hotly, making me gasp as he pulled me up against him further. His hand slipped past the waistband of my pants, touching the bare skin of my hip before he shifted his hand to grab my ass. I winced and writhed in his grip, trying to push on his chest now, but he wouldn't budge.

"And burn me." Kornelius added, then buried his face against my throat. My heart leapt into my throat as I felt his fangs brush my skin, giving me goose bumps. I gasped again, grabbing onto his biceps.

"Let go of me." I managed.

"Burn me." Kornelius ordered against my throat, then pulled away from me completely. I fell back and scrambled until my back was against his bed and there was a good six feet between us. He stared at me and I stared back.

"Do it." He commanded. I bit my lip for a moment, then raised a finger toward him, concentrating my magic toward my fingertip.

"Master, what about Gavin--"

"Gavin's had his fun," Kornelius interrupted as he rose to his feet, staring down at me with an unreadable expression, "And so have I. You know as well as anyone else that living for eternity is a lonely existence. It's enough to drive me insane. Kill me, Luka."

"And Gavin--"

"Gavin is old enough to survive on his own with his mate. And you will take care of him, I know you will, Luka." Kornelius stated. I was surprised at how... normal his tone sounded. It wasn't gruff and cruel like it normally was. I didn't hesitate any further as my finger sparked and magic flew forward as flames, coiling around Kornelius like a snake. Kornelius sighed in relief as the flames began to latch onto his clothes and blister his skin.

"Finally..." He breathed and slumped to his knees as the flames licked and ripped at his skin. I dropped my hand, staring at Kornelius as he burned. The flames devoured him until he was nothing, but black, charred skin. The stench rose through the room and suffocated me as I managed a cough, reaching up to cover my mouth.

I suddenly had a flash of memory from the day my parents died. It sent a cold chill down my spine.

They had been screaming when they died. They didn't want to die. They didn't need to die. They were murdered senselessly because humans were scared of their power and beliefs.

Kornelius didn't scream or wail in pain. In fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd say he was smiling. He fell to the marble floor, his burnt skeleton shattering into ash. The flames whimpered and grew smaller until it was out.

Lying on the floor was what was left of King Kornelius Peril of the Peril vampire Clan.

I managed to push myself to my feet before I turned around, making it to the door just in time for bile to rise in my stomach from the stench of burnt skin and hair. I leaned outside into the hallway and puked, gasping and falling to my knees as I leaned against the wall, shuddering.

"Luka!" I looked up, grimacing to see Noah standing at the end of the hallway. He rushed over quickly and knelt beside me, his hand touching my back and rubbing slow circles as another wave of nausea hit me and I vomited again.

"Are you all right?" Noah asked me once I had finished, wiping my mouth on the back of my hand. I gave a tired nod, coughing a little.

"What happened?" Noah demanded, sounding concerned now. I frowned, staring down the hallway for a moment before rising to my feet with Noah's help.

"He told me to bathe in the moonlight and bind with my mate. I'm not sure what that means." I admitted, glancing at Noah to see him blink, then blush lightly.

"Bathing in the moonlight. It's a very sacred cleansing rite that you do under the light of the full moon. You usually do it after some bad things happened. It cleans not only your body, but your soul and mind too."

"And bind with my mate?"

"Uhm... It's something along the lines of having sex."

"Something along the lines?" I echoed, cocking a brow at him. Noah cleared his throat, averting his eyes.

"I have to tie your hands behind your back and take you." He confessed, making me frown a little before rolling my eyes.

"It could be worse." I responded, giving my finger a flick as the mess on the floor was instantly cleaned up. Noah looked surprised before looking up at me as I headed down the hallway.

"Any word from Gavin?" I asked as I made my way down the stairs with Noah right at my heels. Noah laughed a bit nervously, making me frown and turn to him.

"Actually, funny story, see Gavin called while you were upstairs and he's--"

"Waiting to kick your ass." Gavin's voice snapped. I jumped and whirled around to see Gavin standing at the end of the kitchen with Kasper, who looked a bit uneasy at Gavin's temper. I took a step back as Gavin came up to me, but it didn't stop him from grabbing the front of my shirt and slamming me against the front door. I winced, pain throbbing in my head and chest as Gavin glared at me.

"You disobeyed me and you killed that monster upstairs! I was keeping him alive as punishment for killing my mother! What kind of punishment does he have now?!" He barked in my voice, his fangs baring threateningly. Noah growled low in his throat and grabbed Gavin's wrist, ripping it away from me so my feet were settled on the floor again.

"Don't you dare threaten him," Noah snapped, "Luka's suffered plenty for you, or are you punishing him too? He gave your mate immortality so you two could be together and now he's suffering from nightmares. He has the chance to get rid of them and you don't want him to? How is that even fair? What have you ever done for Luka that equals to what he's done for you?" Gavin blinked, staring at Noah before opening his mouth to argue, but Kasper took his turn and stepped in front of Gavin, making him look down.

"It's okay." Kasper said softly, reaching up to touch Gavin's cheeks with his fingertips. Gavin stared at him for a moment longer, then relaxed instantly, reaching up to take Kasper's hands in his own. He closed his eyes for a moment, relishing in the feel of Kasper's soft hands before he opened his eyes, lowering them from his face. He pulled Kasper close, then glanced at me.

"I just wanted him to suffer." Gavin admitted and I sensed the tremor in his voice. I gave a nod, pursing my lips for a moment before speaking.

"And he did. For centuries. Your revenge is done, Gavin. Your mother's been avenged and you can sleep peacefully knowing that." I replied. Gavin stared at me for a while longer, then surprised me as he came up to me, hugging me tightly. For a second, I didn't understand why he was until I felt something wet and hot falling on my shoulder. I blinked, then reached up and held him. He kept his face hidden as he cried.

Kasper bit his lip before looking at Noah, who gestured for him to follow him out into the living room to give us privacy. I don't know how long I stood there, holding Gavin.

It reminded me of when he was younger. He was a crybaby back then. If his army had seen him cry, they probably would've killed him. But he was good at hiding things until it all built up and crashed down on him.

And then the night his mother died.

He didn't just cry, he sobbed.

He'd been close to his mother and seeing the man he idealized kill her was such a shock that it didn't surprise me when he ordered that I lock Kornelius in a room and never let him escape or kill himself.

Gavin finally pulled back, taking a deep breath and reaching up casually to wipe at his eye. I pulled a tissue out of my breast pocket and handed it to him. He rolled his eyes, but took it anyway, averting his gaze to the living room where Noah and Kasper were talking quietly.

"Are you going to leave me?" He asked at last. I looked at him with a light smile.

"I've been with you for centuries, Gavin... I'll be with you for another century." I added, remembering I was human now. Humans only lived a max of one hundred years, if they were lucky. Gavin blinked, then looked at me.

"Can't you give yourself immortality?" He asked, confused. I frowned.

"Probably... I'm not sure if I want to look nineteen for the rest of my life, though." I added with a snort, glancing down at myself. Gavin laughed, folding his arms over his chest.

"Gonna wait a couple years?"

"Maybe. I'll have to see if I can get rid of these nightmares." I responded. Gavin studied my expression for a moment, frowning a bit in concern.

"What did he tell you?" He asked. I stared at him for a while. How awkward would it be to tell my boss that I need to take a night off to play bondage with my mate? I just shrugged and gave him a little wave that said nothing really before I went to the living room, peering in as Noah said something that made Kasper laugh.

"Noah, we need to go." I called. Noah looked up, then smiled at Kasper, rising to his feet and shaking Kasper's hand.

"Pleasure talking to you." He said. Kasper beamed.

"Likewise."

With that, I bade Gavin farewell and was given a vacation. Another one. Just mine and Noah's and I almost sighed of relief, but I just smiled and thanked Gavin before we got into Noah's truck.

"So, what now? When's the next full moon?" Noah asked as he started the truck and pulled out of the driveway. I hummed thoughtfully, leaning back in my seat as I studied the trees outside.

"I think it's in about a week. So we have a week to prep everything."

"Prep everything," Noah echoed as he drove down the road, "What'd you mean by that?"

"Find something to bind me with that isn't rope."

"Silk?"

"Fine."

"Wow, that was so hard," Noah drawled sarcastically as we pulled into the little village, "Gonna plan on how to do your hair next?"

"Hey, Lieutenant Sarcasm. You're about to hit a cat."

"Crap!" Noah hit the brakes as a cat shot across the road and ducked into the vines that had crept up along the sides of the bakery shop. I paused, studying the bakery before looking at Noah.

"I'm in a mood for sweets. Let's go inside." I said. Noah glanced at the bakery shop, then shrugged and nodded. He parked around on the side parking lot that the bakery shared with the Italian restaurant before we walked inside to the sweet, sugary smell of pastries. Behind the counter, Victor had just stood up, his dark hair tied back from his face. He beamed as soon as he saw me.

"Ah, Monsieur Luka. You haven't been around here lately. I was worried. Who's your friend?" He asked curiously. I glanced at Noah, who just smiled. Victor seemed to take the hint and nodded before he gestured to one of the small cafe tables.

"Please, take a seat. I will fetch you some hot chocolate while you decide." He informed me before disappearing. I looked at Noah, who picked up one of the cute, flowery menus, then looked at me with a cocked brow.

"They're into flowers and frills."

"Evidently. This place looks like something out of those Lolita catalogs."

"You look at Lolita catalogs?"

"Not for myself." Noah promised, looking down at his menu. I raised an eyebrow, then shrugged it off and looked down at the menu, studying the list of French pastries before I decided and looked up to see Noah scrunching up his nose.

"What?" I asked. Noah blinked and looked up before smiling.

"I can't read all these French names."

"You can order what I'm getting. It's a type of tart with strawberries circling a bunch of blueberries."

"Mmm. Sounds good."

"It is," I replied, glancing down at my menu until I felt Noah's eyes on me, making me look up again, "What?" Noah set his menu down, leaning on the table as he rested his chin in his palms.

"I haven't had the chance to see you much in person for so long. I wanna look at you all day." He answered, making my cheeks grow hot. I rolled my eyes and held my menu up to cover my face, but Noah whined and reached out to snatch it away from me, but I held it out of his reach.

"You're still childish." Noah accused. I snorted.

"Me? You're the one trying to beat me up over a menu." I retorted smartly, making Noah huff.

"You two are absolutely adorable," Victor announced as he approached our table with the warm, steaming mugs of hot coco, "I am glad you're not longer sad, Monsieur Luka. A pity to waste your good looks on frowns." I just smiled polite and Noah glanced at me with an expression that ask me if this guy was serious. I flicked my menu at his face, then looked up at Victor.

"We'll have those berry tarts." I said, pointing to one of the pictures sitting on the table. Victor nodded and picked up our menus before departing. I looked at Noah as I stirred my hot chocolate, watching him sniff the chocolate and sigh contently.

"We'll probably have to stay at hotel," I spoke aloud, making Noah look up, "I don't want to inconvenience Gavin by staying there too much longer, and the hotel here is very nice."

"Until we find a house?" Noah asked. I nodded, making Noah smile.

"But nothing too big. I already have to clean Gavin's house. Cleaning another big house will just kill me." I added, rubbing my temples at the thought. Noah grinned, leaning forward on the table on his elbows to get near my face.

"Oh, but I wanted to see you in your uniform."

"My uniform? I'm a butler."

"I'm going to talk to Gavin about getting a maid's outfit."

"And I'm going to talk to Gavin about a shock collar."

"That's kinky!" Noah exclaimed, reaching up to touch his throat as he sat back. I laughed, sitting back in my seat, watching Noah complain and rant. I never thought I'd miss it so much. I enjoyed myself plenty sitting there while he spoke.

I loved hearing his voice.

I loved hearing his opinion.

I even liked the way he kept licking his lips after he drank his hot chocolate, like a dog that was confused about what it was drinking. I missed the way his hands felt against my skin, his breath on my ear, and his body pressed deep against mine.

There was plenty that Noah and I had to work through, but I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life doing it.

Whether I chose to remain human or whether I decided that it wasn't enough and I wanted to spend eternity-- or at least two hundred years with the love of my life.

THE END

A/N: Oh gosh... I actually expected to write further, but honestly, this seemed like a good place to stop. And I just noticed there was technically only one sex scene, but... Still. I enjoyed it and Luka's story was so fun to write. I love him as much as Kyler. And so, my lovelies, ends the tale of Luka. But... Oh no! Is this the end of the series? LOLNOPE. There's one last book. But... Who's it gonna be about?! When am I gonna post it?! I honestly give myself a day. I might end up posting it sooner than I thought. In the mean time, try and guess who the final book is about!

Thanks uber much for reading! Hope you enjoyed the story!