Chapter 12

Mia's POV
i stood frozen in place my eyes firmly on Master's figure at the door. How did he find me? He said it was good to see Michael again so they know each other? Did Michael tell on me? No he couldnt have he was just as surprised to see Master as me. *He could be faking the surprise to trick you and stop calling him master.* Dalton's voice boomed in my head and I rolled my eyes at him. This simple movement seemed to cause Master's eyes to lock onto to me and I felt my blood go cold.

"Mia come along. We have a long drive ahead of us. Thank you for finding her Michael but I can take it from here." Master cleared his throat and beckoned to me. My feet moved forward and Michael's are shot out blocking the doorway with such force I was surprised it didn't break.

"She isn't going with you Rick. I told you what would happen if I ever saw you harming a human. Mia might only be half human but that's still enough for me to protect her." Michael bared his fangs but Master didn't flinch.

"Now now Michael no need to get hostile. They offered you the same deal as me and while I know we were like brothers I couldn't refuse that offer the way you did. Human blood is so much nicer than deer or rabbit. Perhaps if you tried it you'd enjoy it. Go ahead a try Mia she's very delectable." Master grinned with his fangs on show and I whimpered as I took a small step back.

This time Michael growled loudly. "Unlike you brother," he spat, "I dont go back on my word. I dont know how you found Mia here or why you would even show up after what you did but I can promise you right now that you won't be getting Mia and Dalton. They are under my protection and I think you remember how skilled I am at hunting."

Master raised his eyebrow. "Dalton? Who's Dalton?" I forgot that Master didn't know about Dalton.

"Really you came here to get your...pet," Michael winced at the word, "yet you don't know about their abilities? Some master you are Rick even I know about them."

I could feel Dalton stirring and I tried to push him down. 'Now isn't the time Dalton' I thought to myself but I kept feeling him push. I looked up to see Michael and Master staring at me. "What?" I asked confused.

"You screamed." Michael said looking at me worried and startled.

"I did? I wasn't aware I'm sorry I didn't mean to. It's just Dalton doesn't like that Master is here and I was trying to push him down but he won't listen and I can't remain in control much longer." I rambled and clutched my head. "Michael please get rid of him."

As soon as I said the words Michael slammed the door on Master's face and I heard him shout a cutse word do it probably hurt. He quickly locked all the doors and windows faster than I could blink and the next thing I knew was I was on the sofa being cradled in his arms.

"It's ok he can't get in. I have an enchantment around the house that only let's in people I invite in. I set them up after he left for protection from the high vamps." Michael's soothing voice whispered quietly as he stroked my head in an attempt to calm me. "Dalton listen to me I promise I will do my best to keep you and Mia safe but your hurting her right now and if you don't stop she could die. I know you have no reason to trust a vampire but please I know what you are. I can help you."

Michael kept on saying calming things and rocking me slightly until the pain left and Dalton stopped trying to fight back. I felt so drained of energy. "Do you really know what we are or did you just say that to get him to stop?" I asked as I continued to lie in Michael's arms. Despite the huge muscles on his arms he was so soft and gentle to cuddle. I also noticed tattoos poking out from his shirt and even some on his fingers I hadn't noticed before.

"Yes I know what you are. I lied before, I didnt go hunting. After I saw what Dalton could do I knew I'd heard of it before so I went to the archives to find the book on it. Rick must have seen me leaving and followed me back. Anyway you are what's known as a vessel and Dalton is an entity. A powerful spirit that latches on and draws power from someone in order to grow themselves. Dalton seems to be a different kind of entity. One I've never heard off before. Rick didn't know you were only half human and tou mentioned something about a hospital before meaning Dalton hasn't been able to drawn on your energy until recently correct?"

I nodded and i found myself snuggling deeper into Michael's chest. He smelt of firewood and the smell after rain. It was so calming and I felt myself being drawn to him. He must have known because he gave a small chuckle and continued his story.

"Well my theory is that Dalton isnt just any kind of entity but one from a powerful realm. All entities come from other realms but the fact that Dalton only ever protects you and uses his powers to heal you, rather than to hurt you or others around you for fun like others do, makes him the most rare kind there is. I can't remember the name of the realm now it was always considered to be a myth or a legend. No one ever believed it to be real not even the witches."

"I didnt know there were witches." I said and looked up at him. He had a light stubble on his chin that looked cute. I don't know why I was feeling this way towards him all of a sudden. I barely even know him but he's saved my life twice now.

"Yes there are. Not many anymore but still some. I used to hang around with them during my early 50s and they taught me a few spells. Like the protection spell around the house. It takes a lot of practice though as vampires aren't supposed to be able to do magic. It's against the natural order however I was made an exception since I only ever wanted to help not destroy. I was deemed pure at heart so as long as I remain pure I can do spells. The only vampire witch to have lived."

"So as a witch you learnt about the realms and about things like Dalton?" I was feeling a lot better as Michael kept on talking and it felt almost as if Dalton wasn't there anymore.

"Yes I just wish I could remember the name of the realm I believe Dalton yo be from." Michael sighed.
"Oftrender." Said a voice from the corner and both me and Michael jumped. I half fell off Michael's lap onto the sofa as he stood up fangs bared. Dalton started to stir then stopped as if commanded to.

Standing by the stairs was a woman in a thick dark cloak. Her brown hair in curls around her face poked out beneathher hood. "The realm you are discussing is Oftrender and you are quite right Michael. That is where they are from." She took her hood down. "My name is Serena and I've come to take them home."