Jaden helped Ruby to her chambers and sat her in the chair in the bathroom with a toothbrush and toothpaste. She assured him it would be all right for him to fetch the soup and soda.

Along the way back to the kitchen, he thought of her request. He wasn't ready, didn't feel like playing dom with her. Not yet.

"It's okay, pet, I understand" thought Ruby to him.

"Hey, you can read my thoughts!" Jaden said aloud.

"Of course, and so can the other mind readers. When you get back, you need a new tag. We'll have to put a bit more oomph into the spell. I'm sure Jade can see to that."

"Yes, I can. I'm doing that now with Yuri," Jade responded over their common mental pathway. "Come, to the kitchen Jaden, I've got Ruby's food waiting for you. Yuri has already seen to your new tag. He'd like to put it on you."

Jaden stopped. Yuri? Everyone knew he had a crush on Yuri. The pied piper of the dungeon who wove his spell over both men and women had cast his spell over Jaden a long time ago.

"Come to me, boy," Yuri called, his voice sensuous even in Jaden's mind. "You and I will have some time together, but not tonight. I want you to take care of your mistress."

Hurrying through the hallways, Jaden almost ran into the large dark haired vampire. Yuri stood before Jaden, the raw energy flowing through him, sparking flames of desire into the younger man.

"You're overdressed, pet," Yuri teased and Jaden nodded. He hadn't bothered to strip like the other occupants of the dungeon, neither had Yuri. Yet Jaden wasn't going to state the obvious and tease Yuri in return. "Offer me your neck."

Yuri's eyes were glowing golden, the desire emanating from him affecting Jaden, causing him to harden painfully beneath his jeans. Obediently, Jaden turned his head and Yuri bent down for a kiss. While he did so, he attached the new tag to Jaden's collar and licked the skin above it.

Jaden sighed with longing, Myra's invasive head fantasy had made him aroused, but it was nothing like this. He couldn't stop himself from reaching forward and wrapping his arms around Yuri's waist. Thinking about removing Yuri's clothes, Jaden made a small whimpering sound. He was restless in Yuri's arms, wanting the vampire's kiss, but afraid to beg.

"Will you let me drink from you, pet?" Yuri asked softly.

"Yes, sir, please," Jaden answered, his voice sounding strange and husky.

Without giving Jaden a chance to change his mind, Yuri struck. Fangs exploded from his mouth, drove into Jaden's soft skin and punctured deep. A scream caught in Jaden's throat at the intense pain, then the pain was gone, replaced by a pleasure so addictive it was beyond anything Jaden had ever known.

This was the secret of the vampire's kiss, he thought. Why Babysub and the others would gladly suffer and serve Yuri to receive it. Because it was bliss.

Before Jaden had much more time to think, Yuri withdrew his fangs and licked the wound clean. Healing skin formed, it was pink and new. Jaden felt light headed, more from the ecstasy of the moment than the loss of a little blood.

He was about to thank Yuri, but his lips met with Yuri's wrist. Yuri had bitten himself and pressed the wound to Jaden's mouth.

"Drink, pet. Just little sips. You are under my protection and I'll not have that she-bitch of a vampire calling to you."

The rush from first swallow sent Jaden's mind reeling. Yuri flooded his mind with images that Jaden would remember in his dreams. For the moment, he could only concentrate on the feeling of being loved and cherished. Yuri was claiming Jaden as part of his family, offering his protection and showing him a bit of himself.

"That's enough, Jaden," Yuri said as he withdrew his wrist. Jaden watched the wound heal before his eyes. He knew enough to know that he wasn't going to be a vampire now, or even a halfling, but he was officially a pet of a master vampire. That would have some consequences.

"Your mind is yet again your own, Jaden. If you want me to hear your thoughts, I will be able to do so. With the tag on your collar, it is your choice."

"Yes, sir, thank you."

"It is my pleasure, pet, as it is the pleasure of your mistress. Now run along and see to her needs. You and I will share a moment or two together later. Not tonight."

The trip to the kitchen and back to Ruby's side was a blur. Jaden sat on the bed next to Ruby, watching her drink the soup. He had so many questions, but nothing to say. He was content to be at her side.

When she was finished eating, Jaden helped Ruby into the shower and he washed her hair and body. His feelings of contentment turned to a good healthy lust and Ruby encouraged that emotion.