Temptations Mate: Chapter Eighteen

"Oh Kurt, this fabric would make wonderful curtains!" Mercedes exclaimed, holding up a swath of heavy jade silk.

Tina, Mercedes and Kurt had crept from Wildwind early that morning for a shopping trip. Blaine had acquiesced to Kurt's request to redecorate the manor and Kurt had recruited Tina and Mercedes to help him select fabric for new curtains. He felt a twinge of guilt because he knew that Blaine would have wanted him to take one of the Kuduro demons with him as protection but with his increased magical abilities Kurt was certain he'd be able to handle a simple shopping excursion without a body guard. Although negotiations could get rather heated, Kurt was fairly sure he didn't need the protection of the clan to haggle with store owners over prices.

Kurt walked over to her and ran his hands across the luxurious material. "We'd probably have to line them with something to make sure they blocked out the light when they were drawn but you're right, the color is gorgeous and the fabric is to die for-"

"Interesting choice of words there, Mr. Hummel," a voice drifted in from over Kurt's shoulder. "Redecorating already? Isn't that a bit gauche? The body or what was left of it rather, is hardly cold."

Kurt turned and was met with the form of Chief Inspector Sebastian Smythe. Tina immediately drifted to Kurt's side and as did Mercedes, both staring daggers at the lawman.

"I haven't a clue what it is you're going on about. Now to what do I owe the dubious pleasure of your company, Inspector?" Kurt asked warily.

"Well, as much as I would indeed like to gift you with the pleasure of my company," Sebastian said, letting his eyes roam over Kurt's form, "this is official police business. William Schuester, or what we believe to be the remains of William Schuester, was discovered in his bed this morning by his manservant Matthew," Sebastian informed Kurt, watching carefully for his reaction.

Tina and Mercedes both gasped in surprise since neither of them had been aware of William's impending demise. Kurt put on his carefully constructed mask of neutrality and gave Sebastian a disinterred glance. "Well, that's a pity but as the ladies and I are no longer members of Mr. Schuester's household or in his employ, it has precious little to do with any of us. Now, if you don't mind, I have shopping to complete," Kurt said turning back to the fabric on the table.

"Actually, I do mind and I suspect it rather has a lot to do with you, Kurt," Sebastian said, grabbing Kurt and turning him back to face him. "Schuester was little more than a bag of bones when he was discovered, yet he'd been seen in town the very day before the picture of health. More peculiar still, his head of security also seems to be missing, a man who had a well known grudge against you. Curious how a man as large and well known as Azimio Adams can vanish into seemingly thin air around the same time William meets a suspicious end. And Duke Rochdale's end is indeed suspect; I only have one explanation for how one can go from vim and vigor to ashes and dust." Sebastian mused out loud.

"I'm sure it's a fascinating theory you're just itching to share with the rest of the class," Kurt sniped.

"Indeed it is," Sebastian said, crowding into Kurt's personal space. "Sounds like dark magic at play to me. And how interesting is it that the employee that Schuester's been escorting all over Europe goes missing with two of his handmaidens just before he's discovered dead."

Kurt's heart jack hammered in his chest but he forced himself to remain calm. Smythe was one of the few humans who didn't dismiss the world of demons and magic as the stuff of folklore and fairy tales. He knew that there were vampires and lycans, witches and fey that walked among humans and while he knew better than to voice his opinions lest he be labeled insane, Sebastian had enough power to be a nuisance if he chose to be. "Careful Inspector Smythe, this is real life, not a Grimm fairy tale and in any case it's a lucky thing for me that folklore and bad timing aren't punishable by law," he returned easily.

"But murder for profit is," Sebastian said.

"Excuse me?" Kurt said, looking up at Sebastian in shock. "What the devil are you talking about?"

Sebastian examined Kurt carefully, before fingering the bolt of silk the witch still held in his hands, fingers coming dangerously close to brushing over Kurt's before answering. "Be it mortal or magical means, Schuester's end was not natural, it was murder. And I find it very interesting that you go missing right around the time of his demise and according his solicitor, Mr. Bryan Ryan, you're the only heir listed and therefore you're inheriting the Duke's entire estate lock, stock and barrel."

The silk slid from in between Kurt's fingers as he stared vacantly at Sebastian. Tina and Mercedes began whispering among themselves, shocked that their former employer had named Kurt as his heir.

"There…there must be some mistake," Kurt murmured, "William would never…he saw me as little more than an employee. Ours was strictly a business arrangement-"

"Come now, Kurt we both know what kind of business you had with the Duke," Sebastian interrupted. "You traveled together, you attended several social events on his arm, you lived in his home, and you had no other visible means of support. Do you really expect me to believe that the services you provided for Schuester didn't take place in his bed?"

Kurt's fist connected with Sebastian's face before he was aware of what he was doing. "How dare you," Kurt spat at Sebastian as the carabiniere rubbed his jaw. "How dare you imply that I am a whore, you swine!"

Sebastian gave Kurt a predatory grin. "I should arrest you for assaulting an officer," he mused. "But I think that murder charges will suffice."

"You can't arrest Kurt!" Tina gasped. "He didn't do anything!"

"You don't have any evidence," Mercedes added. "You're just mad because you're convinced he was in William's bed and refused to come to yours."

Sebastian's face clouded over at the accusation. His failed attempts at courting Kurt stung, as he was a man unused to being rejected. "Careful girls," Sebastian threatened, "lest you two be shackled as accomplices."

Kurt's eyes narrowed. Even though technically it had been Sam who'd ultimately been responsible for William's demise, Kurt was at the very least an accessory to the crime but Tina and Mercedes were complete innocents and they were his friends and they weren't going to be threatened with imprisonment by the likes of Sebastian Smythe. No one threatened his girls.

"Inspector Smythe," he said quietly, he said quietly waiting until Sebastian made eye contact before continuing on. As soon as Sebastian looked into Kurt's eyes he felt a mental fog rolling over him, his pupils dilated and his breath slowed. "You won't be arresting anyone here for the death of the Duke of Rochdale," Kurt said keeping his gaze locked on Sebastian. "Azimio Adams was the responsible party and he has absconded to parts unknown. You will close the book on the Duke's death and investigate no further."

Tina and Mercedes exchanged worried glances. Sebastian Smythe was known to be like a dog with a bone when he was on the case and neither of the girls thought he would abandon his plans of arresting them just because Kurt spun some spectacular tale for him. They both knew that Mike had killed Azimio and that he'd had nothing to do with William's death.

To their shock Sebastian simply blinked then nodded. "Azimio Adams was responsible for the death of William Schuester. I shall present my official finding to my superiors and then the Duke's estate shall be released to you. I bid you all good day."

As Sebastian left the shop, Tina and Mercedes both began talking at once.

"Kurt, boy what did you just do?"

"How did you do that?"

Kurt merely smiled and picked the silk up from where he had discarded it earlier. "I put a glamour spell on him," Kurt said simply. "Inspector Smythe shall trouble us no more. For the sake of his family I regret sullying Azimio's reputation but it had to be done. Now we can truly put all the unpleasantness of the House of Rochdale behind us."

The girls exchanged a look then nodded. "What are you going to tell Blaine?" Tina whispered.

Kurt's hands hovered over a gold paneling that would complement the jade silk he'd selected. He knew he'd have to tell Blaine that William's death had been discovered and that he'd been named William's heir. He'd also have to convince the vampire not to send an army of the undead after Sebastian. "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it," he said decisively. "Now, what do you think would go best in the sitting room? All that velvet simply must go."

As the trio became embroiled in an argument over whether a deep burgundy shade or a more subdued wine color would go best in the sitting room none of them noticed the petite brunette with deep brown eyes who had witnessed the entire exchange with Inspector Smythe from beginning to end exit the store.

As she climbed into her carriage Rachel settled back into her seat, a plan forming in her sharp mind. "Mr. Tanaka, I need to return home first so that I may change and then take me to Wildwind. I have business to discuss with the Marquess."

"Blaine, you're overreacting," Kurt said soothingly, running his fingers through the vampire's curls. "I handled the situation and everything turned out for the best."

Blaine was lying with his head in Kurt's as they lounged in the sitting room. Kurt had expected his mate to be unhappy with the events of the morning but he hadn't anticipated that the bulk of Blaine's reaction would have been fear.

Blaine caught Kurt's wrist in his hand, stilling his ministrations. "Kurt," he said gently," I realize this is new to you. But your life is no longer the same as it was. I don't insist on guards as measure by which to control you; I insist on guards because you need to be protected. I have enemies, determined, powerful enemies that will strike at me through you. Going outside of our home with only Tina and Mercedes at your side put not only you in danger but them as well."

Kurt's head dipped in acknowledgement. He'd been clinging so stubbornly to his independence, fighting what he saw as Blaine's natural tendencies to dominate and control all those in his domain that he'd taken to resisting Blaine's orders on general principle, rather than the merit of the request itself. Sam's words of warning echoed in his head and Kurt gave a heavy sigh.

"I was foolish," he said. "I should have taken a guard with me, not just for my sake but for the girls as well. I was…overconfident and being more than a bit contrary I suppose," he admitted.

"Kurt-"

"No Blaine, let me explain," Kurt gently chided. "I…I'm trying love. You and I are both new to having responsibilities to someone else. I'm so used to being ordered about for someone else's good that my natural reaction to being told what to do is resistance. I haven't…I haven't trusted in you as I should. I've been so determined to maintain my autonomy that I've been treating you a bit like the enemy, dismissing your concerns and…disobeying out of spite."

Blaine kissed Kurt's fingertips. "You aren't the only one at fault, my love. I realize I don't exactly ask you to do things. I am well aware of my control issues."

Kurt snorted. "That's putting it mildly. But placing the blame at your feet isn't fair. I need to trust that you will not ask anything of me that is not for my own good and be a little more willing to accommodate your wishes."

Blaine smiled. "And I need to take care not to abuse that trust and only ask that of you which is truly necessary as opposed to bending you to my will because it suits me."

Kurt leaned forward and kissed Blaine chastely. "I suppose this means that we've negotiated our first bridge over troubled waters," he said happily.

Blaine hummed his agreement. "You know, it is customary to celebrate successful negotiations," he smirked, rising up on his knees to begin nibbling at Kurt's neck.

Kurt tipped his head back to give Blaine better access and sucked in a sharp breath. "I'm sure we can come up with something."

"Indeed we can," Blaine agreed, straddling Kurt's lap.

"Blaine, surely you realize there are an abundance of rooms in this manor, perhaps you might want to avail yourself to the use of one to save the rest of us the sight of you ravishing poor Kurt in the middle of the sitting room," Nick's voice broke in teasingly from the doorway.

"It's certainly a sight I can do without," Noah agreed.

"It's my house and I'll have Kurt in any room I damn well choose to," Blaine growled as Kurt glared at the two demons in the doorway.

Nick shrugged and came sat down in one of the armchairs while Noah took up residence on the spot next to Kurt. Kurt looked back and forth from the vampire to the lycan with curiosity.

"The two of you are willingly in one another's company. Is the apocalypse upon us?"

Nick snorted and Noah shook his head. "Not that I'm aware of. Nikolas and I have merely reached an impasse. We found a bit of common ground."

Nick and Noah locked eyes and thought back to their earlier conversation.

"You and your brother think you're pretty clever don't you," Noah said, walking in on Nikolas in the reading room and glaring at him.

"I can't imagine what you're referring to, but generally speaking yes, Blaine and I are rather intelligent," Nick returned idly, not glancing up from the book he was reading.

Noah ripped the book from Nick's hands and flung it across the room, bending down to growl into his face. "Who was it? Which one of you sons of Satan compelled Mercedes?"

Nick shifted into demon form and pushed Noah across the room into the wall. "Perhaps you and the human should bless your lucky stars that she was merely compelled and you both can count yourselves still among the living," he snarled.

"Who's going to send me to Hades, Nikolas?" Noah demanded, breaking free and pinning Nick to the floor. "If it's supposed to be you, you'd better be bringing an army."

"Funny you should say that," Nick said with smirk.

Noah took a look over his shoulder and saw Jesse, Mike and Shane in full demon form. They were standing inside the door, their bodies tensed and ready to tear into him.

"I suggest you get off of me, dog," Nick said, his voice low and dangerous. "I do not need the help of my clan to tear you limb from limb, but I wouldn't deny my brother's the pleasure of removing the world of one of your kind."

Noah's common sense fought a war with his ego as he reluctantly removed himself from over the top of Nikolas and let the vampire rise. "Consider yourself lucky that reinforcement showed up," he mumbled.

"Consider yourself lucky that Kurt holds affection for you," Nick returned. He faced the three vampire warriors still hovering inside the door. "It's fine. Leave us. The lycan and I have things to discuss."

As the vampires departed Nick turned to face Noah. "Your concern for Kurt is unwarranted. Blaine would never harm him or allow any harm to come to him."

"You're vampires," Noah said flatly, "and Blaine's reputation doesn't exactly set one at ease."

"You're a werewolf and I could say the same about yours," Nick shot back.

Shame momentarily clouded Noah's gaze but he pushed it away. "I've made my share of mistakes, but never with Kurt."

"Neither has Blaine."

"He's keeping secrets," Noah accused. "He's lying to him by omission. I realize you think lycans beneath you, but I am not a stupid dog," Noah snapped. "Whoever this Santana is, Blaine is keeping her a secret for a reason and I doubt that reason is anything good."

Nick sighed. "I realize that it appears damning-"

"Because it is," Noah insisted.

"But Santana will bring Kurt no harm. I doubt she'll be particularly pleasant once she realizes Kurt's position in Blaine's life and in the clan, but she won't harm him," Nick maintained. "Kurt's in no physical danger from her presence."

"And what of his heart," Noah demanded.

Nick was silent. "What Blaine needs to tell Kurt may be hard for him to hear," Nick conceded, "But I have faith that the love between them will see them through. In fact, I suspect any negative reaction on Kurt's part will have less to do with what he's told than the fact that it was hidden from him in the first place."

Noah gave Nick a hard look. "You'll forgive me if I find it hard to trust your judgment."

Nick blew out a harsh breath. "Listen, you and I have been at each other's throats nonstop. I think it's time we lay out proverbial cards out on the table and find some sort of compromise for the sake of having peace."

Noah gave Nick a rueful smile. "Our kinds have been incapable of reaching a compromise since the beginning of time, what makes you think you and I will succeed where generations past have failed?"

Nick shrugged. "We aren't attempting to negotiate a treaty for our respective species, just for the two of us. Besides which, I doubt previous generations had the benefit of shared motivations."

Noah arched an eyebrow. "We have shared motivations?"

Nick nodded. "We both love our brothers. I wish only for my brother's happiness as you do for yours. And then there's Kurt. You love Kurt, as do I. You want Kurt to be happy, as do I. I think that if we put our mutual interest ahead of our…instinctual differences that we might be able to peacefully coexist."

Noah was quiet for a few moments then nodded. "For Kurt's sake I will put my distrust and our differences aside-but if whatever secret your brother is keeping hurts Kurt in any way, this truce is null and void."

Nick nodded. "That's as much as I can hope for."

"Can't the two of you go find something else to do?" Blaine said crossly, bringing the two out of their silence.

"At the moment I can't think of a thing," Nick said easily, sitting back in his chair.

"Me neither," Noah said, with an impish smile.

"I shall drain the both of you," Blaine declared.

"Or you can just take me to our chambers and pick up where we left off," Kurt suggested boldly.

Before Blaine could respond Jesse knocked on the doorframe, alerting the group to his presence. "I apologize for interrupting," the vampire said, "But there is a …disturbance at the gate."

Kurt gave Blaine a worried look as Blaine rose and addressed his fledgling. "What kind of disturbance?"

Jesse looked pointedly at Kurt, which caused the witch to cross his arms defiantly. Blaine exhaled and rolled his eyes. "Speak freely, Jesse. This is Kurt's home and as my mate, his domain as well as mine. What is the problem?"

Jesse squared his shoulders. "Ms. Rachel Berry is at the gate and refusing to leave until she's spoken with you. She's quite…forceful," Jesse said, a flicker of attraction moving through his eyes as he spoke of the small brunette. "Perhaps I could-"

"Yes, go ahead. Feed on her if you wish," Blaine answered dispassionately, cursing himself for not having taken care of having Rachel fed upon or compelled after her dealings with Schuester on his behalf.

"Blaine," Kurt said slowly, "Who is this Rachel Berry and why does she feel confident enough to cause a scene outside the gates?"

Blaine looked briefly to his brother who shrugged as if to tell Blaine he was on his own. "Rachel was…a frequent party guest," Blaine hedged.

Kurt's eyes narrowed. Blaine's parties and the behavior and debauchery that took place during them were well known. "Party guest? Is that what you're calling them these days?" Kurt sniped.

Nick and Noah snickered and Blaine glowered at them before turning to Kurt. "Dear one-"

"Let her in, Blaine. Let us see what this Rachel Berry wants to discuss," Kurt challenged.

Blaine sighed and turned to Jesse. "You heard him," he said, "let her in."

Jesse nodded and left to escort Rachel in while Kurt turned to Blaine. "Is there anything you need to tell me before she gets here?" He asked quietly.

"Ms. Berry is incredibly flexible," Blaine joked.

Nick and Noah dissolved into laughter as Kurt gave Blaine a dirty look. "How wonderful for Ms. Berry," Kurt said drily.

As Jesse led Rachel into the room, the men rose to greet her. The girl trained her gaze on Blaine. "Marquess, gentlemen," Rachel said in her most superior tone. "I have come for reparations. You made use of my talent and I demand compensation."

There was a split second of silence before Nick began howling with laughter, which caused Blaine to join him. Rachel looked at the two of them, her mouth dropping open in shock.

"How dare you laugh at me!" she shrieked. She marched up to Blaine and poked him in the chest. "You should be ashamed of yourself! You sent to…entertain William Schuester and failed to mention his violent and boorish nature. I was brutalized, threatened and subjected all manner of deviant behavior at his hands and I demand that you reimburse me for my troubles on your behalf."

Blaine raised an eyebrow. "My dear Rachel, you forget that I am rather intimately acquainted with your deviant behavior. I have no doubt that you were more than a match for the dearly departed Duke."

"Blaine," Kurt broke in suddenly, "what does she mean when she says that she entertained William on your behalf?"

"She means she let Schuester take her for a tumble in the hay because Blaine asked her to. I imagine that Blaine's made use of her talent on multiple occasions," Noah said bluntly.

"Excuse me," Rachel bellowed, turning on her heel and advancing on Noah. "I will have you know that I am an extraordinary singer, phenomenal dancer and exceptional actress. You sir, are standing in the presence of the next Maude Adams and I will be treated with the respect that is due me." She declared with a stomp of her foot.

Noah stared at the petite girl as if she'd lost her mind. Blaine, having grown tired of Rachel's hysterics, moved to motion Jesse to remove her from the premises and was struck dumb by the look of pure adoration the other vampire was directing at the small human.

Nick followed Blaine's line of sight and erupted into a new round of laughter. "I'm thrilled you find the situation so amusing Nikolas," Blaine snapped.

"Excuse me," Kurt said quietly, stepping around Blaine and approaching Rachel. "What exactly is it that you want from Blaine?"

Rachel raised her chin determinedly. "I wish for him to be my patron. I want him to sponsor me for a spot at The Royal Academy of Music."

Kurt's brows drew together. "Why exactly, do you think Blaine owes you this?"

Rachel looked from Blaine to Kurt before smoothing down her skirts and answering the witch. "I concede that I may not have been the purest of maidens when I agreed to distract the Duke of Rochdale for Blaine's benefit-"

"That's one way of putting it," Nick mumbled, earning himself an icy glare from Rachel before she continued.

"But he did not disclose to me danger of engaging a brute such as William. I was brutalized and my life was threatened. That was not part of the arrangement," Rachel explained.

Kurt turned to Blaine. "Why did you send this woman to William? And when?"

Before Blaine could answer Rachel spoke up. "He did so a few nights ago so that he could procure you without the Duke noticing your absence."

"This happened a few nights ago?" Kurt repeated. He turned to Blaine. "Your presence on the docks, the surveillance you had me under…it wasn't for my safety at all, was it? You…you were going to kidnap me, weren't you?"

Blaine shrugged. "I warned you that I was running out of patience," Blaine said baldly.

Kurt gaped at Blaine while Nick beamed. "Ah, so you were going to take my advice and grab Kurt and chain him to your-"

"That's enough, Nikolas!" Blaine bellowed.

"Quite enough," Noah agreed, glowering at both vampires.

"As scintillating as this is, can we get back to the matter at hand?" Rachel asked pointedly. "Now the Royal Academy has been my dream since I was a little girl so I have all the information you'll need in order to-"

"No," Blaine said, a note of finality in his tone.

"No?" Rachel screeched. "What do you mean no? I did what you asked me to do-"

"You did so on your own accord and without promises of compensation or patronage," Blaine stated.

"But you didn't tell me I'd be in danger!"

"You didn't ask."

"What danger?" Kurt interrupted the argument. "You said William brutalized and threatened you…what exactly do you mean by that."

Rachel met Kurt's eyes. "He…somehow discovered that I came to him on your behalf and he," Rachel shut her eyes briefly at the memory before pressing on," He attacked me. He struck me, threw me to the floor and threatened to kill me." She said softly.

Jesse growled suddenly, causing everyone to look at him questioningly and Blaine to sigh. "Honestly Jesse, Rachel Berry?" Blaine asked tiredly.

Jesse nodded imperceptibly and lowered his gaze.

Kurt walked over to Rachel and took her hand. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "William was never violent with me but I know well his temper was fiery and he would vent it without warning on those who couldn't defend themselves. You're right, you deserve to be compensated."

Rachel beamed while Blaine shot Kurt a dark look but Kurt ignored them both and continued. "But not by Blaine. From what I understand you went willingly into the belly of the beast under false pretenses. That means you do bear some responsibility for having been in a dangerous situation. Be that as it may, it doesn't mean that William's treatment of you was acceptable. As far as I'm concerned William is the one who owes you reparations, Ms. Berry."

"The Duke is dead," Rachel pointed out.

"True," Kurt acknowledged. "But he left behind a rather sizeable estate that I happen to be the beneficiary of. I propose a deal for you, Ms. Berry."

"I'm listening."

"I'll be your patron-using William's assets. Blaine will use his title to secure your place at the Royal Academy but all expenses will be paid for using money from William's estate."

Rachel gave Kurt a bright, happy smile and leaped into his arms. "I was wrong. You aren't unremarkable at all. You're not as extraordinary as me mind you, but you are amazing."

Kurt wasn't sure if he were being praised or insulted but he elected to gingerly return her embrace. "Yes, well…um, thank you."

"You're most welcome. I have to go home and tell father the news. He will be thrilled. And I must plan a shopping trip; I must be prepared to present my best foot forward. And perhaps a visit to Madam Giardi's salon as well," Rachel began excitedly making plans.

"Yes well, as soon as William's estate is released to me I promise that we'll have you taken care of."

"I'm so glad that at least one of you," Rachel said casting a disparaging glare on Blaine, Nick and Noah that transformed into a coy look and a pretty blush when it landed on Jesse," is a gentleman."

"Kurt certainly does class up the place," Nick agreed easily.

Rachel gave him another withering glance. "Well, I'll be off then-"

"You're already off," Noah muttered.

"And I look forward to hearing from you, Mr. Hummel." She said, ignoring Noah and giving Kurt another hug before sweeping from the room, Jesse's gaze lingering hungrily after her.

At the behavior of the obviously pining vampire Kurt gave Blaine a look and Blaine rolled his eyes in defeat. "Jesse," he said commandingly, "I'll require someone to keep an eye on Ms. Berry, both here and when she's enrolled at the Academy. I'm entrusting her to you, understand."

Jesse struggled to conceal his smile as he nodded his agreement. "Yes, Master."

"Be gone with you," Blaine said dismissing the vampire from their presence.

"That," Nick said dryly," will probably go as well as Michael's keeping an eye on Kurt went."

"I hope you know what you've just done," Blaine said tiredly. "If Jesse takes her as a mate I may be forced to exile him. The idea of eternity with Rachel Berry is a hell not even I can withstand."

"Oh hush you," Kurt laughed. "I agree her personality is rather-"

"Pushy," Noah said.

"Overbearing," Nick added.

"Domineering," Blaine offered.

"I was going to say assertive," Kurt said.

"You're much too charitable," Blaine quipped.

"Was she overbearing and domineering when you were making use of her talent?" Kurt fired back.

Blaine shrugged. "As a matter of fact no she wasn't and it was the only time I found myself able to abide her company."

"You are incorrigible," Kurt rebuked him.

"Perhaps but he's right," Nick broke in. "Lord knows the only time I could stand her mouth was when she was-"

"Dear Goddess, Nikolas don't finish that statement!" Kurt squeaked. "You're as bad as he is."

"I always found Nikolas to be the more agreeable brother myself," a sultry female voice said from the doorway.

Blaine stiffened and the smile was instantly wiped away from Nick's face. "Hello Santana," Blaine said easily, slipping an arm around Kurt's waist and drawing him close.

At the mention of Santana's name Noah regarded the woman with a hard look and his nose sniffed. His eyes widened in surprise when he scented human and realized it was coming from her.

Before Noah could wrap his head around the fact that Santana wasn't a vampire or any manner of demon, twin blurs of blonde hair flew into the room and nearly toppled Nick with an enthusiastic embrace.

"Nicky!" The tall beautiful blonde girl in his arms squealed. "I've missed you so much," she sighed snuggling into his arms.

"I missed you more," her equally blonde male counterpart whispered, nuzzling into Nick's neck.

"I know," Nick replied softly, dropping a soft kiss onto the boy's mouth before bestowing a chaste kiss on the girl's cheek.

"Nick?" Kurt questioned softly, "Who are they?"

"I think the question is who the hell are you," Santana snapped, giving Kurt a menacing look.

"Santana," Blaine roared, "watch your tongue lest I cut it out for you."

The girl drew in a sharp breath at the venom in Blaine's voice and cast a longer, more speculative glance at Kurt. "My apologies, my lord, I didn't mean to insult your guest," she sneered.

"No," the blonde girl spoke up suddenly. "He's not a guest. He's family. The squigglies under my skin says so."

The boy withdrew from Nick suddenly and stared at Kurt before breaking out into a wide grin. "You're Blaine's, I can tell he's claimed you" he said decisively. "I'm Jeff and that's my sister Brittney," he said pointing to the blonde girl. "I guess we're family," he said catching Kurt off guard by hauling him into a tight hug. "I'm Nick's even though he hasn't claimed me yet. Welcome to the family." He whispered into Kurt's ear.

Kurt instantly relaxed at Jeff's gentle touch. Although he felt the same connection to Jeff that he had with Nick and the rest of Blaine's clan, he also felt as if the blonde were a kindred spirit, a fellow gentle soul which puzzled him greatly. He gave Blaine a questioning glance and Blaine merely shook his head, indicating they'd discuss it later.

"He's pretty, Blaine," Brittany said, walking over and kissing Kurt's cheek. "He's pretty and soft and warm." Brittany sniffed Kurt's neck and wrinkled her nose. "He's not a vampire or a human like Tana," she took another sniff. "You're a witch," she declared dramatically.

"Well yes-," Kurt began.

"Shh," Brittany said covering his mouth with her fingers and whispering," don't tell Blaine. He doesn't like witches. If he finds out you're a witch he might make you go away and I like you. You smell like sunshine and I want you to stay."

Nick smiled at the girl and came and took her in his arms. "It's ok Britt, Blaine knows that Kurt's a witch and he doesn't care. He loves him very much and Kurt won't be going anywhere."

Brittany looked at Blaine. "You promise not to send away the pretty witch?"

Blaine came and put his arms around Kurt. "He's my mate sweetie. He's won't be leaving us ever, I promise."

Kurt smiled at Brittany. "I'm not going anywhere Brittany; I'm going to spend eternity with Blaine and with the clan."

Santana exploded. "Mate?" She screamed at Blaine. "You made him your mate? What makes him worthy? How dare you take a mate and not tell me?"

Blaine crossed the room at top speed and grabbed Santana around the throat. "You forget your place Santana," He growled, shifting into demon form. "I do not require your permission or your agreement in any of my affairs; it's the other way around. You are submissive to me. You seek my approval and get my authorization for your choices. My life choices and my mate are not open to your scrutiny."

Fire flashed in Santana's eyes and she glared at Blaine. "Of course, Blaine," she said with false meekness. "Now that you have a mate will he be responsible for Dmitri or will you still require me to fulfill my duties?"

Santana realized too late the gravity of her mistake. Blaine's eyes blacked completely out and his grip on her throat became crushing. In a flash, Nick was pulling his brother off the girl while Jeff glared at her reproachfully and Noah and Kurt looked on in confusion.

"Santana!" Brittany yelled. "Stop being mean. I don't like it," The girl said as she rushed to Santana's side, holding her up as she gasped for breath.

"Mean is all Santana's good at," Jeff hissed. "She's more of a demon than any of us."

"You bitch," Nick spat. "If it weren't for Brittany and Dmitri I would have let him tear out your throat."

"Stop it!" Kurt yelled. "Blaine, who is this woman and what is she doing in our home? Who is Dmitri?"

Blaine fought to keep his rage in check. Kurt sensed his struggle and went to Blaine, laying a gentle hand on his cheek. "Its ok love," he murmured, "Everything's fine. Just tell me what's going on so I can help you."

At Kurt's touch Blaine instantly calmed, the fire raging within him cooling and his control returning. "It's alright love," Kurt soothed, placing a gentle kiss on Blaine's brow, "I'm right here and I always will be. Just tell me what you need."

Santana watched the gentle exchange with obvious jealousy. When she caught sight of the angry look Jeff was giving her and the disappointed look on Brittany's face remorse raced through her. "I'm sorry, Britt," she whispered.

"I know Tana," Brittany sighed. "I just wish you would be nice so you didn't always have to be sorry."

Jeff drifted over to Nick and quietly slipped his hand into the other vampire's. Nick gave Jeff's hand a gentle squeeze and the blonde pressed himself into Nick's side.

Blaine hugged Kurt to him. "Thank you, dear one," he husked before drawing himself up straight and addressing the room. "Everyone get out. I speak to Kurt, alone."

Brittany helped Santana to her feet and everyone began to leave when Sugar suddenly entered the room with an adorable little boy who couldn't have been more than five on her hip. The small child was absolutely beautiful, with olive skin, dark, curly hair, long lashes, multi-hued hazel eyes and a Cupid's bow mouth. He clung to Sugar whimpering into her chest.

"I apologize for interrupting Master, but he woke up and began to cry for his mother and-"

"Give him to me," Santana said with gentleness that Kurt hadn't imagined she possessed as she took the boy from Sugar. As she cradled the boy, the bodice of her dress shifted and Kurt saw a flash of crimson across her skin. A feeling of foreboding crept over him but she changed positions so quickly that Kurt couldn't get a close enough look to confirm his suspicions.

"What's wrong with mommy's darling boy?" Santana asked, hugging the little boy close to her. "Can you tell me what's wrong sweetie?"

The child raised his head and stared at Santana with large, wet, eyes. "I woke up and everyone was gone. There was no one to snuggle me and I got scared," he confessed quietly.

"I'm very sorry my little prince," Santana said, jostling the child into a more comfortable position in her arms. "Would you like for mommy to come rest with you?"

The boy nodded. "Mommy and Britt-Britt," he said.

"I like snuggles," Brittany said clapping her hands.

"I think it's best if we leave," Nick whispered to Jeff who nodded his assent. "Noah," Nick called out with a warning look. "Jeff and I are going to have a game of cards in the parlor. Care to join us?"

Part of Noah wanted to remain where he was lest Kurt required his help but he recognized that whatever was about to transpire between Kurt and Blaine needed to happen in privacy.

"I think that's an excellent idea," he said and he joined the duo, making a hasty retreat from the room.

Brittany made a funny face at the little boy who looked over at her and smiled until he caught sight of Blaine over her shoulder. He suddenly began squirming in Santana's arms, trying to break free, reaching towards Blaine.

Santana set him down and the boy took off, throwing himself into Blaine's arms.

"I missed you too," Blaine said laughing as he returned the child's embrace.

"I missed you so much," the little boy cried. He then stepped back and crossed his arms. "I want to stay with you. I don't want to go back to France."

Blaine sighed. "You know very well-"

The little boy promptly burst into tears and Blaine swept him back up into his arms. "There, there now none of that," he soothed. "I promise you can stay-for now, for awhile. Deal?"

The little boy nodded and scrubbed his face in Blaine's shirt.

Kurt cautiously made his way over to the two, trying not to leap to conclusions and hoping that Blaine had any explanation but the one that Kurt had reached. "Blaine," he said quietly, "Who is this?"

The little boy turned and looked at Kurt before burying his head back in Blaine's chest.

"Blaine?"

Blaine gave Kurt an unreadable look before answering. "Kurt this is Dmitri. Dmitri, can you say hello to Kurt?"

Dmitri raised his head and gave Kurt a more appraising look before gifting the witch with a small smile and nodding. "Hi, Kurt." He said shyly. "Are you going to be one of my special friends like Jeff and Britt Britt and Mikey and Jesse?"

"Hi Dmitri," Kurt said gently, giving the child a little wave. "I hope that we can be friends," he said softly.

"Santana, take Dmitri and retire. We'll talk later, "he added, giving the human a meaningful look. She nodded and gently removed the boy from Blaine's arms and she and Brittany left the room with him, closing the door behind them.

"Blaine?" Kurt asked in a quavering voice, "who is that boy?"

Blaine looked Kurt in the eye, silently pleading for his mate's understanding as he answered his query. "His name is Dmitri. He's Santana's son…and mine."