"Most of the time, the pets were happy and the Vampires seemed to be too. Sometimes a Vampire had more than one pet but they all seemed…sometimes resigned, but a lot of the time actually okay. I saw pets who weren't happy at all though and Constance said she couldn't do anything about that because nobody became a pet unwillingly."

Athos nodded. A thought struck him. "You weren't unwilling."

D'Artagnan shifted in his arms but stayed pleasingly close. "I deserve this for causing so much trouble for Constance, she told me that she could have been disciplined by her Maker because I ran off and tried to end you. You were…considerate and when I realised that you didn't have any other pets and then you talked about turning me, I thought…Anyway I know, I'm stupid to forget how different things are in Paris."

"Not just in Paris. Your Général didn't equip you for dealing with Vampires who don't view you as untouchable."

D'Artagnan looked like he was going to argue but Athos raised an eyebrow and the Human stayed quiet. Athos stroked d'Artagnan's neck. He felt as though he was getting to the root of the problem, good. Issues left unresolved could grow into urgent problems and not just for Athos.

"You've only ever trusted one perspective on a Vampire's life – Général Bonacieux's. She has only her husband and she is content. You've seen pets both happy and resentful. You know Vampires can be cruel and dismissive particularly towards Humans, you know that many enjoy multiple partners and little commitment. But because I own no pets and swore I would turn you if the need arose, you placed me into one of only two categories that you'd formed for Vampires and then when I didn't fit exactly, you became confused and hurt and lashed out."

D'Artagnan shoved a hand at his shoulder, despite knowing what a useless action it was. "You're making me sound like a child."

"Compared to me, you are. If you wish to survive here, you must learn other perspectives. That's how Vampires survive and as I assume you don't intend to become a hermit, you must learn the same skills. I want you to survive."

D'Artagnan's eyes widened and Athos did not regret his words. He sometimes lied because his role as a Musketeer demanded it, but he would give d'Artagnan the truth because he expected the same thing in return. If he couldn't provide the truth, then he would state that he couldn't. He could feel in his bones that this was important; he didn't want d'Artagnan to walk away.

"I want you to survive with me."

D'Artagnan seemed stunned and wet his lips as Athos continued "The offer for you to be my pet is still open. I will punish you if you misbehave, particularly if you do so in public. You'll have to learn because if you don't, I won't keep you. I'm not indulgent; I won't keep a pet that doesn't behave." Athos scrutinised d'Artagnan closely. "You thought you could handle that before."

D'Artagnan swayed towards him for a moment, his eyes dark. "I did, I…I want to. You'll still listen to me?"

"You'll listen to me?"

D'Artagnan's voice dropped. "You'll fuck me?"

Athos fisted a handful of d'Artagnan's hair and yanked his head back, nipping at his neck. Was that doubt buried in d'Artagnan's voice? Was he really hung up on his theory that because Athos occasionally had sex with Aramis and Porthos, he wasn't really interested in d'Artagnan? "And feed from you. But not here."

There was much more to talk about too. But not here.

Athos showed d'Artagnan more of his land though didn't yet reveal where the resting places were hidden. They were still a secret, for d'Artagnan's sake as well as Athos, Aramis and Porthos'. Pets could be tortured to reveal such information.

D'Artagnan seemed to enjoy the tour and told Athos about his father's land, what a good farmer he'd apparently been before working for Général Bonacieux instead. Alexandre d'Artagnan had tried to tell his son about farming and what it'd been like to work in all weathers and taste food you'd grown and harvested yourself and had invested so much in, but d'Artagnan had been much more interested in his father's work as Général Bonacieux's day man. D'Artagnan regretted his own disinterest now.

Athos liked hearing such details and told d'Artagnan so. D'Artagnan looked extremely sceptical. "I thought this kind of thing was why you didn't like Humans?"

"What kind of thing?"

D'Artagnan's look became even more sceptical. "Inane conversation."

"This isn't inane conversation."

"I'm talking about farming!"

"And your father. I do actually enjoy your company."

D'Artagnan's smile was pleased and Athos dug his phone out of his pocket. "If I'm not interested, I'll tell you, though pets are expected to be a little vacuous."

"Hey!"

Athos easily kept a straight face and called Général Bonacieux. He'd made sure to make note of all her contact numbers. She answered promptly. After pleasantries that made d'Artagnan blanch because they clued him into just who Athos was talking to, Athos launched into the actual reason for his call.

"You and your husband don't sleep with donors?"

D'Artagnan looked horrified to be part of such a conversation. Général Bonacieux didn't sound offended in the least.

"Not since we realised how much we were attached to each other."

"And d'Artagnan has met Vampires with pets before; he's seen what can happen."

"Yes, Vampires often bring their pets when they come to me with a grievance. Has he been causing problems? Have you had to punish him?"

She didn't sound as though she was about to rush to Paris to defend d'Artagnan. Athos admired her poise.

"I will if he continues to keep his problems to himself. I don't fuck donors either but I am not celibate. He's had trouble processing everything. If you own a pet in the future, ensure that they spend some time outside of Gascony. D'Artagnan sometimes forgets that he isn't untouchable or singular here."

There was a fraught pause as though the Général was pulling herself tightly together so that she didn't snap at a King's Musketeer. Athos waited her out.

"My husband has told me the same thing over and over again. You know, more than one Vampire made an offer for d'Artagnan but I protected him."

"You did, long past when you should have lengthened his leash instead."

Général Bonacieux sighed as though she truly had had this conversation many times before but she didn't disagree with him. Good. d'Artagnan looked even tenser than before, chewing on his bottom lip. Athos cupped d'Artagnan's jaw and kissed him softly. D'Artagnan breathed out softly when Athos pulled back, the sound like a protest. Général Bonacieux made what could have been a very amused noise.

"I take it that this isn't entirely a punishment for him anymore?"

Athos' lips lifted and he kept his gaze focused on d'Artagnan. "That depends on who you ask. Many would say extended time spent with me more than suffices as punishment. I think a month will officially be recorded as his punishment. If all goes well I would have him stay here voluntarily."

D'Artagnan smiled a small genuine smile and he touched a hand to Athos' chest carefully as though gauging Athos' reaction. When Athos pushed into the warm touch, d'Artagnan's smile grew and his fingers began sweeping across Athos' chest. It was very distracting, a fact that d'Artagnan couldn't fail to have noticed.

Apparently Général Bonacieux had noticed it too; the smile was clear in her voice. "If he didn't want to be by your side, he would let you know, probably loudly and violently."

Athos raised an eyebrow at that, d'Artagnan's hot-temper would have to be somewhat tamed because staying with Athos meant staying in the dangerous thick of France'sVampire politics. D'Artagnan would have to learn how to be adept at such high-wire high-pressure games. For a start, he would have to learn how to hide his instinctive explosive reactions and he'd have to stop being such an easy read in public.

Athos ran a thumb across d'Artagnan's lips, his eyebrows flicking upwards appreciatively when d'Artagnan's tongue grazed purposefully against Athos' skin.

"Has the Cardinal been in touch?" Athos asked, swiftly changing the subject.

"He's made himself known several times. I've told him and his Guards that d'Artagnan was only my pet because his father worked for me, that d'Artagnan was unremarkable except for his beauty and irritatingly unruly nature, and that I hoped a Musketeer would know how to properly discipline him."

Athos' smile was deeply amused and impressed. He was also cautious.

"You're aware of what he'll do if he finds out you lied to him?"

"It was a rearrangement of the truth and I'm more than aware," her voice was hard. "Some friends of mine were severely and unjustly condemned by the Cardinal, no doubt because he had plans for the land they then owned. Of course it all appeared completely by-the-book."

So she'd witnessed the ugly side of the Cardinal and hadn't forgotten it. Perhaps that was one of the reasons she'd kept d'Artagnan so closely guarded in Gascony. That was certainly understandable. Athos' thoughts were scattered by Général Bonacieux's next words.

"The Cardinal's Guards haven't been our only visitors. A stranger commissioned my husband to design and make her some dresses for state occasions. She was interested in hearing all about d'Artagnan because she said she was thinking of becoming a pet owner herself."

Athos held back a snarl. Of course Milady had made another play. Perhaps she even wanted him to know about it, to know how closely she was circling.

"You didn't believe her?"

"She didn't strike me as the kind of Vampire who looks for advice from farming regions," Général Bonacieux replied flatly. "I'm sure she went into d'Artagnan's room too, her scent lingered at the doorway so I checked inside. Nothing was taken but her scent was stronger in there. You know her?"

Oh, there were several ways that Athos could respond to that. D'Artagnan frowned at Athos' no doubt pained expression and rested his fingers lightly against Athos' cheek. Athos smiled tightly.

"She was extremely beautiful with long black hair, a strong gaze and a very confident manner?"

"You do know her."

D'Artagnan's eyes had widened at Athos' description and Athos nodded.

"So does d'Artagnan, she's the 'friend' who confirmed his lead that I was responsible for his father's death."

Général Bonacieux swore before answering. "Another employee of the Cardinal. I'll make sure she's uninvited from our home."

"At the moment, she's using the name Milady de Winter, but she changes her identity more than most."

Athos offered the phone to d'Artagnan but after thinking for a moment the Human shook his head. Athos finished the phone call and focused on d'Artagnan.

"Something wrong?"

Usually d'Artagnan jumped at the chance to talk to Général Bonacieux. D'Artagnan shook his head, he didn't smell upset exactly but his scent was somewhat pensive.

"I owe Constance so much and I know she'll be disappointed in me..."

Athos tucked his phone away and led d'Artagnan back towards the mansion. D'Artagnan would need to rest again soon. He was leaning comfortably into Athos, but Athos wasn't foolish enough to assume that that meant everything was fine now. D'Artagnan needed to actually trust Athos and not give in to doubt or jump to the wrong conclusions. He needed rigorous tutoring; he'd get taught how to use a firearm and some kind of bladed weapon too. Whatever training he'd received before would get sharpened and built on, as would the Vampire knowledge he already possessed. He could barge through the delicate politic webs being spun in Paris and elsewhere. D'Artagnan could cause a lot of damage, Athos wanted to limit the chances of that happening.

Inside the lobby of the mansion, his thoughts spiralling, Athos pressed d'Artagnan up against the nearest wall. D'Artagnan let out a breath, his scent becoming heated and aroused. Good. They both needed a distraction and when they next saw the King, d'Artagnan would need to smell much more of Athos. And who knew when the Cardinal would send someone to spy on Athos and d'Artagnan? Who knew when he'd command Athos and his pet to visit? The Cardinal would be looking for any excuse to damage the Musketeers. Athos would do everything possible to eliminate such excuses.

He kissed d'Artagnan thoroughly, sliding a thigh between d'Artagnan's. D'Artagnan's moans and thrusts made Athos' fangs run down and he pressed his mouth to d'Artagnan's ear, his fingers pointedly stroking the Human's neck.

"We have time."

D'Artagnan nodded without any hesitation. "Yes, I...Yes, God, please."

Athos ran his fangs down d'Artagnan's jaw and pulled him towards the staircase. They took their time making their way towards a room with a bed. Athos could have fed from d'Artagnan anywhere he liked, but he wanted to thoroughly take apart d'Artagnan, he wanted to see the Human writhing beneath him.

Athos chose a small spare bedroom that hadn't been claimed yet, but Agnes kept the bedclothes fresh in every room and it was light-tight too of course. Athos pushed d'Artagnan onto the bed and slowly began unbuttoning d'Artagnan's shirt. D'Artagnan predictably fidgeted.

Athos pinched hard at d'Artagnan's waist. "Patience."

"You're torturing me."

Athos pressed a sharp kiss to d'Artagnan's clavicle. "I'm teaching you."

D'Artagnan made a garbled sound in reply as Athos unzipped d'Artagnan's jeans and stroked a hand across the front of d'Artagnan's boxer shorts. He really did respond beautifully. Athos hummed quietly.

"When you were fed from before, did they do this?"

D'Artagnan shook his head rapidly. "They didn't...they wanted to, I could tell, but Constance...they didn't want to anger her."

Athos squeezed a hand around d'Artagnan's cock, watching as the boy startled a little and pushed into the touch eagerly. He was a gorgeous sight; it was amazing that other Vampires had resisted him until now. Clearly Général Bonacieux was fierce enough to keep her Vampire subjects cowed into good behaviour, even when faced with a stunning wanting Human.

Athos paused before continuing, because he wasn't going to allow the Cardinal and his agents any footholds. He gazed down at d'Artagnan, pleased with how quickly d'Artagnan met his gaze and gave Athos his full attention.

"You want this?"

D'Artagnan gave him disbelieving look and rolled his hips pointedly. "You're holding proof of that."

Athos smirked just a little and ran a thumb down d'Artagnan's hard cock before repeating with significant emphasis. "You want this?"

D'Artagnan gasped a little, clearly wanting proceedings to continue quickly, but he did answer, his eyes open and his expression sure. "I definitely want this, a lot."

Athos shoved d'Artagnan's jeans down past his thighs and licked firmly at d'Artagnan's neck, numbing the skin there. D'Artagnan garbled out a series of delicious noises as Athos began to stroke d'Artagnan's cock and with the ease of decades of practice, slid his fangs into d'Artagnan's neck. D'Artagnan barely startled, his hands gripping Athos' shoulders, urging the Vampire on. Athos took mouthful after mouthful of blood; possessive lust crashing through him, hardening his cock, as d'Artagnan writhed shamelessly, wordlessly wanting more. Athos wanted more too, a rarity in itself. But d'Artagnan was different and if he learned well he could be so much more.

When Athos felt and heard d'Artagnan noisily reach his climax, he took one last dragging mouthful of blood before carefully pulling his fangs free and healing the mark they'd left with a drop of his own blood. D'Artagnan smelled sated and much less pensive. Athos lifted a sticky hand and licked at his own fingers. D'Artagnan whimpered and accepted a kiss tinged with his own blood and come. Athos relished the glowing warmth of d'Artagnan's skin. He pulled back enough to speak.

"You're Mine."

He ran possessive fingers down d'Artagnan's body, enjoying the way d'Artagnan twitched sensitively. It was a tease but it was a serious point too. Athos didn't intend on keeping d'Artagnan chained up or treating him as something to be kept in the larder, but d'Artagnan would be His in every sense of the word. As much as the Human claimed to be okay with the concept, he'd already demonstrated that he wasn't entirely and so Athos would likely have to unhesitatingly punish him in the future, in public or otherwise. It was what d'Artagnan would need.

D'Artagnan nodded. The evening had been a very good progression it seemed. D'Artagnan appeared to think so as well because he tucked himself closer to Athos, still shameless and prettily greedy. Athos thumbed the Human's lush mouth, his own lips lifting when d'Artagnan grazed blunt teeth against the Vampire's pale skin.

"It's never felt that intense before," d'Artagnan continued, sounding a little breathless.

Of course it hadn't, physical pleasure heightened feeding exponentially. Athos was fiercely glad d'Artagnan hadn't experienced that with anyone else before, that d'Artagnan would now have that moment with Athos as a perfect unspoiled pleasure memory. Athos tugged at d'Artagnan's hair a little, enjoying how easily the boy went with the movement. Some things seemed to come wonderfully naturally to d'Artagnan, particularly when in the right hands.

"You have so much to learn."

It was a warning as well as a statement. D'Artagnan glanced towards Athos, his expression revealing that he'd caught both meanings as his hand slid down to fondle Athos' still-hard cock.

"I'm looking forward to it."

Athos raised his eyebrows, a gesture filled with several layers of admonishment and detail even if he too was looking forward to continuing d'Artagnan's education. It was going to be hard work and frustrating at times, Athos could foresee that all too clearly but he could also foresee how pleasurable it was going to be and how worthwhile. There were many areas to cover and the night was still relatively young, Athos intended to use every minute of it. His teeth running sharp, Athos set one hand firmly to d'Artagnan's neck and put him to work.

-the end