Brad made his way in and out of several bars as he searched for his brother, managing to avoid saying more than hello and goodbye to men who tried to talk to him. He knew Griff had to make a stop at Mr. Stark’s to give the man a message from their father but he’d expected to see him in Good Friends or one of the other bars long before this. "Of course he could be zigging while I’m zagging," he grumbled while he turned off Bourbon onto one of the side streets.

As he headed towards the next bar on his agenda, his thoughts turned to Ewan. He wondered what the chances were he’d ever see him again. Undoubtedly slim to none he decided, given how controlling Alexia seemed to be. That would be a pity in his estimation. Ewan probably needed a real friend. Someone other than Alexia. Or maybe it was Alexia who needed someone, although as lovely as she was he couldn’t imagine her not having a lover already despite what Ewan had told him.

Suddenly he sensed the presence of another vampire. Unfortunately he was still too new at this sensing thing to be sure who it was, other than the fact it wasn’t Griff or any other family member. He stepped closer to the wall of a building as he tried to discover exactly where they were. Then Alexia came into view. He moved out to face her.

"Stay away from him," she said tightly. "He’s mine."

"Isn’t that for him to say?" Brad replied.

"He’s too young to know his own mind yet. As his Sire it’s my duty to protect him." She paused for a second then said with a sneer, "Apparently your Sire could give a damn about you, letting you out on your own when you’re so newly turned."

Brad smiled broadly. "My Sire knows I’m adult enough to handle myself. He trusts me. Too bad you don’t trust Ewan."

"Can you handle yourself?" Alexia asked, stepping close enough to trace one long fingernail down his arm to his wrist.

"He can." Griff came up beside Brad, putting one hand on his shoulder.

Behind them Nolan stood watching, obviously ready to help if his assistance was needed, even though he was well aware the brothers would probably do just fine on their own.

Alexia stepped back, tapping her lip as she studied Griff. "You’re not his Sire," she said finally. "Why are you here?"

Griff shrugged. "He’s my brother.”

"We do not have ..." Alexia started to say, and then her eyes flared red and she hissed softly. "You two are Martell’s sons." Instantly she vanished.

"Well now, that was interesting. Who is she, Brad?"

"The Sire of a guy I ran into tonight who I used to go to school with."

"Apparently you must have done more than just run into him for her to be so upset," Nolan said as he joined them.

"We talked, went for a walk, talked some more, and she gave him her permission to do that. Then suddenly she was there and dragged him off, and now it seems she’s been following me."

"Perhaps she’s jealous?" Griff asked.

"Not according to Ewan, or at least ... Maybe jealous that we struck up an acquaintance because she turned him so she’d have a friend, a companion. But that’s all he is to her, or so he said."

"Interesting. I guess I don’t have to tell you to be careful. She’s much older than she looks."

"No shit, Griff. I figured that out the first time I saw her."

Nolan was frowning as he said, "I have to wonder why she reacted the way she did when she discovered who you two are."

"Maybe she’s afraid of us -- or more likely Mom and Dad?" Brad suggested.

"She didn’t seem afraid as much as startled," Nolan replied. "You might want to ask your folks if they know her, or know of her."

"Planning on it," Griff told him. He glanced at the night sky then said, "It’s getting late."

Nolan chuckled. "A subtle hint we should all head home?"

"It might not be a bad idea right now, all things considered. When shall I tell Dad you’ll be by for the paintings?"

"Tomorrow evening, or more so this evening. And I might have another job for him."

"I’ll let him know." Griff gazed at Nolan for a long moment, unconsciously moistening his lips, and then quickly turned away, saying, "Come on Brad, the car’s this way."

Brad looked at his brother then back at Nolan who was watching Griff with a speculative gleam in his eyes. If asked, but who would, he found their reactions to each other interesting. He chuckled as he hurried to catch up with Griff, murmuring under his breath, "Very interesting."