I saw him the moment I entered the bar, sitting in a corner alcove, absentmindedly turning his glass around in his elegant fingers, watching the ice cubes float in the amber liquid. Southern Comfort, I guessed. What else would you drink on Bourbon Street?

Checking my reflection in the mirrors behind the bar I eased my way through the crowd. He knew I was approaching but didn't raise his eyes until I was standing by the table.

"Lestat, how are things?" he enquired politely. Treading on eggshells, Daniel, why?

"Things," I replied," are very good indeed." I flashed him my most charming smile. This seemed to have a calming effect on him, he relaxed visibly.

"May I sit down?" He moved along the seat, creating an empty space.

The waitress appeared and placed an ice-cold bottle of beer in front of me. I gave her a $5 note, stating no change. I didn't want any interruptions.

"Did you and Armand have an argument?" I asked him.

"No, nothing like that. There's only so much digging about in ancient relics a guy can take." He grinned sheepishly. "Of course, David is there too." I instantly understood. Visions of Armand and David enthusing for hours about a Renaissance painting. Poor Daniel, he was just a 20th century boy.

And quite delectable, I ponderedSS..

I watched as he moved his lips in time to the words of U2, strumming his fingers on the table, his pale hair glowing, almost white under the lights. Armand's only child and Armand was thousands of miles away in a dusty cellar with David. Not that David wasn't beautiful too. Of course he was, I made him.

The tempo of the music changed, a haunting ballad. "Dance?" Daniel stood up and reached out his hand, his eyes locked into mine, dazzling orbs of amethyst light. I took his hand and he led me onto the dance floor. Shocked is not an emotion I am used to feeling, but at this moment in time, it summed up my feelings completely.

The music was soft, seductive, it wrapped itself around us as we moved into each other's arms. Daniel pulled me closer and now we were together, our bodies pressed tightly as the dance floor filled with other couples. This was a gay bar, so our togetherness provoked nothing more than jealous glances.

Daniel's hands found their way under my leather waistcoat, just a thin cotton covering between them and my skin.

"You're very forward," I whispered into his ear, noting the way his hair curled into the nape of his slender neck.

"I like your company, Lestat," he replied. "Why take all night when we both know why we agreed to meet?" His honesty impressed me.

"Armand will have me burnt at the stake if I molest his precious fledgling." I ran my lips softly over his cheek. I heard him gasp.

"I believe you have someone at home, a few blocks away from here, who will be none too pleased to see us together like this?" Daniel said. "At least Armand is on the other side of the world."

LouisS for the first time tonight I thought of him. He had declined Daniel's invitation, preferring instead to watch a re-run of an old film on T.V. Louis would never have been seen in this bar, would never have made the first move, he shied away from mortal crowds.

But in my arms tonight was this new born vampire of the times, my dark brother Armands' child, and the way he was pressing his hips into mine and digging his fingers into my back I knew he was more than willing.

The music faded out gently, Daniel pulled away slightly. "Come on, let's hunt, I'm starving!" The look on my face stopped him in his tracks. "Lestat?" A fa int frown creased his face, his skin was still mobile, still human, the marble visage of the older vampires was a long way ahead of him. I slipped my arm through his as we headed for the door.

"I'm just used to hunting alone," I answered. "Louis is not one who enjoys company at his meal table." Daniel nodded, understanding immediately.

It was a clear, beautiful night, myriads of stars twinkled above us like tiny ice chippings on a black velvet carpet. Quickly we made our way to the edge of the Quarter, Daniel's face held an air of expectation, and his lovely eyes were gleaming fiercely. I could hear his heartbeat quicken as we slipped into an alley on Esplanade.

It wasn't long before dinner arrived in the shape of a young boy about 18 years of age, a native of New Orleans, taking a short cut all the tourists are warned against. His mind was full of a recent disagreement with his flatmates; he had come out to clear his head. Bad move.

I stayed in the shadows watching as Daniel stepped out in front of him. The boy jumped back in fright and then as his eyes met Daniel's the colour visibly drained from his face, his mouth fell open, his body seemed paralysed. Daniel had obviously decided to introduce himself in the true manner of the vampire myth. His fangs were bared and he snarled at the boy, "Welcome to your worst nightmare." In a split second he had the victim pinned by his throat against the alley wall. "Dinner is served, my Prince," he said, as I stepped out from the shadows. The boy uttered a guttural moan as he realised there were two of us. I watched fascinated as Daniel severed the boys' jugular with one bite. Immediately the scent of the blood hit me like a tidal wave. Daniel's mouth was over the wound and I could almost feel the sensation as the hot elixir pumped into his mouth. Then he held out his hand and pulled me towards the boy.

I lowered my head to the boys' neck and as Daniel broke free I closed my mouth on the still pumping wound. As the blood filled my mouth I had my eyes on Daniel who was leaning against the wall with the most contented expression on his face. This cat had had his cream.

The boy's death was quick, I think he died of fright. My appetite was satisfied as I had fed earlier on in the evening. Quickly we disposed of his body in the murky depths of the Mississippi, it would not be found for weeks and by then no one would know how he had died.

The streets were almost deserted as we cut through the Old French Market, I knew our steps were leading us to Royale and my town house. I also knew that this was when Louis went to feed, the house would be empty. A question was burning away in the back of my mind, 'Why are you taking him back to the house you share with Louis?' And the answer came back each time as loud and clear as a bell, 'Because you want to, Lestat, that's why, and isn't it a little exciting that maybe you might be discovered?' I pushed this thought away. God and the Devil help me if Louis found me in Daniel's arms.

The house was in complete darkness; I scanned for signs of life, only finding Mojo asleep by the back entrance. Dear Mojo, it's a good thing you cannot talk.

"You have a beautiful home," Daniel said, as we entered the drawing room. He walked silently across to the window overlooking the patio, pulling the lace curtains aside, he seemed to scan the darkness.

"Let's go outside, Lestat. I want to feel the night air on my face." He raised his eyes, looking at me with a strange expression on his face. I went to him, putting my arm around his shoulder.

"Something bothering you, Danny?" I asked.

"No." He rested his head on my chest. "I can't quite believe I'm here with you. The Vampire Lestat, all mine tonight." He ran his fingers softly over my cheek. I shivered in anticipation of the nights' sport. "No regrets, Lestat, what we do tonight is to live for the moment." As our lips touched I felt him tremble, his skin still warm from the kill. Daniel, the forbidden fruit, and mine for the taking.

I ran my tongue over his lips. They tasted slightly salty, a remnant of our midnight feast. I could feel my desire for him rising. "This is pure lust, my child," I murmured. "Pure physical, animal attraction. You are delicious." Again I licked his lips. He seemed frozen; his voice came in a whisper. "And you're such a beautiful beast." His arms were around me then, his hands roughly tangled in my hair, but the pain was like a drug.

"Outside," he panted. "I want you outside!"

I gathered him up in my arms and was through the back entrance in seconds, Mojo sleepily wagging his tail as we passed.

Putting him down on the rough-hewn stones, I thought I sensed a presence. I held my breath. Nothing. Just the sweet, warm air moving the magnolia trees.

"Now, where were we?" I questioned, a wicked smile on my face.

Daniel was standing by the wrought iron rail that ran up the side of the house, to the upper balcony.

"Come and get me," he growled, his eyes smouldering like embers. Needing no other invitation I approached him menacingly. I made my face emotionless. "You're playing with fire, Danny, and vampires shouldn't get burnt." My need for him was growing; the ache in my groin had become urgent. Steady, Lestat, you're not thinking straight tonight.

Pressing him against the railing I ran my hand up the inside of his thigh, stopping before I reached the top. His breathing was coming in short bursts; his eyes had a deeper shade to them, almost violet. I felt his hands unfastening the front of my shirt, then the belt on my jeans.

I groaned outloud. This was one hell of a roller coaster ride.

I kissed him again. Immediately he opened his mouth, inviting my tongue to explore. I could feel the points of his fangs grazing my tongue as our passion increased. He had one of my hands in his, and he had turned and pushed my back into the railings. Why Danny, you want to be the dominant one tonight, does Armand let you take the lead?

Suddenly I felt a cold bracelet encircle my wrist and in a second a sharp click. Daniel pulled away.

I found I had been handcuffed to the railing.

"This is the start of my game, Lestat, do you still want to play?" His voice was rough. I knew I could free myself if I wanted to, but how would I explain to Louis how I had wrecked the railing?

No, I wanted to play this game as well.

He stood before me, glorious in his passion, his face flushed, his hands on his hips. The night breeze played with his hair. Baby hair, so pale and soft.

"You do realise, Mr. Molloy," I told him. "That when I'm free from here I'm going to fuck you senseless." I flashed him my most alluring smile.

"That I am in no doubt about, Monsieur de Lioncourt!" He laughed. "But firstS." He produced a black scarf from his jacket pocket. "We're playing my rules, yes?"

I let him blindfold me without uttering a word. My mind had gone into overdrive. If these were the kind of games he played with Armand? I was stunned. But I knew from Armand, that when Daniel was mortal, Armand had made him act out sex with men and women, so I knew Daniel was very much a child of the sexual revolution. I felt a twinge of jealousy, how warm my nights would be if my dark angel were so bold.

"Don't say a word, my Lord," he whispered in my ear. "Death is for living, and there's so much to drink of." The scent of blood. Then his wrist against my mouth.

Temptation, and I took it. "Slowly, slowly," he soothed. I relented a little, my senses were swimming, and the act of being blindfolded had heightened them all to a point where I felt like I was drowning.

I felt his other hand on the zip of my jeans. Then he slid his hand inside. Gently he took me in his hand, stroking me to a full erection. He pulled his wrist away from me, and I hungrily licked the remnants of his blood from my lips. I knew he had knelt on the ground before me, he had freed me from my clothes and was running his hands expertly up and down my throbbing organ.

"Danny," I moaned, almost losing my voice I was so aroused.

"For once in your life, Lestat, quit talking and enjoy the ride." Then his lips were around me, hot and moist, he ran his tongue down the length of my organ. I had started to move my hips in motion with his foreplay. I threw my head back in ecstasy, hitting it on the wall, a sharp pain to add to my arousal. I lost all track of time; it could have been seconds or hours that passed, every time I thought I must reach my climax, he held me back. Playing the submissive, I mused had certain advantages. I clenched my teeth as his fangs dug a little too sharply into the tender skin of my groin. Suddenly I realised that I had to be in control.

"Daniel, a moment," I said breathlessly. "Now we play by my rules, take off the blindfold." I hope you can deal with pain Danny, because my need is so strong, there will be no foreplay.

I felt his hands unfasten the scarf, the fabric slipped from my face and I found myself looking into two glowing emerald eyes.

Daniel was sitting on the old trough at the edge of the patio, a rueful grin on his face. But if Daniel was there, then, oh sweet fires of hell, it was Louis who had just given me the most expert head I had experienced in a long time!

I tried desperately to think of a plausible explanation, but what could I say? If Louis chose to leave me now I could not blame him. A lump had formed in my throat as I nervously raised my eyes to his, expecting the venom to meet me razor sharp.

Louis had turned his back to me, I knew Daniel and he were communicating silently. My mind was too confused to try and read Daniel's' mind. It puzzled me that Louis had shown no anger towards Daniel, but then Louis could always control his emotions when he wanted to. David's influence, I suspected. He turned around, folded his arms and looked at me. My God he was stunning tonight. His recently washed hair fell waiflike around his shoulders and he had dressed in a pair of black leather trousers with lace up sides, black ankle boots and a soft white silk shirt, which accentuated his colouring. If ever an angel walked on this earth, it was my beloved Louis.

I watched spellbound, as Louis approached Daniel. His slow, seductive walk held us both enthralled. Raising Daniel's face with one hand, he slowly ran the back of his fingers along Daniel's cheek, caressing it lovingly. Louis turned to me, shooting me an expression of pure lust before he lowered his lips to Daniel's and kissed him very gently. Still with his eyes on me his kiss became deeper, more wanting. A low groan escaped Daniel's lips and I knew he was at the edge of surrender, and about to fall.

"Louis, for heavens sake!" I yelled jealously.

Breaking the kiss, Louis retorted, "So it's perfectly justified for you to cheat on me Lestat, but when the tables are turnedS." He paused, "Do you remember, one night last week you accused me of being boring, staid and frigid, I think was a word you used?"

Flashbacks of that nightS.. it had been a terrible argument, started over nothing of any importance, and heated words between us, ending in Louis storming out and not returning for two nights. I had been frantic.

"I went to Daniel that night, Lestat," Louis confessed. "We had an interesting conversation concerning our vampire makers. Daniel convinced me I could prove to you that I wasn't boring." He emphasised the last word. "Did I surprise you, my love?" Louis chided.

I admitted defeat. "Louis, you have astounded me. I promise I will never call you boring again." I felt the colour rise to my cheeks, in the game of one-upmanship Louis had triumphed. I did not like being beaten. I wrenched my hand free, tearing the iron railing viciously. Adjusting my clothing, I licked my wrist where the handcuff had made an angry red gash.

"So all this was a test, Louis?" I was finding it hard to believe that he could have thought of such a scheme.

"You could say that. But I knew Daniel would seduce you. I just wanted to see the look on your face when I took the blindfold off," he added with a grin. My heart turned over.

"You are incorrigible," I said.

"That's a Lestat word."

"But you earned it tonight, Wicked One," I answered.

A movement in the shadows. "Daniel, don't you dare try to slink off!" I ordered. He looked at me sheepishly, exchanging a quick smile with Louis. "I'll wait for you inside," Louis said softly. I waited until I heard Mojo's joyful cry, then I knew we were alone.

"It seems that I underestimated you, Danny," I stated.

"The hardest part was blocking my mind to you." Again, that smile, how had Armand managed to wait years for him?

"As I recall, reading your mind was not one of my priorities," I grinned.

"I guess you could say I got full marks in this charade," his eyes met mine.

I moved closer to him. "Is that all it was, Danny?" I couldn't stop the hurt in my voice.

Daniel put his arms around my shoulders and embraced me. "No, Lestat, it was a game at first, but then the game intensified and I knew I had two choices. To quit and confess the whole scheme, or go with my feelingsS" he paused.

"How far would you have gone?" I questioned. I had to know. If Louis had not been there, how far would this pretence have gone?

Daniel pulled me closer and whispered, "All the way, Lestat." My heart missed a beat. "I found you irresistible. The thought of making love with you was the greatest temptation."

"Another time, another century?" I asked, smiling; my pride had been restored a little.

"I'll keep that in mind," he said, softly.

"Will you tell Armand?"

"Probably. We don't harbour many secrets." Armand's reaction would be interesting to witness. I made a mental note to tread carefully next time we met.

"Goodnight, Lestat." Daniel kissed my cheek chastely. I watched him gracefully leap onto the wall and disappear silently into the darkness.

Slightly wearily I made my way into the house, and up the stairway, crossing the darkened landing. I pushed open the door to my bedroom.

The whole room was bathed in candlelight. At least a dozen candles, some perfumed, were burning, illuminating the room with soft, and flickering shadows. The white, cotton sheets on the antique four poster bed had been pulled back invitingly.

Sitting on the window ledge he was a breathtaking image. The candlelight played on his skin; his eyes were so trusting, so sorrowful.

I opened my arms to him. He almost threw himself against me; we held each other tightly. I kissed his hair, his face, a lump had formed in my throat and I tried very hard to force the tears back.

"I love you, Louis," I whispered. "Please remind me of that when I'm such a bastard."

"Let's go to bed," he said simply.

We lay down together, contented in each other's arms. "I thought I'd gone too far when I saw you with Daniel," Louis said, as I nuzzled into his neck. "You seemed so right together. Your passion was very arousing." A wicked smile lit up his face.

"Why, Louis, don't tell me you have become a voyeur?" I teased him.

"But I'm not boring?" he challenged.

"And certainly not frigid," I said, as I slid my body on top of his. His body felt so right beneath mine. I knew the curves of him intimately, but the feel of him never failed to thrill me.

"Do you think Daniel will be alright?" Louis said, a look of concern on his adorable face.

I grinned. "Shall I go invite him to join us?" Louis rolled his eyes and playfully nipped me on the neck.

"I think we've both learned valuable lessons tonight." Louis said, suddenly serious.

"Louis," I said softly, as a wave of self doubt ran through me. "Do you really love me?" Sometimes I could not believe his unquestionable devotion.

He answered me with a voice that was a little unsteady. "You are reckless, arrogant and stubborn, but loving someone with all your heart means accepting their faults," he paused. "We are two sides of a coin, Lestat, one cannot be without the other, they are moulded together forever. Fate flipped us together all those decades ago. We have been spinning in eternal darkness ever since, but a coin can always catch any ray of light that penetrates the dark. Your love is that light."

I buried my face in his hair so he would not see the tears in my eyes. A devil I may be, but I had been truly blessed with the love of this exquisite creature, my beloved companion, my demon with the grace of an angel. And mine for eternity.