Kyuhyun held Sungmin’s hand tightly as Sungmin led him through the house towards the dining room.

At the door, Sungmin suddenly growled and blocked him. Kyuhyun adjusted his head to see the vampire with the black crop hairstyle. Hyungsik.

“Sungmin, relax. Hyungsik-ssi is here to warn us.” Leeteuk patted Sungmin on the shoulder, but it didn't serve to relax Sungmin. 

“I’m intrigued by your coven’s way of life, but I won’t stay here. I don’t want to go against Jay. I only joined his coven because he was such a powerful leader.” Hyungsik said.

Kyuhyun felt Sungmin’s hand tighten around his.

Leader. Of course the Jay guy was the leader. This Hyungsik guy was observing Jay for his reactions throughout.

“You all have to be careful. Jay is absolutely lethal as a tracker. And the other two will help him.”

“I won’t let any one of them off easily.” Sungmin said in a dangerous tone, which seemed to have stunned Hyungsik.

Leeteuk took the mediator role again. “Hyungsik-ssi, thank you for the information, we will definitely be careful. As I mentioned, I have contacted the other coven similar to ours down the next town. They will welcome you to our way of life.”

“Thank you, Leeteuk-ssi. I have to go now, before Jay catches me here.” Hyungsik shook Leeteuk’s hand.

“Definitely, see you next time. Ryeowook, Yesung, please send our guest out.” Leeteuk called back into the room for the couple. Ryeowook smiled at Kyuhyun as he passed by them, leading the guest to the front door. Kyuhyun’s eyes followed Hyungsik’s movements, landing on the door for seconds even after it was closed.

“Kyuhyun?” Sungmin tugged his hand lightly.

“Y-yes.”  Kyuhyun pulled his gaze away from the door.

“Let’s go in?”

“Yeah.” Kyuhyun answered shakily and walked into the dining room.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kyuhyun looked around uneasily from one to another. Leeteuk, Kangin and Heechul, the three older vampires were standing at the head of the table, engaged in a heated discussion. The rest were seated around the table, but none paid any attention to Kyuhyun, including Zhoumi, all caught up in their own conversations. What made things frustrating was that they were speaking in such soft, quick buzzes that Kyuhyun couldn’t make out anything in the conversations.

Beside him, Sungmin sat with his eyes closed and arms folded across his chest. With his peaceful face, he seemed to be asleep, but Kyuhyun knew otherwise. Kyuhyun was sure everyone was speaking in that way so that humans like him, or eavesdroppers outside the house, couldn’t hear anything. But coupled with the voices from the minds, Sungmin must be crazily vexed by all the thoughts and opinions.  

Sighing, Kyuhyun nervously picked on his own fingernails. There was a quick glance from Leeteuk, like how it happened the last few times Kyuhyun grew anxious, and a wave of calmness was passed over Kyuhyun again. He didn’t know whether he should be grateful that he is not freaking out because of Leeteuk’s power, or angry that even his emotions were being manipulated. It made him feel weak. This time, a surge of confidence overcame Kyuhyun.

Before he could complain, Leeteuk gave him a gentle, understanding look, and Kyuhyun shrunk back in his chair. He was the cause of trouble. How could he lose his temper at these people who are trying to protect him at all costs?

Positive feelings didn’t replace his apologetic ones this time. He glanced over at Leeteuk and realized the vampire had his attention focused on the discussion. At least the guilt now felt genuine.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sungmin closed his eyes, filtering out the unnecessary thoughts and voices from the rest. He concentrated on the discussion between Leeteuk, Kangin and Heechul, although the three would brief everyone on the plan once Ryeowook and Yesung came back from making sure Hyungsik left their city. He wanted to take part in the discussion.

“We are dealing with three vampires. For Kyuhyun’s safety, we should force them to split up and kill the tracker. Leave the other two alone.” Leeteuk said.

~LT: The anxiety is catching up on Kyuhyun again.

“What if the other two decide to attack Kyuhyun as well?” Kangin asked.

“I will keep an eye on them. For now, they are safe and just helping that fake punk.” Heechul answered.

~HC: His hairstyle .

~LT: Min, Kyuhyun is feeling… inferior.

Sungmin stole a glance at Kyuhyun, who was playing with his fingers. He recalled Jay’s insulting words and thoughts of Kyuhyun. Sungmin shut his eyes tight, pushing the angry thoughts to the back of his mind. He could deal with his anger later. Kyuhyun’s safety is of top priority. 

“We have to be careful though. Anyway, I think we should bring Kyuhyun to Busan to hide, like he suggested, and set up distractions as usual to catch that tracker offguard.” Kangin said.

~LT: Three teams for distraction. Another to protect Kyuhyun.

“Two teams to distract each female. A hunting team for Jay. One team to protect Kyuhyun. And one final team to stay guard here.” Leeteuk added to the plan. “Chul, do you see anything from Jay yet?”

~HC: Checking out flights on the Internet, getting train tickets, running in the forest, finding Kyuhyun’s house, going to Kyuhyun’s college…

“Nothing specific. He’s undecided and everything keeps changing.” Heechul replied.

~KI: It would be easier if we know what he is trying to do.   

~LT: If only he could decide to go away i