(9) Two vampires, a ghoul and a shifter.

Roderick departed the following evening, with the firm admonishment that the 'boys' were to behave and not give the servants gray hairs. Before he left however, he took them out to the East Lodge to introduce them to the vampires that guarded the estate. Both young men were suitably impressed when they realized they were all Old, although none came close to Roderick's four thousand plus years.

"You really don't want anyone getting onto the property at night, but what about during the day? Who guards it then?"

"You'll meet them soon," Roderick replied as they watched the guardians head out on patrol.

Ten minutes later Piers heard the soft patter of footsteps and then the door swung open. Four huge wolves came into view.

"Shit," Linden said, moving quickly behind Roderick.

There was a low, rumbling chuckle and someone told him, "We only bite the enemy."

When he peeked around Roderick, he saw four tall, muscular men standing where the wolves had been moments ago. "Shifters," he whispered as he stared in awe and admiration.

"At your service," the one who had spoken replied with a slight bow.

"Promise?" Linden asked, recovering now to his usual flippant self.

The shifter looked him over with a knowing grin. "Perhaps. But for now we need to report in and get dressed."

Linden couldn't seem to take his eyes off the shifter as he said, "Hell, don't do that on my account."

"Excuse my young friend," Roderick told the shifter. "We're still in the process of housebreaking him."

The shifter snorted a laugh, holding out his hand. "I'm Helmut, and I would be happy to take over your training."

Linden backed up rapidly, waving his hands in front of him. "Umm, thanks but no thanks. I umm, belong to him." He pointed to Piers, praying he'd agree and not make a joke of it.

Piers stepped up beside Linden, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "He's mine, and—" he grinned, "—actually very well trained, Roderick to the contrary."

"My loss," Helmut said with a smile before he and his companions headed upstairs.

"Oh my god he's gorgeous," Linden murmured.

"And apparently available," Piers patted his shoulder. "So if at some point you get bored…"

"Enough of that for now," Roderick said, nodding to the door. "It's time for me to leave." He sighed softly when Piers looked at him like a puppy that was being deserted. "I'll be back soon enough, if only for a night or two," he told him, drawing him into a tight hug. "So—behave."

"I will," Piers replied softly. "I promise."