Varick paced Dio’s den. Dio’s vampires were lined up like soldiers, standing straight, not moving. “You are the worse bodyguards ever!” Varick snarled.

The vamps didn’t speak.

“When Dio gets back I’m having him send you all back to Triton.”

“Varick…” Ceiser began.

“No, you were supposed to watch him. The only reason you’re here is for his protection and he’s missing.

“We’ll get him back,” Maerel exclaimed.

“Will you? And how do you plan on doing that? Do any of you know where he went? Where that little bastard demon took him? Any of you?” Varick slammed his fist on Dio’s desk making the vampires jump. “He could be anywhere.”

The loss of his mate hit Varick like a body slam stealing away his breath. The world spun around him.

“We will find him,” Ceiser said.

Varick turned his attention to the silent vamp. “What about you? Do you have any false hope you’d like to share?” Varick snarled.

Terris shrugged. “I figured actions would work better than talk. I’ve sent out some of my friends to try and find Dio. They should report back soon.”

Maerel and Ceiser stared at their brother. “When did you do that?” Ceiser asked.

“As soon as Varick told us Dio was missing. Remember when I stepped out?” Terris said.

“I thought you were hungry and being polite,” Ceiser whine.

Varick decided Terris was the brains of the trio.

Terris rolled his eyes and turned to Varick. “I should hear back from my friends soon.”

“He means minions,” Ceiser interjected. “Terris has a collection of groupies who follow him around.”

“I do not,” Terris scowled at his brother.

“Yes you do,” Maerel added.

“Are done bickering because my mate is still missing,” Varick snapped. “I don’t need to deal with a bunch of children. My beta has sent my pack through the city to look for Dio and see if anyone has caught sight of him.” Luckily Dio’s striking appearance made him stand out. Most people remembered seeing someone as beautiful as Varick’s mate.

“We’re helping too Master Varick!” Silly Bean popped into the room. How the creature heard what Varick said without being in the room Varick didn’t know but he long suspected the little guys were excellent spies.

Varick forced a smile for the demon with big wide eyes. Sincerity oozed from him. “I know you are. Have you had any sighting of Lemon Drop?”

Silly Bean’s eyes narrowed and his earnest expression turned evil. “No but when I do I’m going to pull off his ears and eat them.”

Hmm maybe Silly Bean wasn’t so sweet.