The next morning, Justin awoke in his bed shivering and more than just a little disoriented. He looked down at himself to shockingly find not only his blankets kicked to the foot of the bed, but his boxers removed as well. It was only a chilling twenty degrees outside and he was lying here naked, along with being uncovered. What the hell had happened last night, he wondered. Justin remembered being pissed at Ethan and leaving Babylon alone before coming straight home and heading directly to bed... but after that - nothing.

Justin pulled the covers back over him, not ready to get up quite yet, finding himself still dwelling on last night's events. He couldn't help but be confused by Ethan's behavior... but even more than that, he was perplexed by the pull he felt toward the entirely too mysterious Brian Kinney.

In truth he was more alarmed by the desires Brian provoked within him than he was about Ethan's antics. However, he didn't understand that either. What had gotten into his boyfriend?  Or was he still his boyfriend? Justin wasn't even sure about that any longer - and why wasn't the prospect of losing Ethan more upsetting? And why was the face of Brian Kinney... and those mesmerizing eyes the most prevalent thing on his mind? Eyes that haunted him... as if he had known them in a different place or another time. But that wasn't possible. There was no way he could have ever forgotten Brian. Justin doubted that anyone ever could.

Justin twisted the ring around his finger that had been his constant companion for years now. His grandmother had given it to him on her death bed as she implored him to never remove it from his finger. He had always been abnormally attached to his grandmother. He had sat by her bedside without fail the last few weeks of her life, only taking short breaks to eat and succumb to only the necessary amount of sleep. He could remember her words as if they were only yesterday, when in actuality, it had been over five years ago.

"Justin... we don't have much longer - you must hear me," she gasped out in between shallow breaths. "Closer, my child... you must come closer."

"I'm here, Gran," Justin whispered with a tear-stained cheek pressed up close to her own.

"I need to tell you this quickly... Please don't interrupt, no matter how crazy it sounds. I swear, I'm still in my right mind... they haven't taken that from me yet," she affirmed fiercely.

Justin smiled through his tears, with a slight nod, knowing his grandmother would be in her full senses, until the last breath left her body.

"Go on, Gran. I'm listening," Justin said, trying to keep a forced smile on his face.

She smiled at him softly, as she whispered, "My strong, beautiful Justin. I can only leave you in peace knowing that one day you will find your true soulmate. It is your destiny, and steps must be taken to protect that special union."

"Soulmate?" Justin asked with an uplifted brow, grimacing when she gave him a reprimanding glare for interrupting when she had expressly asked otherwise.

Gran coughed harshly for several minutes, before she finally regained her breath once again to explain, "The damned witch is trying to keep me from telling you. I lived in fear for too many years that she would come after you. I have searched for years for the means to protect you, and I finally found the legend of this ring. Recovering this ring cost me my entire fortune, but your life and the one of your true love far surpass anything else."

Justin swallowed slowly with the thoughts, witch - legend - ring - true love... had he been mistaken, could Gran have slipped over the edge and straight into insanity?

She glared at him for a moment, before rasping, "Don't you look at me like that, Justin Taylor. I know exactly what I'm saying. The witch knows your time is arriving. Soon you will meet your soulmate... and yes I know you are gay, my love. My son... your father is a judgmental prick, and in this, he disappoints me so much that it breaks my heart, but regardless of that... nothing must stop you from meeting your soulmate."

"Go on, Gran," Justin said with another quick nod, seeing something in her eyes. He might be crazy as well... but he believed her. At the very least, believed that what she spoke was true in her mind... if no place else.

"Centuries ago, there was a man who was doomed to walk the earth alone. The most beautiful man anyone had ever seen, and that was where his doom began. An evil witch became enamored of this man, pursued him relentlessly, however to no avail. This man was cold, and uncaring regarding anything other than his own carnal pleasures. On his deathbed, a curse was placed upon him..." preceded another fit of racking coughs.

Concerned, Justin stroked Gran's face, before whispering, "You should rest, Gran. All this talk is draining you... we can do this later."

"Justin, stop fussing! This is my last chance to tell you. This man was cursed to walk alone, uncaring and unloved for all eternity. However, there was one lifeline given. The witch was certain he could never love... would never find his other half when she grudgingly included it into her curse," she gasped between shallow breaths. "She did it as a means to display her power and to further torment him."

Intrigued now about this man that his Gran was telling him about, he couldn't resist asking, "What was the lifeline?"

"If this man finds his true soulmate and they each give their hearts to one another, they can be together forever. Hear me, Justin... you are the soulmate. Now... you must get the ring and wear it until the curse is broken. The witch cannot harm you as long as you possess the ring. Once the man gives his heart freely to you... sacrifices all of himself to you, only then will you both be free of the witch," she told him, as her eyes beseeched him to both believe and understand. "Keep in mind, Justin... this man will not be loving in the beginning... not for a long time, but if you stay constant in who you are, a loving heart will be born in him."

Justin nodded, not understanding, yet knowing his Gran needed this to find her peace. He would agree to anything to achieve that. Fascinated, and pulled into her story, Justin asked, "How will I know this man?"

She smiled weakly, the light all but gone from her eyes now, as she whispered, "He will be the man of your dreams. Once you meet, he will invade your every thought, until finally, you can't escape from giving all of yourself to him. His surrender will take longer. He has walked the night for so long, his heart is hardened... but be patient and it will open to you. And once it does, both of you will have a richness of heart that will be incomparable to anything in this world or another. For now, just wear the ring... it will protect you from the witch, and from your soulmate as well."

"Protection from the man I am destined to love?" Justin asked in confusion.

"The ring holds protection from anyone supernatural, when worn by the proper owner - which is only you. He has great powers, and he will attempt to use them to lure you into his lifestyle. He must fall in love with you, not simply overpower your mind. If you remove the ring he will own you entirely, and you will be vulnerable to the witch. That cannot happen. She will destroy you in her attempt to keep the curse alive. Be careful, my child," she pleaded with him, as her eyes began to close.

"I will, Gran... I promise. But where is the ring?" Justin asked, not knowing why he was choosing to accept her mad tale, only knowing that he would abide by her wishes. "But why hasn't she just killed me before I had the ring?"

"She is crazed in her need to torment him, to tease him with you. It is her goal for him to get close to having you and then snatch you away. But with the ring she is powerless. Now - in the cabinet, there is a secret compartment I had specially designed... open it and you will have the ring. I must leave you now, Justin. I love you with all of my heart, as will your soulmate in time. Keep your eyes and your heart open. Such glorious love awaits you. Don't let the evil witch win..." she lisped, before taking her final breath.

Justin laid his head upon her chest, sobbing uncontrollably. He loved her so much. He couldn't fathom his life without her in it. Justin found it hard to accept this tale she had told him could have any sort of validity... but he would respect and follow her wishes. It was the very least he could give her. He kissed her softly upon the cheek, before leaving her bedside to retrieve the ring. Once he found the ring, he placed it on his finger, surprised how snugly it fit him, as if it had been designed solely for him. Justin had the strangest feeling as he placed the ring upon his finger. He felt surrounded, a cocoon of something wrapped all around him. Looking at the antique design, the detailed etchings, Justin had no doubt this ring was not only priceless, but very special as well. He would carry out Gran's last wishes, a part of him hoping her story was true, as he thought what a beautiful and romantic tale.

Smiling as he continued to twirl the ring around his finger, Justin mused aloud, "I'm still wearing it, Gran. Just as I promised."

Justin was jolted from his memories when the phone began to ring. Picking it up after several rings, Justin answered, "Hello."

"Good morning, Baby. I hope I didn't awaken you," came the nasally drawl of Ethan.

"Hi, Ethan. No, just lying around... trying to motivate myself to get up and get some work done."

Ethan chuckled lightly, even if a bit nervously, before saying, "I know you will, Justin. So... I was wondering about tonight..."

"Tonight? Did we have plans?" Justin asked in confusion.

"Well, no we didn't. But I was hoping we could go back to Babylon... and actually spend some time together this time," Ethan proposed.

"Hmmm, I'm not sure. Our first visit was nothing short of strange. I was thinking about staying home tonight," Justin said, trying to gracefully decline.

Harshly, Ethan gasped, "No! You can't. We must go to Babylon."

"Must? Calm down, Ethan. What's the big deal?" Justin asked, while he thought to himself Ethan was definitely not the man of his dreams. How could he have ever thought otherwise?

"I'm sorry, Justin. I just want to do it right this time. We don't have to stay late, but can we at least give it one more try... please," Ethan virtually begged.

Finally, Justin agreed, "Alright, Ethan. I'll meet you there... say 11:30?"

"Thank you, Justin. I'll see you then," Ethan answered, before ending the call, leaving Justin the impression that something was very off with Ethan.

Justin couldn't help but wonder what was going on with him, along with thinking they were rapidly drifting apart... and maybe now was the time to think about what that all meant, and what to do going forward. Forcing himself to stumble out of bed, Justin ambled toward the shower, hoping to get something productive done with the day. Easier said than done when he kept seeing a pair of hypnotizing hazel eyes in his mind's eye... along with knowing he wanted to see Brian Kinney tonight more than about anything else right now.

Brian's Home ~ Several Hours Later

Brian awoke instantly hearing the fax passing through the machine. He was alert and rested enough, instinctively knowing this was the report he had been waiting for. Rising naked from his bed, he strolled to the machine, withdrawing the awaiting messages. He smiled in approval upon seeing it was the preliminary reports of his investigation. He grimaced at the first report, tossing it aside uncaringly, feeling Ethan was no longer of any concern. Brian knew he had Ethan well under control now, and would continue to do so until he was no longer useful to him. Once that time came... well, it depended on certain variables exactly what Ethan's fate would be.

Next, he pulled out the report of the blond that had been dominating his thoughts, almost from the moment of their first meeting. His eyes scanned over it rapidly, another useful vampire trait. It was just providing basic information, but it was a start.

Justin Taylor, twenty-two years of age. Living alone in a small apartment just off Liberty Avenue. Graduated from PIFA last year with high accolades. The first solo art showing is to be held in 28 days at a local art gallery.

Brian had hoped to find something more significant in the report, such as something to tell him how Justin could resist his mind probing. The mind-control only worked on Justin initially, and then barriers seemed to erect to push it back at Brian. Never had he experienced anything similar to this. He knew for his own safety he would be smart to stay away from this boy, however, he knew he wasn't going to do that. Something was pulling him to this blond boy. Brian could freely admit to himself it was more than the stirring of his cock, and the call of the boy's blood - no matter how exquisite he had tasted. There was such depth to this boy and something that reached out to him as he had never been touched before. He had to explore it. Had to know him and most assuredly he had to have him.

For now, until he determined just how Justin resisted him, Brian knew he had to take things very slowly, which would probably be the most difficult task he had ever undertaken. Vampire patience was not good in the best of times and tempered with his need for Justin - a very difficult mix. But until he could control Justin, he had to be careful how much he exposed himself. Of course, he could always fuck him, feed on him... and then kill him, but Brian already knew he wanted that boy around for a long time. The burning question was how to fit Justin into his life, not allowing the boy to change it too much, while having what he wanted along with assuring his personal safety.

He would find a way. This would be his greatest of challenges where normally he had none. Brian realized for now he must do it the old-fashioned way - pure seduction. Of course, vampires were more highly seductive to their victims. Brian had no doubt he could seduce Justin into giving him everything he wanted... unfortunately, he would have to deny himself the pleasure of his blood - for now. However, once he fully understood the mysteries of Justin Taylor... he would have it all.

Smiling as he saw a phone number listed in the report, Brian decided to play a little. Time for Babylon was many hours away... he had to hear Justin's voice before then.

Taking the phone to his bed, Brian lay down as he dialed the number that would connect him. When he heard the soft voice answer, Brian smiled and nearly groaned at the sensations that coursed through his body at the simple sound of Justin's voice. With a sultry whisper, Brian answered, "Hello, Justin."

Justin gasped into the other end, instantly knowing the identity of his caller. Almost breathlessly he asked, "Brian, is that you?"

"Indeed it is," Brian purred heatedly.

"How did you get my number?" Justin asked in apparent alarm.

Brian chuckled softly, "You would be surprised at the things I can discover... when I really want to know them."

Swallowing nervously, Justin answered, "Umm, I see. And you wanted to find me?"

"Oh, for certain I do. I want to find you in every way imaginable..." Brian huskily returned.

Brian smiled as he heard the telling moan that escaped his delicious prey's lips, his cock hardening in anticipation of everything he intended to explore with this blond beauty. Why did this boy affect him so deeply? Moving slowly with him was going to be more difficult than he had ever imagined. He had never wanted to fuck anyone so badly in his three hundred years of existence, and he hadn't even kissed him yet. Oh, but that would be rectified - tonight. He could not go another day and night without feeling those soft, full lips opening beneath his own.

"Uhhh, so the reason you called, Brian?" came the prompt from a very nervous Justin.

"I wanted to issue a personal invitation to Babylon this evening. There's so much yet I would like to show you. I do hope that you will be there," Brian answered, as he thought Ethan had better follow through with his end, and make sure Justin was present tonight.

With a nervous laugh, Justin said, "Actually, I just spoke to Ethan. Surprisingly, he asked me to go tonight. I'm meeting him there around 11:30."

"Wonderful, Justin. I am so looking forward to seeing you again. In addition, I hope you will not need to leave so abruptly this time," Brian told him with a determination that his sweet prey would not be pulled away from him so easily this time.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you too, Brian. But I'm coming with Ethan. I won't actually be alone. You know, boyfriend... remember?" Justin foolishly teased him.

"I remember your companion quite well. And who knows, maybe he will find another dancing partner. I will see you later, Justin... and until then, thoughts of you will most definitely be coursing throughout all of me," Brian sexily countered, laughing when Justin gasped out a goodbye, ending their call.

Oh yes, my sweet, you hide behind your boyfriend... but not for much longer. That will be resolved tonight... and then I will begin seducing you into giving me everything I want. Oh yes, Justin... soon that sweet little ass will be all mine. You will crave all of me... just as I do you... that is, if you don't already.

As Brian drifted back into his rest, he had the thought that fate must have brought Justin to him. The intensity of his desire for him just wasn't normal. It screamed of destiny... and one Brian intended to begin fulfilling... very soon.

TBC