Damien

I had always been dominating by nature. People have told me that I tended to take control of every situation to make it go my way. It was not a very desirable quality according to them. Many mistook my natural confidence for arrogance.

If only they saw me now.

I don't know what it was about this man in front of me that was so unnerving. He had made me tremendously uncomfortable all those years ago and he was having the exact same effect now.

I felt like an insect about to be squashed as he stared at me with those freaky, blank eyes. I was nervous, uncomfortable and scared. The restaurant was filled with people and yet I had a feeling that he could easily kill me if I said something wrong.

I hadn't spoken yet. I wasn't sure if my voice would come out steady. He seemed to understand that and did not push. He leaned back in his seat and there was a slight glint of amusement in his eyes.

He was mocking me.

He knew the effect he had on people and was thoroughly enjoying my discomfort. His enjoyment was what gave me the courage I needed.

I didn't bother with small talk and decided to get to the point.

"You told me that day that if I ever need help..."

"To call me. Yes I remember," he interrupted. A spark of annoyance flared in me at his rude interruption but I quickly crushed it. He was in control here. Not me.

"I am glad that you remember. I do need help. Very much so."

"I figured as much. And since you came to me, I am thinking that the police could not do much or did not do much. Let's hear your problem eh?"

And so I told him. About Alexander, his psychotic obsession with Tristan and the abduction. He listened intently. I did not miss the spark of recognition in his eyes when I mentioned Alexander.

He was quiet after I finished speaking. He seemed to be deep in thought, a faraway look in his eyes.

"It's a big help that you need Doctor," he spoke at last. "There are 7 billion humans in this world and you picked the worst man to have as an enemy. Has he tried to harm you in anyway?"

"No but I am not worried about myself. He has Tristan. I just want him back. He can do whatever he wants to me."

He smirked condescendingly. "This is the trouble with you common folk. You just cannot think ahead."

Oh this bitch.

I was tempted to reach over the table and spank some manners into this brat but I wisely remained seated. I was willing to entertain a thousand cocky brats like him if it meant having Tristan in my arms safe again.

He leaned a bit forward and spoke in a low voice," Let me tell you one thing Doc. Alexander does not keep loose ends. If he took Tristan his next step will be to erase his identity, to make it seem like he never existed. And that includes removing everything related to him. His records, his documents, his family, his friends and most importantly you."

I wanted to vomit.

Or scream frantically.

I had no doubt in my mind that Alexander was crazy enough to really go to such lengths. It just hadn't crossed my mind before. I was so intent on getting Tristan back that I hadn't even considered the possibility that his family was in danger. Everyone who knew him was in danger.

It made sense too. With no proof of his existence or anyone to look for him, Tristan would well and truly belong to Alexander.

The fear I felt was indescribable. I was helpless before but now I felt it on a whole new level.

"What do I do then?," I asked him, my voice desperate and broken.

He smiled. A slow, languid smile that completely transformed his face and made him appear a thousand times more stunning.

"Nothing. You cannot possibly do anything worthwhile. I will handle it. I cannnot vouch for Tristan's safety but I will get him back. Alive or dead."

My eyes flashed at his words and I wanted to rip him to pieces. How could he even utter such ungodly words! I couldn't handle him being hurt much less dead. He was too precious to lose.

"But I will not do it for free. You have to do something for me."

I was not surprised. I had anticipated that he would want something though I wasn't sure what I could give him that he didn't already have.

"What can I possibly do for you? I will do anything."

He stood up suddenly, without warning.

"I know you will Doctor. You have to if you want to see your lover again. I must go now. My time is very valuable. I will be in touch."