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When Sin and Mary left the room, Mina shifted her gaze from the little girl to Sabastian.  "You came here to learn about our process," she stated.

"I would like to better understand your process," Sabastian responded.

Susan put her hand on Sabastian's leg, looked him in the eye and said, "I thought we were here to learn more about Mina?"

"Yes, that is why we are here.  I am not concerned with the way you collect blood.  I am concerned about your intentions toward us," he said.

Mina kept looking at Sabastian and said, "I'm sure you realize that I have no hidden agenda."

"But I realize that you have no hidden agenda and simply want to protect your way of life."

Susan, whose hand was still on Sabastian's leg, shook him.  "Sabastian," she said.

Mina looked at Susan and said, "Child, Sabastian and I are having an adult conversation, you should mind your manors and be quiet."

Susan looked at Mina and then Sabastian.  "Sabastian," Mina said, "don't you agree that the child needs to be quiet while we talk."

"Yes," he responded, though his response sounded empty.

Susan's face went angry and her eyes opened wide.  She stood up, walked over to Mina and put her face up to the coven master's.  "I know what you're doing.  Stop it."

Mina pulled herself back from Susan and said angrily, "Little girl, learn your place or else."

Susan moved closer to Mina and asked, "Or else what?"

"I've had enough of your impudence.  Guest or not, you will learn a lesson here today."  Mina turned to Sabastian and said, "The little girl needs to learn a lesson doesn't she?"

"Yes," he responded like a hollow shell.

"Mind your place little girl," Mina warned.

Again moving closer, Susan said, "Mind yours."

"That's enough," Mina yelled.  She moved her hand quickly and slapped Susan, sending her to the ground and sliding her a foot or two away.

But as her hand touched the child's face, Sabastian broke out of his stupor.  His mind flared in anger and he lunged across at Mina.

Mina, shocked by Sabastian's attack, barely had enough time to grab Sabastian's wrist as his hand clamped around her neck.  He lifted her high off the ground and ran with her to the other side of the room, sending whatever furniture was in his way dancing across the floor.  He thrust her against the wall with a thud and cracking sounds.  She let out a groan.

"What game are you playing?" he roared, but his hand was so tight on her neck she couldn't speak.

"Sabastian!  Don't kill her," Susan said, sobbing on the floor.  "I made her do it.  It was the only way you'd see."

Sabastian kept his grip on Mina and watched as her eyes darted to Susan as if to say, "How?"

Regaining her composure, Susan got up, walked over to Sabastian and said, "Please, put her down.  I don't know why, but she's still important to us."

Sabastian lowered Mina to the floor, but before releasing her neck said, "Never touch my child again."

Mina, rubbing the finger marks on her now free neck, said nothing for a moment.  Then, looking at the girl, croaked, "Shall we try this again?"




[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.]