#nate keys

[dstarstories]

The Watchdogs, Officers’ Meeting 

[dstarstories]

I say that we get the fuck out of here & back to where we belong, with the men that we love...

[dstarstories]

Oh, that’s what I wanted to tell you, Nate chirped happily, seemingly oblivious to his cellmate’s agony. I met Elliot tonight. I mean, officially. Obviously I’d seen him that night in the square, but I actually got to speak with him.

You saw Elliot? How is he? Otto whispered, his interest piqued. 

Good. I think he was nervous about meeting everyone but since he’s a vampire now...

He’s become one of us? Otto interrupted, confusion written on his face.

Of course he has. It’s all part of marrying the commander, Nate answered calmly, still lost in his own thoughts about the meeting & his plans to get to the man that he longed for without the others getting in his way.

Otto shook his head sadly. So it’s... it’s true. Elliot & the commander? Married? Holy shit, he grumbled, clenching his jaw. 

Suddenly Nate snapped back into the present, finally realizing what Otto was feeling. It wasn’t unlike how he too had felt when he heard about Gabe & Keeno being married. You still love him?

You’re asking me if I still love my husband, the man I spent the past decade with? the vampire hissed, hurt turning to anger as the firelight continued to flicker across his skin. He was the one who was there for me when I found myself alone in this disgusting place. He made existing in the afterlife worth it. And then, as if I was nothing, he was taken from me. 

I respect the commander. I won’t let you hurt him. Nate stood, crossing his arms over his chest as he began to pace. His mind again went to work. It was nonstop, his thoughts of getting to Gabriel. 

Otto snorted. I didn’t ask you to hurt your beloved commander, even though he is the biggest piece of shit I have ever laid my eyes on.

I’m not one to stand in the way of true love though... Nate continued on as if he hadn’t heard his friend’s insult. I couldn’t allow you to hurt the commander but if you want to take a chance at getting your Elliot back...

What are you getting at, Nate? Intrigued, Otto watched the man intently. 

Perhaps.... he paused for a moment, everything becoming clearer in his mind. Perhaps we could help each other. Neither one of us can even attempt to win the hearts of our true loves while we rot in this cage. But if we work together...

Maybe we can find a way out, Otto finished his sentence, earning a wide smile from the other vampire.

Exactly, Nate nodded. What do you say?

[dstarstories]

After the meeting with the other militia members, Nate was taken back to his cell by Blake & Wyatt. As they locked him in, Blake smiled, banging loudly on the steel bars. Hey, Woodall! he called out. How is your vacation going?

Remaining still, his eyes focused on the fire, Otto only grunted in response. From what he could tell, nobody besides Nate had realized what he had become. They all seemed to have too little concern than to ever really check on him. So any time one of the officers arrived, especially when the commander was with them, he avoided showing his face.

Nate dropped heavily on the floor directly in front of him as the two vampires left. How was it? Otto muttered. Finally he looked away from the blaze & over to his friend. I’m sure it was nice to get out for a bit.

It was definitely nice to be out of this fucking cage, Nate sighed, shrugging his shoulders weakly. I can’t wait until they’ll let me out of their sight though. It may be my only chance to get to Gabriel. 

Speaking of lost loves... Otto snorted, disgust masking the hurt in his voice. Was the wonderful commander in attendance. 

The taller man nodded slowly. Of course he was. He’s the most important member of the watchdogs & my master. Why wouldn’t he attend for my introduction?

The brunette shrugged. Figured maybe he’d be too busy, fucking my husband or reminding him how much better off he is without me. 

[dstarstories]

The arrival of Mr. Keys was expected as we’ve all known for some time that as our army has grown, the commander has been in need of some extra help. As you can see, he is not the only new member of our family. As he spoke, he opened his hands & waved them to each side of him towards Elliot & Ravi. I’ve recently made some decisions, some much needed updates to old rules.

Updated rules? Ethan blurted out, raising a brow inquisitively. 

Don’t speak out of turn, the dark fairy snapped, pointing towards the officer.

Acting as if he didn’t notice his assistant behind him, Vincenzo nodded. Yes, Mr. Deadwyler. The commander has served me well for over a century now. For his continued hard work & loyalty, I’ve reversed one of my earlier laws. 

Now, I must have you all understand that this does not apply to you or to your men. It’s my belief that the commander & I have more than proven ourselves not only to you, but to the citizens of Wraith. Lord Fiore stopped, waiting to see if anyone dared to challenge him. That said, I would like to introduce you to the man on the far left. You may recognize him as a former civilian. As of tonight, he is officially Mr. Reyes, the commander’s husband. 

Murmurs came from all of the officers but it was Nate whose voice rang out above all the rest. So what does that mean for me?

Nothing, Mr. Keys, Vincenzo responded coolly. Your duties remain as we discussed. You are to become the commander’s right hand, just as Casey is to me. Mr. Camden is simply becoming the commander’s mate, nothing more. In no way is he meant to replace or demote you. 

And what about Otto? Nate pressed. 

Mr. Woodall is my prisoner & I have yet to decide his fate at this time. Vincenzo paused again, continuing to stare at Nate who he could tell was still thinking about the situation that was being laid out before him. Any other questions, Mr. Keys?

When will I get to see Gabriel?

You don’t, Casey laughed incredulously. You may as well give up on that one, buddy.

Mr. Keys, Mr. Angelo has already been wed to Mr. Whalen. At this time, I ask that you stay focused on your position. Is that understood? Nate nodded hesitantly. Good. Now if nobody else wishes to interrupt, I would like to move forward.

[dstarstories]

Chattering could be heard throughout the room as the militia members all settled into their places. Immediately after dismissing their teams for the night, they’d gathered together under Lord Fiore’s orders. It wasn’t often that he would call a meeting so each of them were eager to see what the announcements were about.

Gentlemen, the king started softly. 

They didn’t seem to hear him as all of the different conversations continued. Hey! the commander roared as he rubbed his head, taking a seat between Vincenzo & the man who would soon become his husband. Shut the fuck up & listen, alright?

Quickly they all quieted. Giving a small nod to the commander, Lord Fiore tried again. Gentlemen, thank you for joining me tonight. I know you’ve all had a long night of work so I will try not to keep you too long. There are some changes to discuss, new faces to meet, that I want you all to know about.

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First & foremost, I think most of you have met Mr. Keys. If you have not, I ask that you take the time to introduce yourself, the king continued flatly, motioning towards the man seated in front of him. Mr. Keys is an important member of our team, joining us to become the commander’s assistant. 

Welcome, Keys, Ethan mumbled to the man seated beside him. 

Yeah, whatever, Nate grumbled in response, slumping forward. Everyone in the room seemed to be focused on him. After days in a cell, his mind on the man that he loved, he felt antsy. 

The vampire beside him shrugged. Only natural, he chuckled. None of us wanted to be here when we first arrived. You’ll get used to it & realize it’s really not such a bad deal. 

If you say so, Nate sneered.

Something wrong, Mr Keys? Casey asked, stepping forward slightly. The slender man only glared at him without answering.

Nate? Korey jumped in.

Rolling his eyes, Nate finally answered to the one man he trusted in all of Wraith. I’m fine, commander. Just agitated & wondering when I get to leave the prison I’ve been trapped in.

Very soon, Korey nodded in understanding. An area is being prepared for you on my property. It’ll only be a few more days.

Thank you, commander.

[dstarstories]

Are you going to keep talking about me as if I can’t fucking hear you? Or are you going to feed me? Nate yelled, his insatiable hunger getting the best of him. Snack!

Calm your shit, newbie, Harley snorted. His sweet, boylike face & slight frame often led to people underestimating him, much as they did in his life, but there was a reason he was made an officer immediately upon his arrival. As did his cohorts, he had a dark side & was much tougher than he appeared. Keep shouting & we’ll make a snack out of you. Understood?

You aren’t the commander, Nate sneered, looking quite pleased with himself.

Harley looked toward their faithful leader. Commander?

Korey glanced again into the cell. Relax, Nate. You will feed soon. 

Harley & I are going to check on Mr. Woodall. Mat, take Nate with you for now. He’ll go out to hunt tonight with your team, Korey ordered easily. His position was one he was very proud of, one he took very seriously & one that was very well deserved. As it’s original member, he’d run the watchdogs from the start & had only improved with experience. 

But sir… Matheu chortled. Durant & I always take our teams out together in the darkest, most desolate side of town. 

And just this once, I think you will be fine taking Nate out with your team. Durant & his men will catch up & cover their usual ground later tonight, Korey replied, the annoyance he felt written all over his scarred face. He didn’t have time for this nonsense. There was a job to do & then he needed to return home to Elliot. In his mind, that was where he belonged & after over three decades, these two should be able to handle things just fine without him. Why the king had sent him here, stating things were more complicated than they appeared, was proving to be fruitless. Now… do as I say, Lancaster.

Yes, sir, Matheu mumbled before holding his hand out, awaiting the cell’s aging key.