*Previously on Cold Blooded – most of the two vampire families, Kingston and Blackmoore, are in 'The Tortuga' bar.*

>Maria was shocked by the sudden change in Lucian. He sank to his knees and began to sob. She was quickly beside him, holding him. Once he was done begging her not to fear him she made gentle soothing sounds, rocking him slightly.
"Shh... shh my love... I do not fear you... do not do this to yourself. I never want you to suffer."
>
>She looked up, bracing herself as his sire approached, but the male simply patted him arm, wished him happiness and left. Could it possibly be that simple? Maria didn't trust it but dismissed it for now. Lucian needed her.
She stood, making him stand with her. She wiped his face lovingly. "No more tears. No more being on your knees my love. I am here."
>
>She looked at Alistair. "I want to take him home. Please?" she pleaded, needing her sire's permission before bringing a non-family male into their home. 

---

Alistair was both mildly bemused by the theatrics of it all and completely confused as to why it was all happening, especially *in public*. A wry smile twitched at the corner of his lips and he sighed, more  dramatically than intended. Perhaps it was infectious? He knew some vampires were more prone to warbling fits of melancholy, bursting into tears, or turning to rage as if a switch had been flipped without a moment's notice,  while others were... more detached. Apathetic. 

“Whatever you want, darling,” he said to Maria, eyes flitting over towards Trixy in a gesture of *what on Earth am I meant to say to this?*. He'd never been good at refusing those of his own blood, be those few he turned, like Maria, or his grandmother. “You're responsible for him, though. If he hurts one of us – and that includes you – well...” Alistair finished off with a shrug. “Don't let him shed on the carpet, either.”

“Béatrix? I think it's time to give Mira a *gentle*, diplomatic reminder that The Tortuga is our territory.” Alistair offered the French woman a grin as he turned his back on Lucian and Maria. “We have stuff to do and as much as I find her and her posse entertaining, I *really* just want to kill something. Rogues, that is.”