Caleb's jeep screeched to a halt outside the S.P.E.A.R offices. Quickly checking his weapons the veteran hunter now glared at the front door.
An hour ago Caleb was enjoying Thanksgiving at his home. Gloria and his mother were cooking dinner, the boys watching TV with their cousins, and Spark and Connor happily chatting with Charlotte. In only another hour, Caleb would sit down to eat. Then he received an unusual phone call.
Caleb was pleasantly surprised to see Duke calling. Ever since the reunion the old friends renewed their friendship. That friendship only strengthened as Sasha and Gloria began to get together for lunch on a regular basis. After years of estrangement the couples were slowly becoming friends once more. As Caleb and Duke talked though, it quickly became apparent that something was wrong.
"You do realize just how stupid this is right?" Duke stated.
Caleb said nothing, glancing at Connor and Duke as he double checked his supplies. Chase and Aaron had entered the vampire realm. It didn't matter how bad the idea was, he needed to go after his baby brother.
"Duke, I get it," Connor replied from the backseat. "But Chase and Aaron are in real danger here. Who knows what Wyatt would do to the two of them."
Duke scowled, the dhamphir turning his head as his violet eyes glowed menacingly. Since the attack, Connor had developed a wary attitude of vampires. While usually reasonable, his distrust of Wyatt was something that could not be contained. As Duke now looked to argue, Caleb glanced at the pair.
"Alright enough," Caleb said firmly. Connor and Duke quieted, exchanging weary looks at one another. "Duke," he said. "I'm not going to argue about Wyatt. That's not what this is about. All I'm interested in is getting Chase and Aaron out of there safely."
"And that's why I agreed to this plan," Duke stated. "But, that's all Caleb. This better be nothing more than a rescue mission. Leave Wyatt and his family alone."
"You'll have to excuse me Duke," said Connor. "But if you were so concerned about Wyatt and his family, why tell us about what's going on?"
"Because it would only be a matter of time before you found out," Duke replied. "And by then, who knows what would have happened. Not for nothing, your family and Wyatt aren't exactly clearly thinking on this subject. That's why I called...to make sure things don't escalate. I'm putting my trust in your brother that he'll do the right thing.'
The car was quiet for a moment, Caleb appearing deep in thought. "Duke," he said calmly. "I appreciate you having faith in me. I promise, I won't kill any of Wyatt's family...no matter what."
"Caleb!" Connor exclaimed.
"Listen Connor I ain't finished," Caleb said sternly. "I'm making a hunters vow. Wyatt's family will live through the night. I can't promise I won't hurt them if they try to stop me, but I can guarantee they'll live."
"Thank you." Duke sighed.
"But," Caleb continued. "If something's happened to Chase or Aaron...then Wyatt is fair game. We both know that Duke. Chase is my baby brother and Aaron is like a son. He does something to them, you know what I have to do."
"He won't," Duke said firmly. "But I understand."
With a nod, the three men exited the jeep making their way towards the front entrance. Considering the holiday, S.P.E.A.R was mostly deserted. Still, some staff were likely working, monitoring any situations that may crop up in the supernatural world. As they reached the door, Caleb tried to open it.
"Locked."
"Allow me," Duke stated. The dhamphir now stepping forward before grasping the handle. With one pull Duke now wrenched the door from its hinges as an alarm began to blare.
"Connor shut down the alarm," Caleb ordered. "Duke, gonna need you to show me where this portal is."
As Caleb and Duke looked to leave the lobby, the veteran hunter took a moment to stare at his brother. Connor was busy hacking into S.P.E.A.R's systems, shutting down the alarm and erasing seconds footage. The man's cane resting next to him as he furiously typed on the keyboard. Caleb couldn't help but smirk, watching his brother put his programming degree to work. If he wasn't so stubborn about following in the families footsteps, Caleb believed his little brother could have become something greater than a hunter.
Connor though was a hunter through and through. Despite his physical limitations, this was his passion. It was why Caleb needed to speak to him before he left on this rescue mission.
"Connor?"
Connor glanced up, noting Caleb's emotionless expression. "If something happens," Caleb began. "If..if this goes south. You know what to do."
"It won't," Connor replied. "You've been in tougher spots, we both have. Still...I got you Caleb. I can handle it."
"I know you can Connor."
The brothers now exchanged a small nod as Caleb now followed Duke.
Five minutes later, Caleb and Duke found themselves in the portal room. Duke now flipped a few switches, the portal coming to life. A pale blue light now swirled, revealing the vampire realm to the veteran hunter.
"I'll make sure the portal stays open." Duke said.
"Thanks Duke," Caleb said softly. "I'll try to be fast and don't worry. I'll keep my word."
"I know you will Caleb," Duke replied. "Good luck."
With a nod, Caleb now stepped through the portal, venturing into the vampire realm for the first time in seventeen years.