A/N-Hey reading peeps! I know, I know…this story is taking forever and many of you were not happy with the introduction of Percy Slade in the last chapter. Well, he was always going to make an appearance and I do know where he fits into this story…that being said I am still struggling with this one. The chapter below has been on my computer for a while. I wanted it to be longer but when I sit to write I get nothing. It is also the one story that I have received many PM's asking me if I have abandoned it. I will never abandon it. I am going to try something I have never done before which is to ask you readers, who may be interested, to PM me with suggestions as to where you would like to see this story go. This story is my personal favorite so I don't know why I am blocked but it happens. I would love your input and if I use your idea I will give you credit for it. Thanks again to all who read and comment….I appreciate all of it!

Into The Fold Chapter 39

With every beat of Tony's heart, blood pumped into Ezra's mouth and ran like a river over his tongue. It cascaded down his throat, filling the parched hollowed shell of his body.

He shuddered as the heat of it hit him in waves and exploded outward filling his deprived body with renewed life. He felt his veins ignite like flame as the blood spread inside him like a wildfire.

He had almost forgotten how delicious it was.

He sank his fangs deeper into the pliable flesh and drank greedily.

Any piety or acts of contrition he had dedicated himself too over the last one hundred years faded from his memory.

Any concern for Tony's well-being was also lost in the euphoria and bloodlust.

His only thoughts were that he had denied his nature for far too long and that he would be seeing his Katherine again.

His desire for her drove him on.

As he grew stronger he felt his source of blood growing weaker.

He couldn't bring himself to care.

Suddenly the words 'Stop Ezra! You are hurting him…..don't hurt him! You do not have first claim!' reverberated inside his skull.

It felt like a slap to the face.

'Jethro?'

Ezra pulled his fangs out of Tony's wrist, a string of blood and saliva trailing behind.

Tony lay pale and still.

Ezra looked quickly to his father.

Malachi Culpepper's eyes were pitch black and wild, his nostrils flaring at the smell of blood. He was so caught up in the excitement of Ezra finally agreeing to feed he forgot his son's desire not to hurt.

When Ezra looked back at Tony he realized what he had done.

"No!" he cried as he placed his hand on Tony's chest searching for signs of life.

"I have killed him, Father! Anthony is dead…I did not want to hurt him…he belongs to Jethro….Jethro has first claim!" He said agony and despair evident in his voice.

His outcry brought Malachi back to himself.

"Ezra! What have you done?!" Malachi yelled reaching out to check Tony for a pulse.

Ezra cowered in shame missing the evil smirk on his "loving" father's lips.

Malachi delighted in his son's submission.

"He is not dead Ezra…but he will die if he doesn't get a transfusion."

Malachi pulled out his cell phone and dialed Talbot Graves.

As the phone rang Ezra bit into his own wrist and moved it towards Tony's mouth.

"NO Ezra! You cannot feed Anthony!" Malachi said pushing Ezra away.

"I cannot let him die Father….let me heal him!"

"You would bind him Ezra…."

"Then you heal him!" Ezra pleaded.

"I cannot son….I have fed from Anthony as well…."

"Better to bind him to us then let him die!"

"Like you said…we do not have fist claim….let me see if we can get him transfused. If that doesn't work we will discuss taking the chance and binding him."

Malachi could see fear in Ezra's eyes but he also saw resignation as Ezra nodded and turned his attention back to Tony. Ezra ran his hand gently through Tony's hair as he mumbled "I'm sorry" over and over again.

Malachi stood up as Talbot Graves answered:

"Yes Father?"

"Digger! I need you and Ike to get the seminary doctor down here in Ezra's chamber. We'll also need blood for Anthony….he needs a transfusion….just like last time!"

"Right away, Father!" Graves replied.

"And hurry Digger….there is not much time."

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Rebecca was startled as Gibbs eyes shot open and he drew in a deep breath.

The panic and pain he felt was gone. It stopped suddenly, leaving Gibbs unsure if Tony was alive or dead. His gut told him Tony was still alive but for how long was the question. Gibbs hoped he got through to Ezra in time. Gibbs did not know what was going on exactly but he had stopped Ezra attacking Tony once before so Ezra must know that Gibbs was still alive.

Gibbs knew Ezra would never hurt someone Gibbs cared for. He trusted and loved his old friend. Even when Ezra cut him out of his life he knew it was because of Ezra's principles. His friend was a man of God and becoming a vampire was like becoming a child of Satan to Ezra. Katherine had assured Gibbs and Tobias that being a vampire did not mean they were possessed by a demonic spirit. It dealt more with science and genetics but the truth of the "gift" was still a mystery to them.

Gibbs had a gut feeling that although it was Ezra that hurt Tony, it had to be Reverend Culpepper who was behind all of this.

He couldn't believe that Malachi would risk going against the vampire who had first claim.

It was blatant disrespect and a killing offense if warranted.

This situation was so rare Gibbs had to think back to when he last dealt with something similar.

'El Paso, Texas…..1880 something…'

Gibbs rose so quickly to his feet he left Rebecca in a kneeling position on the ground.

She looked up at him in shock, her arms still extended like she was holding someone.

He reached out his hand to her and when she accepted, he pulled her into a standing position.

"What the hell…" she began to say but Gibbs cut her off.

"Rebecca….I need to get a team here and we'll need a place to set up."

"I'm sure my Uncle Joe has a room or two available over at the Farnsworth House."

"That would be perfect...thank you."

Gibbs could see the fear in her beautiful blue eyes as she asked quietly "What about Tony? Is Tony alright Agent Gibbs?"

She watched as pain and worry etched itself on his face but it was momentary...determination taking its place.

"The only thing I know for sure is I need to act very quickly, Rebecca. My gut tells me Tony's life depends on it."

(So can you help me out my peeps? I hope so…fresh eyes and ideas ya' know?! Thanks! And if no one wants to participate that is okay too…I will eventually conquer the block and finish this baby!)