Bros Before Hoes

[Vaughn Adeney]

There was not much that would put Vaughn in a bad mood. He was a man who found amusement in just about anything and everything. He laughed in the face of danger [literally]. He chuckled at other people's pain. He tormented ones fears. Yes; it was no secret that Vaughn was a less than kind man. But this.... this would be what set him in a mood where he could not even find the slightest bit of amusement. He was already a difficult man to locate but in the past few months, he had been far more elusive. He never tended to want, or need to, avoid anyone. For if he came across a ghost from his past, or someone he had wronged, he welcomed the challenge and tension. Entertained by the awkwardness and or anger the other person felt towards him. But Vaughn had found the person that he sought to avoid. One that he never wanted to see so long as he lived. And yet; he found him.

He had been at an inn, doing what he always did. Raising a little hell. Causing a little chaos. Wreaking a little havoc. When suddenly, a dozen armed men came to him. Vaughn had immediately recognized where they were from, and automatically knew of their purpose. The damn druid had found him. Ever since that dreadful day where Vaughn had saved Alistair's life... Vaughn wanted nothing more to do with him. He had taken an arrow for the man, and it had been no accident. It had been a reflexive action, yet a selfless one. Selfless. Since when did Vaughn ever think of anyone else besides himself?! Had Alistair known a different sort of magic, he would have blamed the druid for enchanting him and making him do it. Vaughn could create any excuse to make his actions seem less considerate, but both he and Alistair had been present. Unfortunately.

The small army spoke that by order of Alistair, they were to escort Vaughn to Gwent. Vaughn did not need to know the details why. It was bad enough he was going there. It was not to be imprisoned or executed but rather, because Alistair undoubtedly wanted to see him. It was ironic as well, the fact that Vaughn did not want to go. Several months ago, he had demanded payment for his aid to Alistair. He had not asked for riches nor gold, but access to the Gwent castle. And now, Vaughn wanted to be no where near it. Hell, he did not even want to be in the same kingdom. For seeing Alistair would remind the nomadic knight of what he had done. Of who he was in danger of becoming. And Vaughn did not wish to become the man that his actions that day may have suggested.

But alas, what choice did he have. This group of men would take him by force if necessary. And Vaughn knew he was outnumbered. Heavily outnumbered. So silently objecting to this, he went with them. Putting him in a terrible mood for he was truly dreading having to see Alistair. The journey was short, having passed by far too quickly for Vaughn's liking. He tried to stall it as much as he could. First complaining that he needed to rest every hour. Then saying that he was not well. Then insisting that they stop by every tavern in every town and village they came across. It got to the point where the soldiers forced him to press forward; disallowing him to make any more stops. Damn it. They were getting closer. And closer. Until before he knew it, they had arrived. Vaughn's face was expressionless.

No more was that constant smirk on his lips and gleam of amusement in his eyes. He looked sullen. Displeased. The look of a man who truly did not want to be here. He was not even looking forward to blackmailing Alistair and threatening to reveal the truth. Nor was he looking forward to seeing the princess Isadora and torment her, making inappropriate propositions and comments towards her; only to annoy Alistair. Not this time. Not ever again. For Alistair represented far too much in Vaughn's life. Vaughn had taken an arrow for the man, and he did not wish to be reminded nor rewarded for it. He could say it was an accident, having 'accidentally saved' his life, but neither knew that was true. There was no way out of it. He was trapped. And now, as they entered through the city gates, Vaughn felt himself wanting to just get the hell out of here.

[[ Tag Alistair ]]

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[Alistair]

A messenger had come up to Alistair and told him that the men he'd send to find his friend was returning. He was married to his Princess now, making him a prince (a title he wasn't sure he actually liked), and they had a child on the way. So say that his life was vastly different from when he first meet Vaughn was an understatement. He had met the man when he'd been ambushed by nomads. He's had known the other men would turn on Vaughn (after knowing Vaughn better he could understand why); and had warned the man. It had caused Vaughn not to kill him but to let them go their own ways.

They had not gone their own ways; but begin a friendship that was deep and hard for others to understand. There had been times when Alistair had doubted in that friendship with Vaughn; but his actions had spoke louder then his words. Vaughn had nearly died for him, proving that there was something besides cold stone in his chest.

Walking out into the courtyard, Alistair was there to greet his friend. He wore casual clothing, rather the armor but had a cape of Gwent's blue. His hair still hung low and and a beard covered his lower jaw. "Vaughn." He greeted his friend, noticing he did not look pleased.

[Vaughn Adeney]

Bastard. Vaughn glared at him. He should have been looking forward to this more. The reason Vaughn had demanded access to the castle of Caerleon, was because he knew Alistair would one day be king. So that he would be able to enter and exit the castle as he pleased. Being in closer quarters to the prince, until he became king. Having better access to his riches. But now... he just looked at the druid with complete displeasure. Nothing had happened according to plan. This was precisely why Vaughn planned for nothing. Yet, look where it got him. In his unplanned nature, he had stepped in the line of fire, taking the injury meant to kill Alistair. And he was being bloody rewarded for it! Bastard indeed. He just stood there, not moving close to Alistair. Not even smiling. Usually when he saw him he would give him a smug grin; a smirk; words meant to provoke him.

But not this time. This time he was silent. The mere sight of him unnerved Vaughn. That day had changed them both. Vaughn for the better and he did not like that. He felt like he should be overcompensating for his good deed for that day, yet he did not know what to do. He could not make threats on Alistair's life, for it would be too contradictory. He was at a loss. He did not want to be here, staring at the druid, knowing that thanks to him, he was alive. For Vaughn found no relief in this thought; he found bitterness. "Why have you brought me here?" He asked in a cold tone of voice. Alistair had brought him to a place that he had been trying to get him way from... and now Vaughn was trying to get away from a place that he had always wanted to come to. Funny how things worked out. Though this time, Vaughn was not laughing.

[Alistair]

Alistair noticed that Vaughn for once was silent mostly; and didn't smile and try to annoy him. More proof that Vaughn was growing a heart. "Walk with me, Brother, and I will tell you." He reached out to gesture for Vaughn to join him. A casual move that anyone would have done however with the knights and the castle as backdrop it might appear he was settling into his role well.

In fact he wasn't. He often grew uneasy with how people watched him and wanted to speak with him. Especially when others wanted to speak with him. He knew saying something wrong or doing something to revel himself could get them all in major trouble and ruin everything. He felt as if he was walking on a frozen river and any moment the ice would break and carry him swiftly under it. That he would not be able to escape nor get to her and his child in time.

When Vaughn started walking with him he looked around to make sure they were alone before speaking in a soft voice. "You look displeased. You wanted access and yet you never come to use it." More proof that Vaughn was not as evil as he claimed.

[Vaughn Adeney]

What the hell he just call him?! Brother?! Son of a bitch. Vaughn wanted to punch his jaw and prevent him from talking, just as he had once done. For it was now Alistair's words that infuriated Vaughn rather than the other way around. Which was what it usually was... or had been. Vaughn knew that he could not do such a thing though. Not in a public setting. Not with so many guards around. He was stuck, having to deal with Alistair's sentimental word. "I am not your brother," he mumbled, not wanting to appease the use of such terms. He did not want Alistair to call him that ever again. Vaughn had once had a brother; the subject of family never being a topic of discussion. Of all the words Vaughn said, he never talked about his past, nor his relatives. He was not about to gain a brother by heart. It was best that Alistair placed such a notion distant from his mind.

He walked alongside him, away from the crowd. Where they would be able to speak more freely. "You should be glad for that," Vaughn said in a short voice. He could not find a single reason to be amused nor entertained by this conversation. And that was making it all the more torturous. "And not had sent a small army to force me to come." Which Vaughn still did not understand the reason for doing so. "I expect you have a reason. Tell me." It was not a request, it was a demand. He realized how much he was sounding like Alistair; that laconic way of speaking when usually it was Vaughn who was mouthing off. What the hell had this bastard done to him?!

[Alistair]

A small army? Alistair looked back at the men he had sent and did not think it many when it was Vaughn he was sending them for. "You seem displeased to be where you wanted to be." He told his friend as they walked; surprised he was in a displeased mood. Vaughn laughed at the devil himself, and didn't give a damn who he insulted or hurt. Why displeased now? He also did not miss that Vaughn was keeping his voice down and keeping his secret. All the more reason to believe that his heart was good; he simply did not want others to know it.

Why else act so bold and hateful over the years? What was Vaughn hiding from? Alistair didn't care; and would not bother to ask, he simply knew there must be something. He was after all an exbert of trying to get away from your past. "You are sullen, brother--" He didn't care what Vaughn said, the man took an arrow for him; he was a brother. Besides, they had told Garrett that they were like brothers. "I assumed you would come sooner; you seemed eager last we spoke." Eager to get his hands on anything he could. "Why the change of heart?"

[Vaughn Adeney]

Vaughn prided himself in a particular skill he had. And that was, the ability to annoy the hell out of someone. In order to do this, one had to know the exact words to say that would hit a nerve in the other person. For example: with Alistair, he had spoken of his disregard for his druid people; and that had landed Vaughn with a broken rib and a nearly broken nose. Now, it seemed Alistair was the one who knew precisely what to say to anger Vaughn. Only it was worse; because he was being serious. Because he was being genuine in the words he was speaking to him. And because Vaughn hated every single one. Speaking of which, the damn druid was calling him brother again! Vaughn had no brother nor was he a brother to anyone! Especially not Alistair.

Vaughn did not even have a sarcastic retort to offer. He was not in the mood for making jokes; he just wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. Alistair's words held truth... no; they held truth. Vaughn envisioned his next arrival at Gwent being something dreaded by Alistair. After all, is that not why he had tried to kill him at the end of their plan? "I should be able to come on my own accord. Not be dragged here by your posse of knights. So stop avoiding my question, and tell me why you have brought me here." He was not going to beat around the bush; another rare occurrence for Vaughn. He was not going to talk about how he felt, or provide false happiness for being here. He was just irritated beyond belief. "I have absolutely no desire to be here," he added, a subtle tone of bitterness in his voice.

[Alistair]

Why had he brought Vaughn here? Alistair wasn't even quite sure himself. He only knew that with each day that the time grew near to when he would be a father; he wanted the few people that he claimed as family to be there. It was important to him. There were not many that he claimed as close; but there were a few that he knew he needed in his life. There were Isadora; who was the highest place in his life. She was his wife now by her laws and he no longer had to appear reserved around her; or withheld.

Alistair worried for her safety, and knew that child birth was not easy. He also knew that men were often not allowed in the room in her world. Should she succeed in bashing him from the room then he wanted Vaughn here. Someone he could wait with. He planned to be there in the room as much as he could but he knew little to nothing of what to expect. "Because I wanted it so." He told Vaughn, in a casual tone rather then in a arrogant one. He did not think it was arrogant but simply one where a he wanted a friend.

[Vaughn Adeney]

Because he wanted it so? .... He wanted it so?! No one should want Vaughn around! He purposely made himself less than amicable. No one should want a man like him around. Especially not Alistair; especially not when his wife was in the same building as him. This just was not working out. Again, Vaughn said nothing along sarcastic lines. His annoyance dominated every other emotion and expressed quality that he more normally expressed. "Well you should not always expect to get what you want," he told him bluntly. He was no touched by Alistair's words. They sounded more like a threat to Vaughn. He was offended by them! When Alistair tried to be mean and threatening, Vaughn laughed at him. Yet now when he tried to be mellow and kind, Vaughn was angry.

"I do not want to say here." How about that?! "Has your title of prince made you so arrogant that you expect your every wish to be met." For once, Vaughn was not saying these things to provoke Alistair. He was saying them because he genuinely wanted to get out of here. "I am leaving. And do not expect me to return." With those words, Vaughn turned in the opposite direction and began to take a few steps away. Though something told him, it would not be so easy to just leave.

[Alistair]

Alistair ignored Vaughn's comments that he was sure was meant to cause him to put his guard up. He didn't bother even reacting to it, for he knew better. Vaughn was trying to provoke a reaction from him that would allow him to feed off of. Alistair knew how Vaughn worked and knew that ignoring him was for the best. There were times when he could not ignore him; but this was not that day.

"I will be a father in a matter of days or weeks." He told Vaughn's retreating back, "I wanted you here as my friend." He didn't know if it would stop Vaughn, or if the man would even care. Yet he had a theory. One newly formed with in the last encounter with Vaughn. Vaughn cared. Perhaps not about everyone; but like Alistair, they really only had each other for years. You could not undo years of your life for convenience. "As a brother." Would he stop? If only to say something? "And to ask something of you."

[Vaughn Adeney]

Vaughn did indeed stop walking. When he heard that Alistair was going to be a father. It did not come as a big shock. Vaughn had often made jokes about the two of them and their nighttime activities. Hell, he had even teased Isadora the last time he saw her, saying that he was the father of her unborn child. Granted, she was not pregnant at the time. Vaughn was just suggesting otherwise. But now; it seemed that she was pregnant. And at a time when Alistair was her husband. Which came first, Vaughn did not care. He did not care about anything that Alistair was telling him. Not that he was going to be a father; not that he wanted Vaughn to be here to share the moment. It was pathetic! He turned his head to look at Alistair. His expression completely void of any reaction to this news.

Friend. Brother. The words may as well have rung out as insults and jibes. For Vaughn took no comfort nor honor in these titles. What struck his nerve even more was that Alistair wanted Vaughn here, around his child. He knew the druid well enough to know how protective the man was over those he cared about. The princess being a prime example. And now his unborn child. Vaughn did not re-approach Alistair. He just stood there, looking at him inexpressively. "I am not your friend. I am not your brother." Alistair needed to be clear about this. "I came here as neither. And I will leave here as neither." He did not even bother congratulating Alistair on his baby. Even if it was sarcastic, he feared the meaning that the druid would take to his words.

"Go do something better with your time. Like coddle your woman. For you are wasting your time right now." Truth be told, Vaughn was a bit curious to here what Alistair was going to ask of him. What now?! What the hell did he want from him! He had ordered him to come, he came [against his will]. What more could Alistair possibly request, or command, of Vaughn. Whatever it was, he knew it would not be good. So he braced himself. Even though Vaughn did not ask what it was, he was fairly certain Alistair was going to tell him.

[Alistair]

Alistair did not plan to spend the next few weeks fighting with Vaughn. If the man truly wanted to leave he would walk out the castle gates right now; and Alistair would give no signal to have him stopped. Yet he knew that Vaughn would need a reason to stay for his pride. Either way; there was one thing he wanted crystal clear.

Vaughn claimed he was not friend nor brother. Alistair's voice was low and direct; and while lacking any true anger toward the man it held a set of certainty. "There is a scar on your shoulder that suggests you feel other wise, Vaughn. You can piss and bitch until no one listen to you anymore but clearly your actions betray your tongue." He'd saved him; and gone out of his way to not only do it; but to save him. "I'm not asking for a hug; just some of your time." It was close to a phrase he thought Vaughn had said once, and he hoped that saying such did not make him look like the fool trying to copy his friend but that it would have the effect.

[Vaughn Adeney]

Vaughn instinctively turned to face Alistair when he began to remind him of the scar on his shoulder. He had brought up that day. What Vaughn did. While it was not something they spoke of, because Vaughn had made it a point to ignore Alistair after that... it was that elephant in the room. That one thing that would inevitably bond them. Which was the very bond that Vaughn was trying to escape. So hearing Alistair speak of it, struck a nerve in him. He felt the building anger begin to surface. Vaughn was usually a fairly composed individual. He laughed because it was better than acting rash and in a spur of anger. It was why he found amusement in just about everything. But the fact that he could not even bring himself to smile right now, was dangerous. For he felt the rage; the fury; the bitterness.... of what Alistair had made him become. Though it felt like long drawn out moments, it was only a second or two after Alistair finished speaking that Vaughn reacted.

He lunged towards Alistair, his fist clenching midway and striking him across the jaw. It was not done with enough force to break it, and unsure if it would even draw blood, or knock him off his feet, but never the less, he punched him. It was something that Vaughn never thought he would do. For between him and Alistair, Vaughn was seldom the one to initiate a physical altercation. It was usually Vaughn who was running his mouth and Alistair who reacted violently. But now, how the tables have tuned. Alistair was stable on his feet and fought enough times to handle a fight, so immediately after he struck him, he pushed him back. Knowing again, it may not cause him to fall but with the hopes that he would stagger. Or at the very least, just draw more distance between them. In this moment, he did not care who was watching.

He did not care if one of the knights of Gwent would see an attack on the prince and punish the attacker accordingly. Right now, all he could focus in on was the rage he felt consuming him. An unfamiliar submission. The anger was clear on his face, as he intensely glared at the druid gone prince. "You bastard! Don't dare speak of such things," he spat out. It was not spoken in a loud volume of voice; but it was the more the tone. A tone he had never quite spoken in before as it was filled with so much anger. And as his actions had just proven, he was having difficulty in keeping it composed. He was fuming, so full of rage... because he knew Alistair was right. "Next time you talk of it I will cut the tongue out of your mouth before you can greet your child into this world." Again, there was a dead seriousness to his voice. He knew that he could not make any threats against Alistair's life for they would not be taken seriously. But his threat now, was not one on his life. Just something that he could live without.

[Alistair]

Alistair had not expected the hit; and his large body twisted from the force of it. While it would leave a bruise he could tell right away that no damage had been done. It was another sign. He had expected Vaughn to draw out his swords but instead the man had hit him and not even as hard as he knew Vaughn could hit.

He noticed the same knights who had delivered Vaughn were running up them and it took Alistair a bit to think of why. Right! Because they had to protect him now. How did Garrett control the masses? Alistair lifted his hand up to tell them to stop as he'd seen Garrett to before in training and the men slowed to a stop but did not back off.

Keeping his voice low he looked over at Vaughn, "You could have walked out of the building. You came looking for me knowing I'd walked into a trap. You then moved to put your self between an arrow and my self. You were injured and had you been taller you'd be dead." because Alistair's heart (where the arrow had been aimed) was were Vaughn's shoulder was.) "You wanted access. Power. Gold. You wanted this knowing one day she would make me her husband and I'd be able to give ti to you. Yet now; when you could have everything you want you wish to walk away?"

It was allot for Alistair to say; and he felt the slightly panicked feeling he always did when he had to speak before his men only this time it was only Vaughn who could hear him. He never knew what words to say and how to turn them to make a point.

[Vaughn Adeney]

Vaughn barley paid attention to the knights who had been approaching. Alistair's gesture had caused them to back off. But Vaughn knew that their eyes were on the both of them. Leaving Vaughn even more frustrated. As if he thought he could not get more angry, Alistair went on to give details about what happened. That day would forever be burned into his mind. Not for good reasons either. He knew he could try to justify his actions by saying that Alistair was of more use to him alive than dead... but it would not explain it. Vaughn's purpose for having access to Gwent had not solely been for the riches and gold; but to annoy Alistair. If Alistair had died, then there would have been not as much need to go to Gwent. Besides, Vaughn had never thought any man or woman was worth dying for. Yet, he stepped in the line of fire. Unsure of where the arrow would hit him. Knowing that it could have cost him his life.

Vaughn was haunted by this memory, rather than finding peace in it. It threatened to destroy him and everything he stood for. Everything he represented. It was a flicker of light in his dark heart. A moral in his lack of conscience. He hated it. He despised it! And he never wanted to hear it spoken of again. Yet Alistair heeded not to his warning and threat. He just kept going, causing Vaughn to clench his fists, yet stay firm in position. He may not get the opportunity to land another punch, for Gwent's knights were watching. Plus, it clearly was not having the effect that Vaughn wanted. He could not pull out his swords either. Not only because the men were watching and they would be less inclined to back away if they saw an armed threat to their sovereign. But because it would be an empty threat, and Alistair knew it. "I want nothing from you!" He stated, aware that he was doing a poor job of keeping his voice calm, as the fury was still there.

"Not your gold, nor your riches, not your loyalty or gratitude." Vaughn could not believe he was actually rejecting the opportunity for the riches a prince could provide; but it was not worth it. It was too easy this way. The price was too high. Vaughn would not have argued if someone accused him of selling his soul to the devil. But in this case, he was being paid for what was perceived as heroic and noble actions. And Vaughn would accept no such payment, no matter how high it was. "What you must do is forget about that day." He knew it was easier said than done, since clearly Alistair was no where near forgetting. "Move on with your life. And let me move on with mine." It was not a request; but a demand. "For whatever you want from me, you will not get." Whatever it was Alistair was going to ask of him; however he thought Vaughn would act towards him when he dragged him here... it would not be with kindness. It would not be the common behavior between two friends.

[Alistair]

Vaughn was really fighting this and Alistair wondered again about his past. Every child had to have had someone in their life to help them get started. He wondered who twisted Vaughn's had to be in order to raise such a man. Yet he had saved him; so he could not be evil like he wanted everyone to think. He was a good man deep down.

"Come inside and have a drink with me." He told (asked) Vaughn. Ignoring everything else the man said; especially out here while so many eyes could see. He wanted to be able to speak with him where others could not hear and know what was said. also the drink would help relax the man.

[Vaughn Adeney]

Vaughn should not be surprised that Alistair ignored him once again. Tell the druid not to speak of that day, and he gave him more details. Threaten to cut out his tongue, and he invited him in for a drink. Vaughn felt he knew Alistair well enough to find him predictable, but this one particular meeting proved otherwise. The man was talking more than he ever did. And using words he never said to Vaughn before. Brother. Friend. Such terms of affection were unappreciated by Vaughn, and he needed to find a way to get Alistair to turn against him. Not to the point of killing him, since it would be easier in Gwent as he was in Alistair's territory and the druid had full jurisdiction. But a way to just properly dissuade him from being so... annoyingly gracious to him.

Now he was inviting him inside? What an ass. "Fine." Bastard. "But not as a favor to you." Son of a bitch! "But because you have given me no other choice." As Alistair had dragged him here, and was now keeping him here. Truth be told, Vaughn wanted some privacy with the man so that he could not have to be so cautious in his actions. So that he could do and say whatever he felt without prying eyes. Vaughn's anger had not subsided. He was just waiting to get Alistair alone... with him.

[Alistair]

Alistair was glad that Vaughn agreed. He did not miss that Vaughn was going deeper into the castle rather then trying to escape. The Vaughn that did not care about anyone or anything would have walked out of the gate and note cared what he had to say. The Vaughn who cared wanted to hear it even if he did not want to show it.

Alistair gave a silent nod and lead the way into the castle. The knights outside seemed confused but being he had introduced Vaughn to a few of the as his brother the last time they'd all met the was sure that they would assume it was a family thing.

Alistair took him to one of the rooms that he knew would be open; mainly because he had it readied for Vaughn as his rooms. "We can talk here un bothered." It was a large room, and on one side held a long table for meals and on the other a large bed and desk. While not as grand as the royal rooms; it was one of the nicer rooms in the castle. Alistair still had trouble seeing beyond the stone walls meant to keep a man in.

[Vaughn Adeney]

Vaughn silently followed Alistair. His annoyance did not diminish in the slightest. If anything, it grew. To the point where he did not say a word during their stroll to wherever the hell Alistair was leading him. He did not plan to stay long. Or at least somehow convince Alistair to let him get out of here. It was easy enough to escape the man, but with is newly attained authoritative position... he had a bunch of lackeys to do his bidding. It was no longer about just escaping Alistair the man and druid; but Alistair the prince and future king. When they reached the room, Vaughn entered, barley taking notice to its surroundings. He was not going to deny the fact that it was indeed a nice chamber. But they were in a castle after all. Ordinarily, Vaughn would have self appointed himself this room. But right now, he just wanted to make his point and get out of here.

"I am going to make this very clear," he began, his voice indicating that he was not willing to mess around. "This will be the last time we speak. Once I leave Gwent, which will be very soon, you will not search for me. You will not send your minions after me." This was farewell; it was goodbye, and not a moment too soon. "So say whatever the hell it is you have to say. For this will be our final conversation." Whatever Alistair wished to tell him before, now was the opportunity to say it. It would not change Vaughn's mind about anything. He still planned to leave here as soon as the opportune moment presented itself.

[Alistair]

Alistair heard Vaughn speak but did not look up at him. He walked over to the table and lifted the wine pitcher to pour two classes of wine; and then returning to hand one to Vaughn. He didn't care if Vaughn drank it, but he was trying to remind Vaughn why he had wanted access to the castle in the first place. For the finer things in life.

Besides, he had two offers for the man. One he knew Vaughn would not take and he would save it for the very last. He knew Vaughn would hate him for the offer but he hoped that one day when Vaughn needed help he would recall the offer and know it was waiting. The other one he was hoping Vaughn would take. "I want you to be the guardian of my child."

He knew it was like asking the wolf to guard the baby chicks but he also knew that if things buckled under them; if he or Isadora could not get out or get too his child--heir or daughter--then he wanted someone with the power to get to them; and get them out. Vaughn would be like his uncle. Cold, distant, and at the best of times hateful. Yet he had known his uncle would have taken the devil down to keep his alive if only for his father's name. He wanted the knowledge that someone was ruthless as Vaughn could be would be fighting in his child's favor.