The meaning of a vampire's eyes taking over the color red was that they have lost control of rationality. It was their supernatural side that overpowered the human brain. Chris was aware of these things. He knew how lethal a red-eyed vampire could be. To save himself from the ire of one, he had to think something and fast. He needed Dimitri to snap out of the dark thoughts he let himself get consumed in.

Ok Chris, calm down. Take a deep breath. You got this, he gave himself a pep talk.

First and foremost, it was important for Dimitri to look at him - to really look at him - and that meant making eye contact. He was unsure, but it might help Dimitri realize that Chris was not the face he was digging to slaughter.

Chris called Dimitri's name a few times to gain his attention. His effort seemed to be futile for a while before eventually paying off. When Dimitri's gaze met his, he dared not to look away from the coldness that lay inside the beautiful orbs. Breathing in a lungful of air, Chris reasoned - "Look Dimitri, you have to loosen up. If you don't regulate yourself, then you'll be attacking people here. And that is unacceptable. You do sense it within that it'll create chaos and increase animosity between vampires and other supernatural species." The vampire was still in a daze. He showed no indication that he heard Chris. He did not even blink. The vampire looked unmoving. Ironically, dead. Chris continued - "Ok, I'll make you a deal. You hate it when I tease you, right? I won't bother you the whole night today, just let me touch you right now." As soon as the last clause tumbled out his mouth, Dimitri snarled. Chris raised his hands in surrender and exclaimed loudly - "Jeez Dimitri, I did not mean it like that! Calm the fuck down! I won't try anything. I am an Alpha, don't doubt it when I give you my word."

For good measure and extra precaution, Chris began emitting pheromones. Every Alpha was blessed by the Moon Goddess with the power to calm down their pack members once they took on the title.  An Alpha's pheromones were soothing, a way to create a sense of euphoria for those who were in the vicinity. They fill you with a sense of peace. They worked wonders by helping you to unwind, just like a body massage. The only loophole was that Chris had never used it on other supernatural beings, hence he had no idea whether it would work on Dima or not. I'll try nonetheless, he thought and hoped for the best.

Chris progressed towards Dimitri unhurriedly. As soon as he was in touching proximity, he clasped Dimitri's shoulders and pulled him in for a hug. The hug was gentle; he didn't want Dimitri to feel trapped and then attack him out of sheer panic.

Digging his nose in the crook of Dima's neck, he trailed it up and down the cervix at the neck.

Chris' guess was - his pheromones worked their magic. He reached that conclusion because no vampire would let a werewolf be this close to their weak spot or vice-versa. It was an instinct.

Serenity washed over Dimitri it appeared, rendering him inept to take note of his weak spot being left open and vulnerable. Dimitri looked almost high. He calmed down ultimately. With his face stuffed in the column of Chris' neck, he grumpily asked - "Why are there mutts in my house? That too, so many."

"Ask your dad. I am not sure how much you are allowed to know."

"Allowed? What am I, five? And who are you, my dad?"

Nobody would mistake Dimitri for a five-year-old because the way in which Chris cradled him in his arms, looked more like a lover's embrace and not the caring parent bear hug.

"I promised to not tease you, otherwise I would have told you something along the lines about me being your daddy and spanking the spunk out of you," Chris mumbled petulantly almost like a kid who didn't get his favorite toy by his favorite uncle on his seventh birthday.

Dima whacked Chris' chest playfully and hesitantly whispered - "You can let go now."

Chris let go. After sitting idle for some time in the presence of each other and Dimitri feeling awkward enough for both of them, they agreed on uniting with others in the ballroom.

They split up within a juncture of stepping inside the hall swarming with people.

Dimitri took off to a dark corner which he supposed would be his hideout for the rest of the event or meeting or whatever this was.

During the night, every now and then his eyes would dart to Chris who was mingling and flirting with people, giving every species the same attention without any discrimination. As he saw more and more of Chris, he realized -

Something had changed. Something changed tonight.