by Jo Penn
A second later the driver side door was yanked off and he turned fast, pointing the gun at the creature who had the strength to tear off a door. He sighed with relief at seeing one of Blazh’s many siblings, Eber Aston, a big, tough powerful gargoyle who reached in and yanked Tyler out.
“Is he hurt?” Misha raced over and grabbed Tyler to him, his brother frantically checking him over for injury.
“I’m fine, really, Misha, just shocked and bruised from hitting the wall.”
“Thank the lords above.” Misha hugged Tyler close and looked around. “Has the shooter been found, Eber?”
“Vicus is hunting the creature.” Eber grunted, frowning at the stone wall as though perplexed, then glancing across the narrow lane to another high stone wall. “Is there a reason you rammed into the Aston estate wall, and not the Durand coven wall?”
“Well, sure, E.” Tyler smirked. “I know Chane’s garden is directly on the other side of the Durand coven wall and there is no way I’m messing up his garden, no matter how many crazy assholes are shooting at me! Sheesh, that vampire gets pissy when his gardens are touched.”
Eber nodded, smirking a little. “And I won’t get pissy, young’un?”
“Well, sure, but you’ll just make me fix the damn wall, and that I can deal with. A pissy Chane, not so much, only his mate and brother are any good at that.”
Misha ruffled Tyler’s hair affectionately. “True, though Ryson has some success. It was amusing the other day when Xavier actually raced away when Chane had a pissy moment. Let’s get you inside. Thank you, Eber, for rushing to my brother’s aid. I will thank Avenger Vicus personally also.”
The big blond gargoyle just grunted and pressed a finger to the wall. It crumbled onto his foot and leg, the gargoyle yelping then snarling at the stones. Tyler whimpered a little over his car. He had saved up his own money that he earned doing part time jobs around the coven years ago and bought the little old wreck. He hadn’t a clue how to fix it up so sat with the coven mechanic watching and learning. They both decided he should go away and not come near the garage ever again. The little Fiat was pretty crumpled now.
“So who was it shooting at me?” Tyler asked when they were safely in the coven grounds, security rushing around.
“There have been Renegades infiltrating the city and surrounding valley, unfortunately. Though we have soldiers patrolling and pack, pride and covens, as well as the fae guild all trying to prevent it, they get through and set up little nests. We must all take precautions, my brother.”
Tyler stopped, suddenly feeling weak and sick to his stomach. Misha rushed back to him. “What is wrong? Where are you injured?”
“No, no, sorry—Misha, Con is out there with just two security following him around! Gods, you were right, it’s dangerous and anyone watching could have seen me with him! Gods, I’m so stupid, I put my mate in danger!”
Misha gripped Tyler’s shoulders firmly, leaning down so their eyes were level. “Brother, I will not let anything happen to your mate, for this would harm you and that I will not allow. I have dozens of security protecting Constantin, he is safe and delivering parcels, cutting off cars and probably causing traffic chaos.” Misha released Tyler, a thoughtful look coming over his too gorgeous face. “Hmm, I may have to forbid him from riding a motorcycle. He is a menace, as bad as Archie whom I have forbidden.”
“Oh? But he was riding this morning—oops, I’m mistaken, ignore me.”
Misha hissed something rude and waved a security guard over. “Confiscate Archer Taunton’s moped.”
“Yes, Your Highness, with pleasure. May I also send it to Vinncent Aston to have it pulled apart?”
Misha looked delighted with the suggestion. Tyler quickly stepped in saying no, reminding Misha that at times, very occasionally, Archie, whom they loved as a brother, could get just as pissy as his own brother Chane. Misha grimaced and nodded, striding away.
After having a long shower then seeking out Archie, who had slept through the entire incident, they went across the lane to the Aston Estate. It felt a bit ridiculous to be surrounded by twenty guards, but Misha wasn’t taking any chances and as Tyler liked his life, he wasn’t going to protest. The Aston Estate was pretty much like the Durand coven, huge, old and modernized, just not quite as big. Here the Astons resided, a large family with very well-trained security. They passed a little wolf shifter in the hall who gave them a happy, calm smile as he rushed away and out the front door.
A head popped around a corner. “Oh, hi. I thought you were Ran. Did you see Ran? I’m cutting his hair, which is difficult to do if he’s not here.”
Archie and Tyler looked at each other and vigorously shook their heads. Nope, definitely not going to tattle on the gorgeous little wolf shifter pup. Jayce Aston, a very rare male siren, huffed and waved them into the room then demanded to know everything that happened outside, complaining he was never allowed out and missed all the excitement. Tyler assured the siren that excitement like that was overrated and he’d rather stay nice and safe inside away from flying bullets and doors being torn off his poor mangled car.
Blazh joined them, as did one of Ran’s mates, Deakin Myers, a human with a little sprite biology who was completely OCD but denied it. Tyler told them all about his mate and that he planned to bring Constantin to the Durand coven within the next few days and wanted them all to go easy on him, that everyone had a few issues and it would be a big adjustment. Deakin rolled his eyes.
“We know. Blazh told us and congratulations. Hey, babe.”
The Milson Valley Avenger strode into the room, for once not wearing that suede coat and hood. The guy was gorgeous and way off limits, also the most dangerous creature alive. Tyler smiled.
“Thanks for the rescue, Avenger Vicus.”
Vicus inclined his head, one hand sweeping over Deakin’s hair affectionately. “Do not go out without security in future, Tyler. There are too many Renegades sneaking into the valley.”
Renegades were bands of creatures and humans who wanted nothing more than to take over governments, covens, packs, and prides. And they didn’t care how they achieved their ambitions.
Good point. “So you got the shooter?”
“No. The creature left their weapon and a bomb. It took a few moments to disarm and by then, the creature was gone.”
“Well, damn.” That wasn’t good. Tyler didn’t like the idea of a shooter out there taking pot shots at anyone who ventured down the private lane.
“Where is our wolf, Deakin?” Vicus asked his mate.
“He said he was going to find you.”
Vicus’s gold eyes narrowed and in a blink of an eye, the Avenger was gone. Deakin grumbled and stomped off, muttering something about nuisances and punishment zucchini soup.
“Ooh, I like the punishment soup.” Blazh grinned happily. “Want to stay for soup? We keep a ready supply ’cause Mac and Ran are always up to something they shouldn’t be.”
“That sounds like an entertaining story. Do tell,” Archie invited.
They stayed for another half an hour, ate punishment soup, everyone watching Ran choke and gag his way through. It was entertaining. Avenger Vicus walked them back across the lane, which caused creatures to run fleeing in fear when seeing the Avenger so they were safe. Tyler rushed away as soon as they entered the coven, noticing Ryson but not stopping as he wanted an update from security on Constantin.
Thankfully all was well with his mate. Now Tyler just had to figure out how to bring Constantin home without causing his mate to be angry. Spending a lot of time that evening on just how to do that, Tyler called Constantin and got voice mail and by midnight had to face facts. It was time to collect his mate, regardless of whether Constantin was ready or not. Tyler just hoped he didn’t have to hogtie the human. That might not be such a good start to their mateship.
* * * *
Someone was following him, Con was sure of it. He saw a car parked down the street from his house and he was positive he’d seen the
woman who was currently walking a rather large, ugly dog a few times over the last couple of days. She didn’t live in any of the houses around here or apartments, he always noticed everyone around here.
With one last look around he went inside and passed the lounge room. Frowning, he paused and walked back and stood in the doorway.
Tyler was reclining on the sofa, laughing at whatever Hadley was animatedly telling him. Con sighed and leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. He chose to ignore the creature in the hall, the one across the hall in the study and one in the lounge room. He guessed they were security for the prince sitting on Con’s ratty old sofa.
Tyler turned his head and smiled. “Hey, sweets, come join us.”
Con shook his head. He didn’t really know what to do with Tyler, or how to handle the ever cheerful, sophisticated young vampire. Though Tyler said they were mates, Con wasn’t so sure and didn’t feel this mate pull Hadley had told him all about last night. Yeah, he was attracted to Tyler, but it wasn’t like he wanted to be with him all the time and felt an irresistible draw. It was just a bit harder to dismiss the man and Con found himself thinking of Tyler, fantasizing about him and there were a few wet dreams—still, it couldn’t be the mate draw, could it?
A mate. Con sighed and dropped his gaze to the floor. Hadley had also mentioned the laws on mates. For a bit of a ditz, Hadley knew a lot, and pushed the point home to Con. There was pretty much no way out of mating with Tyler, under the laws both parties had to say no and then it went to mediation.
He hadn’t even heard Tyler move but suddenly the vampire was in front of him and wrapped his arms around Con. He stiffened. He wasn’t used to touching and hugging. He rarely let others, dislodging them, yet for some reason he didn’t push Tyler away.
“Tyler, it is time to go.”
Con pulled back a bit and looked around Tyler’s head, eyes widening a bit as he looked up at a tall man with wide shoulders, dark auburn hair with black streaks through and dark, forest green eyes.
“Ah, just give me a few minutes to talk to Constantin, Baron.”
“Three minutes. Renegades have been sighted.” The big, serious dude strode past them into the lounge. “I’ve had my team run a search on you, Hadley. You need to come with us, too.”
“Oh man, is it the driving without a license? I only did that once.”
“No, but we can add that to the long list of crimes you’ve been charged with.”
Alarmed, Con tried to move around Tyler to go to his friend’s aid but the vampire was strong and when he pulled away, Tyler just wrapped his arms around Con, lifted him off his feet and walked down the hall and up the stairs to the small room at the end that belonged to Con.
Having known paranormals were strong was one thing, experiencing it another. Not able to get away, feeling trapped and a little afraid, he didn’t really know the vampire and he didn’t know what was going to happen or even what was going on with Hadley. Con began to struggle in earnest, panic setting in. Memories flooded back, the yelling, the hitting…Gods, why didn’t someone help him? Why did they all blame him? He was a kid and they all just turned away.
“Shhh, I’m sorry, sweets, I’m sorry I scared you. Just breathe, I won’t do anything you don’t want, okay. Look at me, Constantin.”
On his feet again and Tyler’s arms gone from around him, Con could breathe without the panic. He kept his head down, rubbing his arms and turning away.
“Go.”
“You know I can’t, not without you. What happened? Why were you scared?” Tyler reached out but Con avoided the man’s hand. “The touching? You don’t want me to touch you? Ah, that’s going to be impossible, we’re mates. Con—”
“No.” Con held up a hand. After a few deep breaths, he raised his head and swept the curls back. Gods, the vampire was beautiful. “I don’t like to feel restrained.”
Tyler blinked. “Oh! Oh, right, sorry. I wouldn’t hurt you, though, you know? We’re mates.”
“Doesn’t matter, don’t restrain me.”
“Ok-ay…did someone restrain and hurt you, mate? Is that why…?”
There weren’t really any choices here. Mates were together, that was it, which meant Con was going to have to get his shit together. Moving to the bed, he sat on the edge.
“You’re really my mate?”
“I am.” Tyler knelt in front of Con and tentatively touched his knees. “You can tell me anything, sweets. I just want to be with you. There’s a lot of life to live, I want us to do that together. I realize this is all a shock and you don’t have the mate reaction, but can’t you feel what’s between us? The attraction that you like it when I’m near and happy to be together? If you don’t like being restrained we won’t do that, it’s not my thing anyway—”
“Tyler, I grew up in a violent, abusive household. Feeling trapped and suffocated are one of the side effects. I can’t have anything over my face, can’t be held and not let go when I need to be.”
Tyler’s pale green eyes were sad. The vampire nodded and smiled softly. “Then I won’t do that and won’t let anyone else do it to you either. I’m sorry for what you suffered, sweets. If you need time to get used to me, that’s fine and I’ll do whatever you need, I won’t push—okay, I won’t push much. I know about some of your past.” Tyler worried his bottom lip, green eyes flicking away. “One of my brothers is a research guru, he said there was violence but he also said you did what no one else in your family did. You got out, left it behind and made your own way. I don’t know if I could’ve done that, I’ve never lived away from home…guess it’s different, though, and you’ll like my family, once you get used to them.”
There was no deception, no lies. Tyler was being open and honest, but as Con had learned, people could believe what they were saying and yet it still could be a lie. Though he didn’t feel that was the case with Tyler and from what Hadley had said, mates cared too much about each other to pull deceitful shit unless something bad was going on.
“Tyler! Move your ass!”
Tyler hissed, rolling his eyes. “That’s Lord Baron Sanchez, he’s an Enforcer for the Alliance and big shot tiger shifter. All macho alpha. Hot but not my type.” Tyler smiled and stroked Con’s face. “You are.”
“Good to know, cub. Now move it.” Lord Baron Sanchez stood in the doorway.
Winking at Con, Tyler stood. He grinned up at the big shifter. “I think we need to work on your social skills, Enforcer. It’s important to be able to communicate without threats and aggression, though I know that’s difficult for you feline shifters, so little patience.” Tyler tutted. “We could do a few intensive sessions if you like.”
The feline shifter growled, but it was without heat. “Yeah, you’re going to make a good whatever it is you’re doing with Xavier. Now move it. Misha wants you home safely and I don’t have the patience to deal with that vamp’s orders.”
Con protested. Lord Baron Sanchez whipped out a document and passed it to Tyler, who grimaced and gave it to Con.
“Don’t make this unnecessarily hard, cub,” Baron said quietly to Con. “You have two minutes, Tyler.”
“Okay, thanks, Baron.”
Opening the document, a very official legal looking one, Constantin did a quick read over, then another and checked the signature on the bottom.
“Who’s Lord Sebastian Sanchez?”
“Baron’s littermate. Sebastian heads up the mateship board who rule on issues between mates.” Tyler looked around the room, running a hand through his hair distractedly. “I wanted to avoid anything official, Constantin. I know you needed some time to understand we’re mates, but you’ve still been avoiding me and now pretty much everyone knows we’re mates, which places you at risk. You’d be used as a tool against me. I don’t want you hurt and I want my mate, you, home with me.”
“So this is a document saying I have to go with you now? And then what? What does this mean exactly?”
With his brain racing overtime with all the p
ossibilities, what it actually meant, Con was sure he went a little lightheaded and was glad he was sitting down. Could they really do this? Hadley had said something about mates being together and laws to ensure that happened, but Con never dreamed this would actually happen to him.
“It just means that yes, you come home with me now. It doesn’t mean you stop going to university, give up friends and things you like doing. There are mate rules, sweets,” Tyler said gently, moving to sit beside Con on the bed. “These documents are designed to protect both parties involved in the mateship. They make sure you still have all your rights, as do I, but that we’re together and work toward bonding. It’s harmful for a paranormal to be without their mate.”
“So I don’t get a choice where I live?” Con liked clarification, and by having Tyler spell it out, Con’s gift would alert him if the vampire was telling the truth or not.
Funny thing, regardless of his gift, Con felt deep inside Tyler was truthful. It was rare for him to ever feel anyone was just truthful, and he didn’t mean the accidental white lie or forgetting something important, moments all beings probably had, but more the simple truth of what people felt and said. Was that the connection Hadley mentioned was between mates? The mate pull working?
“Though that’s true, it’s just because I’m from a large coven and we live on the same property. It’s for safety and paranormals like to live in groups mostly. As the paranormal and with the protection I have, I can keep you safe. That’s what this is based upon. No one can force us to mate. The mating board ensures we give it a go, as does the mate pull.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Do you want to refuse me, Constantin? Do you want to deny we’re mates and take away our chance of real happiness?”