by Maggie Walsh
“I have been trying to track him, but it is not easy. Once he makes contact with Eakul, I can follow his magic signature, which I have been doing, and make it harder for him to find Eakul. But the bastard will not show his face. He stays in invisible form. If I can catch him in his corporal form, then I can use my magic and trap him.”
“Maybe we can set up a trap for him to come to us so that you can nab him?” Micah said.
Nobin’s eyes widened. “You would help me to stop the Jinn?”
“Of course we would. You’re trying to keep Thad safe, and he is a part of this family even though he has been away for so long,” Dante said with conviction.
Tears built in Nobin’s eyes as they filled with happiness. “Thank you, vampire king. I know how much you all mean to Eakul and how much he means to you. It killed me to have to take him away from you and his mate, but I had to protect him. I kept hoping that he would be able to come back to you someday, where he truly belongs,” Nobin said softly and looked to him. Nicco could see the worry and hesitancy in his eyes.
They were all looking at him expectantly, and he had no answers for them. Of course, now knowing the truth, that Thad had essentially been tricked into leaving him, he understood Thad had nothing to do with it, and if Nobin hadn’t stepped in, then Thad would have never left him, but the coldness that claimed his heart to protect himself was still there and wouldn’t let go no matter what they all said. He also understood that had they stayed together, then they still would have lost each other, and he would be dead right now and Thad would be living in the genie realm in some kind of numb state, but his heart remained unfeeling toward the situation.
Something was not right about this whole thing, and he didn’t mean what Nobin was telling them. He meant something was wrong with his reaction to it all. Normally he would have been upset, pissed even, to find out that someone was messing with someone he loved, and especially a mate, but he didn’t feel anything about all of this. He just stood there listening to it all and had no feelings toward it one way or the other.
“So Thad will be out for twenty-four hours, then what?” Nicco asked in a monotone voice.
“Then I will tell him everything and help him with his powers. Once he wakes, he will feel them growing within him, and it may scare him, but I will be there to ease him. It may also help to have you there, mate of my brother,” Nobin said hopefully. Nicco only grunted in acknowledgement.
He couldn’t guarantee he would be there when Thad woke up. The world was coming to an end, and they had too much to do right now for him to just sit around waiting for someone to open their eyes. “Tempest and his people should have already arrived. I need to go help get them settled,” Nicco announced, and then turned and left the room without another word.
* * * *
“That was odd, don’t you think?” Nobin asked as he watched Nicco leave.
Dante was thinking the same thing. He knew Nic was having a hard time with Thaddeus being back here, but this was different. After everything they had been told and finding out that Thad had no choice in his leaving, Dante expected Nicco to run up to Thad’s bedside and sit vigil until he came around, and then talk and try to get over the past, but it was as if the more they spoke about Thad, the colder and more distant Nicco became. Dante began to wonder if this was part of the spell Melinda cast on Nicco.
“I agree with, Nobin. That is not like Nicco at all. He’s usually one of the first of us to run to help anyone in trouble,” Micah said. “And this is his mate we’re talking about.”
Vik turned to him, his eyes full of concern. “Is it maybe the spell Melinda put on him that is causing him to be so distant and cold?”
“I’m starting to think yes,” Dante replied.
Nobin stepped forward and asked in surprise, “Someone put a spell on him? When? Why?”
Dante turned his attention to Nobin. “When Thad left eleven years ago, it damn near killed Nicco. He was so heartbroken all he wanted to do was die. We tried everything to save him, but he wouldn’t listen. A friend of his, a witch named Melinda, said she could place a spell on him so that he could go on without Thad and he wouldn’t be in so much pain. It took Nicco a long time to agree to it, but he finally did. Once the spell was cast, the old Nicco was back, and he’s been here ever since, but since Thad came back and he and Nicco saw one another, he has been very cold and unfeeling when it comes to Thad,” Dante explained.
“It’s like he doesn’t care, which is so strange for Nicco,” Jesse added.
“Do you know what spell this witch cast upon him?” Nobin asked.
“No. I have no idea, do you, Vik?” Dante asked.
“I don’t remember it. All I remember is that Melinda said it would ward his heart from pain associated with Thad.”
“It is the spell,” Nobin said with conviction. “The more the vampire sees Eakul, hears him, or about him, the more closed off his heart becomes toward him. It’s like a steel trap around his heart that is growing thicker the more Eakul is around.”
“So what do we do?” Vik asked.
“You need to find the witch that cast it and have her take it off. If not, then Eakul will have to leave here and never return to his mate. The vampire will grow so cold toward Eakul he may harm him, and then he would start becoming the same way toward all of you. Very cold and distant, then deadly,” Nobin replied.
“So you’re telling me that if this spell is not taken off of him, then Nicco could potentially hurt Thad, like really hurt him, physically?” Dante asked in surprise.
“Yes.”
“But we don’t harm mates. We protect them. And there is no way any of us would ever lay a finger on our mates to harm them,” Vik said with conviction.
“I know you wouldn’t. All creatures that are blessed with a true mate all have the same protectiveness in them over their mates, and it would be a mortal sin to physically hurt your own mate, but that is exactly what Nicco will do as the potency of this spell grows. Then what do you think would happen if he realized he hurt or killed his mate?”
Viktor jumped to his feet. “Shit! We need to find Melinda now. Do you remember where she was, Dante?”
“She lived somewhere near St. Lois if I remember, but how are we going to find her in all the chaos out there?”
“I’ll find her,” Viktor pledged and headed from the room.
“May I go sit with Eakul now? I want to watch over him and make sure nothing happens to him, and Oshi doesn’t find him.”
“Of course, Nobin. Come on, I’ll take you to him,” Jesse said as he stood from Micah’s lap and walked toward the door, and Nobin followed.
Micah looked around the room and met each of the council’s gazes. “What the hell do we do about the Four Horsemen?”
“Good question,” Lucifer replied. “I’m going to head down to the Underworld and do some digging around. Phenex, head up to Carmichael and see if he has any information for you. See if he knows who broke the seals.”
Phenex nodded as he stood, and then he went to the wall, placed his hand on it, and then walked through it.
Lucifer ran a hand down his face as he said, “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Until then, if you need me, just holler.” And with that, Lucifer vanished.
“What do the rest of us do?” Storm asked.
“We have thousands of paranormals making their way to Sanctuary, and we need to have somewhere to shelter them. Ryland, would you and your men be able to magically make us some housing for all of them? Some are coming here, like Tempest, and others to all our homes and the facility, but we’re going to need more,” Micah stated.
“Yes, my fae and I can magic in accommodations as needed and any resources needed, like food, clothes, etc.”
“Good, thank you. That takes a huge burden off. We have the acres to the east that we can clear and place apartment buildings on as we need it. For now, I think we should go welcome Tempest and his people and help Dante get them all settled in here,” Micah said
as he stood.
“I agree,” Dante replied as he stood to join Micah.
Chapter Seven
“You have got to be fucking kidding me! When was the last time anyone spoke to her?” Viktor asked, pressing the phone to his ear as he listened to Carver, a vampire coven leader Dante appointed in the St. Lois area.
“I’m sorry, Viktor, but I had my men head there as soon as you called, and there is no sign of her. They spoke to a few of her neighbors and were told that Melinda disappeared four years ago. Just poof, vanished. One day she was there going about her life, and the next she was just gone. No one has seen or spoken to her since.”
“Do you have them trying to track her?” Vik asked.
“Of course, I sent three of my top men out, but it’s only been a few days since you asked. It may take a while. Especially with what’s going on out here,” Carver replied.
“Unfortunately, we may not have that kind of time. Keep looking and let me know, and thanks,” Viktor said on a sigh.
“I’ll send out more of my men, and we won’t stop looking until you say, Vik. I’ll call you with an update before the end of the day.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” With that, Viktor hung up the phone, then picked it up again, and slammed it down in frustration.
“Well, that can’t be good,” Slade said from across the room.
Viktor looked up to find Slade and Zane standing in his doorway. “Hey, guys, thanks for coming so quick.”
“No problem. So what do you need?” Slade asked as they moved farther into the office.
“I told you about the witch, Melinda, who cast the spell on Nicco. Well, no one can find her,” Vik replied.
“And I’m guessing you need me to head out and see what I can dig up,” Slade answered.
“Yes. And I was hoping you could help with the spell, Zane. Maybe you know of one that can take off the original one.”
“Without knowing exactly what spell she cast, I don’t have a clue. And if I try to guess, I could end up doing more damage,” Zane said.
“That’s what I was afraid you were going to say,” Vik replied and stood. “Which is why I called Cass and asked if Kia and Shay could come and give us a hand. I was hoping that Kia would be able to take us into Nicco’s memories to that day and we could see exactly what spell she used.”
“That’s the perfect idea. Just let me know when you want to do that, and I’ll be here,” Zane offered.
“Great. Thanks, Zane.”
“Why don’t you shoot me a text with all the info you have on Melinda? In the meantime, I’ll run home and pack a bag, let my mate know I need to head out, and then I’ll be on my way. No use wasting time. While you all get into those memories, I’ll hopefully get into the vicinity of where the witch is and get her back here ASAP,” Slade offered.
“That’s a great idea. Thanks, Slade. I’ll send the text to you before you’re ready to leave.”
“Okay, then, I’m out. Talk to you later,” Slade said, and then disseminated.
Vik turned to Zane. “Cass and his mates should be here soon. Let’s go see if we can hunt down Nicco.” Viktor headed out of his office with Zane following.
* * * *
A fucking genie, really? Thad is a damn genie and had a sort of spell of his own cast on him. That explains the quick about-face all those years ago, Nicco thought as he dropped down onto his bed and threw an arm over his eyes.
“Nikolai, that feels so good,” Thad said on a moan as he lifted his chin, giving Nicco more room. Nicco laid Thad back onto his bed as he settled between his spread thighs and nibbled his way across his mate’s throat, loving the silky smoothness of Thad’s flesh.
Heat rose within, as well as Nicco’s need to fuck, to claim, to feed, increased. He knew he would need to stop soon or risk going too far. As much as he wanted to sink into Thad, in more ways than one, his cock within Thad’s tight hole and his fangs into flesh, he couldn’t go against vampire law and claim his mate before he turned twenty-one. Thad’s body was very primed and ready to go sexually speaking, now being almost twenty, but Nicco was so afraid that once he got the pleasure of sliding his cock into his mate, he wouldn’t be able to hold back and would sink his fangs in as well.
“Nikolai, I want you. I yearn to feel your cock inside me,” Thad said breathlessly as his fingers ran through Nicco’s hair, and a shiver raced through him. Thad’s plea had been so sexy.
Nicco licked a path down Thad’s exposed chest and flicked his tongue against the small pink nub, teasing it. He loved the way it peaked up at his attention and Thad’s body’s response to him as he arched his back into Nicco’s mouth, begging for more.
He pulled back and looked down at his love’s face, and smiled from the look of bliss he found there. Gods, if his mate looked that stunning from just kissing and groping, what would he look like in the full throes of passion?
Thad opened his beautiful eyes, and their gazes met. Nicco was not happy to see the confusion inside those eyes but the small amount of hurt he saw nearly did him in. “Why did you stop?” There was a tiny tremble in Thad’s voice that gave away his hurt, and Nicco’s heart clenched.
“We have to stop before we go too far, love. Please know that I want nothing more than to make love to you, to feel your body wrapped around my cock and make you mine, but you know what we talked about. You know I cannot claim you yet,” Nicco said gently as he ran the backs of his fingers down Thad’s cheek tenderly.
Thad smiled, and Nicco’s world righted itself again. Just one happy look from this man beneath him, and Nicco was happy and filled with love. Gods, he would do anything, be anything, for this man.
“I know, but it’s so hard, Nikolai. I feel like I’m on fire and if I don’t feel you inside me, that I’ll go mad. My body aches for you. I love you so much, Nikolai, and I want to share myself with you. I want to feel your dick inside me, spreading me open, and claiming me. I don’t think I can wait anymore. Please, my love. Please make love to me. Show me what it feels like to have our bodies joined as one as you fuck me. We don’t have to do the full claiming, but you can still claim me with your body. Claim me from the inside.”
Nicco stared down at Thad, his words swirling inside his head, begging him to do as Thad wished and take what was his. Claim what was his. But was he strong enough to give Thad what he wanted, but not give him the mating bite? Nicco’s vampire was totally on board with what Thad wanted, but once they got to the brink, would he and his true vampire be able to stop? Once he had Thad wrapped around his cock, squeezing him, as his body writhed beneath him, could he control the beast? His gums itched, and Nicco could feel the tips of his fangs begin to poke through, just as he felt his eyes shift and everything got a reddish haze around it.
Nicco clenched his teeth, fighting the vampire back. He needed to put space between them. He needed some fresh air and a clear head. Nicco lifted and turned away, sliding to sit on the edge of the bed, his back to Thad. He placed his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands as his breathing increased, and he pushed his vampire down.
“It’s okay, Nikolai. I understand if you really don’t want me. I’m still just a dumb kid―”
Nicco moved so fast he couldn’t be seen, until he was once again lying above Thad between his splayed legs and had Thad’s head between his hands, the sound of rejection in Thad’s voice causing Nicco to strike. “Don’t you ever think that I don’t want you, mate. I want you more than my next breath. More than the need to feed. And more than my very life. You are everything to me, and I would walk to the ends of the earth for you. Slay any demon or dragon for you. Fight to the death to keep you safe. You are my everything, Thaddeus, and I don’t want you to ever doubt that. I want you so much that it physically hurts, but I am afraid of losing control and hurting you, claiming you. Once I have you, will I be able to stop? And I know I won’t be able to just have you once, then not again until I can claim you.”
Thad raised his hand and cupped the side o
f Nicco’s face, and he closed his eyes as he leaned into the soft touch. His heart melted under that one simple action. That combined with Thad’s next words, and Nicco was lost. “I trust you, Nikolai. I trust you to do what is right, and I know you won’t lose control. Your words prove it to me. You won’t jeopardize us. You already own me, Nikolai. You own my heart and my soul, and now I want you to own my body. I trust you, mate.”
After that, he was gone. The need took over, and Nicco couldn’t fight it anymore. He needed to be inside his mate. He needed to fuck Thad, make love to him, and join them in at least one way and make them one. Using his vampire speed, Nicco stripped Thad’s pants and briefs off, then his own clothes. Once he was naked, he settled back on top of Thad, skin now touching skin, their cocks pressed together, both hard and pulsing with need, and instantly Nicco knew he had made a mistake, but was too far gone to stop. All reason and conscience though were gone. Only the need to feel was left.
Nicco kissed Thad hard, thrusting his tongue deep inside his mate’s mouth, loving his taste. The passion gripped him as his head swirled, and Nicco licked and sucked a path down Thad’s throat. Thad’s small hands grabbed his bare shoulders, and Nicco could swear he heard his skin sizzle under Thad’s touch. He continued to kiss and lick Thad everywhere. Down his shoulder, then chest, capturing one of his small nubs between his teeth, Nicco began to suck, causing Thad to cry out and arch his back. Nicco released Thad’s nipple and moved onto the other one, giving it the same treatment, as he began to thrust his hips, rubbing their hardened dicks together. The friction delicious.
Nicco licked the abused nub, then moved down Thad’s body, licking and sucking a path to his stomach, and then flicked his tongue into Thad’s navel for a few moments, before kissing across to his hip. Then he gave a small nip to the bone sticking out there. He slid down further, lifting Thad’s legs, as Nicco ran his tongue down the crease between his mate’s thigh and groin.