by A. E. Via
Luckily, the captain listened and moved out of Justice’s way, but not without adding, “Chadwick Bentley is my responsibility, Alpha.”
“Not anymore,” Justice growled, continuing farther into the gorgeous home.
The vampire Wick called his Lord Protector was the one who’d just saved the captain’s life. He had a prominent Spanish accent and strong features. He gave Justice a wide berth, pointing towards the stairs. “His quarters are to the left, the double doors at the end of the hall. I’ve already moved all our things into the guest house. No one will be in here with you and your true mate, Alpha.”
“I appreciate that, um—” Justice couldn’t remember the tall vampire’s name.
“I am Ramon Vega. And this is Henry FitzWell, King Bentley’s Lord Chamberlain. If you have any needs during your stay here in the home, any at all, he’ll be available to you.”
“Anything for the King’s Beloved,” the younger vampire spoke up quickly. His dark eyes were all over the place like he was trying hard not to stare at Justice’s sweaty, naked body.
“Thank you,” Justice said, taking the stairs three at a time.
“Sí, Alpha.”
Justice heard the captain saying they were retiring for the night and something else about speed dial presets on Wick’s phone, but Justice closed the door. He wouldn’t need any assistance. It would be daybreak soon, so technically they were saying goodnight. It’d been a while since Justice slept in the daylight hours. But he didn’t think he’d have any problems today. He was beat. He’d used tremendous physical energy over the past couple days himself.
With one hand he pulled back the thick black and gold duvet and placed Wick on top of the cool sheets. Justice didn’t waste time with a shower, instead he climbed in and molded himself to his mate like he’d been doing it all his life, tucking Wick’s face in the warm bend of his neck. He felt, not heard Wick’s sigh of happiness. In seconds, he was asleep.
Justice woke up to the sounds of his annoying siblings. Justice had never been happier than when he learned how to control all the voices in his head, especially theirs. Justice eased himself from Wick’s firm hold and, after trying two different doors inside the room, he found the bathroom. He cleaned up and put on the only piece of clothing he could find, Wick’s black robe hanging on the back of the door. Justice finally answered Alek’s persistent call on his way downstairs to find some food.
Justice: “Good morning, Alek.”
Justice heard a loud snort and the chuckle of his little sister.
Alek: “It’s hardly morning. It’s after three o’clock, Justice.”
Mac: “He’s with his mate, leave him alone, Alek. Justice is probably too tired to walk, huh, bro?”
Justice could see Mac’s sleazy leer in his head. His middle brother was the crudest out of all of them and was never shy about discussing his own conquests.
Alek: “So it’s done?”
Justice: “No. Not yet. He had a long night. He’s resting. But soon. The Vampire King will be my mate.”
Mac: “If y’all didn’t get down and dirty, then why the hell is he so exhausted? And what where y’all doing in the forest so long?”
Farica: “None of your business, Macky. Goshlee. He’s not going to tell you anything. Justice is a gentleman, aren’t you, Just?”
Justice: “Farica, as soon as that man wakes up, I’m gonna be all over him like first period calculus.”
Mac: “For the love of all, Justice. Can you be a bigger dork? Calculus, really?”
Justice: “Shut up.”
Their laughter was loud and boisterous, making Justice feel so much lighter than he’d felt just days ago. It felt good to joke around with his best friends.
Alek: “Okay, everyone quiet down.”
The other two stopped laughing and joking at Alek’s command.
Alek: “Alpha Mikel and I questioned the shifters. We need to report.”
Justice: “What I need is my mate. Keep the rogue wolves contained for now. I will speak with them when I return.”
Mac: “You’re not far. Where are you staying?”
Justice: “I’m in the cabin at the crest of the mountain.”
Justice walked into the spacious gourmet kitchen. He began opening cupboards, the pantry, the ridiculously expensive-looking refrigerator, and then the freezer.
Justice: “Crap.”
Farica: “What is it?”
Justice: “Food. There’s no food in here. And when I say none, I mean freaking none.”
Mac: “You’re at a vampire’s house, Just. Go check the garage fridge, you can probably find some AB positive in there to chow down on.”
Justice smirked at his brother while the others laughed.
Justice: “Have a pup bring me something, guys, please, thank you. Ask Ross, if he’s not busy. That is, if you’re done with the jokes.”
Mac: “Yeah, he’s too cranky to have mated.”
Farica: “I’ll make sure Ross brings your food. Bye, Just. I’ll see you later. Tell Wick I said hi.”
Justice felt her link clear before Alek continued.
Alek: “I’ll hold things down, bro. Go on and take a few days and tend to your mate.
Justice: “I have an important job to do. Now that we know of the threat, we need to act.”
Alek: “Agreed. But not prematurely. We have the captives isolated, that’s what was most important. Getting those troublemakers off the streets. As far as the rogue alpha, we have time to come up with a plan for him. The other alphas are on their way soon, we will want to consult with them as well. You have a little time. Take it, Justice. It’s not gonna kill you. You and your mate need to bond so you can do the job you were meant to do.”
Justice: “Thanks, brother. Any word from Taleb?”
Alek: “He got some information from the Shaman but he’s still in Mystic. Do you want me to call for him?”
Justice: “No. Let’s see what he uncovers. You and Mac watch those rebellious shifters like a hawk for now. They are our responsibility, not the Humboldt Pack’s. Don’t let them escape.”
Alek: “Count it done.”
Justice felt their link go clear. Thank the heavens he had such amazing siblings. While the late afternoon stretched on, he walked around the spacious cabin, taking in the immaculate décor and expensive art. It was dark due to the tinted windows and the heavy blackout drapes. Justice wondered how old the vampire was that lived there and exactly how rich he was. Nothing seemed touched or disturbed. His stomach was rumbling so loud he decided to wait outside for his late lunch.
Justice was sitting on the porch steps when he smelled Ross. It was another fifteen minutes before he saw the teenage wolf bound around the clearing – looking more than doubtful on a vampire’s land – his shoulder bag draped around him. As soon as he saw Justice, he hurried over to him, brushing his flank and tail along Justice’s back and arms.
“Thanks Ross.” Justice took the bag. “Good job.”
“Of course, Alpha. I was so happy when Farica asked me to do this for you.”
“I chose you, Ross. You may only be fifteen, but you’re strong and focused and so is your animal. I knew you wouldn’t be distracted the moment you left the pack lands.” Justice continued to praise Ross’ wolf, while he stroked the soft, gray fur between his ears. After he let the young man soak up some more affection, he sent him off. “Okay. Go on home now, pup.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
The young man didn’t argue or ask to stay a bit longer, he did as he was told. Alpha Mikel was teaching his shifters right. Justice got up and went back into the house, digging through the bag to see what his sister sent. He was pulling out his second submarine sandwich loaded with meat when he heard footsteps. In seconds, the scent told him exactly who it was.
“Greetings, King’s Beloved. Is there something I can get you?”
Justice sat at the tall-top table in the eat-in kitchen staring out at the beautiful landscape in the backyard. The su
n would be setting soon. “You’re up early I guess, for a vampire,” Justice added conversationally, taking a big mouthful of sandwich. Farica had at least four kinds of deli meat bulging from it and Justice sent her a huge kiss and hug in thanks. He had to recharge because he was going to need all his vigor.
The young vampire’s smile was easy and almost shy. “Pre-dusk is considered bright and early in our world. However, it’s my duty to be up to anticipate the King and his escort’s needs for the day. Yours as well. You don’t have to prepare your own—”
Justice looked up in mid-bite and smirked at the confused vampire. “Lord Chamberlain, you said?”
“Yes. Chamberlain of the Household.”
“I’m not royalty. I can take care of my own food. I’m sure you have enough on your plate,” Justice told him politely.
The young man had on dark, creased slacks and a starched black, dress shirt. Justice supposed he was like a butler and he looked damn proud of it. “I take care of King Bentley’s house needs… and personal needs now, I guess, since he sent away the Lord Steward.”
“Personal needs?” Justice scowled.
“Clothes and grooming. Nothing more.” The vampire fidgeted. “I’ve provided fresh attire for you as well. Typically, I’d lay the clothing out, but I put them at the top of the stairs on the hallway console table. Lord Protector advised me not to go into Wick’s bedroom anymore.”
“Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean to be so snappy yesterday,” Justice said.
“Again, I understand. This must all be so crazy and exciting for you both. It’s been centuries since the King’s had a true Beloved.” The young man began to type something on a tablet embedded in the refrigerator door. When he opened it, the contents now visible were not what Justice saw when he looked earlier. Labeled bags of blood hung suspended from metal grates. Only blood.
“Exactly how will you prepare my food?” Justice grinned. He seemed to be doing that quite a bit. He enjoyed getting to know and understand Wick’s most trusted friends.
“Um, I’m not one hundred percent sure, King’s Belov—”
“Call me Justice, please. No need to keep saying that. I appreciate your respect, though.” Justice wiped his mouth, gulping one of his bottles of water. “Tell me. Can you prepare a rare Porterhouse with sautéed wild mushrooms?”
“I must be truthful. Hell-bloody-no.” The vampire placed the bags of blood in a kitchen appliance that already had temperature-regulated water inside. He turned back to Justice with a cute, amused smile. “But give me some time and I’m sure I’ll prepare a hunk of meat fit for a King’s Mate.”
Justice laughed heartily. He liked this guy. “And what is your name again? I’m sorry, I was a little preoccupied when we were first introduced this morning.”
“I understand. And it’s Henry.”
“I think I’ll call you that, instead of the Lord stuff, if you don’t mind. Over here the language and titles baffle us.” Justice bit half his apple. “Who knew there were still Lords, High Constables and Earl Marshals?”
Henry’s chuckle was soft. “King Bentley’s family is of the old world, so their language and customs are as well. His history can be traced back almost a thousand years ago when King Edward Bentley – Wick’s ancestor – overthrew the original vampire king, William Tunstall and his house.”
“Oh, wow.” Justice nodded, eager to learn any and everything about his mate. “How old are you, Henry?” The guy didn’t look a day over thirty.
“Seventy-four. I’ve been serving my King for thirty-five years. He’s an amazing man and vampire. My house served many high-ranking Lords, but I’ve never been prouder than to serve Chadwick Bentley. He’s like no other King… no… he’s like no other vampire. He’s endless knowledge, but his greatest strength is—”
“Maybe some things you should let the King tell himself.”
Justice knew Wick’s captain was coming but he hadn’t wanted Henry to stop with all the warm compliments about his mate. Too bad Mr. Buzzkill put a stop right at the good part. What was Wick’s greatest strength, according to Henry? Justice believed he may already know anyway.
“Yes, sir. I have your first meal ready, Captain.” Henry went about his duties and Justice didn’t bother him anymore.
“I see you found some food,” Erman said wryly, sitting down at the table – in a similar get-up as yesterday – with Justice and pulling a folded newspaper from under his arm. His tone was clipped. “So, will I be allowed to speak with my leader today… Alpha?”
Justice caught the rude undertone. He wasn’t in the mood to argue, he’d had a good start to his day, and his evening was about to get even better because he could feel Wick rousing from his sleep. “Maybe. I’ll let you know… Captain.”
Henry placed a mug of warm, crimson red, liquid in front of Erman, who sipped it like it was the most expensive, finest coffee in the world while eyeing Justice theatrically over the brim.
“Justice.”
“I’m coming back up now, Wick.”
Justice didn’t care that he left Erman pissed and ignored in the kitchen. The vampire had a chip on his shoulder that Justice wouldn’t mind knocking off. This was supposed to be a trusted advisor of Wick’s but instead he was acting like a jealous… Justice stopped at the door to the bedroom suite. Had Wick and his captain been…? Justice’s wolf released a warning.
Wick was sitting up in bed, rubbing his eyes. As soon as Justice came in, his nose filled with his mate, the need attacking him again. The need to make Wick his.
Wick could feel that Justice was in the house but he wanted him back in the bed. The sheets smelled like Justice and it kept Wick in a constant state of hardness from the moment he cracked his eyelids. He wasn’t tired, confused, hurt, or hungry anymore. Actually, he was hungry alright. Justice looked amazing in Wick’s robe. It was a bit tight around Justice’s large biceps and chest but that what’s made him look so appetizing.
Justice stood at the side of Wick’s massive bed and slowly removed the robe, letting it fall to the floor at his bare feet. Wick pulled back the edge of the thick blanket and invited Justice back inside, giving him a quick glimpse of hairless, ivory skin that quickly drew Justice in like the call of a full moon. He covered Wick’s body, both of them moaning at the first contact.
“Good evening sleepy head.”
Wick could wake up to the sound of Justice’s hypnotic voice every day. Feel his presence all around him even when he rested. “Are you always so warm?” Wick asked sexily, molding his body to Justice. He was so used to his low body temperature, that he’d rarely paid attention to others’. Justice had a sweltering hotness that made Wick ignite inside.
“Yes. Anytime you want my heat… take it,” Justice said against Wick’s ear, licking his way inside.
Wick began to move his hands all over Justice’s thick body. He had to touch him, smell him, taste him. His breathing picked up as he pressed his face against Justice’s throat, flicking his tongue along the prickly stubble while he tortured himself in the best way. Making himself wait to taste his Beloved again, until he just couldn’t another second.
“You’re hungry. I can feel it.” Justice released so much arousal into the room when he moaned those words while on top of Wick that Wick went into a crazy lust for not only Justice’s blood but another one of his bodily fluids. He’d show Justice a trick he knew to get both at the same time… later.
Wick writhed underneath Justice’s bulk, pricking and provoking him with his fangs. He could feel Justice’s anticipation for him to sink his teeth into him, his desire for it. Just as it was destined to be, his mate was crazy for his love kiss.
Justice let his entire weight down, halting Wick’s movements, and gripped the back of his neck. He pushed Wick’s mouth to his throat and tilted his head back. “Bite,” Justice growled.
“My Alpha.” He couldn’t refuse the command. Wick gripped Justice’s hips, tilted his pelvis up and bit down with finesse and grace, careful not to
give his mate an ounce of displeasure from his kiss. He’d wanted to have some fun first, but Justice’s wolf needed his mate’s hunger sated.
“Oh fuck.” Justice snapped his hips when Wick began to suck.
He made sure to lave his tongue over the reddening skin as he fed, massaging the tender flesh and making his mate come undone.
“Feels so damn good.” Justice held Wick steady with one hand while he worked Wick’s thighs apart with his other. “I need to come inside you, now.”
Wick didn’t stop drinking. Justice was that delicious and that plentiful.
“Stay on top of me. Always.” Wick hooked his ankles around Justice’s calves, thrusting his aching hardness up against Justice’s stomach. He was losing control.
Justice ground against him, pushing Wick deeper into the foam mattress, all the muscles and weight made Wick feel wanted… treasured. He’d never felt that from another, not even his father or siblings.
“God, yes. Take more,” Justice urged, palming a handful of Wick’s ass, squeezing and massaging the thickness. When Wick felt the tip of Justice’s finger push against his hole, he had to stop. Wick withdrew his fangs, his obsidian eyes rolling around behind his lids while he savored the flavor of his Beloved on his tongue. Like the rarest, most exclusive fruit. Erotic, sweet and bold. Only available to Wick.
“Take what we both need, Justice, please. Please,” Wick said breathlessly, laying boneless and completely submissive to his alpha.
Justice released a moan slash growl, when he stared down at Wick’s obedient form. Wick stared back, nothing else in the room was more fascinating than the man above him. Then Justice did something that surprised the hell out of him and had Wick seeing double. Justice leaned in and sucked Wick’s wine-flavored tongue inside his own mouth, tasted his life’s energy and relishing at the flavor he found. Justice sucked harder, pumping his strong hips and revving up the intensity. Justice held Wick’s face in his palms and licked at his fangs… cleaning them.