The Art of Death: Pittsburgh Vampires Vol. 11

by B. A. Stretke

"Yes, that apartment is where I found my guard," Killian said without preamble and waited for more.

  "He's fragile," Josef added another point that Killian was already aware of.

  "I thought you might be able to give me some information about him. It would be helpful to know what I'm dealing with. I helped him through a panic attack last night." He paused for a moment to consider how much he wanted to share. This was his beloved, and his business was his own. Josef continued to stare at him with an expression that weighed and measured, so Killian took it to mean he needed to explain further if he wanted anything further from Josef.

  “Simon doesn’t want to see the doctor because he’s afraid he’ll make him talk about it and he doesn’t want to talk about it. I need to know what ‘it’ is.” He stressed every word. He said more than he wanted to, but Josef wasn’t going to tell him anything if Killian wasn’t clear with his need and intent.

  After a few moments of consideration, Josef began. "Simon took a job with a construction crew in Toledo, Ohio a few months back. He called Victor every day to check-in. He's young, and this was his first job out of town." Josef clarified the need for the calls. "Then suddenly one day the calls stopped, and Victor couldn't locate his brother. He contacted a friend who contacted a friend, and ultimately Coven DuCane investigated the matter." Killian listened closely and prepared himself for the information that was to come.

  “He was abducted from a bar in Toledo and transported to a coven in Perrysburg. He was held there with others as a blood slave and was routinely beaten and starved and was near death when he was found. The DuCane people found ten humans chained in squalor and only three of those survived, Simon was one of the three.” Josef got up and poured Killian a glass of whiskey and handed it to him before returning to his seat.

  Killian could feel his darker nature taking rise and with it the need to find the perpetrators of his beloved’s anguish and tear the fuckers to pieces. But Josef’s follow-up made it clear he would not be getting that pleasure or satisfaction.

  "It was a small purported elite coven of thirty wealthy men, and Coven DuCane tracked them down and eliminated all of them in grand fashion from what I have heard." Josef seemed to know what he was thinking.

  "Too bad," Killian stated, his tone curt. "I would have enjoyed having a hand in their deaths."

  "Your beloved is physically alright, but he's been damaged both mentally and emotionally as you surely noticed. He needs a gentle hand, patience, and endless understanding and support. With that said, you are not known for either your patience or gentle understanding. How do you purpose to proceed? How can a man like you give Simon what he needs?" Josef leaned forward on his desk and waited for an answer.

  Normally Killian would take offense at such a remark, but Josef's description was accurate and delivered without malice. Killian wasn't gentle or understanding, and he probably didn't deserve a lovely delicate man like Simon. But regardless of what he or anyone thought he deserved, Fate brought them together, and Fate was never wrong.

  "I'm taking lunch over to his place and we're having lunch together. You're absolutely right, I'm not a nice man, but I'm dependable and loyal to my job and my leaders and faithful to my word. Simon is my beloved and he now owns my devotion and sworn loyalty. I will provide Simon with whatever he needs." That was all he wanted to share, such sentimentality was foreign to him and he didn't enjoy discussing Simon with others, it didn't feel right.

  Josef nodded and stood up, extending his hand once again. Killian shook it and then stepped back. He could see that Josef wasn't convinced of his ability to make this work. His reputation was such that few would deem him a good choice when selecting a beloved. He understood, but he also understood that Simon belonged to him and vampire law prohibited anyone from getting in the way of his claim.

  "If I can be of help, don't hesitate to ask," Josef told him as he was leaving.

  "Thank you," Killian said and closed the door behind him. That hadn't gone quite like he'd expected. His suitability was questioned, and his possessiveness spiked. No one was going to get in the way of him claiming his beloved, no one.

  He checked his watch and saw that it was time to collect their orders from the restaurant. Warmth flooded his being at the anticipation of seeing Simon again. He was looking forward to it, and he hoped Simon felt the same. Last night their connection was present and today he wanted to build on it.

  The facts of Simon's abduction and abuse weighed heavy on Killian's thoughts, but he pushed them back. Today was going to be light and friendly. He smirked when he realized that light and friendly were two more things he had very little experience with but he would try it for Simon.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Simon got up and started pacing the room the thought of hiding and not answering the door if Killian came crossed his mind, but he ignored it. He remembered the man from last night, and he wanted to see him again to see if he felt the same about him as he did last night. Was it just the crisis atmosphere of last night that made Killian seem so wonderful, or was he really that man?

  He was drop-dead handsome; Simon clearly remembered that much. His dark hair and dark eyes should have been menacing, but instead, they were warm and kind when they looked at Simon. Killian had been cold and intimidating with Victor and the guard, but with Simon he was so gentle. He took care of him and held him as Simon melted down in front of everyone. He held him and lent him his strength until the storm that had engulfed Simon had passed.

  The way his hair and eyes were framed by those thick scowling brows really turned Simon on. He hadn’t felt the least bit of arousal around anyone for a long time. He really wanted to see if it had been just an aberration due to his freaking out at the time or if Killian was really able to touch something within him. There had been a familiarity between them right from the beginning, and Simon wanted to explore that feeling.

  Glancing at the clock on the wall, he noticed that it was approaching eleven-thirty. He took a deep breath, checked his look one more time and went to stand closer to the door. Victor was asleep in his room with the door shut so they wouldn't bother him. Victor usually slept late into the afternoon since he worked nights and especially since he stayed up late trying to convince Simon that Killian was a terrible man. He loved his brother, but he was going to give Killian a chance because no one affected him like Killian had affected him.

  Then came the knock on his door. As much as Simon had been waiting and anticipating Killian's arrival now that the time was here, he found himself hesitating. He kept his eyes trained on the door and heard the knock again. It wasn't like he'd knocked last night. Last night Killian nearly took the door down, demanding a response. This knock was measured and patient.

  Simon took slow steps until he was standing in front of the door. He realized that this was the first time he would be answering Victor's door since coming here. He always stayed hidden or ignored the fact that someone was knocking. This was a big step for him; he reached for the handle and opened the door.

  The man standing there was just as spine-tingling as he had been last night. He exuded power and dominance in his look and stance, and he did it with an ease that was so natural. Simon felt himself heating up as his heart rate increased.

  Simon looked up into the dark depths of eyes that showed a warmth that touched something inside him. He opened the door all the way and stepped back. “Please come in.” He found himself saying with newfound confidence. By just being there, he made Simon feel like everything was going to be okay.

  "I brought cheeseburgers, fries, soft drinks, and apple pie." He announced as he followed Simon into the small living room. "I wasn't sure of your tastes, so I went with the classics." He looked down at Simon hopeful.

  "Good choices." Simon smiled and motioned for them to sit on the sofa together and use the coffee table for their lunch. Within a few minutes, Killian had everything sorted and sat down next to Simon. He didn't leave but less than an inch between them. Simon looked at the food
laid out in front of him and wondered how much he could eat and would Killian think he was sick or ungrateful if he didn't eat all of it.

  “Eat what you can and put the rest in the fridge. No pressure baby, I just like your company.” He winked and took a bite of his burger.

  "It all looks good, but I think I'd like to start with the pie in case I fill up if that's okay." Simon reached for the pie.

  "Any way you want to do it is fine. Enjoy." Killian was so easy to be around. Simon took the pie, and after a few bites, felt his stomach tensing up as it always did when he tried to eat. Killian must have sensed his anxiety building and reached over and placed his hand on Simon's knee no pressure, just contact and the relief was instant.

  Killian felt that he was about to lose it with being so close to this little beauty and having to mind his manners. Sure, he would do anything for Simon even put a leash on his raging desire but damn he wished things were further along in this relationship. They were having lunch, and Simon let him keep his hand on his knee, so that was something. How the mighty have fallen, he thought with a half-smile as he ate another fry.

  "Is Victor here?" Killian was just making conversation but also wanted to know if the little tart was nearby. Victor was not a fan of his, and Killian liked to be prepared in case he decided to join them. Simon looked over at him with those clear, clean sky-blue eyes, and he was sure they could see right through to his soul. The purity and innocence of his beloved amazed him especially considering who his brother was.

  "He's in his bedroom. He sleeps late because he gets home late. Victor won't bother us, he doesn't get up until the late afternoon." Simon assured and placed his hand over Killian's. It gave Killian an odd feeling of having a clandestine relationship, interesting. They could play that for a while, but Killian would not abide his beloved having to sneak around to be with him. If Victor became a problem, he would be dealt with, brother or not.

  "You spend a lot of time alone," Killian commented.

  "It doesn't bother me; I'm used to it." Simon lied blatantly and tried to shrug it off. Killian recognized the lie but did not comment.

  They finished their meal, with Simon wrapping up half of his and placing it in the fridge for later. Killian was pleased that Simon had eaten as much as he had. By the looks of the man, he hadn't had too many meals. Emotional traumas can have those effects; depression, isolation, loss of appetite, but Simon wasn't going to improve by sitting in Victor's living room alone. He wanted Simon to talk to him, really talk to him about what he was dealing with, but Killian didn't know how to get him to open up.

  Killian's style was blunt and to the point, but that wouldn't work in this situation with this man. He couldn't put demands on Simon, but perhaps a gentle prodding would work. "I'm aware of what happened to you." He began. "Just the basics, not the details. If you'd like to talk, I would listen." He saw Simon immediately close in on himself and clutch his chest. Okay, not my smartest move. Should have been gentler and less prodding he assessed as he pulled Simon into his arms.

  “Oh, baby I didn’t mean to upset you.” He crooned softly against the side of Simon’s head as he rocked him gently in his arms. “It’s alright, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. I’m sorry I pressed you, I just thought it would help to talk to someone. But you probably have better people than me to discuss this with.” Killian felt Simon tremble as he worked to pull himself back under control. He wasn’t a weak man. It took a lot of strength and determination to pull back from a panic attack, and he'd been on the edge thanks to Killian's directness.

  "Really, sweetheart, just relax." He should have waited, given him more time to trust and build on their connections before referencing his painful past. Killian held him and tried to comfort him by rubbing circles on his back, it seemed to work.

  "I haven't discussed this with anyone," Simon mumbled against Killian's shirt where his head was resting. "I tried to talk to Victor, but it's so dark and heavy. I don't want to put these memories and emotions on my brother. Victor has enough to deal with." Simon was mentally and emotionally unraveling, and yet he worried about his brother being too burdened with this pain. Killian was freshly amazed at the kindness of this man. Victor was lucky to have him in his life.

  "I wish I could leave this place. I came here after I was found in Perrysburg. I walked into this apartment, and I've never left it, not even once. The more I isolate, the harder it is to try and leave." Simon wanted to share some of what he felt although he wasn't ready to discuss the other things.

  Killian's calm acceptance made him want to talk and to tell him everything, but he might start to freak out, and Simon didn't want to scare Killian away. It's been so long since he had someone look at him like he was worth it, and he wanted to keep Killian looking at him like that for as long as possible.

  “Where would you like to go?” Killian interjected. Simon hadn’t expected that question. He thought for a moment before answering.

  "The barber. I want a haircut. I always kept my hair short and tight, and now I look like this because I'm too afraid to step outside this apartment." Simon ran his agitated fingers through his hair.

  He watched Killian pull his phone out of his pocket and make a call. He made arrangements for a haircut. Killian then closed the call and dropped a kiss to the top of Simon’s head. Simon felt himself begin once again to tense up at the prospect of having to leave the apartment. Had Killian just made him a hair appointment?

  The shop is right next door. You can do it. Don’t worry, I’ll stay with you. We’ll go together.” While that statement helped and the way Killian held him close gave him a sense of security, Simon still felt he lacked the courage to follow through if it meant leaving the apartment and moreover leaving the club.

  “Where are we going?” Simon pretended ignorance and pulled away so he could look up at Killian although he remained in his arms.

  "To get your hair cut," Killian said so matter-of-fact that Simon half-smiled.

  “I can’t.”

  "Let's try." Killian stood up and brought Simon along with him. He kept his arms around him and once again pulled him up close. Killian was so tall that Simon found himself tucked in under his arm, but it felt natural, and it gave him an added sense of security.

  He didn't want to disappoint Killian, but putting one foot in front of the other was slow and arduous. "I don't think I can do this." He admitted as his breathing got fast, as did his heart rate. He felt like he was about to hyperventilate.

  “We’re almost at the door, baby. You can do this.” Killian urged but did not demand or berate. Simon forced himself to take a couple deep breaths and tried to soak up the assurance of the man holding him. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, Killian had opened the door and they were looking out into the vastness of the hallway outside the apartment.

  Simon’s fingers knotted in the fabric of Killian’s shirt as he tensed and tried to move forward. “One step at a time baby, just one step at a time and you will get there.” Killian’s tone was soft and easy and subtly eased Simon to the threshold and into the hall. He stood there still holding tight to Killian. The apartment door was behind him, he looked to his left and saw the yawning distance of the hall and then to his right and saw the stairway.

  They stood there for a minute or two, and then Simon heard someone coming from the far end of the hall. "Who is that?" He saw a man carrying several bags and headed in their direction. Simon began to freeze up, but Killian rubbed his back as he gathered him closer.

  "Nothing to worry about when you're with me, Simon." He stated, and then they turned towards the apartment door and walked Simon back inside.

  “This is Rylan Jones.” Killian introduced the man who’d walked up to them. “He’s here to cut your hair.” Killian brought the man inside and closed the door.

  “I don’t have to go to the salon?”

  "Not today, today was just getting you outside that door, and you did good, baby, real good." Killian once again
dropped a kiss to the top of his head. Simon was beginning to wish he'd drop one of those kisses on his lips instead, but maybe this was just a friendship thing. Simon certainly hoped not.

  Killian didn't know what the hell he was doing, but it felt like the right thing. Simon needed to believe he could do it. Small steps seemed like the best route to take. Killian was pleased when Simon resisted but not so much that he refused to try. Getting him outside the apartment even if it were just into the hallway was a huge victory because Killian could feel how much strength of concentration it took for Simon to do it.

  He didn't want to push his beloved too far, so he'd arranged with Rylan to come to Simon and cut his hair at the apartment. The relief on Simon's face was palatable, but so was the look of accomplishment. Getting out had left him feeling stronger and more self-assured.

  Killian stayed while Rylan cut and styled Simon's hair. He just wanted it cut short, but Rylan persuaded him to leave the top a little longer and showed him how to style it. He looked amazing, not that he didn't look good before because he did. But this made Simon happy, and that made Killian happy.

  Killian insisted on paying and after a little back and forth, Simon relented. After Rylan left, they sat together in the small kitchen. Killian was rewarded with a lovely smile when he praised Simon for his strength and suggested they try again tomorrow and maybe go a little further.

  “I’ll try.” Simon agreed. “I can’t promise anything, but I will try.”

  “That’s all I ask.” He said and stood up knowing that his time was coming to an end. “May I stop by later this evening and check on you?” Killian decided to push for more contact today rather than have to wait until tomorrow.

  "I'd like that," Simon said with another one of those smiles that made Killian want to toss the guy over his shoulder and leave. He wanted this man so desperately. He made his move slowly, making sure Simon was on board, but he had to have a taste of this beauty. With a hand on the side of his head, Killian tilted Simon's face up towards him. They locked gazes for just a moment before Killian swiftly took those plump red lips in the passionate kiss he'd been aching for.