“You have nothing to fear, sweetheart. Cruise and his men are all dead; they can’t hurt you. Their crimes were brought to the attention of Master Hadden, and they were dealt with. Their brutality was turned back upon them. They paid for the pain they dished out. The Hadden Coven has no issue with you, Keagan.” Sergio watched the emotions play out across Keagan’s delicate features, and then it happened. A smile grew, and dimples came forth as relief filled his expression and the air around them.
“Damn, you are so beautiful.” Sergio voiced his thoughts.
“I’m not, I’m a mess, just a fucking mess.” Keagan’s tone turned somber as he took a deep breath and turned his head away from Sergio.
“Hey there, come back to me.” Sergio turned Keagan’s face back so he could continue to stare into those lovely blue eyes. “You’re not a mess, you’re a guy who has been through a lot and survived all of it. You’re beautiful.” At that moment, Sergio decided not to hold back and pressed his lips to Keagan’s and took in the sweet softness and the soft moan. Pressing harder, Keagan separated his lips and allowed Sergio inside.
Sergio swept his tongue inside, eager to discover and experience his beloved’s warmth and taste. The sensations were immediate and all-encompassing. Having his beloved well and in his arms sent his vampire nature over the moon with the need to claim and mark and never let him go.
…
Keagan was shocked at his own behavior but did not have the will to stop. This vampire soldier felt like everything he wanted and needed, and he’d denied himself so much for so long. The kiss was full of passion and promise, making Keagan believe that light had finally returned to his life.
Too soon, Sergio began to bring the searing contact to an end. Keagan never wanted to let go and chased after the tantalizing lips as they slipped away. Sergio held him and buried his face in Keagan’s shoulder, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.
“You do test me, my love.” He said, and Keagan didn’t understand. He didn’t understand why he felt so drawn to this man or why he kissed him, but he wanted more.
“Your blood healed me.” Keagan blurted. “Is that why I feel so drawn to you?” A lot had happened to Keagan, and he was trying to sort it all out in his mind. This guy was kind, gentle, and also gorgeous, and Keagan needed to try to stay as grounded as possible. He really didn’t have time in his life for a savior complex right now, no matter how fucking sexy this guy was.
“Yes, my blood healed you,” Sergio answered immediately. “Normally, it takes several hours or more to heal with the assist of vampire blood, but since you are my beloved, my blood healed you almost instantly.” Keagan knew what that word meant, and again he didn’t understand why this man was using it.
Cruise had made a point of never hiring anyone who was mated or bonded. The presence of such a partner made it impossible for Cruise to fuck with them, and he loved to fuck with people. The bond of a beloved was sacred to a vampire according to what he’d been told.
“How are you feeling? Would you like something to eat? Would you like to sit up?” Sergio obviously wasn’t going to explain further. Keagan found his sudden nervousness rather attractive. The man could take charge when he needed to, but he could also be just a little vulnerable. Keagan was warming to the man and drawing closer by the minute despite his resolve to resist.
“I feel good, better than I have in months truth be told.” He started to sit up, and Sergio instantly tightened his arms around him and helped Keagan to a sitting position. Sergio released him long enough to fluff the pillows behind him and to straighten the blanket upon his lap. He then sat back down and took Keagan’s hand in his.
Sergio’s touch was life-giving. If he were indeed Sergio’s beloved, all the things he was experiencing would make sense, but he was almost afraid to hope for such a miracle. His life had been plagued with nothing but disappointment up to this point, so it was hard for him to expect anything positive to be real. Don’t bank on it, his better sense was telling him.
As his mind continued to wander, suddenly, a tray of food was brought into the room and rolled up to the side of the bed. It had several offerings upon it but nothing too extravagant.
“The doctor said to keep it lite for today, and that means clear liquids.” Sergio looked apologetic. “Tomorrow, you can have something delicious and filling, but today it’s soup and tea.” Sergio held the bowl of chicken broth and carefully fed it to Keagan, one spoonful at a time.
Between spoonful’s of broth, Keagan began to talk, getting his thoughts and feelings out, and Sergio seemed willing to listen. “I moved to Pittsburgh three years ago, right after I graduated. My hometown is just south of here and not all that tolerant of someone like me.” He glanced up at Sergio, who did not comment but lifted the teacup so that Keagan could take a sip. “I prefer bartending, but dancing paid better, and with tips, it was a lucrative business for a while.” He indicated that he was full, and Sergio set the things aside and pushed the tray away for now.
“I kept it professional always and never hooked up with customers or coworkers. I kept my job and my personal life separate until I had the misfortune to get hired at the Ruby Light.” Keagan relaxed against the pillows but kept his eyes on Sergio, who continued to give him his complete attention.
“As soon as you’re
