“What about the sniper on the roof?”
“Master Hadden called in the big guns.” Killian stepped aside as a clean-up crew entered the room. “Kingston Nash took the guy out.” That had Sergio’s attention. Kingston and his partner Diego were professional assassins who originally belonged to the DuCane Coven, but once they found their third, their beloved Benny at the Hadden Coven, they settled down here.
Sergio still had yet to put Keagan back on his feet. The man seemed to need the closeness and security, and Sergio was more than willing to provide.
“Why don’t you clean up and pull on some clothes,” Killian suggested as he made to step out of the room and then spoke back over his shoulder. “Master Hadden wants you both back at the Coven until this matter is resolved.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll wait for you downstairs.” Killian disappeared down the hallway and out of sight.
Sergio gently put Keagan back on his feet but still held him close. “It will be safer for you at the Coven. My Coven will protect you.” He told Keagan as he ushered him into the bathroom. They needed a quick shower and to get dressed so the cleanup crew could finish their job.
They met Killian downstairs within fifteen minutes, and then they were on their way. Sergio had hoped to have these few days to allow his beloved to relax and for their bond to grow, but instead, their quiet getaway turned into all-out warfare. Josef called Sergio while he and Keagan were on their way back to the Hadden Center and briefed him on their findings in regards to the attack.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sergio had gotten his beloved somewhat relaxed now that they were back in his quarters at the Hadden Center. The events of the night were still keeping the young man on edge. “Here, have a drink. It’s just a whiskey and will help calm you.” Sergio handed it to him, and he reached out a tremulous hand and took it.
“Thanks.” He said and took a tentative sip and tried to smile. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess right now.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart.” Sergio took a seat next to him and pulled him in for a hug.
“I nearly got you killed.” The words came out with slight desperation.
“I’m fine. That human was not a challenge or a danger to me. Besides, I would do whatever necessary to keep you safe. It’s who I am, and it’s how I feel about you. Your safety is my priority, so get used to it, baby.” Sergio continued to gather him closer until Keagan was pulled onto his lap and cradled there.
He just had to hold him the near tragedy of this night had been too close. Holding him, breathing in his scent and feeling his warmth and emotions calmed and reassured his inner need to protect and defend. His beloved was still in grave danger, and that fact was torturing Sergio. He was pulled out of his thoughts when Keagan began to share his feelings.
His words were soft and carefully spoken. “I’ve been alone for so long. I need you, Sergio, and I have never needed anyone. You’re here in my heart and filling my thoughts. You feel like you’re a part of me and having you close soothes like nothing else ever. I can’t say that I understand it, but I know that I never want to lose this, I never want to lose you.” He tilted his head back and looked into Sergio’s eyes. “Please don’t ever leave.”
That statement tore at Sergio’s heart, his beloved still feared being abandoned. He believed, even after everything they’d gone through, that there was a possibility that Sergio would forsake him.
Sergio brought him up close and pressed his cheek against Keagan’s as he spoke tenderly into his ear. “There is no power in this world that could separate me from you. Go ahead and lean on me; I will always be here.” They held each other for several minutes before Keagan spoke again.
He cupped the side of Sergio’s face, and after a soft kiss to his lips, just a ghost of a touch, he said. “I will always be by your side.” It was a pledge and touched Sergio and emotions thick and wanting surged to the surface as Sergio took his lips in a kiss that absolutely devoured. Rough and hungry, he sealed their pledge.
The sudden overwhelming sensations of possession and need were rippling across the surface of his skin and bringing him back to an acute awareness that Keagan, his life and his future, were still in grave danger. This man controlled him, owned him, and made every second in his presence a beautiful thing. Sergio would kill anyone who threatened his beloved.
He pulled back after a few heart-stopping minutes and drew in a ragged breath. “I love you, Keagan. You don’t have to say it back just know that my heart is yours forever.” Sergio didn’t want to force anything that Keagan wasn’t ready for, but he had to state his feelings and make it clear that he wasn’t going anywhere and that he was prepared to go to any length to protect him.
“What happens now?” Keagan’s voice was a mere whisper, but the desperation was still evident as he stayed snuggled up against Sergio’s chest.
“In a few minutes, I’ll be further briefed on the situation,” Sergio told him and began rubbing his arm and back in an effort to calm him further.
“Who’s trying to kill me? I
