Loving the Hellhound

by B. A. Stretke

  “Hellhounds are rare and they are not easy to scent.” Calum interjected. “You can’t recognize a hellhound unless you’ve met one and knew what you were seeing. He probably has not been called out as anything more than a vampire and he prefers it that way.”

  “So, he’s probably never met one of his own kind. If he had, they would have called him out.” Bryn threw in. It was a random speculation and full of holes, but Calum humored his brother and responded.

  “Maybe not, they are rare.” Calum responded quietly.

  “Well, he’s been with Chamberlin for close to a hundred years. He began as security and then moved into head of all security and leader of the assassins. He is well known within the vampire communities and he is respected and feared.” Kyle was going in for a wrap up when Angus just had to ask one more question.

  “He must have met at least one hellhound otherwise how did he get here. Either his mother or father was a hellhound. What happened to his parents?” Bryn’s random useless speculation suddenly spawned a brother.

  “He entered the Lucerne Coven as a single vampire with no relations and I don’t have more than that right now.” Kyle hated lying but he really didn’t have much more than that and what did it matter. The information he held back was too personal, too awful to just throw idly around the room and discuss.

  Angus and Bryn finally seemed to be appeased, thank God, and the meeting ended. Calum assigned Bryn and Forbes to take over for Ewan who had been watching the vampires throughout the night. Kyle offered to take the next shift with James that would cover the evening and Alrick would take the following day with Donell.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Everyone not given direct duties was assigned to patrol the town and the surrounding area to maintain safety. Calum didn’t want the vampires upsetting the new life that he and his men were building in Laramie. He also didn’t want anyone getting too close to Archie. They’d decided to keep him out of school until the vampires left and were considering homeschooling with a tutor rather than returning him to the public-school system. Dane had wanted him to be normal and do normal things but there were too many risks.

  …

  Vadin sent Mace and Rule to every low budget motel in Laramie while he checked out the local greasy spoons. They had a picture of Florian and they could pass themselves off as authorities easily. Florian was last seen on satellite coming out of the Federal that was located a block South of the diner he was in. He’d check it out now and then return after dark. So far no one seemed to recognize the photo.

  He met Mace and Rule back at the Inn at four to discuss their findings. They hadn’t called him so he assumed they had no better luck than him in getting a trail on the rogue.

  “Maybe he’s not in town, maybe he was just passing through.” Mace began the discussion.

  “No, he’s still here.” Vadin assured. “No one recognized him but I smelled him at the Federal. It wasn’t an old scent, it was fresh, by a few hours. Let’s go back tonight, I think he might show up.”

  “But no one at the bar recognized him?” Rule questioned

  “It’s a live and let live environment there, I don’t believe they pay attention to the patrons.” Vadin added.

  “Do they have surveillance cameras?” It was Mace this time.

  “No, and I believe that is on purpose. It's a lawless place, so the rogue probably feels at home.” Vadin walked over to the little fridge and pulled out a bottled water and then went back to his seat on the wooden chair by the door. “It would help if we knew why he came back to Laramie. He can’t be so stupid as to think the dragons won’t kill him. There’s something important to him here, or something he thinks is important.”

  “The only things important to Florian are money and power.” Rule stated.

  “And hurting people, he loves hurting people.” Mace added with a sneer and then he looked up at Vadin when something came to mind. “Why did the dragons kill the rogue gang? They had just arrived in town and hadn’t harmed anyone, yet. Why did they wipe out the entire gang? It wasn’t just one or two, no, it was everyone.”

  “We assumed it had to do with territory or they just didn’t like vampires.” Vadin offered.

  “They let us stay, that says a lot. I don’t think they have a problem with vampires in general, just that gang.” Mace was making a lot of sense, but no one had an answer for him.

  “They’re both motorcycle gangs, perhaps they had run-ins in the past.” Rule interjected.

  “We’ve kept a trace on the rogues since their inception, there has never been dragons involved with them or any other motorcycle gang for that matter. They’ve always kept to themselves. Besides the offense had to be grievous for the dragons to kill them all and basically salt the earth. That was the action of dragons enraged.” Vadin spoke his thoughts as they were forming. “They have two humans in their number. The Chieftain and his Second both have human mates.”

  Mace got up and started punching keys on the computer system they’d set up and it wasn’t long before they had their answer. “Alrick Keith’s mate is Dane Cutler brother to Kara Cutler.”

  “Kara Cutler was one of Florian’s regulars. He kept her around for years.” Rule explained.

  “Dane spent years trying to find his sister Kara after she disappeared with the gang. She was buried in the family plot in Jackson two years ago, shortly after the massacre. There’s a phone number here of a private detective Dane used to try to find his sister. I’m going to give him a call.” Mace pulled out his cell and quickly dialed the number. Vadin and Rule listened in as he spoke with Mr. Lance Lawrence.

  “Florian has a son?” Rule was the first to react. “Well that answers why he’s back in town, but I never took him to be the caring father type. If he really cared why didn’t he look for him two years ago?”

  “The boy is half human, so his vampire abilities will be stunted. He’s stronger than a human but much weaker than the average vampire.” Vadin spoke as his mind continued to put the pieces together. “His only interest in the boy would be to use him as a bargaining chip with his family. Archie Cutler-Keith son of Alrick Keith and Dane Cutler-Keith is actually Archie Chamberlin cousin of Master Augustin Chamberlin.”

  Mace pulled up a school snapshot of the boy and turned the screen so everyone could see. “This was taken this year, about two months ago. He’s six years old and in the third grade. Apparently, he is showing signs of an advanced intellect. But that would just be his vampire nature. Vampire children mature faster than humans.”

  “There is no mistaking that he is a Chamberlin, he looks just like Augustin.” Vadin stated and finished the last of his water.

  “Yep, the straight black hair, slate blue eyes and angular features of Master Chamberlin’s side of the family.” Rule broke out in a big smile before adding. “The Dragons of Clan Keith have adopted and are raising a vampire child.”

  “I find that rather touching.” Mace admitted.

  “I agree.” Vadin stated.

  “You think he wants back in the Coven?” Rule asked in disbelief and Vadin gave a half nod. “Well that isn’t ever going to happen. He’d have to be insane to think that Master Chamberlin would take him back.”

  “I never said he wasn’t insane.”

  …

  Bryn and Forbes kept in constant contact with Kyle while shadowing the vampires. It wasn’t necessary, but Bryn seemed bored and Kyle was happy knowing what Vadin was up to. It worked out for both of them in Kyle’s opinion.

  He was scheduled to take over at six and he was looking forward to it.

  “Nothing is happening.” Bryn shot him an irritated text. “Have you caught site of the rogue again on camera?”

  “No, haven’t seen him since we got that picture of him leaving the Federal.” Kyle answered. They continued to text back and forth with very little information being exchanged until finally it was time for a shift change.

  The three vampires were still at the Federal so Kyle assumed that pe
rhaps they had a lead. He and James sat on the edges of the crowd, keeping an eye on everything. The Federal was hopping, and the clientele was less than stellar as usual. The two of them got hit on repeatedly so finally Kyle draped his arm across James’s shoulders making them look like a couple.

  “Wow, this crowd is far from even mildly attractive, except for the vampires of course. Those men are fine, very fine.” James wasn’t one to usually comment on looks and it took Kyle by surprise.

  “The clientele of the Federal could make sasquatch look fine.” Kyle grinned.

  “True, but you got to admit, the vampires look damn good.” James defended himself with an answering grin.

  “I’ll admit it, they are good looking.” Kyle only had eyes for the tall dark one, but he wasn’t ready to share that right now. Every time one of the patrons got to close or too familiar with Vadin, Kyle felt his dragon edging to the surface. Thankfully, James had not noticed yet, or he was writing it off as a reaction to their chaotic surroundings.

  “I’m going to hit the bathroom. I’ll meet you back here.” Kyle stated and began walking towards the back hallway that lead to a hopefully decent bathroom facility, he wasn’t holding his breath. He noticed the vampires subtly working the room gathering leads and information. Kyle needed a moment to regroup and calm his dragon, it was becoming obvious who Vadin was, but Kyle was at a loss as to what to do about it.

  Kyle went in and thankfully it was empty. He walked over to the sink and began splashing water on his face. It felt good and brought his focus back to the real purpose for him being there. He was to simply observe and if necessary, defend and protect any humans or innocents caught in the crossfire. That was his mission, and he needed to keep his head clear.

  Kyle splashed more water on his face and his neck and reached for the paper towel dispenser attached to the wall to his right. He heard the door open and close and glanced over to see who had entered. He froze when his eyes locked with the source of his confusion, desire, and torment. Standing there staring back at him and looking equally shocked, was Vadin Labont.

  He reached behind and locked the door while never taking his eyes off Kyle. Vadin had felt a draw, an energy that heightened his awareness shortly after Kyle and his friend arrived at the bar. He knew the dragons were following, but keeping their distance, it was expected. But he never expected to come face to face with one of the dragons in the men’s room and certainly not this dragon.

  He recognized Kyle Keith immediately, he’d discovered his name after researching the Clan. He had wanted a name to put with the stunning appearance he’d seen in the window yesterday. Having him close up and in the flesh, was a hundred times better and more powerful than seeing him at a distance. He walked over slowly holding him in place with his eyes. The green of Kyle’s eyes flashed and burned but he never looked away. His lips parted and Vadin was sure he could feel the soft breath he exhaled.

  Vadin had never in his centuries of being alive ever experienced a rush, an all-encompassing intensified sensitivity to the presence of another as he did at this moment, in front of this man. He couldn’t walk away right now if his life and the entire universe depended upon it. Kyle Keith, tall, blond, green eyed god, was his beloved. He knew Kyle was important, he felt it, but he had no idea how important until this moment.

  Vadin stopped when he was mere inches from this man, standing so still and so silent, but his expression communicated volumes. They stared for what seemed an eternity until finally Vadin could resist no longer and made the first move and reached to place a hand on either side of Kyle’s head and pulled him close. Kyle did not resist and Vadin reveled in that victory. Their faces were barely an inch apart when Vadin spoke low, reverent and compelling.

  “You belong to me, Dragon. You are mine.” Their lips slammed together with an urgency that was palatable. Both were overcome with the need to touch and taste. All considerations regarding talk and any other social norms regarding relationships, was quickly forgotten as Vadin pressed into Kyle forcing him back and against the wall behind him.

  The moment Vadin walked into the bathroom all rational thought fled Kyle’s mind. He registered the man moving towards him even being pulled into the most magical kiss ever and then everything went blank, but in the most erotic way possible. The fact that Vadin was his mate was crystal clear now. The scent and atmosphere of the small bathroom was evidence enough, there was no more denying the truth.

  Kyle held on tightly, wrapping his arms around the man and pulling close as Vadin pressed him to the wall and kissed him like his life depended on it. His body was as solid as it looked and it look mighty fine in his snug jeans. The soft cotton of his Henley top brushed against Kyle’s palms and he found that every touch was suddenly erotic.

  The room was suddenly filled with erotic sounds. Gasps and moans reverberated off the tile walls. Vadin was losing his ever loving mind. The need to dominate and consume was beyond his control. He held Kyle close and couldn’t stop plundering his mouth and touching his body. This was what finding your beloved was like, this was why people waited. He ran his hands along the sides of Kyles head and threaded his fingers through the silky blond hair. It felt like nothing he’d ever touched before and it sent waves of desire to fan the flame ignited in his heart. This was base, carnal, instinctual, animal, it was magnificent.

  Vadin lightly dragged his sharp fang along Kyle’s flesh and nipped his plump bottom lip. He intended just a slight nip in order to draw in the taste of his beloved, but he was not as controlled as he would have liked. He took a long draw on the small cut and drank in an elixir that was so sensual and so powerful that he felt it in every molecule of his body.

  The tremble of power worked its way through his body and the need to complete their bond was almost too crushing to deny. He suddenly pulled back and rested his forehead against Kyle’s and drew in a few ragged breaths. He continued to hold him with his back pressed against the wall.

  Kyle held him loosely with a hand resting on each side of his waist. “We really should talk first, but I’m having a difficult time not begging you take me right here in this filthy bathroom.” Kyle spoke haltingly as he struggled to catch his breath. “My name is Kyle Keith.”

  “I know, love, I checked you out after I saw you yesterday in the window. I knew there was something special about you, and I’m having the same difficulty.” Vadin admitted.

  “Yeah, I know you too. I felt the same connection, but I wasn’t sure until this moment.” Kyle moved his right hand from Vadin’s waist and cupped the prominent bulge in the front of his jeans. He squeezed hard and Vadin took his lips in another scorching kiss. It was near impossible to resist. The taste of his mate was incredible, and he opened for him taking as well as he gave. The vampire had bitten him once, and he wanted that sensation again.

  Vadin swiveled his hips and pressed hard into Kyle’s palm. The pressure was wonderful, and the possibilities were mounting as he rethought the idea of claiming in this bathroom. It was all tongue teeth and hands until someone decided to breakdown the bathroom door. They pulled apart but just slightly, neither seemed ready to let go. They were both panting heavily and holding on tight to one another. Whoever was at the door needed to fucking go away.

  James came through the door, leaving it in splinters and quickly assessed the situation. “You were gone too long, and I saw the vampire enter after you.” He began an explanation as Kyle stared at him with an expression that denoted his simmering anger at the interruption. “This, is none of my business. I will meet you out front and I’ll pay the management for the door.” James made a hasty exit leaving the two men momentarily dazed and speechless.

  “You’re right, this isn’t the place for this.” Vadin agreed with Kyle’s earlier statement and took a step back. He trailed his hand down the sleeve of Kyle’s well-worn leather jacket until he grasped his hand and held on. He raised the hand to his lips and kissed the back. This was his beloved, the most important man in the world, and he’d
finally found him.

  He looked up and caught Kyle’s eyes and held them. Before anything more could be said, Vadin’s two companions leaned in through the broken door and announced they had a lead on the rogue. Vadin turned to his friends and then back to Kyle, his uncertainty apparent. He gripped Kyle’s hand harder as if desperate not to let go.

  “We got to go, don’t want to lose him now.” One of the men yelled as they took off.

  “Go, Vadin, it’s okay.” Kyle reassured his mate. This was his job, his assignment, and he needed to see it through. The rogue was a threat to them all, and he needed to be eliminated. Vadin nodded, kissed him hard and fast and then raced out the door after his men.

  Kyle took several deep cleansing breaths and straightened his clothes before exiting the bathroom. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face when he saw James lurking by the bar with his gaze firmly set on the destroyed bathroom door. James obviously wasn’t going to interfere, but he wasn’t going to be far away either, just in case.

  “Sorry, I didn’t know that you and the vampire had a thing going. I didn’t even realize that you knew him personally.” James explained and tried to apologize.

  “I met him for the first time in that bathroom and let me tell you, it’s more than a thing, James.” Kyle smiled again and the heat in his eyes gave away what he was feeling.

  “Really, you lucky bastard.” James appeared incredulous at first and then went straight into jealousy. “The Hellhound, oh my god, Kyle, he’s your mate.” He seemed to need to say it out loud to believe it.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Vadin followed Mace and Rule as they lead him through the back alley to a rundown rental that the rogue, according to rumor, was using. He forced himself to get his mind on the job and off the exquisite dragon he’d left behind. Leaving Kyle was the single most difficult thing he’d had to do in his life and he’d done a lot of difficult things over his lifetime. Nothing compared to finding your beloved and then having to walk away, even for a short time. It was painful, and it left him with a feeling of desperate anxiety.