Stephan's Monster

by Shelby Rhodes

  “Urgent enough. Are you available anytime soon?”

  “Let me check my schedule.” He picked up his cell phone and looked through his appointments. There was something scheduled for later today, but he could put it off—just two neighbors getting a bit too vindictive.

  Dante winced. Then again, maybe he shouldn’t. It would be bad if they killed each other when he could have stopped it. A big mess, that’s what it would be.

  He snapped his fingers—Lily! He’d have Lily meet them.

  Problem solved!

  Dante turned his attention back to the phone call when Stephan cleared his throat. “Mr. Kozen, are you still there?”

  “Ah, yes, I was just moving some appointments around. Would five p.m. today work for you?”

  “Yes, that would be perfect!”

  “Okay, then I’ll see you at five. Your address is still the same, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, see you soon. Good-bye.”

  “Good-bye.”

  Setting the phone in its cradle, he hummed. If he wasn’t wrong, Liam was living with the young businessman. Maybe he should call and ask what was going on. Nah…where would the fun be in that?

  * * * *

  A few minutes before the meeting

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  Stephan pointed and ordered, “Stay out of sight until I call you. I need time to discuss everything with Mr. Kozen. Not to mention get him to promise a few things.”

  “I don’t like it…so many things could go wrong. We shouldn’t be doing this.”

  Sighing, he rubbed his eyes. “It’s too late to back out now, Jade.”

  Liam walked in with a tray of milk and cookies. Setting the tray down on the coffee table, he announced, “Dante is here, Stephan. I’m going to go let him in. I suggest you do whatever you’re planning to do quickly.”

  Stephan peered at his godfather as if he’d never seen him before.

  Had the man lost his damn mind? “Milk and cookies? Really?”

  Stephan’s voice came out a bit hysterical.

  Liam shrugged. “Dante enjoys his baked goods. As for the milk…the man hates coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks, so it was either that, juice, or water. I thought milk was most fitting considering.”

  Stephan opened his mouth, but only a puff of air came out. Eye twitching, he somehow managed to say, “Do what you see fit.”

  His nerves spiked as he watched Liam walk away. Turning back to Jayden, he pleaded, “Please, Jade, please go.”

  Jayden grumbled but walked out of sight. His timing had been perfect, as seconds later Liam returned with the head of the Kozen Zaytari group.

  Dante Kozen was a tall man, about the same height as Jade. Eyes mint green, he had short, spiky hair the color of candy apples, and like most vampires, his skin was pale.

  Stephan stood and shook the man’s hand. “Welcome to my home, Mr. Kozen.”

  “Feel free to call me Dante.”

  “Then you must call me Stephan.” He waved his hand toward the other couch. “Please sit.”

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  Once they were both seated, and after Dante had eaten a few cookies, the man inquired, “So, what did you wish to discuss?”

  “It’s a rather delicate situation…” Stephan hesitated as his doubts filled him. What if everything went wrong? What if Jade got hurt?

  “And?”

  “Before we get into that, I need you to make a few promises.”

  “Oh?”

  Tucking a strand of hair behind his ear, he said, “Yes. First, I need you to promise that you will let me explain everything before making your decision. Second, that you will not hurt the individual I’ll be telling you about.”

  “Considering I don’t know what we’ll be talking about, I am not sure I can promise the second. You must know the kind of people I deal with daily. I have learned to never make a promise unless I know I can keep it. I will, however, listen to all you have to say.”

  Stephan supposed that was fair, but he still wanted more. He wanted a guarantee. He wanted Jayden safe.

  “If that’s all I can get from you…then fine.” Pushing down his doubt and fear, he confided, “There is an individual who is having some problems. I believe he requires your guidance. In fact, my wish is for him to join your group.”

  Dante raised his brows, but there was a small grin on his face.

  “Joining a Zaytari group is a rather simple process and not one that would require much secrecy. I’m guessing there’s more?”

  “Yes, well. This individual is a bit rough around the edges.”

  Stephan fought to avoid rolling his eyes at his own words—rough, hah, what a fucking understatement. “Really rough. He has certain urges that would terrify most. Those urges have resulted in…”

  Stephan trailed off.

  How the hell should he say this? How was Stephan supposed to confess that someone was a murderer? How did he confess that not only did he know they were a murderer, but that he had also told no one about it?

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  There sure as hell wasn’t a book on it. Jayden had murdered and tortured. Not really something you could just blurt out. They were bad people, but still.

  “Urges?” Dante’s gaze was speculative.

  When Stephan said nothing, the man just grinned and crossed his legs. “Stephan, let me ask you this. What position would your friend be most suited for? I’m assuming, of course, you have one in mind.”

  “Well…yes, I do.” He gulped, then straightened his shoulders and said, “Executioner.”

  Dante’s smile widened. His eyes sparkled—from what, Stephan didn’t know. Considering the implications of his response, it was an odd reaction.

  “What naughty things has your friend done, Stephan?”

  “This isn’t a game, Mr—Dante!” Stephan snapped. “Murder. My friend has committed multiple murders, with a little torture thrown in for fun.”

  “I assure you I’m not playing any games, Stephan. I just want to know the truth. You do, of course, understand that usually, murder is a disqualification when it comes to joining any Zaytari group.”

  “I do realize that, but there are special circumstances.”

  Licking his lips, Dante uncrossed his legs and leaned forward.

  “Special circumstances? What special circumstances?”

  If Stephan wasn’t mistaken, Dante looked downright ecstatic. His eyes were slightly dilated, and he was vibrating in his seat.

  Eyeing the man warily, he clarified, “The people he tortured and killed were murderers themselves. Those he hurt, I believe most would agree with me in saying they deserved what happened to them.”

  This had to work. It was the only option they had. If not, he didn’t know what they’d do. God, Stephan felt so helpless.

  “Please understand.” His voice shook. “There is no stopping for this individual. He tried, but he couldn’t. This is the only option we have left. Please…I don’t know what els—”

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  Stephan cut off and eyed the man. Dante appeared unusually still.

  He didn’t even seem to be paying attention. Dante’s brow was wrinkled, and he was no longer smiling. The man appeared to be completely lost in his own thoughts.

  Suddenly, Dante snapped to attention. The bright smile that appeared on his face was blinding—then the man began to laugh.

  Dear God, the man was insane. Stephan should have asked another group. In his opinion, compared to Dante, Jayden was almost normal.

  Oh, but Stephan had heard such good things about the man. It had been the reason he’d contacted him. People had told him Dante was kind, compassionate, level-headed. A good man, they said—fucking liars, all of them.

  Something so important and he had screwed it up! Looking down, Stephan tried to calm himself, but tears still welled in his eyes.

  Clenching his hands
into fists, Stephan dug his nails into his palms as he tried to keep them from falling.

  “I see you still suck at reading the mood, Dante.”

  At Liam’s words, Stephan popped his head up, and Dante’s laughter ended.

  “Sorry, sorry, old friend. It’s just the implications are astounding.

  A great mystery has just been solved! Can you feel it? The excitement, ahh, it’s wonderful.”

  Arms crossed, there was a look of disapproval on his godfather’s face. “It’s not me you should be apologizing to.” When Liam nodded toward him, Stephan dropped his head back down.

  “Ah, I apologize for my behavior, young man.”

  Still struggling not to cry, Stephan continued to look down and said nothing. The couch shifted, and Liam’s familiar scent surrounded him.

  His godfather laid his hand on one of Stephan’s. “Stephan, I apologize. I should have warned you about how strange Dante can be.

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  He really didn’t mean to upset you.” Liam tsked in disgust. “It’s just how he is.”

  When Stephan peered up at the man, Liam smiled softly and wiped the forming tears away. “Though I am curious about what caused his reaction.”

  “I apologize. Again, I didn’t mean to undermine the importance of what you’re telling me.”

  Gathering up his courage, Stephan spoke. “Yes, well…it’s not something to laugh about.”

  “Yes.” Dante rubbed the back of his neck—the man appeared embarrassed. “The reason I laughed…well, it’s because I know all about your friend’s victims. But who exactly he is has remained a great mystery. We were at a loss when no more showed up. For five years the case has been cold.”

  “It’s not cold anymore.”

  “I see…where is he?” The man hummed, tapping his fingers against his legs.

  “Can you make that promise now?”

  Dante grinned. “I believe I can. Though, whether or not I can allow him to join my group is up to the king. Usually, it wouldn’t be necessary, but considering everything, he must be informed.”

  Stephan’s heart skipped a beat—he hadn’t even considered the possibility. What if the king decided Jayden couldn’t be saved? What if he ordered his death? Stephan wouldn’t allow it! He refused!

  “I wouldn’t be too worried. King Adrian will not make a snap judgment, and I guarantee he will do what is best for all involved. He also happens to already know all about the case.”

  “If…you say so…” Stephan wrung his hands nervously. “Liam, could you go get him?”

  Liam nodded and left. A few moments later, he returned with Jayden in tow.

  “Dante, this is Jayden.”

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  Chapter Thirteen

  Dante examined the tall young man following behind Liam.

  Probably about a few inches over six foot, he was muscular. And if you could get past his eyes, handsome.

  Those eyes—wow! It had been a while since Dante had seen eyes so empty—dull, lifeless black holes. Interesting that the person he’d last seen have eyes like that was also in the room.

  The young man was powerful. He could just feel it. Dante would have to be careful. Dropping his mental walls would be unwise.

  At the moment all he felt was a gentle push—like fingers brushing and tapping against glass, testing it.

  Jayden wasn’t trying to enter his mind, though. It was just his natural abilities spreading out, trying to peek inside of whoever was close by.

  If the young man had actually been trying, Dante was sure, with effort he could block—as long as it was from a distance, that is. While he would probably still be able to block somewhat even if Jayden touched him, Dante had no doubt the man would pick up at least something.

  So exciting—he couldn’t wait to tell King Adrian about what had happened today.

  Would the young man allow him to read his mind? Well, Jayden would eventually have to if he wanted to join Dante’s group. But would he get to now? He hoped so. The suspense would be too much if he was forced to wait.

  Then again, suspense was fun—just thinking about spreading it around had Dante’s heart racing.

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  When Jayden was standing beside the couch Stephan was sitting on, Dante stood and held out his hand. A bit stupid considering Jayden’s powers, but Dante was curious if the man would try anything.

  “Jayden, is it? I’m Dante Kozen, head of the Kozen Zaytari. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  The young man stared down at his hand. “I’m sure,” Jayden deadpanned.

  Dante couldn’t help but grin. Ah, the man didn’t believe him—if only he knew.

  Jayden’s focus didn’t stay with him long. Nope, Jayden was peering at Stephan, and he was apparently not liking what he saw.

  While his eyes remained empty, the rest of the man’s face filled with anger, and interestingly enough, worry.

  Hmm, not so emotionless then, Dante thought. Of course, considering what Jayden had done, anger was expected. The concern he saw, however, was surprising. It confirmed his suspicion that Stephan was the blood elf they were looking for—someone who Jayden would try to stop killing for. He probably should have suspected that the man was involved. Who else would have the resources to hide a murderer so easily? Not to mention, Dante had some inkling of what Stephan was years ago…

  When Jayden’s gaze shifted back to him, the man’s rage was easy to see.

  “Jade, I’m fine,” Stephan assured. “There was just…a misunderstanding.”

  “If you say so,” Jayden sneered and plopped down next to the man.

  Dropping his hand, Dante sat down, as well, leaving only Liam standing. “I’m so happy to finally meet you, young man. You had many of us stumped for years.”

  “I don’t see a need for small talk, Mr. Kozen. We all know why we’re here. Now, why don’t we get on with it?” Jayden held out his hand and stared vacantly at him, waiting.

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  Dante looked at the stretched-out hand and clucked his tongue—

  the young, always so impatient. Of course, the king could be just as bad—or worse.

  “I would ask that you not read me. There is information that you have no business knowing.”

  “That’s not something I can promise. If we were to do this from a distance, sure. Physical touch, however, pretty much cancels out any control I have. I can promise I won’t tell anyone what I learn. Though it’s not much of a struggle on my part. I’m not very sociable.”

  Dante found the admission slightly troubling. Were Jayden’s capabilities really that strong? He had assumed he’d been living with Liam and Stephan for years. Surely Jayden had studied with Liam…a matter to think about later, he supposed.

  Without a word, Dante grabbed Jayden’s hand and slipped inside Jayden’s head. The first thing he saw was Jayden’s cute little monster.

  It didn’t want him there and felt exposed. It was an interesting find, as it wasn’t very often another entity manifested inside an immortal.

  Ignoring the creature’s anger and rantings, Dante searched out Jayden’s memories.

  He started from the beginning, going through the horrors of the young man’s childhood, what led him to kill, and how he ended up here.

  Jayden’s mind was an open book. Dante could hear his current thoughts and feel his displeasure at revealing what Stephan was—the man wanted to protect him. As he feared, Jayden was also seeing blips from Dante’s mind.

  As more memories flooded in, Dante was honestly shocked at all they had missed. There seemed to be quite a few bodies they’d have to dig up.

  However, from what he had seen so far, except for one incident, Jayden hadn’t hurt anyone innocent. It would help his case.

  Maintaining his connection, Dante pulled back just a bit from the man’s memories. “You’ll have to make some amends to Mr. He
lven.”

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  Jayden stilled, and Stephan gasped.

  The young businessman glared at the other man. “Jayden, what is he talking about? What did you do?”

  Still inside the young man’s mind, Dante knew Jayden felt no guilt for what he had done. Dante made a note to warn his men to keep their hands—not to mention sexual comments—to themselves.

  It was clear that Jayden loved Stephan. The man had almost killed another for just hitting on him. And that had been before they were even together. The sense of ownership coming from Jayden told him things had changed since then. Dante had no interest in finding out what he’d do now.

  Jayden growled. “The pig is still alive. Isn’t that all that matters?

  It’s his own fault anyway. He’s lucky he’s still breathing after the way he talks to you.”

  Stephan huffed. “Jayden!”

  “Yes?” the man asked sweetly.

  Ignoring them, Dante slipped fully back into Jayden’s memories.

  What he saw next caused his blood to boil—anger at his own failure filled him. How had they missed this?

  “His uncle.” The words tumbled out before he could stop them.

  Dante shouted in pain as he found himself thrown violently out of Jayden’s mind. His head throbbed—it felt as if he had slammed it against a wall.

  While Jayden and Liam stared at him in fury, Stephan had become unnaturally rigid.

  “Uncle…w-what…what is he talking about, Jade?” Stephan croaked out.

  “I didn’t want him to know!” Jayden raged and turned to Stephan, his expression softening. Grasping his hands, the man fumbled his words. “Stephan…he…I’m sorry.”

  Stephan pulled away and gripped Jayden’s shirt. “What? What are you sorry about?”

  “He betrayed you! I couldn’t let him live…I couldn’t.”

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