A Warrior's Choice [Warriors of the Light 18] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove)

by AJ Jarrett

  “I’d never hurt you, Kevin,” Kayson said with as much force as he could muster in his voice. “You’re my—”

  “I’m your mate.” Kevin interrupted, waving his hand. “You’ve already told me.”

  “But it’s true.”

  “I’m aware.” Kevin crossed his thick sculpted arms over his equally sculpted chest.

  “You believe me?” Kayson held Kevin’s gaze. He didn’t want to come off as some oversexed beast. He respected Kevin and wanted to do right by him. He’d failed Kevin once before and he refused to do that again.

  “Yes. No. I don’t know. God.” Kevin groaned. “Kayson, why are you here?”

  “I wanted to see you.” Kayson sat up straighter in his chair. “Make sure you were okay.” Kevin cocked an eyebrow as if to say he didn’t believe him. “And I needed to get away.”

  “Away from what?” Kevin asked.

  Kayson stared at the one person that he wanted to be able to tell everything to. He wanted to unload all his troubles and fears on Kevin. They were mates and they were supposed to lean on one another in times like this but was it fair? Was it okay to unleash all his concerns for a friend that ultimately ruined the life Kevin had lived? Hale took everything away from Kevin. Surely, he’d be the last person on the planet willing to be a sympathetic ear for Kayson to spill his concerns to.

  “Hale.” Kayson said the word on an exhale. He needed some guidance and he didn’t think his brother, who still thought in terms that every Warrior of the Light was deserving of death and humans were expendable, was the way to go. “I think he’s losing his grip on reality.”

  “You’re just now seeing that?” Kevin laughed. “Dude, he’s a murdering psychopath. He never had a grip.”

  “He wasn’t always like that.” Kayson jumped to Hale’s defense, accustomed to doing so over the years. But it was pointless now. The Hale he’d known was gone. “He’s different.”

  “No, Kayson.” Kevin shook his head. “He’s not different. You are.”

  “I don’t understand?”

  “Let me ask you this. Maybe Hale’s always been this way but because you are, shall we say it, evil, you didn’t see him that way?” Kevin asked without a trace of contempt in his tone. “I’m guessing your change of heart is because of this thing between us.” Kevin waved his hand between them.

  Kayson looked down at his hands and the pressure on his forehead made him feel as if his head would explode. Kevin had a point. It wasn’t until the past twelve years that he’d been bothered by Hale’s neglect for human life. Maybe it was him who had changed and not Hale.

  “Shit.” Kayson flopped back in his chair, head tilted up toward the ceiling. He stretched his legs out in front of him. All his strength had vanished. “Why didn’t I see that before?” he asked himself. “You’re right. Hale’s not the one who’s changed.” He looked over at Kevin. “It’s me.”

  “Not that I care, but what has you so up in arms over Hale?” Kevin sneered. “Did he slaughter another family of a potential mate of yours or something?”

  “Kevin.” It hurt Kayson that his mate thought so little of him. “You’re the only one for me. I swear it. I love you.”

  “You sure have a funny way of showing it.” Kevin chuckled. “I mean you let your best friend, boss, whatever the hell he is to you murder my parents. You didn’t even try to stop him.”

  “I couldn’t,” Kayson whispered. He felt weak and lacking.

  “Why?” Kevin shouted.

  “Because if I were to save them Hale would have killed me.” Kayson roared. He didn’t mean to, but it was hard to control his emotions as of late. He cared so much for Kevin and to even think of Hale hurting him made him want to rip someone apart. “Then he would have killed you.” Kayson met Kevin’s unwavering glare. “And I couldn’t let that happen. A world where you don’t exist is the embodiment of hell.”

  “This is confusing as fuck.” Kevin let his head fall back and stared up at the ceiling. Kayson’s gaze darted to the tanned smooth neck. He could see the pulse of Kevin’s blood through his veins. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but tell me what’s bothering you.”

  “Are you serious?” That took Kayson by complete surprise. “You want to hear about my problems?”

  “For some odd fucking reason, I do.”

  Chapter Ten

  The last thing Kevin expected was to wake up to find Kayson in his room but to be honest he wasn’t all that surprised either. They were mates and there was no getting around that. It was just a matter of time before Kayson found him and a small part of Kevin was happy he did.

  A hunger had settled in his belly since he saw Kayson a few nights ago. It was only getting worse but he refused to act on it. To accept or even admit that Kayson was his mate would be the ultimate betrayal to his family. How could he ever get Matt and Wes to understand? Kevin would rather die than to let them down. They were the only family he had left. But for some strange reason Kevin did believe Kayson when he said he didn’t save his folks in order to protect him. If someone as big and scary as Kayson was afraid of Hale then it said a lot about how dangerous Hale truly was.

  “I don’t know where to begin.” Kayson looked so innocent sitting in the dark in the overstuffed chair. He seemed almost human.

  “From the start, maybe.” Kevin shrugged. “I mean, what has you so upset. That is a good place to begin.”

  “Okay.” Kayson took a deep breath. “How can I say this without it sounding as horrible as it truly is?”

  “Trust me when I say this.” Kevin huffed out a laugh. He was starting to understand how Alice felt in Alice in Wonderland. Kevin had fallen down one fucked up hole of weirdness. “Nothing you say will shock me. Remember, I’ve seen Hale’s cruelty first hand.”

  “Yes, you have.” Kayson tore his gaze from Kevin’s. Little actions like that made Kevin feel as if Kayson did feel true regret and remorse for his past actions. “It’s like this.” Kayson sat up, leaned forward and twisted his hands together. “Hale has lost his mind. He gets drunk on blood.” Kayson met Kevin’s stare. “Human blood every night. It’s like he can’t get enough. He kills the poor men without a second thought.”

  Kevin flinched at Kayson’s admission. The police officer in him wanted to take action but there was nothing he could do. Vampires didn’t exist, right? If he went into the station raving about vampires he’d be committed to a psych ward. Wes knew the truth but his hands were tied, as well. The paranormal world had to stay hidden or the Warriors for the Light would have another war on their hands. It wouldn’t matter to the humans that the Warriors for the Light fought to protect them. Kevin was human and he understood the need to destroy the things they didn’t understand and feared. And what was more fearful than a creature that killed at random and couldn’t die by normal means?

  “Hale is obsessed with it.” Kayson’s voice lowered to where Kevin could barely hear him. “And that’s not the worst part. They all look like Colby.”

  “So, in a way he’s killing his mate every night. That’s horrible.” Kevin sat up and crossed his legs. The blanket fell into his lap.

  Kevin couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Why on earth would Hale want to do that? Weren’t mates supposed to love one another no matter what?

  Then does that mean you love Kayson? That little voice inside his head that always spoke truth and reason chimed in just then. Kevin’s eyes widened at the mere mention that he could possibly ever love this man. Kayson was a monster. He worked for the evilest man Kevin had ever come up against. How could he ever love him?

  “It is. Hale wants to punish Colby and since he can’t do it to the object of his true desires he finds men that could be his twin.” Kayson sucked in a deep breath. “And that’s not all. He’s having a sexual relationship with another Dark Warrior.” Kayson’s voice raised in his apparent disdain over this bit of information. “His name is Christopher. He too could pass as Colby’s twin. They’re almost identical.” Kayson grew qui
et and didn’t speak for a few long drawn out seconds. “The things he does to Christopher are horrid. I can hear them and I see the aftermath when they’re done playing. It’s disgusting.”

  “That bothers you?” Kevin asked. He had been taught that Dark Warriors didn’t feel or care about anything. They were slaves to the darkness within them. If what Kayson said was true Kevin didn’t know what to think. He didn’t trust Kayson but the emotion in his voice and the look of utter defeat on his handsome face were telling enough.

  “Yes, it does.” Kayson jumped to his feet and began to pace the floor. “It used to not bother me. Death was a part of living and all that. We were hunters born and bred to prey on the weaker but it was for survival.”

  “Uh, wait a minute.” Kevin put his hands up to the sides of his head. He thought his head was going to cave in. They killed for survival? Kevin didn’t understand or know what to say. Dark Warriors were evil and killed for fun or in the very least without cause. They wanted to rule the world and plummet it into darkness, right? “Don’t you guys kill for the sheer joy of killing?”

  “Some do.” Kayson turned to face him. He stood hovering a few feet away from Kevin. “Kevin.” Kayson looked around the room as if searching for something. “How can I explain this to you?” Kayson took a step forward and sat on the edge of Kevin’s bed. Kevin didn’t even flinch. “Yes, Dark Warriors fight for the side of evil and killing is something that we don’t take to heart like humans or the Warriors of the Light but we have a choice. That’s the funny thing. It’s all about choices. You and the Warriors just assume we’re all evil. And for some there is no hope of returning their humanity. But is it not naïve of you to think that a Warrior for the Light couldn’t become evil?” Kayson reached out and put his hand on Kevin’s chest. His hand was cool and dry. A shiver rushed over Kevin’s body. “The darkness lives in us all as well as the light. It just depends on the person on how they react to the choices laid out before them.”

  “Are you saying that all the Dark Warriors chose to be like that? To kill and destroy and not care?” Kevin could barely think with Kayson’s hand on his body.

  “Well, yes.” Kayson nodded. He removed his hand and Kevin wanted to whimper in protest. “I mean there are some out there that have no hope of ever being able to live in a civilized society. The allure of the darkness is too strong and is it not easier to be evil than good?” Kayson shrugged. “Everyone is different. I cannot sit here and pretend to know each person’s thought process or the whys of why they do what they do. The darkness provides a comfort that living within the light cannot give. To be good and honest every day is hard. To follow and be led by a master is the less complicated choice for some.”

  “What about you?” Kevin leaned closer to Kayson. “You follow Hale’s orders like a well-trained dog. What’s your excuse?” Kevin didn’t mince his words. After all this time Kayson still worked for Hale. If he’d changed so much, if he cared as deeply as he did for him, then why still partake in that lifestyle? Kevin had to know. His feelings were growing for Kayson and he wanted to know if there was even a chance for them.

  “Before I met you it was expected of me. I’m a warrior and I’m strong. People fear me. All I have ever known was life in the darkness until you came along.” Kayson reached out his hand as if to touch Kevin’s face but he let his hand fall back to rest in his lap. “The day I met you I knew I had to change to be the mate that you deserved. I needed to protect you at all cost. Don’t get me wrong.” Kayson chuckled. The sound was low and deep and touched Kevin’s skin like a caress. It was a pleasant sound coming from such a terrifying looking man. “I know you can protect yourself but I wanted to be a part of your life. I didn’t want to let you go that night and had I captured you before your brother and Colby took off I’m not sure I’d have given you back. In the end though, I know it was for the best. Growing up in this life isn’t meant for everyone and I’d hate myself if you ever lost that light in your eyes.”

  Kevin wasn’t a heartless bastard. He was touched by Kayson’s words but did he believe him? The natural thing to say was no but in his heart, he did. Kevin was so confused and it was pissing him off.

  “You didn’t answer my question.” Kevin ground out between clenched teeth. “Why did you stay?”

  “Because.” Kayson flicked his tongue out to lick his lips. “Good or bad, Hale is my friend. I knew him before this all started. I know you don’t believe me but he used to be good. All he ever wanted was to be free of his family and be with Colby. I didn’t understand that desire for love until I met you. And sometimes love means sacrifice. I let you go and stayed with Hale because it was the right thing to do. I had to make sure he didn’t go after you, Matt or Wes. I also had to make sure he didn’t find Colby again. I’m not sure what Hale will do once he gets his hands on him. Hale is sick and if he kills the one thing that can save him then all will truly be lost.”

  “So, you stayed all these years to protect me?” Kevin asked and Kayson nodded. Now Kevin felt like an ass. Sitting here talking to Kayson, Kevin didn’t see a monster or even a vampire. He just saw a man trying to live his life the best he could while keeping the people around him safe.

  “It was the right thing to do. Had Hale found any of your people and hurt them you’d never forgive me. I couldn’t let that happen.”

  “You’re an odd man, Kayson.” Kevin shook his head.

  “I don’t understand.” Kayson cocked his head to the side in the most adorable way. Kevin smiled. “Is that good or bad?”

  “I haven’t decided yet.” Kevin scooted down in the bed and pulled his blanket over his shoulders. “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Kay,” Kevin said around a yawn.

  “You called me Kay.” Kayson smiled sweetly.

  “So.” Kevin hadn’t realized he’d done that. He punched at his pillow. “I need to get some sleep. I have to be at work by eight in the morning.”

  “Oh yes. I understand. I’ll leave.” Kayson moved to stand up but Kevin grabbed his hand.

  “If you want you can stay.” Kevin couldn’t believe he’d just offered that. It was as if he didn’t have control of his mouth. “But no funny business.” Kevin thumbed over his shoulder toward his nightstand. “I do keep a gun close by.”

  “Got it.” Kayson stood up and looked around the room. He looked so lost and Kevin found it kind of cute.

  “Here.” Kevin pulled the blankets back and patted the bed. “Get in.” Kevin would like to say he offered because he wanted to keep an eye on Kayson but that was a lie. The longer Kevin was around Kayson the stronger the pull between them became. “Hang on a second.” Kevin held his hand up to stop Kayson when he tried to get into the bed with his shoes on. “You can take off the shoes and your shirt.” Kevin had to force himself to swallow around the lump in his throat. His cock jumped in his sleep pants at the thought of seeing Kayson shirtless. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

  Kayson laughed as he took off his shirt and kicked off his shoes. Kevin watched as his hands went to his belt and unfastened his pants. Kevin’s mouth hung open as Kayson bent over to take off his pants. Kevin had never paid any mind to another man’s butt before but damn, Kayson had a mighty fine one. He had to tighten his fingers into a fist to keep from reaching out to grab him.

  “You okay?” Kayson asked as he bent over to crawl into the bed. The right corner of his mouth tugged upward into a smirk.

  “Uh yeah, but I’m curious.” Kevin rolled over, putting his back to Kayson. “Do you own anything that isn’t black?”

  “No,” Kayson said. Kevin felt as Kayson wiggled around, getting comfortable. His leg brushed against Kevin’s. “Good night, Kevin.”

  “Night, Kay.” Kevin took a deep breath and forced his body to relax. He had nothing to be afraid of. Kayson had proven himself to Kevin and if he wanted to hurt him he’d be dead by now. The only thing that terrified Kevin was how much he wanted to turn around and wrap himself around Kayson.

  Ch
apter Eleven

  The sound of the alarm going off stirred Kevin from the most peaceful night’s sleep he’d had in ages. He ignored the buzzing and snuggled under the blankets. The warmth at his back had him humming as he scooted back further into the smooth hard wall behind him. Kevin smiled. He felt comfortable and safe. As if a weight had been removed from his shoulders and he could finally breathe.

  “What is that horrible sound?”

  Kevin’s eyelids flew open and his entire body tensed up. He slowly turned his head to see Kayson cuddled in close to his back. The vampire yawned then squeezed his thick steel band of an arm tighter around his waist, pulling Kevin even closer.

  “Get off of me.” Kevin jerked away and scooted toward the edge of the bed. He gasped for breath. It was hard to breathe when so close to Kayson. His body was on fire and not from anger but from lust. He wanted Kayson in a way he never wanted another person before.

  “Sorry.” Kayson sat up and rubbed at his black eyes. “I must have moved in my sleep.” He yawned again.

  Kevin’s eyes wandered down Kayson’s hard body. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him at all. Nothing but hard bulging muscles that flexed with ease when he moved. Kevin looked away and blinked a few times, trying his best to get his bearings. Kevin turned to kick his legs over the side of the bed. When he moved, his stiff cock tugged against his sleeping pants, causing them to stick out. Kevin groaned and his face flushed with embarrassment.

  “Shouldn’t you be getting back to your crazy boss? Torturing and killing innocent people.” Kevin pinched his thigh, letting the pain take over his body. He squeezed tighter, his fingernails digging into his skin. It hurt but it had the desired effect. Kevin’s erection died a quick death. “I have to get ready for work so you need to leave.”

  “Of course.” Kayson stood up from the bed. “I appreciate you allowing me to stay and sharing your bed with me. It was…was interesting.” Kayson turned to face Kevin. “I haven’t slept like that in decades.”