by Tina Folsom
Eddie pressed himself deeper into his chair. Shit, this wasn’t going well. He sounded like some kid who’d been dragged in front of the high school principal, and not like the newly-minted vampire he was. Hell, he shouldn’t have those concerns and fears right now. Weren’t vampires supposed to be invincible? At least his sire, Luther, had seemed that way. Of course, now, he was sitting in a cell somewhere, not so powerful anymore. Probably crapping in his pants.
“I called you here because you’ll need to be retrained. Luther is your maker, and I can never take that away from you, but the things he taught you are not the rules we live by. We don’t kill indiscriminately; we protect the innocent. As Nina’s brother, you’re part of our family, and we can’t ignore that fact. Luther used you and the others for his own nefarious plans, and the blame lies with him. But it is our duty to make sure this won’t happen again.”
Eddie nodded. “I won’t do anything criminal ever again.”
“You can’t honestly promise something like that, because you’re still not the master of yourself. There are many more temptations that will come your way. Many times you’ll want to use your new powers for your own gain. Only when you’ve conquered those urges will you truly be able to make such promises. In the meantime, I’d like you to meet your new mentor.”
Samson pointed to a spot behind him.
Eddie turned in his chair and jumped up in the same motion. Behind him stood a tall blond man dressed in leather gear: black leather pants, a white T-shirt, and a black leather jacket.
“This is Thomas. You’ll follow all his orders. You’ll eat when he tells you to eat, you’ll sleep when he tells you to sleep. He’ll teach you everything you need to know.”
Eddie looked at the vampire. He’d seen him briefly during the fight at the mausoleum, but hadn’t been formally introduced to him. Now the biker stretched his hand toward him, and Eddie clutched it immediately. His handshake was strong and firm, his hand surprisingly warm. His palm felt smooth, and the scent that emanated from Thomas now engulfed him.
When he spoke for the first time, the timbre of Thomas’s voice drove deep into Eddie’s chest. “Nice to meet you, Eddie. I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.”
Strangely enough, Eddie could only echo those words. There was something about Thomas that made him instantly relax. As if he’d known him all his life. Like a brother. A much wiser, older brother.
“You can let go of my hand now,” Thomas said, smiling.
Heat shooting into his cheeks, Eddie dropped Thomas’s hand. Jesus, what the fuck was wrong with him? Couldn’t he just act normally? He had to make a good impression on his new mentor. After all, Scanguards was giving him a second chance, and there was no way he’d screw this one up. He’d make them proud of him and do whatever it took. Just like he’d always wanted to make Nina proud of him. In fact, he still did.
Turning to Samson, he said, “Thank you, Samson, you won’t regret it.”
Samson nodded. “Thomas will tell you when you’re ready to resume your duties at Scanguards. In the meantime, we’ll be paying your full salary.”
Samson’s generosity floored him. He hadn’t expected this and had already wondered what he would do to survive once he was on his own again and not staying at Ricky’s anymore. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“No need. I practically had no choice. Amaury is a very persuasive man.”
Thomas chuckled. “Who has no defenses when it comes to his mate.”
Samson laughed. “Well, luckily, neither you nor I have to live with Nina.”
Eddie felt the need to defend his sister, even though he knew well enough himself that she could be a pain in the butt. Stubborn as hell. And argumentative. “What are you saying?”
“Only that your sister has Amaury firmly wrapped around her little finger.” Thomas pulled a set of gloves from his jacket pocket. “Let’s go then. Do you ride motorcycles?”
“A bit.”
“Well, you’ll learn.”
“Where are we going?” Eddie asked, curious and excited at the same time. He had the feeling that hanging out with Thomas would be a lot of fun. He seemed different from the other vampires he’d met. Not as intense. More casual.
“Home.”
“Home?”
“Yes, you’re moving in with me. Makes things easier. Any objections?”
Eddie shook his head. He was planning on complying with everything his mentor demanded.
Not just to please Samson and Nina, but also, because he wanted Thomas to be proud of him.
“I hope I won’t be cramping your style. I mean, if you have a girl coming around and need some privacy, I’m happy to stay out of your way.”
Thomas stopped in his tracks. “A girl?” Then he looked back at Samson. “Didn’t you tell him that I’m gay?”
Gay? Thomas was gay? Eddie looked him up and down. He didn’t look gay at all. He looked . . . masculine and not at all effeminate. A man’s man.
“Is that a problem?” Thomas asked with a tightness in his voice that hadn’t been there before.
For an instant, Eddie’s heart stopped. He shook his head, not wanting to alienate Thomas.
“No, no problem at all.” He didn’t care which way Thomas was swinging. All that mattered was that his mentor felt comfortable in his company. He wouldn’t let Thomas’s sexual orientation get in the way of their professional relationship. After all, they were both grown-ups.
“Can’t wait to see your digs,” he added, lending his voice a more cheerful note in order to dispel the awkwardness that had risen for a moment. “What kind of motorcycle do you ride? A Harley?”
Thomas smiled at him. “Not quite. I have a few others. I’ll show ‘em to you. If you like, we can go for a ride later.”
8
Today
Thomas glanced at Eddie from the side as he watched the dancers, and occasionally sipped from his glass. Eddie appeared to be lost in his thoughts. Lately, he’d seen him like this quite often, almost as if something were bothering him. But Thomas wasn’t one to pry into other people’s personal affairs. If Eddie needed advice on something, he’d come to him when he was ready. From the beginning when he’d started mentoring the young vampire, he’d made a point of not coddling him. Nobody ever grew into his own and became a man if he was treated with kid gloves. And he wanted Eddie to become a strong and independent man with steadfast values. By all indications, Eddie was heading in the right direction.
“They make a great couple, don’t they?” a familiar voice said close to him, a hand pointing at Yvette and Haven.
Thomas turned his head and smiled at Maya. “They sure do. As do you and Gabriel.”
“Charmer!” she teased and walked to stand next to him. “Listen, Thomas, I wanted your advice on something.”
He raised a questioning eyebrow, then allowed her to lead him a few steps away from Eddie and Cain.
“About?”
“I feel that some of us treated Oliver a little too harshly when this whole thing with Ursula and the blood brothel went down.”
Thomas remembered all too well how everybody had tried to save Oliver from himself.
They’d realized only later that he was stronger than they’d all assumed and was dealing with the temptation that Ursula’s blood represented well enough on his own. “Don’t remind me. But you know as well as I do that we had to be strict with him. His history—”
She raised her hand to interrupt him. “You don’t have to tell me. We all had our reasons. But now that things have worked out for the best and he’s conquered his bloodlust, I feel we should celebrate that fact.”
Thomas smirked. “I have the feeling he’s celebrating that fact every day in private with Ursula.” His eyes searched the crowd, and he saw Oliver talking to his sire, Quinn. Oliver appeared relaxed and happy.
Maya nudged him in the ribs. “That’s not what I’m talking about!”
“I know that. Just thought I’d throw it out there.�
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She rolled her eyes. “I’m talking about a party with more than two people.”
“The usual suspects?”
Maya nodded. “It’s just I need to find a pretense for this party. I don’t want Oliver to know what we’re planning, but I want to make sure he and Ursula will be there. And I’m not quite sure even what to tell him at the party. Sorry we weren’t nice to you?”
Thomas contemplated her words. “Hmm. Not sure. Have you talked to Zane about it? From what I recall he was his usual asshole self. Maybe he’s got some ideas.”
Maya grimaced. “If I even mention it to him, he’ll go ballistic. You know what he thinks of apologizing to anybody. I don’t think he knows how it’s done.”
“Not his strong suit, you’re right.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Why does it have to be a party at all? Can’t we just send him a gift?”
“A gift?”
“Yes, maybe an all-expenses-paid trip for him and Ursula to somewhere nice. I don’t know, Venice, London. You tell me. I’m sure he’d rather go off somewhere with Ursula than hang out with us oldies.”
Maya’s forehead furrowed as she let his suggestions sink in. “Hmm. I’ll think about it.”
“You know he’ll have to figure out something for his honeymoon anyway. Why not take it off his hands?”
“Honeymoon?” Maya repeated.
“Shhh!” Thomas cast a look around him to make sure nobody had heard Maya. “Yes, honeymoon. He’s going to ask her sooner or later. Every idiot watching them can see that. I’m guessing we’ll have another blood-bond before the year is out.”
“You think so?”
“Absolutely. Actually, I’m a little surprised that it hasn’t happened already. Just look at him now.” Thomas pointed toward Oliver, who was still talking to Quinn and Rose. “See how he fidgets? He can’t stand being away from Ursula. Ten bucks says he’ll be the first to leave the party. And another twenty says he’ll ask her to marry him before the week is out.”
Maya grinned. “You’re on.”
“What are you guys betting on?” Cain asked, drawing closer.
Behind him, Eddie had turned to look at them too.
“Nothing,” Maya answered.
“What if I want in?” Cain probed.
“Fine,” Thomas caved, chuckling to himself. “We’re betting on when Oliver is going to ask Ursula to marry him. I’m saying it’ll happen within the next week.”
“You’re shitting me. He’s only been with her for what, a month? And he’s how old?
Twelve?” Cain asked.
Thomas shrugged. “Twelve? I seem to remember that he turned twenty-five not too long ago.
Besides, stranger things have happened.” He noticed Eddie joining them, shoving his hands into his pockets, but saying nothing.
“Way too early. Those two are kids!” Cain said.
“Wanna put your money where your mouth is?” Thomas challenged, enjoying himself now.
“A hundred bucks says you’re going to lose.”
“Deal.” He sealed the deal by shaking hands with Cain.
“And now to celebrate making money the easy way, how about a dance?” Cain addressed Maya. “Or is your mate going to kill me?”
Maya took his proffered arm. “Only if you put your hands where they don’t belong.”
As they walked off to the dance floor to join Zane, who was dancing with Portia, and Quinn, now twirling his wife Rose in his arms, Eddie looked at him.
“How come you’re so sure that Oliver is going to ask Ursula so soon?”
Thomas winked at him and leaned closer so that nobody would be able to overhear them. As he moved his lips near Eddie’s ear, he inhaled his male scent. His heart immediately began to race, and his pulse galloped. He had difficulty remembering what he wanted to tell Eddie.
“Because I saw Oliver buy a ring the other night.”
He pulled back and took a step away from Eddie, putting distance between them so that he wouldn’t be overwhelmed by his desire for the young vampire and do something stupid.
Eddie’s mouth dropped open. “You dog! You just robbed Cain of a hundred bucks!” Despite his outraged words, his eyes twinkled, and his lips curved into a smile. Dimples appeared on his cheeks, and for a moment he looked exactly like the innocent kid Thomas had taken under his wings a year earlier. His heart clenched. Life had dealt him a card he didn’t know how to play: he’d never loved anybody like he loved Eddie. And he’d never felt so powerless in the process.
You’re not powerless, a voice deep inside him said. He knew all too well where this voice came from: from the dark power within him. A power so strong that he could force his will upon anybody, particularly a young vampire like Eddie. If he wanted to, he could use mind control to make Eddie think he was attracted to him. He could make Eddie desire him. But it wouldn’t be right. It would be a shallow victory, because he’d never truly win Eddie’s love. It would all be a sham. He would violate Eddie’s mind. Just like he would violate Eddie’s body. And that he couldn’t do. He would hate himself for it.
He suddenly felt a hand squeeze his shoulder and blinked, looking into Eddie’s brown eyes.
“Hey, I didn’t really mean that. Cain’s a big boy. He should know better when to bet with somebody.”
Thomas forced a laugh over his lips. “No worries. Just keep it to yourself. I don’t want the news about the ring reaching Ursula’s ears before Oliver has a chance to kneel down.”
Eddie laughed. “Kneel down? You don’t really think he’s going to get on his knees. That’s old fashioned.”
“Nothing wrong with being old fashioned. If I found the right person, I’d get on my knees too.” He would fall to his knees for Eddie if it made a difference. But he knew it didn’t. No amount of groveling would win him the love of the young vampire he couldn’t banish from his heart.
Eddie lowered his lids and looked away. “Oh hey, look at that.” He pointed to the dancers.
“Didn’t know that Quinn is such a good dancer.”
Thomas sensed awkwardness in Eddie’s gesture as well as his voice. Was he embarrassed that Thomas had talked about finding the right person? Maybe it was better not to bring it up anymore.
“I’m sure Quinn had plenty of practice in those ballrooms in London. Trust me, it can be torture for any guy!”
Eddie looked at him from the side. “Did you dance much when you were living in London back then?”
“I did, until I could fake a leg injury and had a valid excuse to sit at the gaming tables instead. Now that was fun!”
“Yeah, I’m not much of a dancer myself,” Eddie admitted. “Nina tried to teach me when we were younger, but she gave up. She was quite disappointed in me that I was so clumsy. I hate disappointing her.” He looked down at the floor, chuckling. “She claims I have two left feet.
She’s probably right.”
“It’s never too late to try.”
“Well, we’re short of girls here anyway.” Eddie motioned to the few vampire females assembled.
“In hindsight it was probably a bad idea to have Haven’s party at the lounge, given that none of the humans could join in.” Samson had only intended for it to be a little welcoming celebration. How suddenly a band had been brought in, Thomas wasn’t sure.
“And I’m afraid it’ll be a short party,” Gabriel added, approaching them. “I’m calling a staff meeting. Upstairs. In fifteen minutes.” His boss looked casual in his black pants and black Tshirt, his hair as always pulled back in a ponytail, his scar that reached from his ear to his chin standing out against his olive skin. He’d been handsome once, very handsome. But the scar that marred one side of his face had put an end to that. Nevertheless, he’d found love. It just proved that the outside shell didn’t matter.
Thomas nodded and pointed to Eddie’s glass. “Drink up. Time for work.”
Thomas was glad for it. How much longer could he have stood there talking about unimportant things with Eddie, w
hen what he really wanted to do was ask whether there was a sliver of a chance that Eddie would one day return his feelings? Of course, it was a question he would never ask, because he knew the answer would only disappoint him more. Why was he torturing himself like this? Why couldn’t he just go to one of the many bars in the Castro, the most famously gay district of San Francisco, and pick up some willing guy who maybe even looked a little bit like Eddie, and fuck him until he’d gotten it out of his system? Why couldn’t he simply screw whatever guy wanted to be screwed, close his eyes, and pretend it was Eddie?
9
The staff meeting was held in a large conference room on the second floor that could hold over a hundred people if necessary. It was windowless. Tonight, only about fifty vampires were assembled, waiting patiently for Gabriel to start. Samson rarely chaired any of these meetings even though he was the owner of the company. Ever since bonding with Delilah and becoming a father less than a year later, he’d delegated most of the day-to-day running of the business to Gabriel.
Eddie sat down next to Zane and leaned into him. “You know what this is about?”
“Yep.”
“So?”
“So what?”
“What’s it about?” Eddie clarified.
“You’ll hear in a minute.”
“Thanks a lot for the info,” he replied sarcastically.
“Anytime.”
To Eddie’s other side, Oliver sat down. Not exactly the person he wanted to see right now.
After all, it was Oliver’s fault that Eddie knew about Thomas’s feelings for him. Feelings that made him uncomfortable and had made his friendship with Thomas feel awkward.
“Hey!” Oliver started.
“Hey!” Eddie kept looking straight ahead as if waiting with bated breath for Gabriel to start the meeting. Anything, just so he didn’t have to talk to Oliver.
“How are things?”
“Fine.” He sounded just like Zane. Maybe that was how he should react from now on: as if he didn’t care about what anybody thought. It seemed to work for Zane, and nobody seemed to fault the bald vampire for it, knowing they couldn’t change him anyway.
