by Maggie Walsh
Vladimir returned the smile and bowed. “Thank you, My Lord.”
“Now, get your men to find that son of yours before he finds his way to the Prime. I don’t think even he is stupid enough not to put the pieces together of the connection between the vampire king and the Prime.”
“Yes, My Lord. We will not let you down,” Vladimir pledged before he disseminated.
“No you will not, Vladimir, because if you do, you will regret the day you met me.”
* * * *
“So what is it, Shel? What’s really going on with you?” Taylor asked as he handed Shelby a bottle of water.
“I don’t want to talk about it, Taylor. I just can’t stay here with him here.” Shelby sighed and took a drink of water.
“Okay, but let me tell you this first. Xander is a great guy. He’s a nice man who accepted Jesse and me into this house, and this paranormal world, right from the start. Why don’t you at least talk to the man before you deny him?”
“Oh...Didn’t I tell you? Then it’s none of your damn business,” Shelby huffed.
“Oh, stop with the diva shit for one minute and tell me what’s going on.”
“Like you can stop with the diva shit for more than five minutes? Pot, here’s the black kettle.” Shelby rolled his eyes.
Taylor stared at the man for a few minutes before a thought hit him. “You’re scared.”
Shelby’s head snapped in Taylor’s direction and he gave him an angry look. “I am not scared. I’ll have you know I can be a fierce-ass vampire when I want to be. I’m not afraid of anything. Not even you, Guardian. With my powers, I can literally tie your nuts in a bow.”
Taylor gave him a smirk. “Oh yeah? And I can snap my fingers, turning you into a eunuch before you even take one step.”
“You’re not as powerful as I am, Guardian. I am over two thousand years old and received my mother's powers when she died. You’re just a little baby superhero.” Shelby said the last part in a baby voice and patted the top of Taylor’s head.
Taylor gave Shelby a bright, glowing smile. “Box, ocean,” he stated and Shelby disappeared. Taylor took a drink of water and counted to ten. Suddenly, a very wet Shelby appeared back in his seat, gasping for breath. “You were saying?” Taylor asked sweetly.
“You...what the hell?”
“Now what are you afraid of?”
“Just drop it, Taylor,” Shelby huffed.
Taylor grabbed Shelby’s arm and his eyes went white. Suddenly, a picture formed in the room before him like a hologram. The picture started to move like he was watching a movie, but he knew this scene very well. It had played over and over again in his head vividly since the day it happened.
Shelby left the stage at The Angel Club after his routine was over. His body glistened with sweat and glitter. He was breathing heavy as he made his way through the backstage hall to his dressing room. He stepped in and dropped onto the chair before the mirror. Grabbing a bottle of water, he gulped down the contents quickly then threw the empty bottle in the trashcan. Pulling the dollars from his hot-pink thong, he guessed he had somewhere in the realm of a hundred bucks. Not too bad for fifteen minutes on stage. If he kept this up, he would be able to buy that car he wanted in no time. Maybe he should go to Frank and Jesse and offer to dance twice a night?
The scene swirled and shifted, and Shelby saw himself stepping out into the club from the side entrance next to the stage. He nodded to the big bouncer, Zed, who guarded the backstage, then began to head toward the bar for a drink. As he went, the most delicious smell hit him like a Black Friday shopper grabbing for an Xbox. He stopped in his tracks and searched the area, looking for the source of the smell, when he noticed his fate line glowing. Shelby knew what this meant, but he was shocked to see it coming from him and leading away. He stood there frozen for a moment, trying to get the courage up to focus further on his fate line and follow it.
Shelby took a deep breath and released it before he allowed his gaze to slide along the line. It zigged and zagged through the club and continued across the room. Shelby slowly took a few steps, leading him to where the line ended. He saw the line end as he made it halfway across the club. Shelby looked up and saw the most gorgeous man ever at the end of his fate line.
The overwhelming sensation of completion and happiness engulfed him and Shelby couldn’t help the bright smile that spread across his face. His mate. He had found his mate, and the man was stunning. And huge. He had to be at least six-six. Damn, Shelby just wanted to climb him like a tree and hang from his trunk, as he rode his branch. And that hair, yum. That dark-brown, shoulder-length hair would be just what he needed to grab hold of and hang on while he rode this bronco. And holy mother of fate, his eyes. They were such a rich chocolate he just wanted to swim in them.
Shelby studied his mates face. He loved his strong nose and high cheekbones, and the five o’clock shadow on his chin caused a shiver of need to course through Shelby’s body. His gaze roamed over his mate's body and his eyes shifted to his vampire at the sight of those broad shoulders and hard, hairy chest. Another shiver raced through him at the thought of running his fingers through that chest hair. Shelby’s gaze dropped lower, appreciating the sight before him, and then froze. All the air left his lungs and they began to burn. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His fangs dropped from his gums and a hiss escaped his lips.
There was a man kneeling on the floor before his mate and the man was sucking his mate’s cock. The cock that should be his. Shelby’s gaze flicked back up to his mate’s face just in time to see the man throw his head back in pleasure.
Shelby’s whole world began to spin and he couldn’t catch his breath. He needed to get out of there. Shelby turned from the vision before him and ran back to his dressing room, grabbed his bag, and headed out the back door. The tears rolled down his face from the pain in his soul. Shelby tilted his face up toward the sky and looked to the bright moon above. “Why? Why would you let me find my mate like that?” he cried out and then disappeared.
The hologram before him shifted and a series of visions flashed by. Each one showed him at the club, dancing on stage, and his eyes would lock onto his mate in the audience. Each time, his mate was with some other man, or men. The hologram shifted and vanished.
Taylor’s eyes returned to their brilliant blue and he drew his hand back. Taylor’s gaze met Shelby’s watery eyes and tears began to brim Taylor’s eyes as well.
“You had no right,” Shelby whispered venomously.
“You’re right, Shelby. I didn’t, and I’m sorry. That’s not what I expected to see. I only wanted to find out why you were so afraid of mating and to see if I could help you. I am so, so, sorry. I promise you that it will stay between us.”
“Why didn’t you come to me?” Taylor and Shelby both jumped from the sound of Xander's voice and they swiveled in their seats to face him.
“What?” Shelby managed to say.
“When you first found me. Why didn’t you come to me?” Xander asked and took a step closer.
“And how the hell was I supposed to do that when you had another man’s lips wrapped around your cock, huh? Tell me that.”
“But you’re my mate. You’ve known for months who I was and you never said anything. How could you do that?” Xander asked and Shelby could hear the hurt in his voice.
“Every time I saw you, you had some twink or whore either bent over or you were ramming your cock down their throats. What would you have done if you saw me like that?” Shelby asked angrily.
Xander growled low in his throat and took another step closer. “I would have killed the man and then shown everyone who you belonged to.”
“Oh, hell no. I belong to no one,” Shelby said defiantly and raised his chin.
“But you are my mate. You belong to me,” Xander said with a slight growl.
“Not if I don’t accept you, I’m not, and even if I did, I belong to me. I say what I do at all times, no one else.”
Xa
nder’s face fell and his eyes filled with sadness. “You don’t want me?” he whispered.
“How can I have a manwhore as my mate?” Shelby asked as if Xander was insane to even question him.
Xander’s head snapped back slightly as if Shelby had struck him. “I’m not a saint or a virgin, but I’m not a manwhore, either, and I would never even look at another once I found my mate.”
“Shelby, Xander is almost three hundred years old. You can’t expect him to have lived this long and still be a virgin,” Taylor added.
Shelby turned his angry, glowing red eyes on Taylor. “And why not?”
“That’s not fair, Shelby. You’re a grown man and I’m sure you’re not untouched. I mean, look at you. You’re sexier than anything I have ever seen, and you’re a stripper. You can’t tell me that at whatever age you are, you are still a virgin,” Xander said.
Shelby’s eyes widened for a moment before they narrowed at Xander and filled with rage. “Oh, so the stripper must be a whore, huh? Well fuck you, asshole!”
“No! Shelby, that’s not what I meant. I only meant that―”
“I don’t give a shit what you meant. If I throw a stick, will you leave?” Shelby huffed.
“Shelby―”
“No, Taylor. This is none of your damn business,” Shelby cut Taylor off and then looked back to his mate.
“How can you condemn me for things I did before I even met you? Surely you have been with a man or two?” Xander pleaded.
“That’s not the point. The point is that since I saw you, you have always been with another man. Oh, and not the same one...ever. It was always a different one.”
“I would never be with anyone more than once because I didn’t want to develop feelings for someone I knew that I may have to leave someday when my mate showed up. What would have happened had I been in a relationship when we met? Then I would have broken someone's heart. I couldn’t do that. Every guy I have ever been with has known from the start that I wasn’t looking for more than a one-off or a one-night stand. If they weren’t comfortable with that then we just walked away from each other before anything began.”
“I may love to shop, but I’m not buying your bullshit,” Shelby stated as he jumped to his feet. “If you won’t get out then I will.” Shelby stomped across the room and walked out the door.
Xander sighed heavily and dropped down onto the couch beside him. Leaning his elbows on his knees, he placed his head in his hands.
“If it’s any consolation, X, I agree with you,” Taylor offered.
“Thanks, Taylor, but I don’t think you agreeing with me will get my mate to.”
“Probably not. Do you want to talk?”
“Not really, but thanks.”
“Okay. Well, I’ll just leave you alone, but if you need anything, I’m here, brother.”
Xander nodded and covered his face with his hands. Taylor walked up behind him and placed a hand on Xander’s shoulder. He gave him a small squeeze in comfort and then stepped back, dropping his hand. Taylor turned and left the room.
* * * *
“Dante! Dare! Help me!” Dale’s scream came from down the hall. Dante and Dare jumped to their feet and took off from Dante’s office, heading toward their mate. As they headed out, Sasha joined them. Viktor, Adam, Nicco, and Colby came running out of Viktor's office and followed. Dare and Dante turned the corner at the same time and spotted their mate bent over, hanging onto the wall. Seth stood beside him with an arm wrapped around his waist, his face was as white as a ghost.
“What is it, bello? What’s happened?” Dante asked in concern and grabbed Dale around the waist as Seth stepped back. Dale grabbed onto Dante as a piercing scream left his lips. He grabbed his stomach and began to cry.
“What is it, my love?” Dare’s voice broke with emotion as he rubbed a hand down Dale’s back in comfort.
“I...I...think it’s...coming,” Dale panted between clenched teeth.
“What’s coming, bello?”
Dale’s head snapped up and he glared at his mate angrily. “The new dildo I ordered, because yes, I was so excited about the damn thing I couldn’t help but scream for joy! The baby!”
Dare and Dante’s eyes opened wide as they froze, and all the color drained from their faces. “The baby? It’s coming now? But isn’t it too soon?” Dare asked in shock.
“Yeah, well, tell him that,” Dare said between clenched teeth.
“Him?” Dante asked with a tinge of excitement in his voice.
“Him, her, whatever. Is that really important right now?”
“No, of course not, bello,” Dante said lovingly. Dante picked Dale up into his arms. “Let’s get you to our room.”
“I’ll go get Aaron and Jesse,” Viktor offered and disseminated.
“I’ll help Seth get lots of hot water and clean rags,” Adam said and turned to head toward the kitchen.
“Hot water and rags for what?” Colby asked, stopping Adam.
“I don’t know, but it’s what they always do in movies when a baby is coming.” Adam turned back and grabbed Seth’s arm, dragging him along with him.
“We’ll secure the residence, King,” Sasha stated.
“Thank you, Sasha,” Dante acknowledged as he carried Dale down the hall with Dare following.
* * * *
“Why now? Why so soon? Is there something wrong? Is the baby in trouble? And what about our mate? Will he be okay?” Dare asked in fear as he paced the hall outside his, Dante’s, and Dale’s bedroom.
“I don’t know, my love,” Dante said soothingly. He stepped in front of Dare, stopping him from pacing. Dante cupped Dare’s cheek with one hand as he placed his other hand on his hip, stepping closer to his mate. “But we have to believe that Aaron and Jesse will do everything they can to help them both.” He leaned in and gave Dare a gentle kiss.
Dare sighed, then leaned in and wrapped his arms around Dante’s waist, pulling their bodies together. They stood there clinging to each other, each giving and receiving comfort from the other.
“Dante, Dare. I came as soon as I could,” Micah said in a rush as he approached them.
The mates pulled apart and faced Micah. “It’s okay, Micah. You’re here now,” Dante said with a strained smile. Micah walked right up to his best friend and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him into his embrace. Dante returned the hug for a moment before the two pulled apart, but Micah kept a hand on Dante’s shoulder.
“What can I do?” Micah offered, giving Dante’s shoulder a squeeze.
“There’s nothing any of us can do. Aaron and Jesse are in there with him, but they’re not sure what to do or expect, seeing as this is the first time any of us have ever had to deal with a man giving birth,” Dare explained in a strained voice. Micah grabbed Dare’s shoulder with his other hand and rubbed it in comfort.
“Maybe we can help,” Phenex’s voice came from behind them. The three turned to look at Phenex and Ryland.
“What are you two doing here?” Dante asked.
“We brought Micah, but stopped in your kitchen to grab a few things first,” Ryland explained.
Dante suddenly realized Ryland held a few things in his hands. “What was that?”
“Seeing as I am the only one here that knows what Dale is going through, I know of a few fae remedies that may help with his labor pains. May I?” He motioned toward the door.
“If you think you can help our mate, then of course, Ryland,” Dare said.
Ryland stepped in front of Dare and gave him a smile. “I will do whatever I can to help your mate, my friend.”
“I know you will. Thank you,” Dare said to his best friend.
Ryland went to the door and opened it, stepping inside. Just as the door was closing, Dale screamed out in pain, causing Dare and Dante to flinch and step closer to the door.
“Should we go in?” Dare asked in a whisper.
“I don’t know, my love. Part of me wants to be there with him, but I don’t
want to get in the way.”
“Reminds me of when Jesse was born. Except it was only Dare and me out pacing the halls.”
“Not exactly, Phen. If I remember correctly, you were pacing a hole in the floor while I was standing there being amused by it,” Dare said with a chuckle.
“Yes, and you kept warning me not to go in or risk losing my family jewels.” Phenex laughed.
“So you were there waiting in the hall when Jesse was born?” Dante asked with a raised brow.
“Yes. Ryland insisted that Phenex not be allowed in and see him in such a state. He made me watch over him to stop him from entering.” Dare shrugged. “But how do you stop a pit bull from attacking a steak?”
“And now Jesse is in there helping your child come into the world. An ironic twist of fate, huh? Life can be wondrous sometimes,” Micah said absently as he stared at the door.
They all stood there staring at the door for a moment as Micah’s words swirled around in their heads. Phenex cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Why don’t the two of you come into the kitchen for some coffee or something until either Dale asks for you or one of the others comes for you?”
“But is it right for us to leave hi―”
“Dare! Dante!” Dale screamed from the other side of the door.
Dante grabbed the doorknob, breaking the door open. He and Dare tried to get through the opening at the same time. They bumped into each other and bounced off the door frame, stumbling into the room.
“Will you two stop fooling around?” Dale yelled.
They rushed to the bed. Dante went to one side and Dare to the other, sitting on the bed and taking Dale’s hands in theirs. “What can we do for you, Leannán?”
“Never fuck me again, for starters, because I’m telling you both right now, never again! This shit hurts. How do women do this?” Dale asked and began to cry.
“It’s going to be all right, bello,” Dante said soothingly as he wiped a hand across Dale’s sweaty forehead.
“No, Dante. It hurts. Please make it stop,” Dale begged as tears ran down his cheeks.
