by A. E. Via
“This really is something, Henry. How did you manage this?” Wick walked over to the deep, stainless steel sink and washed the grime and dirt off his hands and from under his nails. He looked over the two pots and picked up a flat utensil he’d just seen Henry using to push around some steaming yellow and green chunks.
“These are sautéed zucchini and squash, my Lord. Real popular with shifters. And in that skillet, resting, is a 20-ounce ribeye.” Henry stood with his hands clasped loosely in front of him while Wick inspected the food his mate was about to consume. He knew the sweet vampire wouldn’t hurt anyone, especially his Beloved, but Wick played it off like he was simply interested. Hell, he was. The smells were different and stimulating but it didn’t make him want to put any in his mouth. Wick pulled up a chair and got comfortable. He was going to immensely enjoy this.
Justice clapped his hands and rubbed them together eagerly. “I’m all clean and ready to enjoy, Henry.”
Justice went to retrieve a plate, but Henry quickly took it from him and motioned for Justice to sit at the table with Wick.
“You don’t have to serve me, Henry. I’m more than capable of fixing my own plate.”
“Do you fix your own plate when you are home?” Henry raised one dark brow.
“No, but that’s only because a person chooses to bring me food… I don’t require it.”
Henry didn’t argue, he simply placed a heaping plate of food in front of him with a chilled glass of water. “I asked the butcher for porterhouse but they were out. He said if you love that cut then you’d love this one as well. Was that right? Oh no, I hope that was corr—”
“Henry please.” Justice cut off the vampire’s nervous chatter. “Everything looks perfect. And yes, I do love ribeye, too. I love most meat, period, so feel free to explore away on the youtubs.” Justice winked teasingly, making Henry’s pale skin flush a very delicate pink. “I’ll be happy to volunteer as your official taste-tester.”
Henry moved back into the kitchen, wiping down the already gleaming surfaces.
“You’ve just made his millennium.” Wick laughed, watching in awe at Justice while he hoovered the steaming food. He actually had to suck in air to cool his mouth when he shoved a large heaping of scorching vegetables inside. It was absolutely captivating and entertaining. He’d never just sat and watched someone eat. Justice appeared to be racing, but no one else was eating.
“You guys don’t eat any solid foods at all? Can you and you just don’t like it, or what?” Justice asked, momentarily coming up for air.
“No. It’s not necessary,” Wick answered. “It provides zero sustenance.”
“So why do you even have kitchens in your homes?”
“They come standard,” Wick said, laughing along with Henry. It must’ve been a typical vampire joke because it really cracked them up.
“With solid foods, the taste is not the same. Or so I’ve heard from other once-human vampires. Born ones never know what they’re missing,” Wick informed him. It seemed Justice knew the minimum facts about his species only. “You’d probably describe that steak as having robust flavoring and a tender texture. For me it would be bland and tough like rubber. Our fangs aren’t used for ripping flesh.” Wick gave Justice his own ravenous look, dropping his voice several octaves. “My fangs are for piercing your body.”
Justice wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin Henry placed next to his water goblet. He stared back at Wick, his intoxicating scent of arousal overtaking the smell of seared beef in the room. “Don’t start something you’re not ready for me to finish on top of this fuckin’ table.”
“Oh, bad dog,” Wick whispered in their link, smirking after, showcasing a bit of cockiness.
His Beloved bounded from his seat and was picking him up in his arms to punish him for that slick comment before Wick could dart away. Henry seemed to magically disappear.
“You and your ass will pay dearly for that one.” Justice refused to let Wick weasel out of his grip no matter how hard he tried through his fits of laughter.
The chuckling died down quickly when Wick felt Justice’s stiff erection stabbing against his thigh. His own dick was leaking profusely in his old university jeans. Through the haze of passion Wick understood Justice was trying to eat and recharge his battery but he was greedy and impatient. He hadn’t touched Justice in roughly fifteen minutes. With his head thrown back, Justice sucked mercilessly on his throat while Wick bucked against the hold. He got high off Justice’s virility.
“I can’t resist you, mate,” Justice growled, lifting him until he wrapped his legs around Justice’s waist.
Wick rode the thrill of being in his mate’s arms for a few seconds longer, but he had to put a temporary end to it because Wick could hear his escort approaching, along with Captain Erman. “We have to stop.”
“I know.” Justice released Wick’s neck, kissing him thoroughly once more before the front door to the cabin opened.
Justice sat back down to finish the last few bites of his food. Ramon stood at the entrance to the kitchen. His dark eyes met Wick’s respectfully before moving over to Justice. “Alpha, por favor, excuse the intrusion.”
Justice accepted the respect and let the man address his King.
“Chadwick. El capitán is out front. He refuses to come inside and resume his duties until the Alpha returns to the Humboldt Pack lands. He says the cabin was rented to—”
“Stop right there,” Wick cut off his Lord Protector. “I understand that your captain gave you a message to deliver and you followed those orders. However, effective immediately, Ermanno Giuliani is no longer your superior.”
“Sí, my Lord. I understand,” Ramon answered. “If I may…?”
“Speak.” Wick granted, eyeing Justice cautiously.
The man Wick trusted to advise him was outside issuing a direct challenge to his Beloved. Wick didn’t know how he’d missed this. Missed the signs. Erman never once expressed a sexual interest in Wick. This was beyond disrespectful in not only Justice’s world but in Wick’s as well. It was a punishable offense to bring mayhem and discord to the King’s life, but for it to be done by someone he trusted made the offense worse. Wick couldn’t let go of his anger regarding Erman’s betrayal. They didn’t have time for childishness. He and Justice already had their work cut out for them rallying the species and fight together, not each other. This was starting out all wrong. Now his mate had to fight, only one day after claiming him. Wick would graciously kill Erman himself or issue the order to Ramon, but Justice would never allow anyone to fight for him when he was more than capable himself.
“We all stand behind you and your mate. Our loyalty lies with you, King Bentley. I’ve protected you for over forty years, Wick. That will not end today. We believe you and your mate were sent to protect us and guide us into the next century.”
Wick stood and placed his hand on Ramon’s shoulder. “I expected nothing less of you. Your devotion is uncompromising.”
Ramon turned his full attention to Justice, his jet-black eyes fearless, his posture steadfast. “When I first became a vampire, I was fascinated to learn of shifters. I studied your species, your culture for years. The rules of challenging are relatively the same in our species. Justice, you are the King’s Beloved. As the Lord Protector, I have the right to request to be your fighter in this challenge if you choose, just as your betas can champion for you. Personally, I’d be honored to fight for you and your true mate.”
Justice knew that gutless, poaching motherfucker would be back, he just didn’t think it’d be tonight. He thought Erman would be licking his bruised ego for at least a few days. Justice looked at the clock on the stove, it was almost two in the morning. Peak time for vampires, but the night still belonged to the wolf.
Ramon Vega’s thick chest was pumped up and his eyes held a startling shade of red behind the blackness. He wanted to show his skill, whether for him or Wick, he didn’t know. Ramon looked like he was trying to will Justice to say yes t
o him, but Justice didn’t need anyone to fight his battles. A challenge for his mate was his duty to accept… and win. It was the only way to rightfully claim his prize.
“Ramon, I only need you to perform two tasks, hopefully not three. No one ever wants the third task.” Justice didn’t have to look down at Ramon when he spoke, he stood at the same six-foot two as him, but Ramon courteously averted his eyes to Justice’s shoulder.
“Por favor. Name them.”
“First, and most important. Please situate the rest of Wick’s escort to the right side of the lawn. Tell them to remain there throughout the challenge. That way I won’t suspect them of potentially interfering or sneaking up on me from behind by their movement.”
“No one will sneak up on you. I won’t allow it!” Wick roared, his energy starting to permeate the room. Justice soaked it up, savoring the authority.
“Everything will be fine mate. I promise.”
They could smell the stench of Erman’s deceit all the way in the house.
“The second task.” Justice felt his canines burning to descend and destroy. His voice getting darker and deadlier as he spoke. “After I win and I exile Ermanno Giuliani from any and all shifter territory, I want you to escort him to the state line. Nevada is claimed land.”
“Sí, Alpha,” Ramon answered swiftly. “King Bentley. I have to be honest and forthcoming with my report. Captain Erman does not believe Justice is your fated Beloved because of the way he first refused your call. He wants us to leave Nevada immediately. Absolutely no one is siding with him and he’s turning violent.”
Justice’s menacing growl made Ramon ease back a couple steps and drop his eyes further. His voice was a booming bass that made his threat travel well beyond the perimeters of the cabin and far past the front lawn. “My THIRD task, Lord Protector. When I win the challenge… properly dispose of the captain’s body.”
“Let the former captain know my Beloved and I are coming out,” Wick said through bared fangs.
“Sí, my Lord.”
Justice wasn’t worried about fighting. He’d already experienced the captain’s strength before at the police station. The man was insane to provoke Justice… either that or he was that infatuated with Wick. Justice couldn’t blame the poor guy for falling hard at the first sight of Wick.
Justice remembered one of his father’s many teachings. “A real man, a real fighter knows when he’s lost the battle.” Wick was claimed and he belonged to Justice. There was no reversing it. The rejected vamp should take the loss and bow out with dignity. Not make a spectacle, or get his throat ripped out.
Justice sat back in the dining room chair and pulled Wick onto his lap, burying his face in the bend of his neck, caressing his mark. He sent Wick a fraction of his confidence, showing his mate he had no cause to worry. Justice breathed in Wick’s wonderful scent and centered himself, centered his wolf.
He was glad Wick had accepted what needed to be done. Out of reverence for Wick, and as a courtesy to the vampires watching, most of whom had worked many years with the captain, he would try to spare his life.
When he was done letting Wick’s presence focus him, he calmly sent his brother Alek a message. Challenges weren’t quiet – growls and snarls could be heard for miles – and Justice couldn’t worry about shielding his emotions when he fought, so his siblings would feel it. Ignoring his beta’s extreme disapproval, Justice briefly explained the situation and let him know he had everything under control. Wick was silent while Justice mentally spoke with his brother.
Alek: “Have you lost your true-mate-having mind? Are you in so much bliss that little butterflies have taken over your brain and made you stupid?”
Justice growled loudly down their link.
Alek: “Better. That’s my Alpha. And the AZ knows that his first beta belongs at every challenge. I should be there. You’ve never fought a vampire. It doesn’t matter that you can take him. The Alpha Zenith should not be executing a challenge without a single member from his pack – or any pack – being present. Who of your pack will stand with your true mate? You don’t need me to remind you, of all people, of our laws, Justice.”
Alek was right.
“Mikel and I are on our way, I’ll leave Mac with Farica.”
“It’ll be over before you get here.” Justice cleared the link and rose from his seat.
Wick turned in Justice’s arms and pressed his mouth to his, pushing and rubbing his body aggressively against him. The weight was wonderful and exactly what he needed. Wick touched him everywhere on his upper body so Justice’s nose and his mind would be flooded with his scent. Also, his sly mate was adding his own insulting slap to the captain’s face. Erman would have to fight him while Justice was cloaked in Wick’s scent – the one he desired. It was an atrocious mind-fuck and it was a gesture that said, “Wick’s body was all over me, not you… and it never will be.”
Justice let Wick walk ahead of him. When they got to the open, double doors, Wick paused in the threshold, shooting dark daggers at Erman. The angry vampire stood by himself at the end of the circular driveway. Justice didn’t need the bright, outside accent lights within the landscape to see. At night, his vision was better than twenty-twenty. First thing he noticed was Erman was dressed for the event. His typical white-collared shirt and designer black blazer were absent, along with his polished appearance. The vampire wore a dingy brown tank top and wrinkled camo pants.
As he was instructed, Ramon stood off to the right in front of the four remaining trusted vampires. None of them looked sympathetic to their brother that didn’t seem to comprehend the danger he was facing.
Justice didn’t take his eyes off of Erman when he wrapped both arms around his mate from behind and kissed the visible bite mark on his neck. The positive, courageous emotions Wick pushed towards him had him whispering the words into his mate’s mind without second thought.
“I love you.”
He couldn’t see Wick from the front but he could feel him close his eyes and return that love ten-fold.
Erman bristled at their bold display of affection. His disdain and anger were evident but he held no true strength. The aura around him was devoid of any power. Justice didn’t want to kill ruthlessly and the captain was no match for him. Justice was nothing if not fair. Linking his fingers with Wick’s, he walked down the steps to confront his opponent. He signaled for Ramon to join him, since he was pretty sure he was about to be Wick’s newly appointed captain.
Justice stopped a few feet from the seething vampire. “I have no desire to fight you, Erman. Chadwick is my true mate. You can see it and you can smell it. This challenge is ridiculous and you’re unnecessarily risking your life. You know you can’t defeat me. If you withdraw your challenge and leave my territories immediately, I will not put you down. But only if you leave now!” Justice thundered loud enough to make Erman wince, but he stood his ground. The stubborn fool.
“I’m not the one going down,” Erman hissed, his sharp fangs glistening in the moonlight.
“Idiota,” Ramon grumbled behind them. “You know King Bentley would die if anything happened to Justice.”
“Only if he was his true Beloved… and he’s not.”
Wick’s hand tightened in Justice’s a moment before he removed it. They could both see Erman gearing up to strike. Suddenly, disregarding Justice, Erman moved daringly into Wick’s space. Justice was surprised his wolf allowed it, in fact, didn’t even bristle. Maybe because Wick was too damn capable for Justice to fret about.
“So, you’ve made your choice.” Erman sneered.
“Fate chose. You must respect that,” Wick answered.
“I know nothing of fate. I make my own destiny.” Erman’s hard eyes softened as he gazed up at Wick. “Do you remember what your father used to say? We make our own destinies, we’re the controllers of our own fates. I am the captain of my destiny.”
Wick’s expression was bored. “My father never said that. A great poet did. Erman, you can
recite all the poetry and limericks you want, it won’t change the fact that I’m in love with Justice Volkov.”
“That mark doesn’t mean you love him.” Erman slowly reached up to graze his fingers along the faint marks on Wick’s neck.
The ground trembled. Justice’s murderous growl sounded as his wolf burst from him, shredding the clothes he wore, sending the tatters scattering across the lawn. He could vaguely hear Ramon warning Erman to get away from Wick. Justice saw Wick had stopped the captain’s hand just shy of touching his throat. The grip his mate had on the captain’s wrist looked painful, so painful that it took Erman down to his knees. Wick’s eyes glowed like the brimstone in hell.
“Why would he mark me only for you to put your filthy hands on it?” Wick’s words were spoken politely and casually but his eyes revealed his frightening anger. With a viciously fast jerk and a minute amount of effort, Wick snapped the captain’s wrist. Erman fell back on the ground, screaming and clutching at the useless appendage. Wick turned and gave the captain his back, stating with finality, “You have no right to touch me.”
Justice stalked forward, his ears low and close to his skull, his tail rigid, sticking straight out behind him. Justice’s lips were pulled up high, showing his large canines dripping saliva as he pushed his snout right up to Erman’s face and released a deafening growl that made him cower, struggling to pull himself back with his one good arm.
Justice heard his brother’s warning a second before his huge white and gray wolf emerged from the trees, Alpha Mikel’s great black one a half step behind him. Justice never took his eyes off Erman as his brother’s reassuring presence washed over him.
Erman ducked and scurried off to the side. “This is an ambush! The challenge rules have been broken,” he yelled at the nearby vampires. “Attack them.”
No one moved.
“The Alpha Zenith has a right to have his betas or members of any of his packs present. No one is ambushing you,” Ramon spoke up.
