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CHAPTER SEVEN
Skye opened his eyes and saw his vampire lover stretched out beside him their bodies entwined. This was an outcome he could never have imagined, even in his wildest of dreams, and he had some wild dreams in his dark days, dreams of someday living a comfortable life with a good man.
Memories of last night came flooding back and brought a salacious smile to his face. Dante had pleasured him like no other ever did or ever could. He was his beloved a gift from Fate and Skye was shocked that he would be given such a man.
Dante was strong, intelligent, and handsome, and he could go on and on because, in his mind, there was no limit to Dante's attributes. He understood the importance of beloveds in the vampire culture and understood that what he was feeling for Dante was natural and real, and Dante was feeling the same.
The connection between them had blossomed since Dante had completed their bond. He could feel Dante's heart now and just a shade of his emotions; the connection did not take away privacy but rather enhanced their understanding of one another. This had been explained to him one afternoon in Pittsburgh by an older apprentice.
They'd witnessed a vampire take apart an entire city block looking for his beloved, who had gone missing in the area. He did not rest until the man was found and everyone involved was dealt with. It was wild and violent and focused, so deadly focused. The vampire was not going to stop until his man was found, even if it took him the rest of his life, and he had to dismantle all of Pittsburgh. After that happened, the kindred became more careful in selecting people to fuck with.
“Who taught you how to disassociate?” Dante shifted to his side and draped his arm over Skye’s middle.
"An apprentice and older guy I met in Pittsburgh after my grandmother died. He said it didn't always work but was better than nothing. He used it as a defense against the wrath of his master, but in the end, it didn't save him." Skye touched the little scar on his neck and felt a shiver course down his back, and the sensation was marvelous.
“Any regrets?” He had to ask.
“None as far as claiming you, but I have many when I think of the years you suffered. If only I’d known that you were there, I would have saved you.” The tone was sad, and Skye didn’t want him to be sad.
"The timing is up to Fate, and if you'd met me sooner, I doubt I would have trusted you at all. Adam would have had me killed, if he'd become the slightest bit suspicious so you probably never would have met me." He felt strong emotions wash over Dante. They were frustration and anger mostly and directed at the kindred and Adam.
“The Master has sent a team to Scottsboro to exterminate the kindred that resides there. They have been tasked to separate the innocent and they will be taken to the local coven. They are aware of the vampires that have frequented the kindred and their coven affiliations, and they will be dealt with.” He cupped Skye’s cheek and looked at him searching his eyes for something.
"You don't have to fear him, Skye, or any of them. I can feel your heart and the anxiety you still harbor. They will not hurt you, my love. You are mine now, and I will always have your back." He punctuated that pledge with a hard and demanding kiss that Skye was more than willing to reciprocate.
"I've never had anyone stand up for me, not since my grandmother died. It might take me a minute or two to get used to it." He smiled shyly, and Dante kissed him again.
“Take your time, we have the rest of our lives to get used to it.” He then rolled to a sitting position on the edge of the bed and looked back at Skye from over his shoulder. “I had some clothes delivered for you.” He said and indicated a stack setting on a chair by the wall. “Why don’t you get freshened up and meet me downstairs when you’re ready.”
"Sounds good," Skye answered and swung his legs over the other side of the bed. He sensed that Dante had more on his mind than getting ready for the day, so he did not inquire further. The emotions he felt were sharp and focused, so he assumed it had something to do with the team in Scottsboro.
Dante washed up in the guest room bath and then headed downstairs to make his call. Having claimed and bonded with his beloved last night had made everything more urgent, and the need to be certain of his safety became paramount.
“What have you discovered?” He realized that Graves had only just arrived a few hours ago but he knew he was a man that got results faster than anyone so he was hopeful for some information that would ease his concerns.
"The kindred have been destroyed, but Adam and a few of his closest people are missing." Graves told him, and it struck a nerve, causing Dante to stiffen, and his vampire surged to the surface. "There were only a few apprentices and slaves present, and they're currently being transported to the coven in Huntsville. The vampires that frequented the kindred are rogues, according to their former covens, but we will investigate that further. It's easy to call rogue when your own ass is on the line. We'll figure it out."
“Any idea where Adam might have escaped to?” Dante was going to keep his beloved close until that fucking warlock was found.
"We have someone following his magic trail, and it looks like he may be heading north, so be watchful."
"He wouldn't be that stupid," Dante stated.
“Of course, he would be that stupid he’s a magic and their hubris always outweighs their intellect.” Graves replied.
"Let me know if you get anything more on the warlock."
"Will do. Take care of your beloved and keep him safe."
“I will guard him with my life.”
“No doubt.”
Dante had just closed the call when he heard Skye coming downstairs and his soft voice calling to him. "Dante." Came the sound he hoped to enjoy for a lifetime, and with it came the sweet, wholesome scent of his precious beloved.
“I’m here.” He said and stepped out of the sitting room into the main hall by the stairway. “Come let’s find something to eat.” He held out his hand and Skye eagerly took it. “You look very nice and I’m glad everything fits.”
"You even got my shoe size correct, but then it was probably in my dossier." He smiled.
