“Marcello deserves a mate just as much as you do,” the man who Master Edison had called Thomas said. “As do the others in this coven.”
“Why?”
“Because despite what it is that they do, they deserve to have the connection and completion in life that a fated mate provides.”
“But Abel?”
“Abel will be a good match for Marcello. You have to trust me on that one,” Thomas said. I took that moment to look down at the little fox who was plastered to my side and raised an eyebrow at him. His cheeks actually turned pink, and I had to wonder just what it was that Thomas meant when he said that.
“How did you find us?” I asked. “It is the middle of the night in Montana.”
Master Ambrosius turned toward us, and I noticed that the tiger shifter that was usually not far from him had his hand on his lower back. Not really holding him back, but then again, I was sure that a shifter wouldn’t be able to hold a warlock anywhere. “Felix and Luken saw the interaction between Abel and Cole outside of the restaurant. It was Cole who told us of the two men that disappeared with Abel. But it was Nikolai’s call that told us where we needed to search.”
“I did what I had to do,” Vincent said, finally coming into the room. “Marcello has been without his beloved for over a year and has become difficult to live with. The hope was that Abel would help mellow him out back to his only every-so-often deadly self.” Vincent smiled at Abel. “It’s very nice to meet you, Abel. I beg your forgiveness that I resorted to such drastic measures to get my second back. He has truly been miserable without you these many months.”
“I mean, you could have just asked,” Abel said. “You didn’t have to send someone in to kidnap me. Although I probably wouldn’t have believed them when they said they were going to take me to my mate.”
Vincent smiled again. “Which is why I sent Naldo and Mazzi to retrieve you as I did.” I glared at my coven master and friend. I couldn’t deny that it was wonderful having Abel in my arms, but all of this would have been avoided if he had just left everything alone and let me continue on as I have been doing.
“I do believe it is time for all of us to leave the new couple alone to work out the logistics of their mating,” Thomas said.
“They aren’t mated yet,” Master Ambrosius said. “Abel is coming home with us.”
“No, I want to stay with Marcello,” Abel said before he wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and held on. “I know he says I can’t stay, but I hope that with time, he’ll change his mind.”
That earned me a glare from Vincent. “You are staying, little one,” Vincent said. “You are part of the Vittone Coven now, no matter how long it takes my second to claim you.”
I returned the pointed look with a glare of my own. This was not what I wanted for my beloved.
“Everyone out,” Thomas said with enough authority that even Master Ambrosius left without any hesitation. Thomas looked directly at me. “I’ll be back shortly to discuss things with the two of you, so make sure you keep your clothes on for at least another thirty minutes.”
I nodded, and Abel seemed to fall into my side more. I tightened my grip on him and waited for everyone to leave. I could hear Master Ambrosius and Vincent arguing as they walked down the hallway. When the door finally closed behind Thomas, I finally felt myself start to relax. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized just how tense I was. That made sense, though, since my beloved had been in danger, and I had been ready to kill any who tried to take him from me. I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
“We should probably have that talk we needed to be having over breakfast,” I said.
“I don’t know what there is to say, really,” Abel said. “You’ve made it clear that I can’t stay, that I can’t be part of your world.”
I turned Abel and wiped his tears. “It’s too late for anything but you being with me. I was willing to die for you and kill thecreated vampire if he tried to take you from me. I will follow you to Montana, Abel. I cannot ask you to stay here. My world truly is not for mates and children.”
I expected Abel to smile, only he looked incredibly sad. “No, that’s not what I want,” he told me as he pulled from my arms. “I work in the council’s store. I’m really easy to replace. But you’re older, and I know your position in your coven is more important.”
I didn’t have it in me to argue. I’d spent the night without sleep, and all I really wanted to do was get my beloved naked and sink my fangs into him while I had my dick buried in his ass. “Are you hungry?” I asked.
“Maybe a little. Is there fruit?”
I smiled. “There is always fruit.” I led Abel to the table, and after helping him with his chair—I did have manners, after all—I took the chair opposite him. I pulled the silver domes off the food to reveal quite a few surprises. I was sure that Mazzi had prepared some things with Abel in mind, which was incredibly sweet of the warlock.
“Oh. I didn’t realize you ate french toast.”
“It is not normally on the menu. I assume that Mazzi made it for you.”
Abel smiled. “That and some fruit, and I’m good. All the time. Or just fruit.”
I held up the plate of french toast, and Abel took several pieces and then reached for the bowl of fruit. I questioned if he was going to pour a bunch of syrup on it or not. But when he simply dumped some fruit on it, I smiled at him again and took note.
“What did we need to talk about?” Abel asked. “You’ve changed your mind? And you think going to Montana is the answer?” I had never said Montana exactly, just that I wouldreturn with him. “Do you really think you living anywhere near Master Ambrosius is a good thing?”
I chuckled. “No, I do not.” I took a crepe as well as a bit of fruit and added them to my plate. “I do not know where we will live.”
