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The kiss went on and on, and Andy held tight, reciprocating the ardor of his mate. After several minutes of kissing and holding each other, Dallas ended the kiss and pulled back to look down into Andy's face. Dallas' eyes were shot through with a redness that invigorated and excited. His vampire was close to the surface, and Andy could feel his need.
"That was the longest night of my life," Dallas said and placed a loving kiss on Andy's cheek. "I need you with me, Andy."
"I need you too, Dallas. I didn't sleep a wink last night."
“How did it go with you brother?”
"He understands the power that a mate possesses, but he told me that I had to leave and that it wasn't safe for me to stay with the pack. He said that there are those who would take the opportunity to use me against you." Andy told him and wrapped his arms around Dallas' waist, needing the warmth and contact of his mate.
"It would be the last thing they ever did, so I wouldn't advise it." Dallas shot back, his anger apparent. "I admire the fact Billy was straight with you and gave you good advice."
"He made me fearful, and after our meeting, I couldn't get out of there fast enough." Andy was both relieved and sad at having to leave the pack. He thought about mentioning the fact that Ford had him followed but then decided it was not an issue now that he was going to the Coven and would not be returning to the pack.
"Let's go home," Dallas stated and turned Andy in the direction he'd parked his vehicle. "I have a lot to show you, and I think you will be quite taken with the gardens." Andy loved the arm that was around his shoulders and the easy manner in which Dallas walked and talked about their future.
“I know the coven has splendid gardens and always dreamed of the day I would see them.”
"I'll give you a tour of the Palace, and then tomorrow we will start touring the gardens. It will take a while to see everything. The coven grounds cover many acres, and the Palace is large and beautiful. I hope you come to love your new home." Dallas was saying all the things Andy wanted to hear, and having him hold him like he was just made the day perfect. All thoughts of Billy and the warning and leaving his home faded away in the presence of this amazing man.
"I'd like to see your quarters first," Andy stated boldly, and Dallas appeared quite pleased.
"We'll tour my quarters first." Dallas helped him get seated in his SUV, and they were quickly on their way to the Palace.
Dallas was not going to look this gift horse in the mouth. Andy wanted to see his quarters, and the implications were clear. Claiming his beloved was becoming a desire so deep that nothing else mattered; all he could think of was making this man his own. The cougar shifter was driving him out of his mind, and the only cure for this insanity was completing their bond.
They pulled up to the side entrance that gave access to the main stairway. He could take the elevators, but it was so much more impressive to view the floors from the grand stairway. He parked and cut the engine, and it was then that he noticed Andy had gone silent and still, his eyes darting around, taking in everything and everyone in his immediate proximity.
Dallas reached over and took his hand. "What's wrong?" He asked, sensing the fear that was churning in the air between them.
"I'm a cougar; will they tolerate me." He was looking at the vampires coming and going and doing their jobs, many simply following their daily routines, but Andy saw possible trouble and hostility.
"You have nothing to worry about. I spoke with Silas and Master DuCane. You are welcome and will be treated with the same respect as any beloved." Dallas wanted him at ease and comfortable in his new home.
"Master DuCane has welcomed me, a cougar shifter, into his coven." Andy appeared stunned by the revelation. "He doesn't know me; I could be a terrible person. I could be like some of the other cougars in my pack."
"You are my beloved, and that is all he needed to know. Fate does not make mistakes; she deemed that you and I be one, and there is no power on earth that can come against that truth. This is your home, and these will one day become your people. Give it time, and just be yourself. You will come to trust them just as they will come to trust you." Dallas was trying to say it all in a way that was best to give Andy a good grasp on what lay before him.
"We just met yesterday, and today, I'm planning my life with you," Andy said with a longing that was palatable.
“I started to fall in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you in the woods when you helped Emily escape your brother and his friends. Your empathy and kindness confused me, and I couldn't figure out why you wouldn't leave my thoughts. I figured it out once I got close enough to scent you. That moment was the happiest of my life so far." Dallas laid out, not seeing any point in being coy or hiding his feelings from his beloved.
“You saw me with her?” He asked and turned to look up at Dallas with a ghost of a smile. “You saw me lie to my brother and his friends.” He added.
“Sometimes lies like those are necessary and harm no one.” Dallas defended him.
They entered the side door and made their way through the foyer and over to the grand stairway. "We could take the elevator, but this gives a better view of the floors." He said and noticed Andy looking everywhere at once, trying to take it all in.
"This place is so much more than I ever expected. I knew it was large and grand, but I didn't know it was actually a palace. You must love living here."
"It's impressive, and yes, I love living here, and so will you." Dallas pulled him close as they ascended the stairs. He introduced Andy to several fellow soldiers on the way and answered all his questions. When they finally reached his door, Andy was thoroughly wound up and excited by the ambiance of the place and the people he'd met so far.
They entered, and Dallas closed and locked the door. He didn't usually lock his door, but on this occasion, he didn't want to risk being disturbed. He had plans for his beloved and was eager to get started.
“This feels good, Dallas. I really like your place.”
“Our place.” He corrected and was rewarded with a sweet smile from his beloved.
"I want to claim you," Andy said and walked up to stand in front of him with one hand resting on Dallas' waist. "My cougar cannot wait, and neither can I. I need you to be mine." His words were powerful and were going right to Dallas' heart. His beloved was not playing around; he knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to ask for it.
