Vampires, Magic, and Monsters - Page 9

Neal already had some truths and was accepting as the revelations presented themselves. He would soon understand everything, and their lives together would honestly begin. The claiming and the coming together like this were so powerful in its own right and the added gift of the awareness made everything right and without misunderstanding.

He finished and licked the wound closed, leaving a small scar that would forever mark the beginning. “I love you, Neal.” He whispered against his ear, not sure if he heard him or not. He just felt the need to say it because it was how he felt. Neal groaned salaciously and squirmed beneath him. “You’re mine now, baby, all mine.” He pulled out slowly, letting the loss and sensation touch Neal in gradual measures.

“You feel so good, Alistar.” Neal moaned out the words and dropped down onto the bed, exhausted but pleased and satisfied.

“You feel like heaven to me Neal. I’ve waited so long for you, and it was so worth it.” Alistar laid down beside him and pulled him into his arms and kissed firmly on the lips.

Touching and being close with his adored felt as natural as breathing. Neal was so real and honest and natural, and he truly loved the little human. Romantic love was not an emotion he was familiar with, but it hit him as clear as day that this man was the reason for the hope and the want and the wonder that filled his heart.

CHAPTER FIVE

“Has he arrived Maxwell?” Mrs. Ball asked clearly on her last ounce of patience. Maxwell stepped back and put several feet of clearance between them. He did not trust her not to lash out at him since she had done it before when displeased.

“No, ma’am, he has not.” He told her and watched her face contort in a rage. She needed him to complete her treatment. Maxwell had offered a replacement, but she was adamant that it had to be that one. It had to be Neal Shawn.

He decided to make the offer once again since she was obviously running out of options. They did not have any further connection to the young man now that she had fired him, but he wouldn’t bring that up not in her current state of anger. “I can find you someone else.”

She rounded on him and began pointing her index finger into his face. “I want him and only him, Maxwell. He’s a useless human with no ties and no worth, and no one will miss him.” She ranted. “I tried to clear his mind when he inadvertently walked in while I was pleasuring myself with a donor, and I could not clear his mind. He’s destined to be an adored, and the power and the potency of his blood is priceless. I must have him before he is discovered and claimed. He must be mine, Maxwell.”

“They’re looking for me, and they think I’m a rogue like the others. Agincourt and the Kilconnor Coven intend to kill me.” All he got was laughter from Franchesca. His torment and fears meant nothing to her. He had to stay in hiding but she would not stand for that.

“Perhaps he will come tomorrow. He’s going to want his final check; he won’t leave it.” Maxwell suggested.

“I have half what I need, and it will not last until tomorrow. I must have him, and you will get him for me, or you will take his place.” She swung around, giving him her back, and headed for the door, leaving him alone in the salon.

She was serious. He’d watched it happen to a previous employee. If he didn’t bring that young man to her, it would be his blood filling her purpose. He had a feeling he was going to die soon, either at Kilconnor’s hands or Franchesca’s. No one lived long who worked in the employ of Mrs. Reginald Ball.

He had an address, and it was getting on past nine. The sun would be completely set soon. He decided to take two of the guards with him and simply take the man by force if he had to. He walked over to the window and looked out onto the street below. It was an old and monied section of town big, grand homes and manicured lawns and best of all everyone minded their own business.

Neal had settled into Alistar’s arms easily and naturally. He couldn’t believe that this was the same man who had frightened the life out of him such a short time ago. He was convinced at the time that Alistar was planning to kill him, but that belief left as soon as he experienced his warmth and his heart. The longer he was with him and the better he got to know him, the more Neal fell for him.

The supernatural aspect of it all just added a spice that was shocking and confusing at first but now seemed interesting and exciting. He felt no strangeness or danger, and that’s what made the information, or rather the awareness, as Alistar called it, easy to accept.

A lot of things in Charlotte were making sense now that he knew the whole truth regarding some businesses and residents. It also cleared up some questions he had about his boss Mrs. Reginald Ball. She was part of the Kilconnor Coven he knew that now not sure how he knew it, but he did.

“Do you know Mrs. Reginald Ball? Her husband is a big wig in the arts. I think he’s a collector or something and he’s worth a lot of money. They live up on the gold coast with the other privileged few.” Neal lay with his head on Alistar’s shoulder loving the comfort and the safety he felt being so close.

“They’re members of the Kilconnor Coven, but you know that.” He smiled and kissed the side of his head. “The awakening is unfolding many mysteries for you.”

“It’s quite eye-opening.” Neal agreed. “I work as her personal assistant, or rather I did. She fired me when I failed to retrieve that dress from the dry cleaner. That’s why I was so desperate to get it, but in retrospect, I’m glad I failed. I’d rather lose a job than lose my life.” He snuggled close, clinging onto Alistar, and drank in the masculine scent. Nothing smelled as good as this man. Neal wanted to bathe in the aroma and cover himself in it.

“She fired you?” He sounded incredulous. “That bitch.” Neal chuckled at his contempt. “You don’t need her. Besides, she has a reputation for not keeping assistants or household staff long. Be glad you’re away from there.”

“The money was good, but the demands were constant and difficult.” Neal would miss the money but not the woman.

“You need anything, I will take care of it. There are better jobs out there and I will help you.” Alistar was unwavering on this point and fighting him on it seemed useless since he’d welcome the help in securing another job before his bills started coming due.

“Thank you.” He said and left it there.

Alistar moved to cover him and began spreading kisses across Neal’s shoulders and down his chest, covering him in rousing, spinetingling sensations. Neal noticed that for a large man, Alistar moved swiftly and easily. He was suddenly on him, kissing him hard and fully taking his lips in a ravenous embrace while his hands worked Neal’s body to a fever pitch.

“I want to claim you again,” Alistar growled against his ear.

“Every inch of me aches for you, Alistar.” Neal wasn’t sure where that sexually aggressive retort came from, but he wasn’t going to temper it. His body ached, and his heart raced in anticipation of what Alistar could do.

He slid his body against Neal’s and seated himself between his legs, rubbing their bodies together slowly and sensuously, building the want and the desire to a heated pitch. Neal felt the sweat gathering on his brow as he fought to resist the need to come. He held, and he waited, allowing the rhythm of their bodies to take shape.

“You’re mine, Neal. You belong to this vampire forever and always.” It came out like a chant, and Neal could not deny his eager desire for this man.