Page 11 of Blood and Vengeance

“Try to get a fix on the others and report back. I’ll send you a couple more men.”

“Yes, sir.”

Drakon passed the report to Master Rose. It was important that they keep a lid on anything that might interfere with Arman Kane and his beloved. "Apparently, Arman does not have a problem with us following him, so have them stay close and, if possible, get between Arman and whoever they think may be tailing him." Master Rose paused and then asked. "Where is Arman headed?"

"Looks like he's taking his beloved to his apartment, possibly to pack. I hope he's not going to leave him there on his own. It would require us to split the men following him in order to provide protection.”

“He won’t leave him there alone. Arman is from the old world, and he has old world skills and sensibilities. If we suspect that someone is following him, I’m sure Arman suspects the same. I just hope it doesn’t turn into a battle on our streets.”

“Whatever happens, we will keep it contained.”

“I’ve seen this man’s work; it will be bloody.”

“Fuck I just got word they came at him as he and Chris crossed from their car to the apartment building. Three vampires and it's a mess, a fucking mess according to my man." Drakon chuckled. "He's taking them apart."

“Send a cleanup crew.”

***

Arman could feel the pressure of eyes on them the minute he exited the vehicle. He was aware of Master Rose’s men keeping an eye on him, but this was different. This was desperate and impatient with an edge of fear. He pulled Chris close as he looked up and down the street. His guards followed, feeling the same edginess and uncertainty. Something was in the air, and it wasn't good.

The distance from the curb to the front stoop of the apartment building was about forty feet, and they'd gone maybe ten feet when things started to go down. Three men came at them, two from the left and one from the right. Arman moved Chris back to the car and threw him inside, slamming the door. His driver stood guard.

Arman drew his sword and ran it completely through the first vampire that attacked him with a dagger. "Don't bring a dagger to a sword fight," Arman said as he split him in half. The next was beheaded as he swung his sword in an arc, taking the head in a clean slice, and the third was incapacitated by his guards. Body parts were strewn across the sidewalk with blood flowing, and men from the Rose Coven swarmed the area.

Arman grabbed Chris from the car and carried him inside, covering his eyes so as not to see the slaughter. There was time enough for him to discover everything about Arman; he didn't need to see this today. He signaled for his men to turn the captured vampire over to the Rose Coven. He then took the stairs, racing up to Chris' apartment, getting inside, and closing the door.

Chris had not spoken a word, and his body was shaking, and his breath was labored. "What did you see?" Arman asked.

"Nothing, the driver blocked my line of sight." He spoke haltingly and held tight to Arman’s jacket. He had not yet let him down but rather continued to hold him in his arms. Chris needed the contact and security, and so did Arman.

"I saw them come at you with knives. I thought they were going to hurt you." He struggled to breathe and to calm himself. "I could have helped you. Why did you push me away?"

Arman was moved by Chris' desire to stand with him. "You are human, Chris. As my bonded beloved, you have improved healing, but you would not survive a knife fight with a trained vampire soldier. I couldn’t risk you getting hurt. I can take a lot, and I have had plenty of training. Let me protect you and take care of you; it is my responsibility."

"I don't want to be a burden I want to be there for you. Sitting in the car, I felt useless." Arman could accept the desire, but it would be impossible for him to put Chris in any sort of danger. “You could train me.”

“I’ll consider it, but you mean too much to me to take chances with your life. I will always put you first and will always protect you it's just how I'm wired." Arman wanted to squash the idea of fighting by his side, but he also did not want his beloved to feel lost or vulnerable. "I will train with you once we're home and settled, but you must promise to follow my instructions and, when in battle, you always do as I tell you."

"I will, I promise." He nodded his head vigorously. He was in shock. Arman could see the signs, so this was not the time to get too deep into anything. He needed to relax and for his adrenaline to settle. He walked over to the small sofa and sat down with Chris still in his arms. There was a small throw there, and he tucked it around Chris, who was starting to experience chills.

There came a knock at the door, and he called for them to enter because he knew who it was. Master Rose and his lead enforcer, Drakon, entered the apartment. Chris did not open his eyes and did not stir.

“How is he?” Master Rose asked as he came to stand in front of Arman.

"He's in shock, but he'll be okay."

“Good, I’m glad.”

"Do you know who led the attack?" Arman asked, knowing that Master Rose would have that information already.

“The three who attacked you were from the Cass Coven in Naperville.” Arman nodded. “We don’t know the motive for the attack. The Master of the Cass Coven is in town, having come for the Gala, and is staying till Monday. We plan on speaking with him. I will know if he ordered the attack. The captive has been taken to a secure location and will be questioned." Master Rose was studying him, getting his measure in a way he had not done while in their negotiations.

"You're a fierce fighter." He said at last. "I could use a man like you. If you ever decide to leave Belleville and the Trento Coven, you will find a welcome home with the Rose Coven." That was an offer that few received. Conall Rose was notorious for keeping his Coven smaller and accepting only those he saw as the best.

"Thank you for the offer, and I will consider it."

"It stands open any time that you decide." Arman nodded, and they got down to business regarding the Cass Coven and the cleanup taking place out on the street. Any onlookers were immediately dealt with, and Arman's men assisted in the containment.