Page 12 of Blood and Vengeance

"Your men have some special talents for dealing with onlookers," Drakon spoke up. "Is it magic?"

"They were trained under a Mage. The magic they employ is natural and not from the darkness."

“That’s very handy.”

“Yes, very.” He agreed.

“I know you will want to speak with Master Lucan Cass, but I'm asking that you allow me to handle that for you. If he called for the attack, I’ll hand him over. He's a snobby bastard, and I believe he may set you off even if he had nothing to do with the situation. He rubs everyone the wrong way and is just a patently dislikeable man." The way Master Rose said it brought a smile to Arman’s lips.

“He sounds lovely.” He said sarcastically.

“Not even a little bit. He’s someone I tend to avoid because I don’t trust myself not to kill him.”

“I’ll trust you to deal with Lucan Cass for now." Arman agreed, although if Cass was at the heart of this attack, Arman would take care of him and anyone else who dared to put his beloved in danger.

After Master Rose and Drakon left, Arman sat on the sofa with Chris in his arms until he began to stir. He slept for a little over an hour, and when he woke, he immediately asked when he could start training. "Once we're home and settled, we can put a schedule of training together." He promised.

“I should get up and take a shower and dress and pack.”

"Take your time, my love, we have all day." Arman kissed the side of his head. Chris sat still for a few more minutes and then started to get up, and Arman assisted him.

“I have coffee and tea in the kitchen if you’d like a cup.”

"You go get ready, and I'll prepare a couple of cups of coffee," Arman suggested, and Chris nodded. “How did you like your coffee?”

"Just black, no milk or sugar."

“I’ll get it ready.” He stood and watched Chris slowly and carefully make his way into the bedroom. He did not close the door, which Arman appreciated. Within a few minutes, he heard the shower turn on, and he walked to the kitchen and dialed Trey, his lead guard.

“What do you have?” He asked.

"They were Master Lucan Cass's men, but I couldn't get a read on whether he sent them. Although, it seems unlikely that it was anyone else. They have no reason to attack you and your beloved." Trey gave his opinion.

"My thoughts exactly," Arman added.

"What does Cass have against the Rose Coven or me? He might have been trying to embarrass Master Rose."

“He is very deferential to Master Rose.”

“Reason being?”

“He wants to do business with the Rose Coven. The Cass Coven does not have access to Chicago.” Trey's revelation gave motive; it was an emotional and trivial motive, but it sounded like the action of this Master Vampire.

"Find me, Master Lucan Cass."

"Yes, sir." With that, he closed the call just as Chris exited the bedroom dressed in form-fitting, well worn jeans and a white pullover. He looked so good. His hair was still wet, and his complexion held that rosy glow. He was gorgeous.

He handed Chris the cup of coffee, and he took a long sip and then set it on the counter. "Thank you."

“You’re welcome.” Arman pulled him into his arms, having been apart too long. He kissed his cheek and then took his lips in a hard kiss. He holds Chris with one arm, pressing him against his side, and looks around.

“How much of this stuff is yours?” He asked.

"The furniture was here, and the other touches I picked up at thrift shops, so I don't need to bring them with me. I just need my clothes and my personal items from the bedroom and bath."

"I can provide, so just bring what you can't live without," Arman told him.

"Sounds good, I hate packing." He disappeared into the bedroom and came out a few minutes later with a backpack and a tote bag. "This is all I need." He set them aside, picked up his coffee from the counter, and took another sip.