Page 6 of Blood and Vengeance

All these facts came to him as he stared into Arman's eyes and looked at his soul. It was all clear that his savior and lover was a beast and a vampire and had lived for centuries.

Arman was a powerful member of an influential coven who came to town to do business with Master Conall Rose of the Rose Coven. Information rapidly flooded his thoughts, and he was on the verge of being overwhelmed. Covens and shifter packs filled the city of Chicago, all working alongside humans who knew nothing of their existence.

***

Arman could see the comprehension expanding and Chris’ world growing larger by the second. “We were meant to be, my love. Fate has deemed it so." He repeated, then bent and kissed him softly on the lips, just a touch, just a taste. Over the course of the night, now that they were bonded, his understanding of the awareness would expand. His knowledge of the supernatural and its presence in his world and in his personal life would also become clear.

“You’re so beautiful." He told Arman, who found the compliment endearing, although it was a descriptor that had never been used on him before. Chris was sincere in his admiration; the truth was in his eyes. The way he looked at him was more than just lust. His expression held reverence and appreciation, and it melted Arman's heart.

"You're the beautiful one, sweetheart," Arman responded and followed that with a kiss. Chris opened his mouth to speak, but nothing was said; he just marveled, and that was more wonderful than any words could have managed to convey. "Rest, Chris, you have a lot to learn. You’ve entered Pandora’s Box, but you have me by your side, and you will always have me." He kissed him again, and Chris closed his eyes.

Arman did a quick and cursory clean-up and then bundled him into his arms, tucking Chris’ lovey head under his chin. He was a petite human barely five and a half feet tall to Arman’s six and a half feet, but they clung to each other in a way only those who were made for one another could manage. His body was the balm to Arman’s needs and desires, and his beautiful eyes were the balm to his soul. "Sleep, baby, sleep well."

***

"Word is that Arman found his beloved at the Gala. Chris Trudeau, he’s a young human working for the event manager.” Drakon informed the Master. “He will probably be staying a few extra days.”

“I’m happy for him, nothing like an energetic young human to get the juices flowing." He smirked, and Drakon nodded in agreement. Both men were bonded to energetic young humans. "Let him know that he is free to remain in my territory as long as necessary and send our congratulations."

"He might need an assist with the event manager," Drakon added. "He was not pleased when his friend left with Arman, and he has been making calls."

"Keep an eye on the situation and do a mind sweep if he attempts to interfere. We don't want Arman's bonding ritual to be disturbed; he doesn't strike me as someone who would react well to such inconveniences." The Master wanted the newly signed agreements to go off without a hitch, and disturbing the bonding ritual of an ancient like Arman could devastate the business agreement and their treaties.

“We’ll keep watch and make sure he and his new beloved are happy and content until they leave the city," Drakon stated and then pulled out his phone to set up further and more intense surveillance.

Arman was an old vampire originating from France and moving to the United States in the eighteen hundreds. He would not abide anyone getting in the way of completing his bond with a beloved he has waited centuries to meet. Conall was happy for Arman, but the discovery put new pressure on the Rose Coven.

If anything derailed the bond, Arman could go rogue, and that would be damn unpleasant. The man had a reputation for being ruthless and brutal. It was rumored he'd served under the Duke of Burgundy, one of the bloodiest of medieval knights, and he was said to be a master with the sword. The sooner Arman secured his beloved and headed back to Belleville, the better. Bondings and claimings could get messy, especially if there was a medieval knight involved.

CHAPTER FOUR

Arman noticed Chris' phone going off and glanced over to where he'd set it on the side table. It was Jason . . . again. He dismissed the call, and then suddenly there came a string of texts. He then turned off the phone. His beloved was asleep and would not wake for a while. The bond was strenuous, especially for a human; it was a process of enlightening and rewiring that cost the body stress and energy. He would sleep, and when he woke, the world would not look as it had yesterday.

They hadn't had much time to talk, but the awakening would clear up most questions. He hadn't intended to bond with him immediately, but once he saw that stunning body and Chris looked at him with those pleading, lustful eyes, there was no delaying the inevitable. His mind and body answered every call Chris put out, and that young man was ready. His uncertainty was there, but it did not hamper his desire for satisfaction.

Chris' head rested on Arman's chest, and he'd wrapped his arm around him, holding and running the palm of his hand over his warm, soft skin; it felt like silk beneath his touch. He checked his phone and saw the report from the guard watching the vampires from Naperville. It appeared he was simply observing nothing of interest to report apart from the man's companion making a play for several of the other attendees. "How rude." He said under his breath, but with a chuckle.

“Who’s rude?” Chris' sweet voice danced in the air, and Arman never knew that he could love a voice as much as he loved hearing Chris speak, laugh, and especially moan. The erotic moans were Arman's favorite sound.

“I was reviewing a report sent to me by one of my men. It spoke of some undignified behavior, but it is nothing you need to concern yourself with. Our concerns are personal, and we have so much to discuss, my love." Arman moved the conversation to their future, and he felt Chris tense up.

He pulled them both up into a sitting position with their backs against the headboard, but he kept his arm around Chris. Chris leaned into him, a sure sign that their bond was opening his mind and emotions. It would sharpen his perception and open all the doors to this new world that he has always resided within but never seen until now.

“What time is it?” Chris asked, and it was not the question Arman had expected.

“Seven forty, why? Do you have somewhere you need to be?”

"I didn't mean to stay the whole night. I'm sorry, you probably have business and things to do. I'll get out of your hair." Chris started to pull away to get out of bed but was unable to move. Arman’s arm was a solid barrier to him leaving the bed. He was held firmly in place, flush against Arman’s side.

"You're not leaving, and you know why you're not leaving." He needed to get Chris to accept the things circling his consciousness and to let go of all apprehension.

“I’m not sure that I do know.” His voice was small and hesitant, but he was addressing the issue, so that was good.

"Look at me and tell me what you see?" Arman brought his vampire to the surface subtly, not full force; he didn't want to frighten him. His eyes turned red, and his face hardened. The look was obvious, but would he understand? The bond was in place, but some people learned at a slower pace than others, so he would be patient.

The look in Chris' eyes was not panic or surprise; the look was wonder and excitement, two of the best expressions and just short of love. Arman was touched by the assessment and felt his heart tremble at the honesty he was witnessing.

"I saw you last night. You were magnificent, your eyes, the fierceness of your presence, it was the hottest thing I've seen." He continued to watch him and even reached up to cup Arman's cheek. He turned his head slightly and kissed Chris’ palm.