Dorian's Mate

Dorian’s Mate by Y.L. Stokes

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Dedication

Always to the love of my life Roosevelt Stokes and to my wonderful kids. A special note, this one is for you Shirley.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Dorian’s Mate by YL Stokes Red Rose™ Publishing Publishing with a touch of Class! ™ The symbol of the Red Rose and Red Rose is a trademark of Red Rose™ Publishing Red Rose™ Publishing Copyright© 2011 YL Stokes ISBN: 978-1-4543-0065-6 Cover Artist: Dawné Dominique Editor: Pam Line Editor: Red Rose™ Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Due to copyright laws you cannot trade, sell or give any ebooks away. This is a work of fiction. All references to real places, people, or events are coincidental, and if not coincidental, are used fictitiously. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. Red Rose™ Publishing www.redrosepublishing.com Forestport, NY 13338 Thank you for purchasing a book from Red Rose™ Publishing where publishing comes with a touch of Class!

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Dorian’s Mate By Y.L. Stokes

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Chapter One

Dorian came awake when he felt a disturbance inside his home. He didn’t sense anything evil or harmful to him, but there was someone above his resting place just the same. He normally slept up in the master bedroom on the second floor, but every once in a while his body needed the rejuvenating sleep of his kind. During that deep sleep, his body completely shuts down to fully reverse the damage the sun does after a few weeks of sleeping as a mortal. Young immortals needed to sleep the rejuvenating sleep at least once a week, but as they matured the need for the deep sleep became only a once or twice a month requirement some times more as in his case especially when he didn’t shut his system down like he should. He slept in a sealed chamber beneath the basement of his home once in the chamber the door could only be opened from the inside. Checking the digital clock on the night stand, it showed it was eight thirty in the morning, which meant he’d only gotten eight hours of sleep. With a growl he threw the covers off of his naked body and climbed out of the huge sleigh bed and with a simple thought he dressed himself as he headed for the door. He wondered who was in

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his home and how in the hell they’d gotten inside and if they didn’t have a plausible reason there would be hell to pay.

Cerita let herself inside of the huge Victorian styled home, wondering about the owner. She thought it strange the girlfriend was planning a surprise dinner party for the owner, but charging Cerita’s fees to his charge card seemed a little backwards to her to have the person who the surprise party was for, footing the bill. With a shrug she went through the house getting the layout, figuring out in her head as she went along where she would place the decorations and set up the food. As she went along, she mentally checked off the list of things she had out in the van and the things her assistant Angela was bringing with her. Cerita decided to start on the appetizers. Angela would be bringing the main course, which consisted of the grilled pork loin and grilled vegetables. The spinach salad was chilling in the commercial frig along with the vegetable trays. She washed her hands and started frying up the roasted garlic croutons. Her mind again wondered to the owner as she only knew that his name was Dorian Latouche and from what she could tell of his home, he was a very wealthy man. He was probably an old shriveled up white man who was afraid to grow old and was running around with a young bimbo who only wanted his money, but was giving him all the sex his Viagra could handle. Hell it was better

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than what she was getting considering she’d dumped her latest boyfriend since she got more enjoyment pleasuring herself, than she had with the minute man. Cerita knew that sex wasn’t everything in a relationship, but didn’t being in a committed relationship mean great sex all the time or a great fuck, without having to worry about catching a sexually transmitted disease? She’d dated Ben for two months before she’d let him have a taste of her sweetness. Granted he’d been a little awkward at first and she’d just contributed that to them being new to each other and she’d hoped it would get better. Unfortunately it hadn’t and finally after going four months of having to pleasure herself after Ben had gone home, she’d finally ended things with him. Ben hadn’t been real receptive to her reason for ending the relationship with him, but she’d stuck to the story that her business was taking up more of her time, especially since she was now going into homes and preparing full meals for special clients. That alone had been the start of an argument between them. Ben didn’t like her going into a stranger’s home and preparing their meals for the week, especially when the client was a single male. Oh well it was her life and her business and she wouldn’t allow Ben or anyone else to tell her what she could and could not do.

Dorian knew as soon as he’d opened the door of his chamber that the intruder was a woman and the scent of her had his body reacting like it never had

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before as she smelled of warm peaches with a hint of cinnamon. He tried to read her mind, but for some reason he come up against barriers that blocked him. Frowning he decided to cloak his presence while he observed her. He glided up the stairs leading to the main level following the scent of the woman to his kitchen where he found the loveliest creature he’d ever seen in his life. The ebony beauty was a full figured woman with the height of the ancient Amazon warrior, which did nothing to take away from her sensual beauty and the graceful way she moved and put her on eye level with him. He watched as she quickly worked in his kitchen preparing what looked to be croutons and by the smell he guessed them to be garlic flavored croutons. His mouth watered and he wasn’t sure if it was from the smell of the croutons or the beautiful woman working in his kitchen. He watched fascinated as she turned to remove a tray of something out of his oven and his cock throbbed hungrily when she bent over giving him a view of her perfectly rounded ass in the skimpy jean shorts she wore. Dorian quickly swallowed the groan that nearly escaped at the lovely sight. Several images raced through his head at the different ways in which he would take her. “Is anyone there?” she called out placing the puffs on the baking rack to cool. Dorian froze wondering how she was able to sense him, because he knew she wasn’t able to see him. He felt her anxiety and decided that it was time to

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reveal himself to her, time to find out who the beauty was and what was she doing in his home and then he would get her into his bed. “Excuse me, but what are you doing in my home?” Dorian demanded having uncloaked himself behind her. Cerita jumped grabbing at her heart wondering where in the hell this man had come from. As her heart beat wildly in her chest, she took in the sight of the fine ass man standing before her. “I’m sorry…” Cerita said remembering that he’d asked her a question. Dorian kept his face blank even when he saw the desire flare in her eyes and with her thrown off guard, he was able to slip past her barriers long enough to catch a glimpse of what was running through her mind. He had to swallow another groan at the image that flashed in her head. He tried not to laugh at her thinking he was a shriveled up old man. “I asked you what you were doing in my home,” he repeated keeping his tone flat. “I’m sorry, but I was told that you wouldn’t be expected home until late this afternoon.” Dorian raised an eyebrow, “And that makes it okay for you to be here.” He countered getting more turned on by the minute. Cerita closed her eyes and took a deep breath, “I’m sorry you just caught me off guard. My company was hired to prepare your home for a surprised dinner

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party for you tonight. Your girlfriend hired me to come in and decorate and prepare the meal that is to be served during the party.” The sound of her voice shouldn’t have affected him, but it did. The rich alto sound flowed through him like warm honey, luckily he was standing behind the island or she would surely see his huge erection. Dorian frowned “I don’t have a girlfriend…” He trailed off when he realized the party wasn’t for him, but for his cousin. “Are you telling me that I’m at the wrong house and you don’t have a girlfriend by the name of Larissa Miles?” Cerita asked him. “No you aren’t at the wrong house, the party is for my cousin Anthony, and Larissa is his girlfriend. She’d mentioned throwing a dinner party for him, but I kind of tuned her out when she was trying to involve me in the planning. I’m sorry to cause you to panic, Larissa is a dear but she can be very tiring. I really don’t know how Anthony puts up with her.” Dorian said absently as he picked up a crouton and popped it into his mouth. “These are good did you make them from scratch?” he asked. “Yes, I make everything that we serve from scratch,” Cerita answered watching as he popped a few more croutons in his mouth before moving to the cheese puffs. “Um, I know you are paying for this, but the amount that I quoted to Larissa only included fifty of those.”

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Dorian shrugged, “Add another fifty because I’m going to eat these by myself.” Cerita couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face. “Only because I can tell you are enjoying those then I won’t take offense.” The smile she gave him was like a sucker punch right into the gut and it instantly caused his cock to jump. He wondered if her eyes would light up like that while he made love to her…oh yeah, he would make sure that they did. “My name is Dorian Latouche, by the way,” he said holding out his hand to her. “I’m Cerita Jones,” she said accepting his hand. The sound of the doorbell chimes helped to clear the cobwebs from her head. “Um, that is probably my assistant,” she whispered. “You go ahead and finish what you were doing I’ll go and let her in.”

Alone in the kitchen Cerita tried to get her body under control. She wasn’t sure what had come over her, but whatever it was, it was something powerful. Cerita had jumped grabbing at her heart wondering when he’d made his presence known, and she could see that he was a fine ass man. The first thing she had noticed was the color of his eyes, which were deep sky blue and they were surrounded by jet black long eyelashes. His equally black hair flowed past his shoulders, but was tied back by a leather thong. He had broad

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shoulders and well muscled arms and his chest were well defined even beneath the clothing he wore. The image that flashed in her mind of her nails digging into his shoulders and chest as she rode him…she quickly shook her head to dispel the images. Cerita had thought he was the son, but he’d dispelled that notion when he’d introduced himself. She took a moment to step into the commercial freezer to try and cool her body off and to get her raging hormones under control. Dorian opened the front door to find a petite perky dark skinned woman standing on the other side. She was carrying several bags that should have weighed her down, but they didn’t. “Hi, I’m Angela I believe my boss Cerita is here waiting for me. I hope the surprise party isn’t for you because if it was the surprise is blown.” Dorian smiled at the young woman as she chatted on. He quickly probed her mind and was glad that there weren’t any barriers like those he’d encountered with Cerita. Luckily he was able to get the information he needed on the young woman’s boss, which he filed away for future use. “Do you need any help bringing things in?” Dorian offered upon returning to the kitchen. “No thank you, my partner and the rest of our staff should be here within the hour to help complete the decorations,” she said smiling. Dorian fought the urge to freeze the little assistant and take Cerita where she stood instead he picked up the rest of his cheese puffs and left them to finish

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their work. Dorian made his way back down to his chamber where he booted up the monitors he had throughout the house. His cock throbbed as Cerita filled the screen, turning up the volume he let the sound of her voice soothe the beast within him.

“Stephanie should be here any moment with the rest of the food and your change of clothes.” Angela informed her as she placed the last bag on the counter. “That’s good, we are right on schedule with everything,” “I thought that Dorian was the guest of honor and you know how I chatter on about things when I’m nervous. I have to tell you that I darn near swooned when he opened the door, at first I thought the party was for him, but when I realized it wasn’t I was almost on my knees begging him to take me right there in the hallway.” Angela smiled at the stare on Cerita’s face at her confession. “I know boss lady, I love my black men, but that is one fine ass white man and if I wasn’t madly in love with my Jerome, I’d have to try Mr. Latouche out.” Angela left Cerita laughing as she went to open the door for the rest of the crew. She was still smiling when Stephanie walked into the kitchen looking as if she’d just stepped off a fashion show runway. Her blonde hair flowed down around her shoulders and the custom uniform they wore when they worked a

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party looked as if it were tailor made just for her body. She had the nice average height of the stereotype of the classic blonde bombshell and you expected to see a classic Ken doll on her arm, but what no one knew was that outward appearances were deceiving. Stephanie was her best friend and partner and was happily married to Cerita’s brother Cedrick. “I hear that Jerome came real close to losing Angela,” Stephanie commented as she entered the room. “Angela is full of crap, but the man is definitely fine as hell.” Ceria saw the shocked look on Stephanie’s face, but knew her friend wouldn’t say anything yet.

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Chapter Two

Looking around his ballroom Dorian liked what he saw. The decorations were perfect, they were subtle and not overbearing or gauche. He checked his watch and saw it was just about time for Larissa to arrive and for that he had to brace himself. His thoughts were interrupted when his cell phone chirped in his pocket. Checking the display he saw it was the chauffer calling to let him know Anthony’s plane had just landed and they would be here within the hour. He was heading for the door but froze when Cerita walked out of the kitchen to the door and in the outfit she wore almost brought him to his knees. The black and white tuxedo short set was sexy as hell on her and he knew he was going to have trouble keeping his eyes off of her tonight. Closing his eyes, he willed his body under control, but it didn’t work, lucky for him he’d decided upon wearing his linen slacks which were looser than his normal dress slacks. Larissa flew into the house, past a stunned Cerita, “Oh my gosh Dorian, have you heard from Anthony?” she demanded. “I just got the call from the chauffer and he should be here within the hour,” he said trying to soothe her but knew it was useless. He watched as she flew

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around him to check on the decorations and the food. “Everything is set and ready and I can promise you that the food is excellent, especially the cheese puffs. All you have to do is play the gracious hostess.” Dorian said trailing behind her, wishing that he was anywhere but here. He could feel a headache beginning right behind his left eye and when she let out a sharp squeal at the sight of the ballroom, he almost cried out as the pain in his head spiked. “Here, if you take this now before it gets to bad, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the evening.” When his hand brushed against hers the pain was gone and forgotten, but he took the pills just the same. The fact that she’d noticed his discomfort and took the time to provide him with something to alleviate the pain did something to him, but before he could comment other than to thank her, the doorbell chimed and she turned and walked away.

Anthony was totally shocked by the surprise party, even more shocked that his cousin had allowed it to be given at his house. He knew how much Dorian protected his privacy and the fact that he’d allowed strangers inside his home to set everything up just for his benefit meant a lot. He and Dorian had been close all their lives, they were more like brothers than first cousins. Since their father’s were brothers, twins as a matter of fact, most people thought he and Dorian were

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brothers because they looked so much a like. Anthony took in the decorations and still couldn’t believe Dorian didn’t have a fit when he found out Larissa had used his key to allow the caterers to enter and set everything up. Anthony glanced at his cousin and noticed the way his eyes kept straying to the tall black woman working the party. He walked over to where his cousin stood and when he reached for one of the cheese puffs on his plate, Dorian growled at him. Anthony snatched his hand back quickly, “Get your own, these are mine.” Anthony stared at him in surprise, but before he could comment the same woman his cousin had been eyeing walked up and handed him a plate of his own. “Please excuse him for being selfish,” she said before turning to walk away. “Thank you Cerita,” Dorian said as she walked away. Anthony looked from the caterer to his cousin and was shocked. “Don’t say a word okay, not a word,” Dorian warned.

Once all the guests were gone, Cerita and her team went to work on putting Dorian’s home back as they had found it. She was in the kitchen doing her final sweep and as always she was the last one to leave making sure that nothing was left behind or out of place.

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“So I think everything was perfect,” Dorian said lounging in the doorway leading to the foyer. “I will have to agree with you on that, even though you tried to hog the cheese puffs.” Dorian laughed at her comment, if she only knew that every time he ate one of her cheese puffs, he imagined tasting her. “Well I am really hooked, so I may have to trouble you for a weekly supply.” It was her turn to laugh, but she stopped when he seemed to be serious. “I saw one of your brochures and it stated that you go to some clients homes and prepare weekly meals for them to eat.” Cerita nodded and he continued. “I have a good friend, he and his wife adopted three kids, a little girl and her two brothers ranging in age from four to thirteen. I purchased a three week cruise for them as a little getaway present to give them a break away from the kids. While they are away, my godchildren will be staying with me. Anthony said he’d help out, but I know that he knows as much as I do when it comes to dealing with what kids need. So tonight while I was enjoying my cheese puffs, I had the idea of hiring you to help me out for the three weeks that the kids would be here.” Cerita smiled, “I’m sorry Mr. Latouche, but my company doesn’t do babysitting.” Dorian stood before her, “I know that Cerita, what I’m asking is for you

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prepare their meals. I don’t know what kids like to eat and I know Roland and Thelma have a special diet for them so that would limit how much junk food I can give them.” He saw the indecision in her eyes and pressed on, “Look I don’t care how much it will cost me I’ll pay it. These kids are important to me because Roland is like a brother to Anthony and I and this trip is something I want them to enjoy without having to worry about the kids.” Not wanting to appear to give in so easily, she promised to think about it. “I’ll discuss it with my partner to make sure if we decide to take this on that the shift of our other clients from my plate to her plate won’t be too much for her and our team.” Dorian kept his face blank not wanting to reveal the joy he felt because he sensed that she’d decided to do it. “That is all that I can ask,” he said walking her to the door fighting the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her. Biting back the urge, consoling himself that if it all worked out as planned, he’d get more than a kiss from her.

Dorian lay in bed wondering what Cerita was doing and if she was having as much trouble as he was trying to get to sleep. He was aching for her and tempted to show up at her home…with that thought he materialized inside her bedroom. He knew he shouldn’t be there but he couldn’t help himself. With a wave of his

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hand he removed the sheet covering her body, his breath lodged in his chest at the sight of her naked form lying before him. Cerita lay on her back, her legs and arms spread out around her. He watched her full breasts rise and fall as she breathed deeply in sleep. His mouth watered at the thought of tasting every inch of her. Dorian stayed rooted where he was, knowing that if he took a step towards her, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from climbing in bed with her and taking her. He saw her body shiver slightly, with another wave of his hand he recovered her body before he flashed back into his chamber, groaning at the pain of his aching and hungry cock.

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Chapter Three

Stephanie sat behind her desk watching as her best friend and partner pace before her. Cerita’s apprehension about accepting the job she’d discussed with Mr. Latouche surprised her. Normally Cerita would jump at an opportunity like this, where a client said that no price was too high and it wasn’t like they couldn’t handle it. Most of the things they had going for their regular clients were planned out for the next six months. She had a feeling her friend was afraid of what the fine ass Mr. Latouche made her feel. “I can promise you that the gang and I can handle the regulars for three weeks and if we need something of your specialty, I’m sure that Mr. Latouche wouldn’t have a problem with your cooking up things for the business in his kitchen. Now why don’t you tell me what is really bothering you,” Stephanie stated. “I’ve been having very intimate dreams about Dorian and when I’m around him I feel as if I’m a second away from begging him to fuck me senseless.” Her confession surprised her more than it had Stephanie. “That is what frightens you the most, isn’t it?” Stephanie said coming to

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stand beside her friend. “This man inspires the passion that no other man has been able to draw from you, men like Ben see the passion inside you when you cook or plan for our business. When they get you behind closed doors they don’t even scratch the surface, but with Dorian just being in the room with you, you feel the passion missing from your love life. You fear that being in his home taking care of him and the kids you won’t be able to keep your distance or to keep that passion under wraps.” Stephanie looked her friend in the eye and saw the turmoil Cerita was dealing with, but she knew that her friend would make the right decision and she had the feeling her friend had finally met her mate.

Cerita thought about her conversation with Stephanie long after she’d made it home and she realized Stephanie was right. She was afraid of what Dorian made her feel, the dreams she had concerning him coming to her bedroom nightly watching her while she slept wishing that he would do more than watch her…hoping that he would join her in bed and fuck her like she’d never been fucked before. At just the thought of him doing just that had her body overheating. Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her phone. “Hello?” she answered softly. “You sound tired, did I wake you?” Dorian asked concerned. A delicious shiver went down her spine at the deep sensual sound of his

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voice. “Uh no, I was just relaxing a bit. I was going to call you to find out the particulars as to when your godchildren would be arriving.” Dorian smiled she was going to take the job. “I’m really glad that you are going to come to my rescue, but I need to bother you with another favor. The reason I’m calling is because I have need of your company’s services for a retirement party for one of my father’s long time friends.” “By the way you sound I take it that this party needs to be pulled off soon.” “You have it right, my mother and aunt called me last night to say they would be back in town Thursday and want to have the party Friday.” Cerita checked her planner and no parties were scheduled for the rest of the week. “As luck would have it, we can pull it off. I just need to know a little about the guest of honor so that I can plan the meal.” Dorian gave her the particulars concerning his dad’s friend with a list of things his mother and aunt suggested the man would like. “I know the party isn’t for me, but do you think we could have some cheese puffs on the menu?” Laughing, Cerita promised to fax the menu over the following day for him to go over and make any changes he felt were necessary.

Anthony walked into Dorian’s office to go over the budget set for their

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charitable foundations, which was funny considering how ruthless his cousin was when he was closing a deal. He was a little startled to see his cousin smiling as he was hanging up the phone. “Was that by any chance Sherri?” he inquired. “Hell no and you know she wouldn’t waste time by calling, I actually expect her to show up any minute now with the excuse of helping with the party,” Dorian responded. “You know that woman wants you. I don’t know why you don’t just take what the hell she is offering and be done with it,” Anthony suggested. “For one thing you know that Sherri isn’t the type to just give it up without trying to tie you to her. She is looking for a husband and I’m not going to be her sucker and even if I wasn’t on to what her scheme is, I’m not attracted to her like that.” There was only one woman he was attracted to and the only woman that he would have.

Cerita called everyone together to inform them of the retirement party scheduled for Friday evening.

After Angela and Jerome went to get the

decorations, she and Stephanie created the menu. The main course would be a prime rib with new potatoes and grilled vegetables. For appetizers she would make her famous crab cakes along with shrimp toast and celery sticks stuffed with crab salad. At the very bottom she added cheese puffs. She knew Dorian would

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get a kick out of her private joke. After the meeting Cerita checked inventory to make sure they had everything on hand all the while trying to keep her mind on the job at hand and not on the man.

Dorian walked into his office and froze in the doorway when he spotted Sherri standing behind his desk reading what appeared to be the menu from Cerita. “Is there a reason you are reading confidential information on my desk?” Dorian asked in a cold voice closing the door behind him. Sherri jumped at the cold sound of his voice, “Dorian you startled me, I was going over this ridiculous menu that someone faxed to you for the party Friday, I was about to call them and tell them that their services weren’t needed. I can find another caterer that can come up with a better menu than this crap.” Dorian walked over to her and snatched the menu out of her hand, “The party is already planned and it is too late to cancel and find another caterer and considering I’m happy with my caterer there is no need to change.” Sherri’s impeccably made up face turned a bright pink as her anger rose. “How can you accept that menu? You cannot expect my uncle to enjoy a menu like that especially the little note about cheese puffs, they don’t even go along with everything else on the menu.” Dorian glanced at the menu and saw the asterisk next to cheese puffs and he

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smiled, but the smile faded when he remembered his unwanted guest. Sherri was the classic spoiled rich beauty, if you were the type who liked the blonde haired blue eyed debutante type, which he didn’t. If it weren’t for her snotty attitude she could have been a very likable person.

Knowing her uncle like he did, he

wondered where it had come from. “Sherri, the party is all set and nothing is going to be changed and so you won’t be tempted to make any changes to the menu, I’m going to finalize everything now.” Sherri watched as he signed the menu accepting what was listed and faxed it back to the catering company. Well she would just show up at his place before everyone arrived and make sure that things went the way she wanted them. Somehow she would show Dorian that he needed her in his life and the night of the party after everyone left she would show him what he could have on a daily basis.

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Chapter Four

Cerita let herself inside Dorian’s home going straight for the kitchen to start working on the cheese puffs. She’d already made a trip here earlier with Angela in the van and dropped off the veggie and cheese trays along with the shrimp toast and stuffed celery sticks. She had just placed the first batch of cheese puffs in the oven when a beautiful olive skinned older woman walked into the kitchen. Her salt and pepper colored hair was cut into a short style, her eyes were a lighter shade of blue than those of Dorian, she was sure that she was his mother. “Hi, you must be Cerita. I’m Glenda Latouche, Dorian’s mother. It’s nice to meet you,” she said holding out her hand to her. Cerita accepted her hand liking the woman immediately. “I was coming down to offer my assistance, but I can see that you have everything under control.” Cerita smiled, “If you are hungry I always bring extra. Dorian explained that you guys would arrive late last night.” She offered a platter with samples of every appetizer that would be served at the party. They both looked up when three other people joined them. Cerita knew the men were Anthony and Dorian’s

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fathers and the woman had to be Anthony’s mother. The twins had to be at least in their late fifties but they didn’t look a day over forty. Glenda made the introductions as Cerita pulled out more samples. “Please tell me we will be having this stuff at the party tonight?” Kimberly Latouche asked as she popped stuffed celery into her mouth. “Yes along with everything else that you’ve sampled,” Cerita informed her. Cerita turned to remove the cheese puffs from the oven just as the doorbell chimed. Kim went to answer it and moved just in time for Sherri to blow past her heading for the kitchen. Stephanie walked in behind her carrying the decoration and Cerita’s uniform. She followed the snotty bitch that thought she was going to change their menu for tonight’s party. “You may as well toss those cheese puffs straight into the garbage, because they are not going to be served at this party tonight,” Sherri said so intent on her mission she missed the other occupants of the room. “Unless your last name is Latouche, you have no say so in what is prepared and served at this evening’s party. So I suggest you back up and let us do our job.” “Sherri, I suggest you leave the party to the professionals and considering the party doesn’t start for another couple of hours, I think it would be best if you

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left and came back with the other invited guests.” Sherri was stunned that Glenda Latouche was there along with Dorian’s father, aunt and uncle. “I’m sorry Mrs. Latouche, I was just trying to instruct…” Glenda cut her off, “No you were trying to make changes that I’m sure my son didn’t authorize you to make. Apparently Cerita received the signed menu from Dorian agreeing to what she had listed on it. Now we have a lot of work to do before the guests start to arrive so you need to leave so that you won’t be in the way.”

Dorian felt the anger coming from Cerita and immediately headed for the kitchen with Anthony trailing behind him. He eased behind her listening to his mother put Sherri in her place. It took everything in him to keep his anger under wraps as he would not tolerate anyone upsetting Cerita. “I suppose you came here to make changes to my menu behind my back. If you weren’t Jerry’s niece I would tell you to leave and not bother with returning, but since this isn’t my party I’ll allow you to return for his benefit only.” Sherri decided to show him how important she was to him, “Dorian the menu doesn’t work especially with those cheese puffs,” she said glaring at Cerita. “For your information, the cheese puffs were added for my benefit that is why they were listed at the bottom of the menu. Cerita made those specifically for

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me and me alone. Now I suggest you do as my mother instructed you,” he said dismissing her as he walked over to the cheese puffs Cerita had cooling on the rack. With a huff, Sherri stormed out of the kitchen. Anthony walked over to where his cousin stood and reached for one of the cheese puffs causing his cousin to growl at him. Without thought, Cerita admonished him, “Cut that out you have another pan in the oven and there are some in the freezer for you to heat up whenever you are ready for them.” Kim nudged her sister-in-law at the scene unfolding before them. Stephanie walked in drawing attention to her, “Partner it’s time for you to get changed.” Cerita accepted her uniform from Stephanie and quickly made introductions, before she excused herself to change. Dorian went up to his room to get changed for the party and he had a feeling that he wouldn’t be saved from someone commenting on the scene in the kitchen. As soon as he stepped out of the shower he found Anthony lounging on the bed. “Is Cerita the person you were talking to when I came into your office the other day?” Anthony inquired. No use in denying it, Dorian thought to himself. “Yes she is and yes I’m

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attracted to her,” Dorian confessed. “I think you are a little more than attracted to her my friend,” Anthony said smiling as his cousin had finally fallen.

Cerita did her final walk through to make sure everything was put to rights and all decorations and trash had been removed. She made the final inspection of the kitchen as she grabbed her purse and bags.

Turning she found Dorian

lounging in the doorway, his tie was gone and his white dress shirt was opened to the third button and he looked sexy as hell. “Everything is put to rights and I’m on my way out, but I wanted to confirm when your godchildren would be here.” “Roland confirmed they will be here next week,” he responded. Dorian stared at her across the island separating them, taking in her beauty as his hunger for her rose within him. “Everyone had a good time and really enjoyed the food,” he said conversationally. Cerita smiled, “Everyone except the little blonde terror.” Dorian laughed, “Well what she thought doesn’t count,” he said shrugging. Cerita walked over to stand before him her eyes never leaving his. “What is it about you that pulls and draws me to you?” She questioned running the tips of her fingers across his sensual lips. Dorian opened his mouth to capture her fingers, nipping lightly. “I have to

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guess it is the same thing pulling me to you,” he responded. “The question is what are we going to do about it?” He asked resting his hands on her waist. Cerita sighed deeply, “I don’t know what we should do, but it just seems too strong to ignore.” Dorian captured her mouth with his, taking complete possession, pulling her body flush against his allowing her to feel what she did to him…how she affected him. His hand gripping her firm ass pressing her body as close to his as he could and when his hand slid beneath the short skirt and encountered the smooth flesh of her ass, his control snapped. Dorian slid his hand between the twin globes of her ass snapping the small strip of cloth away, to stroke her puckered anal hole before sliding forward to her wet pussy lips. “God, you are hot and wet for me baby,” he whispered as his fingers continued to stroke her wet pussy. She didn’t disappoint him as she continued to ride his fingers her hips working in time with each stroke. Cerita whimpered when he took his hand away opening her eyes she watched mesmerized as he put his finger into his mouth tasting her. “Damn baby, you taste so damn good,” he declared. “I would love to taste you and do much more, oh so much more, but it has to be your decision.” Cerita stared at him as no other man would have given her the option to go further or not. She knew that for sure Ben wouldn’t have.

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“I’m not Ben, and if you give me a chance I’ll completely erase him from your memory.” Cerita wasn’t frightened by the fact that he’d spoken to her mentally. “I find that I’m unable to deny you or myself, but I don’t do one night stands.” Dorian smiled, “I honestly don’t think that one night with you would ever be enough for me to get my fill.” Dorian scooped her up into his arms, “Close your eyes,” he whispered in her ear. Cerita complied and when she opened her eyes again, they were in a huge bedroom, but he didn’t give her time to take in her surroundings before he began to remove her clothes. Within a blink of an eye, her clothes vanished, Dorian’s smile stole her breath away. Her body was even more exquisite than he’d ever dreamed stepping towards her, his clothes vanished just as hers had. He removed the clip holding her hair in place and watched in fascination as the thick mass of jet black hair cascaded down around her stopping at the middle of her back, just above her ass. Dorian tangled his hand in her hair, pulling her head back as he captured her mouth while walking her backwards until they fell on the custom made king sized sleigh bed. He trailed kisses down her body nipping lightly, loving her response to him and with each kiss and nip his hunger increased. When she moaned he tamped down on the need to join with her allowing Cerita’s moans to arouse him further. He nipped at her inner thigh before

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raking his tongue between the moist folds of her pussy. He growled at the sweet taste of her and damn near came. His fangs lengthened and he gently sank them in her labia feasting upon her. Her body exploded and she screamed his name as her climax roared through her. Cerita shuddered as he lapped up her juices like a man dying of thirst. His cock throbbed hungrily as he made his way back up the length of her positioning his cock at the opening of her core. “I knew you would taste as sweet as honey,” he declared as he rubbed the thick head of his cock at her opening coating it with her hot cream. Cerita arched her back trying to pull him inside her, “Stop teasing me Dorian and fuck me now!” she demanded. He would have laughed if he wasn’t aching to be joined with her. One powerful thrust drove him deep within her quivering tunnel taking him home. Dorian held still allowing her body time to adjust to his size a fine sheen of sweat coated his skin as he fought the urge to move. His control deserted him when she moved first arching her back pulling him deeper. He growled deep in his chest as his hips began to flex and thrust deeply and forcibly inside her pussy. Their bodies moved in perfect time together, like a perfectly choreographed dance. The pleasure was so intense that it bordered on pain and she loved each and

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every thrust and grind he made to her body and when he slid his thumb inside her puckered anal hole her world exploded. Her climax triggered his and he roared his release as his body continued to thrust deep within her. Dorian rolled over onto his back taking Cerita with him keeping their bodies joined. He couldn’t make himself let her go it just felt to damn good to have her body joined with his. To hold her in his arms and for the first time in his entire existence he felt complete. Cerita lifted her head to stare into his blue green eyes and what she saw there took her breath away. “So do you still think that one night won’t be enough?” she asked. He stared into her eyes spearing his hands through her hair as he spoke truthfully and from his heart. “I don’t think that I will ever get enough of you,” he confessed. Cerita knew that he spoke the truth because she saw it in his eyes, “Good answer.” She stated before her mouth took his in a deeply bone filling kiss. Sitting up she straddled his hips, using her powers she pinned his hands above his head as she began to explore his body with her mouth drawing deep groans from him. Cerita eased him out of her tight sheath, wrapping her fingers around his swelling cock stroking the length of him before running her tongue from the base to the tip.

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Dorian growled in warning at her teasing even though his hands were held above his head by an invisible force and he realized at that moment that this woman wasn’t a typical mortal woman at all, but a very powerful witch and he was being drawn under her spell. When she took him into her mouth his growl turned into a loud roar as his body temperature spiked. Lifting his head he watched her head bob up and down as she swallowed his thick sex completely and he’d never seen a more erotic sight. The pleasure was so intense he knew he was only seconds away from exploding. His iron control snapped when she ran her teeth and the tip of her tongue along the ridge of his cock. Dorian shouted her name as his hips thrust upwards shooting his come into her mouth. Cerita swallowed every drop loving the taste of him filling her and her pussy throbbed hungrily for another round on his delicious cock. Cerita made her way back up his body straddling his hips once again. She loved the glazed look in his beautiful blue green eyes. “Now I’m going to ride this lovely thick cock, until you come again,” she promised staring into his eyes as her mouth slowly descended upon his. “I promise that I won’t come alone,” he declared as she eased his thickness deep within her tight sheath. She started out slow driving him mad with her teasing when Dorian thrust his hips upwards driving deep inside her. No longer in the mood to tease him

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further, she picked up her pace and the force of her thrusts driving them over the edge. The feel of his thick hard cock sliding in and out of her tight tunnel felt like heaven and she loved every thick inch of him.

Dorian bucked beneath her

triggering her climax causing her to scream his name and he answered with a roar of his own as her climax triggered his. Cerita lay on top of him panting as her body still vibrated and shuddered from the after affects of her climax. Dorian speared his hands through her hair loving the feel of her hair in his hand. Knowing he wouldn’t be able to fight the sleep much longer, he used his magic to set the alarm. He smiled when Cerita wiggled her fingers to summon the comforter to cover their bodies. He tightened his hold around her, kissed her forehead and let out a contented sigh drifting off to sleep.

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Chapter Five

Dorian laughed when he walked into the kitchen and saw Cerita wearing a pair of his sweats and one of his t-shirts looking sexy as hell. He was man enough to admit he just liked seeing her wearing his clothes. “Are we on for dinner tonight?” He asked coming up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist. “Only if you promise to rest like you should as soon as I leave.” Dorian frowned at her words. “Oh, don’t give me a frown. I know you have to shut down to get the proper rest you need, which is why you sleep in the chamber because you are vulnerable in that state and even if someone gets inside the house, they can’t get to you in the chamber.” He smiled at the determined look on her face and knew she was going to get her way. He realized when he feed from her their connection to each other was stronger and would only grow stronger if they bonded. “I promise as soon as you leave I’ll go to bed and shut down and rest. I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty for dinner.” His answer was rewarded with a tremendous smile and a huge kiss. After Cerita left, Dorian set the alarm and safe guards on his way to his chamber. He stripped out of his clothes then climbed beneath the satin sheets as

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her scent surrounded him and he felt a calmness overtake him that he’d never felt before. No other woman had ever made him feel the way he did with Cerita and he had a feeling that no other woman ever would.

Cerita walked into her apartment heading straight for bed, she was totally exhausted and needed sleep. She smiled thinking they had done things totally backwards. Most people go on dates first, but in their case they had a night full of hot and delicious sex first and then will have a dinner date tonight. Thinking about it she realized she wouldn’t have handled it any differently. “I wouldn’t either, but it is good to know that you aren’t having second thoughts,” Dorian said having been a shadow in her mind reading her thoughts. “You would be happy about that, now, I demand that you go to sleep and rejuvenate so I can make crazy love to you after dinner,” she admonished. Dorian sent her a warm kiss before he shut down. Cerita immediately felt the loss and wanted to call out to wake him, but she knew he needed the rejuvenating sleep. Closing her eyes she forced her body to relax and drift off to sleep.

Ben decided he’d given Cerita enough time to come to her senses and realize

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her life such as it was, was nothing without him in it. He figured it was time to put her out of her misery. He didn’t accept the lame excuse she’d given him about her business taking up most of her time. Ben had a feeling it was that snotty ass white partner of hers. He knew the woman didn’t like him all because he’d made a pass at her, hell, how was he to know that she was married to the muscle bound brother she’d been hugging up against. Well, he wasn’t going to let her stand in his way, he and Cerita belonged together and together they would be. He frowned when her phone continued to ring just as it had when he’d called her the last time at midnight. Granted he figured they had a job on a Friday night, but she should be home by now. He knew she didn’t really have a life outside of that damn catering business but he expected her to be at her place when he called. Ben realized he would just have to go by her place tonight, then glancing at his calendar he saw the note from his assistant that there was a dinner meeting for all of the executives tonight. “Damn,” he muttered slamming his hand down on his desk. He would just have to swing by there, first thing Sunday morning.

Sherri tried to reach Dorian early Saturday morning, his cousin had run interference and prevented her from putting her plan into action last night when he’d ushered her out of the house along with him and his little bimbo of a date. When his answering machine picked up again she slammed the phone down

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wondering where in the hell he could be. She needed to do damage control thanks to that black bitch that had been hired to cater her uncle’s party. Once she got her hooks into Dorian then she would focus on running the little bitch out of business.

Dorian woke feeling well rested with anticipation coursing through him thinking about his date with Cerita. He lay in bed with his arms folded behind his head as his mind conjuring up pictures of he and Cerita in bed together and he felt his cock swell. “You might as well stop thinking about that because we are going to dinner before you get your dessert.” He laughed out loud and it felt so good since it was something that he hadn’t done in a very long time. “Okay, baby I’ll try and behave until after dinner, but I have to warn you I’m really hungry for you now and by the time dinner is over I’ll be starving for you.”

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Chapter Six

Stephanie sat on the sofa in their family room watching her husband pace around the room. She smiled thinking how handsome he was when she’d first met him and how she’d fallen in love with him on sight. He’d only thought of her as his baby sister’s little playmate. Until he’d seen her a year after they’d started the business, by then she’d grown into the woman she was now and he’d been knocked on his ass. “I can’t believe she stayed with that guy all night, hell, you said she’d just met him and she is already sleeping with him. How irresponsible is that?” Stephanie arched a brow. “So are you saying that I’m just as irresponsible for having slept with you the same night we met?” she inquired softly. Cedrick immediately went to his knees before her, “Baby you know I’m not referring to us. What happened between us is different than what is between Cerita and this Dorian guy. You knew me and had known me since you and Cerita where little playmates. When you and I slept together it was the first night that I let myself recognize you as the woman you’d grown into and my mate.” Stephanie smiled and cupped her husband’s face. “You don’t know that

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Dorian didn’t recognize Cerita as his mate, sweetheart, because you haven’t seen the two of them together. Besides Cerita is a grown woman and is quite capable of making her own decisions and handling her own love life. She may not have known him like I knew you, but it doesn’t mean that he isn’t the one for her.” Leaning forward she gave him a quick kiss. “Now how about we go and start dinner, this little bundle of ours,” she said placing a hand on her stomach, “is making its hunger known.” The reminder of their unborn child effectively took his mind off of his baby sister.

Dorian checked out the apartment complex Cerita lived in and wondered what kind of security the complex had. Making a mental note to look into it, he headed for the third floor. When she opened the door his heart pounded in his chest, she was a lovely sight. The peach sheath dress she wore and matching backless heels set off the mocha colored skin giving it a deeper hue. The dress stopped just above her knees giving a lovely view of her long and sexy legs. “You had better grab your purse because if I come across this threshold we will be going to dinner late…if at all.” he warned. Cerita could only nod her head in answer having lost the ability to speak at the sight of his sexy body encased in the black tuxedo that stretched across his body like a second skin.

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After locking her door he pulled her into his arms for a deep sensual kiss. “That should hold me over until I can get you back home and take care of that sweet pussy of yours. I can feel your hunger just as you can feel mine.” Dorian saw the surprise and then the disappointment when he parked his truck in the parking lot for one of the most exclusive restaurants in town, The Meadows, and he was sure she’d noticed the line of people standing outside. “Have a little faith baby,” Dorian said. He gave her a quick kiss as he helped her out of the truck. Hand in hand they walked to the entrance as the people waiting shot daggers at them. Before they reached the doors, the two hostesses opened the double doors for them smiling up at Dorian as if the world revolved around him. “Good evening Mr. Latouche how are you tonight?” they greeted in unison. Dorian only nodded to them before entering, he slid his hand around her waist in a possessive move letting everyone present know that she was with and belonged to him. “Mr. Latouche your private dining room is ready, please follow me.” Cerita glanced up at him in surprise and was rewarded with another kiss, “I told you to have faith.” Staring up at him she missed the startled look from the person across the room.

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The private dining room they were shown to was beautiful with a table setting for a romantic dinner for two. She let out a startle gasp at the beauty of it all and with the knowledge it was done all for her benefit. “You deserve it and a whole lot more,” Dorian said pulling her into his arms as the waiters brought in their food. He’d been monitoring her thoughts since he’d waken earlier as it just seemed a natural thing to do. When they were alone again his mouth closed over hers for a deep sensual kiss. “I’d better feed you before I lose my control.” Cerita smiled. It was good knowing she wasn’t the only one struggling with control. The seafood alfredo and caesar salad were perfect and she couldn’t help but open her mouth whenever Dorian held the fork out to her. It was so romantic having him feed her all of her favorite dishes. When Dorian uncovered the chocolate cake she groaned deep in her throat knowing she wouldn’t be able to resist. “You are determined to make me spend more time at the gym,” she commented. “No baby, I’m going to give you the work out that you need to burn this off.” His promise filled her with excitement and anticipation. “You’d better feed me so we can get out of here and go home so we can get to

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my work out.” Dorian loved the way she thought and did as she’d suggested. The chocolate cake was moist and delicious and from the sounds she was making she loved every single bite of it. “Now before I take you home, I need a taste of pussy pie to hold me over until we get there.” Before she could protest or comment, she found herself laying on top of the now cleared table with her legs spread wide to accommodate Dorian’s broad shoulders. “Oh, somebody decided to go commando,” he muttered from between her legs before his mouth began feasting. Her pussy creamed at the first swipe of his tongue and she bit her lip to keep from screaming. “Oh God Cerita, I love my pussy pie,” Dorian said lifting his head briefly. His senses were reeling at the taste of her as she was an addiction that he would never be able to recover from. His tongue was magic and he stroked and laved her clit as his tongue swirling around it repeatedly before delving into her tight tunnel fucking her deeply with his tongue. He worked her over with his mouth tasting his fill while driving her to a shattering climax. “Are you able to walk out or do I have to carry you out?” Cerita smiled up at him as he helped her off the table with an arrogant look

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on his face which gave her the willpower to prove that she could walk out on her own.

Ben fought the urge to stand up and rush across the restaurant and pull Cerita out of the bastard’s arms. What in the hell was she doing here and who in the hell was the muscle bound white boy she was with? He didn’t know the answers to the questions running around his head, making it impossible for him to listen to his co-workers discussed the budgets for their teams. Luckily he’d already done his part and only had to sit through the remainder of the dinner listening to the rest of his loser co-workers give theirs. He watched as Cerita and the white boy were shown into a private dining room, Ben promised to take a trip to the restroom and detour to that private dining area. Ben waited until the last person finished their presentation before he excused himself from the table. On his way to the men’s room he made a detoured past the private dining room. Ben tried the door but it was locked and he didn’t like that at all. Not wanting to get caught he moved away from the door and headed for the restroom. The meeting should only take an hour more and then he would be free to confront Cerita and her white boy. He returned to the table just in time to see Cerita and her friend walk out of the private dining room and by the look on her face anyone could tell that a little more than just dinner had gone on

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behind those closed doors. It took Herculean effort not to show his emotions, but inside he was seething. The smug look on the white boy’s face was further proof that more had gone on than a mere private dinner for two. How dare she drop him with some lame excuse and then turn to a muscle bound white boy to take his place.

Dorian felt the man’s anger and immediately shielded Cerita from it. He didn’t want the bastard’s jealous anger to touch her in any way. He would have scanned the prick’s mind but if he had, Cerita would have known what he was doing by their mental link and he had a feeling that she wouldn’t be too happy. Being the devil that he was he slid his arm possessively around her waist as they walked out of the restaurant. “Okay, do you want to tell me how we were able to get in ahead of all those people?” Cerita asked. “Well when you are the owner you tend to have special privileges,” he responded helping her into the truck. “You surprise me at every turn,” she confessed leaning over to give him a kiss. Her hand slid to his crouch and she cupped his cock stroking him through his pants drawing a deep moan from Dorian. When she pulled away he was dazed and his only thought was getting them to her place and with that thought in mind

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he broke every speeding law to reach their destination. As soon as he had her behind the closed door of her apartment, he pulled her into his arms. His hands immediately went beneath the dress to her firm round ass. “I want this ass tonight baby.” He whispered in her ear his voice raspy with hunger. In a quick move he removed the dress. She stood before him wearing nothing but heels. Cerita nodded her agreement unable to say a word because the thought of having his thick cock in her ass robbed her of the ability to speak. Dorian leaned her over the kitchen counter placing her hands palms down as he positioned his body behind hers. His shirt dissolved and his pants dropped on their own accord. Dorian didn’t notice as he was focused on one goal…burying his cock into her nice tight ass. Cerita arched her back lifting her ass higher giving him better access. She felt the thick head of his cock as he stroked it through the opening of her wet pussy lubing it with her cream. She held her breath as he worked his cock inside her anal hole and slowly slid inside her. “Come on Dorian, stop teasing me and fuck my ass!” She demanded arching and pushing back against him taking him all the way into her ass. “Yes Dorian, fuck my ass baby!” Her words and actions snapped his control and his body took over as he began to move in and out of her tight ass.

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“Damn baby, you were made for me. My cock fits every part of you so perfectly,” he said between nips at her ear.

His fangs lengthened and he

wanted…no needed to bite her, but…he couldn’t. “Yes, you can, I need you to do it baby,” Cerita said with her body reacting in anticipation of his fangs sinking into her just like he’d done their first night together. He hadn’t realized she was now a shadow in his mind as he was in hers. Just her permission to bite her caused his cock to become thicker inside her. Unable to hold back any longer he thrust deep just as he sank his fangs into her shoulder. Red hot pleasure ripped through her as he fucked her and his fangs sank into her flesh. She thrust back in time with his forward thrusts and his feeding from her built a powerful climax ripped through her and she screamed his name. Dorian tore his mouth away from her as his climax rushed through him and he pumped into her until he was spent. His tongue laved lazily over her shoulder closing the wound. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to move again,” Cerita said between pants still feeling breathless. “I’m not done with you yet baby I still need to take care of my pussy.” He promised picking her up and carrying her to her bedroom where he carried out his promise. As soon as they made it to the bed Dorian buried his thick cock into her

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hungry pussy drawing deep satisfied moans from both of them. He pumped in and out of her repeatedly driving her to another explosive climax that shook both of them to the core. “I hope my neighbors aren’t too mad at us,” Cerita commented softly as she was drifting off to sleep. Dorian smiled arrogantly at the exhausted sound of her voice. “Don’t worry I was able to shield our noise from them, so no ones the wiser.” Dorian wrapped his arms around her just before drifting off to sleep. Cerita found a smile of her own, he was just as exhausted as she was and just as sated.

Ben tried the doorbell and frowned because he couldn’t hear the thing buzz. He knew from the couple of times he’d slept over the bell was damn loud and he’d even mentioned it to her to have the damn thing checked. Maybe she’d taken his advice since he could no longer hear it from outside her door. Ben then tried knocking on the door, hell it was after midnight and again she wasn’t answering her door or phone. He saw her car in her parking spot and wondered why she wasn’t answering. Maybe she hadn’t come home, but went home with the white boy? He thought, but decided to knock once again. When the door still wasn’t answered he left with his anger rising with each step away from her unanswered

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door.

Dorian looked up from the bacon he was frying to stare at his beautiful woman as she walked into the living room. She was a sight to behold wearing the pink silk slip dress and matching pumps.

Her hair flowed down past her

shoulders swaying just above her delectable ass. “Stop gawking at me and finish breakfast. I need to get out of here on time so I won’t be late for church.” Dorian gave her an innocent look, “I’m sorry but some things are out of my control. You have to give me some credit for not rushing over there and stripping you bare and making love to you where you stand.” Cerita laughed before giving him a quick kiss.

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Chapter Seven

“What is your schedule like this week?” Cerita smiled, “You know you’ve already asked me that and I gave you a copy of my itinerary, which I left on the kitchen counter.” Dorian chuckled, “I’m not sure what happened to it,” he said lying and she knew he was lying. “Dorian, why are you trying to keep me on the phone?”

she asked

suspiciously. “I just love hearing you talk. I can’t seem to get enough of everything about you.” Her heart soared at his declaration. It wasn’t the words she wanted to hear, but it was enough for now. “I’m going to hang up now before you turn me into a blubbering idiot and I’ll have to explain it to my employees.” Dorian replaced the receiver as he turned around his chair Anthony came into view. “What’s going on cuz?” Dorian asked. Anthony walked into his cousin’s office and froze in his tracks at the sight that greeted him.

Dorian was on the phone smiling like a Cheshire cat at

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whomever it was he was speaking to on the phone. “I should ask you since no one in the family has heard from you since the party Friday night. Auntie said she called you Saturday and didn’t get you nor have you returned her call. And today you come in to the office scaring the hell out of your secretary because you said good morning instead of your normal growl.” Anthony waited for an answer. “I meant to give mom a call back, but I promised Cerita that I’d shut down before our dinner date so…” Anthony leaned forward cutting him off. “She knows about your rejuvenating sleep?” he asked incredulous. “Calm down Anthony, she isn’t a normal mortal. She has psychic abilities along with other powers of her own and some how she and I are connected. I don’t know how or why it is happening, but I’m drawn to her and what I feel for her is nothing like anything I’ve felt before,” Dorian confessed with a shrug. Anthony stared at him not sure what to say or do about what his cousin had revealed to him. He had never known his cousin to be so taken with any female especially a mortal. “Have you fed from her?” He inquired. The look that came across Dorian’s face was answer enough. “Well I suppose it is time for her to be introduced to the entire family,” Anthony suggested. “You haven’t introduced Larissa to the entire family besides, Cerita’s met the people in the family that count, my parents and yours.”

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Anthony laughed, “This isn’t about me and you know for a fact that Larissa isn’t to me what Cerita appears to be to you.” Dorian knew he was right, but he wasn’t sure Cerita was ready to learn the whole truth about their family just yet. “Roland and Thelma will be dropping the kids off on Sunday and I’ll have them for three weeks,” Dorian said changing the subject. “Will Cerita be around to help?” Anthony asked although he knew the answer. “Yes I had asked her to come in to make the meals for us, before anything happened between her and me. Now I’m going to ask her to stay with me at the mansion while the kids are there.” He wanted her there for longer, but wasn’t sure how receptive she would be to that suggestion. Dorian decided it was time for him and his cousin to change the way they did business. He wasn’t sure if his meeting and falling for Cerita was the reason he’d wanted to make the change, but what he did know was he felt like an entirely different person.

Anthony stared at his cousin after he’d finished explaining how he’d wanted to change the way they were doing business.

Instead of purchasing failing

companies and selling them off, they would go in and help the owners turn the

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company around. Anthony was impressed and extremely happy with the new direction they were taking. He also knew his aunt and uncle along with his parents were going to be thrilled. “I think we should start with the companies that are in the pipeline. Have the teams pull everything and tell us how in the red the companies are and come up with what is needed to turn the companies around.” Anthony nodded as he jotted down notes to pass along to the teams. “How about we schedule a meeting three weeks from today as that should give the teams enough time to gather the information?” Anthony suggested. Dorian agreed, “Once we have this information then you and I can visit the owner’s and offer our help in turning their business around.” Anthony leaned back smiling at his cousin and best friend and he couldn’t wait to thank Cerita because he knew she was the reason for the change in Dorian.

Stephanie walked into Cerita’s office and frowned when she saw her dabbing at her eyes. “What’s wrong Cerita?” she demanded rushing to her side. “Nothing that big lug head said the sweetest thing to me and I just don’t know how to handle it.” Stephanie soothed her friend as she rambled on about how she didn’t want to but was falling in love with the big lug head.

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“It sounds to me my friend that you’ve already fallen in love with him and it sounds like it might be mutual, but like you he is afraid to face it.” Cerita nodded. “Well maybe we can figure things out over the next three weeks that I’ll be there with him and the kids.” Cerita dried her eyes. “Thanks for being here for me Steph.” Stephanie smiled pulling her into a warm embrace. “Since you are going to stay at his place for the next three weeks, I think it is time for you to introduce Dorian to your brother. I can only put him off for a little while longer.” Cerita smiled at the exasperation she heard in Stephanie’s voice, but she knew that it was forced. Stephanie loved Cedrick with her heart and soul. Ben walked into J & J Catering, determined to get some answers out of Cerita before he left here today. Her assistant Angela met him at the front desk with a look of annoyance that only irritated him. “What can I do for you?” she asked sarcastically. “I need to talk to Cerita and I’m not leaving here until she sees me.” Cerita walked out of her office stopping Angela from cutting into him. “Come on back Ben, but you’ll have to make it quick I have to leave early.” Ben followed her into her office closing the door behind him. “I suppose you need to leave early to meet that muscle bound white boy you were kissing at The Meadows?” Ben remarked snidely.

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Cerita turned to look at him as he was a handsome black man with jet black wavy hair and a milk chocolate complexion. He had a nice lean body, but he wasn’t as muscled or broad as Dorian and he was much shorter than Dorian was too. “You and I ended over a month ago so whoever I decided to go out with is no concern of yours. Now if that is the reason you came by, I think we’ve discussed what needed to be discussed now I have to finish up before I leave for the day.” Ben glared at her. “How can you say it is over between us? I was the best thing that ever happened to you, but you have the nerve to give me some lame excuse about it not working out because of your business taking most of your time. The business didn’t seem to be taking up the time you spent with that white boy. Hell you even let him kiss you in public, which was a despicable display in itself.” He stormed. “Now that you’ve gotten it off of your chest I think it’s time for you to leave.” Cerita walked over to her office door and held it open for him. Ben glared at her for a moment before he stormed out stopping before her. “This isn’t over.” He promised before leaving. “Are you ok baby?” Dorian asked using their mental path having felt her anger rising. “Yes, I’m fine. Ben came by and we had a few words,” she answered. “Do you need for me to come there?”

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Cerita smiled at his offer. “No, I’ll be leaving here in a few so I’ll see you at home.” Stephanie walked in after Ben walked out, “Is everything ok?” she asked. “Yes, he’s just pissed because he saw Dorian and me Saturday night at The Meadows. I think he had the impression I would just take a few weeks to come to my senses and crawl back to him since he was the best thing that has ever happened to me.” They both broke into fits of laughter at the man’s audacity. Both women were surprised to find Cedrick standing in the doorway staring at them as if they’d lost their minds. “What are you doing here big brother?” Cerita asked walking over to give him a big kiss. “I came to take Stephanie to her doctor’s appointment. Was that Ben I saw speeding out of here?” Cedrick asked. “Yes, he came to tell me he was the best thing that had ever happened to me and I was nothing without him.” Cedrick lifted an eyebrow when they started laughing again. “Apparently he was giving Cerita time to come to her senses and when he saw her the other night with Dorian at The Meadows, it was the last straw,” Stephanie added. She accepted the big hug and kiss her husband gave her loving

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the way her body molded perfectly to his. Cerita smiled, loving the way their love shone between them, and wondered if she would ever have that. “I’d like to think that we could.” She smiled at his words and felt the warmth he was sending her. “I think you may be right. I’m willing to give it a chance if you are,” she responded back. “Damn right I’m willing to give it my all to make it work. Why don’t you invite your brother and sister-in-law over for dinner tonight?” Dorian suggested. Cerita looked up to find her brother and sister-in-law staring at her. “Sorry, Dorian wanted to know if you guys would like to come over for dinner tonight.” “Are you communicating with him mentally?” Cedrick asked. Cerita nodded and Cedrick thought that he was going to pass out. He needed to get his parents home as soon as possible. “Yeah, we’d love to have dinner with you guys tonight,” he answered while his mind reeled by the implications. Stephanie kept a close eye on Cedrick because she knew the revelation that Cerita and Dorian were connected mentally was very disturbing to him. She knew it was because she was his baby sister and he wanted what was best for her. Stephanie was happy that he was going in to this dinner with an open mind and

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she also knew that once he saw the way Cerita and Dorian acted towards each other he would be better at ease. “I doubt it,” Cedrick said. Stephanie smiled as she knew that as always he was a shadow in her mind just as she was in his. Which is how she knew he would be happy for Cerita knowing that she’d found someone who would love and care for her and protect her from anyone that meant to do her harm.

Dorian watched Cerita flitter around the room checking and rechecking everything. He knew that it was all due to nervousness about him meeting her big brother but her worry didn’t bother him because he knew it was only natural. He walked up behind her and pulled her body up against his. “Honey, you’ve checked the pots and place settings twenty times at least. Now why don’t you give it a rest I can certainly give you something else to think about to take you mind off of your brother.” She gave him a kiss that promised to rock his world. He growled deep in his chest just as she moaned when his hand reached down to stroke her thigh inching up towards his treasure. The doorbell chimed causing him to growl again and this time it wasn’t in pleasure. “Your brother has one strike against him,” Dorian declared giving her a

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quick kiss before he went to answer the door trying to get his body under control.

Cedrick took in the huge mansion, his senses reading the home and was satisfied when he didn’t sense anything evil. His attention was drawn to the tall white man who answered the door. He watched as the man hugged Stephanie quickly not lingering or holding her too tightly. “It’s good seeing you again Stephanie,” he said releasing her. Cedrick held out his hand staring him in the eyes and he noticed the man matched him in height. “So you are the man who is connected to my sister,” Cedrick asked. Dorian smiled, accepting the man’s hand. “Yes I am and it is a pleasure to meet you finally. Come on in I know Cerita’s feeling a little anxious.” Dorian stepped back to allow them entrance. Cedrick took a look around and was extremely impressed by what he saw. It wasn’t overly done showing off money, but was subtle and tastefully done. “So you own several restaurants and a marketing company” Cedrick stated as he followed Dorian through the foyer into the dining room on the way to the kitchen. “Yes my cousin and I own them jointly with our parents being silent partners as such and a great number of our employees are family members.”

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Dorian showed them where they could wash up as he continued into the kitchen where he found Cerita nervously stirring his pots. “Honey I wish you’d stay out of my pots; you don’t let me stir yours when you’re cooking.” Cerita replaced the lid before turning to face him. “Well maybe I’ll let you help me from now on.” Dorian shook his head. “Oh no, don’t make promises because you are nervous. You don’t have to worry, no matter what I’ll get along with your brother because he is important to you and you are very important to me.” His words and the promise in his eyes washed away her nervousness; cupping his face she brought his mouth to hers. “Thank you so much for being who you are,” she whispered against his lips. “I believe a lot of people will thank you for making me the person that I am today,” he countered laughing pulling her into his arms. Cedrick stood in the doorway watching the byplay between his baby sister and this man. He saw exactly what Stephanie had mentioned between them. He would go along with this man being in his sister’s life as long as he protected her and loved her he didn’t have a problem. Dinner was a grand success and Cedrick really enjoyed Dorian’s affect on his baby sister. “I think you are having a positive effect on Cerita and I want to thank you,” Cedrick said as he and Dorian stood out on the patio drinking a bottled beer.

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“You don’t have to thank me Cedrick I should be thanking you for protecting her all this time until fate brought us together.” Cedrick smiled. “So you believe in fate also huh.” Cedrick stated laughing. “Yes as a matter of fact I do,” Dorian responded. “Our parents instilled in both of us that fate would bring our better half into our lives when we least expect it. That’s what happened with Stephanie and I and it appears it’s happened between you and Cerita.” “What do you know about Cerita’s ex Ben?” Dorian asked before they returned to the women. Dorian explained to Cedrick the anger he’d felt radiating from the man at the restaurant and how he’d shielded Cerita. “I don’t think he believed that she meant what she’d said when she’d ended their relationship. Stephanie told me he’d told her that it wasn’t over.” Dorian frowned not liking what he was hearing. “Do you think he knows about her gifts? I’m sure she wouldn’t have ever allowed him a glimpse of what she is capable of, but I’m thinking that maybe he knew about her before he started dating her.” Cedrick nodded. “I’ll have some friends of mine take a look into his background. I’m starting to wonder if he is who he says he is.” “Is this a private party or are we able to join?” Stephanie asked. Cedrick pulled her into his arms resting his hands on her rounding belly.

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“I think I’d better get you guy’s home to get some rest.” Stephanie laughed. “You only want to get me home and have your way with me. That’s why I’m in the predicament I’m in now,” she teased. Cedrick pulled his baby sister into his arms, “I like him and I’ll continue to like him as long as he keeps you smiling. I haven’t seen you this happy in a very long time.” Cerita watched as the man she was falling in love with and her brother embraced as brothers and she had to fight to keep the tears at bay. “I like your brother. He is really cool and not stuck up as someone normally is with his kind of money.” Cerita leaned back to stare up into his face. “How do you know how much money my brother has?” she asked crossing her arms over her chest. Dorian rolled his eyes. “The same way he knows how much I have and don’t go getting all pissy.” he said seeing the storm clouds building. “We both care about you and wanted to know about each other as much as we could.” She wanted to be angry but couldn’t find a reason why. She knew that Cedrick would check into Dorian’s background and she guess she figured Dorian would do the same thing besides it wasn’t worth getting into an argument over it.

Ben sat across the street from Cerita’s apartment complex wondering what

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time she would be coming home. He checked his watch again and saw that it was almost two o’clock in the morning and she wasn’t home. Feeling his anger rise he decided it would be better if he didn’t confront her until he was able to get his anger under control. If she thought he would give up and walk away, she had another thing coming. She belonged to him and no matter what the old man or the muscle bound white boy thought, she would be his until he said otherwise. He drove away from her complex and headed home. Hopefully the old man would be in bed and wouldn’t demand an update on his progress, but if he wasn’t he’d come up with something to tell him to keep him unaware of what the real plan was.

Dorian felt as if he was in the center of a furnace his body temperature seemed to be spiking. His cock throbbed painfully and he dreamed of Cerita running the tip of her tongue around the tip of his swollen cock. The loud growl he uttered brought him awake when his eyes opened to find Cerita doing what he’d been dreaming about. Her long silky hair brushed against his thighs as she worked his cock over with her mouth and hands. His hands tangled in her hair as his hips moved in time with her ministrations. She drove him to and over the edge until he exploded screaming her name his hips driving his come down her throat. Cerita groaned at the taste of him and the power she had over his body as it was the same power he had over her. Smiling Cerita crawled up the length of him

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licking her lips. “Do you like your wake up call baby?” she purred. “Oh hell yes, I loved it and now it’s my turn,” he said before flipping her beneath him and capturing her mouth. His tongue stroked and dueled with hers before he tore his mouth away raining kisses alongside her neck leading down to her full breasts. Dorian captured a puckered nipple sucking it gently drawing deep moans from her. He continued on his journey until he came to his treasure. She was wet and hungry for him and he was starving for a taste of her sweet pussy. No he corrected it was his pussy and his alone, they both groaned when his tongue parted her moist folds. He alternated between licking, feeding and sucking driving her to the point of no return. When she arched and screamed his name he lapped up every drop of her sweet juice. “I can never get enough of the taste of you or my sweet pussy,” Dorian declared. “Oh so it’s your pussy huh?” Cerita asked laughing. “Damn right and I’ll take out anyone that disputes my claim.” Dorian drove his cock into her halting any rebuttal she may have in response to his threat. He knew that otherwise she would have pitched a fit at his high handedness. Cerita arched into him loving the feel of his thick cock stretching her and filling her completely. She met his forceful thrust head on drawing him deeper within her tight tunnel. He tilted her hips going deeper into her body tightening around him fitting like a tailor made glove. Dorian increased the force and speed

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of his thrusts driving them both to an explosive and powerful climax. Dorian lay awake long after Cerita had drifted off to sleep his mind a riot of thoughts on what his true feelings for her were and hers for him. He knew he was falling in love with her hard and fast, but he feared she didn’t feel the same for him. He could read her mind and share some of her thoughts but he couldn’t' read her heart. He vowed that during the time she was here with him helping with the kids he would somehow work up the nerve to actually ask her how she felt.

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Chapter Eight

Cerita leaned down over Dorian’s body and gently nipped at his bottom lip before taking it into her mouth to suck it. In a flash she found herself pinned beneath him with his mouth devouring hers. “I’m sorry baby, but you don’t have time for anything other than the kiss. Roland and Thelma will be here soon with the kids and I want to have breakfast started when they get here.” Dorian dropped his forehead to hers groaning loudly. “What in the hell made me come up with this idea?” She smiled pushing him up and toward the bathroom to shower. She had just finished making the pancake mix and frying the bacon when the doorbell chimed. She made her way to the door to answer and she could tell by the look on the adults faces they hadn’t expected her to answer the door. “Hi I’m Cerita, you must be Thelma and Roland, come on in, Dorian’s up in the shower and should be down in a few minutes.” she said to the adults using her best customer friendly persona. She then turned to the little ones, “You must be Roland Jr.; Darren and Antoinette, and it’s a pleasure to meet all three of you.” Roland and Thelma waited for their little monsters to eat her alive and were

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totally surprised especially by their youngest Antoinette when she held her arms out for Cerita to pick her up. “You are adorable, how would you guys like some pancakes for breakfast.” The two adults watched as their normally rambunctious kids followed behind Cerita as if they’d known her for as long as they’d known Dorian and Anthony. Dorian came down the stairs to find his best friend and his wife standing in the foyer staring towards the kitchen. “I take it the kids are with Cerita,” he stated matter of factly gaining their attention. “I just want to know who she is and how much does she charge to move in?” Thelma asked. Dorian embraced his best friend and his wife glad to have them there and overjoyed that they got a chance to meet Cerita. He didn’t look too closely at the reasons why he’d wanted them to meet her and like her mattered to him, but it did. “Okay, spill it. How did you meet her and how long has this been going on?” He smiled having known that Thelma would be the one to ask that question. “Anthony’s latest girlfriend hired Cerita’s company to cater a surprise party for him and the party was held here. I woke up and found her in my kitchen

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setting up for the party.” He decided not to mention the instant attraction he’d felt upon laying eyes on her, but he had a feeling that neither Roland nor Thelma had missed it. “I’d asked to hire her company to come in and provide meals for the kids

and

I

while

you

guys

were

gone

and

she

finally

agreed.”

Roland frowned, “Are you still paying her, cause bro, that’s like wrong.” Dorian halted his friend’s words, “Bo man, not for her being here.” He explained to them that things had changed when Cerita’s company had been hired to cater the retirement party for his father’s friend. Thelma smiled, “Good otherwise I’d have to kick your ass, for disrespecting her. I can tell Cerita is a good person just because of the way the kids took to her and you know how selective they are when it comes to meeting new people.” Dorian’s smile spread wide lighting up his handsome face at hearing that. “Have you bonded with her yet?” Roland asked Dorian. “Not yet, we actually haven’t talked about that or what it entails.” He knew that Roland saw the uncertainty in his eyes and knew why it hadn’t been discussed. Dorian knew what was coming and luckily he was saved from further interrogation by the ringing of his phone. He let out a sigh of relief as Roland and Thelma headed to the kitchen with the smell of bacon and pancakes calling to them. “That was Anthony, he’s on his way here and said that you two couldn’t

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leave until he got here,” Dorian informed them upon entering the kitchen and without thought to his audience he walked over to where Cerita sat with Antoinette in her lap and gave both of them a kiss. He walked over to RJ and Darren grabbing both of them into a big bear hug. As they ate, he explained to Cerita how they all had met and became best friends.

Anthony let himself in using his key calling out to his niece and nephews, “Where are my Antoinette and my two favorite nephews?” he called out. Antoinette scrambled down from Cerita’s lap and followed her two brothers out to greet Anthony. When he walked into the kitchen moments later he was carrying Antoinette in his arms with a boy wrapped around each leg as he slowly made his way. “Oh man something smells good, I hope there is enough for me,” he said as he gave Antoinette another kiss before he sat her back on Cerita’s lap. Anthony quickly washed up before digging in. Anthony walked over and gave Cerita a quick kiss on the cheek ignoring the glare from his cousin. He then walked over to Thelma, “Have you come to your senses and decided to leave this nut and run away with me?” “What about Larissa?” Roland asked pretending to be jealous. “What about her? I’m not bonding with her so she doesn’t count,” he said

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missing the frown from Dorian.

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Chapter Nine

The time they spent with the kids were magical and made Cerita wish for children of her own. It was a struggle to keep the tears at bay when Roland and Thelma returned to pick up the kids. They’d only been gone a little over two hours and she already missed them dearly. “What are you doing up here all by yourself?” Dorian asked slipping his arm around her waist pulling her body back up against his. “I was missing the kids, I had such a wonderful time spoiling them along with you and it just made me…” She stopped before she revealed her desire for kids of her own. “What is bonding?” she asked totally throwing him off guard. “Ah bonding,” he hedged. “It’s sort of like marriage, a private ceremony between life mates,” he said before quickly changing the subject.

Cerita sat in her bed thinking about the way Dorian had brushed off her questions about bonding. She smiled at how he’d tried everything to help her get over missing the kids and he’d done a wonderful job at it too. She’d been pampered and loved all day and now she sat up in bed in her apartment missing

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him terribly. She’d made him promise to sleep the rejuvenating sleep she knew his body needed since he’d spent more time outside than usual with her and the kids for the three weeks that they were here. Not being able to sleep Cerita decided to see if Cedrick was awake also. She used the same mental path they’d always used as kids when they’d been sent to their rooms as punishment for one thing or another. “Hey big brother, are you sleeping?” Cedrick immediately responded, “Not any longer runt, what’s bothering you.” Cerita smiled, he’d always known when something was bothering her. “I wanted to know about bonding and before you ask, I did ask Dorian and he just told me it was like marriage and left it at that.” “I can guess why he kind of brushed you off, because I did the same thing with Stephanie,” Cedrick confessed. He told her everything about bonding and what it meant. “So when you realized you were in love with Stephanie, you did the same thing that Dorian is doing to me because you weren’t sure how Stephanie felt about you or if she loved you enough to want to bond with you.” Cedrick could hear her surprise that he was afraid, “Believe it or not, I was afraid of losing her or if we had bonded and she didn’t love me as much as I loved her she would grow to hate me. See if people who aren’t fated to be bonded mates, bond things can turn dangerous. Once bonded the male can only have sexual relations with the woman that he’s bonded with, whereas the

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female can go about taking lovers upon lovers and within time the love that the male feels for her can quickly turn to hate and that makes it all the more dangerous. I know from my own experience that Dorian knows you would never take on another lover, his fear is you would grow to hate him and that is something he will refuse to chance.” Cerita had a feeling there was something that he was holding back, “What happens if he doesn’t bond with his chosen mate?” she prompted. “Then he will begin to lose his powers and once an immortal begins to lose his powers he has to make a choice of whether or not he will allow them to fade away, or if he will chose to become evil.” Cerita’s heart pounded in her chest and she knew she couldn’t allow that to happen. “What do I need to do to prove to him that I love him and he and I belong together?” Cerita listened as her brother gave her all of the tips he could think of and suggested she speak with Stephanie to find out what she’d done to finally break down his defenses. After her talk with her brother Cerita felt confident that she would be able to do what was needed to prove to Dorian that she loved him and she was his chosen mate and he’d just have to accept it.

Dorian felt the restlessness growing stronger within him and he knew it was because his soul knew that Cerita was his mate, but his heart and mind

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refused to take the chance on her not feeling the same way. The restlessness left him whenever she was with him, especially at night. Unfortunately this week was a busy week for her and Stephanie and he’d only got a few chances to see and spend time with her between the parties they were handling, which seemed to be increasing the closer it got to the holidays. He refocused on the conference call he and Anthony and a few of their executives were on, while glancing at his cousin he saw his knowing smile and knew he was aware of where his mind was. There was a light tap on the door before it opened and Cerita walked in with two bags. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I had a feeling you guys wouldn’t get a chance for lunch so I decided to bring it by,” she said after giving him a quick kiss. Dorian’s eye lit up with pleasure at the sight of her. He kept his eyes on her watching as she placed the platter before him and one before Anthony. “I’m sorry I didn’t know there would be other people here and I only brought enough for the two of you and Mrs. Petri,” she said apologizing. “Don’t worry they’ve already eaten and thank you for bringing us lunch,” Dorian said as he pulled her to him for a quick kiss. “Can I give her a kiss in thanks also?” Anthony asked eagerly. Dorian glared at his cousin, “Not if you want to keep on living,” he warned. She gave him a final kiss before she headed for the door promising to call

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him later that evening.

Dorian took his eyes off of the view from outside his office when his secretary walked in. “When you talk to Cerita please tell her I want the recipe for that smoked salmon. It was delicious and she is such a dear for bringing me lunch that was very thoughtful of her. If you ask me she is a keeper and I’ll warn you not to let her get away.” He knew she was right, but the fear was still too much and hard for him to let go, but he had to admit to himself that it was getting harder and harder for him not to lose his control when they were making love. Last night he’d come so close to feeding from her and it would be a big mistake, as it would only take one more feeding for the bonding process to begin and once that point passed there would be no turning back. His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his phone and he knew that it was Cerita. “Hey sweetheart what’s going on?” “I was calling to let you know that I have a very important client I’ll have to take care of tonight and I’m not sure how late I’ll be.” She heard his deep sigh and almost changed her mind but she bit her lip to stop herself. “Oh well I’ll just head on home from here, if you get a chance call me when you’re done.” With a deep sigh he replaced the receiver and began packing up his

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briefcase to go to his lonely house.

Cerita quickly surveyed the chamber to make sure everything was set and ready for Dorian’s arrival. She’d hated lying to him, but he’d given her no choice, it was time they bonded and began the life fated for them as husband and wife. She was his destined mate and he was hers and it was her job to show him they belonged together. When the monitor showed him entering the house using her magic, Cerita filled the whirlpool bath with heated water for her man, because tonight she was going to pamper him like never before, showing him how much he means to her and how much she loves him.

As soon as he entered he knew she was there and his heart pounded in his chest and his cock throbbed in anticipation. “Where are you?” Dorian inquired using their mental path. “I’m where you first made love to me and I’m waiting for you to join me,” she responded. In a flash he was at the chamber door, it opened before he could even reach for the control panel and as soon as he entered it slammed shut and locked behind him. Instinctively he used his magic to safe guard and lock down the mansion. His breath caught in his chest at the sight of her standing near his bed wearing one of

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his dress shirts which was left unbuttoned giving him a glimpse of her wonderful treasure. How in the hell am I going to resist… “You aren’t baby, not tonight,” Cerita promised. “I thought you had a very important client to take care of tonight,” he said ignoring her promise. “I do and that very important client is you and I plan on taking care of you all night long and longer, as long as it takes for you to see that I love you and that you and I are fated to be mates, to love and take care of each other for eternity and to create beautiful children to love and cherish just as our parents have done.” “Did you say you love me?” He whispered in awe. “Yes, that is exactly what I said, what I’ve been saying as much and as often as I could, but you never accepted it, did you>” Dorian could only shake his head seeing her standing before him confessing her love for him completely robbed him of speech. Cerita took his hand and led him to the bathroom where the whirlpool was waiting for him, she removed his clothes and when he was settled in then she began washing him from head to toe. After his bath, Dorian stood before her allowing her to wrap a bath sheet around his waist and then she led him back into the bedroom where she pushed him down onto the bed.

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Cerita stood before him between his legs, kissing and nipping gently alongside his neck, down his chest pausing to run her tongue across his hardened nipples. His stomach clenched when her tongue slowly slid down towards his straining and throbbing cock. His hands clenched at his sides when she removed the bath sheet from around his waist freeing his swollen member. Cerita kneeled between his legs. Dorian groaned deeply when she ran the tip of her tongue around the purple head of his cock. Cerita teased him mercilessly wanting…needing to drive him beyond the point of his iron will control. “Cerita please, baby,” he whispered his voice raw with need and hunger. “Are you ready to bond with me and make me yours completely?” she asked nipping at his thigh. “Cerita!” He demanded, what he was demanding he wasn’t sure. His body was making it really hard for his mind to work, to concentrate. She didn’t understand what she was asking him, what bonding entailed. “Yes I do,” she responded startling him, being a shadow in his mind she saw his chaotic thoughts and his fears. “I know everything about bonding and what it means between mates. You are the man that I love and will always love and you are destined to be my husband and the father of my babies.” Dorian stared down at her as her words finally sunk in, “You want to have

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my babies?” he asked. Cerita nodded staring up at him smiling at the wonder she saw there in his beautiful blue green eyes. “I want that and everything else. I want your love, your heart; mind, body and soul for eternity and beyond.” Her voice broke and his eyes filled with wonder and tears. He lifted her up to straddle his hip, his eyes boring into hers, “You love me?” He questioned cupping her face in his hands. “Yes, more than anyone in the world,” Cerita declared tearfully. Dorian brought her face to his kissing away her tears before covered her mouth with his, their tongues dueled and mated, he rolled her beneath him covering her body completely. Cerita speared her fingers through his jet black hair and wrapped her long legs around his narrow waist, positioning his rigid cock at the opening of her core. “Once this is done, you are going to belong to me for eternity. Are you absolutely sure you want this?” He had to be sure it was what she wanted, because his control was slipping away from him and slipping fast. Cerita brought his mouth back to hers, the kiss she gave him was filled with so much passion and promise and love, and it took his breath away. “Yes, Dorian this is what I want and what I need.”

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Her words erased the fear and apprehension he’d been feeling and replaced those feelings with warmth and joy and in that moment his primal instincts took over and went about claiming its mate. With a powerful thrust he impaled his cock, deep within her and felt a feeling of completeness within his reach. His fangs lengthened and the bonding words poured out of him binding their lives for all eternity. Cerita arched her back as her body drew him deeply within her, the heat their bodies were generating was enough to start a fire, his cock swelling within her thickening and stretching her further arousing her. Dorian withdrew slightly before plunging back into her tight pussy, as he sunk his fangs into her flesh. As he fed from her and pumped in to her sweet tight pussy, Cerita’s body exploded with intense pleasure. Their mind, bodies and souls merged allowing them to feel each other’s pleasure. When her climax ripped through her it triggered an equally explosive climax within him, Dorian tore his mouth away roaring loudly as he continued to thrust deeply planting his seed within her. Dorian rolled over onto his back taking Cerita with him, their bodies still joined. Cerita sighed contentedly resting her head on his chest listening to his heart as it raced matching hers in speed.

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Dorian realized that he hadn’t closed the wound, but when he lifted his head the wound was gone. “I have the ability to heal thus my body heals itself automatically as long as it isn’t a mortally fatal wound.” Dorian frowned, “So the night of Anthony’s party and your hand brushed against mine when you handed me the Tylenol and water and then my headache went away?” Cerita nodded, “Are you happy that we’re bonded now?” she asked softly. “Hell yeah I’m happy, Cerita I love you with everything within me and wanted nothing more than to bond with you, but I didn’t want your feelings to be influenced by what I was feeling.” Cerita sat up staring down at him her eyes filled with so much love and passion it took his breath away. “I know what you were worried about Cedrick told me everything he knew about bonding and what you were feeling, because he’d felt the same way with Stephanie.” Dorian arched an eyebrow, “So you went to your brother?” he inquired. “Yes, you clammed up and wouldn’t discuss it with me, so I had to use other resources.” Dorian frowned, “Resources imply more than one, what other resources or should I ask who?”

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Cerita wiggled her hips trying to distract him, but he gripped her hips to keep her still. Knowing that he wouldn’t be denied she confessed, “I talked to your mom and Aunt Kim, Stephanie and Anthony.” Dorian groaned closing his eyes. “In my defense Dorian, I had to get the answers from someone as you weren’t cooperating. You should be happy with the knowledge that I only went to family.” Dorian smiled realizing the lengths she’d gone through to finally get him to realize she was his true mate. His smile warmed her heart, leaning down she ran her tongue over his lips before capturing his mouth with hers slipping her tongue inside. His cock thickened inside her, filling and stretching her. She began to ride up and down the length of his swollen cock with her tight pussy gripping him tightly fitting him like a tailor made glove. Cerita braced her hands on his chest increasing the speed and force of her thrusts driving them towards the pinnacle. “Oh God Dorian, it’s so good.” Dorian echoed her words and when she exploded around him triggering his climax. In a blink of an eye he’d switched their positions pinning her body beneath his and continued to pump inside her riding out his climax drawing another one from her. Panting and totally spent he collapsed on top of her.

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“Damn baby, what are you doing to me?” Dorian asked, but didn’t get an answer and when he looked down he found his mate fast asleep with a huge smile on her face. Leaning down he placed a kiss on her full lips before pulled her body into his embrace, burying his face in her thick hair and joining her in sleep.

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Chapter Ten

Sherri was tired of Dorian’s cousin giving her the run around so she made the decision to come to his home. She’d found out that he’d left his office late yesterday after a quick conference call just before she’d arrived. Her plan had been to be there before he left the office and persuade him to let her prepare dinner for him, but again she’d just missed him. Well not this time, this morning she was going to get him before he got a chance to leave for the office. Anthony groaned when he spotted Sherri standing on the steps. “What in the hell are you doing here this time of the morning?” Anthony asked upon exiting his car. Sherri glared at him. “Why in the hell do you think? I’m tired of you running interference between me and Dorian and I mean to see him.” She waited for him to tell her to leave and was surprised when he shrugged and headed for the door. She slowly followed him inside. She waited for him to close the door still wondering why he didn’t put up more of a fight with her being there. “Try the kitchen,” he suggested.

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Sherri marched toward the kitchen her head held high, her mind racing and her body filling with anticipation. She walked into the kitchen and came to an abrupt halt when she spotted Dorian with his arms around the black bitch who had catered her uncle’s retirement party. “Dorian what are you doing?” Sherri demanded when she found her voice. Dorian took his time lifting his mouth away from Cerita’s glancing over his shoulder looking past a steaming Sherri where he spotted his grinning cousin. “What we do in the privacy of our home is none of your damn business. Now what exactly are you doing here this time of morning?” Dorian asked. Anthony walked over to where Cerita stood and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and a big hug. “Welcome to the family.” At his words Sherri gasped, “What do you mean welcome to the family?” She demanded glaring at Dorian. “Cerita and I are getting married,” he informed her. Sherri stared at him as if he’d lost his mind before she turned and stormed out of the house slamming the door behind her. Cerita and Dorian turned to Anthony, “Why are you guys looking at me, I didn’t bring her, she was sitting outside on the steps when I pulled up,” he said in his defense. Cerita shook her head and went about making breakfast.

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“God it is so good having someone in the family that can cook other than mom and Aunt Glenda.” Anthony commented after his third batch of pancakes. “I hope you don’t think you will be coming here every morning for breakfast.” Dorian warned as he placed the dishes in the dishwasher. “Whatever cuz, my new cousin won’t let you keep me from her home cooked meals so you might as well save the threats.” Dorian rolled his eyes and groaned knowing that Anthony spoke the truth and because of that he loved her all the more. “I love you too,” she said reading his mind. After breakfast they drove to Cerita’s apartment to pack her things and move them to the mansion. Anthony followed them in the U-Haul which was going to be filled with all of her kitchen equipment. Her brother and Stephanie met them at the apartment to help with the move. “No hard feelings right?” Cedrick asked Dorian. He knew exactly what his brother-in-law was talking about. “No I’m very happy that she went to family and not to strangers and I’m glad you helped her,” Dorian responded. “That is what family is for,” Cedrick informed him. With the five of them, they made quick work of packing her things and moving them to the mansion. Everyone collapsed on the nearest chair when the

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last item had been put in place. Cerita lay on the couch while Dorian walked her brother and sister-in-law to the door, unable to move from where she’d collapsed. Anthony groaned, “Cuz do you really need all of that cooking stuff?” Cerita was too tired to even laugh, “I don’t want to hear you complaining when you’re here to eat,” she threatened. “Are you going home any time soon?” Dorian asked, hinting to his cousin. “No, he is staying here that way I don’t have to worry about him falling asleep at the wheel.” Anthony chuckled as he pulled himself up off of the couch and headed upstairs to one of the guest rooms. “Now honey, take me to bed and fuck me into exhaustion,” she demanded. Dorian laughed. “Baby I think you are already exhausted, so I’m just going to carry you off to bed, my guess is you’ll be asleep before you…” he trailed off hearing her soft snoring.

Ben sat outside her apartment his car parked in her assigned parking spot and he’d been here since five yesterday afternoon and now it was almost seven in the damn morning and she hadn’t made it home. He sat there seething thinking about where in the hell she could be and who in the hell she was with. Four hours later, Ben knocked on Cerita’s door for the third time wondering

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why it was taking her so damn long to answer the door. “That apartment is empty so if you are looking to rent it the owner turned it over to the management company.” Ben whirled around to confront the person who had spoken behind him. “Excuse me, but did you say that the apartment is empty?” He asked not believing what he’d heard. “Yes, from what I hear the owner is getting married and has moved in with her fiancé.” Ben turned and walked away.

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Chapter Eleven

Anthony walked into Dorian’s office ten minutes before the time the conference call was scheduled to began, his nose drew him to the basket of homemade muffins and Cerita’s specially brewed coffee. Dorian watched as his cousin practically inhaled at least two of the huge muffins. “God I love your mate,” he moaned before he started in on his third one. Dorian was surprised, his cousin wasn’t a morning person and you were lucky to get a grunt in response let alone a coherent word, but thanks to Cerita, he got a complete sentence. The call lasted for a little over an hour and everyone was surprised by Anthony’s participation. “Dorian what did you do to Anthony? Are you prodding him with electrical shock?” Everyone laughed even Anthony at the jibe. “No, you have my fiancé to thank for that.” His answer was met with stunned silence, which was broken by Warren Davenport. “What fiancé, are we going to get a chance to meet her, or is this someone that we all know?” “No, I’m sure you don’t know her and you’ll meet her eventually. Now guys

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I’m going to have to end this call now so I can get home on time.” Warren let out a snide laugh. “I can tell she’s already got you running home to her.” He’d meant to make him seem weak, but it didn’t work. “Man, if you had someone like my woman to go home to, then you’d know what I’m talking about since you don’t…” Warren heard Anthony’s burst out laughter just before Dorian ended the call.

So his ex-friend was seeing a little caterer, Warren thought to himself having finally gotten Sherri off of the phone. She’d bitched and whined about how Dorian had chosen a low class caterer over her and while she’d bitched and complained, he’d pulled from her the information he needed to set up a chance meeting for himself and Dorian’s fiancé. He wondered if the new fiancé was the reason Dorian had decided to change his business, if she was then it would mean she was very important to him and his losing her would make his pain all the more sweeter. Warren decided to stop by J & J Catering on his way home. When he entered the office there were two women standing near the receptionist’s desk. “Can we help you?” The runway model blonde asked. “I heard about your company from an old friend of mine and I thought I’d

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stop by and check it out,” Warren said with his signature charm he was known for. “He thinks you are Dorian’s fiancé,” Cerita commented mentally to her sister-inlaw. “Can you believe him, he thinks he is going to take you away from Dorian? I know he is cute, but he can’t hold a candle to Dorian” Stephanie responded. Cerita coughed to cover up her laughter. “You said that a friend referred you to us?” Stephanie questioned. “Yes,” Warren said not wanting to reveal the name of the friend. “I saw you offer a service where you actually go to the home and prepare meals for the week.” Stephanie walked toward him pausing long enough to pick up the packet they gave to new clients. “If you will take this questionnaire and fill it out and fax it back to us tomorrow, we will review it and give you a call to let you know if we are able to meet your needs.” Warren glanced down at the questionnaire, “I will be glad to fill this out for you right now and I’m sure you will be able to meet all my needs,” he said refocusing his attention back on the beautiful blonde. “I’m sorry but we are actually closed and were just about to leave.” The ebony beauty said coming forward.

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Warren decided not to push, “Well I can understand that and I will fill this out and fax it to you first thing in the morning.” They watched as he left. “As soon as you get home you need to ask your man what that was all about.” Stephanie said. Warren completed the questionnaire and immediately faxed it back to the number listed at the bottom of the last page. Tomorrow morning on his way to his office, he’d stop by just to make sure they’d received it. Then he would put his plan into action and pay his old friend back in a way that he would never forget.

When she arrived home she found Dorian in the kitchen preparing dinner. “Oh something smells delicious,” she said walking up behind him to peer over his shoulder into the pots. “Just wait until you taste it,” Dorian said turning to kiss her. Catching her thoughts he leaned back. “How do you know Warren?” he asked. “He came into the shop this evening before Stephanie and I left saying an old friend had referred him. He didn’t know that we’d scanned him and knew why he was really there,” Cerita responded as she went to the refrigerator for a bottle of water. “And what did he really want?” Dorian asked. “He plans to take your woman away from you, but,” she began halting him

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from going off. “He thinks Stephanie is your woman.” “How did he come up with Stephanie being my woman?” Cerita shrugged, “I can only guess that he doesn’t think I’m your type. Do you want to tell me why he dislikes you so much?” Dorian raked his hands through his hair sighing deeply. “He actually hates my guts, but over the years we’ve been able to tolerate each other. There was a time where Warren used to hang out with me, Anthony and Roland. We all met him when we’d all gone away to summer camp when we were young. The four of us started hanging out during camp and continued when we all came back home and on well into our adult years. One year after Anthony and I had taken over the business for our dad’s there was a big celebration at the party I ran into a woman that I’d met a couple of years before, we had shared one night and both walked away. Apparently that night Elaine, tried Anthony and Roland and both turned her down. Warren thought he’d found his mate and no matter what anyone else said he would not listen. Against warnings from us and his family he began the bonding process with her and on the night he had planned to complete the process she told him that she would not be bonding with him because she didn’t want him.” Dorian took a deep breath. “She told him that she wanted you,” Cerita finished for him.

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“Yeah, she basically confessed that she’d been using him to get to me. Then she proceeded to tell him that I’d said a lot of derogatory things about him and unfortunately he believed her thus turned against me.” Cerita went to him pulling him into his arms. “Honey I’m sorry.” she said feeling the hurt he’d felt because Warren had chosen to believe Elaine instead of him. “You know Anthony never liked him, but only put up with him because I’d asked him to.” Cerita snorted, “I don’t blame him I’m going to be hard pressed not to kick his ass for trying to hurt my baby.” Dorian smiled hugging her tight against him, the fact that she was upset because Warren was trying to hurt him and not the fact he was trying to use her to do it made him love her even more. “You know I think dinner needs to simmer just a little longer, which gives us time to get a little dessert in first,” he said scooping her up into his arms and headed for their chamber. As soon as the door closed behind them, their clothes vanished. Dorian flipped her around straddling her legs around his waist opening her core up for his entry. Cerita stared into his eyes as she slowly sheathed him deep within her quivering pussy. “I need you to feed baby.”

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Unable to resist her plea for him to feed his fangs lengthened and he sank them into the side of her neck. Cerita loved the feel of him feeding and his cock stretching her as she rode him and gripped him tightly within her pussy as she climaxed around him. Dorian threw back his head and roared his release as he pumped inside her emptying his seed deep inside her womb. Dorian collapsed onto the bed panting with Cerita lying on top of him also panting as her heart raced. “Do you know how much I love you?” Cerita asked staring down at him. “I’m sure it’s as much as I love you sweetheart,” Dorian countered running his hand through her thick silky hair. “You are more than my mate, you are the better half of me that I had no idea was missing.” He leaned up and kissed her conveying everything he felt for her within the kiss. After dinner they cleaned the kitchen and retired to the family room, where they lay spooned on the huge leather sofa. Dorian had just dozed off when the doorbell chimed. “Where do you think you are going?” he demanded when she hopped off of the sofa. “I’m going to answer the door,” she said. “Not at this time of night you aren’t.”

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Cerita sighed deeply, her arms folded across her full breasts and glared. As he passed her he planted a quick nipping kiss on her lips. When he answered the door Cerita squealed delightedly at the sight of her parents. “Mommy, daddy, when did you guys get back in town?” Dorian smiled at the joy that Cerita felt at seeing her parents. Clarke Jones eyed the young man that had captured his daughter’s heart and by the look on his face she had succeeded in capturing his. “Honey, why don’t we let your mom and dad inside?” he suggested. Cerita laughed as she went to his side giving him a quick kiss. “Come on into the family room, if you are hungry I can whip you guys something up,” Dorian offered. “I would love something cool to drink,” Clarissa Jones said. “I’ll handle it sweetheart you stay and visit with your parents while I go and get the drinks.” Cerita stared after him as he walked out of the family room down the hall to the kitchen. Clarrisa watched her daughter as she watched her mate and smiled knowingly. She’d seen the love the young man had for their daughter and now she saw the love her daughter had for her mate.

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“He loves her and she loves him I truly believe our little girl will be happy with her mate.” Clarrisa said to her husband using their mental path. Clarke couldn’t agree more, he could feel the love and protectiveness the young man felt for his baby girl. He was the kind of mate and man he’d hoped and prayed for his baby girl. A man who would put her wants and needs before his own. Clarke noticed the way Dorian stared at Cerita and he could see he’d noticed his mate’s eyes drooping and wanted to spirit her off to bed but didn’t’ want to interfere with her time with her parents. “I don’t know about you baby girl, but I’m tired and ready to get myself and your mother to bed,” Clarke said giving his baby girl a quick kiss on the forehead. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to take my wife to bed.” Cerita missed the wink her father sent Dorian nor did she see her mate’s answering wink.

“So what do you think about my parents?” Cerita asked once they were lying in bed. “I think your parents are great and they love you so very much and I feel truly lucky they will entrust their baby girl in my care.” He responded bringing tears into her eyes that he quickly and expertly kissed away. And before they both

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knew it, his thick cock was buried deep within her and their bodies moved together taking flight as they soared to completion. Cerita slipped out of the bed trying not to wake Dorian, she knew he was exhausted and needed his rest. She knew since they were mated he would no longer need the rejuvenating sleep because her blood produced the nutrients his body needed to reproduce the cells he lost being out in the sun, which was another sign she was made specifically for him. Bending down, she planted a quick kiss on his lips before she left the chamber to go and let her brother in. “I’m coming so don’t ring the bell again. Mom and dad and Dorian are still sleeping.” She sent the message to her brother mentally. “What do you mean mom and dad are still sleeping?” Cedrick demanded as soon as she opened the door. Ignoring her brother, she gave her partner a hug in greeting. “Come on in Stephanie,” she said as her brother glared at her from the steps. He knew she’d addressed is wife as she had on purpose knowing he couldn’t come in without being invited. “Cerita,” he growled between clenched teeth. He was totally stunned when she closed the door in his face. Anthony walked up to stand beside his new cousin-in-law laughing. “I love her man; she is a strong woman just what my cousin needs. Now I would think

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you’d realize that since she and Dorian are mated it makes you family and family can enter a home without an invitation.” Cedrick frowned, “I thought they had to be married…” he trailed off remembering in their world, the immortal world, they were married. The ceremony was only for the friends they had that weren’t immortals. “I’ll be damned,” Cedrick muttered as he opened the door and walked in with a laughing Anthony following behind him. Cerita and Stephanie looked up as the entered the family room, “I wondered how long you were going to stand out there.” Cedrick glared at his baby sister and then at his laughing wife. “What is this nonsense that mom and dad were still in bed?” he demanded. “Well, we were in bed, but I forgot how noisy the two of you could be,” Clarke grumbled as he entered the room. “Where’s mom>” Stephanie asked walking over to give her father–in-law a hug and kiss. “Well she’s still just a wee bit tired so I let her sleep.” Stephanie giggled at the gleam she saw in her father-in-laws eyes and laughed out right at the groan coming from her husband. “Dad, please we don’t need to know any more.” Clarke ignored his son, “What you think your mother and I are too old to…”

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he stopped at the sharp sound of his name being called by his wife. “Clarke, you will stop tormenting that boy right this minute.”

Dorian lay in his bed wondering how long it will be before his mate decided to come and check on him to find out why he hadn’t come up for breakfast. He’d gotten up and taken a shower but he’d decided against going upstairs to visit with his cousin and new in-laws. He sighed deeply being patient and waited for his prey to arrive. Dorian knew she’d be down soon, especially now that his parents and Anthony’s parents had arrived. “Baby what is wrong? Why are you still lying in bed? Do you not feel well?” She placed a cool hand against his forehead searching for a fever. Dorian slowly opened his eyes, “I got up and took a shower and then I was thinking about you and I developed this huge stiffness and throbbing ache,” he said moaning as her hands roamed over his chest, down his flat stomach. His stomach muscles clench as her hands stopped and she looked down at him feeling as if she’d been suckered punched. “Is the stiffness and aching lower than where my hand is resting?” she asked sweetly. “Oh yeah baby, just a little lower,” he said on a deep groan, his voice pleading.

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“Do you think if I kiss it the ache will go away?” Cerita inquired as her finger tip traced the outline of his swollen cock. “I don’t know baby, why don’t you give it a try…” he trailed off when she slid the towel away and exposed his swollen cock standing at attention. His body called to hers and he knew by their connection that she’d thought about leaving him right there with his sneaky ideas, but she couldn’t as her body ached for him and her pussy clenched hungrily for his cock to fill her. Cerita gripped her mate’s cock in her hands stroking him gently before running the tip of her tongue around his purple head. Dorian growled deep in his chest when she took him into her hot moist mouth and he thought that he would explode at any moment. Not wanting to come alone, with a thought he removed her clothes before pulling her body above his with her legs straddling his hips. Thrusting upwards as she thrust downwards impaling her with his thick cock. Cerita bounced up and down on him driving them both closer and closer to the edge. She clenched her inner muscles knowing it would push his control away and in a flash he had her pinned beneath him with her legs against his shoulders as he pounded into her driving her to climax. Her climax forced an equally strong one within him and he roared his release as his mate milked him until he collapsed on top of her. He felt weak as a

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new born baby and as strong as Hercules all at the same time and it was due to the loving of his beautiful mate. “I’m sure everyone has realized that you’re missing and I’m sure they know what we’ve been doing.” He laughed when Cerita's face flamed at the thought, but he knew if she had it to do again, she would. “Well it is all your fault, all you had to do was come upstairs, instead of lying here waiting for me to come back down so you could have your wicked way with me.” Dorian climbed out of bed scooping her up and headed for the bathroom.

He smiled an arrogant smile when they entered the family room moments later. “I hope all this time you guys were down there making me a grandbaby to spoil.” Clarke Jones said. “Amen to that,” Avery Latouche cheered in agreement. Everyone laughed at the blush that covered Cerita’s face.

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Chapter Twelve

Warren waited until the woman had entered the doors to J & J’s before he followed her in. He stopped at the receptionist and returned her perky smile. “Hi I was here the other night and had a talk with Cerita and she gave me this questionnaire. As you can see I’ve filled it out and wanted to know if I could speak with her as she went over it.” “I’m sorry but Cerita isn’t in and won’t be in until later.” Warren frowned down at the perky dark beauty and wondered why she would lie. “I could have sworn I saw her walking in as I was parking my car,” he offered smoothly. “Oh, you must have seen Stephanie Jones, the co-owner of J & J’s. She just arrived but she had a client waiting for her in her office this morning. You are more than welcome to wait until they are done.” Warren felt his anger began to rise at what Angela had just revealed to him, the woman he’d mistakenly assumed was Dorian’s mate, wasn’t his mate after all and then it hit him. “What does Cerita Jones look like?” he questioned. As soon as Angela had given him her description his anger spiked and he realized the ebony

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beauty had been here that night was Dorian’s mate. One thing he could say for his ex-friend was he had wonderful taste in his women. He left his card with the perky receptionist, “Would you have Cerita give me a call when she comes in.” Angela promised to give her the message and watched as he turned and walked out staring at his firm tight ass. Back at his office he did something he should have done first before going to J & J’s, he looked up their website where he found a photo of the two owners and their employees. Clicking on the picture of the woman listed as Cerita Jones, berating himself for jumping to the assumption that Dorian’s mate was the beautiful blonde partner. It had never occurred to him that his ex-friend would be interested in a black female, but he could easily see why, the woman was beautiful and sexy as hell. He thought back to their meeting at no time did she or her partner give their names nor did he ask for them he’d just naturally assumed the blonde was his mark. Now he would have to rethink his approach and he would approach her because he owed his ex-friend and he aimed to pay him back at his first opportunity.

Anthony stood pacing, his anger rising on behalf of his cousin who was more like a brother to him. He couldn’t believe the bastard had the nerve to go after Dorian’s mate, but then again the fool had the nerve to blame Dorian because

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he’d been used by the best courtesan money could buy. “So what are you going to do?” Dorian smiled at his cousin, “I’m not going to do anything. I know what Warren’s plan is and that is to take Cerita away from me and you and I know there is no way in hell that he will be able to do that.” Anthony stopped pacing and stared at his cousin, “Cerita,” he said in understanding. “Yes, she’s forbidden me from confronting him and kicking his ass.” Dorian confessed slamming his palm against his desk. He didn’t tell his cousin that his loving mate had wrung a promise out of him not to approach or confront the bastard as she’d fucked his brains out. “What man, did she get you while…”Anthony trailed off seeing the look in Dorian’s eyes and he couldn’t hold back the laughter. Dorian glared at his cousin as he laughed damn near rolling on the floor. “Man you are whipped and whipped bad.” Dorian waved his hand flipping the chair his cousin was sitting in tossing him to the floor. Anthony continued to laugh knowing his cousin would never do anything to actually hurt him. “Okay, cuz I’m sorry but I couldn’t help it. Now what are we going to do about that sneaky bastard.” Dorian sighed, “My mate has forbid me from confronting him saying she will

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handle it, but she never said anything about you not confronting him, but you can’t hurt him…well not much that is.” “Man, I can’t believe he has the nerve to come up with some hair brained scheme like this to get back at you all because he was too stupid to see what was right before him along with the fact that everyone warned his ass about that bitch.” “I agree with you Anthony, but you and I know the bastard isn’t stable and he has always had the problem of blaming everyone else for shit that he’s done to himself.” “Well I’ll make sure the son of a bitch knows that he’s fucking with the wrong man’s mate.” Warren stopped by J & J just before closing like he’d done before and found the same two beautiful women standing in the lobby.

“Hello ladies, I was

wondering if you’ve had a chance to go over my questionnaire.” Before they could answer a tall handsome black man walked in the door. Warren watched as the man walked over to where the blonde stood pulling her into his arms. “Are you ready to go baby?” the man asked his hand resting on the woman’s slightly rounding stomach. “Can I help you?” Cedrick asked. “I was just trying to hire your lovely wife and her partner,” Warren informed

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him. “I’m sorry, but with my wife’s pregnancy and my sister’s upcoming nuptials they really don’t have the time to take on any new clients.” Warren knew he’d have to back off for now, but he wasn’t giving up. “Well if you find you have the room to take on a new client please give me a call.” Cerita waited until the man left before she walked over to where her brother stood and punched him in the arm. “Ouch, what was that for?” Cedrick demanded rubbing his arm. “Why did you run him off you big jerk? Did Dorian put you up to it?” Her brother rolled his eyes. “No, Dorian didn’t put me up to it. I’m sure he wanted to kick his ass himself, but because of his promise to you he won’t and you are lucky I didn’t kick his ass for him,” Cedrick said heatedly. “That is enough you two,” Stephanie said. “Now let’s get this place closed up so that we can get out of here.”

Warren sat behind his desk going over the report before him looking up when his door opened and was surprised to see Anthony standing there. Glancing past him he looked for his secretary to come forward to throw him out. “Sorry, but she’s occupied with typing and I didn’t feel the need to bother her,” Anthony informed him taking a seat.

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“It’s a damn nuisance having mortal employees.” He muttered under his breath. “So what can I do for you?” Warren finally asked. “I just came by with a little friendly advice, stay away from my cousin’s mate. She isn’t interested nor will she ever be interested in you.” Warren kept his face blank, but his mind raced with questions on how they could have known about his plan. How could they know he’d gone by their shop? Anthony shook his head the boy really should have learned how to properly mask his thoughts. “Cerita and Stephanie scanned you as soon as you entered their shop, which is what they do with each person that comes into the shop when they are there alone. They got a real kick out of the fact you assumed Stephanie was Dorian’s mate.” Anthony said as he stood and walked over to the huge window viewing the skyline. “So if that was the case,” Warren hedged not admitting anything, “Why didn’t Dorian come and warn me off himself?” Again Anthony laughed at the prick’s lack of skill, “My new cousin forbade Dorian from confronting you and my cousin lives to keep his mate happy, so what she wants she gets.” Warren sighed, “Okay you’ve delivered your warning now you can leave.” Anthony pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and smiled when he saw Cerita’s name flash. “Hey little cuz, what can I do for you?” he asked as he walked

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out of Warren’s office. “I was calling to find out why you didn’t come by for breakfast and to…where are you?” she asked having a feeling that she already knew. “I’m on my way home to change I have a date with Larissa.” he hedged. “You went by his office and confronted him didn’t you.” Her words were met with silence. “I couldn’t let his threat pass, you are family and I’ll not let anyone use you in any way. Now does this mean that I’m no longer invited for meals?” Cerita sighed wanting to be mad but she couldn’t be, “You know you are always invited lug head number two.” He promised to see her tomorrow morning for breakfast. Cerita looked up when Dorian walked into her office, “Did you send Anthony to warn Warren off?” she asked. Dorian froze in the doorway knowing he couldn’t lie to her. “Baby, you have to understand you are my mate and it is my job to love and protect you, even though I followed your order not to confront him. The bastard was going to try and use you against me and I didn’t know how far he would go to do it and I will not take a chance on your life. So yes, I asked Anthony to go, but you and I know that he would have gone whether I asked him to or not. You are family and he’s never liked Warren and knowing that he wants to use you he would have gone

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there and done more than warn him off.” She knew that he was right, but it still didn’t make it okay. “Are you ready to leave?” he asked. “I have some things to finish up here so you go ahead and I’ll be home a little later.” Dorian stared at her wondering how long she was going to be mad at him. Cerita saw the tick in his jaw before he turned and headed for the door, the hurt radiating from him broke her in two. In a flash she was standing before him wrapping her arms around his waist. “I’m sorry I know you only did it because you love me and wanted to protect me. You are going to have to be a little patient with me because I’m used to taking care of myself and those that I love.” Dorian closed his eyes wrapping his arms around her holding her tightly against him as the fear subsiding. “Come on and take me home,” Cerita whispered.

Warren paced the living room of his twentieth floor penthouse suite trying to modify his plans for Dorian’s mate. If his flunky Anthony thought his little threat would work to deter him, he would be sadly mistaken. Now knowing Cerita wasn’t completely mortal only served to wet his appetite for her even more.

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He would give the appearance of backing off for now and let them think his plans were foiled. Once they let down their guard he’d strike taking Dorian’s most prized possession.

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Chapter Thirteen

With the wedding plans set Cerita only had to count down the days until the ceremony. She thanked God for her mother and future mother-in-law and aunt for all the work they did on setting everything up. Although she already felt like she was Dorian’s wife, the wedding ceremony will make it so to all of their mortal friends. “Hey sweetheart what are you doing up here all by yourself?” Dorian asked walking into the upstairs master bedroom. “I was just thinking about all I have to do now is count down the days to our wedding ceremony and even though I am already your wife, I’m really looking forward to the actual wedding.” Dorian smiled, as he sat next to her on the window seat, his arm slipping around her shoulders. Cerita loved the heat of him and her body always responded to that heat. She sighed deeply resting her head on his shoulder. “I don’t know why we couldn’t just elope, but I guess that is just a guy thing.”

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Cerita elbowed him in the side, “How can you say that>” she asked. “I can say that because like you said, you are my wife and I don’t need a ceremony with a bunch of people around that I barely associate with, watching us promising to love each other forever.” Cerita smiled, “Yeah it’s a male thing, because girls always dream of a big wedding to the man they love, with all of their friends and family in attendance.” Dorian lifted her onto his lap burying his face in the crock of her neck. “So it shall be the way you want it because you are my mate and your happiness is my happiness and if a big wedding makes you happy then I will put on a monkey suit and smile and look pretty.” Cerita laughed smacking him on the shoulder. “What are you going to do about Warren?” she asked turning serious. “I’m going to keep my eyes and senses on full alert. I don’t think he’s just going to walk away from whatever he had planned. I know he wants us to think that he has hoping we would let down our guard. One thing I’m thankful for is because of his arrogance he doesn’t realize just how powerful you are.” Cerita nodded, she’d been thinking the same thing. “You’re right, I picked up on his arrogance when he first entered J & J and with your powers added to mine since our bonding, when he tries to carry out his plan he is going to be in for a big surprise.”

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Dorian tensed, “Baby I don’t want you doing anything to put yourself in danger or to draw him to you,” he warned staring into her eyes. “Honey, I would never do that on purpose,” she assured him. “What do you think about moving up here and making this our master bedroom? Since I don’t need the rejuvenating sleep any longer we don’t need to sleep in the chamber.” Cerita stood and walked around the huge room loving the feel and remembering the nights they’d slept up there when Roland and Thelma’s kids had visited. “I think for now I’d rather stay in the chamber, for one with so many of our family members having a key to our home, I don’t want to have you screaming for mercy when one of them walks in.” Dorian fell back against the window laughing hysterically. “Have me screaming for mercy huh? Okay I can handle that baby,” he responded. “I think we will stay in the chamber until the kids come and then we will move up here and make the adjoining room into the nursery.” “I think it’s time for us to continue working on making those babies that we want.” Cerita laughed and it quickly turned into a deep moan when Dorian slid his hand between her legs stroking her clit with his long fingers. Dorian laid her down on their bed with her clothes vanishing as his mouth

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lowered to a ripe taunt nipple while his finger continued to stroke her creamy pussy. The scent of her arousal driving him damn near out of his mind and causing his cock to throbbed hungrily. “I need you Dorian, baby don’t make me wait,” Cerita demanded her hips moving against his fingers. Gripping her hips he pulled her body to the edge of the bed lifting her hips as he slammed his cock deep within her and in that instant his control was lost. His thrusts were deep and forceful and wild, he hoped that he wouldn’t hurt her, but was unable to stop himself and he continued to plunge deeply within her until they climaxed simultaneously each screaming each other’s names. “Sweetheart did I hurt you?” He asked between pants and gentle kisses “I keep losing my control every time I’m buried deep inside that wonderful pussy of mine.” “God no baby, you didn’t hurt me and I loved every thick inch of that delicious cock of mine. I love it when you lose your control and I also love the fact that I’m the one who makes you lose it.” “You just like the power you have over me,” Dorian commented smiling. “Just like the power you have over me.” Cerita responded snuggling against his side her head resting on his chest. He lay there contented just to hold her listening to her even breathing as she

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slept.

Dorian looked up from the file he was going over when his office door opened and his father and uncle walked in. Dorian stood and walked around his desk to greet them. “What brings the two of you by?” he asked. Avery Latouche smiled at his son knowing he would get right to the heart of the matter. “We came by to talk to you about the situation with my new niece and that bastard Warren.” Austin Latouche said to his nephew. Dorian smiled, he’d known his uncle and father would come by. For one Anthony had warned him and secondly his father knew better than anyone the anxiety he felt wondering what Warren planned to do. “Son, I know that you are worried Cerita will use herself as bait and after speaking with your new father-in-law, we’ve learned that my new daughter is just as strong willed and stubborn as your mother and aunt Kim.” Dorian leaned back against his desk staring at his father and uncle. “So what are you saying? That I should let Cerita be bait for that bastard?” He demanded incredulous. “What we are saying son, is instead of waiting on the bastard to make a move, you should work with Cerita.” Avery held up his hand halting Dorian’s

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protest. “One thing about us Latouche men is that we fall for very strong women. Women who refuse to sit back and let their men fight all the battles alone and you have that type of woman in my new daughter. She doesn’t like the fact Warren is trying to hurt you, she doesn’t care that he is trying to use her to do it, only that he is trying to hurt the man she loves.” Austin chuckled. “My new niece fits right in this family, she reminds me of your mom and your aunt Kim. Stubborn and very head strong, all we are saying is we should all work together to come up with a way to let Warren think he is about to get the opening he’s looking for.” Avery nodded, “With all of us protecting her there is no way he can hurt her and I’m sure he has no idea of how powerful that daughter of mine is especially now with your bonding with her and how it has enhanced her powers. All we are saying for you to do is talk it over with Cerita and once you guys come to an agreement, we’ll come up with a plan to make sure she is well protected.” “Dorian, are you okay?” Dorian smiled, it still amazed him that his mate was so in tuned with him. He’d seen the way his mother and father and uncle and aunt were always in tuned with each other and had wondered if he’d ever have that and now he did. “I’m fine sweetheart, dad and Uncle Austin stopped by and we were discussing Warren. Where are you?” “I’m just leaving the luncheon we had scheduled today and I’m on my way back to the shop

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with the van and then I’m heading home.” “Well as soon as I’m done with dad and Uncle Austin I’ll be on my way home.” Dorian returned his attention back to his father and uncle. “I’ll talk to Cerita about it tonight and we can all meet this weekend to come up with a way to pull this off.”

Ben watched from across the parking lot as Cerita exited the shop and headed for her car. His eye caught the flash of her left hand as she opened the door of her car and climbed in. He waited until she pulled out of the parking lot before following her. He was determined to find out where in the hell she was staying since she’d sold her apartment. She wasn’t staying with her brother and his snotty wife, maybe she was staying with her parents. Ben frowned when he noticed her turning into the most exclusive part of town, where in this neighborhood all of the homes were twenty plus room mansions. Cerita turned into a long and winding driveway that led up a hill to a huge castle like mansion. Ben stopped not wanting her to spot his car following her. He eased out of the car and walked up the drive taking care to stay near the trees lining the driveway. He froze when he thought he heard the sound of another car coming down the street. Ben decided to come back later after dark or early tomorrow morning to get a good look around.

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Dorian cloaked himself and the car watching as the bastard crept back to his car. He scanned him briefly touching his mind making sure to block Cerita from seeing what he was doing. The bastard did know about her powers and he was being used by someone else and that someone wanted his mate’s powers. Taking out his phone he called his brother-in-law asking that he meet him tomorrow at his office. It was time for them to put a stop to Ben and find out who was pulling his strings. Cerita met him at the door giving him a big welcome home kiss. “What did dad and Uncle Austin want?” she asked taking his briefcase out of his hand. “They wanted me to talk to you and come up with a plan to use you as bait to trap Warren.” He informed her. “Did they actually say that?’ Cerita asked surprised. “No, what they said was that you are head strong and stubborn and determined to have a hand in stopping Warren’s plan. So they suggested you and I talk about it and then everyone in the family will get together and come up with a plan where you will be protected.” Cerita threw her arms around his neck as she planted kisses all over his face. “I knew you’d come around honey and I know you will protect me and no harm will come to me at all.” Dorian groaned torn between locking her away to keep her safe and giving

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her what she wanted just to make her happy.

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Chapter Fourteen

Cedrick walked into his brother-in-law’s office hoping his wife would be too occupied to realize that he was blocking her. “We need to make this quick, my mate is going to get really suspicious when she realizes I’m blocking.” Dorian nodded, and gave Cedrick and Anthony what he’d discovered from his quick scan of Cerita’s ex. “I think it’s his father,” Cedrick said once Dorian was finished. “From what my guys can tell me, the old man is the one pulling Ben’s strings. There was an incident some years ago apparently Ben’s father learned about my mother and her being a descendant of a very powerful and ancient witch. In his mind if he controlled my mother he could control her powers. In an attempt to kidnap her he was seriously injured and paralyzed and now confined to a wheelchair.” Dorian leaned back trying to keep his anxiety under wraps knowing that if it spiked Cerita would know it. “So this bastard thinks to use his son to get my mate to use her powers…to what get revenge on your mother because if his stupidity.” Anthony stood pacing, “Not only do we have Warren trying to play his little

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game, now we have a threat from a crazy old man, hell I say we take Ben and his father out of the mix, but either way it goes we are going to have to tell Cerita.” Dorian closed his eyes sighing deeply. “Does your mom know about what the old man had tried to do?” Dorian asked. “Hell yes, she is the reason he’s paralyzed. He tried to kill dad to get to mom and mom wasn’t having it so she used her power to crush his spinal cord.” Dorian sat up as Anthony stopped pacing to stare at his new cousin. “Is Cerita as powerful as your mother?” Anthony asked. “Yes and then some now that she’s bonded with Dorian. Ben’s father knew mother was powerful, but he didn’t know that her powers had tripled because she and dad had bonded so when he tried to take dad out mom went Amazon on him.” Dorian stood and walked over to the huge window behind his desk. “We need everyone together to let them know what is going on. We have two threats against my mate and I’ll be damned if I allow either of those bastards to lay a finger on her.” Cedrick agreed “I’ll contact mom and dad we’ll meet at your place around six.”

As soon as her brother walked into the shop she knew something was wrong, “I need for you guys to go ahead and close up we have to meet the family at

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the mansion.” She was about to question her brother, but Dorian stopped her. “We’ll explain everything as soon as everyone gets here.” Cerita kept her questions to herself until everyone arrived. She sat stunned not believing what she’d just learned about her mother. “Mom you actually crushed the man’s spinal cord?” Clarissa nodded, “I sure did there was no way in hell I was going to allow that bastard to hurt my mate and get away with it. I thought I’d given him something to remember me by so he wouldn’t get any ideas, but I guess I was wrong.” Clarke rubbed his wife’s back soothingly knowing how what she’d done protecting him had affected her. “I should have killed that bastard instead of paralyzing him.” Clarissa confessed to her mate. “No baby, it wasn’t your place to kill him, you can barely deal with the guilt of paralyzing him so there is no way you would have been able to deal with the guilt from his death.” Clarissa knew he was right, but now the bastard was using his son to threaten her baby girl. Kim and Glenda surrounded her each giving her the comfort only a mother could give to another. Clarrisa was touched and soothed by the comfort coming from the two women and she knew that they, just as she

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would give her life to protect her little girl. “It was my fault, I ran head first into his set up and my mate had to come in and save my ass.” Clarke confessed. “Don’t feel bad Clarke we’ve all been in that situation. It’s just like I explained to Dorian, it’s hard not to rush in and protect our mates. I did the same thing when there was a threat to Glenda and Austin did the same when Kim was threatened and on both occasions our mate’s had to come to our rescue.” Both Anthony and Dorian were shocked as they’d had no idea this had transpired. “I think that Eustis is hoping to use Cerita to heal him and then he wants to control her powers.” Clarrisa said to the room at large. Dorian nodded agreeing with his mother-in-law, “I think you are absolutely right and I think we need to know exactly where Eustis is hiding out and take care of him. I’m figuring once he’s taken out of the picture then Ben will back off.” Cedrick pulled out his phone and made a quick call, “I have the guys searching for him, we know he has to be somewhere close because that is the only way he’s able to control Ben. Somehow he found someone to gift him the power to use mind control, but only over Ben.” Dorian sighed, he could feel the compassion coming from his mate and he had a feeling, what she was about to suggest. “Do you think if we can get Ben away from his father and intervene, maybe

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break the hold he has over him.” Clarrisa went to her daughter knowing what she was feeling. “Honey, that is what I thought to do with Eustis, we can’t help but feel compassion for anyone even someone as evil as Eustis. I don’t want you to make the mistake that I made, which almost cost me the life of my mate. Although I’m sure there is some mind control on Eustis’s part, I can also sense Ben has the same evil inside him that his father has.” Cerita had a feeling that her mother was right and although it bothered her she wasn’t going to risk Dorian to confirm their suspicious. “Now that we know about the double threat to my new daughter we need to discuss her protection tomorrow night at this fundraiser.” Dorian looked stunned. “What fundraiser?” he demanded. Everyone seemed to look everywhere but at him, Anthony started laughing hysterically. “Cuz, do you know the fundraiser that you are invited to every year and every year you turn them down and send a huge donation?” Dorian glared at his cousin wondering what he found so damned amusing. “Well cuz, that same fundraiser is sponsored by your mate’s family.” His eyes quickly shot to his mate. “Are you saying that if had I gone to just one of those fundraiser’s I would have met you then?” Everyone in the room laughed at the incredulous look on his face.

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“I guess that goes to show us that fate won’t be stopped.”

Clarke

commented. “I suppose I need to go out and get a new tux to wear to the fundraiser huh?” He muttered under his breath. Everyone laughed knowing how much he detested fundraisers but knew he would attend because it would make his mate happy and that is what he lived for.

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Chapter Fifteen

Dorian sat across from the owner and his son who were to be the first of the companies they planned on saving. Needless to say the father and son duo weren’t very receptive to their plan. “Mr. Latouche, why is it that all of the sudden now you change your plan? Just a few days ago you were buying my company to sell it off in pieces just like you’ve done with so many other companies in the past?” Dorian smiled at the older man. “You are right Mr. Dempsey, and a few days ago your company along with others within my pipeline were being reviewed and prepped for take over. My cousin and I have decided to change the direction of our business. I’m not going to apologize for the way we did our business in the past, because every action we took was on the up and up and legal. Now we want to help companies that are on the brink of bankruptcy, instead of taking them over and selling them off. We intend to offer our help and financial backing to bring the company back into the black.” The man stared at Dorian as if trying to determine if he could believe what the young man was offering.

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“Look Mr. Dempsey, my cousin and I are only offering our help and financial aid. You don’t have to accept it, but you must realize there are other companies looking to do the same thing we used to do.” Anthony interjected. Dorian checked his watch and realized they would be cutting it close and they still had to get ready for the fundraiser. “May I use your phone?” Dorian asked knowing that he needed to call Cerita. “All we are asking is that you look over the contract we’ve drawn up and have your attorney review it also.”

Anthony waited while father and son

conferred. Their attention was drawn to Dorian’s phone conversation. “Hey sweetheart, the meeting is going a little longer than we’d anticipated so we’ll stop by Anthony’s and shower and dress and meet you guys at the Sheridan.” Anthony shook his head at the love sick sound of his cousin’s voice. “Dorian’s fiancé’s family sponsor the Kids First Fundraiser and Dorian hates to disappoint her.” He explained seeing the puzzled look on their faces. “Honey, you don’t have to come if this is going to take longer than you thought.” Cerita suggested. “No baby, I want to be there with you and I will be. I want you to ride with Cedrick and Stephanie that way I don’t have to worry about you going there by yourself.”

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Cerita wanted to argue but knew he was worried enough and he didn’t need any more worries. “I’m sorry about that, but we really need to get going. Like Anthony said, just review the agreement and you’ll see that we are willing to go out on the limb here and you guys have nothing to lose.” Mr. Dempsey stood holding out his hand, “I understand trying to keep the little woman happy and I agree to review the contract and have my attorney review it and then we’ll meet back here in a couple of days.”

Cerita entered the ballroom with her brother and sister-in-law, her parents along with Dorian’s and Anthony’s parents were already here. She hated these parties just as much as Dorian did, but she knew she didn’t have a choice due to her family’s obligation. “Now it’s our obligation.” Dorian said using their mental path having felt her resolve. “God I love you so much. How far away are you?” She said feeling immediate relief from his mental touch. “We are less than an hour away and should be there soon and I love you too sweetheart.” Seeing the grin on his daughter-in-law’s face Avery knew that she was getting a reassuring touch from his son. “Hello baby girl, you are looking as

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beautiful as ever.” He commented enveloping her in to his warm embrace. He told the truth about her being as beautiful as ever especially with all of the ogling looks she was receiving from all of the males present. The white shimmering gown she wore hugged each and every curve of her body. The strapless and semi backless dress was a work of art and his new daughter wore it as such. Sherri stared at the black bitch not believing she would have the nerve to show up here. “How dare she be here cozying up to Dorian’s father like a floozy?” Sherri said aloud. “Well considering her family is responsible for this fundraiser and as a matter of fact her family created and started the Kids First program and has had the fundraiser each year since the programs inception.” Sherri turned and glared at the man standing next to her having no idea as to who he was and she hadn’t asked for his commentary. Warren stood behind the two in the shadow listening to what the young man had to say. His eyes remained on the beauty Dorian had claimed for himself and she was indeed a lovely creature and sexy as hell. The white strapless dress cupped and hugged her full breasts and nice rounded ass. His cock swelled with the thought of filling her completely and taking her making her beg for mercy…just like all the others. He’d made it a point to give all of Dorian’s ex’s a taste of his brand of love making and he intended to do the same to the woman that had so

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effectively captured Dorian’s heart. He couldn’t wait to see the look on the bastard’s face when he lost his one true love.

Dorian’s eyes scanned the huge ballroom for his mate and found her in the midst of a group of people each vying for her attention. He let out a low growl when he noticed the other men ogling her with hunger and lust in there eyes, hell they were practically salivating. “Down cuz, they can look all they want, but she’ll always come home with you and you know she only has eyes for you.” Anthony said placing a restraining hand on his cousin’s shoulder. He tried not to laugh at the murderous look on Dorian’s face. “Baby, I don’t care how much they look none of them have a chance to get what belongs to you.” He smiled at her words and calm settled over him removing the rage at seeing her surrounded by the ogling males. Anthony shook his head at his cousin praying that when he met his mate he didn’t act as besotted as Dorian was. Cerita had felt his presence as soon as he’d entered the room and she’d also felt his anger. She turned to smile up at him just as he reached her, holding out her hand to him as she drew him into the circle to introduce him. “Everyone I’d like

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for you to meet my fiancé Dorian Latouche.” Dorian slid his arm possessively around her waist as he smiled at those around him. She knew that smile and it was lethal to every woman present hell she could see them swooning any moment now. Cerita quickly excused herself and Dorian from the group needing a moment alone with her mate. She led him over to an alcove cupping his face in her hands giving him a quick kiss. “Are you okay, baby I got the impression that things didn’t go to well with Mr. Dempsey.” Dorian leaned his forehead against hers letting out a deep cleansing breathe, “It wasn’t as easy as I thought or hoped that it would be, but now that I’m here with you I’m much better.” She knew he spoke the truth feeling the irritation he’d felt earlier when he’d called her to let her know the meeting was running over, wasn’t there any longer. “I’m glad you made it and I know it will all work out with you and Mr. Dempsey.” Dorian couldn’t resist her full lips and without caring who saw them he captured her mouth with his. Clarke looked over at his daughter and son-in-law and smiled. “I hear you are getting a new son-in-law?” Terrance Dempsey said from

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beside him. Clarke turned to the man smiling, “Yes I am and fine young man he is and I know he’ll keep my baby girl happy.” Terrance smiled. “I hope that is the case because I hear he is ruthless.” Clarke chuckled, “Aren’t we all ruthless when it comes to business, but I know what you are referring too.

Dorian was ruthless when he took over

companies and was just a ruthless in his dealings when he would sale them off, but what no one knows is that not one employee of those companies were jobless. Dorian made sure that the employees had the option to go with the company or accept a job at one of the companies he and Anthony owned or they received a severance package that not even you would balk at, which he paid from his own pockets.” Clarke saw the surprise on his old friend’s face and gave him a curt nod. “See no one ever tells the whole story. All I can tell you, is if my son is offering to help you out I’d suggest you accept it because, Dorian and that cousin of his knows how to make money.” Terrance promised to think about it more before he made a final decision.

Ben stood before his father telling him what he’d learned about Cerita. “Do you at least know when and where the damn wedding is to be held?” Eustis demanded.

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“For some reason they are keeping it all hush hush. I know the shop is supposed to be closed next week, but I’m not sure if it is because of the wedding or because of the holidays.” Eustis wanted to walk over and slap the shit out of his worthless ass son, but thanks to that damned witch, he couldn’t even feel enough to take a damn piss or to prevent himself from shitting on himself.

Eustis knew he had to do

something and soon, before his son did to him what he’d done to his father. Ben was more like him than he wanted to admit. He could see Ben bumping him off just as he’d bumped off his own father. Eustis remembered how he’d listened to his father praise the immortals his so called friends. He wondered what his father thought about his so called friends when none of them came to save him as he lay dying from the knife he’d plunged in his back while he was talking to one of his immortal buddies telepathically. He’d seen the hatred in Ben’s eyes and knew that if given the chance, Ben would end his life without a second thought. That was why he never gave his little piece of shit offspring the opportunity by insisting he had someone with him around the clock. He had someone watching over him while he slept. “I don’t care how you do it, but you need to find out when and where that wedding is to be held. I want this finished before she bond’s with that bastard white boy.”

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Ben watched as his father’s flunky pushed his father out of the room his eyes narrowing. He wished he had a moment alone with the old bastard to show him who was really in charge. Oh yeah, he would find out when and where the wedding was going to be held and he’d tell his father, because he planned on having Cerita hidden away long before his father or that white boy realized what he’d done. Cerita checked her lips in the mirror before she headed out of the powder room turning she came face to face with the blonde terror. “So I guess the catering business is very profitable if you are able to afford to attend a party like this.” She said snidely, trying to embarrass her in front of the other women in the room. Sherri knew most of the women there were very high society and had little tolerance for working class. Before Cerita could answer one of the women walked over to her. “I’m sorry did she say you were a caterer?” Cerita smiled, confident in who she was and what she did for a living. “Yes, my sister-in-law and I own and run J & J Catering.” she said proudly. Another woman walked over to them, Cerita knew the woman was the daughter of a senator. “I’ve heard of your company, you handle the meals for one of my father’s intern’s and he loves you guys.” The woman exclaimed.

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“So how do you guys work?” Another woman asked. “We

handle

parties

for

whatever

reason,

retirement,

birthdays,

anniversaries, you name it and we handle the decorations and the food and we work the party. We also have clients that we go into their homes and prepare their meals for the week or month, whichever they prefer. All of our meals are freshly cooked and made from scratch.” Cerita gave them all of the particulars as she handed out business cards smiling as Sherri stormed out pissed that her plan had backfired. Sherri stormed out, she’d get the black bitch if it was the last thing that she did. She smiled when she spotted Dorian standing off to the side. “So your little caterer is in the powder room regaling all of the ladies with her little business. I think it’s a shame they are all pretending that they are truly interested in what she’s peddling.” she said upon reaching his side. Her hand froze in mid air at the cold look in his eyes. “You may as well give it up Sherri, you tried to embarrass my fiancé and the shit backfired. I’ll give you one last warning, you do anything to harm my wife with your malicious jealousies and I’ll make you regret it for the rest of your life.” Sherri watched him walk away trying to ignore the cold chill that raced down her back, but his threat struck a nerve and she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would follow through on his threat.

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Glenda walked into the powder room shaking her head, her new daughter was surrounding by women inquiring about her business. She’d known what Sherri had planned and had waited outside to come to her daughter’s rescue, but as it would have it her daughter charmed the snobbish like she charmed everyone else. “Ladies, I’m sorry to interrupt, but my daughter is needed out in the ballroom.” Everyone turned at the sound of her voice. Cerita smiled at her mother-inlaw knowing that she’d been prepared to come to her rescue. God how she loved her mother-in-law, Cerita thought to herself. “She loves you also.” Dorian said to her using their private mental path.

Dorian pulled up before the steps leading up to the front door and immediately knew someone had been there. He knew they hadn’t been able to get inside, but the thought that someone had tried to breach their home pissed him off. “It was Ben he probably planned on trying to pick the locks.” Cerita said as she climbed out of the car. Dorian nodded knowing she was right as he scanned the area to make sure that the bastard was no longer around. Satisfied he scooped her up off of her feet knowing how tired she was now and carried her inside. With a thought he removed her shoes and the pins from her hair. He loved the way her

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long thick mass cascaded down around her shoulders. Dorian secured the house before flashing them inside their chamber.

Ben walked into J & J with a bouquet of flowers in his hands as a peace offering he smiled when he spotted Cerita coming out of her office. She stopped when she spotted him. “What are you doing here Ben?” Cerita demanded. “I wanted to come by and apologize and to offer my congratulations on your upcoming marriage.” Cerita didn’t buy it for a minute and immediately scanned him and found a flimsy barrier blocking her. Immediately she felt power from Dorian and her brother giving her the power to slip past that barrier without Ben being aware of it. She saw glimpses of his hatred for his father and the conversation that he’d had with his father in regards to find out when the wedding would be, along with his plan to keep her all to himself and away from his father. “Do you think that you and I can go somewhere to talk and celebrate your upcoming nuptials?” Ben asked. “I’m sorry Ben, but I have some things to wrap up here before I head home. Maybe we can do it one day nest week give me a call on Monday and I’ll see how my schedule is going.”

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He wanted to push, but knew that he couldn’t get away with it today so he plastered on a fake smile and promised to call her on Monday.

Warren watched the guy as he walked out to his car as he’d seen the guy speaking with Dorian’s fiancé and he frowned wondering what the man’s connection to her was. On a whim, Warren decided to follow the man to see who he was, so hopefully he could get close enough to scan him. Lucky for him the guy pulled into a gas station just on the outskirts of town and Warren followed suit. Once inside the gas station he stood next to the guy while he waited in line and waffled through his mind and picked up on his plan on kidnapping Cerita and killing his father. Warren was taken aback at the hatred clouding the man’s mind and he almost felt sorry for Dorian’s mate if this man ever got his hands on her. After finding out what he could, Warren made his way back to his car and back to watch his little prize. He hated to spoil the little sick pricks plans for Cerita, but he wouldn’t be denied a taste of her charms. Maybe after he was done with her he’d pass her along to the little sick prick.

Cedrick walked into his brother-in-laws office with the latest update and noticed that he was on the phone. From this side of the conversation he could

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hear he was talking to Cerita. Hell just the smile on the man’s face was enough to tell anyone entering that he was speaking with the woman he loved and the love was shining bright as a beacon. Anthony walked in and rolled his eyes. “Tell Cerita that you have to go.” He demanded loudly, so that she would hear him. Dorian frowned at his cousin before ending the call. “Oh man, you are so whipped and the damn shame of it all is that your ass was whipped before you even bonded with her.” Dorian glared at his cousin threatening to kick his ass. “What do you have Ced?” Dorian asked. “It appears that you were right, Warren has been following Cerita and learning her routine. He even followed Ben the other day apparently he has to be close to someone in order to read them.” Anthony nodded. “He’s a product of an immortal fraternizing with a mortal so his gifts aren’t as strong as a full immortal. And because he refused to accept the help offered to help him develop the gifts his powers are only limited and therefore he depends mostly on the dark arts to assist him.” Dorian leaned back thinking they needed to take the threats to his mate out of the picture all together instead of waiting for them to make a move. “You know she plans on letting Ben make his move next week.” Dorian said softly.

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Cedrick and Anthony both sat forward. “What in the hell do you mean?” They asked in unison. “That is why she told him to call her on Monday, she’s giving him time to set everything up and she will meet him. She’s sure he will make his move when they meet next week.” Anthony and Cedrick slumped back in their chairs groaning. “How are we supposed to protect her if she is going to turn herself over to him?” Cedrick demanded. “Does the rest of the family know about this?” Anthony demanded. “We are having a family meeting tonight to plan everything out.” Dorian wanted so desperately to lock her away, but knew he couldn’t as she was just as determined to eliminate the threat to her as he was. Like his father and uncle stated she was stubborn and head strong and if he didn’t work with her she’d work on her own. Anthony saw the fear and worry in his cousin’s eyes, “Don’t worry cuz, we’ll make sure that nothing happens to her.” Dorian sighed deeply, “I’m going to hold you to that promise cuz, because if I lose her…” Cedrick interrupted him, “We aren’t going to lose her to Warren or Ben.”

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Cerita knew Dorian was worried and didn’t want her to go through with what she was planning, but she had too. The stress of not knowing what was going to happen or when was making her sick to her stomach. Hell it was even getting to the point where she couldn’t stand the smell of certain foods and that wasn’t a good thing in her line of business. With everyone at the house that evening they ate the food she’d prepared but she found her stomach didn’t feel up to anything so she opted for a cup of her favorite tea. She missed the looks that past between her mother and Dorian’s mother and aunt. They all sat and listened to Cerita’s plan and Dorian was glad that he wasn’t the only one against it. “There has to be a better way, if you go with him he’s the one in control.” Anthony said. “We have racked our brains since Dorian mentioned this plan to us trying to come up with some way to protect her.” Cedrick added. “I disagree, since he doesn’t know how powerful I am I think he’ll let down his guard, because apparently neither he nor his father knows how the bonding affects my powers and if his father knows he hasn’t mentioned this to Ben.” Dorian pulled Cerita into his arms needing to touch her or he’d go absolutely ape shit.

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“I say we figure out as best we can what Ben’s plan is and go over every conceivable scenario and plan a counter action for it.” Avery said knowing there was no way to dissuade his new daughter from her plan so they had to come up with a way to protect her. “Now we know that to get her away from the restaurant he’s going to have to drug her and it will have to be something which will work fast but not knock her out completely. It will give the appearance that she is willingly leaving under her own power.” Anthony sat forward typing on his lap top. “Something that will give him control over her so he can instruct her to walk out with him.” Everyone waited while Anthony’s fingers flew over the keyboard. “Got it.” He exclaimed when he located the drug and the antidote. “Okay, even with the antidote, you will be a little dizzy and disoriented and it will only slow the drug down. Ben will think he is control of you and while he’s taking you to his destination you will need to push the drug out of your system through your pores, which to him it will look like the normal side affect and will appear you are just sweating.” Clarrisa sat next to Anthony to check the side affects for herself, if what she and Glenda and Kim suspected, she wanted to make sure that it wouldn’t harm their grandbaby.

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Dorian set the alarm after seeing everyone out and then he returned to the family room. “Baby, do you want me to fix you something to eat? I noticed that you didn’t eat anything. If you want I’ll make you something else.” Cerita smiled at his offer but shook her head no. “I want you to come over here and hold me and talk to me. You have been quiet all evening and I know that you are having a hard time with this and if you want me to call it off I will because I don’t like the distance I’m feeling between us.” Dorian sighed wanting so much to tell her not to go through with it, but he knew he couldn’t. He’d fallen in love with her because she is a woman with a lot of strength to make her act otherwise would change her and that was something he didn’t want to do. “No baby I don’t want you to do it,” he said pulling her into his arm, “but I know it is something that you have to do and I have to allow you to do this. I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that I’m not scared shitless, because I am, but I will not allow that fear to force you to change who you are and that is exactly what I would be doing if I asked you not to go through with this.” Cerita cupped his face pulling his mouth to hers and within minutes the kiss turned from comforting to carnal. Their clothing vanished as Cerita turned straddling his hips rubbing her heated wet core against the thick head of his hungry cock drawing a deep moan from him. He cupped her ass holding her suspended above his rigid cock slowly

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lowering her down as his hips thrust upward. Cerita threw her head back moaning deeply at the wonderful feel of him filling and stretching her. “Oh God Dorian,” she screamed as pleasure coursed through her body. Using the back of the leather sofa as leverage she rode him hard and fast driving them to the edge. “You need to feed love,” she said nipping at his bottom lip. Dorian felt his fangs lengthen and he gently raked them across her full breast nipping gently at her ripened nipples before tangling his hand in her hair pulling her head back exposing her neck, where he sank them deep and fed. Her body exploded and her walls contracted around him triggering an explosive climax within him. Cerita collapsed against him resting her head against his shoulder as she tried to get her heart rate and breathing under control. “Do you have any idea of how much I love you?” she asked softly. Dorian smiled wrapping his arms around her holding her tight, “I know that it is equal to how much I love you, baby.” he responded smiling. The fear wasn’t completely gone but it no longer controlled him because he knew that no matter what he wasn’t going to lose her. “I guess by the sound coming from your stomach, you’re a little hungry now.” He commented laughing at the loud rumble

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coming from her stomach. Cerita giggled not believing how loud her stomach was being. “You stay right here and I’ll fix us a quick snack.” Dorian instructed as he headed toward the kitchen.

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Chapter Sixteen

Ben worked the entire weekend to set everything up at his little place, the place his father had no idea he had. He’d stocked the place with everything he would need for him and Cerita to live off of until he could perfect his control over her and once he had complete control, he’d use her powers to finally destroy his father to finish what was started so long ago. He couldn’t wait to see his old man’s eyes as he died slowly suffering all the while knowing that the woman he’d wanted to heal him, will be the instrument of his destruction.

Dorian sat next to Cerita inside her office as she called Ben to set up a day to meet for lunch along with Anthony, Cedrick and Stephanie. Once he gave the name of the perfect place for them to meet, Anthony immediately pulled up a map highlighting the surrounding area and immediately did property checks to see if the little prick had purchased anything in the area. “It will have to be some place close to where he wants to meet her.” He muttered while he searched. When nothing came up Anthony modified his search using Ben’s father’s name and hit the jackpot. “He has a place just a few minutes from the restaurant. It will

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probably take him all of twenty minutes to get you out of the restaurant and into his car with you under the influence of the drug.” Dorian frowned when he realized that Cerita had set the meeting up for three days early than planned. “Baby, why did you change the date of the meeting with him?” Cerita sighed, she’d hoped he hadn’t picked up on it, but she should have known he would. “With my powers and yours combined I picked up on some residual tainting left by Warren. Apparently when he followed Ben, he scanned his mind and gathered what Ben was up to and his plan is to make a move before Ben and take me for himself.” She didn’t mention everything she’d picked up, but she wasn’t quick enough to block him from seeing them. “That sick son of a bitch,” Dorian snapped letting out a slew of curses, “Cedrick I need for you to get some of your best guys to pick Warren up and keep him under wraps until this is over. I don’t care what you have to do, but I want his ass taken out of the equation.” “Done, but I think we also need to let the information find its way to Ben’s father so he can show up there and we can eliminate that double threat at one strike.” Cedrick stated. With their plan in place they left to head to the mansion to inform their parents in on the final plan. Dorian sat with his arms around Cerita with his head buried in her hair as

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he listened to Anthony and Cedrick explain step by step to their parents. He couldn’t shake the fear even though he knew they were taking every precaution to keep her safe. “So how are we going to locate Eustis?” Clarke asked. “I already know where he is dad, one of my guys followed Ben to where the old man is held up. Apparently he doesn’t trust his own son, because the bastard has a man that he keeps at his side. He’s never alone with his son. The old man has two keepers, one that’s with him during the day. And the other one that’s with him at night, who watches over him while he sleeps. . The guy that I have watching him has slipped inside his keepers mind and planted the idea that he overhead the son making his plans and he knows the details that we’ve pulled from Ben.” “Since Ben hasn’t seen me, I’ll be in the restaurant with Cerita and Ben, my guess is he’s going to administer the drug, probably to her drink before she arrives. Now Cerita I need for you to drink whatever beverage he has ordered for you because his backup plan is to inject you and we don’t want that to happen. What he puts in your drink will be diluted and will be easier for you to push out of your system on the drive from the restaurant to his little hiding place.” “Son what is the difference between what he puts in her drink, versus the injection?” Austin asked.

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“The injection will be more powerful than the diluted drug in the drink. Lucky for us my little cousin likes her sweet tea and the tea will start to breakdown the drug making it less potent.” Dorian signed, wanting desperately to call a halt to everything and just take Cerita away from here. Just the thought of her being drugged was enough to kick his fear up another notch. Cerita felt his shudder and knew he was holding on by a mere thread and she couldn’t blame him because she knew that if the roles were reversed she would be feeling the same way. “I promise not to take any unnecessary risk, love.” “I know baby, but it doesn’t make it any easier, but I know we have to go through with it.” He whispered before returning his attention to Cedrick who was wrapping things up. “I’ll be with Dorian in the van and while Ben is inside the restaurant we’ll put a tracker on his vehicle even though we know where he’s going, we don’t want to leave anything to chance. The tracker is equipped with a microphone so we will be able to listen in on what is said while you are inside the car. We will follow Ben and Cerita from the restaurant to the hiding place, where I will have guys surrounding the place. Luckily the place the prick picked is surrounded by woods and is on a dead end road. We will break off the tail once they turn down the road

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leading to his hiding place. My guys are to signal me once they do so that Dorian and I can park and wait for the old man.” “What’s to prevent the old man from getting there ahead of time?” Clarissa asked. “We aren’t going to unlock the information planted in his keeper’s mind until they leave the restaurant.” Cedrick answered. “What about Warren?” Glenda asked. “That is where it gets tricky, thanks to my little cousin we know he planned on making his move the day prior to the date that he picked up from Ben, therefore we are going to hopefully get a jump on him. Cedrick has guys watching him also and lucky for us again, his ass is so arrogant that he is planning on doing the abducting himself. I made a visit to the jerk last night and did a little rummaging through that thing he calls his brain and was able to find out his plan is along the same line as Ben. The only difference is he plans on taking her to his home where he has an underground chamber that only he knows where the opening to the secret chamber is…well he was the only one, now I know as well.” They finished going over the plans for the following day and quickly left giving Dorian and Cerita time alone as everyone knew they needed it. “Are you going to be okay with everything baby?” Cerita asked once they were alone with her hand rubbing gently up and down his back trying to ease him

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even only just a little. “No sweetheart and I won’t be okay until this shit is all over. I want you to promise me that you won’t try to do anything that will put you in jeopardy, I couldn’t stand it if something were to happen to you.” Cerita responded to the anguish and worry in his voice, “I promise my love that I won’t and I want the same promise from you. I want your promise that you will not put yourself in harm’s way. You are my life, my everything, and if I lost you there would be no reason for me to remain here on this earth.” Dorian gave her the promise before flashing them to their chamber where he made exquisitely sweet love to her.

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Chapter Seventeen

Ben made a quick sweep of the one story building that his father owned and had left abandoned for so many years. While he’d been working on doing the old cripples deeds, he’d been using his spare time to come here and make the place habitable. He checked his watch noticing he only had ten minutes to arrive at the restaurant before Cerita did that way he could order their drinks before she arrived. That would give the drug time to blend in with her tea. Warren was just about to leave when his office phone rang, thinking it was important he detoured by his office. His hand began to sweat when he saw it was Dorian’s name listed on his caller id. He quickly debated on not answering it, but didn’t want to draw any unwanted attention. “Yeah Dorian, what can I help you with?” Cedrick instructed Dorian to call Warren and request a meeting, just to test the waters to make sure that the arrogant ass was still set on his plan.

“I was

wondering if you and I could meet, I think we need to clear the air.” Dorian opened all of his senses and easily read the bastard’s thoughts and it took everything that he had in him not to let his anger show.

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“There is nothing we need to talk about, I’ve moved on with my life and it is time you did the same. You have your mate and I’m sure the two of you have bonded so I think it would be best if you focused your attention on her.” Warren quickly ended the call, but not before Dorian was able to get the information that they needed. “He plans to go to the house while I’m at the office hoping to catch Cerita alone where he plans to subdue her and take her back to his place.” He stated slamming his phone shut. “Try not to worry so, bro we’ve just confirmed that things are going as planned. We have a little surprise waiting on his ass when he goes to the mansion to pick up Cerita.”

Cerita walked into Nelson’s, and immediately picked up on Ben’s nervous and excited energy. She made her way to where he sat and she knew he’d picked the secluded table so no one would see him slip the drug into her drink. With a thought she emptied the vial that he had for the injection and replaced it with pure saline just in case. “Hi Ben, sorry that I’m late, I hope you weren’t waiting too long.” she said upon reaching his table. Ben stood trying desperately to keep his excitement under wraps. “I haven’t been, just long enough to order drinks. I ordered you sweet tea I hope that’s all

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right.” Cerita nodded and took a seat and picked up her glass of tea. She didn’t miss the gleam in his eyes as he watched her drinking the tainted brew. “So you said that you wanted to congratulate me on my upcoming nuptials, but I think it’s a little more than that.” “I just wanted to make sure that you’re certain about this step you are making. I had hoped that I would be the man you would marry, but instead you are marrying this guy that what, showed up one day and made a pass at you. I have to wonder how much you actually know about this guy.” Cerita felt the power flowing through her from her parents, Dorian’s and Anthony’s parents, which gave her the boost she needed to slip into Ben’s mind unnoticed. The man was counting down the time for the drug to take affect and within seconds she was hit with a wave of dizziness. “Are you feeling okay?” Ben asked hoping the excitement that was boiling within him didn’t come across in his voice. “All of a sudden I feel really dizzy, I need to get home.” She tried to rise, but her legs felt like they weren’t there. “I don’t think that you are in any shape to drive yourself home, how about I give you a lift home.” “I think you’re right, but I need to call Dorian to let him know.” Her voice

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slurred and his excitement spiked. “I’ll call him for you.” He promised tossing a few bills on the table before he walked around the table and helped her out of the chair. He quickly steered her toward the rear of the restaurant where he knew there was a back door. “Okay guys they are on the move and on their way out the back door.” Anthony warned everyone using the secret radio attached to his collar. “Okay little cuz it’s time to start pushing the drug out of your system, do it as fast as you can.” He instructed Cerita mentally. He quickly discarded his disguise and headed out to his vehicle and had just started it up when Ben pulled out of the back parking lot heading south toward his hiding place. Cedrick and Dorian pulled out into the flow of traffic careful to keep their distance, but never losing sight of Ben’s car. Dorian sent additional power to Cerita to aid her in pushing the drug out of her body. “Are you feeling better love?” “Yes thank you I’m much better, everything is clear and the dizziness has passed, so I’ll have to fake it the rest of the way.” She sent him love and warmth before she focused her attention on pretending to have passed out. Anthony made it to the hiding place a good ten minutes before Ben parked in the detached garage. He waited with Cedrick’s men and watched from the

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woods as Ben practically carried Cerita into the house. Pressing a button, he activated the cameras they’d installed just as soon as the prick had left to meet Cerita. “Are you guys getting the feed?” he asked Dorian. “Yes, it’s coming through crystal clear but I just wish we also had sound.” “You do, Cerita slipped the tracker from the car into her pocket,” Anthony informed them. Cerita slowly opened her eyes when she felt herself being placed on a hard musty surface, “Where are we Ben, did you call Dorian?” She asked still keeping her voice slurred. “Don’t worry Cerita I’ve brought you to a place where no one can find you, not even that crippled old bastard father of mine. He thought he could keep telling me what to do just so he could get his hands on you so you could heal him and make him strong again. He was a damn old fool if he thought I would just sit back and let him become whole again where he would keep me under his thumb.” Ben let out a mirthless laugh, “Oh I can’t wait to see his face when I use your power to finish what your mother started all those years ago.” Cerita pushed herself up into a sitting position, “Wait I don’t understand what you are talking about Ben. What does your father have to do with me and my mother?” “That’s right baby, keep him talking.” Dorian praised as he and Cedrick made

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their way to the side of the hiding place where they waited for the old man to show up. They all listened through the small microphone inside Cerita’s pocket as the bastard recounted the story about how her mother had paralyzed his father. Ben paced as he pulled out the vial while he talked, it was time to give her another dose of the drug. “I’m glad I got to you before you married that white boy and I’m not happy you let that bastard fuck what belongs to me, but all that is under the bridge especially after you help me take the old man out.” “Ben this is crazy, Dorian is not going to let me go.” she said interjecting the right amount of fear. “Dorian won’t have a choice because he is never going to find you. This place is in my father’s name and no one knows who my father is. Hell I didn’t know about the bastard until he contacted me after your mother had paralyzed his ass.” “What do you think I can do to help you kill your father?” “Oh, don’t play with me, I know all about your powers and I’m going to use them to the fullest extent with or without your cooperation.” He chuckled when Cerita flinched from the prick of the needle. “With this little drug here I’ll be able make you do anything that I want.”

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Chapter Eighteen

Eustis stared at his body guard as if he’d lost his mind as he couldn’t believe what the man had just told him. “Are you telling me that you overheard my son planning to kidnap the girl and you have waited to tell me this just now?” Eustis yelled. “I’m sorry sir, but I just remembered it. I can’t even remember when I overheard it.” Eustis cut him off, “It doesn’t matter when it happened, we need to get to that old house as soon as possible. I will not allow that sorry bastard to spoil my plans.” They got into his van and on the road headed for the property he purchased twenty years ago. When they arrived Eustis hit the button releasing his ramp and prepared to exit the van. Just as they reached the front door, an immortal appeared before him. “What the hell?” Dorian and Cedrick asked at the same time when the immortal appeared from out of nowhere halting Eustis. Luckily they were on the side of the house where the windows were all boarded up. Dorian and Cedrick rushed forward to find out what was going on. “Hello Eustis, I see that your incapacitation has taught you nothing.”

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Eustis snarled up at the immortal his father had considered a friend, but this same immortal had watched his father die without lifting a finger to help. “That is where you are wrong, your father is alive and well and because of him I allowed you to live for what you tried to do to him, but now I see that allowing you to live was a mistake.” With a wave of his hand, Eustis slumped in his wheelchair and the keeper bowed low before the immortal. “Care to tell us what is going on?” Before Cedrick received an answer, the front door opened and Cerita came out. Dorian immediately took her into his arms holding her tightly against him. “Baby where is Ben?” “I don’t know one minute he was talking and the next thing I knew he slumped to the floor.” Everyone turned to the immortal standing before Eustis. “I know you all want answers but right now the second threat to your mate has just picked up your decoy. I think we need to get to that secret chamber to make sure that no harm comes to her. I can assure you that I will fill you all in once this operation is complete.” “How do we know that you won’t just disappear and we never see or hear from you again and nothing gets done about this threat to my mate?” Dorian demanded not giving a rat’s ass for the decoy.

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“Because I plan on going with you.” The stranger replied and with a wave of his hand a portal opened and several people walked through lifted Eustis from his wheelchair heading back into the portal while others walked into the house only to return carrying Ben out and through the portal. “Now you may not give a rats ass for the decoy, but I do considering she is one of my people, and with the urgency needed here I think it would be best if we used my mode of transportation.” They all blinked and found themselves standing inside the chamber beneath Warren’s house. “They are about twenty minutes away so I suggest we all cloak ourselves so we don’t tip him off that we are down here.” “While we wait why don’t you tell us who you are?” Cedrick suggested. “My name is Harland Gustov and I am head of a secret society of immortals that govern those rogue immortals or those mortals that try and use immortals for their own personal gains. We’ve been watching Eustis every since he tried to kill his father, who just happens to be my best friend. We were in the process of taking him away when I heard about what he’d done to his father and I immediately went to Eric’s side to heal him. In the meantime, Eustis tried to take your mother,” he nodded to Cerita and Cedrick, “but because your mother is the powerful witch that she is, she handled things perfectly. In truth she didn’t do as much damage as she thought.

We made the decision to confine him to a

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wheelchair hoping that he would learn from his mistake and leave others alone. “Instead he found his discarded son and gave him just enough information to pick up where he left off. We located the immortal that gifted him with the ability to control his son and that person has been taken out of the equation and can no longer gift powers again.” They all quieted when they heard the front door open and close.

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Chapter Nineteen

Warren carried his bundle inside the house being sure to lock the door behind him. He made his way into the office where he lifted the brass lamp, which opened the secret door leading down to his secret chamber. He placed his prize on the huge king sized bed before he removed the blanket that he’d covered her with. He was just a little worried, because she hadn’t moved since he’d taken her, and he hoped that he hadn’t hit her too hard. He let out a huge sigh when he heard her moan. “Wake up my little prize I need you to be fully awake before we start playing our little games.” His smile froze when he removed the blanket and realized that he didn’t have Dorian’s mate as he’d thought, but he could have sworn it had been Cerita who answered the door. The woman on the bed smiled and with a blink she became Cerita. “What in the hell is going on?” He demanded gripping her arms. “Man it is just amazing at what a sick and perverted bastard you’ve become.” Warren whirled around and came face to face with Dorian and standing beside him was his beautiful mate.

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“How in the fuck did you get in here?” he demanded. He watched stunned as Harland Gustov stepped up beside them. “Oh so you brought them here, I should have known you wouldn’t keep your nose out of my business.” “Your mother asked that I keep an eye on you and keep you from doing something incredibly stupid.” “Like you give a damn about me,” Warren snapped. “Damn right, but I happen to love my sister who unfortunately happens to be your mother. Now you will have to deal with me since your mother is no longer in the picture. This is something that should have happened a long time ago when you tried to force that woman to bond with you all because she wanted Dorian, not because you loved her for yourself, but because you wanted to take something away from him, who has done nothing but tried to be a friend to you. It’s time to go.” “Go where? I’m not going anywhere with you.” “My God, you sound like a petulant child and I can only blame my sister for the way she coddled you and all you’ve done is sat back and waited for an opportunity to strike out against Dorian, all because some woman tried to use you to get to him. Dorian isn’t the one you should be pissed at, it’s the little slut that used her body to entice you from using the common sense that God gave you.” “Mother will not allow you to do anything to me.”

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“Your mother no longer has a say in the matter. The powers that be have decided you are too much of a loose cannon and a threat to yourself and other immortals so you are to be removed until it is determined that you are no longer a threat.” Warren eyes widened, at the implications of his uncles words. He tried to flash himself out of the chamber, but couldn’t. “You may as well give it up, you’ve been stripped of the powers you had, luckily because you are my nephew, you are still an immortal, but you no longer have the gifts to go along with it.” Before he could make a sound, Warren was flashed out of the room. “Where is he?” Dorian asked. “He’s been taken to an undisclosed location where he will live with other immortals that have been stripped of their powers and until it is determined they are ready to reenter society with mortals and immortals then they will be brought back.” “Will he ever be able to regain his powers?” Cerita asked. “No, once an immortals power is stripped, they can never recover them and they can’t be gifted with them either.” Harland informed them. “I think we’d better get to the mansion, I’m sure everyone is there wondering how everything went.” Cedrick suggested.

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They’d only blinked before they materialized in the family room where his and Cerita’s parents along with Anthony and Dorian’s parents. Anthony arrived a few moments later coming through the front door. “Okay can someone tell me what the hell is going on and what the hell happened with the little prick and his sick ass father?” he stormed. “Anthony Maurice Latouche, you will watch your language and tone.” Kim snapped at her son, causing him to quickly murmur an apology. “If everyone will have a seat I think we can get everyone’s questions answered quickly.” Dorian suggested. He wanted it done fast so he could get everyone out so he and his mate could be alone. Once everyone was seated he introduced Harland Gustov and turned the floor over to him. “I guess I should start with the beginning. Eustis’ father Eric Manning, is my best friend, he was a mortal man that knew all about the immortal world and has worked with me as my personal secretary. He has helped me and others create a secret group that works to stop immortals from using their gifts or powers to manipulate mortals or those that prey on mortals purely for pleasure. Eric had saved my life when I had been tracking a rogue immortal who had a penchant for feeding off of humans. I’d tracked him downtown and I was in hot pursuit and not paying attention to my surroundings nor did it occur to me that he had people working with him, because of my single minded focus I walked right into an

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ambush and they really did a job on me,” He paused to accept the drink Glenda handed him taking a deep drink before he continued. “Eric found me damn near bleeding to death and got me out of there and to his place where he hid me and kept me safe until I could heal and regain my strength. After about two days I had to tell him about my need for blood and instead of tossing me out on my ass he broke into a blood bank and got me what I needed. He even did recon and located the rogue and his cohorts and even though I was heeled, but not at full strength, Eric insisted on going along with me and helped me round up the rogues, before I called in the extraction team. “From that moment on Eric and I worked together like a team rounding up rogues until he met and fell in love with the woman that became his wife. Once he had a family I convinced him to take a more behind the scenes role, which made me feel so much better because I hated worrying that something would happen to him and that I’d be responsible.” “So what happened between Eric and his son?” No one missed the guilt that crossed Harland’s face before he answered. “Eric had made the mistake of telling his son about his other life, thinking he would pass the job down to his only son, but unfortunately Eustis was just the opposite of his father. He was a vain, spoiled and very selfish and his thought was for all that his father did for immortals, he should have been rewarded with more

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than just a job as a flunky. Apparently he was trying to get specific information out of Eric and when Eric realized what he was trying to do, he cut him off. That act pushed Eustis over the edge and so he used what information he’d already gained and made a deal with one of the rogues to gift him some of their powers. What Eustis didn’t know was the rogue only gifted him for a limited time, but he did tell him that if he found a powerful enough witch, he could use the powers gifted to him to control the witch and her powers.” “That is what made him come after me,” Clarissa stated. “Yes that is why he decided to come after you, he’d also planned to kill his father in hopes that with Eric out of the way he would gain all the information he had been given over the years. What he didn’t know is that Eric never put anything down on paper, everything was locked away in that steel brain of his and there was no getting it out unless he allowed you too.” Harland stood and walked over to the fireplace feeling the need to walk. It always happened whenever he recounted almost losing his best friend. “I was in a meeting in England, Eric had stayed home because his wife’s health was failing and he wanted to be there when the time came. He was in his study and we were communicating telepathically and all of a sudden our connection was severed. I knew something had happened to him as that would be the only reason he would have cut me off so abruptly. I excused myself and flashed

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myself to his study and found him lying in a pool of his own blood. As soon as I touched him I saw what had happened, I quickly got him to one of our healers and they were able to save him, but I kept the information away from Eustis, I even went so far as to have a funeral. Unfortunately while Eric was being healed his wife passed in her sleep. We held a separate and private funeral for her where only Eric and I attended. I didn’t worry about Eustis because I knew the powers were only limited, but then I heard about what had happened to him when he’d tried to abduct you. When you finished with him, I arrived and I found I had a little vengeful part inside of me and I added to the damage that you’d inflicted. I told myself that I was doing it to save the world from the likes of him, but I know now that I did it to get back at him for what he’d tried to do to Eric.” “You love Eric like a father, don’t you?” Cerita stated. “Yes even though I was a hundred years older than he was when I was injured and he tended to me I felt this connection to him. As we began to work together, if I would plan one way, he’d say ’Well son, let’s think about this for a moment.’ And then he’d give me another scenario that would work better. It was like that with anything that bothered me I’d immediately go to Eric and talk it out with him. When he cut off our connection I felt as if I’d lost my father and I went against everything that I’d been taught, because I couldn’t let him go especially at the hands of a worthless piece of shit like Eustis. So I got him healed and kept him

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hidden from Eustis.” Dorian looked over at his father and Anthony’s father and knew that if he or Anthony were in the same position they would have done the same thing so he completely understood. “I know that any one of us in this room would have done the same thing so there is nothing for you to feel ashamed of, but what happens with Eustis and his son now?” Dorian inquired. “He probably won’t survive the wipe that he’ll have to undergo. His son might, but I sincerely hope that he doesn’t either, he knows too much and normally a wipe will work and be less painful when there isn’t too much memory to wipe clean.” “Can someone tell me what happened with Warren?” Anthony asked. “I’ve put my selfish nephew in the same place we put other rogue immortals. For years I pleaded with my sister to turn his raising over to me, but she wouldn’t hear of it and she gave him any and everything he wanted no matter what. For years she made up excuses for him until finally I cut her out of the equation. Now my sister is only concerned with her grandchildren from her daughter and I have the responsibility to right the wrongs that my nephew initiated. I apologize for what he intended to do to you and your mate Dorian and I can assure you that he will never be in a position to cause any more trouble.” Dorian walked over to where Harlan stood and placed a hand on his

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shoulder. “You have nothing to apologize for, and Warren is a grown man and made each and every decision on his own. I do have to thank you for helping us eliminate the threat to my mate and for that I will be eternally indebted to you.” Dorian noticed the way his mate’s eyes were drooping and knew it was time to get her to bed. “I think we’ve covered everything I don’t want to be rude, but I think it’s time for all of you to go so that I can get my mate to bed.” Everyone turned to see Cerita dozing on the sofa, when Dorian lifted her into his arms she came awake. “I’m sorry I just couldn’t seem to keep my eyes open.” she said snuggling into Dorian’s arms. Clarissa walked over to where her son-in-law stood holding her baby girl. “It’s okay honey, I’m sure with all the excitement our grandbaby is just a little worn out.” Glenda and Kim nodded their agreement as they surrounded Dorian and Cerita. Cerita’s eyes popped open at her mother’s words and her hand immediately went to her stomach. “Are you sure mommy?” she asked in a soft voice filled with awe. “Yes baby, we’ve suspected it for some time now so I’ve made an appointment with your doctor tomorrow morning. Now why don’t we all get out

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of here so that you can get your rest.” Clarissa gave Cerita and Dorian a kiss as did Glenda and Kim. His uncle and father also gave Cerita a kiss and patted him on the back. This was repeated by Cedrick and Anthony. Finally they were alone and Dorian had to sit back down before his legs gave out. “What honey, am I to heavy now and you can’t carry me?” Cerita asked jokingly. Dorian buried his face in her hair as he held her tight his arms shaking, “I’m going to be a daddy.” he whispered his voice wavering slightly. His hand moved to rest on her stomach where he rubbed gently. “Why don’t you take me to bed handsome so we can celebrate our good news?” she suggested.

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Chapter Twenty

Dorian sat in the waiting room nervously tapping his fingers against his thighs while Cerita was being examined by the doctor. The women sitting around him did everything possible, besides walking up and sitting on his lap, to get his attention. When he leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees and his raven colored hair slipped around his face like a curtain the women groaned and fanned themselves, he looked up quickly when his name was called. “Mr. Latouche, if you will please follow me.” He quickly stood to his full height and again the woman moaned loving the way the faded blue jeans hugged his tight ass and the way his muscles rippled with each and every step that he took. The women stared craning their necks to watch the magnificent specimen until he disappeared behind the door. “Is everything okay with Cerita?” he asked the nurse as he followed her. “Yes sir, the doctor just wanted to speak with both of you just in case you had any questions.” The nurse led him into the doctor’s office where she knocked once before opening the door. His eyes immediately went to his mate who was seated before

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the desk. The doctor was a fiftyish female with salt and pepper hair coloring and her skin was the color of rich caramel. “Come on in Dorian. I’m Doctor Ross, go ahead and have a seat,” she instructed as she walked around her desk and shook his hand. “First I want to say congratulations on becoming a father, but before we go any further there is something your mate would like to tell you.” Dorian was a little shocked that the doctor referred to Cerita as his mate, but the thought didn’t last when he saw the look on Cerita’s face. “Honey what is wrong?” he asked going down on his knees before her. Cerita cupped his face as tears filled her eyes, “Well honey you know how your dad and uncle are twins?” she asked, at his nod she continued, “Well honey we aren’t going to have just one baby, but two.” Dorian sat back on his heels, there was a buzzing in his ears and he wasn’t sure that he’d heard her right. He looked at her stomach and then back at Dr Ross, “Two babies? We are having twins?” Cerita nodded and he jumped up excitedly pumping his fist in the air, before scooping his mate up and planting a big kiss on her lips. Dr. Ross laughed at the young man’s excitement. It warmed her heart to see a couple so well suited be happy about the birth of their children. “If you are ready I think I can answer a few of the questions that normally come to mind. Yes,

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Dorian will still be able to feed from you, because your body will make the adjustment to create the nutrients needed for your babies and for your mate. You will still be able to have sexual intercourse until it becomes uncomfortable for either one of you.” They listened as she reeled off answers to general and common questions that were normally asked. “Can I ask one question?” Dorian asked. Dr. Ross nodded. “How is it that you know about immortals, granted I know there are mortals that are aware of us, but I’ve just never heard of a mortal being a doctor for immortals?” Leona Ross took the seat that Cerita had been sitting in before Dorian placed her on his lap. “I was blessed enough to meet and fall in love with my husband who just happens to be an immortal. We’ve been together for several hundred years, when Nathan and I met he’d been injured and I took him to my place and kept him there until he’d healed. When he’d been hurt, he revealed to me that he was an immortal. I questioned him about who he would normally go to on other occasions and when he told me that they normally had to treat themselves or each other, considering it wasn’t much that could kill an immortal. Because I had fallen in love with him, the thought of losing him since there wasn’t a doctor who was knowledgeable to handle the care of immortals from the routine

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to the life threatening. Once Nathan was healed, I made it my mission to learn all I could and when I found myself pregnant with our first of four children, I knew I would have to make sure that there were others who could take over when I was unavailable.” They visited with the Dr. Ross for another thirty minutes before they left with a prescription for prenatal vitamins. They weren’t surprised to see their mothers along with Anthony’s at the mansion waiting on them. “So what did Leona say?” Glenda asked as soon as they entered. “Well all of you were right, you are going to be grandparents and grand-aunt and uncle, but not to one baby but two.” The women screamed and hugged each other before they hugged Cerita and then Dorian. “We’ve made dinner for you and we want you guys to enjoy and we’ll see you tomorrow for the rehearsal dinner.” Clarissa informed them as they all headed out. “Come on love, let me feed my babies.” he commented scooping her up into his arms. “Honey, I’m not an invalid I can walk and the doctor said that I needed to get all of the exercise I can.” “In due time baby, but for now indulge me.” Staring up into his eyes she knew that she wouldn’t be able to deny him.

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“Carry me away my love.”

The End

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Author Bio:

I am very happily married mother of two. My husband is my soul mate and one of my greatest inspirations. I have a 22 year old daughter and a 17 year old son and two wonderful grandson’s Angel (Jack Russell Terrier) and Sebastian (Toy Pincher). My favorite things to do are: spending time with my family, settling down with a good book and letting my imagination run wild while I'm writing. I've been writing stories for family and friends for about thirteen years and I have enjoyed every moment of it.

Books out by YL Stokes Red Rose Publishing Resemblance-available in ebook and print Found Love-available in ebook Dorian’s Mate New Beginnings-coming soon

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