Nija's Temptation

Christian’s Coven 2 

Nija’s Temptation Jimmy bartends at night, drifting along in life as a deep hunger eats away at him. He has a good family and a best friend, yet there is something missing. One night while working, Jimmy notices a dark and sexy stranger watching him. What he thought was going to be a one-night stand turns into so much more. Nija rescues his mate from two bloodthirsty vampires. He heals him and takes him home, scrubbing Jimmy’s memories of his attack, of vampires, period. But what he doesn't know is that Jimmy is more than he appears to be. When the elders invade The Manacle, insisting that the prince of vampires, Christian, join their circle, all hell breaks loose. Jimmy is caught up in a world that makes no sense, yet he has two vampires gunning for him. And one of them is an elder. Can Nija save Jimmy from the ghouls that have kidnapped him, and can Nija stop the elder that has targeted his mate for his foul plan to take down the prince? Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Paranormal, Vampires/Werewolves Length: 37,136 words 

NIJA’S TEMPTATION Christian’s Coven 2

Lynn Hagen

EVERLASTING CLASSIC MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Everlasting Classic ManLove

NIJA’S TEMPTATION Copyright © 2011 by Lynn Hagen E-book ISBN: 1-61926-113-8 First E-book Publication: November 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

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NIJA’S TEMPTATION Christian’s Coven 2 LYNN HAGEN Copyright © 2011

Chapter One “How is my favorite button?” Jimmy asked as he smiled down at his niece. “I’m not a button.” Felicity pouted. “I’m a girl.” Jimmy laughed as he shook his head. “Yes, you are. But you’re still my button.” He held his hands up when his pint-size niece growled at him. “Whoa, no angry bears, okay?” “I’m gonna eat you if you call me a button again,” she threatened as Jimmy chuckled, clearing the dishes from the dining room table. “Dinner was good, Jimmy,” his sister, Melissa, said as she patted her swollen belly. “Real good.” Jimmy deposited the dishes in the sudsy water he had made moments before. “Thanks.” He turned the water on and began washing them. His mind began to drift back to the other night when he visited a club called The Manacle. He wasn’t sure why he had gone there, maybe out of curiosity, but he knew he wouldn’t be going back. Besides the fact that the place had given him the creeps, he had strange dreams about that night. As hard as Jimmy tried to forget, he kept having dreams about vampires attacking him and then one rescuing him. It couldn’t be real because vampires didn’t exist. The

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idea that his brain insisted that it was real didn’t sit too well with him. He was a responsible person, and conjuring up mythical creatures wasn’t something he made a habit of. It was one of the reasons he wasn’t a big drinker. But he had to have been that night because the memory was so damn vivid. It was almost as if it really happened. Which it couldn’t have, because vampires weren’t real! He didn’t even remember drinking any hard alcohol. All he had was a few beers. “Mom wants you to stop by Saturday to help her out,” Melissa said as she carried her glass into the kitchen and set it on the counter. “I have plans Saturday.” Melissa threw her hands into the air, being the dramatic queen she had been known for all her life. “You know she needs you. Ever since Dad died, she hasn’t been the same. Go over there, Jimmy.” “Why can’t you go and help her?” Jimmy asked as he rinsed a cup. It wasn’t that he was trying to dodge his mom. He really did have something to do. His best friend Eli had tickets to the concert he had been dying to go to ever since he learned their tour schedule was bringing them through his town. “Duh.” Melissa pointed at her swollen abdomen. “What about Larry?” He was desperate to find someone else to help out. Jimmy really wanted to see the Rolling Heads. “He has to work a double. Go, Jimmy. Help Mom out.” Jimmy sighed. He knew he would. The problem was, his mom would keep him there by giving him a chore list a mile long. He’d be lucky to get out of there in time to get ready and head to the concert. He smiled at his sis and kissed her on her cheek. “I’ll go.” Melissa gave him that devilish grin. The one that said she knew he was going to capitulate all along. She helped him finish the dishes and wipe down the kitchen before grabbing Felicity. “Time to go home, baby. Daddy will be home soon.”

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Jimmy helped his sister gather Felicity’s things and then walked her out to her car. Melissa turned toward him once she had her daughter secured in her car seat. Jimmy braced himself. He knew that look. “You should find you a nice girl and settle down. I hate seeing you alone.” She held her hand up. “I know Eli is good as a friend, but you need more than a buddy coming over to watch football.” Jimmy knew she was right. He just hated hearing the truth about his nonexistent dating life. It seemed no matter what girl he dated it never felt right. He’d seen too many friends end up in divorce and he didn’t want to be one of them. Call him old-fashioned, but Jimmy believed he would know instantly when the right girl came along. “I’ll keep looking, sis,” Jimmy promised as he kissed her on the cheek again before taking a step back. “Drive safely.” “Will do. Love you, Jimmy,” his sister said before slamming the car door. He walked to the back window, making a funny face at Felicity. “Bye, button.” He waved, laughing when his five-year-old niece growled at him. He blew her a kiss before heading back into the house. Jimmy hit the switch for the porch light to come on and then locked the front door, feeling tired. He walked into the kitchen to grab a glass of wine and then headed toward his bedroom. It had been a long day and he was ready to finally relax. His step faltered when he heard scratching at his bedroom window. Setting his glass down on the nightstand, Jimmy took a hesitant step forward. He wasn’t sure what the noise was. It could be just a branch scratching the side of the house, but he had a feeling it wasn’t. He strode across the room, grabbing a bat from the closet before walking over to his window. It wasn’t that he was brave, far from it, but he wasn’t a big chicken either. Okay, maybe he was, but Jimmy needed to know what that noise was.

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He could feel his heart beating faster as he lifted the curtain, pulling it aside so he could investigate the noise. “Holy fuck!” Jimmy nearly jumped out of his skin, dropping the bat and grabbing his chest as his best friend Eli laughed hysterically while standing in his backyard. Goddamn it. Jimmy was ready to take the bat and knock some sense into Eli. The fucker played around a little too much sometimes. There was nothing funny about scaring the shit out of someone. Not when he was the one being scared. “Get your ass in here!” He grabbed the bat and pointed it at his friend, giving Eli the stink eye. Jimmy tossed the bat aside as he walked through the darkened house, heading to the sliding glass door in the kitchen. He stopped for a moment, the hairs on the back of his neck rising as he looked around. When he didn’t see anything, he cursed. “Fucking Eli has me jumpy as hell now.” Jimmy stalked through the kitchen and slid the glass door aside, placing his hands on his hips as Eli snickered. “Get your ass in here,” he said with a bite as he glared at Eli. His friend laughed as he held his hands up, scooting by Jimmy as if he were waiting for Jimmy to knock him a good one. He should have. Jimmy got that strange feeling again, like someone was watching him. He stood in the doorway for a moment, looking out into the backyard. He usually didn’t spook too easily, but damned if the hairs on the back of his neck weren’t standing at attention. “What’s up?” Eli asked as he looked around Jimmy’s body. The guy was short as hell. “You see something?” Jimmy shook his head, unsure at this point if he hadn’t just imagined it. “No.” He slid the door closed, but the feeling hadn’t gone away. He brushed it aside as he headed toward his bedroom. “Did Melissa and button come by?” he asked from the kitchen. Jimmy grabbed his glass of wine and then headed back to where his friend was digging into the fridge, making a plate of leftovers. Jimmy grinned at Eli. They had been best friends since the sixth grade. Eli had always made himself at home when Jimmy lived with

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his parents and continued the practice now that Jimmy had his own place. “Yeah, they just left a little while ago,” he said as he hopped up onto the counter. Jimmy picked up his wine glass and took a sip, studying Eli. “Has your family started in on you about settling down?” Eli stood, carrying the plate of leftover pasta to the counter. He sat it down before grabbing a dish from the cupboard and then helping himself to a piled-high plate. Eli shoved it into the microwave and pressed the buttons before turning back to Jimmy. “Yeah. They started on me as soon as I moved out. I told my mom I’m only twenty-three. I have some living to do before I find the right one.” Eli looked pretty preoccupied to Jimmy. He wondered if it was his question or something else. “Melissa keeps reminding me every time I see her that I need to settle down,” Jimmy said as he sat his wine glass down. His sister made it sound so easy. Like the woman he had been looking for all these years was just going to walk right up to his door and ring the bell. So far, he hadn’t found anyone to make him want to look twice. Sure, he’d had sex, but the connection just wasn’t there. He’d had sex with a guy before, which his family was cool with him being bisexual, but that hadn’t satisfied him either. Jimmy was starting to think something was wrong with him. “I was thinking about heading down to that club close to the warehouse district tomorrow night. Wanna join me?” Eli asked as he pulled his plate from the microwave. Jimmy knew exactly what club Eli was talking about. It was the same place where he swore he was attacked by vampires. The Manacle. “I think I’ll pass.” “Your loss, my man.” Eli took his empty plate over to the sink and rinsed it. “I figured we could get out for a while.”

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Jimmy sighed. He hated turning Eli down, but he wasn’t in the mood to conjure up vampires again. There was something about that place that called to Jimmy, and that alone scared the shit out of him. “My loss, then.” He hopped down, rinsing his wine glass out. “I’m heading to bed. You going home or crashing on the couch?” “Home. I just stopped by on my way home from the bar. Catch you later,” Eli said as he made his way to the front door. “Let me know if you change your mind about the club.” Jimmy doubted he would. He engaged the deadbolt after Eli left and turned the lights off, heading back toward the kitchen. Refilling his glass with a sweet wine, Jimmy headed to the back deck. He grabbed the handle and opened the sliding glass door, stepping out into the peaceful night. The sounds of crickets made him smile as he took a seat at the patio table. He loved the nighttime. There was just something relaxing and magical about it. Okay, maybe not real magic, but it felt like it. The wind blew the soft breeze through the leaves as he set his glass down and relaxed in his chair. Jimmy looked up at the sky, a few clouds drifting by as he stargazed. Too bad he had to work most nights. Being able to sit outdoors and enjoy the nighttime would be perfect. It was just so serene. Ever since he was a little boy he had loved the nighttime. He’d sneak up after his parents went to bed to sit on the roof right outside his bedroom window. Sometimes he would take a blanket with him and just lie there wondering what it would be like to live in the distant future, traveling among the stars. The second-floor deck had a flat roof, so it made it possible for Jimmy—whose room was the finished attic—to lie out there on warm or hot nights. Jimmy grabbed the stem of his wine glass as he lifted it from the table and took a sip, remembering spending many nights on that roof with Eli, talking about what they were going to do when they became adults. He chuckled when remembering Eli’s grand plan of becoming an astronaut. What kids didn’t come up with.

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He looked up when he heard rustling across the yard. Jimmy lived in the suburbs. His house was nothing like the new homes that were fabricated and up within a month or two. No, Jimmy lived in the older section of town where the trees were in abundance and the homes had character and personalities. He cocked his head, listening intently for the noise to repeat itself. When it didn’t, he sat back, shaking his head. Eli, the scoundrel, had him spooked from earlier. He smiled as he sipped his wine, enjoying the sounds of the night. For as long as he could remember, Jimmy had a longing inside of him that he could never figure out. He really couldn’t pinpoint it, but he had always felt different. He wasn’t sure why, but a hunger ate at him for as long as he could remember. Jimmy brushed the morose thoughts aside as he sipped his wine, enjoying the peaceful night. **** Jimmy grabbed the glasses from the counter and shoved them into the small sink under the bar. “You need another one?” he asked as he quickly washed and then rinsed the used glasses. He hated waiting until they piled up before getting them done. “Keep them coming, Jimmy, my man,” the man sitting on the other side of the bar said with a slight slur. “I’ll give you one more, but that’s it. I think you’re reaching your limit.” He chuckled when the man scowled, his body swaying slightly on the stool. “I know when I’ve had enough.” He stopped to burp, his eyes widening at Jimmy, and then he laughed. “See. I haven’t had nearly enough because if I was drunk, I wouldn’t have cared about burping. Hell, I wouldn’t have noticed it.” Jimmy grinned and shook his head. The patrons at The Cave were quite a bunch. It was a neighborhood bar, but business was always

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jumping around here. There was no such thing as slow nights at this bar. “Let me get a Jack and Coke.” Dean, a college buddy of Jimmy’s, slid in between a few people and smashed his way to the counter. “Coming right up,” Jimmy called as he quickly made the drink and handed it to his friend. As he took the money for the drink, Jimmy noticed a man at the end of the bar watching him. Normally it wouldn’t have fazed him, but the man seemed familiar. Jimmy studied him for what felt like forever, their eyes locking onto each other as Jimmy tried to remember where he had seen the man before. It was an eerie feeling. The hairs on the back of his neck stood as he felt like he was being sucked into those coal-black eyes. If he wasn’t mistaken, that was the guy that saved him from being attacked by vampires. But that couldn’t be, because they didn’t exist. He sure as shit looked like him, though. “Hey. Can I get my change, Jimmy?” Jimmy’s head snapped around as his friend who ordered the hard liquor and soda waited with a perplexed look on his face. He blinked a few times, trying to shake the feeling of familiarity. He must have gotten wasted that night and just saw the man in the bar. That had to be it. “Sure, Dean. Sorry about that.” Jimmy quickly rang his drink up and then handed over his change. “Thanks.” Dean nodded and pushed back through the crowd. Jimmy looked over his shoulder as he walked down to the opposite end of the bar. The man was still sitting on one of the stools watching him. “Hey, Jimmy!” another patron called to him. Jimmy spared one last glance at the dark-haired man before turning to take another order. The customers may have kept him busy, but Jimmy didn’t fail to notice the guy at the end of the bar watching him all night. It was flattering and creepy at the same time.

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“You got an admirer,” his boss, Leroy, teased him. “He’s been watching you half the night.” Jimmy shrugged as he picked up the empty beer bottles that lined the bar in front of him, tossing them into the trash can under the counter, and then began wiping the fading wood with a rag. “What can I say? I’m hot.” Leroy snorted at Jimmy’s egotistical comment. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, punk.” He was far from egotistical, but he had been trying to play it off. Jimmy didn’t want Leroy to know how he felt drawn to the man or how he thought it was the man that saved him from nonexistent vampires. Leroy would only walk down to the other end and start grilling his admirer. Jimmy didn’t want or need that right now. He had enough issues he was dealing with. Like how he was going to pay this month’s rent. He just wasn’t getting the hours he needed at The Cave, even though the place stayed packed. Leroy did the best he could, but he had family working here, and they came first when the boss had extra hours to dish out. Jimmy had no hard feelings toward his boss for this, but it sucked when his money was stretched to the point that the eagle squawked on the back of the bill. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Jimmy chuckled and winked at his longtime friend. He noticed some movement at the other end and glanced down that way to see the stranger growling as he stood. Jimmy didn’t know how he knew, but he just knew to move away from Leroy. He took a few steps back, giving a wide berth between his body and his boss’s. This seemed to satisfy the stranger. He narrowed his eyes at Leroy before settling back onto his stool. Okay, now that wasn’t strange in the least. Jimmy’s attention was pulled away as more customers pushed to the bar and ordered their drinks. Jimmy turned to give one gal her change but found the stranger sitting where she should have been standing. Jimmy quickly averted

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his eyes as he looked for the customer he owed the change to. The stranger made him nervous as he sat there in front of Jimmy. “Hello.” A deep and delectable voice floated to his ears. Jimmy was amazed he could hear it over the crowd and the music. The stranger hadn’t shouted. Jimmy bit his lip as he looked at the man with the blackest of hair and the palest of skin. “Hi.” His finger traced over a circle stain on the bar as he wondered what the guy wanted. Jimmy may have joked with Leroy about being hot, but he knew he was far from it. His brown hair fell in unmanageable waves that never cooperated, so he kept it brushed back. He also had blue in his eyes that was so pale that it almost looked crystal clear and then changed to a dark blue on any given moment. His mother said he had eyes of an angel, but Jimmy just thought they were creepy as hell. He’d been told on more than one occasion that they looked like he only had black pupils with clear coloring for irises when they were at their lightest. Most thought it creepy just like he did. He also had a thin body that Eli described as a swimmer’s body, but to Jimmy, he was as skinny as a toothpick. There was no definition whatsoever. “Is there something I can get for you?” For some reason, the question made the stranger laugh. It was a rich and erotic sound the made Jimmy’s cock grow hard. He pushed closer to the counter, embarrassed at his aroused state. “I am Nija. I was wondering if you would like to go out sometime.” Jimmy’s eyes rounded at Nija’s question. Why would this hot ass man want to go out with him? He realized that his mouth was hanging open and quickly closed it. “Why?” Jimmy wanted to kick his own ass when the question slipped from his mouth. Could he look any more the loser? Yeah, give him five more minutes, and he was guaranteed to top that. Nija grinned, his black eyes twinkling under the faded fluorescent light. The man was simply beautiful. Jimmy had to fist his hands in

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order not to reach out and touch. The silky black hair made his fingers itch to glide through the long strands. He wanted to feel it slide all over his naked body. Ah shit, he was getting harder. This was not good. The woman pushed her way to the bar to get her change, giving Jimmy the evil eye as she stared between the two. “You owe me some money.” Jimmy tossed her change down the bar, never looking away from Nija. He was afraid to. He feared that one blink, and Nija would be gone. The man had to be a figment of his imagination. No one looked that good. A figment he had seen twice? Jimmy wasn’t sure what to think, but having the gorgeous man this close was playing havoc with his body, his cock to be more precise. “Because I want to get to know you better, Jimmy.” Jimmy noticed right away that Nija knew his name without him telling the man. Maybe he had overheard others shouting for him, or he had given it to him in his drunken stupor at The Manacle, but that wasn’t why Jimmy hesitated. Jimmy hesitated because he knew Nija had the power to destroy him if he strung Jimmy along and then dumped him. For some reason, the stranger captivated him, pulled him in, and made his head spin. “Sorry, Nija. As flattered as I am, I can’t.” Those were the hardest words Jimmy had ever spoken. But if he was going to guard his heart from being ripped out, he had to speak them. Too bad his rock-hard cock wasn’t in agreement with his mind. Jimmy sighed as he turned away. Too bad period.

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Chapter Two Nija stood there stumped. He had known when he saved Jimmy outside of The Manacle, a club where humans partied and vampires fed, that the human was his mate. He had been watching him outside his home and his work for weeks now, trying to get to know his mate from a distance. Tonight he had decided it was time to approach Jimmy. He never thought his mate would reject him. Now Nija stood there wondering what he should do. He hadn’t anticipated this. It wasn’t like he could grab the guy and haul him over the bar, taking him home to the mansion the coven resided in. He was pretty sure Jimmy would object. And it was probably illegal as hell, too…somewhere. But the most important factor stopped him from taking what was his. Nija had never forced anyone to be with him, and he wasn’t going to start now. Small growls left his lips as he watched many of the men in the bar ogle his mate. A desperate need to protect welled up inside of him as he saw the innocence in his mate’s eyes. He felt raw desire course through his veins as Jimmy walked up and down the length of the bar, his tightly compacted ass swaying as he took orders from the drunken humans. Nija wanted. Nija wanted bad. Jimmy made Nija only too aware that he was a man in need, a man that craved the human in more ways than imaginable. He took a seat back on the stool, his eyes watching every single move his mate

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made. Nija remembered the night he found Jimmy being drained by two rogue vampires just outside the nightclub, The Manacle. He was enraged when he discovered Jimmy was his mate and that the two rogues were trying to take every last bit of blood from his mate’s body. He’d stayed with Jimmy until his mate had regained consciousness. Once he coaxed Jimmy’s address from him, Nija had scrubbed the human’s mind of the events that had taken place. He didn’t want Jimmy to be traumatized. If he hadn’t cleaned Jimmy’s memories up, then his mate would have feared vampires, something Nija couldn’t allow to happen considering he was one himself. Nija’s head snapped to the side as he heard the two humans talking next to him. He could tell they were trying to keep their voices down, but in a noise-filled bar, that wasn’t an easy feat. “He’s gay. What does he care if we double-team him? All gay men are perverts. Jimmy’ll like it,” one of them said in a tone laced with antipathy. “Mark my words.” “But we go way back with Jimmy. It ain’t right. I’m not doing it,” the other protested. “And I don’t think you should either. Come on, we know his mom for Christ’s sake.” “Since when did you become a pussy, Merrick? I thought you got off on rough sex.” “Rough, not rape, Chaise. And besides, I don’t do guys.” Merrick said with disdain as he walked away. Nija glanced over his shoulder as he watched Merrick push through the throng of human bodies. The man’s aversion to the forced plan was the only thing that saved his life. Now the other one… His eyes came back around, landing on the man wanting to rape his mate. Nija ran his tongue over his fangs as he felt the killer inside of him spring forth. Darkness shrouded his thoughts as he watched Chaise watch Jimmy. The thought of killing the sick son of a bitch brought back many an unhappy memory. Nija didn’t like thinking of

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his time as a young one before coming to live with Christian, the prince of vampires. “Hey,” Nija said as he tapped Chaise on his shoulder. The man turned halfway around, looking Nija up and down disapprovingly. “What?” “You serious about what you and the other hu—” Nija cleared his throat, catching the slip. “The other guy were talking about?” Chaise’s irritated expression turned curious, a dark hunger in his eyes flared at Nija’s question. This was definitely a bad seed. The human authorities needed to lock this sick fuck up for the rest of his miserable life. The streets would be safer. Nija had no problem making sure the man got what he deserved and then some. Call him a hypocrite. He didn’t give a fuck. Chaise’s perversions were aimed at his mate. The gloves were off. “What if I was?” Chaise turned fully around, leaning his elbow onto the bar as one of his hands cradled a glass of dark liquid. Nija could smell the alcohol reeking from the man. He shrugged as he caught a glimpse of Jimmy from the corner of his eye. “Maybe I want in on it.” “How do I know you ain’t a cop?” Chaise asked as he looked back at Jimmy. Nija wanted to slaughter him on the spot. Nija chuckled low and deep. A brow rose in the air as he splayed his hands widely in front of his body. “Do I look like a fucking cop to you?” Chaise’s eyes ran up and down Nija’s body as he licked his lips. How the hell could the guy bash gay men when he was jonesing to fuck one? Humans made absolutely no sense to him. Chaise shook his head. “No, you look like a damn vampire to me.” Bingo! Nija laughed at Chaise. If he only knew how true his words rang. “Let’s step outside and talk about how we’re going to do this.” His head nodded toward Jimmy. “We don’t want anyone overhearing us, now do we?”

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Chaise sat his drink on the counter, glee shining in his eyes. Nija’s blood blazed at how hungry the human looked. “No, we wouldn’t.” Nija stood, holding his arm out to the side. “After you.” He followed Chaise through the crowd and out into the cool night air. Nija inhaled deeply, taking in a lungful of crisp, clean air as he turned on his heel and followed the human to the side of the building— which happened to be an alley. God, some humans were just too dumb to live. The human was so caught up in his perversions to see the real danger lurking in the dark. Stupid fuck. Chaise stopped walking and turned, crossing his arms over his chest. “Talk.” Nija sprung, slamming Chaise hard against the concrete wall. He sank his fangs into the human’s neck, taking in his blood and seeing into his mind. Jimmy wouldn’t have been the dickfuck’s first victim. It seemed Chaise had a taste for men, in the most brutal and heinous way. Nija pulled his fangs free, wanting to spit on the ground to get the psychopathic blood from his mouth. Even in his darkest days, Nija had never been that monstrous. “Get the fuck off of me,” Chaise shouted as he kicked out, trying desperately to free himself. The only thing he managed to do was kick an empty bottle, sending it a few feet away as it shattered. Nija gripped Chaise’s chin, lowering his face until their noses were mere inches apart. “You are going to go down to the nearest police station and confess every sick and vile thing you have committed against those men. You are going to makes amends to the ones you raped, and you are going to spend the rest of your life in prison for the one you killed. Do you understand, Chaise?” Chaise stopped struggling as he gazed emptily into Nija’s eyes. “Yes.”

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Nija released the death grip he had on the human’s jaw, but not before giving it a hard smack. “Good, man. Now go. Go tell all your crimes. Leave nothing out.” Chaise nodded as Nija stepped back, allowing the human by. God, he’d grown soft. Back in the day… Nija pushed that thought aside as he walked back down the alley and into the bar. He shuddered at the thought of what could have happened to Jimmy had he not been there and overheard the conversation. Scum like that didn’t deserve to live, but that wasn’t Nija’s call…anymore. He carded a hand through his hair as he stood just inside the entrance. Nija looked around at the crowd of humans milling around or dancing. What a waste. These people would be better off at The Manacle where they could be of use. He spotted Merrick across the bar, leaning against the wall as he wiped his hands down his face. Nija gave a glance toward the bar, making sure his mate was safe before pushing through the crowd and heading straight toward Merrick. He came to a stop in front of the frazzled-looking human. “You know, that wouldn’t have happened if you had gone to a different place to party.” Merrick’s head shot up as he stared at Nija, his face paling. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Yeah.” Nija snorted. “Play dumb. It’s safer for you.” Merrick’s eyes darted around the bar before settling back on Nija. “I wasn’t going to do it. It’s just…wrong.” Nija nodded. “I agree.” He pulled the club’s card from his pocket and tucked it into the front pocket on Merrick’s green T-shirt. “Go to this place. I can guarantee you won’t run into any assholes there. Tell them Nija sent you. Now go home.” Merrick studied him for a moment before rushing through the wall of patrons and heading straight to the front door. Nija sighed. It was like being a cattle wrangler some days. Humans needed babysitters to stop them from being dumb. Nija heard

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another person yell his mate’s name, making him weave through the crowd to go make sure his mate was safe. It was turning into a full-time job. Jimmy worked the bar professionally, unbeknownst to him of the danger that lurked around every corner. His human was sexy as hell and didn’t seem to be aware of that fact. He gave everyone a smile and laughed as he worked. Nija wanted to claw everyone’s eyes out. He frowned when he felt someone tapping him on his back. Nija turned to see a gorgeous blonde standing behind him. “You’re cute.” She drunkenly giggled. Nija smiled at her as he leaned his back against the bar, propping his arms up onto the counter. “Is that right?” Although Nija knew who his mate was, he had a soft spot for females. He was bisexual, loving both men and women. He would let her down easy. Being a prick toward the opposite sex wasn’t in his nature. “Yep.” She giggled again. “Can I come home with you?” Nija chuckled at the blush fanning across her face. “Now why would you ask a complete stranger that, hon?” She swayed a little, her eyes blinking a few times before looking up at Nija like she’d just noticed he was there. “You’re cute.” Nija shook his head. “Catch a cab home, sweetie. You shouldn’t be propositioning men in that state.” He made sure she fully understood what he was saying. A little mental push didn’t hurt either. “You know what, handsome? I’m going to catch a cab home.” “Good idea.” He smiled at her before turning around to see his mate staring him right in his eyes. “Lucky with the ladies?” Jimmy asked as he reached below the counter, pulling a bottled water out, cracking the lid, and taking a drink, his eyes watching Nija the whole time. Shit! How did he manage to get himself into these messes? “No. I just suggested she go home. She was too drunk to be out all alone in the city.”

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Jimmy eyed him for a moment as he sat the plastic container on the counter, his fingers playing over the plastic label. He wanted to be that label right now. “And the guy you went outside with?” Why did his mate have to be so damned observant? It made Nija’s heart swell to know Jimmy had been watching him, but what his mate observed was not so great. “He was drunk and causing problems. I simply escorted him out.” It was the truth. Almost. Somewhat. Jimmy gave him the yeah, right look as his fingers curled around the plastic bottle, a crinkling sound floating to Nija’s ears. God, he wished his cock was in Jimmy’s hand right now. “So, have you reconsidered going out with me?” Nija asked as he took a quick glance around. He was getting a strange vibe but couldn’t put his finger on what it was. “No. I told you. I can’t.” “But you didn’t tell my why you couldn’t.” Jimmy quirked a brow at Nija, his fingers curling tighter around the bottle. “Because, okay?” “Not good enough,” Nija said. He was getting tired of this. There had to be a way to convince Jimmy to go someplace else with him. “Why don’t you meet me at The Manacle. Have you heard of the club?” Jimmy’s eyes narrowed as his lips thinned. “No thanks. The last time I went there, I…no thanks. I’m not into repeating bad experiences.” Nija was at the end of his rope. He wasn’t sure how he was going to get to know his mate better if the man didn’t want anything to do with him. He almost bared his fangs as anger mounted in him. He was too damn old to be playing around when it came to his mate. He was ready to take Jimmy home and show him just what it was like to be taken by a vampire. He was taken by surprise when Jimmy began to smile. He wasn’t so sure he could trust that beautiful smile. “I’ll tell you what. I get off in an hour. If you’re still interested in talking, I’ll see you then.”

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His mate walked away, looking like he had won the battle with a self-assured sway to his hips. Nija wasn’t sure what just happened. He was confused as hell, but Jimmy had agreed to meet with him. It was a start. **** Jimmy must have lost his mind. There was no other explanation for agreeing to a hookup at work—and with a stranger no less. Jimmy shook his head. He wasn’t sure why he had agreed, but what was done, was done. Jimmy looked up at the clock, becoming nervous when he saw that he only had ten minutes left on his shift. He glanced around the bar but didn’t see Nija anywhere. Maybe the guy had changed his mind. It disappointed and made Jimmy feel relieved all at once. “Hey, Jimmy,” Eli said as he grabbed a stool and took a seat. “I was wondering if I could crash on your couch tonight.” Jimmy glanced up at his best friend. Normally he would have said yes without thinking. But what if he really did get lucky with Nija? It would be hard to bring a man home with his drunken friend passed out on his couch. “Not tonight,” he said hesitantly. Like he had a chance with that hot man, but just maybe. Who was he kidding? Jimmy tossed the bar rag onto the side of the sink as he walked toward the time clock. Oh well. At least now he had an image of a hot, dark-haired guy to use when he jacked off tonight. And having Eli in the house when he did that would just be weird. “Catch you later then,” Eli said as he hopped down and headed out of the bar. He saw his friend stop close to the door and start talking with some guy. Eli looked around and then hurried out with the man.

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Whatever. Jimmy had other things to think about other than Eli trying to keep his sexual preferences on the down low. Like he didn’t know his best friend was gay, please. Eli didn’t know that Jimmy knew, and if his best friend didn’t want him to know, Jimmy wasn’t going to out him. He didn’t see what the big deal was anyway. He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door, a few people trying to stop him to have a conversation. Jimmy wasn’t in the mood. A small part of him was let down that Nija hadn’t come back like he said he would. He stepped out into the chilly night, zipping his jacket up, and then began to walk home. The Cave wasn’t that far from where he lived, which was a blessing. It saved him gas money. “Leaving without me?” Jimmy looked over his shoulder to see Nija walking slowly behind him. He turned, wondering why he felt so drawn to the man. “You weren’t there when I clocked out.” “So you thought I forgot about you?” Nija asked as he stepped up next to Jimmy. He reached his hand out, his knuckle ghosting across Jimmy’s jaw. “Never.” Jimmy looked up into Nija’s dark eyes, feeling drawn to the man in a way that scared him. “What did you have planned?” What else could the man have planned at one in the morning? He thought he knew what he was getting into when he had agreed to meet with Nija, but looking up into the man’s haunting eyes, Jimmy wasn’t so sure anymore. He had a feeling that talking was the last thing on Nija’s mind. “Mind if I walk with you?” Jimmy chewed on the side of his lip for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. “Sure.” He tucked his hands into his front pockets as he began to walk the few blocks home, nervous as hell that he was taking Nija with him.

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He wanted to ask Nija about that night he was at The Manacle, but was afraid he’d come off sounding like a lunatic, so he kept the questions to himself. “I don’t normally take guys home from work.” Jimmy commented offhandedly. He wasn’t sure why, but he didn’t want Nija to think he was a slut. Somehow, that seemed important to him. “I didn’t take you for the type,” Nija answered. Jimmy glanced up into Nija’s dark eyes as they rounded the corner onto his street. He quickly looked away. The closer they got to his house, the more his nerves were winding tight. He really didn’t take anyone home, and the tight knot in his stomach was testimony to that. Pulling his keys from his front pocket, Jimmy unlocked the front door. It was one in the morning, and only sounds of crickets and a barking dog could be heard. He glanced around his neighborhood before opening the front door, allowing Nija to enter his home. “Are you inviting me in?” Nija asked as he stood on the threshold. Jimmy cocked his head. He thought it was obvious what he was doing. A small part of his brain was trying to push a warning to the forefront, but Jimmy brushed it aside and nodded. “I am.” Nija smiled as he walked into Jimmy’s home. And that was when Jimmy saw the fangs.

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Chapter Three “You’re a vampire.” Nija closed the door behind him. He stood there in the foyer for a moment, letting Jimmy absorb the discovery. He leaned against the door, waiting for the human to freak out on him. He’d been through this before, but Nija had always eased his donor’s mind by putting a haze over the person’s mind. But Jimmy was his mate. Nija wasn’t going to use trickery. He was going to let things happen naturally and hope for the best. “I am.” His mate shoved one hand into his front pocket, scratching his jaw with his other. Jimmy stood there quietly, the silence stretching on. Nija pushed away from the door, taking a step toward the man. When his mate didn’t run, he took another. Jimmy watched him intently, looking frightened, but standing his ground. He was curious to know why Jimmy almost looked relieved, but he didn’t ask why. Nija smiled as he took both of his mate’s hands in his. “Come here, Jimmy.” He could hear his mate’s blood pumping faster through his veins, his heartbeat thrumming against his chest. His eyes locked onto the pulsing action in Jimmy’s neck. Nija leaned forward, the tip of his tongue trailing over the throbbing vein, inhaling deeply. The tip of his fang scraped along Jimmy’s skin, making his mate shiver. Nija pulled his mate close, one hand skimming down Jimmy’s back, cupping his ass as he pressed their cocks together. Jimmy groaned as Nija pushed his mate against the wall, his hands exploring Jimmy’s thin body. His mate really was beautiful. He was tall, slim, and irresistible.

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“Are you going to hurt me?” Jimmy asked as he spread his legs apart, allowing Nija to insert one leg between them, using friction to bring his mate pleasure as Jimmy rode his leg. Nija kissed the vein his teeth were aching to sink into. “No,” he said as he trailed his lips up and around Jimmy’s jaw and then picked his mate up, carrying him down the hallway to the bedroom. He laid his mate on the bed and then crawled over the slim body, pulling Jimmy’s shirt up and over his head, tossing it aside as he took in the gloriously bare chest of his mate. Nija leaned forward, sucking into his mouth the brown-hued disc as he reached between them, unsnapping Jimmy’s jeans, separating the folds as he reached in and pulled his mate’s cock free, curling his fingers around the hard shaft. He leaned back, pulling Jimmy’s jeans further down his legs, revealing a hard and aching cock that Nija was dying to taste. Nija licked his bottom lip as his own cock grew harder and pressed into the zipper of his pants. He wanted more than anything to bury his shaft deeply into Jimmy’s tight ass, but his mate’s needs came first. Nija skimmed his hands over his mate’s legs, and then he pushed Jimmy’s legs back, burying his nose into his mate’s balls as he inhaled and then took one orb into his mouth. His mate moaned, his hips moving around as Nija feasted on his mate’s heady skin. His attention was pulled to the throbbing vein in his mate’s thigh, as badly as he wanted to sink his fangs into vein that called to him, Nija resisted. “Suck me, please,” Jimmy begged as he pressed his ass further down. Nija gave a soft hum as his tongue twirled around the wrinkled sac before releasing his mate’s balls and giving Jimmy exactly what he was begging for. Nija let the tip of his tongue trail up Jimmy’s shaft and then took the head of Jimmy’s cock into his mouth. He groaned at the taste as his teeth scraped along the flesh. Nija opened wide and sucked at the

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mushroom-shaped head, drinking in his mate’s pre-cum like a fine wine. “Yes,” Jimmy hissed as his hips bucked. Nija smiled around his mate’s cock, feeling empowered from the whimpering and pleading. He was going to have his mate screaming his name before he was through with him. His tongue dipped into the slit, drawing out the clear liquid before taking Jimmy’s cock to the back of his throat and humming loudly. “God, yes,” Jimmy wailed as his hips shot up once more, fucking Nija’s mouth. Nija relaxed his throat, taking Jimmy all the way down until he felt small hairs tickling his nose. He was aroused when he noticed that his mate shaved his groin hairs, only a fine thatch speckling his skin. Nija rimmed Jimmy’s hole with his thumb as he lapped at the large vein running alongside Jimmy’s cock, his teeth aching badly to take just one taste. Just one. Instead, he pulled back, letting his teeth drag over Jimmy’s shaft as he released his mate’s cock from between his lips. He knew he would drink from Jimmy soon, so Nija resisted once more. The call of Jimmy’s blood was making him insane, but the waiting was a pleasurable game that Nija was enjoying. Nija laid Jimmy’s legs down onto the bed as he moved back up his slim mate’s body, his fingernails ghosting along his mate’s sides along the way. “I’m going to fuck you, Jimmy.” His mate’s eyes were glazed as he nodded and spread his legs wider in invitation. Nija glanced at the nightstand and then opened the drawer, finding a tube of lube lying in there. He snatched it up as he climbed off the bed, removing his clothes as he watched his mate watch him. Jimmy lay there panting, watching Nija’s every move. He smiled down at the timid man, his cock rock hard as he thought about taking

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his mate, claiming him. Jimmy intrigued him. Nija had never met a more vulnerable man before and he wanted to learn all he could about who Jimmy truly was. The man tempted him in ways that Nija had never experienced before, and he was ready to give in to that temptation over and over again. Just once with Jimmy wasn’t going to be enough. The temptation of feeding from him, fucking him in every possible position was too strong. He coated his fingers with the lube and then tossed the bottle onto the bed next to his mate. “Show me what you want, Jimmy.” His mate cupped the back of his legs and pulled them back to his chest, giving Nija the perfect view. The pink puckered hole was exposed, quivering, as Nija lubed his mate’s hole and then pressed one finger inside of Jimmy’s body. Jimmy’s lips parted and his eyes rolled back as he mewled and writhed, fucking Nija’s finger with a desperation that Nija was feeling just as badly. Nija took Jimmy’s cock back into his mouth as he fucked his mate with his fingers, stretching him, preparing him for the claiming. “Fuck me, Nija,” Jimmy whispered as his body thrashed around. Nija’s nostrils flared at hearing his name on his mate’s lips, begging him, pleading him. Nija reared back, situating his body in between Jimmy’s legs as he lined his cock up and thrust forward, crying out at the tightness and the heat of Jimmy’s body surrounding his cock. Jimmy cried out as well as Nija dropped to his forearms, lapping at his mate’s neck, inhaling the scent of his mate, and wanting to taste him. “Do it,” Jimmy pleaded as he wrapped his legs around Nija’s waist, pulling him deeper into Jimmy’s body. Nija snarled and then sank his fangs into Jimmy’s flesh, the sweet nectar exploding in his mouth as he drank his mate’s blood, feeling it coat his mouth and wash down the back of his throat.

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It was the sweetest blood Nija had ever tasted. It was thick and decadent, making Nija’s head spin as he fought for control as his hands curled around Jimmy’s thighs, pulling his legs apart as he slammed his cock deeply into Jimmy’s ass. Nija felt the hunger claw at him as he drank deeply, never wanting the moment to come to an end. Jimmy cried out, and hot ropes of cum splashed between them as Nija pounded his cock into pliable, silky flesh. He drank deeply as his shaft slammed in and out of Jimmy’s ass brutally, a small measure of control slipping away as Nija became lost in the moment. He pulled Jimmy’s body down to meet his thrusts as he growled around the bite wound. He knew if he didn’t release his mate soon, they would both be in trouble. “Oh fuck,” Jimmy shouted as he came again, his hole pulsing like a tight fist milking Nija’s cock. His mate was shuddering under him as Nija gave and took. He couldn’t seem to get enough of his mate’s essence, but he knew he had to stop or he would drain the human. Reluctantly, Nija extracted his teeth, lapping his tongue across the wound, sealing and healing it. He felt the all-too-familiar tingle race up his spine, and then Nija held fast to Jimmy as he roared his release, hammering into Jimmy’s ass as his cum erupted, bathing Jimmy’s tight channel with his seed. It was done. Jimmy was bonded to him now. Nija lapped at the skin where he had claimed his mate, knowing that it was ultrasensitive now. Jimmy shivered as he lay beneath Nija. “Sleep, love.” Jimmy yawned and curled his body into Nija, tucking his head under Nija’s chin as he drifted off to sleep. **** Nija sat at the bar, looking around The Manacle as he thought about how he had to leave his mate sleeping in bed. Dawn would be

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here soon, and as much as Nija had wanted to stay, it hadn’t been possible. Besides, he had a meeting to attend to. The higher hierarchy of the coven called an emergency meeting this morning. He pushed from the bar and walked up the steps to the second floor, making his way to the meeting room. Nija paused in the doorway when he saw Christo sitting in the prince’s seat. Where was Prince Christian? He had a sinking feeling as he took a seat at the table. He sat there quietly as the room began to fill. The prince’s mates, Minsheng and Yasuko, walked in last, taking a seat on either side of Christo. Their bodyguards, Buck and Jersey, standing behind the little princes. Nija was amazed at how well Minsheng had adapted to the vampire life. The man may be short as fuck, but that had nothing to do with his inner strength, as the coven had learned. He was fierce when it came to protecting Yasuko and Christian. Although Prince Christian needed no protection, no one could tell Minsheng that. Yasuko seemed to have blossomed as well. The small prince was already very beautiful when he had been human. Now that he was a vampire, Yasuko was breathtaking. Christo cleared his throat as he looked around the table. “As you all may have noticed, the prince has been absent for some time.” Nija had noticed that. With the prince being newly mated, he had just assumed that Christian was locked away in his underground bedchamber with Minsheng and Yasuko, enjoying the benefits of having two mates. “A few weeks ago, Christian was asked to convert a human who had been attacked by a rogue vampire. No one knew that the blood the rogue had infected the human with was tainted with Liquid Wrath.” Curses rang out around the table. Nija knew what effect the drug had on vampires, but for Christian, the effect was unknown. He was

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the original vampire, the founder of their race. Christian had powers that no one fully understood. “What happened to him?” Nija asked as he sat up straighter, leaning in a little closer. Christo, Christian’s second-in-command, shook his head as his eyes took on a haunted look. “It nearly drove him mad. His body shifted between its true form and his vampire form repeatedly. He has recovered and will be joining us soon. It took a lot out of him,” Christo said as his face turned stern. “But don’t let that fool you. He has not weakened and is still the strongest amongst us.” Nija would never dream of challenging the prince. Was that what this meeting was about? To warn them? It was unnecessary in Nija’s opinion. But he could see the need to warn the others. If their enemies caught wind of Christian’s sickness, they would have been fighting to keep all others outside the club from trying to take over. “Now that we have that settled I want to discuss Maurice,” Christo said. Nija, along with a few others, hissed. Maurice had been the leader of the Northern coven. The bastard had tried to attack them when Christian was performing the ceremony to convert Minsheng and Yasuko. Christian had taken the bastard out, but now they needed to appoint another leader for that coven. The coven Nija belonged to was the head coven. All others deferred to them when voting in a new leader or if they had problems that they couldn’t handle. Since they had cleaned house with the Northern coven, it was the duty of Christian’s coven to appoint a new leader. “Christian has decided to appoint Dante Malone as their new leader. Does anyone object to this decision?” Nija knew of Dante. The man was a good choice. He had honor and principles that didn’t go against the vampires’. He wasn’t vile or tainted like Maurice had been.

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“Good,” Christo said as the gavel sounded. “Dante Malone will be sworn in this evening. His coven will be here at the club. We’ll still be open for business, as Christian feels feeding Dante’s coven would be the polite thing to do.” Minsheng laughed as he waved a hand in front of him. “As if the prince cares about being polite.” It was true. Christian hated politics, hated being a part of it. But as prince, he had no choice. It was his duty to keep the peace and set an example. Nija knew for a fact Christian would rather party and enjoy his time with his mates. But such was the life. “Meeting adjourned.” Nija smiled as he noticed one of the smaller vampires run into the room as soon as the doors opened. Shelby had become fast friends with Yasuko. Those two stayed in trouble. He shook his head as the two small vampires raced from the room. “Nija. Can I have a word with you?” Christo asked as the room cleared out. “Sure,” Nija said as he stayed back. Christo sat back down in Christian’s seat, waving to an empty chair. “Have a seat.” Nija’s curiosity was piqued. He sat back in one of the chairs, waiting for Christo to speak. “There are a few of the Northern coven who have petitioned the prince to join our coven. Christian has granted their transfers. I would like you to make the transition for these two men a little easier. I’m told Maurice wasn’t the kindest leader and some of his coven suffered greatly. Although I’m sure Dante will make a great leader, some wish not to stay.” Great. Just what Nija needed, to be a babysitter for some vampires. “They will arrive here at sunset. I will give the introductions.” Christo smiled as he stood. “I know it’s not a job you look forward to, but this came from the prince.”

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Well that stopped him from protesting, now didn’t it? If it had been Christo asking, Nija would have given him a resounding “hell no.” But Christian? There was no way Nija could refuse. “Very well.” He wondered as he walked from the room if Jimmy would join him for the ceremony tonight. He would love to show his mate off to the coven. Jimmy had already voiced his opinion of The Manacle, but Nija hoped to persuade his mate into reconsidering. He knew that if he got Jimmy here, his mate would have a good time. Jimmy had accepted who Nija was better than Nija had hoped for. With that in mind, Nija disseminated from the club to his room at the mansion, stretching out on his bed, visions of Jimmy’s body wriggling beneath him dancing through his mind as he closed his eyes. **** Jimmy woke with a start. He glanced over at the empty pillow next to him. Had it all been a dream? It had to have been. There was no way someone that handsome, that breathtakingly stunning, had come home with him and fucked him like he mattered. He rubbed at his chest, feeling an emptiness inside of him as he tossed the sheets back and rolled out of bed. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he needed to get his ass in gear. Jimmy walked into the bathroom, glancing at his neck. It had to have been a dream. There were no puncture wounds that he could see. He shook his head, wondering if he was ever going to stop dreaming about vampires. What was with his obsession of them lately? A vampire. Yeah, right. Jimmy was losing his damn mind. He chuckled as he stepped into the shower. Whatever he had eaten, he needed to stay away from it. It was making him have vivid ass dreams of a hot ass vampire taking him, drinking from him, and giving him the best orgasms he had ever experienced in life.

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Jimmy stepped out, grabbing a towel and drying off. He felt that emptiness once again, as though it were trying to eat a hole into his chest. He started a pot of coffee and then went back to his bedroom to get dressed. Pouring a mug, Jimmy stared off into the backyard. A part of him wished last night had been real. He was tired of waking up alone. The peace he had found in his dream vampire’s arms was something he had never experienced before. He wanted it again. He emptied the remaining coffee in the sink as he grabbed his keys. Spending a whole day with his mom, cleaning and repairing, wasn’t something he was looking forward to. It wasn’t that he didn’t love his mom dearly, but the house just didn’t seem the same since his father had passed away. It seemed empty and void of happiness now. Opening his car door, Jimmy climbed in, taking a moment to stare at the fall clouds. It was an overcast day, matching how he felt at the moment. He rubbed his sternum once more before starting his car. He buckled his seatbelt and then backed out of his driveway, thinking of his imaginary lover as he drove to his mother’s house. Jimmy pulled into his mother’s driveway, cutting the engine as he stared at his childhood home. He smiled, thinking of how he and his sister had played for countless hours in the front yard. He got out of the car, heading for the front door and a fun-filled day of chores. **** Jimmy slammed his front door, running for his bedroom to take a shower. Eli would be here any minute to go to the concert. He knew working at his mom’s all day would make him run late. He kicked his jeans off as he turned the shower on. Jimmy had left the front door unlocked, allowing Eli to let himself in. He quickly scrubbed down and then grabbed his jeans and Rolling Heads T-shirt, shoving his head into it as he looked through his drawer for a pair of socks.

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“Ready?” Eli asked from the bedroom doorway. “Just about. It took all day at Mom’s,” Jimmy said as he dropped to all fours, looking under his bed for his other sneaker. “We need to hurry up if we want decent parking.” Jimmy saw the white sneaker and snagged it, jamming his feet into his shoes, and then quickly laced them. “I’m ready.” Eli laughed. “Run a damn comb through your curls, my man.” Jimmy cursed and ran to the bathroom, combing his wayward locks back before tossing the comb into the sink. He walked out into the bedroom and grabbed his wallet. “Now I’m ready, unless you have more hygiene tips.” “Nope. Let’s roll out.” Jimmy grabbed his keys from the hook and locked the door, feeling as though someone was watching him. He turned, looking around his front yard before shrugging. Ever since that night at The Manacle, he’d been feeling weird. To hell with it. He was going to go have some fun tonight. That weird feeling could wait until he got home. “Let’s party.” He whooped as he jumped into the driver’s seat, ready to forget the emptiness that had been with him since this morning.

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Chapter Four Harley stood by the front door of the club. He watched all the vampires entering from the Northern coven as he let out a sigh. With so many vampires in one place, the humans would come in droves. His night of mind scrubbing was going to hit a record high. “You ready for everyone?” Isla, the prince’s third-in-command, asked as he joined Harley at his side. “Looking forward to it like a root canal.” Isla chuckled as he leaned against the wall. “I hear ya. We’re going to have a huge turnout of humans.” Harley knew this. Anytime vampires congregated in large numbers, it sent out some sort of a pheromone, luring the humans in. The club was already near capacity, and the night was still young. He could already see a line forming at the door. Grunting in frustration, Harley walked outside, ready to play bouncer and admitter into the club. He growled when he saw two human males get into a scuffle. He jerked his chin. Buck, Minsheng’s bodyguard, headed his way. Harley pointed to the two tussling men. Buck rolled his eyes and then walked outside to break them apart. The Manacle was a club for vampires to feed, but they also provided a safe environment for humans to party. Fighting was a nono. Those who ran the club tried their best to keep the need for human police down. Not that they needed them, but playing nice kept them inconspicuous. Harley watched the unusually large vampire grab the human males by their shirt collars, telling them to get lost. The men looked heated, as if they wanted to argue with Buck, but then nodded.

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Common sense prevailed. Harley chuckled at the despair on the humans’ faces. If they hadn’t been fighting, they wouldn’t have been told to get lost. Buck grinned at him as he approached. “They tried to bribe me.” Harley laughed as he crossed his hands in front of him. “Don’t they always.” He waved the next two people into the club as three exited. Harley held his hand up, wiping their minds as they passed him, heading toward the parking lot. He knew Christian would allow the visiting coven, as well as his own, to feed well before the ceremony began. Once the ceremony began, the humans would be ushered out. He licked his bottom lip as he spotted the man he wanted to drink from. The little minx was standing there with his friends, smiling at the buddies he was with, looking as though he had no clue what he was about to walk into. But weren’t they all clueless? Harley curled his finger, indicating that he wanted the small human to come to him. The guy looked around, his buddies laughing as they shoved the guy toward Harley. The man blinked up at Harley from under his lashes. Oh yeah, he was going to have fun with this one. “Hey, Isla,” Harley shouted back into the club. The third-incommand nodded his head at Harley. “What’s up?” Harley smiled down at the human. “I need you to man the door.” Isla looked at the blond and chuckled. “You sure know how to pick them. If you don’t wear him out, send him my way when you’re done.” “Will do.” Harley winked at Isla as he led the blond into the club. **** Nija sat at the bar, looking over the crowd of human partiers. It was packed tonight. He could feel his fangs itching to drink from

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someone. He pushed away from the bar, walking through the crowd, trying to figure out who appealed to him. He didn’t plan on having sex with them, but Nija wasn’t allowed to leave tonight, so drinking from Jimmy was out of the question. He pushed through the crowd, wondering what his mate was doing. His step faltered when he spotted his mate dancing like a god, seductive and wanton on the dance floor. He was infuriated. Hadn’t his mate said he would never come back here? And what the fuck was he doing dancing like he was calling a vampire to him? Nija growled when that was exactly what happened. A Northern vampire approached Jimmy, placing his hands on Nija’s mate. Nija’s lips thinned as he knocked the humans closest to him out of the way, heading straight for Jimmy. “Mine!” The other vampire hissed, keeping his grip tight on Jimmy’s arm. His mate looked at him like he was a ghost and then blinked a few times. “You’re real.” Nija wanted to ask Jimmy what the fuck he was doing here, but he had another matter to deal with at the moment. He lifted his leg up, his foot landing into the other vampire’s chest as he kicked out. “Mine!” he repeated his claim as he held fast to his mate. Nija wrapped his arm around Jimmy, pulling his mate through the crowd and out the club entrance. He spun around until he was facing the gorgeous man. “What in the hell are you doing here?” Jimmy looked at him confusingly and then blinked. “I’m not sure. Something inside of me pulled me here. I was at a concert and then…” Nija cursed. It would be his luck that his mate was suffering from lachtára tou aímatos, blood craving. It was rare, but sometimes when vampires fed from humans, the humans became addicted to the bite. They craved having their blood drank. It had to do with something in the vampire’s saliva.

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The saliva bonded with something inside the human’s red blood cells, making them go almost mad to be bitten again. Nija knew for sure that Jimmy was suffering from lachtára tou aímatos when he pressed his body against Nija’s, tilting his neck to the side. Nija ran his knuckle down his mate’s neck, his teeth aching to sink into that soft, pliable flesh. “Come with me, Jimmy.” Nija pulled his whimpering mate back into the club. He guided him to a back room and then closed the door. He could see the want in Jimmy’s eyes as his mate pushed back up against him. “Take your clothes off, Jimmy.” His mate hesitated for a moment and then stripped down. Nija growled at the creamy flesh being revealed to him. He pulled his naked mate into his arms, licking at Jimmy’s neck. His mate whimpered again, pulling at Nija’s hair, trying to bring his head closer. Nija backed his mate onto one of the tables in the room. Nija unsnapped his pants and pushed them down his thighs. He flipped Jimmy over, pressing his back into the table as he thrust his mate’s legs back and lined his cock up and slammed forward at the same time he bit into Jimmy’s neck. His mate cried out as Nija practically wrapped his body around Jimmy’s. He created a seal around the bite as he slammed his cock into Jimmy’s ass, making his mate scream with pleasure. “Nija.” Jimmy breathed his name as if he were a deity. Nija thrust harder, pulling one of Jimmy’s legs around his waist as he drank his mate’s delicious and exotic-tasting blood. “Oh, god, Nija,” Jimmy cried out as his body bucked, seed erupting between them. Nija hammered into Jimmy’s ass a few more times before sealing the wound and crying out. He skimmed his hand up his mate’s flat chest as he tried to get his breathing under control. Jimmy shuddered and then looked up at Nija. “I thought you were a dream. I thought I was going mad.” Nija leaned forward, kissing the slim man as he eased his cock free. “I thought you didn’t want to come back here,” he said as he

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righted his clothes. Although Nija knew Jimmy was suffering from lachtára tou aímatos, it still bothered him that his mate hadn’t sought him out when arriving at the club. Jimmy shook his head as he pushed from the table, grabbing his clothes and getting dressed. “It’s not like I did it intentionally,” he said with a bite. “I was at a concert with Eli and then I was here. This place seems to draw me in. Something that I really don’t appreciate.” **** Jimmy rubbed his temples once he was dressed. He honestly wished he could remember coming here. One thing he noticed was that the emptiness he had been feeling all day was now gone. He tried his best to ignore Nija. The man was getting to him in ways Jimmy wasn’t ready to examine. He grabbed his shirt, slipping it over his head, and then headed for the door. This wasn’t how he normally acted, and it was a little unnerving. If Nija really didn’t want him here, Jimmy wasn’t going to stick around. He wasn’t a glutton for punishment, and he wasn’t going to throw himself at anyone. “Why didn’t you look for me when you arrived?” Nija asked as Jimmy reached for the door handle. Jimmy stared at his hand as he contemplated Nija’s question. “It’s not like I even remember coming here. Look, I get it. You don’t want me here. No problem.” Jimmy pulled the door open and walked out, getting as far away as possible from the man that haunted his dreams. “Jimmy, wait,” Nija called, but Jimmy wasn’t waiting around. For what? To hear the disapproval in Nija’s tone again? No thanks. Jimmy pushed his way to the front door, ready to get the hell out of there. He yelped when someone grabbed his arm and spun him around. It was the man who had tried to dance with him earlier. Jimmy growled and tried to pull his arm free, but the guy wouldn’t release him. “Look, I’m not in the mood for this shit.”

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“Then why are you here?” the man asked as his grip became a little tighter. Jimmy tried once again to free his arm, but the man had a vise grip on him. This was not turning out so well. Jimmy thought of kicking the man in his nuts for a hot second until he saw Nija heading his way. Just great. His night was turning into one big headache. He sighed as he glared at the man holding him and glanced at the man coming toward him. How had he managed to get into this situation? Jimmy wasn’t sure, but he was ready to get out of it. Nija’s lips pulled back menacingly when he noticed the other man’s hold on Jimmy’s arm. “You have five seconds to release my mate.” Nija snarled, pulling on Jimmy’s other arm. What was he, a rope? This wasn’t tug-of-war, and Jimmy was quickly tiring of the show. And what the hell was a mate? “Your mate?” The man backed off, releasing Jimmy’s arm. Finally. Jimmy glared at Nija and then headed for the door. He was not into pissing contests. Well, he’d never had guys fight over him before, and he found that he didn’t like it. He was waiting for them to make a wish any minute with the tugging. “Damn it!” Jimmy shouted when his arm was grabbed again. He spun around to see Nija standing there with an exasperated look on his face. He swallowed when Nija ran his tongue over his bottom lip, revealing the tips of his fangs. How the hell had he forgotten he was around a vampire? Jimmy looked around, noticing the crowd for the first time. His heart rate picked up when he saw a man sucking at another man’s neck, and he wasn’t trying to give him a damn hickey either. The more he watched the people around him, the more he realized what this club was. A feeding ground. Jimmy took a step back, his palms sweating as he wondered if he was going to make it out of here in one piece. Sure, so far Nija had

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been nice, even if Jimmy had thought the man just a dream, but Jimmy was in the man’s territory now. Had the rules changed? “I can hear your heart beating faster. Calm down, Jimmy. I won’t let anyone hurt you,” Nija said as he pulled him further into the club. “You’re here as my guest.” Guest, right. He was a fucking blood cow, and he knew it. Jimmy jerked his arm out of Nija’s grasp and started backing away as fast as his feet would carry him, not taking his eyes off of Nija for a second. “I gotta go,” Jimmy said quickly. “I think I left my stove on.” “Jimmy.” Jimmy shook his head. He didn't know what sort of crazy ass game Nija was playing, but he wanted no part of it. He’d heard about what happened to humans when they were used as blood donors by vampires. Until now, he had thought it was all fantasy, just like his dreams. Looking around the club, Jimmy knew the fantasy was real. A living and breathing nightmare. “Jimmy,” Nija said again, only this time, he held his hand out to Jimmy. “Come with me, love. I won't hurt you, and I won't let anyone else hurt you.” Jimmy stared at the hand Nija held out to him. His emotions were mixed, chaotic. He desperately wanted to reach out and take Nija's hand, accept whatever the man wanted to give him. He also wanted to run for his life because he was almost positive it was in jeopardy. “This is all real, isn't it?” Jimmy whispered. “It is, my love.” Jimmy frowned. “Why do you keep calling me that? If this is real, then you left me. I am not your love.” Jimmy cast one more longing look at Nija's hand then spun on his heels and stormed through the club. The whole vampire-suckingblood-dead thing aside, if this was all real then Nija had left him without a word or a note or…damn! Jimmy felt almost betrayed. At the very least, he felt like a onenight stand booty call that hadn't been up to par. If he had been, Nija

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wouldn't have left. This was the very reason he hadn't wanted to get involved with the guy. He knew his heart would be ripped out of his chest. And damn if he couldn’t hear the tearing. It was bad enough he had finally found the one person to make his heart thunder. Jimmy would have never thought to find his true love in a man. But to be used and then tossed aside? That was humiliating. And Nija hadn’t come looking for him. Jimmy had run into him in the club. He walked to the front door, noticing a man holding his hand up as he passed by and then he heard Nija shout. Jimmy felt a buzzing in his ears as he stepped outside of the club and then glanced around. How in the hell had he gotten here? He was at the concert with Eli…and now he wasn’t. Jimmy looked back at the brick building, seeing a crowd standing at the entrance to the club, and wondered where in the hell Eli was. “Jimmy!” Jimmy looked over his shoulder to see the hot man that had been starring in his dreams lately. He watched as the man approached him. “Nija, right?” He could have sworn that was the name his dream man called himself. It was a little odd seeing the man from his fantasies standing right in front of him. Sadness washed over the man’s face as he turned to a very large guy standing at the entrance to the club. Jimmy watched Nija murderously glare at the guy before turning back around. “Yes. I am Nija.”

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Chapter Five Nija was crushed. Harley had scrubbed Jimmy’s memories of vampires. Even the night they had spent together no longer existed in Jimmy’s memory. It was a blow to him. He wasn’t sure if he should continue his conversation with his mate or go kill Harley. It was a beautiful time they had shared together, a time that Jimmy would no longer remember. He was leaning heavily toward snuffing out Harley’s smug life. “I’m Jimmy.” His mate stuck out his hand. Nija took it, caressing it with his fingers as he stared into Jimmy’s crystal clear blue eyes. He smiled as Jimmy looked around nervously and then at him. His mate was adorable. “Would you like to join me?” Nija waved a hand back at the entrance. He couldn’t leave The Manacle tonight. Not with the Northern coven visiting. There was no way he could take his mate home and make sweet and slow love to him, and taking him to one of the back rooms when Jimmy had no memory of them ever being together seemed a bit crass to him. Jimmy eyed the brick walls of the club. “I really don’t like this place. The last time I was here, I had very strange dreams.” Nija glared at Harley once more and then smiled at Jimmy. “I can guarantee that you will remember our time here, and not as a dream.” Jimmy hesitated and then nodded. “Okay.” This came as a relief to Nija. He wasn’t sure what he would have done if his mate had declined. He wasn’t ready to let him go. He took Jimmy’s hand and led him back through the door. “Don’t do that

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again,” he whispered low and threateningly to Harley. The larger vampire just shrugged as if he were bored. “It’s my job. You should have said something from jump.” Nija ignored Harley before he killed the smug bastard and then led Jimmy through the crowd. He spotted Yasuko on the dance floor with Shelby, dancing his little heart out. He wondered briefly if Yasuko would help Jimmy with his new life if he asked Christian to convert his mate. That was if Jimmy would agree. Nija would love his mate even if Jimmy decided to stay human. Nija’s step faltered as he realized what he had just thought. Did he love Jimmy already? Was that possible? He glanced at his mate, seeing the look of apprehension marring Jimmy’s beautiful features. He realized then that he would do whatever it took to make his mate happy. He knew that meant no more feeding from any other humans. Jimmy was it for him, and he was surprised to find that the thought didn’t bother him. He gave his mate’s hand a light squeeze as he led him to the bar. Winston, the bartender, nodded at them as he walked toward them. “Usual?” Nija turned toward his mate. “What’ll you have?” He wasn’t sure if he should imbibe in a glass of crimson while standing next to his human mate who couldn’t remember who he was. Having a glass of blood may be a bit much right now. Jimmy moved a little closer, tilting his neck slightly. Nija’s nostrils flared when he realized his mate was still suffering from lachtára tou aímatos. He knew that if he didn’t bite his mate soon, Jimmy would start suffering. He let his knuckle trail down Jimmy’s neck as he smiled at him. “Is there something you want, my love?” Jimmy blinked a few times and then glanced down at his hands. “I’m–I’m not sure. I feel like…”

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Nija knew exactly what he was feeling. “Why don’t you give Winston your order?” He watched his mate clear his throat and then nod at his hands. “A Coke, please.” Winston grabbed a glass and filled it with the dark carbonated drink, sliding it toward Jimmy. “And you?” Winston asked Nija as he studied Jimmy. Nija couldn’t blame the vampire. Jimmy seemed out of place here as he looked around innocently, a lost look on his face. Winston smiled at Jimmy before turning his attention back to Nija. “The usual.” What else was there to drink? Really? He was a vampire. It wasn’t like he could order a glass of milk like Yasuko used to drink before being converted, and still drank. He just hoped Jimmy didn’t catch on to what he was drinking before Nija could tell his mate that he was a vampire. “You know I’m still mad at you.” Nija’s head snapped back as he stared at his mate. “How…” How in the hell did Jimmy remember their argument? His mind had been scrubbed. He should have no memory of the back room. What in the psychotic hell was going on? “If I meant that much to you, you wouldn’t have left me.” Nija glanced around the club, wondering if maybe he wasn’t the one suffering from some sort of illness. Maybe he had hit his head earlier. There was no way Jimmy should remember. “I had to leave, love. The sunlight would have harmed me.” If Jimmy remembered he was a vampire, then it was safe to explain things to his mate. “You could have left a note,” Jimmy mumbled. Nija waved a hand in front of the sexy man’s face, wondering if maybe Harley hadn’t short-circuited Jimmy’s brain. Could that happen? Had Harley somehow screwed the scrub up? There was only one way to find out. Nija would have to drink from Jimmy. He didn’t think his mate would object since he was inflicted with lachtára tou aímatos.

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“Come with me, Jimmy.” He set his glass down and grabbed his mate’s hand, leading him to the back hallway. He cursed when he saw the vampire who had given him additional problems with his mate. He was going to have to kill this fucker. He just knew it. This guy didn’t seem to understand what a fucking mate meant. The guy gave a lift to his head as Nija approached, a malicious curl to his lip. “You can’t stay by his side forever.” Nija snarled and spun around, pushing Jimmy behind him as he crouched. “Try me.” Yeah, he was going to have to kill this fucker. **** Yasuko nudged Shelby. “What’s wrong with Nija?” Shelby looked past Yasuko. “I’m not sure, but the other man isn’t from our coven.” Yasuko didn’t like someone messing with his new family. They had treated him better and accepted him like no one else ever had— except Minsheng. He wasn’t going to let anyone pick on one of his family members. “I think we need to stop it.” Yasuko slapped his hands on his hips, glaring at the back hallway. He knew Christian and Minsheng had forbidden him from going back there, but when had that stopped him before? “But you can’t, Prince. You’re expecting. Christian and Minsheng would toss me out in the sun just to teach me a lesson if you got into a fight.” Shelby grabbed his arm, trying his best to pull Yasuko back. Yasuko still couldn’t believe he was pregnant. It baffled him. How could a man get pregnant? He had passed out when the doctor gave him the news. Minsheng had taken some kind of shot, but Yasuko was scared of needles and had refused. Boy, maybe he should have gotten over his needle phobia. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to have the baby, he was just baffled by it. “But Christian is still

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recovering,” he retorted defiantly. How could the prince find out if he wasn’t there? “But Minsheng isn’t,” Shelby said nervously as he pointed up at the booth on the second floor. Yasuko looked up to see Minsheng watching him closely. Ever since he was told he was pregnant, Minsheng watched him like a hawk. If anyone looked at him crosseyed, Minsheng was all down their throats, giving them a piece of his mind. It was sweet, but irritating at times. “Go distract him,” Yasuko said as he began toward the back hallway. “Oh hell,” Shelby squeaked as he ran toward the stairs. Yasuko smiled. He knew Shelby was his partner in crime. He wished the small vampire would find his mate. He was too nice not to be mated. The man who claimed Shelby better be nice, or Yasuko was going to kick his butt. “What’s going on—” Yasuko yelped when he was thrown to the floor. Oh shit. **** Jimmy slammed his back into the wall when the entire club seemed to converge into the back hallway. Fuck, he was about to die and he knew it. There was nothing but vampires surrounding him. They could only be vampires. Why would a human interfere? Sweat trickled down his face and his palms were soaking wet as an elegant man with black hair and red eyes just appeared in the hallway out of nowhere, the crowd parting for him. He looked as though everyone in the place was his enemy and all were about to die. Fuck, fuck, fuck! Jimmy glanced around nervously, wondering if he was going to make it out alive. Somehow Nija’s reassurance of being safe fell to the wayside as the man approached them.

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“Who has harmed my mate!” the elegant man shouted as a shorter man shot forward, gently picking up the man that had been knocked down. Jimmy noticed the swollen abdomen on the fallen man and swallowed. He wasn’t sure he was seeing things right. After all, it was a guy…maybe. He was pretty enough to be a female…maybe. Sure as hell had the curves of a female. Jimmy was confused as hell. He rubbed his temples as he watched the scene play out in front of him. Nija bowed and then straightened. Jimmy glanced between the two, wondering if the tall man was going to harm the one person that had turned Jimmy’s world upside down and inside out. Rage welled up inside of him at the thought of Nija being harmed. He wanted to grab his lover and run as far away from this place as he possibly could. “It was an accident, Prince,” the fallen man said as the “prince” enveloped him into his arms. The prince turned to Nija, a disapproving scowl pulling at his face, making him seem dark and foreboding. Jimmy shivered at the sparks of anger shooting through the man’s eyes. “Is this true, Nija?” Jimmy waited with bated breath as the crowd thickened. He could feel the other vampires pushing in closer, crowding his personal space, and he didn’t like it. They were too close, and all wore angry expressions. The two closest to him eyed Jimmy like he was their next meal. This was not good. “I was having a misunderstanding, Prince. I did not see your mate until it was too late.” Jimmy’s jaw dropped. He was five seconds away from asking Nija why he wasn’t telling the whole truth. That bastard that kept cropping up like fleas had knocked the small man down. Not Nija. Why wasn’t he telling the prince this? “I want the both of you in my office now.” The prince growled and then pulled the man away with the swollen belly. He wasn’t going

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to say pregnant, because that was physically impossible. Jimmy swallowed when he realized he would be left alone with the entire club of vampires. Maybe he was going to be their next meal. Okay, so his dreams weren’t really dreams and all of this was real. Damn if he didn’t need a drink right now. The realization that the vampires really did attack him his first visit here and Nija really did feed from him when they fucked was hitting him hard, but Jimmy was more focused on the glaring undead. Relief flooded him when Nija held his hand out. The prince eyed Jimmy—which made him want to say his last prayer and pray his death was swift and painless—but said nothing. Jimmy pressed his body close to Nija’s as they pushed through the crowd that had gathered, but Nija was walking too fast for Jimmy to stay close. A few men sniffed at Jimmy as he passed them. Jimmy quickened his pace to keep up. The sniffing thing was really creeping him out. What was he, fabric softener? He quickly forgot about being sniffed as he watched how Nija walked as they rounded the corner and headed down a dark hallway. He couldn’t help it. Nija walked so smoothly, so manly. Jimmy’s cock began to harden as his neck ached for Nija to drink from him. He couldn’t understand why he was desperate for Nija to bite him, but the feeling was riding him hard. What perplexed Jimmy the most was the tingling in his gums. Since when did he want to bite anyone? He wasn’t a biter. Never had been. He knew some people got off on it, but Jimmy wasn’t one of them. He shook his head, trying to clear it. This was so not the time to be lusting after the dark and handsome man. Their lives hung in the balance, and all Jimmy could think about was Nija’s thick and long cock filling every inch of him. Fuck, he was horny as hell as he walked to his doom. Was that twisted or what?

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They walked into an elegant-looking office with bookshelves and very nice carpeting. It looked expensive as hell. Jimmy was afraid to walk on it or touch anything. The prince took a seat behind a dark, wooden desk. That was when Jimmy noticed how exhausted the prince looked. Could vampires get exhausted? The prince pulled the man with the swollen belly onto his lap. The man with short hair who had joined them in the back hallway stood behind the prince’s chair, almost as if he were guarding it. “I want an explanation as to why my Yasuko was on his ass while carrying my child.” The prince’s fangs elongated, making Jimmy practically shake apart at the sight. He wanted to concentrate on the fact that a man was pregnant, but all he could focus on were the fangs. Damn they were long. The tips touched his fucking chin! Jimmy reached up and rubbed his neck, praying it wasn’t about to be ripped apart. Maybe coming back here with Nija wasn’t such a good idea. He was starting to think he would have been better off taking his chances with the herd of vampires instead of this one man that looked like he could make Satan run screaming. “I was defending my mate, Prince.” “Vampires don’t mate humans!” the man who kept fucking with Jimmy shouted. “They are cattle. People to toy with and feed from. Other than that, they have no use.” Jimmy grabbed Nija’s hand tighter as the prince leaned forward, hissing at the dumbass standing there spouting off bullshit. The fucker had to be filled with arrogance to make a statement like that. Jimmy wondered briefly if that was how Nija viewed him. Was he just cattle to his lover? He really didn’t think so. Nija had looked at him like he mattered. Would someone who only wanted to toy with him act that way? Jimmy was getting a damn headache. “My mates were human before their conversion,” the prince said menacingly, curling his lips up as he looked at Mr. Jackass with

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disdain. “I suggest you change your view about them before you end up eating the sun.” The man looked like he’d rather be flogged. A tic started in his jaw as he bowed stiffly. “Yes, Prince.” “What is your name?” the prince asked, looking as though he really didn’t give a shit. Jimmy liked the prince already. Sort of. He did have huge ass fangs after all. The man averted his eyes, but not before Jimmy caught the malicious glare he shot Yasuko. “I am Vincent, Prince.” “You are part of a visiting coven, Vincent. It would do you well to mind your manners. Encroaching on another’s mate is forbidden and dealt with harshly. This is your only warning. Dismissed.” The prince sat back, coddling the small man on his lap, ignoring the indignant way Vincent stormed out of the room. He had a feeling they hadn’t seen the last of the prick. What did he care? It wasn’t like Jimmy was coming back to this insane asylum. He was going to get as far away as he could and never look back. Jimmy was ready to get the hell out of there. He began to walk away when Nija tugged him back. What the fuck? Didn’t the prince just say they were dismissed? He was confused as hell. When he saw Nija wasn’t budging, Jimmy pressed his body into the man’s side. This whole night had been one big, crazy ass dream to him. None of this seemed real. Jimmy wanted to go back to the concert and forget he ever came here. He wanted to forget he ever dreamt any of this only to find out all of this was real. What the hell had he gotten himself into? He knew going to The Manacle in the first place was a dumb ass idea, now look at what was happening to him, crazy ass dreams that weren’t dreams, pregnant men, princes, visiting covens, and fangs everywhere. Where was that damn drink? The problem was, he didn’t even remembering coming here. Was there an exit to this crazy ride? Was he allowed to get off at the next stop?

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“You have mated?” “Yes, Prince,” Nija replied with a slight smile. “From the look on your mate’s face, I would say he is unaware of this,” the prince said as he pulled the pregnant man closer. God, Jimmy couldn’t even wrap his head around that fact. He was hearing the whole mate thing, but now that he knew, hopefully, that he wasn’t going to die, the pregnancy thing seemed to fascinate him. He couldn’t take his eyes off of the swollen belly. It was just so…weird. A smile played over the prince’s face as he stared at Jimmy. Wow. Okay, Jimmy could see how handsome the man really was now that he didn’t look like he was about to kill everyone in sight. His neck throbbed as he stared at the long fangs still gleaming from the man’s mouth. Jimmy snapped out of his daze when he felt an arm wrap around his waist. The prince smiled at him and then looked to Nija. Jimmy had an urge to beg the prince to bite him. It unnerved him to have those thoughts. He was only interested in one man. And it wasn’t the prince. “I’ll have someone watch Vincent while he is here.” “Thank you, Prince,” Nija said as he pulled Jimmy toward the office door. Thank fuck. He was tired of standing there like he was under a microscope by the prince. Jimmy made a beeline straight to the door without looking back. He didn’t like feeling as though he was going to beg anybody to bite him. What a slut he had turned into. Nija chuckled as he closed the office door behind them. “In a hurry?” he asked as he folded Jimmy into his arms. “Yes.” Jimmy pouted as he placed his hand on Nija’s chest. Fuck if it wasn’t solid as a rock under his palm. “I’m in a club I don’t remember coming to. Accosted by a vampire who doesn’t know how to back off. Summoned to the prince of vampires’ office where I thought I was about to get my ass handed to me. And on top of all that, a man is pregnant. I mean, that can’t be possible, right?”

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Nija reached up and ran a knuckle down Jimmy’s neck, making him shiver all over. “That’s not fair,” he moaned. He tilted his neck, his skin buzzing as he waited for the bite. If someone didn’t bite him soon, Jimmy was going to start pulling his hair out. “I never said I played fair, my love.” Nija grinned, and it was pure seduction. What in the hell was wrong with him? He’d never let a person affect him this way. Hell, he was used to dating females where he was the dominant one. How had the tables turned? It wasn’t that he was opposed to being with a man. Jimmy never had a hang-up about either sex. Although Nija was the second man he’d slept with, Jimmy had always thought he would end up married to a female. Being bisexual wasn’t a bother to him or his family, but a future with a man was something he hadn’t seen coming. And a future with a vampire, well, that hadn’t even been on the table of reality. Jimmy sighed. Somehow he knew he was screwed. And not with a hard cock either.

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Chapter Six Nija wasn’t sure how to take Jimmy. One minute the guy was all for anything Nija wanted to do to him. The next, who the hell knew. Jimmy leaned close to Nija, and then backed away. Wanted to be bitten, and then wanted to run. Nija was getting a solid headache with all of the mixed signals going on. If Jimmy wasn’t his mate, Nija would wash his hands of the mess. He wasn’t a man who was known for patience. “Are you telling me you wish to go home?” That would be impossible. They still had the ceremony to attend. There was no way Nija could leave the club at the moment, and he wasn’t letting his mate go home alone. He didn’t trust Vincent. Somehow Nija knew that he would meet up with the vampire again. Vincent seemed the type to keep coming back for more. He was just that stupid. He wouldn’t put it past the guy to go after his mate while he was at home. It set his teeth on edge to think of Vincent anywhere near his mate. Yeah, he was going to have to kill the bastard. “I…” His mate trailed off as he looked around the club, confused. That’s it. Nija was done trying to appease the man. Someone needed to take charge and make the decisions. His mate apparently wasn’t in the right mindset to do it on his own. Nija grabbed his hand and led him back toward the BDSM hallway. He wasn’t going to partake in a scene, but he needed to get his mate out of the large crowd. He found a small room toward the back that wasn’t in use and pulled Jimmy through the door. “Sit.”

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Jimmy snorted as he looked around the room. His eyes widened at the spanking table and then the wall of flogs, whips, and many other creative devices hanging there for its occupants’ delight. “I don’t think so.” Nija grabbed Jimmy’s upper arms and shoved him into the wall, sinking his teeth deeply into his mate’s neck. Jimmy cried out as he wiggled around and then wrapped his legs around Nija’s waist. Nija wanted to fuck him badly. Instead, he concentrated on his mate’s memories, looking for one in particular. He almost gasped when he saw Jimmy’s memories of the mind scrub Nija had performed on him when his mate was attacked, and then Harley tonight. His mate hadn’t succumbed to the scrub like a human should. This only confused Nija further, but that confusion was quickly replaced with lust when his mate kept grabbing between them for Nija’s covered cock. He quickly unsnapped his pants and shoved them down, practically shredding Jimmy’s to get to him. He lined his cock up and drove deep. “Nija!” Jimmy shouted in ecstasy as he tilted his head further to the side. His mate was a perplexity that Nija was determined to figure out. He suffered from lachtára tou aímatos yet bounced back with full memory after being mind scrubbed, twice. Nija tasted vampiric genes in his mate’s blood, yet Jimmy was human. His head was in a whirl as he shoved his cock deeper into Jimmy’s soft, tight ass. “Nija, please,” Jimmy begged as he curled his fingers into Nija’s shirt. “Please.” Nija spread his legs, planting his feet firmly onto the floor as he grabbed Jimmy’s hips, power driving into his ass as he drank deeply. He wanted to know more. Nija searched his mate’s memories to see if he could find any clue to what was going on. He grunted in frustration when he came up empty.

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Jimmy had no clue who he was or what he was. And neither did Nija. “Nija, make me come, please,” he begged as Nija pushed his mate further into the wall, pinning him there with his arms and cock. Nija was lost. He could feel the connection between them. The bond was already in place, but he was desperate for Jimmy to feel it as well. The man acted as though he could take it or leave it, and Nija wasn’t going to stand for that. Nija’s muscled quivered as his arms circled around Jimmy’s lithe body. He removed his fangs, sealing the wound with his tongue as he leaned back and gazed into his mate’s crystal clear blue eyes. “Come for me, Jimmy.” He sealed the command with his lips, sharing the crimson taste with his mate. Jimmy tried to devour Nija’s tongue, licking inside his mouth as if he were trying to get every drop. Nija growled as his hips snapped harder. He bit his bottom lip until he tasted his own blood and then allowed his mate to drink from him. He was astonished to find Jimmy greedily sucking his lower lip in. He could feel the sucking motion as Jimmy whimpered. Nija’s fangs elongated even further as visions of Jimmy drinking blood and seed from his cock played in his mind. It was the ultimate aphrodisiac to a vampire. Their bodies were in exquisite harmony with one another as Nija felt the build trying to take him to his knees. He hissed loudly when Jimmy shouted his name, painting their bodies with his seed. The milking sensation around Nija’s cock was too much. He sank his teeth back into Jimmy’s neck as his cock erupted, his body shaking with his orgasm. He pounded Jimmy’s soft flesh harder, trying his best to shove his cock so deeply that his mate would never forget who fucked him. Jimmy cried out again as Nija took one last draft from his neck and then sealed it. He rested his head next to his mate’s as he tried to get his breathing under control. His muscles were threatening to give

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out as he pulled his cock free of Jimmy’s ass and then slowly lowered his mate to his feet. Jimmy clung to him like a dying man as he leaned into him. Nija caressed his mate with his fingers as he felt the bond fully snap into place. They had had sex before, and Nija had felt the connection, but somehow this was different. Somehow the bond had deepened just now. He was definitely going to have a talk with the prince. This wasn’t normal. None of this was. Everything about their relationship was off. And Nija was determined to put all the puzzle pieces together. **** Christo rubbed his hand over his chin as he watched the human beings slowly escorted from the club. The ceremony to announce the new coven leader would soon begin. It was all politics to him. Christo could care less if they slapped a nametag on Dante Malone’s forehead, stating that he was the new leader, and called it a night. He spotted Dante standing at the end of the bar watching everyone. The man seemed mysterious and quiet, something Christo didn’t like. He wasn’t looking for the guy to be a boasting loudmouth, but Dante was a little too quiet for his taste. Dante was a deep thinker, and Christo wasn’t so sure that was a good thing. The man wasn’t an idiot like Maurice had been. If this vampire turned on their coven, he would prove to be an admirable opponent. “The last of the humans are cleared out,” Isla, the third-incommand, said as he joined Christo at his side. Christo nodded. “Good. Let the fun begin.” “Yeah. I’m so looking forward to this.” Isla chuckled. His best friend turned to Winston, the bartender, and ordered a glass of crimson. “You didn’t drink enough from the humans?” Christo asked as Winston handed Isla the cup of blood.

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“Wasn’t in the mood.” That wasn’t like Isla, but Christo had too many other things to worry about besides pulling the problem from his friend. Isla could be very private at times. It drove Christo nuts when his friend moped around. Christo bumped Isla’s arm with his and nodded toward the staircase that led to the second floor. “Here comes Christian.” “Should he be doing this? He isn’t fully recovered from his mishap with that tainted blood,” Isla commented as they watched their prince make his way to the front stage of the club with Minsheng at his side. Christian’s other mate, Yasuko, stepped over to the bar with his bodyguard Jersey closely behind him. Christo smiled when he glanced at Yasuko’s swollen belly. His birthing time would be soon. Yasuko was going to make a wonderful gonea vampir, vampire parent. The baby was going to be spoiled rotten. “Hey, Yasuko,” Christo greeted the tiny man as he wobbled to the bar. Yasuko beamed up at him as he ordered a tall glass of milk. He would never understand how the man drank that as a human, much less as a vampire. He knew Christian was the oldest vampire, the original, and no one knew how far his powers extended, but to give his mate the ability to drink that crap was beyond him. “Are you ready for the ceremony?” Yasuko asked. Christo ignored the question and asked one himself. “How are you feeling? Did you hurt yourself when you fell?” Christo had seen red when he witnessed the tiny man falling to the floor. He thought his damn heart was going to stop. The prince and Minsheng loved Yasuko with every fiber of their being. If something had happened to Yasuko, it wasn’t the prince he was worried about. It was the feisty little shit Minsheng who would have caused a bloodbath. “I am fine. Thank you for asking.” Yasuko smiled up at him. The guy really was too gorgeous for words. Christo was always in awe of

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the little slip of a man. Christian had done well in his mating to both men. His head turned, and then Christo straightened as the ceremony began. It was boring and long as he sat there watching the visiting coven. Even though they cleaned house and removed all of Maurice’s followers and the ex–coven leader who Christian killed, he still didn’t trust any of them. Just as Christian presented Dante Malone as the new coven leader of the Northern coven, the elders stepped through the club door. **** Nija was floored when he spotted the elders walking into the club. Since when did they come here? He hadn’t seen them for over two hundred years, and even then, he had only glimpsed them when he was summoned to help one of the elders’ sons. He had never met any of them personally, but they didn’t look like they aged a bit. They all still looked handsome as hell and only in their early thirties. The crowd parted as the three elders walked toward the stage. The room was deathly quiet as they took a seat at one of the rounded tables that had been set up for the ceremony. “Please, Christian, proceed.” One of the elders waved his hand toward Dante. “This is an auspicious occasion. Do not let us interrupt.” Nija could see the irritation on Christian’s face as he closed out the ceremony. He wondered briefly if anyone would notice if he grabbed his mate and shoved him out of the back door. Nija didn’t know what to expect, and having Jimmy here while the elders were present made him twitchy as hell. He held back his possessive hiss when one of the elders turned his head toward them. Slowly and seductively, his gaze slid down Jimmy’s body. Nija had an urge to kill the bastard. He locked eyes

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with the elder, a bemused smile playing across the man’s face, and then he turned back toward the stage. Nija wasn’t sure what that look was for, but he wanted to get Jimmy the hell out of there. What was with everyone going after his damn mate? “What’s happening?” Jimmy whispered close to Nija’s ear. He laid a reassuring hand on Jimmy’s leg, although he felt anything but, and winked at his sexy mate. “Party crashers. Relax, love. They are what we refer to as the elders. No biggie.” Nija sat back, trying his best to seem casual. No one had known that Christian was the original vampire. All had been shocked when he converted into his true form when Minsheng and Yasuko were in danger. It shocked the shit out of him. Now the elders were here. They would try to bring Christian into their circle. And if he knew the prince, Christian wasn’t going for it. Nija didn’t understand why Christian didn’t just eat the bastards. The prince really didn’t eat people, but the thought made Nija smile. Or at the very least, the prince could toss their old asses out into the sun. The prince was the original. He had major clout over all of them. Nija knew it wasn’t that easy, but one could hope. The ceremony had ended, and the Northern coven was leaving. Nija took the opportunity to get his mate as far away from the club as possible. He only had a few hours until sunrise, but it was plenty of time to get Jimmy home. He grabbed his mate by his arm and led him toward the club exit. Nija glared at Harley on his way out. The vampire chuckled and flipped him off as Nija pulled Jimmy through the front door and toward the parking lot where his Audi was parked. “Did you drive?” Jimmy twisted his lips up, looking at Nija as if he were daft. “If I don’t remember coming here, then how in the hell do I remember if I drove, hmm?” He slapped his hands on his hips, looking bratty as hell.

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Oh, his mate was asking for it big-time. Nija was half tempted to drag him back into the club to one of the back rooms and toss him over one of the spanking tables. He was that close to doing it, too. “Then I will drive you home.” He opened the passenger door, his mate giving him a spoiled look before he slid in. Nija sighed as he closed the door. Perfect fucking ending to a perfect fucking night. He drove through the city, sliding his hand over the console to entwine his fingers into Jimmy’s. His mate sighed as he stared out of the window. Nija worried about his mate. There were so many unknown things about Jimmy that he was tempted to take him to his home instead and never let Jimmy leave his side. Nija pulled up in front of Jimmy’s house, cutting the motor as he let his mate’s hand go and slid out of the driver’s side. He smiled when Jimmy’s eyes widened at how fast he was at his mate’s door, opening it. “You’re fast.” Nija chuckled. “You have no idea.” He followed behind Jimmy, scanning the area as they made their way to the door. He had an ill feeling as his mate unlocked the front door. He wasn’t sure if it was Vincent or someone else, but Nija felt it in the air. It was like a living and breathing entity that surrounded him, warning him. Nija glanced around, but saw nothing to raise his suspicions. “Do I have to invite you in again?” Jimmy asked as he opened the door, looking over his shoulder at Nija with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Only if you want to,” he replied. Shifters’ homes were the only place a vampire could enter uninvited, which perplexed him even more about his mate. If Jimmy had traces of vampirism in his blood, why did he still need to be invited in? “You’re welcome to come in, Nija,” Jimmy said with a smile. Nija stepped over the threshold and then hissed, baring his fangs as he threw Jimmy behind him.

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“Whoa, relax. It’s only my best friend, Eli,” Jimmy shouted as he pulled at Nija’s shoulders. Nija’s eyes flickered around, making sure Eli was the only one that had invaded his mate’s home. He didn’t like this. That foreboding feeling was riding him hard. “Why is he in your home?” Nija asked as he held his mate behind him. “Why would he be here when you are not?” Nija could feel Jimmy tense up behind him at the brusque way he had asked the question. Too fucking bad. It didn’t set well with him that another man had invaded his mate’s home. “Why are you here, Eli?” Jimmy asked his best friend. Even that title didn’t set well with him. Nija usually wasn’t the possessive type, but he’d never mated before either. He was entitled to be an asshole where Jimmy was concerned. “I—You just turned into a vampire,” Eli said to Nija in a quiet awe. Nija growled, crossed the room, and mugged Eli. How he wished he could snap the guy’s neck in the process. He was ready to mind scrub Eli when his skin felt like a thousand ants were crawling all over it. “What are you doing?” Jimmy asked as he tried to pull Nija’s hand away from Eli’s face. “Are you trying to kill him?” Nija blinked and realized that he had been nearly crushing Eli’s skull. He quickly snatched his hand away and then cocked his head, staring at the man who his mate claimed to be friends with. What in the fuck was going on here? There was no damn way Eli was a lamia. Nija smacked Eli’s face again with his hand, holding the man’s head with his hand as he quickly scrubbed Eli’s mind of vampires and then pulled his cell phone out. “Go into your kitchen, my love,” Nija said gently as he pushed his mate toward the back of the house. There was no way he was leaving Jimmy around a ghoul. He dialed his phone as Jimmy did as he was told. Nija looked over his shoulder to see Eli looking at both of them questioningly.

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“If you brought company home, I can go,” Eli shouted at them from the living room. Nija would have been relieved that the mind scrub worked, only ghouls were tricky bastards. Sometimes it worked. But sometimes they played games, making a vampire think it had worked. “Hello.” “Hey, Christo. It’s Nija. I have a problem.” Nija went on to explain everything. He told the second-in-command about Jimmy and what was going on with his mate, ending the conversation with the ghoul standing in the other room. “Give me his address. I’m sending Buck and Jersey to you.” “But what about the little princes? They need their bodyguards.” Christo snorted. “Christian got into it big-time with the elders. He threatened to remove the need to have any elders if they didn’t get the hell out of his club. That didn’t go over so well with the three bastards. They’re calling a meeting with the higher counsel.” Nija gasped. The higher counsel consisted of two men. Two very ancient men that were in a deep sleep right now. If the elders were going to have a meeting with them, then they were going to be ballsy enough to wake them. Nija didn’t want to be around when that happened. Waking the higher counsel before it was their time was a fifty-fifty chance of having one’s ass handed to them before they were killed. “How are they even going to find them? No one knows where they sleep,” Nija said as he peeked around the corner, watching Eli from the hallway. “Your guess is as good as mine. The prince took his mates home and said he didn’t want to be disturbed.” Thank fuck he called Christo instead of Christian. “I’ll wait here for Buck and Jersey. Have you heard anything about ghouls coming into the area?” “No. I would have known right away if they had. You say this one is your mate’s best friend?”

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“Yeah.” “I’m coming with Buck and Jersey. I want to meet this ghoul.” Nija rolled his eyes. This was turning into a three-ring circus. All he needed was the creepy ass clowns to show up. “I’ll be here.” He hung up the phone and walked into the kitchen to check on his mate, but Jimmy wasn’t in there. “Fuck,” Nija swore as he raced to the living room. Eli was gone as well.

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Chapter Seven Something was way off. No. Something was way, way, way, way off. Jimmy thought it strange when Eli had come through the sliding doors of the kitchen, telling Jimmy to come with him. But Eli was his best friend, so he walked outside as Eli had asked him to. Now they were walking down Hamilton Avenue at two in the morning. “You do realize what time it is, right?” Eli just grunted as he walked alongside Jimmy. “I need to show you something.” Okay. This was way off, but Jimmy had known Eli his whole life. He trusted him. Even if they were walking in the middle of the night to someplace Eli refused to disclose to him. Jimmy rubbed his hands up and down his arms as a strange feeling entered him. He had a bone-deep urge to run. His body was gearing up to haul ass, and Jimmy couldn’t figure out why. But the fight-or-flight was kicking in big-time. His gut was trying to tell him something, but Jimmy wasn’t listening. This was Eli for Christ’s sake. What did he have to fear? He’d known the man his whole—Jimmy stumbled when Eli pushed him in his back, making him hit the ground, hard. “What the fuck, Eli? Have you lost your damn mind?” he shouted as he tried to get back up. “Get over the fence, Jimmy.” Jimmy’s head snapped around and that was when he noticed the graveyard. Oh hell no! “Not on your life. If this is some sort of sick— Oomph!” The wind was knocked out of him when Eli kicked him in his gut. His eyes watered from the pain. “Eli, why?”

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“I really don’t want to hurt you, Jimmy. That wasn’t my intention. Well, not right now, so get your skinny ass over the fence.” The little twink pointed over his shoulder. Wow. He was getting his ass kicked by a five-foot-five guy. How embarrassing. Jimmy pushed himself up from the ground, rubbing his stomach when he noticed Eli didn’t look like Eli. Something was off. A putrid smell wafted past his nose, almost making Jimmy dry heave. He eyed the black iron gate that only stood about three feet high, and then looked back at Eli before twirling around and breaking camp. There was no way he was going into a graveyard. Jimmy had a feeling that if he entered, he wouldn’t be coming out alive. He would become a resident there if he did as Eli commanded. He cried out when he was tackled from behind. Jimmy thrust his arms out, trying his best to stop the downward momentum. The wind was knocked out of his chest as he hit the ground for the second time tonight. “You just had to do things the hard way,” Eli grunted as he pulled Jimmy up by his hair. Sharp and excruciating pain tore through him as Eli yanked him back toward the fence. He tried to swing out, but Eli was fast, dodging anything and everything Jimmy threw at him with his fists and legs. Now he knew something was wrong because Eli wasn’t fast. He’d never been fast. Ever. “Who are you?” he asked as he held on to Eli’s hands, trying his best to keep what hair he could intact, because the super tight hold was threatening to pull every strand out. Eli’s laugh was bone chilling. Okay. Now he knew something was off. Eli didn’t have a bone-chilling laugh. He was a short twink, for crying out loud. There was nothing deep to his voice even when he survived puberty in high school. This wasn’t Eli. What really baffled Jimmy was the fact of how strong and swift pretend Eli was. He may look like his best friend, but this guy was powerful. It made Jimmy shiver at what was about to happen to him. “What are you going to do with me?”

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Eli looked offended, even though he was standing there with a tuft of Jimmy’s hair curled into his fingers. “I’m your best friend. I wouldn’t hurt you.” He smiled, and Jimmy’s blood turned cold. That smile promised something Jimmy knew was going to be painful and torturous. He wondered where Nija was. He needed the man. Even though they were starting out shaky, Jimmy wanted Nija so badly that his heart ached. That empty feeling had come back and taken up residency in his heart. Jimmy was on the verge of crying from the hole left in his chest from the need that was overtaking him. He wanted Nija. “Where is Eli?” Jimmy asked between clenched teeth as he thought of never seeing his vampire again or what the bastard had done to the real Eli. If this fucker hurt his best friend, Jimmy was gonna…he didn’t know what he was going to do, but he was going to do something painful to this guy, thing, whatever. The man chuckled as he pulled Jimmy’s head back by his hair, making Jimmy look him in the eye. “Figured it out, huh?” “Yeah, the smell gave you away. Eli would never go a day without showering, you stinky bastard.” The man roared with laughter, which didn’t even make Jimmy smile, as he pulled Jimmy back toward the graveyard. Jimmy shouted when Eli picked him up and tossed him over the black iron fence. “Yeah,” Jimmy grunted as he rolled over, pain splintering through his ankle at the rough way he had landed. “Eli would never have been able to do that.” “Shut up!” the man shouted as he pulled Jimmy from the ground by his hair once more. This routine was getting old, fast. When Jimmy came to his feet, he howled and dropped back down, ignoring the pain his hair still being in the man’s fingers caused. His ankle felt like a hot poker was stabbing at it. “I think I sprained it.” Jimmy reached down and rubbed his ankle, seeing that it was three times the size it normally should have been. “It’s bad.”

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The man grinned at someone behind Jimmy. He could feel a presence behind him, and that made him shiver with horror. He was too terrified to turn around and look. His night was getting worse by the second and it didn’t look like it was going to get any better any time soon. “Is this him?” someone asked from behind Jimmy. “It is,” the fake Eli answered. Pure terror raced through Jimmy as an ice-cold hand clamped down on his shoulder. He wasn’t sure who it was, but the hand had a very strong grip to it. Jimmy swallowed when the hand released him and the man circled around him, standing front and center. Jimmy’s eyes slowly rose as he took in the man. “Leroy?” **** Nija ripped the front door open, the wood slamming into the wall as he stormed from the house. He was going to kill the bastard. There was no doubt about it. Eli was going to die painfully when he got a hold of him. No one took something from him. And his mate? Hell no. Nija was ready to bathe in Eli’s blood. Nija leaned his head back, inhaling deeply as he searched for his mate’s blood. He had drunk from Jimmy. There was no way he wouldn’t be able to find him. The question was would he find him in time. Nija’s teeth ached at the thought of something happening to his mate. He and Jimmy might have their problems right now, but there was nothing he wouldn’t do for him. There was nothing Nija wouldn’t do to protect him. Jimmy had wrapped Nija around his heart, and his chest actually ached thinking about his mate being harmed. He pushed aside his empty feeling and opened his mind. His blood began to call out to Jimmy’s.

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“What’s going on?” Buck asked as Jersey and Christo joined him. He hadn’t even heard the car pull up. What the hell was wrong with him tonight? Too many things were getting by him, and that didn’t sit well with Nija. “That fucking ghoul stole my mate.” “Have you located him yet?” Christo asked. “Because when you do, I’d love to rip his fucking asshole out through his throat.” “Not before I do.” Nija growled as he began to walk. He could have disseminated and then reappeared where his mate was located, but all vampires—except for the prince and elders—became weak when they used that method of travel, and Nija needed his strength. Nija berated himself for not being able to protect his mate. He had been in the hallway for fuck’s sake. How had he not heard the glass doors sliding open? He would never forgive himself if something happened to Jimmy. The four walked the streets, Jimmy’s blood-call becoming stronger as they neared Holy Cross Cemetery. A sinking feeling entered Nija as he looked around the darkened place. “He’s here.” “Fuck,” Jersey whispered as they hopped the fence into the graveyard. “We’ll find him, Nija.” Yeah, but would they find him dead or alive? Nija became desperate as he followed the calling of Jimmy’s blood. The place was eerily quiet, making Nija think the worst. His mate should have been shouting, fighting. With no sounds around them, Nija feared he was too late. “Over there.” Christo pointed toward a crypt. “The door is open.” Nija hurried his steps as the other three stayed on him. All sorts of scenarios played in his mind as Nija reached the open door. He stood there listening for a moment before walking into the cool and dank building. This was an older graveyard. One of the city’s oldest. The crypt wasn’t one of the newer ones. It was the perfect place for the undesirables to perform all sorts of rituals. It was also the perfect place to use as a playground for the damned.

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He slowly descended the stairs, his hands skimming over ancient stone as he listened intently. Jimmy’s blood was screaming for him. He could feel it. His mate had called out to him with his soul. Nija wanted to cry at the possibility that Jimmy was no longer alive. He shoved that feeling deep down, letting rage play as the dominant emotion. He would use that rage to slowly kill the ghoul if Jimmy was indeed dead. His death would not come swiftly and painlessly. No, that would be too merciful. Nija wasn’t feeling merciful. Vengeance sang through his blood as they entered a small chamber. Christo tapped his shoulder, pointing to another room off to their left. Nija could see some sort of light flickering and dancing on the walls. He slowly made his way across the chamber, heading straight for the light. The four entered the room, and the scene almost made Nija vomit. His stomach rolled as he took in the sight before him. He roared with untapped anger as he leapt across the room, taking Eli down. Buck and Jersey took down the other ghoul with Eli. He tore at the man’s flesh, a red haze taking over as Nija tried to rip skin from bone. His claws shredded through the ghoul’s skin like a knife through butter. To hell with slow and painful. Nija was not himself as he shrieked with rage, his body glorifying in the knowledge that he was avenging his mate as he decimated the ghoul. “He’s alive, Nija. Your mate is breathing,” Christo said as he tried to pull Nija from the carnage. “He needs help now if he is going to survive. Let it go. The ghoul is dead.” The red haze began to lift at Christo’s words. Nija shot up, running toward his mate. Jimmy’s hands had nails hammered through them, keeping him pent to the wall. Blood poured out of his hands and legs as spiked nails were hammered into varied parts of his body. Nija didn’t know where to begin. He knew he had to get Jimmy down, but the thought of putting his mate through more pain made

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him hesitate. His mate was a bloody mess. How he was still alive, Nija didn’t know. “If it’s too much, I can get him down,” Jersey offered. “No.” Nija shook his head as he stared at the most horrifying sight he had ever seen. “It is my mate. I am the one who will save him.” Jersey nodded and took a step back. “I’m right here if you need help.” Nija absently nodded as he approached Jimmy. He could hear small sobs coming from his mate. It tore at his heart to see Jimmy like this. No one should have to go through this sort of torture. Nija wiped at his eyes as he stepped up onto the small platform. He spotted a crowbar that the ghouls had apparently used to drive the spikes into his mate. He reached down and curled his fingers around the cold iron, picking it up and taking a deep breath. He could do this. Jimmy needed him to do this. He needed Nija to be strong. “I called Christian,” Christo said gently. “He said to bring your mate to him.” “Jimmy. His name is Jimmy,” Nija said as he felt himself on the verge of a killing spree. “My mate’s name is Jimmy,” he said through clenched teeth. “He wants you to bring Jimmy to him,” Christo said and then backed away. Nija took a deep breath for bravery and then lifted the crowbar, trying his best to extract the spikes as gently as possible. When Jimmy cried out, Nija’s hand stilled. “You can’t stop, Nija. You have to get him down, now,” Christo said from behind him. “If you can’t do it, step aside. But we don’t have any more time to waste. Even the prince can’t bring someone back from the dead.” Nija glanced at Jimmy face. It was swollen and barely recognizable. A combination of wet and dried blood marred his beautiful features. Nija swallowed, wiped at the tears in his eyes, and

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then lifted the crowbar once again. He cried along with his mate as he yanked the spikes out one by one. Soon Jimmy stopped crying. He made no sound at all as Buck and Jersey got on either side of his mate and held him up while Nija yanked the last of the spikes out. He tossed the crowbar aside and took his mate from the other vampires, holding the broken and battered man in his arms as he disseminated, taking Jimmy straight to the prince. His mate barely had a pulse. There was no time to waste. Nija hurried down the steps in the mansion the coven resided in, desperate to get his mate to the prince in time. He used his foot to kick at Christian’s bedroom door. When the prince opened it, Nija rushed in. “Please, Prince, save my mate,” Nija begged as he laid Jimmy’s limp body out on the cold tiled floor. He used his shirt to wipe the tears that were blinding him as he waited for Christian to save Jimmy. Christian knelt by Jimmy’s side, hovering his hand over Jimmy’s body. “I cannot.” “Why?” Nija shouted as his head snapped up. “He is not tainted. You can convert him.” Christian’s eyes softened as he looked at Nija. “He is tainted. The ghouls have bitten him repeatedly. If I try and drink from him, I will take in their disease.” “What can I do?” Nija asked as bloodred tears rolled down his cheeks. This couldn’t be good-bye. He wasn’t going to kneel here and watch his mate take his last breath. There had to be something he could do to save his mate. “I can transfer my gift to you. I can give you the power to convert him. You do not have the same elements in your blood as I do. It is safe for you to convert him. I’m sorry, young one, but I cannot risk taking in your mate’s blood.” “Do it,” Nija shouted as he felt on the verge of madness. If he lost Jimmy, Nija would surely die. He refused to live in a world without his Jimmy. He would curl up and die along with his mate.

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Christian grabbed Nija’s arm, biting into it. Nija stopped the scream at the last second. The bite was excruciating and made his blood feel like it was on fire as whatever the prince was transferring to him raced through him like a runaway freight train. His entire body burned as Christian drank from him. He then cut a small incision over his wrist with a clawed finger. “Drink.” Nija took the offered arm, drinking deeply. He was amazed to see some of Christian’s memories flow through his blood. He felt as though he were invading the man’s mind. “You are.” Nija’s eyes snapped up as he stared the prince in his eyes. He tried his best to convey to the prince with his eyes that his secrets were safe with him. Christian smiled gently at him and nodded his head. “I know.” Nija released Christian’s arm and screamed when the prince’s blood began to race through him, binding with his own DNA. He knew that Christian had released some of his powers through his blood. That didn’t normally happen when the prince converted someone. He would have to purposefully allow the powers to leave his body. “You did not get them all.” Christian winked and then guided Nija toward Jimmy. “Convert him now or lose him forever.” Nija bit into Jimmy, taking what little blood he had left, leaving only a small amount behind. He then cut his wrist, holding his mate close to his body as he made Jimmy drink. At first his mate resisted, his mouth incapable of sucking the blood past his lips. But Nija wasn’t going to give up. He pinched Jimmy’s nose, making him drink. Once the blood started flowing into his mouth, Jimmy drank greedily. Nija looked up at Christian. “I detected vampire genes in him when we mated. He also gained his memory back after I initially scrubbed his mind and then Harley mind scrubbed him when he left the club. He also suffers from lachtára tou aímatos.”

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Christian smiled at him. “It sounds like he’s one hell of a mate.” The prince knelt beside Nija, examining Jimmy as he drank. “He has a latent gene in him. That is why the mind scrub wore off. But he does not suffer from lachtára tou aímatos, young one. His body is craving the blood that his subconscious knows his body needs. You are not converting him, Nija. You are unlocking that gene, letting him become what he was born to be.” “How?” Nija asked in astonishment. Christian ran his hand over Jimmy’s hair. “It is like a shifter who cannot shift. Only Jimmy wasn’t aware that he was a vampire. His parents had to be. He had to have had a deep craving inside of him, a hunger that he could not understand.” Nija thought about when he had bitten his lip. How Jimmy had greedily drank from him. He felt for his mate, to have a hunger your whole life and never understand what it was. “He may not thank you, but his body will rejoice at finally being set free. Take him through this slowly. Let him adjust to his newfound freedom.” Nija nodded as Christian, along with his mates, who had been standing there watching it all, left the room. “I will give you time with him.” “Thank you, Prince.” Christian nodded as he closed the door behind him. Nija was dying to take Jimmy to his bedroom, but feared moving him at the moment. He would wait until Jimmy was done feeding before he jostled him. His mate was a newborn. The thought astonished him. Jimmy looked helpless lying in his arms as he drank. Nija smiled down at him as he ghosted a knuckle down his mate’s cheek. “Take what you need, my love.” Nija caressed the side of Jimmy’s face as his mate whimpered. “It’s all right. I’ll never leave your side again.” Jimmy took one last drink before closing his eyes and laying his head against Nija’s chest. Nija lifted his wrist and sealed the wound.

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He picked Jimmy up from the cold floor and walked him out of Christian’s room, down the long hallway, and then into his own bedroom. He placed his mate onto his bed. “Sleep, Jimmy.” His mate curled over to his side and sighed.

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Chapter Eight Jimmy inhaled sharply as his eyes sprang open. He felt alive! The blood coursing through his veins made him feel as though he were invincible. He focused on his surroundings, catching the sweet scent close by. His nostrils flared as he took in the heavenly aroma. “You’re awake.” Jimmy rolled to his side and pounced. He pinned Nija beneath him, snapping his teeth mere inches from the man’s face. He felt as though he could take on the world. Before rhyme or reason could take hold, Jimmy sank his fangs into Nija’s neck, growling when Nija bucked beneath him. “Fuck, Jimmy,” Nija groaned as Jimmy drank deeply. His cock hardened, the feeling making him grind into Nija. The man below him squirmed around as he pulled his pajama pants off and then began to yank at Jimmy’s clothes. “Off.” Jimmy kicked his legs until Nija had freed him of his confining clothing. Nija wrapped his legs around Jimmy’s waist, inviting Jimmy to fuck him. Jimmy growled as he continued to drink from Nija. “Fuck me, damn you,” Nija commanded as he grabbed Jimmy’s steel shaft and guided it toward his ass. Jimmy didn’t think twice as he drove home. He’d never fucked a man before, not playing top that is, and he was addicted to the feel of the strong body beneath him. Jimmy couldn’t seem to get enough as he pounded his cock into Nija’s ass.

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“Harder!” Nija growled as he kicked Jimmy away, quickly rolling to his hands and knees. “Fuck me harder, Jimmy. Fuck me like you know you want to.” Jimmy grabbed Nija by his hair, pulling it back as he slammed his cock back into Nija’s ass. He held on to the long, silky strands as if they were reins as he spread his knees apart and thrust deeply into Nija’s body. “Yes!” Jimmy finally became fully aware of his surroundings, the memories slowly returning. His strokes faltered as he thought about being spiked to the wall by his best friend. “No. Focus on me, Jimmy. Focus on fucking me, my love.” Jimmy shook his head, trying to rid his mind of the horrifying images. He released Nija’s hair as he balled his fists up. Eli. How? Nija pulled from under Jimmy, rolling until he was sitting up. “I have you.” Nija shot up, wrapping his arms around Jimmy’s shoulders. “I have you, baby.” “He–He–He tried to kill me,” Jimmy cried out as his shoulders shook. The horrifying images played through his mind over and over again, making Jimmy shake from head to toe. “He tried to kill me.” “I know, baby,” Nija rocked Jimmy in his arms, holding onto him as Jimmy fell apart. Visions of Eli and Leroy pinning him up to the wall, and then Leroy driving the stakes through him plagued him, making his stomach roll. “Why?” “I don’t know, babe. Ghouls never make any sense.” “G–Ghouls?” Jimmy asked as he pulled back, staring Nija in his coal-black eyes. “Yes, Jimmy. Those were ghouls that kidnapped you.” Jimmy shivered. “I called out to you,” he confessed on a whisper. Nija looked like he was in mortal pain. His eyes watered with red tears as he nodded at Jimmy. “I know. I heard you, baby. That’s how I found you.”

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Jimmy nodded, unsure of what to say after going through something as horrific as what he had just experienced. “Hold me.” Nija laid Jimmy down softly, wrapping his body around his. Jimmy breathed in Nija as he tried to purge the images from his mind. He was going to lose his mind if he didn’t forget. He needed to forget. “Make me forget.” Nija shifted his weight, cupping Jimmy’s face and ghosted his lips over Jimmy’s. The feel of his skin was intoxicating as Jimmy tried to crawl inside of the one man that had captured his heart and made him believe that love was real. Nija manacled his wrists, bringing them over Jimmy’s head as he shifted between Jimmy’s legs, letting their cocks grind together as he took possession of Jimmy’s lips, his mind, and his heart. Jimmy was lost in Nija. Jimmy’s skin felt like it was on fire as Nija kissed his way down Jimmy’s neck, stopping at his nipple to lap at it, lightly biting it. He hissed when Nija drew blood, looked up at him, and then gave Jimmy that devastating smile. “Sorry. I got a little carried away.” Jimmy grinned down at the gorgeous man making him feel like he was a king. “Forgiven.” Nija chuckled as he kissed the hurt away. “Better?” “I’m not sure. Do it again.” Nija grinned widely as he kissed Jimmy’s sternum. He kissed from one nipple to the other, letting his tongue trail as he began his descent. “Better?” “Nope,” Jimmy teased as Nija crawled back up his body. “I think I know what will make my Jimmy feel better.” Nija wiggled his brows as he grabbed the lube from the side drawer. Jimmy quirked a brow as Nija lubed his fingers. “Trust me. It’s the cure-all for someone suffering from cock-in-ass-itis.” Jimmy burst out laughing as Nija chuckled. The man was devastating when he smiled. He was so glad that he had given Nija a

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chance and not let his insecurities overrule him. He groaned as Nija inserted a finger. “You know who you are now, don’t you, love?” He nodded. “The fangs were a dead giveaway.” Although he was joking about everything at the moment, Jimmy still felt like his world had turned upside down. He didn’t understand anything that was going on. He tilted his head back as Nija began to kiss him once again. There was nothing in the world that felt better than Nija’s soft lips on his skin. Jimmy wrapped his arms around Nija, pulling the man closer. He needed the comfort in a world that had gone mad. Nija was his rock. Jimmy inhaled sharply when he felt Nija enter him. A deep feeling of peace entered his body as Nija began to slowly rock in and out of him. “You’re safe, baby.” Jimmy wasn’t too sure about that, but he refused to dwell on anything negative right now. Nija was giving him everything he needed at the moment. His head spun with ecstasy as Nija pulled his legs up and over his shoulders, grabbing Jimmy’s hips and rocking back on his heels. “Nija,” Jimmy cried out as he clawed at the soft skin of his vampire. Nija was not only making him forget, but he was making Jimmy fall deeper in love with him from the gentle way he was handling Jimmy. He placed his hands on a solid chest as Nija gazed down at him. He smiled seductively at Jimmy, making his heart skip a beat. “Your ass is so damn tight.” Nija winked at him. “I’m glad you think so.” Jimmy grinned as he arched his back, hitching his ass higher for his lover. Nija growled as he began to fuck Jimmy properly. Jimmy’s head thrashed from side to side as Nija’s cock claimed him. He could feel it grazing his prostate, and the sensation was pushing Jimmy close to the edge.

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He cried out as his orgasm ripped through him, sending him spiraling out of control as Nija hammered into him. Jimmy reached up and yanked Nija toward him, sinking his fangs into his lover. “Yes,” Nija hissed and then sank his teeth into the side of Jimmy’s neck as he grunted out his release. Jimmy wasn’t sure what was going to happen to him now, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to do it without Nija at his side. **** Jersey cocked his head to the side as he watched the strange way Yasuko danced. Usually the small man was like a flowing river, smooth, flawless. But he was very jerky right now. “Hey, Jersey,” Nija called out as he approached with his mate. Jersey was glad everything worked out for the two men. There was nothing worse than losing a mate. He didn’t know how that felt personally, but he’d watched a man or two suffer through it, and it wasn’t a pretty sight. “This is my mate, Jimmy,” Nija said proudly as he introduced his mate to Jersey. Fuckin’ A. Fate had smiled down on Nija. Jersey had seen him when he was a bloody mess, but cleaned up, the man was gorgeous. He had caught a brief glimpse of Jimmy when they had the ceremony the other night, but he had been too busy watching Yasuko then. “Nice to meet you.” Jersey winked at Jimmy as he took his hand. “Back the fuck off,” Nija warned. Jersey chuckled as he kissed the back of Jimmy’s hand. “Get your panties out of a ruffle. I can appreciate beauty when I see it.” Jimmy snorted as he pulled his hand free. Jersey wanted to growl. “I highly doubt that. You must need glasses.” Jersey pulled his brows together at Jimmy before looking over at Nija. “Is he serious?”

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Nija took a step back as he crossed his arms over his chest. “’Fraid so.” How the hell could a hot ass guy like this think he was anything but? It made no sense to—“Oh shit!” Jersey shot onto the dance floor and picked Yasuko up into his arms as he ran to the back office where Christian was holding a meeting. He kicked the door open as he rushed in, not caring in the least that he didn’t knock. “What is it?” Christian and Minsheng shot to their feet as Jersey stood there panicking. “He was twitching funny. Is it his time?” Christian came around the desk and examined Yasuko as Jersey held the small man tightly in his arms. “How do you feel, little doe?” “I am fine. I was trying to scratch my back.” Yasuko beamed up at Jersey. Okay, so he felt like a total ass. But he could have been in labor. Christian chuckled as he kissed Yasuko’s forehead. “Thank you, Jersey, for your swift response.” Yeah, whatever. “No problem.” He gently set Yasuko on his feet as he backed out of the prince’s office. Well, hell. “Excuse me.” Jersey turned to see the man from yesterday, the one who caused Yasuko to fall on his ass. He growled as he slammed the guy into the wall. “You’re not welcome here.” Jersey backed off when Yasuko waddled out of the office. He eyed the fucker up and down, mouthing, “Get out.” The bastard had the nerve to shake his head. “I need to see the prince.” Jersey looked down at Yasuko, who was staring at them curiously. He looked back at the man who was not welcome in their club. “Not a chance.” Just the Christian walked out of his office, Minsheng by his side. “What are you doing here, Vincent?” Christian asked, his voice laced with irritation. Jersey felt him on that one. Too many things were

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going on around here lately. They didn’t need some punk ass vampire fucking with them. And the douche bag wasn’t even from their coven. “I need to speak to you, Prince, about my mate.” Jersey nearly laughed at the ludicrousness of the situation. He felt sorry for anyone unlucky enough to be mated to this fucker. “And who is your mate?” Christian asked, his tone lacking concern. Vincent smiled, the gesture deficient of humor as he licked his bottom lip. “Funny you should ask. He’s in the club now. He goes by the name Jimmy.” **** “So you’re saying I had the gene in me all along?” Jimmy asked, looking confused as hell. Nija smiled as he ran his knuckle down his mate’s face. Jimmy truly was a handsome man. How his mate could think he lacked in anything was beyond Nija. “Yes, babe. It seems the gene was suppressed while you were still in the womb.” Jimmy shook his head as he picked up the tumbler at his fingertips, taking a drink and then coughing. “I hate that I can’t drink anymore.” He set the glass down and then turned to Nija, wiping his mouth. “I knew I was adopted, but I was really born a vampire?” Nija was relieved his mate didn’t look or sound pissed about the fact. He loved being who he was and wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. He prayed Jimmy took the same approach. It was a beautiful thing being a vampire. “Yes,” he answered with a smile. “And might I add that your fangs are sexy as hell.” Jimmy blushed as he ran his tongue over his fangs. “You think I’m sexy?” Nija pushed closer to his mate, invading his personal space as he leaned in, nipping Jimmy softly on his neck. “You are the sexiest man

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I have ever met,” he whispered into his mate’s ear. “I want to fuck you every second I’m around you. And when we’re apart, all I think about is fucking you.” “So I take it you want to fuck me?” Jimmy teased. Nija liked this Jimmy. He was playful and receptive. He ran his knuckles over the bulge in his mate’s jeans. “And you want to fuck me, I see.” Nija was hard as a rock. It was true. Jimmy made him feel alive again. For too long he had just rolled with the punches, merely existing. His mate had breathed new life into old lungs, making him feel as though he could take on the world. “I won’t deny it,” Jimmy said softly as his entire face flushed a deeper shade of red. He was truly adorable. Jimmy looked up from under his lashes, setting Nija’s heart to racing. He dipped his head, kissing his mate, pouring everything he felt into that one kiss. Nija cupped his mate’s face, running his thumbs over Jimmy’s cheeks as he pulled him closer. “I love you, Nija,” Jimmy confessed quietly as Nija broke the kiss. Nija felt like he was walking through the clouds at his mate’s declaration. He smiled down at Jimmy as he rested his forehead against his mate’s. “I love you, too, Jimmy.” “There he is.” Nija’s head snapped up when he heard that voice. It was the man who had tried to take his mate from him. He hissed, pushing Jimmy behind him as Vincent, Christian, Minsheng, Jersey, Christo, and Yasuko approached them. He didn’t care who they were. His mate came first, and he had a feeling that seeing Vincent wasn’t a good thing. He had trouble written all over his face. “What is this?” Christian thinned his lips as he nodded toward Nija’s mate. “Vincent claims that Jimmy is his mate.”

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Nija leapt, punching Vincent in his face as he landed on the man, making Vincent hit the floor hard. Nija wasn’t going to deal with this bastard any longer. He was sick of the man coming near his mate. Jersey pulled Nija from Vincent. He was heaving as he looked down at the bloody mess he had made, realizing at the last minute what Vincent was up to. And Nija had walked right into it. The bastard hadn’t even fought back. Vincent wiped his mouth, turning his head and spitting on the floor as he turned back to Nija, a malicious gleam in his eyes. “I want Nija brought before the elders for attacking me.” Fuck, fuck, fuck. To hell with it. If he was going to be charged…Nija leapt onto the bastard again, landing a solid punch to his face before Jersey pulled him free again. Nija kicked out, his foot landing dead square into Vincent’s family jewels. “Now you have a complaint.” Christian stepped between the two, glaring at Vincent. “What about your claim on Jimmy?” Vincent shrugged. “My mistake. I thought he was.” Nija curled his hands into fists at his side. This was a setup from the word go. He leapt again, but Christian stopped him. “Enough. You’ll get your justice soon enough.” “How?” Vincent shouted. “You can’t deal your own justice!” Christian wrapped his fingers around Vincent’s throat, his fangs inches from the vampire’s face. “Oh, but I can. Have you forgotten who I am?” Vincent glared at Nija. His lips thinned as he shook his head. “No, Prince. I haven’t forgotten.” “I gave you one warning. You intentionally came here tonight to provoke Nija. I’ll not give you another chance.” Christian snapped his fingers, everyone in the club quieting. “Take him outside, Jersey, and tie him up. Let the sun teach him a lesson.” Under any other circumstance, Nija would have felt sorry for the bastard. Not this time. Vincent was a threat to his mate. Nija wasn’t

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going to put up with it. If he came near Jimmy again, Nija was going to finish what he started and kill the bastard. “You can’t do that!” Vincent shouted as Buck and Jersey hauled him toward the back of the club. Christian ignored Vincent as he turned to Nija. “Come to my office. I want to know about those ghouls.” Nija nodded, sliding his hand into Jimmy’s as he watched Vincent being dragged to the back of the club. Okay, so he had an ounce of pity for the man. He averted his eyes. But not enough to help the guy out.

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Chapter Nine Jimmy was lost in the sauce. He didn’t understand a damn thing that was going on. His head was spinning at what the prince had just told him. “So you’re saying that in order for that ghoul to take on Eli’s form, he had to eat Eli?” He was going to be sick. Tears sprang to his eyes as he thought of his childhood friend. “Was he alive when it happened?” he whispered as he stared at his hands in his lap. Nija reached over and clasped Jimmy’s busy hands into his lap as he squeezed them gently. Jimmy knew Nija was only trying to be reassuring, letting him know that he was there for him. But the thing was, Jimmy couldn’t be comforted right now. His mind was in turmoil, and his heart actually hurt. “I’m truly sorry, Jimmy,” the prince said as Jimmy numbly nodded. What was he going to do without his best friend? He held back the sobs he felt trying to break from his chest. He would mourn in private. There would be no public viewing. What he and his best friend had, no one would understand. How could they? Eli had been there for him through thick and thin, ups and downs, and it angered him to think how his best friend had met his end. “I want to go home,” he said as he thought of how terrified his best friend must have been in the end. And Jimmy hadn’t been there for him. “It’s not safe th—” “I don’t give a shit!” Jimmy shouted as he jumped to his feet, pounding his fist into the palm of his hand. “I’ve had nothing but grief since meeting you! Take me fucking home now! As a matter of fact, I don’t need you for shit. Stay the fuck away from me, Nija.” He spun

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on his heel, slamming the office door open as he stormed from the club. Once he was outside, Jimmy tilted his head back, staring up at the moon as grief washed over him. Tears stung at his eyes as he began walking briskly down the street. He wiped at his face as the sobs finally tore from his chest. The loss was so heavy that Jimmy felt as though someone were ripping a part of him away. He dropped to his knees on a patch of grass by a tree as his body shook. He ran his hands up and down his thighs as his head hung. The tears fell freely as Jimmy allowed the pain to take over. “Fuck!” he shouted as he pounded the ground with his fists. Eli was a good person! He didn’t deserve what had happened to him. Jimmy wiped at his face as he pushed to his feet, continuing his trek home. He waved at a cab that passed him by. The brake lights lit up, and then the cab backed up to where he stood numbly, waiting. Jimmy slid into the back seat and slammed the door shut. He gave the cabbie his address as he sat back, trying his best to compose himself. This had been one fucked-up ass night. All he wanted was to take a long hot shower and crawl into bed, forgetting that the world existed. What in the hell was he going to tell Eli’s family? The cab’s brakes squeaked as it stopped in front of his house. Jimmy pulled his wallet out, paying the guy as he slipped from the backseat. He fished his keys from his pocket and then let himself in. He flicked on a single light as he tossed his keys in the bowl by the front door. Jimmy stood there in the entranceway, looking over his small home. It felt empty and cold without Eli invading it, making himself at home. His best friend had been a constant here. Jimmy walked to the bathroom, disrobing as he started the shower. Nothing made sense to him, and at this point, he honestly didn’t care. He stepped under the spray, letting the heat of the water pound into his shoulders. He began to cry again, feeling like he was drowning with no lifejacket in sight. Jimmy watched the water swirl

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around the drain, a tint of red washing down with the water from his tears. What was he going to tell his mom and sister? He was a damn vampire now. Would Melissa understand? Would his button fear him now? Jimmy punched the tiled wall, wondering how his world had changed so drastically in the past two days. The worst thing was what he had said to Nija. It was unforgivable how he had laid into his lover. The man had been by his side from the word jump, and Jimmy basically tore the man’s heart out. He stepped from the shower, drying off, and then headed to his bedroom. Jimmy crawled under the covers, pulling them over his head as he drifted off to sleep, forgetting the world outside and the pain inside. **** Nija sat on Jimmy’s back porch, his hands dangling between his knees as he stared at the lawn under his feet. There was no way he was going to let his mate be alone after everything that had happened—even if Jimmy didn’t want him anymore. He hurt like hell, but Nija wasn’t selfish enough to leave his mate unprotected. He watched his mate’s bedroom light go out. Nija sat back, staring out into the backyard. How had things gone so wrong? They were just sitting at the bar having a good time, professing their love for each other. And now his mate had basically ripped his heart from his chest, handing it to him on a steak knife. Nija was pissed beyond words. He knew Jimmy had a right to be angry about what had happened to Eli. But to turn that anger on him was hard to forgive. Nija knew he wouldn’t be able to stay here long. The sun would drive him to find shelter. He glanced at his mate’s bedroom as sadness washed over him. His life had been a lonely one before Jimmy. An existence he hadn’t realized he hated until he found Jimmy.

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He had thought those days were finally behind him. But after Jimmy’s outburst, Nija knew those days would forever be with him, haunting him, owning him. He stood, exhaling as he disseminated, taking with him the feeling of losing the very reason for his existing. **** Jimmy woke with a start as a hand landed over his mouth. He lay perfectly still as he felt whoever it was lean in close, their hot breath playing across his ear. “We’re finally alone, Jimmy.” Jimmy swallowed as he slowly glanced up at the intruder. Holy fuck. It was one of the men Nija had told him was an elder. The man’s face was decorated with harsh lines as he glared down at Jimmy. “Since I can’t get to one of the prince’s mates, you’ll do just fine.” The man removed his hand, his eyes daring Jimmy to try and fight him. He wasn’t that stupid. The man was an elder for a reason. A title Jimmy wasn’t going to test. He liked breathing through his mouth. “You’re going to use me as a hostage?” he asked incredulously as he cocked his head. “No offense, but you could have picked someone higher up the beanpole.” Damn, why did he have to open his mouth? Was he really trying to die? He knew he was nervous. Hell, he was terrified, so his mouth was going to go a mile a minute. Damn nervous tic. “I would counsel my tongue if I were you. You weren’t wrong in guessing that you are disposable. Keep that in mind before letting your words fly freely.” Tell that to his nervous tic. “All I’m saying is that you won’t get a penny for me.” Do vampires really hold people for ransom? It seemed a bit odd, but so did his entire night. At this point, Jimmy would believe just about anything. Hell, he’d buy the Brooklyn Bridge right about now if someone tried to sell it to him.

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“Fool. I could care less about money. It’s having Christian in our circle that I am after. To travel with the prince would be a highly sought position. No one would think twice about questioning the elders if the prince, the original vampire, was at our side.” “Oh, so you’re in it for the glory. I get it. Have you factored in the fact that his mate is pregnant? I think his suitcases are a thing of the past now.” Good god, would his mouth stay closed? Jimmy couldn’t help it. He was lying here naked under his blanket with a hot ass guy straddling him, and he turned out to be a psychopath. Wasn’t that always the case? Why did the sexy men always have to be nut jobs? He thought about when Nija told him how he had heard Jimmy call out to him. Jimmy wondered if that would work again. He wasn’t even sure how it worked or if Nija would give him the time of day after he had jumped up and down on his heart, but he had to try and get this crazy man off of him. He relaxed as best he could under the circumstances and called out to the man he loved. He may have been hurting, and he knew he was dead wrong for taking it out on Nija, but Jimmy loved the man with every fiber in him. He’d kill a rock to protect and love Nija. Too bad he had acted like a total dick. “Nija! Help me, Nija. Help me, please.” Jimmy repeated his plea over and over in his head as he prayed the man heard him. He wasn’t sure if Nija heard his words or just felt his desperation. He didn’t care. Jimmy had no shame. “I’m sorry for what I said. I was hurting, but I didn’t mean to take it out on you. I love you.” He prayed Nija didn’t think he was saying all of this just because he needed help. He truly was sorry and loved Nija. The man had grown on him. Besides, he was a sexy nut, but he was Jimmy’s sexy nut. “That’s right, call out to your mate.” The elder chuckled menacingly as he shifted around, making Jimmy uncomfortable as hell. “That’s exactly what I want you to do.”

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Mate? That wasn’t the first time he heard that word. Jimmy was going to have to find out exactly what it meant, if he survived this. The elder didn’t look like he had a conscience. The man probably killed his breakfast and thought nothing of it. “While we wait for your plan to work, would you mind getting off of me?” Jimmy curled his lips in when the elder hissed at him. Those were some long ass fangs. Did those come with age? It made Jimmy pray he never got that damn old. They weren’t all that attractive. “Does this make you uncomfortable?” the elder asked. Jimmy had a feeling he was being toyed with. He refused to answer the question. He wasn’t going to play into the man’s hands. Jimmy feared what the elder would do to him if he knew how terrified he really was. “Nope. I’m just not used to a fat ass sitting on me.” Damn. Why did he have to go and say that? Too bad words couldn’t be taken back. If they could, he would take back what he had said to Nija. Fuck Mr. Frodo here. He didn’t care what he said to the elder at this point. It wasn’t like the man was going to release him anyway. “A smart-mouthed newborn. I like it.” The man skimmed his hands over Jimmy’s exposed chest, making him shiver in repulsion. He wasn’t into fucking demented men—or being fucked by them. He wanted Nija. For the second time in two nights, Jimmy was desperate to see his lover. He smashed his eyes closed and called out to him again, despair chasing after his words. He never believed a man could be raped, but he was quickly changing his opinion. The gleam in the elder’s eyes was telling a different story. A twisted story that Jimmy didn’t want to be written into. The man might be stronger than him, but Jimmy wasn’t going down without a fight if he tried anything. “Don’t flatter yourself, newborn. I have never forced anyone, and you will not be the first.” The man said it like he was insulted. “Ah, he is here,” the elder said as he squeezed his thighs tighter around Jimmy. For a man who wasn’t going to try anything, the elder was getting awfully friendly. Jimmy wanted to push the vampire off

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of him. He didn’t want Nija to see them like this. Although they weren’t doing a damn thing, the image was going to hurt his lover. “You have five seconds to get off of him,” Nija said in a deadly calm voice from behind them. The voice was music to Jimmy’s ears. He wanted to throw himself into Nija’s arms and beg forgiveness, but that was impossible at the moment with the oversized growth on his groin. “I’m sorry, Nija,” Jimmy said with regret as he tried to convey his feelings with his eyes. “I know, my love. I heard it all.” Nija moved around the bed, his eyes widening for a split second before he schooled his features. Jimmy knew it had to be a shocker to see an elder sitting on his fucking lap. He still couldn’t believe it himself. “You will tell Christian to join us, or you will never see him again,” the elder said before the room vanished right before Jimmy’s very eyes. **** Nija was stunned and infuriated at the same time. An elder? He disseminated from Jimmy’s home, appearing in Christian’s office. “An elder has taken my mate.” Christian shot from his seat, rage pulling his face back as he growled. “Which one?” “It was the one who had eyed my mate at the ceremony. The third to walk into the club.” Nija began to pace back and forth as he worried about his mate. He had seen the naked state his mate lay in. Nija wasn’t sure how sadistic the elder was, and he didn’t want to find out. But if he harmed one hair on Jimmy’s head, the bastard was going to eat his own balls. Christian growled as he walked around his desk, standing in front of Nija, stopping his manic pacing. “Mallon. That bastard has caused more trouble than he’s worth lately.”

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“Yeah, well, he has Jimmy now. He said to tell you that I would not see my mate again unless you agree to join them. Tell me, Prince. What am I to do? He has my mate. I will not stand by and hope that all will work out. Jimmy is mine, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get him back. Whatever it takes.” Christian glanced at Minsheng and then Yasuko before turning back to Nija. “We will go retrieve him. I have a feeling I know where Mallon has taken him.” “You cannot go without me!” Minsheng shouted. “I will not let you go unprotected.” His fists slammed into the desk as he glared darkly at Nija. “And what of Yasuko? What if his birthing time comes while I am gone? He needs one of us.” “He needs both of us,” Minsheng countered as he crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at the prince this time. Yasuko walked slowly over to Minsheng, placing his hand on his shoulder. “I need you, Minsheng. Please don’t fight the prince on this. What if it was one of us that were taken? Do you think the prince would not hesitate to get us back? Let him help Nija.” Minsheng’s eyes softened when he looked at Yasuko. Nija couldn’t help but feel as though he were watching something very intimate. He averted his eyes as he waited on the decision to be made. “Fine. But you better bring my mate back, Nija,” Minsheng said begrudgingly. “It won’t be pretty if you don’t.” Nija knew that for a fact. Minsheng was a force to be reckoned with. “No worries, young Prince. If something has happened to my mate, I will not be returning.” Minsheng nodded his understanding as Christian smiled at his mates. The prince laid a hand on Nija’s shoulder. “Take care of Yasuko for me, little one.” Minsheng nodded. “With my life.” “I love you!” Yasuko called out as Nija and Christian vanished from the club.

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Nija exhaled sharply when bitter cold air invaded his lungs. He looked around the cavern they had materialized in. Nija could hear the winds howling through the cavern as he shivered, rubbing his hands up and down his arms. “Where are we?” “Mallon’s home.” Nija glanced around, wondering how anyone could live like this. The place was cold and forbidden looking. He wouldn’t wish this place on a bear. The walls were covered in ice, the ground hard and slippery. Nija treaded carefully as he looked around, wondering if his Jimmy was freezing right now. “Do not let this place fool you. Mallon lives very comfortably in the belly of this mountain. This cavern is just a place to ward off uninvited guests.” “Jimmy, can you hear me, love?” He had never tried to use their mental bond before. With everything else going on, he didn’t want to frighten his mate. Jimmy had spoken to him before through the link. He prayed his mate would do so now. He could have followed the call of Jimmy’s blood, but Nija wanted to hear that his mate was okay. He didn’t want to walk into another horrific scene. Nija wouldn’t be able to stand another sight like that for as long as he lived. “Yes.” Nija breathed a sigh of relief. His mate was alive. “Don’t come. It’s a trap.” “My mate says that it is a trap,” Nija said to Christian. There was no way he was leaving Jimmy to the elder. Trap or not, Nija was getting his mate back. “I would have been surprised if it weren’t,” Christian said as he waved his hand over a small part of the cavern wall. Nija was surprised to see the stone pull into the side of the cavern and then a door sliding open on the other side of the barren room. “Follow me. But do everything I tell you to without question. Understood?” “Yes, Prince.” Nija wasn’t sure what to expect, but he trusted his prince more than he trusted anyone, except Jimmy.

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Nija followed Christian through the narrow passageway. It was pitch black inside the cavern wall, but vampires had excellent night vision. He had to admit, even for him, it was hard to see in total darkness. He made out the walls and the prince in front of him, but nothing else could be seen. “Whatever happens, remember that I will not harm you or your mate.” Nija nodded even though Christian couldn’t see him. He had seen Christian’s other form and knew what the prince was referring to. He had a feeling that someone was about to die, and he for one was voting for Mallon. Nija was considered a young one among his people, but Christian had still given him rank. It made him proud to fight beside the beloved original. He may be fourth in rank, a position he had fought hard for, but he wasn’t a neophyte when it came to dangerous situations. He could feel them descending further into the mountain. Nija was getting anxious to hold his mate the longer it took to get to him. “Do you know what kind of trap he has set for us?” Nija waited, but Jimmy didn’t answer him. He started to become worried when he finally heard his mate’s beautiful voice. “I’m not sure. I’ve never seen anything like it. Be careful of the ghouls he has guarding the passageways. He seems pretty damn proud of the things. The two creatures look like the guys I saw at the club.” Shit. How had the elder gotten ahold of coven members? Nija wanted to know who they were, but knew his mate really didn’t know anyone by name. He would soon find out. They finally made it to the bottom, warmer air greeting them. Nija glanced around in hopes that he would spot his mate. As they entered a far room, Nija placed his hand on Christian’s upper arm. “He has ghouls waiting for us.” Christian nodded as they walked through the opening. Nija gasped at the sight before them.

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There, in the middle of the cavern, stood Minsheng and Yasuko.

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Chapter Ten Jimmy couldn’t even begin to describe how relieved he was when he saw Nija and Christian walk into the room that reminded Jimmy of a medieval castle. He had no clue where he was, but he was thankful that Nija had found him. “Are you hurt?” Nija asked. Jimmy closed his eyes to his lover’s voice. It brought him comfort when he felt his world was in chaos. “No.” But he was still fucking naked. The bastard hadn’t even given him anything to wear. He had made Jimmy sit on a fur rug without giving him a blanket or anything to cover his nudity with. Jimmy had a feeling the man was doing it to humiliate him. The elder seemed a little off to him. He wasn’t sure if that was how an elder normally acted, but the man had a few marbles missing. “What game is this you play?” Christian asked. “Those are not my mates.” He waved his hand toward the ghouls. Jimmy hoped they were ghouls. He had told Nija they were, but that was wishful thinking. If they weren’t, the shit around here was about to get butt ugly. Jimmy wanted to cry for the prince. If the ghouls looked like his mates, then the two small men were dead. Losing his best friend was hard to take, but losing the two men he loved would surely send the prince over the edge. Jimmy wondered how the man could be so calm as he looked at the two men. “No, Prince. They are not. They are ghouls. Do you know what that means?” the sick bastard asked with glee. Jimmy had an urge to kick the man’s ass. He was taking joy in the prince’s loss. That was just wrong any way one looked at it.

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“I have no clue what you expect to gain from this. But my mates are fine. I don’t know how you accomplished this, but this is not the way to pull me into your circle, Mallon.” “My circle?” Mallon laughed as the fake Minsheng and Yasuko moved closer to the prince. Jimmy sprang to his feet, pushing Christian out of the way when one of the ghouls drew something from behind his back and threw it at the prince. He wasn’t sure what made him spring into action, but the thought of someone getting hurt when they had come to help him wasn’t going to happen. Jimmy cried out when Nija pulled him into his strong arms. He had been dying to be held by his lover. Jimmy wept as Nija enveloped him into a cocoon of safety. “I don’t want you in my circle, Prince.” The elder spat as he growled out the words. “I want your powers!” “Oh, geez.” Christian rolled his eyes as he clucked his tongue. “Not another one.” Jimmy wasn’t sure what powers Mallon wanted, but Christian sure didn’t seem too upset about the whole situation. He had a new respect for the prince. The man knew how to keep a straight head. Unlike Jimmy, who was freaking the hell out. Jimmy yelped when Nija tried to dematerialize. He elbowed his lover in his ribs. “Don’t you dare.” “Believe me, my love. Christian can take care of himself.” Jimmy shook his head adamantly. “No. I’m not leaving him. Besides, do you think he can kill those ghouls that look like his mates? Hmm?” Nija looked repentant as he shook his head. “Point taken.” Jimmy felt better that they were staying to help the prince if he needed it, but looking around the room, taking everything in, he realized that nightmares did indeed exist. He was standing in the middle of a very real one that he feared they wouldn’t make it out of. He was being brave for Christian. The man must be suffering terribly, but inside Jimmy wasn’t so sure staying had been the brightest idea.

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Regardless, he wasn’t a coward, and he wasn’t going to leave a man behind, even if it was the prince of vampires. “I have heard this same line many times in my life. Do you think you are the first to thirst after what I possess?” Christian asked with a chuckle as he placed his hands behind his back. “I’m afraid not. And you will no doubt try something stupid.” Mallon looked pissed, like he wanted to cleave Christian in half. Jimmy watched the ghouls from the corner of his eyes, and that was when he noticed the body lying in a corner of the room. How had he missed that? He took a step closer, but Nija grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “Stay with me, babe.” “Look.” Jimmy nodded toward the corpse lying in an odd position on the earthen floor. He wanted to go to the dead man and help him. It was a ridiculous thought, but Jimmy felt compelled to help the poor man. “It is a trick. Don’t fall for it. Vampires can be very sadistic. He is toying with your sympathy, Jimmy,” Nija warned. Even so, Jimmy couldn’t help but feel for the man. He gasped when he saw a finger twitch. “He’s alive,” Jimmy whispered to Nija as he tried to get free of his lover’s hold. How in the hell could the man be alive and look like that? He took comfort in the arm that wrapped around him as Nija pulled Jimmy to his chest. “I am not stupid, Christian. Not by far. You have met your match,” Mallon continued, but Jimmy was only half listening. He wanted to go examine the man. He felt regretful for the broken shell of someone who no longer would take joy in life. His attention was snatched away from the broken man when Christian lifted his arms high, making the two ghouls who resembled his mates slam into the wall, their bodies crumbling to the floor. Jimmy didn’t know how the prince could have done it, but he saw

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now that Christian didn’t play around. The prince of vampires was ferocious. “Stop playing these childish games with me. I see you are the one who has brought the ghouls here. Why, Mallon? You had it all, money, prestige, position of authority. Why throw it all away on some frivolous power hunger?” “It is not frivolous! You are the one who has it all. It should be me that rules our world!” Mallon was turning red as a beet as his anger started to show. The man was losing control fast, like he hadn’t already, and was going to fuck up. Jimmy could feel it. Christian lifted both hands this time, and Jimmy watched in horror as the two ghouls screeched in pain as the prince tore them apart in midair. It was the sickest thing he had ever witnessed. He wanted to scrub his brain with a scouring pad to get rid of the image. “Those were indeed your mates.” Mallon tried one last time to rattle the prince. Jimmy didn’t believe they were, but a small part of him wondered if maybe the psycho bastard was telling the truth. Jimmy wasn’t sure what he should do. He stood there frozen as he watched Christian turned into something monstrous right before his very eyes. His skin turned a purplish color, his fangs growing until they reached his chin. He even grew in size, at least two feet taller. Jimmy was ready to piss himself. And then he saw the claws. “You want to challenge me?” Christian laughed manically as he splayed his arms wide. “Bring it on, Mallon. I’ve killed men mightier than you. You’re a pussy in my book. The nut staining the sheets after a bad fuck.” Holy. Shit. Jimmy would rather take on Satan. He began to shake at the sheer size of the prince. If the apocalypse hit now, Jimmy was on the prince’s team, hands down. “He won’t harm you,” Nija reassured him. Yeah, that reassurance went a long way. He’d feel safe once he was the fuck out of there. Nija wasn’t kidding when he said Christian could take care of himself. Shit.

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Jimmy scooted closer to the downed man when Christian and Mallon started circling each other, getting ready to battle. He fell to his knees when he recognized who it was. No! It couldn’t be. There was no way. “Oh fucking hell.” Jimmy wasn’t sure where he could touch. Eli was battered and broken beyond recognition. The only reason Jimmy knew who he was was because he had known him forever. “Eli, hon, I’m going to move you. I won’t lie, it’s gonna hurt like a bitch,” Jimmy sobbed as he wondered where to touch his best friend. Eli made no sign that he had heard Jimmy. He looked over his shoulder at Nija. “We need to get him out of here.” Nija glanced at Christian for a moment. “He can handle himself. It’s Eli that needs our help. Please, Nija. Please help me,” Jimmy begged as he slowly pushed his arm under Eli’s shoulders, placing the other one under his best friend’s knees. He took a deep breath and then pulled Eli from the floor. The man didn’t even make a sound. “He is barely alive,” Nija said as he wrapped his arms around Jimmy. “We must hurry.” “What about Christian?” Even though Jimmy was desperate to get Eli help, he honestly didn’t want to leave the prince to battle the elder alone. Guilt swamped him as he felt like he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. “I can take care of that.” Nija tilted his head back, his eyes resembling someone in REM sleep and then he lowered his head. “Christo and Buck should be here momentarily.” “Then we wait,” Jimmy said as he stared down at his best friend who lay limp in his arms. “I’m sorry, buddy, but he helped us. I can’t leave him here alone.” He could feel tears rolling down his face as he glanced at the many bruises covering Eli’s body. It was a macramé of teeth marks and what looked to be whipping marks. Jimmy clenched his jaw. He wanted to set Eli down and pummel Mallon. “We must go, Jimmy. Eli can’t wait.”

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Before Jimmy could protest, they were in the prince’s office. “Where is my mate!” Minsheng shouted as he released Yasuko and rounded the desk. “You left him to die!” “No.” Nija shook his head. “Christo and Buck are going to help him. This man is my mate’s best friend. He needs my help, something I couldn’t give him in the cavern.” Yasuko wobbled over to Jimmy. “Lay him on the couch, Jimmy.” He followed the pair over to the leather sofa. “I’ll have to convert him.” Nija looked up at Jimmy from bended knee. “Do whatever it takes to save him. I won’t lose him again.” Jimmy began to pace the office as Nija worked over Eli. He prayed they weren’t too late. He was ecstatic that Eli was alive, but he wondered if saving him was the right decision. What had his best friend gone through? Would he even be sane? Would Eli hate him for this? “Here’s your milk, Prince.” “Thank you, Jersey.” Yasuko took the tall glass of the white liquid. Jimmy cringed at the thought of drinking that crap. Not even before his conversion did he like milk. It was thick and gross. Jimmy jumped back when the man called Jersey roared at the couch. “Mine!” **** Jersey shook his head as he stared down at the fragile and broken man. “Who did this to him?” “One of the elders,” Nija’s mate informed him. Jersey was taken aback. “An elder did this?” It didn’t make sense to him. Elders were supposed to uphold vampire law. They were the good guys, mostly. But to do something like this to an innocent human was barbaric even for a vampire. “What the fuck are you doing?” he roared at Nija when the vampire bit into his mate.

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“Saving him. Christian transferred some of his powers to me when I had to save Jimmy. Now get the hell out of my face and let me save your damn mate.” Jersey stepped back. He didn’t know the first thing about converting, and he wasn’t going to get in the way. “What’s his name?” he asked as Nija converted his little brown-haired mate. “Eli,” Jimmy informed him. Eli. Jersey liked that. His name was different, just like Jersey’s. He felt a bond with the small man already. “Can you do it, Nija? Can you save him?” “If you let me be. This isn’t all that easy, you know?” Jersey curled his lips in, standing there with rocks in his stomach. “Is he your mate?” Yasuko asked as he gently laid a hand on Jersey’s arm. “Yeah, Yasuko. He is.” Jersey had to swallow a few times as he looked his mate over. He was bruised and a few of his limbs were broken. He wanted to pull the small man into his arms and hold him close. “He will be fine.” Yasuko smiled up at him. “You are a good man. He is lucky.” “I’m the lucky one.” And that was the truth. Fate had gifted him with a sprite, and Jersey was going to cherish the man forever. And he was going to find out which elder did this to Eli. The man wasn’t going to live. Not only had the elder tried to kill his mate, but the vampire had harmed an innocent. It wouldn’t be allowed. He knew all he had to do was tell his brother, Buck, what happened and his brother would have his back. They were close like that. “Where is the prince?” he asked Jimmy. **** “Well, that’s an odd story.” Jimmy glanced at Minsheng and then Yasuko when the pregnant man asked him what happened in the

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cavern. He wasn’t sure if he should tell someone expecting about what went down in the strange room. Would that send him into labor? “I’m listening,” Minsheng said with absolutely no humor to his face. Jimmy guessed he would find out. “There were these ghouls that looked like the two of you. Christian turned into this monster that looked like he was going to eat everyone, killed the ghouls, and is now battling it out with Mallon. Okay, he killed the ghouls before he changed, but it was still some freaky ass shit.” Minsheng growled as Yasuko gaped at him. “They looked like us?” Jimmy nodded. “And Christian was a monster. You did hear that part, right?” Minsheng snorted. “That is his true form. What interests me is that my mate slung me around and then killed me.” Jimmy rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t you. He knew that.” Out of everything he had just conveyed, Minsheng was stuck on that part? “He was a monster.” Yasuko giggled. “He is sexy when he looks like that.” Jimmy curled his lip back. “If you say so.” He shivered as he turned to look at Nija and Eli. He couldn’t help but see how Jersey was pining for Eli. This was going to be something to watch. As far as Jimmy knew, Eli wasn’t revealing that he was gay. Yeah, real interesting. “He is asleep now. Let the conversion do its job. It has many things to repair,” Nija said as he pushed to his feet. “Don’t move him, Jersey.” “I won’t,” the big guy said as he sat on the floor next to Eli. The man was practically mooning over Eli as he gazed at him. “Hey, big guy. Eli loves chocolate. Or used to. He also likes practical jokes and long strolls along the beach.” Nija growled, pulling Jimmy from the office. “What? He does like jokes.”

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“Long walks along the beach? Jersey will take your word for it.” Jimmy snickered. “This I’ve got to see.” He turned serious as he looked back at his best friend. “He’s going to be okay, right?” He didn’t like the shrug Nija gave him. “No one will know until he awakens.” Jimmy chewed his bottom lip as Christian, Christo, and Buck appeared in his office. “What happened?” he blurted out before he could stop himself. He was anxious to know that the sick bastard was dead. The thought of him running loose sickened Jimmy. “He somehow got away,” Christian said tiredly. “I’m still trying to figure out how he did it. The only thing that comes to mind is that he had help. Even being an elder, he shouldn’t have those powers.” Jimmy’s stomach sank. Fuck. That sick psycho was still out there. He heard Jersey growl as the prince sat behind his desk, opening his arms as Yasuko crawled onto his lap, Minsheng taking up post behind his chair. Jimmy pushed his body into Nija’s arms, his lover wrapping his strong arms around him. It felt good to have someone to love him like this. He watched how the prince looked adoringly at his mates and was glad that he had someone to do the same with. “I’m sorry.” Nija kissed the side of his head. “You were in pain. I won’t say that it didn’t hurt, but I understand.” Jimmy hated the fact that he had hurt the one man he loved more than anything. Eli better pull through or he was going to kick his ass for making Jimmy act the way he had. Jimmy took one last look at Jersey before following Nija from the office. If one more person messed with him, Jimmy was going to eat him.

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Chapter Eleven Nija growled as he pulled his mate closer. Jimmy’s creamy skin tempted him in ways that made his head spin. Nija ran his fangs over Jimmy’s shoulder as his mate turned over in his bed. They had just finished fucking, and Nija was ready to go again. “I know that look,” Jimmy teased as he jutted his ass into the air. “You’re wanting more of the Jimmy butt, aren’t you?” Nija chuckled as he nipped his mate. “Are you teasing me with that fine ass of yours?” He gave it a light tap and then squeezed the soft skin. “Maybe.” “Hmm. It looks like someone else is ready to go for another round.” Nija wasn’t going to complain. He’d never get enough of his mate. He could stay buried in Jimmy’s ass for the rest of his life. Jimmy groaned, grinding his head into the pillow, making Nija hard again with the sweet sex sounds he was making. Nija rolled on top of his mate, straddling his ass as he ran his hands up Jimmy’s back. Jimmy sighed as he crossed his arms under his head. “Will it always be like this?” “Like what, baby?” “Peaceful between us?” Jimmy looked over his shoulder at Nija, a hopeful look in his eyes. “As long as I can help it.” Nija winked at his mate and then tapped his cock against Jimmy’s two luscious mounds. “Ready to go again?” “Uh-huh,” Jimmy moaned as he reached behind himself and pulled his cheeks apart. Nija’s mouth watered at the sight. His cock grew impossibly harder as he ran the head of his shaft over Jimmy’s

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tender opening. It was swollen and red, and sexy as fuck. He reveled in the knowledge that he was the one to make it look so puckered. Nija lined the head of his cock up, repositioned his legs, and then sank deep. He watched his mate’s body swallow him whole. Fuck if that wasn’t a fantastic feeling. Nija blanketed his mate as he spread his knees wider, pulling back and then slowly pushing forward, enjoying the lazy fucking session. “Feel good, love?” “God, yes,” Jimmy said as he turned his head, searching for a kiss. “I love you,” Jimmy whispered against his lips. Nija plunged his tongue in, sweeping the inside of his mate’s mouth in a passionate kiss at his mate’s words. Nothing sounded sweeter. Nija pulled his hips back, thrusting back into his mate’s ass as his fingers curled around Jimmy’s hands, their fingers entwining. He broke the kiss, gasping as he felt his orgasm mounting. “I’m close, Jimmy. Come for me.” Jimmy arched his back, crying out as his hole squeezed and milked Nija’s cock as Jimmy’s ass throbbed out from his release. Nija’s heartbeat thundered as his orgasm took over, and he pounded into Jimmy’s ass as his seed spurted from his cock. Nija growled as his body jerked with mini aftershocks. “Fuck, it just keeps getting better and better,” Jimmy said between rough breaths. Nija leaned up and kissed his mate when his cell phone went off. Whoever it was better have a damn good excuse to be calling him when he was getting some Jimmy loving. “What?” “It’s Jersey. Something’s wrong with Eli.” Nija cursed as he swung his legs over the bed, grabbing his clothes as he tossed the phone aside. “It’s Eli. You better get dressed.” Jimmy sprang to his feet, shoving his legs into his pants as he tried to get his shoes on at the same time. Nija didn’t try to stop his mate. He knew Jimmy was a nervous wreck over his best friend. Just

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because Nija got the first conversion right didn’t mean he was an expert at it. He could have royally screwed up the second one. There was a delicate balance when converting someone and if not an experienced converter, the outcome could be ugly. He prayed that wasn’t the case with Eli. “Is he okay?” Jimmy asked as he shoved his head into his T-shirt. “Is that why they called? Is Eli awake?” “We’ll know soon enough, babe.” Nija wrapped his arms around Jimmy and disseminated. He released his mate once they arrived in Christian’s office. Nija quickly made his way over to the couch. Eli was lying there screaming as he writhed around in pain. Oh shit. What was he supposed to do now? Jersey was looking at him like he had the cure-all for his mate. That was the farthest thing from the truth. Nija was clueless. “Where’s Christian?” Nija asked as he looked around. Jersey wrung his hands as he shook his head. “Yasuko went into labor. He’s with his mates and the doctor.” Fan-fucking-tastic. Now what was he supposed to do? He’d never seen anyone go through pain before, not when being converted. Not that he was an expert on the subject. Nija felt helpless and stupid. Nothing came to mind as Eli cried out. Jersey dropped to his knees, pulling Eli into his arms, rocking him. “Do something!” “What? Christian just passed these powers onto me. They didn’t come with a handbook.” Nija was desperate. Hearing Eli scream in pain was both deafening and painful. It hurt him to see Jimmy’s best friend and Jersey’s mate in such agony. “Finish the conversion,” Christian said as he stepped into the office. “But I did!” Nija didn’t mean to shout at his prince, but the screaming was taking its toll.

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“If you had, he would not be in pain. Now stop arguing and finish it!” Christian commanded as he walked across the room and stood by Jersey. “You did not give him a piece of your essence.” “My what?” Nija stared at the prince like he was speaking a foreign language. “This is why any other vampire cannot convert. You have to give him a part of who you are. That is why I don’t run around converting every Tom, Dick, and Harry. It takes from you as you give new life. Now give him a part of you to finish his conversion or he will go mad.” Nija pushed Jersey aside as he scooted onto the couch. “How?” He looked up at his prince for guidance. “Jimmy was already your mate. So the essence came naturally.” “I have to fuck him?” Nija asked in astonishment. Both Jimmy and Jersey growled. “No.” Christian shook his head. “You have to open your mind and give him a part of you. Bite into him and open your mind. You’ll see what I mean.” Nija wasn’t too sure about this, but what did he know? Christian was the teacher in this. Nija was the clumsy student who only got it half right and felt like shit for it. He bit into Eli’s neck, hearing Jersey growling as he opened his mind. He was stunned to see his essence flowing around seamlessly. He mentally reached out, grabbing a part of it and then pushed it inside Eli through the open wound. It was all mental, but Nija could feel a part of him flowing into the other man. When Eli quieted down and Nija felt the bond form, he pulled back. Christian hadn’t said anything about a bond. Was this why the prince had so many loyal followers? Nah, Christian was a great leader, standing on his name alone. But the feeling was soul stirring nonetheless. “Is he okay?” Jersey asked as he picked Eli up, cradling him close to his large chest.

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“He is fine,” Christian said as he laid a hand on Jersey’s shoulder. “Take him home, and put him in your bed.” “How is Yasuko?” Jersey asked as he crushed Eli to him. Nija thought for sure the small man was going to suffocate from the fierce hold Jersey had on him. He had an urge to insert a breathing tube or something. “Better than expected. He is handling it well. But he has only begun.” Christian winked as he left the room. “I’m sorry, Jersey. I didn’t know,” Nija offered as he watched the small man sleeping in Jersey’s arms. The contrast in body size was amazing to Nija. “We’re good. I know you didn’t do it on purpose.” “Take care of him or I’ll kick your ass,” Jimmy warned as he eyed Jersey. Nija wanted to laugh but didn’t want to hurt Jimmy’s intimidating glare. He was too adorable. “Promise.” Jersey grinned as he disseminated. Nija had no doubt that Eli was in good hands. He had a feeling Jersey would snuff out anyone who came to close to the short man. Jimmy laced his fingers with Nija’s as he chuckled. “Well, that was exciting.” Nija pulled his mate from the office. It had been a long night and all he wanted to do was go to sleep. “Come on, babe. Let’s blow this popsicle stand.” **** Jimmy looked around the house to see if he had remembered to grab his Rolling Heads CD collection when the doorbell chimed. He smiled as he walked toward the front door. “Is this your family?” Nija asked from the couch. “Some,” he replied as he opened the door. “Jimmy!” Melissa threw herself into Jimmy’s arms. “Where the hell have you been?”

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“Yeah,” button growled as she placed her small fists on her hips. “Where the hell you been?” “No, honey. You can’t say that,” Melissa said to her daughter as Jimmy chuckled. His niece ignored her mother as she gave Jimmy the stink eye. “Grrr,” Felicity growled at Jimmy. “The bear is going to eat you for not being home.” Jimmy was terrified to tell Melissa what was going on. And he was doubly frightened that Felicity would be afraid of him now. He tried his best to hide his fangs as he led his sister and niece into the living room. “Melissa, button, this is Nija. He’s, uh, my boyfriend.” Jimmy took a step back, waiting for the questions. He was surprised when Melissa hugged Nija. “About time he found someone.” She laughed as she pulled away, her swollen belly still managing to get into the way of everything. “Is he my uncle, too?” Felicity asked. Nija squatted in front of his button. “I am. How do you do, princess?” Nija shook her small hand and Felicity giggled. “My name is button,” she corrected Nija. Jimmy chuckled. He knew she liked that name. Brat. He was glad to see his family and Nija hitting it off so well, but he was still a nervous wreck. There were things he needed to discuss with his sister, things she wasn’t going to be too happy about. “Can I talk with you in the kitchen, sis?” Felicity rolled her eyes. “When will you treat me like a grown up?” Jimmy chuckled as he stared from his niece to Nija. “I have little Miss Button. Go ahead.” Nija smiled as he began a conversation about bears and dinosaurs with Felicity. “What’s up, Jimmy?” Melissa asked as she entered the kitchen and leaned against a counter.

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“I wanted to let you know that I’m going away for a while. I’m leaving you and Larry the house.” Melissa smiled as she rubbed her belly. “I had a feeling this day was coming.” Okay, Jimmy was confused at her reaction. “What do you mean?” Melissa cleared her throat as she pushed away from the counter, taking Jimmy’s hands in hers. “Mom never told you about your adoption, did she?” Jimmy shook his head. “No, she just told me I was adopted. She never gave me any details.” Melissa sighed. “I told her she should have told you everything. Now it’s up to me to fill you in. That’s not fair. Please don’t hate me for keeping her secret.” The hairs on Jimmy’s neck stood as he pulled his hands free of his sister’s. “Spill.” “A man came to Mom, wanting her to take you in. He told her that there was something very special about you, but that your parents had died and you needed a good, loving home to grow up in.” This was starting out as one of those but stories. He could just feel it. “But?” Melissa looked past Jimmy’s shoulder and then cleared her throat. “You were born a vampire, but the man said something went wrong in the womb. I never truly believed him. You were a normal, healthy boy growing up. Both Mom and I thought he was nuts.” “And Dad?” Melissa shook her head once again as she reached into the fridge and pulled out a bottle of juice. “He just thought Mom wanted a son, so he agreed. He never knew what the man had said to her.” “So I was some sort of back-alley adoption. A freak giveaway?” Jimmy asked as his jaw clenched and his hands fisted. “It would have been nice to know, Melissa. I’ve gone through hell my entire life wondering why I was different. Why I had a hunger I couldn’t do anything about. I had no damn idea what I hungered for.”

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“But you weren’t different,” Melissa protested. Jimmy held up his hand. “Yes, I was.” He bared his fangs, showing Melissa how true the mysterious man was who dropped him on some human’s doorstep. “Oh my.” Melissa covered her mouth with her hand and then stepped toward Jimmy, touching the tips of his fangs with her fingernails. “Wow.” “Are they real?” Felicity asked as she ran into the kitchen. Jimmy saw Nija standing in the doorway, a look of support emanating from his face. Jimmy knew Nija was there to protect him, but this was his sister. It was unnecessary. If she didn’t accept him, he would deal with the loss. But the gesture was appreciated. “Now you are a bear.” Felicity squealed with delight. “Cool.” Jimmy eyed Melissa for a moment before he bent at the waist and picked his niece up, running his hand over her beautiful hair. “She will always be protected and loved. Don’t take that away from me.” Melissa looked near tears as she smiled at Jimmy. Nija came up behind him, placing his hand on the small of Jimmy’s back. “I would never take her from you. Any time you want to see her, you know where we live.” Nija’s hand ran up and down Jimmy’s back as relief flooded him. “Tell Mom what I’ve told you. What you’ve seen. Let her know that her son is truly a vampire.” “Cool,” Felicity said as she poked at his fangs. “Will you come to my school and show everyone? They won’t believe me.” “I’ll talk to her,” Melissa said as she rolled her eyes. “Besides, everyone will think she’s just going through a stage.” “Will not!” Felicity shouted and then looked repentant. “Sorry, Mama.” Jimmy squeezed his niece tight to his chest before setting her down. “Now that that’s settled, let me get packed.”

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Chapter Twelve Nija was laid back in one of the booths upstairs at The Manacle. He caressed Jimmy’s soft skin with the back of his knuckles as he looked out over the club. Yasuko had given birth to a healthy vampiric baby boy. Christian and Minsheng hadn’t left the small man’s side since. No one had seen Minzhe since he was born. Nija understood. It was their family time. “You know, I can be of use around here. I’m not just your arm candy,” Jimmy said as he made swirling patterns on the back of Nija’s hand. “Oh, yeah? And will I have to kill anyone for your usefulness?” Jimmy laughed. “No. That’s not a talent I wish to share with anyone but you. I did bartend, you know.” Nija mulled over the idea in his head. He would know where his mate was, and Winston was there to make sure no one got out of hand, although Nija had confidence that Jimmy could handle his own. “I’ll talk to Christian when I see him.” “Good one, buddy. You know Christian isn’t leaving his men or his son for a while,” Jimmy grumbled. “Why can’t I go ask Winston?” Nija spread his arms wide, allowing his mate to sit up. “Go ask, my love.” Jimmy shot up, racing down the stairs as Nija pushed from the booth. Was the man excited or what? He smiled as he descended the stairs, seeing his mate chatting with Winston. The bartender looked toward Nija, a question in his eyes. Nija nodded.

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Jimmy waved his hand toward Nija. “You don’t have to get his permission. I’m capable of making my own choices.” Winston chuckled as he wiped the rag around the counter. “I like him. He has a mouth on him.” Nija agreed. “So you don’t mind Jimmy helping you?” “Hell no. I could use some more help. Humans are drunkards, and vampires ply them with alcohol. You should see us some nights. I can barely keep up.” “Sweet!” Jimmy pumped his arms back and forth and then walked around the bar, taking up his station next to Winston. “What can I get for you, sexy?” Nija growled. “That better not be your line you use on everyone.” “Wouldn’t think about it. Now what can I get for you?” “Crimson.” Jimmy looked up at Winston as he chewed his bottom lip. “Okay, I may need help with that one.” Winston rolled his eyes and showed Jimmy where the blood was kept and how to prepare it for consumption. Nija took a seat at the bar, feeling as though he had been in this situation before. He remembered the night he had gone to Jimmy’s place of work and watched his mate as he tended bar. They had come a long way since then. “Okay, I think I got this right,” Jimmy said as he slid the wine glass to Nija. He picked it up and took a sip, spitting it out as he wiped at his tongue. “I guess not.” “Definitely not, but you’ll get it.” And his mate was going to practice on someone else. There was no way Nija was subjecting himself to that foul crap again. “Come on, Jimmy. One more time,” Winston said as he walked him back through the steps. Jimmy nodded his head, looking intently at Winston as he absorbed what the vampire was telling him.

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Nija had no doubt his mate would master it…as long as someone else was the guinea pig. He watched Winston shake his head and then help his mate with the drink. It had to be perfect in temperature and mixed well. Some vampires liked the different blood types mixed while other liked it straight up. “Where is the prince?” Nija looked over his shoulder and then rubbed his face. Really? “Get the fuck out, Vincent.” The man seemed a glutton for punishment. Hadn’t the sun taught him a lesson? “I said that I needed to see the prince. Now!” Nija was five seconds away from kicking Vincent’s sorry ass. He was really getting tired of this vampire and his bullshit. He’d caused nothing but trouble from the word go. “He’s with his son. Bugger off.” “His son?” Nija turned around, baring his fangs. “Yeah. Don’t you remember the pregnant man you knocked down? That is his mate, Yasuko. Duh. You know, the whole giving birth thing. I don’t think he wants to see you, and if I were you, I wouldn’t push him.” “But I didn’t know the man was pregnant. I thought he was just fat.” Nija gaped at Vincent. “You really are too stupid for words.” Vincent bared his own fangs at Nija’s words. “Take that back. I’m not stupid!” “What is the meaning of this?” Oh hell. Nija scrubbed his face one more as Christian, along with his mates and son walked over to Nija and Vincent. Minsheng had placed his body between Yasuko and Minzhe, and the rest of the club. Nija tried to get a peek at the infant, but Minsheng was a pretty damn good wall, blocking out all viewings of the child. “I want my justice!” Vincent snapped.

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Christian looked just as annoyed as Nija felt. “I’ll tell you what, Vincent. Since you seem to be like a roach that can’t be killed, I’ll give you a job.” “What!” Nija shouted. Christian held up his hand. “I haven’t done my charitable thing in a couple hundred years. You’re lucky I’m feeling that way, Vincent. You can thank my mates and son for that.” Vincent tried to peek around Minsheng as well, but he was met with hostility and growls from half the coven. Vincent leaned back, staring at Christian. “I don’t need any work.” Christian grabbed Vincent by his throat, his claws elongating as he hissed. “I didn’t ask you if you needed any work. From this day forth, until you can learn some humility and respect for others, you’ll work the bar here. If I hear one nasty word from your lips, I’ll finish the job I started on you. Understood?” Christian asked as his fangs lengthened and his skin began to take on its purple hue. Vincent’s eyes widened as he nodded. Nija chuckled. So the man wasn’t so stupid after all. Wait. “My mate is working behind the bar, Prince.” Nija waved a hand at Jimmy. Christian spared Jimmy a glance and then cut his eyes back to Vincent. “If you say one wrong word to him or touch him, I’ll kill you myself.” “I won’t.” Vincent paled as he promised to keep the hell away from Jimmy. Nija didn’t like it one bit. He wanted to tell his mate to get from behind there, but he knew Jimmy would argue with him. Nija leaned forward and whispered into Vincent’s ear, “But not before I skin the flesh from your bones if you harass him in any way.” Christian smiled his approval as he released Vincent. “There is a room upstairs that can be used as your home. You are not allowed to sleep with the rest of the coven.” “But—”

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“Silence!” Christian shouted. “One more word from you and I’ll cut your tongue out. Do not think for a second that I don’t know who knocked my mate onto his ass.” Wow. Vincent managed to pale further. Nija was almost feeling sorry for the bastard. Almost. “Come on,” Winston said as he gave his head a jerk. “Get back here before you get your dumb ass killed.” Nija growled when Vincent walked behind the bar, eyeing Jimmy for a split second before moving away. Smart man. “Settled?” Christian asked Nija. “For now,” Nija said before stepping closer to the babe. “May I?” Minsheng shook his head, placing his arms over his chest. Christian moved his mate aside. “They are his coven, little one.” He chuckled. Minsheng eyed Jimmy before standing right next to Yasuko. “One funny move and your balls will fall off.” Nija held his hands up. “Duly noted, young Prince.” Yasuko uncovered Minzhe’s face, showing his son off proudly. “He is handsome like his father.” Nija grinned at Yasuko. “You must be referring to yourself.” Yasuko blushed as he cradled the babe in his arms. Yasuko was correct. The newborn was simply gorgeous. He had a head full of black hair as he slept in Yasuko’s arms. Nija could feel Christian standing directly behind him. There was no doubt that anyone crazy enough to touch the prince and his family, that the entire coven would decimate them. The little guy was going to have everyone wrapped around his little finger. **** Jimmy walked into The Cave along with Nija. He looked around at the people he had worked with. He spotted Leroy’s cousin standing

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behind the bar, looking lost as hell. Jimmy felt for him and everyone that had known Leroy. They had found Leroy’s body a few days after Jimmy’s experience in the crypt. His boss hadn’t survived like Eli had, which was a shame. Leroy had been a good man. “Jimmy!” Leroy’s cousin shouted when he spotted him. “Long time no see.” Nija had made it seem like a car accident. The vampires had set the scene with Leroy’s body. For one, they didn’t need the heat. And secondly, although the loss was devastating, it was much better to think he had been killed in a car crash, in which the car caught fire, instead of eaten alive. No family could deal with something as horrific as that. “I came by to give my condolences,” Jimmy said as Nija moved closer to Leroy’s cousin. The man looked around the bar, his eyes brimming with tears. “I miss him. He left the place to me, but I don’t have a fucking clue what to do.” And that was why Nija was here. Jimmy knew for a fact that Shane knew how to run a business. The man had gone to college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. The man just lacked confidence. Something Nija was about to give him. “Excuse me,” Nija said from behind Shane. When Leroy’s cousin turned, Nija struck. Jimmy growled at seeing his mate—he finally learned what that word meant, and boy was Nija in trouble for holding back on that one—drink from someone else. “You will become a very confident man when running your business. You will know what to do and handle this bar well,” Nija said before stepping back. Jimmy smiled when Shane blinked a few times. “You’re not supposed to be back here, sir. Please move back around to the other side.”

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Nija chuckled. “My bad.” Jimmy looked around the bar before Nija grabbed his hand and led him out. They had a tea party with Felicity at nine. Thank goodness the days were getting shorter. He could be over there at seven, with enough time for her party and then off to bed. “Ready?” Nija asked as he squeezed Jimmy’s hand. “Yep.” And he was. Jimmy was ready for whatever else life had to throw at him. Just as long as the sexy man he called mate stood by his side. And if he didn’t, Jimmy knew a little button that had a mean growl.

THE END WWW.LYNNHAGEN.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lynn Hagen loves writing about the somewhat flawed, but lovable. She also loves a hero who can see past all the rough edges to find the shining diamond of a beautiful heart. You can find her on any given day curled up with her laptop and a cup of hot java, letting the next set of characters tell their story.

Also by Lynn Hagen Ménage Everlasting ManLove: Christian’s Coven 1: Christian’s Menace

For all other titles, please visit www.bookstrand.com/lynn-hagen

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com