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That was when he saw the long, thin wound in Trent’s cheek.

He screamed in rage, springing up and kicking the bodies of the dead vamps. No one had the right to touch his Trent. He’d kill any who tried.

His Trent. He had tried to deny it, but the demon inside him knew the truth. The bond stretched out between them, and the more they spent time together, the more it started to solidify. Trent was his mate. Even if he’d been sure of that before, this proved it definitively. Oscar’s demon had protected his fated one.

He shoved thoughts of destiny and their possible mate bond away. He had to dress Trent’s face. He had to fix what he could.

Trent hadn’t stirredwhile Oscar disinfected and bandaged his injury. It made Oscar nervous, but his heartbeat was still strong and even. He’d just lost a lot of blood. He needed sleep to recover.

After Oscar affixed the last piece of medical tape, he ran his fingers through Trent’s blonde hair, treasuring the feel of the feather-soft strands against his skin. God, the man was beautiful. He was the spitting image of a college linebacker. Oscar wondered if he’d played. But his face wasn’t aggressive or competitive now. In repose, it was sweet, almost needy.

Oscar shook his head and backed up, sinking down into the leather armchair across from his mate. He stared at Trent’s unconscious form, his chest rising and falling in a slow, even rhythm. There was something perfect about Trent in this environment. Maybe it was because he was from Wisconsin, but he fit in perfectly with the rustic furnishings. The cedar kitchen table. The black iron wood stove. The enormous basket filled with a towering pile of blankets. And Trent. He looked at home.

Oscar needed to think. What should happen next? The first thing was to tell his coven master.

Freddie?

The empty silence was deafening, but it would take some time for his thought to reach his master. Freddie was much older than him and could send his call quickly over miles. Oscar didn’t have that kind of power, no matter how precocious Elliott claimed he was.

In the meantime, he waited, basking in the calm peace that being this close to his mate gave him.

Oscar. Report.

The rage spiked in Oscar’s chest as he responded.We were attacked.

How?Freddie’s thought was always even keeled, but Oscar could feel the tension under the question.

I don’t know. My ex Elliott and two others. The two are dead. Elliott has fled.

Injuries?

One of the vamps drained Trent, but he’ll recover. He’s unconscious, but his heartbeat is strong. They slashed his face.Oscar couldn’t stifle his anger. They deserved more of a punishment for hurting his mate. Death wasn’t enough.

And Justin?

Oscar sat up straight. Where had Justin been? In the frenzy of blood, he’d forgotten about his friend’s absence.

I…I don’t know.He must have gone out in the night. I called for him during the fight, but he wasn’t there.

The brooding radiated out from Freddie’s presence in Oscar’s mind. Oscar waited for him to speak.

Not good. Either he was taken out in advance of the attack, or…

Oscar couldn’t sit still as hurt and worry and anger swirled inside him. He jumped to his feet; the floorboards creaking as he paced.

I don’t believe that he’d betray us.Oscar fought to keep his thoughts calm.He is devoted to the coven.

He’s devoted toyou, Oscar.

Oscar blinked.What does that mean?

Just what I said.Freddie’s presence left for a moment, leaving Oscar to ponder Freddie’s words. No matter. He’d found his mate. He no longer had any desire for anyone else.

Do you think Elliott will attack again?Freddie returned, his question ringing in Oscar’s skull.

I…I don’t know.Oscar moved to the kitchen sink, turning the faucet and washing his hands vigorously, as if the act would cleanse him of his association with his ex.It would be difficult. I took out an eye, and it will take some time to regenerate a new one. Not that he couldn’t attack with only one eye, but I can’t imagine he’s very happy.

You took an eye?Freddie’s approval came through the bond loud and clear.Good.