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Story: The Baritone's Rival

“He’s a supernatural,” Oscar said. “I’m not sure what kind.”

Freddie and Anthony moved in closer. “I don’t smell animal on him,” Freddie said, “so I doubt he’s a shifter, but beyond that I couldn’t say.”

“And it’s not polite to ask,” Anthony said to Justin in a pointed tone.

“He’s…he’s just so handsome,” Justin said wistfully, his gaze still locked on the man’s backside.

Trent rolled his eyes.

“We should probably keep making small talk,” Oscar said, and Trent groaned.

“Thanks for coming to support Oscar,” Trent said to Freddie and Anthony.

“Trent, we’re here to support you as well,” Anthony replied in a kind tone. “You are a Grosvenor now, part of the coven, even if you aren’tcurrentlya vampire. We’re your family.”

Anthony and Freddie had really proven that in the last six months. They’d been nothing but kind, working hard to ensure that Trent felt included in everything that went on in the covenhouse. Freddie had also spearheaded the removal of the last few vampires left over from the Azarian coven. They’d been holed up in their new covenhouse in Hoboken. Trent wasn’t entirely sure how Freddie managed it, but in one fell swoop, he had cleaned the place out. Trent didn’t know if the vamps had been killed or imprisoned, and he mostly didn’t care. He was just glad they were fully gone.

The witches, on the other hand, that was a different story. But also not Trent’s area of expertise. He’d let the coven master deal with that hornet’s nest.

Trent glanced at Oscar, who gave him a slight nod. The idea of a family this supportive was new to Trent. It had been many years since Trent had had any family at all. He never thought he’d have one full of vampires.

“Thank you. That means a lot.”

Trent reached down and threaded his fingers through Oscar’s, leaning his head against the taller vampire’s upper arm and sighing.

A year ago, he wouldn’t have dared to imagine being where he was now. Not only was he taking the next step in his career, but Oscar and he were building a home together. There was a whole future ahead of them.

He couldn’t wait.