Page 10 of Help Wanted, Vampires Inquire Within (Ours Evermore #6)

Mason

He started shifting the moment he cleared the door. His clothing ripped off his body and his wings unfurled, allowing him to take a massive leap that cleared the sidewalk and the parked car.

With a roar, he started grabbing bodies and throwing them away from Jack. The small man was at the bottom of the pile. Before Mason could check him for injuries, a massive gray wolf jumped at him, snapping and snarling.

Standing over Jack, Mason roared at the wolf. Four more wolves joined the first one, all showing long, glistening teeth.

“You will not hurt him!” Mason declared, slapping his tail against the ground.

“Mason,” Jack said, sitting up. “They’re friends.”

“Friends don’t attack you,” Mason retorted. He didn’t know what was going on, but he’d keep Jack safe from these wolf shifters.

“What’s going on out here?” Anatoly said. He stepped into the street wearing nothing but a robe. A mountain lion the size of a black bear ran up to stand next to him, swishing his tail as if excited to get involved in a fight. It was Zan, ready to help Mason and Jack.

“These mutts attacked Jack,” Mason explained. A sixth wolf tried to sneak up behind him and grab hold of Jack’s pant leg to drag him away, but Mason swiped his tail and sent the wolf flying.

“No, don’t do that,” Jack said, standing up and putting himself between Mason and the wolves. “Please don’t hurt them. They’d never hurt me!”

“I’m confused,” Anatoly said. “And I’m angry. I was in bed enjoying my flock and now I’m outside dealing with all of you! Everyone, inside now!”

Mason thought Anatoly might’ve used some of his thrall because the wolves all backed off a little and calmed down. They started to move to Joy’s front door, but Jack’s angry voice stopped them.

“Don’t you dare use thrall on my wolves!”

Mason took a step back, his jaw dropping as the young man stepped between Anatoly and the wolves. Jack’s top lip was pulled back to reveal long fangs glinting in the artificial street lights.

“Jack?” Mason said, his wings going limp as he tried to process what he was seeing. “You’re a vampire?”

Jack didn’t answer him, only continued to glare at Anatoly. “Release my wolves!”

Anatoly crossed his arms. “You’re too young to challenge me and win, Jack Clover. Don’t make me destroy you and your pack when all I’m asking is for everyone to shelter in my building and out of the sight of humans.”

Mason looked at Anatoly. “You knew he was a vampire?”

Anatoly raised an eyebrow and flashed him a sardonic smile. “You didn’t?”

Still in his mountain lion form, Zan made a huffing sound that Mason thought was probably a laugh.

“Don’t mock him,” Jack snapped, glaring at Anatoly and Zan.

“Gargoyles can’t see auras, and they don’t have the sense of smell of a shifter.

If he didn’t realize what I was, then it’s my fault, not his.

There was a human serving behind the bar, so I didn’t want to say anything too obvious in case there were other humans in the bar that I didn’t notice. This is entirely my fault.”

Mason’s wings lifted again at Jack’s words. The ruse hadn’t been on purpose to gain his and Skyler’s trust. The looks from Zan when they’d all first walked in made more sense now.

A car honked on the street parallel from them, reminding Mason that not only were they all outside, but they were making a scene in the middle of the street.

“Jack,” he said, waiting for the vampire to look at him. “Anatoly can be trusted. He’s sheltered Skyler for months and let me stay with her. Unless your pack attacks him or his flock, he won’t hurt anyone. I swear to you.”

One of the wolves shifted into his human form and spoke to Jack. “I’ve been talking to the alpha of the Lobo Gris. We can trust this vampire.” The wolf glared at Anatoly. “We’re reasonable wolves. Don’t use thrall on us again.”

With that, he nodded his head at the other wolves and they all trotted into Joy. Skyler was standing in the doorway, and she quickly stepped back to let them in.

Mason didn’t like Skyler being alone with all those wolves, but he also didn’t want to leave Jack in the street. Thankfully Zan trotted into the bar right behind the wolves. Zan would watch out for Skyler.

That left Anatoly, Jack, one of the shifters, and Mason in the street.

“Gentlemen?” Anatoly said, gesturing to the bar.

“Mason, you go first,” Jack said, keeping his gaze on Anatoly, as if the vampire was going to attack Mason the moment he turned his back.

No one ever tried to protect Mason. He was a gargoyle; his people were the protectors. It felt both odd and endearing that this small vampire wanted to stand between him and danger.

“Jack?” When Jack looked over his shoulder at Mason, the gargoyle gave him a gentle smile. “Walk with me?”

Jack’s expression turned happy, and he moved to stand next to Mason, holding out a hand. When Mason wrapped his large hand around Jack’s long, thin fingers, a spark of awareness ran through his body.

“You’re mine,” Mason marveled.

Jack nodded. “Yes. And you’re my flock. I thought you might be, but I wasn’t sure.”

“I’m happy for you Jack,” the remaining wolf said. “But I’m upset you went out without telling us. We got home, and you weren’t there, and you weren’t answering your phone. That’s why we tracked you here.”

Mason glared at the wolf. “You found him and attacked him?”

“Remy and everyone weren’t attacking me,” Jack said, squeezing his hand reassuringly. “They tackled me. It’s how they play and show affection. I’m used to it.”

“I can see how it might look bad to a bystander,” Remy said with a chuckle, then eyed Mason. “I guess we don’t have to worry about protecting Jack anymore.”

“No, you don’t,” Mason agreed, drawing Jack close to him.

Remy nodded and gave Mason a languid two finger salute. “Got that. See y’all inside.”

Anatoly followed Remy, leaving Jack and Mason to follow. As they walked into the bar, Skyler gave them a watery smile.

“I was scared for you,” she said.

“I’m sorry we worried you,” Remy said behind her.

She ignored the wolf, her eyes bouncing between Jack and Mason. “I’m so happy for both of you. I hope you invite me to the alighting ceremony.”

With that, she turned and ran, moving quickly between the wolves, now all in their human form. She disappeared upstairs before Mason was even able to process what she’d said.

“Everyone stay down here,” Mason said to the wolves, moving to follow Skyler. “Jack and I need to talk to Skyler.”

Zan had shifted to his human form also and assumed his normal spot behind the bar with a big smile. “Who wants a drink?”

The wolves cheered behind him as Anatoly groaned. Mason ignored them all as he rushed up the stairs, pulling Jack behind him.

Skyler

Tears started streaming down Skyler’s face the moment she closed the apartment door. Of course Mason would find his mate! Of course it would be the handsome and charming Jack. Of course she’d be left alone.

“Skyler?” Mason’s voice on the other side of the door made her take a step back, as if he’d burst through the wood. “We want to come in. Please, let’s all talk.”

“No, I’m fine. Everything’s fine. You guys can leave. I’ll be safe here.” She was proud at how steady her voice sounded, even if her words jumbled out in a rush.

“I’m not leaving,” Jack said. “Not until I get to talk to you.”

“You know I can’t walk away,” Mason said. “I’d never leave you alone.”

That was the problem. Mason would sacrifice his own happiness for her, and Jack would do anything to keep Mason happy. It’s the way vampires were with their flock.

Skyler rubbed her tears away. “Um, okay.”

The men walked in cautiously, as if she was a danger to them. If her heart didn't hurt so much, she might’ve laughed.

“Nothing needs to change,” Mason said, making both her and Jack shake their heads.

“Everything has changed,” Skyler said before Jack could say anything.

“Yes, but no,” Jack said, holding his hands up with his palms out as if trying to placate her. “It’s true that Mason is meant to be my flock, but that doesn't mean you aren’t. It’s common for vampires to have two or three flock members.”

Skyler shook her head. “I’m not yours because I could be anyone’s.”

Jack looked confused. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m a landless nymph. I could be soul bound by any vampire, that means I’m not fated to be anyone's flock.”

Jack shook his head. “I didn’t know that. I thought your aura was that of a pixie. I’m not as good at reading auras as most vampires. The thing is, lots of rules are only there because people don’t question them. Let’s at least try.”

He dropped one hand to his side, and held the other out to her.

She stared at him, her heart starting to pound.

If they were fated to be together, they’d know it once they touched.

Shifters could know by smell. World serpents could tell on first sight.

Vampires could usually sense their flock.

All of them confirmed it with touch. This would tell her for sure if what she believed was true.

With a jerky movement, Skyler put her hands in his.

Nothing happened.

“That’s disappointing," Jack said with a frown. When Skyler tried to pull her hand away, he tightened his fingers around her hand. “Wait, let’s think this out. Landless nymphs can soul bond with any vampire, right?”

“Yes,” Mason answered. “We’ve been interviewing vampires hoping to find someone good enough for Skyler.”

Jack gave her a brilliant smile. “Then you need to give me a chance. There might not have been a spark when we touched, but that doesn’t mean we can’t grow to love each other.”

“Why is it so important that I’m a member of your flock?” Skyler asked. “You have Mason, you don’t need me.”

Jack gave her a rueful smile. “Mason adores you. I can tell that he’ll never be happy if he’s separated from you. That means I want you with us too.”

Skyler frowned. “Mason feels obligated to protect me. It’s part of his gargoyle personality.”

“No, Skyler,” Mason said, crossing his arms over his chest and pinning her with his gaze. “You’re my mate. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think we could be together.”

Skyler pulled her hand away from Jack and stepped away from them both.

“You’re lying. You think the best way to protect me would be for me to stay with you and soul bond with Jack.

That’s not fair to either of you. I’d rather die a landless nymph than force myself into a relationship because of your honor and sense of obligation. ”

Mason made a low growling sound of frustration, but Jack quieted him with a single look.

When Jack turned his gaze back to Skyler, she couldn’t meet his eyes. She dropped her eyes and stared at the floor.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be sorry,” Jack said, his voice gentle. “All I ask is that you treat me like any other vampire. I want my interview. I want my chance to show you that the three of us can build something meaningful together.”

Put like that, she felt childish for saying no. “How long until you realize this won’t work?”

“No, you can’t go into it like that. I want to hear positivity.” He made his voice higher, as if trying to sound like her. “ Oh Jack, I know you’ll be perfectly charming, and I’ll fall madly, deeply in love and want to be with you and Mason forever! ”

His teasing tone made her smile. She lifted her gaze to take in Jack’s easy smile and Mason’s pleading look. What would it cost her but a little time to entertain Jack’s idea? Right now, that sounded like a good deal.

“Okay, I’ll interview you,” Skyler said.

“You’re doing the right thing,” Mason said, his shoulders relaxing.

“I’ll be back tomorrow night,” Jack said. “Both of you be ready!”

With that he turned, gave Mason a quick hug, then disappeared out the door. With the door wide open, they heard his footsteps run down the stairs and then a quick conversation. A cheer went up from the wolves waiting for him.

“I guess they’re happy too,” Mason said with a grin.

Skyler tried to smile back but knew it didn’t reach her eyes. She was already looking forward to and dreading tomorrow night.