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“ I s that everything?” Adrian asked.

“For the most part.”

The king remained silent for a few moments—absently rubbing his hand over his extended belly. King Adrian was very, very pregnant, and based on the words of his doctors, he would give birth within the month.

A birth that those closest to him wished would come early. From what Dante had heard, the vampire had become a true terror. Adrian was not handling the spike in his hormone levels or the aches gracefully.

Hand stilling, he asked, “Am I correct to assume that you approve of the boy joining your group?”

“Yes.”

“What would happen if I decided against it? Or if I decided that Jayden should be punished for his crimes, along with Stephan for his involvement?”

“Well, off the top of my head, I believe Jayden would try to kill me.”

A smile played on Adrian’s lips. “The idea has merit. ”

Yes, Adrian was not handling pregnancy well at all. His feelings toward those who irritated him were…well, there certainly weren’t many coming to him with stupid complaints anymore.

“Adrian,” King Xavier growled. The man had remained silent, standing behind his husband, until now.

“You wound me, Your Highness.” Dante laughed. “Well, what Jayden would do is rather predictable. After killing me, he’d probably take Stephan and run. However, out of the two men, Stephan Everwood is the one to watch out for.

“Jayden’s fury, for the most part, is cold and methodical. Stephan’s is unpredictable, and feeds on his emotions, which means in a rage, it’s harder for him to control his powers.

“He is extremely dangerous. That young man has a roaring ball of hatred inside him. I only saw a hint of it, but I’ll tell you now, it’s not something to take lightly.”

“I see. Well then, it’s a good thing I don’t plan on doing any of that. He will make a nice addition to your men.” Adrian began to glide his hands over his stomach once again. No doubt thinking of his unborn child, the king said, “Using him will also help us rid the world of criminals who should have died years ago.”

“Yes.”

Adrian’s eyes narrowed on him. “You already knew what Stephan was, didn’t you?”

Ah, the man’s mind was as keen as always. “When we found what was left of the gang who took him, I may have considered the idea. He claimed to not remember what had happened, and his shields were slammed tight. I didn’t push. Not that it would have mattered if I had even wanted to. Liam had arrived before I did, and wouldn’t have let me. ”

“I see.”

“I won’t lie. It’s a choice I never questioned, and one I made easily. Back then, even if I had known what was to come, it wouldn’t have changed anything. My thoughts are the same. Demanding more from him would have been cruel. He had lost so much. The child didn’t deserve to be punished more for something he could never change.”

A drian watched Baylin guide the two young men out of his throne room. He hadn’t learned much more than what Dante had told him before their arrival. Though he had confirmed Dante’s assessment—not that Adrian had doubted him.

Stephan was such a sweet young man. Not a pushover, of course. He wouldn’t have survived the business world if he was.

But Adrian was sure that sweet man would vanish if he felt threatened—or if someone threatened Jayden’s safety. Which would be a shame, because not only was Stephan sweet, he was genuine.

He did find it slightly amusing that the little elf gave him more pause than the large homicidal vampire.

“It’s hard to believe such a small man could cause so much damage,” Xavier murmured.

“Yes, well, many have thought the same about me.”

His husband let out a deep chuckle. “I’m sure you showed them all how very wrong they were.”

Adrian smirked. “Indeed.”

H ours ago, they had entered the palace with their hearts full of fear. Yet, now, Stephan couldn’t seem to wipe the smile off his face. Everything was going so well.

They were all on their way to Dante’s office. His plan had worked! They were finally safe! Stephan was so happy, he could cry.

After Jayden and Stephan met with the king, they had received a call from Dante. The man had wanted to discuss a few details of Jayden’s new position. They’d been on the road for forty-five minutes and were almost there!

Going to meet the king had been stressful. But the man had heard them out, and Stephan had left feeling as if a giant weight had fallen off his shoulders.

Not only had King Adrian approved of Jayden joining the Zaytari, he had agreed to not put Stephan on the national registry. Of course, it wasn’t that much of an allowance. Apparently, King Adrian had stopped creating an actual list of Lydus blood elves years ago, and instead, opted for just keeping one in his mind.

Whatever, his plan had worked!

“Happy?” Jayden asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course!” he squealed.

Both Liam and Jayden laughed at his enthusiasm.

“Would you go on a date with me tomorrow?” Jayden asked, out of nowhere.

Stephan’s face warmed. “I, um…I, um…yes! Oh, could I plan it?!”

The vampire smirked. “Sure.”

Liam let out a disgusted snort as he drove the car along the circular drive, in front of a mansion, and parked in a lot just off it, to the left. The building had at least three floors, with green siding and wooden framework. A set of steps led up to a covered front porch. There were many widows and chimneys, and even a tower on the left side. A sign they passed on the way in, instructed the public to drive to the lot back for public offices. The Kozen group’s main office also happened to be Dante’s home.

As they got out, and headed inside, they found themselves instantly surrounded by those who knew Liam. Pushing through the crowd, they somehow made it to the waiting room outside Dante’s office.

The man’s secretary was…well, she was a bit stiff. She was petite and rather beautiful, with her long white-pink hair, deep brown skin, and swirling black horns—fire demon, no doubt. He felt judged from the minute he walked in. Stephan couldn't help but wonder how she worked with Dante, who appeared to be rather laid back.

“Judith, we’re expected,” Liam announced.

“Yeah, yeah.” She waved them on.

Liam smirked. “As friendly as always, I see.”

Judith grunted.

The door past her desk opened and Dante stepped out, the man greeting them as he waved them forward. “Welcome. Come in, come in.” They had stepped inside when the vampire added, “Please ignore my rather inhospitable secretary.”

Judith popped her head in, glaring, before slamming the door shut.

Laughing, Dante seemed unoffended, and just nodded for them to sit down. The man’s office consisted of a lot of wooden furniture and bookshelves, with patterned green walls and wooden floors. The man's sturdy dark wood desk seemed to be, in some parts, overflowing with files.

“She seems…nice?” Stephan said hesitantly, as he took one of the green padded wingback chairs in front of the desk. Jayden silently took the second chair, while Liam remained standing.

The Zaytari leader smiled. “Judith may seem a bit much, but I assure you, under that hard exterior is a teddy bear.”

Liam snorted. “Yes, one with claws.”

“Well, let’s get started, shall we?” Dante folded his hands on top of his desk. “In my group, those in higher positions are, for the most part, required to live at, or near, the main office. Though many of the younger members live with me, as well, or in the few large homes farther back on my property.

“As I have multiple smaller branches throughout my territory, I, of course, am referring to those who work at the main branch only. It is done for convenience purposes, not to mention protection. While you will be considered the executioner for the entirety of my group, you will be stationed here. Bottom line, where you currently live is, unfortunately, too far away.”

Stephan worried his bottom lip. “While I don’t have an issue with moving, it’s not possible for Jayden to live in a house with so many people.”

“Yes, I thought that might be the case. Recently, the mansion next door came up for sale. I took the liberty of buying it.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that. I could have done so myself. Money is not an issue. ”

“Yes, well, properties around here sell fast.” Dante leaned back in his chair. “Considering I’m the one asking you to move, it seemed only right. You will, of course, have to pay for any renovations you wish to make.”

Stephan didn’t know what to say. The man had bought them a house. A simple thank-you didn’t seem right. Though, it was a bit presumptuous for him to think they’d move just because he told them to.

To be honest, Stephan didn’t want to move—he was rather attached to his parents’ house. The fact that they’d been kidnapped from there hadn’t diminished all the other happy memories. Even so, he’d do it for Jayden.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to just say, “Thank you.”

Thinking about Jayden, he realized how quiet the man had been. As they were talking about him, it was odd that he hadn’t said anything. Actually, it was odder that the vampire hadn’t uttered a single word since entering the mansion. Usually, Jayden would have made, at the very least, a snide comment by now.

Stephan peered over at him, his brows furrowed at the lack of color in the vampire’s face. Jayden’s jaw was clenched, as if he were in pain.

The reason as to why smacked him in the face, and made him feel like an idiot—Dante’s home was filled to the brim with people. Something Stephan literally just gave as a reason for Jayden not being able to live there. Damn, he should have asked Dante if they could meet somewhere else.

“As for your position, there are some small details we need to go over, but we can do so later. I’m going to put off your first assignment until you all are fully moved in. Which I would assume will take a few months, as I’m sure you will want to make changes to your new home.”

“I see,” Jayden mumbled. His voice sounded strained.

Stephan bit his lip. “Jayden, are you all right?”

“What an excellent question. It actually brings me to what I wanted to discuss next. You need to gain better control of your walls, Jayden. I’m assuming that’s what is bothering you now. I need you to be able to function in crowds. And while you may not have to live here, my basement will be your, ah…workroom. Therefore, I’ll be setting you up with a teacher that knows more about mental abilities than even Liam does.”

“Maybe we should go somewhere else…” Stephan suggested hesitantly.

“Yes, great idea, Young Man. Why don’t we take a tour through your new house? It’s empty, and it will be easier to talk there.”

T wo people sat on the couch in front of Dante, and neither of them looked pleased to be there.

Arms crossed, Lily Wolfhart’s lips were pressed tight together, as her green eyes glared at him. At six-foot-three, and built of lean muscle, Dante’s second-in-command could look rather intimidating at times. Right now was not one of those times.

With Lily’s long black hair fanning out around her shoulders, and the floor length red silk robe she was wearing, she looked like a woman ready for bed—or sex. Dante wasn’t sure if he wanted to know what Lily had on underneath it. Though, considering the copious amount of bare flesh she flashed each time she crossed and uncrossed her legs…probably not much.

Sin Draven, the boss of the Draven Zaytari group, sat next to her. Looking as sophisticated as always in his tailored suit, the man’s shoes were polished, and his short black hair was expertly swept back. Sin’s light baby-blue eyes, however, appeared tired.

“Well, if you wouldn’t mind, I would like to know why I just spent five hours on a plane.” Sin tapped his fingers against his crossed legs. “Not that I haven’t enjoyed sitting here silently for the last five minutes, of course,” he drawled sarcastically.

Dante laughed at the man’s grumpiness. “Believe me, what I have to tell you will be worth the trip.”

“If you say so,” Sin said dryly.

“Dante, it’s late, and at this very moment, I have a naked man tied to my bed, waiting for me. Can we get on with this?” Lily snapped.

One of Sin’s perfectly arched eyebrows rose at her announcement. “I concede, you have more reason to want to leave than I do, dear Lily.” A smile danced on the man’s lips, his eyes sparkling with unreleased laughter.

The growl the woman released belied the vampire she was—Lily would have done well as a shifter.

“Everyone is so impatient.” Dante sighed. “You guys always ruin my fun.”

“Dante, Asa is waiting for me. I don’t give a damn about your fun. Now, hurry the fuc?—”

Dante held up his hand to stop her tirade, and told them everything that had happened. By the time he finished, their irritation had fled.

Sin was the first to break the silence that followed his findings. “Well, it appears you were correct. It was worth it.”

“Are you sure it’s safe to allow him to join us?” Lily asked.

“Yes.” Dante had known Lily would question his decision. She always did. It was why she was his second-in-command. Having one that would never question him would have been useless. Those who followed blindly never looked for a better solution—it was dangerous.

“I think you’ll like him. He’s as blunt as you are.”

“If you say so.” She stood. “Well, I’m going back to my little muffin.” With that, she walked off.

“Do you think she’s wearing anything under that?” Sin asked, staring after her. The look in the man’s eyes wasn’t sexual—it was curious.

Dante chuckled. “Probably as much as her little muffin.”

Sin smiled. “Yes, well…while I do trust your judgment, Dante, no one is perfect. I ask that you please keep me informed. Have you contacted Gabriel? I’m actually surprised he wasn’t at this meeting. Some of Jayden’s ‘victims’ were from his territory.”

“I’m wondering if it’s necessary. Gabriel refused to help with the investigation. He let his personal feelings toward the ‘victims’ get in the way of his responsibilities.”

“I see your point. Whether he is contacted or not, I’ll leave that for you to decide.” After standing, he smoothed down the wrinkles that sitting had created, and buttoned his suit jacket. “Now, I have a plane to catch.”