Page 5

R all was amazed at Luke, his resilience, and his acceptance. The fantastic things that suddenly became real and the supernatural world that he now lived in did not scare him. He'd looked right at him while Rall's vampire was clear and showing itself, and he looked enthralled. The sweet expression of amazement and adoration was something that was now seared into his heart. He couldn't love this little human more if he tried. It was meant to be Fate and chosen wisely and with discernment, giving him someone strong and vulnerable, sharp and naive, and most of all, open to extraordinary change.

He snuggled into Rall’s side with his head on Rall’s shoulder. “I have so much to learn.” He muttered.

"You have a lifetime. There is no hurry, my love." Rall turned and kissed his forehead. "Rest, and we'll talk more in the morning." Life was getting pretty damn near perfect as far as Rall was concerned.

Rall got Luke another change of clothes and gave him one of his jackets to wear. He really loved the one from last night commenting on the scent and how it gave him comfort and security. He kept it near him leaving it draped over his lap during breakfast and periodically brought it up to his face and smelled it looking pleased every time.

It touched Rall to see that Luke was easing into the life and asking questions but wasn’t frightened or confused. The awakening was marvelous and saved the long and drawn out act of trying to explain the existence of the supernatural to someone who had only ever experienced the natural, the human existence. Shifters were not blessed with such a magical element to their bonding so when a human was involved it got damned messy.

"I'd like for you to move in as soon as possible." Rall brought it up again, having not gotten a clear answer from Luke earlier.

“I will have to speak with Dale and get my things. I’m not on the lease so I don’t have to deal with that.” He finished his breakfast and pushed the plate away and pulled his coffee mug closer. His concentration indicated that his mind was elsewhere.

"I'll handle this for you and help you move. Dale is not a factor in your decision." Rall tried to tone down a harsh retort, but it still came out with an edge. It aggravated him to hear Luke coaching his decisions based on Dale's comfort. "Fuck him, Luke. You have a new life, and that man has no part in it." He was blessed with a cute smile and a soft chuckle. His beloved was a treasure, but his soft heart was a liability when it came to his user friends.

He heard a phone go off, and Luke pulled out his cell phone and looked at it. His face fell immediately, and the previous agitation returned. "What's wrong?" Rall asked, concerned, and at first, Luke simply shook his head, but Rall persisted.

"It's Adam; he's been calling and messaging all night and all morning." That was a name that Rall definitely did not want to hear.

"Block him, ignore him; he doesn't matter anymore," Rall responded.

“He’s making veiled threats.”

“Like what?” Rall wanted to kill him and put the matter behind them immediately, but it was obvious that Luke was not on board yet.

"My reputation, my friends, family. He's already starting to lie about the breakup. He doesn't scare me, Rall, and he no longer has power over me. This isn't me trying to placate him or persuade him to stop calling me names." Rall listened closely, not sure where this was headed. "He left me in pieces last night, but then there was you, and my life lit up in ways that I could not have imagined. He means nothing now and . . ." His words trailed off, and Rall cut in.

"And now you want to face him and finish this." It was understandable, and there was probably value in confronting him, but it did not set well with Rall. His vampire instincts were restless. This didn't strike him as a good idea, but he did not want to be perceived as trying to control his newly bonded beloved.

“Yes, exactly.” He burst and then added. “I’ll arrange it so that we meet in a public place like the park.”

"Mid-City Park is just a few blocks away. It's usually well populated, and there are places for you to go if things take a turn.” Rall was trying to say the right things while, in his mind, he was planning to follow and keep watch. His beloved would not need to seek help if things went south; Rall would be there to handle it.

Luke stared for a few seconds and then nodded. "That's a good idea." Luke messaged Adam and set up the meeting to take place in an hour. It seemed rather rushed, but it was probably better to get it over with. As soon as the time was set, Luke started to appear nervous, which didn't sit well with Rall.

“You don’t have to do this.” He reminded him.

"I want him out of my head and out of my life permanently." He was adamant, so Rall left it there.

“Do you want me to drive you?”

“No, I’ll walk. I need to handle this on my own.”

“Understood, baby.” Rall nodded curtly.

Rall put in a call to Drakon while Luke prepared himself mentally for the meet up. Rall was dead set against it but there was nothing he could do except be there if needed. The thought of that prick Adam threatening his beloved set his blood boiling and if he so much as looked at Luke wrong, Raff would gladly end him.

“Well, I was hoping you’d wear off some pent-up energy but never thought you'd find your beloved in the process. Now you can stop being jealous and start enjoying your own Fated bond. Maybe you'll be more focused on the job now and less fucking mean." Drakon laughed. Drakon was death on two feet, so for him to call someone mean was significant.

“I wasn’t mean, and I was definitely not jealous.” Rall tried to defend himself, but it was useless. He knew in his heart that he was mean, vicious even and so jealous he could hardly see straight in regard to the number of bonds that were taking place while he sat on the sidelines. “Okay maybe I had a mood thing going but I was handling it.” He laughed.

"You were not handling it, but it appears all is as it should be now," Drakon responded sharply, and Rall did not make any further denials. He changed the subject giving Drakon the run down on what had taken place.

“Is the fucker dead?” Drakon barked.

“Yes, Trent tracked him down while I was dealing with Luke.” Rall was touched by his concern.

“Good.” He stated. “We don’t need that sort of bullshit happening at the Rose.”

"Agreed." Rall then explained the pending situation with the ex and asked permission to kill if necessary. It was a human, so death measures in such cases required authorization.

“You have permission to do whatever you deem necessary to keep your beloved safe and well.”

“Thank you.”

“Keep me posted.”

“Yes, sir.”

Luke understood Rall’s reluctance to support his meeting with his Adam. He was making it clear that there was nothing between them and Luke could feel that Rall knew that to be true. The bond that they struck last night brought their emotions and forward for one another and truth between them became a natural state of being.

With that said, he still felt awkward meeting Adam, but in his heart, he needed this closure to look him in the eyes and tell him to get fucked. He was ready and went to find Rall who had excused himself to make a phone call. He found him in the kitchen leaning on the cupboard, looking drawn and pensive.

"I can handle myself, Rall. I'll be back shortly, but I need to face this bastard."

“I know.” Rall straightened and walked over and took Luke into his arms squeezing him close to his chest wrapping him in the security of his arms. Luke felt the peace and calm melt into him. Rall’s presence was a balm that cured all.

“Be safe, baby.” He said and then released him. Luke nodded not as sure as he had been about following through with this meet up. He paused briefly and then Rall walked him out of the warehouse to the main street.

No further words were shared but the tension was thick. Luke wondered if he was doing the right thing and kept looking back at Rall as he continued down the street to the park. His heart was telling him to go back but he’d made such an issue about going that he would feel ridiculous turning around now.

He kept his eyes forward and tried to suppress the growing desire to abandon this meeting. He'd been so adamant about setting the record straight and making it clear to that cheating bastard that they were done and over that he failed to consider what it might feel like to see him again. Nerves began stirring and growing tight in his stomach, and if he had an ounce of sense, he'd turn around.

Suddenly he was at the entrance of the park and knew he had to follow through he wasn’t so fragile or vulnerable that he needed to run. He would not be that person. Rall his sexy vampire lover deserved better he deserved a partner that was whole and stable and possessed no unsettled emotional business.

Luke pressed on toward the stone bench under the oak that Adam had spoken of and pushed everything from his mind except to end this mess and free himself. Adam was already there sitting on the bench when Luke arrived. Seeing him sent a jolt of revulsion through him and he stopped for a second before continuing on.

Adam turned to look at him with that familiar sneer and didn't stand until Luke was a few feet from the bench. Luke stopped and crossed his arms, waiting for whatever Adam was going to use as an opener to this discussion.

Adam stood and took a couple of steps toward him. “Don’t make this a bigger issue than it needs to be. You knew I was seeing other people so why all the indignant outrage? You’re being ridiculous.” He took another step toward Luke who abrupted stepped back.

“I only came here to tell you we’re over no second chances no lets work this out, we’re done.” Luke was proud of how calm and forceful the words came to him.

“Don’t fucking think so Luke. Nothing ends until is say so.” That was unexpected but Luke held his ground feeling safe in the public park.

"That's awfully tough talk for such a lame-ass loser." Luke didn't feel anything for this guy except revulsion. Looking at him now, he found it hard to believe he'd ever cared for this piece of shit. It was then that Luke realized they were in a section of the park that was somewhat isolating. He looked around quickly, noticing they were mostly surrounded by tall, thick hedges. Of course, that bastard would choose this spot to meet.

"No one is going to save you bitch." Adam snarled. He turned a crimson red and lunged at Luke, who tried to turn and run. Adam clutched his forearm and jerked him backward. "On your knees." He ground out the words between clenched teeth and dug his fingers into Luke's flesh.

Panic was starting to set in because Luke knew he wasn’t strong enough to defeat him. That was followed by a wash of regret for not taking Rall up on his offer to come along, and then the scene changed.

There was a blur of something moving fast and then Adam flew backward onto the concrete walkway with Rall on top of him he had a hand on Adam’s throat and a knee in the middle of his chest. Luke stood there immobile, suffering from both shock and awe. Where did he come from and how did he know? Rall was a man of wonder and style.

"Get off me, you freak." Adam sputtered, but to no avail.

"Do you want him dead or just out of your life?" Rall asked Luke in a tone so flat and formal that it caused Adam to explode in panic. He thrashed around hopelessly and tried frantically to get away, but there was no getting away from Rall.

“I want him out of my life. I want him to forget he ever met me, and I want him to suffer for what he has done.” Luke was very clear and succinct with his request, knowing in his heart that Rall was deadly serious. If he'd asked for death, Rall would have given it to him. He could feel it in his heart and in his bones.

Rall was glad he followed. After he got a good look at that fucker Adam, he recognized him from the Blood Rose. The man had frequented the place for years and it was clear that he had been cheating on Luke for the whole of their time together. Then, he had the nerve to stand there and try to intimidate Luke into not ending the relationship. The guy really needed to die, but this one had to be Luke's choice.

Rall placed his hand on the side of Adam's head and began a mind sweep, eliminating all memories of Luke and their time together. He then added a nugget of despair that would haunt him forever. He bent down and whispered into his ear. "You will never know love or trust for the remainder of your life." Rall then stood up and walked over to Luke.

“He is no longer your problem sweetheart.” Rall put his arm around Luke and pulled him close to his side. They watched as Adam struggled to get to his feet looking utterly lost and alone. His eyes darted around frantically only briefly landing on Rall and Luke and then stumbled away.

“What did you do?” Luke asked.

“I took his memories.”

“Thank you, Rall.” Luke moved up to stand tightly to his side. “And thank you for saving me . . . again.”

“No problem.” Rall dropped a quick peck on the top of his head and then turned him toward the path leading out of the small grotto.

"I didn't expect him to get physical, not in the park. I thought I could tell him we were over, and then, well, we would be over." Luke's voice was small and weak.

“It’s over baby he will never be back.” Rall walked him out of the park and back down the street toward the warehouse. His vampire needed to get Luke out of danger and back where he was safe and protected. Adam was no longer a threat, but the incident had left some lingering uneasiness chief among his concerns was Luke’s inability to sense the presence of danger.

“I can’t even say that I hate him because I don’t. I feel nothing at all for him he’s like a stranger now and that feels so good.” Rall smiled and pulled him close once again. As they were entering the warehouse Luke asked if it would be possible to go to his apartment so he could pack some things.

"Sure." Rall saw it as an opportunity to get all of Luke's things and end his lease. But this time, he wasn't going to let him go alone. "I'm going with you." Luke smiled shyly at his statement.

"I'd appreciate it if you would, but I'd like to talk with Dale alone. He's a pain in the ass, and I don't want him talking shit about you."

“I don’t care what he has to say if he bothers me, I’ll kill him.” Rall stated matter of fact and Luke barked a laugh.

"He's unpleasant but probably doesn't deserve to die," Luke responded just as casually. Rall loved this guy more and more every minute. "I just want to get my stuff and get out."

That sounded easy enough, but Rall was beginning to discover that the way something looked was not always the way it was when dealing with Luke and his associates. Adam was clearly an angry, volatile bully, yet Luke saw him as somehow reasonable enough to have a discussion.

Rall shook his head at the memory of Adam going at his beloved. He wished Luke had given him permission to end him. People like Adam weren’t good for anyone. Rall wasn’t sure what sort of man Dale was but his hopes for reasonable were not high. Rall took one of the SUV’s that had plenty of cargo space and they headed off to Luke’s apartment.

“How long have you shared a place with Dale?” He asked.

"I had my own place but lost my job and got on part-time at the Winsome florists, so I couldn't afford rent on my own. Dale had an ad, and I answered, and that was two years ago."

“Where did you work before Winsome?” Rall was just curious and wanted to know all he could about his beloved.

“I was a real estate agent but not a good one according to by broker. I have a lot of difficulty lying to people I just can’t do it, even bending the truth is hard so I didn’t work out and they cut me loose.” He sounded sad.

“Is it something you would still like to try?” Rall asked.

“Yes, someday when I learn how to mesh both marketing and truth.” Luke smiled.

“They’re not all liars, baby.” He reached over and squeezed Luke’s knee. “Let’s look into it later. Is your license still current?”

"Yes, I have it in escrow." Rall loved the look of hopefulness that blossomed across Luke's face. He would do anything necessary to hold onto that expression. They pulled up out front of Luke's apartment building and got out.

"You don't have to come upstairs with me. I can grab my things. I don't have a lot; it's just my personal stuff. The rest belongs to Dale or the landlord." Luke tried to assure him, but in Rall's mind, he was already planning how he was going to watch over his beloved.

"I'll come up, but I won't go in that way. I can help you carry your things." He didn't wait for permission and headed inside the building with Luke hurrying beside him. At the door, he stepped to the side and leaned his back against the wall, crossing his arms on his chest.

“I’ll hurry.” He said and Rall nodded. He closed the door behind him but he could hear clearly everything from inside the apartment.

Luke entered, thinking that the encounter would be smooth since Dale had wanted him to move out for months. He had another friend that he was keen to room with and Luke was in the way. Unfortunately, Dale was like Adam in that they wanted to make the decisions and not have the decisions made for them.

“You can’t leave.” Dale burst and ran into the living room to stand forcefully in front of Luke.

"Yes, I can." Luke made to push past him to gather more of his things from his bedroom, but Dale kept grabbing at him, demanding that he explain himself.

“I have another place, and I can move in today. You’ve been trying to get me to leave you said that you have a friend you want to room with so why are you trying to give me grief. I already paid for this month so you’re fine financially until your friend moves in.” Luke stopped and turned on Dale. “What the fuck is your problem?”

"Adam wants you to stay here, and he's going to make my life hell if I let you leave," Dale admitted with little to no shame.

“You were working for Adam the entire time that Adam and I were together.” Luke stated the obvious.

"Of course, he's an old friend, and he's useful, whereas you're usually just in the way." Damn, he's bold. Luke shook his head in disbelief.

“I’ve already dealt with Adam, and he is no longer my problem or yours apparently.” Luke gave a half smile and disappeared into his room and finished packing with Dale still on his heels demanding that he stay until Adam says that he can leave.

“You’re delusional if you think I’m hanging around here until I get the all-clear from that idiot." Luke pushed past him and set his things by the door. Dale rushed him and tried pulling him back from the door and back into the living room.

"What the hell, Dale. Let me go."

"I can't let you leave. Adam will kill me." He muttered while desperately trying to drag Luke away from the door. Luke didn't have to guess about what was going to happen next.

A sharp kick and the door swung open bouncing off the opposite wall and standing there was Rall looking as angry as he had the last time. His dark eyes hit Dale and he was on him in an instant. Dale fell backward to the carpeted floor trying to evade Rall’s grip, but he didn’t have a chance. Rall had him by the back of his neck and lifted him off the floor before tossing him hard across the room.

“Do you have all your things?” Rall asked as he turned to look back over his shoulder at Luke.

"Yes, it's all here." Luke pointed at the two bags by the door. Rall turned back to Dale, who remained sprawled out on the floor and bent over him.

"You fucking touch Luke again, and I will kill you. You won't be the first, and you won't be the last, so keep that in mind." Rall stared at him for a moment and then placed his hand on the side of his head like he had with Adam. He then straightened and walked back to where Luke was standing.

“I cleared his mind of you apart from the fact you were a roommate for a short period of time and now he needed to find another. I then put him to sleep and when he wakes up, he will not remember you. He will not bother you again.” Rall paused and looked back at Dale who remained crumpled on the floor. “Damn Luke, you really need to find some new friends.” He grabbed the two bags and headed out with Luke beside him.

Luke could not argue with that statement. He thought Adam was his friend he thought he was his boyfriend but that fell apart so fast that it couldn’t have ever been real. As far as Dale, he never considered him a close friend, but he thought they were friendly again he’d misjudged grossly and paid for that mistake. “I think Fate gave me you so that I would have at least one person in my life that was honest and true.”