Page 2 of The Blood Shadows (The Rose Vampire Coven #5)

I an hurried and closed the call, not in the mood to listen to Ron's demands and his whining. He took a large share of Ian's income, but over the last few months, Ian had gradually cut back because he was eager to have enough to move out and never have to look at Ron ever again. Ian wasn't looking forward to going home. Ron was in a hell of a mood, and Ian hanging up on him would not go well in his favor.

Dropping his phone back in his pocket he quickly got back to work. The night had been odd from start to finish. Every room seemed to feel heavy and expectant. Ian had looked over his shoulders repeatedly because he was swamped with the feeling of being watched.

Then there was that aroma, it was light but filled his senses it smelled like cotton candy but there was nothing in the entire building that could cause the smell of cotton candy. Every corner of every office was filled with the aroma of cotton candy.

It wasn’t overpowering just there floating on the air making every space smell nice. What confused him the most was the fact that it made him excited and not scared or concerned. His instincts were telling him that whatever it was it was good, and he had nothing to fear. There was no reason for him to feel this way but just as some instances filled a person with dread others filled them with hope and Ian felt hope in the presence of this aroma.

He wondered if it were a passing spirit or a positive energy that had been left by someone earlier in the day. Whatever it was, Ian took several deep breaths and appreciated the confidence and the hopefulness that spread through him.

"Damn, the place was spooky tonight." Joe, one of the other custodians from Ian's floor, commented as they were all clocking out. "Something was moving through the place, and it gave me the fucking heebie jeebies. Did you feel anything strange, Ian?"

“No, seemed fine to me.” He wasn’t going to mention the cotton candy it would just start a discussion, and Ian didn’t have time to be standing around. Several others made similar observations to Joe and Ian began to wonder why their experiences were so negative.

“I’m bringing some sage tomorrow.” One of the older ladies commented. “I don’t want anything weird following me home.”

"Salt water will protect you." Another joined, and at that point, Ian checked out of the conversation and headed out the door. The sun was just beginning to rise, and the streets were still drenched in long shadows, but Ian simply ducked his head down and hurried to catch the train.

He didn't give the impression or look like anyone who would have money or valuables, so he'd never been bothered. That was until today when a man lunged at him from an alleyway, grabbing him by the hair and knocking him off balance. Ian fell hard onto the cold, wet pavement. Normally, he would have been paying better attention to his surroundings, but his thoughts were on the strange presence he'd felt while working, and now he would pay for his stupidity.

The guy was holding a knife to his throat and straddling him where he lay. Ian had nothing to give him, and his mind was in a panic as he wondered if he was going to survive this attack. Then his fortunes shifted when a force plowed into the side of the guy holding him down, and he flew off him and hit the brick wall to the left of where Ian lay.

All he saw was movement and shadow, but the guy flew down the alley as if thrown by a powerful force. Ian couldn't see clearly what was happening or who was helping him. He clutched his throat, checking for cuts, but the knife had not injured him, thank God. He'd walked this route since starting the job downtown and had never had an issue until now. The guy wasn't just going to rob him. He was going to kill him.

Ian struggled to his feet and brushed off his clothes as he watched the man who had just saved him walk toward him down that dark alley. He was tall and dark and wore a full length black coat. He wasn’t grungy he was well dressed the suit and tie were pristine as was the trench coat. He was someone important and he went out of his way to save Ian.

"Are you a cop?" It seemed the most likely reason for the assistance. The man shook his head; no, but it was just a brief movement. His eyes were as dark as his hair, and he seemed to take Ian in with a silent intensity that devoured.

"My name is Nox Samara. The man ran off injured, so I don't believe he will bother you again." The man's voice was deep as gravel at the bottom of a dark pit, but it was a tone that registered with Ian as pleasing. Ian smiled and held out his hand to Mr. Samara.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Samara. I'm Ian Mathews and thank you for your help sir.” Mr. Samara looked at the hand and then at Ian and then back at the hand as if surprised by the action and then took hold in a grip that was significant but not showy. He continued to look at Ian as if he was studying him or waiting for something, but Ian just smiled and thanked him again.

“My pleasure and you can call me Nox.” He said and slowly let Ian’s hand slip free of his. “May I buy you a cup of coffee?" He gestured to the shop off to their right it was one Ian often grabbed a cup at before heading to the train station.

“Thank you I’d like that.” Ian wasn’t sure why he was agreeing sitting with a stranger and having coffee was not something he would usually enjoy but for some reason he didn’t want this man to walk away. He stood a good five inches or more taller than Ian and he was dressed like someone who held an important job. Why he would insert himself into Ian’s problems and invite him for coffee was a mystery that held Ian intrigued.

He also found the guy very attractive and sexy in a dark and deadly way. Dangerously attractive would perfectly describe him. He sat Ian at a table outside and then within minutes he was back with two coffees and set one in front of Ian. Once they were both seated and comfortable Mr. Samara asked him if he was okay.

“That man roughed you up.” He stated and then added. “Would you like to see a doctor?”

"No, thank you. I'm okay; I'm just startled more than anything and feeling a little stupid. I wasn't paying attention, and that can be dangerous." Ian drank his coffee and watched as Nox sat there looking completely out of place and yet comfortable. Ian would kill for such confidence and self- awareness. Strangely enough, Ian could also detect the scent of cotton candy. Maybe he was having a stroke or something because it was similar to what he smelled at work.

"Were you coming from work?" Nox's voice filled the space between them, and Ian held onto every word, wanting to make the best impression possible.

"Yes, I work night custodial at City Hall." He said clearly, and with pride, it was a good job with good benefits.

“Were you going to the train when you were attacked?”

“I usually pay better attention to my surroundings, and I now realize I got too close to that alley. The walk to the train is only a couple of blocks and until now I’ve managed it without incident.” Ian tried to explain himself without looking pathetic, but he wasn’t sure if he succeeded. “I live in an apartment with my Uncle on Hermitage.” He hadn’t asked where he lived but Ian felt the need to tell him as he continued his long winded explanation.

"Were you coming from work when you saw me?" Ian decided to try and change the subject of him.

"Yes, I work for Mr. Conall Rose," Nox responded easily. Conall Rose was a very important man in the city. He had his hand in many projects, and his name was associated with a variety of businesses.

“Do you work nights too?” That question earned an indulgent smile, and Ian was impressed at how that small expression softened everything about the man.

“I often work nights, but I am on call around the clock.”

“That must get tiring.”

Nox shook his head. "I like my job and my employer." They talked for a while longer, and once his coffee was finished, Ian figured he should be on his way. He wanted to get home and be in his room with the door locked before Ron woke up; otherwise, it would be hell trying to get any sleep.

Ian stood and again reached his hand out to Nox. “Thanks again for helping me.” Nox took his hand and held it just a little tighter than the last time. Ian liked the touch of his hand the warmth was reassuring and in a strange way he made Ian feel safe. It was crazy but it was a good feeling, so he was a little disappointed when Nox released him.

Nox reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a card and handed it to Ian. “Call me when you get home. I’d like to know that you made it safely.” It was an odd request, but Ian saw no harm in it plus he got this gorgeous man’s number.

"I'll call." Ian smiled and then turned to leave. He'd gone just a couple of steps and turned back, but Nox was gone. In less than a second, the man had disappeared. He stood still and stared for a few seconds before taking off for the train.

Nox moved with the shadows blended in and disappeared, but he wasn’t far from Ian. He wanted him to call but to be honest he had every intention of following him home. This man was too important to be left to his own devises Nox would make certain he reached home safe and well and in one piece.

He had noticed the perplexed look on Ian’s face when he turned back, and Nox was gone. It obviously confused him but didn’t concern him too much since he shook it off pretty quickly. If he’d known Ian was going to look back, Nox would have waited a minute before taking off. He will remember that in the future.

He sent a request to Ethan their IT department head, for all available information on Ian Mathews approximate age late teens early twenties and provided a description. Nox was touched by how easy it was for Ian to be close to him and how comfortable he was with the handshake.

Humans did not touch Nox not for any reason. The demon in Nox gave a vibe of fear and dread which humans sensed and reacted to by pulling away. Paranormal beings weren’t affected but even they tended to give Nox space when he walked through a room. Having a vulnerable human treat him so warm and casual was a new experience and Nox ate it up because the attention was coming from Ian his beloved.

He was pretty sure Ian's comfort and attraction were because Ian belonged to him. It was a shock to discover that he had been given such a gift, and he hoped it wasn't Fate playing a joke. That thought brought a tightness to his diaphragm, and he recognized it as anxiety, another feeling he rarely experienced. Life had opened a new door, and Nox was stepping inside, eager and excited to see what would come next.

Nox didn’t bother with the train confident that Ian would be okay. He rode the shadows and the wind to Ian’s apartment building and waited and soon he saw Ian making his way down the sidewalk to the building. Nox hid himself but he noticed Ian looking around curiously before opening the door and stepping inside. Nox followed him.

The apartment was on the third floor and numbered 304. Ian unlocked the door and stepped in making as little noise as possible and closed the door behind him. Nox observed the area for a few minutes and then retreated back down to the lobby and then outside to fade amongst the foliage. The call came and he answered, hearing Ian’s voice was a delight to Nox’s ears, his soft tones soothed his concerns.

“I’m home.” He said and then added. “No further attacks.” He chuckled and it felt like pure magic.

"That's good to hear." This sweet, playful banter was nice. "Would you let me take you to dinner tomorrow? I enjoy your company." Nox asked, and Ian responded without hesitation, another good sign that their bond was finding its place.

"I'd like that, thank you." They began discussing where to meet, and Nox noticed Ian was dodging around the offer to pick him up at his door. His uncle was obviously an issue, and Nox didn't want to cause him any unwanted distress.

"Meet me out front of your building." Nox offered and then added. "It will save me having to find parking." He didn't give a rat's ass about parking, but it took the pressure off Ian.

"Okay, I'll be there." Ian sounded excited, and it made Nox smile.

“Goodbye Ian sleep well.” Nox closed the call. He kept watch on the building for a while before finally leaving. The thought of folding into the shadows of Ian’s room just to make sure he was okay had passed through his mind. The stalkerish feeling of such a move kept him from carrying through.

Nox returned to the coven house and met with Master Rose and Drakon O’Hare. Nox was an enforcer and served under Drakon although he always worked alone. He made a complete report on the issue of the licensing complaint letting them know that minds were cleared and all physical and digital evidence had been removed. Then he moved on to the matter of finding his beloved.

The room fell into total silence, and both men stared at Nox. "Your beloved?" Drakon asked.

"My beloved, sir. He's a night custodian at City Hall, and his name is Ian Mathews.” Nox explained further.

"Is he paranormal?" Master Rose questioned, still acting a little confused by the declaration.

"No, he's human," Nox responded and then added. "It was a shock for me too."

“I can imagine.” Master Rose slowly began to smile and walked over to place his hand on Nox’s shoulder. “Fate is surely smiling on us.”

"Yes, she is." Nox agreed and felt a flutter of something he could not describe; it was a sense of lightness and maybe joy. Nox also explained saving him from an attack as Ian was walking to the train. "I killed the man who laid hands upon him and sent his remains to the underworld. There is no evidence of what took place there."

“Good thing you were close by and I’m glad your man is safe.” Drakon said and Nox nodded.

"If we can be of any assistance to you as you make your claim, do not hesitate to ask. I am so happy for you, Nox." The Master was sincerely pleased for him.

"Take all the time off that you need, and I look forward to meeting your beloved," Drakon told him. Nox was encouraged by their support. He wasn't sure what they would say or if they'd even believe him, considering demons do not have mates or beloveds.

“Thank you both.”