Page 3 of The Blood Shadows (The Rose Vampire Coven #5)

I an lay in his bed tossing and turning his mind, running over everything that had happened for the millionth time. The weirdness at work, followed by the attack and then meeting Nox Samara the whole night, had been strange, but other parts were amazing. Being rescued by a man like Nox was something he'd have never expected.

Few people are willing to put themselves out in the way that Nox did, and Ian is convinced that the man has saved his life. The attacker had a knife to his throat and was not interested in anything apart from slitting Ian's throat. It was awful and horrific, but Nox was there, and Nox saved him.

He finally nodded off and woke around four to the sounds of Ron stomping through the apartment. His door was locked, and he had placed a chair in front of it just in case Ron decided to start ramming it to get in. The idiot had done that before, and they had to pay for a new door.

Ron started yelling which was not good since the neighbors would start complaining and Ian didn’t want to have to put up with the complaints. He got up and pulled on his jeans and t-shirt before unlocking his door and stepping out into the living room.

“Stop yelling, the neighbors are going to start calling.” He said and when Ron’s eyes met his he looked surprised.

“When did you get home?” He barked.

“This morning after I finished work like every day.” Ian rolled his eyes. “I’m going back to bed for a couple hours so try to be quiet or the neighbors are going to start complaining again.”

"I'll be as fucking noisy as I want, and the neighbors can get fucked." Ron threw his cup, which looked to be filled with coffee, at Ian but missed and smashed against the living room wall. "Go back to bed, you lazy little fuck. All you do is sleep all day. I should toss your sorry ass out into the street."

“Who will pay the rent if you toss me out?”

“I don’t need you. I give you this roof and don’t you ever forget it.” Ron started stumbling toward him and Ian went back to his room and locked the door. Ron was drunk so there was no use talking to him. Ron was a mean guy, and he was an even meaner drunk. Ian didn’t have the time or the desire to deal with him right now or ever.

Ian didn’t go back to bed, instead he spent the next two hours searching the internet for apartments. He nearly had enough to get into a place of his own and the sooner the better. It was after six when he heard the outer door open and close and assumed Ron had left to go get more beer or go do whatever it was he did. Ian went to the kitchen and made a cup of coffee and a ham sandwich.

He paid for the groceries but still Ron would complain about what he ate. The sounds of Ron talking loudly out in the hall spurred Ian to quickly grab his things and disappear back into his bedroom. Ron had a guest with him so they would most likely sit out on the balcony drinking for the rest of the evening and leave Ian alone.

Ian used to have a couple of friends in the building, but they had both moved away about six months ago. He didn't know anyone in the building now, and it felt rather isolating, especially when dealing with someone like Ron every day. Once he had his own place, he would settle and get to know some people. With that thought, his mind went right to Mr. Nox Samara. There was a man he was desperate to get to know better.

It was going to be hard keeping his mind on work tonight knowing that he had a dinner date with Nox. The guy had style and confidence, and he worked for one of the influential men in town. Everyone had heard of Conall Rose that man owned a good share of the city or at least that was the rumor and what he didn’t own he controlled.

He and his people kept a low profile, and he wasn't seen much in public, but his mark was everywhere. Ian had never met anyone who worked for Rose before, although it was said that he had a large workforce at his disposal. Ian heard voices in the living room and stepped closer to the door to listen. He recognized Ron but didn't recognize the man he was speaking with.

“They’ll try again tomorrow.” The man said and Rod acted angry about something. “They’ll get it done, don’t worry.”

"Just finish it." Ron sputtered out the words, and it sounded like he was falling against something.

"Go sleep it off." The man said, and now he sounded irritated. "It'll be done by the time you wake up."

“Make sure you get it right this time.” Ian had no idea what Ron was into, and he didn’t want to know. Ron’s issues were his own Ian had enough on his plate, and he would not involve himself in Ron's shit. It was getting late, so Ian showered and got ready for work.

After leaving the Master’s office, Nox went down to the IT room in the basement and met with Ethan. He’d messaged him that the background on Ian Mathews was complete. Nox wanted to know all that he could about his beloved in order to better serve and protect his young human.

Ethan read off the highlights of the report. "He was born Ian Ashton Mathews and is currently nineteen years and four months old. His mother is Trinda Marie Mathews, and his father is unknown. His mother abandoned him at age fifteen and has never returned. The state put him in care with his Uncle Ron Mathews, his mother's younger brother. He received compensation for caring for Ian up to the age of eighteen." Ethan paused and looked over at Nox, who was standing at the side of his desk listening. "He had a rough life Nox." Nox nodded, already recognizing that fact.

"Ian is a high school graduate, a straight arrow with no contact with the law, but the same cannot be said for Uncle Ron." Ethan read off a list of offenses ranging from petty theft to assault. "He was also arrested for beating the snot out of Ian at the age of seventeen, but he wouldn't press charges and said it was not his Uncle who assaulted him. Why the hell does he stay with this guy?”

"Good question. Perhaps it was misplaced loyalty or a lack of funding or options." Nox was not impressed with the life Ian was exposed to. "Where is his mother?"

"I tracked her to Macon, Georgia. She's living with a boyfriend. She's been there for nearly two years, and before that, she was in Miami with a different boyfriend.” Nox watched Ethan scroll through some sites and call up a phone record.

"The strange thing is that she has kept in contact with her brother Ron over these past four years. She calls him the first week of every month, and the calls last about five minutes. Maybe she's calling to check up on Ian. Although she wasn't a good parent even before she abandoned him. She has a thick file with child and family services." Ethan's information was what Nox had expected.

"I doubt she holds any concern for Ian," Nox added flatly.

“She has a record of petty crimes both here and in Georgia and Miami.”

“What about Ian’s father is there any information on him?” Nox asked curious, and Ethan shook his head. “Would you dig a little deeper on Uncle Ron the guy doesn’t seem genuine in any respect.”

“Will do.” Nox thanked him and went up to his quarters to contemplate his way forward with his newly discovered beloved. He thought about the human that had attacked Ian in that alley and the fact that he was well dressed and seemed more focused on killing Ian than robbing him and it struck him as odd. The guy had no identification on him nothing in his pockets, yet he looked well fed, healthy and clean. It wasn’t a crime of opportunity.

The more he considered the possibilities, the more he worried about the safety of his beloved. Was he making something out of nothing? He should have gotten the man's name before he killed him, but emotions were running hot at the time. Ian would be going to work soon, and Nox planned to keep an eye on him.

Ron Mathews headed for the bar as soon as Ian left for work. He’d put too much money into this plan to have it ruined by incompetence. Trinda had arranged it all with her contacts in Macon, but it was Ron’s money that was paying the bill. Ron wanted assurances that there would be success, and it would be clean and neat no messy follow ups or questions.

“What are you doing here?” The man stated tightly as he glanced around to see if anyone was noticing them.

"Trinda vouched for you and said you were good at your job, but I'm beginning to think she may be full of shit," Ron stated with barely concealed antagonism.

"Watch your words, friend, or you will become my next job." Ron immediately pulled back and looked shocked. "I wasn't hired to hold your hand or give you a blow-by-blow report on my actions. I'll let you know when it is done, so go home and keep your fucking mouth shut." The guy was angry, and he wasn't hiding it. Ron scowled but didn't say anything. He got up, went to the bar, and sat down, ordering whiskey and beer. He resisted looking over at the guy, focused on his drinks, and idly watched the television mounted to the wall.

After a few minutes the man got up and left the bar. Ron ordered another whiskey and then called Trinda. "If this blows up it's on you." She shouted. "You need to back off and stop acting so stupid."

"They've had plenty of opportunities, but nothing has happened. They're incompetent, Trinda. Where in the hell did you find these guys?" Ron retorted and then looked around to make sure no one was paying him any attention. It was busy tonight, so no one seemed to be interested in him or his phone call. "Check on them, Trinda. If you've wasted my five thousand, I will personally come to Macon and beat your fucking ass."

“Calm down and keep your mouth shut before you ruin everything.”

“Take care of it or I will.” He said and then closed the call and downed his whiskey.

Ian noticed Anne, one of the older ladies on his floor, was giving him a strange look. He wasn't concerned enough to ask her about it, figuring if she had something to say to him, she would eventually say it. It was during his four o'clock break that she sought him out and sat down next to him.

“I saw you at the coffee shop yesterday after work with a gentleman.” She began being very cautious with her words. “I don’t know how to say this, but I feel compelled to warn you." She paused, and Ian was confused about how Anne could know someone like Nox.

“Do you know him?” Ian asked.

“No, but I am a sensitive and I must tell you that he gives off an extremely negative aura. I have felt bad vibes before from people but this man reeks of dread.” Anne finished and waited for Ian to comment but Ian was at a loss. There was nothing about Nox that felt negative or dreadful and he had no idea where Anne was coming from.

“Nox is a good man.” Ian said with intent and captured Anne’s gaze and held it firmly. “He saved me from a mugger and then bought me a cup of coffee to make sure I was alright. There is nothing negative about him.” Anne still looked troubled but nodded her head and looked away.

“I just needed to share my impression.” She explained as she stood and started walking away.

"Sure, but you have nothing to worry about," Ian assured her. He wondered what it was that Anne had against Nox. Perhaps it was his suit and tie and his look of importance that made her believe he was insincere.

Ian considers himself a good judge of character, and he sees Nox as an exemplary human being. He went out of his way to help a stranger, but not many people would do that. The rest of the shift went fast, with minimal contact with other staff.

After the comments by Anne, he was afraid others might decide to add their two cents and Ian’s private life was just that private. Discussing Nox or their relationship was something that was not going to happen. A few speculative looks were cast his way, but he ignored them and thankfully no one said anything.

He clocked out at seven and took off for the train while making sure to stay aware of his surroundings. After the attack yesterday he made sure to keep his head up and his eyes open. He also made sure to stay well away from the alley entrances.

The walk went fast, and he had the overwhelming sense that he wasn’t alone perhaps it was Nox’s aura that lingered and gave him confidence and protection. He laughed at his thoughts and quickly boarded the train.

Ron hadn't bothered him while on shift, so that was good, but it also made Ian wonder what was keeping the man busy. Ian couldn't wait for the day that Ron's comings and goings would no longer be his worry or consideration. Freedom was just around the corner.

Nox checked on Ian at work, sliding into the dark hallways and following him for a while. There appeared to be no danger in the building, so he waited outside for Ian's shift to end. When the gorgeous young man appeared, Nox quickly fell into step behind him, not wanting him to make this trek on his own. The attack from last night was still very fresh in Nox's mind.

Being close to Ian was always a rush. The warmth and the smiles generated by this sweet man were becoming priceless in Nox’s eyes. Ian looked back over his shoulder a couple of times making it clear he felt him or at least his energy was felt. Their bond was building, and the sooner Nox could get this relationship on a more personal level the better.

Nox was pleased that Ian took care to stay alert and aware during his walk to the train. Regardless, he was there to take care of any problems that might have arisen. He wasn't sure how he would explain his presence, but it didn't matter because all that mattered was Ian's safety.

Once he was on the train, Nox dropped back and returned to the alley where the attack had occurred the previous morning. He pulled out his phone and called Ian.

“Hello.” He said and with just that one word Nox could feel the connection that was growing between them.

“I wanted to make sure you got to the train safely.” Nox told him and Ian sounded pleased and his happiness fed something in Nox.

“I’m on the train and almost home. Thanks for calling.” Ian said. “Did you have a good night?”

"It was okay. I'm looking forward to seeing you today." Nox walked the alley, getting a feel for the man who attacked his beloved and looking for any evidence of who he was.

"I miss you. I know we just met, but I like you, Nox, and I'm so glad you called." Ian was not being demure. He was sharing his feelings freely, and Nox wasn't completely sure how to handle it but leaned on instinct.

“I miss you too Ian that’s why I called. I wanted to hear your voice and make sure you were safe.” Nox responded and then added. “I like you too, very much.” They fell silent for a few seconds and then Ian announced he was getting off the train. “I’ll see you tonight at seven. Pay attention to your surroundings and put your phone away.” He instructed and Ian laughed.

“I will, and see you at seven." Nox waited for Ian to hang up before closing the call. He felt lighter and more content, having spoken with Ian. The young man's presence was all Nox needed to energize and focus, and he looked forward to getting a taste and experiencing the power of a beloved. They had a way to go, yet before their connection, they would be at a point that would allow him that kind of familiarity, but he hoped he didn't have to wait too long.