Page 4 of The Blood Shadows (The Rose Vampire Coven #5)

I an was shocked at how much that call had affected him. Hearing from Nox made the entire relationship seem real. It wasn't just a daydream or wishful thinking. Men who weren't serious did not call to confirm a dinner date. The few blocks from the train station to his apartment building flew by as he rushed to get home.

Ron would be asleep as usual, thank God, and rather than falling into bed as he usually did this morning Ian wanted to go through his closet and see what he had and what would look good to wear tonight. His clothing options were narrow, but he had a few good pieces. The excitement was bubbling and the exhilaration pushing him to run faster.

When he entered the apartment he found it unnaturally quiet. Ron snored like a buzz saw but there was nothing but silence and stillness. Walking carefully and quietly he took a cursory glance around but did not want to check Ron’s room. If he was there fine if he wasn’t fine, it wasn’t Ian’s concern, so he grabbed a drink from the kitchen and disappeared into his room locking the door securely behind him.

Ian had found the outfit for tonight after an hour or so of searching. His closet was more limited than he thought so it was a pair of good jeans and a nice white button down. It was basic but he felt confident that it would work for most restaurants. Nox didn’t strike him as the sort of guy who went to places that were too high end or exclusive.

He seemed as though he liked his privacy, and places like that tended to be in the public eye and all over social media. Ian was talking himself into feeling okay about his outfit since he had no clue where they were going for dinner. It was close to noon, so he needed to lay down for a while, or he'd be tired tonight, and he did not want to be tired. He wanted to enjoy every minute with Nox Samara.

"Be quiet. Don't wake up that fucking kid." The voice was Ron's, and apparently, he had someone with him. He had no friends that Ian was aware of and definitely no girlfriend. Being both grossly unattractive and miserable in general, Ron tended to drive everyone away.

He might have gotten lucky, and they might be a hook up from the bar he frequented. Ian did not want to think about how desperate a woman would have to be to want to hook up with that mess. Ian listened but he couldn’t hear the other person, although he did hear the two of them moving across the living room and toward his door. “Shh.” It was Ron again.

Ian watched his door and noticed his doorknob turned, but his lock was engaged, and the chair was in place. Ron wouldn't get in, yet it didn't stop him from trying several more times.

"He's in there, damn it." Ron cussed, and Ian heard him walk away. Why wouldn't he be in there? It was just past noon. Ian was always in his room at this time because he worked the night shift. Ron's reaction when he couldn't get into his room was bizarre.

Maybe he was still drunk from last night Ian rolled over and tried to sleep he wasn't going to give it more thought than it was worth. Ron and his guest could find their entertainment elsewhere.

As he slowly fell asleep his mind quickly turned back to the dangerously handsome man of his heart, Nox Samara. He lived in Ian’s fantasies now as the star in every daydream. Nox with the raven hair and the square jaw the man who moved like the wind and smelled like heaven. Nox transfixed him and made him think maybe he had a chance. It was a fantasy, and it was enchanting, and Ian was going to hold onto it as long as Nox remained interested.

At just before seven Ian showered shaved and dressed in the best he could put together headed out front to wait for Nox. Ron was in his room where he’d stayed all day after trying to get into Ian’s room. He wasn’t sure if his guest was still with him and honestly he didn’t care. The fact that he stayed out of Ian’s way on this very important evening was all Ian was hoping for.

He stepped out onto the sidewalk, and within minutes, a long black SUV pulled up to the curb, and Nox got out. It was a beautiful vehicle, and Nox was as handsome as ever. Ian felt his heart do a little flip when Nox took his hand and bent to place a soft kiss on his cheek. This was fairytale material and something Ian could not have ever imagined would be happening to him. He melted as he was led to the passenger side, and Nox assisted him in getting in and getting comfortable before closing the door and returning to the driver’s seat.

Nox smelled so good, and that kiss was still tingling. Ian realized that he was being a big idiot about all of this, but he didn’t care this was his chance to feel something real and special and deep and he was going to grab it with both hands and hold on.

Nox had spent the day searching through the alley and following up on a name that was attached to the attacker. Nox traveled back to the underworld and sifted through the guy’s mind to see if there was anything there to explain the attack.

There wasn't much there except a name, Ward Sinclair. Nox didn't know if it was his name or the name of an associate, but he would figure it out. He really regretted not draining the man's memory before killing him. "Are you familiar with the name Ward Sinclair?" Nox decided to ask Ian while they made their way downtown to a nice restaurant by the lake.

“Never heard of him is he someone important?” Ian sat there looking sweet and gorgeous and Nox just wanted to eat him up.

“I think he had something to do with your attacker.”

“His name was Ward Sinclair?”

"I'm not sure if it is the attacker's name, but Ward Sinclair came up during the investigation."

“There’s an investigation?” Ian was such a lovely young man everything was exciting, and Nox was finding the excitement contagious.

“The Rose corporation is conducting an investigation.” Nox clarified but didn’t go into too much detail.

"I think it was just someone who saw me as an easy mark to rob and kill, and if you hadn't come along, they would have been successful." Ian's tone became somewhat solemn as he completed that sentence. Nox reached over and placed his hand on top of Ian's and let his own calm and stillness be channeled to his beloved. Ian looked over at him and smiled.

“I believe our meeting was meant to be. You and I are meant to be.” Nox offered and waited for a response.

“You think it was destiny?” Ian said with that same sweet smile.

“Yes.”

“You believe in destiny?”

“I believe the universe made sure I was there to save you. I believe in the powers of Fate, and I believe that you and I were brought together.” Nox made himself clear without sounding too peculiar, he hoped.

"I believe there is more than what meets the eye in most situations and with most people. This city can be strange and otherworldly sometimes, and explanations are difficult." Ian paused, and Nox thought he might give some examples, but he said the words that could melt even the heart of a demon. “Destiny sounds like something I’d like very much as long as it included you.”

"Always," Nox stated with a smile that was only for Ian. It was both understanding and conspiring. He wanted this young human and being with him these last couple of days had solidified his desire and forged a bond that would only grow stronger the longer they remained together.

It was the natural way of the vampire, and it was to be his future. Their hands remained connected throughout the drive, giving Nox the impression that Ian was not unaffected by the force of Fate and that destiny was theirs. He pulled up to the restaurant and handed the keys and a tip to the valet before taking Ian's hand and leading him inside.

The Belvedere was a fine respectable restaurant often frequented by Master Rose and many from the Rose Coven. The owner and staff were vampire as were many of the customers so Nox felt confident that he wouldn’t upset too many by his presence. The staff would make sure they were not seated near humans.

Ian walked strong and confidently beside him. Nox had always walked alone he avoided relationships of any depth apart from the faith and loyalty he held for Master Rose and the Rose Coven. Now here he was with someone so perfectly handsome standing at his side.

Once seated, he ordered drinks, which consisted of sparkling water since Ian was just nineteen. He couldn't take his eyes off his beloved, still shocked and working out the rush of feelings and attitudes coursing through him.

Until yesterday his life had been flat in many ways nothing upset him no matter how gruesome nothing mattered apart from serving his Master and his coven. His days were organized and repetitive and he was satisfied with that. Then he met this man a human with an aura that compelled and mystified and filled Nox with thoughts and needs never before contemplated.

"What time must I have you home?" Nox asked, wondering about his work schedule for the night.

"I'm off tonight and tomorrow, so my evening is wide open." Ian gave him that smile again, the one that was teasing and excited. It touched Nox's heart every time, and that was not an easy feat. Nox's heart was buried deep and had hardened solidly over the years.

His demon half balked at the emotions coming to life within him, but his vampire half seemed to revel. His demon had held the reins of his life for years, and it was now time for his vampire to be satisfied. Even as the demon within him pushed for more distance and reserve, Nox could feel the softening and the subtle acceptance of this new addition to his life. He wasn't a changed man by any stretch of the imagination. He was still the demon soldier of the Rose Coven. His softer side was in response to Ian and no one else. Ian held Nox's heart and his attention now and forever. His warmth, his need, his adoration and love all surrounded this one lone human, Ian Mathews.

Dinner came and conversation flowed easy and naturally which was also odd for him. Talk was unnecessary in the bulk of his life because he found that it just slowed things down, but he didn’t feel that way with Ian. With Ian talk was soothing and tender and Nox was eager for every word from his mouth and every expression on that beautiful face. He could listen to him for hours.

“Why do you live with your uncle?” Nox asked after they’d spent the meal discussing casual matters such as likes and dislikes. He wanted more information to build a deeper understanding of his beloved.

“My uncle took me in after my mother left when I was fifteen. He isn’t an easy person to live with but at least I wasn’t on the streets. The state paid him a stipend and a social worker came quarterly to check up on me until I turned eighteen.” Ian stopped and took a breath, not completely comfortable with the question obviously.

"I've been working since I was ten years old, first helping my mother out and then earning my keep, as Ron so aptly put it. It wasn't until the custodial job that I started making enough to meet Ron's needs and also be able to put money away. I’ve been saving and plan to move out within the next couple of months.” Ian stared at him, and the look seemed suspicious. "Why do you ask?"

“You’re smart and self reliant and not someone I would describe as na?ve or exploitable. Ron Mathews is a small time crook with a bad reputation and an attitude to match. I was just wondering what kept you there.” Nox told him and then added with a poignant stare. “If you need help leaving, I can help you.” The tension he was feeling immediately dissipated and that smile returned.

“I’ve been looking at apartments, so it won’t be long before I have my own place. But thank you for the offer.”

"I work for a man with a lot of contacts. Please let me help you." Nox pressed while reaching his hand across the table to take Ian's. He was silent for a few seconds clearly thinking it over and then he nodded.

“Okay, if you have any leads on cheap apartments in good neighborhoods I would appreciate the heads up.” Nox laughed it was just a whisper of sound, but it was the first laugh Nox had uttered in decades.

“I’ll get right on it, Ian.”

“Thanks.” They finished dessert and Nox felt that the date had gone quite well, and Ian had shared personal and emotional information with him. Their bond was forming but until Nox was able to get a little closer it would be a very slow process. Physical contact would feed the bond and broaden Ian’s awareness of the supernatural.

Master Rose had suggested the glamour to open Ian’s mind as their connection grew. It helped the human partner to ease into the unknown more easily and with less panic. The glamour was safe and did not interfere with a person’s own free will. But the glamour needed touch and intimacy, and their relationship seemed to be a slow starter. He had to ask for more and see if Ian would oblige.

"I'd like for you to come home with me, Ian. I live at the Rose Corporation main building on one of the upper floors. Many who work for Conall Rose live at that location." Nox waited for a response. He still held Ian's hand and tightened his grip as he waited.

“Is it a nice apartment?” Ian smiled and his eyes sparkled, and it sent a soft tremble through Nox’s body.

"It's very nice. I think you would love it."

"In that case, I like to see it." Nox wanted to stand and exit the restaurant immediately, but he managed to control himself and signaled for the check. He wanted to get home as soon as possible because the thought of having his beloved in his personal space was filling his mind with hot and salacious thoughts.

Going by the hungry look on Ian’s face his mind was traveling in the same direction. After paying the check and leaving a hefty tip Nox helped Ian from his chair and placed his arm around his waist while quickly guiding him outside. He gave the ticket to the valet, and they stood silently with an arm around each other with anxious anticipation pumping through their veins.

Nox noticed a sleek white SUV with tinted windows approaching from their left. It was suspicious in the fact it was traveling slowly as it came to the restaurant but did not turn in. The backseat window on the right rolled down, and a black barrel appeared, and that was all Nox needed to see to process what was happening. It was only him and Ian standing there, so the target was obvious. Nox wrapped his body around Ian and turned just as the shots rang out. They hit Nox several times, but the bullets were like raindrops to a demon. They damaged his suit but had no effect on him. He made sure Ian was completely cocooned within his embrace.

When the car had passed, Nox turned with the wind and disappeared, and within a split second, he was in the back seat of that car, sitting next to the shooter. Their eyes met, and panic exploded. Nox thrust a short sword into the man's side, puncturing his heart, and death was immediate.

The driver tried to turn and shoot, but he was too slow. Nox pulled out the sword and plunged it through the driver's seat, piercing him through, and then jerked it upwards, tearing him apart. Nox pulled out the sword, and catching the current, he was once again back with Ian cradling his beloved in his arms. He was gone for no more than a microsecond, but there was a shade of bewilderment present in the way Ian looked up at him.

"Nox, are you okay?" The words were frantic, and Ian's grip held him tightly.

“Come with me.” Nox held him and together they shifted on the winds and shadows and then they were no longer on the roadway in front of the restaurant but rather standing in the living room of Nox’s apartment.

Holding Ian like this, shielding him so completely, gave Nox a little peace and the knowledge that Ian was okay and those men had not hurt him. He knew it was true, and yet he was unnerved by how close death had come.