Page 6 of The Blood Shadows (The Rose Vampire Coven #5)

“T he SUV crashed after Nox killed the two shooters. We got rid of it and its occupants.” Fane reported to Master Rose. “I’m surprised since we don’t often have to do cleanup for Nox. He gets rid of the evidence himself.”

“Nox is predisposed providing protection to his beloved.” The Master told him and Fane was understandably shocked.

“Nox has a beloved?”

“Yes, a human and it would seem the young man has stumbled into several near-death experiences, which we all have to admit is a little suspect."

"He's either cursed, or someone is trying to kill him." Fane offered, and the Master nodded.

“Nox is not letting him out of his sight and currently they are holed up in his apartment.” The Master smiled knowing the couple were enjoying their time together and being holed up was not a hardship at present.

"I want you and Samuel to investigate the shooting. Nox was unable to get the name of the man who attacked Ian in the alley, but the name Ward Sinclair came to him. He's not the attacker but is connected in some way. Get me everything you can because none of us wants to deal with Nox Samara if something happens to his beloved." The Master made the situation clear.

"I doubt the city would survive," Fane commented gravely.

“Exactly.”

“Someone is protecting him.” She stated that as soon as he picked up the call,

“Who, who is protecting him?” Ron shot back.

“Is he suspicious? Has he acquired a bodyguard?” She wanted to shift the blame for failure onto Ron.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” He wasn’t taking it.

"Call Sinclair to arrange a meeting. This is unacceptable." She heard from her sources that the drive-by had ended in death for the two shooters, and Ian was completely unharmed.

"There's no need to call him again. He's useless. I don't know where you found him, but he was not worth my five thousand." Ron paused for a few seconds and then devised a plan. "We're going to have to get our hands dirty and do this ourselves. Their failures are adding up, and pretty soon, the police are going to notice and get involved."

"Nothing has been reported. Whoever is protecting Ian hasn't involved the police, and I don't think Ian has a clue that we're trying to kill him."

Ron laughed. “Blissfully ignorant as always.”

“No, not ignorant just too trusting.” She said and laughed along with Ron. “You may be right we need to oversee this ourselves. I’ll catch a flight and be there this afternoon. Pick me up at the airport, I’ll let you know the time and we will put something together. I’m tired of waiting it’s time we finished this.”

Ian lay in Nox’s arms and had never before felt so safe and so protected. After they'd made love, Ian experienced his mind opening, and what Nox called the awareness overtook him. He saw the world of the supernatural; it was everywhere. Things that had given him pause in the past now made sense with this new perspective.

The things that were said last night promised fidelity and forever and it all rang very true the awakening showed him reality and true intent and all of Nox’s words were true. He wasn’t sure how this all happened, but he had never felt happier or more secure in his life.

Nox was exactly what he claimed to be, a supernatural being half vampire and half demon. Ian could see both of them he’d noticed it before in Nox’s eyes, the hard lines of his face and in the way he moved. But Ian had put it down as being simply interesting and extremely fit. He could see it now in all its clarity and Nox was a gorgeous man the vampire and the demon were all Nox, and he was falling very hard for the man.

"I love you, Ian," Nox said and pulled Ian tightly into the circle of his arms. Those loving and warm eyes searched Ian's face and then placed a hard kiss on Ian's tender lips. "You taste divine."

"You are amazing, and I can't believe that so much was happening around me, and I never knew it. This awakening you gave me is mind blowing in the extreme but I think I’m starting to get used to it and crazy enough it all makes sense. Life is so much more understandable now that I have access to the secrets.” Ian laughed softly and tunneled his fingers through Nox’s soft black hair and pulled him closer.

Ian looked deep into his eyes seeing the depth of their connection reflected there and feeling the bond that now existed between them. “I can feel you Nox. I can see into your heart and your mind. You are absolutely awesome.” Ian kissed him lightly on the lips and then on the forehead and then nuzzled into his welcoming embrace. “I could stay like this forever.” He whispered.

Nox had not expected such a surge of emotions to encompass him at the completion of their bond. It was something that tore through him, shredding his reserve and laying him bare to his forever lover. In any other situation, he would feel the need to kill everyone involved, but in this situation, all he wanted was for his lover to kiss him and love him and never stop smiling at him.

The bond was special and selective, there would never be another in his life like Ian and he could not have asked for a better partner than Ian Mathews. Now that Nox had access to Ian’s thoughts and emotions he found that he loved him even more.

He loved him for his strength, intelligence, practical and sensible approach to life, and his openness to accepting someone like Nox. The pull was helping but as the Master had explained, if the ability to love someone wasn’t already present then the pull would be useless. Attraction had to be present before Fate could make the relationship happen.

“We are bonded, and I will be by your side for the rest of our days and beyond if I can arrange it.” Nox had connections even in the next world and he would certainly do whatever necessary to keep Ian close, but he wouldn’t go into that right now. Ian had a lot to process but his heart was willing and that was all that was required. They would get into the details of Nox’s life and associations at a later time.

“Are you hungry, sweetheart?" Nox used the endearment with ease.

“No, dinner last night was wonderful and filling.” The comment on last nights dinner date brought back the memory of the shooting and Nox felt his beloved begin to tense up.

“Dinner was good, and you were fantastic.” Nox kissed the side of Ian’s head and once again gathered him close in his arms. “I love how easy it is for you to be around me. Humans normally are put off by my presence it's the demon element that they sense and find concerning. That first night, you were not put off by me. You did not fear me. You stood with me without issue, and I was intrigued by you. I followed you, and I am so glad that I did."

"That sounds really sexy." Ian laughed, and the tension eased.

“You are the sexy one my love.” Nox continued with endearments, and he found them easy and natural when describing his perfect love. He was about to extol further on the many attributes of his beloved when his cell went off.

He did not release Ian but rather reached over to the bedside table and grabbed his phone and answered. “Nox here.” It was Master Rose and what he had to say was not a surprise.

“There’s a hit out on your beloved.” He began and Nox felt his insides turn to ice. “We discovered Ward Sinclair was the middleman and he has been eliminated. He hired the mugger in the alley and he hired the two shooters from last night.”

“Who hired Sinclair?” Nox asked.

“Uncle Ron.” That information did surprise him. The man was a lowlife, but Nox had not considered him to be intelligent enough to put together such a plan. “Stay with your beloved I have men out looking for Ron. He’s on the run. Don’t go after him Nox stay with Ian.” The Master paused and then added. “I will keep you posted and let you know when all parties have been dealt with.”

“Thank you.” Nox closed the call and rolled to wrap his arms around Ian and pressed his face into the crook of his neck.

"What's wrong? I can feel your frustration and anger." Ian spoke softly and ran his hands up and down Nox's back, soothing and comforting him in a way only a beloved can do. He chose not to share with Ian the fact that his uncle had paid to have him killed. He wasn't particularly fond of his uncle, but to find out someone wants you dead can be very devastating, and he didn't want his beloved to be devastated.

Sitting around and waiting for someone else to take care of the problem was also something he could not possibly do. He understood the Master's concern for Ian, but he was perfectly safe at the coven, and no human with murderous intent was going to gain entrance to the coven house. He could find Ron faster because he could move faster. The sooner Ron was dealt with, the sooner Ian would be safe.

“Did they find out who shot at us?” Ian prompted.

“Yes, they did, but they're not anyone you know." He wasn't lying since Ian did not know the shooters.

“Why did they do it?”

“I don’t know but we will figure it out.” Nox lay there for a few minutes holding Ian and contemplating his next moves. “I’m going to leave you for a few hours I want to join the search for who is behind these attacks. It is important that you remain here under the protection of the coven while I am gone.”

"I hate to let you go. Being with you like this feels so damn right." Nox felt the same, but it was imperative that Ron and whoever else was behind these attempts were stopped permanently. If he had to wipe out the entire city to ensure the safety of his beloved, he would do it.

"I'll be back as soon as possible. I need to make sure the threat against you is gone. I need to be assured of your well-being and your safety." Nox sat up, and Ian followed.

“I understand hurry back I’ll be waiting. Maybe we could have lunch together when you return.” Ian was trying to be tolerant and supportive but there still was a shade of disappointment coloring his words. Nox got out of bed and quickly dressed. Ian scooted to the edge near to where he stood and watched him with eyes that contained worry. “Be careful.” He said and reached out to Nox.

Nox grabbed him and pulled him up into his arms. His naked beloved was the finest thing on this earth, and for a split second, he considered staying and returning to bed. But he had to finish this before something happened to Ian. Ron and anyone else involved in this needed to die.

Nox was a tracker, and he was more likely to find this man quickly. He could also plumb the information from his mind and discover who else was involved. Nox kissed Ian hard and exacting putting everything he felt for the young man into that kiss and that embrace and then he sat him back onto his feet.

"I'll be back. Stay here, and do not leave the building." Ian nodded, and after another quick kiss, Nox left, turning into the air current and disappearing.

Ian stood and considered his situation for several minutes. Being in Nox's personal space felt odd and yet comforting. He hadn't much time to consider the space last night when they appeared here, and then things started to happen. He smiled at the memory and felt the exhilaration of the night rush through him.

The bedroom was stark but what he would have expected of a man like Nox. It was a nice solid brass bed that looked antique but was in perfect condition. The bedding was simple and basic but quality, as was the rug and the other linens. He rethought the word stark and figured it was more minimalistic because it felt warm and welcoming even in its plainness.

Walking around, he could feel the man; Nox's impression was everywhere, and it was the source of his comfort. Nox Samara was not the sort of man Ian had ever thought would enter his life. When he told him that he worked for Conall Rose and that he was working nights, it was pretty clear to Ian that his position was a clandestine one. He wasn't taking meetings and solving interoffice issues. He was solving problems in the dark of the night on behalf of Conall Rose.

Mr. Conall Rose had a reputation, and even Ian, as small and insignificant as he was in this town, was aware of it. He never did anything illegal and got caught, but there was a belief that he and his people functioned on the edge of the law and sometimes went over that edge.

He always kept his hands clean, but circumstances would sometimes speak for themselves. Now, with his new perspective, he could see why Master Rose lived the way he did in order to make a safe and profitable life for his people. He was a harsh man, but like Nox, he never hurt anyone unnecessarily.

This world he fell into was a wild one and it opened a lot of doors in regard to understanding the inner workings of this city. Ian was born and raised in this city and yet he had never known just how many paranormal beings existed around him.

Vampires, shifters, and the like are all living and thriving. Magic was the big kicker for him, and now he understood why some people just had the best of luck. He shook his head and went in the direction of the attached bath. He needed to shower and get dressed.

Ian wasn’t used to the understated luxury of a large, well thought out bathroom. He stayed in there longer than necessary enjoying the heat and the steam and the soft towels. At home he was lucky to find an old t-shirt to dry off with considering Ron like to use the towels for shop rags no matter how new or expensive they were. Ron. . . he was so ready to leave that man in his past.

Stepping into the kitchen looking for a cold drink he’d just swung open the refrigerator when his cell rang. Assuming it was Nox he answered immediately. “How’s it going?” He asked hoping to hear that he was on his way home. But what he heard made his blood run cold.

"Hello honey it's your mother." The voice was familiar with its fake sugary sweetness, and it struck him hard. He hadn't heard from her in over four years, not a word. What did she want? She always wanted something.

“I know I’ve not kept in touch, but I called Ron every week for an update on you. I left because I had to in order to be a better mother for you.” It was just a bunch of banalities strung together in an order she thought might make her look less of a self-centered bitch and more of a victim. She loved being the victim.

He was just about to get Ron out of his life, so he wasn't going to welcome Trinda back in. Ian was about to close the call without responding when she started talking fast, and her words were pleading.

"I'm in town. I wanted to see you, but Ron refused to let me come to his apartment. He's being difficult and abusive. Please, Ian, I just want to see you and talk to you." She paused.

"Why, why would you want to see me?" Ian wasn't falling for it at first, but the longer he listened, the more he admitted that he would like to see her and why she left. She was always self-centered and not a good mom, but she was never abusive or cruel. She was just thoughtless and dismissive. He was making excuses for her, and he knew it, but still, what would it hurt?

“I want to try and explain what I was feeling and why I left but I need to look at you when I do. Please honey come see me.” The pleading was forceful and Ian felt himself breaking and wanting to hear the explanation to understand why she disappeared.

“Where are you staying?” Ian caved.

“I’m in room 248 at the Jefferson on Wilmington.” She was happy and excited, but Ian felt nervous. He told Nox that he would wait for him and that he would stay in the apartment.

"I'll meet you this afternoon," Ian suggested.

"No, honey, I'm only here for the next hour, and then I'm catching a flight back to Macon. I purchased a cheap ticket after Ron refused to let me see you. I thought it was useless to hang around. It's not refundable, and I can't afford another ticket. Please meet me here within the hour. Please, honey." Ian wasn't even sure if he could get to the Jefferson in an hour.

“That doesn’t leave much time.”

"You can make it. Please try."

“Okay.” He left it there and hung up. A strange anticipation overtook him at finally getting answers to his questions finally knowing why she left him. As he thought about meeting her the nervousness set in again and a dread began to take shape. His feelings about it were all over the place but in his heart he wanted to see her. It might be the last time.

He thought about dropping Nox a text and letting him know what he was doing but he didn’t want to bother him. It was more than that but that was the reason he told himself. Truth was he knew Nox would try to talk him out of it. He needed to see her.