Page 39 of The Vampire’s Receptionist (Charmed Away Temp Agency #4)

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Kian saw the look on Dorian’s face when Taron mentioned his mother.

He didn’t need Dorian to explain it to him.

He’d seen that look too many times when he was an EMT.

The pain and heartache only spoke to one thing.

Dorian’s mother was no longer on the mortal plane.

He wasn’t sure why Dorian hadn’t told his friends yet, but it wasn’t really his business.

Or, at least, it wasn’t yet. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to Dorian about the whole mate thing.

He still hadn’t wrapped his head around it himself.

When the nurse said they were mated, Kian had thought she was mistaken.

Or joking. Fae didn’t have mates. Or that was what he had been told by his family.

The only one who subscribed to the mate thing was his dad, but Kian had always assumed it was his mom who found her mate and his dad just kind of went along with it because he loved her.

But then again, Kian was only half-fae. The witch side of his blood could very well have a mate, and the nurse seemed to think Dorian was it.

But it made him worry that their mating would only be half of what it could be.

When only half of him could find a mate, would that make their mating half of what Dorian deserved?

Would he be less invested in Dorian’s happiness than Dorian was in his?

He didn’t want that. Dorian deserved to be loved by someone who could give their whole selves to him. He didn’t deserve half a mating.

If Dorian already saw him as his mate, though, the choice could be taken from him.

Supes who subscribed to the whole mate thing only had one.

They devoted their entire being to their mates and never strayed after they found ‘the one’.

It was a fantasy level relationship. And if Dorian chose him, he wouldn’t choose another.

If Kian walked away, he’d be dooming Dorian to living a half-life.

Like the one Kian lived now. He couldn’t do that, especially not to such a sweet man.

It felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest just imagining Dorian suffering like that.

He was distrusting, a troublemaker, and he had a hell of a lot of baggage, but he’d do his best to keep Dorian happy.

It was only fair since Dorian did the same thing for him.

Uncomfortable with the thought, he pushed it aside, giving his attention back to Dorian. He was still pale and disheveled, but he was on the mend. A few more transfusions, and he’d be back on his feet. Thank the goddess for that.

Pushing to his feet, he wandered into the bathroom to wet a cloth. There was still dried blood on Dorian’s forehead, and it was driving him nuts. He busied himself with cleaning Dorian up, careful not to wet the bandages on his head in the process.

Dorian’s hand came up, wrapping gently around Kian’s wrist. “You don’t need to do that. It’s not your job to care for me. I appreciate everything you’ve done thus far, but it might be best for us to have some time apart. I don’t want you to feel obligated to tend to me.”

Kian lowered his hand slowly, studying the man. It looked like it pained him to say it, and he wouldn’t meet Kian’s eyes. That look, more than anything, spoke volumes.

“So it’s true, then.”

Dorian’s brows furrowed and he glanced up at him. “What’s true?”

“I’m your mate, aren’t I?”

His lips parted in surprise and even in the limited lighting from his magic, he could see the slight blush in Dorian’s cheeks.

He stammered, and his fists clenched in the blankets on his lap, almost panicked at the idea of Kian knowing the truth.

That was Kian’s fault. His walls were so high, Dorian was afraid to be honest with him.

Setting the cloth on the table next to Dorian’s bed, he drew in a deep breath and turned to face him. But they were still so damn far apart.

Being very careful not to even jostle the poor vampire, Kian moved up the bed until he was looming over Dorian, his hands planted on either side of his head.

He got close enough to rest his forehead against Dorian’s, close enough to kiss him if he wanted to.

He felt Dorian’s unsteady breathing across his lips, and he wanted to lean down and kiss him until he relaxed and the panic went away.

But he couldn’t do that until Dorian understood him.

“I’m not sure I’d make a good mate. Honestly, I pretty much guarantee I’ll suck at it.

My one real relationship was a disaster, and I’ve spent the rest of my life avoiding getting anywhere near real feelings because of it.

But the idea of leaving you all alone and brokenhearted kills me.

It hurts way worse than the betrayal that I felt the day I realized my ex wasn’t who he said he was.

So if you’re willing to let me, I want to try to do right by you. Try to make this work. Let me try.”

It was all he could really offer. He didn’t make promises he couldn’t keep, and he had no idea how to even start having a relationship, much less how to have a good one. But he wanted to try. Dorian was worth the effort.

Dorian’s eyes searched Kian’s, a tinge of hope hiding in those dark brown depths. “I don’t want to force you–”

Kian silenced him with a kiss, slow and full of all the emotions Kian didn’t feel comfortable saying out loud. When the tension slipped away, and Dorian sank into it, Kian felt a little like he could conquer the world. Or put in the effort to make this man happy.

“You’re not forcing me,” he whispered against Dorian’s lips. “I want this. I want you. I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner.”

Dorian leaned his forehead against Kian’s, letting out a slow breath.

“I don’t blame you for being cautious. You have every right to be after what you experienced.

If I start to overwhelm you again, please tell me.

I want you to be happy, dearheart. If we need to take things slow, I’m more than happy to do that. ”

Kian didn’t realize he needed to hear that until Dorian said it. Relief hit him like a tidal wave, and he let his eyes slip shut with the force of it. He could do slow. Jumping into the whole mating thing sounded terrifying, but taking things slow he could handle.

“Slow sounds good,” Kian murmured, stealing another one of those deep, emotional kisses that made him feel warm all over.

“Then slow is what we’ll do,” Dorian agreed, lifting his good hand to cup Kian’s face. “Let’s start simple. May I take you on a date?”

Huffing out a laugh, Kian shook his head.

Dorian’s smile faltered, but Kian was quick to reassure him with a kiss.

“No, you silly man. You’re injured. You need to rest.” He ran his nose along Dorian’s, just soaking him in.

“And when you’re better, I’m going to be the one to take you on the date.

It’ll make me feel like less of an asshole for using you for sex for so long. ”

Dorian barked out a laugh, wincing for his effort. His shoulders still shook, even while he hugged his middle to ease the pain.

Snickering, Kian kissed his forehead and slipped off the bed. “I’m getting a nurse. You need a pain potion. And I’m sure that annoying doctor will want to check on you now that you’re awake. He’s kind of a psycho, I hope you know.”

At Dorian’s startled expression, Kian snorted. “I’ll tell you later. I don’t want you going all ragey vampire while you’re injured. Sit tight.”

After stepping into the hall and closing the door softly behind him, Kian let out a slow breath. He could do this. As long as he had Dorian, he could figure things out.

His gaze shifted to the group of Dorian’s friends still camped out in the waiting room.

It wouldn’t hurt to ask for some advice, though.

Dorian’s heart still felt light and filled with joy when he woke up the second time.

Kian was gone long enough to fetch the nurse and Doctor Chapman and stayed by his side while he was given potions for his pain and his bandages were checked and changed.

He’d protested when they asked Kian to do a direct blood transfusion, but Kian ignored him and from the way they were all talking, it wasn’t the first one he’d given since Dorian got hurt.

Dorian hated being a burden on Kian, but he could admit he was parched.

And it wasn’t like he could ingest blood the normal way right now.

That would be embarrassing for his mate, and he didn’t want that.

Mate.

It still shocked him to hear that word. He knew he was falling for Kian, and that he’d do anything to make the man happy, but he hadn’t considered just how deeply his feelings went.

It was only when Kian asked that it sank in.

The way he felt about Kian went far deeper than just the beginnings of love.

He wanted to bind them together in every way he could.

He wanted to spend his life at Kian’s side.

He was right when he felt a piece of him was missing when they were apart.

He only felt complete with Kian in his arms.

Right now, his mate was asleep with his head pillowed on Dorian’s bed, sitting in the chair beside him.

It didn't look like the most comfortable position, but he’d refused to use the couch a few feet away, citing a need to keep an eye on Dorian.

Dorian couldn’t complain since he wanted Kian close as well.

He asked to have Kian lay beside him, but that got him dirty looks from both Kian and Doctor Chapman.

Neither were willing to risk injury just so he could cuddle his mate.

A gentle knock on the door drew his focus, and a new face poked their head in a moment later.

The room was lighter now thanks to the sun streaming in through the window, and his eyes were adjusted, so he could see her features easily.

He tipped his head ever so slightly, careful of his injuries. Why did she look so familiar?

“You’re awake,” she murmured, keeping her voice low as she crept into the room. Her gaze skimmed over Kian’s sleeping form, and she smiled softly at him. “I figured he had a rough night so I brought some coffee.”

She set a drink carrier with four cups in it on the table at the foot of his bed. He drew in a deep breath and nearly groaned at the smell of coffee that filled the air. He hoped one of those cups was for him.

Offering her hand, the woman introduced herself. “My name is Tara Rosewood. I’m Kian’s mother.”

He sucked in a sharp breath of surprise, resulting in pain shooting up his side as he spluttered and coughed.

His foolish reaction woke Kian instantly, and he sat up, his hands glowing as he muttered a spell.

He couldn’t ease pain, he wasn’t a healer, but he could help settle him, and once the coughing stopped, the pain died down a little.

Tara winced, her smile apologetic. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you alright?”

Kian did a double take, frowning at his mother. “Mom? What are you doing here?”

“I brought coffee,” she said, the smirk on her lips saying she knew Kian would protest and brought the beverage just to still his protests.

It worked well. Kian was immediately distracted, picking up a cup and taking a sip.

He sighed happily, setting his aside to grab one for Dorian as well.

And he said he’d be a bad mate. A good mate put his coffee aside to make sure Dorian had his fix. Kian was a good mate.

“I watered your plants; they seem healthy. They do feel neglected, but I explained things, and they seem willing to be patient,” she told Kian, taking a sip of her own coffee.

Kian hummed, a slight smirk on his lips. “I may have spoiled them with attention recently. Did Dad put the ones he stole back?”

Tara snickered and nodded. “He did. I made sure of it. He’ll be here later to check on you.

Apparently, his favorite restaurant is just down the street, and he refused to get breakfast from anywhere else.

” When she rolled her eyes, the similarities became crystal clear.

She looked so much like Kian when she did that.

He could tell now where he got the habit from.

“Is he bringing any for us, or does he plan to gorge himself at the restaurant and then come to visit?” Kian asked blandly.

“Your guess is as good as mine, sweetheart. That man is an enigma.” She shook her head, turning her attention to Dorian. “How are you feeling, dear? You’re looking better than you were last night.”

Dorian shot Kian a questioning look, and Kian obligingly explained, “They were both here last night. I was visiting with them when I got the call that you were hurt.”

“Visiting?” she scoffed. “You were–”

“Ah, ah, ah. Nope. Dorian is healing .”

The way he said it told Dorian there were things that occurred the night prior that Kian didn’t want him to know.

Given that Kian told him earlier that something occurred with Doctor Chapman that would make him angry, he assumed it had something to do with that.

He let it go. He trusted Kian not to keep important things from him.

Dorian was just as careful with him when it was he who was in bed healing.

Tara harrumphed and looked ready to argue with her son, but he cut her off with a single comment.

“Dorian is my mate.”