Page 8 of The Blood Guardian

"You make me so happy, Rall. The worst day of my life turned into the best day because of you. I'll keep your secret. I understand the dangers of such a thing becoming public knowledge. Thank you for letting me see you and your world." Luke couldn't help himself and placed a loving kiss on Rall's plump lips. "I promise to try to be everything that you think that I am." That comment had Rall laughing and rolling Luke to his back.

"You're all I need just as you are, baby." They held each other for a while, and then Rall arranged the bed for sleeping, pulling Luke close into his arms and covering them both with the thick, silky comforter. Luke was in heaven.

Rall told him more about the coven and other supernatural species such as shifter. Luke wasn’t looking forward to seeing shifters the very idea gave him the creeps, but he vowed to himself that he would keep an open mind. The information that kept forming and flooding his awareness was trippy, but it was like a cloud shifted and suddenly he could see people for who they really were.

Vampires, covens, packs, shifters and many others all through the city and beyond according to Rall. It was a lot but what a thrill and what a gift to be brought in on something so momentous. The world tripled in size in just a few hours and now it was his responsibility to keep the secret.

CHAPTER FIVE

Rall was amazed at Luke, his resilience, and his acceptance. The fantastic things that suddenly became real and the supernatural world that he now lived in did not scare him. He'd looked right at him while Rall's vampire was clear and showing itself, and he looked enthralled. The sweet expression of amazement and adoration was something that was now seared into his heart. He couldn't love this little human more if he tried. It was meant to be Fate and chosen wisely and with discernment, giving him someone strong and vulnerable, sharp and naive, and most of all, open to extraordinary change.

He snuggled into Rall’s side with his head on Rall’s shoulder. “I have so much to learn.” He muttered.

"You have a lifetime. There is no hurry, my love." Rall turned and kissed his forehead. "Rest, and we'll talk more in the morning." Life was getting pretty damn near perfect as far as Rall was concerned.

Rall got Luke another change of clothes and gave him one of his jackets to wear. He really loved the one from last night commenting on the scent and how it gave him comfort and security. He kept it near him leaving it draped over his lap during breakfast and periodically brought it up to his face and smelled it looking pleased every time.

It touched Rall to see that Luke was easing into the life and asking questions but wasn’t frightened or confused. The awakening was marvelous and saved the long and drawn out act of trying to explain the existence of the supernatural to someone who had only ever experienced the natural, the human existence. Shifters were not blessed with such a magical element to their bonding so when a human was involved it got damned messy.

"I'd like for you to move in as soon as possible." Rall brought it up again, having not gotten a clear answer from Luke earlier.

“I will have to speak with Dale and get my things. I’m not on the lease so I don’t have to deal with that.” He finished his breakfast and pushed the plate away and pulled his coffee mug closer. His concentration indicated that his mind was elsewhere.

"I'll handle this for you and help you move. Dale is not a factor in your decision." Rall tried to tone down a harsh retort, but it still came out with an edge. It aggravated him to hear Luke coaching his decisions based on Dale's comfort. "Fuck him, Luke. You have a new life, and that man has no part in it." He was blessed with a cute smile and a soft chuckle. His beloved was a treasure, but his soft heart was a liability when it came to his user friends.

He heard a phone go off, and Luke pulled out his cell phone and looked at it. His face fell immediately, and the previous agitation returned. "What's wrong?" Rall asked, concerned, and at first, Luke simply shook his head, but Rall persisted.

"It's Adam; he's been calling and messaging all night and all morning." That was a name that Rall definitely did not want to hear.

"Block him, ignore him; he doesn't matter anymore," Rall responded.

“He’s making veiled threats.”

“Like what?” Rall wanted to kill him and put the matter behind them immediately, but it was obvious that Luke was not on board yet.

"My reputation, my friends, family. He's already starting to lie about the breakup. He doesn't scare me, Rall, and he no longer has power over me. This isn't me trying to placate him or persuade him to stop calling me names." Rall listened closely, not sure where this was headed. "He left me in pieces last night, but then there was you, and my life lit up in ways that I could not have imagined. He means nothing now and . . ." His words trailed off, and Rall cut in.

"And now you want to face him and finish this." It was understandable, and there was probably value in confronting him, but it did not set well with Rall. His vampire instincts were restless. This didn't strike him as a good idea, but he did not want to be perceived as trying to control his newly bonded beloved.

“Yes, exactly.” He burst and then added. “I’ll arrange it so that we meet in a public place like the park.”

"Mid-City Park is just a few blocks away. It's usually well populated, and there are places for you to go if things take a turn.” Rall was trying to say the right things while, in his mind, he was planning to follow and keep watch. His beloved would not need to seek help if things went south; Rall would be there to handle it.

Luke stared for a few seconds and then nodded. "That's a good idea." Luke messaged Adam and set up the meeting to take place in an hour. It seemed rather rushed, but it was probably better to get it over with. As soon as the time was set, Luke started to appear nervous, which didn't sit well with Rall.

“You don’t have to do this.” He reminded him.

"I want him out of my head and out of my life permanently." He was adamant, so Rall left it there.

“Do you want me to drive you?”

“No, I’ll walk. I need to handle this on my own.”

“Understood, baby.” Rall nodded curtly.

Rall put in a call to Drakon while Luke prepared himself mentally for the meet up. Rall was dead set against it but there was nothing he could do except be there if needed. The thought of that prick Adam threatening his beloved set his blood boiling and if he so much as looked at Luke wrong, Raff would gladly end him.

“Well, I was hoping you’d wear off some pent-up energy but never thought you'd find your beloved in the process. Now you can stop being jealous and start enjoying your own Fated bond. Maybe you'll be more focused on the job now and less fucking mean." Drakon laughed. Drakon was death on two feet, so for him to call someone mean was significant.

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