Page 13 of The Wentworth Vampire

“Stay behind me.” Pascal directed. “They’re using a corrupted caster spell. I’m immune to their magic." Pascal used his wand, cutting the air left to right and right to left, backing them off. Mateo moved to flank him on his left. He tossed him a short sword that he carried, and Mateo caught it and immediately went on the attack.

The other did not expect such a frontal attack and stumbled before being able to put their magic into play, and Mateo pounced. Without their poison spells, these men were weak; they lacked basic skills of combat. The one attempting to disarm Pascal with his spells abruptly turned and threw a bolt of light at Mateo.

Pascal grabbed the man and drove his wand through his chest, sizzling as it burned through the rotted flesh. Mateo dodged the bolt of light, and it pierced the eye of the one he fought. Instantly, the man exploded and then dissolved into a pulsing viscous mess before disappearing completely into the concrete beneath him.

Mateo turned to Pascal, who held the now dead man pinned to the ground with his Black Wand. There was no magic or spell that could save you from the Black Wand. The Wand was helpless against the light, but no darkness could prevail against it.

The air cleared, and the guards who were desperately trying to find them rushed forward, circling them in a defensive position. Mateo stood next to Pascal, who remained crouched over the man on the ground. He held his Wand, fearing that if he removed it, the man would disintegrate like the other.

Master Hadden and another team of guards came rushing over to them. “Are you alright?” He asked them both and bentdown to examine the man Pascal held with his Wand. “Is he dead?”

"Yes, sir, I believe the Wand is preventing him from disintegrating like the other. Their Master has put something in their DNA that causes them to basically disappear upon death.” Pascal explained. “The Wand is only functional when it is in my hand, so I have to hold it, and it has to remain in his chest." Mateo placed his hand on Pascal's shoulder and channeled his strength and support.

The peace that came with having your beloved nearby was something Pascal had never considered. The day was wild and dangerous, with surprises coming from all sides, and yet he felt calm and focused with the presence of his beloved. He covered Mateo’s hand with his own and looked up at the brutally handsome face.

Mateo twirled the short sword in his other hand. "I'm glad that you are always prepared, my love." Just then, Josef jogged up to stand beside them while he addressed the Master.

“The Center is clear.” He stated. “Marek and Thayer are going through it a second time just to make sure. The Charmer has reinstated the protections that were tainted by this blight. The protections inside the Center held, but those creatures were able to use their magics out here.”

“We have a body to thoroughly examine. Maybe it will give some answers and some direction as to defense.” Master Hadden told him, and they both looked down at the washed-out, gruesome figure on the ground. “And maybe it will lead us to its creator.”

“Go ahead and pull it out.” Master Hadden instructed Pascal.

“Are you sure?” He asked before making a move. The Master nodded, so Pascal began to slowly extract the Wand from the man's chest. The entry wound was black, and burning flesh wafted through the air. He paused and looked up at Master Hadden, and again he nodded.

Pascal leaned into the strength of his beloved, who stood beside him, and pulled the Wand free before standing and slipping it back into his jacket. He instantly took Mateo's hand, holding it in a firm grip. The touch of his beloved was all he would ever need in this life.

Everyone stood and waited and watched, but the corpse did not decompose, and after about five minutes, the Master instructed the guards to transport it to the Medical Department for dissection. "We may finally get some answers," Josef commented.

“Thanks to Pascal and his native Fae energy.” He turned to Pascal. “I know that your place is with your beloved and that you will be moving to Baltimore, but I ask that you not forget us.” That statement, coming from someone like Master Hadden, was a compliment indeed. "It is not necessary for you to forfeit your membership here with the Hadden Coven. You and your beloved will always have a home here. You may both come and go as you please.”

Mateo took his hand and shook it, as did Pascal, and thanked him for his trust and generosity. “I extend to you the same Master Hadden.” Mateo began. “I consider you and your beloved Walker members in good standing with the Wentworth Coven. You and your beloved may come and go as you please.” The moment was touching and forged an important connection between the two covens.

Pascal was pleased at the outcome. He was excited to get their life in Baltimore in order, but it pained him to walk away from the Hadden Coven when it had done so much for him. Now he had the pleasure of both. His duty would be with the Wentworth Coven of Baltimore and his beloved Mateo Wentworth, but he would always hold a connection with his friends and his Master at the Hadden Coven of Pittsburgh.

Pascal and Mateo decided against lunch at the Sienna Restaurant, and after the events of the day calmed down, and they were able to return to Pascal's apartment, they found peace and relaxation in each other's arms. They sat on the couch and leaned back with their feet on the ottoman.

"We fight well together," Mateo commented.

"We love well, too," Pascal smirked.

“And that is the truth.” Mateo rolled to his side and lay his left leg across Pascal's and placed his head on Pascal’s shoulder. “You're all I will ever need. With you all, goals are reachable. I love you, Pascal, every part of you."

"I love you too, Mateo.” Pascal kissed the side of his head and cuddled him close.

“I look forward to introducing you to my people as the Master’s Beloved, a position you have already exemplified.” Mateo ran his fingers along Pascal's arm, prompting a sweet thrill to prickle along his skin.

“Your touch always excites me, Mateo.” Pascal groaned and kissed him again.

“I wonder if the chameleon will follow us to Baltimore?” Mateo pondered.

"Possible, but I think they will be kept busy by the Hadden people. Master Hadden has an axe to grind, and he won’t stop until the chameleon is destroyed. He’s dealt with much worse.

“I’m not sorry to say that I am relieved. The Wentworth Coven has been through so much already, I'd hate to lead a degenerate creature like the chameleon into their midst.” Mateo was tired, and Pascal could feel his exhaustion.

“Relax and sleep, my love." Pascal cuddled him closer and covered them with a throw blanket. Soon, Mateo was fast asleep. There was nothing better than to hold the love of your life and the center of your world in your arms as they slept. Pascal closed his eyes and joined his beloved.

EPILOGUE

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