Page 6 of Bound to the Hellhound
“No.” Valerian filled Theo’s glass with more milk before sitting down. “You’re on the DuCane Estate in Mt. Pleasant.” Theo’s eyes shot wide in surprise.
“I should go home.” He said and set his fork down.
"Finish your breakfast." Valerian's voice cut through his confusion, and he instantly picked up his fork. The man was not angry, just firm in a way that was caring. It was hard for him to describe the feeling that the big, handsome man gave him, but Theo honestly thought that he could trust him. The rest of the meal was silent but not uncomfortable.
They searched the entire building even though they were told that Theo Tuffin had been taken by someone in Louis DuCane’s party. “I can’t believe that idiot got himself kidnapped.” Justin spat on the cement floor of the basement.
"He was taken, not kidnapped.” Larry clarified. “Word is that he wanted to go with the guy. Supposedly, they had some kind of connection.”
"What do you mean by that?" Justin asked sharply as he walked over to where he'd attacked Theo. There was still blood all over the floor. He smiled and then turned back to his brother.
“Parson spoke with Mr. Ackerley, and they believe the catalyst for the massive fallout was Theo," Larry said emotionlessly. "The big guy was a hellhound, according to Parson, and he reacted to Theo's screams." That caught Justin's attention.
“That’s why they want Theo’s head in payment for the loss of their men?" Justin asked, and Larry nodded. "You'd think our father's life would have been payment enough."
“The Ackerley family will not be made to look weak or ridiculous, so there has to be a very public payback. It's either Theo or us, you chose.” Larry turned to him pointedly.
“It's Theo," Justin said with a sick smile. "We just have to lure him out and away from that hellhound, although I doubt anyone in the DuCane group wants anything to do with Theo long term.” He laughed hatefully. “The guy is useless in every way possible.”
Larry bent and picked up a cell phone from the floor. “We won’t be able to call him.” He showed the phone to Justin.
“What an idiot." He took the phone, threw it at the stone wall, and watched it shatter. “We’re going to need help locating him and getting in contact.”
“I’ve already got people on it." Larry headed for the elevator. "The quicker we take care of him, the quicker we can get back to business. With father gone, I will be taking the lead role.” He looked at Justin disparagingly. “You find a place you’re comfortable and settle in.” Justin nodded. He was violent with Theo, but he never raised a hand to Larry. His older brother was a vicious man when crossed, and Justin knew better than to cross him.
"It's likely that Theo will hear about father's death and call us... or someone." Justin offered.
“They gave us four days to deliver him. On day five, they come for us, so just keep that in mind." Larry was harsh, but he did not appear worried in the least, which gave Justin considerable confidence. “He’ll come home, he always comes home.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Valerian got a change of clothes for Theo, and after breakfast, he took a bath and changed. Theo was stiff during their conversations, but not closed off, which allowed Valerian to learn a few things about his mate.
The man’s family was bad, and Valerian knew about bad families. He and his brother Kass had lived with one of the most dishonorable and hateful hellhounds in their pack, only being bested in his depravity by their bard at the time. He wished he could speak more openly with Theo about everything, but first things first.
He was in his living room reading about the Ackerley family and the Tuffin agency. Easton had given him an extensive file on both families, and it was interesting. There came a knock at his door, and he quickly answered. He was not surprised that it was his brother Kass standing there. He welcomed him inside, and they sat together in the living room.
“I hear you found your mate at the meeting in Detroit." He said with a sly smile. Valerian poured him a cup of coffee, and he took a sip before setting it aside. "Didn't I tell you it wouldbe when you least expected it?" He was touched by how pleased Kass was for him.
“It was a shock, a very pleasant shock.” He shared the situation with his brother, telling him about the Tuffin family and his mate’s violent home life.
“You have a good understanding of what it is like to have a violent home life and upbringing," Kass told him. “You’ll be able to help him through whatever happens.”
"But I had a brother who supported me," Valerian added.
“Until father tried to take that from us too.”
“He didn’t succeed.” They fell silent for a moment, and then Kass asked if Theo had any knowledge of the paranormal. That made Valerian stop and think he’d not considered the fact that the Tuffin family had been working closely with shifters. He figured it could be possible.
“Easton sent me a full report on the Tuffin family and the Ackerleys. Neither family should ever have been anywhere near my quiet little mate.” Valerian made his stance clear. “I’m surprised he survived at all." He shook his head, and emotions welled up, choking off his words for a moment. “His own brother beat him bloody, and he acts like it was nothing. He acts like it was just another day in his life. It breaks my heart, Kass."
Kass reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “It’ll take time, but he will come to know that he deserves love and kindness, and you will show him what he is truly worth.” Valerian pulled himself together and gave Kass a curt nod. "My Jasper had it hard, as you know, but with the love that only a mate can deliver, he now lives in peace and beauty, surrounded by my love. You will do the same for Theo.”
They heard movement upstairs and soon Theo stood at the entrance to the living room, looking apprehensively at the two men. His gaze kept landing on Valerian, obviously feeling the pull. Valerian stood, walked over to Theo, and, with an arm around his shoulders, ushered him into the room.
Kass stood and reached out his hand. "This is my brother Kass, he's also the town Sheriff." Theo tensed as he took Kass's hand but leaned into Valerian for support.
“This is Theo Tuffin, and he's very important to me." Valerian put emphasis on the important, and Kass smiled.
