Evernight Publishing

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Copyright© 2013 Marie Medina

ISBN: 978-1-77130-666-9

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Karyn White

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this
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reproduced electronically or in print without written permission,
except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are
fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or
persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To everyone who’s enjoying the stay in Valladora.

THE WOLF’S MATE

The Year of Stars, 1

Marie Medina

Copyright © 2013

Chapter One

Valladora

3151, The Year of Stars

Hatori walked up the stairs of the temple and sat down

between his older brother, Mikimo, and their friend, Satoru. He could
tell they had been talking about him. Satoru and his mate, Fredric, had
come to Yoshinaga to accompany Hatori on his journey east. There he
would finally meet other lycans. Hatori had suffered mysterious
ailments all his life, and he had learned the true reason a year earlier.
On her deathbed, his mother had confessed that he and Mikimo had
different fathers. Hatori’s father had been a lycan. Accomplishing his
first shift a few weeks earlier had changed everything for Hatori.
Now, he constantly craved vampire blood, and his libido had tripled.
Vampire blood had amazing powers, and sometimes it could even
heal human illnesses in large enough doses. Still, Hatori could not
understand why he craved it so much. Though he had been
exchanging blood with a vampire to ease his pain previous to his first
shift, he knew addiction was not possible given the small amounts
he’d been taking. He couldn’t wait to meet with the lycan shamans to
see if they could help him. According to what he’d been told about
other half-lycans, he’d been lucky both to make it to adulthood and to
be able to shift at all.

“Where is Fredric?” Hatori asked Satoru. “I thought you

weren’t allowed out of his sight these days.”

Satoru, who had been a priest in Mikimo’s order before

discovering he was a vampire’s mate, laughed. “I manage to slip away
every now and then. Since he turned me, our mental bond keeps us
close, even when we have to be apart.”

Hatori smiled. Fredric, who was quiet and reserved, had

proved hard to get to know. Hatori liked him very much, though,
because he could see and feel how happy Satoru was. For years,
Satoru had served as a priest and seemed more than content to devote
his life to the gods and remain celibate. He’d often ignored and at
times even seemed oblivious to all of his admirers, who flocked to
every prayer service that he led simply to be near him. Now, Satoru’s
countenance practically glowed when he was around Fredric, and he
waxed quite poetic when talking about their love. Hatori had always
believed that kind of love didn’t exist, but the radical change in the
man he’d always admired made him wonder. Mikimo and Satoru both
insisted that the gods ordered their fates justly and lovingly. While
Hatori did not have their faith in the divine, he had made a point of
being more open-minded the past few weeks.

“I’m glad you’re coming with me to Lord Kyo’s castle,”

Hatori said. “I’m starting to grow nervous, and I’m a little wary of
being around so many vampires.”

“So many?” Satoru asked, looking from Hatori to Mikimo.
Mikimo cleared his throat. “Yes, Lord Kyo’s parents died in

an avalanche two weeks ago. His brothers and sisters are all with him
to observe the solidarity rite. Their parents did not want traditional
mourning with all the somber trappings and vigils. They simply
requested that their children stay together for three months in the
event they perished at the same time.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Satoru said. “Hatori, you know you

can drink from me while we’re there. Fredric won’t mind, honestly.
He trusts me. And you as well.”

“One of Lord Kyo’s brother has been informed of my problem

and has volunteered to, um, meet my needs,” Hatori said. “I’m simply
worried because I get so horny around vampires these days. I don’t
wish to embarrass Mikimo or reflect poorly on his temple or the
village.”

“And I’ve told you not to worry. Lord Kyo is very kind and

understanding.” Mikimo put his arm around Hatori. “And Lord Ryu is
good friends with the lycans. They saved him when he was a boy, if I

remember correctly. I don’t know much about the other siblings, but I
can assure you Kyo and Ryu will take care of you and see to all of
your needs.”

A vague image of two virile, handsome vampires seeing to his

“needs” assaulted his mind. Hatori shifted positions a little, feeling
guilty for his intensely sexual thoughts and the way they had twisted
Mikimo’s words. His brother was the perfect priest—in Hatori’s eyes,
at least—and Satoru had also been a fine example of everything a
holy man should be before renouncing his vows. Hatori loved and
admired them both so much that he felt ashamed of what his body was
doing to him. Was he naturally lascivious because he’d been
conceived in an adulterous affair? He knew some priests would say
so, even though Mikimo and Satoru would deny such teachings as
unjust. Hatori opened his mouth to speak, but a sharp pain in his chest
made him flinch.

Mikimo moved closer, and Satoru put his arm around Hatori

as well. “What is it?” Satoru asked.

“Just a pain. It will pass. They usually do.” Hatori closed his

eyes and tried to steady his breathing. His eyes snapped open when
the scent of vampire blood hit him.

Fredric knelt before him, three long gashes across his upheld

palm. Hatori licked his lips as he watched the blood pool. Fredric had
revived Hatori with his blood twice when they were on a mission to
save Satoru’s mother weeks ago. The memories made Hatori both
hungry and hard, and he began to tremble, both with need and shame.

“Drink, Hatori.” Fredric pushed his hand forward. “You

obviously need it. You’re among those who care about you.”

When Mikimo and Satoru pushed him forward, he took

Fredric’s wrist in his shaking hand and drank from his palm. After a
few moments, his pain eased, as did his arousal. He still felt the need
for release, but at least his erection subsided somewhat. He stopped
himself just in time and pulled away. A few more seconds, and he’d
have crossed the line, inflaming his condition instead of easing it. The
delicate balance proved hard to maintain. Hatori took a deep breath
and smiled as he relaxed against his brother. Wiping his mouth, he
said, “Thank you.”

Fredric winked at him, a flirtatious habit he’d picked up from

Satoru. “My pleasure. I needed an excuse to feed from Satoru again
before we leave.”

Satoru laughed, taking Fredric’s hand and licking it to heal the

gashes. “You never need an excuse, and you know it.” He rubbed
Hatori’s back briefly. “Are you all right to travel? We can wait.”

“I’m fine now. I can make it to the inn,” Hatori said. “I’ll go to

bed once we get there.”

Satoru stood and helped Fredric up. “Then we’ll let you say

good-bye. Come down when you’re ready.” Satoru leaned over to
embrace Mikimo, and then he and Fredric descended the temple steps.

“Now, if we could only find a handsome vampire for you, all

would be well,” Mikimo said teasingly.

Hatori frowned. He knew he would never be as lucky as

Satoru. Given his health problems, he thought it best not to hope for
more than the brief pleasure he had found with lovers in the past. If he
was lucky to have lived this long, as the shamans said, how much
longer could he hope to live? He refused to cause more people grief,
as it already pained him to think of those he loved mourning him.

“Yes, that would solve everything, but life is never that easy,”

Hatori said. He leaned over and embraced his brother. “I have you. It
is the only love I intend to count on absolutely.”

Mikimo frowned in turn as they parted. “Don’t be so negative,

Hatori. You are not dying.”

“How do you know?” Hatori whispered.
Mikimo put on a very stern face. “Because Satoru and I won’t

let you.” He kissed Hatori’s forehead. “Stop worrying.”

“I’m trying, Mikimo. I truly am. But the pain, the need for

blood … they overwhelm me at times. And I feel ashamed because of
my desires. Satoru and Fredric have been so kind since my suffering
worsened, and I feel like a leech, quite literally.”

Mikimo smirked at that comment, but then he sobered. “You

can’t help these desires, and you are controlling yourself very well.
That is a sign of your character and moral strength. It’s not your fault
you’re half-lycan. Satoru is half-demon—do you think less of him?
He’s had his own burdens to bear because of it.”

“No. His blood makes no difference. It’s not the same. His

demon half makes him stronger. This part of me has brought only
weakness.”

“Those weaknesses have shown you your strengths. I’m done

arguing with you about this.” Mikimo stood. “Come. Your friends are
waiting to help you.”

Mikimo’s father had died when Mikimo was twenty, just after

Hatori was born. Though already a priest, Mikimo had made the time
to help raise Hatori like a son rather than a brother, and Hatori loved
him all the more for it. Hatori nodded, knowing the stern tone could
not be argued with.

“I’m sorry. I will do my best. I’ll be strong for all of you,”

Hatori said, gripping his brother’s hand to emphasize his promise.

“Try to have faith, Hatori. This journey may prove the most

important of your life,” Mikimo said.

The most important of my life? As long as it is not the last. He

gave the temple one final glance, already looking forward to the day
he would return to it and to Mikimo.
****

Hatori let Satoru help him down from his horse. His fatigue

had returned, but the pains had stayed away. Satoru tried to support
him, but Hatori shook his head.

“I’m fine. I’ll rest now and try to get as much sleep as I can.

The last letter we received said Lord Kyo and his brother would meet
us at the edge of the village, in case I needed to be revived.” Hatori
shook his head. “I feel like a child. Everyone’s coddling me.”

Satoru frowned. “It’s not coddling. You have legitimate needs.

I am very glad everyone is being so considerate.” Satoru took Hatori’s
hand and pulled him along as they followed a servant to their rooms.

When the servant had gone, Satoru pointed and said, “We’ll

be right through that door, and you know we both have very good
hearing, so don’t try to hide any discomfort you feel. If you need
anything, ask.”

Hatori nodded. “I will. I hope I don’t sound ungrateful, but I

truly feel like a burden.”

Satoru embraced Hatori, surprising him. “All will be well

soon. I have a feeling I can’t describe. I know this journey will bring
you peace and healing.”

Hatori returned his friend’s embrace. However, he found it

difficult not to become aroused, feeling Satoru’s hard body and
smelling his blood. His cock hardened, and he did his best to keep it
from rubbing against Satoru. He couldn’t look Satoru in the eyes as he
pulled away, but the older man wouldn’t let Hatori hide. His brave,
bold friend had always been like this, pushing Hatori not to be so
meek the same way Mikimo always did.

Satoru made Hatori look him in the eye. “Hatori, don’t be

ashamed. I’m your friend, and I love you. I know you can’t help it.”
He eased Hatori down onto the bed. Then Satoru bit his own wrist,
and the sensual quality of the act itself and the rich smell of Satoru’s
blood made Hatori gasp.

“You don’t have to, Satoru.” Hatori didn’t dare lower his eyes

again. Satoru was nine years older than he, and Hatori idolized him in
so many ways. Disappointing Satoru was something he never wanted
to do. “I’ll be fine until tomorrow afternoon. The journey will only be
about five hours.” He meant the words, but still his heart raced at the
scent of Satoru’s blood.

Satoru surprised him yet again by taking Hatori’s head and

clamping it to his bleeding wrist. Satoru’s blood tasted even sweeter
than Fredric’s, perhaps because he and Satoru shared such a close
bond of friendship. He could think of no other reason for this, as he
had no one else with his condition to compare himself to.

Satoru gently smoothed Hatori’s hair and then gripped his

shoulder. “Take as much you need. You know my blood regenerates
quickly. I want you to sleep well. I know you’ve been restless the past
few nights.”

Hatori drank heartily, his fatigue fading as he took in more

and more. He backed off as his pleasure came close to peaking.
“Thank you, Satoru.” He gave him a pleading look as he whispered,
“Please leave.”

Satoru’s eyes flicked down briefly, and he nodded in discreet

understanding, kissing Hatori’s hair as he rose. He left quickly, and
Hatori rose to bolt the door. He leaned against it, palming his cock.
His need throbbed throughout his entire body, and he couldn’t get his
pants unlaced fast enough. After only four strokes, he came, his cum
gushing forth in long, thick ropes.

When Hatori caught his breath and calmed himself, he cleaned

up the mess and took his clothes off. He crawled into bed, thankful for
the blanket of sated peace that engulfed him. If he got through all of
this, he would do all in his power to show his gratitude to Satoru and
Fredric. Satoru proved the strength of his love and friendship every
day, and Fredric’s understanding care and lack of jealousy humbled
Hatori and made him feel incredibly grateful.

If any gods are listening, let me just say that Satoru better be

right about this feeling he has. Continuing to endure this will be even

harder if this journey is for nothing and I have to see the
disappointment and sadness on my dear friend’s face.
****

Kyo nodded to Fredric, whom he’d met many times before, as

soon as the group came to a halt at the edge of the village, but he
made his way straight to Hatori. His respect for Mikimo knew no
bounds, and he intended to take special care of the priest’s brother
every moment he was in his care. At this moment, Kyo was incredibly
disappointed and embarrassed because his own forgetful brother was
late.

Hatori seemed shocked Kyo extended a hand to help him

down, and Kyo tried his best to ease Hatori’s mind.

“I’m Lord Kyo. Your brother is a dear friend, and I’m very

pleased to finally meet you. He’s always spoken of you so fondly.”

Hatori blinked and let Kyo help him down. Bowing, he said,

“I’m very glad to be here, Lord Kyo. Thank you for your hospitality
and for the arrangements you’ve made for me. I am very grateful.”

Kyo smiled, seeing many of the traits Mikimo had always

praised. “I am happy to help.” He moved closer and spoke in a low
voice. “Forgive the inconvenience, but my brother is late. I’m terribly
sorry, and there is no excuse for this when he knows how important
his role will be. If you need to feed, I would be honored to help you.”

Again, Hatori appeared shocked, but then he licked his lips,

looking both shy and sensual at once. Kyo tried not to smile. He had a
feeling his brother, who delighted in nothing more than amorous
interludes, and Hatori would enjoy each other’s company very much.
“I am fine, my lord, but thank you. You honor me with your offer, but
I am quite strong today.” He bowed again.

Kyo bowed in return and looked to Fredric, who came forward

with his mate. Kyo bowed once more and smiled at Satoru. “Mikimo
has spoken of you often as well. I wish more men with demon blood
were as brave and noble as you are. The foul things are like a
pestilence at times. There are many portals here in our forests, and we
all remain ever vigilant.”

“If I can be of any help, never hesitate to call on me,” Satoru

said.

“Thank you, but we have a demon slayer of our own. My

brother Loxis is adopted. He’s actually my cousin. When my mother’s
sister was very young, she had … an encounter with a demon, so he is

a halfling like you. After Loxis was born, she left him behind and ran
away with the demon. Two years later, we learned it had killed her
very brutally after forming a new bond with another human. We
wouldn’t trade having Loxis in our family for anything, but, well, my
kin has an especially intense hatred for demons.”

“I can certainly understand,” Satoru said. “I look forward to

meeting Loxis. I’m sure he could teach me a lot.”

“I’ll make sure you get some time with him.” Kyo looked to

Fredric. “How long can the two of you stay?”

“Unless I am called away, we shall stay until Hatori finds

answers,” Fredric said.

Kyo looked back to Hatori, who stood quietly off to the side.

He sensed that the younger man didn’t think he was worthy in some
way. Kyo had every intention of wiping that feeling away. He
extended his hand in the direction of his carriage and moved toward
Hatori. “Come, Hatori. Ride with me in the carriage. I’d like to get to
know you better.”

Hatori hesitated, but then he smiled. “Thank you. I would like

that.”

Kyo wondered if Hatori only accepted to avoid offending him.

The young man did not appear to be at ease. Kyo moved back over to
Fredric and Satoru. “You can follow us up. The servants will see to
Hatori’s horse.”

They all bowed, and then Kyo walked toward Hatori, who

stood by the carriage, looking uncertain.
****

Hatori hadn’t lied to Kyo. His need truly wasn’t great at the

moment, but being alone with a vampire he hardly knew did make
him nervous. His brother had told him many wonderful things about
Kyo, but Hatori had never been good at etiquette. He was fine with
people of his own rank, and his patients had always complimented his
bedside manner. But with vampires, he’d always felt he might do
something wrong. Lady Gwyneth, whom he’d been exchanging blood
with when his troubles started, was different because he’d been
around her since he was a baby. His intense craving for vampire blood
over the past few weeks since his first shift had made his anxiety
around vampires even more of an issue. He had not been a doctor that
many years, but he knew more than enough about vampires and the

special qualities of their blood. Despite that, he had no idea why his
reactions now were so exaggerated and his cravings so strong.

A servant opened the carriage door, and Kyo gestured for him

to step inside. As much as he wanted to resist, he knew doing so
would only draw more attention to Kyo’s very kind deference. Hatori
settled down near a window, Kyo taking a seat across from him.

Once the carriage began moving, Kyo said, “Is there anything

at all I can do for you, Hatori? You seem uneasy.”

Hatori considered his answer. The vampire had a very kind

face. He had sharp, aristocratic features and short jet-black hair. His
eyes were brown now, and Hatori wondered what that might mean.
Vampires all had white irises, and the change in color indicated mood.
Red signified the need to feed, and black indicated sexual arousal.
The meanings of all other colors varied for each individual. He had
taught himself to read Lady Gwyneth’s moods this way, but he had
never been around any other vampire long enough to learn.

Sighing, Hatori said, “I am nervous. I have suffered many

illnesses all my life, but the past few weeks have been far worse. It
frightens me. I’ve been such a burden to my family and friends. I feel
weak. I’m not like my brother. He’s the most confident, strongest man
I’ve ever known. Nothing fazes him. And I’m not like Satoru. I can
fight when there is cause, but I am no great warrior, and I’m nowhere
near as brave as he is. I just want to be strong for them.” He looked
up, clamping his lips shut. He hadn’t meant to say so much and bother
Kyo with his insecurities, but something about the vampire made him
feel as if he could unburden himself. Though he felt better, he could
not help flushing in embarrassment.

Kyo leaned forward. “Your brother and Satoru are both fine

men, but you shouldn’t compare yourself to them or anyone else. I
think you’re showing great strength and bravery now, making this
journey. And there is nothing wrong with admitting that you are
nervous or scared.” Reaching out, Kyo grasped his hand. “I want you
to feel at ease and consider me a friend, Hatori.”

The kind words warmed him, making him feel a little better

about exposing his feelings in such a way. “Thank you, my lord.”
Hatori bowed his head and slowly drew his hand away, the vampire’s
touch exciting him far too much. It infuriated him, especially as he’d
felt safe from such sensations given the amount of blood Satoru had
given him the day before and that morning. He had not been reacting

that way to Satoru and Fredric the few times they’d touched him that
morning. “I would be honored to count you as my friend.” He wiped
his sweaty palms on his pants, trying to breathe evenly. “I’m sorry.
My reactions to vampires now are very … intense.”

Kyo gave a slight smile, which made his face look even

warmer and kinder. “I understand. Mikimo explained it quite well,
worrying you would feel self-conscious. You’re safe with me though.
I am in no way offended, and I have a decided preference for
women.” He leaned forward again, but this time he didn’t touch
Hatori. “If you do need to feed, it’s fine. I don’t know what eases your
condition or makes it worse, so please tell me. I don’t want you to feel
uncomfortable.”

“I’m fine, truly. I simply get … excited too easily.”
Kyo sat back, smiling more fully now. “And you do like men,

correct?”

Hatori nodded, realizing that must have been why Kyo had

said he preferred women moments earlier. Did Mikimo say that in his
letter? Hatori made no secret of his preference, but he felt odd
knowing his brother had mentioned it. He briefly wondered if that had
played a part in Lord Ryu volunteering to give Hatori his blood
during his stay.

“So does my brother. He can be very loud and abrasive, and I

think you’ll be a good influence on him.”

“Really?”
“Yes. I think he’ll like you, and he tends to adapt to please

people when he likes them.” Kyo glanced out the window. “I believe
you will enjoy each other’s company very much.” When he looked
back though, he frowned. “He is forgetful, and I’m very displeased
with him for not arriving to meet you. He’ll make it up to you though.
Thoughtless as he can be, at least he is genuinely sorry when he
realizes his mistakes.”

“I’m not offended, my lord. Truly I’m not.” Hatori struggled

to find the right words. “I’m the one imposing here. I should be
apologizing for inconveniencing you.”

Kyo’s eyebrows shot up. “Nonsense. We are happy to help,

and Ryu was told many times that you would arrive today. It’s kind of
you to forgive him so easily, but I’ve been dealing with this problem
of his for decades. He has a very bad case of wanderlust. He’s also
easily distracted and loses track of time constantly.” Kyo shook his

head, but something about his expression looked affectionate despite
his frustration. “He’s a shifter as well, you know, but not a lycan.
He’s adopted, like Loxis, though he’s not related to any of us by
blood at all. The lycans saved him from a human who had killed his
parents and kidnapped him. His mother was a vampire, and his father
… well, I’ll let him tell you. He likes surprising people. I’m glad he
volunteered to help you because I think you two will understand each
other.”

“I hope so.” What kind of shifter could Ryu be? If he wasn’t a

lycan, he must be a fox or leopard. All other shifters were extinct, a
fate which the lycans had narrowly escaped. Hatori looked out the
window, admiring the landscape as they moved out of the village and
toward Kyo’s castle. “It’s beautiful here, my lord. The variety of trees
is amazing.”

“I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Despite the dangers

from demons, I love being in the forest. It’s always calmed me.”

Hatori briefly glanced at Kyo before turning his eyes back to

the view. He could not imagine the articulate and composed vampire
ever needing to be calmed. However, he told himself, others did not
wear their feelings on their sleeves the way he did lately. Though still
a little nervous, he felt better now, enjoying the quiet and tranquility
of Kyo’s presence as they approached the castle.

Chapter Two

Hatori stood behind Kyo as he stared at the back of the man

standing in the library. The tall blond stood before a table, one book
open in his hands and dozens more open all over the table.

Kyo gave Hatori yet another apologetic look and then spoke.

“What’s so interesting, Ryu?”

“I’m preparing for tomorrow. I’m going over lycan folklore

again and looking at medical texts on vampires. There aren’t that
many, you know, since the Dissolution is the only disease vampires
can contract. Most of them go on and on about how vampire blood
affects other beings.” Ryu finally turned.

Hatori couldn’t help but stare at his amazing golden eyes.

He’d never seen a vampire’s eyes turn gold before. Ryu’s smile faded
as he looked from his brother to Hatori. He seemed to realize what
he’d done. “Oh no.”

“Today, Ryu. Not tomorrow.” Kyo shook his head. “By the

gods, you are a thoughtless man! I’ve never known anyone so self-
involved!”

Ryo dropped the book in his hands and moved to stand before

his brother. “Kyo, I’m so sorry. I got mixed up.”

Kyo glared at him. “I told you last night to be ready at noon. I

waited and waited, but no one could find you.”

“I was out riding.”
“We’ve been over this. You always need to tell a servant

about every move you make. That way we can find you if you forget
something.” He sighed. “I am very embarrassed by your behavior, but
that is not why I’m so angry. This time, your thoughtlessness affected
others. You owe Hatori an apology. Now.”

Hatori didn’t like seeing someone, especially one of his

superiors, reprimanded on his account. Though he kept his voice low
and even, Kyo’s tone and manner were so authoritative that Hatori
found him very intimidating. He could see why he was so well liked
and respected as a leader. His kindness and compassion obviously
tempered this more domineering and decisive side. Now Hatori could
see why the demon threat hadn’t caused more people to flee the area.
A leader like Kyo could inspire confidence in almost anyone. Hatori’s
eyes turned back to Ryu as he came closer.

“Hatori, I’m so sorry. I am … forgetful.” He looked back at

his brother for a moment, and then he smiled sadly. “I am everything
my brother says, and I have all the flaws he does not.” He took
Hatori’s hand. “But from this moment on, I’ll be close whenever you
need me. I swear. He can throw me in the dungeon if I let you down.”

Kyo laughed, but he also shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll

have to do that.” He touched the younger vampire on the shoulder
affectionately. “You see why I can’t stay angry with him, Hatori?
You’ll get used to him soon enough.”

“It’s really fine. I’m not upset or offended.”
Ryu squeezed his hand. “I’m glad, but it doesn’t change the

fact that I was in the wrong.”

“I’ll leave you two to get acquainted.” Kyo bowed to Hatori

and then touched his arm gently. “Don’t hesitate to ask for anything.”

Hatori bowed and then watched Kyo walk away. He liked the

vampire very much. Turning back to Ryu, he smiled. “Everyone is
being so kind.”

“Except for me, of course.” Ryu sighed, blinking as he seemed

to consider his next words.

“I have never seen a vampire’s eyes turn gold before.” Hatori

didn’t want Ryu to continue apologizing, so he made himself take the
first step in changing the subject.

“I’m unique in that way, actually. My eyes are always gold,

even when I feed.”

Hatori couldn’t hide his surprise. “They are? They’re

beautiful.”

Ryu smiled and moved closer. “So are yours. Such a lovely

blue.” He caressed Hatori’s dark hair, pushing it behind his ear. “Do
you need my blood, Hatori? No one will disturb us.”

Ryu’s touch made him feel hot all over. “I will need it if you

keep touching me.” He swallowed. “Your brother did explain, didn’t
he?”

“Yes, he did. You’ll have to forgive my forwardness. You’re

very handsome.”

Hatori thought Ryu was handsome as well, but his blood was

what was truly turning Hatori on. Ryu caressed Hatori’s face and then
pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. Another kiss followed, this one more
insistent, and a swipe of Ryu’s tongue made Hatori yield. The kiss
remained gentle, however, and Hatori returned it in kind. Their lips

and tongues tangled for a long time, and Ryu looked very aroused
when they parted. Hatori felt aroused as well, but he also felt
confused. He wanted nothing more than Ryu’s blood in that moment,
but he’d never taken blood from a vampire this way before. He’d
exchanged vials of blood with Lady Gwyneth, whom he thought of as
a mother figure, and he’d taken blood from Satoru and Fredric, who
were both decidedly off-limits.

“My lord, can we stop a moment?” he asked, not pulling away

so as not to cause offense.

Ryu released him. “Yes. What is wrong?”
“I’ve been given blood before, but never in this way.” He

lowered his eyes. “I don’t want to mislead you. My reactions are
intense, but they are a very poor measure of my … passion. My …
regard.” He sighed. “I’m not saying it right.”

“You don’t want me to develop strong feelings for you

because of how much chemistry we have. You’re trying to tell me
your condition complicates affairs of the heart.”

Hatori swallowed. “That’s impressive, my lord.”
“What is?” Ryu looked confused.
Hatori managed to smile. “You reading my mind.”
Ryu smiled as well. “I understood you perfectly. There’s no

shame in us finding pleasure in this.” He took Hatori’s hand and ran
one fang over his thumb. After he licked the blood away, he healed
the small nick. “I can now put your mind at ease. You’re definitely
not my mate, and no matter who enjoys my body, I’ll never give my
heart to anyone else.”

Hatori felt embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to imply that I’m

anything special. I only—”

Ryu cut the words off by placing two fingers to Hatori’s lips.

“I know, Hatori. I’ve had many lovers, and I shall have many more.
You may feel different, being a priest’s brother, but I believe physical
love is a beautiful thing. There is so much darkness and sadness in
this world that we should all cherish any love we can share with one
another.”

“That’s a nice philosophy.” Hatori cleared his throat. “I’m not

as conservative as my brother. Or as strong. Temptation is far too
tempting.”

“We can move slowly.” He put his arms around Hatori’s waist

and drew him closer, but not too close. “Let me feed you. Then I’ll
show you around before we go to the lycans. Kyo will come with us.”

Hatori smiled. “I like him very much. He’s made this so much

easier.”

“Yes. I love him very much. I had a crush on him when I came

here after the lycans saved me. I was only fifteen, and he was so kind
to me. I spent a month sulking and brooding when I discovered he
wasn’t my mate.”

Hatori hesitated, but when Ryu raised one eyebrow, he made

himself ask. “How did you discover that?”

Ryu laughed. “I purposely cut myself with a letter opener

while I was sitting beside Kyo to see his reaction. He didn’t react at
all, and I tried my best to get him to pay more attention to me. Finally,
he grabbed my finger and licked it. He took both of my hands and had
a very long talk with me. As kind as he was, I was still sad for a long
time.” He sighed, but then he perked up. “I wouldn’t trade his love
and friendship for anything now, and I’ll be as happy when he finds
his true love as I shall be when I find mine. I’m not as close with my
other adopted siblings, but Kyo and Loxis, and Kyo’s real sisters,
treat me as if I were truly their brother. His sisters are the kindest,
sweetest women I’ve ever known. Loxis is a great warrior—the best, I
think—and Kyo is the perfect leader. I thank the gods every day that
they took me in.”

“We have much in common. I idolize no one as much as I do

my brother. And Satoru is like a brother to me. I’d be lost in this
world without them.”

Ryu brushed another kiss to Hatori’s lips. “I hope you will

soon count me a friend, too. Maybe a lover, in time?”

Hatori tightened his grip on Ryu’s arms. “Perhaps.”
Ryu touched his own neck, a golden claw extending against

his flesh, and made a slash in his throat. “Drink, Hatori.”

Hatori had never seen a vampire’s nails grow at will like that,

but the smell of the blood stopped his questions. He wrapped his arms
around Ryu and drank greedily. Joy filled him at the taste. Everyone
around him was showing him such care and kindness, and in a few
short hours, he might have a chance at a more normal life. Still, he
made himself stop in time. Now was not the time or place to achieve

orgasm. He doubted Ryu would mind, but that didn’t mean he should
abandon his control.

Backing away, he wiped his mouth. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Ryu licked two fingers and rubbed them

over the cut to heal it.

Hatori looked at Ryu’s fingers and then into his eyes. “Kyo

told me you’re a half-shifter, too. Are you a fox or a leopard?”

Ryu leaned in and whispered to him. “Neither. I’m a dragon.”
Hatori jerked back in surprise. “What? Dragons don’t exist

anymore! Humans killed all of them.”

Ryu shook his head. “You just drank from one. My mother

was a vampire, but my father was a pureblooded dragon shifter. It was
hard for me to shift the first time, as it was for you, but I have many
powers that I can use all the time.” He looked into Hatori’s eyes, and
his gold irises seemed to flash for a moment. “I can see in complete
darkness and for great distances.” He held up his hand, and a claw
extended from each fingertip. “I can bring my talons out at any time.”

“That’s amazing.”
Ryu smiled modestly. “Hardly. Though it’s almost impossible

for me to break a bone. They’re hard as steel. In addition to being
forgetful, I’m completely lacking in grace. Some of the falls I’ve
taken would have left even the strongest vampire severely injured.”

“Don’t give me ‘hardly’, my lord. You’re amazing.”
“Please stop calling me my lord. I know it’s a point of

etiquette, but we’re going to be very intimate friends. Call me Ryu.
That’s an order.”

Hatori smiled. “Very well. It would be rude to disobey.”
“Indeed it would.” He took Hatori’s hand. “Come with me.

We must get ready. The lycans will not have forgotten the day of our
appointment as I did.”

Hatori let himself be led out of the room, excitement and the

strength of Ryu’s blood singing in his veins.
****

Kyo sat with Ryu at the back of the great hall while Hatori sat

on the raised dais at the other end with two of the lycan shamans and
their leader, Sigmund. They’d been talking for over an hour. Tonight
was the first time Kyo had seen Sigmund in human form in many
years. He looked much older now, his tanned face heavily lined and
his once dark hair now gray. Four lycans in their more natural wolf

form stood at each corner of the dais, ever ready for Sigmund’s
orders. The shamans had tested Hatori’s reaction to burning wolf root.
Then they had taken some of Hatori’s blood and mixed it with some
unidentified violet-colored fluid, but other than that they had done
nothing but ask him questions.

Leaning back against the wall, Kyo admired the rich tapestries

that covered the walls. They depicted many real and fictitious events
significant to lycans. His grandfather was signified in the one that told
the tale of vampires outlawing the hunting of lycans. The lycans still
honored the life debt with every member of his family because of his
grandfather’s part in that law and its enforcement. Another tapestry
portrayed a dragon fighting a legion of demons. Some lycans said this
event truly happened, while others said it was only a legend. The
dragon in the story had protected a pack of orphaned lycan cubs, one
of which became a powerful and benevolent leader, and to this day
the lycans’ reverence for dragons bordered on worship. This devotion
had earned a very swift but still painful death for the human who had
kidnapped and enslaved Ryu. He had used an obsidian charm
obtained from a demon to keep Ryu from shifting back to human
form and to control him. Forcing Ryu to stay in that form at such a
young age had nearly killed him, and Kyo still felt a deep anger when
he thought on it too much.

Glancing at Ryu, he whispered, “He seems to have taken to

you.” Hatori and Ryu had spent three hours together that afternoon,
and now Hatori seemed quite at home with Ryu.

Ryu smiled. “He is very sweet. He’s also very brave. As afraid

and nervous as he is, he is determined not to be a burden to anyone or
embarrass his brother. His devotion to Mikimo is something I can
relate to easily.” Ryu squeezed Kyo’s hand, and Kyo squeezed back.

“I hope it is a good sign that it’s taking so long.” Kyo could

read nothing on Sigmund’s face, and the shamans both faced away
from him, sitting on either side of Hatori.

“I want him to find a cure, or at least something to ease his

symptoms, but part of me hopes he doesn’t get all of his answers
today.”

Kyo smiled at his brother. “You like him.” Hatori was

handsome, and Kyo agreed that he was sweet and brave, as Ryu had
said.

“Yes. I know it could never last, but I would like more than a

few days with him.”

Kyo looked back at the dais and noticed that Hatori stood up

now, speaking directly to Sigmund. Kyo focused more to hear his
words.

“That could have been conveyed to me in a letter. Asking me

to come all this way gave me hope, and that was not fair!” Hatori
turned on his heels and walked off the dais, but then he paused. He
turned back and bowed to Sigmund. “Forgive me, but being full-
blooded, none here can understand what I’ve gone through, not
completely. You can’t understand the physical and mental pain I’ve
endured. I desired answers and help, and now I’ve been told I can find
neither here. I can’t call it anything less than cruel.” He turned away
and walked toward Kyo and Ryu, his downcast face red and running
with tears.

Kyo leapt to his feet even faster than Ryu did. Looking to the

dais, he saw that no one there had moved. What could have happened
to cause Hatori to react this way?

Hatori bowed, wiping his cheeks, but he did not look up. “My

lord,” he said to Kyo, “I wish to leave now. There is nothing here for
me.”

Ryu took Hatori’s face in both of his hands. “What’s wrong,

Hatori?”

The young man could only shake his head, seemingly unable

to speak. He went into Ryu’s arms and sobbed. Kyo had the urge to
comfort him as well, but he knew Hatori was in good hands with Ryu.

“Take him to the carriage. I will handle the formalities,” Kyo

said.

Ryu nodded, kissing Hatori’s hair and turning him so they

could walk out.

The sound of the fading sobs ripped at Kyo’s heart. Seeing

anyone in pain bothered him, but seeing Hatori break down like that
cut him deeply. He turned to Sigmund and approached. Bowing, he
said, “What passed between you is personal, and it is Hatori’s place to
tell me if he wishes. However, I do wish to know something about
what has upset him, if I may be so bold, Sigmund.”

Sigmund searched Kyo’s face a long time. Then he smiled.

“We cannot cure him, my friend, and only a vampire’s blood can give
him relief. That is the reality, and only one of the gods could change

that. But our seer had a vision, and that is why we brought him here,
though we did not tell him of the vision. He must wait.”

“A vision concerning Hatori?”
Sigmund nodded, his long gray hair falling over his shoulders.

“His answer is here in your dominion, though we do not hold it.”

“So you’ve sent him away with a riddle instead of relief for

his suffering? Sigmund, that is cruel. He’s strong, but he’s been
suffering a long time.”

“If we could help him, help any halfling, would our numbers

be so few? If we could mate with humans without fearing the children
would endure years of pain only to die before becoming adults, we
would. The gods do not want this, it seems. Your own brother is a
rarity, possibly the only dragon shifter left in this world. He does not
suffer as Hatori does, but that is luck, nothing more, just as it is purely
by chance that Hatori has lived this long.”

“I mean no disrespect, and I do grieve that your people endure

this burden. I am angry you could not help him, and I know no other
way to ease that feeling. He is here as my guest, and I feel powerless
now. I want to comfort him, but what can I do?” In his mind, Kyo
could still hear Hatori crying. “It makes me ache that I can do nothing
for him.”

“I do understand.” Sigmund nodded slowly, eyeing Kyo with

great intensity, as if he were looking for something. “I have never
known a time in my life when seeking your help did not yield good
results, and I know very well how hard it is for a leader when he
cannot give aid to those under his protection. But all is not lost. Hatori
will require the blood of a vampire for the rest of his life, but there are
worse fates.” Sigmund smiled in an odd way.

“Ryu is caring for him while he is here. His best friend from

his home village is a vampire. His needs shall be taken care of.”

“You said you wished to comfort him. Go and do that and

leave the workings of fate to the gods.” Sigmund stood and bowed,
leaving the hall with his shamans and his guards.

Kyo cursed under his breath as he left, confused by the abrupt

dismissal as he rushed to the carriage. He found Ryu cradling Hatori
in his arms. His tears had dried, but when Hatori opened his eyes,
Kyo’s heart almost broke at the grief he saw there. Kyo climbed into
the carriage, ordering the driver to get them home as fast as safely
possible.

“I’m sorry, my lord. I had to speak my mind.” Hatori pressed

his lips together, closing his eyes again. “I hope they are not angry
with you.”

How could Hatori care about that at this moment? Kyo moved

beside him, touching his cheek to get his attention. “Hatori.” When
Hatori responded and opened his eyes, Kyo continued. “Do not worry
about that. It’s understandable. They told me what they said to you.
I’m sorry this happened. If I had known, I would have told you to
spare you this pain.” He stroked Hatori’s cheek before letting his hand
drop.

Hatori nodded. “I know you would have. You seemed as

hopeful as I was.” He sat up to look at both of them. “You’ve both
been so kind.”

“You must stay with us. You can’t go back yet,” Kyo said.
“They said I should stay as well. They said I needed to wait,

though they wouldn’t explain why.” Hatori swallowed. “And they
said—” Pressing his lips together again, he whispered, “No. I don’t
want to think about it right now. I’m too angry.”

What else had they said to him? If they hadn’t mentioned the

vision, what could it be? Kyo put his arm around Hatori, and Ryu
moved his arm down to the young man’s waist. “That’s fine. We’re
here for you, as are Satoru and Fredric.”

Fresh tears came. “Satoru will be so disappointed. He’s like a

brother to me, and he was so sure everything would be perfect once
we got here. I can’t face him today, my lord. This news will bring him
pain.”

Kyo glanced at Ryu, astounded by Hatori’s ability to think of

others at this moment, and then nodded. “All right. You’ll stay with
Ryu tonight. We can enter through the secret tunnels to avoid running
into anyone. We can go straight to my chambers, and Ryu’s rooms are
close by. We won’t be seen by anyone else.” His heart ached to see
more tears, and he admired Hatori’s devotion to his friend.

Hatori took Kyo’s hand and kissed it, his tears finally

lessening. “Thank you, my lord.”

“There is no need.” Hatori’s gesture touched him so that Kyo

silently cursed his inability to give him the answers he’d come
looking for.

Hatori rested his head on Ryu’s shoulder again, closing his

eyes. Kyo had never felt such a need to protect and care for anyone

since the day the lycans had brought the injured Ryu to him and his
mother. As Ryu rested his cheek against Hatori’s forehead, Kyo
wondered if his brother might lose his heart without realizing it. Even
though he did not like men himself, Kyo could see how easy it would
be to love a man like Hatori.
****

Hatori sat on Ryu’s bed, trying to breathe evenly as Ryu very

gently wiped his face with a cool, damp cloth. “Your brother seems so
worried about me. Later, can you please go and tell him I’m better,
even if I’m not?”

Ryu smiled. “It’s impossible for most people to lie to Kyo,

especially me.”

“I’ve distressed him. It bothers me. None of this is his fault.

He couldn’t have known what would happen when I met with the
lycans.”

“Don’t think of others tonight.” He tossed the cloth into a

small hamper at the end of the bed. “You are the one who needs care
and consideration right now.”

“What did he tell Satoru and Fredric?” Hatori did not want

them to worry. He dreaded having to tell Satoru what had happened.

“Kyo went and told them that you have returned safely but

that you are very tired. In the morning, you can decide if you want to
see them.”

“It will hurt Satoru’s feelings if I don’t. He’ll only worry if I

avoid him.” Part of him wished Satoru were there to comfort him, but
the rest of him was glad it was Ryu. He didn’t think Fredric would
want Hatori in bed with them, even if nothing inappropriate
happened, and truly Hatori didn’t think he could sleep without that
sort of intimate contact. He’d missed feeling Ryu’s arms around him
ever since the vampire had led him to the bed and moved out into the
hall to converse with his brother privately.

Ryu squeezed his knee. “Then, when you are ready, we’ll go

find them in the morning.”

“Thank you.”
Ryu sat beside him and cupped his face. “Hatori, you need

your rest. Will you let me drink from you? Comfort you?”

“Yes, that’s what I want.” He paused, wondering how to

proceed without offending Ryu.

“Tell me what you need. Anything, Hatori.”

Ryu’s beautiful eyes held him spellbound. Slowly, Hatori said,

“I want to touch you, and I want you to touch me, but,” he sighed,
“your heart is already with your mate, even if you have not yet met
him.”

Ryu smiled. “So certain it’s a man?”
Hatori managed a small smile. “I’d bet anything on it.” He

caressed one of Ryu’s hands. “I want to share this night with you, but
I would rather not make love. I’ve had lovers before, but this is
different to me because you’re a vampire. I’m no prude, but in my
mind, you are someone else’s.”

“I would not force you to do anything, just as I would deny

you nothing now. Tell me what I may do to you. I want to give you
pleasure.”

Hatori’s heart raced as he saw the desire in Ryu’s eyes. “You

can do anything you wish to me, with your hands or your mouth.” He
ran his hands over Ryu’s thighs lightly. “And I’ll bring you to climax
any way you wish.”

Ryu smiled and gently kissed the corner of Hatori’s mouth. “I

think I would like to come in that sweet mouth of yours.”

Hatori licked his lips. “I would like that.” He began to

undress. “No vampire has ever bitten me before. Given my condition,
I may become more excited than you’re expecting.”

Ryu leaned back on the bed and watched him strip naked. “I’ll

be gentle and pay close attention to your reactions.” He eyed Hatori’s
cock before looking back up at him. “I wish you had turned out to be
my mate. Then I could comfort you for the rest of our lives.”

Hatori couldn’t stop himself from frowning and looking away.
“Hatori, what’s wrong? Did I offend you? I did not mean to be

flippant about it.”

Hatori sat on the bed, shaking his head. “No. It’s the other

thing the lycans told me, the thing I did not want to talk about earlier.
They said I should not take a lover who is not a vampire. My need is
too great, and most lovers would not be able to live with the jealousy
my drinking from a vampire would cause.”

“That sounds logical enough, but it bothered you?”
Hatori nodded. “I am not a vampire. I don’t have a fated true

love out there. I resented being told whom to love. It also made me
feel like a damned parasite. What am I supposed to do? Go from lover
to lover as each one finds its fated mate? It sounds absurd.”

“When you put it that way, I suppose it does.” Ryu touched

Hatori’s cock, reviving his waning erection. “But tonight, I am here
with you, and I don’t have a mate yet. Don’t turn from me.”

Hatori moaned as Ryu stroked him. “I couldn’t if I wanted to.”
Ryu stripped his robes off as they kissed, and when he was

naked he pulled Hatori to the middle of the bed. He caressed his neck
before placing soft kisses there.

“Are you ready?” Ryu asked.
“Yes. Please!” Every brush of Ryu’s lips only fanned the

flames of his need.

Ryu bit him, making a very shallow wound. He locked his

mouth there and gently sucked. Hatori couldn’t think straight as it
happened. The sensations became so overwhelming he found it very
difficult to even separate them. It took him a moment to realize Ryu
had stopped and was licking the wound to heal it.

“Now listen to me,” Ryu said, massaging the back of Hatori’s

head, as if to get him to focus.

Hatori nodded, already feeling Ryu’s power over him.
“Forget about everything that’s troubling you. Focus on me.”
“You can make love to me, if you want to.” Nothing else

mattered now—he wanted Ryu to take him, wanted to feel the
vampire inside him and see that powerful body moving above him.

Ryu shook his head. “This is the first time a vampire has bitten

you. You’re overwhelmed. You said you did not want that, and I gave
you my word.”

“I’ve changed my mind.” Hatori wanted to find complete

oblivion in Ryu’s arms. He longed for this feeling of bliss to continue.

“No, my bite has addled your brain. You’ll thank me in the

morning. I’d like to make love to you, but taking care of you means
far more to me.” Ryu moved lower. “Although, I can offer you some
relief.”

Ryu licked Hatori’s cock, and then he took the whole shaft

into his mouth. Hatori arched against him, so pent up he came in no
time. Watching Ryu swallowing was very erotic, and Hatori knew
he’d be hard again soon. His body tingled with the power of his
release. Ryu bit his wrist and held it out to Hatori, who took it without
hesitation. Again, Hatori lost himself in a fog of pleasure, unable to
think clearly. Ryu pulled away, healing his wrist as he got on his
knees and began to pump his cock.

Hatori got down on his stomach to take Ryu’s cock into his

mouth. Wrapping his lips around the thick shaft felt good, and he did
his best to please Ryu, varying his pressure and teasing the tip
repeatedly. When Ryu grabbed the back of his head, Hatori did not
resist.

“That mouth is sweet indeed. Mmmm.” Ryu set the pace, and

after a few hard thrusts he came in Hatori’s mouth. His cum was rich
and thick, and Hatori swallowed all of it. Ryu pulled him up into a
kiss, and they wrestled on the bed together, which got Hatori very
hard once more. Before long, Ryu had Hatori flat on his back and
began sucking his cock again. This time, Hatori almost passed out
when he came. He’d never been so sated or so exhausted. When he
recovered his senses again, he felt himself safe in Ryu’s arms beneath
the blankets.

“Sleep, Hatori. I swear I won’t let you go. You’re safe, and

those who love you are close. You’ll never be alone or friendless.”
Ryu kissed his neck tenderly.

Snuggling closer and lightly kissing Ryu’s chest before laying

his head there, he whispered, “Thank you.” The sound of Ryu’s heart
soothed him.

“My pleasure,” Ryu said sleepily, tightening his grip and

making Hatori feel safe enough to drift off to sleep.

Chapter Three

Kyo dropped the papers in his hands when Ryu came into his

study. He’d been waiting all morning for an update on Hatori, not
wishing to disturb them too early. The brightness of Ryu’s eyes told
Kyo that he and Hatori had been enjoying one another’s company
thoroughly, but the concern there proved that Hatori was still
distressed.

“How is he?” Kyo asked.
Hatori sat on the loveseat by Kyo’s large desk. “Very

concerned about worrying his friends, at the moment.”

Kyo sat beside him. “Yes, last night they were quite worried

about him. I reassured them the best I could, but Satoru seemed
anxious.”

Ryu sighed. “He slept well enough, but I fear he’ll sink into

despair now. He’s emotionally fragile, in many ways.”

The scent that assaulted Kyo made his breath catch in his

throat. He stared at Ryu, confused. He took a deep breath, confirming
what he had sensed moments earlier. Swallowing, he said, “You
comforted him as best you could.” He paused. “You … drank from
him?”

Ryu nodded. “I’m sorry if that bothers you. Last night, he

needed to sleep, to calm down. It seemed the best way. This morning,
he was shaking as he thought about telling Satoru there is no cure for
him. He asked me to drink from him to help calm his nerves.”

Kyo licked his lips and leaned closer to Ryu. “And you’ve

drunk from no one else?”

“No one.” Ryu stared at him. “Are you all right? I’m worried

about him as well, but you seem very distracted.”

He took Ryu’s face in his hands. “Ryu, please ignore me for a

moment.” He leaned in even closer. “And forgive me,” he added in a
whisper.

Kyo locked his lips against Ryu’s, forcing his mouth open and

kissing him very thoroughly. The thrill and pure lust that rushed
through him confirmed his suspicions. He drew back, gasping for air.

Ryu had never looked so stunned. “Kyo … why did you do

that? I can’t say I truly minded, but these days I do think of you more
as a brother.”

Kyo licked his lips again. “I know you and Loxis—and the

girls, as well—will tease me mercilessly, but it can’t be helped.” He
sighed and leaned back, closing his eyes.

“Teasing you?” Ryu laughed. “I’m confused, Kyo. I’ve got a

lot of things running around in my head right now. Would you mind
explaining, please?”

Kyo opened his eyes and looked at his brother, who had, he

suspected, spent the night making love with his mate. Jealousy flared
briefly, but he pushed it back. “Yes, you all will be teasing me often.
Hatori is my mate.”

Ryu’s mouth gaped open. “A man? Your mate is a man?”

Then Ryu’s face drained of color as he licked his lips, obviously
realizing Kyo had kissed him to taste Hatori’s blood. “Oh. Hatori is
your mate.” He glanced at Kyo sheepishly. “If I had known, I would
never have—”

Kyo raised his hand to silence Ryu. “It’s all right. I pushed

you two together. How can I be angry? Neither of you knew.” Kyo
had never given even the most handsome man more than a passing
glance. He’d certainly never had any desire to be with one. Yet now,
with the taste of Hatori’s blood on his tongue, he wanted nothing
more than to run to the young man and pin him to the nearest piece of
furniture. He frowned.

I’ve never had such lust-addled thoughts before. I’ve always

been rational in my romantic affairs.

Of course, for a vampire, a lover and a mate were two very

different things. All vampires had only one fated mate, one person
whose blood would send them into raptures like none they’d ever
known.

“Kyo, we spent the night together, and yes, something did

happen between us. But we didn’t make love.”

That surprised Kyo. “You didn’t?”
“No. He’s never had a vampire as a lover, and he said, to his

way of thinking, I belong to someone else. He didn’t want to make
love with another’s mate.”

Kyo smiled. “He’s an interesting man, continually surprising

me.” He patted Ryu’s hand. “Whatever you did, it doesn’t matter. In
fact, I’m glad it was you. I’d be very jealous if it had been someone
else. I trust and love no one else as I do you.”

“That’s kind of you to say.” Ryu turned away, coming to the

edge of his seat. “But I feel a bit ill now. I drank from your mate
before you did. Forgive me if you wish, but I still don’t feel right
about it.”

“In time, I hope you will.” Kyo sat forward as well, shifting

sideways to playfully shove against Ryu. “Come on. Tell me
everything. I know you well enough to see what you need. Confess
all, and we can move on.”

“Don’t make fun of me, Kyo. I feel this way because I love

you so much.”

Sighing, Kyo put his arm around Ryu. “I know. Forgive me.

The last twenty-four hours have been trying for all of us.” More
quietly, he said, “Just tell me. I may become jealous, but beneath it, I
am grateful you helped my mate when he needed it.”

Ryu was silent a long time, but then he finally began. “He was

so worried. He felt hopeless, and he was upset that you were worried
about him. Thoughts of worrying his friends also plagued him. I
offered to drink from him to calm him. He accepted very humbly, his
need making him restless. He told me he did not want to make love,
as I said, and I gave my word that we would not. He calmed after I
drank, but then he begged me to take him. I told him I would not
break my word, and this morning he was very grateful that I protected
him from his own confused demands. He drank from me, and we
kissed.” Ryu’s face went red, which told Kyo how much having
touched his brother’s mate upset him. He had never seen Ryu blush,
even while discussing the most unusual sexual act.

“Go on, Ryu.”
“I brought him to orgasm twice with my mouth. And once, he

did the same for me. These activities wore him out, and I had ordered
him to focus on me and forget his worries after I drank. All of this
enabled him to sleep quite well, and I held him all night. This
morning, I drank from him before we went to his friends, and he
drank from me to restore his strength. Nothing else intimate happened
today.”

Kyo rubbed Ryu’s back as he thought. Hearing the details did

sting, and he winced as his mind filled with the image of Hatori
performing fellatio on Ryu. That bothered him the most. Ryu
pleasuring his mate did not hold the same bite, but jealousy boiled up
quickly when he thought of his mate bringing another pleasure.

“We are always honest with each other, Ryu.”
Ryu raised his eyes. “Yes, we are. Tell me how you feel.”
“These sensations are new. Having a mate. That mate being

male. Having desire for a male when I never have before.” Kyo
rubbed his forehead.

“I understand.”
Kyo turned slightly to face his brother fully. “But I think I

know my own mind here. You comforted him and gave him pleasure.
That pleases me, though now that I’ve tasted his blood, I do wish it
had been me.”

Ryu nodded.
“I’ve honestly never been jealous before. In any context. But I

will admit that knowing he pleasured you … in that way … it does
make me jealous.”

“I’m sorry.”
“There is nothing to be sorry for. You did not know. If it

makes you feel better, you know I forgive you. I simply wanted you
to know how I feel.”

“I’m sorry I drank from him. I should have asked.”
Kyo shook his head. “Don’t you dare apologize for that. How

else would I have discovered that he’s my mate? It frightens me to
think we might have let him leave, not knowing.”

“Hmmm. I suppose I see that. Then at least let me apologize

for drinking from your mate before you did.”

Kyo almost laughed. Despite the mixed emotions warring

inside him, he felt almost giddy, knowing that his mate was so close.
“All right. For your breach of etiquette, I forgive you and graciously
accept your apology.”

“Thank you.” Ryu pressed his hands together, popping his

knuckles. The habit annoyed Kyo, but he knew Ryu’s hand often
ached because sometimes his talons needed to come out whether he
wanted them to or not. Ryu sucked on his bottom lip, his brows
furrowing.

“What are you thinking now?” Kyo asked.
Ryu smiled. “You know, this solves everything. Hatori needs

to feed from a vampire for the rest of his life. You’re the answer to his
problem.” He rubbed his chin. “And who knows? What if turning him
into a vampire eases his suffering? It could work.”

“Yes, it might.” Kyo felt his mood brightening. Being so

useful to his mate gave him great joy. The feeling of helplessness that
had kept him awake most of the night now melted away completely.

“Hmmm. But wait a minute. All right, he likes men, so that’s

fine. And he admires and likes you very much. He actually wanted me
to come to you last night and reassure you he was feeling better, even
if he was not, to use his words. However, when the lycans told him he
needed to only take vampires as lovers, he got angry. That is the part
he would not tell us yesterday. He resented being told whom to love.”

“But this is matehood. It’s different.”
“Yes, it is, but I thought you should know. He might be

resistant to having his fate decided for him.”

“He won’t be after I bite him. I certainly didn’t want a man as

a lover yesterday.” He sighed. “You know something though? I’ve
wanted nothing more than to protect and care for him since the
moment I saw him. It drove me half mad yesterday when I could do
nothing for him.”

“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Then might I suggest you break this to him gently. Please

don’t just bite him.”

Kyo rolled his eyes. “I didn’t mean that I was simply going to

go up to him and sink my fangs into him.” He groaned at the thought.
“As much as I would like to.”

“When he sends for me, I’ll bring him to you. I won’t say a

word.”

Excitement and anxiety built in Kyo’s gut. What would he

say? How should he begin? No other situation had ever had him this
stumped.

Ryu shook him by the shoulder. “Wipe that expression off

your face. He won’t reject you.”

“I’m more afraid he might be disappointed.”
Ryu rolled his eyes this time, imitating Kyo’s habit, which he

claimed was just as annoying as his own knuckle cracking. “What
man would want me when he could have you?”

Kyo laughed. “Any number of them.”
“Nonsense.” Ryu rose and bowed theatrically. “You were my

first love, and until I find my mate, I shall stand firm in my belief that
no one in this world is perfect, save you.”

Kyo laughed even harder at Ryu’s comical declaration. “Get

out of here so I can think. I have a very important meeting later.”

Ryu grinned and blew him a kiss, at which Kyo rolled his

eyes, making Ryu laugh.

Once he was alone, Kyo folded his hand under his chin. What

will I say to him? What will I do? Every inch of him ached to be near
Hatori. What if he doesn’t want me?
****

Hatori sensed a change in Ryu, but he could not put his finger

on what it was. They walked together toward the wing where Kyo and
his siblings had their rooms, but Ryu seemed to be keeping his
distance. He even had his hands clasped in front of him, as if he were
trying to keep from touching Hatori.

“Has something happened?” Hatori asked.
Ryu glanced over at him. “Something bad, you mean? No.

Kyo did make a discovery, and he wishes to share the information
with you.”

Hatori did not want to get his hopes up, but based on Ryu’s

behavior, it had to be something important. “I see. And you can’t tell
me?”

“He should tell you.” They paused outside Kyo’s chambers.

“Please go in. In the ante-room, go to the right. That is Kyo’s study.
He should be waiting there for you.”

Hatori reached out before Ryu could turn away. “You’re sure

nothing is wrong?”

Ryu smiled at him, looking first sad and then surprisingly

happy. “Everything is fine, and I’m looking forward to a lifetime as
your friend, Hatori.”

Hatori’s stomach felt like it was doing flips inside his body as

he watched Ryu rush away. He did as instructed, going in and
knocking at the door that should lead to the study.

“Come in.”
Hatori opened the door, stepped inside, and then pushed it

closed. Kyo stood in the middle of the room, but he soon came
forward and extended his hand to Hatori.

“How are you?” Kyo asked, leading Hatori to a long brown

couch. The room was somber and elegant, like Kyo. The sheer gold
hangings at the windows gave the room lots of light, illuminating the
rich, dark wood of the furniture and bookshelves as well as

highlighting the subtle differences in the browns of all the fabrics
around the room.

“I’m fine, though I do wonder what’s happening right now. I

am a bit tired after talking with Satoru and Fredric.”

Kyo invited him to sit. “Why? Do you require refreshment?”

He went to his desk and poured a glass of wine. “Here.”

“Thank you.” After taking a sip of the wine, which tasted

divine and did make him feel better almost instantly, he said, “Satoru
was disappointed, but he’s ever the optimist. While Fredric took in the
news with quiet contemplation, Satoru immediately began making
plans. He’s certain there is an answer for me somewhere. I adore him,
but he’s exhausting at times.”

“An answer may be closer than you think.”
Hatori sipped his wine, again shocked at how much better it

made him feel. He rolled it on his tongue, and Kyo watched this
movement very closely. Swallowing, Hatori realized why the wine
tasted so good.

“Whose blood is in this?” He set the glass down. “My lord,

you’ve been more than gracious, but please say something. I need
straight answers right now. Riddles only frighten me.”

Kyo’s face fell. “I’m sorry, Hatori. I didn’t mean to. It’s my

blood in the wine. I wanted to see how you would react. How do you
feel?”

It took Hatori a moment to focus. “I feel fine. The wine did

make me feel better, but I don’t feel anything different. Vampire
blood always makes me feel better.”

“There’s truly no difference?”
“Should there be? I know you’re older than Ryu, but I didn’t

think that mattered. Lady Gwyneth is older than any of you, but that
didn’t make her blood better. I suppose Satoru’s blood tastes a little
sweeter, but I had assumed that was because of my affection for him.”

Kyo’s face darkened. “You love him very much, don’t you?”
“Yes, as a dear friend. He’s like a brother to me.” Hatori

hesitated, his mind racing. “They said something, didn’t they? The
lycans. I appreciate your concern, my lord, but I will not be a parasite,
leeching off of my friends and getting in the way.”

“The lycans said your answer was here in my dominion, but

not with them. I didn’t understand before. I do now.” He took Hatori’s
hands in his. “You will never be in the way. You will not be a leech

or a parasite, and while your friends will always be here for you, you
will not have to depend on them.”

Hatori’s eyes focused on their hands. “Why not?”
Kyo raised both of his hands and kissed them. “Because

you’re my mate, and I will always take care of you from this day
forward.”

His skin tingled where Kyo’s lips had touched him, and he

jerked his hands away, rising and moving across the room. He opened
the doors leading outside and stepped out onto a balcony, panic rising
inside of him.

“Hatori, please wait.”
Hatori made himself look into Kyo’s eyes, which were now a

stormy gray. “I mean no disrespect, my lord, but I cannot let you do
this for me.”

“Do this for you? You think I’m pretending?” Kyo shook his

head. “I am only doing what is natural. You are my mate, Hatori.”

“I react the same way to the blood and touch of every

vampire.” He lowered his eyes. “So, since my reaction is
meaningless, I only have your word that I am your mate. Consider it a
compliment that I think you so selfless.” He looked up again. “You
were so upset you couldn’t help me, and I’m touched, but don’t throw
away a life of love for a charity case.”

Kyo’s eyes widened. “Charity case? So you do think I’m

lying. How can I view that as a compliment?”

“I mean no disrespect in my honesty.” Hatori bowed his head.

“Forgive me, but yes, that is what I think. I think you are sacrificing
your own happiness to help me. You will regret it, and I cannot let
you do it.”

Kyo’s firm hand jerked Hatori’s chin up. “How can you think

that?”

“You don’t like men in that way. Why would your mate be a

man?”

“The gods don’t work that way, and neither does matehood.”
“You haven’t even tasted my blood. That was my first clue.”

Hatori drew back. “Your willingness to make this sacrifice humbles
me, but I cannot let you do this.”

Kyo blushed, which confused Hatori. “I have, actually. When

Ryu came to me, I smelled a very distinct scent. He had just fed from

you, and it was your blood I smelled. Trust me, I’ve never seen him as
startled as he was when I kissed him, but I had to. I had to be sure.”

Hatori could not hide his shock. “Well … I suppose that was

an interesting scene.” He cleared his throat nervously. “Ummm, and
you are completely sure? He hadn’t drunk from someone else, too?”

Kyo shook his head. “Come here, Hatori. I’ve been in agony

for hours wanting a real taste of you.”

Hatori came forward. “But you don’t like men.” He lowered

his gaze. “And I spent the night with your brother.”

“He told me everything. It’s not your fault or his. But now that

we know you’re my mate, I shall be the one to feed and pleasure
you.”

Kyo lifted Hatori’s face, looking deep into his eyes. His irises

had gone red, and Hatori’s breath caught in his throat. Kyo kissed him
deeply, making Hatori sigh. His objection about Kyo not liking men
melted away. No one could fake such passion. Hatori felt his need
rising. Kyo trailed soft kisses over his neck, and then sank his fangs
in. Hatori cried out, as the sensation was indeed different from when
Ryu had bitten him. Last night, the vampire’s bite had pushed Hatori
into a fog of pleasure. As Kyo drank from him, Hatori’s mind focused
keenly on Kyo. His scent and heat surrounded Hatori. He clung to
Kyo as he bit deeper and drew more.

“Oh, my lord,” Hatori said when he felt the gentle swipes of

Kyo’s tongue healing his wound. He knew he probably looked lust-
drunk as he gazed up at the tall, handsome vampire. Running a hand
into Kyo’s soft, dark hair, Hatori said, “I’m sorry I didn’t believe
you.” He licked his lips. “That was very different from last night.
Very, very different.”

Kyo smiled. “I’ve never been with a man before, but that

makes you even more special and precious to me. I’ll enjoy learning
to please you.”

“For a start, you can let me drink from you.” He pressed

closer. “I’m right on the edge.”
****

Kyo’s own cock hardened as he realized what Hatori meant.

“Let’s go back inside.” He pulled Hatori back into the study and shut
the doors.

Hatori’s eyes were wild, and the submissive and self-

deprecating attitude was gone. He went down on his knees, pulling

Kyo down with him. Hatori pushed Kyo onto his back, climbing over
him.

“We’ll go slow, but I can feel your need.” Hatori freed his

own cock, stroking it several times before trying to open Kyo’s robes.

The sight of Hatori’s hard cock, with its dark purple head and

wet tip, made Kyo long for release as he never had before. He helped
Hatori, spreading his robes wide so that his own erection jutted up
proudly. Hatori smiled down at Kyo as he touched him.

Kyo arched up as Hatori caressed him. When Hatori lowered

his head and suckled Kyo’s cock, the vampire could not resist crying
out in pleasure. He’d had lovers, but their sexual congress had never
been like this. He’d have hesitated to call it mechanical before, but
now he knew that’s what it had been. He’d never asked any lady to do
this to him, and in a way it made him happy. He liked the thought of
only exploring more decadent pleasures with his mate.

Opening his robes more fully, Kyo turned his head sharply and

raked his fangs over his deltoid muscle. “Drink,” he said. “I’ll take
care of us both.”

Hatori scrambled up his body, briefly capturing Kyo’s lips in a

hot, needy kiss before clamping his mouth over the small wounds.
Kyo’s need grew as Hatori drank, and he reveled in the intoxicating
sensation of feeding his mate. With his parents gone, Kyo only had to
have permission from two siblings to turn Hatori, and he knew Ryu
and Loxis would agree. He wanted it to be soon. He wanted to see if
turning would give his lover more ease.

Kyo took both of their cocks in his hand, rubbing slowly. He

pleasured himself often enough, but he wanted to be sure he brought
Hatori pleasure. The man’s cries told him he was succeeding. He
stroked Hatori’s hair with his free hand, loving the way Hatori clung
to him and greedily drank from him.

Kyo increased his speed as Hatori’s moans grew louder. He

felt both of their cocks swelling, and then Hatori came. The scent and
hot splash of Hatori’s cum sent Kyo over, his own seed shooting up
and out of his cock. He focused on Hatori, pumping him until he was
empty, then seeing to himself. Hatori sat back on his heels, a little
blood still dripping from his lips. He wiped his mouth and looked
down at Kyo.

Licking his hand and running it over his shoulder to heal his

wounds, Kyo struggled to catch his breath. He smiled up at Hatori.
“That went better than I’d expected.”

Hatori went white. “I’m sorry, my lord. I got carried away.”

He began to move away, but Kyo stopped him.

“Don’t apologize. You found pleasure with your mate. You’ve

done nothing wrong. We both became quite carried away, I’d say.”
He smiled, trying to reassure Hatori.

“I should not have taken the dominant role.”
Kyo sat up and kissed Hatori’s cheek. “I’ve never taken a man

before. You’ll be in the dominant role for a while, my love.”

Hatori gave him a sweet smile. “I liked you as soon as we

met.” He shook his head, laughing. “I did not expect this though.”

“You sound happy.” Kyo hoped that was true.
“I am. I want to know everything about you.”
Sighing in relief, Kyo said, “We’ll have time for that. I want to

tell everyone.”

Hatori frowned. “So this is why Ryu was distant with me. Is

he hurt? Upset?”

“No. He’s happy for me and for you. He feels guilty he

touched you first. Drinking from you first bothered him the most.
He’s fine now. I made it very clear to him that it doesn’t matter.”

Hatori cast his eyes down, his submissive and humble

demeanor back in place in an instant. “I’m sorry, my lord. I’d never
have asked him for more than his blood if I’d known.”

“There is nothing to be sorry for.” Kyo put his fingers under

Hatori’s chin. “And call me Kyo. That will please me greatly. I also
don’t want you to worry so much about offending me or doing
anything wrong.”

“You’re not upset I was with Ryu? We didn’t have sex, but we

didn’t exactly restrain ourselves either.”

Kyo tried to keep his face neutral, seeking to tease his new

lover a bit. “I must say, I did get a bit jealous when he told me what
you did to him.”

Hatori’s face went ashen. “He told you details?”
“I already said he told me everything.” Kyo winked at him.
Hatori covered his face with both his hands.

“Hatori, stop that. I’m teasing you.” He drew Hatori’s hands

down. “Now I’m the one who’s sorry. My brothers and I show
affection through teasing. I meant nothing by it.”

“I don’t want to hurt your relationship with your brother. You

seem to love each other so much.”

“Ryu and I are fine. I truly did feel a little jealous when he told

me about last night, but after the initial sting, I got over it. In a way,
the sensation was almost pleasurable. Feeling so possessive of you,”
he paused, “I don’t know. I liked it.”

Hatori laughed. “That’s just strange.”
“Love takes us down strange paths, and we’re only at the

beginning.” Kyo stood. “Come. Let’s get cleaned up. Can’t have
anyone seeing us like this.”

Hatori laughed again.
“I’m pleased I can make you laugh and smile.” He gave Hatori

a quick kiss. “Your worries are over. You’ll never have to suffer for
even one moment ever again. I’ll always be here, more than willing to
satisfy your needs.”

“I’ll have to apologize to Sigmund. He told me I had to wait. I

didn’t understand then.”

“We’ll do that soon. But right now,” he said, pulling Hatori

from the room, “I want to sink into a hot bath with you.”

Hatori followed eagerly, and Kyo could not imagine being any

happier than he was with his unexpected mate. They didn’t know each
other yet, not really, but discovering new things every day would
make this journey even more enjoyable.
****

Hatori moved through the trees, looking for Ryu. He’d only

been able to escape Satoru, who was very happy and excited, because
Fredric had seen his distress and whispered something in Satoru’s ear.
His friend had made an unforgettable face, and then he’d told Fredric
he’d better be prepared to follow through with his promises before
winking at Hatori and dragging Fredric from the room. Hatori didn’t
know what had been said, but he had decided that he would have to
ask one day. Causing Kyo to make that face would be fun, and he
suspected following through with the actual deed, whatever it was,
would prove equally thrilling.

A servant had last seen Ryu shortly after he’d left Hatori with

Kyo. They’d waited for him, but eventually Kyo had given up,

anxious to share their news. Hatori had been able to ignore Ryu’s
absence when he was surrounded by such happiness, but after Fredric
and Satoru had left, he’d felt the need to reach out to Ryu. After
writing a note for Kyo to include in his letter to Mikimo, Hatori had
gone in search of Ryu. Kyo had told him some of Ryu’s favorite spots
for contemplation, and now Hatori had checked almost all of them.

Turning around the corner of a high stone wall, Hatori jolted

to a stop, amazed by the sight before him. Ryu lay curled in the sun,
but he was not in human form. His body was long, like a serpent’s,
and golden scales glistened all over him. His underside was a light
turquoise, his feet a darker blue. His gold talons looked quite
menacing, but this effect faded when the dragon opened his eyes.
Hatori felt much calmer when those golden eyes met his. They were
far larger and set in an elongated, scaly gold face, but he would have
recognized those eyes anywhere. Ryu yawned, revealing huge, sharp
teeth. He could easily swallow a small dog, Hatori thought. Ryu rose,
arching his back and stretching the way Hatori had seen cats do.
Though he was only perhaps a foot wider, Ryu’s length was double
that of his normal height.

When the magnificent beast came closer, Hatori forced

himself to stay still. Ryu stretched out on the ground again, lowering
his head. Hatori extended his hand, checking to make sure this was all
right. Ryu watched him calmly. Hatori touched the scales on Ryu’s
neck and found them hard yet flexible. He stroked carefully, noticing
that the edges were sharp. His hand glided easily over the warm skin,
and he admired the way the scales caught the sun. The turquoise skin
of his underside was soft as silk. Hatori paused when Ryu shifted to
his side, averting his eyes after a moment. He glanced back to Ryu,
raising his eyebrows.

Ryu got to his feet, nudging Hatori to make him turn around.

Hatori obeyed, looking away, and he didn’t hear anything until Ryu’s
panting caught his ear. Turning slightly, he saw Ryu tying and
straightening his robes. Smiling, Ryu came toward him.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to flash that at you. When I’m shifted,

it’s hard to stop it from reacting when I’m touched by any male.”

“I was quite impressed,” Hatori said, trying to keep the mood

light.

Ryu smiled, but then he squared his shoulders. “Did Kyo send

you to find me? Is he worried I’m brooding?”

“No, I wanted to see you. I don’t want you to avoid me. You

said you were looking forward to lifetime as my friend, and I want
that. Very much.”

“I have always looked up to Kyo. I feel as if I disrespected

him. You have an older brother, so you understand, don’t you?”

Hatori nodded. “Yes. I am not very religious, but I always

respect religious things because of my brother. I only wanted to see
you alone and make sure you and I were all right.”

“Yes, if you can forgive me.”
Hatori placed his hand on Ryu’s shoulder. “You only did what

I asked. And you kept your word, even when I quite pathetically
begged you to take me.”

“You were not pathetic. I was captivated and sorely tempted.”
Hatori blushed. “Well, I want us to put it behind us.” He

cleared his throat. “I am grateful for the comfort. You showed me
more love than any of my previous partners ever did.”

Ryu blinked in seeming surprise. “Idiots, all of them. My

brother is, for the moment, the luckiest man in the world.”

Hatori fell into step with Ryu as he began walking back

through the trees toward the gardens. “For the moment?”

“When I find my dear mate, then he shall be luckiest man in

the world.”

Hatori laughed. “I will be happy to meet him. You deserve this

kind of happiness.”

“You seem like a different man now.” Ryu moved a vine of

moon blossoms out of the way so they could pass.

“I feel like a new man. No headaches, no stomach cramps. My

joints no longer ache, and I don’t feel like a cat in heat every time a
vampire approaches. I can’t even describe how I felt as we fed from
one another. When his fangs sank into me, it felt right, and not
because of desire or my need for contact with a vampire. It simply felt
right.”

Ryu smiled warmly. “What else did you two do?”
Hatori pressed his lips together and folded his hands behind

his back. “Not telling,” he said in a faux haughty voice.

“You’re no fun.”
Hatori sighed, relenting with a smile. “Oh, all right. Needs

were met, but we did not have sex. I’ve never been with a man who’s
a virgin before. Well, this kind of virgin at least.”

“Kyo has had sex before, but he’s never truly had a love affair.

By the gods, each new woman was stuffier than the last. He’ll be
more than willing under your guidance. He’s enraptured, as is natural,
and it’s a joy to see. And he’s a vampire, after all, so no need to be
gentle with him.”

Hatori considered his next words very carefully as they

approached the steps of the castle. “So, it’s all right for me to take the
dominant role? It’s not a breach of etiquette?”

“For you to diddle him silly? Oh no, don’t worry. It doesn’t

matter who’s on top.”

Once Hatori had recovered from the shock of Ryu’s words, he

laughed so hard he had to lean against a pillar.

“Am I interrupting?”
Hatori looked up at Kyo, the setting suns shining behind him,

and he’d never seen a more gorgeous man. “No. Ryu was just giving
me some advice.”

Ryu walked past Kyo, kissing his cheek as he went by.

“You’re in for a treat, Kyo. I’d retire early, if I were you.”

Hatori’s mouth fell open, but he knew all was well when Kyo

smiled at him and rolled his eyes affectionately.

“He’s a terrible flirt and always shall be,” Kyo said, pulling

Hatori toward him. “I’ve arranged for us to have dinner alone. I don’t
want to see anyone but you from now until tomorrow morning. Loxis
has given his permission, and it’s obvious Ryu won’t object.
Tomorrow you shall meet Loxis, and my sisters, who have been
staying in the village. Then, if you’re ready, I’ll turn you. I know my
blood has made you much better, but I want you to be completely
mine. I want to be able to sense your thoughts and feelings even when
we’re apart.”

Hatori knew all about the mental link shared when a vampire

turned a human. It sounded so intimate, and the idea of having such a
connection with another excited him. “I want that, too, if it’s not too
soon.”

“I’m absolutely sure I could love you. I feel like I began

falling as soon as you arrived. Do you think, in time, you could love
me?”

Hatori nodded without hesitation, which earned him a heated

kiss from Kyo.

“Then let’s go inside. I want you all to myself.”

Hatori climbed the castle steps with him, nervous and excited

about making love to the man who was slowly capturing his heart.

Chapter Four

Kyo leaned forward to let Hatori feed him a bite of the creamy

strawberry confection. It tasted wonderful, but he gained far more
pleasure from watching Hatori eat it.

“Did Satoru tell you I like strawberries?” Hatori asked as he

brought another heaping forkful to his own mouth.

“Yes. The chef was overjoyed. She loves making desserts.”
“Really?” Hatori smiled. “Then we should inform her of my

love of chocolate.”

“Consider it done.” He sat back in his chair and sipped his

wine. “Anything you want. All you have to do is ask.”

“I wish you had the power to grant the one thing I truly want.”

Hatori speared a strawberry and a morsel of cake, smearing them
through the cream.

“Why do you think I can’t give it to you?” Hatori’s belief that

his wish wasn’t possible made Kyo all the more determined to grant
it.

“I wish I weren’t a lycan at all. They’re a noble race, and I

admire them. But it’s been nothing but a curse to me. When I shifted
the first time, I was able to aid Satoru in a fight. As grateful as I am, I
hate that part of myself. I was conceived in an affair and never knew
my father. I’ve been sick off and on my entire life. I’d give anything
if the turning could free me of this.”

“Will it really matter? You’ve been free of pain since drinking

from me, haven’t you?”

“Yes.”
“Do you ever feel compelled to shift?”
“Not exactly. Some nights, I can’t sleep, as if I can feel it

prowling inside of me. The wolf.”

“I wish I could help you, but turning a human can only cure

natural ailments. Being half-lycan is not an ailment. It’s who you
are.”

Hatori rose and got on his knees before Kyo. “You can help

me. The next time I cannot sleep, you will be here to hold me in your
arms.”

Kyo caressed Hatori’s face, tracing every line and contour

with his finger. “I’ll do more than that if you ask.” He smiled.
“Maybe even if you don’t.”

“Then I’ll be sure to wake you right away.” Hatori ran his

hands over Kyo’s thighs. “What do you want right now?”

Kyo leaned down and brushed his lips over Hatori’s ear. “I

want my mate to make love to me. I want to feel him buried deep
inside me.”

“Mmmm.” Hatori trailed his lips over Kyo’s neck. “Are you

sure? I can guide you if you want to take me. I’d like it very much, in
fact. I want to be yours in every way.”

As much as the thought aroused Kyo, he wanted their first

time to be perfect. He was tempted by Hatori’s eager words, but the
thought of taking the submissive role excited him in a way he
couldn’t describe. “No. I want you to take your pleasure in my body
and show me what bliss two men can bring each other.” He drew back
to look down into Hatori’s eyes, which had darkened in a way that
told Kyo his words had had their desired effect. “I want you to teach
me in this way. And then one night, when you aren’t expecting it, I’m
going to pin you down and show you what I’ve learned.”

Hatori didn’t breathe at all for a moment, his eyes sparkling

with desire. Then he took a deep breath and gave Kyo a peck on the
cheek before rising and pulling him to his feet. “I’ll be looking
forward to it. I promise to be very thorough in my lessons.”

Kyo took both of Hatori’s hands and drew him toward the

bedroom, admiring the outline of his cock in his leather trousers and
the graceful way his body moved.
****

Hatori kept forcing Kyo to stop on the way to the bedroom.

Wherever they ran across a stretch of wall or a sturdy piece of
furniture, Hatori pinned him there for a long, teasing kiss.

“We’re going to be up all night, aren’t we?” Kyo asked as

Hatori raked his teeth over Kyo’s neck and ground their hips together.

“Oh yes.” Hatori kissed him deeply, losing himself in the

passion given back to him. He’d never have believed this was his
destiny when he arrived, especially after Kyo had assured Hatori he
didn’t like men. The way vampires found their mates fascinated him,
both as a human and as a doctor. His brother believed the gods truly
did have a hand in the fating of mates, and given the way Kyo made
him feel, Hatori was starting to believe.

Once they were in Kyo’s bedroom, Hatori began to strip,

eyeing Kyo to encourage him to do the same. The bedchamber was

done in the same dark woods as the other rooms, yet in here, the
hangings and fabrics were scarlet.

Hatori smiled. “Your taste betrays you.”
“Does it?” Kyo said, coming forward to touch Hatori once

they were both naked.

“Yes. The rooms everyone else sees are somber and dignified,

and yet the room you sleep in is quite decadent.” He stroked Kyo’s
cock with a very loose grip as he cast his gaze around. “Scarlet
curtains and tapestries. Rich velvets and silks.” His eyes focused on
the other side of the room. “And a very big bed.”

“That pleases you, does it?” Kyo nipped lightly at his neck.
Hatori moaned, practically dragging Kyo across the room.

“Yes, it does.” He climbed onto the bed and reached for Kyo. “Come
drink from me. Please.”

Kyo climbed onto the bed and lay next to him, trailing his

fingers over Hatori’s chest. The light caress soon had Hatori writhing
with the need for more contact. He grasped Kyo’s hand and kissed it,
then held it to his heart. “Please, Kyo.”

“Hatori, you know it’s more than just your blood, don’t you?

That only tells me that you’re the one for me. It’s everything else
that’s making me fall in love with you.” He gripped Hatori’s throat,
running his thumb over the pulse point. “I’ve never felt this kind of
desire for anyone, but it’s your sweet nature and bravery, as well as
your love and devotion to your brother and friends, that make me so
happy you are my mate.”

Hatori sighed with need, nodding. “I know, Kyo.” He rolled to

his side to kiss his lover. “I love those kinds of things about you, too.
You’re kind. You seem like a wonderful leader.” He ran his hand into
Kyo’s hair, tugging gently. “But right now, I’m more interested in
having this hard body pressed as close as possible as you drink from
me.”

Kyo laughed. “That’s one thing I can give you, any time you

want it.” Kyo leaned down and sank his fangs into Hatori. The contact
made every nerve in Hatori’s body go electric. His blood ran hot as
his heart pounded and his cock ached. Repeatedly he ran his hands
through Kyo’s hair, and when he felt Kyo lick his wounds closed,
Hatori pulled him into a long, passionate kiss.

Hatori whimpered in protest when Kyo pulled away, but he

only reached to the bedside table for a shiny object. The light glinted

off of it, and Hatori saw that it was a knife. Kyo made an incision on
his chest, just above his heart. Licking his lips, Hatori crept forward
on all fours, watching the blood drip down. This kind of feeding was
symbolic for vampires, and they only allowed their mates to drink
from a spot so close to their heart and the blood gland that made their
long lives possible.

“Drink, Hatori,” Kyo said, drawing Hatori’s face against his

chest.

Hatori licked up every drop that had dripped down Kyo’s

chest and then locked his mouth over the wound. Kyo’s heartbeat
echoed in his ears. He settled on the bed, stretching out facing Kyo so
he could stroke the vampire’s cock. Kyo sighed and did the same,
wrapping his fingers around Hatori’s cock. Soon completely
consumed by sensation, Hatori moaned. “I’m going to come,” he said
between licks.

Kyo tightened his grip and pumped with a steadier rhythm.

Hatori let go and relaxed against Kyo, his impending release taking
over his entire body. The pleasure built and engulfed him, and to his
extreme surprise, when he cried out, Kyo pushed him back on the bed
and captured Hatori’s cock in his mouth. He felt like he was floating
above the bed as Kyo sucked down every drop of cum. The dizzy
euphoria shocked and thrilled him. He arched against Kyo’s mouth,
loving how wet and eager it was.

Hatori grinned as Kyo pulled away and smiled down at him.

“Has someone else already been instructing you?”

Kyo shook his head. “No. I just wanted to taste you.”
Hatori kissed Kyo and gazed into his eyes. “You’re so

perfect.” He pushed Kyo down onto the bed, switching their positions.
“That felt so good.”

“You tasted so good. I’d never have believed it if someone

had told me yesterday how I would be spending this night.”

Hatori kissed him again. “Do you have any oil?”
Kyo nodded. “On the table.”
Hatori found the bottle and opened it, inhaling the musky

scent of amber. He oiled both of his hands well and climbed back
onto the bed. “Spread your legs.”

Kyo obeyed, his eyes black as night as he watched Hatori. The

flickering light of the candles played across his body and face
beautifully. Hatori began by lightly stroking Kyo’s cock. Then he let

his other hand slide down to massage his hole. He circled one finger
at Kyo’s entrance, still stroking his cock and watching his reactions.
Kyo’s eyes had fluttered shut, and his hips now moved up and down
ever so slightly.

Hatori slid one finger in slowly, going straight for the spot that

would send his lover soaring. He knew he’d found it when Kyo’s eyes
popped open. He worked his finger in a circle, smiling when he saw
both of Kyo’s hands claw into the sheets.

“That’s your prostate,” Hatori whispered.
“Yes,” Kyo said with a gasp, “I’d guessed that.”
Hatori felt Kyo’s cock swelling, and he pulled his hand away.

Kyo drew in a sharp breath and locked eyes with him.

“I want you to come with me inside you.” Hatori slid in a

second finger. “Hold on for me. I want to be sure you’re ready.”

Kyo sat up enough to place his face two inches from Hatori’s.

“I’m not delicate. I’m a vampire.” He pushed in more and rubbed his
cheek against Hatori’s, licking his ear. “Fuck me until I scream your
name. That’s an order.”

Hatori had to obey because Kyo had drunk his blood, but he’d

never have defied him in this regardless. The coarse words made his
blood boil, and he shoved Kyo down, hitching Kyo’s legs up onto his
shoulders. He stroked himself, the slide of the oil helping his erection
return full force. “It’ll be a great pleasure.”

Spreading Kyo’s cheeks, Hatori penetrated, silently gasping at

how sweet his entry was. He gave Kyo a few inches, then paused to
slide that much of his shaft in and out. Kyo moaned at the tease and
arched against him.

“I want all of you.” Kyo grabbed at Hatori’s hands, which

rested on Kyo’s thighs. “Please.”

Hatori slid home, crying out as Kyo’s body engulfed him. He

pushed forward, pinning Kyo’s hands on either side of his head and
getting as close as possible. They kissed feverishly, and Hatori
showed no mercy. He’d never fucked anyone with such rough
abandon, and the sensations blew him away. Hatori changed his
angle, trapping Kyo’s cock between their stomachs.

“I’m coming, Hatori.” He moaned loudly. “But don’t you dare

stop.”

Kyo cried his name two more times, and then Hatori felt the

hot cum spreading between them. He kept pounding home, milking

Kyo’s cock between their bodies. When he came, Hatori forced Kyo
down into the mattress with all his might, spilling with a force he’d
never experienced before. Kyo pulled him into a kiss, and they
remained locked together with Hatori still buried inside him for a long
time.

“What’s my next lesson?” Kyo asked when they finally broke

away.

“I’m going to suck your cock. I’m going to teach you every

way I know of enhancing and delaying pleasure.” He kissed his way
down Kyo’s body, his cock sliding free. He licked at some of the
dripping cum on Kyo’s chest. “Though I must say, we can skip some
parts. You already have the basics down.”

Kyo laughed. “Instinct, my love, and the desire to pleasure

you.”

My love. Hatori loved the sound of that more each time Kyo

said it. He lowered himself between Kyo’s legs, noting happily that
the emotions swelling in his chest were already eclipsing the physical
sensations centered much lower.
****

Kyo smiled as he watched Hatori conversing with Loxis in a

very animated way. It pleased him that the two siblings he was closest
to had immediately liked Hatori. He glanced over at Ryu, who was
talking with Fredric and Satoru. Ryu winked at him, as if in
reassurance. Kyo hoped Ryu would find his own mate soon. He
longed to see Ryu happy, and he knew nothing would make his
adopted brother happier than finding his fated lover.

Kyo’s sister Lavinia excused herself from speaking with their

younger sisters, Lily and Jasmine, and moved over to Kyo. The young
twins giggled as she approached, and Kyo stuck his tongue out at
them, which made them giggle again.

“You know, I’m offended, sweetheart,” Lavinia said coyly.

“You gained permission to turn your mate from your adopted siblings
instead of me, the true sister who has been here faithfully tormenting
you since you were two years old.”

“Well, since Lily and Jasmine have not reached maturity yet, I

didn’t want them to feel left out because I couldn’t ask one of them,
so I kept the issue among us men,” he said in a very serious voice,
managing somehow to keep a smile off his face.

Lavinia bit her lip, but soon she couldn’t hide her smile. “You

just didn’t want to see the look on my face when I found out your
mate is male.”

Kyo started to speak, but then he hesitated a moment.

Eventually, he said, “I already knew I had Ryu’s blessing, and Loxis
just happened to…” He trailed off, sighing in defeat as Lavinia eyed
him. “When we were younger, you thought same sex pairings were
strange. I wanted to ask Loxis because he prefers men himself. I
chose to endure his teasing rather than see you uncertain about my
decision.”

Lavinia nodded to acknowledge the truth of the first statement,

but then she shook her head. “I only meant I don’t understand it. I do
not actually object to it. I’ve never been even slightly attracted to
another woman. Maybe the gods do in fact do it for a reason, but it
does baffle me.”

Kyo crossed his arms, glancing over at Hatori. “As soon as I

met Hatori, I could think of nothing but making him happy and
protecting him. There was no physical attraction, yet I did feel a pull.
I had no idea this would happen though.” He looked back at Lavinia.
“But I’m glad it did. I never imagined myself being this happy.”

“I see. Should we all disperse and let you two get down to

business?” Lavinia asked. “We do still have a celebration to plan.”

Kyo’s eyes roamed back to Hatori. He now understood why

the couples at human weddings often wanted the reception over as
soon as possible. Sharing this event with all of his siblings was nice,
but he couldn’t wait to be alone with Hatori. They could socialize
when Hatori’s brother arrived and the date of the celebration was set.

“I would like that, yes, but Hatori seems to be enjoying

himself.”

Hatori laughed at something Loxis said, and Kyo felt a tiny

twinge of jealousy as he watched the tall vampire pushing his
luxuriant blond hair out of his face.

“You seem to finally be noticing how handsome Ryu and

Loxis are,” Lavinia said.

Kyo saw no reason to deny it. “Yes, I am. I see why so many

of the maids say their preference for male companions is a ‘pity’.” He
leaned against a pillar, sighing. “Feeling jealous is so odd, especially
since my mind knows I have nothing to worry about. I’m amazed at
how possessive I feel.”

“So there was no resistance?”
“From Hatori? He didn’t believe me at first, but once he saw it

was true, he actually became quite aggressive.”

Lavinia raised her eyebrows. “Did he? He seems very shy.”
Kyo felt a brief surge of lust as he pictured Hatori above him.

“Not when we’re alone.”

Lavinia laughed and pulled Kyo away from the pillar. “Come

on. I think seeing you too hot and bothered might traumatize the girls.
They couldn’t stop giggling when they saw you kiss him earlier.”

Kyo caught sight of Lily and Jasmine whispering together by

the window. “Do they ever stop giggling? Seems the sound has filled
the castle for a couple of years now.”

“They’re not so bad when they’re asleep.”
Loxis had broken off his conversation with Hatori to speak

with Satoru as Kyo and Lavinia approached. Hatori stood listening to
Fredric and Ryu, but he focused on Kyo as they drew closer.

Hatori blushed a bit as he slid his hand into Kyo’s. “We do get

to be alone, right?” he asked quietly.

Kyo nodded. “Yes. It can be public, if the couple wants that

for some reason, but it is hard not to get carried away.”

Loxis came over to hug Kyo. “I’m very happy for you both. I

think he’s perfect for you,” he whispered to Kyo.

Kyo already felt confident about that, but hearing Loxis say it

made him happy. Loxis had an uncanny way of judging the character
of others accurately. They’d always thought this power might come
from his demon heritage, but they could not be sure. The powers of
half-demons varied so widely.

“Thank you, Loxis. I think you are right. I’ve never been

happier.”

That statement made Hatori blush again and cast his eyes

down, though he did smile briefly at Loxis first.

Ryu gripped Hatori by the shoulder. “If he embarrasses you,

do it right back to him. Seeing him blush is hilarious. He bristles like
a porcupine.”

Kyo put on a faux stern expression. “I do not.”
Ryu kissed Kyo on the cheek quickly when Loxis moved

away. “If you say so.”

Lily and Jasmine, who had yet to say a word to anyone but

Lavinia, both approached the group, giggling. They took turns kissing
Kyo on the cheek and then moved on to do the same with Hatori.

“Don’t let him fool you for a second,” Lily said, tossing her

brown curls over her shoulder.

Jasmine mirrored the gesture. “He seems cool and formal, but

he spoils us more than anyone else.”

Loxis laughed loudly. “I’m sure Hatori has already seen Kyo’s

softer side, girls.” He put his arms around them. “Come on. Let’s go
for a walk. I haven’t seen you for days. I want to hear all about what
you’ve been doing in the village.”

The girls began to chatter simultaneously as Loxis led them

away, Lavinia trailing behind with a grin on her face. She blew a kiss
to Kyo and then quickened her pace.

“Speaking of the village,” Ryu said, “I’m going to give Satoru

and Fredric a more extensive tour.” Leaning in, he whispered loudly,
“I promise to keep my hands off them.”

Kyo rolled his eyes and smiled. “That sounds like a good idea.

Lavinia was telling me the doctor’s new surgery is finished. I’m going
to take Hatori to see it later.” He squeezed Hatori’s hand. “Much
later.”

Satoru grinned as he grasped his own mate’s hand. “Don’t

worry about us. There’ll be time to celebrate when Mikimo arrives.
I’m sure he’ll set out as soon as possible once he gets your letter. I
know he’s going to be happy.”

Hatori smiled. “He was teasing me about this very thing

happening before we left, but I’m sure he was only trying to distract
me from my worries. I wish I could see his face when he finds out.”
Turning to Kyo, he added, “He admires you so much. He truly is
going to be very happy.”

Kyo smiled back, unable to imagine anyone ever being

happier than he was in that moment.
****

Hatori went right into Kyo’s arms as soon as they were alone

in Kyo’s bedroom. “I want you naked. I want to touch you.”

“I’m going to be in trouble once you’re turned,” Kyo said.

“You’re already insatiable.”

Hatori dropped to his knees, taking Kyo’s cock into his mouth.

Kyo gasped as he sucked. Hatori couldn’t wait to have fangs and be
able to bite Kyo.

“Mmmm.” Kyo held Hatori’s head and pistoned his hips back

and forth. “I want you inside me as I drain you.”

Hatori stood and drew Kyo to the bed. Their lips locked in a

deep kiss, and Kyo’s hands never stopped moving. Hatori loved every
caress. He finished stripping his own clothes off and sat on the bed,
licking Kyo’s cock again.

Kyo backed away. “You’re too good at that, and I’m far too

excited.”

Hatori grabbed the vial of oil, slicking his hands and inhaling

the scent of amber. “Get on the bed.” He stroked his cock.

Kyo got into position right away and reached for Hatori, who

didn’t hesitate to move between his legs. He slid his fingers over
Kyo’s hole and watched his reaction. Kyo’s eyes went back and forth
between his own body and Hatori’s cock.

“We can go slow later,” Hatori said. “I’m overexcited, too,

and I’m nervous.”

“Don’t be. It won’t hurt, my love. It will be even more

pleasurable than before.” Kyo leaned up and forward enough to kiss
Hatori hotly. “Take me so I can make you mine.”

Hatori penetrated with his fingers, loosening Kyo a little more.

When he couldn’t wait any longer, he pulled his fingers out, kissing
Kyo when the vampire cursed softly about the loss of those teasing
digits. Hatori moved closer and slid his cock into Kyo. He filled Kyo
completely on the first stroke, and then he leaned over him to offer his
neck.

As Hatori began to move, Kyo kissed and licked his neck,

never letting his fangs touch Hatori’s skin.

“Please, Kyo.” Hatori fucked him harder and faster.
“I want to savor it, love, this perfect moment with you.”
Hatori’s heart ached sweetly at those words. He slowed, but he

still went deep with each thrust. “Never thought I’d be loved like this
or be this happy. There were … so many struggles before I met you.”

Kyo kissed his cheek and then licked his neck. “It’s all over

now. You’re mine, and I’ll keep you safe.” He moved to look into
Hatori’s eyes. “I think I’m already in love with you. It’s so much
more than physical pleasure.”

Hatori trembled. “I know what you mean. I’ve never felt this

way before.”

Kyo’s eyes changed from black to red, and he licked his lips.

“Then it’s time to make you completely mine.” He sank his fangs into
Hatori with surprising violence, pain and pleasure merging in that
moment.

Hatori came, and he managed to reach between their bodies to

pump Kyo’s cock. Dizziness overtook him as he felt Kyo spill as
well. It did go beyond the physical in that moment, the connection
like nothing he’d ever imagined. The moment truly felt perfect until
the pleasure faded. Soon, Hatori felt nothing but pain, a sizzling heat
that pulsed in every nerve.

Screaming and fighting to catch his breath, Hatori struggled.

Kyo released him, looking confused and then concerned. Hatori felt
himself shifting, and he tried to fight it, not sure what he needed.
“Blood. I need … your blood,” he said to Kyo, shocked at how raw
his voice sounded.

Kyo bit his arm, making a deep wound, and pressed it to

Hatori’s lips. Kyo’s eyes had gone wide in fear and anxiety. The
blood tasted so sweet, yet Hatori’s body began to cramp. He had to let
go, even though he wanted to keep drinking. His vision blurred as he
shifted completely. Weakness overtook him. He tried to stop, but he
found he couldn’t. The pain made him howl, quite literally. He saw
himself in a large mirror, blood all over his fur and his eyes a deep red
instead of their usual blue. His fur even looked darker than before,
almost as black as his natural hair now. Blood roared in his ears as he
tried to catch what Kyo was saying. He could only whine in response.

Kyo ran to the door, shouting for servants to find his siblings

and bring a doctor.

“Send word to Sigmund this instant! We must have the help of

the shamans. They gave no indication that a lycan could not be
turned, but my mate is obviously in distress. Go!”

The servants who had come running rushed away, and Kyo

hurried back to Hatori’s side, only then throwing a robe on to cover
himself.

“Hatori, are you in pain? What do you need?”
Hatori tried to shift back, his own whines and growls filling

his ears.

“Calm down, Hatori. Help is coming.” He held out his arm,

which still bled. “Do you need more? Try to tell me, please.”

Hatori had no idea what he needed or what might help. His

mind raced, as did his heart, and pain more intense than any he’d ever
felt coursed through every inch of his body. Hatori crouched, inching
away. Kyo looked so hurt when he did that, but Hatori couldn’t help
himself. He was afraid he would hurt Kyo physically.

Kyo healed his arm and then reached out gently, and Hatori let

his mate pet him for a moment before inching back again. He would
rather die than hurt Kyo. He tried to keep the whines in, but the pain
increased. A howl tore from his throat just as Satoru came bursting
into the room, Ryu and Fredric close behind.

“Hatori! What happened?” Satoru asked.
Hatori backed away from Satoru as well, hating to see the hurt

in his friend’s eyes but too afraid to stop himself. He had no idea what
was happening, and he couldn’t let any of them be hurt if he lost his
human awareness.

“Why are you afraid?” Satoru asked, his face darkening in

concern.

Kyo began to speak, the pain in his voice tearing at Hatori’s

heart. “We were making love, and I’d drained him almost completely.
Then something changed, and he seemed to be in pain. I gave him my
blood, and he stiffened as if in even worse pain. He began to shift. He
seemed unable to stop it, panicking and howling, and he’s obviously
in pain now.”

“His eyes are red, and his fur is darker,” Satoru said.
Hatori felt like his skin was on fire. He had to get away from

them because he was losing his grip on reality. Their words began to
jumble together, and by the time Loxis and Lavinia arrived, he could
hardly make sense of what they said, even though nothing was wrong
with his hearing. He maneuvered around all of them easily and bolted
from the room, running until he was free of the castle. Once again, his
lycan half had ruined his life and robbed him of happiness. Pure self-
loathing roiled inside of him. He made for the woods, not stopping
until his legs gave out and his vision went black.

Chapter Five

Kyo paced angrily. Sigmund’s calm reaction infuriated him.

Hatori was unconscious, and the shamans had been no help at all. His
friends and siblings all waited anxiously out in the hall, trying to
reassure each other quietly.

“One of your greatest warriors was mated to a vampire,” Kyo

said to the lycans. “They had no children, but wasn’t he turned with
no problems?”

“It was five hundred years ago, my friend. The scrolls give no

details about that, but yes, he was turned and lived a long life.”
Sigmund gazed at Hatori. “Hatori is a vampire. I can smell it. But he
is still lycan, and his body might be fighting the vampire side just as it
fought the human side. It’s one of the reasons halflings are weak.”

“I know that, but vampire blood never does humans anything

but good. Its effect is somewhat different for lycans, but it never
harms them.”

One of the shamans spoke up, bowing to both Sigmund and

Kyo. “My lord, it is the only explanation. We are sorry we cannot do
more, but there is one thing we can do once he awakens.”

The shaman pulled a vial from his pouch. It seemed to be

filled with the same violet-colored liquid Kyo had seen them mix
Hatori’s blood with at their first meeting. “Mated lycans take this
herbal mixture—made from moon blossoms, anise seeds, and borage
flowers—combined with a little blood when they bond. It enables
them to form a mental link.”

“It is how we communicate mentally,” Sigmund said. “Mates

can hear each other’s thoughts with only a little combined
concentration. It may not work since you are not lycan, but it is worth
trying.”

“Can’t you help him now?” Kyo asked, his temper ready to

explode. He had the feeling Sigmund was still hiding something from
him, but without proof he didn’t want to make an accusation.

Sigmund shook his head. “We must wait for him to wake on

his own.”

“No wonder your numbers are so few, if this is the best your

healers can do!” Kyo turned his back on them, his manners finally
evaporating completely. “Get out!” he added with a near growl.

He heard them moving, but he still felt a presence behind him.

Kyo balled his fists together, on the verge of letting a real growl rip
forth as his fangs elongated. “I mean no disrespect, Sigmund, but if
you do not leave me in peace now we may both regret it.”

“Mix his blood and yours with what is in this vial.” A gentle

clink told Kyo the vial had been set down. “The visions said there
would be a trial. You must hold out a bit longer.”

Kyo again had the feeling information was being kept from

him. Sigmund was almost to the door when Kyo turned around.

“And why can’t you tell us the truth about these visions? Does

your seer guard them so dearly?”

“No.” Sigmund held Kyo’s gaze. “But the visions are full of

symbols, and examining them too closely can lead to false
conclusions. There are always many possible paths.”

Kyo couldn’t keep his fangs from descending completely.

“Then why even give them a thought? Why put us through this with
so little guidance?”

“If we had ignored them and told Hatori not to come, you

wouldn’t have even found your mate.”

“Because I tried to turn him, my mate may very well die! I

would rather have lived my entire life alone than live even one day
knowing I killed him. Get out, Sigmund! Until my mate is well again,
do not dare come into my presence!” Kyo turned on his heel and
moved away quickly, grabbing a vase and tossing it across the room.
Next, he overturned a table, sending everything on it crashing to the
floor. He stopped before a large mirror, shattering it as he pounded
both of his fists against it.

Kyo came back to himself a little when he felt strong arms

restraining him. Ryu stood before him, holding his wrists tightly. The
mirror shards in his wrists and hands had cut Ryu, and the sight of the
blood brought Kyo out of his fury. He realized that Loxis and Satoru
each restrained one of his arms.

“This helps no one, Kyo,” Ryu said slowly.
“There is no help to be had, Ryu.” Kyo relaxed, and they

allowed him to sit.

Lavinia brought a basin of water, and Ryu began to pull the

shards from his own hands while Lavinia worked on Kyo’s injuries.

“I’m sorry,” Kyo said, “but it seems that I’ve failed. I thought

perhaps turning would be his salvation. I could not have been more
wrong.”

“We don’t even know what is wrong,” Fredric said. “Don’t

lose hope.”

Satoru moved to where Hatori lay on the bed. He touched his

neck and leaned over him to listen to his heart. “He’s sleeping
soundly. Let us see what happens when he wakes. You can try the
herbal mixture the lycans left. I’m angry about their reaction as well,
but we must try. If Hatori can tell you what is wrong, we can—”

“I’m not a lycan. What if it doesn’t work?” Kyo said.
Loxis gripped Kyo by the back of the neck. “We won’t know

until we try.”

“Everything was perfect an hour ago,” Kyo said softly as he

closed his eyes. “And now I may lose him forever.”

“Stop it!” Ryu said, choking back sobs. “Just stop it! I’ve

never heard you talk like this, and I won’t tolerate you giving in to
despair. If nothing else, be strong for Hatori. If you won’t do it for us,
do it for him. Seeing you afraid and hopeless will only frighten him.”

Kyo felt ashamed as he opened his eyes and watched tears run

down Ryu’s face, but he couldn’t help the way he felt.

“I will try, Ryu. None of you can understand what this feels

like. My mate needs my help, yet I can do nothing. He’s in pain, and I
cannot ease it. My blood did this to him.” Kyo locked gazes with Ryu,
wishing he could make him understand. “I’ve never been powerless
before.”

Ryu wiped at his cheeks and opened his mouth to speak, but a

noise from the bed made them all stop. Kyo pushed to his feet,
moving past all of the others to get to his mate.
****

Hatori blinked and tried to move. He could feel that he was

still a wolf. Kyo’s scent hit him, and he jumped when he felt a hand
on his head. More blinking brought his eyes into focus.

“Hatori, it’s me.” Kyo climbed onto the bed. “Can you

understand?”

Hatori nodded, surprised the pain had stopped. Everything else

around him came into focus gradually. Everyone stared at him, so he
tried to concentrate on Kyo and not his own mounting nervousness.

“Are you in pain?” Kyo asked.

Hatori shook his head, a gesture that felt odd in this form, but

Kyo seemed to understand. The scents of the others came to him more
distinctly, and he turned to find Satoru, whom he sensed behind him.

“Will you let us take a little blood?” Satoru asked. “The lycans

gave us something. It will help you communicate with Kyo.”

Hatori looked back at Kyo, who looked pale and weak in that

moment. Hatori nodded again, moving enough to rub his muzzle
against Kyo’s hand. He would give anything to shift back and go into
his arms, but he was afraid to try again. He didn’t want that
excruciating pain to return. He did not see Sigmund or any of the
other lycans he’d met, but if they had been there, perhaps his
condition could be reversed.

Satoru pushed some of Hatori’s fur aside and cut his leg,

catching the blood in a vial. He mixed it with something dark in a
bowl, and then he moved to Kyo, cutting his arm and adding his
blood. Satoru mixed it, and then he poured half into a cup. He gave
the cup to Kyo and held the bowl to Hatori’s mouth.

Hatori lapped it up, the mixture bitter, though the sweetness of

Kyo’s blood came through. His senses sharpened, and he felt
lightheaded and euphoric for a few moments. A hiss of pain caught
his ears, and he turned sharply to look at Kyo, who had his eyes
squeezed shut. Kyo backed away as Satoru and Ryu tried to help him.
His breathing accelerated, and his heart pounded so hard Hatori could
hear it.

What? That can’t be right. Hatori took deep breaths, focusing

on remaining calm. That has to be my heart pounding like that, not
Kyo’s.

“No, Hatori. It is my heart.” Kyo came back to the bed, hitting

his knees to look into Hatori’s eyes. “I can hear every word in my
head, as if you’re speaking out loud. And I hear your heart as well.”

I must be dreaming.
“You are not dreaming, Hatori.”
Hatori looked up. What did I say when we were finally alone?
Kyo moved closer, staring right into Hatori’s eyes. I want you

naked. I want to touch you.

Hatori jumped back as Kyo’s voice echoed in his own head.
“Tell me what you need, Hatori. What happened? The lycans

gave us this mixture. Mated lycans drink it when they bond so they

can communicate in wolf form. We were not sure it would work, but I
am so glad it did. Tell us what to do.”

How should I know? Didn’t the lycans know what’s wrong?
“They told us nothing. They gave me this and said we had to

wait for you to awaken. They alluded to visions again, but they were
little help. I’ve probably offended them severely, but I was too angry
not to express it.”

Then I am stuck like this. The thought of never shifting back to

human form terrified him. He would never again link arms with
Satoru, embrace his brother, or make love to Kyo.

“We don’t know that.”
You can’t be expected to live like this, Kyo. I’ll go back to my

brother. That is where I belong.

Kyo grabbed Hatori by the neck. “Everyone leave, please. We

need some privacy.”

Everyone moved quickly, Satoru touching Hatori’s head

briefly as Lavinia and Ryu both kissed Kyo, who barely
acknowledged them.

As soon as they were gone, Kyo said, “Do not say such things.

You are my mate. And I am in love with you. I knew it when I saw
you in pain and couldn’t help you. I felt my heart being ripped apart.
It may seem too soon to you, but vampires fall hard and fast. You will
not leave my side, Hatori. I won’t let you.” Kyo caressed Hatori’s
neck.

You cannot force me to stay.
“Why do you want to go?”
I’m cursed. Happiness is not meant for me. I can’t be a burden

to you. I will go back to Yoshinaga when Mikimo arrives.

Kyo tightened his fingers in Hatori’s fur. “I won’t let you

leave me.”

If the lycans cannot help, there is no hope. You deserve a

mate, not a pet.

“You are my mate, no matter what form you’re in.”
Hatori pulled away, jumping off the bed. He was larger than

an ordinary wolf, but he still had to sit to look up at Kyo comfortably.
What good is a mate you can’t fuck?

Hatori saw how his words stung Kyo, saw the hurt reflected in

his eyes. The vampire took a breath and let it out slowly. “I’m not in
lust—I’m in love. I’d be able to bear celibacy with no problem as

long as you were by my side. I don’t need sex. I need the other half of
myself.”

We hardly know each other. This discovery overwhelmed us

both. You’re not thinking clearly.

“And you are only thinking of yourself. You belittle yourself

and expect the worst at every turn. Yes, I panicked when this
happened, but I refuse to give up. I’m scared, Hatori, for you and me,
but I won’t let that keep me from fighting.”

We have nothing to fight. I couldn’t stop this shift, and there

was so much pain that I’m afraid to try to shift back again.

Kyo sat on the bed, and his expression darkened. “I’m not

going to give up, and I won’t let you give up either.”

You cannot force me to stay here and wait for a solution that

will never come.

“You think your friends will let you leave? Satoru was so

happy for you.”

Hatori growled. Don’t you dare try to use him that way! He

will honor my wishes because he truly loves me!

Kyo flinched visibly. “Hatori, please don’t be angry with me. I

want you to stay because I love you. I will keep on loving you even if
you are never human again. I’m sorry you don’t believe that. I wish
this link could allow you to see into my heart.”

How can I believe it? It makes no sense. I understand the pull

of a mate’s blood, but that alone is not love.

“It’s so complex, and most humans never understand it fully.

We’re in each other’s heads, yet I can’t share what I’m feeling. It’s
impossible to explain how a vampire feels when it discovers its mate.
Sex is only part of it. Your presence will make me happy even if we
can never have sex again. I’m not trying to sound condescending, but
I swear you would stay if you could feel what I’m feeling.”

Well, I don’t feel it. I want to go to Satoru. Maybe I can’t talk

to him this way, but he understands me. Let me go to him or bring him
here to me.

Kyo cursed, turning away. He shook his head. When he

looked back at Hatori, tears filled his eyes. “Do you feel nothing for
me now?”

Hatori tried to clear his mind so Kyo wouldn’t see the truth.

He longed to stay by Kyo’s side, but he could not be so selfish. Kyo
would soon be miserable if he stayed. I liked drinking from you and

fucking you. You’re a handsome, powerful vampire. How could I turn
you down?

Kyo’s eyes widened. He pressed his lips together, his limbs

shaking as he balled his hands into fists. “I don’t believe you, but I
won’t make you stay if you wish to go. I’ll fetch Satoru, since you
would rather sleep at the foot of his bed than have a place in mine.”

Hatori watched Kyo go, jumping when the vampire slammed

the door hard enough to make the entire wall shake. He tried to keep
his mind blank as the pain hit him. He kept telling himself that he had
to make this sacrifice for Kyo. One day, Kyo would recover and find
happiness again. Hatori had to go for that to happen. His thoughts
soon became overwhelming, and he threw his head back to howl.
When he returned with Satoru, Kyo moved toward Hatori, as if he
meant to make one final entreaty. Hatori put his head down and bolted
from the room, unable to look at Kyo without letting his heart spill
out in his thoughts.
****

Kyo tried to smile as he greeted Mikimo and the young

acolyte with him, but he could not force himself to do it. He had not
seen Hatori for three days, and his mate’s absence was slowly driving
him mad. He could hear fragments of thoughts at times, but Hatori
proved good at keeping him out. He’d tried sending his thoughts to
Hatori, but he had no idea if they were getting through. The last few
nights had been long, lonely, and sleepless. The concern on Mikimo’s
face told him they had received Kyo’s second message on the way
there.

“Don’t worry about pleasantries, Lord Kyo,” Mikimo said.

“Where is my brother? Your second letter reached us on the road, and
it troubled me greatly.”

“He’s with Fredric and Satoru, and he refuses to see me.

According to Satoru, he still cannot shift back to human form. I will
take you to Satoru’s room.”

“I am more concerned about his refusal to see you than

anything else,” Mikimo said as he fell into step with Kyo. “I know
this must be hard for you.”

“Yes, it is.”
“I’m sure he’ll come around,” the young man said. “He

always puts others before himself, and he probably thinks he must
make this sacrifice for you.”

“Takumi!” Mikimo said sharply. “Please don’t address his

lordship so familiarly. This is why I almost sent you back home when
we learned what had transpired. You don’t know when to keep your
thoughts to yourself.”

Kyo waved Mikimo’s words away. “I am not offended.” He

focused on Takumi. “I believe you are right, which is why I am still
hopeful. You must know Hatori well.”

“Yes, I help him with his work when I don’t have duties at the

temple. I’m trying to decide if I want to be a doctor or a priest.” He
gave a faint smile. “I was an orphan, and the temple became my home
after Hatori found me alone in the woods. I’ve never known better
men than Mikimo and Hatori.”

Kyo managed to smile at that statement. “I hope you two can

change his mind. Satoru grows more frustrated with each passing day,
because he can’t persuade Hatori to do anything but mope and sleep.
He barely eats and only takes enough blood from Satoru to sate his
craving. Hatori insists he only accepted me because he felt he could
not refuse my advances. He denies feeling more than physical desire
for me.”

“As passive as he can be, his moments of stubbornness are

something to behold,” Mikimo said.

“I am the only one he can communicate with, but he won’t let

me in,” Kyo said. “He’s been writing with a quill in his mouth a little,
but he gets frustrated with the tedium of it, as does Satoru.”

“Perhaps he has changed his mind, and you simply have to

make him communicate with you,” Takumi said.

Kyo stopped outside of Satoru’s room. “I want to, but I fear he

will resent me even more. I don’t want to force him to do anything.”

“I’ll see what I can do, my lord,” Mikimo said. “I am surprised

Satoru hasn’t gotten through to him, but perhaps seeing me will snap
him out of this petulance. I hope to make him see that what he
believes is selflessness is actually quite selfish. He understands how
matehood affects vampires, and it is cruel of him to behave this way.”

“I’ll wait, Mikimo,” Takumi said. “You two should be alone.”
“Thank you, Takumi. I’ll come find you when I’m done.”

Mikimo bowed to Kyo and then knocked, entering when Satoru called
out.

Kyo turned to Takumi, noticing his striking eyes for the first

time. The young man had flaming red hair and vibrant green eyes. He
smiled warmly at Kyo.

“I can see to our bags, my lord, if you are needed elsewhere.”
“No, there is only one place I am needed, but since my mate

does not want me there, I am at liberty for now.”

Takumi’s smile faded. “I’m very sorry, my lord. Hatori’s

tendency towards melancholy does him little good. But if anyone can
reach him, Mikimo can.”

“I hope so. My brothers are the only ones who can do anything

me when I’m struggling with something.” Kyo moved down the hall,
gesturing for Takumi to follow him. “I’ve never been powerless
before. No one has ever turned away from me.”

“I don’t understand why the lycans can’t do anything,”

Takumi said.

Kyo wondered about that. What if they were hiding the truth

again because of the visions their seer had experienced? He almost
wished it were true. Hatori was all he wanted, even if he stayed in
wolf form, though Kyo did long to make love to him again. Would
they be as unhappy as Hatori believed they would if this could not be
reversed? He didn’t want to believe that. Only his mate’s absence
would truly make him unhappy.

“It is baffling, but I’ve always had trouble understanding

them. They’re a noble race, but so different from other shifters. They
value their allies, but they prefer to keep to themselves.”

“I’m a shifter. My own kind have always welcomed me when

I encountered them, but I’ve stayed with Mikimo and Hatori because I
love them. They are all the family I need.”

Kyo glanced at Takumi again, taking in his red hair and bright

eyes. “A fox? I hope my assumption doesn’t offend you.”

“Yes, I’m a fox. I tried my best to help Hatori when he

discovered his real father was a lycan, but he resents that part of
himself so much. It’s been painful this past year to see him struggle.
When he didn’t know why he was sick, it was a puzzle to be solved.
Now he simply blames every bad thing on being a halfling. It’s as if
he lost the will to fight.”

“That seems to be his problem now. I’m never going to give

up, no matter what happens.”

“I’m glad to hear it. You must really love him. I can’t imagine

how hard this must be, my lord.”

“I appreciate everyone’s sympathies, but Hatori is the one who

needs help.”

They stopped when they turned a corner and ran into Ryu.
“How is Hatori?” Ryu asked Kyo, before fixing his gaze on

Takumi.

“Mikimo is with him. He’s going to try to persuade him to

stay here with me so we can keep trying for a solution.” He gestured
toward Takumi, who looked mesmerized. “This is Takumi, an acolyte
from Yoshinaga. And this is my brother, Ryu.”

“Lord Ryu,” Takumi said, bowing. “My lord, forgive my

staring, but your eyes are beautiful.”

Ryu smiled, and Kyo noticed him very carefully taking in

Takumi’s navy robes, which lacked the high collar of the priesthood
but still bore the golden symbols of a candidate for holy vows. “So
are yours, Takumi. Are you sure you wish to become a priest? I can’t
believe you’re managing to keep the young ladies away.”

Kyo bit his lip to stay quiet. He had expected Ryu to think

such a thing, but not to actually say it.

“Young ladies do not interest me, my lord, and I am

considering medicine as well. I very often wonder if I would be
comfortable with the vow of celibacy,” Takumi said, smiling back at
Ryu. After a moment, however, he colored slightly as he seemed to
remember his place. He sobered his expression and bowed to both of
them. “Forgive me, my lords. As Mikimo said, I do not know when to
keep quiet. I often say and express too much.”

“There is nothing to forgive. I was flirting as well, my dear

boy.” Ryu took Takumi’s hand and kissed his wrist, moving away.
“Perhaps I’ll find you the next time I need to feed, and we can discuss
this further.” He cast a glance at Kyo. “Let me know if there is any
change, Kyo.”

Takumi’s mouth fell open, but he soon gathered himself and

bowed. “At your service, my lord.” He stared at Ryu’s retreating
form, and then he finally turned to Kyo.

“My lord, is that the brother who offered to, uh, help Hatori?”
“How did you guess?” Kyo asked, unable to keep from

laughing.

Takumi looked surprised. “I’m sorry, my lord, if I was out of

line. I probably should not have asked that.”

“Takumi, don’t worry. I haven’t laughed in three days. And

that is the first time Ryu has smiled since all of this happened.” Kyo
had seen Ryu flirt with many men, but he’d never seen such an
immediate reaction before. Given how stressed they all were, Kyo
couldn’t help wondering. “How old are you, Takumi?”

“Twenty.”
“So you were born in the Year of Eyes, the same sign as Ryu.”
“Yes.” Takumi held up his hand, showing a silver ring set with

a turquoise stone. “I wore a necklace with my name on it, set with this
stone. It’s the only way they knew the year of my birth with certainty.
I was only three years old. My memories are fuzzy, but I have
nightmares. I believe hunters killed my parents. I used to hold the
pendant in my hand, rubbing it. I wore the inscription away and
eventually dislodged the stone. Mikimo had it set in this ring for me
as a new year’s present when I was ten.”

“Then you and Ryu have much in common. A human killed

his birth parents and enslaved him.”

“That’s awful!” Takumi looked thoughtful. “So he is a shifter.

I knew I felt something when we looked at each other.”

Kyo’s mind flashed back to the initial look the men had

shared. I daresay you felt more than the kinship of shifters. “Ryu is
special though. He’s possibly the last of his kind.”

“What is he?” Takumi asked excitedly.
“I’ll let you ask him. I believe he’ll like telling you.” Kyo

began walking again, turning Takumi to walk at his side.

“How old is Lord Ryu?”
“Sixty-two.”
“Then I won’t take his flirting too seriously. No doubt he’ll

find his own mate soon.”

Kyo studied Takumi’s profile, thinking on what he’d just said.

It must be hard for humans, knowing that their blood is the only way
to truly win a vampire’s heart. Perhaps they do not even think of it as
real love. Could that be what is bothering Hatori and making him
resist me? “There’s nothing wrong with flirtation—or with a love
affair, however brief.”

“There is if you wish to become a priest.”
“Do you feel more inclined for the priesthood?”

Takumi shrugged. “I love being at the temple. I feel so at

peace. I admire Mikimo and love him so much. I never want to leave
him. He would be so proud to see me take my vows.”

“I’m sure he loves you as well, so he must want you to be

happy.”

Takumi nodded. “He is the only father I’ve ever known. I

cannot remember my real one clearly. I wish to please Mikimo so
much. One day, soon, I will have to make a decision.”

“I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.”
“I hope so.” Takumi smiled up at Kyo. “You’re very kind, my

lord, just as Hatori said in his note. His words spoke of true
happiness. He’ll come around. Even if his feelings are not as strong as
yours, he cares enough not to abandon you to the pain that comes with
the loss of a mate.”

“It does me good to hear that from one who knows him well.”

Kyo put his arm around Takumi’s shoulders. “I’ll introduce you to my
other siblings, unless you wish to go find Ryu?”

Takumi blushed a little, but he shook his head. “I would prefer

to meet the others. I believe I need some time to prepare for another
meeting with Lord Ryu.”

Kyo managed another smile. Perhaps this day will be

remembered with joy for more than one reason. Kyo felt relieved as
he focused on the happy, hope-filled thoughts. Hope was one thing
that was desperately needed by all of them right now.
****

Hatori kept his eyes down as Kyo spoke to him. He wanted to

run, but he knew Mikimo was outside the door with Satoru, Fredric,
and Takumi. He’d never get away.

“Hatori, please don’t leave me,” Kyo said as he knelt before

Hatori. “I cannot live without you. These past five days have been
agony.”

You are not the only one in pain. I am miserable here. I want

to go home. I’ve thought about it, and this is what I want.

“This is not ideal, but at last you are free of pain. We can still

talk to each other, and I want us to work through this together. I don’t
want you to leave. You will not be a burden or a nuisance.” Kyo
sighed. “Or a pet.”

You constantly say I refuse to acknowledge your feelings.

Hatori looked up. I am telling you plainly how I feel, yet you continue
to argue. I would ask that you respect my feelings.

“I love you, Hatori.”
You don’t know me. Before this happened, you preferred

female lovers. You love my blood, not me.

“I am your mate. I love you. Your blood only told me that we

were meant to be together.” Kyo bit his arm. “You may still be lycan,
but you are also a vampire now. Taste my blood and then try to tell
me you feel nothing.”

The sweet scent nearly drove Hatori mad. The hunger for

Kyo’s blood—for his touch—had been gnawing at him for days. He
longed to lap up every drop, and in his frustration he growled at Kyo.
I do not love you. If you persist in this, soon enough I’ll hate you.

“Will you continue with this foolishness until I waste away?

Until I go mad? Or perhaps die from despair?”

You’re strong. None of that will happen. You’ll soon forget

me.

Kyo shook his head violently. “I will never forget you. Never

stop wanting you or loving you.” Kyo reached for Hatori.

Snapping his jaws, Hatori backed away. Don’t touch me.

Don’t ever try to touch me again!

“Why not? If you feel nothing, why should it bother you? Are

you afraid I’ll see the truth of how you feel? Or is the scent of my
blood getting to you, the way not being able to touch you is getting to
me?”

I don’t want your touch or your blood. I wish to leave because

I want nothing from you at all.

Kyo’s eyes said he did not believe a single word, yet he

nodded as if he were giving in. “You have everything though, even if
you do not want it. My heart and my soul, my love and my every
thought.” Kyo rose from the floor and stared off toward the door.
“I’ve begged enough. Go, if that is what you wish. I will wait for you
to come to your senses and return.”

I’m never coming back, Kyo. I do not want pity.
“I am the one who deserves pity.” Kyo walked to the door and

paused, his hand on the knob. “I am the one being abandoned.”

You’ll get over this. I already have. Even thinking the words

hurt, but Hatori concentrated hard so the pain wouldn’t show through

the front he struggled to put up. He needed Kyo to leave, as the effort
of hiding his feelings was quickly exhausting him.

Kyo shook his head for a long time, though he didn’t look

back at Hatori. “You would be wise then to learn to hide yourself
well, Hatori. I make no guarantees I won’t come for you one day
when the pain becomes too great.” He exited quickly, again slamming
the door with amazing force.

Hatori heard Kyo talking to the others, the hurt and anger and

panic in his voice obvious in his frantic words, but Hatori moved
away so he wouldn’t hear Kyo, concentrating on keeping his mind
shielded. Would Kyo actually do that? Would he come for Hatori one
day? As Hatori cursed the thought, he also wished for it to be true.
Hatori wanted Kyo to lock him away here in the castle as much as he
wanted to run away and never look back. He kept telling himself that
running away was easier, but for the first time, he wondered if that
were indeed true. Staying would be selfish, but if Kyo forced him,
Hatori would not be to blame. His thoughts became a jumble, and he
sank to the floor.

Hatori curled up and stared at the door, willing Kyo to come

back through it. When Mikimo and Takumi entered alone, he rose,
bowed his head, and walked forward, prepared to live with the
decision he had made. He knew that he was in love as well, because
he felt his heart being ripped apart. He now fully understood why Kyo
had described his pain in such a way.

Chapter Six

Kyo stared down at the road as Sigmund left the castle. The

lycan leader had been to see him four times in the past month, but
Kyo had refused to receive him each time. Ryu had conveyed the
same message every time: go find your mate and bring him home.

It was all well and good for Sigmund to say that, but Kyo

actually doing it was quite another matter. Mikimo wrote to Kyo
frequently with updates on Hatori. His mate ate moderately and took
blood from Mikimo regularly enough to ease Mikimo’s mind. He
slept a lot and spent most of his waking hours alone roaming the
woods. On occasion, he let Takumi walk in the woods with him.
Takumi had also written several times and offered words of
encouragement.

While Kyo had not been neglecting his duties, he grew more

distracted with each passing day. If Hatori did not love him, why was
he depressed? There could be no other explanation for his behavior.
Kyo had trouble sleeping and only fed enough to keep himself going.
He hungered for his mate’s blood more every day.

Today he had almost given in and admitted Sigmund. The

calm and often passive leader typically never insisted upon anything
this much. What else was he hiding? Why didn’t he simply tell Kyo
what to do to make Hatori want to come home? Perhaps the lycan
didn’t know. Kyo had not written directly to Hatori, but he had told
Mikimo to summon him the very moment it seemed Hatori’s resolve
might be weakening.

At moments like this, Kyo wished he had never met Hatori.

Then, at least, his mate would not be stuck as a wolf. Neither of them
would feel the pain of being apart. These thoughts always passed
though. Kyo could not hear thoughts from Hatori, but he could feel
his mate’s love. He knew it was not his imagination. Hatori loved
him—his sacrifice proved that.

As Kyo walked back into his rooms, something changed. He

felt sadness wrap around him like a cold, wet blanket. “I cannot go on
like this,” he murmured to himself. “I love him, and he loves me. I
will make him see how selfish his stubbornness is. How he is hurting
us both needlessly. This foolishness will end, no matter what I have to
do.”

Kyo rang for a servant, intent on setting off before midday. If

he rode alone and changed horses halfway, he could reach Yoshinaga
very quickly.
****

Hatori sniffed the ground when he finally caught the scent of

what he needed. Quickening his pace, he soon reached his goal. He
found dozens of the blue ferns growing in a clearing. Wolf root. If he
ate enough of it, he wouldn’t lie awake missing Kyo tonight. He
would have peace, and Kyo would have no choice but to move on.
Jealousy flared briefly as he imagined Kyo with another lover, but he
banished the feeling by concentrating on the thought of Kyo being
happy.

He isn’t coming for me. Once I was gone, going back to his

life was probably quite easy. With his fated mate out of the picture for
good, Kyo would be free to take any lover he liked without
experiencing even a twinge of guilt. Would it be a man? Or a woman?
A woman seemed more likely. A man would only remind Kyo of
Hatori, of course.

Hatori began eating the ferns so his resolve would not weaken.

He still remembered how the essence of the wolf root had burned his
face when it had been thrown on him once before. He’d been trying to
help Satoru save his mother from the demon that had raped her.
Hatori paused, the ferns bitter in his mouth as bile rose in his throat.
Satoru would mourn him, as would Fredric, but they could comfort
each other. He wished he could have written them a note, as they
would likely feel guilty, yet he knew even pages and pages of words
could never tell them how he felt. Hatori wanted the pain to stop, and
he wanted to set Kyo free. He ate more ferns, forcing himself to
swallow. He tried not to think of Mikimo and Kyo mourning his
death. Mikimo would be disappointed and hurt. His brother might
even blame himself. Hatori paused again. Would Kyo blame Mikimo?
Or Satoru? Would he be angry? He pushed such ideas away. Kyo
would never hurt them. Would he?

Hatori kept eating until his vision darkened. His throat burned,

and his stomach ached. However, he felt no pain. Sleep took him, and
he silently wished those he loved well, as he’d never wake up from
this sleep. He knew he was a coward, but he had no other choice. I
should never have been born to begin with…
****

Hands shook Hatori roughly as hot, sweet liquid ran into his

throat. Blood. Kyo’s blood. Hatori began to struggle, both shocked
and confused. Then he froze when he realized he’d wrapped his hands
around Kyo’s throat. Hatori forced his eyes open and stared first at
Kyo and then at his hands. He lay naked on the ground beneath Kyo,
who soon overpowered Hatori enough to make him take more blood.
Hatori’s eyes fell on Mikimo next, who looked at him with both hurt
and disappointment.

“Enough!” Hatori managed to say, gasping for breath through

the flow of blood. Nothing had ever tasted so sweet, but he didn’t
want to choke or to bleed Kyo dry.

“How did this happen, Hatori? How did you become human

again? Everyone in the village was organizing to search for you when
I arrived,” Kyo asked, shaking him again. His voice sounded relieved
yet desperate.

“How could you?” Mikimo asked, the look on his face

bringing tears to Hatori’s eyes. His brother obviously knew exactly
what he had tried to do.

Kyo glanced at Mikimo and then back at Hatori. “If I’m

missing something here, I’d like to be informed.”

Mikimo plucked up a handful of wolf root and threw it back

down on the ground. “He tried to commit suicide, because he pitied
himself more than he loved us. He’s lucky it didn’t work!”

Kyo looked at the ground around them and went pale.

“Hatori? Is that what you did?”

The tears fell, and Hatori nodded. He reached for his brother.

“Mikimo, I’m sorry.”

“Not as sorry as all of us would have been.” Mikimo turned

away from them, walking east. Hatori’s breath caught in his throat.
Mikimo had never turned away from him before.

Kyo cradled Hatori’s face in his hands. “Hatori, why did you

do it?”

“How can I answer that?” he said quietly.
“Try,” Kyo said, his command impossible to ignore.
“I wanted peace. I missed you so much it was killing me.”
Kyo frowned, rubbing his thumbs very gently over Hatori’s

cheeks. “Then why didn’t you come back to me?”

“So I could follow you around like a dog, unable to be a true

mate? Always in the way, an oddity you’d have to explain? You’d
never have been happy.”

“With you by my side, I would have been very happy.”
“How can I believe that?”
“I would have shown you if you’d believed in me enough.” He

stroked Hatori’s hair. “How do you feel? We can argue later.”

Hatori flexed his hands and looked down at his body. “I don’t

understand how I’m alive or how I changed back to human form.”

“Neither do I, but my heart nearly stopped when I saw you. I

was relieved to see you human again yet terrified at how pale and still
you were.” Kyo brushed his lips against Hatori’s. “I love you, Hatori,
and I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

“I won’t fight you on that,” Hatori said, pulling Kyo closer. “I

love you, too. I wanted to set you free.”

“Hatori, it would have killed me. How can I look on this as

proof that you love me?”

“I’m not asking you to. I’m simply trying to explain myself.”

Hatori caressed Kyo’s neck. “I shouldn’t have done it. It was not the
answer. I’m sorry.”

Kyo searched his eyes and pushed Hatori’s hair out of his

face. “I’m hurt, Hatori, just like everyone else is going to be. I’m
aching to make love to you, but this pain has me half-paralyzed. Do
you understand the suffering you’ve caused us?”

Hatori nodded, tears of shame coming to his eyes. “Please

drink from me. I don’t expect things to be the way they were before,
but please drink from me.”

Kyo blinked and then shook his head. “You’re so dramatic.”

Kyo pushed Hatori onto his back and straddled him. “Things are
going to be exactly as they were before. We’re going to pick back up
right where we left off when you transformed. As soon as we’re sure
you’re well, we’re throwing the biggest celebration you’ve ever seen.
I’ll not wait a second longer than I must to declare to the world that
you’re my mate.”

Hatori could not believe Kyo’s reaction. “You forgive me? I

don’t deserve it.”

Kyo gave him a crooked smile. “Perhaps not. I do forgive you.

I can’t bear to have anything come between us, not even my own
pain.” He kissed Hatori’s neck. “Just a sip. Until we’re sure.”

Hatori stopped Kyo and looked into his eyes. “Take as much

as you like. It’s gone. I can feel it.”

“What’s gone?” Kyo asked, pulling back and looking

confused.

“The wolf. Ever since that first transformation, I felt it inside

me. It isn’t there.” Hatori tilted his head. “Take as much as you want.
I’m a vampire now. Period.”

Kyo’s eyes went red with hunger, yet he still held back. “A

sip, Hatori. I won’t risk you so soon after almost losing you forever.”
He leaned down and kissed Hatori’s neck again.

Hatori shivered with need. “Please, Kyo.”
Kyo bit gently and barely pierced the skin. He sucked for a

couple of seconds and then healed the wounds. Hatori moaned
beneath him. Kyo sighed and kissed his forehead. “Given your
inability to make good decisions, I’m going to have to make all of
them for you.” Kyo moved to his knees beside Hatori. “At least for a
while.”

Hatori tried to rein in his desire. “As punishment?”
Kyo shook his head. “No. To make me feel better. I failed you

when I let you run away, and I will not allow that to happen again.”

Three horses approached, but one rider held back and let the

other two approach Hatori and Kyo. Satoru and Fredric dismounted
hastily, both looking upset. Satoru came forward with a robe, kneeling
right away to wrap it around Hatori.

“I’m not speaking to you, just so you know,” Satoru said. His

sad eyes briefly focused on Hatori before turning to the ground.

“I’m sorry, Satoru.”
“Not as sorry as he is that he didn’t suspect this,” Fredric said

sternly. “And your brother’s mood is best not discussed for now.”
Fredric knelt by Satoru and squeezed Hatori’s shoulder, glancing
briefly back at the third rider, whom Hatori now saw was his brother.
“I thought I was making the best decisions once. I hid the Dissolution
from my brothers. I ran away from my fated mate. It was like I
wanted to die, so perhaps I understand what you did more so than the
others.”

“I was selfish. I know that now,” Hatori said. “I’m not as

strong as those who love me. Instead of feeling sorry for myself
because of it, I should have gone to them for strength. What I did
showed them neither respect nor love.”

“I’m glad to hear you acknowledge all of that,” Fredric said.

He stood and extended his hand. “Now get up. We have to take you
home. Sigmund had Kyo followed, and when we told the messenger
what happened, he said that you both needed to return home.”

Kyo bolted to his feet. “What now?” he said in a panic. “By

the gods, when will this end?”

“According to the messenger, it is over.” Fredric put his hand

forward again, more insistent this time.

Hatori took Fredric’s hand and let Kyo grasp his other one. He

was a bit shaky at first, but he soon felt steady enough on his feet. “I
was just telling Kyo that I can’t feel the wolf anymore. Is that what he
means?”

“The man said that, if you were human again, you would be

truly free.”

Hatori stared at Fredric. “I was meant to do this? This was my

destiny?” Hatori bit his lip and looked at Kyo. “See why I called it a
curse? The lycans have known everything all along. How else did this
stranger know I was human again?”

Kyo tightened his hold on Hatori’s hand. “Hatori, trust me

when I say no one is more frustrated with the lycans than I am, but
right now, I want to focus on you. We’ll rest and then set off early
tomorrow. Sigmund will simply have to wait, and he’s going to have
a lot of explaining to do.”

Hatori drew away from Kyo and looked down at Satoru. “I

don’t blame you if you never speak to me again,” he held out his
hand, “but please stay close enough to listen? Just for a little while? I
want to explain myself.”

Satoru stood without taking Hatori’s hand and brushed his

robes off. “I suppose I can do that.” Still avoiding eye contact, he
pulled Hatori into a fierce hug. “If you ever do such a stupid thing
again, I’ll find you in the next world and—” He seemed to lose his
voice at that point, so he hugged Hatori even closer.

“I’m sorry,” Hatori mumbled against Satoru’s chest, hating

himself in that moment as he focused on the pain he’d caused
everyone.

Satoru pulled back, his eyes cast down, and drew Hatori to his

horse. “Come on. You and Kyo go back with Mikimo. I’d like to be
alone with my mate for a while.”

Hatori didn’t argue, only nodded. “I understand.”

Satoru finally met his eyes again. “Whatever your brother

says, listen carefully so you can hear what he truly means. He’s angry
and very hurt—let him get it out. Please don’t cause him more pain.”

Hatori glanced to Mikimo, who seemed to be waiting even

though he did not look their way. “He can say anything he likes.”
Hatori grabbed Kyo’s hand and kissed it before mounting Satoru’s
horse. Once he was seated properly, he said, “I’ll deserve every word
of it.”

They rode behind Mikimo in silence. Hatori would never have

had the emotional fortitude to make it back to the temple without
breaking down and begging Mikimo to say something if not for the
strength he drew from being back by Kyo’s side. In a way, he was
beginning to understand what Kyo had meant by saying that he
needed nothing more than Hatori’s presence to be happy. Hatori felt
how much he had hurt them, and he determined to spend the rest of
his life trying to atone for his foolishness.
****

Kyo glared at Sigmund, ignoring the lycans who had gathered

at a distance to watch the vampire lord who protected them arguing
loudly with their beloved leader outside the great hall. The rumors
had spread quickly, so he hadn’t seen any point in lowering his voice
as he’d told Sigmund what had happened. “You expect me to still
think of you as a friend when you knew that my mate would try to
harm himself?”

“We also knew you would save him.” Sigmund’s expression

remained neutral. “His lycan half needed to be tamed, and now he
will live a long, pain-free life by your side.”

“Tamed? He almost died, Sigmund. He tried to take his own

life because he despaired of happiness in this one!”

Sigmund finally showed an emotion: remorse. He bowed his

head, maintaining silence for a moment, but then he spoke. “This trial
had to happen, old friend. Our seer saw the other paths,” he shook his
head, “and they were not good. The wolf had to die for the man to
live. Otherwise, you would have lost him within a normal human
lifespan and lived on without him for hundreds of years.” Sigmund
raised his eyes. “Your blood could not have saved him as he was.”

“I’d like to meet this seer so she can explain herself. Hatori

would have done anything you told him to do. He trusted you and
came here in good faith.”

Sigmund cleared his throat. “Our seer is actually male in this

generation.”

Kyo held the lycan’s gaze a long time. Part of him had

suspected this but not dared to voice it. “You’re the seer?”

Sigmund nodded. “Yes. I saw all the swirling possibilities, all

the unhappy endings Hatori might have met. We had to bring Hatori
here and keep him near you long enough for you to discover he was
your mate. You had to prove your love for Hatori, sticking by him
through even the hardest ordeal. Hatori has always seen himself as an
outcast, a burden to those he loves, and he needed to believe himself
worthy of your love. Agreeing to be turned showed that he believed
his place was with you. Then, finally, he needed to prove his own
love for you. His attempt to give his life did that, in a twisted way,
and it also rid him of the wolf. That had to happen, Kyo.”

“We had to endure all of that to be happy? I can’t believe that!

I was happy to learn he was my mate, and once he recovered from the
shock, Hatori was happy as well.”

Sigmund sighed. “Come into the hall, my friend. I can show

you a portion of this, since you’ve tasted the mixture that enhances
our mental powers. It may hurt, but perhaps you’ll understand.”

Kyo did not want to at first, but after a moment he nodded and

walked into the hall. “Is this the way lycans make decisions,
Sigmund? Are your lives truly this complicated? Perhaps it’s time you
find a new religion.”

Sigmund sat on a woven mat in the corner of the great hall,

indicating for Kyo to sit opposite him. He placed an incense burner
between them, but instead of filling it with herbs or oil, he removed
the large white stone that hung around his neck and placed it in the
dish.

“Try as best you can not to be angry with me. It will make the

process harder.” He held his hands out for Kyo to take. “I have never
wanted anything but happiness for you and your family.”

Kyo took Sigmund’s hands. Deep down, he did believe the

lycan, but his recent pain still weighed heavily upon him. “I will try to
stay open-minded.”

Sigmund closed his eyes and tightened his grip on Kyo’s

hands. “Close your eyes and relax.”

Kyo saw nothing but the insides of his eyelids for a long time,

yet he did hear murmuring. The sound did not seem to be coming

from outside. The volume increased gradually, and soon he could
distinguish voices. He heard Hatori’s as well as his own, though he
still could not make out words. Every syllable echoed and
reverberated. Some visuals began to come to him. His head ached, but
he stayed focused. He saw himself arguing with Hatori, who pulled
away from him after a time and rode away on a horse. Another
argument overlapped this one, yet he had no visual for it. Next, he
saw Hatori as a wolf, running through the woods. An arrow was
lodged in his hip, blood flowing from the wound. Another scene
flashed in his brain, one in which Hatori was walking away from Kyo,
another wolf at his side. Then they were in bed, making love, and
Hatori pulled away, yelling at Kyo and dashing from the room. A
scene in dense forest revealed another argument. Angry words built to
a cacophony in his head. As another scene unfolded, Kyo had to pull
away. He’d seen Hatori, looking perhaps ten years older than he did
now, lying on a funeral pyre.

Kyo buried his head in his hands, grateful that Sigmund

remained silent. When he felt ready to speak without lashing out, Kyo
looked up. “Do the visions make more sense when you see them?”

“They are more orderly, slower. It’s hard to explain and

equally hard to share. You were surprisingly receptive.”

“So, if Hatori had remained a halfling, we would not have

been happy? His insecurities would have ruled him?”

“That was one possibility. He would have struggled with

many things. Continued illness, even. The wolf does not like to share
a body, which is why it tried to stop you from turning him.”

“You thought I couldn’t handle the truth?”
Sigmund shook his head. “You, I think, could have, but it

would have been hard for Hatori. The visions are a blessing and a
curse, Kyo.”

“I don’t know how to explain all of this to him. How can I tell

him we would have fought? That he would have run away from me?
He turned from me in almost every vision.”

“I cannot help you with that.” Sigmund rose. “But I will

answer any questions he has.”

“He doesn’t want to see any of you right now. He may not

come around for some time.”

“I understand.”

Kyo rose as well, glancing to the tapestry that displayed an

image of his grandfather. “He was being hunted in one vision. What
was that?”

“An enemy of yours, I believe. That one came to me more

than once. Seeing a wolf hunted again was very disturbing.”

“Yes. It was.” Kyo took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“I’m so tired, Sigmund. Hatori is as well. He is relieved to be free but
feels guilty for what he did. He’s sorry to have hurt me and his
friends, and his brother’s disappointment is proving a heavy burden.”

“Will it help if I tell you that the visions I had the morning of

your return were peaceful?” Sigmund asked. He looked to the tapestry
on the other wall, which depicted a dragon fighting demons. “Your
family will be celebrating many things in the days to come.”

“But you can’t tell me?”
Sigmund folded his arms across this chest, continuing to look

at the tapestry. “In time, Hatori will be surrounded by enough
happiness that he will not have time for insecurities or self-doubt.”

“Is he truly free, Sigmund?”
Nodding, Sigmund turned to walk away. “He is not one of us,

Kyo.” He spun to look back at Kyo one last time before entering his
private chamber. “He is yours now. Go enjoy reassuring him of that
fact.”

Kyo stood in the hall alone for a long time, pondering

everything that fate had thrown at him. When the suns began to set,
many sunbeams shone through the high windows, making him close
his eyes and back away.

He had stood in contemplation long enough. His mate

mattered far more than unraveling the mysteries of fate. Kyo rushed
from the hall, sending a thought to Hatori.

Where are you?
Hatori answered almost immediately. In our bedroom.
Good. Don’t move.

****

Hatori lay against Kyo’s chest, listening to his heartbeat. “This

is my favorite sound.” They’d made love twice, slowly and sweetly.
Hatori felt so cherished, and Kyo had been so kind and attentive since
they’d returned home, never pressuring Hatori in any regard.

Kyo kissed Hatori’s forehead. “Is it? I love the sound of yours,

too. It was hard to sleep without you all those nights, my love.”

Hatori rose up to look down at Kyo. “I couldn’t sleep either

when we were apart.” He caressed Kyo’s cheek. “I lied, Kyo, when I
said I didn’t love you or want you. When I told you I didn’t want you
to touch me. Everything I said after my transformation was a lie.”

“I know that, Hatori. It’s why I didn’t give up.”
“I see it all so differently now. I kept telling myself I was

being selfless. I thought I was doing what was best for you, but I was
so wrong. All I did was hurt both of us. I still don’t understand how
you forgave me so easily.”

Kyo sat up and pulled his knees up to his chest, studying

Hatori. “I love you. What other explanation do you need?”

“I don’t need any kind of explanation. You owe me nothing.

I’m simply trying to make this right.”

“Nothing is wrong. You are by my side, and that is all I need

for everything to be right in my world.”

Hatori smiled because he knew his lover genuinely meant it.

“Let me put it another way. I suppose I’m having trouble forgiving
myself. I thought of nothing but my own pain, and I let that color my
perspective. I convinced myself that all the wrong things were
actually right. I pretended to feel nothing for you but lust. I ran away
from you and your love. I told myself you would be happier without
me. I turned from Mikimo and Satoru and gave in to negative
emotions. I hurt everyone who loves me.” Tears had replaced his
smile. “I was such a fool. I can’t forgive myself for almost
condemning you to a very long lifetime of pain and loneliness.”

Kyo kissed the trails of his tears. “Stop it. Don’t cry. I don’t

want to see you doing this to yourself. I know you have a melancholy
personality, and I have no wish to change you. But you cannot give in
to this sadness.”

Hatori captured Kyo’s mouth in a need-filled kiss, his tears

lessening in the sweetness of the embrace. Pulling back, he
whispered, “I love you so much, Kyo.”

“And I love you. Show me what you’ve learned, my love.

You’ve told me how you feel, and I am so happy about that. Now,
you must push past it and overcome it. You tried to take your life
before because you could not get past your own pain.”

Hatori nodded. “I know. I was selfish, and my thinking was

wrong. I still struggle with paranoid thoughts, but you are helping me.
Your kindness and love mean so much to me.”

“And your love means everything to me. I forgive you, and I

want you to forgive yourself. Our fates may have been ordered very
strangely, but we are together. Nothing else matters.”

“I will try to focus on that every day, Kyo.”
Kyo kissed him gently. “Good. It is all I need to give me

strength every moment.”

Hatori lay back and pulled Kyo down on top of him. “I don’t

deserve you.”

A teasing glint entered Kyo’s eyes. “Then perhaps you should

show me how grateful you are for my love.”

Hatori flipped their positions. “There is something I’ve wanted

to try with you.”

Kyo raised one eyebrow. “Is there?”
Hatori nodded his head. “Close your eyes.”
Laughing, Kyo said, “I think I’m going to enjoy this.”
Hatori began kissing a trail down Kyo’s chest. “Trust me. We

are both going to enjoy this.”

Moments later, he smiled to himself when he heard Kyo’s

startled gasp, which morphed into a pleasure-filled moan very
quickly.
****

Hatori ran down the castle steps to greet Mikimo. Hatori had

been worried his brother wouldn’t attend the celebration, so he
couldn’t help smiling as he came to a halt, barely avoiding a collision
with Mikimo.

“Mikimo! I’m glad you came!”
His brother smiled. “Of course I came.”
Hatori hugged him, glad when his brother returned the

embrace with as much affection. “After we talked, you went up to
your meditation hut. You stayed there until after we left. I worried
you would not want to see me yet.”

“Hatori, I know I was harsh with you that day.”
Hatori bowed his head. “I deserved it. You raised me better

than that. What I did was cowardly and selfish.”

“Other forces were at work though. The gods wanted you to

be happy. They knew what they were doing.”

The religion Hatori had been raised with was not entirely

compatible with the beliefs of the lycans, so Mikimo’s talk of the
gods surprised him. “According to Sigmund, yes. I am still

considering how I feel about that.” He looked into Mikimo’s eyes. “I
never thought I’d hear you say that such an act might have been part
of the gods’ plans.”

“The messenger that followed Kyo brought a letter for me. I

took it with me to my hut and read it alone after we had talked. It gave
me a lot to think about.”

“You believe what happened was fated? For the good? I thank

the gods every day that I lived, but I still struggle with this. Kyo is
helping me, but I have longed to talk with you.”

Mikimo put his arm around Hatori and led him into the castle.

“Are you happy, Hatori?”

“With Kyo? Yes, of course. Being without him changed

everything. Once we were alone, after you found me, he had a lot to
say. Some of it was hard to hear, while other things gave me great
joy.” He leaned his head against Mikimo’s shoulder. “I know where
my place is, Mikimo. And I know how my absence would affect those
I love. I will never act so selfishly again.”

Mikimo stopped and smiled down at Hatori. “Then that is all

that matters. I am not angry or disappointed. My pain and harsh words
stemmed from love. Never forget that.”

“I won’t.”
Mikimo glanced to the side and then ruffled Hatori’s hair,

which he had not done in years. “Then there’s nothing left to say.” He
pointed to an open archway. “I believe your attention is required.”

When Hatori saw Kyo leaning against the arch, he rushed over

to him. “Sorry. I had to go greet Mikimo when Ryu said he saw him
approaching.”

Kyo and Mikimo bowed to each other before Kyo turned

Hatori the other way and made him start walking. “That’s fine. I
simply need your opinion on something.”

Hatori nodded. The celebration would begin in a few short

hours, and they had all been up since dawn making preparations.

Kyo pulled Hatori into a side room and shut the door.

Darkness engulfed them. Vampires could see decently in the dark, but
Hatori still stumbled a bit at first.

“Kyo?” Hatori didn’t have a chance to say anything else

because Kyo forced him up against the wall and captured his mouth in
a kiss.

Kyo opened Hatori’s robes, stroking his length roughly. Since

Hatori’s return, Kyo had been so slow and gentle in their lovemaking
that this manhandling surprised him, though in a very good way.

Hatori finally had a chance to catch his breath when Kyo sank

his fangs into Hatori’s neck. The pleasure overtook him, and he
pushed Kyo’s robes aside to bite his shoulder. Kyo’s embrace became
less hurried, and they drank from each other, their hands wandering
everywhere.

“Kyo, what’s gotten into you?” Hatori asked as Kyo dropped

to his knees and suckled Hatori’s cock.

Kyo remained silent and focused on pleasuring Hatori. When

Hatori was on the verge of coming, Kyo pulled back and turned him
around to face the wall, stripping his robes off and Hatori’s as well.
Looking over his shoulder, Hatori saw Kyo lick his fingers. Hatori
licked his lips, knowing exactly where those fingers were going.

Hatori moaned, Kyo’s silence and intense gaze turning him on

even more. Kyo’s fingers worked into Hatori’s ass, and Kyo had him
on the edge again soon. When Kyo pulled back, Hatori tried to
protest, but Kyo filled him so quickly the words died on Hatori’s lips.
Kyo wrapped his arms around Hatori’s chest, reaching up and tilting
his head back to they could kiss as he took Hatori. The feel of Kyo’s
hot length surging inside him pushed everything else away.

When Kyo pulled his lips away, Hatori nipped at his jaw line.

“You’ll have to tell me what I did to inspire this.”

Kyo slid his hand down and pumped Hatori’s cock, never

breaking eye contact. Hatori moved his hips, thrusting his cock in and
out of Kyo’s fist while he arched back to meet each thrust. As they
came, he leaned in to bite Kyo again, making his mate groan loudly.
The pleasure had Hatori shaking in Kyo’s arms as he sealed the
wounds he’d made.

“I thought we’d celebrate early,” Kyo said at last. “I’ve been

holding back.”

“Mmmm, please don’t ever hold back.” Hatori stroked Kyo’s

hair. “I do understand now. Every moment with you makes me happy,
but, I have to say, moments like this are quite spectacular.”

Kyo smiled and kissed Hatori’s shoulder. “They are indeed.”

He brought one hand up to cup Hatori’s hand to his cheek. “You said
this morning you were nervous. I hoped to distract you.”

Hatori laughed. “You did that very well.” He shrugged,

wishing he had not worried Kyo but glad his statement had inspired
this encounter. “Yes, I am nervous. I’m not used to attention. I know
I’m blessed, but before meeting you, nothing extraordinary had ever
happened to me. Nothing good, at least.”

“Well, you’ll need to brace yourself then. My people are very

pleased I’ve found my mate and, given what happened, they are
overjoyed that you’ve been healed. That’s what the humans are
saying anyway.”

“Yes, I heard.” He pulled Kyo into a hug. “You’ll stay by my

side the whole time?”

“Yes,” Kyo whispered. “Always.”
Hatori closed his eyes to cherish the embrace. Having Kyo

close was all he would ever need to be happy, and he thanked every
power that had brought him down this road that he finally saw it.

Epilogue

Kyo hurried to Ryu’s rooms as he wondered what could be so

urgent Ryu had felt the need to send three servants to find him. He’d
left Hatori talking with Sigmund. At first, Hatori had refused to have
anything to do with any of the lycans, and Sigmund and his people
had accepted this. However, after three months of thinking, Hatori
had agreed to see Sigmund and discuss his feelings regarding the
choices Sigmund had made. Hatori’s sweet nature and Sigmund’s
calm rationality seemed to be working in favor of reconciliation, yet
Kyo had still been loath to leave them.

Ryu paced rapidly and nearly knocked Kyo down as he

entered the room. “Ah, there you are!”

“What is it, Ryu?”
“I’ve got something to tell you,” Ryu said. “I’m not sure how

you’re going to react. I need some personal advice.”

“Your mate’s a woman, and you need me to give you some

pointers?”

Ryu raised his eyebrows and laughed. “Nothing quite that

surprising.”

“Loxis then. You were fixated on the wrong foster brother.”

He grinned. “That could be fun—you’d both be twice as easy to
tease.”

Ryu sighed. “Okay, stop, you’re not funny.” Ryu ran his

fingers through his hair, his golden eyes flashing in frustration. He
cracked his knuckles as he bit his lip.

Kyo’s curiosity grew. “Hatori thinks I’m funny.”
“Yes, well, he’s in love with you.”
Kyo put a hand to his heart. “You’re no longer infatuated with

me? I’m not sure how I’ll recover.” He threw himself into a chair,
putting on a glum expression.

“Stop it!” Ryu said, though he did laugh. “Look, this is about

my mate. The thing is … I’m a bit nervous.”

“Why?” Kyo sat forward eagerly. Ryu nervous about an

amorous matter? He couldn’t imagine it.

“You see, I got to know him quite well first. Being my mate

will mess up his plans. I know sometimes there are underlying
resentments when a vampire’s mate already has a full life. Dreams
and ambitions, you know.”

His plans? Ambitions? Kyo almost blurted out the name that

came to mind, but he managed to hold back. “I see. What are his
plans?”

Ryu sat down beside Kyo. “It’s Takumi, and—”
“I knew it!” Kyo said, unable to keep quiet any longer. “Hatori

will be so pleased.”

Ryu stared at Kyo with his mouth gaping open. “You knew it?

How?”

Kyo stared back. “I suspected it the moment you two met. I

saw you two at the celebration I threw for Hatori. You both ignored
all the other guests all night long. I was amazed when Takumi retired
with Mikimo instead of going to your room.”

“We were talking. We were never alone together. I didn’t even

drink from him that night.” Ryu frowned. “Actually, I’ve never had
the pleasure of drinking directly from him.”

Kyo needed a moment to take that in. “Wait. I don’t

understand. How do you know he’s your mate?”

“When he and Mikimo passed through a few weeks ago, he

donated some blood.”

Kyo realized the time Ryu referred to. “Yes, when so many in

the village had that fever. I remember.”

“Well, I had some blood brought to me, and when I tasted it I

couldn’t get to the steward fast enough. He confirmed that it was
Takumi’s blood.”

“You didn’t drink from him when he was here the first time

either?” Kyo found that very hard to believe. Their attraction had
been blatant, and their unashamed flirting had caught everyone’s
attention.

“No. And you can wipe that incredulous look off your face.”
“Sorry, but your reaction to one another was quite

memorable.”

Ryu smiled. “What I felt when I first saw him was so …

different. I truly didn’t know what to think. I could hardly process a
coherent thought that didn’t revolve around him whenever we were
together. I would have said something to you, but the thought of you
teasing me about him bothered me. We talked several times, but
despite his obvious interest, he seemed reluctant. I didn’t want to
force it. Now I know why I was so sensitive to his feelings. I think I
knew right away. And we were both worried about Hatori. I didn’t

want it to seem like I was taking advantage. I made a very conscious
choice not to drink from him.”

“Hmmm.” Kyo did remember Takumi saying he would not

take Ryu’s flirting too seriously, as Ryu would likely find his mate
soon. If only Takumi had known. Kyo smiled again. If only Ryu had
known. “I think I can explain that. His reluctance, I mean. He asked
how old you were, and when I told him he said you might find your
mate soon. He did seem reluctant to get involved with you, but not
because of anything about you. He did not want to become involved
with someone he might lose.” Kyo reached over and touched Ryu’s
arm. “You have to think what it must be like for humans. Vampires
have fated mates. Falling for the wrong vampire will bring a human
nothing but heartache.”

“I know. I’ve been thinking about that, actually.” Ryu’s eyes

brightened after a moment. “That’s good to know—what he said, I
mean.” His expression dimmed again. “But we still haven’t gotten to
my problem. When they were here last month, he told he had made
his decision. He’s going to become a priest.”

“No, he’s not. He’ll forget all about it when you tell him the

truth.”

Ryu did not look convinced. “Kyo, he pulled me aside just to

tell me that news. He was so happy. So excited. It’s what he truly
wants.”

“He obviously cares for you. That is why he shared his news

with you personally. You’ve not acted on your attraction, and so he
considers you a friend. Obviously a very dear one.” Kyo stood up and
pulled Ryu to his feet. “Why are you hesitating? When does he take
his vows?”

“Five days from now.”
Kyo resisted the urge to shake Ryu. “Then what are you

waiting for?”

“Pleasing Mikimo and serving the gods mean so much to him.

He loves the temple, and he wants this.”

Kyo rolled his eyes. “And the first time he saw you, he said

very clearly that he might not be able to bear celibacy.” He crossed
his arms. “I seem to recall he said this right after he told you how
beautiful your eyes are. Mikimo was happy for Hatori. He shall be
happy for Takumi as well. The gods are the ones who have ordained
this, if the teachings of the temple are to be trusted.”

“My mind knows all of that.” Ryu grasped Kyo by the

shoulders. “Kyo, I’m scared. I don’t know any other way to put it.”

“Scared? You’ve had dozens of lovers, but you’re scared of

confessing to your fated mate, a man who was momentarily struck
dumb the first time he saw you?”

Ryu pulled a very sullen face. “He was not struck dumb. He

stared for a moment. Everyone does that to me because of my eyes.”

“By the gods, I have better things to do. Get out to the stables

right now. I’ll throw you into a carriage myself if you aren’t on a
horse within the next hour.”

“What if he’s disappointed?”
“Disappointed? He couldn’t stop blushing after that first

encounter, and you two were glued to one another at the celebration.
You must be in love already to be this worried. You’ve had dozens of
lovers. I don’t see how you can be scared of something that is meant
to be.”

Ryu frowned. “Yes, you said that a moment ago. Don’t remind

me how many times I’ve been with other men.” He sighed. “Takumi’s
planning on becoming a priest, and all these years I’ve been …
unfaithful.”

Kyo couldn’t take it any longer. “Ryu. Listen to me. He. Will.

Not. Care. He cares for you. It’s obvious. I think your only concern
should be that he’ll be upset you’ve known he was your mate for
weeks and not gone to get him yet.”

Ryu continued to look concerned, as if nothing Kyo had said

made any difference. “Will you and Hatori come with me? I haven’t
been this scared since the day the lycans rescued me!”

Kyo searched Ryu’s face and saw that Ryu truly was

distressed. Sobering, he nodded. “Hatori is engaged at the moment,
but we can leave in a few hours. Will you be ready?”

Ryu nodded, clenching his hands together. “Yes.” His eyes

flashed again, his dragon obviously as worried and nervous as he was.

Kyo had to smile. “You’re pretty cute when you’re worried.

He’ll be enchanted!”

Ryu waved Kyo away. “I’ll pack. Get out of here. Without

Hatori here to rein you in, you’ll only make me worse!”

Kyo laughed as he left the room. Ryu hadn’t been the subject

of Hatori’s teasing the way Kyo had these past months. Far from

reining Kyo in, Hatori was far more likely to spur Kyo on, especially
when he discovered that Ryu’s mate was one of his oldest friends.

For once, Kyo looked forward to a long ride with nothing to

do but make conversation.

The End

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Other Books by Marie Medina:

www.evernightpublishing.com/marie-medina

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