Just a little Love Bite: When you ignore your
senses, you can miss out on something pretty
important.

Daystrum Striplan, second in command of the
Esson vampire coven, knows he’s been distracted
the past month or two. He just can’t figure out
what tugs at his mind…or rather…whom. Every
night Daystrum’s dreams are plagued by a slender
male figure with striking blue eyes. When he
wakes, his fangs ache with the need to sink them
into the man’s column of tanned flesh and taste
his blood. Unfortunately, Daystrum can’t
remember where or when—hell, even if—he’s met
the man in his dreams. Then, the evening of the
coven Christmas party, Daystrum scents the object
of his obsession, Korbin Harris. He’s not the only
one who notices the human, though. Jaymes, the
master of a visiting coven also expresses his
interest, and that vampire doesn’t have to beg
forgiveness for forgetting their first meeting…a
meeting that Korbin remembers. Can Daystrum
earn the forgiveness and affection of his wayward
beloved?

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters,
places, and incidents either are products of the
author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any
resemblance to actual events or locales or persons,
living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

A Nip of Good Cheer

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0153-5

Cover art by Carmen Waters

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A Nip of Good Cheer

A Loving Nip: Book One

Charlie Richards

Dedication

To the writers of myth and legend. Without those noble

souls, we wouldn’t have half the adventures we have

today.

Chapter One

ey, Kor, did you finish the calculus
homework?”

Korbin Harris looked up from the chemistry

book he was reading and focused on his buddy,
Brock Sanchez. The broad-shouldered, barrel-
chested jock stood in the doorway to the study,
scowling in confusion at the book he held open in
his hand. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what
his friend was looking at.

Knowing his good friend’s next question,

Korbin neatly sidestepped it by dryly stating, “I
am not doing your homework for you, Brock. You
know that.”

Brock entered the study and sprawled on the

sofa that Korbin leaned against, letting the book
bounce next to him on the cushion. “Aw, come on,
Kor,” he whined. “I just want some help. That’s
all.”

“No.” Korbin set his pen down and turned to

focus on the other man. “You want to copy my
paper.” He smirked at Brock’s crestfallen look.

“H

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“Exactly how many times did you expect me to
fall for that? Six? Ten? Always?”

Poking his bottom lip out in a pout—which

looked completely ridiculous on the six foot two
inch, broad-shouldered blond—Brock mumbled,
“I only did it twice.”

“That’s because I only let you see my

homework sheet twice,” Korbin pointed out.
Feeling some pity for his friend, since he knew
Brock had always struggled with any form of
math, he held up his hand and wiggled his
fingers. “Show me what you’re working on.
Maybe I can help.”

Over the years, Korbin, Brock, and their two

buddies, Tyson and Kai, had helped each other
through countless problems. They all had
strengths and weaknesses, and Korbin knew
they’d always have each other’s backs. Ever since
Brock and Tyson had stopped the bullies on the
playground—the jerks had been trying to force
Korbin and Kai to eat the sand in the sandbox—
yuck—they’d stuck together like the three
musketeers. Except, there were four of them, of
course.

Times were changing though, Korbin thought

absently as he listened to Brock heave a sigh. He
watched his friend push back to a sitting position,
grab his textbook, and begin leafing through it.
When they’d first started college three years
before, all four of them had lived in this big

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farmhouse. Now, only Korbin and Brock shared
the space.

Over the past summer, the four had gone to

Kansas for a quick vacation before starting their
senior year of college. While there, Kai had met
and fallen head-over-heels in love with Dorian.
They’d also discovered that Kai’s odd ability to
turn into a platypus wasn’t so rare after all. Dorian
could turn into a California condor.

On top of that, they’d met a whole group of

men that could turn into animals, from wolves to
bears to lions…oh my! Dorian and his friends had
explained fated mates and how being a shifter was
genetic. That meant one of Kai’s parents must
have been a shifter as well. Unfortunately, Kai’s
mother and father had passed away when he was
two, and his aunt and uncle had raised him.

When they’d returned from vacation, Dorian

and a bunch of his friends had followed. After
that, he and a few others, including a couple of
vampires, cleared out some dingo shifters that
were abusing humans. Now, Kai lived with
Dorian southwest of the city with a number of
other shifters.

Their other friend, Tyson, had pined after the

wolf shifter, Logan. Their buddy hadn’t admitted
it, of course. Instead, he’d buried himself in
school, working on their website design business,
and tasks to help his mother. Tyson would
probably still be doing that if Korbin and Brock

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hadn’t dragged him out to a bar. Coincidentally,
Logan had also been at the bar, and when he’d
spotted Tyson picking up a trick, sparks had
flown.

Korbin still thought Kontra’s mate, Tim, had

something to do with that. Rumor had it the guy
was half vampire, half shifter, and had visions.

In the end, Logan accepted Tyson as his mate,

then went about the process of wooing their
friend. As Korbin had watched the process, he
found his thoughts often turning to a blond man
that had visited their home when Dorian and his
friends had arrived. Dylan, Kai’s cousin, had at
first thought the man’s hair was dark, but then
he’d realized it’d been a trick of the light since the
guy was standing in the shadows.

After that conversation, Korbin’s buddies had

razzed him, so he’d ignored any other questions
they’d posed about the man. Hell, it wasn’t as if he
knew anything about the guy. Instead, he’d
spoken with Kontra—a grizzly shifter and the de-
facto leader of the motorcycle gang that Dorian
and Logan had been a part of—who’d answered a
few questions about vampires. He’d learned that
vampires didn’t know their beloved unless they
tasted the person’s blood. Still, the donor’s blood
should have called to Daystrum, and since he had
never returned, Korbin figured he was just smitten
and did his best to put him out of his mind.

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Most of the time, Korbin managed just

fine…until the lights went out and the dreams
came.

“Okay, so explain how I figure out a limit

again?”

Brock’s voice pulled Korbin out of his thoughts.

That was good, because Korbin didn’t want to get
a boner while talking about calculus with his
friend. That would just be all kinds of awkward.
He turned his attention to something he
understood, and that was limit calculations.

Why couldn’t emotions and attraction be as simple

as laws of mathematics?

For the next thirty minutes, Korbin worked

with Brock. The use of numbers and formulas
relaxed Korbin as nothing else could. Even while
Brock cussed a blue streak at how ridiculous it
was, and how it made no sense, Korbin found
himself grinning.

Finally, something seemed to click for Brock.

After successfully solving an equation, he threw
his pencil down on the page and snarled, “Why
the fuck didn’t the professor explain it like that?”

“Everyone has different teaching styles,”

Korbin reminded him. “You know that.”

Brock scoffed. “Why don’t you teach the

course?” he grumbled. “Then maybe most of the
class will actually pass.”

“I’ve thought about it,” Korbin replied absently,

his mind already on the next problem and how to

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adequately explain the differences from the prior
one, so Brock would continue to make progress.

“What?”
Realizing what he’d thoughtlessly admitted,

Korbin slowly straightened and focused on Brock.
Well, shee-it. Korbin licked his lips and cleared his
throat. He shrugged. “What? You think I don’t
know I’m a good teacher?” He went for a cocky
smirk. “I’ve been teaching you three for over a
decade,” he said, referencing how he always
helped their other friends, too.

“Yeah, but—” Brock scowled, his thick brows

drawing together. His square jaw tensed for a
second, then he asked, “How come you never said
anything? I thought you were going into business
with us.”

Korbin nodded. “Of course, I am. That’s not

changed.”

Over their vacation, the four of them had come

up with a business plan for operating a website
design company. They’d even already started
putting everything in motion, too. Brock would
handle marketing, since he had a way with
people, handling the face-to-face interpersonal
dealings. Korbin, Tyson, and Kai planned to
handle the accounting and actual design work.

However, with his friends moving on, Korbin

had begun feeling more and more restless. He’d
realized that he really needed to start looking
ahead. What did he want to do with his life? What

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did he want to accomplish? Korbin knew his
friends joked that he was the brains of their outfit,
and maybe it was true, but he needed more to
occupy him than part time work with his friends.

After months thinking on his past, reflecting on

what brought him the most joy, Korbin had
figured out what he wanted to do. He wanted to
share his knowledge and his love of mathematics.
To that end, he planned to become a professor.

Meeting Brock’s confused gaze, Korbin fisted

his hand and jabbed his buddy’s shoulder. “Hey,
relax. I’ll still be the brains of our company.”
Korbin winked. “I’m gonna need plenty of money
for grad school, after all.”

Brock rubbed his shoulder as he nodded. “All

right.”

Just the fact that Brock didn’t return the punch

gave away his friend’s concern. “How come you
never said anything before?”

Korbin closed Brock’s book and handed it to

him. “Honestly? I didn’t know. So much has
changed over the last several months, you know?”
He watched Brock nod slowly, so Korbin
continued, “With Kai and Tyson out of the house
and involved with their guys, it’s given me more
time to think.”

“You already think too much,” Brock razzed, a

smile replacing his previous serious expression.
“And graduate school? Really? Damn, man.”
Brock rose and stretched his arms over his head.

Charlie Richards

His shirt rode up, revealing his six-pack abs.
“Better you than me. I’m barely gonna graduate as
it is.”

Lowering his arms, Brock finally returned

Korbin’s hit, smacking his on the upper arm with
the back of his hand. With that one move, Korbin
knew he and his friend were okay again. He’d
been uncertain how his friends would take his
decision. Hell, none of the others was going for
higher education. Of course, things might have
turned out differently if his friends hadn’t up and
gotten mated.

“Well, I don’t need any more training up.” He

winked, grabbed his book, and started toward the
door. “I got plenty enough charms for the ladies.”

Korbin scoffed. Where Kai had always been

openly gay, Tyson and Korbin had been equally
open about being equal opportunities conquerors.
They had enjoyed the company of women and
men in the past. Good thing, too, since Tyson’s
mate hadn’t had previous experience with men.
Tyson had popped his gay cherry, so to speak.
Brock was the only one who claimed to be one
hundred percent straight.

However, Korbin had caught the big man

eyeing a twink a time or two. He didn’t know if
his friend had ever acted on it, but given the right
situation…and probably enough alcohol…Korbin
bet Brock would fuck a guy.

“Hey, did you pick up your tux, yet?”

A Nip of Good Cheer

Korbin glanced up from the algebra book he’d

just picked up. He planned to review the basics
before going to meet up with Paul the next
afternoon. Participating in the big brother
program, he found working with the teenager
fantastically rewarding.

Returning his focus to his book, he opened it

and began flipping through it.

“Why do I need a tux?” Korbin had no idea

what Brock was talking about.

“For the Christmas party.”
Korbin frowned and once more gave his friend

his full attention. “What Christmas party?” Had
he missed something?

Brock frowned. “Don’t you remember when we

went to Kontra’s lodge and he talked about the
gathering being hosted by Adalric and his coven?”

“Yeah,” Korbin replied, drawing the word out.

“What does that have to do with me?”

Korbin sure as shit remembered. Anytime

anyone mentioned the vampire coven, Korbin’s
attention instantly fixated on the conversation. He
couldn’t seem to help it. Even knowing Daystrum
wasn’t interested in him, Korbin still found
himself interested in the sexy vampire.

Maybe I’m just fixating on an available

paranormal…

This wasn’t the first time that idea occurred to

him.

Charlie Richards

“We’re all going,” Brock stated. “Kai told you

he was ordering tuxes. They were ready for pick-
up yesterday, but I couldn’t get over there.” He
cocked his head, his expression confused. “I
thought you’d like the opportunity to see those
vampire guys again. You said one of them was
hot, right?”

Appreciating how short Brock’s attention span

could sometimes be, Korbin snorted. “Yeah, but
that doesn’t mean he feels the same. It’s not like he
asked for my phone number,” he pointed out.

Grinning widely, Brock ran one hand under his

shirt and scratched his abs absently. “Well, I’m
gonna see if I can find a vampire vixen to fuck.”
He waggled his brows. “I hear their bite is hella
awesome.”

Korbin rolled his eyes. “Where did you hear

that?” Who had Brock been talking to?

Brock snickered. “That got your attention,

huh?”

Tapping his book’s cover, Korbin scowled. He

needed a subject change. “Look, why are we
going? I mean, I understand why Kai and Tyson
would go, but we’re not involved with any
paranormals.” He rubbed his hands over his
thighs, nerves hitting him at the prospect of
actually seeing Daystrum again. “Why?”

Brock shrugged. “Who cares? As long as there’s

beer and women—”

A Nip of Good Cheer

“Brock, stop thinking with your dick,” Korbin

snapped. “Why are we going to a paranormal
Christmas party?”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Brock tucked

his book under his armpit and leaned against the
doorframe. “Dude, we’re going because Kontra
ordered us to go.” He scoffed. “You really want to
go against the bear shifter? ’Cause I sure don’t.”

“And did Kontra give a reason?” Korbin asked

slowly. He really didn’t want to make a fool of
himself if he could help it…like by throwing
himself at Daystrum after he’d had a couple
drinks.

“Nope,” Brock replied. “But I didn’t really ask.

Ya know? If that big mother-fucker says jump, I’m
gonna say how high.” He shook his head and
pushed away from the wall. “I’ll get both our
tuxes tomorrow,” Brock told him, then began to
exit Korbin’s room. “You have that thing with the
boy tomorrow, right?”

Korbin frowned at his friend. “Paul would knee

you in the balls if he heard you call him a boy,” he
warned. “He’s seventeen and won’t let anyone
forget it.”

Brock chuckled. “My bad. He just looks so

much younger.”

Nodding, Korbin agreed. Paul was seventeen

and looked fourteen. Not good for a young gay
teenager. “And that’s exactly why I’m reminding
you.”

Charlie Richards

“Thanks again for the help, bro,” Brock said,

uncrossing his arms and knocking the knuckles of
his free hand on the door frame. “I owe you.”

Korbin waved, acknowledging and dismissing

Brock’s thanks at the same time. As he watched
Brock walk away, closing the study door behind
him, he prayed he could somehow manage to
ignore the vampire.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Chapter Two

pon hearing Adalric calling his name,
Daystrum Striplan turned from the

Christmas tree he’d been decorating and peered at
his coven leader. “Yes, sir?” he asked, watching
the coven master close the last bit of space
between them.

“Are you done there?” Adalric asked, his gaze

sweeping over the tree.

“Uh—” Daystrum turned around to focus on

the tree he’d been trimming. He scowled at it.
Well, the tree he was supposed to be trimming. The
decorations were very one-sided. “No.”

Shit. How’d I manage to do that?
“Head still in your ass, old friend?” Adalric

asked, his voice so quiet that Daystrum figured
only he could hear it. He smirked. “Have you tried
yoga?”

Daystrum grimaced. “I just can’t seem to figure

out what’s bothering me. My mind keeps drifting,
like I’m searching for a memory I can’t
remember.” He crossed his arms over his chest

Charlie Richards

and peered at the Christmas tree, not really seeing
it. “Then this dream I keep having pops into my
mind and—”

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Daystrum

paused and racked his brain for the right thing to
say. Should he tell his coven leader about the
dreams? Maybe Adalric would have some insight.
He glanced around, making certain others weren’t
too close.

“I’ve been having these dreams,” Daystrum

muttered the admission.

Adalric stepped close, his brows drawing

together. “Dreams?”

Daystrum just managed to keep from flushing.

This was so fucking embarrassing. Two hundred
thirty two years old, and now, reduced to an
adolescent. Fucking wet dreams messing with his
mind.

“Nightmares?” Adalric pressed.
Scoffing, Daystrum shook his head. “No. Try

the other direction.” Slowly letting out a deep
breath, he glanced around again, then admitted,
“Erotic dreams. I know it’s a man by the feel of his
lean, hard chest. I can see his short black hair and
feel the soft strands running through my fingers.”
Daystrum could feel his prick thickening at the
memory. “Shit,” he mumbled, turning his
attention to the mostly empty ballroom.

The little-used, massive space really did look

spectacular.

A Nip of Good Cheer

“Are you pining over someone?” Adalric asked

softly. He laid a hand on Daystrum’s shoulder.
“Who is the man in your dreams?”

“That’s the problem,” Daystrum whispered. “I

don’t remember meeting anyone like that.”
Needing a subject change, he finished, “Anyway,
if I’m not focused, I switch to autopilot, and that’s
it. Muscle memory keeps me going, but my mind’s
not engaged.” Daystrum shook his head again and
started fixing the ornaments on the Christmas tree.
“It’s on the damned dreams.”

“That explains the order of lobster I just

received,” Adalric said.

The narrowing of the man’s eyes told Daystrum

that his coven leader hadn’t missed the not-so-
subtle subject change. Wait! Lobster? “Shit. Did I
not order enough?” Daystrum asked, alarmed. He
turned to face Adalric again, thinking of where he
could pick up a decent quantity of lobsters within
the hour.

Adalric chuckled and shook his head.

“Actually, I’m certain we’ll all be having lobster
right on through to Valentine’s Day.”

Daystrum’s eyes widened as realization hit.

“Aw, fuck.” He sighed and rubbed the bridge of
his nose. “How much did I order?”

“Oh, three hundred pounds of lobster.”
Watching the corners of Adalric’s lips twitch,

Daystrum mentally groaned. “Go ahead,” he
grumbled, knowing why it was so funny. He was

Charlie Richards

supposed to have ordered thirty pounds.
Somehow, Daystrum must have added an extra
zero. “Laugh.”

Adalric did just that. He slapped Daystrum on

his back and guffawed loudly. “Damn, buddy,” he
gasped out. “Good thing we have a few extra
guests.” He grinned widely. “I’ve already ordered
most of it to be put in the freezer.”

Despite himself, Daystrum chuckled softly.

“Yeah, yeah.” Then, he registered what Adalric
had said. “Wait. More guests? Who?”

Clearing his throat, Adalric rubbed at the

corner of his eye for a second as if wiping away a
tear, then focused on Daystrum. “Kontra is
bringing a couple of human guests.”

“Why?” Daystrum asked curiously, returning

to his task of fixing the ornaments on the tree.

He’d met Kontra Belikov, a grizzly bear shifter,

twice before. Once at a human’s home when he
and Toni Bastille, one of their coven’s enforcers,
were sent to meet with the shifter, then again to
help the shifter and a few of his pack-mates take
over a rogue dingo pack. That’d been an hour’s
drive south of Santa Fe, closer to Albuquerque.

“They want to become donors or something?”
Daystrum wouldn’t find it surprising.

Vampires could hurt or pleasure with their bite.
Once humans found out about vampires, they
often were more than happy to share their body in
exchange for their blood—especially when they

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realized the deal came with free food, lodging,
and spending money. While Daystrum couldn’t
say that was the way it happened with all covens,
in their own, their donors were very well taken
care of.

“That wasn’t the impression Kontra gave me,”

Adalric stated slowly. “He seemed to think we’d
be able to help one of them with something, but he
couldn’t invite one man without the other.” He
scowled and added, “He said he’d talk to us about
it this evening.”

Daystrum nodded, knowing why his coven

leader appeared concerned. He liked knowing
why others were coming to his home. Having
worked with the shifter gang-members before, he
grinned. “I’m sure it’s nothing terrible. Hell, he’d
have asked for a separate meeting if there was a
real problem,” he reasoned. “Not just asked to
bring them to a Christmas party.”

Adalric nodded slowly. “That’s why I find it so

odd,” he stated. Then, his eyes narrowed as he
focused on Daystrum. After several seconds, he
smiled widely. “Maybe it’s a good surprise. I
know the shifters are settling south of
Albuquerque, so perhaps it’s just a request for
collaboration between our coven and his people.
It’s not like they’ll want to create problems with
us.” He winked. “Maybe it’s even a gift.”

“You think the humans are a gift?” Daystrum

couldn’t keep the confusion out of his voice.

Charlie Richards

Shrugging, Adalric chuckled softly before

answering. “We’ll find out soon enough. Guests
start arriving in an hour, so finish up with that
tree, and get ready.”

Daystrum nodded and returned to decorating.

“Will do,” he commented absently, his mind
already drifting.

Hustling through the mansion, Daystrum

wrapped his bowtie around his neck and—
fumbling a bit—tied the damn thing. Who the hell
had requested the Christmas party be black-tie
anyway? Right…coven master Jaymes Martinez.

The vampire leader from just north of Amarillo,

Jaymes Martinez liked formality. He acted more
like a throw-back from the old Spanish court
rather than a Texan, but he was a powerful
vampire. Influential and with a coven boasting
over a hundred vampires, Jaymes had to be pretty
savvy to have so many under his care and to keep
their secret.

As far as Daystrum was concerned, the guy

could choke on his fucking bow-tie. Of course, if
he hadn’t been running five minutes late, he
probably wouldn’t be feeling that way. He’d
managed

lose

himself

his

thoughts…memories of his dreams and black hair
and smooth, milky white skin. By the time he’d
finished fixing the Christmas tree, he’d been hard

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as a rock. A quick trip to his shower had been in
order, which had delayed him even more.

Now, Daystrum dressed on the fly. He finally

managed to get his tie to sit straight at his neck, so
he folded his collar down and buttoned the flaps.
Then, he swung his tux coat from off his arm
where he’d hung it and slipped it on. Daystrum
paused in front of a hallway mirror and ran his
hands over everything, making certain it all lay
straight.

Daystrum ran his hands through his damp

blond hair, realizing it was overdue for a trim.
Shaking his head, he strode swiftly toward the
ballroom.

The festivities started and ended in the massive

room. Currently, the place was set up with tables
laden with finger food, the festivity-required
spiked punch, plus an open bar and a massive
barrel filled with ice and non-alcoholic beverages.
Once they were called to dinner, a group of
volunteers not part of the inner circle—both
vampire and human—would clear most of the
tables, leaving plenty of space to dance, should
people so desire after the meal.

Just before opening the door to the big room,

Daystrum heard his phone give off a low tone. The
sound told him that someone had just been
buzzed through the gate. He glanced at his watch,
noting that he was now ten minutes late.

Charlie Richards

“It seems I’m not the only one running behind,”

Daystrum muttered as he changed direction and
headed toward the front.

Upon reaching the hall, he peered out the

window and watched an older model sports car
stop in front of Connie, a female vampire acting as
a valet. She rounded the front of the Camaro as
both doors opened and two men emerged.

From behind the wheel climbed a tall muscular

blond, bronzed and sporting a big grin as he
handed his keys to Connie. Focusing on the man’s
mouth, Daystrum read his lips and realized the
man urged the valet to take good care of my girl,
now.

Daystrum switched his gaze to the second male

and gasped. His jaw gaping, he felt his pulse
spike. The man was lean with short black hair that
contrasted his pale skin and blue eyes—currently
focused in a glare at the other man. Staring at the
man’s thin lips, Daystrum noticed he also sported
the smallest pencil mustache he’d seen in years.
His groin tightened as he was filled with a desire
to trace it with his tongue.

Getting himself under control, Daystrum pulled

the door open just as the pair arrived. He stepped
back and smiled at them. As he inhaled to issue a
greeting, the sweetest honey scent flowed over his
senses. He just managed to fight back a moan as
he motioned for them to enter.

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Once inside with the door closed, Daystrum

managed to say, “Good evening, gentlemen.” He
held out his hand to the bigger man first. “I’m
Daystrum Striplan. From your dress, I’m
assuming you’re expected.”

Both men wore tuxes. While it was obvious

from the cut and fit that they were rentals,
Daystrum couldn’t help but admire the second
man, thinking it looked amazing on him. Of
course, it could just be because the human looked
like his dreams come to life, and Daystrum
wanted to touch and taste so badly. His mouth
watered and his fangs ached.

By the gods! Is this my beloved?
“Good to see you, again,” the big man said,

taking Daystrum’s hand. “Thanks for having us.”

Daystrum lifted one brow as he glanced

between the men. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be
rude, but I’m afraid I don’t remember you,” he
admitted. “When did we meet?” Surely he would
have remembered meeting the slender man who
he highly suspected was his beloved.

Holy fuck! Is that why I’ve been dreaming of this

man? Because I’ve already met him? How the hell
could that happen?

The big guy nudged the smaller man’s arm as

he released Daystrum’s hand, grinning. “Told
you. You owe me twenty bucks.”

The second man’s pale skin took on a slightly

pink hue, which only intensified the sweet scent of

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his blood. It took every bit of self-control
Daystrum had learned in his over two-century life
to keep from grabbing the young man and taking
a bite…literally.

“I apologize if I’ve forgotten you,” Daystrum

stated, thinking quickly. Then, he came up with, “I
had my bell rung pretty good several months ago.
Maybe it affected my memory.” And my senses, too,
if I didn’t remember this sweet-smelling man.

“I’m Brock Sanchez,” the big human stated.

“My buddy here is Korbin Harris.” Grinning
widely, Brock told him, “You and Toni came to
our place to meet Kontra. That’s who invited us
here. Hope you don’t mind.”

Confused, Daystrum glanced between them.

“That was your place? I thought it was the home
of Kai Sudderson.”

“We were his roommates until Kai moved in

with his mate,” Brock replied. He held up a hand.
“Hey, I understand why you don’t recognize us.
There was a fuck-ton of people there that day.”

“There was,” Daystrum agreed, racking his

brain for memories of his visit to their home. His
biggest recollection was how he’d wanted to get
out of there. There’d been too many foreign scents,
shifter and human alike, and he’d just healed from
being attacked by coven members gone rogue.
He’d been on edge, still jumpy. Suddenly, a
memory hit him. Daystrum focused on Korbin.

A Nip of Good Cheer

“You were in the kitchen,” he commented,
holding his hand out.

Korbin nodded as he reached out and took

Daystrum’s offered hand. “Yeah,” he replied
softly. “I was.”

Daystrum felt tingles shoot across his palm and

up his arm when Korbin’s hand slid into his own.
He longed to pull the man close, wrap his arms
around him, and taste his lips. Except Korbin
pulled his hand away, severing contact.

“Nice to officially meet you,” Korbin stated, his

smile looking a little forced.

Then, the words Brock had said registered with

Daystrum. A bet? They’d known who he was and
had bet on whether or not Daystrum remembered
them? Focusing on Korbin, Daystrum took in the
slight lines of tension around Korbin’s mouth.

Frowning, Daystrum cocked his head. “You

made a bet about…why?”

Brock laughed. “You’re a good looking guy,” he

said, boldly sweeping his gaze over Daystrum
before knocking his elbow into Korbin’s arm once
again. “You made an impression. Right, Kor?”

“Shut up,” Korbin snapped. His posture stiff,

he glared at his friend. “You’re such an asshole.”

“Hey! Brock, Korbin! You made it,” called Kai,

breaking into the awkward conversation. “I was
just heading back from the men’s room and
thought I smelled you.”

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The young platypus shifter grinned widely as

he pushed his thick lenses up his nose. Then, he
opened his arms and gave each of his friends a
hug. The action, however brief, sent a spike of
jealousy through Daystrum. He wanted to wrap
his arms around Korbin, but from the human’s
stiff posture, he didn’t think the move would be
welcomed.

Kai stepped back and looked Daystrum’s way.

His curious expression cleared just slowly enough
to tell the vampire that he’d scented his odd
reaction. Smiling, he glanced around the trio. “Let
me guess. Brock drove?”

“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” Brock

asked in mock offense.

Chuckling, Korbin replied, “Yup, and thought

he knew a better way than my GPS.”

The soft sound gripped Daystrum by the balls,

causing them to tingle and the orbs to roll in his
sacks. He wanted to hear that fantastic sound
again.

“Well, we got here,” Brock grumbled, but his

grin belied his irritated tone.

“Kai, there you are,” Dorian called,

approaching the group. “I wondered what
happened to you. It seems the rest of your friends
made it. That’s good.” Smiling, the California
condor shifter moved his gaze to Daystrum.
“Good to see you again, Second,” he greeted
formally, holding out his hand.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Daystrum took the avian shifter’s hand and

gave it a quick shake as he replied, “And you,
Alpha Dorian.” Releasing his hold, Daystrum
asked, “How are the dingo shifters doing?” When
Daystrum had helped Dorian take over the pack,
they’d discovered a number of physically and
psychologically abused dingo shifters along with
the humans used as sex slaves.

“We have a budding Social Therapist who’s

joined us on a volunteer basis while he finishes his
degree,” Dorian replied. “It leaves me hopeful.”
While he answered in the positive, his tight lips
betrayed his worry.

“I’ve spent some time teaching my friends

tough subjects,” Korbin cut in. “I’m also planning
on going for my Masters and hope, one day, to
become a professor in mathematics. I heard their
education was extremely limited, so perhaps I can
help,” he offered. “If they learn the basics, maybe
they’ll feel more empowered, more equal in the
pack.”

“That is an excellent idea,” Dorian agreed. “The

next time you visit Kai, we’ll definitely speak
more of this.” Smiling, he focused on Kai. “Time
to return to the party.” Looking at Daystrum
before he led his mate away, he added, “I believe
Adalric is looking for you.”

As Dorian strode away, his arm around Kai,

Brock and Korbin followed. Daystrum watched
the group walk away, fighting the urge to call

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Korbin back. He desperately wanted to talk more
with the human…as well as other things.
However, Daystrum realized he’d need to tread
carefully.

While Daystrum hadn’t recognized Korbin as

possibly his beloved, he’d still been plagued by
dreams of the man. If Korbin had taken the time to
discover who he was, even after just a single
glance across a crowded room—

Shit, had Korbin felt the attraction, too?
What if Korbin didn’t think Daystrum wanted

him? That would certainly account for his formal
behavior. Frustration filling him, Daystrum
suspected he had some groveling to do.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Chapter Three

ou just blew him off,” Brock pointed out
from where he walked at Korbin’s right.

Korbin refused to glance over his shoulder to

look at Daystrum, which was surprisingly harder
than he expected. He’d noted the subtle widening
of the vampire’s eyes and the flaring of his
nostrils. “Well, you’re the asshat that mentioned a
bet,” he hissed back. “Now, you made me out like
some kind of stalker. I don’t want him to think I’m
interested.”

“But you are interested,” Kai softly reminded

him.

“So,” Korbin replied. It didn’t matter if his

shifter friend could smell his arousal—hell if he’d
admit it right then. “He didn’t know who I was. If
my scent did it for him, he would have sought me
out long before this,” he reminded his friends. “I
have no desire to appear like some love-struck
sap,” he grumbled.

Brock bumped his shoulder into Korbin’s,

nearly knocking him over. Then, he draped his

“Y

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arm over his shoulder, tipped his head close and
said into his ear, “Well, just look at another
vampire with a little heat, and I bet you fifty bucks
we’ll see sparks within an hour.”

Korbin snorted and rolled his eyes. Oh, how he

wished that was true. Wait, didn’t I just tell myself
that relationships should be more like mathematics? No
way did Daystrum want him, anyway. Turning to
meet Brock’s gaze, Korbin smirked. “All right,
you’re on.”

To Korbin’s surprise, Brock grinned widely,

leaned even closer so he could whisper in his ear.
“Just to get the ball rolling.” Then, he kissed
Korbin’s cheek.

His brows shooting up, Korbin twisted away

from him. “What the crap, Brock?”

Brock let him go, cackling hysterically.
Dorian lifted his left brow as he took in the pair.

“What did I just miss?”

Grinning, Kai looked up at his lover. “They’re

betting on how long it takes Daystrum to make a
move on Korbin.”

“Really?” Dorian glanced over his shoulder.
Korbin again found himself fighting the urge to

do the same.

Dorian hummed. “There’s definitely something

going on there,” he conceded, turning to look at
Brock. He grinned. “I’m in for forty-five minutes.”

“What?” Korbin squeaked, shocked. How had

this gotten out of hand?

A Nip of Good Cheer

“I’ll take an hour and a half,” Kai cut in. “The

rest of the reception and dinner should last about
that long.”

“I didn’t think of that,” Brock commented,

frowning.

“Dinner will not stop a vampire if they’re

dedicated,” Dorian stated, his voice full of
certainty.

“Hey, I’m gonna holler at Tyson,” Brock said,

smiling widely. “I bet he wants in on this.”

Growling softly, Korbin snapped, “Damn it.

What the hell, guys?”

As Dorian opened the door, revealing a massive

ballroom, Korbin’s friends just laughed. Kai
stepped away from his lover to slap him on the
shoulder, then led the way into the room. Korbin
tried to figure out if they were just giving him crap
or if they were actually serious, but as soon as he
stepped inside the space, he had to concentrate on
not gaping.

Christmas trees decorated in various themes

rimmed the room. Ranging from maybe eight to
around ten feet, some were decorated in crystal
and silver ornaments, some had only red and
green bulbs, while another was circled only with
lights, construction paper chains, and strung
popcorn. Korbin idly wondered if the coven had
many children and if they’d decorated it.

The trees ringing the room, tucked between

food and beverage tables, weren’t the only

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decorations, either. There were garlands hung on
the wall and sprigs of mistletoe attached to the
ceiling. Korbin made a note to watch his step.

“Wow,” Korbin whispered. “It’s stunning in

here.”

“It is, isn’t it?” A man’s voice sounded from

beside him. “They’ve outdone themselves this
year.”

Korbin started and stepped sideways. His

friends were no longer in sight, and he wondered
how long he’d been standing there. Geez, anyone
who’d looked at him probably thought he was
some kind of hillbilly, slack-jawed yokel. Just
because he’d never seen anything like this didn’t
mean he wanted to advertise it.

“I apologize,” the stranger said. “I didn’t mean

to startle you.”

Finally pulling his gaze away from the

impressive display of decorations, Korbin turned
to the man standing next to him. He wore a tux,
like the other men in the room. The dark haired
stranger stood only partially facing him with his
hands clasped behind his back, stretching his
jacket across his broad shoulders and accentuating
his wide chest. His lean waist tapered to long legs
that Korbin could imagine were muscular and
defined. Finally, Korbin returned his focus to the
man’s face and discovered the guy’s head turned
toward him and the man watched him with deep
green eyes that danced with mirth.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Realizing he’d been caught staring, Korbin

flushed, his face heating. “Uh, sorry,” he
mumbled. Thinking quickly, he waved a hand at
the party goers. “I’m a little out of my element. I
apologize.”

“Not a problem,” the man assured. He pulled

his arms from behind his back and held out his
right hand. “Jaymes Martinez.”

“Korbin Harris,” he replied, taking Jaymes’

hand and giving it a quick shake. “Nice to meet
you.”

“Shall we get drinks?” Jaymes asked, indicating

a nearby beverage table with his left hand. “I
would enjoy a stiff drink before dealing with the
politics of covens interacting.”

Korbin felt his brows shoot up, nodding

absently. “Yeah. Yeah, that’d be good.”

When Jaymes settled a hand on the small of his

back, Korbin almost jerked away. Still, the man
must have felt it, for he rubbed up and down his
spine soothingly. “Easy, I’m not trying anything,”
Jaymes assured with a smile. “The way you
looked at me gave me the impression you swing
my way. Am I wrong?”

“N-No,” Korbin replied. “You’re a very

attractive man.”

Jaymes chuckled. “I’m glad you think so.

You’re very attractive yourself.” Stopping at one
of the open bars, Jaymes asked him, “Beer? Wine?
Mixed drink?”

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Not wanting to get himself in trouble by

lowering his inhibitions too much, Korbin replied,
“A beer, uh, Bud Light, I suppose.” Once Jaymes
had acquired the beverages—getting a gin and
tonic for himself—Korbin thanked him. Then,
after taking a sip, he asked, “So, uh, I don’t know
protocol or etiquette or whatever, but I’m human
and fairly new at this. Are you a vampire or a
human or a shifter?” He offered a smile, trying to
appear self-depreciating. “Am I allowed to ask
that?”

Winking, Jaymes grinned widely…showing off

a pair of fangs.

Nodding, Korbin whispered, “A vampire, then.

So, are you part of this coven? You mentioned
inter-coven politics, so I assume another coven is
here, too?”

Jaymes returned his hand to Korbin’s back and

led him toward the nearest tree. “There are two.
I’m from a coven north of Amarillo, Texas. We
came to discuss trading beef with Master Adalric,”
he explained. “He has a silk worm farm which is
actually quite impressive.” Leaning close, Jaymes
confided, “There are many in my coven who enjoy
the feel of silk against their skin.” His green eyes
darkened. “How about you?”

Korbin opened his mouth to answer, then

meeting the other man’s gaze, realized the
vampire was most likely coming onto him. “Uh,

A Nip of Good Cheer

I’ve never had any,” Korbin admitted. “Is it, um,
nice?”

Chuckling, Jaymes straightened. “It is. Anyway,

this is just opening festivities to get to know each
other. Business talks begin tomorrow morning.”
Stopping before the tree, he told him, “So tonight,
I get to relax and enjoy myself.” He peered up at
the tree decorated exclusively with action figures
and frowned. “I don’t understand this.”

Korbin chuckled as he looked at the colorful

myriad of blue Captain Americas, green Hulks,
black Hawks and Black Widows, along with an
array of others. “It’s an Avengers themed tree.”
Turning and looking around, he pointed at
another. “There’s a Toy Story themed tree and a
Smurf one, too.” He grinned. “I wonder how many
kids are in this coven.”

“No idea,” Jaymes replied conversationally.

“We have about a dozen or so back in Texas.” He
chuckled. “Nothing like watching a little one
bounce around on the back of a horse, squealing
with glee, while learning to ride.”

Korbin tried to imagine that, nodding slowly. “I

bet it is.”

“What about you?” Jaymes asked. “Do you

have kids?”

Snorting, Korbin shook his head. “Uh, no.

Condoms are my friend.”

Barking a laugh, Jaymes grinned widely. “Yes,

yes, they are.”

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Korbin appreciated the strong lines of Jaymes’

face. He liked the feel of the vampire’s guiding
hand on his back, the look of his strong body, and
the melodious sound of his laughter. As they
neared the next tree, this one covered in silver
tinsel and white angels, Korbin wished he could
feel some actual attraction for the man, but his
cock stayed mostly soft.

Too bad.
Still, Korbin could admit he enjoyed Jaymes’

company.

“What do you do for fun, then, Korbin?”

Jaymes’ lips curved a bit in a smirk. “Other than
making certain to always use condoms.”

Snickering, Korbin didn’t bother fighting the

slight flush that warmed his cheeks. “Well, I’m in
my fourth year of college and I’m gearing up to go
after my Masters in mathematics.”

“Really,” Jaymes sounded impressed rather

than surprised. “You’re a math wiz, then?”

“Eh, I’m okay,” Korbin replied modestly. He

wasn’t going to admit he’d actually managed to
win a scholarship through a mathematics-geared
foundation that would cover tuition for several of
next year’s classes…providing he could continue
to keep his head in his studies and his grades up.
That meant he should be putting a certain
unattainable vampire out of his thoughts. Maybe
the best way to do that would be to enjoy a bout of
fun with another vampire.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Tilting his head, Korbin stared discreetly up at

Jaymes. He again took in his strong lines and the
way the tuxedo hugged his body. The guy really
was sexy. Korbin just couldn’t figure out why his
dick wasn’t responding. Jaymes would have been
just his type if he wasn’t lusting after another man.

Oh, well. I shouldn’t get involved with anyone

anyway.

“I’m also looking for a suitable partner.”
Korbin’s jaw sagged open. “What did you say?”
Jaymes chuckled softly as he turned to face

Korbin fully. He lifted his hand and, using a
crooked finger, closed Korbin’s mouth before
lowering his hand to Korbin’s shoulder and
squeezing it lightly. “Is that such a surprise? I’m
tired of being alone and wish to spend my life
with someone. I find myself attracted to you, and
what you’ve told me about yourself so far is
intriguing.” He smiled, his green eyes sparkling.
“Not just another pretty face.”

“Oh, wow,” Korbin whispered. “Thank you.”

Licking his lips, he struggled to find a suitable
response. “You’re very straightforward.”

Nodding once, Jaymes replied, “Well, being a

mathematician, I figured you’d appreciate that
approach.” He shrugged, his expression serious.
“State my intentions up front and see if we’re
compatible. A relationship should start with
friendship and be built on solid ground, right?”

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“Y-Yeah, yeah, that’s right,” Korbin replied,

nodding.

Holy crap! Was this vampire really

propositioning him?

Jaymes smiled. “In that case, while I’m here,

may I take you to dinner? That way, we’ll be able
to get to know each other better,” he suggested.
Glancing around, he waved his sweating glass
almost absently. “In a more private setting.”

Well, I was just thinking I wished relationships

could be more straightforward…like math. See? Ask
and ye shall receive.

“I think I’d like that,” Korbin replied, meaning

it. Hell, just because he went out with the man, it
didn’t mean anything would happen. Still, it’d
make a fantastic diversion, and one never knew if
something would flair between them. “So, I know
you’re a vampire. How old are you, Jaymes? If
you’re looking for a partner, I assume you’re at
least a century.” Korbin grinned at Jaymes’ mildly
surprised look. “I’ve been around enough
paranormals to know you all can live around five
centuries and ya’ll seem pretty patient.”

Jaymes chuckled and nodded. “Fair enough.

I’m three hundred and twelve…I think,” he
finished, his eyes narrowing.

“You think?” Korbin teased, enjoying the new

dynamic.

Nodding again, Jaymes grinned, showing off

his fangs. His eyes danced with mirth. “I spent my

A Nip of Good Cheer

formative years with a coven that didn’t celebrate
birthdays, so I didn’t really start keeping track
until I moved with my family to Portugal.” He
shrugged. “Once you hit a century and a half, they
all run together anyway. It’s my best guess.”

Korbin had never considered that. “Wow,

yeah.” His mind reeled at that revelation. “I can
see how that’d be.”

“Will you have dinner with me tomorrow

evening?” Jaymes asked. “Perhaps show me a
little of the town?”

“Sure, I can—wait, I can’t,” Korbin corrected.

“I’m meeting with Paul.”

Jaymes’ brows lifted. “Paul? Already dating

someone?”

Korbin scoffed, shaking his head. “No,” he

answered, waving the hand not holding the beer.
“I’m a volunteer in the local Big Brother, Big Sister
program. Paul is my little brother. I’m scheduled to
meet with him tomorrow evening.” Korbin only
met with Paul one Sunday a month, but this
happened to be that weekend.”

“Ah, I see,” Jaymes nodded, smiling.

“Volunteer work.” He sounded impressed. “Now,
I appreciate your thoughtful heart, too.”

Korbin wasn’t certain how to respond to that.

Fortunately, he didn’t have to.

“What’s your schedule on Monday look like?”

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After mentally double-checking his schedule,

Korbin nodded. “I have school, of course, but any
time after six in the evening I’ll be free.”

“Good.” Jaymes grinned. “I will pick you up at

seven. Number?” he asked, holding up his phone.

Korbin didn’t even think about refusing. He

just rattled off his number.

“Pardon for the interruption,” a lithe blonde

female said, stopping beside them. “Master
Jaymes?”

As Jaymes turned to face the woman, he slid his

hand from Korbin’s arm to his back. He rested it
lightly between his shoulder blades. The move
screamed possession to Korbin and goose bumps
broke out over his chest. He couldn’t quite put his
finger on the sensation he felt, and just kept from
moving away from him to make it stop.

“Yes?” Jaymes addressed the woman,

refocusing Korbin’s attention.

“We’re moving to the dining room, Master

Jaymes.” She tilted her head in deference, then
moved away.

Korbin registered the title. “Master?”
Jaymes turned to Korbin, a smile curving his

lips. He nodded. “Yes. I hope that doesn’t mean
you’ll cancel our date,” he replied, his expression
turning decidedly feral.

“Oh, uh, no,” Korbin responded. “Of course

not.” Somewhere in the back of his mind, though,
Korbin realized this could be a very bad idea.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Jaymes was a coven leader, which meant there
was no way he would change covens to move
here. Korbin really had no desire to move away
from his friends or school.

Just what did I agree to?
As Korbin allowed Jaymes to guide him toward

the dining room, he worried he was already in
over his head…and they hadn’t even gone on that
date, yet.

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Chapter Four

ossessive rage unlike anything he’d ever felt
before surged through Daystrum. With every

fiber of his being, he wanted to tear Jaymes’ limb
from his body and beat him with it. How dare the
visiting coven master touch Korbin!

After leaving Korbin’s side earlier, Daystrum

had sought out Adalric. He’d wanted to share the
news that he’d figured out what had been causing
his dreams—and mental lapses—over the past few
months. Daystrum had met his beloved and not
even recognized him. Not his finest moment, that
was certain.

When Daystrum had located Adalric, his coven

master was in the middle of a discussion with
Kontra, Tim, and Gerald. Not wanting to admit his
failure in front of others, he had simply caught
Adalric’s eye and nodded. His leader must have
sensed something, for he arched one brow before
returning his focus to the people he chatted with.

Daystrum had turned and began making the

rounds. He’d chatted with members of his own

A Nip of Good Cheer

coven as well as met a few visitors. All the while,
Daystrum had searched for Korbin. When he’d
finally spotted the human, Korbin had been on the
other side of the room, deep in conversation with
the visiting coven master Jaymes Martinez.

Starting across the floor, Daystrum had kept

one eye on Korbin and Jaymes as he’d
maneuvered between couples. He’d gritted his
teeth and forced himself to offer pleasantries to
everyone who’d stopped him to say hello. As he
was the second of his coven, many had wanted his
attention, too.

Now, Daystrum watched another vampire lead

his prospective beloved out of the ballroom and
into the dining hall. Clenching his jaw, he knew he
couldn’t really do too much about it yet, either.
Daystrum couldn’t openly contest Jaymes’ right to
speak with Korbin, since he’d neither marked the
young human in any way nor even declared his
intentions. He needed to speak with Korbin alone.

Daystrum didn’t relish the idea of apologizing

or groveling to Korbin in public. He’d do it as a
last resort, but he hoped to find a way around it.
With that thought in mind, Daystrum clenched his
hands into fists and followed the pair to the dining
room.

Rounding the table, Daystrum chose a place

where he could see Jaymes and Korbin’s faces. It
might be agony watching another vampire interact
with his beloved while he could not, but at least

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this way he’d be able to read their lips if the
conversations around him drowned out their
voices. He wanted to know what the pair spoke of.

Tim Laurent pulled the chair out next to him

and settled in the seat. Kontra, Tim’s mate, sat
next to the warlock shifter hybrid. Daystrum had
heard that due to the magick running through the
man’s blood, he didn’t shift into a European eagle
owl as his father did. Tim did, however, have
visions.

“You look like you’re about to spit nails,” Tim

commented, picking up his napkin and laying it
across his lap. “Good thing looks can’t kill, or
Jaymes would be flayed alive with his entrails
strung up on the garland like a trophy.”

Daystrum looked sharply at Tim, his eyes

widening in surprise. Tim smirked as he scoffed,
lifting one sandy brow pointedly. Grimacing,
Daystrum sighed.

“That obvious?”
Chuckling, Tim shook his head. “Naw, but I

knew before you did, so was watching for your
response.”

“You knew?” Daystrum frowned. “How?”
Tim tapped his temple. “Visions, remember?”

he reminded. “Why do you think I insisted they
come?” Then, he shrugged. “When Kontra
mentioned Korbin asked after you, it seemed odd
to me…until I had the vision.”

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Daystrum sighed. “Should have recognized

him at his home.”

“Part of you did,” Tim replied. “But you’re

about to get a second chance.”

“What? What do you mean?” Daystrum asked

quickly, glancing from where Jaymes was
speaking to Korbin and back to Tim. “A second
chance at what?”

Tim scoffed. “Spending time with your beloved

of course.” His tone made it clear just how stupid
he thought Daystrum’s questions were. “He’s
about to get a phone call. Yep, there it is.”

Daystrum turned his head just enough to watch

as Korbin pulled his phone from…somewhere and
frowned at it. He read the human’s lips, knowing
he told Jaymes, I’m sorry. I need to take this. Please,
excuse me. Then, Korbin rose and headed out of the
room.

“Okay, that’s your cue,” Tim said.
“For what?”
Tim waved toward where Korbin had retreated

down a hall that led to a wing of guest rooms.
“You need to offer him a ride.”

“Offer him a ride?” Daystrum asked, struggling

to make sense of Tim’s words.

“Yeah, before he returns and asks Brock for the

keys to his car,” Tim replied. He pushed at
Daystrum’s shoulder. “Get going.”

Obeying the forcefulness of Tim’s words,

Daystrum rose before thinking. He frowned down

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at Tim. “I can’t just leave in the middle of the
Christmas party.” Still, the desire to track down
his prospective beloved and help him rode him
hard.

“I’ll explain to Adalric,” Kontra told him,

obviously having been listening to the
conversation. “Don’t look a gift horse in the
mouth, buddy.”

Daystrum decided that was enough for him.

“Thanks.”

Rounding the table, Daystrum hustled toward

the hallway where Korbin had disappeared. He
glanced back at the long table full of guests. He
spotted Korbin’s friend, Brock, and watched for a
few seconds as the young man flirted with the two
women sitting on either side of him. Yeah,
Daystrum could definitely keep Korbin from
bothering his player of a friend.

Returning his focus forward, Daystrum inhaled

deeply. This time, even with all the strangers
filling his home, he easily picked up Korbin’s
scent. The spicy-sweet, masculine goodness of the
human’s blood flowed across his senses.

Daystrum followed the trail of Korbin’s scent.

Rounding the corner, he spotted Korbin pacing
back and forth in the hallway, three steps to the
left, four steps to the right, and back again. Korbin
ran a hand through his short, black hair, then
rested his hand on the back of his neck and
massaged the tendons there.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Even clearly agitated, Korbin was the sexiest

man Daystrum had ever seen. However, he didn’t
like seeing the young man so worked up. Unable
to fight the need to soothe Korbin, Daystrum
started toward him.

Korbin had just hung up the phone when

Daystrum reached his side and rested a hand on
his shoulder. The human jerked sideways, away
from his touch, as he spun to face him. Daystrum
lifted his hands in the universal easy does it signal.

“Crap, you startled me,” Korbin muttered. His

cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink as he held
his hand to his chest. “Wh-What are you doing
here?”

“I apologize,” Daystrum told him. “I saw you

slip away and wanted to make certain you were
okay.” He paused, thinking quickly, before
adding, “I could scent that you were a bit upset.”
Waving a hand vaguely toward the phone Korbin
held in his right hand. “Is everything okay?”

As he licked his lips, Korbin’s gaze flicked from

Daystrum to the wall toward the floor and back to
his face again. “Uh, n-no,” he said, shifting
nervously from foot to foot. “My friend Paul needs
help.”

Korbin returned his free hand to his neck and

massaged the tendons again, clearly agitated. He
lowered his gaze, then his cheeks flushed darker.
As Daystrum watched, Korbin’s eyes widened just

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a bit, then he snapped his head back up. His scent
intensified.

Daystrum’s mouth watered with the scent of

Korbin’s blood rushing to his face, the life-giving
force pounding through the veins of his neck. The
heady scent called to Daystrum. He took a step
forward and rested a hand on Korbin’s shoulder,
his thumb rubbing over Korbin’s pulse point.

“Korbin.” Daystrum whispered the human’s

name, his body nearly vibrating with the need to
pull the man into his arms and make him his own.
“Your smell—”

“I need to go,” Korbin whispered, tension

thrumming under Daystrum’s fingertips.

Daystrum lifted his other hand to cup Korbin’s

jaw. “And I need to taste your lips,” he whispered.
“Then I will take you anywhere you want to go.”
Daystrum knew it was a bit heavy-handed, but
with the scent of Korbin’s arousal and blood
causing his own senses to sing, his need overruled
his good sense.

Lowering his hold from his neck to Korbin’s

back, Daystrum tugged Korbin closer as he
lowered his head. With the hand Daystrum had on
Korbin’s jaw, he tilted his human’s head up. First,
Daystrum brushed his lips over Korbin’s upper
lip, then his lower, then he sealed his mouth over
Korbin’s.

Korbin let out a strangled gasp, and Daystrum

took full advantage of the opening. He thrust his

A Nip of Good Cheer

tongue out, slipping it between Korbin’s lips.
Swirling around Korbin’s mouth, Daystrum
explored the other man, enjoying his honey flavor
mixed with a hint of beer. He lapped and teased
Korbin’s tongue, entreating him to join in
exploration.

Finally, Korbin’s lips relaxed, and he brought

his free hand up to grip the lapel of Daystrum’s
jacket. Leaning into him, Korbin’s head tilted just
a bit more and his tongue came out to lap against
Daystrum’s tentatively. Humming in appreciation,
Daystrum suckled gently on the appendage.
Korbin whined, feeding Daystrum’s need.

Wanting to hear more of those noises,

Daystrum scraped his fang lightly over Korbin’s
tongue. Korbin rewarded him with a groan and a
fisted, phone-filled hand pressed against his hip.
Daystrum growled into his mouth, liking his soon-
to-be lover’s responses. He wanted more…and he
sure as hell wanted Korbin as his own.

With that primal thought in mind, when Korbin

lapped at his fang, Daystrum changed the angle
just enough to once again scrape his fang across
Korbin’s tongue. The prick, harder this time, drew
blood. Daystrum tasted the couple of beads that
welled up, one sweet burst of flavor after another.

My beloved!
Daystrum wanted more, but as Korbin

whimpered and shivered in his grip, he
remembered where and when they were. Easing

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the kiss to an end, Daystrum sipped a few last
kisses to Korbin’s lips. He lifted his head and
smiled into Korbin’s dazed, dilated eyes.

“So handsome, beloved,” Daystrum murmured.

He slid his thumb along the bottom edge of
Korbin’s lower lip. “Just like in my dreams. I can’t
wait to live them.”

Korbin blinked and seemed to shake himself

out of whatever lust induced stupor he’d been
under. Too bad, in Daystrum’s opinion. He
thought it a good look on his human.

“Dreams?”
Daystrum chuckled roughly. Lust and desire

deepening his voice, he rumbled, “While I might
not have smelled your blood when I entered your
home that day, something about you still called to
me.” He saw the uncertainty in Korbin’s eyes, and
grimaced at the sight. “You are my beloved,
Korbin Harris,” Daystrum whispered. “I’m sorry I
didn’t realize it right away. I’m sorry it took us
this long to connect. Now that we have, I will
spend however long it takes to win your
forgiveness. I will remain stuck to your side, your
every wish my command,” he vowed.

For several seconds, Korbin gaped. Then, he

scowled and shook his head. “How can you say
that? You don’t know anything about me, and you
were in my house and didn’t scent me.” Korbin
pulled away and sighed. “Look, your amazing

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kisses aside, I don’t appreciate being jerked
around, and I gotta go.”

“I know you do,” Daystrum replied,

undeterred. He hadn’t thought his first plea would
convince Korbin, no matter how nice that would
have been. “Come on. My car is waiting in the
garage, and I’ll take you wherever you need to
go.”

Korbin hesitated, the way he rubbed his phone

against his pant-leg giving away his concern.

Daystrum lifted his hands, palm out. “I promise

I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want
or aren’t ready for.”

Korbin still stared at him uncertainly, so he

added with a wink, “Well, within reason. I can’t
promise I won’t try to…convince you.” He
grinned, showing off his fangs as he narrowed his
brows and gave his beloved a heated look.

To Daystrum’s pleasure, Korbin flushed. His

mouth opened and he swept his tongue out to
slide it over his bottom lip. Then, he must have
realized what he’d done, or it could have been that
his phone vibrated. “Shit,” Korbin hissed, lifting
the phone and swiping his finger across the
screen. “Fine,” he replied, almost absently as he
read what must have been a text. “I need to get to
Fourth and Colkin Street in Blue Ridge. That’s a
little suburb west of Albuquerque.” He glanced up
and down the hall. “Which way to the garage?”

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Sensing Korbin’s sudden urgency, Daystrum

nodded once. “This way.” He settled a hand on
Korbin’s hip and guided him to the left. Daystrum
would have liked to feel satisfaction that his
beloved followed his guidance docilely, but as
Korbin’s focus remained on his phone and the
second text he’d received, Daystrum knew it was
because the human was preoccupied with
whatever irritated him.

“How long to get there?”
Daystrum glanced at the address on the

screen…from a Paul, and fought down a bite of
jealousy. “I’ll plug it into my GPS and get us there
as quick as possible,” he promised, opening the
door to the garage and pointing them in the
direction of his Lexus S-Class Sedan.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Chapter Five

ho is Paul?”
Korbin pulled his focus away from his

phone. He’d never considered himself great at
reading people he didn’t know, but even he could
hear the slight bit of tension in Daystrum’s voice.
Add in the narrowed eyes and white knuckled
grip the vampire had on the steering wheel,
Korbin could only come to one conclusion.

Daystrum was jealous.
While Korbin’s heart had pounded with

excitement and anticipation when Daystrum had
claimed him as his beloved, he’d felt a fair bit of
disappointment and trepidation, too. Why hadn’t
the vampire scented him before? They’d been in
the same house, after all. Korbin still didn’t feel
like he’d received a satisfactory answer, and until
he did, he wasn’t certain how close he wanted to
allow Daystrum to get. That was why he’d been
focusing on his phone and not on his very sexy
driver.

“W

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“I work as a volunteer big brother,” Korbin told

him. “Paul is my little brother. He’s seventeen and
I’ve been his mentor for about…two years now.”
Deciding he’d better tell a little of the situation
before they got to the teenager, he continued,
“About a year ago, Paul started asking me about
sex.” His face heated, remembering that awkward
conversation, but he powered through. “He was
figuring out his sexuality, so I had the safe sex
conversation and all.”

Glancing toward him before returning his gaze

to the road, Daystrum cut in, “Did he have no
parents? Or a single parent who was too busy? Get
in trouble with the law?”

Korbin thought quickly, deciding how much he

could share without breaking Paul’s trust.
Deciding to stick with what was public record,
mostly, Korbin told him, “Paul’s mother was a
crack-head prostitute. She’d lose custody of Paul,
get clean, then relapse and lose custody again. I
don’t know how many times it happened. I’m not
even sure Paul knows,” he said, frowning.”

“Some people should not breed,” Daystrum

grumbled.

Snorting, Korbin responded, “You got that

right.” He licked his lips, recalling where he’d left
off. “Anyway, she finally overdosed, and Paul
bounced around between foster homes and boys
homes. He landed in the program after being
caught shoplifting.”

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“Damn, sounds rough,” Daystrum stated,

sounding sincere. “What did he shoplift?”

“Bread, peanut butter, jam, and a couple of cans

of sliced peaches and tuna fish,” Korbin told him.
“It’s why he wasn’t written off. He was only
trying to feed himself, so the store owner agreed
to drop charges if Paul went into the program.”

Chuckling softly, Korbin remembered their first

couple of visits. Paul had sat in stony silence while
Korbin read out loud from the teenager’s text
books. First, he’d read an English text book,
followed by a pre-algebra book. Korbin had had
fun with that one, refreshing his memory about
sines, cosines, and triangle calculation.

It’d been when Korbin was reading about the

Spanish Inquisition at the third appointment that
Paul had finally started asking questions. Okay,
he’d more or less made a belligerent comment
about how stupid people were to go against the
Spanish government. That’d led to a discussion
about the pros and cons of fighting for equal
rights, the civil war, and slavery.

By the time Korbin had glanced at his watch

again, they’d exceeded their required time
together. Slowly, Paul had begun opening up to
him, culminating in asking if he knew anyone who
was gay. Korbin had hesitated only an instant
before admitting he considered himself bisexual,
had been with both sexes, and had an openly gay
buddy.

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“You’re smiling,” Daystrum commented. “I

take it you and he have become quite close.”

Korbin nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, we have. He’s

like the younger brother I never had. Me and my
friends are all only children, which probably
accounted for why we bonded so quickly in grade
school, then became thick as thieves by the time
we reached middle school.” Except now, they
were growing up and starting separate lives. Still,
they always knew they could count on each other.

“Anyway,” Korbin continued. “Like I said,

Paul’s feeling out his sexuality and he’s finally
come to terms with being gay.” He smiled a bit. “I
remember how proud he looked when he finally
said it out loud to me the first time.”

“The first obstacle with something like that is

accepting the fact yourself,” Daystrum stated.
“Especially with some of the bigoted shit people
can spew without even meaning to.”

“Yep,” Korbin agreed. “Paul heard kids at

school insult something by saying that’s so gay all
the time.” Grimacing, he commented, “Doesn’t
put being gay in a good light, does it?” He curled
his lip in irritation as he shook his head. “That’s
one of the reasons he struggled with it for so long.
Thoughtless comments.”

Daystrum reached over and rested his large

hand on his lower thigh. “I’m sorry it ended up so
hard on him,” he said, giving Korbin’s flesh a

A Nip of Good Cheer

gentle squeeze. “Why does he need help this
evening?”

Korbin stared at Daystrum’s big palm, feeling

the warmth of his hand. His breath hitched in his
chest as his pulse spiked. Breathing deeply,
Korbin struggled to focus. “Uh, he told his foster
father that he was gay this evening after supper.
Evidently, he didn’t take it so well.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Daystrum said. “Do

you know what happened?”

Shaking his head, Korbin’s gaze remained fixed

on Daystrum’s hand. “No, just that he had to get
out of there.”

When Daystrum rubbed his thigh lightly,

Korbin managed to drag his stare up to the
vampire’s face. The male seemed to be focused on
the road ahead, his hand moving absently. Korbin
found it damn distracting.

“Wh-what are you doing?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“My leg?” Korbin elaborated, glancing toward

where Daystrum still petted him. “You’re rubbing
my leg.” Korbin wondered if that sounded as
inane to Daystrum as it did to his own ears.

Daystrum chuckled. He squeezed lightly, then

moved his hand to Korbin’s knee and massaged
the cartilage there. Korbin shivered, tingles
spreading up and down his leg, goose bumps
breaking out over his skin. He didn’t think the

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feeling should turn him on, but his dick evidently
liked it, for blood flooded his groin.

“I like touching you, Korbin,” Daystrum told

him, his voice deepening. “Can’t blame a guy for
taking advantage.” He glanced Korbin’s way and
grinned. “Besides, we both know you like it. I look
forward to finding out just how sensitive your
knees truly are.”

“I have a date Monday night with Jaymes.”

Korbin immediately slapped his hand over his
mouth, uncertain why he’d blurted that little tidbit
of information out. “Sorry,” he muttered between
his fingers.

Daystrum’s hold tightened just a bit, though

not enough to hurt. Loosening his hand again, he
gently massaged away any perceived pain. “That
will make things more complicated,” he conceded.
“Coven masters don’t like to lose.”

“Are you sure I’m your beloved?”
Korbin whispered the question, wishing it were

true while still not believing.

“Yes.” Daystrum didn’t hesitate an instant, his

tone emphatic. “You are my beloved.”

“Then, how come you didn’t sense me before?”

Korbin asked what he really wanted to know.
“You were in my house.” He couldn’t hide the hurt
he felt. He’d been pining over the vampire for
months, after all.

Daystrum sighed. “I’ll explain,” he said. “I

promise I will, but—”

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“What?” Korbin cut in, irritation filling him.

“Why won’t you tell me now?”

“Because we’re here,” Daystrum told him. He

pointed toward the front of the Walmart. “See him
anywhere?”

Relieved and let down all at once, Korbin

replied, “Oh.” He turned toward the lit up
entrance, searching for the familiar figure of Paul.
“There,” he said, spotting a slight figure, which
appeared even smaller due to the overly large
hoodie and his hunched posture.

“You sure he’s seventeen?” Daystrum asked

softly, bringing the car to a stop at the curb
nearby. “He doesn’t look it.”

“He knows,” Korbin responded flatly before

pushing the car door open and stepping out.
“Paul,” he called loudly. At the sound of Korbin’s
holler, Paul’s head came up and he began glancing
around. Korbin lifted an arm and waved. “Here!”

Paul picked up a backpack that had been

resting near his feet and moved toward him
warily, his stride hesitant. After a few paces, he
must have recognized Korbin, for his pace
quickened, becoming surer. The slender, auburn
haired young man’s eyes narrowed as he swept
his gaze over Korbin.

“Geez, Kor. Where were you?” Paul asked,

stopping before him. Bouncing on the balls of his
feet, betraying his nerves, he shoved his hands

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into his hoodie and glanced uncertainly at the car.
“Did I, uh, interrupt a date or something?”

“Naw,” Korbin replied. “Was at a Christmas

party put on by a bigwig. Friend of a friend type
thing. No big deal.” He opened the back door and
motioned for Paul to climb inside. “Hop in.”

After Paul obeyed, Korbin returned to the front

seat and closed the door. He buckled his seatbelt,
then turned in his seat so he could see Paul. “Paul,
this is Daystrum,” he introduced, waving toward
the vampire. “He agreed to give me a ride.”

Daystrum turned and smiled, holding out his

hand. “Nice to meet you, Paul.”

Paul glanced toward Korbin as if seeking

reassurance, then stretched out his hand and
grasped it. “You, too.”

“And don’t worry,” Daystrum continued,

releasing Paul’s hand. “Even if we were on a date,
you could still interrupt.”

Sitting back in his seat, Paul glanced between

them. “Oh, you two are dating?”

Daystrum smiled widely, just keeping his fangs

hidden. “Not, yet, but we will be.” He winked and
lowered his voice as if to be conspiratorial. “Do
you know his favorite food? Color? Something I
can use to woo him?”

“Woo him?” Paul snorted. He grinned and

glanced toward Korbin before returning his focus
to Daystrum and replying, “Uh, food is shepherd’s
pie, color is purple—”

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“Paul!” Korbin snapped in warning.
Snickering,

Paul

shrugged,

completely

unrepentant. “Well, it is.”

Daystrum chuckled. He smiled heatedly at

Korbin. “I’m sure I could find some purple fuzzy
handcuffs.” His look turned feral. “Maybe a
purple blindfold?”

Korbin’s breath hitched in his lungs. He

shivered at the desire clearly written all over
Daystrum’s face. His own cock thickened nearly to
the point of pain in response. Even his balls
tightened, and Korbin knew if Daystrum so much
as touched him he’d go off like a roman candle.

“Wow,” Paul whispered. “Talk about the

chemistry between you two.”

Yanking his gaze to Paul, Korbin focused on

breathing.

Paul’s eyes were huge in his face as he glanced

from Korbin to Daystrum and back again. “Just
accept the date, Kor,” he advised. “That way you
can get to the good stuff.”

“I completely agree with your friend,”

Daystrum rumbled. He crooked his fingers and
traced his knuckles down Korbin’s jaw. “Very
good stuff.”

Korbin felt his balls pull tighter and he

swallowed hard. Staring into Daystrum’s deep
blue eyes, hot, feral, and full of promise, Korbin
knew the vampire would deliver on every word
spoken. Gulping, he lowered his gaze, staring at

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the middle console as he focused on getting
control of himself. Here was neither the time nor
place—hell, being turned on nearly to the point of
pain in front of Paul royally sucked—and Korbin
willed his dick to remember that.

Perhaps sensing his dilemma, Daystrum leaned

forward and pressed a soft butterfly kiss to his
lips. He released him and straightened in his seat.
“So, where are we headed?”

Korbin swallowed hard, getting some much-

needed moisture to his throat. “My place. I have a
couple extra bedrooms now that Kai and Tyson
have moved out.” He peered into the back seat as
he felt the car start moving. “You want to stay the
night, Paul? You can tell me why you’re at
Walmart by yourself at nine-thirty at night.”

Paul sighed and flopped backward, resting his

head back. He stared at the ceiling of the car and
mumbled, “Jackson didn’t take me coming out
very well.”

“I’m sorry,” Korbin replied, grimacing. The

words sounded so inadequate. “What’d he say?”

His features pulling into a scowl, Paul snarled,

“He accused me of molesting Caleb.” Sneering, he
grumbled, “As if I’d touch that brat with a ten foot
pole. Asshole.”

The blood draining from his face—and his dick,

thank god—Korbin turned around as much as the
seatbelt would allow. “He did what? Why the hell
would he say that?” While Korbin hadn’t been

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certain how accepting Jackson, Paul’s foster father,
would be of Paul’s announcement, for him to
spew something like that…

Paul scoffed. “After I said my piece, you

know…I figure you already know, but I just
wanted to confirm because I don’t want any
confusion, I’m gay.” He paused and lifted a hand
to his face, rubbing his eyes. Paul continued,
looking vacantly toward the roof of the car. “Caleb
immediately spouts off, is that why you look at me
in the bathroom?” He curled his lip. “As if.”

Daystrum growled. “And this…Jackson…he

believed Caleb?”

“What do you think?” Paul groused.
His heart heavy in his chest, Korbin reached out

and touched Daystrum’s upper arm, feeling the
tension in the bicep under his fingertips. “Jackson
took Paul in almost a year ago. Caleb is his
biological son. He’s, uh…” Korbin hated speaking
ill of someone he barely knew, but every brief
interaction reinforced the opinion cultivated by
Paul’s many stories. “Caleb’s an entitled jackass.”

“Really,” Daystrum growled.
The vampire glanced toward Korbin, a touch of

red in his eyes, betraying his anger.

Korbin rubbed Daystrum’s arm, trying to ease

his tension. Immediately he felt the muscles under
his palm relax. Focusing on Paul, he told him,
“When we get home, I’ll put in a call to Mrs.

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Fallon. You can crash in one of our spare
bedrooms. We’ll get this sorted out. Don’t worry.”

Paul lifted his hand and glared. He shook his

head. “There’s no way to get this sorted,” he told
him. “I’ve been kicked out for coming on to his
son. For something I never did.” He curled his lip
and scoffed. “For something I’d never do. He’s so
not my type. I like older men. They know what
they’re doing. And bears. The bigger and hairier
the better.”

“We all have preferences,” Daystrum assured.

“Hey, we’re here.”

Korbin glanced out the window, surprised to

see that they were indeed already at his house.
Nodding slowly, he returned his focus to
Daystrum as he listened to the door open behind
him and Paul moved to get out.

“Thank you for everything,” Korbin said,

disappointment spiking through him that their
time had come to an end. “It was awfully nice of
you.”

Daystrum gripped his upper arm and leaned

close. Without waiting, he sealed his lips over
Korbin’s. He thrust his tongue in, sliding it and
tangling it with the vampire’s own. Sucking
Daystrum’s tongue, Korbin tightened his hold on
the vampire’s arm and pressed as close as he
could over the center console.

When breathing became paramount, Korbin

released a growling Daystrum’s tongue. He

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gasped in several breaths, his chest heaving as he
looked into the vampire’s lightly glowing eyes.

“Yeah,” Korbin whispered. “I wanna see you

again.”

Daystrum nodded. “Good.” He leaned forward

and pressed a hard kiss to Korbin’s lips before
releasing him. “If you need anything, anything at
all.” He held out a card. “Call me.” He winked.
“Or I’ll get your number from Kontra.”

“I’ll call you,” Korbin promised. Then, knowing

he had other responsibilities, he pushed from the
vehicle. After a glance over his shoulder and a
smile at Daystrum, he shut the door and hustled
after Paul.

Charlie Richards

Chapter Six

y the time Daystrum made the drive back to
the vampire’s manor house near Santa Fe, it

was pushing eleven o’clock. He parked his car in
the garage and rubbed a hand over his eyes,
fatigue and need mixing in his system. Feeling a
tension headache coming on, he pushed out of the
car and headed into the house. Daystrum hoped a
shower, complete with jack-off session, and his
bed would ease him.

As soon as he walked into the house, Daystrum

realized that wasn’t going to happen. Not right
away, at least. He had just made it to the back
stairwell when Benjamin Raysis approached him.
The young vampire—at thirty-one years old,
practically considered a child by most vampires—
waved and called his name, jogging to catch up
with him.

Daystrum bit back a sigh and turned to face the

man. He offered a tired smile and said, “Hey,
Benji. What can I do for you?”

“Hi, Day,” Benji greeted, grinning widely.

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In Daystrum’s opinion, the guy had way too

much energy for it being after eleven o’clock at
night.

Benji stopped in front of him, bouncing on his

toes with excess energy. “I’m so glad I found you.
Master Adalric is looking for you. He thought you
were out because your car was gone, but I heard
you come home, so I told him I’d find you,” he
rambled.

Daystrum held up his hand, hoping to stem the

man’s verbal diarrhea. It worked. “Is the master in
his office? Or has he retired for the evening?”

“He’s still in his office. He has a few others with

him.”

Nodding, Daystrum settled his hand on Benji’s

shoulder and squeezed. “Thanks.” At Benjamin’s
enthusiastic nod, Daystrum scoffed. “And lay off
the caffeine.”

“Can’t. I have night watch,” Benji replied,

grinning broadly.

That was news to Daystrum. Had he approved

that? He’d have to check his records. Not wanting
to disappoint the man, he nodded. “Okay, then
take the time to do a perimeter check to burn off
some of your jitters. Get moving.”

Benji nodded quickly, then took off. Quick as

that, he was out of sight.

Daystrum chuckled and shook his head. Young

enthusiasm. It’d been decades since he’d felt that
way. Thinking of Korbin, he changed his mind.

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His enthusiasm just had a new direction, that was
all, and he looked forward to exploring it.

Smiling to himself, Daystrum headed upstairs

and to Master Adalric’s office. Fortunately, his
own room was in the west wing. It allowed him to
remain close to his leader, along with two of the
coven’s enforcers and the lead tracker, as they all
resided in the west wing. Nearly a dozen single
vampires occupied the second and third floors of
the east wing. The human donors enjoyed the
comforts of the south wing, and guests were
housed on the first floor of the east wing.

The few bonded vampires built small homes

deeper on the grounds. Once their children came
of age, they decided between themselves if the
vampire were to remain with their parents or
settle in the manor with the others. Most chose the
relative independence of the manor even though it
also meant the vampire must learn some form of
higher education and they gained the equivalent
of manor chores.

Reaching Adalric’s office, Daystrum knocked

briskly. A second later, he heard his coven leader’s
voice beckoning him to enter. He took a deep
breath, then pushed the door open, ready to face
his coven leader.

Daystrum paused in the doorway at the

unexpected sight of Kontra and Tim seated on a
love seat along the wall. Opposite them sat
Jaymes, accompanied by one of his own enforcers,

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Rhyme. Aladric sat behind a massive oak desk
while his beloved, Seth, lounged in a chair pushed
against the back wall behind him.

Over the months Seth had lived with them,

Daystrum had come to respect the human. While
Seth declined getting involved in most paranormal
duties, happy to spend hours in the manor
gardens, the human was quick to lay into anyone
who tried to come between himself and Adalric.

“Come in, Daystrum,” Adalric ordered,

motioning with his fingers. “Close the door.”

Moving forward, Daystrum closed the door

behind him and settled on a semi comfortable
chair facing Adalric’s desk. “I apologize for
running out on the Christmas party, Master
Adalric,” he began, figuring he should get it out of
the way. Besides, it wasn’t like he was trying to
hide the knowledge from his leader. “I found my
beloved at the party and he needed a ride.” He cut
a glance Jaymes Martinez’s way, then claimed,
“It’s the human Korbin Harris.”

Daystrum saw Jaymes’ eyes narrow and his

nostrils flare as he took in a sharp breath. Then, his
brows lifted a bit, and he cocked his head.

“Kontra let me know you were helping one of

his human friends,” Adalric began slowly. He
glanced toward the pair, his brow lifting. “His
mate even insisted it was important. Now I see
why.” Smirking, Adalric focused on the couple.

Charlie Richards

“You know, you could have told me that straight
up.”

Tim shrugged. “If Daystrum wasn’t ready to

admit his connection with Korbin, it wasn’t really
my place to say,” he stated.

Daystrum scoffed. “And you telling me to go

offer Korbin a ride was your place?”

Giving Daystrum a cheeky grin, Tim stated,

“You’re welcome.”

“Where did you go this evening?” Jaymes

interrupted. “Who were you with?”

Surprised by the question, Daystrum glanced

toward Adalric, who just shrugged one shoulder,
before focusing on the other vampire. “I apologize
to you, too, Master Jaymes. I know you spent a lot
of time with Korbin this evening. I never meant
to—”

“I don’t give a shit what you meant,” Jaymes

snarled suddenly, rising from his seat. Stalking
toward Daystrum, he growled, “You went
somewhere and had contact with someone. Who
did you touch?”

“I

didn’t

touch—”

Daystrum

started

defensively, then stopped and frowned. “Wait, we
went and picked up Korbin’s friend, Paul,” he told
Jaymes. “I shook his hand.”

Jaymes held out his right hand. “Give me your

hand,” he ordered.

Confused, Daystrum went to grip Jaymes’ hand

as if to shake it. Instead, as soon as he drew close,

A Nip of Good Cheer

Jaymes moved and gripped his wrist and tugged
his hand close to his nose. Daystrum jerked his
hand back, and Jaymes released him.

“I want to meet him,” Jaymes demanded,

returning to his seat. “Tomorrow. Take me to him
tomorrow.”

Daystrum read the aggressive lines etched into

the other vampire’s face. Jaymes expected
Daystrum to obey him. Worry filled him as a
thought niggled into his mind about the coven
master’s response. He glanced toward Adalric,
who sat still and tense in his seat, watching the
interaction.

Focusing on Jaymes, Daystrum held up his

hand in placation. “I would be happy to introduce
you to Paul, but there is some information you
should know about him first.”

Jaymes rested his hands on his thighs, his

fingers twitching. Daystrum could just imagine
how he probably wanted to wrap his hands
around his throat and throttle him. Not wanting to
push the master vampire, Daystrum hurried to
explain as best as he could.

Daystrum dropped the biggest bombshell first.

“Paul is a minor. He’s seventeen and looks
fourteen.” Ignoring the slight pallor of Jaymes’
cheeks, he continued, “He’s an orphan, has just
come out to his foster family, and is currently on
the outs with them. Because of this, he’s staying
with Korbin for the evening.”

Charlie Richards

Licking his lips, Daystrum glanced from

Adalric to Jaymes, gauging their reactions. While
his own coven leader appeared concerned and—as
he peered at Jaymes—sympathetic, Jaymes
appeared pale and rubbed his hands over his face.

Thinking quickly, Daystrum searched for

something positive to say. He swept his gaze over
Jaymes’ five o’clock shadow and hair on his arms,
revealed since he’d removed his tuxedo jacket and
had rolled up his sleeves. He remembered what
Paul had said and smiled.

“I did overhear Paul say that he liked older

bears, so being plenty hairy should be in your
favor,” Daystrum teased softly, pointing at his
arms. “If your chest looks anything like that,
you’re his perfect man.”

Jaymes glared, even as the corners of his lips

twitched and his green eyes glittered with
amusement. “If he’s my beloved, of course I’ll be
perfect.” The mirth filling his eyes dimmed a bit.
“It sounds like he’s had a rough time of it. Any
idea how he’ll handle learning about vampires?”

Daystrum shrugged. “I’m sorry. I only met him

for a few minutes while driving him from Walmart
to Korbin’s home.”

A low growling rumble sounded from Jaymes

before the vampire cut himself off by clearing his
throat. “Sorry.” He shrugged. “If just the light
scent coming from you by shaking Paul’s hand is
any indicator, Paul is definitely my beloved.” He

A Nip of Good Cheer

shrugged. “The idea of him in another man’s
house, even one as sweet and kind as Korbin, rubs
me the wrong way.”

Tim snickered, drawing attention to himself.

Kontra lifted one side of his mouth, giving the
man an enquiring look. Rolling his eyes, Tim
commented, “Come on. I remember how
possessive you were when we first met.”

“And you rejected me, then got your ass

kidnapped,” Kontra rumbled, his jaw tense as he
wrapped his arm around Tim and pulled him
close.

Grimacing, Tim nodded. “Yeah, but I was on

my way to tell you I’d made a mistake, so that
should count for something.”

Kontra pressed a kiss to Tim’s lips, then rested

his forehead against the smaller man’s. “It does,
and now you’re safe with me,” he responded
gruffly.

“I think I just got a cavity,” Seth commented,

grinning.

Adalric turned toward his beloved and

smirked. “And if I were to draw you into my
arms, it would take all of ten seconds to have you
begging for my kiss,” he claimed.

Seth met Adalric’s gaze, his eyes darkening.

“Are you sure I’m the one who’d be begging?”

Growling, his eyes flashing red, Adalric turned

his chair and lunged at his beloved.

Charlie Richards

Daystrum had seen that kind of behavior

before. It always led to Adalric and Seth in a
make-out session as good as any dismissal. Rising
to his feet, Daystrum cleared his throat and lifted
one hand, inviting the others to leave the office
before him. After a few seconds of them
exchanging glances and looking toward the now
clearly distracted coven leader, the group of men
left the office.

Tim stopped a few feet from the door and lifted

a hand to cover his mouth as he yawned, his jaw
popping loudly. “Mmm, wow. Sorry,” he
murmured, rubbing a hand over his face. “Day
ended up longer than I thought it would.”

“Looks like that’s our cue to get going,” Kontra

rumbled. He held out his hand to first Jaymes,
then Rhyme, and said, “It was nice meeting you
both.”

“And the same to you,” Jaymes replied. “And

thank you for urging me to meet up with
Daystrum this evening.”

Tim nodded. “Yep. No problem.”
“Is that why everyone was holed up in

Adalric’s office?” Daystrum asked curiously. “You
were waiting for me?”

“More or less,” Tim replied, a knowing gleam

in his eyes.

Daystrum nodded, fighting a yawn of his own.

“Right, a vision.”

A Nip of Good Cheer

Tim gave him a thumbs up. By then, they’d

reached the platform at the head of the massive
staircase. Whitney, a female vampire who was
overseeing the evening security shift, appeared
from behind a door. Daystrum knew beyond it
was a small lounge-style security room with many
monitors. Several stations were set up throughout
the house, since several sets of eyes were better
than just one, after all.

“If you need assistance to your destinations,

Whitney will be able to assist you,” Daystrum told
them. “Good evening.”

After one more nod to the group in general—

and after receiving a number of good nights from
the men—Daystrum finally made his way to his
suite of rooms. He closed his door and began
peeling his clothes, tossing them on whichever
piece of furniture happened to be nearest as he
made his way to the bathroom.

While Daystrum normally considered himself a

neat person, the ache in his balls was getting to
him. He wanted hot spray on his back, images of
Korbin in his head, and his dick in his hand. As
soon as he climbed into the shower, he sagged
against the wall, unmindful of the chill
permeating his back, and reached for his bobbing
prick.

Daystrum sighed as he closed his eyes and

leaned his head against the wall. He kept his grip
loose, his strokes slow as he recalled the best parts

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of his evening. Remembering the feel of his
beloved in his arms, the taste of his sweet human
on his tongue, Daystrum shivered as his foreskin
retracted and a bead of pre-cum oozed from his
cap. The warm spray quickly washed it away, the
beads of water hitting his sensitive cap and
sending tingles through his groin.

Groaning, Daystrum tightened his grip on his

dick as he sped up his strokes. Unbidden, the
image of Korbin on his knees entered his mind. He
remembered how Korbin’s tongue felt sliding
against his own, how the human sucked lightly on
the appendage, and could easily imagine how his
mouth would feel stretching around his cock’s
head. Korbin would peer up at him, meeting
Daystrum’s gaze with his lust-dilated eyes framed
by thick lashes clumped together with beads of
water.

His balls tightened at the visual imagery. His

cock thickened and swelled. The little zing that
started at his tailbone shot up his spine, then back
down, made him gasp. His orgasm followed close
behind, swelling through him.

Arching his body, his mouth open on a low

moan, Daystrum stripped his prick as he spurted.
With his eyes still closed, he imagined Korbin
swallowing every drop of his seed. His throat
muscles would have to work quickly, his Adam’s
apple bobbing. Korbin would suck him until he
finished, not missing a drop.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Then, Korbin would rise to his feet and tilt his

head, begging a kiss. Daystrum would be only too
happy to comply. Taking Korbin’s mouth in a
deep tongue-fucking, Daystrum would taste
himself on his lover’s tongue.

Hissing, Daystrum released his suddenly too

sensitive cock. He softened, but only to half-mast.
Pivoting, he put his back to the fall of water and
rested his forehead against the tile wall. Letting
the hot spray beat down on his still-too-tense
shoulders and back muscles, Daystrum hoped
he’d be able to play out his fantasy real damn
soon.

Charlie Richards

Chapter Seven

t’s a lie!”
Korbin watched Paul jump up from the sofa

and pace the living room. The teenager’s hands
were fisted at his sides, his arms jerking as he
stalked across the room to the window. His cheeks
were flushed and he peered outside with
narrowed eyes.

Korbin wondered how much Paul really saw.
“I know it’s a lie,” Korbin soothed.
He wanted to go to the young man and wrap

him in his arms and give him a big hug.
Unfortunately, he didn’t think Paul was ready for
comforting just yet. Being raised by first an addict
mother, then the foster system, Paul hadn’t had
much opportunity for loving embraces. That was
just one of many things they’d been working
through.

Instead, Korbin rose and walked slowly toward

Paul. He clasped his hands behind his back,
mostly to avoid the temptation to touch. His
group of friends were always a touchy feely

“I

A Nip of Good Cheer

bunch. Standing at the window, Korbin watched
the storm clouds gather in the distance, thinking
they were awfully reflective of what was probably
going on inside Paul’s head.

“We’ll fix this,” Korbin vowed.
“How?” Paul turned and glared at him. “It’s

Caleb’s word against mine. He’s the biological
son, the good son. I’m the druggy’s boy just
skirting this side of the system. Why would
anyone believe me over him?”

While Paul’s tone remained hard and

belligerent, Korbin could see the fear swimming
deep in his pale blue eyes. He slid his tongue
along his bottom teeth, thinking quickly. Finally,
he reached out and placed his right hand on Paul’s
shoulder. He immediately felt the young man
tense under his touch, but he refused to let go. He
needed Paul to understand that he wasn’t alone in
this.

“Look, I have friends that, um—” Korbin

grimaced. How could one say this tactfully? “They
have ways of making things go away.” When
Paul’s eyes widened, Korbin realized just how that
sounded. “Shit, no. They’re not criminals, they
just—”

Korbin felt his face heat. He released Paul’s

shoulder and, with one hand on the back of his
neck and the other on his waist, stared vacantly
out the window. Did he really have any right to

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blurt that paranormals existed and they might be
able to help find dirt on Caleb?

But this is my family. Maybe not by blood, but by

choice.

“Could you sit down?” Korbin asked,

motioning toward the sofa. “I’m gonna get us a
couple of sodas.”

Appearing confused, Paul crossed to the sofa

and flopped down onto it. “Okay?” He drew the
word out, looking questioningly at Korbin.

Korbin held up his hand and headed into the

kitchen. After opening the refrigerator, he grabbed
two sodas and set them on the counter. Then, he
gripped the edge and leaned back, lowering his
head to the quartz slab.

“You can’t really be thinking of telling him

about, about Kai or, or, or Kontra or, or—”

Korbin lifted his head.
Brock stood in the doorway, his mouth open,

gaping at him. “You can’t!”

“Brock,” Korbin whispered. “He needs my

help. How can I turn him away?”

“Look,” Brock began, striding forward and

leaning on the counter opposite him. “I like him
just fine, but to trust him with Kai’s secret?
Really?”

Korbin grimaced. “No, of course not,” he

agreed, sighing as he met Brock’s commiserating
look. Crap. What had he been thinking? “I still
want to ask them for advice, though, because as

A Nip of Good Cheer

much as I hate to admit it, Paul is right. As good
as he is now, he still has his past against him.”

Brock nodded. “I’ll take this soda to Paul and

tell him you’re making a phone call to a friend,”
he said, picking up one of the sodas. “You go call
Kontra.”

Flushing, Korbin glanced away. “I was, uh,

actually gonna call Daystrum.”

“Really.” Brock drew the word out, a wide grin

splitting his mouth. “My man! Way to go,” he
crowed, holding up his free hand in a fist.

Korbin fought down an embarrassed flush as

he lifted his fist and bumped it against Brock’s.
“He says I’m his beloved, after all.”

Brock nodded. “I saw you leave the table to

answer your phone, then Daystrum left the table
right after. Did he come after you?”

Nodding, Korbin admitted, “He drove me to

pick up Paul and we talked a little bit.”

“Cool,” Brock replied, his expression going

vacant for a few seconds. “That was about nine-
forty. I’ll have to do some calculations to see who
won.”

Korbin straightened and stiffened. “What? You

actually went through with that bet?”

Brock snorted and turned away, heading

toward the front. “Hell, yeah!”

Groaning softly, Korbin lifted the can of soda to

the back of his suddenly-too-hot neck. He loved
his friends. Really, he did. Sometimes, though,

Charlie Richards

they embarrassed the shit out of him. Korbin took
a second to send up a silent prayer to any god that
cared to listen that the bet wouldn’t get back to
Daystrum.

Yeah, not with my luck.
Shaking his head, Korbin strode out of the

kitchen and around the dining room table. He
paused just a second to peer into the living room
and spotted Brock talking animatedly with Paul,
his hands flying in front of him, punctuating his
words. Paul sat on the chair opposite him, his
elbows on his knees. He listened with rapt
attention, his mouth open just a bit and his eyes
wide as he clutched the soda Brock had taken him
between his palms.

Korbin shook his head and smiled as he took

the stairs two at a time. Brock could talk away
anyone’s troubles. The guy had a funny sports
story for every occasion.

Reaching his room, Korbin went in but left the

door open, wanting to hear if someone
approached. He picked up the business card
Daystrum had given to him from off his dresser
and stared at it. Gathering his courage, Korbin
pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed.

After two rings, a smooth deep voice answered,

“Daystrum Striplan.”

“D-Daystrum?” Korbin paused and cleared his

throat.

A Nip of Good Cheer

“Korbin, hello,” Daystrum greeted. Next,

Korbin heard Daystrum murmur, “Please excuse
me. I need to take this.” A second later, his voice
resumed normal volume. “Hey, Kor,” he greeted.
“I’m glad you called. For more reasons than just
because I like the sound of your sexy voice.”

Warmed by the compliment, Korbin smiled. He

bowed his head as he leaned against the dresser
and just enjoyed the sound of Daystrum’s voice. “I
like listening to you, too.” His cheeks warmed, but
Korbin ignored it, liking how it felt to flirt. This
was flirting, right? “So, um, how long did you
think it’d take me to call?”

Daystrum chuckled. “After that goodnight kiss,

I’d hoped it wouldn’t be more than a day.” His
voice deepened as he continued, “I’m not an
exceptionally patient man when it comes to
something I need, and I do need you Korbin. I
think my stupidity has kept us both waiting long
enough. Don’t you?”

Korbin shivered as those words sank in. Once

Kai and Tyson got together with their mates, their
relationship had proceeded at warp nine, going
from zero to living together in a matter of weeks.
Korbin wondered if he was ready for that.

“I suppose I’ll enjoy showing you that the pros

far outweigh the cons,” Daystrum continued.

Realizing he must have been quiet too long,

Korbin replied, “I’ve seen my friends mate, so I
understand the urge. I’m glad what I’ve been

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feeling finally makes sense.” He scoffed, closing
his eyes. “It’ll be nice to give my right hand a
rest.”

Daystrum barked a laugh. “Oh, Korbin. I will

be more than happy to take over that task,” he
growled roughly.

Korbin snapped his head up. “Uh, did I say that

out loud?”

Chuckling, Daystrum replied, “You did. Don’t

worry, Kor. I feel the same way.” He sighed, the
mirth in his voice disappearing. “I owe you an
explanation, though.”

“Uh, okay.” Korbin wasn’t entirely certain he

wanted to know why Daystrum hadn’t noticed
him right away. What if the only reason the
vampire was interested in him was because of the
bond pull thingy? Still, if he didn’t hear, he’d
always wonder. “So, uh, why?”

Daystrum released a sigh just loud enough for

Korbin to hear. “Well, some months back, there
was some unrest in our coven. I was jumped from
behind, attacked,” he explained softly. “I nearly
died, but a fellow vampire saved me. The mission
to meet up with Kontra and to help Dorian free
the slaves was my first time out in…months.”
Daystrum’s tone turned cool. “I was pretty
jumpy—still thought I was scenting my attackers
at every turn. Then, to walk into a home filled
with strange humans and shifters…my senses
were on overload. Unfortunately, I ended up

A Nip of Good Cheer

ignoring everything I was smelling, because I
didn’t feel I could trust it.”

While listening to Daystrum’s tale, Korbin

couldn’t imagine nearly dying at the hands of
people he thought were friends. He certainly
understood how that would create disbelief in
oneself. Not to mention Korbin figured it’d be
pretty tough for a vampire of Daystrum’s ranking
to admit to such weakness.

Korbin decided that meant more to him than he

could really say. It was certainly better than any
apology. In fact, he cared about something else
more.

“Are you okay now? Did you find who hurt

you?”

“Yes,”

Daystrum

replied.

“My

coven

dispatched those responsible.”

“Dispatched?” Korbin’s brows drew together as

he thought about that. His eyes widened in
realization. “Oh, uh, killed them?” Korbin didn’t
want to think about how his voice squeaked.

“Rogue vampires and the humans who work

with them are dangerous,” Daystrum warned.
“Keeping not only our coven but our race safe is
paramount.”

The safety of their race…right.
“Do you have time to come over this

afternoon?” Korbin asked.

Charlie Richards

“For you, beloved,” Daystrum rumbled. “I

would drop everything and make time. What time
would you like me there?”

Korbin could guess why Daystrum thought he

was asking him over, and he knew he needed to
be clearer. He didn’t want to disappoint the
vampire, even though Korbin hoped they’d get
there soon, too. “Paul is still here and—” he
paused, trying to figure out how to voice what he
needed.

“Oh, good,” Daystrum cut in. “I need to talk to

you about Paul.”

After gaping for an instant, Korbin snapped his

jaw shut before whispering, “You already know?”

Daystrum remained quiet for several seconds.

Confusion filling his voice, he asked, “Wait. Know
what?”

“About…about...” Korbin paused. He rubbed a

hand over his forehead. “About Paul’s problem?”

Again, Daystrum took a few seconds to answer,

and Korbin waited with bated breath. “While I
know Paul is only seventeen, I’m certain Jaymes
will honor the need to wait until he’s of age. It’s
not that big a problem.”

Korbin scowled. Huh? “I’m sorry. What does

Jaymes have to do with this?”

“What are we talking about?”
“Uh,” Korbin paused. Figuring he better blurt it

out and explain what Daystrum was getting
involved with, he explained, “Remember Paul

A Nip of Good Cheer

said Jackson accused him of molesting his son,
Caleb? Well, evidently Caleb confirmed it and
Jackson is pressing charges.”

“Did he?”
While Korbin understood why Daystrum

would ask, he couldn’t keep the indignation out of
his voice when he snapped, “Of course not. Caleb
is just a trouble-making asshole.”

“Calm down, Korbin,” Daystrum soothed.

“You know I had to ask.”

“I know.”
“And I was talking about Jaymes scenting Paul

on me last night when I returned to the mansion,”
Daystrum told him. “He is under the impression
that Paul may very well be his beloved and wishes
to meet him. You should know he will guard
Paul’s interests jealously. Paul will be well taken
care of, not just by my own coven, but by Jaymes’
as well,” Daystrum told him.

“Wow, really?” Korbin’s mind reeled. He sure

hoped Paul would handle the news of
paranormals well. Having grown up with Kai, the
idea of shifters had become old hat to him and his
friends. Learning about mates had been cool and
vampires even cooler. “At least, he’ll have plenty
of help adapting.”

“Look, we have a guy here, Garner Vorzman,

who’s brilliant with finding information,”
Daystrum claimed. “If Caleb is such a trouble-
maker, it will have showed up in other areas of his

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life. Perhaps we can find something that will show
what a prat the boy is and throw doubt on his
claims.”

Korbin felt his heart speed up. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” Daystrum replied. “He’s family

to you. He’s family to me,” he continued. “That
means I use the resources of my coven to aide
him.”

“Thank you,” Korbin whispered, completely

overwhelmed at how Daystrum would just take
his word for Paul’s character without question. “I
really appreciate it.”

Daystrum rumbled his name. “Korbin.”
The sound sent tingles dancing across Korbin’s

skin. His heart-rate sped up and with just that one
word, Korbin’s body reacted. His blood flowed
south and his cock thickened. “Day,” he
whispered in response. He felt his cheeks and
chest heat, this time from arousal, and he closed
his eyes so he could focus on breathing…and the
sound of the vampire’s voice.

“I want to be there for you,” Daystrum

murmured. “I told you if you ever need anything,
all you have to do is ask. I’m honored you took me
up on that.”

Korbin rested his head against the wall to his

left and sighed. “I wish you were coming here for
a reason other than—” he stopped and grimaced.
“Jeez, that would make me sound like a selfish
ass.”

A Nip of Good Cheer

Daystrum probably knew what he’d wanted to

say…that Korbin wanted Daystrum to be visiting
for a social call instead of to help Paul. He heard
Daystrum chuckle, the sound seeming to reach
straight through the phone and caress his balls.
“We’ll be getting to those visits soon enough, my
beloved,” he rumbled. “Now, give me Jackson and
Caleb’s full names, their address, and as much
information as you can about Paul, Jackson, and
his son. I’ll get to work and try to be there around
one or so,” he promised.

Glancing at his phone’s face, Korbin realized

that was only four hours away. He nodded, then
remembered Daystrum wouldn’t be able to see it.
“Right. Got a pen?”

“Yep. Fire away.”
Korbin switched his phone to speaker, then

scrolled through his phone’s address book. When
he started rattling off information, he could hear
the stroke of pen on paper. Once that was done,
Daystrum warned that several vampires would
probably be joining him, so Korbin promised to
have plenty of burger patties ready for grilling.

Explaining that Gladys Fallon was expected at

around three to discuss the charges, Korbin hoped
to have a show of support for Paul. He figured it
would be good to keep things on an even keel.
Korbin wanted the young man to know, family or
not, he wasn’t alone in this.

Charlie Richards

To that end, after hanging up with Daystrum,

Korbin called Kai and Tyson. Both men agreed to
come by. Next, Korbin headed back downstairs.
He poked his head around the corner, grinning
widely at a still talking Brock and a clearly
confused Paul.

As he watched, Paul rolled his eyes and flopped

backward to sprawl on the chair. “Whatever,
dude,” he sneered. “That’s totally not true. No
way some girl believed you met Billy Crystal in a
Walmart.”

“Totally true story,” Brock claimed, grinning

broadly.

Korbin smirked. “To her credit,” he cut in, “she

was pretty drunk.” While Brock turned and
grinned at him, Paul gaped. Taking the opening,
Korbin beckoned them both with his hand. “Come
on, guys. We have guests coming for a late lunch
and we have potato salad to make. Get your asses
in here.”

“There’s people coming over?” Paul asked,

looking wary as he pushed to his feet.

Nodding, Korbin motioned him into the room.

“They’re coming to help. You’re not alone in this,”
he told him. Wanting to relieve the younger man’s
nerves, he added, “Come on. I’ll tell you all about
it.”

Well, within reason anyway. Jaymes can decide

when to share paranormals with Paul.

A Nip of Good Cheer

Chapter Eight

aystrum strode up the walkway of the large
farmhouse. At one time, the house had been

the perfect size for the four college friends. Now,
with two of them moved out, he’d expected the
place to be fairly quiet when he arrived.

He was wrong.
Sweeping his gaze over the four motorcycles,

Daystrum figured at least two of them belonged to
Korbin’s friend’s mates, Logan and Dorian. A
third was a bullet bike he’d guess belonged to a
hyena shifter he’d met during his first interaction
with the gang. Payson, if he wasn’t mistaken. The
last bike he didn’t have a clue about.

Daystrum knocked on the door, the half dozen

vampires waiting behind him. He’d advised the
group to dress casual, but even in jeans, shirts, and
jackets, they still looked out of place. Stiff posture
and watchful glances marked Jaymes’ two
enforcers, Rhyme and Clarice. Toni looked more
relaxed, but he’d met the humans before.

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Garner always looked stiff and formal, but that

was just the ex-military vampire’s way. Much to
the vampire’s displeasure, Daystrum had chosen
to drag the technical guru along. The guy was
about as unsocial as they came, but he was a wiz
with technology. Daystrum wanted Paul to hear
what Garner had uncovered first hand.

Hell if Daystrum wanted to botch something up

in translation. Especially with something as
serious as molestation charges on the line.

When the door opened, Brock appeared in the

doorway. “Hey, guys,” he greeted before focusing
on Clarice. The human grinned wider. “Ma’am.
Please, come on in. The brats and burgers are on
the grill, should be ready in a few, but there’s
plenty of sides set up in the dining room.” He
stepped back and swung his arm, beckoning them
to enter. “Drinks are in the sink. Feel free to grab
whatever you like and make yourself at home.”

As Daystrum stepped into the home, Brock

waggled his brows at him. “Korbin is in the
kitchen.”

Nodding his thanks, Daystrum started that

way. After two steps, he felt a hand on his arm. He
turned to see Jaymes standing beside him and he
grinned. “That was Brock,” Daystrum told him
helpfully. “He lives here with Korbin.” Shrugging,
he added, “Consider this neutral territory. No one
here will attack you without provocation.”

A Nip of Good Cheer

“Got it,” Jaymes replied. He swept his gaze

around at the shifters and humans filling the
spacious living, family, and dining room. His eyes
narrowed as he stated, “Guess I’ll go mingle. I
know Paul’s in here somewhere.”

Unable to help himself…hell, he’d seen the

clearly fraternal way Korbin acted toward Paul,
Daystrum muttered, “Remember. Underage
human.”

Jaymes glared at him, his eyes flashing red for

just an instant. “I remember.”

Daystrum offered the coven master a nod,

lowering his gaze in respect. “And you should
know I will help in any way I can.”

“Good,” Jaymes replied gruffly. “You can do

just as you did if I get a little carried away.” He
grimaced. “When does he turn eighteen again?”

“Sixty-eight days,” Daystrum replied, deciding

Jaymes would appreciate specifics.

Jaymes nodded. “Just before Valentine’s Day.”

His eyes narrowed and his smile appeared almost
feral. “That could be fun.”

Daystrum smirked and patted him on the

shoulder. “I’ll bet.”

Turning away, Daystrum headed through the

home. He nodded and greeted those he passed,
appreciating the clearly festive atmosphere. A six
foot pine tree, still mostly bare, stood in a corner.
A couple of men stood clustered around it,
hanging ornaments, while a couple of others sat

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on nearby sofas giving their two cents about how
the lights needed to be put on first.

Daystrum recognized Paul among them. The

young man smiled, but his shoulders remained
stiff. Still, he appeared to be having a good time,
even with the worry that he clearly felt. Glancing
over his shoulder, Daystrum saw Jaymes’
attention riveted on the group. He decided the
vampire master could introduce himself, so he
headed toward the kitchen.

Spotting Korbin standing at the counter, his

back to him, Daystrum smiled. The man chatted
with a smaller male who stood at the counter a
few feet away—a shifter from his scent, although
Daystrum wasn’t certain what kind. The pair were
frosting sugar cookies, adding multicolored
glitter-stuff on top.

Unable to resist the odd attraction he felt at the

domestic sight, Daystrum rounded the bar and
stepped up behind Korbin. He slid his arms
around the human’s waist as he bowed his head
and nuzzled Korbin’s neck.

Korbin squeaked and jerked. Only Daystrum’s

vampire speed kept them from cracking their
heads together. He brought his right hand up to
his human’s jaw to hold his head in place while
tightening his left arm where it rested at his waist,
holding the man’s opposite hip. Just as fast as he
jumped, Korbin froze in his grip.

A Nip of Good Cheer

“Easy, sweet beloved,” Daystrum crooned,

kissing the pulse point under Korbin’s jaw. “It’s
me.”

“Yeah,” Korbin murmured breathily. “You just

startled me.” He tilted his head just a bit more and
peered at him out of the corner of his eye, sagging
against Daystrum, pressing his back—and his
ass—against him. “Welcome.”

Pleased by the response, and turned on as hell,

Daystrum licked and nipped along the cords of
Korbin’s neck. “Thank you,” he rumbled against
Korbin’s warm flesh.

Daystrum heard his beloved’s blood rushing

through his veins, his pulse spiking. Korbin’s
honey-sweet scent, how he felt in his arms, how
his lithe body fitted against his own, everything
went straight to Daystrum’s head…the little one.
Groaning, he tucked his face against Korbin’s neck
and just breathed him in as he rocked his pelvis
forward, rutting slowly against his ass.

A soft snicker filtered through Daystrum’s fog

of lust. “You all want to zip upstairs and finish
your bond?” the pale, black-haired shifter asked.
“I could cover for ya.”

After one more kiss and nuzzle to Korbin’s

neck, Daystrum forced himself to lift his head. He
eased his hold and looked at the man next to
them, who now stood with his back to the counter
with his arms crossed over his lean chest.

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Grinning widely, the guy’s brown eyes sparkled
with mirth.

“As much as that idea does appeal,” Daystrum

stated gruffly. “I will not have our first time a
hurried rush.” He switched his gaze to Korbin and
just about changed his mind. The sexy man leaned
against him fully, his chest rising and falling in
panting breaths, and his cheeks and neck
remained flushed. Swallowing hard, Daystrum
met Korbin’s gaze and whispered hoarsely, “I plan
to take my time with you.”

Korbin licked his lips, the pink bit of flesh

sweeping over his lips. “Y-Yeah, that’d probably
be best.”

Daystrum groaned. “Damn, Kor. You do test

my resolve.”

Unable to resist a taste of that tongue,

Daystrum lowered his head. He nipped and licked
at Korbin’s lips for a few seconds before sliding
his tongue inside Korbin’s mouth. Humming at
the sweet vanilla taste—Korbin must have been
sampling the frosting—mixed with Korbin’s
natural honey, Daystrum lapped at his soon-to-be
lover’s appendage.

His control stretched to the breaking point,

Daystrum broke the kiss. He grinned down at
Korbin and whispered, “Tonight. I brought an
overnight bag. It’s in the trunk.” He had planned
to wheedle an invitation out of his beloved, but
screw that.

A Nip of Good Cheer

“Yeah, okay,” Korbin instantly agreed.
Before Daystrum could say more, he heard the

sound of quick footsteps skittering over
hardwood. He turned his head and watched as
Paul slid to a stop at the bar. His eyes were wide
and his face flushed. Daystrum wondered what
had upset him, but he didn’t have long to wonder.

“You got me a lawyer?” Paul blurted out.
What lawyer?
Daystrum exchanged a look with Korbin. From

his beloved’s confused expression, he knew he
was wondering the same thing. He opened his
mouth, then closed it just as quickly as Jaymes
strode into view.

Smiling serenely, although his eyes lit for just

an instant when his gaze swept over Paul, Jaymes
glanced around the room. “I’m sorry. I didn’t
mean to disrupt the festivities.” He shrugged,
rubbing his hand over the new beard growth on
his face. “We were passing the general
pleasantries and I explained I was an attorney.”
Jaymes smiled at Paul. “While you did jump to
conclusions, it was the right one. I can and do
intend to help you.”

Paul stared at Jaymes a minute…long enough

for Daystrum to catch the interest there before he
looked at Korbin. The scent of arousal intensified
in the room, betraying Paul’s interest even more. It
vanished just as quickly when Paul mumbled,
“How many people did you tell?”

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Feeling Korbin straightening and pulling away,

Daystrum eased his hold. Korbin crossed to stand
opposite Paul, resting his hands on the counter
between them. Daystrum couldn’t help but move
to flank him, the need to support and be close to
his beloved too strong to deny.

“Everyone here has your back, Paul,” Korbin

stated softly. “Most of these men I consider
extended family. That means, they’re your family,
too.”

Paul crossed his leanly toned arms over his

slender chest. He jerked a nod, but if he were a
rubber band, he would have snapped with the
tension. “So, uh, what now, then?”

“Now, we eat cookies before burgers,” the

shifter said, placing one of their plates on the
counter between everyone. “Because it’s almost
Christmas, and we should have dessert first.”

“Excellent idea, Yuma,” Korbin stated, grinning

at the guy.

“And in the meantime,” Yuma added, “I will

track down my wayward mate and see how the
burgers and brats are coming.” He winked,
beaming at the group, before sashaying out of the
kitchen to the sliding glass doors leading to the
deck.

Daystrum opened his mouth, the question of

what kind of shifter Yuma was on the tip of his
tongue. Remembering Paul, he switched ideas,
grabbed a cookie, and took a bite. Sweet, sugar-

A Nip of Good Cheer

cookie goodness exploded across his taste buds.
He hummed in appreciation, nodding at Korbin.

Gladys Fallon arrived early.
The group was still in the middle of gorging on

cheeseburgers, jalapeno and cheese bratwursts,
potato salad, and broccoli salad, not to mention
the prerequisite chips and dip, tortillas and salsa,
as well as rice krispy treats, which Daystrum
hadn’t had in years, so he’d enjoyed three of them.

The doorbell rang and Brock excused himself to

answer it. A moment later, he returned with
Gladys in tow. “Are you sure you won’t change
your mind?” Brock was asking her. “We have
plenty.”

Shaking her head, Gladys stared around

pensively. “I-I’m sorry. I seem to be interrupting a
holiday gathering.” She clutched her briefcase to
her bosom. “And I really don’t have good news. Is
there a place we can go and talk?” Gladys stared
at Paul when she asked, a smile that looked more
like a grimace creasing her painted red lips.

Korbin rose from his chair, wiping his hands on

a napkin as he stood. “Sure, we can go into the
study or the bedroom you used the night before.
Whichever you prefer,” Korbin said, addressing
Paul.

A suddenly very pale Paul—and the poor

teenager didn’t have much color to lose—glanced

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around the room. “Whatever,” he responded
belligerently, seeming to emotionally shut down.

Jaymes’ eyes narrowed as he, too, stood. Not

surprisingly, he took charge by saying, “I believe
the study would be best. After all, this is a
business meeting.” He focused on Korbin. “If
you’d please show the way, Korbin. I’m sure we
can get this matter settled swiftly.”

Daystrum rose, motioning to Garner as he did

so. The group—including Rhyme, because the
enforcer clearly had no intention of leaving
Jaymes’ side—followed Korbin as he led the way
through a pair of French doors. Inside the room,
two desks stood on opposite sides of the room
facing each other. Bookshelves lined each wall
behind them. On the far side of the decent-sized
room stood a coffee table rimmed by sofas and
chairs. A couple of notebooks, two laptops, several
text books, and multiple loose papers were strewn
across the coffee table.

Korbin rushed to the cluttered surface and

scooped the papers into piles. After closing and
stacking the books and notepads, he straightened
and faced the group. “Sorry, forgot I was down
here studying the other night and didn’t clean
up.” He swung his hand to indicate the furniture.
“Wherever.”

Gladys settled on one sofa. Jaymes rested a

hand on Paul’s shoulder and steered him toward
the opposite couch. While Paul sat, Jaymes rested

A Nip of Good Cheer

against the armrest next to him, leaving the
cushion beside Paul for Korbin. While Daystrum
didn’t appreciate his beloved holding the hand of
another, he knew the teenager needed the support.
Daystrum exchanged a smirk with Jaymes,
knowing the other vampire felt the same way
from the nearly imperceptible clenching of his jaw.

As Gladys opened her briefcase and pulled out

a file, she glanced around at everyone, then looked
at Paul. “As your social worker, I really do
recommend we go over this in private.” She
hesitated an instant, then added, “After that, it’d
be best if we looked into options for a lawyer.
There are a number of state employed—”

“There will be no need for that,” Jaymes cut in

as he held up his hand. “I am Jaymes Martinez,
Paul’s attorney. Please allow me to review the
charges.” He smiled coldly. “There is no need to
read aloud the ridiculous accusations made by a
young hooligan.”

Gladys’ eyes widened as she slowly held out

the file. “I-I’m sorry, but…hooligan? Jackson
Lowman is an upstanding citizen of the
community,” she pointed out. “Allegations from
this family are serious business. I don’t believe
name-calling is appropriate.”

“Neither is covering up shenanigans pulled by

his son,” Jaymes responded curtly.

“Wh-what’s going on?” Paul whispered.

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100

Jaymes turned and lifted a brow at Daystrum.

He, in turn, looked at Garner. “If you would,
please? Please, explain why Caleb’s word may not
be quite so believable as Jackson would claim.”

Garner stepped forward and settled into parade

rest. The pale, slender vampire’s hazel eyes stared
straight ahead as he recited, “At the age of
fourteen, Caleb stole CDs from an electronic store.
He was caught. His father made a generous
donation

the

company’s

advertising

department and the charges were dropped. Later
that year, Caleb stole test answers and used them
to pass the test. He also sold them to several other
students. Again, he was caught, but no
punishment was given. The school, however, was
suddenly able to buy new computers for the
science lab. At age fifteen, an inebriated Caleb
drove his father’s car into a bulletin board. Again,
no charges were levied against him, however an
impressive

donation

the

local

law

enforcement’s charity appeared in their account a
few days later.” Once finished rambling that
information, Garner stepped back and resumed
his previous position by the door.

“Are you claiming that Jackson has used his

position to cover up trouble his son has caused?”
Gladys asked, clearly indignant, the blood having
leeched from her face.

Jaymes smiled thinly as he pulled out a file

from his own briefcase. “Not claiming. Proving.

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101

Caleb causes trouble. Jackson covers it up.” He
held up the file and tossed it on the coffee table.
“Here’s the proof. I wouldn’t be surprised if Caleb
was running at the mouth and realized his father
took him seriously. His acting out did begin soon
after Paul joined their household, after all.” He
narrowed his eyes and added, “Perhaps he plans
to do this to punish Paul for coming into his home
and taking his father’s attention away from him.”
His smile turned brittle. “To be honest, I don’t care
about his motives. I just plan to stop the boy from
getting away with his lies.”

Gladys glanced around the group, her brow

furrowed, and stared at the file. “What exactly do
you think I’m supposed to do with that
information?” She tilted her chin toward the
offending paperwork.

Jaymes’ expression could only be described as

satisfied. “Nothing. I just figured I’d give you a
heads up that the charges against Paul will soon
be dropped.”

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102

Chapter Nine

orbin relaxed on the sofa, a soda in one hand
as he watched Jaymes prepare to leave. The

vampire had stayed all afternoon and evening.
Even though it was after ten o’clock and Paul had
to head to bed for school the next day, Jaymes still
appeared reluctant to leave. Finally, he bid
everyone goodnight and headed toward the door.

Paul followed, his movements shy, clearly

giving away his infatuation to anyone that
watched. After seeing Korbin and his friends rally
around Paul, Gladys had chosen to overlook the
irregularity of it and leave him in Korbin’s home.
It helped that Paul would be eighteen in a couple
of months…and he’d threatened to run away from
wherever she would have ended up placing him.

Standing at the door, Jaymes cupped Paul’s

jaw, leaned down the nearly a foot height
difference, and pressed a kiss to the teenager’s
forehead. He whispered something Korbin didn’t
catch, but Paul nodded as his face flushed and a
true smile finally curved his lips. Paul kept an eye

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103

on Jaymes through his lashes as the man left, his
expression wistful.

Turning to look at Daystrum, Korbin

whispered, “It’s good to see him smile. A real
smile,” he amended. “He hasn’t had it easy these
last couple of days.”

Daystrum, who sat beside him on the sofa,

lowered his arm from the back of the couch to his
shoulder and tugged him up against his side. “I’m
glad. He had to grow up fast, didn’t he?”

Korbin didn’t pretend to know what all Paul

had been through, but he nodded anyway. “I
imagine so.”

Paul stopped beside the sofa and smirked at

them. His smile widened into a grin. “I’m heading
to bed.” He winked. “Don’t worry. I’ll be wearing
ear buds, so make all the noise you want.”

Gasping, Korbin gaped as he watched a

snickering Paul bounce through the dining room
and up the stairs. From somewhere upstairs,
Paul’s voice filtered back down to him as the teen
called, “Have fun!”

Korbin felt his face heat. “I can’t believe he just

said that to me,” Korbin grumbled.

Daystrum chuckled as he leaned over and

pressed a kiss to his temple. “I happen to think his
suggestion is a good one,” he whispered throatily.
“Brock has gone out, so other than a soon-to-be
sleeping Paul, we have the house to ourselves.”
He licked Korbin’s earlobe, then blew softly,

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104

causing Korbin to hiss as his skin tingled. “Let me
take you to bed, Korbin,” Daystrum urged. “I
want to make you mine.”

Taking less than an instant to decide, Korbin

nodded. “Oh, yes,” he agreed. “I think we’ve
definitely waited long enough.”

The speed with which Daystrum jumped from

the couch and held out his hand stroked Korbin’s
ego like nothing else ever could. Seeing the pale
red glow in the vampire’s eyes, betraying his
need, Korbin took his time to take Daystrum’s
hand, giving him a slow once over in the process,
lingering over the bulge filling out his groin.

Daystrum growled. “Oh, you little tease,” he

rumbled. “Show me to your room.”

Korbin grinned, anticipation heating his blood.

As he led the way through the house and up the
stairs, his cock throbbed harder with each step. By
the time Korbin reached his bedroom, he felt
certain he’d leaked a wet spot visible even though
his jeans. However, as he turned at the sound of
the door closing, all thought fled upon spotting
the feral look etched over Daystrum’s features.

Walking around him, Daystrum took the lead

and headed to the bed. He stopped beside it and
reached for the hem of Korbin’s t-shirt. Feeling the
backs of Daystrum’s fingers brushing along his
sides as the vampire lifted his shirt caused his
muscles to clench. Korbin felt the hairs on the back

A Nip of Good Cheer

105

of his neck stand on end, and he hissed at the light
sensation.

“Lift,” Daystrum urged when his shirt caught

on his arms.

His heart rate speeding up, Korbin met

Daystrum’s gaze for a few seconds. He hadn’t felt
self-conscious about his body in years, not since
Brock had gotten him into jogging and lifting free-
weights. Compared to Daystrum’s wide, six foot
two inch frame, he’d appear scrawny.

Still, Korbin couldn’t deny Daystrum’s

request…and he really wanted relief on his dick.
He lifted his arms and shivered as the cool
bedroom air hit his warm chest. His nipples
puckered and when the shirt was gone and he
could see again, Korbin noticed how Daystrum’s
gaze was riveted to his nubs.

Meeting his gaze, Daystrum smiled as he

reached for Korbin’s nipples. He pinched them,
making Korbin gasp and shudder. Korbin reached
up and gripped Daystrum’s upper arms as he
looked down and watched the vampire’s thick
blunt fingers work his sensitive nubs.

“Oh,” Korbin whimpered, pressing into the

delicious touch.

“Mmm,” Daystrum hummed. “Love how you

react to my touch.” He continued to pluck, rub,
and twist Korbin’s nipples.

Korbin’s chest flushed in response and he

panted softly, his skin feeling as if it was on fire.

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106

“What do you think?” Daystrum asked gruffly.

“Think we should get these pierced?” He pinched
Korbin’s nipples, accentuating his point. “I bet
you’d like that.”

Groaning, Korbin felt his prick ooze in his

briefs. “Y-yeah.” He’d seen some of the shifters
with piercings and had wondered what it’d feel
like.

“You do like that idea,” Daystrum growled. He

released a nipple and trailed it lightly down
Korbin’s chest. With his other hand, he continued
to lightly rub his left nipple. “Let’s see how
much.”

Daystrum’s fingertips reached Korbin’s waist

and he quickly flicked the button, then gripped
the zipper tab and pulled it down. Immediately,
Korbin’s brief-clad erection pressed between the
flaps. Daystrum’s nostrils flared, obviously
scenting the pre-cum soaking Korbin’s engorged
head.

Whimpering, Korbin bucked his hips as sizzles

of sensation zipped down his stalk to his balls.
“Oh my god,” he ground out through gritted teeth
as pleasure blind-sided him. His orgasm swamped
him, and he flooded his briefs with cum.
“Daystrum!”

Clutching tightly to Daystrum’s biceps, Korbin

shuddered as he rode the crest of his release.
Heated bliss coursed through his veins. Goose
bumps broke out over his arms. Breathing hard,

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107

slowly coming back to himself, Korbin would
have felt embarrassed. Except, he felt fricking
fantastic.

Daystrum hummed, the sound primal and full

of satisfaction. “Such a pretty sight, your body
flushed in pleasure.” His eyes narrowed as he
stared down at him, a pleased smile showing off
his fangs. “I bet a Prince Albert would make you
shoot off like a rocket.”

Korbin didn’t have the words to deny that

request. While he wasn’t really certain he wanted
a piercing in the head of his dick, something told
him Daystrum would be able to drive him out of
his ever-loving mind with the damn thing.
However, with Daystrum still massaging the
sensitive skin just below his cap and staring at him
as if he was Daystrum’s favorite thing on the
menu, Korbin’s cock remained hard, and his ass
clenched in anticipation.

“Fuck me.”
Holy shit! Did I just say that?
“Oh, my sweet beloved,” Daystrum purred. “I

will do more than fuck you. I will lay claim to
your ass. We will be bonded for all of eternity.”
His eyes glowed red. “All mine.”

“Yes.”
Daystrum knelt on one knee and, using three

inch long talons, sliced through Korbin’s jeans,
underwear, and socks, stripping them from
Korbin’s body. As he rose, he gripped Korbin’s

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108

waist and lifted him. Showing off his vampiric
strength, Daystrum easily tossed him to the center
of the bed.

Bouncing once, Korbin grinned up at him. “I

liked those jeans, you know,” Korbin commented
breathily.

“I’ll buy you a new pair,” Daystrum growled.

“Now I have you here, and you’ve agreed to be
mine. I’m done waiting.”

Splayed on the bed, Korbin felt exposed…and

more turned on than he ever thought possible. His
dick, already sticky with his cum, bobbed in the
air. Korbin watched as Daystrum slowly began
pulling his t-shirt over his head. Panting at the
sight of the vampire’s broad, bare chest, Korbin
licked his lips in appreciation.

“Then get up here,” Korbin demanded.
Korbin’s heart hammered in his chest at the

heated look Daystrum cast upon him. The
vampire growled low in his chest and began
working on his own jeans. “Oh, my sweet human.
There is no way I’m going to rush this.”

Korbin reached down and gripped his cock,

giving it a few slow strokes. He shivered at his
own touch, feeling far too sensitive for having just
come. “If we rush now, we can play around later,”
he offered.

Daystrum chuckled softly. Now naked, his

pale, muscular physic closed the foot or two gap,
then he climbed onto the bed with predatory

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109

grace. Daystrum kneed between his thighs and
knelt between them. He leisurely stroked his dick
as he swept his gaze slowly over Korbin’s prone
form.

“Oh, Kor. I do believe I have another idea.”
Without another word, Daystrum reached

down with both hands and grabbed Korbin’s hips.
He picked Korbin up bodily and flipped him.
Scrambling, Korbin landed on his hands and
knees.

“Day, what are you—” he started, peering over

his shoulder.

Daystrum’s eyes glowed red. He opened his

mouth, showing off his fangs. Then, he bent over
Korbin and sank his teeth deep into Korbin’s left
ass cheek. Korbin’s back bowed. His body bucked
in shock at the sudden pain. Then, the sweetest
pleasure spread through him, moving up his
tailbone and spine.

When the wave of sensation hit the nape of

Korbin’s neck, he moaned and shuddered as
heated bliss caused his already beaded and
stimulated nipples to ache. In turn, that sensation
seemed to travel down his treasure trail, past his
belly button, to his groin. His balls rolled and
pulled tight as the warmth caused his skin to
tingle.

Korbin moaned as that same heat hit his dick

and he shot, his orgasm bowling over him.
Endorphins sent him soaring as he unexpectedly

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110

unloaded onto the comforter. He panted harshly,
trying to catch his breath as shivers of pleasure
racked his body.

“Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.”
Daystrum chuckled softly from behind him as

the oddest sensation of teeth being extracted from
his flesh registered…sort of. He realized it more
because he took that second to peer awkwardly
over his shoulder and saw Daystrum pull his
fangs free. His storm-cloud blue eyes twinkled as
he stuck out his tongue and licked at Korbin’s ass
cheek.

“Feel better now?” Daystrum crooned, his eyes

heavy-lidded and sated.

Except, when Daystrum rocked back onto his

knees, his thick cock jutted from the bush at his
groin.

Not completely sated, then.
Panting, his gaze riveted to Daystrum’s swollen

length, Korbin whispered, “As soon as that’s in
my ass.”

Daystrum’s eyes turned red once more. “Oh,

baby. All in good time.” He flashed a cat that ate
the canary smile. “Now, where is your lube?”

His body thrumming with anticipation, Korbin

pointed toward his nightstand.

Grinning, Daystrum swung from the bed,

yanked open the drawer, and pulled out the tube
of lube. He immediately opened it and poured a
liberal amount onto his fingers. Korbin nearly

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111

swallowed his tongue when Daystrum gripped his
prick and started slowly jacking his heavy length,
coating himself in the slick.

After a sigh of obvious pleasure, Daystrum

released his cock and climbed back up behind
Korbin. He draped over Korbin’s back, his cock
sliding easily between his thighs and prodding his
balls.

“My beloved,” Daystrum growled. “I will make

you mine.”

“Yes!”

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112

Chapter Ten

aystrum shivered at the feel of his cock
sliding between Korbin’s thighs. His dick’s

head bumped into his beloved’s balls, sending
spikes of heat down his stalk to settle in his own
testicles. Rutting slowly, Daystrum reveled in
finally being free to touch and feel his human.

Humming, Daystrum licked a stripe up the side

of Korbin’s neck. He enjoyed the taste of his
beloved’s skin, the mixture of the human’s natural
flavor, a tinge of salt from his sweat, and the smell
of his blood just under his skin. To Daystrum, it
acted as the headiest aphrodisiac and he wanted
to wallow in the scents, rub himself all over in it.

Between feeling his beloved under him and the

look of his bite mark on his beloved’s ass,
Daystrum knew he was so very close to the edge.
His nature demanded he take Korbin, mark him
on the inside, too. Daystrum wanted every
paranormal that came into contact with his sweet
human to know that Korbin was taken.

A Nip of Good Cheer

113

Needing that more than his next breath,

Daystrum grabbed the lube, popped it open, and
poured a liberal amount on the fingers of his right
hand. He tossed the tube aside, then touched his
fingertips to Korbin’s opening. Gently massaging
the striated star, he felt the muscle give easily.

Korbin moaned and canted his hips as best he

could, which wasn’t much with Daystrum
pressing into his back. Easing his hold and putting
a few inches between them, Daystrum peered
down and admired how his fingers looked buried
inside his beloved.

Daystrum listened to Korbin’s soft moans and

whimpers as he worked first one finger in and out.
Then, he worked in a second. Soon Daystrum
thrust in a third, stretching the ring. Feeling the
tight hold on his digits, his cock ached.

“Gods, you take my fingers so beautifully,”

Daystrum murmured. “Want my cock in here. Are
you ready?”

“Yeah,” Korbin panted. “Do it. Take me. Want

to feel you so bad.”

Growling, Daystrum pulled his fingers free. He

once more grabbed Korbin’s hips, this time
flipping him so he lay on his back. Korbin yelped,
then stared up at him with wide eyes.

“Damn. You could just ask, you know.”
Daystrum chuckled. “But manhandling you is

so much fun,” he purred. Seeing Korbin’s jaw
gape, he grinned widely. Daystrum’s gaze drifted

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114

lower, spotting his lover’s thickening prick.
Settling his hand on his beloved’s chest, he spread
his fingers and scraped his thumb over one red-
worked nipple while using his pinky to flick the
other. Korbin hissed and arched, pushing into his
touch. “That’s it,” Daystrum growled. “Show me
how much you like it.”

When Korbin began reaching for his cock,

Daystrum used his free hand to swat his hand
away. “Hands by your head,” he ordered gruffly.
“I like seeing your dick wave at me—twitching
and begging for my touch.”

Korbin whined, but did as instructed. He rested

his hands beside his head, his fingers curled into
half-fists, his forearms tense as he struggled to
keep them there. As he stared up at Daystrum
with wide, heavily dilated eyes, Korbin’s mouth
hung slightly open and he let out soft, panting
breaths.

Sliding his hand slowly down Korbin’s chest,

Daystrum traced the grooves of his belly. Going
lower, he splayed his fingers and allowed his hand
to capture Korbin’s cock in the V of his fingers. At
the same time, Daystrum crooked the digits he’d
worked into Korbin’s ass, pegging his prostate.

“Daystrum,” Korbin gasped.
“Yeah,” Daystrum growled. “Say my name.”
Daystrum took in his sexy beloved. Korbin lay

before him, his eyes heavy-lidded as he stared at
him. His face and chest were flushed with the rosy

A Nip of Good Cheer

115

glow of arousal, his nipples were red and beaded
where Daystrum had worked them. Legs splayed,
cock hard and leaking, and when Daystrum’s
fingers were in Korbin’s ass, almost perfect. The
only way it could be better was if it was his shaft
buried in the man’s ass.

Pulling his fingers free, Daystrum gripped his

cock in one hand and moved his other hand to his
lover’s hip. He pressed hard and watched his
dick’s cap slide past his guardian muscle,
stretching Korbin’s chute. Pausing, Daystrum
released his partially buried prick and used his
thumb to gently massage the stretched ring
around his prick.

“My beloved,” Daystrum claimed.
Panting, Korbin moved his hands to either side

of his body. He twisted his fingers in the sheets
and rocked his hips, impaling himself on
Daystrum’s prick. “Now,” he chanted. “Want you
now. So hot. Never felt anything like it. More.”

“You’ll feel all of me,” Daystrum assured

gruffly. The squeeze around his dick sent tingles
up his stalk. Already close to the edge, he felt his
balls tighten, threatening to spill his seed before he
even managed to get all the way inside Korbin.
“Now.”

Leaning over Korbin, Daystrum slid his arm

under his beloved’s back. He cradled his lover’s
body to his own. After pressing a soft butterfly
kiss to Korbin’s mouth, Daystrum met his lover’s

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116

gaze steadily. He began to rock his hips, sliding
his cock in and out, burying himself ever deeper in
his lover’s channel.

Korbin held his gaze, his dilated eyes betraying

his need as well as his panting lips. He wrapped
his arms around his torso, gripping his shoulder
blades, and his legs around Daystrum’s waist.
Digging his heels into the small of Daystrum’s
back, Korbin met each of his thrusts.

Daystrum growled softly, driving his shaft the

last bit into Korbin. He bottomed out, his balls
flush to his lover, and stopped. Turning his head,
he nuzzled Korbin’s cheek against his own.
Daystrum mouthed his way along his beloved’s
jaw-line to the sensitive patch of skin below his
ear.

Turning his head, Korbin gave him more

access, letting out a moan.

Moving slowly, Daystrum rocked his hips,

pulling his cock partway out. He mouthed at
Korbin’s skin, suckling lightly. His beloved
moaned and writhed in his grip, digging his nails
into Daystrum’s back.

The sensual sound was music to Daystrum’s

ears, the way his beloved moved, responded to
him, better than anything he could have ever
dreamed or imagined. His cock seeped pre-
ejaculate, adding to the slickness already in his
lover’s channel. Korbin’s chute muscles rippled
around him, the best kind of massage.

A Nip of Good Cheer

117

“Korbin,” Daystrum whispered his beloved’s

name like a prayer. “Finally in my arms,” he
continued softly. “Finally mine.”

“Yesss,” Korbin hissed. “And you are mine.”
Daystrum lifted his head from where he’d

sucked up a mark on Korbin’s neck and peered
down at his lover. He eyed the possessive glow in
Korbin’s blue eyes. “Yes,” he replied softly.
“Yours.”

Lowering his head again, Daystrum ran his

tongue along the thin mustache covering Korbin’s
upper lip before sealing his mouth over his
beloved’s. Korbin immediately opened to him and
Daystrum stroked his tongue into him.

Daystrum sped up his cock’s strokes, his

control slipping. Holding Korbin close, he fucked
his beloved’s mouth with his tongue in imitation
of what his dick was doing to his ass. He drove
into him, swallowing his moans, reveling in the
ripple around his shaft and the sounds Korbin fed
him.

Korbin’s body twitched and shuddered in his

grip. Throwing his head back, he broke the kiss
and arched his neck. His mouth opened on a silent
cry as warm seed flooded the space between them.

Feeling his beloved’s channel clamp down on

him, Daystrum let out a groan of his own. His
balls tightened. His spine tingled. He felt his cock
swell in Korbin’s strangling grip.

Daystrum lost his last bit of control.

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118

Growling low in his throat, Daystrum jacked

his hips. He slammed his prick in and out of
Korbin’s channel. Lowering his head, he sank his
teeth into Korbin’s flesh where his neck met his
shoulder.

Korbin screamed his pleasure.
Daystrum grinned around his mouthful of flesh

for an instant, then moaned, his eyes practically
rolling into the back of his head. Between the
heady metallic taste of Korbin’s blood and the
squeeze his beloved’s channel had on his dick,
Daystrum lost the fight. His balls tightened just
that bit more and his cock spurted, coating
Korbin’s insides as he jacked his unloading prick.

Moaning around his mouthful of flesh,

Daystrum allowed his eyelids to slide closed as he
reveled in the rush of bliss. He breathed deeply,
inhaling Korbin’s honey-sweet, masculine scent
combined with the heady aroma of sweat and
seed. A shudder rolled through him as his cock
gave one last spurt.

Easing his teeth from Korbin’s neck, Daystrum

blinked a few times, getting hold of himself
enough to focus. He smiled at his beloved, loving
the slack, blissed-out expression on his human’s
face. With a vow to put that expression on his face
as often as possible, Daystrum pressed a gentle
kiss to his lips.

Daystrum lifted his head again to find Korbin

peering blearily up at him.

A Nip of Good Cheer

119

Pulling a hand out from under him, Daystrum

cupped Korbin’s cheek. He used his thumb to
trace the fine hairs of his mustache at the corner of
his lip. For a second, he just admired the sweet
human Fate deemed his.

“Gods, you’re magnificent,” Daystrum finally

murmured. He enjoyed Korbin’s bemused look
and chuckled softly. “Stay right there,” he
whispered. “Don’t move.”

“Okay.”
Daystrum grinned, then he eased away from

him. When he slid out of Korbin, they both hissed.
Grinning, he winked, then slid off the bed and
headed toward the door.

Opening the door, Daystrum took a moment to

glance down the hall, making certain Paul’s door
remained closed. He sure hoped the teenager had
indeed been wearing headphones. While most of
their coupling had remained reasonably quiet,
Daystrum knew there were a few times that their
noise could certainly have carried.

After Daystrum confirmed the hall was empty,

he hustled to the bathroom. He soaked a hand
towel with warm water and cleaned himself
quickly. Rinsing the cloth, Daystrum then poked
his head out the door and checked the hall again.

While vampires weren’t prudes, Daystrum had

no desire to flash Paul. Hell, he didn’t have a
death wish. If the teenager saw him nude and
Jaymes found out…well, Daystrum didn’t want to

Charlie Richards

120

imagine the consequences. Just knowing he had to
keep the kid away from anyone else, too, for the
next couple of months would cause enough stress.
It wasn’t like Jaymes could stick around. The
temptation would be too great.

Daystrum dismissed the matter and returned to

Korbin’s room. He’d dwell on Jaymes’ request to
keep an eye on his beloved when the vampire had
to return to his ranch another time. Now was time
for Korbin.

When Daystrum slipped back into the bedroom

and closed the door, he found Korbin had done as
requested. He hadn’t moved. Of course, it could
be because the young man appeared to be dozing,
his eyes closed, his right arm flung carelessly over
his head.

Advancing on the bed, Daystrum admired

Korbin’s lean, toned body. His short black hair
stood on end, his cheeks remained flushed, and
white seed was smeared across his flat stomach
and through his neatly-trimmed bush. With
Korbin’s legs splayed, Daystrum noted the
mixture of slick and seed coating his human’s
inner thighs.

Seeing the proof of their spent passion, of his

possession, Daystrum’s prick twitched. Smiling at
his dozing, debauched angel, he settled on the bed
and began cleaning his lover.

Korbin shifted restlessly on the sheets.

A Nip of Good Cheer

121

Daystrum glanced at Korbin’s face and noticed

his beloved watching him. He smiled, then
returned his attention to cleaning his lover. Once
finished, he tossed the hand towel into the
laundry basket visible through the open closet
door. Finally, Daystrum climbed onto the bed,
settled on his back, and slid his arm under
Korbin’s shoulders. He tugged gently, rolling his
lover until Korbin rested his head on Daystrum’s
shoulder, and he half sprawled on him.

Letting out a contented sigh, Daystrum smiled.
Korbin nuzzled his cheek on Daystrum’s chest,

then began stroking his fingers through his chest
hair. “I know how paranormal matings work,” he
told him softly, the uncertainty in his voice
catching Daystrum’s attention. “I suppose you’re
going to want me to move in with you, huh?”

Daystrum opened his mouth to immediately

declare yes. Remembering the uncertainty in
Korbin’s voice, he paused, and instead read his
beloved’s scent. He controlled his desire to
demand his beloved move in with him right now
and stated, “That is usually how it’s done.”
Petting a hand down Korbin’s spine, Daystrum
commented, “You say you know how paranormal
matings work, so I must ask what concerns you.”

Rubbing his palm over Daystrum’s chest,

Korbin murmured, “Well, I can’t just leave Paul
here with Brock. That’s, uh, not gonna work.”

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122

Nodding, Daystrum could see his beloved’s

point. “I agree.” Thinking quickly, he smiled as he
landed upon an idea. “We’ll just have to adopt
him.”

“What?” Korbin sputtered, lifting his head to

stare at him in obvious shock.

Daystrum chuckled, grinning up at Korbin.

“Figuratively,” he amended.

His brows furrowing, Korbin settled his chin on

Daystrum’s chest so he could peer up at him.
“What do you mean?”

Ignoring the way Korbin’s chin dug into his

chest, Daystrum lifted his free hand and rubbed
the edge of lover’s creased brow. “Well, he does
need to be introduced to paranormals, since
Jaymes is convinced he’s his beloved. There’s
plenty of room at the mansion. We’ll move him in
with us.” He chuckled and added, “Then I’ll have
plenty of help keeping an eye on him. Jaymes has
charged me with his safety for the next couple of
months.”

“What about Brock?” Korbin asked. “I can’t

leave him alone here. How would that be fair?
Leaving him to handle all the utilities and bills
and stuff on his own?”

Daystrum appreciated his beloved’s big heart,

sort of. Korbin seemed to worry about every else’s
welfare before his own. Daystrum realized damn
fast that he would have to be the one to do that.

A Nip of Good Cheer

123

“It seems Brock had a fantastic time at the

manor

yesterday,”

Daystrum

commented,

waggling his brows. “According to security, he
snuck out at three-seventeen this morning.”

Korbin snorted. “Yeah, that sounds like him.

Sex with no entanglements.”

“If he were to move in with us, too, he could

have all the sex with no entanglements he
wanted.” Daystrum smirked. “Then he wouldn’t
have to drive home in the middle of the night,
either. He could just return to his room.”

A corner of his mouth lifting in a wry grin,

Korbin replied, “You think of everything, don’t
you?”

Waggling his brows, Daystrum replied, “I’m

not the coven’s second for nothing, you know.”

“Then I guess all we have to do is think up a

plan to convince them.”

Daystrum nodded before tipping his chin down

and kissing Korbin soundly. After a second, he
lowered his head to the pillow, then wriggled a bit
and yanked the comforter up over them. Once
covered, Daystrum rolled them under the blanket
until he peered down at Korbin, cradled between
his sweet human’s thighs.

“But tomorrow,” Daystrum declared. “Tonight

is for us.”

Swooping in to once more capture Korbin’s

mouth, Daystrum ran his hands over his lover’s

Charlie Richards

124

sides and proceeded to drive out all thoughts but
each other and their pleasure.

About the Author

Charlie started writing fantasy when she was
eight, and after stumbling onto her first erotic
romance at age nineteen, she realized her true
calling. She now focuses on writing gay erotic
romance, normally of the paranormal variety, with
heroes of all kinds. With the help and support of
her husband, Charlie finally fulfilled one of her
life-long goals…move to acreage with her horses.
You can often find her curled up with her laptop
and a cup of tea or glass of wine, creating her next
adventure. Charlie enjoys exploring the mountains
of her new Oregon home on horseback, 4-wheeler,
or motorcycle.

She can be reached at ch.richards2010@yahoo.com
Or visit her at www.charlie-richards.com

Document Outline

Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
About the Author

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