Out of the Cage: When a shifter won’t do…maybe a vampire will.

Sebastian Seb Russo is forced to take a commercial flight to his next assignment since the

Vampire Council doesn’t have any planes available. His leaders have charged him with assisting the
alpha of the wolf shifters in Stone Ridge, Colorado with communications between paranormals and
the human government. Except, the one thing that would delay him happens…he discovers his
beloved, his soul mate, on that plane. Now, Seb finds himself in Las Vegas, trailing the human Dirk
Lemans. His attempts to woo the human are successful, until he makes one too many verbal slips, and
he discovers a powerful truth. Dirk thinks Seb is a shifter…and not too long ago, shifters held him
captive. Can Seb convince Dirk that not all paranormals are the same?

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Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the

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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.

by Angela Waters

in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or
hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

Crashing the Comicon Wolves of Stone Ridge: Book Twenty-One
By
Charlie Richards

To creature movies & their writers…because they make great background fodder while trying to
get edits done. Heck, yeah!

Chapter One

ebastian Russo, Seb, to his friends, slid his carry-on bag beneath the seat in front of him, then

flopped into his seat. Heaving a sigh, he eyed his traveling companion and fellow vampire, Lex,
Lexington Paistro.

Once his buddy relaxed in the business class seat next to him, Seb grumbled, “I can’t believe the

council gave the jet to Zack instead of us.”

“Relax, Seb,” Lex urged, patting his thigh. “At least they sprung for business class and we didn’t

have to pay for the upgrade out of pocket.”

Seb snorted and smirked at his friend. “As if either of us couldn’t afford it. Maybe we should

pool our funds and buy our own damn jet.”

Lex barked out a laugh and nodded. “Yeah, that’d teach ’em, huh?”

“Yeah, we’ll be—” A spicy gingerbread scent caught his attention, and it took every ounce of Seb’s
self-control to keep his eyes from hazing red and his claws from extending. He sucked in another
lungful of air and didn’t know if he felt relief or frustration that the arousal-inducing scent had
thinned.
“You okay, Seb?” Lex asked.
Seb craned his neck, peering around the business class cabin. “Not sure,” he mumbled. “I thought I
—” He focused on his friend and fellow vampire as realization of what his strong reaction to the faint
scent meant. “I think my beloved might be on this flight,” he hissed, keeping his voice low.
“What?” Lex murmured, keeping his tone just as quiet. “Are you sure?”
Scowling, Seb just kept from curling his lip at his friend. No need to scare the humans on the flight by
flashing fang. “As much as I canbe sure without tasting his…” He paused, glanced around, then
leaned close to finish, “You know that.”
“Shit, right,” Lex muttered.
He glanced around, too, although he wouldn’t be able to help Seb figure out who might be his
beloved, the one Fate chose as his other half. Only the vampire coupled with that certain someone
would be able to scent him.
“So, you gonna walk the plane or something?”
Seb nodded, making another sweep of the cabin and the people shuffling down the aisle and choosing
seats. “Yup.”
The scent floated over his senses again. Seb’s nostrils flared and a shiver worked down his spine.
Shit! When was the last time he struggled to control his baser instincts. He was a one hundred ninety-
fucking-nine-year-old vampire. He didn’t lose control.
With those thoughts firmly in mind, Seb snapped his eyelids back open.
He tapped his leg restlessly as the rest of the passengers settled into their seats. He practiced deep
breathing exercises when the flight attendants came on and explained seat belts—because some of
these people might not have been in a car in the last forty years. By the time the plane finally started
taxiing down the runway, Seb was ready to strangle Lex, whose eyes twinkled with mirth as he
snickered behind his hand.
“Just you bloody wait, asshole,” Seb snarled under his breath as he stared at the seatbelt sign, waiting
impatiently for it to disappear. “You’ll get yours.”
Lex leaned toward him, his expression suddenly serious. “So, what are you going to do about
Declan’s request? You’re supposed to—” Lex waved a hand, not willing to voice the remainder

humans.
Seb grimaced, still meant. “That all depends on my beloved, I guess,” he mumbled.
His buddy nodded. “Whatever you need, man. You know that,” he stated, patting his knee.
“Thanks, Lex.” Seb appreciated his friend’s willingness to back him, even it if meant flaking out on
the request Declan McIntire—an alpha wolf shifter—put in to the Vampire Council to have Seb there
to help with relations with the feds. He wasn’t known as a silver-tongue for nothing. Still, as
important as that was, Seb knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. His beloved was on
the plane with him. He had to figure out who he was.
Gods above, I hope it’s a he.
Making love to women was fine, from time to time, but actually staying with one? No fucking way.
No kids, and no fucking babies. I sure as hell don’t want to have to change diapers. Ugh!
Seb thrust his seatbelt aside and stood. Fortunately, Lex slid his knees aside, mumbling, good luck,
under his breath.
Immediately, a blonde flight attendant appeared in the aisle. “Can I help you with something?” Her
perky smile turned speculative as she took in his Armani suit and highend haircut.
Yep, I like fine things. Sue me.
of his thought on a plane full of
knowing exactly what his buddy

“No, I’m good,” Seb assured. “Don’t like flying. Just need to stretch my legs.” He gave her a wink

and winning smile.
The blonde woman giggled, then smiled coyly up at him. “Well, if you do end up needing anything,
you just let me know.”
Seb smiled again. “Of course, darling.”
He turned away, not interested in anything else the flight attendant might say. Instead, he inhaled
deeply, searching for the base of that scent…the musky, sexy…gingerbreadgoodness he desperately
wanted to lick, nip, and drink down. Seb paused and took a second to peer around the cabin.
Taking in the tendrils of scent, Seb swept his gaze over the small area. His vampiric senses allowed
him to quickly differentiate the smells permeating the small cabin. The business class wasn’t a big
space, only holding four rows, two seats on each side of the aisle. He quickly zeroed in on the last
two rows of the right side. Three of the four seats were occupied, one empty.
Perfect.
Seb walked past them slowly. He didn’t look at them, but did draw in several deep breaths. Yep, his
beloved was definitely a male. There were two males in that area and one female. One of the males
and the female were seated in the first row, and they seemed to be a pair. The second male occupied
the next business class row.
He hoped that the final guy—who actually appeared kinda geeky with his shaggy red hair, baggy
jeans, band tshirt, and worn sneakers—was his special someone. Since the human had his head turned
away, resting against the window, Seb couldn’t make out much, but he’d rather take a geek than…
well, the preppy, blond asshole in the next row who even now yelled at his Barbie girlfriend. Who
gave a shit how hot the dude was. Asshole! No wonder geek boy feigned sleep.

Racking his brain for a plan, Seb continued to the restroom. He took several deep breaths, getting

his raging lust to ebb. Damn mating instincts—both a blessing and a curse.

Once Seb felt like he had himself under control, he headed back toward his seat. Sweeping his

gaze over the trio again, he noticed the geek rub his temple with his front two fingers. Taking a
chance, he stopped a passing flight attendant and asked for aspirin. Once she retrieved it for him, he

thanked her and headed toward the man. Even if the geek didn’t end up being his beloved, he could
still help the guy.

“Evening,” Seb greeted. He settled into the aisle seat without invitation, smiling at the human.

The stranger’s eyes rounded almost comically as his mouth opened and closed like a fish, even as he
looked Seb up and down. Seb’s smile grew, although he remained careful to keep his lips together
enough to hide his fangs.
Not waiting for the human to figure out his intentions, Seb leaned close—surreptitiously inhaling the
human’s scent as he did—as he held up the single serving packet of aspirin. He kept his voice low,
soothing, and all but purred, “I noticed you might have a headache. Can I offer you an aspirin?”
Seb’s heart pounded in his chest as the man reached out and took the packet. He didn’t know how the
stranger couldn’t hear it. Of the three humans, this one was the one whose blood called to him. He
wanted, needed to learn everything possible about this human while on this eightyminute flight
between Sacramento and Las Vegas.
“Thanks,” the guy murmured.
He tore the packet open, poured the two white tablets onto his palm, then picked up a plastic cup full
of slightly fizzy liquid. After tossing back the pills, he sipped his drink.
Seb watched the human grimace as his throat worked, making his Adam’s apple bob. He bit back a
moan as desire returned in full force…desire to lip and nip at the protrusion. Evidently, Seb must not
have successfully kept all his thoughts to himself, for when he returned his focus to the human’s face,
the man he felt certain was his beloved peered at him with his brows drawn.
Seb curved up the corner of his mouth, settled back in his confiscated seat and asked, “So, is Vegas
your final stop? Or do you have to get on another one of these death traps?”
Seb actually didn’t mind flying…on the council’s jet. He found commercial flying, however, tedious
and annoying. Fortunately, it seemed this time, Fate had plans for him.
Hell, yeah!
“Vegas.”
“Yeah? Me, too,” Seb lied. He held out his hand, “Sebastian Russo. Friends call me Seb.”
For several heartbeats, the human stared at Seb’s hand as if it were a snake. Finally, he reached out
and took Seb’s hand while murmuring, “Dirk Lemans.”
Smiling, knowing he took total advantage but unable to help himself, Seb lifted Dirk’s hand to his lips
and pressed a soft kiss to the slender appendage. “Very pleased to meet you, Dirk,” Seb crooned.
“Might I convince you to join me for dinner this evening?”
Dirk gaped like a fish at him for several seconds. “I-I ccan’t,” he finally stuttered.
Disappointment stabbed through Seb, but he managed to keep his smile in place. He mentally flipped
through options of how to figure out if his human was already attached or if there was some other
reason he declined. Seb couldn’t detect any other person’s scent on his beloved’s skin and he didn’t
wear a ring.
Then Dirk pulled at his hand and Seb released his grip. Glancing around nervously, Dirk mumbled,
“What makes you think I’m gay anyway?”
Oh, too cute!
“Because, cutie,” Seb stated, leaning close. “If you hadn’t been, no matter how much bigger I am,
you’d have given somesign of being offended or confused. You’re neither.” He lifted a hand, but
when he saw Dirk tense, he brought it down to rest on his opposite wrist where he leaned on the
armrest. “So, please, don’t break my heart and deny my intuition,” he finished, raking the man with a
lascivious gaze.

Seb liked the flush that warmed Dirk’s cheeks, especially with how it made the man’s blood sing to
him where it flowed close to the surface.
“Um, I, well—” He snapped his jaw shut for a second, then focused on his hands clasped in his lap.
“I’m attending the Comicon convention and won’t have time for dinner. Sorry.”
Well, fuck, what the hell? Surely, a beloved would feel the connection between them and want to
spend time with him? Inhaling slowly, Seb gathered his thoughts, and Dirk’s fear, confusion, and, yes,
lust, smacked him hard in the face.
Damn, I need to get to the bottom of that reaction!
“A Comicon,” Seb replied softly, straightening in his seat. “I’ve heard those are quite the
productions.”
“Yeah, yeah they are,” Dirk muttered. He kept glancing up at Seb’s chin, but wouldn’t meet his gaze.
Seb gave him a warm smile. “In that case, I hope you have a blast,” he told him. Dirk’s brows shot up
in surprise, and he finally met Seb’s eyes. The disbelief rolling off the human was unmistakable, so
Seb kept his eyes soft, doing his best to exude sincerity. Especially, when he added, “And I hope we
run into each other again, Dirk. See you around. I hope your headache fades.”
With that parting shot, Seb stood and, unable to resist, gently squeezed the sexy geek’s shoulder
before returning to his own seat. By that time, Lex had moved over to the window seat, leaving him
the aisle so he wouldn’t have to climb over him again.
Glancing at his watch, Seb realized he had forty minutes left of this flight to figure out the best way to
get at his mate. He realized, judging by Dirk’s reactions to his blatant flirting, his beloved was
inexperienced, perhaps he’d even been hurt in the past. The idea of another touching Dirk caused
unreasonable jealousy to course through him.
“Hey, knock it off,” Lex snarled softly.
It was only then that he realized his eyes had hazed and his nails itched to grow into his three-inch
claws. Shaking his head at his ridiculous reaction, after all, Seb wasn’t in any way even remotely
virginal. Once he’d gained control of himself, he grimaced at Lex.
His friend smirked back and stated, “So, I guess I gotta make an uncomfortable call once we get off
the plane?”
Seb nodded. “Yep.” He winked. “I’ll be too busy tracking down that Comicon Dirk spoke of.”
“So what’s your plan once you figure it out?”
Grinning, Seb leaned close to his friend so others couldn’t see as he hissed, “I’m going to crash it.”
Lex frowned. “I don’t know how easy that will be, Seb,” he warned. “Don’t you have to buy a ticket
or sign up weeks or months in advance for these things?”
“I have no idea,” he admitted. Then he let his eyes haze red for just a second before controlling
himself. “But I’m sure I can convince them I have a ticket.”
“Be careful you don’t tire yourself out,” Lex cautioned softly.
Seb knew what worried his friend. If he grew too tired, the draw of his beloved’s blood could
overpower his good sense and he sure as hell didn’t want to scare his skittish human by becoming
aggressive.
“I won’t need much time.” Seb didn’t need eyes in the back of his head to know Dirk stared at him…
the way the hairs on the back of his neck tingled did that all on its own. He’d win his beloved’s
affection, then he’d figure out how the hell to tell him that he was a vampire.

Chapter Two

truggling to keep his breathing even, Dirk Lemans attempted to focus on rhythmically squeezing

the stress ball in his left hand. He hated flying, hated public speaking, and hated trying to figure out
how to interact properly with others. This week, he’d have to do all three.

Damn Comicon.

As much as he loved the comic book industry, which allowed him so much creative license with his
drawings, Dirk hated the marketing business. His boss, Drew thumbscrews and threatened to reassign
the design work for Adventures of Lady Gilroy.
Dirk loved working with the writers of that comic. They were just as reclusive and eccentric as he
was, so their meetings were always short and sweet…no politics involved. Working with them made
dealing with a few of the other comic book teams tolerable. He couldn’t lose that…so here he was.
Finally, Dirk’s heartbeat began to slow…just in time to deal with the bouncing, jostling aspects of
landing.
Great.
Dirk glanced toward the man, Sebastian, who’d given him the aspirin. It’d been a nice gesture, but
then the guy had started hitting on him…obviously making fun of him. and publicity aspect of the
Herschal, had twisted the Too bad, because the stranger had pegged him right. Dirk was gay, and he
found Sebastian fucking hot.
Sebastian’s business suit, probably Armani or some other high-end equivalent hugged the man’s body,
showing off his lean lines. From the sure way he moved and how the jacket stretched across his chest
and abdomen as he reached for his bag in the overhead compartment, Dirk just knew there had to be
muscle definition under there. No desk paunch on that sexy piece of eye candy.
Once most of the people had filed out of the business section—thank God they got to disembark first
—Dirk grabbed his laptop case from beneath the seat in front of his, then stood. He set the case on the
outer chair and popped the overhead storage bin.
Dirk grabbed the shoulder strap and pulled. The bag slid toward him, then stopped. He gave it
another yank and it tilted, the left side swinging out toward his face while the right got caught up by
the side lip.
Squeaking, Dirk scrambled to catch the flying object, then gave up and covered his head. The hit
never came. Instead, Sebastian’s heady cologne filled his lungs. He couldn’t help but inhale deeply,
although he did manage to keep from moaning. To his shock, his cock stood up and took notice faster
than he’d ever experienced before.
“Careful there, cutie,” Sebastian crooned, his deep tone coming from just over his shoulder. “Let me
help you with this.”
In fact, as the man continued to speak, Dirk actually imagined he could feel the heat of the other man
at his back.
“Here you go.”
The hand landing at his waist nearly made Dirk squeal. He managed to hold it in, but couldn’t help
yanking away and spinning to face whoever held him. Dirk was face to…chin, with Sebastian.
“Hey, easy, Dirk,” Sebastian soothed, holding up both hands in the universal I-won’t-hurt-you
symbol. From one hand dangled Dirk’s small suitcase, and Sebastian adjusted his grip so he could
hold it out to Dirk. “I didn’t want to see this bag mar your handsome face. I didn’t mean to startle
you.”

Dirk swallowed hard, his heart pounded in his chest— because he’d been startled, not because his
dick was hard as steel in his boxers and he wanted to beg Sebastian to fuck him over the seat behind
him.
Shit, I need to get away from this guy.
“Thank you. Just…hate air travel. It makes me jumpy,” he admitted as he reached for the bag.
“Don’t like it much myself,” Sebastian told him, releasing his bag into his waiting hand.
Huh, he didn’t even comment on my shaking hand? Why? I already turned him down. Surely, he
plans the humiliation faze next…
Except he didn’t.
Sebastian gave him another warm smile, appreciative once-over—which was strange in and of itself
—and strolled out of the cabin. Beyond his control, Dirk’s gaze lowered to the fabric stretching over
the man’s sexy butt.
Ugh! What is the matter with me?
Shaking his head at his responses, Dirk snagged his laptop off the chair and headed off the plane. He
opened the suitcase’s handle as soon as he was off the bird and pulled it along behind him. His
preoccupation with the stranger on the plane was the only excuse he could give for running into the
blond who’d sat in front of him.
The girlfriend-insulting bastard spun around and curled his lip at Dirk. “Watch where you’re walking,
fag,” he snarled.
Dirk blanched. He could literally feel the blood drain from his face. He took an involuntary step
backward and whispered, “S-sorry.”
Belatedly, Dirk remembered the advice about not running from a predator. The guy snickered, but it
sounded cruel. “Let me give you a little reminder, cocksucker,” he hissed, stepping closer.
“Dane, come on,” his girlfriend whined, grabbing his arm. “Leave him alone, huh? People are
coming. Let’s just go!”
“Shut up, Nina. He started it!” the blond, Dane, snapped, lifting a hand in obvious warning.
Oh, crap. Dirk just knew that hand was coming toward him next…probably in a fist.
The girl, Nina, must have known it, too, because she cringed away, all the while giving Dirk an
apologetic look. Well, at least, she wasn’t an asshole bigot, too. That thought entered Dirk’s mind at
about the same time as Dane growled low in his throat and warned, “Don’t you be lookin’ at my girl,
fairy. And don’t you be lookin’ at me. You look at my shoes, ’cause in a second, you’re gonna kiss
’em!”
Dirk would rather curl up into a fetal ball and take a hell of a beating than lick this bastard’s shoes.
He would, too. He’d done it before. That thought sent a phantom pain down his right hip, but he
ignored it in favor of turning his head away and wrapping his arms around his torso.
Flesh smacked on flesh, except it wasn’t his own. He squinted, peering carefully up. To his shock, he
found none other than Sebastian standing at his side. His arm was forward and a look down showed
Dirk how the sexy businessman’s impressive fist wrapped around Dane’s.
“Now, now, Dane,” Sebastian stated. Although the man’s tone seemed deceptively calm, Dirk knew
he wasn’t the only one who heard the icy undertone of his words. “You should really take your
girlfriend’s advice. Leave now, and best I never catch you attacking another person again.”
Sebastian leaned close and hissed, “Because I’m a fag, and rest assured, I can and willkick your ass,
Dane.” Even as Sebastian shoved the man away using the hold he had on Dane’s fist, Dirk saw the
flash of…well, it seemed to be more than fear. Terror? That crossed Dane’s face. The pale man
couldn’t seem to get away fast enough. Dirk wondered what expression had been on Sebastian’s

face…then again, never mind…he never wanted the sexy man angry with him.
“Well, that was subtle.”
Dirk turned and saw another man in a business suit nearby, his fists on his hips, stretching his suit
coat. With one brow lifted, he looked more amused than upset.
“People like that don’t get subtleties, Lex,” Sebastian commented.
Then Sebastian shocked Dirk by cupping his jaw and tilting his head up a bit. “Are you okay? Did he
hit you?”
Dirk quickly shook his head. “No. I bumped into him, then stumbled back. He didn’t touch me.”
“He would have,” Sebastian growled, frowning fiercely.
Shrugging, Dirk eased away from the other man, uncomfortable with the contact while craving more at
the same time. It was beyond confusing. “I really need to go,” he whispered.
Sebastian nodded. “Stay safe, Dirk.”
Dirk nodded, since he always tried to be safe anyway. One of the reasons he enjoyed his solitary
work was that not too many people tried to hurt him while he was ensconced with his drawings and
computer.
Still, Dirk couldn’t help looking over his shoulder several times, and each time, he spotted Sebastian
and his business associate not too far behind him. An odd sense of feeling protected crept over him.
Dirk knew it was probably just his imagination, but he smiled at the thought anyway.

Dirk sighed and stared down at the three different shirts laid out across the bed. The welcome

dinner the evening before had been difficult enough, even though the people had all been there in a
professional capacity, just like him. Today, though…today, he’d have to deal with the public.
Hundreds of excited readers, many dressed up as their favorite heroes and heroines, chattering
exuberantly and asking questions.

He had no idea how he was going to get through today. At least, this time, his final appearance—a

discussion panel where he and several other designers answered questions about transferring their
rough sketches approved by the authors into graphics on his computer—ended at five PM. Then he’d
be able to hide in his room. Maybe he’d get some work done on his latest project.

Yeah, that and a bottle of wine will help me relax.

With those plans firmly in mind, Dirk grabbed the middle shirt, a red and green button-down that his
buddy Deke had insisted he take. Where Dirk was the quintessential geek— well, minus the glasses,
because he had twenty-twenty vision—his best friend since second grade was a grade A twink, a five
foot eight blond, cute, bubbly, and a snappy dresser. Dirk would hate him if he hadn’t grown up with
him and knew the man had a heart of gold. Plus, Deke had helped him pack, giving him outfit
combinations for each day.
Dirk skipped tucking in the shirt, shoved his wallet in his back pocket and draped his nametag around
his neck. Standing in front of the door, he inhaled slowly and let it out just as slowly.
“Okay,” Dirk mumbled and headed out of his room and down to the Comicon.

Gritting his teeth, Dirk tried not to take offense at the question. Really, he did. Unfortunately, he

knew there weren’t too many ways he could misinterpret a question like, “You draw all those scantily
clad superhero women cause it’s a major turn on, huh?”

Geez, did the leering young man dressed as Captain America think they, well… that, to their…

Dirk could hardly get his scrambled thoughts in order on that one. Their work was art, not porn.

Luckily, Ronnie Cullins, a designer from a different publisher who easily interacted with the

readers, laughed for several seconds, garnering snickers from a few others. Then Ronnie held up a
hand as he shook his head. “Sorry, Captain, but no. That’s not what we’re trying to do here. Our work

is meant for entertainment only.” He grinned widely and, while waggling his eyebrows goofily,
added, “What you all do with it, well, that’s between you and your comic book.”

Those words also garnered a bunch of laughs.

After that, Dirk only had to field one question—this one about his publishing company and how to get
involved with them. He gave the girl, dressed pretty accurately as Chameleon, the name of their
submissions reviewer. He even added a couple bits of advice from when he’d been hired on, which
made him feel pretty good.
While everyone straggled out, Dirk gathered his things— a few notes he’d made for himself and his
publisher’s information so he didn’t get tongue-tied if asked for them. Dirk shoved the few papers
into his satchel.
“Hey, Dirk,” Ronnie greeted. “A few of us are headed out for drinks and food before the costume
contest later. You wanna come?”
“Um…” Dirk racked his brain for some way, politely, to say no. After a day of doing his best not to
make a fool of himself amidst gobs of people, he really just wanted to relax, and having to do his best
to control every word out of his mouth wasn’t the way to do it. He knew he often said exactly the
wrong thing, making others either laugh at him, or uncomfortable. “Well, I—”
“I’m afraid Dirk is not available,” inserted a smooth deep voice from behind him.
Dirk gasped and spun around. Surely, that couldn’t be…except, it was. The man who’d haunted his
dreams—in the most erotic of fashions—stood on the other side of the table. “Sebastian? What are
you doing here?”
“I figured I’d save time and pick you up here,” Sebastian returned, his smile open. Then his gaze
swept over Dirk, and he all but purred, “You look fantastic, by the way. I like the way that shirt
deepens the brown of your eyes, cutie.”
“Um, thanks,” Dirk mumbled, his cheeks flaming.
Ronnie laughed and slapped Dirk on the back. “All right then. Sounds like you’ll be having a much
better dinner than I will be,” he teased, winking. “If I don’t see you at the competition tonight, I
wouldn’t blame you.” The other man turned around and, shoving his hands in his pockets, strode from
the room.
“Oh, um,” Dirk started. “Thanks, but you don’t, um, what are you doing here?” He cringed at his
abrupt subject change, not to mention apparent rudeness.
Oddly enough, Sebastian didn’t seem upset. Instead, he moved around the table, well, stalked more
like it, advancing on Dirk. Some emotion Dirk couldn’t hope to name lit the man’s deep blue eyes. “I
told you I looked forward to seeing you again, Dirk,” Sebastian stated softly. “I hope you weren’t in
the closet,” he continued, stopping in front of Dirk. His smile widened, just starting to show pearly
white teeth. “Because I’m not and don’t have any intention of hiding how much I want you.”
This man wanted him? “Why?”
Sebastian cocked his head, his brows creasing for just a second. “Why what?”
Dirk struggled to voice his confused thoughts. “Why would you be interested in me? I mean, you’re
obviously someone important. You had that expensive suit and now wear those nice clothes,” he
swept his hand down, indicating the designer jeans and gray silk shirt, the ensemble complete with
scuff free Dockers. “You could have anyone and I’m just a geek.”
“You are not justanyone, Dirk,” Sebastian stated, maybe even scolded a bit. “Haven’t you ever heard
the adage about how opposites attract? I find you interesting and cuter than you know and would like
to get to know you.”
Lifting a hand, Dirk massaged the back of his neck. “I don’t know. You seem like a serious guy who

likes to be in control.” Although Dirk wasn’t really the most observant person, even he could
recognize that—from offering the aspirin, to helping with his luggage, and even to saving him from a
beating. It was almost a level of care with the control, which Dirk didn’t understand at all. Sebastian
didn’t know him. “If you’re looking for someone to take care of, you should find someone else. I don’t
think we’d have much in common.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I mean, I can’t imagine you
like riding roller coasters or playing pinball or video games.”
Sebastian cocked his head, his smile still playing at the corners of his lips. “Since we know very
little about each other, will you give us a chance to change that?” he urged. “Come to dinner, let’s
talk. You need some time to relax,” he pointed out. Touching Dirk’s shoulder, he rubbed his thumb
over the tendon. “You’re tense and need some down time. Let me help you with that. Just us, no
expectations.”
Dirk thought about rejecting the offer, but really, why? The guy was sex on a stick, smelled amazing,
and wanted to spend time with him. It wasn’t as if his attentions would last. A man like Sebastian
wouldn’t stick with someone like Dirk for long.
Licking his lips, Dirk confirmed, “No expectations?”
The corner of Sebastian’s mouth turned up more. “Well, I might entice you for a goodnight kiss at the
end. That seems pretty standard for a date, right?”
A date? Sebastian thought of this as a date? Just then, Dirk remembered his best friend’s parting
words,…and for God’s sake, Dirk. Take some time to find some cute comic book groupie and get
laid, already!
Sebastian would never be categorized as a comic book groupie, but he seemed interested, although
heavens knew why. Swallowing hard, Dirk nodded. “Okay. That’d be nice.”

Chapter Three

S
eb did a mental fist pump.
Yes! I’ve convinced my beloved to spend time with me.

He didn’t like the idea of keeping his hands to himself, and he’d use everything in his

considerable arsenal of charm to convince Dirk to toss the idea of keeping things platonic between
them out the window. However, it didn’t take a genius to note how jumpy his human was when
interacting with, well, most everyone from what he’d seen.

Deciding the key to earning Dirk’s trust—and discovering the source of his unease—was to fulfill

his own words, Sebastian decided a quiet one on one supper where his man could unwind and relax
in peace was the order of the day.

“Come on, Dirk,” Seb urged. Resting a hand on the small of his human’s back, he guided him

toward the door. He couldn’t deny his need to at least, attempt to soothe some of the tension in the
muscles under his fingertips. Rubbing lightly where he touched, Seb added, “Let’s find a nice, quiet
place to relax.”

Dirk tilted his head just a bit so he could peer over at him from beneath his lashes. “Where did

you have in mind?”
“Well, I’d suggest my room and room service.” He immediately felt Dirk stiffen, so winked at the
other man to let him know he teased. “But I know you’re not up for that. Do you prefer beer or wine?”
Suddenly, he paused and asked, “You are twenty-one, right?” Call him old, but…well, he was, and
he’d never been a great judge of human’s ages, but his beloved looked young.
Huffing, Dirk’s brown eyes sparked as he frowned up at Seb. “Yeah, Sebastian. I’m twenty-four.
Wanna see my driver’s license?”
Seb just stopped himself from grinning—no need to freak his human out by showing off his fangs too
early. He knew his mirth reached his eyes, though, which was fine by him. “Ah, cutie, don’t be upset.
I’m a horrible judge of age. Always have been.”
Seb’s admission of his own short-coming actually caused Dirk to relax a bit, and his beloved pressed
into his touch. Interesting. He could definitely use that tidbit to his advantage.
“Oh, well, I’d prefer wine, but if you like beer more there’s a few that I like,” Dirk told him.
“Hmm, I enjoy both, depending on my mood, and a glass or two of red sounds like a fabulous idea,”
Seb told him, thinking about the hotel’s restaurant options. “Are you allergic to anything?”
“No,” Dirk cocked his head, looking confused. “Why?”
“Just don’t want to have our night interrupted by a hospital run, cutie,” Seb replied. Before his man
could think too much on the endearment, he continued, “How about we try outEmeril’s. They have a
fantastic wine selection and we could couple it with amazing Creole cuisine.” Shrugging, he added,
“And if you don’t like it, you can always get a steak.”
“I’ve always lived in Northern California,” Dirk told him. “I’m not entirely sure if I’ve had Creole
food.”
Once they left the convention area and Dirk had removed his badge, Seb moved a bit closer and
wrapped his arm loosely around the other man. For several steps, Dirk remained stiff in his grip, but
finally relaxed to move freely beside him.
“You okay with this?” Seb asked, figuring he should at least confirm. He didn’t want to push too hard,
too fast.
“I’ve never, uh, never been quite this open about it, but this is, um, nice.”

“Good. I like it, too.”
They walked that way through the hotel and casino. Any time Seb noticed someone frowning, he made
certain to keep his body between them and the man he hoped to make his lover that evening. He
returned the smile of those who smiled at them, nodded, or even gave him two thumbs up.
It’d been a long time since he’d been open about a lover— any lover—but still felt smug at the
appreciative looks sent Dirk’s way. What made it even better…his beloved seemed completely
oblivious to his appeal.
Seb couldn’t wait to show Dirk how good it could be between them.
When they arrived, Seb looked around and debated between a table in the back, so they’d be out of
the way and the bar, where more action probably happened. Deciding asking Dirk would be the best
move—no need to re-enforce the man’s opinion that he was a dull control-freak, he turned toward his
human.
Damn, what can I do to show him I know how to have fun? Wait, didn’t he mention roller coasters?
It’d been decades since he’d been on one of those.
Focusing on Dirk—promising to revisit the idea—Seb leaned down a few inches and murmured,
“What’s your preference? I think if we sit at the bar, we’ll get to watch them prep the oysters and shit,
but if we sit in the back, it’ll be a little quieter and we can relax and talk.”
Just as Dirk glanced around, the greeter led the people in front of them—three giggling women—
toward their table. One of them—a pretty redhead—looked over her shoulder and winked at Seb. He
didn’t bother returning the gesture and couldn’t give a rat’s ass about the disappointment in her eyes.
“She wants you.”
Seb lifted a brow as he turned toward Dirk. Ignoring everyone around him, he lowered his head just a
bit, holding his beloved’s gaze. “I’m here with you. I have no desire to be with anyone else.”
Dirk gasped.
Seb read the disbelief in his human’s eyes. He smiled. “Stop thinking so hard, cutie,” he purred, then
gave up the fight and pressed an all-too-brief butterfly kiss to Dirk’s mouth. Hearing the host
approach—and one of the people waiting behind him make a snide comment under his breath—yeah,
I’ll track him down and crush his balls later—Seb straightened and turned toward the host.
For the host’s part—Saul, a big, beefy blond who looked more like he should be a bouncer outside a
club rather than a host at an oyster bar—gave them a warm smile and asked, “I got two seats left at
the bar or a number of tables. What would ya like?”
Sebastian deferred to Dirk. “What would you like, love?”
Fortunately, Dirk focused on the question and not the endearment. “Uh, I’d really prefer a table, if
that’s okay.”
The host’s brows shot up. He leaned closer and, his deep voice rumbled as he asked, “You sure? The
bar really is the place to be.”
Dirk glanced his way, looking uncertain. Seb inhaled
his scent…uncertainty, confusion, quickly and took in concern.

Smiling, Sebastian nodded. “We’re looking for a quiet place to unwind. Got an out of the way

table in the corner, Saul?”
leaned toward the big host and

Saul’s wide face broadened into a grin. “You got it, Sir.” He glanced between them both, grabbed

a couple menus, and motioned for them to follow, saying, “This way, please.”

Sebastian quickly grabbed Dirk’s hand and twined their fingers. He gave his beloved an

encouraging nod, then started following Saul. They wound between tables and around the bar, finally

reaching the far wall in the only corner possible. Saul placed their menus on the small tablefor-two
and told them, “John will be your server for the evening. He’ll be with you shortly.”

“Thank you,” Seb stated, even as he held out a chair and motioned for Dirk to settle into it. Dirk

did so, looking a bit dazed at the treatment. Seb hadn’t meant to put him offkilter, but he wanted to
treat his beloved right.

Once he’d taken his own seat, Seb realized they still had an audience. He looked up to discover

Saul grinning like a fool at them. When he lifted a brow, Saul grinned even wider. “You make a really
cute couple. How long have you been together?”

Dirk flushed beat red, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

Sebastian reached out, grabbed Dirk’s hand, and gave it a squeeze. Looking up at Saul, he smiled and
told him, “Not nearly long enough…but we look forward to the journey.”
Saul kinda bobbed his head with apparent happiness. “Sweet. I’m gonna have that connection one
day,” he vowed. Then, still kinda dancing, he made his way back toward the front.
“Holy cow…that huge guy is gay?”
Returning his focus to Dirk, Seb tapped his forefinger on the back of his human’s hand before teasing,
“Aww, you’re not stereo-typing, are you, cutie? Naughty, naughty.” Seb lifted the other man’s hand
and kissed the tips of his fingers. Not wanting Dirk to be too uncomfortable due to Seb’s overt
displays—which he knew were new to the man—he once more gave him something else to focus on.
“Now, do you prefer red or white wine?”
“Uh, white, please,” Dirk requested.
“Of course,” Sebastian responded, squeezing the fingers he held. Taking a chance, he asked, “Do you
trust me to order an appetizer?”
Dirk peered at him through his lashes, his voice a soft rasp as he whispered, “You took the time to
ask what I like, what I want, and if I’m allergic to anything. If you’re gonna act like an ass, it’d
probably be now, so go for it.” He shrugged. “Pick what you want.”
Seb didn’t know whether to take that as an insult or not. Instead, he figured it was more of a
challenge. Crooking a brow, Seb leaned forward and crooned, “I don’t know what assholes you’ve
been with, Dirk, but I’m not them.” He crooked a smile and added softly, “In time, I’ll prove that to
you.”
His beloved’s lips parted just a smidge, and he sucked his bottom lip between his teeth, his gaze
darting around. “Um…”
Squeezing Dirk’s fingers lightly, Seb crooned, “Relax. Just relax. Let’s have a bottle of wine and I’m
thinking some calamari and some oysters on the half shell. If you don’t like either, we can always try
something else.”
“Yeah, okay. That sounds good. I, uh, I don’t know what either of those things are, but I’m up for
something new.”
Seb just caught his grin in time, making certain his bottom lip covered most of his teeth and only the
tops of his upper teeth showed. “Excellent. I’ll—” He paused upon seeing the waiter approach. After
John gave his introduction, Seb told him what they wanted.
The man scurried away quickly enough.
“So, you grew up in California? Done any traveling?” Seb asked curiously.
To his surprise, Dirk paled. “Um, well—” He paused and swallowed hard.
“Hey, I guess I struck a nerve,” Seb murmured, giving his date’s hand a squeeze. “I apologize.”
Dirk shook his head. He opened his mouth, but the appearance of the waiter stilled his response.
Never taking his gaze away from his clearly upset human, Seb gave his thanks absently for the wine.

Normally, a waiter would ask them to taste it, but John must have caught on to the tension, for he said
their appetizers would be right along and left.
Smart human.
“You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to, Dirk,” Seb assured.
Dirk shrugged, then met Seb’s gaze. “I wouldn’t normally tell this to a stranger, but I wanna have sex
with you later, so figure I better tell you I have a couple hang-ups because of a bad experience.”
If Seb had been sipping his wine, he’d have choked. As it was, he barely managed to bite back his
moan as his dick went ramrod straight in his jeans at his beloved’s words. That was the last thing
he’d expected Dirk to say. It took him a second to figure out a response.
Long enough for a blush to work over Dirk’s features before he mumbled, “U-unless you’ve changed
your mind. I mean…that was kinda how you seemed to be acting. I know I’m not the best at reading
innuendo, so, maybe I got it wrong?”
“No,” Seb quickly assured. “No, I most definitely want to have sex with you.” If Dirk was going to be
blunt, he figured he should be, too. “You seemed a bit reticent on the plane, then at the Comicon, so I
wasn’t certain that was what you wanted,” he admitted. “Can I ask what changed?”
“My friend’s last words.” Dirk’s blush intensified, and if Seb hadn’t been a vampire with heightened
hearing, he would have missed the human’s next words. “Hetoldmetogetlaid.”
Swallowing hard, Seb’s fangs ached with the need to taste the blood rushing under the other man’s
skin. Fuck. Would he even be able to control himself at this point?
Seb leaned close and smiled. “I like your friend’s advice. I hope someday to meet him and thank him
for giving it to you.”
“Well, you may change your mind, because, even though I like to bottom, I have to do it face to face,
um, and on top.”
A throat clearing caught both men’s attention. Seb looked up to see their waiter standing there holding
their appetizers. His face was flushed red, showing his discomfort at overhearing Dirk’s words, but
he did a valiant job of keeping a straight face. He even managed quick eye contact as he asked if
they’d like to order.
Seb shook his head, telling John they’d like to wait a bit first.
Fortunately, the few minute distraction allowed Seb to get control of himself. Once John had left, Seb
refilled Dirk’s wine, then told him softly, “Cute man, in the spirit of full disclosure, I should tell you
that I’m a biter. Nothing would turn me on more than seeing your pale skin sporting my marks.” Dirk
looked a bit worried at that revelation, so Seb continued, “Don’t worry. I know I can make it very
pleasurable for you.” He winked. “So, if you don’t mind my own little quirk, I will let you ride my
cock all night long.”
Oh, now isn’t that such a pretty sight.
Seb watched Dirk’s mouth open just a bit, seeming to pant as his pupils dilated. The human’s tongue
slipped out, swiping over his bottom lip. Desire to taste those damp lips caused Seb’s heart to pound,
need fisting in his gut.
“Now that we’ve figured out where we’re headed after dinner, I believe it’d be best to change the
topic before I lay you out on this table and eat youinstead,” Seb growled.

Chapter Four

irk couldn’t believe how hard his dick was. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d wanted a

man this badly. And the fact that Sebastian actually wanted him back…Dirk still couldn’t believe his
luck.

He knew it wouldn’t last. He was only in town for four nights, but if he could have this man in his

bed for those few evenings…hell, yeah!

Surprisingly, Dirk found he liked the oysters. A little chewy, but the flavor…yum. They actually

ordered a second and third platter of them while Sebastian polished off the remaining calamari. After
a glass of wine, even the conversation came easy. His date—shit, this totally hot guy is actually my
date!—seemed interested in his work, and even remained attentive while Dirk blathered on about the
comic books he worked on and the people he worked with.

Realizing he monopolized the conversation, Dirk cocked his head and asked, “What about you?

What are you doing in Vegas?”

Sebastian leaned close and winked, giving him what Dirk thought of as his patented charming

half-smile. “You mean, besides wooing you?”

Dirk giggled, then clamped his hand over his mouth. Sebastian chuckled, his blue eyes twinkling

with mirth.
“I work as an ambassador for a foreign administration. That’s about all I can tell you about it right
now.” Sebastian brought Dirk’s fingers to his lips and nipped them lightly. The man’s teeth felt a lot
sharper than he’d thought they should feel, but then Sebastian licked the pads before sucking one
lightly.
The gentle pulls seemed to transfer straight to his dick, making him throb and twitch restlessly in his
seat, fighting Sebastian released his finger, Dirk didn’t know if he should sigh with relief or moan in
frustration.
Evidently, Sebastian knew exactly what he did to him, for he tossed several bills on the table and
stood. “Time to go,” he crooned.
Dirk glanced around the restaurant, uncertain if he wanted to show off the bulge in his crotch. His date
must have understood his problem, for he leaned close and murmured, “Your shirt is untucked, cutie.
Don’t worry. We won’t be showing off to everyone that I plan to take you back to my room and ream
your sweet ass.”
Whimpering, Dirk quickly obeyed. His dick oozed in his underwear, and he prayed he wasn’t making
a wet spot…or if he was, it didn’t show. Standing, he felt goose bumps rise on his arms when
Sebastian settled a proprietary hand on his back and guided him through the restaurant.
Saul grinned at them as they passed and called, “Everything taste okay, Sirs?”
“Everything was fantastic, Saul. Your oysters are as amazing as any I’ve tasted in N’awlins.”
“Awesome. Glad to hear.” His grin widened, showing off even white teeth. “Have a great night!”
“We will,” Sebastian all but purred.
The sound caused even more of Dirk’s blood to flow south, making walking somewhat difficult, and
anticipation thrummed through his veins. Sebastian leaned close and in his jeans. He shifted back a
whimper. When whispered, “I love how you smell, Dirk. I can’t wait to taste you. Tell me you’ll
come to my suite and let me do just that.”
“Your suite?” He’d have to get up early to make it to a breakfast panel his boss had signed him up for,
but he could make it work. Wait, was it jumping the gun to assume he’d be spending the night?

“I have everything we need there,” Sebastian added. “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want.”
Dirk paused and met Sebastian’s gaze squarely. “I want to ride your cock until I scream.”
Sebastian groaned and, for just a second, his eyes looked a little red, like he had allergies. Then, the
odd coloring was gone. “Gods above,” he hissed. “Fuck, yes. Right after I loosen you up with my
tongue, bathe your balls, and suck you to completion. Then, you can climb aboard and I’ll fuck you
until you come again, all over my chest.”
Never was Dirk more grateful that they stood in the hallway before the elevators…giving them some
semblance of solitude. He couldn’t help it. He reached down and pressed the heel of his hand against
the base of his erection. “You’ve got to stop saying stuff like that,” he whined.
Chuckling, Sebastian jabbed the up button, then cupped Dirk’s cock through his jeans. “Don’t worry,
beloved,” he crooned. “I’ll take very, verygood care of this shortly.”
Dirk hissed through his teeth, his hips bucking slightly, pressing more firmly into Sebastian’s hold.
“Oh, God. Stop, or I’ll come in my pants.”
Sebastian squeezed him once, then released him. “Can’t have that.”
He didn’t know if he wanted to cry at the loss, scream in frustration, or heave a sigh of relief. He
didn’t get a chance to decide. The elevator doors opened and he found himself pulled into the small
compartment. With his back pressed against the wall, the hand rail dug into his lower back, but the
feel of a hard male body against his front waylaid any discomfort.
Looking up, Dirk peered into deep blue, lust-filled eyes. “This isn’t going to help my erection.”
Sebastian flashed a grin and Dirk couldn’t help but think those canines looked far sharper than
normal.
“Don’t worry. This will help.”
His dinner companion lowered his head and sealed his mouth to Dirk’s. He thrust his tongue in deep,
plundering, conquering, teasing and tasting. Dirk moaned, his body on fire, singing with pleasure. He
sank into the other man’s embrace and clung. His hard-on pressed against Sebastian’s thigh and he
moaned again, rocking his hips, desperate for friction.
The taste of his soon-to-be lover—oddly, somehow discernible even under the flavors of oyster,
calamari, and wine—exploded across Dirk’s tongue…heady and oh-somasculine.
As Sebastian started nibbling and licking along his jaw, he worked his hand into Dirk’s pants. Shoot,
when did he open my pants? That thought evaporated under the man’s skilled mouth and warm
fingers where they wrapped around his erection, jacking him slowly.
“Come for me, beloved,” Sebastian crooned against the column of Dirk’s throat.
His warm breath wafted over Dirk’s skin, making his hair stand on end. Tingles swept over him,
shooting delicious sensations straight to his cock.
“S-Seb, please,” Dirk hissed. “N-need.”
“I know what you need, Dirk,” Sebastian growled throatily. He lifted his head, tightened his grip just
a bit, and gruffly ordered, “Come.”
Howling, Dirk’s body bucked. His balls contracted just a bit more, sending cum up his dick in spurts
of mind-blowing pleasure. His body trembled as bliss swamped him. “Seb,” he sighed.
“I got you, Dirk,” Sebastian crooned as he carefully tucked him back into his jeans.
Sebastian felt himself being maneuvered out of the elevator and down the hall. He blinked quickly,
trying to focus. “Wow, never come so hard from a hand-job,” he mumbled.
His lover chuckled softly. “Glad to hear it. There’s more where that comes from, cutie.”
Finally, Dirk’s mind began to clear and shock at his wanton behavior took up residence. Shit! I just
let Sebastian jack me off in a public elevator! What if someone found out? What if someone had

taken pictures? If this ever got back to his bosses, he’d lose his job!
“Easy, Dirk,” Sebastian soothed, pushing the door open to what must have been his suite. Once the
door closed, Dirk found himself pinned against it with Sebastian staring down intently at him. “I’d
never allow another to see how sexy you look in passion. Those looks, those cries, their all mine to
see and revel in.”
The husky quality of Sebastian’s tone caused a tingle of pleasure to shiver up his spine. Dirk couldn’t
remember the last time he’d felt like he could trust anyone…well, other than Deke and his parents,
especially after…no, he wouldn’t think about that. But this guy, this sexy man he actually felt like he
could trust.
Dirk smiled. “Wow, how come…how come I feel like you’re sincere. You hardly even know me.
We’re only going to be here with each other for a couple of days.”
Sebastian pulled Dirk close, wrapping his arms around him. He nuzzled Dirk’s temple for a few
seconds. Dirk couldn’t help it. He melted into the man’s embrace, accepting, loving even, the
affection his lover bestowed upon him.
“I can’t explain yet why I’m so drawn to you,” Sebastian admitted against his ear. “Even on the plane,
I felt drawn to you. I’m hoping…” His lover paused and pressed a soft kiss to Dirk’s temple. “I’m
hoping you’ll allow me the chance to learn why.”
Something stilled inside Dirk. Sebastian’s words sparked memories, memories he’d thought he’d
buried, put behind him… The words weren’t the same, but they were damn similar. Panic fired
through his veins.
“Y-you feel drawn to me?”
Sebastian lifted his head slowly. He peered down at Dirk, surprise etched across his features. “I do.”
“Like a mate?” Dirk forced the words out through a constricted throat. Surely, that wouldn’t happen
to me twice, would it?
To his utter disappointment, Sebastian’s lips parted just a smidge, his expression giving away his
shock. “You know about the paranormal world?” He cocked his head and what Dirk suddenly
realized was a true smile split Sebastian’s features, showing off way too sharp and pointy canines.
Holy shit!
“How? You’re human.” Sebastian looked utterly confused. He cocked his head and ran his tongue
over his…fangs. “Who are you related to? How do you know about us?”
Dirk tried to control his reaction…really he did, but all he could think about was ropes and teeth
and…pain.
He bolted.
He didn’t know if Sebastian came after him or not. All he thought about was getting away from the
man, creature, getting out of his room, getting off that floor…and getting back to his own room. After
what felt like a hell of a long time, Dirk shoved his door open then slammed it closed, his back
resting against it as he choked back a broken sob.
Sebastian was one of them. A dangerous animal, a man who wanted to control him…who would want
to inflict pain, who’d want to keep him tied up, only to be released for his pleasure. Dirk had thought
he’d put all that past him. After all, it’d only been a few days before he’d managed to escape. Now,
though…he knew it wasn’t true. It didn’t matter how far he ran, there would always be those
creatures out there, in the night, waiting for him to let down his guard.
What is it about me? Why are they drawn to me?
Dirk didn’t know, didn’t care. When he realized the creature who’d been his date that night wasn’t
going to try to break down the door, Dirk grabbed his phone and dialed. And why didn’t Sebastian

come after him? Phil had, almost breaking down Dirk’s hotel room door until the sound of sirens had
scared him off.
It wasn’t until Dirk received a sleepy “What the fuck?” that he realized it was nearly eleven o’ clock
at night. Had they really been chatting at the bar for almost five hours?
“He’s one of them!” was what Dirk blurted out.
He got silence for all of thirty seconds before Deke snapped, “What the fuck are you talking about?
Who? What?” A lot of thumping sounded through line…then a groggy, “What?” followed by more
scrambling. Dirk realized Deke must have been kicking whoever the hell had been in his bed out the
door.
“Shit, I didn’t mean to break up your party!” Dirk muttered
“Fuck that. Why the hell are you calling me so late? You’d texted about a date or something…”
Dirk grimaced. “Shit, yeah, I did.”
“You really should have taken my advice and gotten laid. Didn’t he allow face to face fucking? I’ve
heard that about some people. Or—”
“Damn it! Shut up!” Dirk roared. He felt angry and frustrated and horny all at the same time…even
after finding out Sebastian was a freaky creature. How could that be?
“Whoa, relax,” Deke murmured. “Talk to me, Dirk. What has you all worked up?”
“It was all going so well. We’d discussed it and we’d both agreed we wanted sex after dinner. I can’t
remember ever being that horny,” Dirk admitted. Even now, thinking about it, his prick throbbed in
his jeans…stupid cock.
“So, what? Did he end up being a jerk or something?”
Dirk realized he’d gotten lost in his thoughts. “No, he was really nice, but…Deke.” He lowered his
voice, as if afraid someone might overhear even though he was alone in his room. “He’s one of them!
You know, like Phil.”
“Holy shit!” Deke screeched. “Are you sure? You saw him change into a dingo?”
“Well, no,” Dirk admitted. “But he started talking about how drawn he was to me and how he wanted
to get to know me and then I remembered him saying he was into biting. It was so similar to some of
the things Phil had said. I asked him if he was drawn to me like a mate. That’s what Phil would call
me. His mate. Sebastian seemed really surprised and asked how I knew about the paranormal world.”
“Damn.”
“Surprised actually might be a mild word for Sebastian’s reaction,” Dirk admitted. “He’d seemed,
well, delighted, really. He’d grinned really big and I saw his fangs.” Flopping sideways, Dirk
groaned. “How come all the good lovers are crazy creatures?”
Dirk had meant it to be a rhetorical question, but Deke latched onto that. “Wait. You already slept
with him?”
“No. We made out in the elevator and he—” Dirk’s face flamed, still having a hard time believing his
completely out of character behavior.
Deke howled with laughter. “You got it on in an elevator? Damn, he really must have been good.”
“Shut up,” Dirk grumbled. “Anyway, I’m coming home first thing tomorrow.”
“No, you’re not,” Deke responded. “You can’t leave now or you’ll probably end up fired. If you think
he’s a crazy shape shifter that wants to kidnap you and take you to his tribe to be used as a sex slave, I
believe you, but you can’t very well tell your boss that’s why you had to leave, can you?”
Dirk groaned, lifted his head from the cushion then dropped it down again. He did that twice before
whining, “What am I going to do? He came to the Comicon today.”
“You’re going to stay with other people. Don’t let him catch you alone,” Deke ordered. Then,

surprisingly, he added, “I’m already online getting a plane ticket. I’ll be in Vegas by ten AM. You just
keep it together until then, okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, okay.” Dirk smiled. “Thanks, Deke.”
“Of course. That’s what brothers from another mother do for each other,” he quipped. “Now, I gotta
pack a bag. Try to get some rest and I’ll see you soon.”
After he’d hung up, Dirk dragged himself from the couch and made his way to his bedroom. Skipping
the shower— and it wasn’t because he wanted to keep Sebastian’s scent on his skin as long as
possible—he brushed his teeth, stripped, and climbed into bed.
It wasn’t until his mind had begun to drift asleep that Deke’s words about being kidnapped and taken
to be used as a sex slave resurfaced. Dirk knew he wasn’t the best at reading people—in fact, he
pretty much stunk at it—but he hadn’t gotten that impression from Sebastian at all. In fact, he couldn’t
remember a time he’d felt more…cherished.

Chapter Five

eb stared at the closed hotel room door for a full five minutes, trying to wrap his mind around

what the hell had just happened. They’d been all set for a night of hot, sweaty, monkey sex and then…
Dirk had run, terrified, from his room.

Frowning, he struggled to get his brain off his throbbing cock and focused on the last few words

he and Dirk had exchanged. When his beloved had asked about being drawn to him like a mate, he’d
been shocked. There was only one reason a human would ask a question like that…they knew about
shifters and mating.

So why run?

Resting his head against the wall, Seb inhaled Dirk’s lingering scent, already missing the cute, geeky
human. That’s when he scented it…the acrid tinge of panic and fear. His beloved had feared him…as
soon as he’d learned he wasn’t human.
Shit! Why didn’t that occur to me before?
Just because a human knew about paranormals didn’t mean their experience had been a good one. Seb
would bet his left fang that whatever had happened to Dirk hadn’t been pleasant.
Knowing he couldn’t leave things as they were for the night, Seb yanked open the door and stalked
back out of his room. Hell, if Dirk was scared enough, he could run and although he would chase his
beloved across the country, if need be, he’d rather not have to.
Seb followed Dirk’s scent to the stairwell and down three floors. Once he’d figured out which room
his human occupied, he headed down to the lobby. That late at night, there was no line for check-in
and he walked right up and smiled at the woman at the counter.
“Good evening, Sir. How can I help you?”
“Hi, Susan,” Seb replied after a glance at her name badge. “I’m in room twelve-seventeen,” he
claimed, giving Dirk’s room number. “And I’m embarrassed to admit that I left my door key in my
room. Can you make me another, please?”
“Certainly, Sir. I’ll just need to see your ID.”
Allowing his eyes to haze, Seb held the woman’s gaze and gave her mind a gentle push. “I already
showed you my ID.”
Susan’s brown eyes dulled as she zoned out a bit under his vampiric influence. “Thank you for
showing me your ID.”
“Now you’ll make me the door card,” he ordered softly.
“I will make you a new door card now,” Susan stated.
Retracting his power, Seb watched Susan, a bit dazed, turn and punch some keys on the computer
before swiping a card through a reader, programming it. With a smile she handed it over to him.
“Here’s your new card, Sir.”
“Thank you.” Seb took the card and turned, heading back toward the elevators.
He spotted Lex leaning against the wall, probably drawn by feeling Seb use his mind manipulation on
Susan. Once upon a time, vampires used the trick to feed from humans without them remembering the
encounter. If another vampire was within a couple miles, they’d feel it, like a wave lapping at his
toes.
Lex fell into step. “What the hell are you doing? What happened to your date with Dirk?”
“We went on it,” he growled. “And it was going great until we got back to my room and I told him I
was drawn to him. He asked if I was drawn to him like a mate,” he told his friend, giving him a

meaningful look.
Lex’s brows shot up. “He knows about shifters?”
“Evidently, because he shot the hell out of there after that,” he admitted.
“Damn, really?” Lex hit the button for the elevator. “What are you going to do?”
Seb held up the key card. “Break into his room and talk to him.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?”
The elevator dinged and, after they stepped into the cage, pressed the button for Dirk’s floor. “Wise
or not, it’s better than finding out he took off in the morning and having to chase him across the
country.”
Lex grunted, nodding slightly.
“What did Declan say about me delaying our trade off with the CIA?”
“He’s not happy about it, but he understands. He’s probably going to ask the council for a
replacement,” Lex warned.
“Damn. I hate letting people down,” Seb muttered, running a hand through his dark hair.
Lex patted him on the shoulder. “They all understand why. Don’t sweat it.”
The elevator stopped and Seb stepped out.
“Good luck, Seb. Holler if you need backup.”
Seb waved his acknowledgement and headed toward Dirk’s room. Standing in front of it, Seb inhaled
deeply, praying for patience and the right words to get through to his beloved.
He swiped the card, the door clicked, and he slipped inside. He found it worrisome—even as it
helped him—that Dirk hadn’t put on the safety latch, showing the extent of his panic.
With his enhanced vision, Seb made his way deeper into the room. Dirk’s scent hung heavy around
the sofa, and Seb’s prick thickened at his human’s heavenly aroma. Ignoring his discomfort, he
bypassed the sitting area, passed the bathroom, and stopped at the threshold of the bedroom area.
Seb swept his gaze over Dirk’s sleeping form. He yearned to undress, slide under the covers, and
cuddle up to his beloved. Knowing he wouldn’t be welcomed caused an ache in his chest.
Soon, he promised himself.
Suddenly, Dirk whimpered in his sleep, his body twitching and jerking.
Crossing the space in three long strides, Seb reached the bed and settled on the side of it. The dip
wasn’t enough to jostle Dirk out of his dream, so Seb leaned forward and gripped Dirk’s shoulder,
giving it a slight shake.
Dirk yelped and jerked away, scrambling backward. Pressing his back against the headboard, his
eyes widened in shock and his mouth gaped.
Seb lifted his hands, palms out. “Easy, Dirk. I won’t hurt you.”
“H-how—” Dirk’s gaze darted around the room. His body tensed. That he searched for escape was
painfully obvious.
“Dirk, we had a misunderstanding earlier. You think I’m a shifter, don’t you? Did you have a bad
experience with one?”
“Sh-shifter? You’re not?” Dirk seemed to latch onto that.
Seb could see the hope shining in the man’s eyes, even in the dim moonlight. Shaking his head, Seb
slowly lowered his hands, resting them on his thighs. He curled them into fists to keep from reaching
for Dirk and wrapping him in a hug. “I’m not a shifter,” he confirmed softly.
Dirk licked his lips, then sucked on the bottom one for a few seconds. Finally, he blurted, “But I saw
your teeth!”
Nodding, Seb didn’t bother trying to deny it. “You’re right. But those are fangs, not canines,” he

explained. “I’m a vampire.”
“V-vampire?” Dirk squeaked. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes and he flailed an arm. “Go
away!”
Seb grimaced. “Please, Dirk. Please, let me help you. I mean you no harm.”
Dirk started to shake his head.
“Dirk, you remember what it felt like when I held you? When I touched you? Kissed you?” Seb asked
softly. “You enjoyed my touch. I gave you pleasure. I’ll never harm you, beloved. And I’d die before
ever allowing another to harm you.” He didn’t want to have to push his will on Dirk to get him to
calm down, but if the heart hammering in the lover’s chest got any louder, Seb feared his human
would pass out. “Please, Dirk. Calm down. I get the idea that a shifter injured you. I’m not that man
and whatever the hell he did, I’ll never do.”
“You’d never bite me?” Dirk whispered the question, his disbelief clear.
Well, shit. “Uh—” He couldn’t promise that, no matter how much he wanted to please his beloved.
“Tie me up? Pass me around? Whip me?”
Hearing that, Seb couldn’t stop the low growl that rumbled through him. “Who the hell did that to
you? I’ll kill ’em,” he snarled.
Unfortunately, all that did was make Dirk whimper and cringe.
“Shit, Dirk, I’m sorry, cutie, I—” Seb heaved a sigh and scrubbed a hand over his face. When he
returned his focus, he spotted wary confusion on his beloved’s face. He shrugged and shook his head
once. “I’m a predator, Dirk. I won’t deny that. The idea of someone hurting you makes me see red.”
“Why?”
Seb sighed, trying to put his thoughts into words…then almost grinned. They were talking. Dirk was
asking questions.
This is good!
Now, how the hell was Sebastian supposed to explain that he considered Dirk a gift from Fate and he
wanted to cherish him for centuries? He’d freaked out when he thought he was a shifter and they were
mates. Okay, maybe they needed to talk about that first.
“I’ll be happy to explain, Dirk. I really will. I just need to know why you freaked out about shifters
and mates. I know a number of shifters,” he admitted earnestly, “and they all hold finding their mate,
their special Fate-given soul mate, in the highest regard. It’s a blessing. Something to be cherished,
yet, you seem to think it’s some kind of bad thing, and I need to understand why.”
Dirk licked his lips, still frowning. At least, he didn’t look like he was about to bolt. To Seb’s utter
relief, Dirk started talking. “I went on vacation to New Orleans eight months ago. I met a guy. He told
me we were soul mates…always called me his mate…and tried to convince me to move down there.”
As he spoke, Dirk pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. “The last day I
was there, I went on a picnic with him. I ended up in the middle of his people’s camp. They had cages
and held humans hostage, only pulling them out to…to…” He stopped and shook his head.
At that, Seb could no longer keep his hands to himself. He reached out and gripped Dirk’s forearms.
“Come here,” he urged, tugging lightly. “Let me hold you.”
Never had Seb come closer to begging.
Pleasure filled him as, after a few seconds of hesitation, Dirk actually moved toward him. Seb
shoved the blankets aside, kicked off his shoes, and slid under the covers. When Dirk settled next to
him, Seb wrapped his arms around him and—remembering his beloved’s need to be on top—draped
him over his chest and cuddled him close.
Once they were both settled, Seb pressed a kiss to his human’s temple and asked, “What’s the man’s

name, Dirk? And what’s his animal?”
“His name is Phil Delman. He held me for three days. His buddy, Lonnie, grew lax, thinking they’d
starved me enough. He backed off the sedative. I feigned sleep and when alone, broke out. When
several dingoes chased me into the swamp, I hid in the bogs. I’d rather die by alligator or snake than
at their hands.”
“I’m glad you didn’t die, Dirk,” Seb rumbled, struggling to keep his rage in check. “There are laws
amongst our own kind against what they did. Do you know how many were in Phil’s group?”
“I saw four dingoes. There might have been a couple more, but I’m not sure.”
“Okay. In the morning, I’ll alert the authorities. They’ll make certain they’re stopped,” he assured.
Dirk snorted. “Yeah, like the authorities will listen. They’ll never believe you. Then we’ll both end
up in strait jackets.”
“Ah, but I’m not telling the human authorities,” Seb assured, taking advantage of their position and
pressing a kiss to Dirk’s temple. “I’m telling the Shifter Council…well, I’m telling Declan McIntire,
alpha of the Stone Ridge wolf pack. He’ll either deal with it or tell the council.” He frowned,
inadvertently tightening his grip. “Either way, they’ll be dealt with.”
For several long minutes, Dirk remained quiet. He lifted a hand and settled it over Seb’s left arm,
petting him, maybe absently, maybe because it helped him think and relax. Seb didn’t know, but he
hoped to learn which. Besides, if the repetitive movement made his man happy, Seb would let him do
it all day every day.
Finally, Dirk quietly asked, “So, you’re a vampire?”
“Yes.”
“Do you drink blood?”
“Yes.”
Dirk stiffened as he whispered, “Do you plan to drink my blood?”
“I won’t lie to you, Dirk,” Seb crooned. “As you saw tonight, I eat food just as you do. However, I
must also consume blood from an outer source to survive. Now that I’ve found you, because of who
you are to me, you’re it for me. I willbite you.” As he said those words, he threaded his fingers
through Dirk’s hair, petting and massaging his scalp, as he locked gazes with him.
Seb saw the fear and tension in his beloved’s eyes and prayed his next words would ease it…at least
a little. “It won’t injure you in any way. In fact, you’ll find it incredibly enjoyable.” He lowered his
tone and stated huskily, “So much so that you will orgasm.”
“I-I will?”
Seb smirked at the shocked look on Dirk’s face. He winked. “Oh, you will. I promise you.”
“Sh-show me?”
His brows shooting up, Seb swept his gaze over his human’s hopeful expression. “You need
something to forget your troubles, cutie?” he crooned.
Dirk swallowed hard, then swept his tongue over his bottom lip, before admitting breathily, “It’d be
nice.”
Seb slid the palm of one hand down until he gently cupped Dirk’s nape. With the other hand, he
discreetly extended a talon and sliced open the shoulder of his beloved’s shirt seam, exposing his
shoulder.
Tugging his man’s head a bit to the side, exposing the column of his throat and the pulsing vein that
ran up his shoulder and neck, Seb warned softly, “If I drink from you, it will begin the bonding
process. Are you ready for that?”
“Wh-what does that mean?”

Seb knew he should explain everything, but with Dirk’s vein exposed to him, his human’s blood
calling to him, he could only say, “It means you are it for me. I will protect you with my life, and your
life will extend to match mine. We will bond and be one. Your happiness is my happiness. Your
pleasure, my pleasure. All that I am will be for you.”
“I think you’re getting the short end of the stick,” Dirk mused.
Smiling, Seb shook his head once. “Never will I believe that.”
Dirk stared at him for a long few seconds, then tilted his head further and murmured, “Do it.”
Seb stared at his human for several seconds, then obeyed.
He lowered his head and sank his fangs into Dirk’s throbbing vein.

Chapter Six

irk didn’t know what came over him…didn’t know why confirming that this man wouldn’t really

bite him seemed so important, but it was. Except, Seb did bite him! Pain speared through his
shoulder, and he screamed.

Waves of pleasure unlike anything he’d felt before turned his shout into a groan of unbelievable

proportions. His dick firmed up faster than he thought possible, his balls drew flush to his body.
Feeling Sebastian’s mouth on his neck, sucking on his skin—and presumably his blood—seemed to
transfer straight to his cock.

Dirk screamed for a whole different reason as an unexpected orgasm of epic proportions surged

through him. His shaft twitched and jerked, continuing to spurt in time with the pull of Seb’s mouth.
Moaning at the riot of pleasure swamping him, Dirk’s body shuddered. His hands gripped spastically
at his lover’s shoulders, the sensations going on and on.

Seb extracting his teeth sent a hot spike of disappointment combined with relief through Dirk.

He’d loved the feelings erupting through his body, but the intense waves of bliss had spots dancing
behind his eyes and his head swimming.

“Easy, beloved,” Seb’s soft crooning reached him as if through a long tunnel. “Talk to me. How

you feeling now?”
Dirk hummed. “Wow. Can’t talk. You melted me,” he mumbled.
The chest underneath him shuddered as Seb’s rumbling laughter reached his ears. Dirk smiled at the
sound and sighed at the feel of his lover’s hands running down his back, over his sides, then up under
his t-shirt to softly caress him.
“Told you, you’d enjoy it,” Seb crooned.
“You weren’t kidding.” Dirk didn’t know what to think of that. If Seb did that while having sex,
would he pass out? Die of pleasure? “Never experienced anything like that. Will it always feel like
that?” Dirk turned his head and gasped. If he weren’t sated beyond the ability to move, he knew he
would have flopped off Seb and tumbled to the floor.
Seb’s eyes were…red!
“Easy, lover, I will never harm you. This is normal after I’ve fed.”
“F-fed? That sounds, um…” Should he tell Seb how creepy he found that?
“Sorry,” Seb apologized, once again petting him. “Not the best way to say that, but it is what it is.
Your blood sustains me just as much as the food I eat does.” The red color bled from his irises,
returning them to their original deep blue as his expression turned earnest. “In return, I offer
protection, pleasure and my devotion. However, I am a possessive bastard and will destroy anyone
who attempts to touch you or take you from me.”
Dirk rolled that information around in his mind. “I don’t know why I find that so appealing,” he
admitted. “I’m attracted to you and love being held by you more than I’ve ever imagined possible.”
Frowning, he added, “I don’t understand it. Is it because you’re a vampire?”
“No,” Sebastian stated, then smiled. “It’s because you’re my beloved, my soul mate. A vampire or
shifter or other paranormal spends their life searching for that one special person who completes
them. To me, that’s you. A vampire is drawn to the call of that person’s blood, and when they taste it,
it confirms their suspicion and begins the bonding process.”
Dirk figured they probably should have discussed all this before he allowed Sebastian to bite him.
However, he couldn’t find it in himself to regret it. This guy wanted him, wanted to care for him, keep

him safe… It’d been so long since he’d truly felt safe.
Still, Dirk knew he needed to know just what he’d allowed himself to get into. “How does this
bonding thing work? You said something about extending my life? What’s that mean? Is this going to
affect my work? My family?”
Sebastian shifted restlessly underneath him, and that’s when Dirk felt it. “Crap, I’m sorry. You’ve
gotten me off twice and you’re still hard. Can I suck you off?”
“Oh, fuck,” Sebastian moaned and rolled his hips a bit. “C-can’t turn down an offer like that.”
Sebastian’s smile filled with lust as he traced Dirk’s lips with his thumb. “Would love to feel your
pretty mouth wrapped around me.”
Dirk pulled Sebastian’s digit into his mouth, licking and sucking the pad for a few seconds.
Sebastian groaned and Dirk actually felt his prick twitch. Wanting to please his lover as much as
Sebastian had already done for him, twice, Dirk released the man’s finger and slithered down his
body. He vowed to explore his new man later, after they’d finally talked. Right now, he wanted at the
thick ridge filling out the groin of Sebastian’s jeans.
Making quick work of the button and fly, Dirk practically swallowed his tongue when Sebastian’s
engorged shaft popped up between the flaps. Commando! And uncut! Dirk licked his lips, taking in
the swollen ridge and the foreskin pulled back, revealing the weeping slit. The thick vein pulsed
along the underside and Dirk lowered his head and swiped his tongue along it.
His lover moaned, spreading his legs, giving him more room and an excellent view of his large, low-
hanging balls. Pressing his nose to the thin thatch of brown curls, Dirk inhaled the musky, masculine
scent. He moaned, loving the heady aroma. Sebastian smelled better than any man or anything he’d
ever smelled before.
Perfect!
Wasting no more time, Dirk swirled his tongue around Sebastian’s glans, prodding his tongue under
the man’s foreskin before sucking the loose skin lightly. Sebastian went wild under him, grunting and
shivering. He bucked his hips, sliding his prick deeper and deeper into Dirk’s mouth with each thrust.
Dirk didn’t try to stop him. He couldn’t imagine being on the edge for so long. That Sebastian had
given him so much pleasure while demanding none of his own proved more than anything how
different the vampire was from the other paranormal men he’d come across.
He took everything Sebastian threw at him, sucking hard on the ridge sliding in and out of his mouth.
He massaged the vampire’s cap with his throat muscles each time it bumped his throat, and rubbed the
stalk with his tongue.
When Dirk reached down and rolled Sebastian’s balls in his palms, they drew up tight. That was all
the warning Dirk got before his lover shouted his name and shot, spurting thick ropes of cum, flooding
his mouth with seed. Dirk swallowed quickly, then pulled back slightly, allowing the next shot to land
on his tongue. He rolled the salty essence around his tongue and moaned before swallowing it, too.
As Sebastian slowly settled, Dirk licked him clean.
“Damn, Dirk. Your mouth should be registered as a lethal weapon,” Sebastian mumbled.
Certain he’d gotten everything, Dirk lifted his head and smiled at his lover. “Glad you feel that way.”
“Come on,” Sebastian murmured. “Let’s strip and cuddle.”
Dirk couldn’t help it. His brows shot up and he grinned. “You a cuddler?”
“Yeah, but don’t tell,” Sebastian replied, putting action to words and getting them both stripped down
and settled. “It’ll ruin my tough guy image,” he teased, winking.
Snorting, Dirk shook his head. “You act more like a businessman than a tough guy.”
Seb chuckled. “I work for the Vampire Council, so that’s about right.”

Dirk tilted his head where it rested on the vampire’s chest so he could peer up at the man. “What do
you do for them?”
“I’m in acquisitions. I travel a lot, wherever they need me to go, buying land, selling land, securing
contracts, that kind of thing, all in an effort to keep the existence of our race a secret.” He grimaced,
“Well, as secret as possible. The government, or at least parts of it, know about us and shifters.”
“Huh.” Dirk wasn’t sure what to make of that. Would Sebastian expect him to travel with him all the
time?
As if reading his mind—hell, maybe he could—Sebastian stated, “Now it’s time I answered some of
your earlier questions. I apologize I didn’t clarify everything before we started the bonding process,
but—” Sebastian smiled slightly. “I don’t know what to tell you except I couldn’t keep my hands off
you.”
“So, my life is gonna change, huh?” Dirk tried to figure out how he felt about that. Fear, sure, maybe
some excitement, mostly, he just wanted to stay curled up in this man’s arms. For some reason, he
found listening to the slow thump of his lover’s heartbeat soothing.
Wait, heartbeat?

“I thought vampires didn’t have a heartbeat,” Dirk blurted.

Sebastian chuckled. “Pretty much, whatever you think you know about vampires, it’s not true. We’re
not allergic to garlic or crosses or sunlight. We don’t sleep during the day and wake at night. We’re
pretty much just another race living on the planet.”
“But you dodrink blood,” Dirk pointed out.
“Yes, vampires drink blood. Our eyes turn red, giving us the ability to almost see things in infrared. If
we’re not bonded, or don’t have regular donors, we use it to discern acceptable blood type. We also
have the ability to push our will on someone, in essence, blanking their mind to anything but what we
want. It gives us various levels of control, depending on the energy we expend, the strength of will of
the person, and what we’re requesting they do.”
“Holy shit!” Dirk hissed. “Mind control?”
Sebastian stroked his fingers down Dirk’s back, tracing the knobs of his spine. “Yes,” he responded
simply, not even trying to sugar coat it.
“Um, okay.” Dirk frowned. “Do you use it on people often?”
Sebastian met his gaze squarely. “Before this evening, it’d been years since I felt it necessary.”
“Tonight?” Gasping, Dirk rolled off Sebastian and sat up. “Did you use it on me?”
“Never,” Sebastian vowed, rising onto this elbows. “I needed your door key, so I convinced the desk
clerk I was you.”
“O-okay.”
“As far as friends and family, I’d never ask you to give them up, but what you need to consider is the
fact that I’m almost two hundred years old and barring an attack or other accident, I’ll live for around
another three hundred.” Sebastian reached out and took Dirk’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “That means
you will, too.”
“I’m, uh, really?” Dirk scowled. “How is that possible?”
Sebastian tugged gently and, unable to resist his lover, Dirk returned to his arms. “How come I can’t
resist you? You break into my room, drink my blood, and essentially tell me that we’re a couple and I
don’t get any say.” He frowned, frustrated and happy to go to the man at the same time. “God, I’m so
messed up.”
To Dirk’s surprise, Sebastian actually chuckled. Dirk glared even as he cuddled into the vampire’s
side. “What’s so funny?”

“Sorry, Dirk. You feel the pull to bond, just as I do. It’s Fate’s way of aiding a human accept a
paranormal.”
“You keep saying Fate as if she’s a real being.”
“She is, Dirk.”
Sebastian sounded so certain, that Dirk didn’t know how to respond to that.
“Let your mind rest, Dirk,” Sebastian urged. “More questions will come, and I’ll answer them all.
It’ll take time to share everything and you still have a Comicon to attend.” He leaned down and
captured Dirk’s mouth, thrusting his tongue in deep for several swipes before drawing away.
“Tomorrow evening, we’ll do something fun. Something to take our minds off all this. How’s that
sound?”
Dazed from the kiss, Dirk nodded. Fatigue pulled at the corners of his mind.
“When do you need to wake?”
“Ugh,” Dirk groaned. “Early. Seven o’ clock. There’s an eight o’ clock breakfast panel I’m supposed
to attend.”
“Okay, beloved. I’ll make certain you’re up by then,” Sebastian assured, petting him lightly.
Dirk nodded, too tired to fight after the stress of the day and the mind-blowing orgasms. “’Kay.”
Sleep took him quickly.

Dirk moaned, shivering at the sensation of warm, sucking heat on his morning wood. Peeling open

an eyelid, he peered down to see Sebastian between his legs, his mouth wrapped around his cock.
“S-Seb!” he gasped.

Sebastian popped off his shaft just long enough to say, “Good morning, Dirk,” then swallowed

him back to the root. The vampire bobbed on his shaft, up and down, massaging his stalk with his
lips, swiping his tongue over his glans, stimulating the sensitive flesh.

When his lover used a saliva-slicked finger to rub his asshole, Dirk groaned and bucked. “Put it

in,” he begged, trying to press against that finger and draw it into his channel. He desperately wanted
to feel the stretch and burn. It’d been so long.

His lover hummed, vibrating his shaft just as Sebastian pressed his finger in deep and pegged his

gland.
Dirk screamed his lover’s name as he came, pumping cum into Sebastian’s lightly sucking mouth.
Panting, he tried to catch his breath as he floated on the endorphins. Sebastian rubbed his thighs, hips,
then up over his sides, stomach, and chest.
Finally, Sebastian flopped down next to him and wrapped an arm around him, pulling him into a deep
kiss. He thrust his tongue into Dirk’s mouth taking him in a slow exploration. Dirk moaned into his
lover’s mouth at the taste of cum and man. When Sebastian drew Dirk’s tongue into his own mouth
and sucked lightly, his prick made a valiant effort to rise again.
When breathing became paramount, Sebastian pulled back, leaving Dirk panting hard. Feeling warm
and sated, Dirk grinned up at his lover. “Wow.”
Sebastian hummed and nuzzled against pulling back and grinning, showing off his thought the sight
should unsettle him, but it didn’t. Realizing that his lover felt comfortable enough not to hide his true
self, Dirk leaned up and traced one fang with his tongue. Sebastian’s eyes started to bleed red and his
breathing sped up.
Dirk grinned. “Like that, do you?”
“Hell, yeah,” Sebastian growled. He swallowed hard, then admitted, “They’re more sensitive than
normal teeth.”
“Could you come from that?” Dirk asked, eying his lover. “From me playing with your teeth?”

“Don’t know,” Sebastian replied, but from the excited gleam in his eyes, he’d probably be willing
finding out.
Dirk thought about trying to find out right then, but the trill of a phone going off broke the silence. Seb
groaned even as he leaned over the side of the bed. He grabbed his jeans and pulled his phone free,
then grimaced. “I gotta take this. Sorry.”
“No problem. You wanna join me in the shower in a few and I can return the favor?” Dirk asked,
glancing at Sebastian’s blanket covered groin.
To his surprise, Sebastian grinned and winked. “I came when you did, babe.” He licked his lips.
“You taste delicious.”
Dirk’s brows shot up. “You did?”
“Oh, yeah.” Sebastian turned his attention to his phone. “Good morning, Lex.”
Liking that piece of information, Dirk headed toward the bathroom, deciding it was a very good
morning, indeed. him before fangs. Dirk

Chapter Seven

“I

t sounds like your night ended up okay. You and Dirk good, then?”

“Yeah,” Seb replied, grinning. “We’re good. Still have a few things to discuss, but we’re on the

right track.”
“That’s good, Seb,” Lex responded. “I’m glad to hear it. Where’d he learn about paranormals?”
“I’ll tell you all about it when I come upstairs. Dirk has a breakfast he needs to attend, so I’ll be there
in thirty.”
“Sounds good. See you soon.”
Seb hit the end button just as Dirk walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.
“Hmm, hello handsome,” he crooned. Seb watched a flush work up and over Dirk’s torso.
“Hey,” Dirk murmured, smiling shyly.
Damn, that’s a good look on him.
Watching a drop of water trail down the man’s pale shoulder, over his peck, and over the slight
pooch of his stomach, Seb wanted to trace that same path with his tongue. He wanted to yank that
towel away and lick and nip every damp inch of skin on his lover.
“Hmm, you should come over here,” he urged, holding up his hand.
Dirk shook his head.
Disappointment stabbed through him.
“I see that look in your eyes,” Dirk commented, a smile playing around the corners of his lips. “If I get
anywhere near you, I’m going to miss breakfast. I’ll get in trouble with my boss.”
Seb chuckled. He tossed off the blanket and palmed his thickening prick. “You’re right, baby. Doesn’t
mean I have to like it.”
Dirk groaned, staring at his thickening dick—which only caused Seb’s cock to harden faster—and
shook his head. “You don’t fight fair.”
Even though Seb knew he’d end up uncomfortable, at least for a little while, he grabbed his jeans and
yanked them on. “Sorry, Dirk. I know you have a job to do.” He shoved his wallet in his pocket and
picked up his shirt, then stalked over to his lover. When he reached Dirk, Seb wrapped his arms
around him and planted a searing kiss on his lips, capturing his mouth possessively.
Knowing if he kissed Dirk for too long, Seb might lose his resolve to allow his beloved out of his
sight. He ended the kiss with a nip to Dirk’s lower lip, then moved around him toward the door. “Do
you have plans for lunch?”
Dirk shook his head. “No. I’m done at eleven today. I thought I’d get some work done this afternoon,”
he stated, then grimaced as if he knew how lame he sounded. After a second, he admitted, “I’m kinda
boring.”
“Is your work something you need to get done for an approaching deadline?” Seb asked curiously. He
didn’t want to cause his human to struggle with his work, even as he wondered how many of the
Vegas sights he could help his lover see.
“No. I just don’t like having to interact with tons of people, so planned to stay in my room any time I
wasn’t needed at the Comicon,” Dirk admitted.
“Then I’ll track you down before lunch, and we’ll go see what mischief we can get into, hmm?”

After getting confirmation from his beloved, and stealing another butterfly kiss, Seb headed to his
own room.

Once showered and dressed, Seb picked up his cell phone and called Declan. The alpha wolf

answered on the second ring. “Aye, Seb? How goes the mate hunt?”

Leaning against the arm of a chair, Seb ran a hand over his face as he replied, “Not too bad. Ran

into a speed bump last night, but we’ve done some talking and even started the bonding process.”

“That’s grand, Seb. Will I need to request a different acquisitions expert from the Vampire

Council? Or do ye think ye’ll be available in a couple days to meet with the CIA and discuss
contracts?”

“Well, I can’t answer that quite, yet. I haven’t talked to Dirk about traveling with me, yet,” he

admitted, massaging the tendons of his neck as he thought uncomfortably about their piece-meal
conversations last night. “We kept getting distracted.”

Declan chuckled, rumbling deeply. “Understandable.” “I do have another problem I’m hoping you

can help me with,” he told him. Deciding beating around the bush would be a waste of time, Seb
stated bluntly, “My beloved ran into dingo shifters kidnapping humans near New Orleans. He said
they’re using them as sex slaves and, well, it sounded a lot like human toys.” Seb shivered, thinking of
his sweet gentle human in that situation. “He managed to escape and I didn’t have the heart to ask how
many he left behind.”
“Shite,” Declan growled. “Not only is that bloody horrible, it puts us all at risk. Especially, with the
damn CIA breathing down me neck.”
“Because it’s shifters, I didn’t know if this was something you’d be interested in following up on or if
I should pass it on to the Vampire Council to tell the Shifter Council,” Seb explained. “If you’d prefer
not to take it on, I do understand.”
“Nay, I’ll send down to ye me enforcer Manon to get more information from yer man,” Declan
snarled. “Manon is originally from New Orleans. I’ll send a couple others as well. We’ll take care of
this,” he declared, clearly angry.
“Thank you, Alpha,” Seb responded respectfully. “I know the knowledge that not all shifters consider
humans beneath them will ease Dirk’s mind.”
Declan rumbled a sigh, then ordered, “Let me know yer schedule as soon as ye can, Sebastian.”
“Yes, Alpha,” he responded. He wouldn’t normally take orders from a shifter alpha without some
subtle reminder that he wasn’t part of his pack, but since Seb and his friends had been working with
the shifter alpha for years, he didn’t bother. “I’ll talk to Dirk this afternoon and holler back this
evening.”
“Thank ye, Sebastian.” Seconds later, the line went dead.
“I heard part of that.”
Seb turned and found Lex leaning against the doorjamb to the second bedroom of the large suite.
Rising, Seb crossed to his friend and patted him on the shoulder. “Let’s go get breakfast. I’ll tell you
all about it.”
“Works for me.”

Several hours later, Seb wandered the Comicon, peering at displays and taking in the sights. His

buddy Lex joined him, muttering shocked words under his breath and discreetly ogling the array of
costumes.
“Holy shit, look at that woman’s outfit,” Lex hissed.

Seb looked in the direction his buddy discreetly indicated and bit back a smirk. Yes, her breasts

were covered, but that didn’t mean they weren’t still clearly defined behind the sheer fabric with the

carefully placed squares of small, solid fabric placed beneath. While nothing inappropriate could be
seen, like her nipples, there was no mistaking where every line of cleavage was.

He leaned close and teased, “You think straight boys read them for the story?”

Lex snorted. “Your beloved wouldn’t agree with you.”
“Except he’s not a straight boy, is he?” Seb quipped back.
Bumping shoulders, Lex chortled. He bent his head close and muttered, “Gods, can you imagine the
looks on all these people’s faces if they only knew the truth about what creatures walk the night?
What if they actually came upon a demon? They’d die of terror, not whip out a mini crossbow and
shoot it.”
Chuckling, Seb grinned and bumped back as he replied, “Awe, give them their fantasy, Lex.”
His beloved’s scent tickled Seb’s senses, and he glanced around, searching. He caught sight of his
man near a set of double doors where he knew panels were held. Dirk stood close to a man of about
equal height—so maybe five foot eight—with dirty-blond hair and a lean build. The word twink
popped into his mind.
The blond rested his hand on his hip and waved the other before Dirk’s face. The human’s face
clouded as he spoke, clearly upset about something.
Not liking how the confrontation looked, Seb’s protective instincts roared to life. Growling low in his
throat, he stalked through the crowds. Just before he reached them, Dirk turned and his eyes widened.
Seb knew he probably looked fierce and struggled to control his expression. Considering how the
stranger gaped at him, then tried to push Dirk back, Seb figured he failed. Finding a stranger trying to
stay between him and his beloved did nothing to calm him.
Just managing to keep his eyes from hazing red, Seb looked toward Dirk for answers. “Dirk?” he all
but growled.
“Stop it, Deke,” Dirk snapped, pushing around his…friend? “I told you it wasn’t what I thought and
can’t talk about it here.”
Deke didn’t look convinced, his green-eyed gaze glancing from Dirk to Seb and back again. “You
said he was dangerous.”
Even though Deke tipped his head toward Dirk and hissed the words, Seb heard them loud and
clear…even over the Comicon commotion behind him.
“I do believe it’s time to head to our suite and order room service,” Lex stated, stepping forward.
“It’ll give us all a chance to get to know each other before we head out and enjoy the afternoon.”
At the interruption, Dirk took a hesitant step toward Seb. Not liking that hesitancy, he knew just how
to banish it. Giving his man a warm smile—fangs carefully hidden—Seb held out his hand to his
lover. He couldn’t believe the relief he felt when Dirk’s face lit up and he stepped close.
Seb wrapped his arm around Dirk’s waist and tucked him close, then leaned close and discreetly
nipped his neck while whispering, “Missed you,” before straightening.
“You, too,” Dirk whispered back, then flushed a lovely shade of pink.
Just holding back a grin, Seb winked. “Then I look forward to spending the rest of the day with you.”
Feeling someone else’s eyes on him, he turned and found Deke scowling at him. Now that he had Dirk
in his arms and his pulse had slowed…and his desire to yank the other guy away from his beloved
had eased…Seb was willing to be polite. He stuck out his hand. “Sebastian Russo.”
For nearly twenty seconds, Deke just stood there frowning at him.
Sebastian waited.
Finally, Deke huffed out a breath and held out his hand. Deciding to be the bigger man—no pun
merely nodded and smiled blandly while “Deke Sommers.”

“Nice to meet you, Deke,” Seb responded. “This is my buddy, Lexington Paistro. Everyone just calls
him Lex.” Without waiting for a response, Seb released the human’s hand and turned to look at Dirk.
“How about that room service? Does Deke have a room, yet? He can always stay in my room of the
suite since I’m bunking with you.”
Dirk’s eyes widened slightly even as his face blushed red. “Um, is-is Lex okay with that?”
Lex snorted. “I couldn’t give a shit who occupies the other room, but I am hungry. Let’s go.”
Seb chuckled. “That’s Lex for you. Always thinking with his stomach.” He winked at Dirk, then
tugged his lover forward as they all followed Lex and made their way to the elevator. The four
stepped into the box.
Semi-alone, Seb decided to take advantage. He pressed Dirk against the side of the elevator, pushing
aside memories of the night before, and ducked his head to nuzzle the man’s neck. Nibbling and
nipping, he reveled in how Dirk sank into his embrace as he worked his way up his lover’s neck.
You’re so sweet, so sexy, my cute geek.
“Not all that cute,” Dirk gasped softly.
Seb grinned as he sucked up a mark, reminding himself that he needed to discuss the mind link that
formed between intended—Seb Deke replied, a vampire and his beloved. He hadn’t actually spoken
those words out loud…
“He didn’t say anything,” Deke muttered, his lean arms crossed over his equally lean chest.
“Yeah, he did,” Dirk mumbled back.
“I did, actually,” Seb whispered. “I just hadn’t planned for all to hear.” That was certainly true.
“So, Deke, what brings you to Vegas?” Lex asked, leaning against the wall. “The Comicon? The
sights? Looking to gamble?”
“No,” Deke snarled belligerently. He crossed his arms over his chest, lifted his chin and snapped,
“I’m here because of dangerous shape-shifters attacking my friend.”
Seb nodded. “Dirk told me about those.” He looked his beloved in the eye and stated, “I contacted
Declan this morning. He’s the alpha of the wolf shifter pack in Stone Ridge, Colorado.”
They reached their floor and Seb paused. Lex led the way out of the elevator and Seb murmured,
“What’s your pleasure? What do you want for lunch?”
“Chicken wings,” Dirk immediately replied.
“You got it, babe,” Seb crooned. “How hot you want them?”
“Hot!”
He was about to grin when Deke snapped, “Not too hot. You’ll get indigestion.”
Standing in front of his suite’s door, Seb held his tongue— hating how Dirk frowned and almost
cringed into him, as if embarrassed. Once they were inside, Seb turned to Deke and smiled, this time
not hiding his fangs. “Dirk doesn’t have to worry about indigestion anymore, Deke. Once we’ve
completed our bond, he’ll have increased healing ability, which includes no indigestion, colds, or
STDs.” He winked at Dirk. “Can’t wait to make love to you bare, sweet beloved. “No condom?”
Seb loved the squeak in his man’s tone and the idea of sinking his cock into Dirk with nothing
between them, just heat and muscle and hot, tight, squeeze… Sucking in a harsh breath, he smiled at
his man. “No condom. Me filling you with my seed will finish our bond.” He winked and added, “I
still need to talk to you about our mind-speak.”
Lex cleared his throat and held up the phone in one hand and the room service menu in the other.
“Let’s get food ordered first, then we’ll worry about everything else. I got a feeling that, at this hour,
we’ll have to wait a good long while before getting food.”
Nodding, Seb nabbed the folder and made a quick scan. He found the hot wing selections and

requested an excessive amount in several flavorings before handing the menu to Deke. The human
appeared stunned for several seconds, then took it and requested a large, chili-cheese fry.
“Sounds good,” Lex stated and Seb had to agree.
Settling on the couch in the front room, Seb pulled Dirk onto his lap and into his arms. Even as he
scowled, Deke flopped onto a chair. Lex joined them seconds later, dragging a straight-back chair
from the mini kitchen. He turned it backward and straddled it, resting his arms on the back.
“So, Deke, you’re obviously here for moral support for Dirk,” Lex stated bluntly. “Why don’t you
both tell us what the hell is going on with you?”
Seb wanted to snarl at his buddy, but he knew Lex had a point. Dirk straightened and thrust a hand
through his thick red hair. “It’s my fault. After my disagreement with Seb last night, I called Deke.”
His expression twisted in frustration and confusion. “I’m sorry, Deke. Me and Seb talked last night
and, well, he’s not a shifter like I thought. He even explained that shifters like Phil aren’t typical.
He’s called what kinda constitutes the shifter police and is gonna put a stop to Phil and his buddy’s
behavior.”

Chapter Eight

“A

nd you believe him? Just like that? He says he’s gonna get justice and you don’t even question it?”

Dirk almost cringed at his friend’s disbelief, but he understood from where it stemmed. Deke was

just looking out for him. When he’d returned from that fateful New Orleans trip, he’d been a mess,
hiding in his room, not seeing anyone for days.

The light stroking to his back helped.

Smiling at his…vampire, Dirk kissed Sebastian’s cheek, then turned to gaze at Deke. “Yes, I believe
him. Sebastian gave me more pleasure than I could ever ask for, never asking for anything in return,”
he explained, flushing a bit. “The only thing he desires is fidelity. He doesn’t plan to share me with
others. He’s a vampire and knows all about shifters. He explained that I really wasn’t Phil’s mate or
whatever they call it and he’s even called other shifters in to stop Phil from doing what he did to me
to anyone else.”
Tears burned at the backs of his eyes and Dirk fisted his hands in his lap. “I left three other humans. I
didn’t even try to help them. I just ran.” He shook his head even as he held up a hand to keep Seb from
saying something. “I get that I couldn’t help anyone, but I walked away and didn’t look back.”
“You didn’t have anyone you could tell, Dirk,” his friend whispered. “Who would listen to tales of
your captors turning into dingoes and chasing you?”
“I know that,” Dirk snapped, scowling at his friend. “Do you think that makes me feel any better?”
“Calm down, my sweet beloved,” Seb soothed, stroking his lover’s back and side. “Sometimes, there
isn’t anything you can do at the time, but now, you can, and you have. I’m a vampire and know people
in the shifter world.”
Dirk didn’t know if Sebastian said these things to reassure him or his friend. Still, between his
lover’s words and the way Sebastian’s hands felt stroking down his sides, it eased his frustration. He
still didn’t understand how this man could soothe him so quickly, but he sure liked it.
Seb continued in his ear, “I’ve contacted a shifter alpha I know. He’s sending some people here for
you to talk to. Tell them the truth and they’ll believe whatever you say, then those shifters that injured
you will have their just desserts.”
Dirk shivered when Seb nuzzled his nose along his neck. He trembled slightly at the idea of meeting
up with other shifters.
“You’ve done what you can. Now, my friends will take care of the rest.”
Letting out a breath, Dirk nodded. “Thanks.”
The phone buzzed and Lex rose to answer the call. After a second, he asked, “We expecting a Manon,
Tom, Byron, and Luther?”
Seb met his friend’s gaze and jerked a nod. “Yeah. Those are Declan’s people.”
“Shit, shifters?” Deke squeaked, paling.
Lex patted Deke on the shoulder as he returned to his chair. “Relax, little buddy. These are the good
guys.”
“Who you calling little?”
Dirk smothered a snicker, suddenly feeling much lighter. Between having his friend close and his
lover closer, he realized he felt pretty good.

Lifting his hands in surprise, Lex grinned largely, which earned him a shocked gasp from Deke. Lex
shrugged. “Yeah, vampires have fangs. How do you think we pierce skin to drink blood?”
“You really drink blood?” Deke paled. He turned and looked between Dirk and Sebastian. “He
drinks your blood? You’re okay with that?”
Remembering how it felt to have his lover sink his fangs into him, the pain morphing into the most
incredible pleasure of his life, his face warmed and he knew he probably turned nearly scarlet. “Uh,
yeah, it’s…”
Seb chuckled softly and kissed his neck.
Lex barked out a laugh.
Deke peered around at them indignantly. “What?”
Grinning, Lex winked at Deke, then purred, “A vampire’s bite can be extremely pleasurable.”
Now it was Deke’s turn to flush, his face reddening.
A knock on the door gave everyone something else to focus on, which Dirk completely appreciated.
Their food arrived at the same time as four men. Three were tall, broadshouldered and muscular—the
biggest a redhead, and the other two, a blond and a bald African American weren’t much smaller. It
didn’t take any stretch of Dirk’s imagination to think of them turning into wolves.
When they entered, Dirk noted how the redhead held hands with a slender man with long black hair
and androgynous features. The other pair kept a respectable distance between each other.
Once the hotel staff deposited the trolley of food into the room and left, receipt in hand, the redhead
stepped forward and held out his right hand. “I am Manon Lemelle.”
Dirk stood slowly. “I’m Dirk Lemans,” he murmured, taking Manon’s hand.
Manon squeezed his hand lightly and nodded, then released him and waved toward the lean man next
to him. “This be my mate, Chris,” he said, smiling at the blackhaired guy. Then he pointed first at the
blond, then the African American. “That be Luther and Byron.”
Both men nodded.
Unable to help himself, Dirk blurted, “Are you all wolf shifters?”
Byron nodded sharply.
Luther’s gaze riveted on Deke. “Yes,” he stated. His blue eyes narrowed. “Who are you?”
“Deke Sommers.”
Dirk really thought the shifter would say more, but then he just nodded and shoved his hands in his
pockets.
Manon cleared his throat and smiled. “Why don’t you go ahead and eat while you tell me about the
dingo shifters. I be from that area, so if you know any landmarks that would help me track dem down,
that’d be helpful.”
Dirk didn’t think he’d be able to eat and talk about his experience at the same time, but he followed
Sebastian’s urging and took his food.

An hour later, Dirk leaned back against the couch cushion and allowed his eyelids to slide closed.

His head pounded and even with Sebastian urging him to eat, he’d only managed to down about ten of
the hot wings—even with how wonderful they were. At least, he was done explaining his stupidity
and cowardice.
“You weren’t a coward, Dirk,” Sebastian stated firmly.

His lover had been so supportive, staying close and holding him. Sagging against Sebastian, Dirk

forced his eyes open and asked, “How do you do that?”
“What?”
“Sometimes you know what I’m thinking.”

“Ah, I had planned to talk to you about that.” Sebastian

actually looked a bit sheepish. “But with everything going on, I wasn’t certain when to bring it

up.”
“More?” Dirk’s brows shot up.
Sebastian leaned down and pecked a soft kiss to Dirk’s lips. The short contact wasn’t nearly enough,
in Dirk’s opinion, but then Sebastian mused, “There always seems to be more, huh?” Without waiting
for a response, he stated, “It’s the mind-speak Lex and I mentioned. The more our bond strengthens,
the more we’ll be able to read our partner’s moods, even to the point of sharing thoughts.”
“You’ll be able to read my mind?” he squeaked.
“Not so much reading your mind as impressions,” Sebastian corrected, “and, yes, some thoughts, if
your emotions are strong enough or if you direct them to me. You’ll be able to do the same. It’s
something I can teach you to control and I’d only ever intentionally read your thoughts if you gave me
permission,” he assured.
“That’ll be something,” Dirk mumbled.
It’s really easy, beloved. Just focus on me and mentally project a thought.
Frowning, Dirk frowned at Sebastian while thinking, What the hell does that mean?
Sebastian grinned. Just like that.
Oh!
“Thank you for sharing this information with us, Dirk,” Byron commented diplomatically. “I know it
couldn’t be easy, but we appreciate it. We’ll keep you posted on our progress, as well.”
“Rest assured, mon ami,” Manon stated. “We’ll stop these bastards.” He rose and the other three
followed suit. “We have a suite down the hall. We’re gonna do some research and see if the dingo
pack is listed and who the alpha is. If I have questions, do you have a cell number I can get?”
“Sure,” Dirk replied, rattling off his number.
“Merci,” Manon thanked him then led the way out.
At the threshold, Luther paused and peered back at Deke. He frowned and followed the group out.
Deke shook his head, his expression wistful. “Closet case,” he sing-songed sarcastically.
“What do you mean?” Lex asked, cocking his head curiously.
“I mean, he’s a sexy gay man hiding in his steel-enforced closet,” Deke stated, crossing his arms over
his chest.
“I hadn’t met him before now,” Sebastian admitted. “Couldn’t tell ya.”
Dirk rubbed his hands over his face, then shrugged. “Now what?”
Sebastian refocused on him. “I’m sorry our afternoon got a bit derailed. Are you too tired to go out? I
know sharing that kind of experience can be very draining.”
“Actually, I’d really like to see something other than these four walls,” Dirk stated, pushing to his
feet. “I mean no offense, but…I’m feeling a bit cooped up.”
“Then I have an idea that’ll get us out of the hotel for a while.” Sebastian stood next to him and
looked toward the other two men. “You guys up for a little fun?”
Dirk watched his friend seem to shake himself out of whatever musings that had hold of him and
smiled. “Well, I am here,” Deke pointed out. “I might as well.”
Lex nodded. “Let’s rock and roll.”
“Excellent,” Sebastian grabbed Dirk’s hand and tugged. “Let’s go.”
Happiness filled Dirk, replacing his earlier lethargy, as Sebastian led him through the casino and out
the front entrance. Never once did his lover release him, always keeping hold of his hand or
wrapping his arm around his shoulders. More than once he saw people give his man lustful looks, and

just the knowledge that Sebastian was with him, wanted him, caused his blood to heat.
Sebastian flagged down a van taxi and they all climbed inside. “Circus, Circus,” he requested.
“You got it,” the cabbie replied. “You in town for anything special or just gambling and shows?”
“I’m one of the panelists at the Comicon going on,” Dirk explained.
“I hear that’s quite the shindig at MGM,” the man replied jovially. “You staying there or at the
Circus?”
“At the MGM,” Seb replied. “It was just a bit far to walk, in my opinion.”
The cabbie laughed. “Yep, but that’s what keeps us in business. The long, hot strip.”
“Why are we going to Circus, Circus?” Deke asked, leaning forward in his seat.
“To have a little fun,” Sebastian replied.
Deke looked toward him, but Dirk just shrugged. He wasn’t sure what Sebastian had in mind.
Fifteen minutes later, Dirk found out.

Sebastian bypassed the casino and led everyone into a huge dome filled with amusement park

rides.
“Oh, I can see me getting sick already,” Deke muttered.
Dirk silently agreed, but the excitement vibrating through his lover was unmistakable. Sebastian
wrapped an arm around his shoulders and grinned down at him. “What do you want to try first?”
“Uh…the roller coaster?” Dirk offered.
Nice choice, Seb whispered into his mind as he led the way.
The coaster’s fun dips and hills caused Dirk’s stomach to flutter pleasantly. However, after riding it
twice, along with the pirate ship and the spinning cups, Dirk needed something a little less adrenaline
oriented, so he suggested the miniature golf.
By the second hole, Dirk wondered why all of a sudden, his prick flooded with blood. On the fourth
hole, Sebastian slid his hand over Dirk’s ass, making him miss his shot. Dirk knew he didn’t imagine
the kiss to his neck on the fifth hole. By the seventh hold, he knew he’d made a mistake. His dick felt
hard as a rock and when he met Sebastian’s gaze, he didn’t imagine the lust in his lover’s eyes that
made them turn just a smidge red.
“Maybe we should skip the rest,” Dirk mumbled.
Sebastian’s chuckle rumbled quietly. He turned to Lex and asked, “You mind if we take off? I’m
ready for a glass of champagne and a naked man.”
Lex snorted and exchanged a look with Deke, who rolled his eyes. “Get out of here,” Deke grumbled.
Dirk grimaced. He hated ditching his friend, especially since he was there because of Dirk’s
panicked, middle-ofthe-night phone call.
Laughing, Deke gave him a quick hug. “Go on. Get laid.” He winked, then stepped close to Lex and
slipped his arm through the other vampire’s. “Lex will take good care of me,” he added with a grin.

Chapter Nine

ebastian pressed Dirk onto the bed and sipped gently at his beloved’s lips. Cradling the man’s

head, threading his fingers through Dirk’s thick red hair, Sebastian took in his sweet human’s dazed
expression and plump, kiss-swollen lips. He could feel himself falling hard for his brown-eyed geek.

“You’re so beautiful,” he crooned, just to see his man’s face flush with pleasure and

embarrassment.
“No, I’m not,” Dirk replied, just as Seb knew he would.
“I disagree with you, Dirk,” Seb murmured. He licked Dirk’s bottom lip, then sucked it lightly before
adding, “And since I am your lover, and I like my opinion better, it is the one we’ll be listening to.”
Dirk stared up at him, eyes wide, searching. Slowly, a shy smile curved his lips. How the man could
be lying naked beneath him and still appear shy blew Seb’s mind, but Dirk pulled it off.
“Okay.”
The one whispered word, full of trust and faith, tore at Seb’s heartstrings. Gods, I need this man by
my side always. Fueled by lust and need and…maybe even the burgeoning feelings of love... Seb
leaned down and captured his man’s mouth. He thrust his tongue deep. He tasted the champagne
they’d drunk in front of the fire and a hint of the chocolate covered strawberries.
Groaning, Seb lifted his head and grinned down at his man. “Champagne and chocolate tastes great on
you,” he growled.
Dirk snickered. “Taste away.”
Remembering the hang-up his human mentioned at dinner the night before, Seb lifted up on his arms
and—even as he swept his gaze over Dirk’s naked, sexy body—he asked, “Are you okay on your
back to start?” He ogled the pale skin and freckles he longed to explore with his teeth and tongue.
“To start?”
Liking the surprised squeak in his man’s voice, Seb grinned lasciviously. “Oh, yes. I’m going to
explore your delectable body, then suck several items while I prep you. Then I’ll roll over and you
can ride my cock. How does that sound?”
Dirk mewled and shifted restlessly. Before Seb’s eyes, a bead of pre-cum oozed from the narrow slit
in his lover’s cap. Unable to resist, Seb scooped up the translucent fluid and spread it around the
swollen head, stimulating his lover. Seb hummed, appreciating the sexy sounds escaping his lover.
“Like that, do you?” he crooned.
“Shit, who wouldn’t?”
Laughing, Seb licked and nipped down his man’s collarbone and across his peck until he reached
Dirk’s left nipple. He scraped his fang over the bud, making it pucker, then wrapped his lips around it
and sucked lightly.
Dirk arched into his touch. His hands came up and buried in Seb’s hair, not tugging or pulling, just…
there, connecting them. Humming, he vibrated his man’s skin, earning him a whine from his lover.
After nipping Dirk’s nub one more time, Seb released it and started making his way down the man’s
torso.
The smell of man mixed with the light bloom of his beloved’s sweat caused his cock to tighten and
ache. Dirk twitched when he scraped a fang over the dip of his ribcage. Seb did it again, a bit harder,
and Dirk jerked.
Sebastian moaned at the taste, the feel, the responses of his lover. “Fuck, you’re amazing, sexy man.”
“Gonna make me come just from touching,” Dirk mumbled. “Shit, how do you do that?”

Seb chuckled against his lover’s skin. “Pleasure from your bonded beloved can be explosive,” he
crooned. His own words gave him pause. When he reached for the bottle of lube and held it up, he
explained, “When I slide into you and spill inside your body, I will complete our bond, Dirk. Are you
ready to be mine?”
Dirk suddenly grew serious. He smiled. “I’m already yours.”
His heart tightening, Seb swallowed hard. “Thank you, beautiful man.”
“I’ve never been flattered so often.” Dirk actually sobbed once, although his scent told Seb that he
was happy.
Smiling down at Dirk, Seb traced his fingertips over the bulge of his man’s stomach to the point of his
hip. “Get used to it, handsome,” he crooned. “I enjoy sharing how wonderful and attractive I find you.
You’re a smart, kind, capable man, and I will love on you as often as you’ll let me.”
“Oh, God, yes. Wanna feel you. Please!”
“You never have to beg me, Dirk,” Seb assured. “I will always do my best to give you what you
need.”
To that end, Seb swooped down and swallowed his lover’s hard prick. After over a century and a
half of sex, he no longer had a gag reflex. Using his considerable skill, he lodged his man’s cock head
into his throat and swallowed several times as he poured lube onto his fingers and slid one deep into
Dirk’s rectum.
“S-Seb!”
Liking the sound of his name on his beloved’s lips, Seb eased up on the man’s prick. As he started a
slow fingerfucking, he swiped his tongue across Dirk’s cock head. He delved into the slit, scooping
up the pre-cum. After swallowing it down, he stroked his human’s shaft with his tongue, then
massaged the wrinkled flesh under the cap.
With Dirk loose and moaning, he slid in a second finger and a third. Even as his lover grunted, he
rocked his hips up, chasing his fingers as he pulled them out. Seb didn’t leave his lover wanting. He
slid his fingers back in, crooked them, and rubbed his man’s prostate.
“Oh!” Dirk moaned. “C-close!”
“Not yet, babe,” Seb growled.
He pulled his fingers free and rolled to his back, using his increased strength to easily maneuver his
lover as he went. He settled Dirk over his waist and peered up at his lover, enjoying the man’s
flushed skin and lusty expression.
“You ready, Dirk?” he asked, running his fingers over the man’s pooch of a stomach up to his pecks,
giving his human’s nipples a light flick.
Dirk settled his hands on Seb’s chest and lifted his hips, rocking his ass back. “Need you in me,” he
responded breathlessly.
“Fuck, yeah,” Seb grunted. He grabbed his prick with one hand and Dirk’s waist with the other.
Guiding his beloved’s hips, Seb kissed his cap to Dirk’s entrance. “Now, baby. You got control.”
Moaning, Dirk wasted no time in sinking down Seb’s shaft. His lover’s chute swallowed him,
clamping his cock in the hot, tight sheath. Seb grunted, letting out a long slow breath as his shaft was
enclosed in his human’s body. Seconds later, Dirk settled on his hips and let out a throaty moan.
“Dirk,” Seb groaned.
He peered up through half-mast lids at his lover. Seeing Dirk speared on his shaft, his jaw slack, his
eyelids heavy, nearly caused Seb to lose it right then. His balls rolled in their sacks, pulling flush to
his body. He knew this was going to be over far too soon.
As Dirk rocked upward, sliding halfway off Seb’s dick, he hissed through clenched teeth. “Fuck,

baby. Gonna be over quick.”
“Yeah. Ugh. Fuck me, Seb. Fill my ass.”
Hearing his mild-mannered lover talk dirty acted as a flash-fire in a pan. Seb gave a hoarse shout,
clamped his hands on Dirk’s hips to hold him steady, and began rocking his hips, reaming his lover’s
ass as swiftly as possible in that position.
When Dirk reached for his cock, Seb growled and batted his hand away. He grabbed Dirk’s jutting
dick and stripped it in time with his thrusts. It only took three for his lover’s body to jerk, his shaft to
swell and spray, and his chute to clamp down on Seb’s dick.
The sight and smell of his lover, the sound of his grunts and moans, combined with the tight hold on
his prick, were all too much. Seb shouted his lover’s name as he bucked up once, twice more and
came. His balls turned inside out as his cock shot, coating his lover’s channel with stream after
stream of his seed.
Seb clutched Dirk, holding his beloved tight to his chest. Endorphins pinging pleasantly, he hummed
as he gently traced the knobs of Dirk’s spine. The feel of his man draped over his chest, his softening
prick still buried in Dirk, Seb’s entire body relaxed with contentment.
“Wow.”
His lover’s garbled word made Seb smile.
“Exactly,” Seb muttered back. He pressed a kiss to Dirk’s temple, then once again relaxed. “This
position is amazing. You look so good riding my cock, baby.”
“That’s good,” Dirk murmured. He tilted his head and smiled up at him, his eyes sated and sleepy. “I
like riding your cock. Feels good.”
Seb chuckled softly and continued to pet his man until his prick finally softened enough to slide out.
Dirk grunted and wriggled his hips a bit. Sighing, Seb helped his lover slide off him. Giving his lips a
soft peck, he crooned, “Stay there, sexy. I’ll get shit to clean you up.”
“’Kay.”
Rolling to his feet, Seb strolled to the bathroom, his limbs feeling loose as only good sex could do,
his muscles lethargic. Seb hummed to himself as he cleaned up his groin. Returning to Dirk, he paused
and took in the blissed-out expression on his dozing lover. His heart squeezed in his chest.
When he’d woken that morning, holding his beloved, he’d felt a sense of peace he’d never
experienced before. He wanted that same feeling every day. To get that, Seb knew he and Dirk had a
few things to talk about.
Seb settled on the side of the bed and gently cleaned up his man, clearing away the cum and lube.
Even as Dirk looked up and smiled at him, he flushed, showing his shyness. “Thanks,” he whispered.
“You’re welcome,” Seb replied, then tossed the towel toward the bathroom. He crawled into bed,
carefully maneuvering them under the covers with Dirk once more draped over his chest. “I really
like this position,” he admitted upon seeing his man’s amused, yet pleased, expression. “And I love
taking care of you.”
Dirk sighed. “I really like it, too.”
Seb thought about how to bring up their future, playing through opening lines in his mind.
To his surprise, Dirk blurted, “You didn’t bite me.”
“No,” Seb confirmed. “I don’t require your blood every day, sweet man,” he explained, tracing
Dirk’s brows, easing the creases caused by his surprised expression.
“Oh.” Dirk nibbled his lip, then asked, “So, how often do you need my blood?”
Seb had no clue why his beloved smelled of tension, especially after just riding his cock. Concerned,
he crooned, “I figure to maintain proper health, I’d only really need to drink from you every seven to

ten days.”
“Oh.”
Suddenly, realization struck Seb. “You’re disappointed!” He tightened one arm around his man’s
torso and cupped Dirk’s jaw. “Hey, talk to me,” he urged. “Does it bother you that I need to bite you,
drink your blood?”
Seb hadn’t even gotten the question completely out and already Dirk shook his head. “No,” he
mumbled.
Seb remembered the wash of emotions he’d scented rolling off his lover when Deke had asked the
same question. Seb’s brows shot up. “You are disappointed, but it’s because you want me to bite you
more often. Right?”
Dirk flushed almost scarlet, flooding his cheeks and chest with blood.
“Hey, cutie,” Seb crooned. Lowering his voice, he rumbled, “Relax. I’m happy to nip you any time
you want.”
“I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to,” Dirk responded uncertainly.
Seb grinned widely, showing off his fangs. “Baby, I love biting you. I just worried you didn’t want me
to.” He growled softly as he rumbled, “I don’t need to drink much when I bite, little sips a couple
times a day…how does that sound?”
To enforce his words, Seb lifted his head and nibbled Dirk’s neck. “Anytime you want, beloved.”
Dirk actually moaned and pressed into his teeth, begging with body and action. “Yesss,” he hissed. A
fine tremor of anticipation worked through his lover.
Unable to deny his man, Seb sank his teeth slowly into Dirk’s vein. His human moaned, the sound
sweet music to his ears. As he swallowed several small mouthfuls of Dirk’s delicious, life-giving
blood, Seb held his shuddering, twitching lover. Seconds later, warm seed oozed across his hip as his
lover came from his bite alone.
Seb withdrew his teeth and licked the bite-mark closed, then stared down at his lover. Smug
satisfaction filled him upon seeing his man’s sated, blissed-out expression. “So fucking sexy,” he
crooned, tracing Dirk’s slack lips.
Yanking off a pillowcase, he used it to clean them both up. He tossed the fabric to the floor and
settled back on the mattress. Licking his lips, he grinned at the ceiling.
“You taste delicious.”
Dirk sighed and cuddled in close. “That’s so amazing.”
“What’s amazing?” Seb asked, petting his lover’s side, back, and ass.
“Your bite. Why does it make me come so hard?”
Seb chuckled and crooned, “Just wait until I do it while we’re having sex. It’ll blow your mind.”
Groaning, Dirk shifted his hips. “Stop,” he gasped. “You’re making me hard.”
Laughing softly, Seb assured, “I’ll get you off as often as you want, baby.”
“Ugh. I need a couple hours after back to back orgasms,” Dirk all but grumbled.
“Sure, beloved.”
After a couple minutes of silence, Seb thought his man had started to drift off, but then Dirk asked,
“So, um, how often do you really need to drink?”
“I told you the truth,” Seb replied. “I really do only need to feed from you every week or so.”
“Oh.”
Yep, definitely disappointed.
“Would it help you relax if I told you that you’re the only one I can feed from for now on?” Seb asked
lightly. He didn’t want to pressure his lover, but he needed him to understand that Dirk was it for him.

Dirk rolled his head and peered up at him, an earnest expression on his face. “So, does that mean
you’re going to fly out to Sacramento every week?”
Still holding his gaze, Seb grew a bit more serious. “I need you to think about something, Dirk.”
“What?”
“I’m going to ask you to travel with me. Vampires are possessive and protective, and if you’re not
with me, I’m going to be too worried about how you’re doing to concentrate much on my job,” he
admitted. Seb grimaced. “Shit, that sounds like I think my job is more important than yours and that
couldn’t be any further from the truth.”
Dirk placed two fingers against Seb’s lips, encouraging silence. “Where do you call home, Seb?”
“I have a home in Atlanta, Georgia. That’s where over half the vampires on the Vampire Council
reside. I work for them,” he reminded.
“Okay, I’ll give it some thought,” Dirk assured.
Seb smiled, thankful his beloved hadn’t just shut him down. “Thank you,” he whispered. It wasn’t an
answer, but it was a start.
Cuddled up with Dirk, relaxed, content, Seb remembered the conversation he’d had with Declan
earlier while waiting for food. He’d told the alpha wolf he needed forty-eight hours, because that was
when the Comicon ended. Declan had agreed. Now, Seb just had to convince Dirk to go with him.

Chapter Ten

irk just managed to keep from rolling his eyes at the ridiculous topic. Oh, well. To each his own.

Some guy dressed as Magneto wanted to know who each of them thought would win in a fight—
Wonder Woman or Cat Woman.

Really? This was more important than learning the basics of web design?

While two panelists each said Wonder Woman and why, the other two had very good arguments for
Cat Woman. Now, it was Dirk’s turn. Deciding he really didn’t care and didn’t really want to give it
any serious thought—heck, he had more important things to figure out…like how quickly could he get
out of his apartment lease and even if he should, yet—he decided to have a little fun with the question.
“I’m actually going to have to go with neither.” Before anyone could interrupt, Dirk held up his hand
and explained, “It’s because the only reason they’d ever be fighting is for foreplay. They don’t really
plan to injure each other. It’s just, all that flushed skin, heaving chests, and bare skin? Yep, gets ’em
hot,” he finished with a shrug.
Just last week, never in a million years would he have been bold enough to say something like that in
front of over two dozen people. He knew his few days with Sebastian, with his constant compliments
and single-minded attention, had bolstered his confidence.
Dirk grinned at the stunned expressions on the people’s faces.
Finally, a skinny blond groaned, his face flushing. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what he was
thinking about when he muttered, “So hot.”
“Nice one,” Ronnie called from two chairs down. He leaned across the man between them—who
snickered behind his hand—and lifted his fist for a bump. Dirk gave it to him.
Mumbling, hissing, and chuckling broke out as people started assimilating what Dirk had said.
Fortunately, at that point, the panel was over. Magneto had asked the last question for the morning.
Even as people started filing out, or filing forward to chat with them, Dirk still noticed Sebastian slip
into the room and stand at the back.
A pair of men stopped in front of Dirk, cutting off his view. He focused on them, on their excited
faces. Before either could speak, a third man stalked by the table and hissed, “Fag.” At least, he
continued on his way.
“Don’t listen to that guy,” one of the men in front of him urged. “Your answer was epic!”
Dirk snorted. “I don’t know about that, but if you say so.”
For five minutes, the two men actually asked questions about putting their comic book in the best light
for submittal to a publisher. When they walked off, their heads huddled together as they talked about
the information and ideas he’d given them, Dirk actually felt pretty good.
“Your man is waiting on ya, Dirk,” Ronnie teased. His expression sobered as he commented, “He
sure keeps you on a short leash.”
Dirk knew how it must look—controlling boyfriend didn’t trust him and kept watch over him. He
shrugged. It didn’t matter that others didn’t understand. “He knows I’m not good in crowds and
doesn’t want me uncomfortable,” Dirk stated. “He’s supportive.”
“Oh,” Ronnie glanced between them. “How long have you two been together?”
“Not nearly long enough,” Sebastian crooned, drawing close. He grinned and winked at Dirk before
extending a hand. “Sebastian Russo.”
“Ronnie Cullins,” the other panelist replied, taking his hand.
Sebastian nodded. “I remember. You had invited Dirk out for drinks with your friends, but we’d

already had plans. If you want a rain-check, we can go now.”
Ronnie chuckled and grabbed his satchel. “This time, I got plans. Sorry, guys.” He winked as he
headed toward the door. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, boys,” he teased. After a final wave, he
disappeared.
“Come on, lover,” Sebastian crooned. “Let’s go find lunch, then I’m going to drag your ass to the
New York to ride their coaster.”
Dirk groaned, even as he laughed. “I’ve created a monster.”
Yesterday, after they’d dropped Deke back at the airport—with many promises to call a couple times
a day with updates on his plans as well as info on the dingoes— Dirk had put his foot down and
refused to go to the Stratosphere. He had no desire to ride on anything suspended over three million
feet in the air.
Yeah, maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but…heck, no!
Sebastian had conceded and they’d ended up at Mandalay Bay, taking in the place’s Shark Reef
exhibit. Dirk had found it fascinating and could have stood in their fake sunken ship watching the
sharks and other fish float around him all night. His lover had coaxed him out with promises of mind-
blowing sex, which he’d more than delivered upon.
Dirk didn’t ever remember having so much sex, and Sebastian showed no signs of losing interest.
“Okay, okay,” Dirk grumbled good naturedly. “But we should ride the coaster first, because
otherwise I might throw it all back up on you.”
Chuckling, Sebastian nodded. “Point taken. Let’s go check it out.” He slid his hand in Dirk’s and
squeezed. “You’re such a good sport, baby.”
“I’m not sure why, but I like doing things with you and I like that it makes you smile,” Dirk admitted,
flushing slightly.
“Me, too, Dirk,” Sebastian replied softly. “Me, too.”

The roller coaster was better than Dirk expected. The big hill took his breath away, and he

screamed with abandon on the loops and twists. The quick dips made his tummy flutter, but in a good
way. He liked it so much, he even allowed Sebastian to drag him on a second time.

Of course, then his stomach started protesting. It didn’t take much to beg off a third go. Since

Sebastian gave him an understanding look and rubbed his back, Dirk guessed he looked a little green
around the gills, so-to-speak.

Heading into the arcade, a muscular blond clipped his shoulder, shoving past him. Dirk frowned

and turned, rubbing his shoulder. His jaw sagged open as he recognized the man from the plane, Dane.

“Watch your back, little faggot,” Dane sneered. Curling his lip, he snarled, “Got you fixed.” The

guy disappeared into the crowd.

Frowning, Dirk turned back to discover Sebastian had stopped a few paces ahead. His lover

peered back at him, a concerned crease to his brows. “Everything okay?” he asked, holding out his
hand.

“Y-yeah, just—” Dirk glanced over his shoulder again, but saw no sign of the man. Shaking his

head, he muttered, “Asshole.”

“Hey, what happened?” Sebastian asked as he settled his hand on his back. “Not often I hear you

get worked up enough to cuss.”

Dirk nodded, leaning into his man. “Yeah. Just saw that jerk from the plane and he was just as

bigoted and nasty as ever.”

“I’m sorry, Dirk,” Sebastian murmured. “I’m afraid we’ll always run into those people.”

“You got that right,” Dirk confirmed. “And you have nothing to apologize for. People’s intolerance

isn’t your problem.”
Sebastian smiled down at him. “I can apologize for dragging you out amongst them and subjecting you
to their attitudes.”
Dirk shook his head and bumped his shoulder into Sebastian’s arm. “Can’t stay holed up forever.
Come on.” He led the way toward a Skeeballgame. “Let’s see what ya got, big boy.”

An hour—and thirty dollars—later, Dirk roared with laughter as he watched Sebastian skillfully

dance to a high score on the Dance Revolution machine. That is, until he realized how the twisting,
turning, and quick steps showed off his lover’s lean muscular form to perfection.

Lust slammed into him, hard and fast.

Dirk wanted to lick the sweat beading on Sebastian’s temples, peel away the shirt and catch the drips
on his tongue. The fact that he knew exactly what that body looked like without clothes, knew what it
felt like to touch the man, made blood rush that much faster to his prick.
His cock thickened swiftly in his jeans.
When Sebastian executed some sliding, shimmying footwork that would make Elvis Presley proud,
the vampire used one hand on the rail behind him to steady himself.
Focusing on those long fingers, Dirk imagined that hand on his hip while Sebastian bent him over that
railing and drilled him, rutted into him like a stallion would a mare in heat. He just bit back a moan as
his erection oozed and flexed in his jeans.
It was a damn good thing he wore a long flannel shirt over his T.
Sebastian finally missed a step, bringing his game to an end.
His chest heaving, his eyes blazing, Sebastian pinned a shocked look on Dirk for just a second, then
covered the expression with a grin as he waved one hand at his cheering audience and shoved his
sweat-dampened hair away from his face with his other.
“Thanks for the support, guys,” Sebastian called. “That was fun.”
He turned around and entered SEB in the high score where prompted. Dirk noted his lover was listed
as six on the top ten list.
“Impressive, Seb,” Dirk congratulated.
“Thanks, babe,” Sebastian replied. Not at all shy, he leaned over the railing and grinned. “How about
a congratulatory kiss?”
“I’ll give you one,” stated a slender blonde woman in tight jeans and a curve-hugging blouse that
showed off her cleavage to great advantage. She moved forward, obviously intending to do just that.
Jealousy unlike anything he’d ever felt before slammed into Dirk, replacing his lust. He stepped
forward, cutting off the woman’s approach.
“Hey!” she squeaked.
“He meant me,” Dirk snapped, frowning over his shoulder at her.
“No way,” the woman scoffed, clearly disbelieving.
“Yes, way,” Sebastian crooned.
Sebastian cupped Dirk’s jaw, and he returned his focus to his lover. Dirk tipped his head back in
invitation, which Sebastian Sebastian lover, Dirk accepted the other man’s tongue.
Wolf whistles combined with snide comments.
Easing the kiss to an end, Sebastian lifted his head, stating quietly, “I have no idea what you were
thinking about there at the end, but I’m hoping you’ll be willing to share later.”
Dirk flushed, heat rising in his cheeks. “It might have had something to do with you, me, and someone
being bent over this railing,” he mumbled back.
Sebastian grunted. I’ll ask for specifics later, beloved.

Sebastian straightened. “Ready to get supper?”
“If I keep eating meals with you, I’m gonna need to go on a diet,” Dirk muttered.
“Nonsense,” Sebastian denied, leading him through the dwindling crowd. He leaned close and
assured, “I’ll help you work it off.”
“What a waste,” someone said.
Dirk turned and frowned at the woman who stood with her girlfriends. She scowled back at Dirk,
shaking her head. Unable to help it, Dirk stuck out his tongue. He figured that’d be more polite than
flipping the woman off. Just hiding his snicker, Dirk once more focused on where they were going.
had no trouble accepting. Lowering his head, captured his lips. Immediately opening to his “So,
where we headed?”
“It’s my birthday today,” Sebastian revealed. “I made reservations at MGM’s Pub.”
That was news to Dirk. “It’s your birthday?”
Sebastian nodded. “I hope you don’t mind. Since it’s my two hundredth, a couple of my buddies and
their men are meeting us.”
“Wow, two hundred?” Dirk’s brows shot up. Another thought struck. “Your friends?” he squeaked.
Shit, just that fast his erection wilted.
Evidently, Sebastian recognized his change in mood, for he pulled him out of the flow of people and
pinned him to a wall. “Hey, what’s that all about? What’s wrong?”
Reaching up, Dirk fingered his vampire’s sweaty hair, wiping away a lingering bead of sweat. “What
if they don’t like me?”
“Oh, babe, don’t worry.” He lowered his head and pecked a swift butterfly kiss to Dirk’s lips.
“They’re going to like you just fine. They’re the most non-judgmental group of guys imaginable.” He
traced his finger over Dirk’s brow, smiling slightly. “Trust me.”
Dirk nodded slowly. “Okay. I’m sorry. I just…I don’t want…” Grimacing, he muttered, “I don’t know
what I want.” Dirk rolled his eyes, then smiled shyly up at Sebastian. “I’m freaking out over nothing,
aren’t I?”
“You are.” Sebastian winked. “But when I meet your parents, I’ll probably freak out a bit, too, so I do
understand.”
“You want to meet my parents?”
“Absolutely,” Sebastian said, sounding surprised. “Why wouldn’t I?”
Why hadn’t that thought occurred to him before? “Uh, because you’re a…” He waved his hand
vaguely. “And they are…”
Sebastian leaned close and murmured into his ear, “Well, I don’t plan on telling them I’m a vampire
any time soon, but I do wish to meet them…maybe assure them I plan to take very, verygood care of
their son.”
Dirk’s breath caught in his throat as Sebastian licked his neck, then scraped his fang up the tendon of
his shoulder. Nodding, Dirk let his trepidation go.

Chapter Eleven

alking into the restaurant, Sebastian kept his hand pressed lightly to Dirk’s lower back. He knew

his lover was nervous. Sebastian wasn’t completely sure if his beloved’s uncertainty stemmed from
meeting the people that constituted Sebastian’s family, or if it was because there were shifters
amongst them.

Either way, he hoped his sweet human calmed down soon.

Sebastian reached a large oval table set up in the back of the restaurant. All his friends and their
partners were already there.
“Hey, there’s the birthday boy!” greeted Caspian.
After getting a one armed hug from the fellow vampire, Sebastian grinned. “Thanks, Cass. This is my
man, Dirk Lemans. Dirk, these crazy yahoos are Caspian, his partner Casey.” He pointed to each in
turn. “Next to them is Vince and his partner Frankie. And you already know the rest of the guys, Lex,
Manon, Chris, Byron, and Luther.”
Dirk raised a hand, giving everyone an uncertain smile. “Hey.”
After everyone sat down, Luther asked, “Where’s your friend?”
“You mean Deke?” Dirk asked, lifting a brow.
Luther nodded.
Dirk shrugged. “He went home yesterday.”
“Where does he call home?” Luther’s tone came out even…maybe a little too even, as if trying to
hide just how curious he was.
“Sacramento. Same as me,” Dirk answered.
Sebastian remembered his beloved’s friend’s comment about Luther being in the closet. Seeing as he
was surrounded by gay men, he wondered if the wolf shifter would open up a bit. He leaned forward
and leered at the guy. “You liking Deke a bit, eh?”
Luther lowered his gaze to his beer. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he lifted the drink and took a swig.
When he put the mug back on the table, he stated, “I have a daughter. She’s four. Her name is
Stephanie.”
Okay, so that wasn’t actually an answer, but Seb figured he ought to let it go. To each his own. As
long as Luther didn’t do anything to hurt Dirk, except Sebastian kinda figured that if Luther fucked
with Deke, Dirk would be angry. Maybe he’d have to keep an eye on the wolf shifter after all.
“So, I do believe congratulations are in order,” Vince stated, leaning forward and slapping his palm
on the table. He lifted his drink and offered, “A toast. To finding that special someone.”
Sebastian grinned and grabbed the beverage Lex offered him. Wrapping his arm around the back of
Dirk’s chair, he traced the man’s neck and shoulder with his fingertips. “To finding that special
someone.” He lifted his drink, saluted the others, and took several swallows of his beer.
After everyone drank, Lex lifted his beer and stated, “And here’s to finding Mister Right Now when
Mister Right is still absent.”
Everyone laughed and drank again.
After over a half a dozen appetizers arrived—two each of hot wings, potato skins, and jalapeno
poppers—along with a couple more pitchers of beer, Byron leaned forward and stated, “Declan
wants to know if you’re available to head to Stone Ridge tomorrow evening. He wants you and me to
aid in delivering Marlow to the CIA asap.”
Grimacing, Seb glanced at Dirk. He hadn’t wanted to push his human about their future, but he figured

it wasn’t fair to put it off any longer. Holding his man’s questioning gaze, Seb softly explained,
“Marlow is an asshole scientist who kidnapped shifters to experiment on them. While raiding one of
his facilities, Declan discovered the CIA knows about shifters and they want Marlow. To keep peace,
we’re turning the asshole over to the government.”
“You’re a vampire. Why are you involved?” Dirk asked, frowning. He paled while glancing around
at the shifters at the table. “Uh, sorry. That was probably rude. I mean—” he shoved his fingers
through his hair, messing up the red locks. “You guys are helping me and I’m not a shifter.”
“Relax, Dirk,” Manon soothed, a smile lightening his gray eyes. “I get what you mean. We help each
other for safety. If it gets out dat shifters or even vampires don’t respect humans, treat dem as slaves
or cattle, vigilante groups can surface. Like Marlow and his people.” He grimaced and shook his
head. “Every race has deir bad apples. Just like your human police tries to keep your problem people
in check, we do the same,” he finished on a shrug.
Dirk nodded. He picked up a loaded potato skin, dipped it in ranch, and bit into it. White oozed at the
corner of his lip and Sebastian fought the urge to lean over and lick it off…then he wondered why the
hell he bothered. He did what he wanted and kissed the corner of his man’s mouth, discreetly licking
the ranch away.
Grinning, Sebastian winked. “Yum.”
Dirk blushed.
I love that look on you, Dirk.
His man’s flush intensified.
Sebastian grinned. After a few seconds enjoying the view, he sobered and stated, “I guess, what I
need to know is, are you willing to accompany me? Or are you returning to Sacramento tomorrow?”
He cupped his man’s jaw and peered into his solemn brown eyes. “If you decide to return home, I
will understand. I will be following you as soon as my task is done, but I can’t put it off any longer.”
Dirk peered up at him, his gaze searching. “I can work from anywhere,” he admitted. “I don’t—” He
paused, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’m afraid if I let you out of my sight, this will all turn out to be
some kind of fantasy.”
“Oh, Dirk,” Seb crooned. “This is no fantasy. This is real. This is you and me in it for the long haul.”
He brought up his other hand and threaded it through Dirk’s soft red hair until his cupped his skull.
“You’re stuck with me, Dirk. Fangs and all,” he whispered into his beloved’s ear before nibbling
along his jaw and then capturing his lips.
Unable to resist, Sebastian thrust his tongue deep, searching for the heady taste of his man beneath the
beer and snacks. It only took him a moment to find it, and he swirled his tongue around Dirk’s mouth,
mapping his teeth and gums.
“All right, all right!”
Caspian’s amused shout cut through Seb’s lust-induced haze, reminding him where they were and
why. Seb brought the kiss to an end, then pecked one more to Dirk’s beautifully kiss-swollen lips, just
for good measure and because he could.
Looking around at his grinning friends, he shrugged. “What can I say? I find him fucking irresistible.”
While a number of them guffawed, a couple rolled their eyes, but it was Frankie who stated—very
seriously— “That’s as it should be. Mates always find each other irresistible.” The big wolf shifter
grinned, the move brightening his brown eyes. “And it helps that the sex is better than you could ever
get with someone else.”
Vince growled low in his throat, which—interestingly enough—caused Frankie to almost pant with
obvious arousal. The vampire showed off a fang as he snarled, “Never talk of fucking another, wolf.

You’re mine.”
“Hell, yeah, Vince,” Frankie panted. “I’m yours.”
“Mine!” Vince all but attacked Frankie’s mouth, mauling him, and Frankie met his aggression with
equal fervor.
“Holy cow,” Dirk gasped, his eyes big as he watched them. “Are they—is that normal?”
Casey snickered, although his face appeared a bit pink. “You ought to see my friends Jared and
Carson. They’d fuck on the table if they felt the urge and didn’t think they’d get kicked out of the
casino.”
Dirk’s jaw sagged open. “Really?” he squeaked.
Leaning close, Sebastian explained, “Because we have a heightened sense of smell, when our SOs put
off pheromones, it feeds ours. How do you think I knew you were thinking about something other than
dancing when I was trying to win top score?” He winked. “You were quite distracting.”
“I distracted you? Do you have any idea how sexy you looked busting a move on that thing?” His eyes
narrowed and he scowled at Seb. “I wasn’t the only one who thought so. That hussy was all but ready
to jump your bones.”
“Awe, I didn’t want her, baby,” Sebastian crooned. “Only you.”
Lex leaned back in his chair and lifted a brow. “You were dancing? Why was that?”
Sebastian shrugged. “It was one of those Dance Tournament arcade games. There was one at the New
York, New York. It’d been over a century since I danced like that.” Unrepentant, he added, “It was
fun, and I totally would have gotten the high score if I didn’t get distracted by my beloved thinking
inappropriate thoughts.”
Dirk flushed bright red. “It wasn’t my fault you looked so sexy.”
Curling around his human, Seb chuckled against the sensitive flesh behind his ear. “I’m glad you find
me so, because I have plans for birthday sex, and you’re on the menu.”
“S-Seb,” Dirk whined softly, shivering.
“God, you all are horn balls,” Byron grumbled.
Sebastian straightened. He gave the unmated wolf a sheepish grin. “Sorry, man. It’ll happen for ya.”
Lex grinned largely. “And in the meantime, there are plenty of cute twinks to fuck.” A sly look
crossed his lips, and Sebastian wondered what mischief brewed behind his friend’s eyes. He didn’t
have long to wait, for Lex followed his comment up with, “Like Dirk’s buddy, Deke, with that tight
sexy body and cute bubble butt. Mmm-mmm.”
Suddenly, Luther shoved back from the table. His chair clattered to the floor as the blond wolf shifter
grabbed Lex’s shirt and yanked him up. “Did you fuck, Deke?” Luther all but snarled in Lex’s face.
The vampire’s eyes glowed red, but he held up his hands. Seb shook his head when he saw that his
buddy’s hands had yet to turn into claws telling Seb that Lex goaded Luther, although he didn’t know
why.
Deciding he didn’t really want to get kicked out of the restaurant on his birthday, Seb exchanged looks
with Manon and rose from the table. He rested his hand on Lex’s shoulder just as the wolf enforcer
rested both hands on Luther’s shoulders and whispered into his ear, “Relax, Luther. We be in public,
bra. Settle down.”
Luther stood down, releasing Lex. Still, he growled, “You stay away from Deke.” Pulling away from
Manon, Luther stalked from the restaurant.
Byron whistled under his breath. “Damn, you all thinking what I’m thinking?”
“Uh, his wife is gonna have her hands full when he gets home?” Caspian muttered.
“No wife,” Manon replied. “A one night stand that gave him more than he bargained for. Luther be a

devoted father though.” Crossing his arms over his chest even as he grimaced, he added, “And, oui, I
know exactly what you be thinkin’ and I ain’t so sure.”
“What are they talking about?” Dirk asked curiously, glancing between the debating men.
Sebastian returned to his seat and sighed. “Is your buddy seeing anyone right now?”
Dirk shrugged. “He has an on again off again boyfriend named Michael. It’s hard to keep up because
they yo-yo so much.” He grimaced. “I think they’re in the off again stage right now because when I
called him the other night, Deke was with a one night stand.”
“Ouch, why is that?” Casey asked, also ignoring the debating men.
Laughing, Dirk said, “Well, if you’d met Deke, you’d know he has a pretty volatile personality. He
isn’t shy about sharing his opinions.” Shaking his head, Dirk picked at a piece of bacon on the potato
skin on his plate. “Michael doesn’t take mouthiness well. He’s never violent, but he’ll disappear for a
few days. When that happens, it’s because Michael normally found someone more malleable to, uh,
stay with for a night or two.” Dirk shrugged. “They’ll break up over it for several months, then Deke
will take Michael back.”
“You shouldn’t cheat on your boyfriend. That’s not right, even if you have an argument,” Frankie
stated, his dark brows drawing down.
Dirk met the other man’s gaze. “Oh, I completely agree. I keep telling Deke he can do so much better,
but until the pain of infidelity becomes more than the fear of change, Deke will keep taking Michael
back.”
Sebastian watched Frankie cock his head, his gaze going just a bit vacant as he seemed to mentally
roll Dirk’s words around in his head. Since he knew Frankie’d had a head injury as a toddler and
needed a moment to digest Dirk’s somewhat convoluted explanation, Seb squeezed his lover’s hand
and smiled, letting him know he agreed with him.
Finally, Frankie nodded once. “I hope that happens soon. No one deserves that.”
“Me, too, Frankie,” Dirk murmured.
Seb glanced around the table, then stood. “Well, gentlemen, I hate to cut this short, but I have plans
for this evening.” His last few words, he lowered his voice to a croon and stared at his lover, letting
Dirk see his lust.
Dirk licked his lips and quickly rose. “It was nice meeting all of you,” he said politely.
Caspian leaned back in his seat, his arm around Casey, and chuckled. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing you
again soon, Dirk.” He turned his attention to Seb. “Don’t worry, buddy. We got the check. Enjoy your
birthday.”
After a round of good-byes—accompanied with some bawdy comments—Seb threaded his fingers
with Dirk’s and led him from the restaurant. When they reached the elevator, Seb stated, “I need to
swing by my room to get the rest of my stuff. How about I meet you at your room in thirty?”
Dirk grinned. “I’d like that.”

Chapter Twelve

irk reached his floor first, and before he could get off the elevator, Sebastian pulled him into a

quick lip-lock. When the doors started to close, he pulled back and slapped a hand against the
bumpers, forcing them open again.

Chuckling, Sebastian motioned him out. “Get out of here before we skip your room and I take you

directly to mine.”
Although Dirk liked the sound of that, he knew it’d be easier for him to get to the farewell breakfast in
the morning if they slept in his room. He stepped off the elevator, then immediately turned. “Wait, I
lost my card key. I meant to say something earlier,” he admitted, embarrassment flooding him. “Do
you still have the one you pilfered from the other night?”
“Yeah, sure,” Sebastian replied. He leaned a shoulder against the elevator door, holding it open, as
he dug out his wallet and pulled out two cards. After a quick sniff to each, he nodded and handed one
to Dirk.
Frowning, Dirk took it, then sent Sebastian a questioning look. His lover smiled. “That one still holds
traces of Susan’s perfume. She’s the one who coded it the other night.”
“Oh, right.” Dirk nodded, amazed at his lover’s sense of smell. He smiled. “See you in a few.”
When he reached his room, Dirk’s skin prickled, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. He
glanced up and down the hall, but couldn’t see anyone. Shaking off his unease as missing the man he’d
been spending so much time with, Dirk swiped his card and shoved open the door.
Dirk stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
The lamp behind him flipped on and he squealed, spinning around. Upon seeing who sat on the sofa,
Dirk’s heart skipped a beat in his chest.
“Hello, Dirk. It’s been too long,” the man purred. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Seb!
He screamed his lover’s name in his mind, panic flooding his veins upon finding Phil sitting in the
small front sitting area of his hotel room. “What are you doing here? How’d you get in?”
Dirk? What’s the matter?
Sebastian’s response was immediate, confused and concerned.
“You’d be surprised what someone will do for money,” Phil stated mildly, holding up a room key
card. The man’s grin turned cruel. “Especially when they don’t like the person. That big blond from
the plane? He seemed more than happy to steal your key for me.” Slowly, he rose. “Whatever did you
do to him, baby?”
Dirk?
Phil is here.
“Well? What did you do, baby? Why did that human want to harm you?” Phil snapped, stalking
forward.
Dirk was having a hard time keeping up with the dual conversations. “He was a bigoted asshole,” he
whispered, discreetly reaching behind him.
Get out of there! I’m on my way!
Sebastian’s yell came just as Phil growled, “Watch your language, pet.”
Dirk found the door handle. Spinning, he yanked the door open. The enraged snarl sounded too close
for comfort behind him. He couldn’t hold back a small scream from erupting from his throat.
Dirk!

Stairs!
Knowing they were only three floors apart, Dirk figured his best bet was to bypass the elevator and
run as fast as he could to his lover. He shoved open the doorway, imagining he could feel Phil’s
breath on the back of his neck. Evidently, he wasn’t too far off. Suddenly, Dirk felt a jerk to his shirt,
staying his forward movement.
Another squeak left him, and a shimmy and a shrug had his over-shirt left behind in Phil’s grip and
Dirk was off again. He bounded up the stairs as fast as his short legs could carry him. A snarl and the
rip of fur told him Phil was shifting.
Dirk gasped back a sob as a fresh wash of terror surged through him. It fueled his adrenaline, keeping
him moving even though his lungs burned and his muscles ached. He vowed to get in shape if he
managed to get out of this, not only for his own sake, but if he were to travel with Sebastian, he didn’t
want to be a liability to him.
The slam of a door above Dirk gave him pause, but he got moving again when he heard the rasp of
claws on fabric below him. A figure appeared above him, almost flying down the stairs. Dirk froze,
shocked, even as it clicked that it was his lover. Sebastian’s eyes were blood red, his hands sported
several inch long claws, and the rage burning in his expression sent a wash of fear through his chest.
His instant’s hesitation was long enough for Phil to catch him.
A heavy weight slammed into his back, forcing him down. His shins crashed into a stair, followed by
his knees, and a hoarse cry escaped him. Catching himself on his hands wasn’t any better as sharp
spikes of pain rocked up his wrists and forearms.
Dirk collapsed.
“Dirk!” Sebastian yelled his name, but with the heavy weight on Dirk’s back and the snarling of the
creature sounding in his ear, he was too afraid to answer.
That didn’t stop Sebastian from leaping down the last half-flight of stairs and slamming into the dingo
on his back. With the weight crushing his torso gone, breathing came easier. Dirk gasped for oxygen
as he flopped over, sliding down a bit and settling on the step.
Dirk stared wide-eyed in shock.
Sebastian held the dingo by the scruff of his neck a good foot in the air, as if holding up—with one
hand—a one hundred seventy pound animal was nothing! He had his second hand positioned at the
creature’s neck, the sharp talons digging into his jugular.
“You threatened my beloved, dingo,” Sebastian snarled gruffly, a feral expression on his face. “Give
me one good reason I shouldn’t tear out your throat right now.”
Dirk watched in shock as Phil wriggled in Sebastian’s grip, snarling and snapping. Sebastian’s talons
sank in deeper and beads of red appeared in Phil’s fur.
“Sebastian, please,” Dirk called softly, reaching out a hand. “I don’t want to see you murder him.”
To Dirk’s relief, Sebastian slowly turned his head to stare at him. The vampire blinked a few times,
obviously struggling with control as he gruffly asked, “He was ready to tear out your throat, and you
wish me to spare him?”
Realizing that even while Sebastian was so obviously enraged, this was still his lover, his vampire,
Dirk rose to his feet. He slowly approached them, just managing to hide his wince of pain at the ache
in his muscles and joints.
Dirk held the dingo’s cold and angry gaze as he approached. Digging deep, he somehow managed to
keep his voice steady as he ordered, “Phil, shift now before Sebastian changes his mind about sparing
you.”
Phil did nothing but continue to snarl and wriggle.

The pounding of footsteps on stairs heralded the arrival of others. Dirk wondered what chaos was
about to erupt by having unwitting humans come upon this little scene.
Except that’s when Sebastian’s grin turned just a little bit creepy. “Ah, that would be Manon Lemelle
and a couple other wolf shifters. I’m not certain your life will be worth living now.” His grin
widened as he bared his fangs. “That might just be an even more fitting punishment than death.”
Just as Sebastian predicted, up the stairwell came Manon followed closely by Byron and Luther—
who still looked beyond pissed. “Ah, your obsessiveness make dis easy, dingo,” Manon growled low
and mean. “You should have stayed at home.” He grinned ferally. “Now, I use you to find your
worthless pack.”
Wow!Dirk wasn’t completely certain what an enforcer did, but Manon wasn’t even looking at him and
Dirk felt intimidated.
“Shift, now,” the wolf enforcer snarled.
Finally, that got a reaction out of the dingo. He whimpered, then his body altered and changed, turning
from beast to naked man in a matter of fifteen seconds. Once Phil achieved human skin, Sebastian
released his grip and backed away. Phil remained in place, bowed his head, and stared at the floor.
Manon stepped forward and slammed his fist into the wall beside Phil’s head, all the while snarling
his displeasure. Phil cringed. Getting right in his face, Manon growled, “You tink humans beneath
you? Dey outnumber our kind a tousand to one. Your thoughtless behavior puts us all at risk.”
“I just follow my alpha’s orders,” Phil whined, not meeting the wolf shifter’s gaze.
“We will see,” Manon snarled, not sounding convinced.
Sebastian rested his hands on Dirk’s shoulders and he jerked, not having seen the vampire move. His
lover’s hands lifted in the universal sign of peace. Dirk shook his head at the miscommunication and
stepped forward, wrapping his arms around the vampire.
“Sorry I pulled away,” Dirk stated against his lover’s chest. “You, everything, it startled me.”
“No need to apologize,” Sebastian crooned, holding him close as he nuzzled Dirk’s neck. “I should
have shown you some of my…abilities before this, so you’d know what to expect. I’m sorry I startled
you.”
“Not your fault,” Dirk immediately replied. “We’ve only known each other a few days.”
“Come on, Dirk,” Sebastian urged. “You took a hard fall. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Dirk replied, even as he grimaced from the pain in his shins, knees, and calves. He
started climbing the stairs with his lover, happy to be leaving his ex and all those troubles behind.
From Manon’s continued growling as the dominant wolf led Phil in the opposite direction, Dirk
didn’t envy him.
They remained quiet until they reached Sebastian’s room. Once the door was closed, Sebastian led
him to his bedroom and urged him to lie on the bed. With gentle hands, Sebastian eased his clothes
from him, tenderly massaging his wrists and arms, then his thighs and calves, even his knees and
ankles. Sebastian took special care with the bruises already showing on his forearms and shins.
Dirk had never felt more cared for, more treasured, than right then. His heart full to bursting, he
blurted, “I love you.”
Sebastian froze, his eyes wide, his expression shocked.
Flushing with embarrassment, Dirk turned his head, taking in the half-packed suitcase and a few
pieces of clothes strewn about. He pressed his lips together, trying to figure out something to say,
something that would salvage the moment. He hadn’t meant to blurt his feelings out, hadn’t even
realized he felt that way until the words came tumbling out of his mouth.
The bed dipped at Dirk’s side, but still he didn’t look at Sebastian. Not until he felt the vampire’s hot

flesh sliding against his own as the man moved over him, gently nudging his thighs, settling between
them. He gasped upon feeling Sebastian’s hard cock pressed against his own.
Sebastian’s lean hand cupped his jaw and gently urged him to look up and meet his gaze. The warmth
in his lover’s eyes, the soft smile curving his lips, filled Dirk with relief. His man wasn’t upset.
In fact, Sebastian leaned close until their faces were mere inches apart, then whispered, “I love you,
too, Dirk. I can’t imagine my life without you. Meeting you, on that plane, was the greatest stroke of
fortune I could ever ask for.” Lowering his head until their foreheads rested together, he crooned, “I
want to spend years learning everything about you, the rest of my life pleasing you.”
Dirk wrapped his arms tightly around his lover. His body trembled with emotion. He didn’t know
what the hell he’d done in this life to deserve the devotion of a man— vampire—like Sebastian, but
he’d be forever grateful for the opportunity given him. He didn’t want to be anywhere without this
man.
Sliding one hand up, Dirk threaded his fingers through Sebastian’s dark hair. “I’d like to go with you
to…wherever you need to go to deliver that scientist guy. I’ll stay out of your way,” he assured. “I
can work in the hotel room while you’re busy. Then…” he flushed, but decided to forge ahead. He
couldn’t get what he wanted if he didn’t ask. “Then can we go to Sacramento? We could pack up my
apartment and meet my parents,” he suggested.
Sebastian’s blue eyes darkened with excitement and pleasure. “Gods, yes, Dirk,” he all but breathed.
“Nothing would make me happier.”
The vampire pressed his groin firmly against Dirk’s, rutting slowly, sliding his hard erection against
him. Dirk moaned and shivered at the contact. It’d been so long since he’d had a man on top of him,
surrounding him. He’d forgotten how exquisite it could feel to be held down, pressed into the
mattress.
“I was so afraid, Dirk,” Sebastian murmured.
That admission shocked Dirk. Yeah, he’d been scared, too, but why would Sebastian be? Burying his
face against Sebastian’s neck, he wrapped his legs around his lover’s waist, opening himself up to the
vampire, settling them more firmly together.
“Why?” he whispered.
“I saw that dingo on top of you. Saw you lying flat on the stairs. I feared I couldn’t get to you fast
enough. Feared he’d kill you before I could get to you.”
“He didn’t want to kill me,” Dirk assured. He rubbed his vampire’s back, tracing the hard, rippling
muscle, trying to soothe the tension in the body clinging to him. “Easy,” he crooned. “I’m here. I’m
safe. You saved me. You were there when I needed you.”
“I will always come.”
Dirk nodded. “I know.”
Sebastian suddenly lifted his head and stared down at him, his expression hard and desperate. “Need
you.” His eyes slowly bled red. “Need to feel you, assure myself that you’re here and safe. Need to
reaffirm our bond.”
Unable to deny this man anything, Dirk nodded. “Do it.”
Growling, Sebastian rolled off him and stalked to his bag.
Seeing his big man’s strong lines, hard body, and weeping cock, Dirk remembered his imaginations
from earlier. He rolled over onto his stomach and got his knees under him. He reached back and
palmed his cheeks, spreading himself open, exposing his hole to his lover.
Dirk craned his neck to look over his shoulder and smiled in invitation.
Sebastian sucked in a breath, then let it out on a low growl. He prowled forward, his gaze riveted on

Dirk’s ass. “Is this what you need, beloved?” he rumbled, kneeling on the bed behind him. He stroked
one hand down Dirk’s flank, over his ass, then gently rubbed the pad of his thumb everso-lightly over
his hole. “You need me to mount you? Drive my shaft into you? Remind you that you’re mine?”
“Yesss,” Dirk hissed. That was exactly what he needed. He wanted to feel his lover in the morning.
Sebastian wasn’t the only one who needed to be reminded that Dirk was alive. So did he.
“Anything for you,” Sebastian crooned.
His vampire lowered his face to Dirk’s crack and swiped his tongue across his entrance. The warm,
wet muscle sliding across his opening heated his groin, causing his shaft to jerk at the odd sensations.
“Shit, Seb! Never felt—” His words ended on a groan when Sebastian did it again.
“Good,” Sebastian stated, that one word expressing his satisfaction. He started eating Dirk’s ass in
earnest. He swirled his tongue, coating him with saliva, before pressing inside. Dirk’s body bowed at
the feel of his lover working him open with his lips, teeth, and tongue, sucking and nipping, prodding
and fucking.
Tingles broke out over his body. His cock oozed pre-cum freely. Goose bumps erupted on his arms
and thighs. His stomach muscles clenched. When one lubed finger replaced the tongue stretching him
—and immediately hit his gland— Dirk nearly came out of his skin.
Dirk howled, arched his back, and rocked up into the digit fucking him. That finger quickly became
two, and he moaned at the pleasant stretch and burn. His balls rolled in their sacks. They pulled
tighter and tighter with each peg to his sweet spot.
“Oh, Oh, shit. Gonna come,” he warned.
“Not yet,” Sebastian snarled.
His lover reached between his legs and gripped the base of his prick, squeezing tightly even as he
slid a third finger into his channel. Between the increased burn and the pinch to his dick, Dirk’s
impending orgasm eased.
Breathing heavily, Dirk moaned. “Please. Seb, please take me now.”
“With pleasure.”
Sebastian finger-fucked him twice more before pulling free, lubed up his dick, and pressed forward.
Dirk gasped when his man’s cap popped past his guardian ring of muscle. His lover froze, but Dirk
didn’t want that. He wanted it all. He wanted his man to ride his ass, remind them both that he was
Sebastian’s and they were together.
Arching his back, Dirk rocked his hips backward, forcing his lover’s dick a bit further into him. He
reversed, then did it again. Suddenly, Dirk felt the hard pricks of Sebastian’s nails—claws—digging
into his hips. Moaning, he shivered under the vampire’s touch.
“Take me,” Dirk moaned, loving and hating his vampire’s control.
Sebastian released one hip and draped over him, resting his weight on that free hand. The second
hand tightened on Dirk’s hip. “Be still,” his lover hissed.
Dirk shivered at the command, but he obeyed. Gasping hard, he turned his head and met Sebastian’s
red eyes. “Make me yours.”
That simple statement seemed to loosen his lover’s control. Sebastian’s eyes darkened and his hips
began to move. Slow shallow thrusts sank him deeper and deeper into Dirk’s body. Finally, finally,
his lover lay over him, buried balls deep.
Sebastian groaned into Dirk’s ear. “Love the way you feel, under me, around me.”
“Y-yeah,” Dirk panted. His chute fluttered around the invading length, milking it.
“You ready?” Sebastian crooned.
“Please.”

“Mine!” Sharp fangs slid over his skin, not breaking it, but giving him just a bit of tingling
anticipation, as Sebastian pulled his dick nearly all the way out and slammed back in. On the second
stroke, his lover adjusted his angle and pegged Dirk’s gland.
Dirk bucked and groaned, his body nearly vibrating out of his skin as his lover started a swift,
pounding rhythm. His shaft jerked and oozed. His balls pulled tight, and he knew he didn’t have a
prayer of keeping himself in check.
Orgasm swamped Dirk like a tidal wave of bliss, sweeping over him, taking him under. His eyelids
fluttered closed as his cock spurted, painting the comforter beneath him with streak after streak of
semen.
Sebastian roared, sank into him one more time, then coated his innards with hot blasts of cum.

Mine!

The single word echoed through his mind even as Sebastian sank his teeth into Dirk’s neck. Pain
mingled with pleasure. Dirk’s balls rolled. His cock hardened again and spurted twice more, sending
several more waves of endorphins crashing through his body.
Slowly, Dirk came back to himself. His body ached and tingled in the most pleasant of ways.
Sebastian slipped free, disappeared, then reappeared and started wiping him clean. All while Dirk
tried to gather some control over his limbs.
“Wow,” he slurred.
Sebastian’s low rumbling chuckle vibrated his chest when Dirk suddenly found himself draped over
his lover’s chest.
“Love this position.”
“Me, too,” Sebastian whispered into his ear.
For several seconds, they lay in silence. Dirk enjoyed the moment, the feel of his lover’s arms around
him, his warm body cradling his own, and the security he felt in his vampire’s arms.
Finally, Sebastian broke the silence again, “Were you serious about coming with me?”
He could feel how important this was to his man, which would take some getting used to. Gathering
the last of his coordination, Dirk lifted his head and stared directly into his lover’s eyes.
“Yes. I want to be with you, Sebastian.” He smiled a bit, unable to hide his pleasure at the vampire’s
suddenly relieved expression. “You’re stuck with me, vampire, geeky comic books, and all.”
Sebastian chuckled and hugged him tight. “You’re perfect, Dirk. Just the way you are.”
As Dirk drifted off to sleep, he smiled, safe in the knowledge that his vampire actually believed that.
I think you’re perfect, too.

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 wine, creating her next adventure. Charlie enjoys exploring
wheeler, or motorcycle.
She can be reached at ch.richards2010@yahoo.com Or visit her at www.charlie-richards.com

Document Outline

Crashing the Comicon Wolves of Stone Ridge: Book Twenty-One By Charlie Richards
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve

Wolves of Stone Ridge 21 Crashing the Comicon

Document Outline