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From Slavery to Freedom
ISBN # 978-1-78184-047-4
©Copyright T.A. Chase 2012
Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright July 2012
Edited by Rebecca Douglas
Total-E-Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination
and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or
places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form,
whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of
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Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound
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proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs
and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator
of the artwork.
Published in 2012 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL,
United Kingdom.
Warning:
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This
story has a heat rating of Total-e-sizzling and a sexometer of 2.
This story contains 116 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book
containing 12 pages.
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FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM
T.A. Chase
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Can a caged human learn how to be free, and break down the bars imprisoning a demon’s heart?
Malachi has spent centuries as the bodyguard and head security guard for Andor, a master
vampire. He’s never concerned himself with the humans around him, seeing them as lesser
creatures. It isn’t until Andor falls in love with a human that Malachi begins to see some
value in them.
Since he was fifteen, Doll has lived in a cage, being used and beaten by humans and
vampires alike. Some days, he’s not even sure he’s sane any more, but some hidden strength
keeps him going on instead of begging for death.
One fateful night, Doll and Malachi cross paths, and it changes their lives forever.
Dedication
To my editor, who told me she was looking forward to reading Malachi’s story. This is for
you and for all my readers who stick by me, and love my stories.
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Chapter One
Flashing lights and the pounding beat of music drove the humans in unusual rhythms
called dancing. At least, Master Sven had told Malachi that that was what the humans called
it. Malachi would call it strange and rather perplexing, if he were to ever really think about it.
More often than not, Malachi ignored any human he might come into contact with, unless it
was Master Sven, or someone who threatened the man he worked for. If that happened, he
dealt with them swiftly and in deadly fashion.
“Malachi.”
He turned to see Master Andor approaching him. The way Andor moved through the
crowd belied the fact that he was pretty much blind, and could only see the faintest
differences between black and grey. Bowing slightly, he waited until Andor stood next to
him before he straightened and spoke.
“Everything appears fine, Master. There are far more people than I would like, but I
believe my men can deal with any trouble, should it become necessary.”
Andor, the most powerful master vampire on the West Coast, nodded. “I wouldn’t
expect Wilton to try anything. He knows I could crush him with a thought.”
Malachi kept his gaze moving. His demon senses gave him abilities even vampires
didn’t have—like sensing evil intent and thoughts—but just because he had them didn’t
mean he could relax. Having a master like Andor, who didn’t forgive mistakes easily, meant
that Malachi had learnt to never make any. It was easier on his body, because Andor believed
in corporal punishment, which usually meant flaying strips of skin from Malachi. Being a
demon made it impossible for him to die, but he could still feel pain.
“Andor, can I go dance?”
Malachi hid his wince when Sven, Andor’s munr, spoke up. Sven was the only being in
the world that the master vampire cared about, and being Andor’s munr, or heart, Sven
tended to get what he wanted—usually. But something about the club and the meeting was
putting Malachi on edge.
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“Master, I would suggest keeping your munr close tonight. Master Wilton might not
harm him, but I don’t trust the humans in this place.” Malachi’s instincts told him something
was wrong and he didn’t have time to check out what it was.
Andor seemed to study him for a moment, and though it was hard to tell when Andor
wore darkly tinted sunglasses, Malachi knew he was reading his mood through the mental
connection they had. The master vampire nodded.
“Not tonight, Sven. Once we are back on my territory, you can go out dancing
whenever you wish.”
The human pouted for a second before shrugging. “Okay. I know both you and Malachi
have your reasons.”
“The reason is you are my munr, and without you, I’d go back to the darkness I was
falling into. I don’t want to go back there again. You are the centre of my world, Sven, and
that makes you the most precious thing I own.”
Sven narrowed his eyes, and Malachi knew Andor would pay for the ‘own’ comment.
Yet, in vampire society, Andor did own Sven, and all the other humans in his herd. Outside
Andor’s compound, no one knew that Andor didn’t drink from anyone except Sven. Over
the year they’d been together, Andor had discovered he only had to drink once a month from
Sven to survive. It kept Sven from being jealous, since Andor no longer drank from any of
the herd. Maybe it showed a weakness in Andor, to settle for only one donor, but Malachi
thought it had actually made Andor stronger. It had certainly helped him regain his strength,
but his eyesight remained damaged beyond repair.
The club manager came up to them. “Master Andor, it’s a pleasure to see you. Master
Wilton wishes for you to join him in his private rooms.”
Malachi shifted his weight slightly, putting his body between his master and the
manager. There wasn’t much that could kill Andor, but it was Malachi’s job to take a bullet,
figuratively or even literally speaking, as Andor’s bodyguard.
The manager paled. It wasn’t often demons walked among humans, and the mortal
probably hadn’t seen one quite so up close and personal. Malachi didn’t even curl his lip to
show his fangs. The human wasn’t going to cause any problems.
“Take me to Wilton. I don’t like spending any more time than I need to away from my
compound,” Andor ordered the man, before offering his arm to Sven.
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Malachi gestured for the other four bodyguards to surround Andor and Sven while he
took point. If an assassination attempt was going to happen, they would have to go through
Malachi first, and since he couldn’t die, it was idiotic to try it.
Their group cut a swathe through the crowd, pushing people aside like a tsunami wave.
No one would dream of approaching a master vampire without his permission. To be honest,
Andor was so powerful and old, he didn’t need Malachi around to keep him safe. Malachi
was there to protect Sven, and to keep an eye on things while Andor slept each day.
The stench of human sweat filled Malachi’s nose and he resisted the need to sneeze. He
hated how humans smelt as if their flesh was rotting slowly away, and how they didn’t
realise they were dying second by second. He shot a quick glance at Sven, who walked
quietly next to Andor, his eyes focused ahead of him.
Sven’s scent had been changing subtly over the year since he’d bonded with Andor.
Maybe the stories of a munr living as long as their vampire were true. Malachi made a mental
note to do some more research when he had a free moment. Being a demon didn’t mean that
Malachi was stupid, or that he was only a killing machine. He’d just never had much use for
humans, and demons didn’t spend time with others of their kind—they tended to be solitary
beings.
The manager led them upstairs, and halfway down a hall to a red door. Malachi had
already taken notice of the exits, and where he’d move Andor and Sven if he needed to get
them out quickly. The human knocked on the door, and nervously cleared his throat.
“Master Andor is here, Master Wilton.”
“Let the bastard come in then, Lester,” a voice called from the other side of the door.
“Yes, sir.” Lester opened the door, then bowed, gesturing for Andor to step in.
Andor never entered a room unless Malachi had checked it out first. From the moment
Malachi stepped in, his blood started to burn. Nothing about the situation felt good. He
didn’t want Andor to come in there, and he especially didn’t want Sven in the room.
“Looks like Andor doesn’t trust me, boys,” Wilton quipped.
Malachi pinned the other vampire with his gaze. “Master Andor has no reason to trust
a scumbag vampire like you.”
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Wilton shot to his feet and flew at Malachi. Without even really thinking about it,
Malachi grabbed Wilton by the throat and tossed him back onto the couch he’d been sitting
on.
“Show your betters more respect than that, Wilton,” Andor commented as he strolled
into the room. “My bodyguards trust no one, and I even less than they do.”
Wilton coughed, clearing his throat and glaring at Malachi. The demon wasn’t worried
about Wilton. He might be a master vampire, but he was young compared to Andor, and if
all of Andor’s punishments couldn’t hurt Malachi, he was certain no fledgeling would.
Andor took a seat in the room—commanding everyone’s attention—and Sven sat down
next to him. Malachi stood to Andor’s right, hands behind his back and feet slightly spread,
ready for anything Wilton might throw at him. The other guards formed a half circle around
them, creating a wall to ensure that if there was an attack, it would come from the front.
Wilton glared at Malachi, who made sure contempt for the vampire showed in his eyes.
Foolish creature, Malachi thought. Doesn’t he know what a demon looks like? Hasn’t anyone told
him not to mess with a creature forged from the darkest bowels of Hell?
“What sort of business offer do you have for me, Wilton? I don’t want to spend more
time here than I have to, and if you continue to antagonise the head of my security detail, I’ll
allow him to kill you.”
Sven breathed in deep, and Malachi sensed something had caught the munr’s attention.
Malachi turned his face away from Wilton, knowing Andor could take care of the younger
vampire. He looked at Sven, and followed the human’s gaze to see what he was looking at.
Whatever it was had horrified Sven to the extent he couldn’t hide his feelings.
Anger and disgust mingled in Sven’s eyes, and Malachi wondered what could bother
him that much. Tilting his head slightly, Malachi spied—through a gap in the crowd of
humans gathered around Wilton—a cage set in the corner of the room. Being a demon,
Malachi’s eyesight was a hundred times better than any human’s.
His nostrils flared as the creature inside stirred, and when it lifted its head to meet his
gaze, Malachi understood what had upset Sven. It was a human, not an animal, and it was
male. What hair the male had hung in greasy curtains over his shoulders, though it looked
like someone had ripped chunks of hair out in spots, for the human’s scalp showed, pink
under the dim lights.
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While the human in the cage looked filthy—and probably there was a layer of dirt
covering him—most of the marks on his body were bruises, bites, and whip scars. The man
was someone’s pet, whether he belonged to Wilton or one of Wilton’s human herd, Malachi
didn’t know, and really didn’t care. It wasn’t any of his business what other creatures did to
each other. He existed merely to keep Andor alive.
Yet the man lifted his head a few inches. He peered through the cascade of matted hair
to meet Malachi’s gaze. His eyes were cornflower blue, shot through with gold streaks, and
Malachi blinked, never having thought of anyone’s eyes in those colourful terms. Wildness
played over the male’s face, and Malachi realised the man in the cage might not even be
human any more.
He’d seen situations like this one before. People who got carried away, and thought
they could treat other creatures liked they owned them. They’d beat and abuse them until all
the humanity was removed, and only an animal was left to serve its master. Vampires tended
to do it with their herds, seeing the mortals as cattle, living only to feed them blood and be a
warm body to fuck if they needed.
Malachi understood how a sight such as that would upset Sven, yet it meant nothing to
him. Over the centuries he’d been alive, he’d seen all the terrible things humans could do to
each other, and the truly horrific things vampires could inflict on those they hated. None of it
touched him.
He started to move his gaze away from the cage, but with a small tilt of the blond’s
head, Malachi saw the crazed look ease from his eyes. Wounded pride and fierce strength
filled the man’s face for a second, before it slipped away as a human kicked the cage, rattling
it and managing to hit the man’s fingers. The caged creature yelped, drawing his fingers
close to his body.
“I see my friend’s pet has caught your pet’s attention, Master Andor,” Wilton spoke up.
Malachi dragged his gaze away from the cage to notice Wilton was staring at Sven. The
predatory look on the vampire’s face caused Malachi’s protective instincts to fire. He took
one step, but Andor shook his head.
“Sven doesn’t mean any disrespect, Wilton. I’m sure he is merely intrigued. We don’t
keep humans in cages in my territory.”
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Malachi didn’t relax, but he eased back into his spot. He was faster than anyone else in
the room, so if Andor gave him the order, he could kill all of the people and vampires before
they knew it had happened.
“Harrison, bring Doll out. Show Master Andor what your pet can do.” Wilton waved
his hand at the human who had kicked the cage.
“Yes, sir.”
Sven started to say something, but Andor put his hand on Sven’s arm and shook his
head. Malachi couldn’t stop his lip lifting into a snarl as Harrison clipped a lead to the choke
collar the caged creature wore, then dragged him out of the cage. Every inch the man was
forced to crawl was painful, if the way he barely rested his hands and knees on the floor had
anything to say about it. Blood painted the carpet as Harrison brought Doll to the clear spot
between them.
“Sit,” Harrison ordered Doll, who promptly sat like a dog.
“Harrison is a very good trainer. He knows just how to get the animals to listen, and
they accept their place in the world. You should consider sending your pet to Harrison for
training, Master Andor. It looks like he hasn’t had much discipline.”
Malachi fought the urge to roll his eyes. Master Andor didn’t need to beat his humans
to get them to obey him. They did so because his personality demanded their respect—and
they knew he would destroy them without blinking. Andor had never cared about any of his
herd, except for Sven, who was the only one to see any kindness from Andor.
“I’ll deal with my pets, and you deal with yours, Wilton.” Andor didn’t even look at
Doll. His gaze was focused on Wilton, not willing to show one shred of interest in anything
else.
“Harrison is willing to show us some of Doll’s tricks. I bet you’d enjoy them, Master
Andor.”
Wilton waved his hand, and Harrison jerked on Doll’s leash. Malachi watched as Doll
almost fell face first into the floor, but caught himself at the last moment. Harrison forced the
beaten man towards Andor.
“Go show Master Andor what you can do, Doll. Make him happy and you might get to
eat tonight.”
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As Doll crawled closer to Andor, Malachi stepped in front of his master. Doll stopped
inches away from Malachi’s shoes. He didn’t look up at Malachi, just kept his gaze on the
floor.
“Get out of the way, demon. Doll isn’t going to hurt Andor, just make him feel good.
Doll isn’t good for much, but he gives good blow jobs,” Wilton snarled at Malachi.
Malachi didn’t say anything. He wasn’t there to trade insults with the vampire or his
herd. He was there to protect Master Andor and Master Sven. He folded his arms over his
chest and glared at Wilton, ignoring the human at his feet.
“I don’t need a blow job, Wilton. I need you to get to the point. Humans hold no
interest for me, except to feed from.” Andor flashed a hint of his fangs. “I have other business
needing my attention.”
Wilton narrowed his eyes at Andor, but waved his hand at Harrison. “Take Doll out
and give him some exercise. I want him ready for later. I’m sure we’ll be celebrating a new
deal.”
Harrison tugged on Doll’s leash, hard enough to cause the human to choke. Malachi
met Doll’s blue eyes. Again the wildness cleared and intelligence shone through. The look on
Doll’s face was much the same as the look of an eagle, Malachi had encountered while
escorting Sven to the zoo in San Diego. The eagle had been injured and held captive for
others to stare at. It was scarred, unable to fly, yet its spirit shone through in its yellow eyes
and in the way it held its head.
Doll had the same wild spirit, unwilling to bend, no matter how broken his body was.
Malachi saw it and felt it. Then Harrison kicked Doll in the side, and Doll dropped his gaze
back to the floor.
“He might be a demon, but he’s still better than you’ll ever be,” Harrison taunted Doll.
Malachi bit back his growl. It didn’t matter what happened to the human. His job was
to take care of Andor and Sven.
“Would your pet like a drink? He’s welcome to go down to the bar. Drinks are on the
house.” Wilton didn’t watch as Harrison, Doll, and several others left the suite.
“Malachi, go with Sven down to the bar. Let him get a drink or dance or whatever. You
can leave the other guards with me. They’re enough to take care of any of Wilton’s people.”
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Andor didn’t even look at Sven, but he stared at Wilton. “Master Wilton knows I’ll kill him if
he tries anything.”
“I don’t want to go,” Sven protested.
“Go!” Andor ordered.
Malachi shot over to Sven’s side, then touched the back of his elbow. Sven stiffened, but
left with him. As soon as they were on the ground floor and in a booth, Sven swung to look
at Malachi.
“I don’t want a drink, and I don’t want to leave Andor alone with that jackass.”
“I know.” Malachi flagged down a waitress and ordered a bottle of water for Sven. “I
want it unopened. If it’s been opened when you get here, I’ll force you to drink it.”
Her eyes grew wide, and she scurried away.
“Was that really necessary?” Sven asked.
“Yes. I don’t trust anyone here. They’re all afraid of Wilton, and they’d do anything to
get on his good side.” Malachi sat on the outside of the booth, keeping Sven inside and away
from danger. “One way to do that would be to get a hold of you, to give him leverage over
Andor. Yet I don’t think Wilton is crazy enough to risk Andor killing him for putting a finger
on you.”
Whimpers of pain filtered through the noise of the crowd and music. Malachi tracked
the sound. Where exactly was it coming from? He spotted Doll kneeling in front of another
human while Harrison stood behind him, swinging a whip. Harrison struck him, causing
bright red welts to rise along Doll’s back.
“That’s terrible,” Sven whispered, inching closer to Malachi as they both watched Doll
being hurt, and Harrison enjoying it.
“He’s Harrison’s property, apparently. When a person owns you, they can do what
they want with you.” Malachi took the bottle from the waitress, checked the seal, and
nodded at her.
“But he’s not an animal or an inanimate object. He’s a person. A human being, and he
has the right not to be abused like that.” Sven accepted the water from Malachi and twisted
off the cap.
“As far as they’re concerned, he isn’t.” And as far as Malachi was concerned, it wasn’t
his business what happened to Doll, or any other human.
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“We need to do something to help him,” Sven said under his breath.
Malachi shrugged. “It’s not my job to care about any humans, except for you.”
“No one deserves to be treated like that.” Sven tried to push past Malachi.
He stared at Sven, surprised he would even begin to think he could get past. He didn’t
budge, because he wouldn’t risk his skin by letting Sven get injured.
Tears welled in Sven’s eyes, and Malachi couldn’t understand why Sven was so upset
over a stranger he’d never talked with. A scream ripped through the air, and Sven looked
sick. Malachi shot a glance over his own shoulder.
Doll was curled into a foetal position, cradling his arm to his body. Malachi wrinkled
his nose at the smells—blood, fear, and pain. Someone must have broken the guy’s arm or
wrist. Harrison stood over the beaten man, and laughed as another human kicked Doll in the
back.
“I want to leave,” Sven pleaded, tugging on Malachi’s sleeve and hiding his face against
his chest.
He hoped Andor didn’t know Sven was in Malachi’s arms. Protecting Sven was one
thing, but touching him in any way could be tempting fate. While Andor couldn’t kill him,
the vampire could make Malachi’s life painful.
Doll was still being beaten without relief, making Malachi wonder what the human had
done to deserve it. Seeing the look of sheer delight on Harrison’s face, Malachi had the
feeling Doll didn’t have to do anything except breathe for Harrison to hurt him.
Malachi’s phone rang, and he answered while studying the humans a few feet away.
“Yes, Master Andor?”
“Sven is upset. Why?”
Malachi looked down at where Sven had his face buried in Malachi’s shirt, obviously
not wanting to watch Doll’s punishment. The munr must be crying, because the fabric was
sticking to Malachi’s chest.
“Doll is being beaten by some humans,” Malachi informed Andor.
“Wilton needs to get control of his herd, or cull the ones who are out of control. Once
they’ve been violent like that, they wouldn’t have any problem turning on him.” Andor’s
disgust was thick in his voice. “Get Sven out of here. Take him back to the condo. I’m almost
finished, so we won’t be far behind you.”
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“Yes, sir.” Malachi hung up and tucked his phone into his pocket. He stood and held
out his hand. “We’re leaving.”
“We can’t leave Andor here.” Sven kept his eyes averted from Doll’s bloody form.
“Master Andor told me to take you back to the condo. He’ll be done soon, and Wilton
doesn’t have anyone here who is strong enough to get through the guards I left with him. If
something like that were to happen, Master Andor is far more powerful than Wilton. The
master will be fine.”
Malachi helped Sven to his feet. He didn’t argue or shove Sven away when the small
human cuddled closer to him. He ignored everyone as they wound their way through the
crowd. When they passed where Doll lay, Harrison stepped in front of them.
Malachi moved Sven behind him, and he felt Sven grip his jacket. Sven knew not to get
in Malachi’s way in case something happened, but he wasn’t to let go either.
“I think your master should leave his pet with me, and I’ll break him in the right way.”
“What is the right way? Beating him until he can’t fight back?” Malachi gestured to
Doll, who was covered in blood and semen.
“Hey, he does whatever I tell him to do.” Harrison nudged Doll with the toe of his boot.
“Get up.”
Doll shuddered and struggled to sit up. Malachi shook his head and must have growled
low in his throat because both Harrison and Doll looked at him. A flash of hatred chased
through Doll’s blue eyes, and Malachi couldn’t help but feel a hint of respect for a man who
could take a beating like Doll had, and still get to his feet. He held his entire body stiffly, like
every inch of his flesh and bone hurt. His arm hung limply, and Malachi could tell it was
broken.
“See, he’s well trained. I’m sure your master would love to have a pet like him.”
Harrison folded his arms over his chest and glared at Malachi.
Malachi snorted. “Master Andor is powerful enough that he doesn’t need a broken
human as a pet. If your master is so weak that he can’t deal with a small human such as this
without needing him beaten to a pulp and bones broken, then you should find a different
herd to be a part of.”
Harrison puffed his chest out. “I’m not weak and neither is Master Wilton.”
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“Of course not. It isn’t weakness to hurt someone smaller than you. It isn’t weakness to
beat and rape them until they can’t fight back.” Malachi shook his head. “I’m not impressed,
human. Now let us leave, and I won’t break your wrist like you did this pathetic creature.”
Something that sounded suspiciously like a soft snarl drifted to Malachi’s ears, and he
glanced at Doll. He didn’t doubt that it was Doll who had made the sound, but the human
stared at the floor without any acknowledgement of their conversation.
Sven tugged on the back of Malachi’s jacket, and the demon had enough of talking and
waiting for Harrison to stop bragging. He reached out and shoved Harrison out of the way.
The human started to grab Sven as they went past him, but before he could touch Sven,
Malachi had his arm grasped in his hands.
Harrison screamed as Malachi tightened his grip and brought the human to his knees.
Harrison’s bones ground together as Malachi leaned over him.
“I suggest you never try to touch Master Andor’s munr again, or I will tear your arm off
and beat you with it. Then I’ll suck your soul from your body and eat your heart from your
chest.”
“I want to go now, Malachi,” Sven demanded.
Malachi clenched his hand and Harrison screamed as his wrist was crushed. After
Malachi let go, Harrison cried and begged for help. Malachi glanced over at Doll to see the
human sneer at his abuser. Doll looked up and Malachi caught the quick lift of the corner of
Doll’s mouth as Malachi and Sven went past.
They stepped from the club, and Malachi flagged down a cab. It wasn’t something he’d
usually do, because he couldn’t trust there wouldn’t be an attack, but he didn’t want Andor
stranded without his own vehicle.
Malachi got Sven into the car and settled in beside him. They were on their way back to
the condo Andor owned for when they had to come to the city for business. Malachi hoped
that when they got to the condo the munr would calm down. He didn’t want Andor pissed at
him because Sven was still crying.
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Chapter Two
Malachi sat in the living room of the condo, staring at the TV screen. It wasn’t on, and
even if it had been, he wouldn’t have been able to tell anyone what was on. He’d been
replaying what had happened at the club. Plus, he never had the time to watch television.
He rarely had the need to sleep. During the day, he kept an eye on all of Andor’s
businesses while his boss was indisposed. It was his job, because he’d been created to protect
Andor, and his life span was tied to Andor’s, which was the biggest incentive for him to keep
Andor alive.
Yet it wasn’t Andor he thought about that afternoon. For some reason, his thoughts
kept returning to Doll. His mind had never been concerned with any human he’d ever met.
The only reason he spent time worrying about Sven was because he was Andor’s munr.
Malachi shouldn’t be wondering what might have happened to Doll after they left, but for
some reason, he kept seeing Doll’s blue eyes glaring at him through the strings of greasy
blond hair.
The sneer on the abused man’s face while Harrison rolled on the floor, crying in pain,
touched a part of Malachi he hadn’t known existed. The expression hinted at the possibility
of there still being a human inside that broken shell. Doll might have been beaten and raped,
bones broken and spirit abused to the point where Malachi didn’t know if it would ever be
brought back to its full potential, but something pushed at Malachi, saying Doll wasn’t
defeated yet.
Malachi stood, then strolled over to the window. Staring out of it, he studied the people
walking on the sidewalks below. Where did they go in such a hurry? He never understood
the humans’ need to rush everywhere, or their fierce determination to prove how strong and
smart they were, when everyone knew the vampires ruled the world. He accepted his
subservient role, even though he was far stronger than even Andor.
He’d never liked humans, because everything about them annoyed him. He’d never
cared about what happened to them, or if they were in pain. Yet something was telling him
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to go back to Wilton’s club, and to hunt down Doll to see if he’d been given medical
attention. He wanted to make sure the human’s wounds were taken care of, and that he
wasn’t in pain any more.
Clenching his hands, he snarled at his reflection in the glass. Doll was just another weak
creature, controlled and ruled by those stronger than him. Malachi shouldn’t care about what
happened to him, but there was some emotion deep inside him, demanding he go check.
Malachi whirled around and stalked across the room to the bar. He opened a bottle of
whisky, taking a swig straight from the bottle. He gritted his teeth at the awful taste of the
liquor, and took another drink.
“I didn’t think alcohol worked on demons.”
He slammed the bottle onto the bar surface, then swung around to see Sven leaning
against the doorframe, which separated the living room and the master bedroom. Malachi
stiffened, then pushed the bottle away from him before he moved to stand in the middle of
the room.
“Did you need something, Master Sven?” He clasped his hands behind his back.
Sven shook his head while walking to the kitchen. “No. Just couldn’t sleep anymore.”
Malachi glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s only three in the afternoon. Master Andor
won’t be up for another four hours.”
“I know that. Just because he sleeps like the dead doesn’t mean I do. I can’t turn my
brain off. Sometimes I wish I could.” Sven looked at him before opening the refrigerator.
“Did you sleep at all?”
Shaking his head, Malachi dropped his gaze to his feet, and realised he was still dressed
in the suit he’d worn the night before. “I don’t sleep,” he announced, preoccupied with the
thought of why he hadn’t changed yet.
“Really? Not at all?” Sven pulled out a carton of eggs, some bacon, and a few
vegetables.
“Very rarely.” Malachi headed towards his own bedroom. “I’ll be right back.”
“Sure. Nothing’s going to happen in the condo, Malachi. You can take a few minutes to
change your clothes and take a shower.”
“I’ll change my clothes and be back to make breakfast for you, Master Sven.”
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“Malachi, you don’t have to make my food for me. I’m quite capable of doing it on my
own,” Sven protested.
Malachi went into the other room, and pulled out another suit. He quickly changed
before heading back out to push Sven from the kitchen. Sven had already chopped up the
vegetables and got the bacon cooking.
“Fine.” Sven flopped onto one of the stools at the island and propped his chin on his
hand. “I’m not sure why none of you think I can cook.”
“We know you can cook, but Master Andor doesn’t like it when you do. You could cut
or burn yourself, and he’s all about keeping you from getting hurt.” Malachi scrambled the
eggs and made a bacon and vegetable omelette.
He plated it up and he set it in front of Sven with a glass of orange juice. Then Malachi
started cleaning up while Sven ate.
“I’m getting tired of being treated like I’m fragile,” Sven complained.
Malachi paused in the middle of rinsing the frying pan to look over his shoulder at
Sven. “But you are fragile, compared to Master Andor and me. Why is it terrible for Master
Andor to want to protect you? You are the centre of his world, and if something were to
happen to you, he would cease to exist.”
“Which means you would no longer be alive,” Sven pointed out.
“Right. So by taking care of you, I’m ensuring I don’t die.” Malachi had finished
washing up the dishes when Sven brought him his dirty plates.
Malachi started the coffee brewing, and propped his butt against the counter to study
Sven. Something seemed to be bothering the munr.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sven shuffled into the living room, dropped
on the couch, and curled his legs under him.
Malachi followed him and sat in the chair across from the couch. He’d checked in with
the other guards outside the condo earlier, so he knew things were okay for the moment. He
could focus on figuring out what was going on with Sven, though he wasn’t sure why he
worried about the munr. Whatever was bothering Sven didn’t seem to be bad enough to
make him think about leaving the condo.
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“Something is bothering you. I can tell, and I just want to know what it is so maybe we
can fix it before Andor wakes up. He’ll be pissed if you aren’t a hundred per cent happy.”
Malachi leant back and rested his left ankle on his right knee. “I’m not going to let go. Just
tell me what has your brain running in circles, and is making you sit out here with me
instead of lying in your bed getting fucked by Andor.”
Sven blushed, causing Malachi to chuckle.
“I don’t know why you’re blushing. It’s not like we don’t know what you both would
rather be doing instead of dealing with the rest of us.”
“Shut up. I’ll tell you what’s wrong just to stop having this conversation with you.”
Malachi lifted his eyebrows and grinned. For some reason, Sven was very shy about
what he and Andor did in the bedroom. Whenever Sven was reluctant to talk about what
was bothering him, Malachi would bring up sex, and Sven would spill his guts about
anything so as not to discuss sex with Malachi.
Andor loved Sven, and if Sven wasn’t happy, then Andor wasn’t happy, and that meant
problems for Malachi. He had enough to worry about trying to keep the rest of Andor’s herd
out of trouble.
“Then tell me. I can’t promise I can help solve it, but maybe just telling someone will
help.” Malachi didn’t know if it would, but Sven had usually seemed happier after talking in
the past.
Sven snorted and rolled his eyes. “Right, because you’re so sympathetic and
understanding.”
“I’ll listen. Not my fault I don’t understand human emotion. I’m not human, and have
no interest in dealing with most of you.” Malachi waved his hand in a vague circle. “So tell
me what’s wrong.”
“I can’t stop thinking about Doll, and whether he’s okay or not.” Sven closed his eyes
and swallowed. “All the pain he must go through every day. Hell, probably every minute of
his life. How does he survive?”
Malachi frowned. He should have known Doll would be on Sven’s mind. Being the
munr of a master vampire’s herd meant he had compassion and cared about others. He
helped keep Andor from becoming a complete monster.
“He survives because they haven’t seen fit to kill him yet.”
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“That isn’t very comforting,” Sven complained.
“What do you want me to say? Doll survives because he isn’t ready to die yet. He’s still
willing to take all the shit they dish out. Once he’s had enough, he’ll either die or he’ll get
out.”
Sven glared at him. “You really think it’s that easy? One day, Doll will get fed up, and
say enough is enough. He’ll take off the collar and walk out of the club with his limbs and
mind intact.”
Malachi grimaced. “From the tone of your voice, I take it I’m wrong, and it won’t be
that simple.”
“He’s their property, Malachi. If they want, they can kill him and no one would say
anything about it.”
“Yes, I understand that part, and I’m not sure why you sound so upset about that.
Harrison is Wilton’s property, just like Doll is Harrison’s. Why is Doll’s situation worse than
Harrison’s?” Malachi didn’t get what Sven’s problem was, and he was finding out he wanted
to know what Sven was thinking.
“Of course it’s worse!” Sven shot to his feet and started pacing in front of Malachi. “I
doubt Doll chose to be beaten and raped every day, plus being forced to live in a cage. I
accept there are people who enjoy pain, and like to be disciplined like that, but something
about Doll makes me think he’s not one of those people.”
“How do you know?” Malachi scratched his head. “What makes you think he isn’t a
submissive and gets off on all the crap Harrison does to him?”
“The look on his face when you broke Harrison’s wrist. Doll was viciously happy about
Harrison being in pain.” Sven dropped back onto the couch and covered his face with his
hands. “I don’t like the idea of leaving Doll with those animals.”
“You don’t even know the human. Why do you care so much? What does it matter if
he’s beaten—or even killed—by them? You don’t live there, and he’s not a member of your
herd.”
“Malachi, you don’t understand. It doesn’t matter that Doll isn’t a member of my herd.
He’s a fellow human, and he shouldn’t be treated like an animal for the amusement of
others.” Sven grunted and stood again.
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It was like watching a human jack-in-the-box—Sven couldn’t seem to sit still. He didn’t
know how to make Sven happy—though he could guess—and Malachi wasn’t going to make
the decision on his own.
“Sven, why are you out here bothering Malachi?”
They both looked over to the master bedroom, where Andor leaned in the doorway,
shoulder braced. The vampire was naked, and Malachi studied him with an impartial gaze.
With his relationship with Sven solid and soul-deep, Andor looked better than he had in a
long time.
It seemed like drinking Sven’s pure blood had healed Andor for the most part, and his
eyesight was slowly starting to improve. Sven raced to him, throwing his arms around
Andor’s neck.
The expression on Andor’s face was one not many people got to see—the master
vampire never let anyone except Malachi see just how much he loved the small human in his
arms. An odd sensation rolled through Malachi, and he struggled to put a name to it. It
almost felt like Malachi wanted the same thing that Andor and Sven had. Was it jealousy or
envy he was feeling? Malachi shook his head. It didn’t make sense—he’d never felt envious
of his master before. Hell, most of the time Malachi was glad he wasn’t a master vampire
because he didn’t want to deal with the humans.
Malachi pushed to his feet. “He wasn’t bothering me, Master Andor. We were simply
talking.”
“Really? And what were you talking about?” Andor squinted as he studied Malachi
over Sven’s head. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you have a casual conversation with anyone,
Malachi.”
He shrugged, wondering if he should mention Sven’s worry about Doll. Would it
matter to Andor or would the vampire dismiss it as another one of his munr’s soft-hearted
moments?
“We were talking about the man at the club last night,” Sven spoke up.
Andor dropped his gaze to Sven for a minute, and Malachi could tell he was trying to
remember which human Sven might be talking about. Finally, he looked at Malachi
questioningly.
“The human called Doll,” Malachi informed him.
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“Ah, yes. The one Harrison trained.” Andor shook his head. “It’s a pathetic display of
power. Anyone can take a weaker person and turn him or her into an animal like that.”
Sven scrunched up his face in disgust. “No one should be treated that way.”
Andor looked surprised by Sven’s outburst. “They shouldn’t? But Doll is weaker than
Harrison and the other men there. The weakest must submit to the strongest. It is the way of
the world, Sven.”
Malachi waited for the explosion, but Sven stepped away from Andor while glaring at
him.
“Seriously? You believe I should submit to you because you’re stronger than me?”
Even Malachi could see the trap in that question, and he was a demon who didn’t
completely understand the way humans thought. He wanted Andor to simply tell Sven he
loved him, and change the subject.
“Well, yes. I’m stronger than you, so I should take care of you, and you should submit
to my superiority.”
It sounded arrogant, yet it wasn’t meant to be, since Andor did believe it, and in many
ways his statement was true. But somehow Malachi knew Sven wasn’t going to accept the
logic of it.
“Your superiority?” Sven’s tone alerted Malachi, but Andor seemed oblivious to the
impending explosion.
“I think I’ll go out and check with the other guards.” Malachi eased towards the front
door. He really didn’t want to get in the middle of the argument that was brewing.
“So because I’m weaker than you, you have the right to beat and abuse me until I’m
bloody and broken.” Sven folded his arms over his chest, his gaze never leaving Andor’s
face.
Something in his tone must have broken through to Andor, and he shot a puzzled look
over at Malachi. Shaking his head, Malachi wanted to shout for Andor not to answer. Dealing
with humans, and Sven in particular, Malachi thought, is like walking through a minefield. He
never knew when he would step on a landmine.
“Well, I would never do that to you. When you hurt, I hurt, Sven. I don’t need to beat
you, though there have been times when I’ve wanted to put you over my knee.” Andor
smiled.
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Sven threw his hands up in the air, and sighed, “You just don’t understand what I’m
trying to say, and it’s not because you’re ignorant or anything. It’s because you truly believe
you’re higher up the evolutionary ladder than me.”
Malachi rolled his eyes, but neither man saw him. He just didn’t understand the whole
argument. Why did Sven push and complain when the truth was right in front of him?
Andor—and all vampires—were higher up the ladder. Hell, they were at the top of the
fucking food chain. They were the ultimate predators, the only creatures almost as
indestructible as demons.
Andor reached out, encircled Sven’s waist, and pulled him close. “I do know I wouldn’t
be here without you, love. You are my munr, and that makes you indispensable to me. You
are more important than any other human in the world.”
The vampire nuzzled Sven’s neck, and Malachi could tell Sven was slightly mollified by
Andor’s words. Yet knowing Sven like Malachi did, he knew Sven wasn’t done talking about
Doll. He sighed mentally. They would be having another human join them at some point,
and Malachi would have to make sure things were taken care of for the newest addition.
Andor and Sven headed back into the bedroom, and Malachi returned to the living
room. He turned on the stereo, listening to music punctuated with yells and shouts from the
couple in the other room. He knew they were having sex, since Andor rarely kept his hands
to himself where Sven was concerned, and Sven didn’t seem to mind.
It would be another hour or two before they would be ready to leave, so Malachi settled
in the chair, and pulled out his e-reader.
* * * *
Every inch of his body burned like he’d been lit on fire and left to smoulder in the
gutter. Considering how twisted and cruel Harrison was, Doll wouldn’t doubt something
like that had happened. Yet when he turned his head, he saw only the bars of his cage. He
managed to lift his hand to look at it. There weren’t any burn marks this time, so the ache
must just be from the beating he’d taken earlier.
Swallowing, he winced at the rawness of his throat. Yes, he’d screamed last night when
Harrison broke his arm. Doll hated when he lost control and showed how much agony he
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was in. Harrison got off on his suffering, and the one thing Doll had left was not giving
Harrison the high he needed.
Doll thought about rolling on to his back, but he vaguely remembered a whip being
involved, so he knew his back would be full of welts and open cuts. It would be best to just
lie on his stomach, and hope he had a little time to heal before the next round of beatings.
He closed his eyes and rested, not paying attention to the noises outside his cage.
Harrison wasn’t there, and no one else ever bothered with him. He felt a small smile cross his
face as he remembered why Harrison wasn’t at the club.
Watching the big man break Harrison’s arm like it was a twig had brought a fierce,
sadistic joy flaring through Doll’s chest. He detested violence and causing pain to others, but
Harrison deserved everything he got. Hell, the whole club and all the bastards in it needed to
be wiped from the face of the earth as far as he was concerned.
It was a favourite daydream of his, and he didn’t even care that it would mean he died
as well. No one would think to save the creature in the cage. He would burn with the rest,
yet it would bring his miserable existence to an end. He’d be grateful for that.
A slight commotion in the room caught his attention, and he shifted slightly to be able
to see without anyone knowing he was watching. One of Wilton’s herd knelt before the
vampire, trembling from head to toe. If Wilton had called the man to his presence, Doll
would understand the tremors. Wilton was unpredictable at best, and no one ever knew for
sure what he’d do.
“Master Andor is here, sir,” the human informed Wilton.
Wilton shouted in triumph. “I knew he couldn’t resist my business offer. Show him in.”
“He has his demon with him.”
Demon? Could that be the big guy who tossed Harrison aside like a ragdoll? Doll
wanted to see the man again, if only to reassure himself there was a person out there who
would protect weaker creatures, instead of getting off on hurting them. He’d realised that the
reason Harrison got hurt was because he had tried to touch the small human the other thing
seemed to be protecting. There was something important about him, and obviously no one
was to touch him.
“I don’t care. Bring Master Andor in.” Wilton rubbed his hands together in glee.
“Yes, sir.”
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The messenger raced from the room, and Doll shut his eyes. More business meetings
and he really couldn’t care less what kind of deal Wilton wanted to make with Master
Andor. None of it affected him in the least.
“Okay, here’s the plan. We let him and the rest of his guards into the room. Once that
happens, you four take out his other guards. They aren’t demons or vampires, so they’ll be
easy to take down. I’ll go after Andor and his stupid demon. When they’re out of the way, I’ll
take his munr and his territory.” Wilton chuckled, apparently pleased with his plan.
Christ! Not another attempted murder. Doll rolled his eyes, and if he’d had the energy,
he’d have shaken his head. Wilton was determined to become the most powerful vampire in
the country, yet he wasn’t smart enough to do anything about it. None of his schemes ever
worked, and something told Doll this one wouldn’t work either.
The master vampire who had been there the night before didn’t look like the type of
vampire Wilton should mess with.
Doll curled up in the corner of his cage, wanting to watch, but not wanting to get
noticed by anyone. He wasn’t in any condition to protect himself if he were free. Yet he did
want to see Wilton get his comeuppance. Would Andor let Wilton live, or would he kill him
and leave the humans to fight amongst themselves for control of Wilton’s territory?
He didn’t really care, since he doubted he’d be freed. He still belonged to Harrison, and
Wilton, since he was Harrison’s master. Doll watched as Wilton and his men took their
places.
The door opened, and in walked the demon. Doll gasped. He hadn’t got a good look at
him the night before—he’d been too occupied with his beating and getting his arm broken.
All Doll could think of when he saw the demon was darkness. It was like watching a walking
shadow, except the demon’s eyes were an intriguing gold-streaked black. Even in the dim
light of the room, Doll could see them gleam.
The demon towered over all the men—vampires and humans. His hair brushed his
shoulders in a fall of black satin. The suit he was wearing had to have been handmade and
tailored for him, because the fabric hugged the demon’s body perfectly, highlighting his
solidness and strength. His skin was a marvellous golden colour, like he’d spent hours in the
sun, but not enough to burn.
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Every inch of the demon’s demeanour spoke of barely restrained power and rage. At
the slightest hint of danger, he could explode into action and wipe out everyone in the room.
Doll could see it by the way he glanced around the room, marking where every person stood.
Wilton took a deep breath, and Doll chuckled softly. Those unusual eyes glanced at him
for a second before returning to Wilton.
“I do believe you’ve planned a welcoming party for me, Wilton.” Master Andor strolled
into the room, his long blond hair flowing around him like a cape. The dark glasses he wore
made him seem even more aloof and creepy.
No one tried to stop him as he stalked right up to Wilton and grabbed him by the
throat. It was difficult to sit up with only one working hand, but Doll managed it because he
wanted to see this.
Wilton’s feet were off the ground and he struggled against Andor’s grip. Doll bit back
the shout of happiness at the look of utter terror on Wilton’s face. Doll knew that he’d worn
the exact same expression himself more times than he wanted to count, when Wilton had
decided to punish him for some made-up infraction.
Andor shook Wilton like a pit bull shook a rat. Doll shot a glance over to where the
demon stood, arms folded and legs braced apart. The demon didn’t seem worried, and the
other guards had taken Wilton’s men in hand.
The sound of flesh hitting flesh brought Doll’s attention back to Andor and Wilton. The
blond vampire slapped Wilton hard, twice, before tossing him away. Andor didn’t even look
at the crumbled form of the weaker vampire.
“Malachi, get the human out of the cage. I’m done here.”
“Yes, sir.” Malachi approached the cage.
Doll pressed back against the far wall of his cage. Why were they taking him? He hadn’t
done anything wrong. He wasn’t part of this little coup. He grimaced as Malachi broke the
lock holding the door shut with an effortless twist of his wrist.
“Fucking show-off,” he whispered under his breath.
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Chapter Three
Malachi snorted as he tore open the door of the cage and held out his hand to Doll. He
didn’t know if the man had understood anything happening around him, but it did sound
like there was some intelligence there, from the smart-assed comment he’d overheard.
“Give me your hand. We’re leaving,” he commanded Doll.
Doll shot him a wary look through the greasy strands of hair hanging in his eyes.
Malachi tried to look as unassuming as possible, knowing it was a failing effort from the
start. He was a demon, and there wasn’t any way to hide the fact.
He figured he would have to tear the cage apart around Doll and force the human to
leave it.
“Let’s get this over with, Malachi. I don’t have all night, and I want to be back at the
compound before sunrise.” Andor’s voice shot through his thoughts.
“Yes, sir.” Malachi waved his hand in front of Doll’s face. “Take my hand, and we’re
out of here. Master Andor will leave your ass here, no matter what Master Sven wants, if you
don’t get moving.”
Doll licked his lips, and something about the hint of pink tongue caused Malachi’s cock
to stiffen. Hell no! There was no way possible he could be attracted to this human, who was
barely more than an animal.
“I can’t walk very well.” Doll’s voice was low and ravaged like he’d screamed so much,
he’d destroy his vocal cords.
“Can you get to the door of the cage?”
Doll didn’t answer him, just started sliding over the wire bottom, and Malachi hid his
grimace, knowing Doll was scraping his skin on the strands of metal. Doll put his hand in
Malachi’s, and he wrapped his fingers around his.
“Ronald, get over here.”
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One of the guards joined them, and Malachi scooped Doll up before he could think
about it, depositing him in Ronald’s arms. Doll froze, cradling his broken arm close to his
body.
“Watch his arm. It’s broken.” Malachi turned to look at Andor. “We have him, Master
Andor.”
“Good.” Andor kicked Wilton in the side, causing the vampire to cry out. “Be glad I’m
in a hurry to get home, or I would take you apart, joint by joint, and skin you alive. You
never even dream of killing me again. If you do, I’ll find out about it, and come back. I’ll raze
this place to the ground, and dance around the flames while you burn.”
It was an effective threat, since Malachi had seen Andor do that with another rival
several decades ago, and he knew Wilton would have heard about it as well. Andor turned
and stalked out of the room. Such a dramatic exit, considering Andor’s only way of knowing
the layout of the club came from the connection Andor had with Malachi. When Malachi was
created for him, their minds had been bound together.
Malachi gestured for the guards to follow Master Andor, and he brought up the rear.
“Demon,” Wilton called out to him.
He turned and glanced down at the vampire.
“Doll is mine. Andor can’t come in and take what’s mine without paying for him,”
Wilton sneered. “I think a trade would be fair. His pet for mine.”
“If you come for Master Sven, there won’t be a place in the world you could hide.
Master Andor would hunt you down and kill you like a rabid dog. No mercy. He would do
terrible things to you before he let you die.”
He left, knowing Andor would be waiting impatiently by the car for him. They still had
to swing back by the condo to pick up Sven and the rest of the guards. Malachi hadn’t been
surprised when after three hours, Andor had emerged from the bedroom and told him they
were going back to Wilton’s club for Doll.
Sven could be very persuasive when he wanted to be, and hell, maybe he’d told Andor
he’d withhold sex until Andor got Doll away from Wilton. Malachi didn’t ask how Sven had
managed to convince the master vampire to do it. He’d just split the guards up, and had the
car brought around.
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Outside on the sidewalk, Andor stood, tapping his foot in annoyance until he saw
Malachi step from the club. Ronald held Doll, and Malachi could tell Doll was scared to
death to move or even breathe. The car pulled up to the kerb, and Malachi opened the door
for Andor.
“Ross and Sal, you’ll be riding with Master Andor. Ronald, you take the human in the
other car with the rest.” Malachi organised everyone.
Doll cried out, and struggled against Ronald’s grip. Malachi could see blood coating
Ronald’s clothes. Doll was pale from pain and blood loss.
“Stop that,” Andor barked and Doll froze, his gaze on the ground. “Malachi, you will
bring the human in the car with us. He apparently isn’t happy with Ronald.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t do anything,” Ronald apologised.
Andor dismissed the guard with a flick of his hand before sliding into the limo. Malachi
climbed in as well and settled before accepting Doll into his arms. Ronald shut the door and
slapped the roof in the signal for the driver to head out.
Doll sat on Malachi’s lap, stiff, yet trembling. Malachi realised the man was completely
naked, though he wrinkled his nose at the stench drifting off Doll. Andor sniffed, gagged,
and rolled down the window.
“We should have hosed him off before we put him in the car. You’re going to have to
burn that suit when we get home.” Andor gestured towards Malachi. “You’re never going to
get the smell out of it.”
Doll bowed his head, and through the dirt and other stuff caked on his skin, Malachi
could see a blush colouring Doll’s cheeks. Malachi didn’t really understand why he was
embarrassed. Andor was just being honest about Doll’s condition.
“Make sure he cleans up when we get to the condo. Sven will probably have some
clothes that will fit him.”
“We’ll have to have the doctor come and look at him. His arm is broken, and there
might be some other injuries as well.” Malachi gathered Doll closer. There was something
about the broken human causing him to want to treat him gently. It was odd.
“Whatever. You and Sven can take care of the details. I did my job, and now maybe
Sven will stop bitching at me about it.”
“How much bitching could he do while you fucked him?” Malachi shook his head.
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“My mistake was wanting to fuck his ass. I should’ve had him give me a blowjob. At
least then his mouth would have been busy.” Andor shook his head.
Malachi caught the hint of a smile on Andor’s face. As much as Andor complained
about Sven being spoilt, Malachi knew Andor would continue letting Sven have his way. As
long as it didn’t interfere with Andor’s ruling his territory, Sven would get everything he
wanted.
“Aside from getting Master Sven to shut up, why did you go back to the club? You
could have told him no, and left it at that.” Malachi started to ease Doll down on the seat next
to him.
“Don’t let him touch the leather, Malachi. I don’t want to send it out to be washed,”
Andor commented absently while staring out of the window.
“Sorry.”
Malachi looked at Doll lying in his arms. The human seemed very embarrassed by the
whole situation, and Malachi found himself wishing he could do something to help the man.
Suddenly he thought of something.
“I’m going to set you on the floor for a moment,” he warned Doll, before he did just as
he’d said.
Doll curled up around Malachi’s feet as if he didn’t want to accidentally touch anything
else in the car, especially Andor. Malachi stripped off his suit jacket and wrapped it around
Doll after he picked him back up.
“Is that better?” Malachi kept his question low. He knew Andor could hear him, but he
didn’t want to frighten Doll by using his normal voice, which sounded like he gargled with
glass every night.
Doll nodded. “Yes. Thank you, sir.”
“I chose to go back to Wilton’s club because I had a feeling he would try something like
he did.” Andor had ignored the interaction between Doll and Malachi. “I couldn’t let him get
too big for his britches, you know. My taking Doll from him made him look weak, and he
knows I could have done so much more than I chose to do to him. If Sven wasn’t waiting for
me, I would have tortured Wilton to send a message to any of the other vampires who think
I’m weak.”
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Malachi snorted. “I don’t think any of them think you’re weak, Andor. I think they’re
getting restless because there is only so much territory to go around for all you bloodsuckers.
The younger ones want what you older ones have.”
Andor snarled, and Doll pushed back into Malachi’s arms, hiding his face in Malachi’s
shirt. He smoothed his hand lightly over Doll’s back, not wanting to hurt the man after
having seen his back from last night’s whipping.
“They can’t have it, and I’ll never give it up.”
“I know that, and in their blackened souls, they know it as well, but you can’t blame
them for trying and testing,” Malachi pointed out.
“Call Sven and tell him what you need him to do, since rescuing this human was all his
idea.”
Andor fell into a brooding silence after issuing his order. Malachi managed to get his
phone out of his jacket pocket without jostling Doll too much. Hitting the button, he turned
the screen on then scrolled through until he got to Sven’s number. He dialled it, studying the
top of Doll’s head.
“Hey, Mal, did you get him?”
He winced at Sven’s nickname for him. He wasn’t a nickname kind of demon, but that
didn’t stop Sven from using it as often as he could.
“Yes. Master Andor wants you to do some things for us to get things moving, so we can
head back to the compound as soon as possible. You need to call a doctor and get him to
come to the condo. Also, start the shower, so the water will be hot when we get there. Doll
needs to clean up. He doesn’t have any clothes, but I think he’s close to your height, though
you’re fatter than he is.”
Doll snickered, and Sven gasped.
“You didn’t just call me fat?”
Malachi stared at the phone for a moment, trying to figure out how Sven could get that
high-pitched.
“You are fatter than Doll. He hasn’t eaten anything in a long time, and is just skin and
bones. You eat regular meals, therefore you’re fatter than him.”
“I think the word you’re looking for is healthier,” Andor supplied with an amused
smirk on his face.
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“Fine. Healthier. Whatever. It’s not like you’re obese or anything like that. Hell, with all
the sex Andor and you have, you should be thin as a rail.” Malachi grunted as Sven
screeched again.
“You should quit while you’re ahead,” Andor suggested.
Malachi looked down to see Doll staring at him. When Doll nodded in silent agreement
with Andor, Malachi sighed.
“I’m sorry for calling you fat. Now, can you make sure all those things are done? We’ll
be there in ten minutes.” He hung up before Sven could say anything else about his
deplorable lack of manners.
“Sven is going to kick your ass when we get back there.” Andor shook his head.
Malachi shrugged and tucked his phone back in the jacket. “I’m a demon. What do I
know about the sensibilities of humans? I only care about hurting his feelings because if he’s
crabby, then you’re crabby, and I end up suffering for it.”
Andor pursed his lips and nodded. “That’s true. I take my bad mood out on you
because that’s what you were made for, and I don’t sleep with you.”
“Which is a good thing,” Malachi pointed out. “Sven really would try to kill me if you
shared my bed.”
“Besides that, we’d constantly be fighting for dominance and that gets tired.”
True. Malachi wasn’t a bottom, and never would be. It wasn’t in him to give up control
to anyone else, though he was made to be under Andor’s control.
Doll coughed, and Malachi eased him away from his chest to study him.
“Is he all right?”
“I think he’s running a fever, and he’s probably in a great deal of pain. The doctor will
be able to tell us more after he examines Doll.”
Andor wrinkled his nose. “Who calls anyone Doll? Seems like a silly name.”
Malachi agreed with Andor. He placed a knuckle under Doll’s chin and lifted it so their
gazes met.
“What’s your real name?”
Doll seemed confused, and Malachi wondered how much he really understood. The
flashes of intelligence he’d seen in Doll’s eyes told him Doll had to have some education.
“Do you remember what your name was before you became Doll?”
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“No. I think I was fifteen when my dad sold me to Harrison, for drugs or something.
My dad never called me anything but Boy, so if I ever had a real name, I never heard it.”
Malachi glanced up at Andor, and they stared at each other for a second. Doll didn’t
sound American, but Malachi wasn’t sure what kind of accent he had, since Doll’s voice was
rough from screaming.
“Do you know how long you’ve been with Harrison and Wilton?”
Doll lifted one shoulder. “Maybe ten years. I lost track after five, and I decided no one
was ever going to save me.”
“Well, you can thank me later. We’re here.” When the door to the limo was opened,
Andor climbed out.
Ignoring Andor’s disgruntled huff, Malachi set Doll on the seat and slid out of the limo.
He reached back in and scooped Doll up again.
“Go have the limo cleaned,” Andor ordered the driver. “We won’t be leaving tonight
like I’d planned. We’ll have to be here another day.”
Malachi stayed silent as their group made its way to the front door of the condo. After
the guards he’d left with Sven had verified their identities, they went inside. Sven was
waiting for them in the living room. He was practically dancing, eager to meet Doll.
“Get a towel from the bathroom. I don’t want him sitting on the furniture until he’s
clean.”
“You’re worse than a little old lady,” Sven teased, before he quickly raced to the
bathroom and back, carrying several towels.
Malachi set Doll on the towels and stepped back. Sven made a gagging face, bringing
Malachi’s attention to his shirt. Fighting the urge to tear the shirt off, he calmly unbuttoned it
and stripped.
“Wow.”
He noticed Sven staring at his chest, and Andor glowering at him.
“Control your jealousy, Master Andor. Your munr wouldn’t dream of doing anything
with me.”
Sven whirled and poked Andor in the side. “I can appreciate how gorgeous Malachi is,
but that doesn’t mean I want to fuck him.”
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That was enough for Malachi. He started to walk towards his room, but before he could
get away, Doll made some kind of noise. Looking back over his shoulder, Malachi saw Doll
was struggling to stand.
“I don’t think he wants to be left alone with us,” Andor commented, arms wrapped
around Sven’s waist.
“I want to go and change.”
Sven shook his head. “You probably shouldn’t change. You’re going to have to help me
give Doll a bath. He’s not going to be able to stand, and with his arm like that, he’s not going
to be able to wash himself.”
“But—” He started to protest the idea of him taking care of Doll.
“No buts. Even though I know Sven won’t do anything with Doll, especially the way
the human is now, I can’t help being jealous of him touching him. Sven will oversee the
bathing, but you will do the actual touching.” Andor stared at him as he gave the order.
Malachi ground his teeth together for a moment before he conceded, “Fine. Throw this
out. Go change your own stuff and burn it as well.”
He tossed his shirt to Ronald, and the human let it fall to the ground. Ross brought over
a pair of tongs Malachi didn’t even know they had, and handed them to Ronald. Bending
over, Ronald picked it up then carried it out of the condo.
Sven laughed, and Malachi rolled his eyes. He turned to pin Sven with his gaze.
“Did you call the doctor?”
“Yes, and he’s on his way here. We should have enough time for Doll to clean up before
he arrives.”
“Let’s go then.”
Malachi went to kneel next to the couch Doll sat on. He rested his hand on Doll’s knee,
choosing to ignore how the human tried to pull away from his touch.
“Do you want me to carry you or do you think you can walk on your own?”
Doll shoved Malachi’s jacket off, and dropped to his hands and knees on the floor. Sven
gasped and Andor grunted, but Malachi touched the top of Doll’s head.
“Not like this. You’re a human, not an animal, and we’re going to show you how to be
human again,” Sven said as he reached down to help Doll to stand.
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Doll jerked away from Sven’s hand and tumbled into Malachi, who didn’t flinch when
Doll scrambled back, nailing his stomach with a bony elbow. He didn’t even think about it as
he swept Doll up into his arms.
“You probably shouldn’t be walking anyway. I’m pretty sure your feet are torn up from
that wire cage they stuck you in.”
Doll didn’t fight him, and even seemed to curl against him like he was seeking warmth
from Malachi’s body. Sven followed, and shot around them to check the water before
Malachi set Doll in the tub. Doll inhaled sharply when Malachi lowered him, but he didn’t
protest.
“I’ll try to be as gentle as possible, but I’m pretty sure this is going to hurt a lot,”
Malachi warned him.
Swallowing loudly, Doll nodded his head, letting Malachi know he was ready. Malachi
accepted a washcloth and soap from Sven. He kept his touch as impersonal and as light as
possible, but there were places where he had to scrub to get the dirt off. He supported Doll’s
broken arm and washed it quickly, so Doll could cradle it and try not to move it much.
The water turned murky grey with odd streaks of red in it. He knew Doll was bleeding
from several wounds, because Malachi had washed the scabs off. Yet the soap and water
would help clean the bacteria out.
“Malachi, the doctor’s here.” Sven touched his shoulder and he jumped, having totally
immersed himself in washing Doll.
“You’re mostly clean anyway. I want to wash your hair next though. Tell the doctor
he’ll have to wait until I get Doll’s hair clean.”
“All right, and I’ll bring him a clean shirt and a pair of sweats as well. They’ll be huge
on him at the moment.” Sven patted Malachi’s back before leaving the bathroom.
Malachi quickly washed and rinsed Doll’s hair. He tried to get every bit of dirt and
grime he could see or feel off the human. He glanced and nodded at Sven when the munr
returned with the shirt and sweats. Finally, he helped Doll out of the bathtub and wrapped a
warm towel around him. Malachi bent to pick him up, but Doll shook his head.
“I’d like to try walking,” Doll whispered.
“Certainly.”
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Doll trembled so badly that Malachi didn’t think he’d make it two feet, but he
understood Doll wanted to test his own strength, and maybe show he was capable of doing
things on his own. He draped a shirt over Doll’s shoulders, and walked next to him down the
hall to one of the guest bedrooms.
They stepped inside, and Doll shrank back against Malachi at the sight of the doctor
standing there. Malachi placed his hand on Doll’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry. That’s Dr Fledeman, the vampire physician for this region. He’s here to
check you over, and set your arm if it’s possible.”
Malachi wasn’t sure if Doll believed him or not, but he went over to where the doctor
gestured for him to sit. Malachi started to leave. There wasn’t any need for him to be in the
room while the doctor carried out his exam.
“Don’t go.” Doll looked at him in desperation as if his whole world would implode if
Malachi left his sight.
“All right.”
He stood in the corner, arms crossed and eyes closed. His presence tended to unnerve
even the calmest human, and he didn’t want to upset the doctor. The two by the bed
murmured to each other. Malachi tuned them out, even though he could have made out their
conversation clearly, if he’d wanted.
It was Doll’s painful gasp that brought him out of his trance. He joined them at the bed,
and looked at Fledeman.
The doctor shrugged. “I can set his wrist. He might not regain full movement of his
fingers, but at least I won’t have to re-break the bone. He hasn’t been getting enough
nutrition for his body to start healing on its own.”
“Well, I guarantee he’ll be eating right with us.” Sven spoke up from the doorway. “He
can have half of what they feed me.”
Fledeman laughed. “Master Andor doesn’t want his munr to fade away from lack of
food.”
“Trust me, that won’t be happening any time soon.” Sven slipped into the room, and
Malachi watched Doll to see how he reacted to having Sven near him.
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Doll didn’t look at any of them. His gaze was trained on the floor, making Malachi
believe he’d been taught not to meet anyone’s eyes. It could be seen as a challenge to insecure
masters when their pets didn’t show respect.
Malachi found himself hoping Doll could learn to be human again, and not someone’s
play toy kept in a cage. Andor didn’t go in for that sort of thing, plus he didn’t need a pet
when he had Sven to cater to his every whim. There was room in Andor’s herd for another,
but the others would eat Doll alive if he didn’t start asserting himself.
“Sir,” Fledeman said to Malachi. “Could you hold his arm like this for me? I need more
hands than I have to be able to set his wrist.”
“Sure.” Malachi sat next to Doll on the edge of the mattress, gripping his arm in both
hands. “Is this okay?”
“Yes,” both Fledeman and Doll answered him.
He chuckled. “Good. Sven, have you found some clothes for Doll to wear?”
“Yep. They’re on the dresser there. Andor said when we get back to the compound, we
can take Doll out shopping for his own.”
Malachi nodded, already working out which of the guards he’d send with them. Sven
never went anywhere without guards, and since Doll would be with the munr, he would be
protected as well.
Twenty minutes later, Fledeman was done and gone. He’d left several prescriptions of
painkillers, muscle relaxants, and antibiotics. Sven wanted to give them to Doll right away,
but Malachi wasn’t sure about that.
“I still need to wash his hair again, Sven. I don’t want him falling asleep in the middle
of it. You need to be getting to bed as well. I don’t want Andor to come and drag you away.
You know how grumpy he gets when he has to come looking for you.”
“But I should help you with the rest of getting Doll settled,” Sven protested.
Malachi thought about what the doctor had said. “Why don’t you go make some toast
and a bowl of beef broth? Dr Fledeman said Doll probably wouldn’t be able to deal with a lot
of food at the moment, but he needs to eat something with the pills.”
Toast and soup wouldn’t be hard for Sven to do, and Malachi would take any
punishment Andor dished out to him for letting Sven cook.
“Right.” Sven shot off to the kitchen while Malachi took Doll back into the bathroom.
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“You handle him well,” Doll observed, propped against the counter while Malachi
started the water again.
“Master Sven has been Master Andor’s munr for a year now, and while I still don’t
understand much of what makes him tick, I do get the fact that his heart is in the right place.
He tends to be very emotional about things, like most humans I’ve come across. I find him
intriguing.” Malachi shrugged. “To be honest, my entire goal is not to upset him. Because if
he’s upset, than Master Andor is upset, and I suffer for it.”
“He beats you?” Doll looked shocked.
Malachi tested the water, and decided it was cool enough for Doll to sit in without
being scalded.
“He has. We’ve been together for centuries. I was created to protect him, and when
something goes wrong, I’m the one to take the blame. So he’s done many things to me you
would think were terrible, but I say were simply disciplinary actions.”
“Harrison called what he did to me training,” Doll spoke softly.
“It was, though I’m sure it was more to make him feel tougher and more of a man, than
to teach you how best to serve him.” Malachi snatched the cup from the edge of the tub.
“We’ve wrapped your cast in plastic, so it shouldn’t get wet. I want to wash your hair again,
then we’ll go get you something to eat.”
“Then I can sleep?”
“Yes, then you can sleep.”
Will Doll be able to sleep in a strange place without any bars to keep him captive? Malachi
thought.
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Chapter Four
Doll tried to swallow the lump in his throat. Exhaustion tore through him, and all he
really wanted was to close his eyes and sleep for days—or months. Something about this
place and these people made him feel safe in a way he couldn’t remember feeling, certainly
not since he’d come to be in Harrison’s possession.
Warm water soaked his head, and he sighed. For the first time in years, he didn’t want
to scratch his skin off. He’d forgotten how wonderful it was to feel clean. After the first few
months, he’d quit asking for a bath or a shower because his request had mostly been ignored.
When they’d let him wash, they would spray him down with a hose in the alley outside the
club. It was like he was a dog and they couldn’t waste time or energy on taking care of him
properly.
He’d go hungry for days before someone remembered to feed him, then it would only
be scraps from their meal. Clean drinking water was scarce as well—more often than not,
he’d get some kind of alcohol. It was a miracle he wasn’t an alcoholic or a druggie after all
the shit he’d dealt with.
Yet through all of it, he’d managed to keep his sanity and his sense of self. He might not
have a real name, but he knew who he was. Inside, he wasn’t Doll, Harrison’s toy and
Wilton’s pet. While he’d come to believe he’d die inside that club, he’d never really given up
on the idea of freedom.
Doll felt the tension in his shoulders seep away as Malachi washed his hair. He peeked
through his lashes at the demon, and blushed when he saw Malachi was looking at him as
well.
“You know you’ll have to pick a new name,” Malachi told him, rinsing the shampoo
out of his hair.
“Why?”
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“I doubt you’ll want to continue being known as Doll.” Malachi rocked back to look at
Doll’s hair. “I think I’m going to wash it again. Still not entirely sure what colour your hair
is.”
Doll had no idea what colour his hair had been. It wasn’t like he ever looked at himself
in the mirror. He thought about what Malachi had said about not wanting to be known as
Doll for the rest of his life. Yet why would this group of people be so willing to help him out
when they didn’t even know him? What did they want from him? He didn’t have anything
to give them for helping him out of his cage.
He tensed again when Malachi rinsed the second round of lather from his hair and
shoulders. He didn’t like the idea of another person’s hands on his body. He couldn’t believe
how he’d snuggled close to the demon on the way to the condo, and how he’d been clinging
to him since they got there.
“We’re done.”
Doll shook his head when Malachi held out his hand. “I can stand up and dry off
myself.”
Malachi’s eyebrows shot up, but the demon shrugged. “All right. There are clothes on
the dresser for you. Come out to the kitchen when you’re done.”
He waited until Malachi was out of the room before he climbed from the tub. He braced
his good hand on the wall and did his best to dry off before he got dressed. By the time he’d
finished, he was exhausted. Doll sat down on the toilet and leant back, closing his eyes.
“Well, at least you didn’t trip and kill yourself. That would be rather disappointing—to
steal you away from Wilton only to have you die in my bathroom.”
Doll shot up, and almost fell off the toilet when he saw Andor standing in the bathroom
doorway. “I thought you were sleeping.”
“I was, but Sven isn’t in bed with me, so I came looking for him. At the moment, it
sounds like Sven and Malachi are arguing.” Andor tilted his head. “Actually, I think it’s Sven
yelling at Malachi, and Malachi is probably staring at Sven like he’s some kind of strange
creature that just landed from outer space.”
“Why?” Doll struggled to stand up, and followed Andor out into the hallway.
The vampire strolled along, and didn’t once look back. It was like he just assumed Doll
would follow him. Andor walked into the kitchen and whistled. Doll peered around the edge
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of the wall, and spotted Sven poking Malachi in the chest. The enormous demon simply
stared at Sven like he was some kind of crazy person who was speaking a foreign language.
“Stop harassing the demon, Sven. He has no idea why you’re mad at him.” Andor
reached out and wrapped his arm around Sven’s waist, pulling him away from Malachi.
“You’re lucky Malachi is afraid of me, or else he’d kill you for talking to him like that.”
Sven snorted. “He wouldn’t do that.”
Andor shook his head. “I’ve seen him beat a man to a bloody pulp for touching him.
You don’t realise the privileges you receive being my munr. Demons have no interest in
being treated like naughty children who need a time-out.”
“Oh my,” Sven murmured, staring at Malachi.
Malachi rumbled low in his chest, and his eyes glowed red-gold, proving he hadn’t
been happy with Sven chewing him out. What had they been talking about?
“You’re out of the bath, and still in one piece. Thank God you didn’t fall and break
something else.” Sven reached out towards Doll.
Doll shifted enough to keep Sven from touching him. He didn’t want any of them near
him. All he wanted was something to eat and find a place to sleep. He didn’t trust them not
to throw him in a cage and use him like Wilton and Harrison had done.
He fought the urge to run. It wouldn’t have worked, because Malachi and Sven would
have caught him, and his legs hurt so badly he could barely stand any more.
“I told you he would be fine. Are you going to baby him the entire time he’s healing?
How will he become human if you treat him like a child?”
“Become human? He is human, jackass.” Sven started to head back to Malachi.
Malachi took a step away, and held his hands up in the air. “Take him away from here,
Andor. He’s starting to piss me off.”
“Let’s go. I’m tired and I can’t sleep without you in bed with me.” Andor tossed Sven
over his shoulder and left.
“Why were you fighting?” Doll asked, not realising he was going to speak until he did.
“Sven was upset that I left you in the bathroom on your own. He was afraid you’d faint
or something.” Malachi pointed to the table with his chin. “Sit down. I’ll bring you your toast
and broth.”
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Doll did as he was told. “I got dressed then rested for a moment. Master Andor found
me when he came looking for Sven.”
“Lucky he didn’t just leave you there. He doesn’t really care about anyone, except for
Sven.” Malachi placed the plate and bowl in front of him. “Eat up. Afterwards, you can go
back to the room where you saw the doctor, and sleep there.”
Malachi started to walk away, but Doll didn’t want him to leave. He didn’t necessarily
trust any of the group he found himself a part of at the moment, yet he didn’t feel safe
without Malachi near him.
“Why does Sven treat you like that? Doesn’t he know not to mess with you?” Doll
shrugged when Malachi looked at him. “I might not know much, but even I know that.”
“Sven is Master Andor’s munr—or his heart—and is untouchable by anyone other than
Andor.”
“What is a munr?” Doll asked, before taking a bite of his toast.
“It means he is the centre of Andor’s world, and he is the only person Andor drinks
from. He is Andor’s lover. I can’t hit or threaten him because if I did, Andor would take me
apart, but not let me die.” Malachi shrugged. “It’s annoying at best.”
“Master Andor wouldn’t just kill you?”
“He can’t. Our lives are tied together, and if either one of us dies, the other is weakened
to the point of dying, which is why I spend my time trying to make sure he’s safe. Of course,
being a demon makes it impossible for me to die, so Andor punishing me is more of an
annoyance than dangerous.” Malachi scrubbed his hand over his head. “Finish eating and go
to sleep, Doll. Things will be different tonight when you wake up.”
Doll nodded and watched Malachi walk away. Malachi’s ass looked great in the dress
pants he wore. He blinked before turning his gaze back to the bowl of broth in front of him.
He’d never thought about how another man’s ass looked. To be honest, Doll had never
thought about whether or not he was gay. Women at the club, as well as men, had used him,
but it was only the men he’d got hard with.
Oh, he knew it sounded weird—that he came while people he didn’t want to touch him
were fucking him, but he only had so much control over his body. Whenever it happened, he
felt dirty and ashamed. There were moments when he’d wished Harrison would kill him, or
Wilton would drain him of all his blood. Unfortunately, they’d kept him alive.
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Yet here he was, sitting in some stranger’s kitchen, warm and clean for the first time in
as long as he could remember. He was eating food that wasn’t scraps, or mouldy. It was
perfect and he didn’t know what he was supposed to think about all of it. Doll ate two pieces
of toast, and half the bowl of broth before his stomach began to ache.
Doll struggled to his feet, leaving his plates on the table. He crept down the hallway,
taking his time and resting when he needed to. It had been years since he’d walked on two
legs. Most of the time, he’d crawled on his hands and knees like a dog.
He stopped at the bathroom, and after brushing his teeth with a toothbrush left out for
him and washing up, he went to the guest room. The clothes he wore were chafing and he
stripped before climbing under the blankets. He stared up at the ceiling, but even though he
was wiped out, his mind wouldn’t stop racing.
What was he supposed to do now that he was out of the cage? Did he have a choice
about what he’d be doing? Or would Master Andor find some other way to use him?
Doll couldn’t bring himself to truly believe that things would be different. Somehow, he
would end up being used. It might not be in the same way that Harrison or Wilton had
treated him, but he would have to pay for being rescued. Doll didn’t doubt that, because
nothing ever worked out to make his life better.
He tossed and turned, trying to fall asleep, but the mattress was too soft and the
blankets were too warm. For ten years he’d slept on wires, curled in a ball because he didn’t
fit into the cage. He was lucky he could stand up straight any more. Doll grunted, and slid
out of bed.
After tugging one thin blanket off the bed, he curled up in the corner of the room and
breathed deep. He closed his eyes, letting his mind drift, and he wasn’t surprised when it
landed on Malachi.
For the first time in his life, Doll found himself attracted to another person, and it
happened to be a demon. He’d heard all the terrible things people said about demons. How
they were cold and killed without remorse or emotion. Demons would suck out a person’s
soul and leave them lifeless.
Yet from the moment Malachi had broken him out of the cage, he’d been gentle and
kind. Malachi had been unemotional and unconcerned about the other humans around them
at times, but Doll chalked it up to the demon not understanding them. Look at how he
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reacted to Sven being angry with him for leaving Doll alone in the bathroom—Malachi just
didn’t get why Sven was so worried about him.
Doll’s cock stirred as he imagined Malachi without his shirt on. Broad shoulders
tapered down to a narrow waist, with muscles upon muscles. Every inch of Malachi spoke of
strength and solidity. Someone Doll could depend on, if he was inclined to do so.
He slid his hand down his chest and wrapped it around his cock. He pumped as he
remembered how it felt to have Malachi’s hands stroke over him as he helped clean him up.
They were so rough and hard, but Malachi had been aware of Doll’s injuries, and hadn’t
made them hurt any more than necessary.
A knock on the door caused him to stand up and get back into bed.
“Come in,” he called out, shocked that whoever it was had knocked instead of just
walking on in. He’d never had privacy, at any point in his life.
Malachi opened the door and walked in. He carried a glass of water and a bottle of pills.
“You need to take your medicine. I forgot to make you take it when you had dinner.”
Doll held out his hand to take the pills and the glass. “Thank you.”
“I just don’t want Sven yelling at me again. I hate when he does that because I can’t do
anything to stop him. I have to take it, and I don’t like being yelled at.” Malachi leaned
against the dresser and watched while Doll swallowed his medicine.
“Doesn’t Andor shout at you?” Doll settled back against the pillows.
Malachi glanced around and his gaze settled on the blanket in the corner of the room.
“You couldn’t sleep on the bed, huh?”
Doll shook his head. “It was too soft. I’m not used to sleeping on something like this.”
“Understandable. Well, the pain killers should help you get some sleep.” Malachi
nodded at him and turned to walk out of the room.
“Why aren’t you sleeping?” Doll asked, not wanting Malachi to leave yet. “Seems to
me, anyone who works for a vampire sleeps during the day, so he can be up when his boss is
awake.”
Malachi shrugged. “I don’t sleep much, if at all. I’m a demon, Doll. My body doesn’t
need the same kind of rest as humans do. I’m in charge of Andor’s businesses during the
day.”
“Makes sense, I guess.”
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He yawned, amazed that the drugs were kicking in so soon. Doll snuggled down under
the blankets and curled around one of the pillows. He closed his eyes, and let his body float
along on the smooth, even keel of the medicines flowing through his veins. He didn’t know
when exactly he fell asleep.
* * * *
Pain shot through Doll’s body and he cried out as he rolled over on his arm. He sat up
and cradled it to his body. Every hair and inch of skin on his body hurt. It must have been
time for his next bunch of pills.
He crawled his way out from under the blankets, and stumbled out into the hallway.
Doll managed to get to the bathroom without falling down. He took care of business before
making his way to the living room. As he looked into the room, he spied Andor and Malachi
standing next to each other by the window.
Doll wasn’t sure if he was up to actually talking to either of the men. His stomach
rumbled, taking the choice out of his hands. Andor didn’t turn, but Malachi looked around
and nodded at him.
“Sven has food in the kitchen for you, if you’re hungry.”
“Thank you.” Doll bowed his head a little before turning and going to the kitchen.
By the time he got to the kitchen table, his legs trembled, and he dropped into a chair
with a sigh. Sven glanced around from where he stood by the stove.
“Oh, you’re up. Good. I’ll get you a plate of food. Not too much, because your stomach
isn’t used to having a ton of stuff in it. Also, you need to take your meds, so I want to make
sure you do it on a full stomach. Nothing’s worse than taking that stuff without food and
getting sick.” Sven grimaced.
Doll blinked at Sven’s spiel. No one ever talked to him, except to yell or order him
around. He wasn’t used to making casual conversation, or even just general talking. He
managed to smile his thanks when Sven set a plate of toast and scrambled eggs down in
front of him. A glass of orange juice and three pills joined the food.
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Andor and Malachi strolled in as Sven sat across from Doll with his own plate. Doll
kept his gaze on his plate, not wanting to challenge either man with a direct look into their
eyes.
Malachi blinked. “Why are you cooking?”
The demon stalked towards Sven. Andor reached out and placed his hand on Malachi’s
arm, stopping him.
“Sven convinced me he was quite capable of cooking, so I said he could cook if he was
careful.”
Malachi seemed surprised that the master vampire had changed his mind.
“Sven, are you packed?” Andor stood next to Sven and Doll peeked up to see Andor
stroke his hand over Sven’s hair.
“Yes. I’m ready to leave whenever you want.”
“Good.” Andor nodded. “I want to get back to my own territory. I hate being away for
too long, but sometimes business calls for me to leave my compound.”
Sven shot Doll a glance. “Are you going to be okay travelling tonight?”
Doll shrugged. “I guess.”
“It doesn’t matter if he’ll be okay or not. We’re leaving in twenty minutes. I’m done
hanging around here.” Andor kissed Sven before he stalked out of the room.
Sven snorted, and Malachi sighed. The demon stood close enough to Doll for Malachi’s
warmth to infuse his body.
“You know better than to act like anyone else’s needs are more important than Master
Andor’s. I’ll have one of the men take your bags out to the cars.” Malachi left.
Doll noticed Sven’s annoyed expression, and wanted to ask what was wrong, but it
wasn’t his place to enquire.
“Sometimes they both can be huge pains in my ass,” Sven muttered, while standing to
take his plate to the sink.
“I got the impression they like you, so they take care of you,” Doll said after he
swallowed his last bite.
“Hell, Andor loves me, I know that, but at times, he comes off as extremely arrogant.”
Sven came back and took Doll’s plate from him.
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“He is a master vampire, and being that powerful and old does tend to make a person
aware of his own superiority,” Doll pointed out.
Sven laughed. “Believe me. I know all about Andor’s superiority, and Malachi’s total
indifference to humans. I’m amazed Malachi’s done everything he has to help you. I thought
for sure he’d toss you at me, and make me take care of you.”
“I don’t mean to be any trouble. If you just drop me off at a hotel, I’ll get out of your
hair.” Doll didn’t know what he’d do after that, but he’d think of something.
“No. I stole you from Wilton fair and square. You’re mine now, and you’re coming with
us.” Andor came back into the kitchen and glared at him.
“For Christ’s sake, Andor, he isn’t some inanimate object you picked off Wilton’s shelf
and pocketed before you left the club. Doll is a person, and he has the right to make his own
decisions.” Sven propped his hands on his hips and stared at the vampire.
Andor started yelling at Sven, and Doll shrank into himself. He jumped when a large
hand wrapped around his upper arm, drawing him away from the table and out of the room.
He shot a quick glance to his side, and saw Malachi was the one who had him.
They went into the living room, and Malachi pushed him down on the couch. He
watched Malachi pull a phone out of his pocket and punch in some numbers.
“Yes. We’re going to need two limos. Have them out front in twenty minutes.” He
ended the call and stood, his head tipped to the side as more shouting came from the kitchen.
“He won’t hurt Sven, will he?” Doll couldn’t help asking. He didn’t want Sven to get
hurt for standing up for him. Doll could take a punch or a slap. He could take several before
it got bad, but there was something about Sven that spoke of never having been abused like
Doll had.
Malachi’s snort ended up sounding more like a chuckle. “Master Andor would cut off
his own hand before he hit Sven. Trust me, Sven is the only one of Andor’s herd who can talk
to him like that. I rarely risk it, and I can take a great deal of punishment.”
“Why two limos?” Doll figured if he was going with them, he would be riding in one of
the SUVs with the guards.
“Because Sven won’t want to ride with Andor at first, and there’s no way Andor will let
his munr travel in anything less than the comfort and elegance of a limo. Andor is a bit of a
snob, and no expense is spared for Sven.” Malachi shook his head. “You’ll be riding with
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Sven, I’m sure. Might as well put the two of you together. I get the feeling Sven’s going to
take you on as his personal project.”
“I don’t need help,” Doll protested. “I’ll be fine. Like I said, just drop me off at a hotel,
and I’ll be all right.”
“Where will you go? You don’t have any money, and I’m pretty sure Harrison and
Wilton are waiting for us to let you go. Wilton wasn’t happy with Andor’s treatment, and the
failed assassination attempt.” Malachi grunted as he stretched, lifting his arms over his head.
“Why the idiot thought he could take Andor like that astonishes me. The other guards might
be human, but they’re well-trained and the best money can buy. Plus, they know what will
happen to them if Andor is injured.”
“You’ll kill them?” Doll guessed.
Malachi nodded. “Of course. Their job is to protect Master Andor and Sven. If they can’t
do that, then they don’t deserve to live.”
He sounded so logical, Doll realised Malachi’s thought processes were far different
from his, yet it didn’t freak him out. Malachi wasn’t human, so why should people expect
him to think like a human?
“I guess you’re right.” Doll took a deep breath. “I don’t have any money to pay you for
what you’ve done for me. But I can pay you back with something else.”
He dropped to the floor in front of Malachi, wincing as his knees hit the hard wood.
Doll reached out to find Malachi’s belt buckle, then started to undo his pants. He could feel
Malachi’s gaze almost burning a hole in the top of his head. The demon was obviously trying
to figure out what he was going to do.
Doll got Malachi’s pants undone and pushed the edges of the fabric aside to gain access
to Malachi’s cock. Before he could pull it out to put it in his mouth, Malachi stopped him.
“I don’t need payment. I did nothing except what Master Andor told me to do. You
owe him for saving you, but I suggest you don’t offer him sex. Sven would have a hissy fit if
you did that. Not that Andor would take you up on it. He doesn’t see any human as a sexual
partner, now that he has Sven.”
Shock made Doll malleable and he ended back on the couch while Malachi fastened his
pants up. Confusion caused him to frown. He knew it wasn’t just the drugs in his system
making it difficult to understand what was happening.
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“Don’t you find me attractive?”
He wanted to slap his hand over his mouth because that wasn’t what he wanted to ask
at all. Well, at least he didn’t want to say it out loud. He squirmed as Malachi stared at him,
studying him with a rather dispassionate gaze.
“You are attractive, though I think you need to gain several more pounds. Once that
happens, and all your various wounds heal, you’ll be quite gorgeous,” Malachi told him in a
rather analytical voice.
“But you didn’t want me to give you a blow job. I think it’s because I’m ugly.”
Now he was pouting. Doll didn’t understand why he was upset that Malachi didn’t
seem attracted to him. It wasn’t like he liked sex, or was even very interested in having sex
with other people. But something inside him wanted Malachi to find him sexy and want him.
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Chapter Five
Malachi wasn’t sure what to say to Doll. He did find the skinny human attractive,
though like he’d said, Doll would be gorgeous when he’d healed and gained weight. He
studied Doll, and found a lot of things he liked about the man. Once cleaned up, Doll’s
golden hair gleamed in the light and his pale skin proved to be smooth and soft, except for
the scars. Doll wasn’t that tall, standing no higher than the middle of Malachi’s chin. Oh, he
really wanted him, but he wasn’t going to take advantage of him.
He knew Sven would be surprised that Malachi had denied himself what was being
offered willingly. Yet Malachi sensed Doll’s confusion, and he didn’t want Doll to be
conflicted when they had sex. Yes, Malachi was going to fuck Doll at some point in the
future, but it wasn’t the right moment. Doll was finally free of the cage he’d lived in for ten
years. He’d never been a normal human, and Malachi had grasped the idea of Doll needing
to know what being human was really like before he could commit to any kind of sex with
Malachi.
It wasn’t like Malachi wanted to keep him or anything like that. Demons weren’t made
to have one lover. It would mean having a heart, and Malachi doubted he had one. He hadn’t
been created to love—he’d been created to keep Andor alive, using whatever means
necessary.
“Are you both ready to go?” Andor entered the room, and Malachi could tell the
vampire was angry.
He sighed and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
It was going to be a fun ride home. At least Doll got to ride with Sven, and the munr
wouldn’t be nearly as obnoxious as Andor would be.
“Good. I want to leave right now.” Andor glared at Doll. “You’ll be coming with us. I
didn’t take you away from Wilton just to give you back to him when I leave.”
“Yes, sir.” Doll didn’t look at Andor. He kept his gaze on Malachi’s shoes.
“Sven could stand to learn a little humility from you,” Andor spoke loudly.
“So could you, you arrogant bastard,” Sven said as he walked into the room.
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Malachi bit back a smile. He’d got used to Andor and Sven arguing like this. It didn’t
bother him, but he decided he was going to change the riding arrangements.
“The limos are here, sir.” Ronald spoke from just inside the room.
“Master Andor, you and Sven will be riding in the first limo with Ronald, Ross, and Sal.
I’ll ride in the second limo with Doll,” Malachi gave the orders.
“Oh, you will, huh? What if I want you in the limo with me? We still have to go over
the business reports from the last two days.” Andor crossed his arms in front of his chest and
gave Malachi an inquiring look.
“I can do that when we get back to the compound. Our trip will only be three hours,
leaving us plenty of time for business when we get home.” Malachi nodded towards Sven.
“You need to make up with Sven, and I don’t want to be in the limo while you two fuck.”
“You really think I’m going to forgive him for what he said?” Sven asked, doubt in his
voice.
Malachi offered his hand to Doll. “I know you will. Neither of you can stay angry with
the other for long, and soon the need to fuck will be stronger than the need to yell at each
other. As I said, I don’t want to be there when it happens.”
“Ah yes, Malachi never was into voyeurism.” Andor grinned when Sven blushed. “Not
that I’d let him watch us. No one gets to see you naked except for me.”
“Neanderthal,” Sven muttered.
“No. Viking.” Andor encircled Sven’s waist, then led him from the room.
“Come on. It’ll be okay now.” Malachi helped Doll stand, and when Doll’s knees
threatened to buckle, he swept him up in his arms. “I think you might have overdone it this
evening. You’re not used to doing so much walking.”
“True, and these meds are kicking my ass,” Doll murmured, resting his head against
Malachi’s chest. “You’re so warm.”
Malachi didn’t jump when Doll wormed his fingers through the opening in Malachi’s
shirt to press them against his skin. He actually liked the feel of Doll touching him, which
was unusual, because Malachi rarely let others touch him.
“It’s one of the benefits of being a demon. I’m usually warmer than humans, and I’m
definitely hotter than vampires.”
“I heard that, you asshole,” Andor called as he walked out of the condo.
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“Of course you did. You listen in on every conversation, so sure we’re all talking about
you.” Malachi shook his head. “It’s rather egotistical to believe we’d talk about you, isn’t it?”
Andor shot him a glare from where he stood on the sidewalk, and Malachi knew he’d
have to pay for the insubordination in some way when they got home. Yet he couldn’t help
it. Sometimes it was fun to tweak Andor’s tail and annoy the vampire.
“Let’s just get the hell home.” Andor gestured for Sven to get in the back seat of the first
limo.
“Be careful with him,” Malachi warned Ronald after the guard shut the limo door.
“He’s irritated, and until Sven lets him fuck him, Master Andor will be looking for any
reason to bite your head off.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll watch out. I don’t want my head bitten off by a grouchy vampire.” Ronald
flashed Malachi a brief smile before going around to the other side of the limo.
Malachi approached the second vehicle and set Doll down to open the door. Doll slid in
and Malachi joined him. Without saying a word, Doll curled up into Malachi’s side, as if his
warmth and very solidness made Doll feel safe.
He didn’t complain, just wrapped his arm around Doll’s shoulders and leaned his head
back on the cushion. After he closed his eyes, Malachi blanked his mind. It wasn’t true sleep,
but it helped his body recharge and he was going to need the energy when he got back to the
compound.
“What will happen to me when we get to Master Andor’s compound?”
Malachi opened his eyes, and looked down at Doll, whose eyes were closed. Malachi
shrugged.
“I’m not sure. We’ll find something for you to do. Or if I know Sven, you’ll be given the
option to leave the compound, and try to live like a normal human in San Francisco. You
won’t be forced to stay if you don’t want to, but you will have to be completely healed before
you can do anything.”
“I don’t know what I can do,” Doll admitted. “I haven’t been allowed to do anything,
except act like Harrison’s whipping boy or sex slave. I didn’t have much schooling or
training for any kind of normal job.”
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“Well, you’ll have plenty of time while you’re recovering to study whatever you might
want to.” Malachi didn’t know how to go about getting Doll an education, but he figured
Sven would probably be able to deal with that.
“Will I get to see you once we’re at the compound?”
Malachi frowned. It seemed a strange question, since no one had ever wanted to see
Malachi, or had gone out of their way to look for him. He wasn’t a lovable kind of guy, and
he knew he made humans uncomfortable. Hell, he made vampires uncomfortable, and they
were cold bastards at best.
“Probably. I deal with Andor’s herd at times. Sven is usually the go-between, but when
there are issues he can’t take care of, I’m called in. And I live at the compound, so I’m always
around.” Malachi nuzzled Doll’s freshly washed hair without really thinking about it. “Why
would you want to see me? Sven is human, and he understands you better than I can.”
“But you’ve been nice to me from the beginning, and I’m not sure who I can trust.”
Malachi eased Doll away from him and didn’t move until Doll met his gaze.
“Why do you think you can trust me?” Doll tried to turn his head, but Malachi
wouldn’t let him. “Answer me.”
“I don’t know why I trust you, and it’s not like a complete kind of trust, or anything like
that. I still think you’re going to use me in some way, just like Harrison and Wilton did.
Maybe not for sex, because you’ve already proven you don’t find me attractive in that way.
But there are other things I can do, like be given to business associates, and people like that,
for sex.”
A low growl rumbled in Malachi’s throat at the thought of anyone else touching Doll.
Not find him attractive? Hell, it was all Malachi could do not to push Doll back on the seat
and ravish him, even as skinny as Doll was, but he wasn’t into pain, or causing pain.
His control snapped for a few seconds, and he had to taste Doll’s mouth—just to get a
hint of his flavour. He held Doll still, and swooped in to take his mouth. Doll gasped, and it
was the perfect opening for Malachi to sweep his tongue inside. He stroked it over Doll’s
teeth and tongue, discovering how Doll tasted like orange juice and butter, but also a unique
spicy taste that was all Doll.
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He tugged Doll up, helping the small man to straddle his lap, and buried his fingers in
Doll’s hair to keep Doll from moving away from him. The way Doll melted into their kiss
gave Malachi a clue that Doll probably wouldn’t try to get away from the embrace.
Doll moaned and rocked into Malachi’s body. Their erections rubbed over each other,
and Doll shuddered. Malachi eased the intensity of the kiss. It wasn’t the right place or time
for seducing Doll. He meant what he’d said about Doll needing to heal before anything else
could happen.
“Please, I’ve never felt like this,” Doll confessed.
“Felt like what?” Malachi wasn’t sure what Doll meant.
“I’ve never wanted anyone.” Doll ducked his head and plucked at a button on
Malachi’s shirt. “I’ve gotten hard when people fucked me, I’m not a robot, you know? My
body’s going to react to that, but I’ve never wanted it mentally as well as physically. Yet you
touch me, and my mind and body are on the same page for the first time in my life.”
Malachi stared, a little stunned. He was used to inspiring lust in people—and fear. Yet
he’d never really thought that Doll would want him like that, simply because of all the
terrible things Doll had been through. Fear might be a turn-on for some, but for an abused
person, fear was the best way to kill the sex drive. Malachi understood that, yet he couldn’t
help feeling proud that he could make Doll want him like that.
He cradled Doll’s face and met his gaze.
“You need to spend some time finding out who you are before we get involved.”
“I thought demons only thought about themselves, and didn’t care about what’s going
on with humans, or vampires for that matter.” Doll actually looked like he was pouting.
He shrugged. “Most of them are like that. Maybe I’ve been spending too much time
with Sven, because I’m not interested in doing things that wouldn’t help you. Having sex
with you right now would make it seem too much like you’re paying me back for helping
you out, and I don’t want that. You need to want me because it’s what you want, not because
you’re grateful for being free.”
Doll pursed his lips, and didn’t look convinced. Malachi let his hands drop to Doll’s
hips, and he rocked their groins together. Doll moaned, causing Malachi to question whether
waiting was a good idea. When Doll’s cast hit his chest, Malachi inched Doll away from him
a little.
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“We’ll wait until the cast is off your wrist, and when all your bruises have healed.
Maybe by then you’ll have an idea of who you are and what you really want.” Malachi
gripped Doll’s hips harder when Doll tried to move closer to him. “No. You need to obey me,
Doll. I’m trying to be noble about this, but if you were healthy, I’d probably say screw your
fucked-up life, and take you here.”
Doll blushed beet-red, and Malachi wasn’t sure why he acted so innocent.
“What’s with the blushing? You were used as a sex slave for ten years of your life. You
should be used to crude talking, and things like that.”
He didn’t stop Doll from scrambling off his lap. Doll curled against the door and
wrapped his arms around his stomach. Malachi wanted to reach out and smooth his hand
over Doll’s back, but something told him Doll wouldn’t appreciate it.
Settling back in the seat, he kept an eye on Doll, but didn’t speak. At some point, Doll
would either answer his question, or he’d choose to ignore it. Malachi didn’t care at the
moment whether Doll would come around or decide to let his attraction go. He wasn’t going
to force Doll to do anything he didn’t want to do, whether it was having sex or choosing a
different path that he wished to take.
They rode in silence, and Malachi pulled some files out of his briefcase, which Ronald
had packed in the limo for him. Malachi glanced over to where Doll was still curled up, but
the human had fallen asleep at some point, and Malachi wasn’t going to wake him until they
got to the compound.
His mind wouldn’t let him focus on business, so he let the papers rest in his lap while
he thought about Doll. It amazed him that Doll was as confident and trusting as he was.
Malachi knew Doll was waiting to find out exactly what was going to happen to him, but
Doll wasn’t letting it hold him back.
Of course, maybe what he was doing was pushing—trying to get the first slap or
beating out of the way, so he wouldn’t be on edge anticipating it. Malachi smiled, knowing
Doll might be driven crazy because it wasn’t ever going to happen. Not wanting Sven up in
his face again, Malachi wouldn’t do anything to hurt Doll, not even disciplining him with
beatings.
The only one who might get physical with Doll would be Andor, and that would only
be if Doll took it too far. It would be a slap or a good shake, but Sven wouldn’t allow
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anything more. In fact, Sven probably wouldn’t allow even that much physical interaction
between Doll and Andor.
Still, Malachi had better warn Doll not to annoy Andor. The master vampire had a very
low tolerance for things that didn’t concern him personally. Malachi already had the feeling
that Andor had washed his hands of Doll, and was going to dump him on Sven and Malachi.
When he got back to the compound, he wouldn’t have the extra time to take care of
Doll—it wasn’t like Malachi had a lot of time on his hands, what with running Andor’s
businesses while the vampire slept, and making sure the entire compound ran without
problems. Andor didn’t want to be bothered, and it pissed him off when he had to step in to
straighten things out.
The limo slowed and turned. Malachi looked out of the window and sighed in relief as
he spied the front gates of Andor’s compound. It would be nice to be home since they had
been gone for a month while Andor conducted business with several other master vampires.
Thank God nothing had happened back home while they were on their trip—Malachi had
put Terra in charge, and the woman seemed competent enough.
The convoy came to a stop in front of the house, and Malachi saw the entire herd
milling about on the steps. He shook Doll’s shoulders.
“We’re home, Doll. You need to wake up.”
Doll muttered something and pulled away from Malachi’s touch. He shook Doll a little
harder and spoke more loudly.
“Wake up, Doll. We have to get out.”
Doll shot up and put his arms around his head like he expected Malachi to hit him. “I’m
sorry, sir. I’m awake, and we can go. Do you need my leash?”
Malachi froze for a second before sliding across the seat towards the door. “Take a deep
breath and think for a moment. Where are you?”
He watched Doll do just that, and his blue eyes cleared. He glanced around the back of
the limo and when his gaze landed on Malachi, he winced slightly.
“I’m not in my cage anymore. I’m free.”
“Right. We have to go now.”
Malachi opened the door and climbed out. He held out a hand to help Doll from the
limo. Andor and Sven were already on their way up the front steps. Malachi wasn’t worried
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about not being right beside Andor as they went into the house. Everyone in the herd and on
the security team knew he’d burn them to ashes if something were to happen to Andor or
Sven.
Doll stuck close to him, and Malachi managed to ignore the effect his presence had
while he gave orders for the bags to be taken inside to the right rooms. He told the rest of the
travelling security to take the night off, and after they’d rested for twelve hours, he’d put
them back into the regular schedule. The guards who hadn’t travelled with them could take
over for the time being.
He escorted Doll into the mansion and led the way to where the herd had gathered
around Andor and Sven. The humans wanted to greet their Master and his munr. All the
jealousy from when Sven had returned to the herd and Andor had fallen in love with him
was gone. Of course, anyone who caused problems for Malachi’s master would be shown the
door and given a warning about coming back.
Malachi gestured for Doll to sit on one of the chairs in the living room area. He went to
talk to Terra, and arranged to meet in an hour to go over details and any problems they
might have had while he was gone.
“Malachi, where is Doll?” Sven asked him in a respectful tone.
Sven got away with a lot of shit, especially concerning how he treated Malachi, but
Sven understood he had to be careful in front of the rest of the herd. Even though the others
had learnt that Sven was untouchable and they weren’t, Malachi didn’t want Sven’s attitude
towards him to change how the herd treated Malachi.
Part of the problem was that the herd didn’t have any idea what Malachi really was.
They knew he was cold-hearted, and an efficient killer when he had to be, yet most of them
didn’t believe he was a demon, even with proof of his powers. It was strange to think the
herd accepted vampires, but didn’t believe in demons. Sven knew it, and now Doll did, plus
some of the security detail. It kept them in line, knowing a demon was their boss.
“He’s over there.” Malachi gestured to where Doll sat, listing to one side as the drugs
started to wear off. “He’s due for another set of pills.”
“I’ll take care of him. Where are his medicines?”
Malachi pointed to a small white paper bag resting on top of the pile of luggage. “They
would be in there.”
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“Thank you. I’ll make sure he gets upstairs and settled in a room. I’ll probably put him
in the master wing. I don’t think he’s ready to be around the others at the moment.”
“You’re right. They’ll overwhelm him. Once he’s feeling better, you can introduce him
to the herd.” Malachi turned back to his second-in-command—“Terra, we can go do the
briefing now.”
“Certainly, sir.” She bowed to Sven before turning to the main security room.
Feet scrambling on the tile floor alerted Malachi to someone behind him. He turned in
time to catch Doll when his legs went out from under him. Malachi picked him off the floor
and Doll grabbed his shoulder with his unbroken hand.
“Will I see you later?”
Malachi saw Sven smile and Andor roll his eyes, but he didn’t care what they thought.
He nodded.
“Of course you will. I’ll come by and check on you when I’m done with my meeting.
Just let Sven mother you, and you’ll be fine.”
“All right.” Doll rested his forehead against Malachi’s chest for a moment while he
caught his breath. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you,” he whispered, before pushing away and
standing on his own.
Puzzled, Malachi stared after Doll as Sven took his hand and led him down the
hallway. Why would Doll asking him if he would see him later be embarrassing? He
shrugged and headed to where Terra stood at the command centre door.
“Malachi, when you’re done with Terra, I want you to report to my office,” Andor
ordered before Malachi stepped into the room.
“Yes, sir.”
After an hour with Terra, going over what had happened and learning of any issues
Andor should be informed about, Malachi emerged from the room. Stretching, he decided to
grab a drink before he headed up to Andor’s office. His tardiness might annoy Andor, but at
the moment, Malachi didn’t care.
His mind wasn’t on all the security issues, or even what Andor wanted to talk about.
All he wished for was to check on Doll, to make sure he was doing all right, and that he
wasn’t scared.
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His concern didn’t make sense. Doll was just human, nothing special. But he couldn’t
get thoughts of Doll out of his head. He snatched a bottle of water out of the refrigerator,
then took the back stairs up to the third floor, where Andor’s office was. Malachi rarely ate,
but he still needed water to refresh his body at times.
Malachi finished off the bottle and threw it in one of the wastebaskets set in the hall,
before he straightened his clothes and knocked on Andor’s door.
“Get in here, Malachi.”
Well, Andor didn’t sound happy. Malachi opened the door and stepped into Andor’s
office. He walked to stand in front of the desk, clasping his hands behind his back and
staring at the wall behind Andor’s head. Sometimes, when Andor was in a mood, it was
better to humour him and take what he dished out instead of arguing. The only one who was
silly enough to argue was Sven.
“It’s about damn time you got here.” Andor checked his watch. “I only have an hour
left before I have to sleep.”
“I’m sorry, sir. Terra had a complicated problem we needed to discuss.”
“Really? You couldn’t have talked to her after I went to sleep?” Andor waved away
Malachi’s protest. “I don’t care what the reason is.”
“Yes, sir.” Malachi mentally rolled his eyes. “Do you wish to go over the business
reports for the last two days?”
“No, I don’t. I want my munr here with me instead of with that pathetic human. Sven
doesn’t need to take care of him. There are a dozen other humans who could do it.” Andor
glanced up at Malachi, a cunning gleam in his eyes. “But I think he doesn’t need a human to
take care of him. He’s had too much shit piled on him by humans. I think he needs someone
entirely different.”
Malachi knew what was coming, but he wasn’t going to say anything either in protest
or agreement. It wouldn’t change the outcome if he argued.
“You will be responsible for Doll from now on. You’ll only ask for Sven’s help if you
can’t handle it. Sven isn’t to worry about the human. Am I clear?”
Snorting, Malachi shook his head. “I don’t have a problem taking care of Doll, but do
you really think Sven’s going to stop worrying about him? No one has that much control
over your munr, sir.”
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Chapter Six
Andor grimaced and rubbed his forehead. “You’re right, but Doll is still yours to worry
about. Not Sven’s.”
“But your munr must stay busy, whether it’s business matters or wanting to keep an eye
on Doll. Sven’s been taking more and more responsibility on with your international
businesses. The national companies are easier for me to handle since I don’t sleep, and you
like to keep Sven with you while you sleep.” Malachi relaxed a little.
“I don’t understand why he needs something to do. It’s not like I need his help. I have
you to take care of any crisis that should arise. Why doesn’t he just hang out by the pool and
spend my money like the rest of my herd?”
Malachi chuckled. “He’s not like the other humans who have sponged off you for years.
Sven needs to have something to do or he gets bored. I’ll tell you this, for the most part, I will
take care of Doll, and make sure he heals before we figure out what to do with him. But I’m
going to let Sven help me as well. Doll might feel a little better having a human around.”
“Why?” Andor shuffled some papers on his desk. “Aside from Sven, humans aren’t
that interesting.”
“Besides Sven, you don’t find anyone interesting. I think it works for you, but from
what I’ve learnt about humans, they like the company of other humans.”
“Hmm…” Andor was silent for a few minutes while he thought, and Malachi didn’t
push. “You’re right. I won’t stop Sven from being friends with Doll, but everything else is
your problem. You have to find out what Doll wants to do, or if he wants to leave.”
“Yes, sir.” Malachi nodded before stepping closer to the desk. “I have some files you
need to look over and approve before I can move any further on them.”
“Fine. I get the feeling Sven might be a little longer settling Doll in.” Andor waved a
hand towards a chair. “Have a seat, and we’ll talk about your recommendations.”
“Certainly.”
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One of the guards had brought up his briefcase and set it inside the door. Malachi
grabbed it, then set it on the desk before he opened it. After he’d laid the files on the desk, he
brought the chair over. They started going over the papers, and Malachi allowed himself to
get lost in the small details of the everyday running of Andor’s national businesses.
A knock on the office door brought their attention back to the moment. Sven strolled in
and smiled.
“I should have known you’d be in here doing work.” Sven walked over and sat on
Andor’s lap. “It’s almost time to go to bed.”
“How is Doll doing?” Malachi couldn’t help asking.
“He’s sleeping right now. His meds knocked him out. I told him I’d take him shopping
tomorrow when we get up.” Sven winked at Malachi.
“No, you won’t. I want you to stay here with me. Malachi will take him, and they can
go during the day while we sleep.” Andor glared at Malachi like he expected him to protest.
“It’s not fair to Malachi to make him have to deal with Doll on his own,” Sven argued.
Malachi shook his head. “I’m fine with taking him, Sven. We have an understanding,
and for some reason, Doll doesn’t fear me. You need to spend time with Andor, not with a
damaged human.”
Sven frowned. “Andor understands why I want to make sure Doll is okay.”
“No, I don’t, and you should be more concerned about me than some human.” Andor
stood, holding Sven in his arms. “We’re going to bed. We’ll see you later tonight.”
“Yes, sir. Have a good sleep.”
He waited until the door shut behind them before he straightened up the desk. It was
still early enough in the morning that most of Andor’s national businesses weren’t open yet,
giving Malachi time to check on Doll himself before he had to make some calls to dealers and
brokers.
Malachi left and locked the office door behind him. He never left it unlocked, even
though the only member of the herd allowed in was Sven. He wandered down the hallway,
and heard a cry as he approached the room Sven had chosen for Doll. He shoved open the
door to check on him.
Doll sat on the floor, bowed over his broken arm. Malachi scooped him up and set him
back in bed. He sat on the edge of the mattress, looking at him.
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“Are you okay, besides from your arm hurting?”
“I think so. My arm’s killing me. Of course, the bruises aren’t really helping me either.”
Doll took a deep breath and eased his cast down on a pillow next to him.
After standing, Malachi went into the attached bathroom and got a glass of water for
Doll, handing it to him when he returned.
“Here. Unfortunately, you can’t have any more pills for a while.” He grabbed a chair,
pulling it up beside the bed.
“Thanks.” Doll leant back against the pillows after taking a drink. “Yeah, I know I can’t
take any more, and to be honest, I don’t want to get addicted to painkillers. I’ve seen how
being addicted can mess up a man’s brain.”
Malachi had seen the same thing, though he’d never had the problem. Human drugs
didn’t work on him, and it took a lot for him to feel pain. He rested his hand on Doll’s leg.
“You need to get some more sleep. When you get up, I’ll be taking you to get some
clothes.”
“Sven said he’d do it,” Doll said.
“Yes, well, Andor has put his foot down, and told Sven he won’t be spending a lot of
time with you.” Malachi grinned. “I do believe Master Andor is jealous.”
Doll frowned. “That doesn’t make any sense. We haven’t spent that much time together
and it’s not like I asked him to do it.”
Malachi squeezed Doll’s knee. “Don’t panic. Andor is a very spoilt vampire, and he
isn’t used to Sven paying attention to anyone else besides him.”
“I guess I should be happy he’s letting someone help me, and hasn’t tossed me out on
my ear.” Doll slid down further under the blankets.
“You’re my responsibility right now. So you have to listen to me, and I say go to sleep. I
have some work to do.”
“All right,” Doll murmured, his eyes drifting closed.
Malachi brushed strands of hair back from Doll’s face. He didn’t let himself think before
he leant forward and kissed his cheek. Doll turned, and Malachi kissed him again. Doll
gasped, but opened to him, letting Malachi slip his tongue in to play with his. He braced his
hands on either side of Doll’s head, and deepened the kiss.
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Doll lifted his uninjured hand and buried it in Malachi’s hair, pulling him closer.
Malachi let Doll take the lead, because he would be the one who would know when it got to
be too much. He still kept most of his weight off Doll, not wanting to hurt him. Doll didn’t
seem very concerned about his injuries.
“More,” Doll demanded.
Malachi kept his eyes open as he pressed his lower body into Doll’s, figuring Doll
wouldn’t say anything if Malachi accidentally hurt him. Having become used to being
abused while getting fucked, Doll probably didn’t know there was any other way of having
sex.
“Oh my!” Doll’s eyes shot open. “You’re huge.”
Chuckling, Malachi rocked his hips, rubbing his erection against Doll’s. “I’m a demon,
Doll. We tend to be bigger than humans in every way, but don’t worry. If we ever have sex,
it’ll only hurt the first time.”
“Really?” Doll didn’t look convinced.
“I know Harrison and the others might have said that to you as well. If you can trust
and believe me, I meant what I said. I’m not interested in hurting you, or making sex with me
so distasteful you never want to sleep with me again.”
He nibbled along Doll’s jaw, down his throat to where his heart beat echoed at the base
of his neck. Malachi flicked his tongue out to taste the salty sweat on Doll’s skin. Doll
moaned, and Malachi kept up the rocking motion, wanting to bring Doll off. Giving him
pleasure might help convince him that sex didn’t have to hurt or be forced.
“Maybe we should get rid of the covers,” Malachi suggested. “I don’t want to get them
dirty and have to change them before you go back to sleep.”
“Okay.” Doll sounded distracted, but that could be because Malachi had put his mouth
on Doll’s nipple after he’d finished speaking.
With very little movement, Malachi stripped the sheets away from Doll, and settled
between Doll’s spread legs. Doll tugged at Malachi’s shirt.
“You should be as naked as I am. I’m cold, and you’re a walking space heater.”
Malachi climbed off the bed, and stripped quickly. He smiled at the way Doll’s eyes
widened when Malachi revealed his cock. He wrapped his hand around his shaft and
pumped once.
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“Don’t worry, honey. Like I told you, it’ll only hurt once, and after that, you’ll enjoy
riding me.”
Doll’s laugh held a hint of doubt. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”
Malachi paused. “I can leave if you don’t want this. I’m not about to force anyone to
have sex with me. Not my style, and why would I do that when I can have any person I
want?”
He watched Doll bite his bottom lip, clearly thinking. Malachi stalked closer to the bed.
He might have been abused, but Malachi decided Doll needed to start learning how to deal
with his past. He made a mental note to call a therapist when he got back to Andor’s office.
Sven swore therapists were good at helping humans work out their emotional issues.
Doll needed professional help, which was far beyond Malachi’s abilities. As much as he
might not understand—or even like—most humans, Malachi found he wanted Doll to get
better. He didn’t want him scared of him, or worried something would happen if he didn’t
do what people told him.
When his knees hit the edge of the mattress, Malachi halted. He wasn’t going to get in
bed with Doll until he said it was okay. Malachi stared at Doll, who studied him in return.
He kept his mouth shut when Doll reached out and swiped his thumb over the head of
Malachi’s cock. Malachi ground his teeth together, holding on to his control by the sheerest
thread while Doll brought his thumb to his mouth.
Doll wrinkled his nose as he licked his thumb clean. “You taste different.”
“Good or bad?” Malachi shrugged.
“I’m not sure. I guess it’s good.” Doll grimaced slightly. “Stupid, huh?”
“No. One reason is probably because most of the men you sucked were drunk or drug
users. I’m sure that probably has some effect on a man’s cum. They say eating certain foods
can do it, so why wouldn’t alcohol and drugs?”
Doll nodded, but didn’t say anything else. He wrapped his hand around Malachi’s cock
and started stroking it. Malachi growled, letting his lust show in his eyes. Doll looked up at
him, and wonder lit up his face.
“Your eyes are glowing,” he pointed out.
Malachi cleared his throat before he spoke. “I know. They do that when I’m
experiencing strong emotions.”
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“Strong emotions? Like desire and lust?” Doll winked and scooted closer to Malachi. “I
bet I could make them glow like street lamps.”
Malachi caressed the side of Doll’s face. “You can try.”
“Ooh, a challenge.”
“Wait, I was going to show you sex doesn’t have to hurt,” Malachi protested.
Doll smiled. “Don’t worry. This is one way, since you’re not forcing me to do this. I
actually want to do it.”
Malachi didn’t argue any more. He’d show Doll next time.
Doll wrapped his lips around the tip of Malachi’s cock and teased his slit with his
tongue. Malachi clenched his hands, wanting to grab Doll’s head and hold it still while he
fucked Doll’s face, but understanding it wouldn’t be the best way to convince Doll sex would
be pleasurable.
His growl grew louder when Doll slowly swallowed as much of his length as he could.
Malachi had never expected anyone to take his entire cock. His girth wasn’t overly thick, but
he was longer than most men. The suction Doll applied commanded Malachi’s attention, and
he unclenched one of his hands to stroke it over Doll’s curls, encouraging him to move.
Doll didn’t fight him, but he took his time before he began to bob up and down on
Malachi’s cock. He played with the length and the throbbing vein along the underside. Doll
proved he’d learnt how to please a man with his mouth when he did all sorts of things to
build Malachi’s climax.
“Please, Doll,” Malachi begged, but he wasn’t sure what he was pleading for. He’d
never been vocal during sex. Mostly he just took what he wanted, though he made sure his
lover was satisfied as well. He wasn’t a complete bastard.
Doll removed his hand and reached down to fondle Malachi’s balls. Doll’s slightly
rough fingertips trailed over Malachi’s sac, tugging and teasing him. The tingling at the base
of his spine warned him of his impending orgasm.
“Doll, I’m going to come,” he warned, not wanting Doll to swallow his cum unless he
wanted to.
Doll pulled off and went back to jacking him off. It was like electric shocks rocked
through him while he came, shooting cum all over Doll’s hand and face. After closing his
eyes, Doll kept pumping until it seemed like every drop had been milked out of him.
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Malachi tensed his muscles so that he didn’t topple over onto the bed. “You should
probably move, honey. I’m not sure how much longer my knees are going to hold out.”
He watched as Doll scrambled to the other side of the bed, making room for Malachi.
Malachi lay down and reached out to grab Doll’s arms. He dragged the slender man on top
of him. Doll squeaked and tried to get away, but Malachi held him still while he licked his
own cum off Doll’s face and hand.
“You don’t have to do that,” Doll protested.
“I should take care of my mess, even if it’s all over your face.” Malachi grinned. “Once I
can think again, I’ll take care of you.”
“Oh, I’m fine.”
Malachi finished cleaning Doll off, and lifted Doll’s face so their gazes met. He could
feel Doll’s erection pressing hard against his hip.
“I can tell you’re still needing. How do you want me? My hand, my mouth, or you can
just rub off on me.”
He’d never bottomed, and he wasn’t ready to offer his ass up to Doll yet. Something
deep inside whispered to him that it might be a possibility in the future. Yet it would depend
on whether or not Doll stayed around.
Doll looked shocked. “Are you kidding me? No one’s ever worried about me getting off
or not. I usually got shoved back in the cage, and either had to take care of myself or just
hope it went away, because I didn’t want anyone else watching me jerk off.”
“Did you ever come from someone fucking you?” Malachi slid one of his hands down
to encircle Doll’s cock.
Doll tried to bow his head, but Malachi wouldn’t let him. “Would it make me a sick and
twisted person if I said yes?”
Malachi shook his head. “No. It makes you human. Your body doesn’t need any kind of
love or even liking to get off when someone’s nailing your gland like I’m sure they were.
Doesn’t mean you actually liked it, or mentally wanted it.”
“It doesn’t?”
“No, it doesn’t. I’m going to call a therapist later today, and you’re going to start seeing
one. Maybe it’ll help you straighten shit out in your head.” Malachi tightened his grip on
Doll’s prick, stroking up and down.
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“Oh, wow.” Doll’s eyes rolled back.
Malachi smiled. “If you can figure out how to move, you can fuck my hand. I don’t
mind.”
Doll couldn’t seem to get moving in the right way, so Malachi used his hand to drive
Doll closer to the edge. He rolled them over, and put Doll on his back. He leant down to suck
on Doll’s nipple.
“Christ!” Doll cried out, arching into Malachi’s touch.
“It’s okay, honey. You can come, and I’ll be here to catch you. I promise nothing will
happen,” Malachi whispered against Doll’s ear before swiping his palm over the head of
Doll’s cock.
He pressed his thumb into Doll’s slit, and bit Doll’s earlobe. Doll shouted and came all
over Malachi’s hand. He kept pumping until Doll collapsed against the pillows and groaned.
“Malachi.” Whimpering, Doll shuddered and snuggled closer to Malachi.
Malachi moved away, and climbed off the bed. He strolled into the bathroom and
washed off, then wet a cloth and returned to where Doll was curled on the bed. Malachi
wiped him down before tossing the cloth back towards the other room, and tugging the
blankets out from under Doll.
“Let’s get you covered up. I think you’ll get some sleep now.” Malachi leaned over and
kissed Doll’s cheek.
When he straightened and turned, Doll grabbed his arm. He glanced back at Doll.
“Was all of this so I might be able to get some sleep?”
“Yes.”
Disappointment flashed in Doll’s eyes.
“And no. I wanted to taste you, and at some point, I want to fuck you. I should’ve had
more control, but desire for you made me weak for a moment.” Malachi kissed him before he
got dressed and left.
He returned to Andor’s office, and turned on the computer. He’d be able to do several
hours of work before Doll woke up. Malachi picked up the phone to make his first call of the
day.
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Six hours later, he set the receiver down and stretched. He ran his hands through his
hair. After standing, he glanced down at his wrinkled clothes. He should probably go
change, since it would be time to take Doll shopping.
“Andor should be paying you or something.”
Malachi turned to spy Sven leaning against the doorframe of their bedroom, which
adjoined the office. Lifting a shoulder in a slight shrug, Malachi stayed silent.
“He works you non-stop without pay or a break. You’re on call twenty-four-seven, and
he gives you nothing in return except an occasional human to fuck.” Sven frowned.
“He lets me live,” Malachi pointed out. “I was created to protect him, and it’s my whole
purpose in being. Why should he pay me for that?”
“I tried having this same conversation with Andor, and he doesn’t understand what I’m
trying to say either.”
Malachi snorted. “You’re talking to a master vampire. Andor is one of the oldest
vampires in the world now, and why should he care if he’s taking advantage of me? He
doesn’t see it that way. I’m here to serve him, just like you and every other creature in the
world is.”
“Sven doesn’t believe he was put here to serve me,” Andor spoke as he strolled out of
the bedroom, pinching Sven’s ass when he went by.
“I was put here to love you, which is a completely different thing.” Sven poked Andor
in the side.
“Is it?” Andor wiggled his eyebrows at Malachi.
Malachi smiled while looking over to the office’s exit. He wanted to get out of there
before Andor and Sven got into another discussion about humans’ roles in the world of the
vampire. Malachi had got caught in one such discussion before, and he’d hated it.
Like Andor, he accepted that humans were weaker and unable to take care of
themselves without protection from vampires. In exchange for that protection, humans
offered their blood to whichever vampire they chose as master. Before Sven became Andor’s
munr, Andor would drink from several humans gathered from the herd at the compound.
Sven hadn’t liked that, so now Andor only drank from him, and the rest of the herd was
left to their own devices, which meant more headaches for Malachi. While Sven was
supposed to be in charge of the herd, all the humans were jealous of his position, and they
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did their level best to not listen to him. Malachi was left to deal with the rebellions and
squash them as they happened. One would think knowing they were dealing with a master
vampire’s enforcer would keep humans from doing anything stupid, but Malachi thought
they’d rather annoy Sven than worry about him.
“Yes, it is. We’ve talked about this,” Sven reminded Andor.
“Have we? Do you remember such a conversation, Malachi?”
“I’m out of here.” Malachi nodded to both of them before leaving the office.
“Wait, Malachi.”
He stopped when Sven called out to him. Turning slightly, he watched as Sven
approached him.
“I’ll be ready to leave in an hour, and I’ll make sure Doll is ready as well,” Sven
informed him.
Malachi shot a quick look at Andor. “Where are you going?”
Andor rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Apparently Sven doesn’t think you can take
Doll shopping on your own. He insists on going with you.”
He could tell that Andor wasn’t happy about Sven’s decision, yet Malachi didn’t want
to argue with Sven either. He’d rather Sven came with them to deal with Doll than leave
Malachi on his own with him. While having sex with Doll was something Malachi didn’t
have a problem with, going out and spending real time with him was an experience Malachi
didn’t really grasp. It was much more of a human thing than a demon one.
“If Master Sven wishes to join us on our trip, he is welcome.” Malachi bowed his head
and stepped away from the couple.
“You’re such a coward, not wanting to get yelled at by a small human,” Andor insulted
him.
If anyone else called him a coward, Malachi would take exception to it, but since it was
Andor, and the vampire was right, he simply nodded before turning to walk down the hall.
He smiled to himself when he heard Sven berating Andor. Served the vampire right for
calling Malachi names. After going to his room and changing, Malachi went to Doll’s
bedroom.
He knocked on Doll’s door, waiting to hear his voice telling Malachi he could enter.
“Come in.”
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After opening the door, he stepped inside the room and met Doll’s questioning gaze.
He noticed Doll’s hair was damp and he was dressed.
“How long have you been up?” Malachi stalked closer to the bed, hands on his hips.
Doll almost seemed to fold into himself. “About two hours. I’m sorry. I should have
waited until you came by to tell me I could take a shower and get dressed. If you don’t want
me dressed, I’ll take the clothes off.”
Before Malachi could stop him, Doll lifted his shirt, struggling, but finally getting it off.
“Wait. I don’t have a problem with you getting up and taking a shower, or even getting
dressed on your own. I just wish you had let me know in case something happened to you.”
Why was he trying to make Doll feel better? It really shouldn’t matter whether Doll was
afraid of him or not. Yet Malachi didn’t like having Doll cower in front of him. He picked the
shirt off the floor and held it out to Doll.
“Put this back on, and let’s go. Sven is coming with us, much to the annoyance of
Master Andor.” He saw the way Doll stared at the T-shirt and sighed. “Do you need help
getting it back on?”
Doll nodded, and Malachi got it back on him with minimum problems. Frowning,
Malachi glanced around.
“Where are your shoes?”
“I didn’t have any.”
“Really?” Malachi was a little surprised at that. “I thought Sven would have given you
a pair at the condo.”
“I didn’t have an extra pair,” Sven said as he walked in. “But I do have extras here.
They’ll probably be big on you, but at least you’re not barefoot.”
Malachi took the pair of socks and shoes from Sven, and helped Doll put them on.
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Chapter Seven
Doll wiggled his toes, not sure if he could deal with wearing shoes. “I don’t think I’ve
worn shoes in ten years or more. Harrison made me crawl everywhere, which wasn’t as bad
as it sounds since he rarely took me out of the club.”
“Oh, you poor thing,” Sven murmured.
He tensed when Sven hugged him. How odd was it that it was only Malachi who didn’t
make his skin crawl when he touched him? He shouldn’t want anyone touching him,
especially not a demon. Yet it was Malachi he turned to for help getting off the bed and
down the hall towards the front of the mansion.
Malachi’s arm was solid and steady under Doll’s hand, but when they got out among
the herd, Doll let go and slowly made his way to a couch where he sat. He took a deep
breath, and Malachi studied him.
“I need to bring you your pills,” Malachi stated while gesturing to Sven. “Master Sven,
would you please introduce Doll to the others?”
“Certainly, Malachi.” Sven turned to smile at the other people in the room.
Something in his smile wasn’t very friendly, and Doll found himself wanting to follow
Malachi instead of staying with the humans. How strange had Doll’s world become when the
gentlest treatment he received was from a demon, and not the people he should expect
kindness from?
“Everyone, I want to introduce Doll. He’ll be staying with us for a while, or at least until
he heals.” Sven placed his hand on Doll’s shoulder. “I expect you to treat him with respect.”
“Why? He’s just some whore you convinced Master Andor to buy from Master Wilton.
I heard the rumours from Wilton’s herd.” One male stood and strolled up to them. After
lifting Doll’s chin, the man peered at Doll’s face. “I can see why you’d want him, since he is
rather pretty. Maybe I should try him out. See if he can fuck as good as he looks.”
Before Sven could say anything, the man was torn away from Doll and flung across the
room. A growl filled the air, and everyone froze where they were, gazes on the floor. Doll
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watched as Malachi stalked over to where he’d thrown the human, then winced when
Malachi gripped his victim by the throat and lifted him from the floor.
“Listen to me, Brian, and all of you for that matter. No one touches Doll without his
permission. He might have been a whore in Wilton’s herd, but he isn’t one here. Remember
that, and also remember this—if I hear that any of you have touched him without him being
willing, I’ll tear your limbs from your body and eat your heart.”
No one laughed or acted like Malachi was joking, so Doll took their reactions to mean
that he’d meant what he’d said. Warmth flared in Doll’s heart at the thought of meaning so
much to Malachi that the demon would kill someone to protect him. No one had ever cared
for him so deeply.
Malachi shook Brian hard enough that Doll almost heard the guy’s teeth rattle, before
tossing him to the floor again. The demon glared at the rest of the herd while turning to walk
over to Doll and Sven. He held out his hand. Doll took it, and Malachi helped him to stand.
Doll watched as Malachi offered his other arm to Sven, and the three of them strolled out of
the living room like nothing had happened.
Once they were in the back of the limo, Sven twisted in his seat to stare at Malachi, who
raised his eyebrows in a silent question.
“What the hell was that?” Sven burst out.
Malachi didn’t answer him. He nudged Doll and set two pills on Doll’s palm.
“Here are some pills. One is your antibiotic, and the other is a less potent painkiller. It
won’t put you to sleep. I have the stronger ones, so let me know if you need one before we
get back to the compound.”
“Thank you.” He accepted the bottle of water Malachi removed from a small chest
inserted in the middle of the seat.
“Are you going to answer me?” Sven demanded.
Doll swallowed the pills with a drink of water, and settled back in his seat. Malachi
checked his watch. Probably wondering how much more time he has to spend with us.
“Malachi,” Sven spoke the demon’s name in a rather warning tone.
“What was what?” Malachi didn’t look like he wanted to talk about anything.
“That whole display in there. Telling Brian and the others that if they touch Doll, you’ll
kill them.”
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Malachi flicked a bit of fuzz off his sleeve. “Actually, I said I’d tear their limbs off and
eat their hearts.”
Sven rolled his eyes at Malachi’s casual repetition of his threat. “Fine. Whatever. What
the hell was that? I could have handled it.”
Malachi’s snort was soft, but Sven and Doll still heard it. “Sven, you’re not mean
enough to get them to listen to you. They only act respectful when Andor or I are around,
because their punishment could be terminal if they don’t treat you right.”
“But how can I gain their respect?” Sven folded his arms and frowned. “I’ve done
everything I can think of to make them like me.”
“You are Andor’s munr, and they don’t get to like you. They are to respect and obey
you.” Malachi tapped Sven’s knee. “You’re too nice to them. The herd needs a strong leader,
one who isn’t interested in being liked, and doesn’t want to be nice to them. Like a pack of
wolves, they look for an alpha.”
“And I’m not alpha enough? Is that what you’re saying?” Sven eyed Malachi.
Doll rested his head on the window, listening to them discuss Sven’s position in the
herd. He tried not to stare at Malachi, but his gaze kept drifting over to him, tracing the line
of his body. He shivered while thinking of how he’d felt earlier when Malachi had pressed
him into the mattress, and their bodies had rubbed together.
He must have made a sound or something because Malachi turned those golden-black
eyes on him. The heat flashing in Malachi’s gaze told Doll some hint of those memories must
be clear on his face.
“Are you listening to me, Malachi? I’m not alpha enough to make the herd take me
seriously?” Sven nudged Malachi’s leg with his foot. “Tell me the truth.”
Malachi directed his grimace at Sven. “You aren’t, and you know it. You’re too nice and
sweet to really take charge of the herd.”
Sven looked confused, and Doll decided to speak up. He’d never really joined in any
conversation unless he was asked questions, but he knew what Malachi was trying to say.
“You need to make them fear you,” Doll told Sven.
Nodding, Malachi gestured back towards the compound. “The reason they do what
Andor and I tell them is because they fear us. They know if they don’t obey, we’ll hurt them,
to teach them a lesson, or cull them from the herd.”
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Doll frowned. “What is culling?”
“Didn’t Wilton ever cull one of his herd?” Malachi tilted his head as he asked, studying
Doll.
“I don’t know, since I don’t know what culling is or means.” Doll shrugged.
“Culling is a barbaric practice, and Andor told me he wouldn’t do that anymore.” Sven
looked disgusted and upset.
Malachi sighed loudly. “Andor culled Josiah when he tried to turn you over to Castilla,
but he didn’t cull the herd because of you. Yet I guarantee if someone does something to gain
his disapproval, he won’t hesitate to teach them a lesson.”
“Why do I get the feeling culled means killed?” Doll stiffened as fear turned his insides
into ice.
Why would he be upset over the knowledge? He’d known Master Andor would be a
cold killer. Most vampires were, and they didn’t care about the humans they collected into
their herds. Hell, he’d been in the room when Wilton had killed some humans who didn’t do
what he wanted.
“It does, and to be honest, Andor doesn’t do it much anymore.” Malachi tilted his head
and seemed to be thinking. “In fact, I don’t think he’s done it since he culled your cousin,
Sven?”
“No, he probably makes you do it.” Sven wrinkled his nose in annoyance.
“And if he did, why do you care?” Malachi didn’t appear upset. “It’s one of the reasons
I was created. I don’t have a problem taking someone out who is endangering Andor’s life.
Well, and your life now.”
Doll glanced over at Sven, who didn’t look thrilled at the thought of Malachi killing
anyone for him. He snorted softly to himself. He’d love to have someone care for him like
that. When Malachi had told Brian not to touch Doll without getting Doll’s permission first, it
had been the first time anyone had stuck up for him. Yet Doll wasn’t sure why Malachi had
done it.
“Now that you’ve effectively distracted me from my original question, I’ll go back to
it.” Sven poked Malachi in the side. “While I do believe it was because Brian wasn’t listening
to me, I also think you had another reason for your rather alpha display.”
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Doll wasn’t sure if continuing to bother Malachi about the whole situation was the right
thing to do. Yet he got the feeling if it was anyone else besides Sven, Malachi would shut him
down quickly.
“It’s none of your business, Sven.” Malachi’s tone was cold and tried to effectively end
Sven’s curiosity.
“I think if it has anything to do with Doll, it is my business.” Sven stared at Malachi.
Doll didn’t know how he felt, being discussed like he wasn’t even there. Of course, he
should be used to it since it was how Harrison had treated him, but if he wasn’t in a cage any
more, he had the right to speak up, didn’t he?
“Umm…I’m right here, guys.” He hesitated before he continued, “I think I should be
able to make up my own mind on whether I want someone to touch me or not.”
“Exactly.” Malachi shot Sven a triumphant smile. “That’s why I did what I did to Brian.
The jackass knew Doll wasn’t up to fending him off. So I did it for him.”
“Right.” Sven’s inflection said he didn’t believe Malachi. “I think there’s some other
reason.”
“It really isn’t any of your business,” Doll pointed out.
“See.” Malachi folded his arms over his chest and sat back, looking quite satisfied with
himself.
“But it really wasn’t any of your business either, Malachi. How am I to learn how to
take care of myself if you’re always there to step in?”
Malachi looked puzzled by Doll’s statement, and Sven laughed.
“Get used to him stepping in to protect you, even when you don’t need it. Andor has
made you Malachi’s responsibility, and the demon takes his job seriously.”
Doll should’ve known he wouldn’t be completely free. He turned to face Malachi. “So I
belong to you instead of Master Andor now. You were just protecting your property.”
Malachi rolled his eyes, and Doll thought he’d had enough of the entire conversation.
The limo stopped, causing Malachi to practically dive from the vehicle.
“We’re here.”
Sven shook his head and climbed out before turning to offer Doll a hand. He stepped
from the car, glancing around at the people strolling past them. It had been a long time since
he’d actually been outside for more than a few minutes travelling between buildings and
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vehicles. The noise of the traffic, voices, and all the usual sounds a modern city made
bombarded him. He fought the urge to cover his ears and hide in the limo.
“Is there anything wrong?”
He noticed Malachi standing close to him while Sven had taken off with another guard,
who was following him even more closely than Malachi was Doll.
“It’s overwhelming at first, I’m sure, especially since you probably haven’t been out in a
while. Don’t worry. Stay close to me, and nothing will happen. If it gets to be too much, let
me know and we’ll go back to the compound.” Malachi ducked his head down to meet Doll’s
gaze. “And I don’t own you. I’m in charge of making sure you heal properly, and figuring
out what you want to do with your freedom. The only time I’ll order you to do anything is if
you’re in danger, and you have to promise to obey me when I tell you to run or hide.”
“Sure, I promise. Is it dangerous to be outside the compound?” Doll was willing to latch
on to any conversation point to forget about the crush of people around him.
He walked close to Malachi, almost plastered to his side. He didn’t want anyone
brushing against him or hitting him. He discovered having a man as big as Malachi as an
escort cleared his path pretty well. They went into a store where Sven was waiting for them.
“It’s only dangerous for Sven. That’s why we have other guards with us.” Malachi
rested his hand at the small of Doll’s back. “If any of Andor’s enemies were to grab Sven,
they could destroy him by hurting his munr.”
Sven grunted, but took Doll’s hand without saying anything. Doll shot a quick look
over at Malachi, who nodded and gestured for him to go with Sven. It was, as they wandered
the store, that Doll noticed the four other large men dressed in suits who stood at strategic
points throughout the building. They ensured no one got too close to them, each keeping an
eagle eye out for danger.
“What’s it like?” He fingered a shirt Sven held up.
“What’s what like?” Sven asked absentmindedly as he hung it back on the rack.
“Being surrounded by all this security, and not being able to go anywhere without
them.” Doll shivered. “I think I’d start to feel like I was back in my cage.”
Sven shrugged while grabbing several pairs of jeans off a shelf, adding them to the pile
the store associate was carrying. “At first I hated it, and I left the compound one night
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without guards. I was angry at Andor, and I thought getting away from him would teach
him a lesson.”
“Did it?” Doll eyed the large amount of clothes Sven was collecting. “I’m not sure I
need that much.”
“Oh, not all of that is for you. Some of it is for me, and some is for Andor, though I’m
not sure he’ll wear any of it.” Sven grinned when Malachi snorted from where he stood a few
feet from them. “And no. It didn’t teach Andor a lesson. It ended up teaching me one.”
Doll followed like a duckling after its mother as Sven led the way to the dressing rooms.
He entered one and watched Sven tell the associate to set half the pile down for him.
“I’m just guessing on size. Try all of these on, and what doesn’t fit give back to Jacob
here. He’ll put it away and get you a different size.” Sven pointed to the room next to Doll’s.
“I’ll be in there, if you need me, and Malachi will be right outside as well.”
“Sure.” Doll started to shut the door, but Sven placed his hand on his arm.
“That’s the one thing you’ll realise soon enough. You won’t ever be alone again, Doll.
There will always be someone around to help you out, but you won’t be caged or held
against your will. Trust me on that.”
Doll nodded, even though he wasn’t totally sold on the whole idea of him being free,
but having people around who cared. The one person who was supposed to care for him had
sold him for drugs, and what was he supposed to think of that?
“Go try on your clothes, Sven, and quit freaking Doll out,” Malachi ordered from where
he stood.
“All right.” Sven stuck out his tongue at Malachi before going into his own dressing
room.
Malachi heaved a loud, annoyed sigh, and Doll smiled as he shut his door. He stripped
out of the clothes Sven had loaned him. They were too big on him, even though they were
the same height. It was because Doll weighed about sixty pounds less than he should, but he
had the feeling Sven and Malachi would make sure he would eat and gain what he needed to
be healthy.
“Hey, Malachi?” Sven called.
“Yes, Master Sven?” Malachi said, and in his mind, Doll could see the smirk Malachi
wore.
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“I’m hungry, and we forgot to feed Doll. Send someone out to get us some food, will
you?”
“Yes, your highness. Do you have any requests?” False subservience dripped from
Malachi’s voice.
Sven laughed. “Quit being an ass, Malachi. You know what I’d like, and don’t tell me
Andor doesn’t want me eating stuff that’s bad for me. I’ve eaten very well for the past week.
It’s time to treat myself.”
Malachi cleared his throat and Doll looked up to see him peering over the top of the
door. He blinked at the flare of heat in Malachi’s eyes.
“You look good in that shirt. You should get it. I’m ordering Chinese for Sven. Do you
have any favourites?”
Doll glanced at his reflection in the mirror, checking out the long-sleeved T-shirt he
wore. He didn’t see anything special about it or how it looked on him, but if Malachi liked it,
he’d get it.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had Chinese before.” He frowned as he thought. “Get whatever
you think I might like, and I’ll try it.”
“Okay.” Malachi nodded and disappeared.
It wasn’t until after Malachi left that Doll realised he was standing there in his boxers.
Well, Sven had given him an unopened package of underwear along with the sweats and T-
shirt earlier. His cheeks heated, and Doll grabbed a pair of jeans from the pile. He tugged
them on roughly, trying to figure out why he was embarrassed to have Malachi see him in
his underwear when they’d got off together last night. Also, he’d been naked for most of the
last ten years of his life. It wasn’t like he’d been a monk or anything.
A knock on the door made him jump, but when Sven spoke, he took a deep breath and
opened it.
“I wanted to see how those clothes fit you,” Sven said, looking Doll over from head to
toe. He hummed and reached out, sticking his finger in the waistband and tugging.
Doll tensed, not sure what Sven was doing.
“I think you need a size smaller in those at the moment, but we’re going to do our best
to fatten you up. We’ll grab a couple pairs of these in both sizes.”
Malachi walked up to them, and must have seen the expression on Doll’s face. “Sven.”
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“What?” Sven glanced over at him.
“Maybe you should tell Doll what you’re doing, and ask him if he likes those jeans
before you decide you’re going to get them.” Malachi raised his eyebrows. “How would you
like it if Andor bought you a ton of clothes without asking you whether you liked them or
not?”
“He does that anyway,” Sven pointed out.
“Yes, but he knows what you like by now. We don’t know what Doll likes yet. Until we
do, we should ask his opinion on things.”
Sven gasped and whirled to face Doll. He flung his arms around Doll’s shoulders and
hugged him. Doll stiffened again. He knew Sven wouldn’t hurt him, but he couldn’t help his
reaction. He let his arms hang down, glad Sven hadn’t caught his cast between them.
After stepping forward, Malachi pulled Sven gently away from Doll. He smiled at him
while easing Sven a few feet farther away.
“You also might want to refrain from hugging him like that,” Malachi suggested.
Doll bowed his head, feeling like a complete idiot. It wasn’t like Sven had ever
threatened him, or had done anything to make Doll feel weak. Sven was a caring person who
wanted to help Doll get a life. Doll understood that, but his instincts warned him everyone
was out to hurt or use him.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Doll. I get carried away at times. I’ll try to be better about it,” Sven
promised.
“It’s all right. I know you don’t mean anything by all of this. It’s only been a day or two
since I was taken from that cage. While I look like I’ve adjusted rather well on the outside, on
the inside, I’m a blubbering mess that can’t seem to accept the fact he’s free”—Doll held out
his trembling hand—“I think with a little more time, I can learn to deal with all of this.”
Sven took his hand and squeezed it gently before letting it go. “Great. Now, do you like
those jeans? How do they feel?”
Malachi melted into the background, and Doll let his mind turn towards the clothes he
was trying on. At one point they stopped to eat the food Malachi had ordered. While they
ate, Doll remembered the conversation he and Sven were having earlier.
“What lesson did you learn when you ran away?” Doll moaned as he bit into a crab
rangoon. “These are so good.”
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“I know.” Sven grinned, but it slowly disappeared as he moved on to answer Doll’s
question. “I got kidnapped by a crazy vampire who wanted to kill Andor and take over his
territory. My cousin helped because he was jealous of my position in the herd. I ended up
seriously injured, and Andor had to kill both the vampire and Josiah. He would have culled
the entire herd, if I hadn’t asked him not to.”
“Why would he do that? Doesn’t he need to drink from them? Isn’t that why he has a
herd?”
Sven grumbled under his breath, but Doll couldn’t make out what he said. He looked to
Malachi and the demon grinned.
“Sven wasn’t happy when he discovered Andor had to drink from the rest of the herd.
Of course, it now looks like Sven’s blood can satisfy Andor far longer than anyone thought,
so Sven gets to be Master Andor’s exclusive blood donor.” Malachi shrugged. “I’ll admit I’ve
never understood why you get so upset at the thought of him using someone else. It’s not
like he fucks them anymore.”
“It’s the fact that he needed someone else, instead of just you,” Doll tried to explain for
Sven. Even though he’d never had the chance to have a person who cared about him to the
exclusion of everyone else, he could imagine how Sven had felt.
He shook his head. Stop the self-pity. You’re out of the cage, and for some strange reason,
Malachi finds you attractive. Doll looked over at Malachi, who was watching both him and
Sven. Malachi’s sceptical expression told Doll that the demon didn’t get what they were
trying to say. But just because Malachi wants to fuck you doesn’t mean he wants to keep you. You
don’t know anything about the world around you.
“Right. That’s why I get so upset, but trying to tell either one of these guys is like
talking to a brick wall.” Sven waved his chopsticks at Malachi, flinging rice all over the place.
“Well, one is a demon and the other is a vampire who hasn’t been human in centuries.
You have to take into consideration that they aren’t humans, and have no idea why we feel
the way we do.”
He froze as both Sven and Malachi turned to face him. Had he said something wrong?
He ducked his head, feigning interest in the eggroll on his plate.
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“You’ve been stuck in a cage for ten years, yet you seem to understand what’s going on
without having anyone explain the situation to you in detail.” Sven eyed him with
speculation.
Malachi trailed his hand down Doll’s back, easing the tension Doll hadn’t realised was
there. Doll leaned into Malachi’s touch.
“I wish I knew more about the world outside my cage,” Doll muttered, not entirely sure
where the thought came from.
“Let’s get finished here, and we’ll discuss some ideas I have for you.” Malachi patted
Doll on the shoulder before turning to wave one of the guards over to clean up the leftovers.
They tried on the rest of the clothes and bought several bags full. Doll had never had as
many outfits as he did when they left the store. He’d protested Sven spending so much
money on him, but Sven had ignored him.
After climbing into the limo, Doll looked over at Malachi.
“What kind of ideas do you have?”
Malachi settled into his seat and crossed his legs. “I think you should consider moving
into the city, and living on your own for a while.”
“Are you throwing him out already?” Sven sounded outraged.
Doll shook his head. “Do you think I’d be able to survive?”
“You survived ten years in a cage. I don’t see why you couldn’t deal with this, and it’s
not like we’ll be abandoning you. I’ll stop in to check on you, and you’ll be able to call us
whenever you want to talk.” Malachi held up his hand to keep Sven from saying anything.
“I’m not saying you need to leave or anything like that. I do think you need to be on your
own for a little while, to prove you don’t need anyone to help you.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? He just got here,” Sven protested.
Malachi didn’t look at Sven, keeping his gaze on Doll. “I’m also not saying you need to
leave right away. You can wait until your arm is healed before you go, but you should really
think about it.”
Doll nodded. “It could help me figure out what I’m good at and what I like to do.”
“Right. That doesn’t include being used by bastards. I’m sure Andor or Sven could get
you a job working somewhere.”
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Leaning forward, Doll rested his hand on Malachi’s knee. “Thank you. I’ll do some
more thinking about it, but it sounds like a good plan to me.”
The rest of the ride was spent with Sven trying to convince Doll how terrible an idea it
really was, and Doll wondering how long he had to wait before he left.
Doll couldn’t make out how Malachi truly felt, any emotions he had remained hidden
behind his expressionless face and chilly golden eyes.
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Chapter Eight
Malachi entered the small café where Doll worked. Once Doll had convinced Sven he
wanted to move into the city, Sven had found the young man an apartment and a job at the
café. He’d started out as a host, seating people, but once his wrist had healed he’d moved to
waiting tables. At the moment, he was working in the kitchen, learning how to cook, and
Malachi could tell how much Doll enjoyed it every time they talked. Plus, Doll had chosen a
new name to reflect his changed life—Damon—and Malachi approved the fact that Doll was
moving on from the traumas of his past.
“Hello, sir.”
He looked at the pretty female standing next to the hostess stand, her hands clasping a
menu tightly. She trembled and Malachi knew she was scared of him, even though she knew
who he was and why he was there.
“Good evening, Cybil. I’d like a table for one, and would you be so kind as to inform
Damon I’m here?”
“Yes, sir. Right this way.” She turned to lead him through the café to a semi-private
table at the back.
He didn’t mind being placed there. Andor owned the restaurant, but the humans who
ran it had the right to ensure their customers weren’t made to feel uneasy when Malachi
came for dinner.
“May I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?” Her smile seemed
to flirt with her mouth, tipping up the corners, then disappearing.
“A glass of water would be great right now.”
“Certainly, sir.” She dipped her head in an abbreviated bow before heading to the
kitchen.
He picked up the menu and studied it, not really reading it. He’d memorised it on the
first night Damon worked. Malachi never ordered any food, so he didn’t understand why
they continued to leave a menu for him. The café had added a few new entrées, which would
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make Andor happy. Not that the master vampire cared about what was on the menu, but he
liked it when his businesses evolved and tried different things.
The sound of the doors swinging open made Malachi turn and lift his head. He stood
when Damon approached him. For the first time since they’d started dating, Damon didn’t
hesitate to walk into Malachi’s arms. Malachi held Damon close and brought their lips
together.
He devoured Damon’s mouth, demanding entrance and sweeping his tongue in when
Damon opened to him. Damon practically climbed Malachi’s body, wrapping his legs
around his waist and moaning as Malachi grabbed his ass cheeks.
All Malachi wanted was to pin Damon to the wall and take him, pounding into him
until Damon cried out his ecstasy. The restaurant where Damon worked wasn’t the right
place to do that though, even Malachi knew that. Also, while he didn’t have any problem
fucking in front of people, he didn’t want to bring back bad memories for Damon.
Easing back, he nipped Damon’s lips before setting him down. Damon started to
protest, but Malachi pressed his finger to Damon’s mouth.
“This isn’t the place, Damon, but wait until I take you home. Something tells me you’ve
had a breakthrough.”
Damon nodded. “I have my dinner break right now. Do you mind if I eat while we
talk?”
“When have I ever said you couldn’t eat? You’re still a little thinner than I’d like.”
Malachi waved towards the kitchen. “Go grab your food, and I’ll wait for you.”
“Great.” Damon grinned at him before spinning to rush into the other room.
Malachi ignored the stares of the other patrons while he sat at his table. One of the
conditions Sven had enforced was that Damon had to go see a therapist to talk about his past.
He’d stopped whining so much about Damon leaving after they’d agreed, as neither Malachi
nor Damon had thought of complaining about that restriction.
Hell, Malachi had told Damon before that he should go talk to a professional about
everything. From the way Damon had greeted him just now, it seemed to be working. He
blinked as Damon came into his line of sight, and smiled when Damon set a full plate down
on the table, then flopped into his chair.
“You look like you’re enjoying yourself,” Malachi commented.
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Damon had taken a bite, so he chewed quickly and swallowed before answering, “Oh,
yes. I never thought I’d like cooking as much as I do. It’s fun to take a certain amount of
ingredients and create something new from them. I like that better than following recipes—
though I’m pretty good at those as well.”
Malachi shrugged. “I wish I could taste what you make, but I don’t need food.”
“What do you mean you don’t need food? Do you drink blood like Master Andor?”
Damon didn’t look upset by the thought, but like most humans who had grown up during
the vampire reign, he’d got used to the idea of someone needing to drink blood to survive.
“I don’t need anything. No food, or blood. Just water.” Malachi pursed his lips. “I’ve
never missed not eating until now. I’m sure you’re a marvellous cook.”
“That’s all right. I’ll cook for Sven, and have him brag to you about how good it was,”
Damon teased.
Malachi chuckled. “Sven would enjoy that too much.”
“He would.” Damon finished eating and pushed his plate away before propping his
elbows on the table. “I talked to my therapist, and we agreed that it’s time for me to take the
last step.”
Leaning back in his chair, Malachi crossed his legs and clasped his hands together,
resting them in his lap. “What last step are you talking about?”
Damon glanced around them, probably checking to make sure no one was close enough
to overhear their conversation. Malachi smiled to himself—like anyone would risk upsetting
him by listening to what they were talking about.
“I want you to fuck me. Oh, hell, it’s not like you haven’t known that since practically
the minute you and Master Andor saved me, but it’s like the last little doubt is gone.” Damon
fidgeted with his silverware. “You know I’m doing this because I want to, and not because I
think I owe you for saving me? Or that I feel like you own me, and I have to do what you
want?”
“Those thoughts have crossed my mind, and Sven’s for that matter, but it has always
been your choice and your move to further our relationship. There are many things I don’t
have a problem doing, like killing or punishing people, but I have never forced a lover to
sleep with me. I admit I have trouble understanding human emotions at times, yet even I
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know the pleasure is doubled when both parties enjoy it.” Malachi chuckled. “I might be a
demon, but even I know how to be civilised at times.”
“Not too civilised, I hope.” Damon winked.
Damon’s sudden confidence was a total turn-on for Malachi, and a growl emerged from
his throat, startling Damon. Malachi watched as Damon shifted in his chair.
“Does that scare you?”
Shaking his head, Damon grinned. “Nope. It makes me really hard, which is something
new for me. I mean, I’d get hard at times when the men were using me, but I always felt
ashamed of it, like my body shouldn’t like what was happening because my mind knew it
was wrong.”
Malachi reached across the table and covered Damon’s hands with his. “You’ll always
have to struggle with that, but sometimes our bodies react, even if our hearts or minds hate
what’s happening. It doesn’t make you twisted or a monster. It makes you human.”
“Have you ever had a moment like that?” Damon tilted his head, studying Malachi.
“No, but as a demon, I don’t have the same emotions and thought processes as you do.”
Malachi glanced over at the kitchen. “Is your break over?”
After checking Malachi’s watch, Damon shook his head. “No, I still have about ten
minutes or so. How are Sven and Master Andor doing?”
“Sven seemed rather grumpy when I left tonight. I’m not sure why. He and Andor were
quite busy for an hour or so before they left their bedroom. Do you know if the herd is giving
him problems?”
He watched Damon purse his lips and drop his gaze to the table. Annoyed, Malachi
grunted.
“I’m sorry, Malachi. I told Sven I wouldn’t talk about it with you,” Damon apologised.
“It’s not you I’m upset with, Damon. Sven knows he’s to come to me if the herd
continues to cause him trouble. If he were to go to Andor, the vampire would order them
culled, and Sven would be even more upset.”
“If he comes to you, you’ll just go and scare the shit out of them,” Damon stated. “I’m
not sure if that’s what Sven wants. He doesn’t want them respecting him because they’re
more scared of you than they are willing to listen to him.”
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Malachi huffed and leant back again. “Doesn’t matter. When I get home tonight, I’ll
take care of the situation.”
“Wait a minute—I didn’t think you got time off, or anything like that?” Damon
frowned.
“Andor told me to get out of his sight. Seems I was pissing him off for some reason.”
Malachi rolled his eyes. “Not sure what I was doing, but I’m not going to argue with him
about it. I took off as soon as he yelled at me. Gave Terra and the other guards their orders,
and left.”
“So…” Damon leered at him. “I could keep you all night if I wanted to?”
Malachi laughed and stood, circling the table to stand next to Damon. After urging
Damon to his feet, he bent down, taking Damon’s mouth with determination. He didn’t hold
anything back, and Damon moaned, melting into Malachi’s arms. Malachi considered
sweeping Damon up and carrying him out of the restaurant to his apartment, but again, he
reined his desire in.
He stepped away, keeping his hands on Damon’s arms to keep the man from sliding to
the floor. Damon blinked up at him, and Malachi watched as Damon returned to the
moment.
“Wow.” Damon touched his fingers to his lips.
“You won’t want me to leave you once we get started, honey,” Malachi promised. He
let his hands drop from Damon’s skin and smiled. “Why don’t you go back and finish your
shift? I have a few businesses to check on, I’ll be back here when you’re done.”
“Okay.”
Malachi allowed Damon to move past him to the kitchen doors. He trailed his gaze
down the straight line of Damon’s back to where his pert butt curved in just the right way.
Malachi’s hands itched and he wanted to grab those two plump cheeks and massage them
until Damon begged for him to take him.
Damon stopped and turned to smile at Malachi. The need burning Malachi up must
have flared in his eyes because Damon looked shocked at first, then, when he dropped his
eyes to stare at Malachi’s groin, a wicked smile crossed his face. Malachi shared a heated
glance with Damon before whirling to head out and do some work for Andor.
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After talking to several business managers and straightening some issues out, Malachi
returned to the café. Damon waited on the sidewalk, hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans.
As the driver pulled the limo up to the kerb a bright smile burst across Damon’s face, and
Malachi’s breath caught in his throat.
He’d never thought of any human being as beautiful. They were simply creatures for
him to use or to order around. Most of them never stayed in his mind for longer than it took
to deal with them. Only Sven had ever really made a mark, yet Damon was probably the
most beautiful human Malachi had ever seen. Hell, he was more gorgeous than all of the
vampires Malachi had met as well.
Damon had cut his blond hair to just below his ears, and it curled all over, as if Damon
constantly ran his fingers through it. His bright blue eyes weren’t as wild as they had been
when Andor and Malachi took him from Wilton, and he didn’t drop his gaze in submission
when anyone approached him. He no longer looked afraid of his own shadow.
Damon had put on weight, so he looked far healthier than before. In fact, he looked so
good, a couple of men were checking him out while they walked down the street. One was
about to speak to Damon when Malachi stepped from the limo, and Damon didn’t even see
the human. He threw himself in Malachi’s arms, and Malachi smirked at the man over
Damon’s head.
The man shrugged and walked away, but Malachi cradled the back of Damon’s head
and bent him back to kiss him in front of everyone who might be walking by. He wanted the
word to get around that Damon belonged to him, and no one was to touch him.
Damon wrapped his arms around Malachi’s shoulders, holding on and not fighting the
pleasurable assault. Malachi picked him up and put him in the back of the limo, sliding onto
the seat next to Damon.
“Let’s go to your apartment. I don’t really think you want me fucking you out in
public,” Malachi demanded, his voice deep and forceful.
He watched Damon shiver at his words, and he grinned. It encouraged him to see
Damon react that way, instead of cowering from him. Not liking Damon sitting so far away
from him, Malachi crooked his finger at Damon, gesturing for him to come closer.
Damon shook his head. “I think I should stay where I’m at, or else I might beg you to
take me here in the car.”
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“And that’s a bad thing?” he asked.
“Well, yeah, because we aren’t that far away from my apartment.”
Malachi felt the limo slow down as the driver pulled up to the kerb.
“See.” Damon smiled at him, and dived out of the car when the driver opened the back
door.
Malachi followed, holding on to his dignity. He kept an eye on Damon while turning to
face the chauffeur.
“Come and pick me up at eight tomorrow morning,” he told him.
“Yes, sir.” The man bowed slightly before shutting the door and getting back into the
limo.
Malachi watched as he drove away. He strolled over to where Damon stood, wiggling,
excitement evident on his face and his actions. Malachi trailed his finger over Damon’s nose
and smiled.
“Let’s go inside, honey.”
“Okay. I hope you don’t mind it. I wouldn’t let Sven get me anything too elaborate.
Didn’t make sense when it was only me.”
Damon was babbling and Malachi found it adorable, which was strange to him, since
he’d never thought of anything as adorable before.
“You do remember I’ve seen your apartment before?” Malachi reminded Damon while
Damon unlocked the door.
He hadn’t been crazy about the fact Sven had got Damon a ground floor apartment, but
now the convenience of it changed his mind. He crowded Damon, running his hands over
his ass while Damon struggled to put the key in the hole.
“Quit distracting me,” Damon muttered, but the way he pushed back into Malachi’s
hand belied the annoyance in his tone.
Malachi nuzzled Damon’s ear. “Do you want me to break down the door? No one’s
going to bother you while I’m here, and I can have one of the men bring a new door over
tomorrow to fix it.”
Damon shuddered, but managed to shake his head. “No. I’ve got it.”
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He shoved the door open, and Malachi swept Damon into his arms while pushing the
door wider. Once they were inside, Malachi kicked the door shut, then headed towards the
bedroom.
“Shouldn’t we lock the door? This isn’t the best part of town.” Damon’s question was
rather weak, considering he was unbuttoning Malachi’s shirt as they moved down the
hallway.
“Don’t worry. Like I said, no one’s going to bother you while I’m here. They’re afraid of
what I might do to them if they were to hurt you in anyway. Also, they’ve seen Sven here,
which means you must be an important member of Andor’s herd, since his munr hangs out
with you.”
He shouldered his way into Damon’s bedroom and stopped by the bed, where he
lowered Damon back down on his feet. He slid his knuckle under Damon’s chin and lifted
his head until Damon was staring at him.
“Do you have lube?”
Damon nodded, gesturing to the nightstand where a large bottle took centre stage.
Malachi laughed, and brushed a kiss over Damon’s mouth.
“We need to be naked now.”
He blinked, then watched Damon strip, and clothes flew around the room like they
were animated objects. By the time his brain could process it, Damon was spread-eagled on
the bed, wearing nothing but the sweetest smile.
“Something tells me you really are ready for this.” Malachi grabbed the lube from the
nightstand and tossed it to Damon. “Why don’t you get yourself stretched for me? This first
time isn’t going to be slow. I’ve wanted you since the first minute I saw you.”
Damon froze in the act of opening the bottle. He stared at Malachi like he’d been
speaking in a foreign language.
“What?” He finished opening his shirt and took it off, draping it over the chair in the
corner.
“You don’t really mean that, do you?”
Malachi paused in the midst of removing his pants to glance at Damon. “Mean what?”
Holding the lube clutched to his chest, Damon said, “You couldn’t have wanted me the
first moment you saw me. I was filthy, skinny, and disgusting. There’s no way you could
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have desired me unless you were as twisted and depraved as Harrison, and I know that isn’t
true.”
Malachi finished undressing, not moving his gaze from Damon’s face. He tossed his
pants over his shirt, and climbed onto the bed. He took the slick from Damon and set it next
to them. Bracing his hands on either side of Damon’s head, he straddled him and rested his
forehead on Damon’s.
“The dirt and mess you were covered in simply hid the fact your spirit wasn’t broken. I
don’t know how you survived all those years in a cage without going crazy. Your ability to
keep sane showed me just how strong you were, and I find strength very sexy.”
Damon still looked sceptical, but Malachi didn’t have time to try and convince him. At
the moment, all he could think about was burying himself balls deep into Damon’s very
attractive ass. He pressed a quick kiss to the tip of Damon’s nose before sliding down to
settle between Damon’s legs. He shifted, making room for his shoulders by forcing Damon’s
thighs further apart.
Malachi popped the top of the lube open and squirted some out onto his fingers. He’d
wanted Damon for so long that he’d thought their first time would be fast and hard, but after
taking a moment to think and breathe, Malachi decided he could take his time. Damon
deserved it, since every other time he’d been used, then shoved away like a piece of trash.
Running his fingers down from the patch of skin behind Damon’s balls to his puckered
opening, Malachi smiled at the gasp drifting to him from the head of the bed. It really was
important for Damon to enjoy himself. He rubbed the opening to Damon’s inner passage
while licking a line along the underside of Damon’s cock up to his flared head.
He pointed his tongue and teased Damon’s slit, lapping the pre-cum leaking from it.
Damon wiggled and twisted, seeming to want something, but unsure of what to ask for.
Malachi waited to see if Damon would be able to tell him. When nothing came, he continued
licking and tasting every inch of Damon’s shaft.
While feasting on the length of flesh in front of him, Malachi played with Damon’s hole,
pressing just an inch of his first finger in before easing it out. He did that for a while, simply
working on getting Damon to relax, yet every time he slid in, Damon tensed—it didn’t
matter how crazy Malachi seemed to be making him by using his mouth.
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Finally, Malachi thrust his entire finger in, and Damon cried out. Malachi looked up to
see Damon had his head thrown back and jaw clenched.
“Did that hurt?” Malachi didn’t want Damon to associate pain with him in any way.
Damon shook his head. “No, it just was unexpected. It feels good now.”
“Well, I’m going to be adding two more fingers to that one. Do you think you can take
it?”
Biting his bottom lip, Damon looked to be thinking about it. Malachi heaved a mental
sigh when he nodded.
“Yes. Please, don’t take this the wrong way, but I think I just want you in me. I keep
expecting something bad to happen, yet I know you wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.”
“Right, and not hurting you means I have to get you ready. I’m far bigger than
Harrison, or any of the other men who’ve fucked you. I don’t want to tear or cause you pain,
any more than in that initial moment.” Malachi eased two fingers into Damon, stroking them
in and out while keeping his eyes on Damon’s expressions.
He smiled when Damon started to rock, slowly impaling himself on Malachi’s fingers.
Malachi went back to sucking Damon’s dick, willing to bring Damon to orgasm first, then
fuck him into another one. He took Damon all the way in until the head of Damon’s cock hit
the back of his throat. He swallowed around it, and Damon shouted, his steady rhythm
becoming jerky and instinctual.
Malachi had three fingers thrusting in and out of Damon while he massaged Damon’s
shaft with his mouth. He would need to add more lube soon, but he didn’t want to stop. He
could tell Damon was close to coming, and as much as he wanted Damon to come while he
was full of Malachi’s cock, Malachi also wanted Damon’s orgasm to be about Damon’s
pleasure and not Malachi’s.
“Oh my God, right there!” Damon yelled as Malachi’s knuckles hit his gland.
Malachi made note, and managed to rub over Damon’s sweet spot with every thrust in.
“Malachi, I’m going to come,” Damon warned, somehow hitting Malachi on the
shoulder.
Since they’d started dating, Malachi had learnt Damon’s essence, and enjoyed tasting it.
It was almost like drinking his blood, but in a way it was far more intimate. He gave a little
hum and scraped his teeth along the sides of Damon’s cock.
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“Fuck!”
Hot ropes of cum shot into Malachi’s mouth, and he eased back until only the head of
Damon’s shaft remained between his lips. He swallowed the salty bitterness.
He kept up stretching and filling Damon’s ass, wanting Damon as relaxed as possible
for his cock. When he was sure Damon was finished, he licked the softening length clean
before surging up to kiss Damon.
Damon accepted Malachi’s tongue in his mouth with a satisfied groan. They nibbled
and sucked on each other’s lips while Malachi continued to play with Damon’s butt. After a
few minutes, Damon pulled away from him and smiled.
“Why don’t you fuck me, Malachi? I know you’re hurting from waiting. I’m ready. It
might hurt for a second, but once I’m used to you, it’ll be great.”
Malachi moved and settled back between Damon’s thighs. He grabbed the bottle of lube
and coated his cock with lots of it. He gritted his teeth to keep from coming just from his own
hand, and positioned the head of his dick at Damon’s opening.
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Chapter Nine
“Wait.” Damon reached out, resting his hand on Malachi’s arm.
Malachi raised his eyebrows at him in a silent question.
“You probably should use a condom. Some of the guys who fucked me didn’t use one,
and I’ve never been tested, so I can’t guarantee I don’t have something.”
Malachi laughed, and Damon realised he had never laughed during sex. He was more
likely to be fighting back the tears or cries of pain.
“Don’t worry, honey.” Malachi stroked his rough hand over Damon’s thigh. “I can’t get
sick from any human disease, and tomorrow we’ll go get you checked out. I don’t think
you’re sick, but it’s always good to find out for sure.”
“Okay. I just didn’t want you getting something from me.” Damon grinned. “So what
are you waiting for?”
Malachi shook his head, but began to press into Damon’s ass. There wasn’t any
hesitation, and Malachi didn’t stop until he was seated as deeply as he could get. Damon
breathed, letting his body adjust to the fullness. Malachi was right. He was far bigger than
the men who had used Damon, yet it had never felt as right as it did with Malachi.
It was like he’d been made to be fucked by Malachi. Who would have thought a demon
would turn out to be Damon’s perfect lover? Damon wrapped his legs around Malachi’s
waist and gasped as Malachi leant forward to brace his hands on either side of Damon’s
head.
“I want you to keep your eyes open for as long as you can. I want you to see and know
who’s fucking you,” Malachi’s order was punctuated with a harsh growl.
Damon stared up into Malachi’s golden eyes and groaned loudly when Malachi started
moving, slow and steady, like a train building up steam and speed. Damon had never had
more than one orgasm in a night, but the way Malachi was laying claim to his body told
Damon he’d probably be having another one far sooner than usual.
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He got lost in the golds swirling in Malachi’s eyes, and the scents and sounds filling the
room as Malachi laid siege to all the remaining walls around Damon’s heart. Damon realised
he’d never believed anyone could love him, especially not after the life he’d lived, yet there
was something blazing in Malachi’s gaze that was warmer than usual. He trembled when
Malachi found his rhythm, hitting his gland with every stroke in and rubbing over it on the
way out.
Tears welled in his eyes and he bit his lip to keep from letting them drop. The first time
making love to Malachi wasn’t the best time to cry, even if he was overwhelmed by his
feelings and thoughts. Malachi smiled as he rocked into him.
Malachi leant down to brush a kiss over his mouth. “Cry if you want to. I won’t think
any less of you for it, and I won’t be so arrogant to believe it’s my lovemaking that brings
you to tears.”
“But it is,” Damon admitted. “I’ve never felt so cherished before. Is that weird to feel
that way while you’re fucking me?”
“Ah, but honey, I’m making love to you. There’s a difference.” Malachi wiggled his
eyebrows at Damon. “I’m not saying I won’t ever fuck you. Your ass begs for a good hard
reaming over the back of a couch at some point in the future.”
Damon blushed before gasping as Malachi circled his hips slightly. Malachi sped up,
and Damon shoved his hands above his head to push them flat against the headboard. He
clenched his inner muscles, and Malachi rumbled low in his chest as he started to really fuck
Damon’s ass.
Sweat dripped from Malachi’s face to roll down Damon’s side, and Damon arched as
his own cock started filling again. His climax hit him fast, like it had sneaked up on him
while he was lost in Malachi’s gaze. This second orgasm was weaker than the first, but still
cum painted his stomach and filled the air with the smell of sex.
The way his body trembled and gripped Malachi must have driven the demon crazy
because he lost the smoothness of his thrusting and began to drive into Damon, demanding
Damon take every inch of him without doubt or hesitation.
Damon reached up and gripped the back of Malachi’s head, mashing their lips together
just at the moment Malachi came, flooding Damon’s ass with what felt like liquid fire.
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Malachi ripped his head away, and roared as his cum filled Damon and marked him as
Malachi’s in the most carnal and primitive way possible.
He discovered he didn’t mind the idea of being Malachi’s boyfriend, boy toy, or
whatever the demon wanted him to be. Damon imagined Malachi could demand just about
anything from him, and he would give it without question.
Malachi froze above Damon, his head hanging forward and chest heaving. His arms
shook, and Damon stroked his hand over Malachi’s shoulder. When Malachi was able to
move again, he rolled to the side and collapsed on the bed, obviously not wanting to smother
Damon with his bulk.
Damon turned to wiggle up next to Malachi, pausing only at the last minute when he
thought maybe Malachi didn’t cuddle with his lovers. Malachi patted Damon’s hip and
climbed out of bed. Damon pouted, not happy with missing out on a quick snuggle.
Malachi chuckled. “Come on. Let’s take a shower, and when we get back to bed, we can
cuddle all you want.”
“All right.” Damon bounced out of bed and dashed towards the bathroom, but tripped
over the pair of jeans he’d thrown on the floor when he undressed earlier. Malachi grabbed
his arm and steadied him.
“Easy there, honey. The shower isn’t going anywhere,” Malachi teased.
“I know, but for some reason, the idea of seeing you all wet really gets my pulse
racing.” Damon gestured towards his cock. “And if I hadn’t just come twice, I’d be harder
than four-day-old bread.”
Malachi frowned. “Is that hard?”
Damon giggled. “Yeah, trust me, it is.”
He bent over to turn on the shower, and jumped when Malachi pinched his ass. Glaring
over his shoulder at Malachi, Damon rubbed his butt.
“What was that for?”
“I’m fascinated with your ass. Just can’t help touching it, I guess.” Malachi shrugged,
unrepentant.
“Oh, okay.”
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The water was the right temperature, so he stepped into the stall and squealed when
Malachi joined him, shoving him right under the water. Malachi reached up and adjusted the
showerheads to pound on a different part of Damon, instead of trying to drown him.
Damon found himself humming while he lathered up his hands and started washing
Malachi off. Malachi stood there, not saying anything, just running his hands all over
Damon’s body. He knelt and ran the soap over Malachi’s calves and thighs.
A soft grunt brought his attention back up to Malachi’s face and he saw the demon was
staring at him with intense focus. Also, Damon realised just where his position put his
mouth. Malachi’s large cock bobbed in front of him, and he licked his lips.
“You have remarkable recovering time,” he commented, trailing his finger along the
large vein on the underside of Malachi’s shaft.
Malachi rolled his hips forward an inch before he stopped. “In case you’ve forgotten,
I’m not human. If it wouldn’t wear you out or even kill you, I could fuck you all night long.”
Damon’s eyes crossed at the thought of a marathon sex session, yet he could see what
Malachi meant. Most humans wouldn’t be able to keep up with a demon, especially if all of
them were so well-endowed. A thought gave Damon pause.
“Are there female demons?”
“Not that I know of. At least, I’ve never met one.” Malachi tangled his fingers in
Damon’s hair and grinned. “I do know that there are plenty of female humans and vampires
who’d sleep with a demon.”
“I bet,” Damon muttered, annoyed at how jealous he felt knowing Malachi had
probably taken advantage of the women throwing themselves at him.
“And there were plenty of men as well. Most demons are bisexual. We’re not overly
picky about who we sleep with. For most of my life, I only cared about them being willing
partners, but all that’s changed now.”
“Changed? How?” Damon wrapped both hands around Malachi’s cock and pumped.
Even with both hands, he still couldn’t cover the entire length.
“I find I’m only interested in one particular human, even with all humans at my
disposal. Yet this one insists on living away from the compound, and makes me come to him.
I’m very attracted to him, and don’t really want to sleep with anyone else.”
Damon blinked at Malachi’s pronouncement. His heart skipped a beat or two. “Really?”
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“Yes, really. I’m sure there are a few in the herd who will be very annoyed with you,
but I don’t care. You’re it for me, Damon, and I never thought I’d say that.”
Damon thanked God for the water streaming down his face, letting the tears mingle
with it. He leant forward and surrounded the rest of Malachi’s uncovered cock with his lips.
He began sucking, while jacking off the rest of Malachi’s length.
Malachi kept his hands in Damon’s hair, but he didn’t force or encourage Damon to
take any more than he could. Just another sign that Malachi was a far better person, even
though he was a demon, than any of the humans Damon had serviced in his life.
He slid one of his hands down to fondle Malachi’s balls, rolling them in his fingers. He
tugged a little, and Malachi hissed, bringing Damon’s gaze back up to Malachi. He had his
head leaning back against the tiled wall of the shower, and his eyes were closed. His face was
contorted in an intriguing, pleasurable expression.
Damon kept up the sucking and the groping, wanting to get Malachi off once more
before they went to sleep. He knew he wouldn’t be able to take another ass-pounding at the
moment, and he appreciated the fact that Malachi didn’t seem too upset about it. So many
nights, Harrison and his friends would use Damon until he bled and was in so much pain, he
couldn’t think straight.
“Hey, no thinking about that. It’s over with, and you’re never going back to the cage or
to that man again.”
How had Malachi known what he was thinking? Damon’s question must have shown
in his eyes because Malachi tapped his cheek.
“Your eyes are very expressive, and you’re always going to have some memories
popping up from time to time.”
Damon closed his eyes. It wasn’t right to think of his past while working on getting his
present, and hopefully his future, to come. He swallowed around Malachi’s head, and
Malachi grunted in warning.
Hot, bitter cum spilt into his mouth, and he drank it down like the sweetest ambrosia.
Somehow, even though the flavour was harsh and rather thick, Damon didn’t mind
swallowing it.
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When Malachi’s cock slowly softened in Damon’s mouth, he licked it clean before
letting it slide from him. He rested his head on Malachi’s rock-hard thigh for a second,
catching his breath and absorbing Malachi’s gentle touch.
“Can you stand? While I like the thought of you kneeling at my feet, you don’t have to
do that,” Malachi teased as he held out his hand.
Damon let the demon pull him to his feet. He stared at Malachi, not sure how to take
this side of the man.
“What?” Malachi washed Damon’s hair quickly.
“Why did you agree to take a shower with me? I know demons don’t sweat or stink like
humans do.” Damon stepped out of the stall and grabbed a towel from the rack.
Malachi dried off absentmindedly while he studied Damon. “I thought humans liked to
be clean and take showers with their lovers. Sven and Andor do it all the time, and Andor
doesn’t have to do that to be clean either. Would you rather I didn’t take a shower with
you?”
Damon shook his head. “No. I don’t care if we share, but I was just thinking how most
people would react to see you acting this way. I mean, you’re Malachi, Master Andor’s pet
demon. Don’t worry. I’m not going to tell anyone. Why are you being nice to me? Just
because you want me—and it’s very obvious I want you—doesn’t mean you have to do any
of these things. It’s not how you would deal with anyone else you sleep with, is it?”
Damon gasped when Malachi grabbed his hand and dragged him down the hall back to
the bedroom. He stumbled, but Malachi caught him up in his arms and tossed him onto the
bed. He bounced a few times and considered scrambling off the other side, but Malachi was
too fast for him. The demon crawled onto the mattress and straddled him, hands on either
side of his head and knees placed at his hips.
He stared up into Malachi’s gold eyes, wondering what he was thinking. Malachi
suddenly laughed and bent down to kiss him.
“You’re right. I wouldn’t have spent all this time with anyone else. I wouldn’t have
waited months to fuck him or her. I would have moved on and found someone far more
willing, but it wouldn’t have been the same,” Malachi confessed.
“The same? How?” Damon bit his bottom lip. “Why am I special?”
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Malachi sighed and dropped to the side, propping himself up with his elbow. “I don’t
know why you’re different from everyone else. I’ve thought about it a few times during the
months I’ve waited for you to heal. None of it makes sense. You just are special to me. Once I
accepted that, I didn’t worry about it anymore.”
Damon trailed his finger down the length of Malachi’s nose. “I’m overthinking all of
this, aren’t I?”
Malachi shrugged. “I don’t know about that, though I’ve often wondered why humans
worry about the oddest things. Your lives are so short. It isn’t worth getting worked up over
things.”
“Yet Andor gets worked up when people disrespect him, and you get angry when
people aren’t as awestruck as they should be around you,” Damon pointed out.
“True, but Andor has a very inflated opinion of himself.” Malachi winked to let Damon
know he was joking. “Actually, when you’re as powerful as Andor is, you come to expect
people to act a certain way around you, and he’s been spoilt. The only one who can get away
with not treating him as the most powerful being in the world is Sven, and that’s only
because Sven is Andor’s munr. The one being in the entire world created to love Andor, and
whom Andor can love in return.”
“Do demons get munrs?” Damon hoped his question sounded as casual as he wanted.
Malachi smiled and leant forward to kiss Damon’s cheek. “No, we don’t, but there have
been occasions when demons were known to settle down with one lover instead of many. It’s
not something that happens often, because humans are such fragile creatures, and vampires
are extremely vain and don’t want their demons to have divided attentions. Both are
irritating in their own ways.”
“Would you consider settling down with a fragile human?” Damon wasn’t sure why he
was pushing by asking these questions. Malachi would do what he wanted, and nothing
Damon said or thought would change things.
“Honey, I already have. I’m not sure why you’re fishing, but I haven’t slept with
anyone since I broke you out of your cage at Wilton’s club. You have to understand what a
big deal that is, because I’ve never been celibate in my life. Come here.”
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Malachi tugged Damon into his arms, and they snuggled under the blankets. Damon
soaked up the heat radiating from Malachi like the demon was a coal furnace. Malachi ran
his hand up and down Damon’s back, soothing him to sleep with his presence.
* * * *
“I think it’s time for you to wake up.”
Malachi’s voice drifted into Damon’s dream, and he smiled. For the past month, he’d
been having rather erotic dreams starring Malachi. He loved having them, though he often
woke up feeling unsatisfied and unhappy because Malachi wasn’t there to fulfil them.
He arched his back as Malachi licked a trail down from his ear, along his neck to where
his nipples begged for Malachi’s mouth. Sighing, he reached down to bury his fingers in
Malachi’s hair, urging him to suck him.
“Oh, wow,” he whispered as moist warmth surrounded his nipple and a tongue flicked
the hard nub.
He protested when the mouth disappeared and he was shaken slightly.
“Come on, honey. I want you wide awake when I fuck you.”
Damon forced his eyes open and blinked as Malachi’s face came into focus. “You’re
really here?” he muttered.
Malachi lifted his eyebrows and asked, “Where else would I have been? I did share
your bed last night.”
“I know.” Damon clenched his sore ass and wiggled. “It’s just I spent a lot of nights
dreaming about you, only to wake up and you were gone.”
“Sorry, though there really wasn’t anything I could do about that. I’m here now, and I
have something to share with you.”
Malachi rubbed his erection against Damon’s hip, and Damon moaned. He spread his
legs and Malachi settled between them, mashing Damon into the mattress with his body.
Damon undulated under him, not trying to shove Malachi off, but trying to bring as much of
their skin in contact as possible.
“Are you too sore for me? We can just rub or suck each other off if you don’t think you
can take me again.” Malachi peered down at him in the faded early morning light.
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Damon loved the fact Malachi asked him instead of just assuming Damon would be fine
with getting fucked. He rocked his groin up into Malachi’s and winked.
“I’ll be fine. Just go slow at first, and it’ll be okay.”
“Good.”
Malachi moved to the side and leant down to pick the lube bottle off the floor, where
it’d fallen during their previous night. He returned to his spot between Damon’s legs,
popping open the slick when he was ready. Damon watched as Malachi squirted a good-
sized dollop into the palm of his hand. He managed to get the top closed and threw it to the
floor.
Damon whined as Malachi coated his cock with the lube, wanting Malachi’s shaft in
him as quickly as possible, yet knowing it was a good thing he’d asked Malachi to take his
time. Damon was still stretched—a little bit anyway—from before, but it would still hurt.
Malachi rubbed some of the lube on his fingers, setting them at Damon’s hole. He
worked the lube in, and stretched Damon further. Damon closed his eyes, soaking up how
much care Malachi was taking to ensure Damon didn’t get hurt from this encounter.
Finally though, he couldn’t take it anymore, and reached down to grab Malachi’s wrist.
He opened his eyes to meet Malachi’s questioning gaze.
“Fuck me now, Malachi. I’ll be fine, and I can’t take much more before I come. I want
you to fill me before I do.”
“Your wish is my command.” Winking, Malachi removed his fingers and began
pushing his cock into Damon.
They both sighed when the ring of muscles relaxed enough for Malachi to pop through
and he started thrusting slowly, adding an inch each time he rocked into Damon. But there
were times when Damon tensed at the burning sensation as his sore ass stretched to
accommodate Malachi again.
Finally, Malachi was in as far as he could go, and Damon breathed deep, willing his
body to relax and allow Malachi to move. While the pain eased, Malachi stroked Damon’s
thighs.
“Are you okay? We don’t have to do this, Damon.”
Damon tightened his inner muscles around Malachi’s cock, drawing a growl from the
demon. “I’m fine now. Go ahead and move.”
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Malachi nodded, and began to stroke in and out, building speed until he pounded into
Damon. Grunts and cries filled the air, along with the smell of sex. Damon shouted when
Malachi wrapped his hand around Damon’s dick, pumping in rhythm with his own thrusts.
The feel of the rough calluses on Malachi’s fingers scraping over his sensitive flesh was
driving Damon crazy, in addition to the way Malachi’s cock nailed Damon’s gland every
time.
Soon his balls drew tight to his body, and the need to come pooled at the base of his
spine. Damon arched up and cried out when his cum shot from his dick, coating his stomach
and Malachi’s hand with each spurt.
Malachi continued to fist him while reaming his ass. A few seconds longer and Malachi
slammed into him, threw his head back and yelled Damon’s name. Hot liquid shot out of
Malachi’s shaft, filling Damon’s passage until it almost overflowed with Malachi’s cum. He
could feel it dripping from his hole as Malachi slowly pulled out.
Damon started to roll on his side to rest his head on Malachi’s shoulder, but Malachi
patted his hip.
“I’ll be right back.” Malachi strolled out of the bedroom, and Damon enjoyed the view
of Malachi’s naked ass flexing.
He let his eyes drift close while waiting for Malachi to return. He must have dozed off,
because the gentle swipe of a cloth over his ass woke him up. He allowed Malachi to clean
him up and smiled at him as he rejoined him in the bed.
They entwined their arms and legs, and Damon listened to Malachi’s heart beat under
his ear. He frowned.
“If you don’t eat or sleep, and can’t be killed, why do you have a heartbeat?”
He felt Malachi’s shoulder move in a shrug.
“I don’t know. I have a heartbeat, and I can bleed, which Andor has proven quite
effectively over the years.”
Damon sat up and stared at Malachi. “What do you mean? Has he drunk from you
before?”
Malachi grimaced. “No, demon blood isn’t palatable for vampires. Tends to act like a
poison if ingested. Andor punishes me when things don’t turn out the way he wants. It’s
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easy to do, since I’m pretty much indestructible and he can do anything he wants to me,
though it does tend to make him feel terrible.”
“It should. He shouldn’t do things like that to you, simply because you can’t die.”
Damon glared and pouted.
Malachi took Damon’s hand in his and squeezed it gently. He smiled. “He hasn’t done
it in a year or so. Definitely not since Sven came into his life. Maybe Andor’s mellowing or
something, or it could be that Sven has given him another way to work off his annoyance.”
“He hasn’t hurt Sven, has he?”
“Aside from being a stubborn asshole and an idiot? No, Andor can’t physically hurt
Sven, even if he were so inclined.” Malachi dropped Damon’s hand and stretched. “I’m
going to have to get dressed soon. I have to get back to the compound.”
“I want to become part of Andor’s herd,” Damon blurted, before Malachi could move
away.
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Chapter Ten
Malachi paused in mid-stretch and looked at Damon. “Are you sure? Did you belong to
Wilton’s herd?”
Damon snorted. “Do you really think he’d have wasted his time and energy on marking
me? I was nothing to him, not even human as far as I could tell. He never really
acknowledged my existence. I guess I should be happy about that, huh?”
“Yes. Andor is probably the best master I’ve seen among the vampires. He doesn’t beat
his herd for the pleasure of it, or anything like that. Mostly he just used them as cattle,
satisfying his urges and needs when they arose.” Malachi climbed off the bed and strolled
across the room towards his clothes.
“I probably couldn’t ask for a better master than that,” Damon mumbled.
Malachi shrugged on his shirt, and turned to face Damon while he buttoned it. “Why
do you want to be part of Andor’s herd? You can work in the city without having his mark.”
“I know, but it’s extra protection, in case Wilton or Harrison come after me. They can’t
touch me once Andor’s marked me as one of his,” Damon pointed out.
“True.” Malachi finished dressing, thinking about Damon’s pronouncement. “I have to
admit I’m not happy about the idea of Andor biting you. You’re mine, Damon, and I don’t
want anyone else touching you.”
“Yours? Really?” Damon flashed him a happy smile. “What would it matter if Andor
bit me? It wouldn’t be sexual or anything like that. We both know Sven would find a way to
kill him if it was.”
Malachi nodded. “I know that, and even accept it, but all my instincts are screaming not
to allow Andor to come near you. I fear I might be very possessive where you are
concerned.”
Damon jumped out of bed and ran over to Malachi. He wrapped his arms around
Malachi’s waist, hugging him close. “Thank you.”
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“For what?” Malachi enveloped Damon in his embrace, nuzzling the curls at the top of
Damon’s head.
“For not wanting to share me. For caring enough about me to ensure no one else can
touch me.” Damon leant back slightly, grinning up at Malachi. “That tells me, more than
anything else you’ve said, that you care for me very deeply.”
Malachi was confused, but he’d got used to being that way since Sven had become
Andor’s munr. Humans were the most puzzling creatures on the earth, and Malachi had
decided he would never truly understand them.
“Get dressed, and I’ll take you with me back to the compound. We’ll talk to Andor
about making you a member of the herd. You know, he might be willing to buy you a
restaurant to run, once you feel you’ve trained enough.” Malachi leaned against the dresser
while Damon raced around the room, grabbing clothes and pulling them on. “You should
probably go to culinary school.”
“How? I can’t afford it.” Damon’s question was muffled as he tugged a T-shirt over his
head.
“You don’t have to worry about it. I’ll loan you the money, and you can repay me when
you open your restaurant.” He shrugged, not concerned about the money. He’d started out
with a very small amount of money, which Andor had given him, and had turned it into a
fortune big enough to buy a hundred restaurants without noticing the loss.
“Oh, I guess that would be okay.”
Malachi watched Damon slip on his shoes. Malachi gestured towards the door. “The
limo should be waiting for us outside.”
He settled his hand at the small of Damon’s back as they left the apartment. He kept his
attention on the people around them while they made their way to the sidewalk, and his
instincts warned him trouble was nearby, so he wasn’t caught off guard when Harrison
strolled over to them.
“Well. Well. Looks like the whore’s found a new owner.”
Damon stiffened and edged closer to Malachi, who stepped in front of Damon.
“What are you doing here, human?” Malachi snarled, grabbing Harrison’s shirt and
jerking him up on his toes.
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“I just came to get back what you stole from me, asshole.” Harrison spat in Malachi’s
face.
“Seriously?” Damon asked from behind Malachi. “You think you and whatever friends
you’ve brought with you are going to be able to take me back from Malachi. I’d love to see
you try.”
Malachi rolled his eyes and dropped Harrison to the ground. After he turned, he spied
the limo idling at the kerb. The driver emerged and Malachi smiled when he realised it was
Ronald. Malachi touched Damon on the arm, and pointed towards the chauffeur.
“Why don’t you go stand by Ronald, Damon? He’ll keep an eye out to make sure no
one’s stupid enough to try and touch you. I have to teach Harrison and his friends some
manners.”
He stripped off his shirt coat and dress shirt, not wanting to get either one of them dirty
or bloody. He’d discovered the hard way how difficult it was to get blood out of clothes. He
handed his clothes to Damon, who brushed a kiss over his mouth before practically skipping
over to Ronald.
Laughing, Malachi turned back to see Harrison standing again, knife in hand. There
were two other men with him.
“Do you truly think three of you will be able to do anything to me?”
“All we have to do is keep you busy while our friends grab the whore.” Harrison
sneered.
“I’m not worried about Damon. Ronald will protect him with his life, and if nothing
else, Damon can get in the limo and drive away. I would think you should be worried about
your own lives?” Malachi didn’t give Harrison a chance to answer him.
He grabbed Harrison’s arm and twisted, hearing the satisfying crunch of bone breaking.
It wasn’t the same arm he’d broken before, but it still made Malachi grin. Screaming,
Harrison dropped the knife and his knees buckled with the pain. When the man curled up on
the street at Malachi’s feet, he drew back his foot and kicked him in the side.
“I told you never to come after Damon. He isn’t yours any more. No one owns Damon,
and he can’t be held in cages, or used like a toy, ever again.” Malachi spat on Harrison while
the man writhed in agony. “I’m not going to waste my time killing you, though I probably
should, because like a rabid dog, you should be put down. Yet I can’t help hoping justice will
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be served, and you’ll find yourself in a cage somewhere, being someone else’s toy. When you
beg for mercy, no one will be listening either.”
Malachi turned and walked over to where Damon and Ronald stood. The other two
men who’d come with Harrison didn’t seem inclined to do anything. Had Harrison
mentioned to them that they were coming to face a demon? Or had he conveniently forgotten
that part?
“Take him,” Malachi ordered them. “Go back to Wilton, and tell that piece of shit
vampire not to ever do something like this again. It might not have been Wilton who came
here, but Harrison and you are part of his herd, which makes this an enormous sign of
disrespect. You came here without letting Master Andor know. I’d be perfectly within my
rights as his enforcer to kill you all, without talking to either Wilton or Master Andor.”
One of the men shook his head. “Please, sir. We didn’t know why he wanted us to come
here, and we’re sorry. We’ll leave, and make sure Harrison never comes back here.”
As they bent to grab Harrison’s arms, the man who hadn’t spoken kicked him in the
side. Malachi chuckled when he heard them cussing at the injured guy under their breath.
Damon nudged Malachi in the side.
“That’s it? No blood? No guts or screams of unimaginable pain?” Damon frowned.
“Would you rather I slaughtered him in the street? Take out the other two as well?”
Malachi glanced down the sidewalk to where the three of them were struggling to get away.
“I can still do it, if it’s that important to you.”
“Why didn’t you do it? I thought it would be in your nature to just kill them where they
stood, instead of beating Harrison up a little before letting him go. Aren’t you a killing
machine?”
Malachi took his shirt from Damon, and slipped it on while he thought about Damon’s
question. It wasn’t very long ago when he would have killed Harrison and his friends for
simply daring to appear on the streets of San Francisco without Andor’s permission, yet he
hadn’t felt the driving urge to kill or destroy. Did it have anything to do with how Damon
made him feel? Just Damon’s presence created an aura of calm around Malachi.
“Usually I am, and I probably should have ripped Harrison apart.” Malachi shrugged.
“I guess I just didn’t feel the need.”
“You demon bastard.”
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A shout caused him to whirl around, and somehow Harrison stood, weaving, waving a
gun at them. Malachi shoved Damon to the asphalt, and gestured for Ronald to cover him.
When he was happy that Damon was protected, Malachi sprinted down the street towards
Harrison. The human’s friends had abandoned him, and Malachi wasn’t interested in them
anyway. If they were out of his sight by the time he finished tearing Harrison apart, then
they could live.
The impact of his body hitting Harrison sounded like a semi-trailer truck hitting a
cement abutment. Harrison’s eyes widened when Malachi stabbed him in the stomach with
four-inch claws. His canines had lengthened, and he knew his eyes were burning a bright
red. It wasn’t often that Malachi allowed even a glimpse of his true nature to be seen, but his
rage broke through his iron control.
His shirt shredded as the spikes on his back appeared, and his pants ripped apart while
his entire body grew to his true height of eight feet tall. Horns erupted from his head, twisted
and deformed. He hissed, and wrinkled his nose in disgust when Harrison peed and shit his
pants in fear.
“I told you to leave, and you’d live, but you couldn’t just let it go. You had to prove
what a badass you were. Well, it’s your funeral, my friend.” Malachi ground his teeth
together and laughed harshly. “You’re not so tough now, are you?”
He twisted his wrist, driving his claws deeper into Harrison’s body. The metallic scent
of blood mixed with the smell of Harrison’s other bodily fluids. Whirling, he tossed Harrison
away from him, grunting with satisfaction when Harrison slammed against a brick wall.
Harrison slid down the surface, collapsing like a puddle at the base. Malachi stalked up to
him, and crouched down.
“I’m going to make sure Wilton gets your body back, and hopefully, he’ll heed the
warning your death is. I think your master isn’t a complete idiot, and won’t try to come after
Master Andor.”
Malachi slid one of his claws under Harrison’s chin and lifted the man’s head.
Harrison’s eyes were hazy and Malachi could tell his life was slowly ebbing away. Pain
etched lines around Harrison’s mouth, but Malachi wasn’t interested in it.
“Do you want me to end your life now? End your suffering with a swift swipe of my
claws along your throat?”
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Harrison whimpered, and barely nodded. Malachi tapped his fingers against Harrison’s
forehead while he thought. The human was dying, and while killing him quickly would only
make sure his pain ended faster, Malachi wasn’t sure what he wanted to do.
“Malachi?”
He took a deep breath, dampening all his anger until his body returned to its usual
appearance. He ran his tongue over his teeth to ensure they were no longer fangs. Turning
slightly, Malachi saw Damon standing near to him.
“Yes, Damon?”
“Don’t waste any more time on him. Let’s go back to the compound.” Damon rested his
hand on Malachi’s shoulder. “If you want someone to stay with him, Ronald can.”
Ronald spoke up from a few feet away. “I called Terra. She’s sending a team out here.
They’ll keep an eye on him, and when he dies, they’ll ensure he gets sent back to Wilton as a
warning.”
Malachi straightened and grimaced when he glanced down at his hands. They were
covered in blood.
“See, this is one reason why I don’t like doing shit like that. I hate getting my hands and
clothes dirty.”
He tore the rest of his shirt off and used it to clean his skin. Unfortunately, his pants
were useless as well. Removing all of his clothes, he stood on the sidewalk and glanced
around. Damon squeaked and stripped off his own shirt. Malachi laughed as Damon tied the
sleeves around his waist to cover his groin.
“You can’t be wandering around the street naked,” Damon complained.
“It doesn’t matter.” Malachi stroked his hand over Damon’s curls before turning to look
at a human standing in the doorway of one of the businesses. “You there, come here.”
The young man shot Malachi a shocked glance while scurrying across the street to join
them. “Yes, sir?”
“I need you to keep an eye on this man.” He pointed to where Harrison lay on his side
with a rather impressive pool of blood slowly surrounding him. “He’ll be dead shortly. I
have a group of people coming to get him. They should be here in a few minutes.”
“Yes, sir.” His eyes skittered over Malachi’s naked chest, lust shining in them.
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Damon stepped between them, his eyes narrowed, and he glared at the man. Malachi
reached out, snagged Damon around the waist, and pulled him back against him.
“Cool it, Tiger. Ronald, give the human some money for his trouble, and let’s go back to
the compound. I need to wash the rest of Harrison’s blood off, and I want to get dressed.”
Ronald took care of the babysitter while Malachi ushered Damon into the back of the
limo. They tumbled into the vehicle and ended up with Damon straddling Malachi’s lap. He
grasped Damon’s ass while Damon buried his hands in Malachi’s hair, gripping tightly as he
crashed their mouths together.
“Watching you take Harrison down was so fucking hot,” Damon muttered.
They stroked each other’s tongue and Malachi peeled one of his hands off Damon’s butt
to yank the shirt between them out of the way. He unbuttoned Damon’s jeans and shoved
the fabric to the side to get at Damon’s cock.
“Holy shit!” Damon cried out when Malachi wrapped his hand around both of their
cocks, stroking and pumping.
Damon threw his head back, and Malachi scraped his teeth over Damon’s jugular, but
he didn’t bite. To mark their mates, demons clawed their lover’s chest, causing it to scar.
Only Andor could mark the members of his herd. Yet it didn’t stop Malachi from sucking a
spot up on Damon’s neck.
Damon whimpered and fucked Malachi’s hand. Malachi closed his eyes as he continued
to pleasure both of them. He tightened his grip, and jerked his hand faster. Damon
shuddered and cried out, begging for more. Malachi slid his finger down Damon’s crease to
rub the tip over Damon’s hole.
“Yes. Please.” Damon pushed back against Malachi’s finger and Malachi breached
Damon.
They started moving together in a carnal dance, needing to drive each other over the
edge. He thrust two fingers in and out of Damon’s channel, rubbing knuckles over his gland.
“Oh, God, right there. Right there.”
Damon cried out when he came, spilling his cum all over Malachi’s hand and their legs.
A couple more yanks, and Malachi came as well. His cum mingled with Damon’s, and he
breathed deep, loving the way their scents mixed together.
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He let Damon snuggle close to him while Malachi licked his hand clean. He shifted
Damon around so he could wipe their skin off. Damon curled into his arms and sighed.
Malachi fastened Damon’s jeans after dropping Damon’s shirt to the floor of the limo. He
settled back into the cushions of the seat, and closed his eyes.
Ronald drove them up to the compound, pulling through the gates and parking in front
of the mansion. Malachi grunted when Ronald opened the door, and he slid out, holding on
to Damon as best he could.
Sven stood at the top of the steps. When he saw Damon in Malachi’s arms, he raced
down to meet them.
“Is he okay?”
Damon chuckled and looked at Sven. “I’m fine, Sven. It’s just been an exciting morning,
and I was enjoying being so close to Malachi.”
“Ah…okay.” Sven grinned. “Why are you here? Not that I don’t want you here or
anything like that. I was just asking.”
“I want to become a member of Master Andor’s herd. We were coming here when
Harrison attacked us.”
“Harrison?”
Before Damon could say anything else, Malachi interrupted, “We need to talk to Master
Andor about everything.”
“You’re lucky. He’s still awake, but we’ll need to get up to his office right away.” Sven
led the way upstairs, then down the hall towards Andor’s office.
Sven didn’t worry about knocking. He simply opened the door and walked in. Andor
looked up and frowned when he noticed Malachi and Damon following close behind.
“I’m not in any kind of mood for this right now, Malachi. Take your human to your
room if you want him to stay here.” Andor pointed towards the door. “I need to sleep.”
Malachi sat Damon on his feet and went to stand before Andor’s desk. “Harrison and
two other members of Wilton’s herd were in the city. They came to take Damon back. I killed
Harrison, and his body is being sent back to Wilton as a warning about entering your
territory without your permission.”
Andor curled his upper lip and growled, “I hate upstart vampires who believe they can
do whatever they want, and don’t have to obey the rules. I’m glad you took care of the
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problem. Why don’t you go get dressed? While I’m sure most of the herd, and that human
over there, might like you running around naked, I’m not interested in what you have.”
“Certainly, sir, but Damon has a favour to ask of you.” Malachi bowed his head.
“What is it?” Andor waved his hand to get Damon to come closer. Andor wrinkled his
nose. “Why does he smell like you?”
“It’s not important at the moment, sir.” Malachi didn’t want to sound disrespectful.
Andor got touchy when he was kept from his sleep.
Sven snorted. “I think you can figure it out, Andor. Don’t be dense.”
Andor rolled his eyes and huffed. “What do you want, Damon?”
“I’d like to become a member of your herd, Master Andor.” Damon kept his head
bowed, showing Andor the respect and subservience the master vampire deserved.
“Why?” Andor leant back in his chair and folded his arms over his chest while he
stared at Damon.
“Because it’s important for me to belong to your herd if I wish to stay here. You are the
master of this territory, and I need your permission or mark to stay around.”
“Hmm…I think there’s a different reason why you want to stay here.” Andor glanced
over at Malachi. “Why don’t you mark him?”
Malachi blinked in surprise. “Me? I can’t mark Damon, not if he’s to be a member of
your herd.”
“Yes, you can. We’ll give him a necklace or something to wear as a symbol of my herd.
He’s yours, Malachi. I told you he was your responsibility, and I meant it. What happens to
him is no concern of mine. Mark him and fuck him. He has my permission to stay.”
Andor stood and held out his hand to Sven, who took it.
“It’s time to sleep. We’ll talk more about this tonight when I wake up, but I suggest you
mark him. Then make sure he goes and takes a shower. He reeks of sex, and of you.” Andor
grimaced at Damon’s smell.
Malachi stood in shock while the door shut behind Sven and Andor. Damon looked at
him and he shrugged. Malachi grabbed Damon’s hand, dragging him along while Malachi
made his way to his room. Damon didn’t speak again until they were shut in Malachi’s suite.
“Will you do it? Will you mark me as yours?”
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Malachi nodded. “Get naked. After I mark you, you’re going to want to take a nap, and
when you wake up, we’ll see what we can do to get you moved back in.”
“Whatever you want.”
Malachi allowed his control to ease a little, and let his claws grow out while Damon
undressed. Malachi scooted back on the bed until he leaned against the pillows at the
headboard. Damon rejoined him, cradled on Malachi’s lap and in his arms.
“Unlike vampires, demons don’t bite when they mark people. I’ll rake my claws over
your chest, scoring the flesh. It will scar and people who see it will know you’re mine, since
I’m the only demon in this territory.” He paused. “But like Andor suggested, we’ll get you a
necklace or something for you to wear to show you’re also a member of Andor’s herd.”
“All right.”
He didn’t wait for Damon to think about it. He quickly slashed his claws across
Damon’s chest. Damon hissed, but didn’t cry out. Malachi leant down and licked some of the
blood welling from the wound.
“You need to drink in some of my blood for the bond to form.” Malachi cut his wrist so
that some blood seeped to the surface.
Malachi placed his arm to Damon’s mouth, and he let him suck a little bit down.
Damon gagged, and Malachi removed his wrist. Damon licked his lips.
“It’s spicy,” Damon commented, suddenly sounding tired.
“Yes. There’s something about demon blood that’s spicy, and it makes whoever drinks
it sleepy. You take a nap and we’ll talk about things later.” Malachi hugged Damon a little
closer, feeling unsure about what he had just done.
“What’s wrong?” Damon peered at him.
“I don’t want you to think I own you by marking you,” Malachi admitted.
Damon patted his cheek. “I don’t think you own me. I’ve learnt a lot since you freed me
from that cage, and while you own my heart, Malachi, you can’t own my body.”
“What are you saying?”
“I love you, Malachi. I don’t care if you’re a demon or a vampire or a simple human. I
love who you are when you’re with me.” Damon stretched up and kissed Malachi. “I wanted
you to mark me, and I’m the only one you’ll ever mark.”
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Malachi snorted. “Of course you’ll be the only one I mark. There’s not another human I
care about. Well, except for Sven, but I don’t care for him like I do you… I’ve been meaning
to ask you why you picked Damon for your new name.” Malachi nuzzled Damon’s hair.
“It means to tame, and I think I did that. I tamed the beast, didn’t I?” Damon grinned at
him.
“I guess you did,” Malachi agreed.
Damon’s eyes drifted close, and Malachi lay on the bed with him in his arms. Who
would have imagined all those months ago he would be at this point, holding a human he
cared so deeply for that he’d even marked him? Damon had come so far as well—from a cage
and being treated as an animal—to be able to decide for himself whether he wanted to be
Malachi’s mate.
Malachi let his eyes close. He’d rest while Damon slept, but he looked forward to when
Damon woke up, and they could start their lives together.
Also available from Total-E-Bound Publishing:
The Beasor Chronicles: Gypsies
T.A. Chase
Excerpt
Chapter One
On most nights, being an ordinary Beasor didn’t bother Alden. He liked tending bar at
his pub, and not having to worry about whether people liked him for who he was, or for
what he could do for them. In Alden’s world, there were four types of Beasor, and being an
unremarkable one suited him.
Well, usually it did, but tonight something bothered him, and it had to do with his best
friend, Percy. His friend was one of the extraordinary Beasors, and, as such, found himself
constantly surrounded by hangers-on and leeches. They were all trying to get something
from Percy. The way others fawned over and tried to use Percy upset Alden, but as long as it
didn’t bother Percy, Alden let it go.
Bright laughter lifted over the dull murmur of the crowd, and Alden glanced over to
see Percy in the middle of a group. Percy caught his gaze and smiled at him. Alden grunted
as desire kicked him in the gut, pooling in his groin. Thank the God he stood behind the bar,
and no one could see the effect of Percy’s attention on his body.
“Gypsies are a little like the angels those people on Earth talk about all the time, huh?”
Alden turned to see Chal, a regular customer at the pub, leaning on the bar with a
knowing look on his face. He poured Chal his usual mug of dark ale and set it in front of his
friend.
“Sometimes I think Gypsies know the effect they have on people, so they take
advantage of it,” Alden muttered as he flagged down one of his waitresses and put another
glass of Pillian wine on her tray. “Take it to Percy. He should be empty by now.”
“Yes, sir.” She strolled through the customers with ease.
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“Does he know you’re in love with him?”
Alden ignored Chal’s question, grabbing a towel to dry the clean glasses. The other
bartenders had things under control, so he had time to chat with Chal.
“When did you get back?”
Chal took a swig from his mug, wiping his sleeve across his mouth when he was done.
“Earlier today. It was a simple pick-up for one of my usual customers. Wasn’t that big a
deal.”
“It’s good to see you back.” Alden leaned over and patted Chal on the arm. “Oh, by the
way, I have an order of Pillian wine waiting for me on Clausen Three. Do you think you
could make a run over there to get it for me?”
Being a Tramp, Chal could travel between the universes without harm, and Alden paid
Chal to pick up deliveries of rare liquor and wines. Chal shoved his hand through his short
brown hair and nodded.
“Let me check my schedule, but I think I can go in a day or two.”
Alden shrugged. “There’s no rush. Percy’s the only one who drinks it, so I like to have
some on hand for him.”
Chal snorted and shook his head. “Seriously, man, why haven’t you told him?”
“Told who?”
Both of them looked up to see Percy standing at the bar, his long blond hair glinting in
the low light of the pub. His lavender eyes darted between Alden and Chal like he had a
feeling they were sharing secrets without him. Stupid really, because Alden only ever kept
one secret from Percy and he wasn’t about to spill his guts about loving his best friend as
more than a friend.
“Tell you, your groupies need to be more careful. They almost knocked one of my
waitresses over in their rush to fawn over you.” Alden winked, letting Percy know he was
joking.
Percy flipped his hair over his shoulder, and perched his hand on his hip. “Well, dear,
just point her out to me, and I’ll give her a big tip.”
“You know she’ll want more than just your tip, Percy, no matter the size.” Chal burst
out laughing when Percy’s mouth dropped open in shock.
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Alden joined in the mirth, while Percy blushed. Alden reached across the bar to pat his
friend on the shoulder.
“All my employees know you prefer male parts to female parts, Percy.”
Percy huffed in annoyance, but didn’t move away from them. “You both are so
childish.”
“Maybe, but you still love us.” Alden grinned.
“You’re right.” Percy glanced over his shoulder as someone shouted his name. “Damn.
I’m going to go hide upstairs for a while, Alden. If that one leaves, call me.”
“Is he bothering you?”
Alden didn’t like any of his customers being harassed, but he was extremely protective
of Percy. A Gypsy’s abilities to deal with animals or manipulate nature made them prime
property, even though no one was supposed to own them. The High Council regulated
everything the magical Beasors did, and how the regular Beasors treated them.
Sometimes it was difficult, as Gypsies were beautiful and very sexual. Everyone wanted
them, and while for the most part, Gypsies weren’t picky about whom they slept with, they
did want it to be their choice. At least Percy preferred to chase his bed partners. Just because
he’d never chosen Alden didn’t make Alden bitter or anything.
Also, their abilities to talk to animals and work weather magic brought them to the
attention of unscrupulous people who would kidnap them and steal their powers. Alden
understood how rare it was to have a Gypsy as a friend, and a roommate as well. Normally,
Gypsies stayed in secure compounds because they were so valuable.
“He won’t take no for an answer, and I’m getting tired of repeating myself.” Percy took
a sip from the wine glass he held.
“Then go on up. I’ll have the guys keep an eye on him. If he leaves, I’ll call you.”
“Thanks. You’re a doll.” Percy leaned over and kissed Alden’s cheek.
Alden watched Percy dodge the clingy hands of people who wanted to bask in the
reflected glow of the Gypsy. Chal snorted and, when Alden glanced at him, the Tramp shook
his head.
“I’ve never seen anyone crush so hard as you. I don’t know why you just don’t tell him
how you feel, Alden. Percy’s not going to make fun of you or blow you off. If you’re lucky,
he’ll blow you.”
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Alden tossed the towel in his hand at Chal. “As crude as you are, I can’t believe you
have any friends. I don’t want to be another one of those people who wants something from
Percy. We’ve been friends for so long, I’m afraid everything will change if I tell him.”
Chal frowned. “I never understood that thought process. How do you know things will
change if you tell him? Maybe he feels the same way about you, and is afraid to tell you.”
“Percy isn’t afraid of anything,” Alden stated confidently.
“Just because he’s gorgeous and powerful doesn’t mean he’s not insecure. None of us
are so confident that there aren’t things we’re afraid of.” Chal pushed his mug towards
Alden with a quick tap of his finger to the rim. “I come across as obnoxious and arrogant, but
I have issues just like any other man.”
Alden took the hint, and poured Chal more ale.
“I’m not ugly or anything. I mean most of my lovers seemed to think I was attractive,
but Percy could have any Beasor he wanted. Hell, he could have any person in any of the
multiple universes if he wanted them. Why would he pick me?”
“If I have to explain, you’re not ready to say a word to him.” Chal drained his mug in
one gulp. He banged it on the counter before pushing off. “I’m going to mingle and take
some lucky person home for the night. I’ll get a hold of you about the Pillian pick-up.”
“Thanks, and good luck.” Alden put the dirty glass in the sink behind him before
flagging down one of his bouncers. “I need you to keep an eye on that guy right there.”
He nodded towards the man Percy had pointed out. His head bouncer grunted in
acknowledgement.
“If he leaves, let me know, but if he causes any problems for anyone here, toss him out
on his ass.”
“He bothering Percy?” Reagan gave him a knowing look.
Alden ground his teeth together while he grabbed control of his anger. Why was he
getting upset with everyone tonight? It wasn’t like he’d tried to hide how he felt about Percy.
He just hoped his friend hadn’t picked it up.
“Yes, but there are a few other Gypsies in here, so I don’t want him annoying any of
them.”
“Yes, sir.” Reagan moved over, a veritable avalanche of muscle and attitude.
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Alden turned away, filling an order without worrying about Reagan or the other
bouncers. They would take care of things. Alden’s pub was a neutral place where Gypsies,
Tramps, Thieves, and regular Beasors could mingle without having fights or arguments
breaking out when the magical Beasors turned the others down.
Admittedly, when Alden first started to enforce the rule, it was to keep Percy happy
and safe, but, once the rest of the magical Beasors heard about Alden’s rule, they flocked to
his pub, making it one of the most popular in the capital city of Catalai.
The phone behind the bar rang, and Alden knew who was calling before he even
answered.
“He’s not gone yet, Percy,” he said, tucking the receiver between his head and his
shoulder.
“Damn. I hate being forced to hide out,” Percy whined.
Alden smiled, picturing Percy pouting in his mind. “I’m sorry. I can have Reagan and
the guys throw him out, if you want.”
Percy sighed. “No. I’m just not in a good mood. It’s been a long week, and I was
looking forward to relaxing with some friends.”
Glancing around him, Alden noticed his employees had everything under control. The
pub was busy, but not anything they couldn’t handle. He made a decision.
“What do you want to eat? I’ll order something from the deli across the street, and we’ll
have dinner together. I’ll bring up another bottle of that Pillian wine you like.”
“Oh, I can’t let you do that, Alden. You need to work. I’m just being grumpy.” Percy
protested like Alden knew he would.
“I hired some pretty competent people who can run the bar without me. I’ll be up as
soon as the food is delivered.” He hung up before Percy could say anything else.
He called the deli and placed an order for takeaway before informing Greta that he was
leaving for the night. She knew to call him if they needed an extra pair of hands. It wasn’t
like he lived far away or anything.
His apartment was right above the bar, so it was easy to come and go whenever he
wanted. Tonight, he wanted to spend time with Percy instead of mingling with customers.
Alden took off his apron and tossed it over the edge of the bar. As he made his way through
the crowd, he stopped to chat with friends and regular customers.
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By the time Alden got outside, it was time to pick up his order. He raced across the
street, grabbed the food and went back into the pub. Greta had a bottle of wine all ready for
him to snatch up as he went past. Alden smiled his thanks at her, and she winked.
Leaving by a side door, Alden tried not to think about how much he enjoyed spending
time with Percy, just the two of them. He was a homebody, plain and simple. He didn’t need
grand adventures to be happy, but Percy wasn’t the same.
From the moment Percy had come into his full powers, he’d been travelling around the
world, and through the universes. Alden doubted a universe existed that Percy hadn’t been
to, and that worldliness was one of the many things Alden loved about Percy. Alden
understood that Percy needed adoration. He needed people flattering him.
As odd as it seemed, Percy’s parents were disappointed in him. They hadn’t wanted
another Gypsy in the family, as even though his father had wanted to create a dynasty of
Gypsies, they’d hoped Percy would be a Thief, because they wanted to garner even more
wealth through his powers. More than they could with him being a Gypsy. Yet, from the
instant Percy had opened his lavender eyes, his parents had done their level best to cut Percy
down. Once Alden had realised how terrible Percy’s family was, he’d vowed to be there for
Percy without judging or criticising him. Alden wasn’t perfect at it, but he tried, and that was
what mattered.
He kicked the door, since he couldn’t open it with his hands full. Percy opened it for
him, and Alden swallowed his moan. How could he have forgotten that Percy would have
changed his clothes? Alden was glad the length of his shirt covered his groin, because there
wasn’t any way he could stop his body from reacting.
Percy dressed in normal going-out clothes was a sight to behold, but when Percy
decided to stay in he wore as little as possible. A short, dark purple cotton robe hung off
Percy’s slender shoulders, open to reveal his nicely toned chest and stomach. Alden didn’t
need to see Percy’s ass to know it was tight and cute as hell. He closed his eyes, took a deep
breath, and opened his eyes to smile at Percy.
“Dinner is served, my lord.” Alden managed an off-balance bow, without spilling
anything.
“You’re being silly,” Percy pointed out, taking the bottle of wine and holding the door,
so Alden could walk in.
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“But it made you smile, and now all is right in my world.” He winked as he went past
Percy, hoping Percy would think he was teasing.
Percy rolled his eyes, and smacked Alden on his arm. “You’re such a joker. I’m
starving, and you took your time bringing me food.”
“I had to wait for the sandwiches to be made. Maybe if you learned how to cook, you
wouldn’t have to wait for me to bring you supper.” Alden continued on to the kitchen where
he set the food down. He turned to watch Percy wander in.
“I’m pretty and magical. How much more should people expect me to do? Aren’t you
here to take care of me?” Percy fluttered his eyelashes at Alden.
Alden bit his tongue and looked away. Damn, why did Percy have to be so gorgeous?
But, then again, Alden had the feeling that if Percy were just as plain as he was Alden would
still take care of him. There was something about Percy that cried out to Alden, and, no
matter how much Alden tried to deny it, he couldn’t ignore it.
“Here.” He shoved one of the takeaway containers at Percy. “I’ll get the drinks.”
Percy frowned at him for a moment, before taking the food and wandering back out to
the living room. Alden opened the Pillian wine, poured out a glass for Percy, and got a bottle
of ale for himself. He returned to where Percy sat, and joined him on the couch, setting his
wine on the table in front of him. Alden leant back and rested his bottle on his stomach.
“You aren’t eating?” Percy had opened the container, and taken a bite.
Alden shook his head. “I’m not hungry, and I don’t need to gain weight like some
people I know.”
He eyed Percy, and his friend bowed his head.
“Sorry. I try to gain it, but working my magic burns calories, and I can’t ever seem to
get bigger.”
Shit! Alden hadn’t meant to make Percy feel bad about himself. He reached over and
covered Percy’s hand with his. A spark of electricity rocketed through him, landing firmly in
his groin.
“Honey, I wasn’t complaining about you.” He stopped and thought about it. “Okay, so
I was complaining a little, but not because I think you aren’t perfect the way you are. I just
worry that you’re getting too skinny, and it’s not healthy for you.”
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Sighing, Percy scooted over until he leaned into Alden’s body. Alden wrapped his arm
around Percy’s shoulders, holding his best friend close to him.
“I know you’re taking care of me because you love me, Alden.”
Panic shot through Alden. How had Percy figured that out? Alden had tried so hard
not to be another one of Percy’s admirers. He wanted to mean more to Percy than that.
“I mean, I’m your best friend, right? So, of course, you love me, and you want me to be
healthy. I’ll try to be better about eating and stuff like that.”
The tension in Alden’s body relaxed at Percy’s words. He ran his hand over Percy’s
hair. “You’re right, Percy. I want you healthy because you’re my best friend in all the
universes. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Be terribly bored, and work way too much,” Percy teased.
Alden didn’t reply, but he agreed. Without Percy around to draw him away from his
bar, Alden tended to bury himself in work. Aside from his customers, Alden wouldn’t have
many friends if Percy wasn’t there to drag him out once in a while.
He watched as Percy ate every bite of food. When Percy had finished, Alden took the
container and put it on the end table, and he settled back to hold Percy close to him. Percy
didn’t seem interested in talking, so Alden let the silence drift and grow, encasing them in
quiet calm. One of the many things he loved about Percy was how they could go for hours
without talking, and yet it didn’t feel uncomfortable. Most of Percy’s friends wouldn’t
believe Percy could be quiet for more than a minute.
* * * *
Percy breathed in the scents of sweat, ale, and male surrounding Alden, who hadn’t
had a chance to change his clothes when he’d got to their apartment. Percy had a reputation
for being fastidious and, at times, a neat freak, but he didn’t mind when Alden smelt like
he’d been working all day. He wanted to bury his nose against the triangle of skin at the base
of Alden’s throat and sniff, but he didn’t think Alden would understand.
He lost track of how long they sat on the couch, wrapped in each other’s arms. Did
other best friends sit like that? Did other best friends rely on each other to the extent Percy
relied on Alden?
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Somehow Percy doubted it, and most people would think his reliance on Alden
bordered on the unhealthy. Yet Percy knew Alden didn’t care what other people thought,
and he would be the first to tell Percy to back off if he got too clingy.
“How did we ever get to be friends?”
The question popped out of his mouth, and he cringed inside. Just because he was
starting to rethink his friendship with Alden didn’t mean that he should be talking aloud
about it.
“Why? Because a snobbish Gypsy and a regular old Beasor shouldn’t be friends?”
The laughter in Alden’s voice told Percy his friend was teasing, but it was kind of what
Percy meant.
“Well, yeah. I mean we really shouldn’t be hanging out—or even living together,” he
pointed out.
“True, but we have your family to thank for you moving in with me, Percy. If they
weren’t so annoying and horrid to you, you’d still be living at their compound.” Alden ran
his hand over Percy’s hair.
Percy shivered at Alden’s touch. Alden tugged a blanket off the back of the couch, and
tucked it around Percy, taking care of him. He realised Alden thought he was cold. Percy
hadn’t figured out a way to broach the subject of his attraction to Alden.
It’d been growing for several months now, and, while he was afraid it might ruin their
friendship if Alden didn’t feel the same way, Percy knew it would be coming to a head some
point soon. Percy had never been known for keeping his mouth shut, and every time Alden
touched him the desire grew stronger.
One day soon, he was going to throw himself into Alden’s arms, and kiss the man
senseless. Percy really hoped it wouldn’t ruin anything.
“We’re friends because I can deal with all your little quirks and inherent snobbiness. All
of it stems from how you were raised, and you’re getting better at accepting others who
aren’t nearly as beautiful or talented as you are.” Alden chuckled. “I’m here to remind you
there’s a big world out there, and you need to start seeing more of it. If you’d stayed with
your family, you would have lost touch with the rest of society.”
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Percy nodded, rubbing his cheek over Alden’s shirt. “You’re right. I don’t think my
parents remember there are people outside the gates of our compound, unless those people
can pay them for their talents.”
“But you’ve always been curious, and you peeked your cute little nose out of your ivory
tower to see how the peasants live. It was the best day of my life when I rescued a
bedraggled young Gypsy, lost in the scary world of the regular folk.”
Leaning back, Percy glared up at Alden. “I wasn’t lost.”
Alden lifted his eyebrows, and Percy huffed.
“All right. I was completely lost, and terrified. I clamped on to you as my saviour the
minute I saw how all those other boys ran away from you.” Percy shrugged, and tried to get
out of Alden’s embrace.
“Oh, no. Don’t stomp off in a huff, honey. I know you’d probably have saved yourself,
and you didn’t really need my help to find your way back home, but how could I pass up a
chance to be the hero for some rare creature who seemed to have fallen from the sky?”
Percy blinked, and stared at Alden for a moment. Was that how Alden had seen him?
As some unusual being visiting the boring world Alden lived in? Percy had never heard
Alden say anything like that.
“I’m not unique or beautiful, you know that. Hell, all of my siblings are far more
beautiful than me. I’m rather plain for a Gypsy,” he said, grimacing as he heard his parents’
words issuing from his mouth.
Alden cupped Percy’s face in his hands. Those marvellous hazel eyes of Alden’s peered
into his, and Percy feared Alden would see how much he really did love him. As much as
Percy wanted to look away, he didn’t, because there was something in Alden’s eyes that he
had never seen before.
His best friend was looking at him with longing buried deep in his gaze. Percy blinked,
and whatever he had seen there was gone. It had to have been his own wishful thinking,
because Alden could do so much better than a neurotic and selfish Gypsy whose own family
didn’t want him.
“I’ve met your family, Percy, and let me tell you something. I think they’re jealous of
you, because you are, by far, the most beautiful Gypsy I’ve ever seen.” Alden pressed his
www.total-e-bound.com
finger to Percy’s lips. “Before you argue with me, remember, I’ve even met the Chairman of
the High Council, who is a Gypsy as well, and he can’t hold a candle to you.”
Percy managed to not roll his eyes at Alden’s statement. He’d met the Chairman as
well, and the man was otherworldly gorgeous. Percy knew he wasn’t anywhere near that
level of good-looking.
“I think you’re a little biased.” He winked, and Alden grinned.
“You might be right. I think the Chairman is a pompous ass, and he believes, like most
of the magical Beasors, that he is far superior to us normal people. There’s nothing attractive
or sexy about arrogance.” Alden tweaked Percy’s nose.
Percy blushed, and frowned. Why was he blushing? Alden wasn’t really calling him
sexy or attractive, was he? He eased away far enough so he was no longer touching Alden,
and he met Alden’s questioning gaze.
“Why don’t you have a boyfriend? Or someone you can spend time with?”
“I do have someone I can spend time with.” Alden shook his head. “I have you, and I’m
not looking for a boyfriend. I like my life the way it is.”
“Are you sure? We aren’t getting any older, and your birthday is coming up in a couple
of days. I mean, if you meet someone and want to bring them back to the apartment, just let
me know and I’ll hang out in the bar or something.”
If he could, he’d kick his own butt. Why was he shoving Alden into someone else’s
arms? It would tear his heart out to see Alden with a boyfriend, but, if Percy couldn’t bring
himself to say anything, he shouldn’t expect Alden to always be there whenever Percy
needed someone to take care of him.
A wrinkle marred Alden’s forehead. “I know that, and I appreciate your willingness to
help me get laid, but I’m happy with my life at the moment. If—or when—things change, I’ll
let you know.”
Sighing, Percy pushed to his feet, and stretched. Alden coughed, and Percy shot a
glance over at his friend. Alden was staring at Percy’s stomach, revealed by the movement,
and his shirt had ridden up. Percy thought he saw heat flaring in Alden’s eyes for a second,
before Alden lowered his gaze.
“Are you really happy, Alden?”
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Alden stood, and encircled Percy’s waist with a tight hug. “Yes, you worrywart. I’m
perfectly happy with my life, and I’m not interested in doing anything different.”
Percy rested his forehead on Alden’s shoulder for a moment. He took a deep breath,
and gave himself a stiff talking-to. He needed to get a hold of himself, think about what he
wanted to do, and figure out a way to do it.
About the Author
There is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries?
Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates T.A. and writing about the things
that make each of us unique is how T.A. shares those insights. T.A. lives in the
Midwest with a wonderful partner of twelve years. When not writing, T.A.’s watching
movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
Email:
T.A. loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and
author biography at
.
Also by T.A Chase
The Beasor Chronicles: Gypsies
With Carol Lynne
Dracul’s Revenge: Dracul’s Blood
Dracul’s Revenge: Anarchy in Blood
Total-E-Bound Publishing
www.total-e-bound.com
Take a look at our exciting range of literagasmic™
erotic romance titles and discover pure quality
at Total-E-Bound.
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