Yuri opened the box and withdrew a velvet presentation box and flipped open the lid and presented the contents. “We offer this royal gem to you with our wish for continued positive relations between our covens.”

  Inside was a rare red diamond, and what made it even rarer was the fact that it exceeded the carat weight of any known red diamond in existence. At eight carats, the emerald cut stone was a grand display of skill and beauty. It was an extravagant gift, but it was well worth the cost in Yuri’s mind if it put their coven’s back on cordial terms. Louis was well within his rights to demand much more.

  “Thank you, Yuri, and thank your people.” Louis took the gem and, after close inspection, handed it to his guard who closed it and took it from the room. “Now, we will retire to the Blue room for dinner.” He and Yuri walked together, and the conversation turned casual.

  Yuri was thankful for the reprieve from the stately old ways and the stiff protocol. When they entered the Blue Room, he noticed other prominent members of the coven were present along with the beloveds of the leadership.

  Louis and several of his inner circle had found their beloveds recently. The coven was indeed blessed by Fate for so many happy and fortunate unions to have taken place. The Loire Coven had lain dormant in terms of Fate’s intervention for decades until Master Charles found his beloved. Yuri wondered if, like Coven DuCane, the good fortune of the Master would become the good fortune of many.

  …

  “So, are you going to tell me what really happened at the station this afternoon?” Eddie asked as they made their way through the topiary garden towards the hedge garden.

  “What do you mean? I told you a guy decided to mess up the place because I didn’t do my job fast enough, according to him.” Joe explained, but not entirely. “Just let it go, Eddie, it doesn’t matter it was a stranger passing through town.”

  “Did he do that to your arm, and did he put those bruises on your throat?” Eddie became a little more persistent.

  “He was rude, so I gave him some lip, and he gave me some pain. It all worked out in the end.” Joe said with a smile. “Forget it, he won’t be back. He wasn’t a local.” Eddie shook his head as if he wanted to say more or do something but what was there to do. Some people are rude; it’s just life.

  “Okay, I’ll let it go for now, but if you get hurt again, I’m going to find you another job,” Eddie told him, and Joe smiled, appreciating his friend’s concern but didn’t comment.

  “So, who’s visiting? Some dignitary or royalty?” Joe didn’t really care, but he wanted to get the subject off him and his job.

  “Remember that Duchess who came here a while ago and caused all that trouble?” Eddie stated.

  “Oh my gosh, yes. That lady was insane.” Joe had heard about her and the trouble she’d caused the Master’s beloved, Ezra.

  “The Master of her Coven, Yuri Petrov, is here to meet with Master DuCane.”

  “He sounds sexy, so what does he look like?” Joe knew that Eddie wouldn’t be able to resist getting a look at a Vampire Master, especially a European Master. “Is he all dominant and sexy?” Joe dropped his voice.

  “Yes, on both counts. I snuck a peak but remember no one is sexier than my Robert.”

  “Yeah, yeah, Robert’s the greatest now tell me about Yuri.” Joe teased Eddie for his disclaimer.

  “First off, he’s Russian but lives in France. Very cosmopolitan European.”

  “Really? That’s so hot.” Joe’s mind was instantly conjuring up suggestive images in his head. Joe led a very full fantasy life.

  “He gives off that usual leader, master, ruler vibe deadly serious, completely in control, and seeing everything. You know the look.” Joe nodded that he did. “He’s about six-five or more with jet black hair and eyes that analyze. They’re narrow and speculative at all times. He doesn’t miss much, I’m sure.”

  “He sounds interesting, and maybe a little scary,” Joe said and laughed as he walked up to a large hedge representing an image of architecture with hard edges and scallops, it was really well done.

  “He’s a little intense.” Eddie agreed. “But he’s here cleaning up Aldessa’s mess, so I guess he has a right to be intense,” Eddie added and stepped back while Joe took a few pictures of the hedge with his cell camera. While Joe was lining up his next shot, Eddie’s phone went off, indicating a message.

  “Robert’s on break, and he wants me to meet him.” Eddie wore a salacious grin that Joe recognized from previous visits.

  “Go pleasure yourself, but don’t give me any details.” Joe snapped and covered his ears. “I’ll wait here in the hedge garden for you. Have a good time, and give Robert my regards.” He smiled as his friend bounced his eyebrows and took off running back towards the Palace.

  …

  Louis DuCane stood on the terrace off the Great Hall with his second, Ismael, and discussed the Master of the Loire Coven. “He didn’t go cheap when deciding on a token of reparation for the damages committed by the Duchess,” Ismael commented as they both stared out at the garden softly lit in amber light.

  “It wasn’t just a gesture; he was making a statement with that gift,” Louis answered. “He wants the events of the past to be forgiven and for us to begin again.”

  “Where does he stand?” Ismael asked with a knowing grin.

  “He stands for himself, and we begin again,” Louis answered soundly.

  “Good, he seems a worthy Master.”

  “Yes, he does. I’m going to take a walk in the garden before retiring for the night.” Louis said, and began to walk away.

  “The hedges were tended this afternoon. I hear they’re quite impressive.” Ismael commented as he turned back towards the door, and Louis turned towards the hedge garden.

  …

  Yuri had met privately with Louis after dinner, and the outcome for their future seemed on solid ground. Now he looked forward to going home. The Palace had been welcoming and more comfortable than had been expected, but he had a coven to run and he needed to go home. He had one more day, which will be spent touring and meeting people, and then Saturday he and his men would fly home.

  He went next door to let Baylen and Andre know that he was going to retire and remain in his suite for the rest of the night. When he stepped into their room, he was suddenly assailed by the slightest scent of familiarity. Whatever it was, it brought Yuri’s vampire to alert.

  “What’s that I smell?” He said and looked around, trying to identify the source. Both Baylen and Andre stood silent, looking at one another and completely unaware of what Yuri was scenting.

  “There is something in this room.” He stated and started searching following the, barely there, an aroma that prickled his senses and demanded attention. He moved around the room, taking in every inch until his eyes and instincts connected with a black jacket tossed on a chair near the bathroom. He picked it up and pressed his face into the fabric. The smell infused in that jacket was so soft but also intoxicating in its intensity it was absolutely maddening.

  “Whose is this?” He asked and abruptly turned to the two guards.

  “Mine, sir,” Baylen responded.

  “Who have you been near?” Yuri had to find the owner of that scent. He had to know who Baylen hand touched.

  Baylen thought for a moment before responding. “I had it on before we left, but you were close to me then and did not react. I took it off for the flight and put it on again when we touched down here in Mt. Pleasant. I was around people at the airport and here at the Coven. I removed it when we arrived, changing it out for a fresh jacket.” Baylen relayed all he remembered, still not understanding what the Master was looking for.

  “We will retrace your steps in the morning,” Yuri stated.

  “You stood close to me when we got to the cars after leaving the airport,” Baylen recalled. “You didn’t scent anything on me at that time. You weren’t close to me again until after I’d changed my jacket.”

  “So, it must be someone here at the Coven who left this scent on you.” Yuri surmised.

  “Yes, sir,” Baylen responded. “May I ask, what it is you scent and what it is you’re looking for?”

  Yuri raised his gaze to Baylen, nailing him with a hard stare and, after a few seconds of silence, answered. “My beloved.”

  …

  Joe took a few more pictures and then found a stone bench situated within a circle of hedges and sat down. Eddie was going to be a while, so he sat back and took in the beauty that surrounded him. This was the way to live all quiet and serene. He wished he had a garden to walk in like this. Eddie was lucky to call such a place home, although he didn’t seem to appreciate the gardens as Joe did. He took a deep breath and relaxed but instantly knew the moment when he was no longer alone.

  He felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and a warning chill brush across the surface of his skin. It was a sensation that always signaled a stranger was getting close. It was usually attached to powerful individuals, people larger and more dangerous than Joe. Unfortunately, it had never saved him from an imminent beat down; it merely alerted him to its possibility. Too bad he couldn’t fine-tune that sense a little.

  When he turned to see who was coming up to him from the right, he stiffened and sat up straight. He had never formally met this man before, but he knew this was Master DuCane. His presence was a little unsettling simply because he was so damned overpowering. The energy and authority came off this man in waves. He remained still as the Master approached.

  “Good evening Joe.” He said, and Joe nodded and reciprocated.

  “Good evening, sir.” Master DuCane reached out his hand to Joe, who stood before taking and shaking the offered hand. His grip was gentle, but there was a pause in his release that Joe didn’t understand. He looked at Joe as if he saw something unexpected or interesting. Joe cocked his head to the side and waited.

  Master DuCane touched him lightly on the side of his neck with the tips of his fingers. It was an odd reaction on both parts but seemed natural for some reason. Then the look was gone, and they both sat down, and Joe found he was much less apprehensive than before. Something had just happened, but he didn’t know what it was.

  “Do you mind if I sit with you for a few minutes. I like the gardens at night; it’s the calm freshness that attracts me.” He was making small talk. Master DuCane was making small talk with him, Joe Banks, from the gas station.

  “I’m spending the night with Eddie.” Joe felt the need to explain his presence. “Robert’s working tonight, and Eddie asked me to come and stay. He’s with Robert right now, Robert’s on break, and Eddie said he’d meet me back here when they were finished.” Joe finished feeling as if maybe he’d said too much. Master DuCane smiled and chuckled softly. Joe wasn’t sure what he’d said that was funny.

  “You’re always welcome here, Joe.” Master DuCane said, still smiling. “Always.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Were you born and raised here in Mt. Pleasant?” The Master asked.

  “I was born in Detroit, but I was raised here in Mt. Pleasant,” Joe answered.

  “Do your parents still live in Mt. Pleasant?

  “My dad retired from the Post Office four years ago, and he and my mom moved to Florida.” Joe wasn’t sure why all the interest in his background, but he was going to tell this man everything he wanted to know in detail if required. Master DuCane was not someone you denied, anything.

  “So, which parent do you most resemble?” That one seemed a bit out of left field, but answer he did.

  “Neither actually, I was adopted.” Master DuCane nodded, satisfied as if all his questions had been answered with that final response. They both turned as Eddie came walking towards them, looking particularly happy and content.

  Master DuCane stood. “I’ll say goodnight and let you and Eddie get on with your evening. It was nice finally meeting you, Joe.” Master DuCane turned and walked away, speaking briefly to Eddie and then disappearing around one of the tall hedges. Eddie came quickly forward and sat down next to Joe.

  “You finally met him. I know you were apprehensive about it.” Eddie remarked while keeping a steady eye on Joe’s reaction.

  “Yeah, he seems a decent and friendly sort, not what I expected at all.” Joe conceded. Eddie had been telling him the guy was nice and that only his enemies needed to be afraid. “You were right,” Joe added.

  “Aren’t I always.” Eddie joked and grabbed Joe by the arm. “Come on, let’s go finish that pizza, I’m starved.” He exclaimed and pulled Joe to his feet.

  “Robert must have given you quite the workout.” Joe teased.

  “You have no idea.” Eddie shot back as they ran to the Palace. Joe jumped him and brought him down, but Eddie was too quick and rolled out from under him and leaped back to his feet and ran to a small terrace and stopped. Joe followed close on his heels and came to an abrupt halt when Eddie grabbed him and pulled him into the shadows close to the building.

  “There he is.” Eddie pointed to a balcony a couple of floors up. “That’s Master Yuri Petrov.” Joe angled to get a look and saw a tall man, dressed in black with a striking profile, all hard lines as if etched in stone or marble. Joe couldn’t tear his eyes away as the light breeze lifted the man’s hair up and back from his face. He was magnificent even more so than Master DuCane.

  Just watching this man was making Joe hot and needy in an exciting way. Joe felt himself growing hard the longer he stared. “Damn, that guy is something else.” He declared as his breathing got faster along with his heartbeat.

  “And he’s European too.” Eddie teased.

  “Yeah, the whole package.” Joe sighed. “Oh boy, what I wouldn’t do to be noticed by a man like that.”

  “What would you do?” Eddie prompted with a grin.

  “Whatever he asked.” Joe laughed and finally tore himself away from the gorgeous vision of male perfection. “We better get inside before I do something embarrassing.”

  …

  Yuri stood on the balcony of his suite, looking down upon a large garden of statuary and sculpted hedges, but the beauty was completely lost on him because his mind was fixated on that alluring scent of greenery and wildness. The only thing that managed to penetrate his awareness was two young men running from the shadows of the garden towards the Palace.

  They appeared playful, and it was a lovely image with which to end his evening. The smaller one and he was quite small jumped the taller and brought him to the ground only to have him roll back to his feet and take off again with the little one on his heels.

  Yuri watched until they were out of sight. The smaller had a way, a walk, and a presence that Yuri found pleasing. His movements were careful, observant, and quick. Yuri wondered who they were. They weren’t vampires unless Coven DuCane spawned some of the tiniest vampires in existence. The thought brought a smile to his face, and he turned away from the window.

  He glanced at the jacket that now lay on the foot of his bed. The aroma filled the room and filled his senses. It was his beloved, the man was here at the Coven and just waiting for Yuri to discover him. He would tell Louis of his discovery in the morning and ask permission to search.

  He wouldn’t get much sleep tonight, not with the prospects of tomorrow finding his beloved, his forever love, and true bond. This was why Fate had brought him here. He had initially not planned on handling this business in person. His coven had been through much in the past couple of years and needed his steady hand. He had thought to send a representative of high standing to carry out the diplomacy necessary.

  But he’d felt a driving need to come to Michigan and to present himself personally at Coven DuCane. The intensity of the feeling led him to believe that the situation with Coven DuCane may be more tenuous than assumed. So, Yuri heeded his instincts, and he’s glad that he did because what he felt here at Coven DuCane was not trouble, but rather his beloved calling to him.

  CHAPTER THREE

  As soon as he finished breakfast, Joe was ready to head out. He’d thought about another walk in the garden, but Eddie would feel he had to go with him, and he didn’t want to monopolize too much of Eddie’s time. Besides, he got some good pictures and ideas during his walk last night.

  “I have to be to work at ten today. If you’re out and around, stop in and see me.” He said as he headed to the kitchen to get the bag of leftovers that Eddie had packed up for him. He loved cold pizza, and Eddie hated cold pizza, so theirs was a perfect relationship.

  “I probably won’t go to town today, but if whoever that was that roughed you up comes back into the station, call me.” Eddie gave him that stare that said he wasn’t going to back down until Joe agreed.

  “Okay.” Joe agreed but doubted the guy would ever be back.

  “Okay, don’t forget your lunch.” Eddie was like a mother hen sometimes. He handed Joe the bag of leftovers.

  Joe said his goodbyes and then made his way down the back staircase that led to the hall by the kitchen. He exited out the same side door he’d entered yesterday and hurried to his car.

  Once in his car, he breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t that the place wasn’t fantastic and also welcoming, it was that Joe felt awkward being there. This was Eddie’s home, and his new life and Joe was getting the feeling that Eddie was drifting away from him. It wasn’t a bad thing, it was just life. He had Robert now, and Eddie needed to move on, and Joe needed to let him.

  Joe wasn’t a vampire, and he wasn’t bonded to a vampire, so he really had no right to be there. Eddie was making a lot of new friends at the Coven, and Joe must adapt to that fact and start making a life for himself apart from Eddie.