"Good enough." Neal just needed to hear his take on everything. He, too, put his phone on speaker and relaxed on the couch with a soft drink and a sandwich. Someone, he's assuming Alistar had bought him groceries, and the manager had given them access. He was touched by the thoughtfulness.

  He drank his soda, ate his ham sandwich, and explained his entire night to Byron, including the strange way that Alistar made him feel. Byron did not interrupt, and when finished, Neal sat silently, waiting for his take on it all.

  He hadn’t used the word vampire or paranormal just insane and bizarre and also peppered in wild and peculiar. He told Alistar he wouldn’t tell anyone about the vampire thing, and he felt the need to hold to that promise.

  "Is Alistar part of Agincourt? You know, that banking conglomerate?" Byron asked, not as shocked or dismayed by his story as Neal had expected. Neal wondered how he'd made such a leap, but he wasn't wrong.

  "Yes, he works for Agincourt," Neal responded.

  "Did he happen to tell you his job title? Is he part of the leadership, security, or a higher-level position?" Neal had no idea where Byron was going with this.

  “He just said he’s a fixer.” That got him a response. “His supervisor or boss or the guy he answers to is Von Hale but I don’t know what his title is.”

  "Holy fuck, Neal . . . Neal, wow . . . I don't know what to say." Byron was flabbergasted and struggling to provide some kind of answer. "He's a fixer for the Agincourt group?" He seemed to need further clarification.

  "Yes, that's what he said. He was very kind to me, very thoughtful. He saved my life, Byron." Neal felt the need to defend Alistar.

  "I'm coming over, and we have to talk." With that, Byron closed the call, and Neal sat there more confused now than he was when he started.

  Alistar was angry and on edge not a good combination for a man like him. The rogue that escaped Rian was his focus at the moment. The one Rian caught was bald and wearing coveralls. Alistar remembered him. The other was blond well dressed in a suit and tie and looked decidedly out of place with the other three, but he was taking part and exhibited similar violent and sadistic behavior as did the rogues. He would be dealt with likewise.

  Word was that he was spotted downtown at the eastern end which was less populated, and a bit run down. If the man was looking for victims this would be the place to hang out. Although he would stand out in his suit and tie. Alistar was searching a derelict building one of many on the block when he received a call from Master Kilconnor.

  “I hear that you’re tracking the rogue.” He stated.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Why are you not with your adored?”

  "He wanted some space and some time to process everything. The awareness was coming upon him, and he became overwhelmed." It sounded idiotic now that he said it out loud. They were a Fated pair, and they should be together building their bond.

  "I understand the desire to give your loved one what he asks for, but I wouldn't stay away too long, Alistar. I have not found my adored yet, but I remember my father saying that the closeness between a Fated pair is imperative to build a strong and lasting bond." The Master paused for a second and then added the punch.

  "The longer you are apart, the more the vampire in you will yearn for and crave your adoration. It will get out of your control, and the hunger will take over. Do not let that happen. I need you back as soon as possible and at full capability. Don't become weakened by confusion and uncertainty." His words were not simply a warning. They were an order. "I know you want to finish this job, but Rian is capable of handling it. Go to your adored and set things right. I need you, Alistar. I need you settled and back on the job. You're my best."

  Alistar was touched by his words. “I’ll go to him sir and I will get this settled. I need him and he needs me.” It was time to clear the air and lay it out to Neal, they were a Fated pair and he had to be feeling it too by now. The awareness would help him and ease the way. It had been several hours, and the separation was becoming distracting and painful. He thought he could stay away but it was proving impossible.

  Byron entered the apartment and went straight for the bottled water before meeting Neal in the living room. He sat on the edge of the chair with his forearms resting on his thighs and he stared at Neal and shook his head. “You’re dating a fixer who works for Agincourt and just so you know, Mr. Von Hale is one of the executive level managers at Agincourt.”

  "Not dating Alistar, but I just met him last night." Neal clarified.

  “He saved your life and then provided you care throughout the night.”

  “Yes, he did.” Neal felt good about that fact and found his need to support his new friend was outweighing his fears and confusion. He shouldn’t be discussing Alistar with his brother a feeling of disloyalty was coming over him. He should put an end to this Alistar deserved his loyalty and protection.

  "Agincourt Bank is a very powerful entity. A fixer is a problem solver who operates below the radar, and in regard to Agincourt, that would be someone who makes their problems go away. When I say go away, I mean they don't care how he does it. They just want it done. Your Alistar is a very dangerous man, and I would advise that you stay away from him." That wasn't what he wanted to hear, and honestly, he could not equate his Alistar with some heartless, bloodthirsty killer, although he did make short work of those guys at the dry cleaner.

  “He dealt with some very violent people who were planning to eat me. He took care of me and seemed rather disappointed when I asked to go home. I think he wanted to hang out a while longer. I don't see anything wrong with the guy I was just spooked by everything." Neal continued to defend Alistar; he felt a yearning in his heart, and he was beginning to miss him.

  He wondered where Alistar was and what he was doing and if he was thinking about him. He suddenly felt stupid for needing to go home and talk to his brother. He should have talked to Alistar and worked this out with the source. He wasn’t afraid of him, and he longed to be with him again. He couldn’t keep his mind on the discussion as his thoughts continually turned to Alistar.

  "They're not human." Byron blurted, pulling Neal away from his brooding thoughts.

  “Who?” He snapped.

  “Agincourt, they aren’t human.”

  "What are they?" Neal knew, but he wanted to see what Byron had to say.

  "I don't know for sure, vampires maybe or demons of some sort. I know you don't believe me, but it's true they're something beyond human, although they look human." Byron took a drink of his water and then stared at it for a few seconds before continuing. "I saw them they're not human."

  “You believe in vampires?” Neal asked.

  "I do now." He said sharply. "I saw some things at the Sin Lounge a few months ago, and it was eye-opening." He took another drink, nearly draining the bottle. "A friend was working with an associate from Agincourt and told me some scary stuff."

  “Who?”

  "I don't want to say; I don't want to get him into trouble. Agincourt takes care of themselves, and they have people, like Alistar, who handle their problems quickly and cleanly." He looked pointedly at Neal.

  "I know about the vampire angle, and I know there are some supernatural aspects to this town, but with that said, I have to tell you that I trust Alistar." Neal sat up and regarded his brother squarely.

  "I was scared at first, but the longer I was with him, the more I understood and the more I liked the guy. I don't know the details of what he does for Agincourt, but I know that what he did last night served to protect us all. Those things were insane." He paused and took a deep breath. "I ran because I was inundated with so much information so fast that I couldn’t take it all in. But now I’m starting to understand.”

  “Are you going to see him again?”

  "I hope so." He surprised himself with his own words. It was how he was feeling, but he hadn't expected to put it out there like that. "I was overwhelmed by it all and needed some space to think, and he brought me home, no questions asked. He's not a bad man, Byron."

  “If you’re lucky he won’t pursue this further.” Byron stated direct and to the point as always. “Most of the Agincourt people simply enjoy a good time they aren’t into dating or relationships. A few are married but not many from what I understand.” He took another sip of his water and glanced absently around the room.

  "The second in command, Sloan Dobre, recently got married to a local boy, a nondescript little man with very little to offer someone of Sloan's caliber. He probably functions as nothing but a blood bag, and I don't want that sort of future for you."

  "That's gross, Byron. I won't be a blood bag."

  “It could be you, Neal."

  "Alistar is someone I hope to see again, and I hope she finds me interesting enough to date and have a relationship," Neal told him, but Byron kept shaking his head.

  “Why did you bother asking me if you already had made up your mind about it?”

  “I hadn’t made up my mind but listening to you bad mouth him made me realize that he’s really a good man and talking to you made me recognize that my feelings are growing for him.”

  "Well, when it blows up in your face, remember what I said." Byron sat back and finished his water. Byron was a good judge of people, but Neal was certain that he was not reading Alistar correctly. He never met him and never spoke to him, so he didn't know anything apart from his job title, which seemed to weird him out.

  "I'll remember what you said," Neal repeated with a smile, and his brother tossed the empty plastic bottle at him. Just then, he received a message on his phone, a message he'd been waiting for since last night. It was his boss, Mrs. Reginald Ball.

  "Don't bother coming to work again, ever; you're fired. That dress was everything to me, and you let it go up in flames. If you'd picked it up on time, it wouldn't have gotten destroyed. Don't bother shopping for another assistant position, I'll make sure everyone knows what a useless disappointment you are." Neal read it several times and then handed his phone to Byron.

  "That was brutal," Byron commented.

  "It was just a matter of time anyway. She was impossible to please." He then received another text from her stating that he could come and pick up his final check later in the day and it would be ready after five.

  “Why doesn’t she just mail it to you or use direct deposit?”

  "I don't know. She's peculiar. I'd rather pick it up anyway. It could take her forever to drop it in the mail."

  CHAPTER FOUR

  After speaking with Master Kilconnor, Alistar was adamant that he reconnects with his adored and do it immediately. The distance he was feeling between them was becoming physically painful. He never should have left he should have come up with a reason or suggestion or something that would have kept them together at the hotel.

  His plan had been to stay at the Monarch Hotel get to know each other, grow their bond and complete the claiming, at which time Neal would be fully aware and ready to start their lives together. Unfortunately fear and confusion took the upper hand and his adored fled for home and he just let him go. But he couldn’t force him to stay there would have been nothing gained by forcing him to do anything.

  There should have been more talk and more explanation and more touching and he would make sure all took place this time. He wasn’t sure what kind of reception he would receive just showing up to Neal’s apartment, but he hoped that Neal was missing him even half as much as he was missing him.

  Overriding the keypad was a simple process and it struck him that the complex was far from even moderately secure. He took the stairs two at a time and very quickly found himself at Neal’s door.

  This time instead of breaking in, he knocked and waited. There were sounds from inside he could hear his adored and he could feel and scent his presence, and it was wonderful. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as the closeness washed over him.

  There was someone else in the apartment; he heard another voice and felt another presence. He knocked again firmer and harder this time conveying the urgency that was coursing through him.

  The door swung open and there he stood looking just as amazing as the first time Alistar had laid eyes upon him. His silky hair, soft skin and those wonderous blue eyes and best of all, he looked excited to see him.

  “Alistar!” He said and pulled him inside. Alistar allowed himself to be pulled into the room and closed the door behind him. He saw the other person sitting looking at him and giving him a very decided once over.

  "I'm so glad you're here." Neal erupted, and the enthusiasm was exactly what Alistar needed.

  “I’m glad too baby. I missed you.” He told him and then pulled him close slipping his arm around his shoulders. This was perfect the tension in his bones and the anger and frustration in his heart drained away. He boldly dropped a kiss to Neal’s cheek ignoring the pointed stare from the man across the room.

  "Byron." Neal exclaimed. "This is Alistar." Byron stood and took several tentative steps toward them, never taking his eyes off Alistar and the possessive way he was holding Neal.

  “Alistar this is Byron my brother.” Byron reached out his hand and Alistar took it in his. Both men sizing each other up.

  “Pleased to meet you, Byron." He said with a pleasant smile.

  "And you," Byron responded, but there was no smile or sign of acceptance. He was guarded and suspicious. Alistar used the contact of their hands to touch his mind and see what he knew but he could not break through. Byron's mind was untouchable, which was a surprise.

  A flash of perception crossed Byron’s face, and he pulled his hand away. Alistar wondered how much Neal had shared with his brother, perhaps too much, but a memory wipe was not possible. It would appear that Byron, too, was destined to be bonded. Whoever they were, they were going to have their hands full with that one.

  "Come in," Neal said and began pulling Alistar further into the apartment. Neal moved toward the couch, and his brother Byron moved toward the door. Alistar was relieved that Byron did not plan to stay.

  "I'll call you later, Neal," Byron announced as he glared at Alistar, and Neal nodded. "If you need me, I'm just a text away. I can be here in minutes." That statement was for Alistar's benefit and not Neal's.

  “He’s quite safe Byron I promise you.” Alistar answered. Byron continued to stare at him silently for a few more seconds and then left.

  "He doesn't trust you," Neal stated the obvious. "But he'll come around; I certainly did."

  "Did you miss me, baby?" Alistar teased and tilted Neal's face up to his and took those sweet red lips in a kiss that was heart-stopping. Neal wrapped his arms around Alistar's waist and joined the kiss with an ardor that was unexpected but thoroughly appreciated.

  Alistar pressed him close, molding their bodies together while deepening the kiss and drawing out every sensation. This was what was missing: the connection between them and the heat that was building with each passing minute. He ran his hands down Neal's sides, pulling him even closer, and moved to trail sensuous kisses down his throat.

  Neal held him, and he felt the warm brush of his panting breath against his cheek. "I missed you Alistar. The longer we were apart, the more I knew and wanted." He turned and softly kissed Alistar's jaw, and he felt Neal's hands smoothing salaciously along the curve of his ass. Neal was not shy, which was refreshing and allowed Alistar to be equally forward with his needs.

  Neal was shocked by his own brazenness, but he also had no intention of curbing or tempering his desires. There was no danger here. He could feel the acceptance and Alistar's familiar heat in his touch and in his looks. He wanted him, and Neal was not going to deny himself. All his concerns of earlier and his self-righteousness were taking a firm backseat to the need to know this man and to hold him close.

  Clarity was taking over and things that had never crossed his mind before were becoming facts and his old reality was shifting taking on various new forms. None of this felt off or harmful it just was, and he felt himself accepting and understanding things that normally would have freaked him the hell out.

  “This is all real?” He whispered.

  "It's all real, my love," Alistar responded.

  Neal took in the gentle kisses and the soft touches losing himself in the romance and excitement. Alistar belonged to him he could feel that truth in his soul and he belonged to Alistar. They just met and yet their bond was obvious and clear. He knew him before he met him, or he was simply delirious with desire.

  “The desire is strong, and it is all true all the thoughts and feelings rushing through you right now are all true. Once we have bonded completely you will experience a full awakening, and you will know even more. The world of the supernatural will be wide open for you.” Neal wasn’t sure what he was referring to since so much had already been revealed he couldn’t imagine what else would come to light.

  Alistar led him into the bedroom and quickly helped relieve him of his clothing. Neal was standing there in nothing but a quiet smile waiting for Alistar to say something. He ran his hands down Neal’s body, and his eyes took in every inch. The seconds ticked by, and the tension was building.

  "You're so beautiful, Neal. Your body is flawless and perfect." His words were breathless, and the sound and feel of the sentiment sent a sensuous shiver down Neal's spine. "I want you; I want to claim you and mark you as my own. I need everyone to know that you are my adored."

  A lot was being said, and Neal had the feeling that it was all very important, but all he could think about was getting Alistar naked and experiencing that incredible body close-up. "I want you too, Alistar." That's all he could get out before reaching for him. He pulled at Alistar's shirt and grabbed for his belt before Alistar took over and again lost the clothing in record time.

  He watched the shirt come off, followed by the pants, and he was absolutely mesmerized, but when the briefs were removed, his want and longing shot to the moon. "Yes." He moaned the word and again reached for Alistar, who eagerly pulled him close, molding their bodies together once again