“I’m in no hurry, take your time,” Yuri spoke casually, but his heart was racing at the sight of his beloved so perfectly exquisite in every way. His brown hair beautifully shot through with darks and lights was styled in a modern cut long and wavy on top, and close-cropped on the sides, and those eyes so expressive were an amazing dark amber.

  He watched as Joseph stood to his full height, which was no more than a little over five feet, and took two tentative steps towards him. Yuri could see the cat peering to the surface of Joseph’s awareness and stealing a look at their mate.

  Joseph didn’t know him, but his cat was well aware of Yuri’s importance and forced Joseph to come ever closer in their need to be near their mate. Confused desire flashed across his countenance as his feet acted as if of their own volition step after step bringing him to stand before Yuri.

  His head barely reaching the middle of Yuri’s chest. Such a gorgeous little man, so shy and uncertain but willing to take a risk. Yuri couldn’t wait to stake his claim and discover every secret his little beloved possessed.

  …

  Joe had no idea what was coming over him. The man was drawing him near without saying a word, and he couldn’t stop himself from going closer. This was the man he saw on the balcony last night. This was Master Yuri Petrov, and he was looking at Joe like he was interested, really interested.

  He was so tall he towered over the shelving and had to look down on Joe. His eyes were like Eddie had described. Intense and scrutinizing, but also warm and exciting, and they were eating Joe alive. He wasn’t so much intimidating him as he was possessing him in a strange way. Joe felt as if this man, Master Yuri, so dominant and commanding, owned him body, mind, and soul with just a glance.

  “My name is Yuri Petrov.” He said, and his voice made Joe’s body turn to jelly. “I’m staying with Louis DuCane for a few days. What’s your name, beautiful?”

  He just called him beautiful, but he must be mistaken a man like Yuri wouldn’t give a man like Joe the time of day, let alone a compliment. Yet, he seemed to be doing both. “My name is Joe Banks.” He decided to just keep it simple and not search for meaning where there probably was none.

  “Very pleased to meet you, Joseph.” Yuri held out his hand to him, and Joe just stood there staring for probably too long but finally pulled it together and took the man’s hand.

  The contact was shocking and exhilarating, thrilling him to his core. Never had a handshake ever felt like an intimate caress. It was as if Yuri had glided his hand across Joe’s entire body and set fire to every neuron. He didn’t let go but rather held onto Joe’s hand rubbing circles with his thumb on the back of Joe’s hand, and it intensified the thrill leaving Joe literally transfixed. What was happening here?

  “Do you live here in Mt. Pleasant, Joseph?” Yuri was making conversation, and Joe was trying to control himself. He ultimately just nodded in the affirmative, and Yuri smiled. It was all he could do to resist walking straight into those strong arms and begging for an embrace.

  “You’re staying at the Palace.” Joe struggled for something trying to get back to a sense of normal, but his heart wanted him to snuggle against this man and purr. It was so strange, and he couldn’t help it when he tilted his head clearly showing Yuri his throat much like he’d done last evening with Master DuCane.

  But unlike Master DuCane, Yuri did not tap his throat with his fingertips. Yuri bent and placed a kiss to the side of Joe’s neck, and it was amazing. The man’s lips were warm and soft, and he smelled like pure excitement.

  The sensations that had been pinging around his system went into overdrive at the touch of his lips and what felt like a slight sting that quickly turned to sharp pleasure. The Master had tasted him. Yuri pulled back and released Joe’s hand but managed to end with his arm around Joe’s shoulders, guiding him back to the counter. Joe felt like he was in a dream a wonderful and erotic dream.

  “Yes, I’m staying at the Palace, and I will be seeing you at dinner tonight,” Yuri said, and Joe was sure the man had smelled his hair just before letting him go as Joe rounded the counter, and Yuri remained on the other side. Damn, he hated being this far away from him. He had to physically resist climbing over the counter.

  Yuri paid for the gas, and when Joe handed him his change, he gripped Joe’s hand and brought it to his lips, placing a heated kiss on his knuckles. He glanced up at Joe with a look in his eyes that was both predatory and possessive with a side of drop-dead sexy. Joe was blown away, completely blown away, and speechless. He just watched as Yuri stepped back.

  “I’ll see you tonight, Joseph. Come early.” He then turned and left the station, taking every bit of air with him. Joe collapsed onto the counter and just lay there for a few minutes, gathering his thoughts and regaining his composure. That was Master Yuri Petrov of France, and he flirted with him. Joe was still blown away by the events of a few minutes ago when another customer walked in, and he had to try and force himself to act like a normal human being again.

  …

  Yuri was pleased, very pleased by the progress with his beloved. Joseph was shy and hesitant, but the boldness of his cat pushed him to respond to Yuri’s advances. He was a sweet submissive treasure, and now Yuri understood. The need he had felt to make this journey had nothing to do with Master DuCane and everything to do with a small clerk at a local gas station.

  He got into his car, and Andre pulled away from the station. It was hard driving away, but he left his mark on Joseph, making it clear to anyone who got too close just who this little man belonged to. He also knew that Joseph would be at the Palace tonight, and they would have dinner together. It would be a setting that was familiar and comfortable for his beloved and would assist Yuri in making his claim.

  Joseph was not unaware of the paranormal and understood the importance of a beloved. His good friend was bonded to a vampire so Joseph would know what it meant to be Yuri’s beloved. The difficult part would be explaining the fact that Joseph was a shifter. The cat that Louis had detected in Joseph’s eyes was a lynx. Yuri had seen him clearly as the animal recognized Yuri as his mate. His sweet little kitten would be in his arms soon.

  He wondered how Joseph had ended up being adopted by humans and left with no knowledge of his true identity. Shifters were sometimes killed by hunters who had no comprehension of what and who they were killing. Other times shifters were targeted by hunters who feared what they were. Perhaps Joseph’s parents were felled by such, and he was thus left with no true history or understanding of who he is.

  Louis told him that he had someone doing a deep search of Joseph’s past and would have some answers soon. It didn’t matter, Yuri would cherish and love his little kitten regardless of his past. Nothing mattered except getting Joseph comfortable with him and willing to bond and also willing to move to France. The last caused a smile to curve his lips.

  He hadn’t much to smile about in the past two years with upheavals in his rule and eradicating his opponents, but life was taking a more pleasant turn as of late. With the removal of Duchess Aldessa Foix and the subsequent downfall of her followers had paved the way for peace and consolidation within the Coven. The added agreement with Louis DuCane and finding his beloved was more than he could have imagined.

  The taste of his beloved was still upon his tongue, and he savored the force of power and possession that it provided. He’d never experienced a feeding so slight yet so explosive. The moment the blood touched his tongue, energy shot through him as if he’d had fed on one of the most powerful individuals in existence. His beloved would experience the same when the lynx marked and claimed him. It was the way with true bonds, and Yuri couldn’t wait to sample his love once again.

  On their return to the Palace, Yuri noticed a group of vehicles, with the insignia of the Mt. Pleasant Sheriff’s Department on the sides, clustered around a small clearing within a densely forested area. It was approximately one mile from the first turn off towards the Palace. He had Andre phone and alert the Coven. No one likes law enforcement meddling around that close to their borders.

  …

  “They’re investigating the disappearance of one of their deputies,” Ismael reported to Louis following the notification of activity in the woods just beyond their gates.

  “Sheriff Korbin did not feel it necessary to alert us to this?” Louis was not happy.

  “He thought it was nothing, but they hadn’t heard from Deputy Clark since late last night, so they started looking for him early this morning. Clark is a new hire, a wolf shifter from Ohio.” Ismael continued. “Sheriff Korbin is seriously falling down on the job; it seems one misstep follows another.”

  “Did they find the deputy?” Louis asked.

  “Not yet, but they found his car dumped off-road in a ravine nearby on Coven property. Korbin now thinks that it is serious and is conducting a comprehensive search for Deputy Clark.” Ismael shook his head. “This is such a mess.”

  “As always, it would seem,” Louis stated dismissively. “Sheriff Korbin’s heart is no longer in the job.” Louis swung around and made the declaration. “Find me a new sheriff and send a team to search for Deputy Clark. Ignore Korbin and his department and get the job done.” Ismael nodded and left the room just as Ezra was entering. Louis’ look of irritation and disgust vanished as his eyes took in his sweet beloved.

  “Come to me, sweetheart.” He said and held out his arms for Ezra to nuzzle close within his embrace. “Holding you makes my day so much better.” He said while kissing the top of Ezra’s head.

  “I wanted to let you know that Chef Reid has the dinner well in hand, and it looks like it’s going to be a delicious affair.” Ezra wrapped his arms around Louis’ waist and held him tight.

  “Yuri seems like a good man, and I’m glad Joe will have someone strong and capable of looking out for him. I was so lucky to find you. Your love made such a difference in my life that I hope that Joe has the same good luck with Yuri.” Ezra sounded dreamy as he spoke of love and commitment.

  Louis raised Ezra's face up towards him to look into his eyes. “I am the lucky one, my love. Before I found you, my life was dark and empty. I lived, and I did my duty, but beauty and love I did not know until I knew you.” Louis bent and placed a soft heated kiss to Ezra’s upturned lips sealing his love and devotion.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Joe called in a favor and got off two hours early. He needed to shower and change and get to this dinner at the Palace. He was now sort of looking forward to the function, whereas before meeting Yuri, he had been dreading it. What a difference a handsome man can make in one’s desire to step out and socialize.

  He didn’t own a suit, so he hoped that his black dress pants and crew neck sweater would suffice. They were both nice pieces, and he saved them for more formal or dress-up occasions. He just wasn’t sure if they were good enough for dinner at the Palace. If there was a problem with his outfit, Eddie would let him know. He looked in the mirror for the tenth time checking to make sure everything was in place. His hair looked good, his shoes were shined, and his fingernails cleaned, so he was ready.

  Before heading out, he phoned Eddie to make sure he’d meet him at the side door by the kitchen. He didn’t want to have to enter the dinner party solo. It would be easier if he could walk in with Eddie and Robert. While on the phone, he had the strange sensation of being watched. He looked out his kitchen window, which gave him a view of the back yard, but he saw nothing. Walking over to the living room window, he looked around the front but again saw nothing amiss.

  “I’ll meet you at the side entrance,” Eddie assured. “Although you could come through the front.”

  “I feel more comfortable with the back entrance. It’s more casual, and fewer people are around.” Joe wasn’t prepared for the front doors of the Palace.

  “Okay, I’ll meet you there, don’t be late.”

  “I will not be late.” He took one more look around from every window but saw nothing even though the feeling would not leave him. Ever since last night with Master DuCane and then today with Yuri, Joe found that his senses were intensified. It was odd, but he couldn’t link it to anything else.

  The Master vampires appear to have brought out something in him that made him more aware, more tuned in to sights, sounds, and scents. He didn’t understand it, but he was intrigued by it. Everything seemed a little sharper, and right now, he had the distinct feeling of being watched.

  He walked to his car, keeping his attention focused on his environment. Nothing happened as he got into his car and started it up. It might have been his neighbor or some kids playing in the woods, but it felt malevolent. He wasn’t sure why or how he knew that, but his instincts were telling him to be careful and observant.

  As he made his way out of town, his mind shifted to the dinner party that was to take place within the hour. He’d never been invited to a dinner party before. He’d been invited to dinner at Eddie’s several times, but this was an event not just a friendly get together.

  Palace dinner parties followed a certain decorum and were planned functions with important people in attendance. With that in mind, he had no clue as to why he was invited. Eddie made the whole thing sound casual, and he hoped that it was, but he had his doubts.

  As usual, he was waved through at the gates, and he continued on up to the Palace grounds. Once parked, he got out and looked around, taking in the magnificence of the place. It always amazed him that such a grand house existed in the wilds of Isabella County. The place was breathtaking; every time he came, it left him with the impression of having visited royalty. Maybe that was why he tried to limit his visits for fear that the feeling would wear off.

  A couple guards passed by him, and he felt their energy prickle along his skin. His new, finely tuned senses were alerting him to everything around him. He wondered if it would last. He hadn’t come in contact with a Master vampire before yesterday; maybe they had this kind of effect on everyone. He would try and remember to ask Eddie about it.

  The back door opened, and assuming it was Eddie, he began hurrying in that direction. When the person stepped out, it wasn’t Eddie, it was Master Yuri, and he was walking towards him, but why? It didn’t make sense, why was he meeting him? Maybe it wasn’t for him. Joe took a tentative look back over his shoulder, expecting to see someone of importance there, but there was no one. He turned back to see Yuri smiling at him.

  “Your friend Eddie was going to meet you and escort you to dinner, but I asked him if I could collect you.” Yuri came up to stand in front of Joe, who was clearly taken aback by the man’s attention. “Come.” He held out his arm for Joe, who slipped his hand inside, feeling suddenly like the belle of the ball.

  “I don’t want to sound rude, but why would you want to escort me to dinner?” Joe needed to understand what it was that Master Yuri wanted from him. They started towards the back door with Joe holding the man’s arm and Yuri keeping him close.

  Yuri was dressed to perfection in a black suit that was so soft yet so structured it screamed importance. He stood tall and imposing completely in control. Joe felt something inside him sit up and take notice in a way that was not only physical but mentally and emotionally as well.

  “I felt something between us when we met at the station, and I know that you felt it too. I want to explore that a little further and get to know you.” Yuri spoke casually as if he were discussing something mundane like sports or the weather. The Master found him interesting. Master Yuri wanted to get to know him, Joe Banks. Joe was flabbergasted and at a loss for what to say. He paused for several seconds before responding.

  “I’m surprised but honored, thank you.” Joe wasn’t sure how to respond and just tried to be honest and polite. Yuri opened the door for him and followed Joe inside, where he once again held Joe’s hand in the crook of his arm.

  “It is I who am honored, Joseph.” He said and pulled Joe closer as they made their way through the Palace to the grand State Dining Room, where the dinner was to be held. They entered the outer room, and everyone was milling about and having drinks.

  Joe spotted Eddie and Robert across the room, but before he could signal them, Yuri turned him around and introduced him to two guards standing by the door. Unfortunately, Joe was acquainted with one of the men already.

  “Joseph, these are my guards.” Yuri began. “This is Andre, my driver.” Andre extended his hand and nodded. Joe took the hand and gave it a quick shake and let go immediately while his eyes kept shifting to the man standing next to Andre. This was so damn uncomfortable.

  “And this is Baylen.” Joe met his gaze and wasn’t sure if he would shake his hand or was planning on grabbing Joe by the throat again. He reared back slightly in preparation. Baylen, like Andre, extended his hand, and Joe couldn’t help hesitating before taking it.

  “Joseph and I already met,” Baylen admitted. “At the gas station on the way here. Although in my hurry, I was disrespectful and for that, I apologize.” He shook Joe’s hand and stepped back.

  Joe wasn’t sure what to say to that. He wasn’t ready to let the jerk off the hook, so just nodded and looked away. He was apologizing because Joe was with Yuri and for no other reason than that. It didn’t matter, there were a lot of people here, and he wouldn’t have to converse with Baylen again. It saddened him that Yuri’s guard was such a straight-up asshole.

  They were offered drinks which Joe declined, and soon they were on their way into dinner. Eddie and Robert acknowledge him but remained on the other side of the room. Joe was getting more confused by the minute, was he Eddie’s guest or was he Yuri’s guest? Joe hadn’t been allowed more than a few inches away from Master Yuri since he collected him outside.

  Seating was a surprise with Joe seated next to Master Yuri and across from Master DuCane and Ezra. While Eddie and Robert were at the far end of the table. Why was he being treated like an important guest? Nothing here was making any kind of sense.