"I'm going to claim you, Wyatt, and make you mine." He stated, and Wyatt nodded. "Talk to me, sweetheart." He urged good-naturedly while spreading Wyatt's legs further apart and starting a system to prepare him. He stretched and pumped Wyatt's entrance with his thoroughly lubed fingers, feeling the warmth and silkiness wrapped around him.

  Wyatt thrust and moved in rhythm with his movements, exhilarating and rousing their desire to go to new heights. It was not going to take long for Sam to feel his arousal rising to the skies, but he would make it as beautiful and memorable as possible for his sweet beloved.

  “I want you to claim me, Sam. I want to be yours, and I want you to be mine." His words were clear and filled with the same hunger that Sam was experiencing. It was time to seal their bond.

  "Is that what you're wanting?" Sam teased as he slid his fingers deeper before pulling them free. The needy whine that Wyatt uttered at the loss had Sam smiling. "Easy, my love." He assured him as he lined up his hard, aching cock to Wyatt's eager entrance.

  Wyatt gripped Sam's upper arms with his elegant small hands and began to breathe expectantly. Sam was not going to make him wait. Sam wanted this so badly that he felt a tremble pass through him at what was about to take place. This was his beloved, and he was about to claim him for all time and make him his own. His life was going to change in the direction of all things good and pure.

  "I'm ready, Sam." Wyatt urged and tightened his grip. Sam locked gazes with those vibrant blue eyes and immediately plunged inside hard and fast, going deep and burying himself completely in one thrust.

  The magnificent sensations that raged through him were all consuming and he closed his eyes for a second savoring the moment. It was fantastic and he wanted more he wanted this man in every way and forever.

  He bore down, pressing Wyatt into the bed, and began pounding a punishing rhythm of thrusts, slamming and forcing deeper and deeper, feeling every nerve react to the touch and heat of his amazing beloved. Wyatt was the center of his world, and he would now be the single most important focus of his life and decisions. This man, so vulnerable and weak, held a power that none other would ever possess.

  Wyatt ran his soft hands down Sam's chest, and the touch was electric. "I love the way you touch me, my love." Sam panted the words and sped up his thrusts, building the sensations to a glorious height. The edge was near, and Sam's vampire was pushing forward once again, ready to strike and to claim. He saw the moment Wyatt recognized the change, seeing the red of his eyes and the stark angles of his face, but he was not afraid.

  He lifted Wyatt into his arms and thrust hard, reaching his climax and exploding, filling his beloved with his essence. The moment he came, Sam struck, sinking his teeth into the tender flesh of Wyatt's throat, drinking of the sweetness that was his beloved. He could feel Wyatt's hands on his back and felt the warmth of his release.

  Wyatt came the moment Sam bit him the reaction was pure exhilaration pure rapture. A feeling of euphoria filled Sam as the effects of the burgeoning bond snapped into place. He drank deeply and then pulled back licking it clean and healing the wound. His head was spinning with all the thoughts and feelings some his and some Wyatt’s. It was a wonderful feeling. This was their beginning.

  Wyatt felt the bite and, at first, was shocked, but then that feeling quickly morphed into a scintillating feeling of love, lust, and belonging. It was a jumble of excitement and satisfaction. He had difficulty describing it, but at the center was Sam, the most awesome man in all existence. The minute the feelings hit, he came in a rush, bursting, shattering, filling the space between them with his warm seed. He held tight and never wanted to let go.

  There was more happening here than just a quick fuck. It was something surreal, something important, for the very air around them held a charge filling him with energy and elation. "That was awesome. You absolutely take my breath away, Sam Cabot." Wyatt declared while still holding tight to Sam. Gradually, he eased him back down onto the bed and slowly slid out of Wyatt’s intimate embrace.

  “Stay with me, don’t leave.” Wyatt reached out to hold onto Sam.

  “I’m right here baby I’m just grabbing a towel to clean you up.” Sam took the soft hand towel and tenderly cleaned him and then tossed the towel to the floor and pulled Wyatt back into his arms. Wyatt laid his head on Sam and ran his hands down that marvelous chest loving the feel of his soft warm body.

  "I feel different," Wyatt commented but couldn't explain beyond that one word. Things were happening. He felt it, and he saw it. He wasn't scared, but he wanted to know what it was and why he felt the way he did. His connection to Sam was suddenly bone deep, and he possessed a need for this man who could never be sated.

  "Were you born here, Wyatt? Did you live your entire life here in Eastport?" Sam asked off the subject.

  “Yes.” Wyatt wasn’t sure why Sam was changing the subject.

  "I'm not changing the subject; I'm just getting a read on how much you might already know about the citizens of Eastport and the surrounding area." Sam dropped a kiss to the top of Wyatt's head and pulled him close.

  Wyatt turned his head, looking up at Sam in surprise. "You read my mind?"

  "You can read mine too. It's not perfect, but we can understand and feel each other's emotions and deep thoughts." Sam said, matter of fact. "It's part of the bond that you and I share." Wyatt concentrated on Sam, and it was true he could feel his emotions. He could feel the pleasure he was experiencing being close to him and holding him.

  "You're happy; you're happy that you're with me." Wyatt erupted.

  “I’m very happy.”

  “How is that possible?” Wyatt stuttered and then stopped for he was getting a vision of his lover with eyes red and fierce and his face so hard but beautiful in its intensity. He saw Sam savage and extreme and it was a huge turn on. He wanted this man in every way. He saw the smile and recognized that Sam knew.

  "You saw me; you know me. Open your mind to me, Wyatt." He said and then continued to explain. "You've lived here your entire life, and you must know something. You must have seen or heard something that, at the time, sounded too fantastic or unreal. An experience you may have tucked away because you were not ready to believe." Sam's tone was soft and sultry, drawing Wyatt into the mystery and making him think, bringing back moments of wonder and confusion. This town had many secrets and mysteries.

  "I had a friend, Ian, who dated one of the security guards at the Indigo Hotel. He had many fantastic stories of wolves, bears, and vampires. The guard's name was Seamus, and I met him once. He was a really nice guy with a great sense of humor. The things Ian used to say made me wonder about his sanity." Wyatt hadn't seen or talked to Ian in a few years. He moved to New York, and their friendship faded, which often happens when people move away.

  “What did he tell you?” Sam urged him to keep talking.

  “He said that the gated community Bay Harbor was a Wolf Pack as in werewolves and that the Indigo Hotel was staffed by werewolves, fox shifter, bear shifter and vampires.” Wyatt told him with a nervous grin part of him believed his friend because he’d been so serious about it at the time. “But then a few days later he and Seamus broke up and suddenly Ian had no memory of the bizarre things he’d said to me.”

  "I remember your friend," Sam said to a surprised Wyatt.

  “You met him.”

  "Yes, when he and Seamus broke up, it became clear that Ian was going to be a threat to our secret." Wyatt, again, turned to look at Sam directly, reading his expression and touching his emotions. His words were true, and Wyatt felt himself tense up.

  “Ian was upset when Seamus wanted to break it off with him. Ian was not his beloved or rather mate as the shifters call them, so a long-term relationship was impossible." Wyatt felt himself hanging on every word and was grateful when Sam pulled him closer, holding tightly against his body. The closeness had a relaxing effect on him.

  "Ian was getting too serious, so Seamus, being the nice guy that he is, chose to end the relationship rather than string him along. Unfortunately, Ian took it badly and started making threats to broadcast what he knew about Seamus and his friends and colleagues. Ian should never have known anything to begin with since every species takes great care in maintaining the secret, but accidents happen, and Ian was made privy to some truths.” Wyatt couldn’t stay silent. He had to comment, so he broke in.

  "You're telling me that what he told me was true. Werewolves and vampires are real?" Wyatt reached up and covered the scar on his neck with his palm, and things began to click into place.

  “I took Ian’s memories from him. My people have the ability to clear minds and it was necessary to clear Ian’s of the things that he had witnessed when he was with Seamus.” Sam paused but Wyatt didn’t know what to say.

  "You saw me; I let you see me. You know what I am." Sam urged him to speak.

  "You’re a vampire are you going to clear my memories like Ian when our time together is over?" That question seemed to have an effect. Sam rolled him over, covering him with his body, and cupped the side of his face. He stared down into Wyatt's face, piercing him with his dark, penetrating eyes. He saw everything, but Wyatt saw, too. He saw Sam, and he saw his concern and his honesty. His words were true, and his concern was for Wyatt's handling of said truth.

  "You are my beloved. I first recognized you when I touched your scarf. It was the most amazing day of my life. I immediately went in search of you, and when I found you, I was enthralled the moment I laid eyes upon you." Sam kissed him, but it was short and powerful. "Your memories cannot be touched; Fate designs that way. No one can touch your mind or have any influence on you. It's Fate's way of maintaining a balance between us and giving you power in the relationship."

  “I’m your beloved?”

  “Yes.”

  "I've heard that word before. Ian said that one of the vampires from the winery found their beloved at the wine-tasting seminar that was held at the Indigo. He said it made the man hyper-focused on the individual and a bit crazy." Wyatt remembered Ian acting like it was entertainment and oh-so-funny to watch.

  Wyatt felt for the man. He was trying to take care of his love and protect him from both the man's own family and the hired goons that were after him. Wyatt didn't find it funny at all. "He wasn't crazy; he was just protecting what he loved."

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Sam felt like he was traversing a mine field taking each question and observation carefully and thoughtfully. Wyatts final statement made it clear he took it seriously and understood what was between the two men which was a relief. “Do you understand what a beloved is?”

  “I know they’re important and held in a high regard by their paranormal partner.” That was a very keen insight.

  “Vampires have beloveds and shifters have mates, but their importance is the same. They are chosen by Fate and are recognized by scent, touch and sight. I knew you when I touched your scarf and I was drawn to you and when I met you our destiny was set.”

  “Like soulmates?”

  “More than soulmates.” Sam went on to explain the sacred aspects of the bond and the lifetime commitment it forges. He also told him of the perks for humans bonded to a vampire and Wyatt’s eyes got bigger and bigger, but he never lost faith in what Sam was telling him. Sam was glad that they’d completed their bond before getting into this particular discussion, for it gave him an edge and gave Wyatt the ability to see the truth, honesty, and love that Sam was harboring.

  "It's a lot to take in and process, I know, but we have time. As long as you're open to me and open to the truth, this will all come together, and it will make sense." Sam kissed him again, punctuating his words with the passion he was feeling for his beloved.

  "Just keep holding me and making love to me, and I will be happy no matter what the situation. Nothing that feels this damn good could ever be bad." Wyatt told him and smiled that smile that made Sam's heart melt.

  “I will love you and hold you close till the end of time.” Sam pledged.

  Holden received the message from his banker that Griffen Humbolt was attempting to dismantle the pending agreement with Cabot. “He made a few complaints in an attempt to block the sale. He's simply trying to muck up the works and slow things down."

  "Put an immediate stop to it," Holden demanded. "Humbolt no longer works for me and is attempting to cause havoc."

  “We recognized what he was attempting, and his complaints have been tabled for undo prejudice in the matter. We will expedite an end to the matter.”

  “Thank you and keep me posted.” He ended the call and then notified his legal department to send out a cease and desist letter to Griffen Humbolt immediately and to also look into action that could be taken against him.

  He then sent a message to Samuel Cabot explaining the situation and asking for a meeting. “Mr. Cabot is out of the office, sir.” His assistant messaged back. Seeing Cabot the man who had head hunted his own son, was not tops on his list, but it was something that needed his personal attention or the deal would be delayed or dismissed.

  Holden personally wrote up a new offer, giving Cabot everything he had originally requested and a significant reduction in price. He sent it over to his office. The sooner the business was dealt with, the sooner he could put his mind to repairing the relationship with his son. Cabot had a lot to offer, and Wyatt might never come back, but he wanted to make things right or as right as possible, considering the level of his neglect and mistreatment.

  Needing to do something and not one to tolerate waiting, he sent a text to Griffen telling him to refrain from further interference and making a few very legal and specific threats to his career and future. He received a response almost immediately, and it was troubling.

  "You're going to regret this, Holden. I'm going to make you regret this.” The message was short and ominous and sent a chill up Holden’s back.

  Sam ordered dinner delivered to his apartment since he wanted the continued privacy and intimacy with his beloved. They'd talked a lot, and the air was cleared of most questions, although it was still a very new concept for Wyatt, and it would take time for him to fully understand. He had a firm grasp and accepted the need for anonymity even if he did not totally comprehend the number of paranormals in the world today.

  “Your uncle is the Master of your coven. He is the same Emmanuel Cabot who landed here and settled this area two hundred years ago.” Wyatt made the statement as they finished their dinner and Sam was pouring drinks. Sam nodded.

  “You’re over two hundred years old and someday you will be Master of your coven.” Again, Sam nodded. “Where will that leave me?” That question made it clear that Wyatt’s understanding was still not where it should be.

  “By my side as always. We are one, my love. You are my beloved now and for always. There will never be another in my life, only you. That is why we take this bond so seriously. There is no stepping away, changing your mind, or finding someone new. This is a bond that is forever. Check your heart and feel what I am feeling." Sam told him and took a sip of wine.

  “I . . . I’m overwhelmed by what I feel.” Wyatt admitted.

  "Relax and take it slowly. I will help you." Sam moved over behind Wyatt and began to massage his shoulders. He also channeled his peace and calm, and soon Wyatt was swooning.

  “I love your touch.”

  “I love your smile.” Sam bent and placed a kiss to Wyatt’s cheek. He then took his hand and led him out onto the balcony overlooking the city. They just stood there together silently holding one another. “I want you to move in here with me and I want you to also move into the Chateau.”

  "I'd love that," Wyatt answered, to Sam's surprise.

  “No hesitation?” He teased.

  "I'm taking it slowly and doing what I know in my heart is correct. Staying near you has been my goal since our first meeting. I fought it in the beginning because I thought it was odd, but I'm not fighting it anymore." He snuggled a little closer to Sam.

  “You will never regret it my love.” He said and took Wyatt’s lips in another kiss this one hungry and searching. Wyatt’s phone began go off and he pulled it from his pocket.

  “I should have muted this thing.” He said and looked at the message which startled him. Sam waited watching Wyatt’s expressions and wondering what it was about. “It’s my father he wants to see me.” He said and looked up at Sam.

  "I'll go with you," Sam stated and reached for his coat.

  “No, I should go alone. I was abrupt with him this morning and I’d really like to make things better between us. I want him to understand and accept my decisions and for the two of us to be able to move on.” That looked to be a tall order from where Sam was standing but he would not deny his beloved’s need to set things straight with his father.

  “Where are you meeting him?”

  “He’s next door with the team reassessing the building.”

  “I’d like to accompany you.” Sam was getting a tense feeling but could not overstep between father and son.

  “I’ll be fine let me speak with him and I’ll be right back probably no more than an hour. I’ll text you when I’m on my way back.” Wyatt seemed eager to meet with his father, so Sam backed off.

  He walked him downstairs and saw him off, but the tension he was feeling did not lessen. He watched him until he was out of sight. Then, he took a seat in the lobby off to the side and waited. Something was off, but he didn't know if it was real or a reaction to being away from his beloved so soon after bonding.

  Wyatt walked over to the empty building, crossed the lawn, and went for the side door that Griffen said would be open. He wished it hadn't been Griffen who set up the meeting between him and his father. The guy was forever pushing himself into places where he did not belong. Griffen would be one of the subjects he discussed with his father.