“Don’t even try vampire I put enough in those darts to knock out an elephant.” The voice was familiar and as Conrad turned he saw Dumas rushing toward them but it was unnecessary because the man who had been standing behind them, Manfred was already dead.

  Killian stepped over the prostrate body of Manfred and helped Conrad to his feet after pulling the dart from his back. Dumas offered to take an unconscious Evan from his arms, but he waved him off. He wasn't ready to let go of him.

  “What the hell was he trying to do?” Conrad ranted once he’d shaken off the effects of the drug.

  “I’ve been following him since he hit town. I’m sorry I didn’t take him out before he got off a couple shots at you and your beloved.” Killian apologized.

  "You and Dumas were there in the clinch, so that's all that matters," Conrad told him. Killian reached down and pulled the amber bracelet from Manfred's pocket.

  “He was planning to repossess your young Charmer.”

  "Fuck that," Conrad responded.

  "Fuck him," Dumas added.

  "Exactly." Killian finished with an evil smile. "I'll clean this up. You should take your beloved somewhere and make him comfortable." Killian's meaning was clear, and Conrad said there wasn't anything he wanted to do more than get comfortable with his beloved.

  "Shouldn't Evan's aura have prevented Manfred from getting close to him? How was he going to get that bracelet on him?" Dumas questioned as Conrad turned to leave, and Killian was putting in a call for cleanup.

  "His aura is muted when he's asleep or unconscious, but let's keep that as quiet as possible. I don't want anyone else thinking they can come for him." Conrad explained.

  "He will be well protected, Conrad," Killian affirmed, and Dumas nodded his agreement.

  "Thank you both." Conrad left, hurrying to the elevator, anxious to get Evan home and tend to his needs. He was physically okay, just drugged. Conrad could feel his heart and mind, and all was well. He just needed to process that poison out of his system.

  Conrad contacted the Master’s office and let him know they would stop by when Evan was able. He told him not to worry that Killian had updated him and that he would stop by their quarters later.

  He laid Evan out on the bed and kissed him softly he then took off his shoes and socks and made him comfortable. He checked where he was hit with the dart and there was no sign of discoloration or swelling. He then placed a thick quilt over him and made sure he had enough pillows and then went out into the other room to wait for Master Hadden.

  It wasn't long before there was a knock on his door, and Master Hadden entered. Conrad offered him a drink, but he declined. They sat together in the living room, Conrad on the couch and the Master on a chair to his left.

  “Manfred has been eliminated, as you know, and there is no further threat from either his family or their kindred. I don’t believe we will be bothered by them again.” The Master began.

  “That’s a relief he has enough to worry about.”

  "Yes, he certainly does, and with that said, I'd like to confront this issue tomorrow at dawn." Conrad felt his stomach tighten at the announcement. "According to Batiste and Marek, the evil inhabiting the Center is at its weakest at dawn. We will meet in the main room an hour before dawn. We will make preparations, and Batiste will transport us to the Center." Master Hadden was calm, clear, and very much in control, but Conrad could not help but worry about his beloved.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “How is he?”

  "Sleeping off the drug that Manfred doused him with; otherwise, he's well and strong," Conrad told him.

  “You and I and Marek will accompany him. Any more than that will just get in the way and give the evil something to latch onto.” The Master looked beyond Conrad to the bedroom door. “I can feel the strength of his presence, it radiates through the room. He has changed the wavering aura he used to present has become a solid manifestation with an intensity and an impact. Marek told me he was ready, and I believe that he is.”

  "I witnessed his shifted form, and it was impressive. He told me he recognized the evil at the Center and that he had battled with that enemy before." That caught the Master's attention.

  “He is truly the risen Charmer.” Master Hadden spoke softly as if to himself.

  “He also said there were more because times are such that the Charmers are returning.” Conrad shared everything.

  "This is our battle to end the curse and destroy the evil in our city. We will face our enemies just as others will have to face theirs because the fate of the world rests on more than just the Hadden Coven." The Master finished, and Evan stepped out of the bedroom and into the living room. Conrad and Master Hadden stood as he approached.

  He was confident and clear, and his power was sharp and intense, crackling along the surface of his flesh. "This is our battle, and I will send that abomination back from whence it came. The heart of the matter lay within the ground floor. Destroy the heart, and you destroy the force of its power."

  “Tomorrow morning.” Master Hadden declared.

  “Tomorrow morning, sir.” Evan accepted.

  Just as Evan recognized the evil taking over this land, the evil recognized Evan. It felt the power of the Charmer, something that hadn't been felt in over a thousand years, and it quivered. It lost its hold on the distant lands and began pulling its resources back to the heart. It must defend and protect the heart. The aged curse had opened the door to this reality filled with bountiful lush innocence, and this point of darkness was not ready to be banished.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Once the Master had left, Evan took Conrad's hand and led him back to the bedroom. "I want you, Conrad. I want us to claim one another. I want to feel you around me and inside of me. I want to be one with you, my love and my truth."

  “I want you too Evan. My heart has been aching for you since the first moment I laid eyes on you. I want to touch you, hold you, kiss you and have you with me always.” Conrad responded while taking off his clothes. He needed this young man he needed to bond to be one with him and to know that their lives would be forever entwined.

  "Come closer, Conrad." Conrad's arousal flared under the heated gaze of his most beloved. He caught his breath when Evan took off his top and dropped the track pants to the floor, leaving him bare to Conrad's scrutiny.

  Evan's body was gorgeous long legs, a perfect ass, and a slender cock that was hard and calling for attention. "You're beautiful, Evan." He whispered in a desperate pant.

  “Not as beautiful as you.” Evan stepped forward and pressed himself against Conrad. Conrad immediately wrapped him in his arms and kissed him hard and impatient, mapping that delicious mouth with his eager tongue and tasting all that it had to offer. His grip tightened as the kiss grew more and more passionate.

  Evan was acting so wanton he hardly recognized himself he was asking for what he wanted and getting it. Conrad was the most handsome man he’d ever laid eyes on and here he was in his arms. He wanted him, craved him just as Evan craved and it was an astonishing realization to love and to want and know those feelings were reciprocated.

  He stripped in front of Conrad and did not feel one ounce of apprehension or self-doubt. The look on Conrad's face said it all. His desire was on display, and Evan practically leaped into his arms. As the kiss deepened and the moment intensified, a wave of lust burst through him, hardening his cock painfully and demanding that he have this man immediately.

  "I need you now Conrad." He demanded his voice raged and horse. Conrad released him and quickly removed the remainder of his clothing. This was the first time that Evan got a full body look at his true one and it was fabulous to say the very least. The man was built from top to bottom to pure perfection.

  Conrad took him in his arms once again and pressed him close. Evan could feel every muscle and every movement of this man's glorious body, and a heady pleasure swamped him, making him dizzy with need. He walked him backward toward the bed until Evan felt the edge of the bed hit the back of his legs.

  Gradually, he was laid back on the bed, his feet still on the floor, and looked up at a very sexy image. His lover was gorgeous from every angle, but especially this one. Conrad was hard and throbbing, and Evan could not hold back from reaching out and encircling that amazing cock with his hand and stroking it gently. The reaction was immediate.

  Conrad rolled his head back on his shoulders and moaned a sound so erotic that Evan felt himself come just a little from the sound. He continued to stroke, and Conrad started to thrust shallowly into his grip. The excitement was building, and then Conrad stopped and encircled Evan's hand with his own while holding him with a gentle gaze.

  “Let me touch you, my love. Let me prepare you.” That sounds lovely. Evan moved back onto the bed stretching out with his head on the pillows in tight anticipation of what was to come.

  He was not without experience his home life was harsh and restrictive but not completely isolating he’d known some pleasure although fleeting and shallow. But nothing he experienced held a candle to what Conrad offered and what he gave. The depth of feeling made every emotion extreme and passionate, and it all meant something. There was love beneath every word and every act and Evan had never known such a feeling.

  Conrad's fingers found his hole, and his lips found the tender flesh of his throat, and together, they built a desire that was setting Evan's body on fire. "I love you, Conrad. I love every part of you." He couldn't hold back, and the words he was feeling tumbled out of his mouth.

  Conrad thrust his fingers deep within Evan's channel, eliciting a thrilling reaction that traveled the length of Evan's body. "I love you too, Evan. Everything about you excites me." Evan moaned loudly at his declaration and at the aggressive thrust of his fingers as he stretched and prepared him. His touch brought so many thoughts and feelings to life Evan was swamped with sharp, stirring sensations.

  Evan spread his legs apart further, needing his lover closer, and began thrusting against the fingers playing him so perfectly. He felt the finger withdrawn and reached out to Conrad, who assured him with a kiss that nothing was stopping. "Let me in, baby," Conrad spoke against his ear, and Evan spread his legs even wider. Conrad positioned himself between them, lifting Evan ever so slightly to rest upon his thighs.

  He felt the hot moist head of Conrad's cock press against his waiting hole, and the stimulation was explosive. He wasn't even inside yet, and Evan felt his body reacting and felt the urge to thrust and the urge to come. Conrad held his gaze and, with the loudest silence ever, thrust himself inside, stretching and forcing Evan to his limit. His cock stiffened harder until it throbbed painfully but deliciously.

  Conrad held him fast as he pounded inside, slow and easy at first and then building to a rapid thrust that left Evan trembling with a heady and decadent pleasure. All he could focus on was wanting more, and Conrad did not disappoint.

  Evan held on, digging his fingers into Conrad's upper arms and holding his breath when he slammed in and held position. The climax was epic. His channel spasmed and clamped down on Conrad's massive cock, and they both came in a wave of want and need that devoured them.

  Conrad sunk his teeth into the tender flesh of Evan's throat and drank. Evan felt their bond stitching into place, sealing them together and branding them as one for all time. He came again, filling the space between them with his hot seed. The connection between them flared like wildfire and quickly consumed them both.

  He felt Conrad pull free and lick the wound making it ultra-sensitive. He was proud to wear the mark of his true one. “You are mine Evan. You are my beloved.” He stated and pulled back to look down at Evan with an expression that was both filled with love and pride.

  Evan felt his body begin to tremble and vibrate. He looked to Conrad for understanding and he appeared curious but not concerned so Evan didn't fight it and then it became clear. His hand began to glow with a golden light and on instinct he suddenly and with great force slapped the palm against Conrads upper chest over his heart.

  He felt Conrad stiffen and come again, filling his channel to overflow. He took a minute to catch his breath, and then he looked down at Evan with a smile that said it all. He belonged to the Charmer.

  Evan slowly removed his hand and there branded on his chest in a shade of golden light was an insignia. It was the sign of the Charmer that Marek and shown him earlier. Conrad now wore the mark of the Charmer crossed wings inside of a circle. Conrad took a deep cleansing breath and then pulled out slowly to lay next to Evan. He reached over and took his hand holding it firmly.

  “You constantly surprise me, my love. I am so proud to wear your mark.” Every word was true and from the heart. Evan could feel every emotion that passed through his lover.

  “And I am proud to be the beloved of the vampire.” Evan rolled to his side and took Conrad into his arms. The bonding left him with an enhanced feeling of power and control, and he was now ready to take on anything the world had brought to his door. He was ready for anything as long as Conrad was by his side.

  Nik and Killian were discussing the information that Josef had imparted regarding the fact that the evil had begun to withdraw back to the city, no doubt preparing for battle with the Charmer. They paused their discussion when the air around them became charged and the atmosphere shook. A minute passed and they looked at one another and smiled.

  "Our Charmer has been claimed," Nik announced.

  "The dynamic energy and that powerful force within him has just maximized. I thought he was impressive before after working with Marek and releasing his inner Charmer, but he is unstoppable now." Killian was rarely amazed, but the power that emanated from that young man and spread through the Imperial was unmatched by anything he'd encountered, and there was very little that Killian had not encountered.

  "We're ready," Nik stated emphatically.

  “We’re ready, sir.”

  They rose early and prepared to meet the Master in the main room. Conrad was nervous, but he fought hard to keep that fact from Evan. He trusted him to know his limits and to know what he could and could not do, so he had to trust him in this. His beloved was more than the young man before him; he was a mighty warrior brought to life to battle with the very thing they were to confront today.

  "Don't worry," Evan spoke softly and looked at him with those eyes that had the power to melt his heart.

  “I thought I was hiding it.” He smiled ruefully.

  “You can’t hide from me.” He reminded him and came over to wrap his arms around him holding him in a loving embrace. Conrad rested his cheek on the top of Evan’s head, and they stood like that for a few minutes centering themselves for what was to come.

  Conrad had his guns and his sword, not sure what would be best he decided to bring both. He was dressed in his traditional black suit that all soldiers and guards wore. They were constructed for battle and for hiding weapons. Evan wore another tracksuit that Conrad had gotten him. He said he liked the comfort and the freedom it provided. This one was an ultramarine blue a scintillating color that matched his scintillating lover.

  Conrad kissed him hard and proprietarily, and Evan reciprocated in kind. With a deep breath and a check of his weapons, Conrad took his hand, and they headed for the door. Evan reached up and ran his fingertips along his new bonding scar, and Conrad felt the mark on his chest heat up. Evan was demonstrating that their connection was fast and in place.

  They met Master Hadden and Marek in the main room. Batiste showed up a few minutes later with his beloved Ian. Batiste walked up to Evan and reached out his hand. “My beloved Ian wanted to meet you.” He said and stepped to the side. Ian stepped up and took Evan’s hand.

  "You are remarkable. My dear love, Jean has shown me your origin, your calling, and your power, and all I can say is remarkable. I'm glad you're with us." Ian was so amiable and kind, unlike his beloved Jean Jacques Batiste. But for an unlikely pair, they seemed to fit together perfectly, each giving the other what they needed. Although it was often argued that Batiste got the better of the deal.

  “Thank you, sir.” Evan nodded and smiled.

  "Take good care of him, Conrad," Ian added.

  “Absolutely.”

  It was reaching dawn and the light on the horizon was beginning to break. Master Hadden armed with his Cyprian blade and Marek armed with his blade and his Cyprian abilities stood together with Evan and Conrad.

  “It will throw many monsters and horrors at us in an attempt to slow our approach and defeat us. I will take the lead. I know it goes flat against everything that you know but remember I am not a frail human. You know who I am and what I am capable of doing so let me do it.” Evan gave orders like a general and everyone listened.

  Evan turned to regard Conrad with a softened expression. "I need you to stay behind me. It will be hard for you I know, but that position will keep you safe and will protect my back. Your presence makes me stronger but will also make you a target so be vigilant in regard to your own safety.” He took Conrad’s hand and held it.

  "I'm here for you, Evan, whatever you need me to do," Conrad stated.

  Batiste transported them to the back of the Hadden Center just outside the Plaza. They would enter the building through the back entrance off the Plaza. They stood there with Evan taking the lead, Master Hadden on his right flank, Marek on his left flank, and Conrad a few steps behind. They felt a shift in the air and turned to see the soldiers and guards from the Imperial circling the building just outside the borders of the property. They were there to support their Master and the young man who agreed to fight for them.

  Master Hadden acknowledged their presence and turned back to the business at hand. “I love my people.” He said and pulled the sword from his coat as did Marek and Conrad.