“It’s gonna be dawn in about an hour or so,” Justice spoke against Wick’s forehead, but all he got was a relaxed hum. “We’ve both had little to no sleep. Come on. It’s time to go inside.”
Wick made a sound that indicated he was more than comfortable where he was.
“Lazy mate,” Justice huffed, smiling at Wick now leaning all of his weight on him, content his alpha would keep him. Without a second thought, Justice picked a naked Wick up in his arms – like he weighed nothing – and began the last few miles to Wick’s rental. He wasn’t even winded when a huge cabin came into view. It looked partially built into the mountain, the way the landscape curved. It was a breathtaking scene, straight out of Home and Garden.
He smelled Wick’s captain before he opened the front double doors. He was a striking figure, standing rigid in his all black suit and crisp white, collared shirt that was unbuttoned to mid-chest. His pale skin and fierce dark eyes were common in most vampires but there was an air of exceptionality about him too. He was the third in command of the vampire species, which meant he was no one to play with. But, Justice remembered what his animal sensed so he’d tread carefully. Although Erman only looked in his late forties, Justice figured he was at least seventy years old.
“I would appreciate a little courtesy, perhaps an advanced notice, when you plan to run off with my King for hours,” Erman greeted Justice. He had the same British accent as his mate, but Wick made it sound much sexier. Erman continued with his hard look as his eyes went down to Wick’s relaxed, nude form. He stepped forward, not stopping until he was in Justice’s space and too damn close to Wick. “What have you done? I can hardly feel him. Here, give him to me. I’ll take him to his quarters.”
Justice tried to reverse the situation and understand where the captain was coming from, but Justice needed to set a few things straight. “Out of respect for the man in my arms, I’m not going to kick you out of my way, and instead, answer your question. I didn’t run off with your King. I went after my mate. And for you to imply that you can’t feel him anymore is not a very wise thing for you to say right now.” Justice still clutched Wick in his arms but his long claws had grown out at his threat. He felt his wolf rush to the surface and his vision changed. With a tight control Justice snarled, “If you try to touch him, I’ll tear you apart.”
“He hasn’t marked him, yet, Ermanno. Por favor, step away. It’s not safe.”
Justice heard the other vampire but he never took his eyes off the potential risk directly in front of him while his vulnerable mate slept in his arms. Wick had been through a lot in the past two days. He hadn’t slept or eaten until very recently, and had experienced his first shift. Justice could feel his mate’s fatigue and his peaceful slumber. If Erman disturbed it – because he felt he knew what was best for Wick – Justice would hardly be able to stop himself.
Luckily, the captain listened and moved out of Justice’s way, but not without adding, “Chadwick Bentley is my responsibility, Alpha.”
“Not anymore,” Justice growled, continuing farther into the gorgeous home.
The vampire Wick called his Lord Protector was the one who’d just saved the captain’s life. He had a prominent Spanish accent and strong features. He gave Justice a wide berth, pointing towards the stairs. “His quarters are to the left, the double doors at the end of the hall. I’ve already moved all our things into the guest house. No one will be in here with you and your true mate, Alpha.”
“I appreciate that, um—” Justice couldn’t remember the tall vampire’s name.
“I am Ramon Vega. And this is Henry FitzWell, King Bentley’s Lord Chamberlain. If you have any needs during your stay here in the home, any at all, he’ll be available to you.”
“Anything for the King’s Beloved,” the younger vampire spoke up quickly. His dark eyes were all over the place like he was trying hard not to stare at Justice’s sweaty, naked body.
“Thank you,” Justice said, taking the stairs three at a time.
“Sí, Alpha.”
Justice heard the captain saying they were retiring for the night and something else about speed dial presets on Wick’s phone, but Justice closed the door. He wouldn’t need any assistance. It would be daybreak soon, so technically they were saying goodnight. It’d been a while since Justice slept in the daylight hours. But he didn’t think he’d have any problems today. He was beat. He’d used tremendous physical energy over the past couple days himself.