CHAPTER EIGHT

O nce 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.

"Let's go." Evan said and they started forward. The instant that Evan stepped foot onto Hadden property his visage started to change. Everyone there the soldier and guard got to behold the shift of a Charmer, and the reaction was a collective shock and wonder.

Evan went from a five-foot eight skinny kid to a nearly nine feet tall, muscled warrior with wings. The wings were like those of a dragon although more translucent and less bulky. They sparkled in the early morning light and lit up as if electrified. The transformation was instant from one step to another Evan slipped on the form with the ease of slipping on a jacket.

Conrad was freshly amazed at the power and majesty of the Charmer. Heat began to build as they entered the property and fire burned in the air while not touching anything physical. They continued to the back door and when Evan opened it a rush of putrid decay enveloped them until the fire burned hotter and rose higher eliminating the stench as they moved forward.

The world around them was renewed with each step the Charmer took and Conrad took in the brightened surfaces the clean air and the heightened mood. His beloved was fantastic. They walked up the five stairs that took them to the main area of the ground floor. It was a wide and open space with chairs and tables and couches. The fire burned in a wave across the marble floor and burst to the ceilings of steel beams and skylights.

"Be ready," Evan ordered and pulled the broadsword from where it hung at his side. They all took the stance as a horde of ghouls ran at them from the perimeters of the room, taking form from out of the shadows.

Master Hadden and Marek cut them down as fast as they approached, and Conrad held off those that came from behind. Any that were touched by the Charmer's sword were instantly turned to dust and burned away. Nothing remained.

Evan moved in the direction of the storage room off to the left, and they were hit with a barrage of flying beasts striking out at them, filling the space and darkening the room. Again, they were cut down and burned away. One came at Conrad, getting close enough to slice his cheek open. In less than a fraction of a second, the Charmer cut the thing from the air and wrung its neck, watching it burst into flames and disappear.

Conrad was impressed with Evan's fighting skills and a little perplexed by the gentle throb and heat that was coming from the Charmer's mark on his chest. He could see through his shirt that it was glowing. The battle continued with the darkness sending one evil horde after another in an attempt to thwart them. It was slow going but they kept moving, Evan never stopped.

They drew closer to the storage room, the location and origination of the curse and the birth of the darkness. This was where Nathan had set it down and opened the door to this disgrace. The Charmer had located the heart.

The door opened, and the Charmer stepped through to the beating heart of the darkness, the source of the ancient evil claiming this city. The scent was foul, and the monsters fled and died under the burning influence of the Charmer.

Conrad, along with Master Hadden and Marek, stood back as Evan, tall and strong with all the power of the Charmers at his fingertips, sliced his broadsword through the gossamer haze of the malevolent force holding fast to this realm.

It writhed in pain and, in a final attempt, gathered its failing strength and potency and rushed the four of them. It was trying to damage those standing with the Charmer to draw away his strength and focus. But they were standing well behind him, and that thing was not getting by Evan.

It rose up to its dark form, not much larger than Evan, and charged him in a final act of self-destruction. It made contact with Evan, and it screamed so loud that it shook the earth with its howl and the depth of its pain. Fire consumed the room hot cleansing fire burned away every trace and essence of the dark that had inhabited the space. The fire continued to burn for several minutes reaching every minute crack and crevasse no evil or shade would remain.

The three of them followed as Evan walked every floor of the forty-story building and sterilized every inch. The curse was broken, and the evil returned to the underworld. When satisfied, Evan led them outside. He left the building and stepped into the Plaza and shifted back to his human form with his tracksuit and sneakers.

The mood was bright as the sun hung high in the sky and shown down on the new and vibrant Hadden Center. The fire had burned away leaving nothing but freshness and hope in its wake. Evan reached over to the marble wall by the back door on his right and placed his palm against the sun-warmed surface. When he removed his hand the same insignia that he placed on Conrad's chest was burned onto the wall.

"The curse is broken the evil has been sent back to the underworld." He told them and reached out to take Conrad's hand. Conrad took his hand and pulled him close to his side needing the warmth and the contact of his beloved. "No evil will ever cross this threshold again." He pointed to the insignia. "You now wear the mark of the Charmer and no evil can cross the mark of the Charmer."

"I cannot thank you enough and I know I can never pay you enough for the life and peace and future you have given us all." Master Hadden reached out and took Evan into his arms and held him.

It was very uncharacteristic of him. Conrad had never witnessed him hug anyone apart from Walker, not even his closest friend Josef. The most you could expect was a pat on the shoulder which was high praise. This indicated the depth of his despair and the fear he held for the welfare of his people. His relief and happiness washed over the entire Coven, and everyone felt the joy of that relief.

He stepped back and patted him on the shoulder. "You will always hold my deepest respect, and I will remain in your dept forever."

"You do not owe me," Evan stated. "You took me from that place and brought me here and treated me like I mattered. You taught me to embrace who I am, and most importantly, you gave me Conrad." He turned and buried his face against Conrad's chest and held on, taking several deep breaths before stepping back but still holding on. "You gave me life and a future, a marvelous future, so I think we're even." He chuckled, and the Master smiled.

"I give you a month off to spend with your beloved since you've had very little time to yourselves. Go anywhere you wish and enjoy yourselves to the fullest because it is on me." He patted Conrad on the shoulder and again pulled Evan in for a brief hug.

"Thank you, sir." Conrad was shocked but pleased. He desperately wanted time alone with his beloved.

"When you return you will have one of the finest apartments on the upper floors. It will be move in ready so go and relax and get to know one another better."

Conrad and Evan returned to the Imperial with every soldier thanking Evan for his assistance and many pulling him in for a brief hug much as the Master had done. He beloved was shining with pride of his achievement and glowed under the praise of this Coven.

"I think I will like living here with you, Conrad." He no longer harbored doubts about being accepted.

"I think you will, too."

"They're really a nice bunch."

"You won't find nicer anywhere."

"I love you so much." He burst and jumped into Conrad's arms.

"I love you too." Conrad cuddled him close and headed for their quarters. "I think you need some rest and some snuggling and loving after such a productive morning."

"I need a lot of snuggling and some deep loving." He teased.

"Deep and intense, and I will deliver."

"You always do."

THE END