Chapter 11

Robin hadn't wanted to be back in LA, but he had to deal with a client who was spiralling out of control. Ben had tagged along so it had been bearable. Not for the first time did he realise how much of a hypocritical twat he had been and he should have sent word to Simon already. The worst thing was, he knew he shouldn't have an issue, and it was the need to make Simon his that was causing this stupid churn, the bond driving him to think things he shouldn't. He'd come to the conclusion that he would deal with his client, and then contact Simon and assure him he wasn't about to marry a complete prick.

The club was busy, it was always busy, and as much as he needed to be seen out and keep an eye on things, his heart wasn't in it. The dance floor filled with the city's beautiful people and less than a week ago he'd have been out there searching for someone to spend the night with. Not anymore.

"You're moping again," Ben said, refilling his glass with an Ecuadorian 33 that had a lovely spiciness to it. "Are you really still bothered by Denmouth?"

"No. Now I'm bothered that I've not been the man Simon needs. I'm supposed to be the experienced partner, reassuring him, not some jealous twat. I'm fucking annoyed with myself."

"Sounds like he's a reasonable man."

"He is. I'd expected him to be more bothered by my past, but he isn't."

Ben raised an eyebrow. "Is that part of the problem? You'd like him to be jealous."

He'd thought about it then dismissed the idea. "No, besides he's made it clear while he has no issue with what I've done before, if I were to do something now we are together that would be a different story."

"You'll both need to get your jealousy in control when you take your Vampire Council seats, as I can tell you, half the Council are shagging each other, it's almost as if some of them have bingo cards and are trying to fill in all the squares."

"How many times have you been stamped?" he asked, feeling facetious because he knew the answer.

"I've been pursued a couple of times but not caught. I'm sickeningly content with Ashley and I also don't want to give him reason to blast my balls off with a well-aimed piece of magic."

"Pretty sure that'd be Simon's response, not that I will give him reason to do so."

"Then I don't see the issue. You know you've been a bit of a muppet, apologise and buy him something shiny, the fae love shiny things."

"It was going so well until the Denmouth thing came up, then it all went wrong." It wasn't just Denmouth but the pre-determination aspects of the bond.

"Yes, you have mentioned it once or twice." Ben tutted. "Or possibly fifteen. Really, Robin bed him, use all your wonderful experience to make him feel like the prince he is and you'll be fine."

"I know you're right, and he could have picked someone far more objectionable than Denmouth. I'll be blunt, I don't like that he knows what Simon looks like when he comes but I don't."

Ben frowned. "You said Simon was a virgin."

"He is. It was a hand job."

"Oh, for fuck's sake will you listen to yourself. You're one of the most influential men in LA, a future Dark Viscount, and you getting upset because your Eternal got a bit of pre-marital relief by someone else's hand."

"I told you I was being a twat over nothing."

"Yes, Robin, you are. This isn't like you, I can only think that the bond is also playing with your emotions in a different way trying to make sure you stick together. From what you've told me, and I appreciate you haven't been able to be fully forthcoming, Simon needs to marry you and drink your blood. The absolute worst that could happen, which doesn't sound likely, is after you're married is he decides to call it quits, but you have lots of opportunities between then and now to make sure he doesn't."

He hated it when Ben was right. "Yeah, true. I've pretty much got over it… Then there's the children."

"The what?" Ben almost spilt his drink.

They were seated in a private booth, no one could overhear. "It's true about the MacLoves. Simon was born a vampire, a vampire-fae to be exact, and he will need to continue his line."

"Fuck me. Does he have pointy ears?"

"Yes." Not the point he was trying to make, but he supposed it might take a little time to trickle down.

"So he'll need to find a woman. I bet you're not too pleased about that given how much of a deal you've made over his five-knuckle shuffle with Denmouth."

Ben had missed the point, or maybe he hadn't been clear enough. "He will be able to do it himself, and I would be the other father."

This time Ben did lose the contents of his glass. "You've got to be joking," he said mopping the blood off his sleeve. "How can he possibly do that?"

"Magic, really powerful vampire-fae magic."

Ben grimaced. "I don't think I'd be cut out to be a father. One of the few benefits of being a virgin into my twenties was that I didn't have the chance to procreate before I was turned, and then afterwards I didn't have the need to."

"Ben, you're a very attractive man, how the hell did you not get laid? I was getting action at school, let alone university."

"Yes, well, didn't you go to Eton? I was a grammar school boy, I didn't get to bang my schoolmates." He smirked. "Believe it or not I was more interested in reaction chemistry and sulphates."

"You're still a nerd, Crofton, with all your potion-brewing. Do you and Ashley stare lovingly at each other across a simmering cauldron?"

"We have been known to. He's inspired a couple of ideas for a new book."

Robin laughed. "Needing an aphrodisiac already? Are you losing your touch?"

"No, an energy-boosting supplement. Gotta keep our strength up."

The pithy retort died on his lips as he saw that everyone on the dancefloor had come to a halt and were staring at a series of glowing door-sized rectangles, the music still thumping but no one dancing. He got to his feet, and so did Ben.

"What's going on?" Ben asked.

"I don't know."

"They look a bit like portals, Ashley uses them to travel. Never risked it myself, he's not sure what they'll do to me."

"I've been through them—the MacLoves were able to protect me with their magic."

Figures emerged from four of the portals, two on either side of a central one, and he realised they were fae, fae from the MacLove's tribe based on the emblems on their uniforms, and then he recognised Yerial. "It's Simon's people."

"Looks like an honour guard, those must be dress uniforms, far too fancy to be here for a fight." Ben leaned over the rail. "Mind you, I doubt they'd need weapons to kill."

They moved to the middle of the balcony so Robin could see better and he hoped that the next person to step out of a portal was Simon. It was but he wasn't on his own, he was on the arm of Isaac Galloway.

Simon was once again stunning, every inch a fae prince, glorious in an emerald green suit and sheer golden cape that reminded Robin of his wings. The fae dancers, even those from other tribes, bowed low, as there was no mistaking he was important, probably the most important person in the room. Robin felt his stomach clenched in visceral jealousy seeing Simon was with Isaac.

"Fucking hell," Ben said leaning over the rail. "Baby MacLove grew up gorgeous. You didn't say how attractive he was."

Robin's fangs descended as another tide of possession crashed through him at Ben's words. "He's mine. What's he doing here with Denmouth?"

Ben put a hand on his arm. "Calm, Robin. This is him telling you he has nothing to hide and you should have no issues with Isaac, the future Dark Duke of his House. Likewise, Isaac showing solidarity for his kin."

"I've never cared before, Ben. What I want is to make sure no one is under any illusion that he's not available and he's mine."

"Based on what you've told me that's pretty mutual. Don't you think he's doing the same with turning up like this?"

Simon stared up and locked eyes with him from across the club. It was as if the rest of the world had melted away. Robin watched in awe as Simon glided up to him on the balcony, the others in the club as mesmerised as he was by the shimmering material of Simon's cloak flying behind him and he landed gracefully in front of Robin.

"Aren't you going to greet me properly?" Simon said with a delicious smile.

"It's not the first time you've appeared in one of my clubs uninvited."

Simon raised an eyebrow. "If you feel that way it could be my last."

Robin pulled Simon into his arms. "Absolutely not, you're to be my constant companion."

Anyone watching would have no doubt of Robin's desire for Simon, he poured himself into the kiss and it was accompanied by gleeful cries from various onlookers. Simon stepped away. "Now that's better. I consider myself properly greeted."

A static charge washed over him and he saw the portal reopen and Simon's guards appeared behind them. "You brought company."

"My father thought it for the best, I could be considered an undesirable by some, and you may have people who would prefer I didn't get too close. I will dismiss most of them in a little while, but Yerial is non-negotiable."

"I suppose I can't be trusted around you," Robin said, sliding his hand over Simon's arse. "And he would have a point."

"Perhaps you could remember you are a gentleman for a little while and introduce me to your friend."

Robin didn't want to behave himself but he was in no position to get carried away. Simon was back in his arms, and nothing else mattered. He turned to see Ben looking far too charming for his liking. "This is Ben Redbourn. Dark Earl of Crofton"

"My lord." Simon shook his hand. "Will you be standing as Robin's witness at the ceremony?"

He'd mentioned the idea to Ben but didn't know whether it was a good idea. "Ben is one of my closest friends."

"Then you should choose him."

"My sired sisters also." There'd be no way he'd get out of the ceremony unscathed if the Valkyries weren't front and centre. "I'm not sure you'll get to meet them beforehand but they get a little protective."

"I have no siblings, so I am quite envious."

They weren't his sisters by birth but since he'd been turned they'd taken him under their wings and treated him like a little brother, he hoped they liked Simon as otherwise they could have a vicious streak. "I'm more than willing to share them."

Ben's smile didn't reach his eyes and Simon also noticed. "You have sired siblings, too, Ben?" he asked.

"I do but I am not as close with my sired brother as Robin is to Florence and Delia, and my sired sister is missing, presumed extinguished."

"Oh, what happened?"

Robin wasn't sure how much Ben would share, he'd been upset about Catlin, blaming himself that he hadn't noticed something was going on.

"A witch aswang infiltrated my household disguised as Catlin. We killed it, but we have no idea what happened to my sister."

Simon reached out and placed his hand over Ben's heart. Robin thought he did well by not reacting, "I am so sorry. But you cannot blame yourself, which it is clear to me that you do. Witch aswangs are some of the wiliest of creatures, they poison everything they touch."

Ben squeezed Simon's hand. "Thank you for saying so. We will continue to look for her, but I fear that it will be futile. But tonight is a celebration… we should toast to your upcoming nuptials."

Robin waved over a waitress and ordered the rarest vintage on stock plus some of the finest ambrosia and a bottle of his favourite champagne. He could see Ben was fascinated by Simon, and he put himself between them as they moved to a more secluded area.

"You drink blood?" Ben asked as Simon sipped at the Swiss 24.

"I was born a vampire, blood keeps me healthy, but I haven't yet my fangs, so I've yet to feed."

"When will you get your fangs?"

"A few days after Robin and I consummate our bond. Then we will drink from each other—a vampire wedding custom, I believe."

Simon had been careful with his wording, and Robin thought it his business on what he chose to share. Ben nodded. "Yes, when both members of the couple are vampires, I'm not sure how I would broach the topic with Ashley."

"You're thinking of getting married already?" Robin asked. "You've not been dating that long."

"A few months, but when you know you know. I'll want to find the right time."

Simon scooted closer to Robin and lay his head on his shoulder. "When there is one who can complete you, then you should do all that is possible to ensure they are yours forever."

Simon's words echoed his own sentiments.

Several toasts and drinks later, Simon was swaying in his seat and Isaac appeared. "There you all are. I need to borrow my House member. I want people to see the House of Cartwright are friendly—in the family sense," he said, seeing Robin's glower.

"It's fine, right? You know that I'm yours," Simon said.

He had to agree, anything less would be him being an arsehole. "Of course."

Simon got to his feet. "One dance and then I'll be back."

Robin forced himself not to react as Isaac dragged Simon away, although he laughed more at Yerial's exasperated expression as he trailed after them. "You did say you were besotted, Robin. I didn't realise how much."

"I've waited fifty years. I don't want to wait any longer. He'll be my husband within the week but I would happily do it in Las Vegas tonight if I didn't think James and Claude wouldn't stake me for ruining the ceremony."

Ben laughed. "I'm glad it has worked out."

They finished the blood, Robin content in a way he'd never felt before. Ben's mobile rang. "It's Ashley. Do you mind if I take it?"

Robin waved him away and walked back over to the balcony, hoping to catch a glimpse of Simon amongst the dancers. Someone came to stand next to him, not unexpected since he was so well-known, but his heart dropped when he saw who it was.

Dorian, the absolute last person he wanted near him. With Simon likely to return at any minute, he didn't need a clingy dragon-shifter getting underfoot. "What's going on, gorgeous?"

"Dorian, go away."

"Hey, what did I do? I only asked a question."

"I'm busy, I have important guests tonight. Sod off."

"I don't see anyone hanging around who's more important than me." Dorian stepped even closer, part shifting so he could curl his tail around Robin's waist. "Come on, I've missed you."

Robin went to shove him away, but dragon-shifters were as strong as vampires, and Dorian didn't budge. "I mean it, Dorian, I'm not interested."

"You've gone so cold of late, darling. Let me warm you up with some of my inner fire."

"So help me, Dorian, if you don't bugger off I'll ensure your next three films are failures and you'll have trouble getting work on The Shopping Channel."

"Why such animosity?" He nuzzled his cheek. "You know how explosive we can get when together. Let's have some fireworks tonight."

Simon appeared, as if out of thin air, and wrapped a hand around Dorian's throat. "Remove your tail from my intended or I will be wearing dragon-skin boots to my wedding."

He'd not appreciated Simon's strength, but his vampire mixed with fae heritage made him more than a match for Dorian.

"Who are you?" Dorian growled, his eyes glowing gold.

Simon lifted Dorian off the floor and Dorian removed his tail. "Prince Simon of the Calanti tribe. I don't care who you are, just that you are trying to lay claim to what's mine and, apart from that not being allowed, he does not want your attention."

Dorian somehow managed to prise Simon's fingers from his neck and landed on his arse. "Robin, since when do you have a fiancé?"

"That is no concern of yours," Simon replied. He took hold of Robin's arm. "I would like a moment alone."

"Of course. I have an office we can use."

Leaving Dorian pouting and confused, Robin took Simon's hand and led him through the club, through a door he unlocked with his thumbprint. Once inside his office, he wanted to explain before Simon got angry. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea about Dorian."

Simon kissed him. "As you know, I don't care about the past, only the future. I'm not going to let my jealousy get the better of me over a scaly-tailed prick."

"I'm sorry I reacted over Denmouth. Now we are together, you're all I want. I don't think the bond will wane, it will only grow more concrete, and adapt, and I think it's making me a hypocritical shitbag."

They shared a deep kiss and Simon walked him back and pushed him to sit in his office chair. "I've been thinking that part of the issue is I've done something with Isaac that I haven't done with you, and we could rectify that right now."

Simon robbed him of the power to speak as he climbed into his lap and ground against him. Robin was already hard. "Fuck, I love the way you think."

"Remember, I have no real idea what I'm doing, most of my experience comes from watching porn and lots of wanking."

"Oh, Simon, I'll make sure you are always satisfied. You're so fucking beautiful, if you keep rocking against me, I might come in my boxers."

Simon kissed him again and Robin was desperate to get his hands on his skin. He could barely keep it together as Simon reached down and unfastened the fly on his trousers to slide his hand inside and expose his cock. Robin did the same to Simon. He had a good length, not too thick, already as hard as Robin was. He took control, wrapping his hand around both their shafts. This was not the first time he'd had sex in this office, and it had been more than a hand job but fucking hell, anything before Simon blurred into nothingness as he watched him come undone in his lap.

Simon's head tipped back, his long hair like a dark waterfall and his neck a tempting column of pale skin Robin ached to sink his teeth into. He threaded the fingers of his free hand into Simon's hair, and quickened the action with other. Simon bucked and writhed. All these years he'd dreamed of having Simon in his lap and now he had him, beautiful and regal, every inch the fae prince, and he was all Robin's.

The pitch of Simon's breathy moans began to change, he'd expected Simon not to last long, given his inexperience, but Robin couldn't remember the last time he'd come so fast. A few more strokes was all it took for both of them. Simon cried out, his release covering Robin's hand, his body taut like a harp string. Robin could do nothing to hold back his own orgasm, and he fell hard into the abyss, his body thrumming as his cum mixed with Simon's.

They sat there for several moments. Robin demanded a kiss and Simon capitulated without complaint. "God, if sex is that good from your hand, I can't wait to have you inside me," Simon said, nuzzling closer. "I knew you would make it good for both of us."

"It is my duty to ensure your pleasure. I swear, there will be nothing like it. For either of us."

Simon wriggled his fingers and the sticky mess they'd made disappeared, Simon's magic tingling across him in a delightful wave. "You like the feel of it, my magic?"

"I like everything about you, but your magic does make me feel good."

"Shows how in tune we are, my magic responds to those it likes. It's not truly sentient but sometimes it is clear it has its own opinion."

Simon slid off his lap, Robin tried to stop him but Simon wouldn't let him. "We need to be back out there in public before Yerial catches us and threatens to do terrible things to your person."

"We wouldn't want that."

Simon laughed, readjusted his clothes and used a bit of magic to smooth down the hair Robin had messed up. "Certainly not before the wedding night."

They headed back out only to find Yerial waiting with his arms crossed and looking pissed off. "Time to go home, Your Highness."

Simon smiled. "Probably for the best."

Robin wanted to stop him but Yerial opened a port. Simon gave him another kiss. "See you soon, Mr Flint. Better look your best for the big day."

Then he was gone and Robin didn't think the wedding could come fast enough. He'd fly to the UK the day after tomorrow, after seeing a couple of properties in LA, and would meet Claude and a few others before heading to MacLove Castle. It wasn't just the bond, he was sure of it. They had a lot to learn about each other, but he was already in love.