CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR

Eric felt tired and heavy as if weighted down. He tried to move, but his arms and legs would not respond. He was lying down, and it felt like a bed, but he didn't remember going to bed. Actually, he didn't remember much of anything after going to the Ruby Light. That thought sent a spark of anxiety through him as a few memories flashed across his mind.

Finally, after a considerable struggle, he cracked his eyes open, and slowly, his vision came into focus. He was on a bed, and it was a bedroom he did not recognize. The anxiety he felt before spiked higher, and his gut began to tense with fear. He then saw someone sitting on the edge of his bed, holding his hand. The person was watching him but not speaking.

Fear that he'd been drugged tore through him, and he began to thrash about trying to get off the bed. The man seated there held him and began to speak calmly and assuredly, and soon, he found himself settling down.

"Easy, Eric, you’re safe. You were not drugged. You were attacked in the alley outside the Ruby Light." He listened, and some of his memories began to come back. "I found you in that alley, and you were a little out of it, so I brought you here to my apartment over at the Imperial Club." Eric was trying to follow, but visions of wolves kept flashing in his mind. It made no sense.

"We have an onsite doctor here and he has examined you. Nothing to be too concerned about just some cuts and bruises." The man's voice was so soothing, and his touch radiated warmth and security. Eric figured it was a reaction to his trauma but still it felt really good and it helped to drive the vicious wolves from his mind's eye.

"Do I know you?" He asked and squinted up at the handsome man, trying to remember where he'd met him. "Have we met?" He was sure he had.

"Yes, we met at the Ruby Light. I was standing at the bar, and you came up, stood next to me, and ordered a beer. We spoke briefly. My name is Kannan Lieth." The man squeezed Eric's hand and looked at him with an expression of warmth and compassion, as well as something else that looked like affection, and it felt so sweet. It warmed Eric to his core, and he wanted the man to keep talking and looking at him. He was nearly lost in those dark eyes when a particularly harsh memory overtook him.

"I remember a man; I went to the bar to try and get rid of him, but he came too." That memory was followed by the memory of that man jumping him in the alley. Eric began to panic and tried once again to get out of bed. "He attacked me . . . he was deformed . . . he was vicious like a rabid wolf."

"You're safe here Eric please calm yourself no one is going to hurt you. I will protect you I promise."

"He jumped me in the alley. He looked frightening, like a wild animal." Eric shouted, and tears filled his eyes. "Did he . . . did he . . ." The words stuck in his throat, and he was so afraid of the answer. Kannan's look of compassion and his kind eyes eased his fear and calmed him.

"No, he did not." The words were firm and clear, and Eric took a deep breath and held Kannan's gaze. "I noticed him and his friend following you from the bar, so I followed, too. I’m sorry I didn't get there before they attacked you, but I assure you they were hurting when they ran away." Kannan said, and each word was spoken with deadly seriousness. It hit Eric as funny, and he started to laugh.

"You made them hurt?" Eric grinned.

"I made them hurt." Kannan smiled and cupped Eric's cheek. "Did you know those men?"

"Ron introduced me, and when I arrived, they were already at our table."

"Are they Ron's friends?"

"I don't know, but he seemed awfully friendly to them, so I don't believe that they just met at the bar. Chester was being strangely quiet and avoiding eye contact. I think he knew what was going on." That realization sort of stung since he and Chester had been friends for a long time. Chester allowed Ron to make a fool out of him and let him get attacked by those brutes and did nothing.

"I sent your clothing to be cleaned and they should be returned to you by morning. The items from your pockets are there on the nightstand. Also, it appears that Chester has called you several times." He was liking this guy more and more by the minute. He wasn't sure if it was his gorgeous, good looks or his heavenly voice or his tender treatment, but he was falling for Kannan Lieth which was probably a bad idea under these circumstances.

"I don't want to talk to him." He said with a sigh. "Chester and I used to be good friends but I'm beginning to believe that I need to rethink that relationship."

"He might not have known what his boyfriend was planning." Kannon imparted. "Perhaps wait and talk to him before cutting him off completely." Eric simply nodded, not sure if he had the energy to deal with Chester and his boyfriend ever again.

"Thank you for saving me." He said realizing he hadn't thanked this man yet. "I'm sorry I didn't say that right away. I appreciate everything you've done for me this evening and I will be out of your way as soon as possible."

"Relax, no need to rush. I’m off for a few days, so take your time." Kannan ran the fingertips of his right hand down the side of Eric's face, and the sensations that sparked through him were electric. Everything this man did or said seemed to set Eric alight. "Go to sleep. The rest will do you good. No one will bother you here."

"Thank you, Kannan." Eric turned his head and touched his lips lightly to Kannan's fingers. Then, he snuggled into the comforter and closed his eyes. It was a bold move, but he wanted Kannan to know that he was interested in whatever was between them. He was sore and hurting, so he'd rest for now and deal with everything else later.

Kannan was pleased with the interaction and the fact that Eric had sort of kissed him. It was an intimate move on Eric's part and spoke volumes as to what he was feeling. Kannan couldn't get a good read on Eric yet, but he could feel the sway of his emotions. He could normally read people within seconds of meeting them, but not his beloved. Fate always makes things a bit harder; like the Master said, she makes you work for it.

He did get a good read on Cal and Rule, and they were just lowlife users looking for cheap satisfaction and didn't care who paid or got hurt. Ron was a manipulative little fuck who thrived on getting people to do things they wouldn't normally do. It was disgusting, and Ron enjoyed it.

The situation he put into play last night with Eric and the shifters was vile and could have resulted in Eric being seriously hurt. Ron didn't seem to care. He planned to look into the relationship between Ron and the shifters for they seem to be much more than simple acquaintances. He was too involved and too eager for Eric to hook up with one or both of them.

Kannan was brought out of his considerations by the yelling and thrashing of his beloved. Eric was reliving the night in his dreams, and it was not pleasant. Kannan held him and soothed him as best he could, but the shock of the assault would take time to dissipate. "Let me go!" Eric screamed, and Kannan immediately released him.

"You're safe Eric." He said not knowing what else would appease him. Eric was breathing rapidly and looking around frantic and confused and then he looked at Kannan and his demeaner relaxed. He coughed and reached for the water on the bedside table. Kannan helped him take a sip and he seemed to be out of the dream and back in reality.

"I'm sorry." He said haltingly.

"You're fine you have every right to be upset." Kannan assured him and helped him to lay back down and cover up. "Try to sleep it will help your mind and body."

"Sleep his so hard with so many thoughts beating me up." Kannan put in a call to Dr. Langley to stop by when it was convenient. Eric might need something to help him sleep.

It was late afternoon and Eric was finally sleeping peacefully. Dr. Langley had stopped by a few hours ago and had administered a sedative to help him rest and recover. His sleep had been troubled and sporadic, but the sedative had allowed him the peace that his body required.

Eric was trying to fight off the feelings of helplessness that seemed to overtake most who had been involved in a sudden, unsuspecting attack. It would take him time to regain his sense of self and security, but he was a strong man, and he would get there. Kannan, on the other hand, would find relief in only one way, and that was making sure everyone who had a hand in the suffering of his beloved would pay.

He was having a cup of coffee in the living room, where he could easily hear Eric if he woke when there came a knock at his door. He answered, and standing there was Commander Kristof Lakatos, the resident Alpha in the Hadden Coven. He was mated to Master Hadden's personal assistant, Andrew, and oversaw the wolf members of the Hadden Coven.

"Come in." Kannan brought him into the living room. Kannan sat on the sofa and Kristof took the chair. "Gage told you what happened?" he prompted.

"Yes, and I’m sorry your beloved was harmed by those beasts." Kannan nodded. "The wolves in question, Cal and Rule, do not belong to a pack per se, but they are part of a loose-knit group of shifters. They’re ruled by a wolf named Decker. He's rough, uncouth, and cares about nothing but himself and his own interests. I believe this attitude is what has attracted the unsavory to his doorstep."

"I’m going after Cal and Rule," Kannan announced and waited for Kristof"s response.

"That group does not support one another. Cal and Rule will be on their own unless Decker sees it in his interest to get involved. Master Hadden has been watching them for a few years concerned that they do not grow into a problem." Kristof leaned forward. "I believe that the shadow that has fallen over this city in the last few months has given rise to the lesser aspects of society, which includes Decker and his band of misfits."

"Cal and Rule followed Eric out of the Ruby Light and accosted him in the alley. If I hadn't followed . . ." His voice fell off as the possibilities sprung up in his mind.

"They don't normally hook up with humans. They find them too fragile and weak, and Decker and his crowd tend to like things rough." Kristof's implication was clear.

"Eric was set up to be hurt and humiliated and possibly killed," Kannan stated, and his anger that had settled to a slow burn was igniting once again. "Do you know who this Ron character is and what he has against Eric?"

"Ron is human, but he is an initiated human, and he knows about the paranormal. He knew that Cal and Rule were wolf shifters when he fed your beloved to them." That news was expected but also disturbing. "I have people looking into the connection, and I’ll let you know as soon as they report."

"What about Eric's friend and roommate, Chester?"

"Just a sad, manipulated rube who was taken in by Ron as far as we know so far. I’ll let you know if we discover more." Kristof reached out and patted Kannan's forearm. "It's difficult, I know, but right now, your beloved needs you, and you need him. Stay close, make your claim, and keep him safe. That's your primary responsibility."

"Yes, sir," Kannan responded and tried to push down the desire to exact revenge. His beloved needed him, and he would keep his focus there for now.

"He's not answering his phone," Chester spoke sharply and Ron simply nodded not really paying attention. "Eric never came home last night, what did you do? Who were those guys you set him up with?" Chester became more heated.

Ron looked at him and smiled a sickening smirk. "He had the night of his life, no doubt." He snickered and went back to scrolling on his phone.

"What the hell does that mean?"

"He entertained Cal and Rule and probably several of their friends. He's probably somewhere . . . recuperating." He busted out laughing. "The wolves like to share." He laughed again as if it was the funniest thing he'd ever said. "Eric thinks he's so special. Well, he's not so special anymore." He barked a sharp laugh.

"What kind of person are you?" Chester stepped back, aghast at what his boyfriend was sharing. "What did you do to him?"

"Your roommate was a stuck-up bitch, and I wanted to loosen him up." He giggled. "He’ll be good and loose by the time the wolves are finished with him."

"Don't be disgusting," Chester shouted at him.

"Oh, relax." He dismissed his reaction. "I was only kidding. Don't get all weird on me." He snorted and shook his head while rolling his eyes. "Eric probably got lucky. He's an adult, for fuck sake, and he can take care of himself."

Chester tried his phone one more time, but again, there was no answer, and it went straight to voice mail.

Eric woke up early in the evening and carefully looked around. He remembered where he was and who he was with so there was no panic this time. Kannan Lieth the handsome man from the bar had saved him from Cal and Rule and had brought him home. He still felt a little groggy, but he was better the pain in his head had lessened considerably and his body aches had gone away.

"Here, drink this." Kannan was leaning over him and putting a straw in his mouth. "It's just water." He explained, and Eric took several long sips, loving the cool freshness as it ran down his throat.

"Thank you." He said and laid back down onto the plush pillows. "I really appreciate your help."

"No problem, I'm glad I was there for you." Kannan put the water bottle on the side table and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Are you hungry?"

"No, I’m feeling a little queasy, but that water was lovely." Kannan immediately picked up the water bottle and gave him another drink. "I should go home," Eric stated softly.

"Not yet, stay and rest at least till morning." Kannan took a cool wet washcloth and patted Eric's forehead and neck, and it felt wonderful. "You had a slight fever, but the doctor said it was normal for what you have been through."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Eric hated to look a gift horse in the mouth, but he was curious as to why Kannan felt responsible for his care. He could have dropped him at the hospital or alerted his so-called friends inside, but he knew who they were. Instead, he took complete control in this instance.

"I was planning to work up to asking you out, but then your companions got in the way, and you ended up leaving. I noticed Cal and Rule leave shortly after and figured they might try to give you a hard time." Kannan took a deep breath and ran his fingertips down the side of Eric's face, a move he'd repeated several times, and Eric found peace and comfort in the move.

"I was attracted to you from the moment I saw you, and I would like us to get to know each other better. Regardless of how I felt about you, I would have helped you, but I probably wouldn't have been quite so hands-on. I would have dropped you at the hospital, but I wouldn't have alerted your friends. They gave me a bad vibe." He smiled, and Eric felt his heart skip a beat. He said everything Eric had hoped he would, for he felt the same way.

"Yeah, they give me a bad vibe too. Thank you for everything and, for the record, I was/am attracted to you too. If Cal and Ron hadn't gotten in the way, I was planning on hanging out at the bar with you for a while." He decided to be honest since there was no need for coy subterfuge at this stage of the game.

"I’m glad you followed me," Eric added after a moment.

"So am I." Kannan bent and placed a soft kiss on Eric's lips, and he did not resist. The touch caused a tingling deep in his soul and a feeling of excitement.

Just as Kannan pulled back and Eric was looking deeply into his beautiful dark eyes, his phone rang again. He looked over at it and picked it up, seeing that it was Chester again. "I should answer." He said and looked up at Kannan. "I should answer." He repeated, and Kannan sat back. Once Eric took the call, he stood and left the room, giving him privacy. Eric hated to see him leave, but he needed to speak with Chester. He needed to set things straight with him.

"Thank God." Chester exploded in relief. "Why didn't you answer your phone? Where are you?"

"I was assaulted by the men your boyfriend set me up with. I was left unconscious in the alley beside the bar." Eric didn't pull any punches. Chester was silent for a moment, but Eric could hear his labored breathing.

"You should call the police."

"Don't bother feigning concern. I'm in a safe place with people who aren't looking to fuck me over like you and Ron."

"I didn't know what he had planned, Eric. I"ve been trying to find you." He pleaded.

"Tell Ron to stay away from me because the next time I see him, I am going to fuck him up good. He won't know what hit him, and he will never forget it." Eric was angry, and he was getting it all out.

"Ron didn't mean it, Eric."

"Shut up! Ron is a psychopath, and the next time he comes near me, I will beat the piss out of him; that little fucker is going to pay. Maybe I’ll hire someone to do it like he hired Cal and Rule." He threw that in for shock value.

"Calm down, Eric. You don't know what you’re saying." With that, Eric hung up. He had no desire to listen to Chester defending that psycho. That was followed by Chester sending him a bunch of texts, still trying to defend his fuck buddy. Eric set the phone aside because he was not in the mood to engage.

"That was impressive." Kannan entered with a smile and a tray of light snacks. Seeing the food made Eric's stomach growl. "I knew you must be hungry," Kannan said and set the tray next to Eric on the bed. He fluffed up the pillows behind him and helped him into a comfortable sitting position.