CHAPTER THREE

C onall was a Master vampire, so he had pretty good control over his baser instincts and usually could resist reacting to his emotions. Unfortunately, that didn't apply where his beloved was concerned.

The need to provide, protect, and ravish, or rather claim, was absolutely overwhelming. Joel's scent was making his head spin and his blood burn, and the longer they were together, the harder it was for him to deny himself that which belonged to him.

"I'll order us some dinner. I'm sure you're probably hungry. While I do that, why don't you bathe and change your clothes? You'll feel so much better with the remains of that Club washed away." He stood up and reached his hand out to Joel, who took it without hesitation. "Come, and I'll show you the way." As they made their way to the primary bedroom, Conall noticed Joel sniffing him. He was trying to do it on the sly, but it was obvious to Conall, and he puffed up a bit at the thought that his beloved liked how he smelled. He brought him into the bedroom and then into the bathroom suite.

"Make yourself at home, love. Take your time and relax, and I'll let you know when dinner arrives." He took Joel into his arms, needing contact and the feel of his body pressed to his. "I'll leave you a change of clothes on the bed." He stared down into those expressive eyes and then allowed himself to let go a little. He bent and took Joel's soft lips in a kiss that was to be gentle and brief, but once it began, it was neither.

Conall devoured that sweet, sensual mouth, eating away until Joel opened to his exploration. It wasn't long before Joel joined, seeking his own pleasure and satisfaction. The blanket dropped to the floor, and Conall couldn't resist wrapping his arms around Joel's warm, nearly naked body and pressing him close.

His body was made for him, and he ached to ravish every inch. He reached down and took that firm round ass in his hand and squeezed, kneading the flesh and bringing himself a modicum of satisfaction. He slid his hand beneath the thin, sparkly fabric of his tiny shorts and quickly found his tight little entrance.

Conall circled the tight muscle several times before plunging his middle finger deep inside his beloved. The heat and the pressure were mouthwatering. He ate away at Joel's eager lips while he plunged over and over and added his index finger, increasing the stretch and eliciting a sexy moan from his lover. "You are so hot, my love, so sweet and so perfect." He whispered against his plump lips.

Joel held him firmly with both hands pressing himself as close as physically possible while returning the kiss with equal passion and jutting his ass out to take advantage of Conall's deep exploration. His taste was erotic and enthusiastic, and Conall could not get enough. Finally, he moved to trail hot, moist kisses across his jaw and down his throat before delivering shallow, tentative bites to his shoulder.

Joel was panting, and his heart was racing. "You taste wonderful, my love, and your body is so soft and lovely, especially the way it melds with mine," Conall whispered as he kissed along Joel's collarbone. Joel let his head fall to the side, exposing more flesh for Conall to explore.

"You feel so right, but how can this be." Joel was coming around, but there was still uncertainty.

"Fate deems it so, my love. I am yours, and you are mine." He kissed him again and then slowly straightened and let his fingers slide free of his glorious channel, the velvety smoothness doing crazy things to his mind. He wanted him now, but he had to let him get comfortable.

"Mine," Joel repeated as if studying the idea.

"Shower, change, and meet me in the dining room when you're finished." He stepped back and, after a long penetrative stare, left the room. The glamour was opening his mind, and Conall could see it in the glint of his eyes and in the acceptance of his embrace.

Joel was starting to understand, and this new world was making sense to him. It would take a while longer, but as soon as they bonded, the understanding would be complete and thorough. He couldn't wait to have Joel at his side and in his bed, his beloved for eternity.

With thoughts of bonding and the memory of Joel's hot, tight body in his arms and his taste on his lips, Conall found that his resolve to give the man time was getting thinner and weaker by the second. He would need to bond with Joel soon, or his vampire might simply take over. Conall smiled and considered for a moment the wild passion that they could generate. He couldn't wait to move this relationship along.

He took a seat in the living room, called in their dinner order, and then called Ethan in IT to look into Joel’s life and situation. He wanted all the information he could get on his little lovely so as to be prepared for anything and everything that might occur.

He also arranged for Joel's things to be gathered from his apartment, which was probably lost to him after so many weeks, but his things would still be stored. He wanted to make himself comfortable, and having his things would be a good first step. He could hear Joel in the shower and could feel his insecurity and confusion at the events that had taken place. When they were together, he was calm and sure, but at each separation, Joel became hesitant. That would pass the longer they spent together.

He placed some sweats and a t-shirt on the foot of the bed, along with some slippers for Joel to put on when he finished with his shower. He stood and listened to the sounds of his beloved as he enjoyed the warmth and rejuvenation of the falling water.

He was a sweet young man with a lot on his shoulders, and Conall would help him shift that weight and see the future that lay ahead as the beloved of the Master. He would want for nothing, and he would be the center and the love of Conall's life.

Those who had hurt and demeaned him have been dealt with, and he would make sure that no one dared to touch or upset him ever again. Joel would come to understand the love of his Master and the lengths Conall was willing to go to make him happy.

Conall received a file from Ethan containing everything he'd found on Joel, and he included an update on the hostile takeover being spearheaded by Drakon and Victor. The Club where Joel had been dancing had been burned to the ground. The bears present have been eliminated, although Cassius is still on the run. Those like Joel, who were not a part of the business's workings, were released with compensation.

His men were presently moving through the area, taking the bear clan out one business at a time. They estimate that the neighborhood will be cleared by morning. He sent a short statement to Victor, basically commending them on their efficiency. He heard the shower turn off just as their dinner was delivered.

Joel reveled in that huge luxurious shower, washing away the stench and aura of that despicable place and the people he worked for. It was cleansing and reviving, and he was beginning to feel like himself again. He used the soap, shampoos, and specialty items there in the shower, loving the feel and the scents of the expensive products.

When he was starting to prune up, he decided that he should probably get out and towel off, but he loathed getting out of the sweet comfort of the Master's amazing shower. He closed his eyes and could still taste his lips and feel the amazing sensations elicited by his talented fingers. His ass was tingling with the want of him.

He reached behind and used his own fingers to soothe the empty feeling, thrusting inside in fast, shallow strokes, wishing it were the Master who was touching him. With his other hand, he began rapid strokes of his now hard and weeping cock. He set a rhythm that soon brought him to the edge of release.

Joel closed his eyes, tilted his head back, and came spraying his seed against the wall of the shower. He kept up aggressively pumping his cock, needing this release so badly. Finally, he was completely spent, leaned his forehead against the cool tiles, and brought himself back under control. He turned off the water and stepped out of the shower feeling better but not satisfied.

He wrapped the towel around himself, and when he walked into the bedroom, Joel saw clothes set out for him on the bed. They looked soft and warm and comfortable he hadn't been allowed to wear anything plain and comfortable since being taken. He had to wear what he was told to wear. He'd dropped the tight shorts and horrible ankle boots in the trash in the bathroom. He never wanted to see that shit ever again.

The sweats were pure heaven, and the t-shirt fit nicely, hanging loose but not sloppy. Joel pulled on the slippers and then just sat on the edge of the large bed. The room was vast, with furnishings, linens, and rugs that implied wealth and culture.

He wondered what his lot would be here with the vampires and how long they would keep him before passing him on to someone else down the line. The word beloved was bandied about, and Conall had hinted at a relationship, but Joel was hard-pressed to believe any of it. History had shown him that lies and deception were rampant in the paranormal world.

His life had been a series of lies, manipulations, and letdowns since coming in contact with Murphy, and he doubted any of it would change until he got away from the world of the supernatural. This wasn't his world, and he didn't belong here.

As these thoughts filled his mind, he also felt a sense of connection that was completely without foundation. Conall must have used some voodoo on him because it was crazy to think he was anything but the enemy. He was classier than most users and came off with a sincerity that most didn't bother with, but still, he was in control, and Joel had to do as he was told. It might be prettier, but it was still captivity.

Conall was waiting for him in the other room, and he promised him dinner. Joel stood and tentatively exited the room, looking around and seeing Conall off to his left in the living room. He was on the phone, so Joel stood still and waited. He'd learned that bothering them could result in a beat down, so as kind as Conall seemed, he wasn't going to push it.

He didn’t look the type to raise his hand to someone like Joel, but he could easily have someone else do it for him. The paranormals he'd had contact with, from the highbrow to the scum, had all been harsh and mean. Although he was rough with the bears, Conall had not been unkind to him. A wash of calm and peace kept coming over him, and it didn't make sense unless he was finally losing his mind. A little insanity would be welcome at this point.

"Joel." Conall's voice was friendly, and he reached his hand out toward him. His expression indicated that he was in a good mood. Joel had been good at gauging moods and emotions at the Club, and it saved him many times from hostilities and collateral anger. He moved toward the Master and stopped when he was standing before him.

"Do you feel better?" He asked, placing his hand briefly on Joel's shoulder and then cupping his cheek, tilting his head up. The last kiss had been epic. Joel would not deny the intensity of that embrace, and he wondered if there was to be another. He was so out of his depth, and he didn't know how to carry himself or how to react to keep himself safe as he stood there in the heart of the Rose Coven.

"Yes, I feel clean. Thank you for the clothes." Joel remained still, waiting for an order or a direction, not sure what was expected of him. Conall was patient and gentle with him.

“You’re welcome, Joel. Come and sit dinner has been served." He took Joel by the hand, led him into the dining room, and helped him get seated at the round table. He continued to be kind and attentive throughout dinner. The meal was braised pork loin with rice, roasted green beans, and custard tart for dessert. This was paired with a white wine. Joel couldn't remember the last time he'd had a mean this good.

Conall watched him throughout with a look of concern, but Joel wasn't sure if he was reading it right. He responded when spoken to, sat up straight, and used all the table manners he could remember. Conall reached across and refilled his wine glass when the dessert was served.

“Why do you fear me, Joel? We've talked. I've explained your position here, so why does your anxiety continue to fill the air around us?" Conall spoke slowly, and there was a tenderness there. Joel set his fork aside and pushed his back slightly from the table.

"I feel many things, and I don't know what to trust. I've been used and lied to so much in the last couple of months that I don't know what is real, even inside my own head." Joel was probably saying too much, but Conall wasn't stopping him, so he continued. "I know who you are and what you're capable of. I've seen what you can do, so sitting here making nice and treating me like a valued guest is confusing the hell out of me."

"You are my beloved. You know what a beloved is and how important they are, so why do you question my attraction and devotion? You feel it, too. You just said as much. Open your heart and your mind, my love, and let the awareness take you. Let Fate help you to see."

Joel heard the sincerity in his words and appreciated that he didn't come at him hard or demand that he believe and understand. The awareness that he had spoken of was there; it was on the edges of his mind, and it showed him life in this new world. He was getting it he just wasn't sure if he believed it. Conall stood and walked over to him. He crouched down beside him and took his hand.

"Your insecurities are clouding your mind. I understand what you are feeling, but it's necessary that you open your mind and don't resist what your gut and senses are telling you. Like I told you before, take that step of faith, and I won't let you fall, I promise." Joel stared at him, seeing the genuine nature of what he was saying reflected in his eyes. The man was saying and doing things that were completely needless if all he planned to do was take advantage of him and toss him out.

"Okay," Joel said that one word, and he meant it. He would let go and believe this man. His gut was telling him to lean into it, and his gut was usually spot on. His gut told him not to go home with Murphy, and he'd ignored it. If he thought about it, he really didn't fear Conall; he simply distrusted that anything good could come from being snatched by a strip club. Conall stood and brought Joel up with him.

“Let’s go back to the living room and talk we have so much more to discuss.” He led him into the living room, and they sat together on the couch. He was very close, and he did not let go of Joel’s hand. He smelled amazing, like the smell of rain on a cool day, fresh and clean. It was a smell Joel loved, and he drank it in, feeling the effects calm and ease his worry.

"I've tried to make it clear that you are in no danger here. I would never harm you or allow anyone else to harm you. You are my beloved, and I will do everything in my power to love, protect, and provide for you. If you have questions about what you are feeling or what I represent, please ask them. I will answer truthfully." He leaned toward Joel and caught his gaze.

Conall’s stare was powerful, and Joel could feel the heat to his bones. He would try to accept, and he would open his mind to what Conall was offering. The need to please this man was something that suddenly washed over him. He tried to push it away but the desire to be thought highly of by Conall Rose was all-encompassing.

“When did you know that I was your beloved?” He decided he might as well ask his questions.

"You whimpered when that thug grabbed your arm. I heard you, and I responded to your pain and distress." Joel listened, and his emotions picked up on the moment and the reaction of the Master. It had startled him at first, believing he was the problem, but it was made clear quickly that it was the bouncer that was the problem. Conall's actions had brought him relief for a few seconds.

"I felt something off the minute I entered the Club. To be honest with you, I went to the Club to start something." Conall leaned back against the couch cushions and sighed. "I was tired of the bears pushing the boundaries and setting us all up for discovery. The existence of the paranormal cannot be found out by the human world; our survival depends upon our anonymity. Cassius and his horde of clowns were pushing the edges and letting the human world into our business. They had to be stopped." He glanced to the side, catching Joel's gaze, and held it.

"The paranormal world stays hidden because anonymity is beneficial to all of us, good, bad, and otherwise, but Cassius considered himself untouchable for some reason. His behavior was going to put us all in danger, with the death of humans and the involvement of the human police. He was sloppy and careless. I admit, I was there to start a war."

"A hostile takeover." Joel corrected, and Conall laughed.

“Yes, hostile takeover.”

"I'm not the only dancer that was there against their will," Joel spoke up.

“They will be released.” He started offhandedly. "I'm not running a welfare agency." He emphasized. "But Victor will see that they are taken care of, so don't worry about them. He will clear their minds of what they experienced and send them back to their old lives."

“Will you clear my mind?” Joel was not sure how he felt about that.

"No, you are my beloved, and your mind cannot be touched. Fate protects you from interference. It's her way of keeping you on a level playing field with your paranormal beloved. I can perform some glamours but nothing that would take away your free will or independent thought process." That was interesting.

“Will the bears come after me?” the thought of retribution suddenly entered his mind.

"Possibly, if any survive, but I will take care of you, Joel. Do not fear them." He was so to the point and honest that Joel found it impossible not to believe everything he was saying. "While they remain a threat, it's important that you stay inside the Coven house we can best protect you here."

“Am I your prisoner?”

“No, you’re my beloved. You are my life.”