CHAPTER ONE

I n the back of Jaden's mind, he knew he deserved it. He deserved everything that was coming down on him, and the disgusting position he found himself in was of his own making. The apartment rent was coming up, and he knew Murphy did not have the money. He hadn't found another job since being let go from Smithers Financial. There was a shadow that lay across him and his friends because they worked closely with Ryan Phillips, the man who caused the downfall of the entire company and then disappeared.

Jaden worked two jobs, as a receptionist during the day and a waiter at night, but his wages alone could not meet the bills. He desperately wanted to leave, but Murphy trapped him. He still had that fucking video that Ryan had taken in his office and was using it for all it was worth. Jaden sat many nights wondering if what he was forced to give up was worth what he might lose if the video were published.

Murphy threatened to send it to his parents, relatives, and friends. He didn't have many friends left since Murphy began controlling his life, so they wouldn't be much of an issue. It still crushed him to think of his poor mom and dad seeing that video and what they would think. That pain kept him tied to that bastard Murphy.

The physical side of their relationship was almost nonexistent with Murphy usually out to all hours drinking and otherwise engaged. But still, he refused to release him, demanding he stay and help pay expenses. He was paying for most everything and functioning as Murphy’s personal assistant, maid, cook, and whatever else he needed. Jaden was finding his life exhausting and miserable, but he didn’t know how to get free.

“Make dinner before you leave.” Murphy barked at him from the sofa where he sat scrolling through his phone. Jaden was dressed and ready to leave for his restaurant job and hearing Murphy’s demands sent a chill of rage up his spine. He ached to tell him to go right straight to hell, but he didn't; instead, he turned and spoke calmly.

“Your dinner is in the oven.” He said and continued walking.

“You are so fucking useless. I don’t know why I put up with your stupid ass.” Murphy muttered and kept scrolling. “You better make some decent tips tonight. Shake your ass and show a little cock if you have to. Treat them like you did that fucking janitor, and maybe they'd pay you better." He laughed and continued to say rude and disgusting things as Jaden left the apartment.

Jaden hurried outside to his car and was soon on his way. The need to get away from that man overwhelmed him and he wished that he never had to go back. After a few minutes he’d settled and was getting his mind ready for a night of waiting tables. The restaurant was not upscale, but it wasn’t fast food either the place was a fine family restaurant, and the tips were usually pretty good.

He'd been taking half of his tips and putting that money away for the time he was ready to make his escape. Murphy thought the place was low class, so he didn't question when the tips were lower. Jaden had nearly three thousand tucked away; he just needed to figure out the right time. Murphy's threats were real. He was mean enough to send the video to his parents and others. He wanted so badly to leave, but he was just too damned scared of the fallout.

Victor Raum was second in command of the Rose Coven. He and Master Conall Rose founded this Coven together over a century ago after leaving their home coven in New York. They grew and thrived, building a presence and a legacy in this town and a life they were proud of. Conall was a leader like none other, and the Coven was strong and stable because of his guidance and control.

They might often operate on the wrong side of the law, but they always operated in their own best interests and everything else could be negotiated. They weren’t a family friendly group Master Rose left that to the suburban covens. They were hard men with varied backgrounds and they worked together to make a good life if not a comfortable life for themselves.

Lately the men had started finding interest in uniting with their Fated beloveds. After Drakon found his and Drakon was one of the most feared and dangerous men in the coven interest started to peak. They figured if Fate gave Drakon a forever lover then she was open to giving them one too.

Victor loved his life at the Rose Coven. The only thing missing was his beloved, and he had to admit he was jealous as hell when Drakon found his beloved. He and Conall were older than any other vampire in the Coven, and yet they have never been chosen.

He refused to believe that their lives, which were brutal in the beginning and still somewhat today was the reason Fate refused them. Fate wasn't so petty; at least, he hoped not. Conall wasn’t so sure and held out little hope for a forever partner in life. Victor retained his optimism on the subject because he felt it in his bones. He knew there was a man out there for him, just waiting to be found, and in the meantime, he had a job to do and money to make.

“Drakon will present his beloved to the coven on Saturday evening.” Conall stated as he walked into Victor’s living room. Victor was sitting by the large window taking in the sunshine and finishing his coffee. Victor’s quarters took half the top floor of the Coven house and Master Rose’s quarters took over the other half. Conall liked having his second close at hand and Victor liked the view.

“They will meet with you this afternoon. Welcome Dean to the Coven and find out if he has any particular wishes or needs.” Conall was a harsh individual, no arguing that point, but he could also be quite considerate.

“I’ll make sure he is made to feel welcome.” Victor assured. Conall poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down in a chair next to Victor.

“Dean has some useful finance skills be sure to investigate and offer him a suitable placement in the Rose Enterprise.” Conall was always on the lookout for talent.

“Will do.”

“Where do we stand with Smithers Financial?” He asked. It had been a month since the Coven had spearheaded the takedown of that business.

“They were one fucked up organization.” Victor shook his head. “Even if we hadn’t dismantled the place, I doubt it would have survived another quarter."

“Really.” He sounded intrigued.

“Upper management was helping themselves, and the incident with Dean was not the first time they played fast and loose with client money.”

“Interesting.” Conall was planning something. “Have Ethan research their parent company and get back with me.” Victor nodded. “In the meantime, let us prepare to welcome our new members.

“Members?”

“Yes, Misha has found his beloved as well. He was covering as a bouncer at the Blood Rose, and his beloved walked up and introduced himself." Conall laughed. "If only it were always so easy."

“A vampire?”

“No, a cute little fox shifter, from what I've been told."

"I hope we're next, Conall. I've been waiting centuries for my beloved, and so have you." Victor lamented.

“Our day may come, and it will be made sweeter for having waited so long," Conall assured, and Victor hoped he was correct on both counts.

Jaden worked as a receptionist for a local psychologist from Monday through Thursday so often took extra shifts at the restaurant over the weekend. He was called in to help cover the lunch rush and then would return later in the evening to pick up a few more hours. The manager knew his situation and his need for hours and tried to help him out as much as possible.

Murphy was running out of money, even though Jaden was paying the rent and other household expenses. He used his money for networking or some such bullshit. Jaden didn't care; all he wanted was to get away from the man and have a chance to establish his own life once again. That fucking video was effectively destroying his life, and he didn't know how to undo it.

The sex had been a one-off; neither he nor the janitor wanted anything from the other. It was situational, and they never pursued it further, and now it had become a defining moment in his life. It wasn't fair.

He pushed the stress that was his life from his mind and began taking orders. Time was flying by until someone walked in who sent Jaden into a mental tailspin. He looked across the floor at his new table and froze for a few seconds. Sitting there with a handsome companion was Dean Simon.

They weren’t close but he knew Dean they’d worked together at Smithers Financial. He felt for Dean and the torment he went through with Ryan and Murphy and the others. It looked like he landed on his feet after the company crashed. Dean deserved a little good luck.

Jaden was surprised when he approached the table, and Dean recognized him. “Jaden, how are you? I hope things are going okay.” He sounded genuinely concerned.

“I’m doing okay.” He did not want to get into anything there in the restaurant.

“If I can help you in any way, please call me. Let me give you my number.” He quickly wrote it on a piece of paper and handed it to Jaden. He could see that Dean’s companion was not pleased with the interaction but did not interfere.

“I’m glad that place is closed, but some torments never seem to end," Jaden said more than he intended. He stepped back and was about to turn away when Dean stood and hugged him briefly.

“You were in a difficult situation with Ryan and his pals. I saw how they treated you, and I'm sorry I never said anything." Jaden was shocked by his apology and felt it was completely unnecessary.

“They treated everyone horribly; you have nothing to apologize for."

“I’m glad we’re all finally free.”

“I’m glad you’re free.” With that Jaden turned away and headed to the other side of the restaurant and began waiting tables. He was not free, but he was sincerely glad that Dean had gotten away.

He focused on work and got his mind off Dean and the handsome man he was with. Jaden had felt a stab of jealousy at the sight of Dean looking so good and so relaxed and in the company of someone so attentive. The man was gorgeous, but he was also clearly taken with Dean.

Jaden had never experienced a serious relationship in his life everything was shallow and short lived. He’d been with Murphy for two months and it felt like ten years. There was no relationship it was strictly power and control. He took his break and went out back to sit and have a soft drink. The place was busy so his break would be cut short but any chance to sit was welcome.

His mind wandered once again to Dean and the phone number in his pocket. He would never call him, but it was kind of him to offer. Jaden figured his problems were his own, and it was up to him to figure his way out. He did hope that Fate had better days ahead for him.