CHAPTER THREE

M urphy went home and called the loan sharks letting them know that Jaden would be delivered tomorrow. “We made arrangements with you for today and now you say tomorrow. I think you’re lying Murphy maybe we should just come and take him.”

"He's not here. He'll be home tomorrow, and I will personally bring him to you." Murphy was desperately trying to make them believe and to give him the time he needed to track down Jaden. He called the restaurant, and they told him Jaden wasn’t there. He called the hospitals and clinics in the area, and he wasn’t there either.

The vampire had intervened, but they rarely got involved in the problems of others, so he probably didn’t do any more than stop Murphy from hurting the human. They sometimes had tender hearts when it came to humans. Murphy could not give a fuck, whether human or shifter. He treated everyone the same, and Jaden wouldn't have been the first human he killed.

He wouldn't have killed him there in the restaurant. He would have dragged him out to the parking lot and finished the little bastard. But no, he actually couldn't since he’d promised that twink to some loan sharks. He would have simply roughed him up since the jackals were expecting him alive and kicking, but they would have taken his dead body and enjoyed it. Jackals were like that.

Murphy smiled at his own disgusting thoughts, wishing now that he'd simply abducted Jaden and dropped him with the loan sharks. They weren't all jackals. There were a few wolves, and he noticed a snake shifter among them, one of the large breeds, but he wasn’t sure of the species.

They were a dangerous bunch, and Murphy needed to right things soon, or he was going to be on the menu. Jaden was going to love entertaining those guys. He laughed again at his disgusting thoughts. He pulled out his phone and dialed him up, but once again, he got voicemail.

Murphy headed back to the restaurant to pick up Jaden’s scent and find out where he was hiding. There was no place in this city where he could hide, and Murphy could not find him. His cat was a hunter, and Jaden had just become his prey.

"Where am I Dean?" Jaden lifted his head and looked around the room, making eye contact with Victor and then pinning Dean with an anxious stare. “What happened?”

“You were attacked and left unconscious. Victor brought you home to his apartment, which is in the same building as mine and Drakon's. He knew that I knew you, so he asked me to be here when you woke." Dean danced nicely around the information, not lying but not being completely open.

Jaden turned and looked at Victor directly holding his gaze and donning an expression of familiarity. “I’ve seen you before.” He said and it was clear he was trying hard to remember. The moment his memory clicked his eyes blew wide. “You were there.” Victor nodded but did not speak and did not take his eyes from Jaden’s.

“You can trust Victor I know him and he’s a good man and he can help you Jaden.” Dean held Jaden’s hand and urged him to share. Jaden sat up and leaned forward toward Dean.

"I'm in one hell of a mess, but it is of my own doing, so I need to deal with myself. I can't burden others." Jaden spoke clearly but with despair, which pulled hard on Victor's heart. Jaden turned back to Victor.

“Thank you for getting me away from him and for seeing to my safety.”

“You're welcome," Victor responded.

“Stay here with Victor until things settle I know Murphy and he’s awful. He was in some ways worse than Ryan.” Dean was giving it is all and Victor appreciated every word.

“You’re welcome to stay, please stay.” Victor made his desires clear. Their eyes locked once again, and he put everything he was feeling into it, letting Jaden feel what he was feeling.

“It’s not safe for you to go home Jaden. Murphy surely knows where you live, and he cannot be trusted. Stay for a while at least until you heal properly and form a plan.” Dean persisted and Jaden was nodding his head. “You can trust Victor I give you my word on that.” Jaden smiled and glanced back at Victor who stood and walked over to the side of the bed and reached out his hand.

Jaden took it and held on for a few seconds before letting go. "Thank you, Victor."

“No problem.” He saw the wonder begin to show in Jaden’s gaze as the bond was growing stronger. Every minute they stay together the stronger it will become drawing the reticent young man closer and opening his heart to the vampire.

Dean recognized his cue and stood, backing away from the couple. "I'll leave you two to get better acquainted. If you need me, Jaden, you have my number." He then left, closing the bedroom door behind him.

“He’s a better friend than I deserve.” Jaden lamented.

“Why do you say that?” Victor sat on the edge of the bed very close to Jaden and placed his hand over Jaden’s.

“I never helped him. I knew he was being hurt, and I didn't help him."

"There was nothing you could have done. You couldn't even help yourself."

“I should have done something.”

Victor took his hand and raised it to his lips and kissed it while holding his gaze and pushing a sense of release between them. His beloved was holding guilt over something that was well out of his ability to change, and Victor wanted him to let it go. He suspected there were many things that his beloved needed to let go. The pressure of guilt and shame hung over him like a thick fog.

“Tell me why this man is threatening you. Tell me what is weighing so heavily upon you. Let me help. Tell me.” Victor used his most persuasive tone and held fast to Jaden’s hand channeling trust and honesty. He waited and Jaden took a shaky breath and at first dropped his head to gaze at the comforter but then looked up and engaged.

“I did something so stupid. I knew the kind of man my boss was, and still, I thought it was a good idea. I should have figured he'd have something set up since he trusted no one, and no one trusted him." Jaden started in bits and pieces, and Victor let him go at his own speed.

"There was this guy at work. He was handsome and willing, and so was I. It was nothing deep or meaningful, simply sex for its own sake. He worked in maintenance, and one day, we were flirting, and things got very heated.” He paused and looked away, embarrassed, but did not release Victor's hand; instead, he squeezed harder. After a few minutes, he began again.

"Ryan was out for the rest of the day. He often left early and never returned. I took messages and sent clients to other offices, never letting anyone know of his disappearances. I covered for him a thousand times, and it meant nothing." Victor knew what was coming, and it was difficult to hear, but he pushed his own feelings down because Jaden needed to be heard, and he needed someone to care.

“I took him into Ryan’s office and locked the door, and we fed our desires. I've never seen or spoken to the man since it was just a one-off, and neither of us wanted anything more. I thought it was harmless entertainment for a Wednesday afternoon, but it turned out to be the worst decision of my life. That afternoon turned my world upside down." He paused again, and Victor got him a glass of water, which he drank half and handed it back to Victor, who placed it on the side table. He then sat back down and took Jaden’s hand once more.

"He had a camera in his office and captured the entire thing on video. He used it against me, saying he'd post it or share it with my family and friends if I didn't work late, get him coffee, pick up his laundry, and the list went on and on. Then, when Smithers Financial went under, and Ryan disappeared, I found out he'd given the video to his friend Murphy."

“Murphy made the same threats to you?” Victor spoke and reached out to cup Jaden’s cheek. He was pleased when he snuggled against his touch. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Jaden.”

"He moved in with me because he lost his job and couldn't find another, but I couldn't afford all the extra bills on my own, so we got a cheaper place downtown, and still, I struggle with two jobs to try and stay ahead of the bills."

“He doesn’t work.”

“No one will hire him because of his connection to Ryan and the crimes he committed leading to the downfall of Smithers Financial. They see him as a liability, according to Murphy.” Victor doubted he was trying very hard since there were many jobs available for a strong tiger shifter. He enjoyed living off Jaden and tormenting the poor man.

"He said he borrowed money from some people, but now he can’t pay them back, so he showed them the video and arranged for me to pay them off.” Jaden dropped his head and started to cry, and Victor nearly lost control and let his vampire take over. The thought of those beasts touching his beloved made his blood boil. He pulled his reaction back and forced himself to stay calm for Jaden’s sake.

The time to punish the sinners would come soon enough, but right now, his beloved needed his full attention and protection. Victor pulled Jaden into his arms and lifted him onto his lap, holding him secure and letting him cry. The man needed this release; the emotions and the pressure of what he’d been living with came to the surface and to be purged.

Jaden felt the tears rush him, and there was no holding back. As much as he didn't want to look completely helpless, there was no stopping the onslaught of pain. He tucked his face into the crook of Victor’s shoulder and cried until his body shook with exhaustion.

He trusted this man and he didn’t know why. He didn’t trust anyone and yet he bared his soul to this one man who he met a few hours ago. Dean said he could be trusted but what Jaden felt was more than simple reassurance from a friend. He knew to his soul that Victor was good for him that he wasn’t lying, and he wouldn’t hurt him.

Having told him everything made Jaden feel suddenly lighter and his mind was clearer. There was nothing he could do but just sharing that mess with someone helped and the tears were just long overdue. Crying in front of Victor was safe so he dropped the mask he wore hiding the fact his life was a shambles and just let go.

Victor held him and whispered lovely, kind things into his ear and kissed him softly on his hair and his cheek. He was exactly what Jaden needed and wanted. Why couldn't he have met him before his life turned to shit? He pulled back and tried to wipe the tears from his face, but Victor stopped him, took his handkerchief, and wiped away the tears.

“I’m sorry.”

“No need to be it was a normal reaction for what you’ve been through and I’m glad I was here for you.” He sounded so sincere Jaden wanted to eat him up. Handsome, strong and nice what an amazing combination.

"I should go. I shouldn’t involve you in my problems. Thank you for getting Murphy off me and letting me rest here in your apartment.” He made to move off Victor’s lap, but Victor did not release him.

“You're not safe out there, Jaden. Murphy needs to be stopped, and the men he borrowed money from need to be dealt with as well. They were made promises, and they don't forget. I can help you, so please let me."

Jaden looked up into the eyes of the man holding him so gently and saw something there that soothed and excited simultaneously. Victor was more than an acquaintance or a good Samaritan he wanted to be there he wanted to help him. There was a connection between them that was pulling and stirring and making Jaden’s heart pound in his chest.

He reached his hand up to touch Victor’s face and he turned and placed a kiss in the palm. “I am so drawn to you Victor.” He voiced his feelings and kept studying the handsome angular face in front of him. He’d never met a more attractive man and he suddenly realized that he wanted him desperately.

“I’m drawn to you to.” He answered and placed another kiss on Jaden’s palm. Each touch fanning the flames of desire growing in his core. Jaden slowly strained upward and kissed Victor on the lips it was soft and barely there but resulted in an absolute tumult of reaction. Victor’s arms came around him like two steel bands and the kiss went from soft and light to fierce and demanding.

The desire he was trying to control was nothing compared to what Victor set loose. He pulled back, breathing hard, and spoke. "Are you well enough? Am I hurting you?”

“I’m fine and please don’t stop.” Jaden pulled him down and the kiss took off once more and Jaden felt the fire and the thrill rocket through him like nothing he’d ever experienced before. He found himself pulling at Victor’s shirt tearing at the buttons and moving to straddle his legs.

Victor helped him with the shirt and soon he was running his hands over the hardest smoothest masculine chest in all existence. His body was calling to Jaden and the more he responded the more he wanted. “You’re beautiful Victor.” He said and heard a low chuckle rumble through Victor’s chest.

"You're the beautiful one, my love. Your body is perfection." He whispered the last and took Jaden's lips in another ravenous embrace. The taste and the sheer excitement that filled him and the air around him were intoxicating. Jaden noticed that his shirt was gone, and his pants were open and hanging off his hips. They needed to get more comfortable because Jaden wanted to keep this action going. He had never been with a man like Victor; his energy was dominant and formidable but not aggressive. His hands guided but did not control he was wonderful.

Jaden was on his back, and between hot, salacious kisses, Victor was removing the remainder of Jaden’s clothes. The way he ran his hands down his body, stimulating and sensitizing his flesh, left Jaden trembling in anticipation. Victor’s hand trailed lightly across Jaden’s cock, and he stiffened painfully, arching his back upward.

Victor straightened and slipped off his shoes and then his pants baring his amazing body to Jaden’s hungry stare. Jaden licked his lips and Victor smiled. “Do you like what you see, my love?” He teased.

“I like what I see," Jaden responded breathlessly. "I want what I see." He added.

“All yours, now and always, all yours.” His tone was deep and sensuous. Jaden felt another thrill run up his spine, and his aching cock began to weep. Victor moved onto the bed hovering over Jaden, bent to lick the tip of his cock, and then placed a kiss there. Jaden could not stop the moan that burst past his lips or the way he thrust himself forward, searching for more.

Victor pressed his face to Jaden’s groin and started a flurry of hot, moist kisses. Jaden felt his fingers, long and thick, press against his hole, which caused an anxious pulsating sensation to rock him. The fingers penetrated, going deep and stretching him, sensitizing the tender flesh and causing his breath to catch in his throat.

The fingers went harder and further with each anxious thrust. Victor’s eyes were focused on Jaden, reading every movement and expression. When he moaned or thrashed, the thrusts became harder and his kisses more urgent. He was pushing him so close to the edge but not letting him go yet.

He abruptly flipped him onto his stomach and lifted him by his hips, and Jaden braced himself on his knees, which were far apart. He was completely exposed and loved every second of it. More kisses trailed down his spine and he felt the slippery head of Victor’s massive hard cock pushing at his opening. The lube was dripping down his leg, making him feel wanton and reckless.

Jaden pressed his head into the pillows and forced his ass higher. Victor took him by the hips and pulled him backward in a hard swift motion impaling him on his thick, throbbing cock. They both moaned loudly, and the moment became filled with electrifying thrusts that were sharp, rapid, and deep. Victor leaned forward, slimming his fingers along the side of Jaden's jaw to his mouth, and inserted two of his fingers.

He latched onto those fingers and began sucking wildly while Victor hammered him from behind. The sensations were wild and charged, sending thrills up and down his spine. Jaden knew he wasn’t going to last much longer, and then Victor leaned back, pulling his fingers from Jaden's mouth, and grabbed him, pulling him up and onto his lap while still fully seated on his hard cock.

Jaden balanced himself and started bouncing, taking him deeper with every downward thrust. “Oh, my sweet beloved." Victor chanted near his ear, and Jaden slammed himself down onto Victor spreading himself tight and forcing that cock to the base.

“Yes, so good," Jaden whispered and closed his eyes, riding this captivating sensation for all it was worth. He couldn’t get enough. Victor wrapped his arm around him and took his cock in hand and stroked in rhythm with his own thrusts. The grip was tight and hot, and Jaden shook with the stimulation rushing through his body.

He was reaching the edge, and so was Victor. His groans were harsh and deep, and his breath was coming in short, aggressive pants. He was coming, and Jaden wanted to stroke as he could get. He sped up his movements slamming on that hard cock repeatedly and tightening his hold, forcing the climax to an immense explosion.

Victor came, filling him full and holding him fast, and then there was the bite. Jaden felt his teeth puncture at the base of his throat, and in that second, Jaden felt a rush of feelings scintillating and exciting fill his heart and mind. He came hard, bursting and covering the blanket in front of him with his essence. Jaden dropped his head back to lay against Victor’s chest and closed his eyes.

The bite was mystifying, a sharp pain and then pleasure beyond measure. It made no sense, but it was the most sensual and hedonistic delight of his life. “That was outstanding.” His breath was catching, and his heart was still racing. "Unbelievable." Victor chuckled. He felt it rather than heard it, and then there was a kiss to the spot on his throat where he’d bitten him, and a shot of arousal sliced through him, forcing another groan.

“Amazing.” Was the one word Victor uttered once they both settled and the peak of their climax had calmed. He continued to hold Jaden on his lap for several minutes, kissing the little scar on his throat and commenting softly about his splendor and beauty.

"That bite was extraordinary. I've never felt anything so consuming.” Jaden commented and slowly slid off Victor’s cock to sit on the bed and gather his emotions. Everything was raw and stimulated, and his body trembled with the afterglow.

He turned to look at Victor and noticed his face was hard and angular and his eyes had turned to red the vision should have frightened him but instead he saw him for who he was. Jaden was not unfamiliar with the locals and had come across men like Victor before although none had stirred and excited him like this man.