Not many people knew his bearer was Braxton Boroson, the famed and handsome actor who never seemed to age and charmed every one of his co-star’s—male and female. His family was filled with heavy hitters. Armand was a former state senator who gave up his career to be by his mate's side.
Scott’s older brother Roman owned his own Public Relations firm, and his sister TaNia followed in their bearer’s footsteps and became an actress. Scott walked over and hugged Armand resting his head on the taller man’s back. He knew how much his sire had loved his political career, but he loved his mate more. He was happy to see his sire, even if it was unexpected.
They all left the Dracul off their names to avoid the question of “Are you descendants of Vladimir III?” Knowing his family members would only tell the truth, which could have people looking too deep into their background. When his sire worked as a senator, he used the last name Drake. Scott’s grandfather did not like it, but he understood the need for anonymity.
“What movie is Bearer doing this time?” he asked, stepping back from his sire.
“Some romantic comedy,” his sire answered offhandedly.
“And you’re not sticking around to make sure no one tries to steal him away?”
“You know who I am, right? Not only am I your Bearer’s mate, I’m his everything, as he is mine. No one will ever take my place at his side or in his heart. This is a lifetime commitment for the both of us. You’ll understand one day. Now set the table, we’re going to have company.”
“Who?”
“Your aunt Rosemary. There’s something I need to talk to her about.”
Not objecting to his sire’s order, Scott did as he was told. If his friends saw him now, they wouldn’t believe he was an alpha or a dominant. But that was the way it was whenever his parents were around. Being the youngest, Scott couldn’t help it. He wondered if his parents were planning on moving to Vale Valley—Scott wouldn’t mind having his parents closer to him.
“So how long will Bearer be shooting the movie?”
“He should be done in a couple of months.”
“So, what? Are you going to hang out here until he’s done?” Scott asked.
“What? Don’t want your old man cramping your style? I saw your playroom. Looks like it hasn’t been used in a while.”
Scott didn’t say anything—he never hid his BDSM lifestyle from his parents. Besides, they had a way of finding things out. “I’ve been busy with work and the band.”
“You should never be too busy for love, son. I’ve told you that. Many times.”
“Yeah, well. I was in love before and you saw how well that turned out,” Scott said, feeling a bit annoyed with his sire.
“Scottland, what happened with Alec wasn’t your fault. He was sick before you met him,” Armand said in a soothing tone.
“I know, okay. I just wish I could have saved Alec." Scott turned and looked at his sire, hoping to see an understanding expression but didn't see one.
"And then what? He tries it again after you save him?"
"Yes, because that's what you do when you love someone. You of all people should know that."
"You can’t keep saving someone who doesn't want to be saved, Scottland." Armand stepped closer to him, cupped his cheeks, and tilted his face up to his. He was six foot, but his father had four inches and muscles on him. When Scott was a child, he’d always thought his father was a giant, and in some ways he still did. "You couldn't save him. No one could."
"I would have turned him, but..."
"You promised him you wouldn't, and in the end, it would have been selfish on your part. Your Bearer and I taught you and your siblings better than that."
Scott nodded and felt tears sliding down his cheeks. Armand pulled him into his arms, and Scott let him.
"One of the most important things your Bearer and I wanted for all of our kids was that you three would find the same kind of love we have. Two out of three is not so bad. Your Bearer and I would move heaven and Earth to be with each other. And in some ways, we did. But you also got to experience love with Alec. Admittedly, it's different when you find your mate and share a bond that can never be broken. Trust me, one day you will find him and know exactly what I mean. The second you will be willing to kill for the man you love without thought or regret, is the moment you will realize you’ve found the greatest love of all. Don't give up yet, son. He's out there waiting for you to find and save him."
Scott nodded and held on to his father a bit longer. “You know, most normal fathers would tell their sons it’s wrong to kill.”
“I’m not a normal father, and you’re not a normal son.”
Scott stepped back and looked at his sire. "Why do you always make me feel like a kid?"
"Because you are, my sweet baby," Armand said, lightly tapping Scott’s cheek.
