"What about the humans that ran? What will happen to them?" That question came out a little more hesitantly, like he wasn’t sure he wanted the answer.
"We have a method of clearing their minds; it's not as efficient as a vampire memory purge, but it's close." He looked over at Kyle when he failed to comment.
“Vampire?” He said the word with force and surprise.
"Yeah, there's coven all over, even in your small town, but they keep to themselves. We don't have access to their skills."
"Who, who in my town?" He moved closer to Lev, desperate for a name, and Lev laughed.
"Only if you promise not to tell." He teased, and Kyle narrowed his eyes, not at all amused.
"I already agreed to all the secrecy. I know the drill, and you can trust me." He made it clear.
"I do trust you, my love, with my life." He pulled him over and kissed him hard but briefly. "Luc Marchand is the Master Vampire." He told him, and Kyle's eyes widened.
“I guess that makes sense, he's the wealthiest man in town and has his money and influence in everything." Kyle thought about it for a moment. "He lives in a sprawling mansion on the water, but no one I know has ever been there. It's private and secretive."
“It’s the coven house.” Lev filled in for him.
“Is it a large coven?”
“Yes, very large and not isolated to that mansion. He has property and influence throughout the state.”
“Wow, I really have a lot to learn.” Kyle looked out the side window for a few minutes and then changed the subject. "Tell me more about your Pack." Lev was pleased with his interest and his easy approach to processing information.
He was blessed to have such a levelheaded, understanding man as a mate. They talked about the Pack and about Kyle's photography business, sharing and getting a broader understanding of each other. Everything he learned
****
Kyle learned a lot, but he had to admit that finding out that local Financier Luc Marchand was a Master Vampire was the most shocking. It threw him more than finding out that Lev was a wolf shifter or that the forest was filled with paranormal beings.
He never crossed paths with the shifter community or anyone from the forest, but he’d had dealings with Mr. Marchand. Looking back, he tried to see the obvious, but apart from a handsome charm, Marchand looked like any other rich guy.
The path gradually turned back into the two-track road, then it widened and smoothed, and massive stone walls that protected the heart of the Wilder Wolf Pack rose up before them. Kyle was stunned by the architecture's sophistication and the design's practicality without looking bland. It was beautiful and leaned art deco, which was Kyle's favorite.
Lev's guards were at the entrance, and others were posted throughout the area. Lev had patrols twenty-four hours a day. Lev nodded to the guards and drove into the compound, pulled up to what Kyle assumed was the Pack house, and parked. The place was constructed of humongous logs and massive stones. It looked capable of withstanding a missile strike and large enough to house hundreds.
“I like your place.” Kyle wished he could take pictures, but he understood why he could not. Lev smiled and pulled him close, tucking him under his arm as they made their way inside. The interior was as large and impressive as the exterior. Hebrought him to what Lev called the Great Room, and Mykel was there, but this time he was dressed.
Lev introduced them again, and this time Mykel looked him directly in the eye and shook his hand. "Welcome, Kyle." He said with a big smile, and Kyle felt a sudden sense of belonging. He didn't know if it was the acceptance, the mood of the area, the excitement, or was it simply Lev and the love he was showing, so clear and consistent, or maybe... it was everything.
They sat, and Lev had coffee and a variety of baked goods brought to them. The longer he spent with Lev, the surer he was that this was his future. This life would be interesting and a little dangerous, but he would endure anything to stay by Lev’s side. All this came to him in a rush, washing over him and leaving him with a sense of certainty he rarely experienced.
"Demitri took the humans to Dr. Reeves, and once their memories have been removed, they will be returned to the parking area where they left their car. The car has been searched for anything related to the falls, and John has been destroyed." He paused and then added. “Ivan is investigating their personal lives and will keep an eye on them for a while and will alert us to any issues that may need our attention.”
"Good job, Mykel.” Lev praised and then turned the conversation to the bigger picture. “We’ve stopped that leak and the men who confronted Kyle yesterday, but I’m afraid there are too many to handle one at a time. We need to devise a way to eliminate or discredit the information John shared. We must stop the continued flow of gossip and rumor before we are inundated with curiosity seekers and those looking to make money off the site.”
“I came here looking for the falls after listening to John’s tales. I did not frequent this forest." He gave a half smile,remembering the stories. "I heard all the scary stories, and rather than run into trouble, I'd decided to stay away." He looked at Lev and Mykel, who were listening closely. “But the lure of John’s tales became too much, and I decided to brave it.”
"What I'm trying to get at is people I work with knew I was thinking about going to the Aveline Forest to investigate, but no one knew when. So the groundwork for an article has already been set." Kyle knew what he wanted to say, but it was taking time to get to the point, since Lev knew very little about his career beyond photography.
“I do articles for the local news, and they’re often picked up by weekly publications, and sometimes, if it is good, it makes it statewide." He saw the dawning of understanding in Lev's eyes. "I could post some random forest pictures claiming to be the location from the map and then write an article claiming that it was all a hoax and ravings of an old man. I can make it work.” Kyle was already putting it together in his mind.
"Ivan could upload it and make sure it goes far and wide," Mykel interjected.
"That would take the power and curiosity out of the rumor," Lev added. “Excellent idea, my love, excellent." Lev stood and pulled Kyle to his feet, wrapping him in a hug that spoke to more than just gratitude. Mykel stood reading the room and headed for the door, sensing a personal moment was on its way.
“I’ll go and speak with Ivan.” He said and waved back over his shoulder as he quickly exited the front door.
