"Yes, sir, and thank you." Cal continued to hold tight to Tarek's hand as they walked away. This was a horrendous mess, but also the happiest day of his life. It was hard to settle on a feeling, so he just looked at Tarek and figured Fate knew what she was doing.
CHAPTER TWO
Tarek was beside himself with panic, terror, confusion, and a rising sense of belonging that had no place in the cacophony of his life right now. It made no sense considering the events of this day. Fate was honest and true, but was this really real? Did he just run headlong into this beloved's arms?
He still had a hell of a lot of explaining to do, but the Master allowed him to stay . . . for now . . . and that was good. That decision could change at any moment, but his connection to Cal would afford him some stability. . . for a while . . . probably not long.
Cal, what a gorgeous man and steadfast in his commitment to his people and to Tarek. He could feel the vampire's devotion, and it was heartening and beautiful, and he didn't deserve a bit of it. He could see himself falling hard for this man.
“I’m sorry I put you in such a difficult position, but I was not aware of our connection. I was just trying to stay alive.” Tarek felt the need to speak and try to get along.
"I'm glad Fate brought you to me, and I am very glad that you are safe." He pulled Tarek to his side and put an arm around his shoulders. It felt nice and strengthened the bonding Tarek had been feeling since arriving at Coven DuCane. He was a loner by choice. He lived alone, worked alone, and depended upon himself, so opening up to this man was going to be challenging.
He understood Fated bonds and their power, but he did not know what to expect in terms of heart, mind, and emotions. Vampires described it as overwhelming and life-changing, and some called it the tearing apart of the old and the most amazing thing ever.
He already felt the stirring in his core, a lightness that hadn't been there before, and there was the clarity that came over him whenever Cal held his hand and pushed calm toward him. He knew what Cal was doing every time he touched him, and Tarek appreciated every second of the support he gave to him.
But with that said, would Cal be satisfied with a man such as him? The judgment that rushed through the crowd when they heard what he was did not go unnoticed. Cal’s protection and regard did not waver, but these are his people.
“You are involved in a very dangerous profession. Perhaps you will enlighten me on how you became embroiled in such a business and why you would go in search of the Severine Codex.” They were going to be doing a lot of talking by the looks of it, and he needed to be sincere because his beloved would smell any deception. Malfane and his crawlers were probably still hot on his trail, so he needed Coven DuCane, and he needed his beloved.
The moment he said the word, a warmth passed through him that was like nothing he had ever experienced before. Itwas more than just stirring his core; it was now a lightness in his mind, along with all the tension residing there. It eased the pressure in his chest and gave him the impression that everything was working out just fine. It was beautiful, and he wanted to hold onto it.
"You make me feel safe, Cal, and I haven't felt safe in years." He said what he was feeling, wanting Cal to know that he was there and that he was worth his time.
"I'll never forsake you, Tarek. You are mine, and I am yours. I assume you understand what it means to be a beloved."
“I do.”
“Good.” Cal brought him to a cottage on the edge of a lovely garden located about a quarter mile from the Palace. It was large and comfortable looking, and as they stepped inside, he noticed it was fully furnished and ready to live in.
"This is nice." He said the first thing that came to his mind. Cal was still holding his hand and smiled down at him as he guided him through the kitchen where they’d entered and into the living room.
“Would you like something to eat or drink?” Cal asked as he seated Tarek on the couch.
"Water would be nice," Tarek answered, and Cal went back to the kitchen, returned with a water bottle, and handed it to him. Cal sat down next to him, leaving a few inches between them. Tarek missed his touch. He opened the water and drank half of it. He didn't realize how thirsty he was until the water touched his lips.
He set the bottle on the side table and turned to regard Cal. Cal was a tall and solidly built man, and his suit fit him to perfection. His black hair was short and swept back from hishandsome face. He was, like all DuCane soldiers, a formidable man, but there was warmth there as well. It was for Tarek, and he recognized the hope and want just as he felt it in his own heart.
"You're safe here." Cal reiterated. "The Coven is guarded by several spells, charms, and incantations along with the standard patrols and surveillance. Master DuCane has every angle covered. No kindred will gain entrance here."
"I know, I felt the barriers when I entered. The Codex would not have gotten inside without you. You carried me, and I was carrying the Codex. The evil within its pages would have prevented it from passing. But you opened the gate and carried us both inside." Tarek knotted his hands together, fearing that he was not handling himself well. "I didn't know what was going to happen. I just thought that Master DuCane would have the juice to intercede, to stop them, to save me. But you saved me instead."
"How did you end up in the Relic business?" Cal went back to his original question, and honestly, it seemed like a good place to start if they were going to get to know each other.
“It’s a family business, I guess. My grandparents were relic brokers, and my father and brother are relic brokers. It's what I learned to do, and I'm good at it." He took his water bottle and downed the rest. Cal got him another, along with a bottle of orange juice. He drank the juice before beginning again. He was appreciative that Cal wasn't rushing him and letting him take the time he needed to put his life into words.
"I'm not used to talking about myself; explaining is not something I do very often." He leaned back against the cushions and closed his eyes for a few seconds before continuing.
“I work alone, I prefer it that way, it's easier, cleaner, and faster. I haven't had contact with my family in many years. We had a falling out over some client issues, and I decided it was best to go my own way."
“What was your plan when you came rushing to the Coven gates?”
"I wanted to get the Codex into proper hands and away from Malfane. From there, I figured I'd search out a mage or a magics and purchase a cloak to protect me long enough to get out of town and disappear. Malfane and his ilk are focused and wouldn't pursue me for long. They want the Codex and would try to get it, and I was hoping that Master DuCane would finish him." Tarek didn't have anything too deep in mind, just hoping to get by and get free.
"How old are you, Tarek?"
“Twenty-four.”
