Roman was unsure of his ability to court a human or anyone, for that matter. His life had been career-focused, and in the Rose Coven, that meant primarily violence and control. It was an atmosphere he thrived in, and that said a lot about a man. Would this human see him as a partner, or would he be scared off?
He needed to know more about his injured beloved. Nolan had dealt with the friends, so he gave him a call and asked him to come to the back bedroom. He arrived within minutes. It was a soft knock, not like Drakon’s commanding knock. Roman called to him to enter.
Nolan walked in and closed the door behind him softly, very softly. He looked at the man on the bed and then up at Roman, who was now standing and regarding Nolan with a stare that burned. "You dealt with the friends that came with him." He stated, and Nolan nodded. "Was there anything useful on thecameras?" He added as an afterthought, and Nolan shook his head
“The cameras only got this man smoking by the wall and the backs of three men jumping him. There were no discernible features." He took a deep breath and continued. “I cleared the minds of his friends except for the man in the leather jacket. When I scanned his memories, I found that he had orchestrated the attack on this man.” He gestured toward Alex.
“He and two others jumped him in the alley. I didn’t clear his memories because I thought you may want to investigate further.”
“Do they work together?” Roman asked.
“They are all employees of the First National Bank on Lancaster Ave. Your man is a recent hire, a teller; the others have been there much longer." Nolan paused and then added. "The man who set him up is Jackson Freed; he's a loan officer at the same bank."
“Why?” The one word came out sharp and firm.
"Jealousy is all I picked up on. Your man is well-liked, a hard worker, and apparently Jackson saw him as competition." Nolan looked down at Alex once again. “Just petty bullshit.”
Roman felt his blood pressure rising at the information presented and knew what needed to be done. “Is he still here?”
"Yes, dark hair, black leather jacket, and western boots standing at the bar. The others have already left.”
“Stay with Alex until I return.”
“Yes, sir.” Nolan walked over to stand by the side of the bed.
Roman reached out and placed his palm on Alex’s forehead. The feel of his flesh, the warmth and life, moved and invigorated. “Watch him closely.” Nolan nodded.
Roman moved out into the main room searching for the one. The club was full of people together enjoying the evening, everyone looked pleased and satisfied, especially the man in the leather jacket standing at the bar.
He smiled and made conversation with the man next to him and with the bartender. He didn’t have a care in the world until Roman came up behind him and grabbed him by the back of his neck.
"What the fuck!" He yelled and tried to get away. "Let me go. What are you doing?" He looked around frantically, but no one cared, just as no one cared about Alex. He fought all the way out to the alley.
“Let me go.” He shouted and tried grabbing at Roman. “Why are you doing this? I don’t know you.”
Roman pulled him up onto his toes and faced him, letting his anger and rage bleed into his eyes and features. The fear was instant. "Do you know Alex Stewart?" The fear consumed him as understanding hit. Roman slammed his face into the side of the dumpster, rendering him unconscious, and then tossed him to the ground. He could wallow in the mud and the filth.
Roman went back inside feeling better that he’d dealt with one of his beloved’s attackers, but he still had others to deal with. He would find everyone responsible.
****
Alex lay in bed, taking deep breaths and trying to figure out where he was and how he'd gotten there. He had little memory of the prior evening apart from going to the Blood Rose with Amy, Kate, Tristan, and Jackson. He remembered entering the club and having a drink, but that was all he could recall.
He wasn’t a heavy drinker, so it was unlikely he drank himself into this condition, but something happened, and then he tried to move, and his body resisted. Pain shot up his back, and his head felt like it was going to explode. He took several deep breaths, trying to settle the pain. He then remembered; it came back to him in a sudden rush.
He went out for a smoke in the alley behind the club, and he was attacked. He didn't see them, only the fists and feet as they pummeled him. But how did he get here, and where was here? Slowly and with considerable effort, he sat up and moved to sit on the edge of this large, soft bed. He looked down at himself and wondered where he got the lovely baby blue pajamas. Damn, they were comfortable.
There was movement in the outer room. Sitting there, wondering what he should do, he noticed his wallet on the side table. Thumbing through it, he realized quickly that all cash was gone, but his ID and cards were still there, so that's something at least. Then it dawned on him, damn it, his watch was gone along with the gold band ring he wore on his index finger.
Those bastards beat the snot out of him and then took his stuff. It shouldn't surprise him, but still, it pissed him off. Money was one thing, but personal items had meaning. Then there came another sound from the other room he wanted to go and check, but he also wasn't sure if he was ready for whatever was waiting for him.
Stop being an idiot he told himself and slowly stood up. The remnants of his beating coursed through his body, pain and stiffness struck, and then gradually eased off. Another deep breath, and he took a step and then another. He wasn't moving well, but he was moving. He stopped at the door for a few seconds and then opened it and peered out into the living room.
Across the room, standing by the window, was a man who turned to regard him with a half smile. He looked unbothered, which was good. "Hello," Alex said, and his voice was strained and hoarse. He coughed and said it again. "Hello." The man started walking toward him. Alex didn't get a sense of danger, but rather he seemed pleasant and welcoming. Alex had no idea what it all meant or who this guy was, but he was sure he’d find out soon enough.
"Hello, Alex." The man said, and his voice was deep and sexy. He was a handsome man, tall and solid and gorgeous, with black hair and dark eyes that seemed to cut right through Alex. That was a strange reaction, but it was enjoyable. He could feel his body responding, so he attempted to shift his thoughts to something less erotic, but as the man drew closer, his reaction seemed to heighten.
Alex glanced away, cutting the connection, and his body calmed. "Where am I?" A reasonable question, and it took his focus off this guy's amazing body. He wasn't usually so crass or reactive; maybe it was the beating, maybe his thought processes were affected. He hoped he wouldn't react like this to every guy who came along.
