Roger couldn’t allow his anger to surface. At least Evander had a note of admiration in his voice rather than the basic hunger and demanding tone Seamus might have used. He didn’t have a reason to be upset, not really. Why, then, did he want to rip Evander’s throat out? Because he’d admiredZack? Zack, who washis, not in the way of pet and master, but his partner.
Oh God, I need to have the “what are we” conversation with him.
“And he’s brooding,” Collin complained.
“Not brooding,” Roger replied. He flashed a wicked smile at Collin. “Thinking. You two should give it a shot.”
Collin put a hand to his chest and dramatically gasped. “I am wounded.”
There was a chance he was insulted and a chance he wasn’t. Roger wasn’t willing to put the mental energy into figuring him out.
Especially when he saw Carver Vega enter the room.
Carver was broad-shouldered. And since he was shirtless, he was showing off his impressive physique. Typically, he worejeans when he ventured into the donor house, but he had on a pair of black biker shorts that were hardly longer than boxers.
And he was exactly the sort of man who belonged in Roger’s collection. Handsome, gorgeous, easygoing, a ready smile on his lips. Roger didn’t salivate, but his throat dried upon laying eyes on Carver.
The matter wasn’t helped by the fact that Carver had on a metal choke collar and a long chain hung from it, swinging with every step. The collar, the near nudity, the way he kept his gaze as close to the floor as he could manage—everything about his presentation had a meaning, but Roger hadn’t seen anyone do such a thing while he’d been in Nell’s territory.
But he knew what it meant. Did Carver?He has to.
Evander straightened, dropping his feet from the back of his pet and sitting up. “Oh my lord, is he making anoffering?I thought Nell banned the practice.”
“She did,” Collin whispered.
Carver didn’t hesitate in his steps. He approached the corner where Roger, Collin, and Evander sat. Without a word, he knelt on both knees and offered the end of the chain to Roger.
Carver was putting his life in Roger’s hands. If Roger wanted, he could use the chain to pull the collar taut and choke Carver to death. In theory, no one would even have the right to interfere. Anton had killed a few would-be pets who had offered themselves in this manner.
Nell would put a stake in Roger’s heart if he dared. He had no desire to cut Carver’s life short.
A fresh, exciting buzz covered Roger.I shouldn’t entertain this. I am going into enemy territory, and he will be in danger if he comes with me.But he couldn’t embarrass the boy either. Roger took the chain from Carver and lightly held on to it as he stood. “Collin, Evander, thank you. It seems I have some business to discuss.”
“Skip the discussing and claim him,” Evander said. “The boy clearly longs for your embrace.”
Roger forced a chuckle. “Wouldn’t want Nell to revoke my visitation privileges on my last night.” To Carver, he said, “Come along, boy.”
Carver followed along obediently as Roger led him outside. His pulse had elevated, and the thunder of it echoed in Roger’s ears. Waves of want were pouring off him, but then they always were whenever he was near Roger. That was one reason Roger had chosen to feed from him multiple times.
I did it too often. I led him on. Roger maintained his calm demeanor until he was certain they were alone. The night was cool, and no one else was taking advantage of the brick patio. Scattered around were various iron-wrought tables and chairs.
When they reached the middle of the space, Roger dropped the chain and turned around to face Carver. “What the hell did you think you were doing? Do you have any idea what that means?”
“That I’m willing to be yours, master,” Carver said, speaking softly.
As a pet should. Like Kit could do. As Roger had been trying to get Zack to do for months. Unlike Kit, Carver’s tone was an act. A rebellious desire was lying in wait, tangling with his lust.
Roger paced away from him. The need to sink his fangs into Carver’s neck and seek his touch while he did so was growing.
“Carver, we need to have an open negotiation, drop the deference for the time being,” Roger replied.
Carver lifted his gaze from the ground to watch Roger, and he folded his arms over his chest. The action wasn’t defensive but protective. A second later, he shivered.
“I’m an idiot. It must be freezing out here for you.” Roger slid out of his suit jacket and put it around Carver’s shoulders. Doingso brought them closer, and Carver’s breath caressed Roger’s wrist as he smoothed the jacket over his shoulder.
“Thanks,” Carver said.
“Let’s return to why you decided to make an offering to me,” Roger said. Reluctantly, he withdrew from their near embrace.
