Page 11 of Only You, No One Else

Mark nodded.

“Good.” Caster’s thumb rubbed at his lower lip, and he resisted the urge to push closer to him. “Now, you’ll stop making me repeat myself and get dressed. We have somewhere to be.”

The kiss was subdued, the dominance hiding behind the gentle pass of Caster’s tongue over his. He did his best to follow Caster’s lead. He wanted to give up control, needed to. It was the only way to keep from drowning in things he couldn’t control.

Caster pulled away so fast, Mark almost fell into him. “What?” He stared at Mark, the storm in his eyes rising to obscure the desire. “What happened?”

Mark shook his head. “Nothing. I just don’t want to think about…”

Caster’s lips stole the last of his words, and he gave a little more of himself. He restrained his mind from revisiting his conversation with Edie, needing the comfort, the strength Caster’s kiss promised more than he needed answers.

This time, when they pulled away for much-needed breath, they were both on edge. Caster’s touch moved through his hair, past the back of his neck to his shoulder. “Go. Get dressed, my love. I want you all to myself, and we can’t have that here.”

The logistics of how he found everything he needed in Caster’s room when they’d lost everything after the witch’s attack was impressive. But he didn’t want to think about that. The goal was to stop all thought. He wanted to drown thoughts of the witch, of the consequences of Zeke’s return, in his surrender to Caster’s will.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d given up control like this, and he hoped he could still do it with enough precision to make everything stop.

When he found him minutes later in the sitting area adjacent to the bedroom, Caster was talking to Kyle. The simple sight of him, even if he had yet to acknowledge his presence, was enough to calm both sides of him.

Caster reached for his hand as he approached.

Kyle’s smile was warm. “We’re so glad to have you back.” He turned to Caster. “We’re ready when you are.”

Mark’s curiosity piqued at the “we,” but he tamped down on the side of him that wanted to know Caster’s plans. He’d shuttered his mind from vampire infiltration as soon as he’d realized Caster wasn’t alone, so he squeezed Caster’s hand, trying to communicate his complete trust.

Did he really trust Caster if he failed to tell him about Zeke’s new ability, how easily the Alpha had infiltrated his mind?

Mark shook his head as he followed Kyle and Caster’s lead through Damien’s mansion to the large, well-maintained lawn reminiscent of the one the witch had destroyed. The helicopter that would be their transportation came into view, along with no less than ten Born-Vampires flanking it.

His complete trust in Caster notwithstanding, Mark couldn’t contain his gasp. Mikey? Was it safe to leave his little brother here alone if Caster felt they needed this much protection to leave the compound?

Caster squeezed his hand. What is it?

Mark’s steps faltered, his guilt at thinking of no one but himself intensifying his worry. Mikey...

Caster stopped and moved in front of him, grabbing his shoulders. “Your brother is safe. He left with Riley and Damien.”

He frowned.

Caster reached for his hand again, and they resumed their walk towards the helicopter. “He’s at my father’s house. The safest place he could be.”

Mark relaxed, his exhale draining his worry away. But he still resolved to call his brother the first chance he got.

CHAPTER 8

The helicopter ride to his cabin was short. Kyle, at Marcus’s directive, had insisted on increased security for them. Caster had understood their argument when he’d called to let Marcus know he would need a few days alone with Mark, but he resented the extra attention. Marcus, his mother, to be more accurate, had gone overboard. Caster didn’t need the extra protection. He and Kyle were often enough to neutralize any threats. He’d agreed to the contingent of ten Born-Vampire guards surrounding his property to ease his mother’s worry.

She hadn’t been happy with his decision to come here, but Mark’s plea for his control had been and would always be Caster’s priority. That resurrected Alpha wolf and the witch would pay with their lives if they threatened that in any way.

He squeezed Mark’s hand again, unwilling to let him go even for a second as the front door swung open. His long-time house manager, Vincent, a Made- Vampire who’d been turned before the war, nodded his welcome, knowing words were not necessary.

Mark’s mind remained shuttered, and as much as he missed the intimacy his open mind often granted them, he was thankful he’d remembered to put that barrier up before they left.

“Mark, this is Vincent.” This meeting had been long overdue. Vincent had been away visiting his family, leaving his duty to the efficient Sophie. He’d been gutted when he learned of her injuries after the witch’s attack, blaming himself for not being there.

Vincent smiled, his weathered features displaying his considerable age even though his features maintained the youth of the thirty-eight-year-old he’d been when he was turned. “It is very nice to meet you.” He stepped to the side, indicating the dining room. “I have everything ready, Your Highness.”

He didn’t need to remind Vincent of his need for privacy. He’d remained a trusted member of his father’s household because of his discretion more than his attention to detail, which was impeccable.