Page 58

Dante

Throwing his head back, Dante laughed as Carver chased after Jesse and Kenny who both had cupcakes and had been teasing the baby vamp. In a room full of stuffy supernatural beings, the littles of Dante’s clan were a breath of fresh air.

He found most other supernatural beings to be rather dull and more worried about power than living good, fulfilled lives. Like the old vampires that believed they were better than others just because they lived a longer lifespan. They offered insults and shady comments instead of greetings. The shifters weren’t much better. Shifters that stayed clustered in a group while growling at any non-shifter that got close. Mages at least knew how to party. They had no issues possibly drinking Dante out of his house. Even a few high-level government humans that had accepted an invitation were more serious than the occasion called for.

It was all rather ridiculous, in Dante’s opinion. Next time he would insist on having playtime with the boys for his birthday. That always made Dante happy. That was how Dante wanted to spend his time.

Having a boy of his own was everything that Dante had also hoped it would be.

Carver was still pretending that he hadn’t moved in and taken over Dante’s suite. He’d even added a special space for Syn so the familiar spent more time in the room with them. According to Dante’s boy, that had all been for the raven and not so Carver kept Syn close.

Carver’s boy was adorable when he pretended that there was still any other choice than the two of them being together for eternity. To running the clan side by side. And expanding the city’s resources.

The entire clan was rewarded with a happy leader and near constant chaos. Nicholas of course was usually the butt of every practical joke while Yulian appeared to be coming out of his stoic shell. All because Carver had gone to the club playroom in an attempt to get revenge for an act that Dante hadn’t even known about.

Luckily there seemed to be very few humans that were still suffering after the attack five years ago. Dante’s city was thriving. Business was good. And he loved the little that shared his bed every day when it was time to rest.

“Happy birthday ol’ man!”

Dante turned and smiled. He didn’t like many shifters, especially wolves, but Rory and he went back decades when Dante had been passing through Ireland.

“It’s good to see you.” Dante offered his hand. “And watch who you are calling old.”

Rory laughed loudly as he pulled Dante into a hug while smacking his back hard. “You are looking good for six hundred.”

Dante pulled away and straightened his tie. “I’ve always looked this good.”

Swirling the dark liquid in his crystal glass, Rory studied him. “No, there is something different about you. Might I guess it has something to do with the baby vamp that was practically attached to your hip.”

Dante sipped at his champagne. “It’s possible.”

“Finally found your little, huh?” Rory was smiling wide as his red hair gleamed under the lights and his green eyes twinkled with mirth. He’d dressed up for the evening but it would have been impossible to hide all the tattoos, especially the ones up his neck. He was loud, brash, and unhinged. Dante had missed his old friend.

“My boy is everything,” Dante admitted. He glanced past Rory’s shoulder to find Carver in the corner of the room with his friends and the wampire gnommies dancing around on the high table next to them.

“I’m happy for you,” Rory said sincerely.

“Thanks, man.” Dante returned his attention to the shifter. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“How could I miss this birthday bash?” Rory joked. “Plus, you know how much I love pissing off Ben Foreman by requesting entry to his territory.”

“He still owes you for saving his pack five years ago. They would have been wiped out by the rogues if you and your pack hadn’t been in town,” Dante stated.

“And he hates owing anyone,” Rory replied with a wide grin. “Which I plan on exploiting for a little longer.”

“You’re staying?” Dante asked. Rory didn’t like staying in one place for long. The entire pack he led were nomads. Traveling and living life to the fullest.

Rory nodded. “Interesting turn of events this evening.”

“What?” Dante demanded. If there was a threat to his city, his clan, his boy, Dante would tear his enemies apart with his bare hands. He hadn’t felt bloodlust in a very long time.

“It appears that I have a mate.” Rory lifted his glass.

“Mate? Here?” That was shocking.

“Apparently.” Rory turned his head toward the middle of the room. “Smelled him when I entered and followed him around a little. Interesting little thing.”

Dante tried to determine who Rory was focused on. Rory’s attention seemed to be in the area where several different species had congregated while enjoying drinks and small appetizers. A shifter’s mate wasn’t always a shifter as well. It could be anyone. “Who?”