“Fuck me running, listen, no one said anything about treating your mate. We won’t be held responsible if nothing can be done,” the tall black-haired man said, his eyes unyielding.
“As long as you do everything you can to save my mate, then there won’t be any consequences. You didn’t poison him nor are you God. I understand this,” Gabriel said, hating but understanding the wolf leader’s fear that his pack could suffer if anything happened to Ashby.
“The name is Eirik Lyall, the man treating your mate is Nathaniel Hamilton. I brought one other pack member who I left downstairs, his name is Ronan Evans.” The large Alpha finished the introductions as Nathaniel pulled away from Ashby.
“I won’t know for sure until we can run blood work, but from listening to his heart I’d say he has a good chance of pulling through. I can feel two distinct ties holding him here, one to you as your mate and another to a small dark-haired woman. The love and concern I feel coming from that bond is extremely strong. Ashby’s soul is tethered by this bond and your bond as mates. I don’t know who she is though.” Nathaniel paused, his brows coming together frowning.
“That would be Rebecca Arkadion. She is his Alpha Mother, they bonded months ago. He is part of her Inner Court.” Gabriel was unsure at first about how he felt knowing that his mate was tied to another, but now he was grateful. It was one more bond keeping Ashby alive.
“I’m not a doctor but I can heal small things, it’s a gift that runs in my family. If you would allow it, I can ease his breathing a little.” Nathaniel said, looking up for permission.
“You don’t have to ask. If there is anything that can be done to ease any of his pain please do it,” Gabriel said, indicating to the bed. Nathaniel nodded and took Ashby’s small pale hand in his. Gabriel watched in amazement as Ashby’s breathing evened a bit and the pained expression lifted from his face.
“Thank you,” Gabriel said, wearily sitting at the foot of the bed.
* * * *
An hour later, Dr. Claybourne showed up. He was immediately shown upstairs to where Ashby still lay unconscious.
“I brought some of Nic’s blood. I’m hoping if I can flush his system with liquids and untainted blood it will give his body the edge it needs to beat this. Let me be perfectly honest with you Prince Gabriel, stronger shifters have died from cyanide poisoning,” Doc said, his face tired and grim.
“I understand, please do what you can.” Gabriel motioned to the bed.
“I was made to understand that you have medical facilities here,” Doc asked. Gabriel nodded.
“Downstairs where my people sleep we have a clinic,” he said.
“Let’s get him moved. He’s going to need a blood infusion and an IV drip,” Doc said, walking over to the bed.
“Oh, my Ashby, what has been done to you?” Doc said, looking down at the small, still pale body.
“He is not your Ashby,” Gabriel said flatly. Doc raised a single eyebrow.
“I don’t care if you’re the King of Siam. Ashby belongs to those who love him and I hate to break it to you Dracula, but in Arkadia we have years on you when it comes to caring for this young man. Now move out of my way as I try to save my friend,” Doc said, brushing past Gabriel to lift Ashby gently in his arms.
David and Daniel watched the entire scene, their eyes wide.
“Dude, can I be you when I grow up?” David asked. Daniel nodded. Doc looked over at the small men and winked. They both blushed. He carried Ashby’s form down the three flights of stairs and waited on the ground level. Gabriel followed and went to the hallway beside the bathrooms, where he waved his hand to reveal a small keypad. He punched in the code that unlocked the door. He walked through the opened doorway and headed to the right.
“This way, doctor. And know that the only reason you’re still breathing is because I know you can help my mate,” Gabriel said coldly. Doc rolled his eyes. Gabriel led the man holding his mate into the underground chambers where his people slept for the day. He headed left and walked into a darkened room, then reached out to the right wall and turned on the lights. In front of them were three small rooms which made up the basics for their small clinic. Doc carried Ashby into the main treatment room and laid him down on one of the beds. Behind him Baptista walked in carrying a bag and a cooler.
“Perfect. If you could set those on the counter please,” Doc said, moving around the room flipping switches and checking gauges. He went to a drawer and pulled out the small kit to start an IV. Gabriel watched as the man who was obviously the master of his craft stuck his small mate and started the blood transfusion that would give him the untainted blood from his friend. He carefully removed a second IV kit and made his way to Ashby’s other side. There he started a second IV, one of saline, antibiotics, and vitamins.
“What was done before I got here? His breathing is surprisingly even for someone who’s been poisoned,” Doc asked.
“That would be me, sir. My name is Nathaniel, healing is a gift from my family,” the auburn-haired man said, stepping forward.
“I’d be interested in seeing exactly what your limitations are Nathaniel,” Doc said, taking Ashby’s pulse.
“He’s not an experiment. We prefer you not say anything about his gifts,” Eirik said from behind Nathaniel. Without even turning around Doc snorted.
“You must be the Alpha. Please, it’s a closed space, try not to piss on him to mark him, the smell will get overwhelming,” Doc said writing down Ashby’s pulse and temperature. He turned around to face the room full of men.
“Gentlemen he’s not going to jump up and dance the jig. You can do nothing for him here, I’ll let you know if there are any changes. Nathaniel, if you are able to stay I would like to see the changes that you have on his physiology,” Doc said to the auburn-haired man. Nathaniel looked over to his Alpha who scowled and nodded. Nathaniel’s head turned back to Doc smiling.
“I can stay.”
“Wonderful,” Doc said. Pulling out his phone from the medical bag, his long fingers moved quickly over the text pad. He hit send, and then turned to Nathaniel.
“I sent an update to Aleks. OK, let’s get started.” Doc turned back to Ashby.
Gabriel moved to the side of the bed and took a seat in the plush armchair.
“He won’t wake up for a while,” Doc said, his voice gentling from his normal slightly aloof tones. Gabriel nodded.
“I know, but I can’t leave him.” Gabriel took Ashby’s hand. Doc nodded.
“I guess if it were my mate, I wouldn’t be able to leave either.”
Chapter 10
“Gabriel, it’s been two days since I was poisoned, I’m doing much better now. I can stand, I can dress myself, I can walk to the kitchen, I can make myself breakfast, and I’m bored out of my mind,” Ashby said from their large king-size bed.
“You were on death’s door two days ago, please take it easy, for me?” Gabriel asked, tucking the blanket around his mate.
“If I promise to take it easy can I at least get out of bed? Please?” Ashby batted his eyes. Gabriel sighed.
“OK you can get out of bed, as long as you take it easy. If you feel weak or short of breath or dizzy sit down and call me.” Gabriel looked around for Ashby’s robe.
“Whoo hoo! I’m free!” Ashby bounced out of bed, heading to the closet to grab some clothes.
“What did I just say about taking it easy?” Gabriel held up the robe. He watched as Ashby pulled on underwear, jeans, socks, a T-shirt and sweater. Before Doc had left the previous day, Gabriel had made sure that Ashby had clothes to change into for when he was feeling better. David and Daniel happily went to the mall shopping for Ashby.
“I love my cashmere sweater, it’s snuggly!” Ashby ran his hands all over the sweater. Gabriel watched Ashby’s enthusiastic movements and smiled. As he got to know his mate, he realized that Ashby loved the simplest things in life. Shaking his head, he lay the robe down on the bed.
“So what are your plans for today?” Ga
briel asked.
“I need to call Rebecca, she took my getting sick extremely hard. Do you think maybe…” Ashby trailed off and looked at Gabriel.
“What, my angel?” Gabriel asked, curious.
“Do you think we could send her some of that imported hot chocolate that I love? I know that would make her feel better,” Ashby asked. Gabriel smiled and went to stand next to Ashby and took him in his arms.
“You’re always thinking of others, I love that about you.” Gabriel kissed Ashby on the nose. Ashby’s eyes widened and Gabriel realized what he said. Cupping Ashby’s face Gabriel looked into his eyes.
“Yes, I love you. I’m sorry that it took you nearly dying for me to realize I hadn’t said it yet. But it doesn’t make it any less true. I fear for my coven if something were to happen to you. I’m not romantic, you’re not my heart or my breath. You’re my sanity and my humanity.” Gabriel took Ashby’s dazed expression as permission to capture his lips. He felt Ashby’s breath catch and grinned. Ashby wrapped his arms around Gabriel’s neck and jumped. He wrapped his legs around his waist and looked into his prince’s eyes. Gabriel easily supported his weight.
“I love you too. I knew that you were there even when I couldn’t wake up. I could feel you next to me. You gave me a reason to wake up. I may be your sanity and humanity but you’re my future,” Ashby said before slamming his mouth onto Gabriel’s. He licked and sucked his mate’s lips as if it were his last meal. His body had its own agenda and he found himself grinding against his mate’s waist.
“We have to take it easy my angel, I don’t want to hurt you.” Gabriel pulled away for a moment.
“We could suck each other off. That’s not too vigorous,” Ashby said, panting.
“I think you’re right,” Gabriel said, turning and throwing him on the bed. Ashby gave an unmanly squeak before unbuttoning his jeans and shimmying them down his thighs. He took his hard cock in his hand and began to stroke it as Gabriel watched.
“I think even if I were dying I’d still want you like this,” Ashby said. Gabriel growled.
“We’ll never find out,” Gabriel quickly stepped out of his slacks revealing that he too was also hard and ready for his mate.
“Gimme, gimme.” Ashby’s hands reached for Gabriel. Gabriel grinned and climbed onto the bed. He positioned himself over Ashby in a sixty nine position so that his groin lined up with his mate’s perfect mouth. He hissed as he felt Ashby’s lips wrap around him. It had been too long since he enjoyed his lover’s body. Not wanting to neglect his mate he bent his head down and took Ashby’s length down his throat. He felt Ashby’s mouth leave his body as he gave a strangled moan. He loved driving Ashby insane. He came up off Ashby’s hard shaft and wrapped his tongue around the head. He used the tip of his tongue and lips to nibble and dance around the crown and into the slit. His own movements stilled when he felt Ashby’s mouth on him again. His little mate knew exactly what he wanted and he moaned when he felt Ashby’s teeth slightly graze his cock. He lifted his mouth off of Ashby’s hard prick and slicked up one of his own fingers with his mouth. When his head dipped again to swallow Ashby down he pressed single digit into Ashby’s tight hole, and his beautiful baby went wild. He felt the moist heat come off his cock and he heard Ashby yell.
“Please fuck me! Please! I need you so badly!” Ashby begged. Gabriel sat up and turned his body around to face Ashby and watched as Ashby pulled his jeans and underwear completely off his legs.
“Get the lube.” Gabriel rubbed his hand up and down Ashby’s length. Ashby quickly turned his upper body and opened the nightstand drawer before handing Gabriel the lube. Gabriel took the small tube and poured some slick onto Ashby’s fluttering hole.
“You really want it don’t you baby? Tell me what you want,” Gabriel said, easing two digits into the tight rosette.
“I want you. I need you so badly. Just tasting you wasn’t enough,” Ashby said breathlessly. Unable to tease either of them any longer, Gabriel poured some lube on his straining cock and eased the head into Ashby’s dark entrance. He watched as his mate’s body seemed to pull him in again and again.
“I love this ass! Your ass is like heaven baby, I never want to leave.” Gabriel filled his mate again.
“Harder, Gabriel. Fuck me harder!” Ashby demanded. Gabriel leaned forward and pushed Ashby’s knees into his chest. He slammed into his small mate again and again giving them both exactly what they needed.
“No one is taking you from me. You can never leave me!” Gabriel roared and thrust as deep as he could into Ashby. He heard his mate cry out before ropes of pearly cum splashed between them. His mate’s orgasm triggered his own and he cried out as he filled the tight channel with his cum. Gently he pulled out of his mate and collapsed to one side of Ashby. Gulping air between each word he spoke.
“What…did I say…about…taking it easy?” he asked.
“I don’t know about you, but I feel a lot better,” Ashby said, giggling.
“Brat,” Gabriel said, catching his breath. When his breathing evened out he left the bed and went to the bathroom. He returned with a warm washcloth and cleaned his angel. Ashby blushed the entire time. When he was done Gabriel leaned down and kissed Ashby’s lips softly, thankful his mate was alive.
* * * *
“You’re kidding me. That is not the name of a real drink.” Ashby giggled as Rhys told him about the different drinks he made at Purgatory.
“I kid you not, it’s called Choking Hazard. Not as popular as the Blow Job or Screaming Orgasm, but I have fun with it.” Rhys smiled down at the smaller man.
“What is the craziest thing you have heard working here?” Ashby asked, his elbows on the bar.
“Let’s see, the craziest thing would be the proposition I got from one of the visiting wolf Alphas. He wanted to make a paranormal sandwich. Me and him and a pretty blonde witch between us.” Rhys lazily stocked his bar with tall bottles.
“Whadja tell him?” Ashby asked in a whisper, his blue eyes wide. Rhys winked.
“I told him my shift ended at dawn.” Rhys laughed and tapped Ashby between the eyes with a finger.
“You should see the look on your face!” Rhys continued to laugh as Ashby blushed.
“Quit scandalizing the little guy,” Baptista said, though he too was smiling.
“I’m not scandalized,” Ashby protested.
“Sure thing, squirt. Where are your ladies in waiting?” Rhys asked, picking up a clipboard.
“David and Daniel said they had some work to do with a firewall router thingie, so I came down here,” Ashby said, using straws to build a small house.
“Aren’t you bored kiddo? I’d be going out of my mind.” Rhys continued the bar’s inventory check.
“I am, a little. I love Gabriel and being with him, but my shop’s been closed for almost a week, I miss my apartment and my things. I just don’t know how this is going to work,” Ashby sighed, sadly fiddling with a straw.
“Don’t give up just yet Ashby, Gabriel is extremely resourceful. He’ll find a way for the two of you to be together without you having to sacrifice everything, you’ll see,” Baptista said, ruffling Ashby’s hair.
“Thanks. I think I needed to hear that.” Ashby looked up at the two men smiling. He was coming to care for every coven member, they were starting to feel like family, just like Arkadia.
“Ashby!” Gabriel’s voice rang through the club. Ashby jumped up so fast his foot caught in the rung of the barstool and he nearly fell over, only Baptista’s quick movements kept him from slamming into the ground.
“I’m down here!” Ashby said, regaining his balance next to Baptista. By the time he looked up Gabriel was breathing hard from the doorway. Before he could blink he was wrapped in Gabriel’s arms.
“I’m fine, what is it? What’s wrong?” Ashby demanded, his face pressed against Gabriel’s chest.
“I received another letter today.” Ashby could feel Gabriel’s heart pounding against his cheek, beating
erratically. He could also feel the deep terror coming through his mate bond with Gabriel.
“What did this one say?” Ashby asked, pulling back slightly to look up at Gabriel. Gabriel shuddered.
The fox will die, Gabriel recounted.
“This letter was delivered on vellum, I thought it was a function invitation.” Gabriel tightened his hold on Ashby.
“They’re stepping up their game,” Roman said from the doorway, holding the letter.
“They’ll try to kill Ashby in an attempt to kill you, my prince,” Montana added. Most of the day coven members had gathered in the bar.
“They will not take our little prince away from us!” Rhys yelled, slamming his hands down on the bar. The coven members echoed his decree.
“Prince Gabriel, he will be with one of us constantly, I dare them to try and get to him,” Baptista said, his eyes shining bright. Ashby looked around confused.
“They care for you, too, my angel. I told you, they would give their lives for you. Not just to keep me safe, but I knew they would come to care for you as well. You’re just too sweet not to love,” Gabriel said and Ashby could feel his heartbeats slow down to a more normal pace.
“I love them too. They are like family,” Ashby said, quietly underestimating vampire hearing.
“Oh my God, we love you, too!” Daniel exclaimed and ran up behind Ashby to latch himself on in a hug.
“You are so damn cute!” David said squeezing his body into the hug. Gabriel looked down at the armful of men he now held and sighed as they all squirmed around trying to get hugs and Ashby giggled.
“Gentlemen, if you’re finished?” he said, raising a dark eyebrow with his mouth twitching slightly. All three looked up at him with identical innocent expressions. He couldn’t help it—he smiled. David’s and Daniel’s eyes widened and he could hear the coven’s whispers of surprise.
“I am trusting all of you to watch over him in my absence.” He looked up and saw that most of the coven members were nodding, misty eyed. In less than a week his mate had managed to steal the hearts of his coven members.