Page 8 of Shadows and Desire

“They don’t normally hook up with humans. They find them too fragile and weak, and Decker and his crowd tend to like things rough.” Kristof’s implication was clear.

"Eric was set up to be hurt and humiliated and possibly killed," Kannan stated, and his anger that had settled to a slow burn was igniting once again. "Do you know who this Ron character is and what he has against Eric?"

"Ron is human, but he is an initiated human, and he knows about the paranormal. He knew that Cal and Rule were wolf shifters when he fed your beloved to them." That news was expected but also disturbing. "I have people looking into the connection, and I'll let you know as soon as they report."

"What about Eric's friend and roommate, Chester?"

"Just a sad, manipulated rube who was taken in by Ron as far as we know so far. I'll let you know if we discover more." Kristof reached out and patted Kannan's forearm. "It's difficult, I know, but right now, your beloved needs you, and you need him. Stay close, make your claim, and keep him safe. That's your primary responsibility."

"Yes, sir," Kannan responded and tried to push down the desire to exact revenge. His beloved needed him, and he would keep his focus there for now.

"He's not answering his phone," Chester spoke sharply and Ron simply nodded not really paying attention. "Eric never came home last night, what did you do? Who were those guys you set him up with?" Chester became more heated.

Ron looked at him and smiled a sickening smirk. "He had the night of his life, no doubt." He snickered and went back to scrolling on his phone.

“What the hell does that mean?”

"He entertained Cal and Rule and probably several of their friends. He's probably somewhere . . . recuperating." He busted out laughing. "The wolves like to share." He laughed again as if it was the funniest thing he'd ever said. "Eric thinks he's so special. Well, he's not so special anymore." He barked a sharp laugh.

"What kind of person are you?" Chester stepped back, aghast at what his boyfriend was sharing. "What did you do to him?"

"Your roommate was a stuck-up bitch, and I wanted to loosen him up." He giggled. "He'll be good and loose by the time the wolves are finished with him."

"Don't be disgusting," Chester shouted at him.

"Oh, relax." He dismissed his reaction. "I was only kidding. Don't get all weird on me." He snorted and shook his head while rolling his eyes. "Eric probably got lucky. He's an adult, for fuck sake, and he can take care of himself."

Chester tried his phone one more time, but again, there was no answer, and it went straight to voice mail.

Eric woke up early in the evening and carefully looked around. He remembered where he was and who he was with so there was no panic this time. Kannan Lieth the handsome man from the bar had saved him from Cal and Rule and had brought him home. He still felt a little groggy, but he was better the pain in his head had lessened considerably and his body aches had gone away.

"Here, drink this." Kannan was leaning over him and putting a straw in his mouth. "It's just water." He explained, and Eric took several long sips, loving the cool freshness as it ran down his throat.

“Thank you.” He said and laid back down onto the plush pillows. “I really appreciate your help.”

“No problem, I’m glad I was there for you.” Kannan put the water bottle on the side table and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Are you hungry?”

"No, I'm feeling a little queasy, but that water was lovely." Kannan immediately picked up the water bottle and gave him another drink. "I should go home," Eric stated softly.

“Not yet, stay and rest at least till morning.” Kannan took a cool wet washcloth and patted Eric’s forehead and neck, and it felt wonderful. “You had a slight fever, but the doctor said it was normal for what you have been through.”

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Eric hated to look a gift horse in the mouth, but he was curious as to why Kannan felt responsible for his care. He could have dropped him at the hospital or alerted his so-called friends inside, but he knew who they were. Instead, he took complete control in this instance.

"I was planning to work up to asking you out, but then your companions got in the way, and you ended up leaving. I noticed Cal and Rule leave shortly after and figured they might try to give you a hard time." Kannan took a deep breath and ran his fingertips down the side of Eric's face, a move he'd repeated several times, and Eric found peace and comfort in the move.

"I was attracted to you from the moment I saw you, and I would like us to get to know each other better. Regardless of how I felt about you, I would have helped you, but I probably wouldn't have been quite so hands-on. I would have dropped you at the hospital, but I wouldn't have alerted your friends. They gave me a bad vibe." He smiled, and Eric felt his heart skip a beat. He said everything Eric had hoped he would, for he felt the same way.

“Yeah, they give me a bad vibe too. Thank you for everything and, for the record, I was/am attracted to you too. If Cal and Ron hadn’t gotten in the way, I was planning on hanging out at the bar with you for a while.” He decided to be honest since there was no need for coy subterfuge at this stage of the game.

"I'm glad you followed me," Eric added after a moment.

"So am I." Kannan bent and placed a soft kiss on Eric's lips, and he did not resist. The touch caused a tingling deep in his soul and a feeling of excitement.

Just as Kannan pulled back and Eric was looking deeply into his beautiful dark eyes, his phone rang again. He looked over at it and picked it up, seeing that it was Chester again. "I should answer." He said and looked up at Kannan. "I should answer." He repeated, and Kannan sat back. Once Eric took the call, he stood and left the room, giving him privacy. Eric hated to see him leave, but he needed to speak with Chester. He needed to set things straight with him.

“Thank God.” Chester exploded in relief. “Why didn’t you answer your phone? Where are you?”

“I was assaulted by the men your boyfriend set me up with. I was left unconscious in the alley beside the bar.” Eric didn’t pull any punches. Chester was silent for a moment, but Eric could hear his labored breathing.

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