Page 6 of The Vampire and the Ravens

Liam was heading out to the vegetable garden when he received the call from Master DuCane. He assumed that he wanted to discuss more of the details of the planned anniversary party scheduled for next month. The Master wanted it to be perfect in every way, and Liam would do everything in his power to make it so. The love he had for his beloved was a beautiful thing to see so honest and open with one another and devoted beyond measure.

That thought brought back his own musing of last evening, but he had been mistaken; his beloved was not nearby. He tried to find the scent again today but had found no evidence of it anywhere. As he made his way to the Master's office, he felt a stirring once again and recognized the aroma in the air from last night.

The closer he got to the Master's office, the stronger the scent became, and his heart began to beat faster. The anticipation was building, and he prayed that it was real that Fate had chosen him this time. He knocked on the door, and the minute the door opened, he was enveloped with a sense of hope and destiny.

"Where is he?" Liam asked as soon as he entered the room. He knew his beloved was close by, and his need to see them was paramount. Nothing mattered but finding this man.

“They are in an adjoining room.” Master DuCane emphasized the word, they.

“They?” Liam wasn’t sure what he meant.

"There are two of them, Liam, brothers, and they claim that you are their mate." The Master clarified.

“They’re shifters?” he asked, and Master DuCane nodded. His excitement was rising. “They are mine, no doubt.” Liam smiled and felt his hands shaking as he waited to meet them.

“Show them in Ira.” Ira left the room and Liam thought he’d explode in anticipation with so many things running through his mind. Two beloveds, shifters, brothers it was overwhelming. The moment the two young men entered the room Liam thought he’d pass out.

They were nothing like he had assumed and everything he never could have imagined. They were tall and lean with long black hair that shined in the light. Their eyes were as black as their hair and their complexion pale against their darkness. They were dressed in black leather from head to toe and it fit them like a perfect glove. He felt his entire body heating up at the vision standing before him.

One was taller than the other, but they looked very much alike. The shorter one had an intensity about him that the other did not. He was excited to be introduced but also concerned as to what they would see in him. Why would Fate saddle such vital young men with someone like him? The moment went on for what seemed to be forever before Master DuCane offered introductions.

The air was buzzing with heat and interest but also a tense curiosity that bordered on distrust. These men were outsiders and going by the way they presented themselves they were soldiers or something akin.

"I present to you the Raven brothers, Luke and Riall Lightfoot, special envoys of Lord Fenrah.” He then turned to the brothers and introduced Liam. He emphasized Liam’s position as one of the most beloved members of the Coven, which Liam appreciated but didn’t know if such were true.

It seemed as if he were warning the brothers off in some obscure manner. Liam couldn’t help but get the feeling that Master DuCane was having an issue with the Raven brothers.

Liam had never thought about whether or not his beloved would be a vampire. It really doesn’t matter because when Fate makes a match, it is accepted as perfect. But Master DuCane was obviously having misgivings.

Liam wanted to be alone with his two beloveds and to get a sense of who and what they were and what they were expecting. His heart was reaching out to them, and his vampire instincts were pushing him to do things completely out of character.

“May we be alone sir?” He asked and Master DuCane still looked unsure of leaving him on his own with the brothers. What did he know that Liam did not? In the end he agreed but not without assuring Liam that he would not be far away, if needed.

Once the door was closed and they were alone Liam took the opportunity to move closer as did the brothers. They stood a few feet apart each weighing and measuring the other party. He still could not get his head around the fact that these two amazing young men were his beloveds and the fact that Fate had given him not one but two forever lovers. How was he deemed worthy of such an incredible gift?

"Do you have a problem with shifters?" Riall asked, his tone sharp but also pained.

“No, I do not.” Liam was fast and clear with his answer.

"Do you despise raven shifters?" Luke asked, and Liam saw that their demeanor was becoming defensive.

"I hold no ill will for any species apart from jackals. Where is this coming from? I don't understand." The hurt they were expressing was clear, yet they stood back with a defiant stare, and it broke Liam's heart.

"Your Master doesn't believe that we are good enough for you and that a raven is not good enough for his prized chef," Riall stated, describing what he was feeling. Although it was harsh, Liam appreciated the honesty. He could work with honesty; futures could be built with honesty.

“He is not a factor in this relationship and his opinions are not mine.” Liam shot back and captured them both with a steely stare making his intensions crystal clear. “I don’t know what I did to deserve the two of you, but I am so glad that Fate found me worthy to be you mate.” That had the effect he hoped it would and the brothers relaxed their features and their eyes warmed as the wall they erected came down.

Liam reached out, beckoning them forward, and they did not hesitate to take his hands. Liam pulled them close and wrapped them in his arms, pulling them flush to his chest, one under each arm. Like most vampires, Liam was tall and stood several inches taller than his two stunning lovers.

They fit beautifully in his arms as if they were made for him. The feel of their bodies pressed to his was something he hadn't prepared for, and it took his breath away. Their scent concentrated, and flooding his mind was rousing many long dormant thoughts and feelings.

They held him fast, locked in their embrace, and Lian had never felt more at home in his life. "Come, let's go to my quarters." He released them and turned to the door.

"Are you going to deny us?" Riall asked bluntly. He was the angrier of the two but also the most vulnerable. Luke was wary and cautious, but his need to believe was obvious. Liam would care for his lovers and would try to be everything they needed him to be. The shock of it all still had not worn off, and the life changes that were looming had not yet hit him.

He stopped and turned back to regard them. It was Riall who questioned his commitment, but Luke was not convinced either. "We didn't get the best start, and for that, I am sorry." He paused and let them feel the desire and the drive he was feeling.

“I am not a young man.” He said. “I have waited centuries for my beloved and nothing and no one will get in my way. I don’t have all the answers and I don’t know how this union will work but I want it, I want you and everything else is mere details.”

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