Page 3 of Vampires, Magic, and Monsters

"They weren't men, not as you know them to be." That was vague, but Alistar wasn't sure how to explain himself. He was hoping that the awareness that comes with bonding would help him out a bit, but they had just met, and it was a slow process, apparently.

“What were they?” Neal turned to look at him with his eyebrows knitted together. His expression screamed, suspicious and life was returning to his tone. “They were holding a dress for me. They were going to open for me but I had to pick it up right away. I spoke to them on the phone just a few minutes before I arrived.” He was speaking in broken sentences as his mind tried to figure out what was happening.

“They were rogues and a danger to our community.”

“They were a danger to Charlotte?”

“A danger to the Kilconnor Coven and to Charlotte." Alistar watched as several different emotions played across Neal's features before he turned away and shook his head in frustration. Alistar was not trying to be obtuse, but Neal could only comprehend so much at this time.

“I don’t understand.” This was not working, and Neal’s distress was growing.

“I know and I wish I could be clearer.” Neal suddenly grabbed the remote and turned on the television and tuned into the local news. They reported on the fire at the dry cleaners and mentioned no loss of life and attributed the blaze to an electrical issue.

“They found nothing?” He looked shocked and confused, and he began to shake again. Alistar held him and touched his forehead, which caused him to fall into a deep slumber.

He hadn’t wanted to use glamour on him, but his health and well-being made it imperative. Alistar couldn't clear his mind, but he could give him some peace and rest for a few hours.

The glamour was of a low level and would not interfere with his thoughts or free will it simply allowed him to rest. It was the only thing available for an adored and only worked on humans. Fate understood the fragile nature of a human and the dangers they face when suddenly thrust into the paranormal world. It was a cheap shot but it was better than watching his adored have a breakdown.

Alistar picked Neal up into his arms and left the premises. He needed to get Neal somewhere neutral but safe. Two of the rogues had escaped when Alistar hesitated upon seeing Neal at the window. He didn’t know if they had also seen Neal and if either would feel compelled to go after him. The had not yet been apprehended so that danger remained.

It was clear from Neal's explanation that they had lured him to the drycleaning establishment much as they had done to others. There was no dress waiting for him there, only death.

Alistar now understood why Fate had chosen this time to bring them together. The legend is that she brings you to your adored when they need you the most, or you need them. If he hadn't been there, Neal would not have survived the night. Fate cut things a little too close for his liking, but he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. He had his adored, and now he needed to keep him safe.

He put in a call to Von letting him know the outcome of the mission and the fact that he found his adored. “Two rogues escaped. I couldn’t give pursuit with Neal in a state of panic, but they headed east that’s all I know at this time.”

“What is your plan with Neal?”

“I’m taking him to the Monarch Hotel it’s coven owned so it will be safe for him there.” Alistar explained.

“Why not bring him here to your quarters.”

“I don’t want to take him out of the city. He’s really skittish and not trusting me at all considering how we met. I fear that if it I bring him to Belmont he might continue to panic and close himself off.”

"Do whatever you need to do, and I'm here if you need anything," Von assured. "I'll get someone on the rogues and keep you posted."

“Thanks.” With that he closed the call and looked over at his sleeping lover looking so quiet and peaceful. He was a handsome man and Alistar intended to get him healthy and happy as soon as possible. The fact that he obviously did not take care of himself was troubling.

Alistar also wondered about a job that would force him to track down a dress at a drycleaner in the dark of night. It sounded abusive to him, but he would ask Neal about it once they were on more friendly terms.

If the job was too stressful, he would try to convince him to let it go and would help him find something more suited to him. There were many possibilities with the Coven and Agincourt where he could be comfortable and happy.

The Monarch Hotel was a luxury hotel with all the amenities and services anyone could possibly need or desire. He booked one of the honeymoon suites because they were large, fully stocked, were located on one of the upper floors with a good view of the main street. He also made arrangements to arrive through the back entrance that gave access to the underground garage and private parking.

He gathered Neal back into his arms and jogged to the elevator. Within a few minutes, he was carrying Neal into the honeymoon suite and securing the door. Neal hadn’t stirred throughout the journey and remained peacefully asleep, which was a blessing.

Alistar brought him to the bedroom and carefully laid him on the large bed. He grabbed the blanket from the foot and covered him, tucking him in and making sure he was as comfortable as Alistar could make him. The glamour would last a couple more hours, and once it wore off, he might wake, or he could remain asleep until morning. He then went through the room, checking the windows and his surroundings. He had nothing to fear at the Monarch, but it was a force of habit.

There were three other suites on this floor, but only one was occupied. He had a complete background check done on the occupants of that room, and they appeared harmless, but he preferred to have the floor to himself. That couple will be moved to one of the penthouse suites come morning. He doubted they would complain.

Alistar checked the kitchen, and it was fully stocked as was the bar they could stay there as long as they needed to. Once the rogues were found and disposed of the danger would pass. He doubted the rogues would pursue Neal but he didn’t want to take any chances.

He then removed his coat and poured himself a whiskey before returning to the bedroom. This was not what he expected to be doing that night but even through it all and with heavy uncertainty filling the air he could not be happier.

He pulled a chair up to the side of the bed and took a seat. He then reached over and took Neal’s small, delicate hand in his and held it like the precious gift that it was. He raised it to his lips and took a small taste which would help speed along their bond.

Neal’s touch and his taste went right to his core filling him with a sense of fulfillment and a quiet calm. It was difficult to put into words but the sensations wafting through and around him were simply amazing. He closed his eyes and drank it in letting it consume him and he remained like that, basking in the warmth and presence of his adored, for the next few hours.

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