Page 1 of The Blood Seduction

CHAPTER ONE

In the back of Jaden's mind, he knew he deserved it. He deserved everything that was coming down on him, and the disgusting position he found himself in was of his own making. The apartment rent was coming up, and he knew Murphy did not have the money. He hadn't found another job since being let go from Smithers Financial. There was a shadow that lay across him and his friends because they worked closely with Ryan Phillips, the man who caused the downfall of the entire company and then disappeared.

Jaden worked two jobs, as a receptionist during the day and a waiter at night, but his wages alone could not meet the bills. He desperately wanted to leave, but Murphy trapped him. He still had that fucking video that Ryan had taken in his office and was using it for all it was worth. Jaden sat many nights wondering if what he was forced to give up was worth what he might lose if the video were published.

Murphy threatened to send it to his parents, relatives, and friends. He didn't have many friends left since Murphy began controlling his life, so they wouldn't be much of an issue. It still crushed him to think of his poor mom and dad seeing thatvideo and what they would think. That pain kept him tied to that bastard Murphy.

The physical side of their relationship was almost nonexistent with Murphy usually out to all hours drinking and otherwise engaged. But still, he refused to release him, demanding he stay and help pay expenses. He was paying for most everything and functioning as Murphy’s personal assistant, maid, cook, and whatever else he needed. Jaden was finding his life exhausting and miserable, but he didn’t know how to get free.

“Make dinner before you leave.” Murphy barked at him from the sofa where he sat scrolling through his phone. Jaden was dressed and ready to leave for his restaurant job and hearing Murphy’s demands sent a chill of rage up his spine. He ached to tell him to go right straight to hell, but he didn't; instead, he turned and spoke calmly.

“Your dinner is in the oven.” He said and continued walking.

“You are so fucking useless. I don’t know why I put up with your stupid ass.” Murphy muttered and kept scrolling. “You better make some decent tips tonight. Shake your ass and show a little cock if you have to. Treat them like you did that fucking janitor, and maybe they'd pay you better." He laughed and continued to say rude and disgusting things as Jaden left the apartment.

Jaden hurried outside to his car and was soon on his way. The need to get away from that man overwhelmed him and he wished that he never had to go back. After a few minutes he’d settled and was getting his mind ready for a night of waiting tables. The restaurant was not upscale, but it wasn’t fast foodeither the place was a fine family restaurant, and the tips were usually pretty good.

He'd been taking half of his tips and putting that money away for the time he was ready to make his escape. Murphy thought the place was low class, so he didn't question when the tips were lower. Jaden had nearly three thousand tucked away; he just needed to figure out the right time. Murphy's threats were real. He was mean enough to send the video to his parents and others. He wanted so badly to leave, but he was just too damned scared of the fallout.

Victor Raum was second in command of the Rose Coven. He and Master Conall Rose founded this Coven together over a century ago after leaving their home coven in New York. They grew and thrived, building a presence and a legacy in this town and a life they were proud of. Conall was a leader like none other, and the Coven was strong and stable because of his guidance and control.

They might often operate on the wrong side of the law, but they always operated in their own best interests and everything else could be negotiated. They weren’t a family friendly group Master Rose left that to the suburban covens. They were hard men with varied backgrounds and they worked together to make a good life if not a comfortable life for themselves.

Lately the men had started finding interest in uniting with their Fated beloveds. After Drakon found his and Drakon was one of the most feared and dangerous men in the coven interest started to peak. They figured if Fate gave Drakon a forever lover then she was open to giving them one too.

Victor loved his life at the Rose Coven. The only thing missing was his beloved, and he had to admit he was jealous as hell when Drakon found his beloved. He and Conall were older than any other vampire in the Coven, and yet they have never been chosen.

He refused to believe that their lives, which were brutal in the beginning and still somewhat today was the reason Fate refused them. Fate wasn't so petty; at least, he hoped not. Conall wasn’t so sure and held out little hope for a forever partner in life. Victor retained his optimism on the subject because he felt it in his bones. He knew there was a man out there for him, just waiting to be found, and in the meantime, he had a job to do and money to make.

“Drakon will present his beloved to the coven on Saturday evening.” Conall stated as he walked into Victor’s living room. Victor was sitting by the large window taking in the sunshine and finishing his coffee. Victor’s quarters took half the top floor of the Coven house and Master Rose’s quarters took over the other half. Conall liked having his second close at hand and Victor liked the view.

“They will meet with you this afternoon. Welcome Dean to the Coven and find out if he has any particular wishes or needs.” Conall was a harsh individual, no arguing that point, but he could also be quite considerate.

“I’ll make sure he is made to feel welcome.” Victor assured. Conall poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down in a chair next to Victor.

“Dean has some useful finance skills be sure to investigate and offer him a suitable placement in the Rose Enterprise.” Conall was always on the lookout for talent.

“Will do.”

“Where do we stand with Smithers Financial?” He asked. It had been a month since the Coven had spearheaded the takedown of that business.

“They were one fucked up organization.” Victor shook his head. “Even if we hadn’t dismantled the place, I doubt it would have survived another quarter."

“Really.” He sounded intrigued.

“Upper management was helping themselves, and the incident with Dean was not the first time they played fast and loose with client money.”

“Interesting.” Conall was planning something. “Have Ethan research their parent company and get back with me.” Victor nodded. “In the meantime, let us prepare to welcome our new members.

“Members?”

“Yes, Misha has found his beloved as well. He was covering as a bouncer at the Blood Rose, and his beloved walked up and introduced himself." Conall laughed. "If only it were always so easy."

“A vampire?”

“No, a cute little fox shifter, from what I've been told."

"I hope we're next, Conall. I've been waiting centuries for my beloved, and so have you." Victor lamented.

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