Page 2 of The Blood Seduction

“Our day may come, and it will be made sweeter for having waited so long," Conall assured, and Victor hoped he was correct on both counts.

Jaden worked as a receptionist for a local psychologist from Monday through Thursday so often took extra shifts at therestaurant over the weekend. He was called in to help cover the lunch rush and then would return later in the evening to pick up a few more hours. The manager knew his situation and his need for hours and tried to help him out as much as possible.

Murphy was running out of money, even though Jaden was paying the rent and other household expenses. He used his money for networking or some such bullshit. Jaden didn't care; all he wanted was to get away from the man and have a chance to establish his own life once again. That fucking video was effectively destroying his life, and he didn't know how to undo it.

The sex had been a one-off; neither he nor the janitor wanted anything from the other. It was situational, and they never pursued it further, and now it had become a defining moment in his life. It wasn't fair.

He pushed the stress that was his life from his mind and began taking orders. Time was flying by until someone walked in who sent Jaden into a mental tailspin. He looked across the floor at his new table and froze for a few seconds. Sitting there with a handsome companion was Dean Simon.

They weren’t close but he knew Dean they’d worked together at Smithers Financial. He felt for Dean and the torment he went through with Ryan and Murphy and the others. It looked like he landed on his feet after the company crashed. Dean deserved a little good luck.

Jaden was surprised when he approached the table, and Dean recognized him. “Jaden, how are you? I hope things are going okay.” He sounded genuinely concerned.

“I’m doing okay.” He did not want to get into anything there in the restaurant.

“If I can help you in any way, please call me. Let me give you my number.” He quickly wrote it on a piece of paper andhanded it to Jaden. He could see that Dean’s companion was not pleased with the interaction but did not interfere.

“I’m glad that place is closed, but some torments never seem to end," Jaden said more than he intended. He stepped back and was about to turn away when Dean stood and hugged him briefly.

“You were in a difficult situation with Ryan and his pals. I saw how they treated you, and I'm sorry I never said anything." Jaden was shocked by his apology and felt it was completely unnecessary.

“They treated everyone horribly; you have nothing to apologize for."

“I’m glad we’re all finally free.”

“I’m glad you’re free.” With that Jaden turned away and headed to the other side of the restaurant and began waiting tables. He was not free, but he was sincerely glad that Dean had gotten away.

He focused on work and got his mind off Dean and the handsome man he was with. Jaden had felt a stab of jealousy at the sight of Dean looking so good and so relaxed and in the company of someone so attentive. The man was gorgeous, but he was also clearly taken with Dean.

Jaden had never experienced a serious relationship in his life everything was shallow and short lived. He’d been with Murphy for two months and it felt like ten years. There was no relationship it was strictly power and control. He took his break and went out back to sit and have a soft drink. The place was busy so his break would be cut short but any chance to sit was welcome.

His mind wandered once again to Dean and the phone number in his pocket. He would never call him, but it was kind of him to offer. Jaden figured his problems were his own, and it was up to him to figure his way out. He did hope that Fate had better days ahead for him.

CHAPTER TWO

Drakon and Dean were to arrive shortly, so Victor headed back to his quarters. He’d spent the morning investigating the parent company of Smithers Financial but found nothing but roadblocks. He was certain that Ethan and his team would get them the answers they needed. Smithers Financial had all the earmarks of a laundry set up with enough legitimate clients to look the part of a financial institution and escape scrutiny.

Whoever was running the scheme shut things down as soon as they lost the majority of their client base. They also showed no interest or concern in regard to the disappearance of their employee Ryan or the apparent criminal activity he and his friends were promoting.

He arrived at his quarters just as he heard Drakon and Dean entering the outer room. Drakon was one of his best, and as lead enforcer, he could always be counted on to carry his end in any situation. The man was known to be quick, quiet, and infinitely talented. Victor was pleased that he’d found his beloved. He lived through a lot of darkness and deserved the love and comfort of his life partner.

“Come in, sit down.” He said and handed them both a drink with which they toasted the new bond. They discussed the ceremony to induct Dean into the Coven and Victor assessed Dean’s interests and focus to get an idea of his strengths. As the meeting progressed he found himself feeling an attraction to Dean not in the usual sense but to something he was wearing. Unable to ignore it any longer he cast a serious glance at Drakon and then at Dean.

“Where were you before coming here?” He asked his tone was clipped and he couldn’t help it. He did notice Drakon placing his arm across Dean in a protective manner.

“I mean him no harm.” He told Drakon and then waited for an answer to his question.

“We had a late lunch at the Belvedere Restaurant downtown," Dean answered. “Why?”

“You carry a smell that interests me.” He said and understanding shown in Drakon’s expression. “Did you get close to anyone other than Drakon.” He smiled.

“You hugged your friend.” Drakon prompted.

“Yes, I did.” Dean seemed to remember. “He was someone I knew from when I worked at Smithers we weren’t close, but we had a silent comradery since he too was treated so badly at that place.”

“His name?” Victor was getting impatient. The scent was wrapping itself around him filling his mind and his body with a desire that could be sated in only one way and with only person, his beloved.

“Jaden Pearson.” Dean told him and Victor immediately headed for the door he could not delay. Drakon called out to him good naturedly.

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