“I’ll have to let my mom know about Hanover. She needs to be careful, and I have to keep her safe." James' tone was tense.

"Your mother will be under our protection. Don't worry." Fane assured him.

“I have her staying with my father’s brother in northern Minnesota. I was so afraid they would try and hurt her.” Fane felt James’ fingers tightening into a fist as his thoughts turned to the safety of his mother.

“I promise you that your mother is safe. Hanover does not have a long reach, and his power is centralized here in the city. I will take care of the issue and cover your debt.” Fane had a feeling that it would never come to that, considering Hanover's move on James, followed by Fane's interference. There was going to be a reaction, and that's all the Master would need to justify taking out the Falcon Nest, but James didn’t need to be bothered by the details.

"I can't ask you to do that. I can pay it; I just need time.”

“You are my beloved and I will provide and protect. Look into your heart and tell me what you feel there. Tell me who I am to you.” Fane pressed.

“You are my beloved and I would do anything for you as well.” James stated without hesitation.

“So, there we have it.” Fane pulled him in for a quick kiss and then suggested they try to get some sleep. "It's been a long day for you, my love, and morning will come early." Fane had a feeling Hanover would try something soon, and he was looking forward to getting the man out of James's life once and for all.

"You think I might be able to get a job at the Blood Rose?" James asked after Fane had turned out the light, and they had settled in for the night.

"I know for a fact that you can get a job there, but just remember, if any of the customers start to bother you, I will have to kill them, so keep that in mind." Fane offered, and he was not joking.

“I’ll be sure and keep that in mind.” James giggled, and it was the sweetest sound on earth. Fane knew he was a lucky man. He reached down and gave his ass a quick slap and then a hearty squeeze.

“This is all mine.”

“All yours.” He responded with another giggle, and Fane melted. He had a devastating little beauty to call his own, and he couldn't be happier.

CHAPTER FIVE

“They're dead," Phil reported to Jerry after checking James’ apartment. “The door was broken, and the room messed up a bit, but no other sign of anyone. I smelled the vampire." That caused a reaction, and Jerry jumped from his chair and rounded the desk.

“Fane Madden?” He shouted.

“Yes, and he took James with him after killing your guards."

“James Whitlock belongs to me.” He again was shouting.

“He took him back to the coven.” That caused Hanover to pause. He paced the room a couple of times and then slammed his fist down onto his desktop. "I want him back, and I want that fucker to know he can’t just waltz in and defile and take what belongs to me.”

“We could go after the Blood Rose. They wouldn’t expect it, such a bold move from you and we could hit it during the day when it’s closed and manned by a few staff.” Jerry walked back to his chair and sat down clearly running the idea over in his mind.

“I have the manpower, and I might as well use it." Jerry sat back and smiled. “Get the men together.” Phil nodded and left the office.

James woke when Fane rolled and sat up on the edge of the bed. “Where are you going?" He asked sleepily, still feeling the exhaustion of yesterday. Fane pulled on a pair of sleep pants and then bent and placed a loving kiss on James’ lips.

“I’m going to check with my boss to see if Jerry is making any moves and then I thought I’d order some coffee and a little breakfast. I’m sure you’re hungry.” James smiled and when he reached out to Fane he took his hand and kissed it. The man was the image of darkness in so many ways and yet he warmed James’ heart every time he looked at him. He was beginning to accept that he was falling in love with this devastatingly handsome vampire.

“Coffee does sound good.”

“Just relax and when you’re ready meet me in the kitchen.” Fane left the bedroom leaving James alone with his thoughts. He rolled to his back and stared up at the ceiling. He needed to call his mother, and he needed a shower. Unfortunately, he had no pants to put on. The memory of the way Fane had removed them came back to him and so did the memory of their love making.

Fane stuck his head back into the room and let him know there were sweatpants in the bottom drawer of the dresser. He laughed at the memory of last night. “Sorry I ruined your pants.” He said and then added. “I’ll buy you a new pair.”

“I can’t afford a motel I’ll have to just get the locks fixed at my apartment.” James told him.

"You're moving in here, James. You're moving in with me. Please try to keep up my love." Fane finished with the snap of his fingers and once again left, closing the door behind him, clearly not wanting to hear anything to the contrary. James smiled, knowing that moving in with Fane would be great since he felt at home already. Life sure could be confusing sometimes, but other times, it could be absolutely wonderful.

Fane called Drakon and gave him a run down of the incident last night. “Jerry will try to retaliate in some way.” Drakon agreed.

“He lacks courage, but he does have the jackals in his employ," Fane added.