Page 2 of The Master's Holiday

"We'll be fine, Josef.” He assured.

“Our things are being loaded now, so we should be ready to leave in the next ten minutes or so." Nik found his beloved in their apartment, turning off lights and fans and making sure the place was buttoned up. It was his upbringing and his way, and Nik never interfered with the things that brought him comfort. He waited patiently until Walker was satisfied that the place was secure.

“I'm really excited about this, Nik." Walker turned when Nik came up behind him and moved in for a kiss that was equal parts sensual and sweet. “Oh yeah, now that’s a nice beginning to our weekend.”

“I have so much more in store for you, my love. . . so much more." He kissed him again, and Walker melted in his arms like always. Nik had the ability to bring him to his knees every single time. They’d been together for a while now, and still, he thrilled Walker as much as he had that very first night in his office shortly after they’d first met.

Life with Nik Hadden was amazing and loving and caring and everything one could ever hope for in a relationship. Accepting Stanley’s invitation to the Imperial Club that night years ago was the smartest thing he’d ever done. He met the love of his life and was awakened to a world that never failed to excite and fascinate.

"We better go, or we may never leave," Nik spoke softly against his ear and rained kisses down the side of his neck. "You drive me crazy, baby."

“Save it for the lodge Nik.” Walker teased. “I’m looking forward to being taken on every flat surface available in that suite," Walker responded sensually.

“Only the flat surfaces? I prefer no restrictions." Nik chuckled, grabbed Walker's hand, and headed for the door.

"No restrictions, Nik, absolutely no restrictions.”

Josef informed Dumas of the limitations that would be present at the Glendale Lodge regarding using language or acting in any way that would raise questions. “The Lodge is all human the owners and the staff are all human no paranormals. Also, my information indicates at this point in time there are no paranormal guests other than you and the Master.”

"I'll keep that in mind, sir." Dumas had worked in the human world before coming to the Hadden Coven, so he knew how to maintain a low profile.

“The Lodge is outfitted with an extensive system of cameras in the public areas and on the grounds, so be cognizant of that."

“I will, sir.”

“One last thing.” Josef stepped up to him and spoke softly. “Walker is a trained auto mechanic. He was a working mechanic when he and the Master met. He knows a lot about cars, and he's a genuinely nice man, so he has a habit of stepping in to help whenever he comes across someone having trouble with their automobile. Be prepared for that and steer him away whenever possible.”

"I'll do my best, sir." Dumas was impressed with the humble beginnings of the Master's beloved, which made the small human even more likable. He’d only met him once formally when he joined the coven, but he’d heard many good things about the young man. "I'll take good care of them, sir." He finished, and Josef nodded. Nik and Walker got off the elevator and walked over to the vehicle.

Dumas introduced himself and opened the back door for them and held it as they got in. Josep wished them well and soon they were on their way to the peaceful nature resort. The Glendale Lodge was approximately eighty miles to the north well outside Pittsburgh and Master Hadden’s influence.

There were no paranormal groups in the area be they shifters or vampires that section of Pennsylvania was primarily human. Nik was looking forward to getting away from the paranormal world and enjoying a nice relaxing weekend with his gorgeous beloved.

CHAPTER TWO

The drive was a little over an hour long and the Lodge was everything Walker had imagined it would be. Elegant yet woodsy, open and spacious, yet possessing every convenience. They had a room, or rather a suite that was exactly what you’d expect a luxurious bedroom in the forest to look like. He took a deep breath breathing in the fragrances and the fresh air.

"I love it, Nik." Walker quickly made himself at home.

"I'm glad it meets your expectations, my love." He turned and took the luggage from Dumas. He told him to check in every morning and evening but otherwise he was instructed to leave them alone.

“Yes, sir, and enjoy your stay, sir." He said as he turned to the door.

"We will, and thank you." Nik closed and locked the door and then went in search of his sexy little beloved.

Dumas decided to check out the place after finding his room and settling in. He wanted to be familiar with the area and the human occupants. Dumas was well aware of theduplicity and dishonesty of which humans were capable. He also understood that they tended to violence when life did not go their way or if they felt slighted or if they happened to get up on the wrong side of the bed. In a word, they could be volatile.

He checked the SUV where it was tucked away in a large garage that looked like a barn. It was safe and in good hands the attendants were present and observant. The outdoor amenities were well cared for, and servers were also present and observant.

Once inside the Lodge Dumas noticed the same attention, a focused attention from all except the tall bartender in the main bar of the Terrace Room which was attached to the Terrace Restaurant. There was also a doorman that seemed more interested in his phone than his job.

The two men gave him pause, but there was no reason to suspect them of anything. He roughed out a diagram of the Lodge with exits clearly marked and the design flow indicated, along with the location of every camera. It was always good to know the flow of the structure you were residing in and to be aware of all the exits. He then texted that diagram to the Master.

He entered the main lobby and was greeted by the concierge, Mr. Regan Marshal. "Hello, you're Mr. Hadden's driver." He identified him, and Dumas nodded. "Is there anything I can do for you? Is there anything you need?” He was a small man with an eager and excited personality, but he seemed sincere.

“No, there is nothing that I need.” Dumas was honest and turned away, dismissing the man.

“Certainly, please enjoy your stay with us." He gave the standard line and the standard forced smile.

---