Page 9 of The Blood Guardian

“I wasn’t mean, and I was definitely not jealous.” Rall tried to defend himself, but it was useless. He knew in his heart that he was mean, vicious even and so jealous he could hardly see straight in regard to the number of bonds that were taking place while he sat on the sidelines. “Okay maybe I had a mood thing going but I was handling it.” He laughed.

"You were not handling it, but it appears all is as it should be now," Drakon responded sharply, and Rall did not make any further denials. He changed the subject giving Drakon the run down on what had taken place.

“Is the fucker dead?” Drakon barked.

“Yes, Trent tracked him down while I was dealing with Luke.” Rall was touched by his concern.

“Good.” He stated. “We don’t need that sort of bullshit happening at the Rose.”

"Agreed." Rall then explained the pending situation with the ex and asked permission to kill if necessary. It was a human, so death measures in such cases required authorization.

“You have permission to do whatever you deem necessary to keep your beloved safe and well.”

“Thank you.”

“Keep me posted.”

“Yes, sir.”

Luke understood Rall’s reluctance to support his meeting with his Adam. He was making it clear that there was nothing between them and Luke could feel that Rall knew that to be true. The bond that they struck last night brought their emotions and forward for one another and truth between them became a natural state of being.

With that said, he still felt awkward meeting Adam, but in his heart, he needed this closure to look him in the eyes and tell him to get fucked. He was ready and went to find Rall who had excused himself to make a phone call. He found him in the kitchen leaning on the cupboard, looking drawn and pensive.

"I can handle myself, Rall. I'll be back shortly, but I need to face this bastard."

“I know.” Rall straightened and walked over and took Luke into his arms squeezing him close to his chest wrapping him in the security of his arms. Luke felt the peace and calm melt into him. Rall’s presence was a balm that cured all.

“Be safe, baby.” He said and then released him. Luke nodded not as sure as he had been about following through with this meet up. He paused briefly and then Rall walked him out of the warehouse to the main street.

No further words were shared but the tension was thick. Luke wondered if he was doing the right thing and kept looking back at Rall as he continued down the street to the park. His heart was telling him to go back but he’d made such an issue about going that he would feel ridiculous turning around now.

He kept his eyes forward and tried to suppress the growing desire to abandon this meeting. He'd been so adamant about setting the record straight and making it clear to that cheating bastard that they were done and over that he failed to consider what it might feel like to see him again. Nerves began stirring and growing tight in his stomach, and if he had an ounce of sense, he'd turn around.

Suddenly he was at the entrance of the park and knew he had to follow through he wasn’t so fragile or vulnerable that he needed to run. He would not be that person. Rall his sexy vampire lover deserved better he deserved a partner that was whole and stable and possessed no unsettled emotional business.

Luke pressed on toward the stone bench under the oak that Adam had spoken of and pushed everything from his mind except to end this mess and free himself. Adam was already there sitting on the bench when Luke arrived. Seeing him sent a jolt of revulsion through him and he stopped for a second before continuing on.

Adam turned to look at him with that familiar sneer and didn't stand until Luke was a few feet from the bench. Luke stopped and crossed his arms, waiting for whatever Adam was going to use as an opener to this discussion.

Adam stood and took a couple of steps toward him. “Don’t make this a bigger issue than it needs to be. You knew I was seeing other people so why all the indignant outrage? You’re being ridiculous.” He took another step toward Luke who abrupted stepped back.

“I only came here to tell you we’re over no second chances no lets work this out, we’re done.” Luke was proud of how calm and forceful the words came to him.

“Don’t fucking think so Luke. Nothing ends until is say so.” That was unexpected but Luke held his ground feeling safe in the public park.

"That's awfully tough talk for such a lame-ass loser." Luke didn't feel anything for this guy except revulsion. Looking at him now, he found it hard to believe he'd ever cared for this piece of shit. It was then that Luke realized they were in a section of the park that was somewhat isolating. He looked around quickly, noticing they were mostly surrounded by tall, thick hedges. Of course, that bastard would choose this spot to meet.

"No one is going to save you bitch." Adam snarled. He turned a crimson red and lunged at Luke, who tried to turn and run. Adam clutched his forearm and jerked him backward. "On your knees." He ground out the words between clenched teeth and dug his fingers into Luke's flesh.

Panic was starting to set in because Luke knew he wasn’t strong enough to defeat him. That was followed by a wash of regret for not taking Rall up on his offer to come along, and then the scene changed.

There was a blur of something moving fast and then Adam flew backward onto the concrete walkway with Rall on top of him he had a hand on Adam’s throat and a knee in the middle of his chest. Luke stood there immobile, suffering from both shock and awe. Where did he come from and how did he know? Rall was a man of wonder and style.

"Get off me, you freak." Adam sputtered, but to no avail.

"Do you want him dead or just out of your life?" Rall asked Luke in a tone so flat and formal that it caused Adam to explode in panic. He thrashed around hopelessly and tried frantically to get away, but there was no getting away from Rall.

“I want him out of my life. I want him to forget he ever met me, and I want him to suffer for what he has done.” Luke was very clear and succinct with his request, knowing in his heart that Rall was deadly serious. If he'd asked for death, Rall would have given it to him. He could feel it in his heart and in his bones.

---