Page 10 of Simeon's Beloved

"I understand, and I'm sorry for what happened. The hotel will be secured by morning, and I have my best working on finding the identity of the assassin." Henrik was doing more than required, but he felt for Simeon and the position he was in, and he valued the friendship of Master Emmanuel Cabot. He would do all he could to help find the names of those involved in this murder attempt.

“Thank you, Henrik.”

He closed the call and rang up Remi Toulouse, his director of intelligence. He put him on finding everything there was to find on Hunter Rose, his father, his brother, and the Rose Winery. He had a hunch the problems were at home among the family and the business.

Simeon started to relax once he entered Coven property, and when he parked behind the chateau and cut the engine, he finally took a long cleansing breath, as did Hunter. Simeon turned to look at him, and Hunter did the same. He was still in shock, evident by the wide-eyed stare and look of confusion. He pulled the robe and blanket tighter around himself like a defense, and his fearfulness broke Simeon's heart. His beloved should not be frightened. He should be happy, and he deserves to be happy.

"I left all my things in the room." His mind went to the practical, which was common in shocking situations.

"The pack will see that your things and mine are returned to us here. No need to worry about it." He reached over and took Hunter's hand and held it. It was cold and shaking, and Simeon raised it to his lips and kissed the back of his hand. "Come inside with me. I'll show you my quarters, and you can relax with a cup of coffee."

"I think I might need something stronger than coffee. This night has been wild, to say the least. I am so overwhelmed I feel like my mind is racing, and I can't hold onto a single thought." Simeon pulled him in closer and wrapped his arms around him.

"You're in shock. It will pass." Hunter gripped the lapels of Simeon's jacket and held on, pressing the side of his face against Simeon's bare chest. "Come, I'll carry you."

"You don't have to do that. I can walk." Hunter demurred.

"Let me do this for you." He wanted to add that it was no effort but did not want to sound like he was commenting on Hunter's smallness. He had said it was a sore point, although Simeon found his size very attractive and definitely a turn-on. He always preferred his men shorter and submissive, so Hunter was his perfect match, just as Fate had intended.

"Okay, I do enjoy being in your arms, especially now when everything is so messed up in my head, and I'm so scared." Hunter was being honest and open with his feelings, and Simeon appreciated that he did not try to hide all pretense was falling away as their connection grew stronger and deeper.

Simeon rounded the vehicle and scooped Hunter up into his arms, and carried him inside. He continued to carry him up to his quarters on the second floor. His place was large and spacious, with just the necessary items. He found it suitable for him but would be open to Hunter putting his mark on the space.

The living room contained a simple matching couch and chair with two basic end tables. The kitchen was as expected, with a breakfast bar and three stools. He did have a state-of-the-art coffee maker and a juicer, but he usually ate in the dining hall with the other soldiers, so his kitchen was poorly stocked.

He carried Hunter through to the bedroom and sat him down on the edge of the bed. He then removed the blanket and folded it, and set it aside. Hunter remained seated with his hands folded in his lap and his eyes downcast.

"Talk to me, baby." Simeon squatted down in front of him and took Hunter's hands, holding them in his.

"They're going to bill the company card for this robe. Father will be angry." He was staring at the white luxury robe as he spoke. His mind wanted to focus on the mundane rather than the craziness of the last hour.

"I'll take care of it. Don't worry. Your father will never know." Simeon decided to just pacify rather than confront.

“Someone is trying to kill me why . . . why would anyone want me dead. I don’t know of anyone who would hate me enough to hire someone to murder me.” His words came out in a panicked rush and got progressively higher in pitch as he finished his sentence. Simeon held him throughout.

"I don't know who or why, but I will find out. There are people working on it right now. In the morning, I will call and see where the investigation stands, but for now, I would like for you to try and rest. I know it is a tall order considering the last few hours, but you have not slept, and you need to rest your body, and your mind needs to rest." Simeon wanted his beloved to have a clear mind for all the information and enlightenment that was to come his way tomorrow.

"My mind is still racing, but my body is tired." He admitted. "Simeon stood and pulled the blankets back and fluffed the pillows. "All I have is this robe." Hunter looked down at himself as if confused as to what to do.

"You can sleep in it or sleep in the nude, whichever you prefer." Simeon had no problem providing direction, and Hunter seemed to need it.

“Will you lay with me?”

“Of course.”

"Then I'll sleep in the nude. I like how your body feels against mine." He sounded a little dreamy, and it made Simeon smile.

"I like it too," Simeon added and then helped him out of the robe and into bed. He tucked the blankets around him and kissed his forehead. "I'm going to make sure all is secure, and I'll be right back. You still interested in that shot of whiskey?"

“Maybe later.” He answered softly. “Don’t be too long.”

"I won't."

Simeon went out to the balcony off his living room and called Sam, who was onsite at the hotel. He needed some answers, some idea of what he was dealing with, what his beloved was up against before he could sleep.

If he had to, he would bundle Hunter up, and they would disappear for a while, even months or years, if necessary. He would go to any length and make any sacrifice for the health and well-being of his most precious possession.

"The shooter's name was Jackson Jakes, a mercenary. He arrived at the hotel yesterday and blended in with the wine-tasting crowd. He didn't take a room, so he must have had lodgings elsewhere. We're looking into it." Sam had done a very thorough job.

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