Page 31 of Benicio

Seeing someone else do the dirty work was what got him off.

“When this is over, you kill him and get your money back.” Hound chuckled, and Bones smiled.

“Yeah, I like that idea. I’ll track him down tomorrow afternoon.” Bones looked over his shoulder. “Right now, I’m about to get with this chick who caught my eye.”

Hound wasn’t sure how long the heavy hitter would be in town. But there was one thing he knew for sure. If he was going up against a vampire that powerful, he was bringing everyone in the Council of Darkness.

Tomorrow was going to be epic.

* * * *

Benicio frowned when he felt fingers gliding through his beard. He opened his eyes to find David spread out next to him, resting one arm on Benicio’s chest, his chin resting on that arm. He was grooming Benicio’s beard with his fingers.

“Hey, handsome.” David smiled, but Benicio saw the worry in his mate’s eyes.

“How—” Benicio cleared his throat. “How did I get here?” His throat was a bit sore. “The last thing I remember…” Being in so much pain that a blast of energy had radiated out from him. “Did I hurt you?”

“That sonic boom?” David asked. “It wasn’t a pleasant feeling, but no one was hurt. You put the entire coven on its ass, including Eleazar.”

As Benicio lay there, he realized that he was sore but not in pain. “What happened?”

“You don’t remember telling us to burn the book?”

“You found the book?”

As he curled an arm around David, he listened to his mate, every single word. Benicio didn’t recall telling them to burn the book. It was the only way to reverse any curse that had been used. Since Benicio had no clue which one his father had used against him, his subconscious must have provided the answer.

Though he wasn’t thrilled that people knew his secret, what David had done saved his life. He was indebted to his little vampire. There was no way he could ever repay his mate for what he’d done.

Benicio lay there, staring up at the ceiling, thinking about how much he had changed since he had been cursed. He used to be feared and respected, but now he felt weak and vulnerable. He had never imagined that he would be in this position, needing help from others. But it was because of his father that Benicio had gained that reputation. Since his father had kept trying to kill him, Benicio had to appear malevolent. Had to be the boogeyman.

That wasn’t him. Yes, Benicio was still powerful, but he liked his talks with David, like how his mate’s eyes lit up whenever Benicio laughed. He liked the easy banter between his mate and Matteo. For so long Benicio had felt numb, but no more. Not since David had entered his life.

As he lay there, lost in thought, David’s fingers continued to glide through his beard, providing a soothing distraction. Benicio turned his head to look at his mate, taking in his handsome features. He would be forever grateful to Matteo for finding him and bringing the vampire here.

Because of David, the curse was lifted.

Benicio couldn’t resist the urge to lean in and claim David’s lips with his own. His mate responded eagerly, wrapping his arms around Benicio and pulling him closer. He could feel David’s body heat radiating against him, feel the smoothness of his skin.

As they kissed, Benicio thought about how he was known as the feared vampire ruler. His iron fist had kept everyone in line, and a single word from him would make even the bravest of vampires shudder. But now, with David next to him, he didn’t feel the need to be that kind of person anymore.

He wanted to be the kind of man who could feel love, who could be loved in return, without fear of betrayal or deception. David was the one who had shown him that it was possible. Hell, Benicio no longer wanted to pretend he was a vampire, because he wasn’t. He wanted his mate to see the true Benicio Moretti.

With a chuckle, Benicio rolled them, placing David under him. He smiled down at his mate, loving how his eyes sparkled with happiness. “I love you.”

That…that wasn’t what Benicio was about to say. The words had just slipped out. But he meant them, and he wouldn’t take them back.

David looked wide-eyed at him. “You do?”

“Yes.” Benicio nibbled his way across David’s jaw. “How could I not? You’re sweet, kind, and you put your own life at risk to save mine.”

“How?”

Benicio looked at him. “Eleazar could have destroyed me while I was unconscious. He could have killed you and Matteo when you told him the truth. You took a chance, and you made the right choice.”

David cupped Benicio’s cheek, and Benicio’s eyelids fluttered closed for a second. “And you’re not the big meanie everyone thinks you are.”

“Never assume that,” Benicio said as he kissed David’s palm. “For you, I might be a big old teddy bear, but if pushed by others, I will unleash the darkness inside of me.”

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