I fucking hated elevators, and when I was five floors from the vampires I got off the death trap and took the stairs. It was down and not difficult, but I felt better the moment my feet hit the ground floor.

Leaving the same way I had come I caught a glimpse of the power of the lion who’d been in the lobby. He was walking by the front of the hotel as I stepped out. Funny thing was Vegas was a big place, I shouldn’t have seen him twice in as much as so many hours much less in a different hotel. I wasn’t playing games – but he certainly was. But I turned back towards Alex’s hotel and walked slowly.

It wasn’t long before the guy started following me. Did he think I was a dunce? That unobservant? I cut down an alley way in the hopes of confronting him. There was a rustle in the trash nearby and then a low heated growl sounded deep in a human throat. I stopped in front of the moving pile and realized it wasn’t trash, or at least it wasn’t trash that I expected to see all over a boy. He couldn’t be anymore than sixteen. His grey eyes glared at me as I pushed back his hood. He pulled away sharply and growled, “Mine.” And scurried away down the alley carrying something.

I caught sight of the bag he was carrying. “I don’t want it. But, maybe I can help you.” I said as I felt the faint tingle of pack energy leave the boy.

He ran, and I walked behind him. He smelled like the garbage he’d been hiding in. He was relatively easy to track from that alone, but he was giving off pack vibes and my inner wolf as Adrian put it was seeking it out. As if I need more trouble from the local pack. Though this was CCB territory more so than any one pack, but I didn’t want their trouble either.

I finally found the boy hiding under a stoop of a house. “Go away.” he called from underneath it.

“Sorry, can’t do that kid.” I squatted down so I could look under the porch overhang and see the kid holed up in the dirt but it was dry at least. “Let me help you get cleaned up and a hot meal. No reason a kid like you should be living like this, where’s your pack.”

He sank back into his corner, “No one wants me in their pack.”

I sat down on the ground, it was going to take a lot more convincing it seemed. “Why not?”

“They don’t want to take care of me.” He growled.

“Is there a pack here?” I asked.

He shook his head, “No packs, just the CCB.”

“That’s different then. You aren’t much good to the CCB. But if you come with me, I’ll find you a pack that will take care of you.” I held out my hand much like I would to an errant dog or wild animal I was trying to befriend.

The boy sniffed at the air like the animal he would become upon the full moon. His eyes grew wide and he uncurled a little to look at me better, “You smell like pack.”

I grinned, “So I’ve been told. Though most people tell me I smell like a campfire.”

He nodded with a slight grin, “Mostly that, but I smell the forest too.”

I laughed, “At least you don’t smell everything else.” I had taken a shower after seeing Alex for which I was grateful.

“You don’t have a pack?”

I shook my head. “I’m not a werewolf. I’m Venatori. I tapped my temple to show the kid. Which had him shrinking back into the corner again pulling everything up close to him so I couldn’t get anything.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I give you my word. My name is Nox. I’m from New York City. My best friend’s part of a pack there. He’s human, but his adoptive family are werewolves like you.”

“That’s why you talk so fast.” He blurted out and then shrank back inside again fearing my wrath at his accusation.

“It is,” I said with a grin. “But I know the pack leader of the Manhattan clan, and I’ve saved many a wolf like you from the Venatori. I can give you his number and you can ask him yourself.”

The kid shook his head. “No that’s alright.” I said. I pulled my wallet out of my pocket and dropped several twenties on the ground just inside the hovel he was living. “Why don’t you rent a motel around the corner there, grab a shower and a bite to eat on me.” I stood up. “I’ll see you around.” I put a simple card on top of the money, “My number if you need it.” It was my attempt at keeping Sage and Mia happy so that I could hand my number out to people who might need my help or to contact me for some bizarre reason. I didn’t give it to girls (or guys) I slept with. I honestly think that was the first time I had honestly found the need to give it to a complete stranger.

I was happy with myself as I walked away. I could hear the breathing of the boy as I traced my steps back the way I’d come. I glanced at the watch Alex had given me just a few hours ago and smiled. I still had a bit of time to do what needed doing before Alex and I planned on dinner. I wondered what he’d gotten up to. What he and Benji had been planning – had they been discussing the book heist then? I should really call Ant, I thought to myself.

I sat down in the large leather chair away from anyone else and also so no one could sit down next to me. Roseya’s smile slipped a little, she was going to have to play a different game. Abraham looked at me and nodded, “Mr. Sétanta.”

I interrupted, “It’s Nox.”

“Informal for business.”

“Perhaps, but it’s Nox.” I said bluntly.

With a nod Abraham continued, “Ms. Snow sent you to me to discuss the terms of our agreement and for you to kill me if I didn’t see things her way?”

“Basically. She couldn’t get one of the Venatori here to do it or it would break your pact, so she sent an expendable Venatori with something she could hold over me.”

“James Hutton.” Roseya added and I nodded.

“Protection? She wouldn’t kill a human. Specially one as infamous as Kitsune.” Abraham said.

There was that name again. Scarlet had dropped it as well. All in reference to my so-called boyfriend, benefactor. I really didn’t know what they thought James Hutton was to me. They probably didn’t even know the truth of the matter. And here I am thinking it, I sighed. “I don’t know this Kitsune.”

Abraham laughed. “Neither did I until someone came knocking on my door talking about how things should be. He identified your friend immediately. Apparently he’s in some book, much like you are Mors Praetor. A book your friend is looking to steal from it’s rightful owner.”

I smirked, “You know that Del Figlio is looking for that right, this book you speak of, he’s here in Vegas.”

The vampire paled but quickly regained his footing. “The son of Il Cane doesn’t frighten me. Not when I have Mors Praetor to protect me from any ill conceived notion the Prince of New York thinks he has over me. The book belongs to the First vampires.”

“Of which Il Cane is protecting the book for. Your thief stole it from her child and Del Figlio is coming to get it back. I wouldn’t interfere in vampire business.”

“You are here.” Abraham sneered.

“I’m only here because you want to make vampires public. And with that book you’d have more than enough leverage to get all vampires to follow your lead. So no, I’m not here on vampire business, I’m here on order of the Clandestine Providence.”

“Vampires are stronger, we should not be in hiding.” The prince stamped his foot and stood up. He started the motion to lunge in my direction before his Chevalier put her hand on his wrist and he looked at her. There was an intimate exchange, one I’d seen on many occasions between Ryan and Cari. Chevalier were more than eyes and ears – they were equals in their own rights. Chevalier calmed the angry beast, they could also unleash hell if they so desired. Such was the weight of a Chevalier bond.

Abraham returned his gaze to me, this time less angry. “You aren’t afraid to be in the room with an angry vampire?”

I chuckled, “I’ve had the wrath of Il Cane bearing down on me. You think you compare?”

Abraham laughed, “I suppose that Il Cane had good reason to be angry with you?”

I shook my head. “No, I interrupted a moment with her and her lover at the time.”

The vampire’s anger evaporated as he fell into the couch laughing, “Why did you do that?” He choked out between laughs.

“I had a baby vampire that claimed her allegiance and Ant wasn’t anywhere he could take the fledgling in. I had no choice but to interrupt. But it was Ryan who suggested I go to her room. I should have known better, but I trusted the man.”

Roseya’s expression had gone white with the mention of Del Figlio’s name, probably more to the fact that I had shortened it to a familiar name, and also Il Cane’s Chevalier’s name. Abraham was shaking his head. “You really do know these people. Not some story that we tell our children. Il Cane is truly afraid of you.” He shrank back in the chair and looked at me.

I shrugged. “I don’t know why Cari’s afraid of me. She scares the fuck out of me.”

Abraham laughed again. “Out of all of us.” His laugh faded and he was somber again. “So Mors Praetor, what can I do to save my life from you.”

“I don’t know give me the book, tell me who’s trying to talk you into revolting, and we’ll call it even.”

Abraham laughed, “You think it’s that easy? So confident aren’t you boy?”

I shrugged again. “It can be that easy.”

“First, I don’t have the book. The prat of a thief still has it. And I can’t give you the name, for all the fear I have of Il Cane, or Del Figlio, even you, I fear him more.”

“And you won’t even tell me who you are afraid of?”

Abraham shook his head. “Not on my life.” He said “So we are at an impasse.”

“Not an impasse, Abraham. Let’s call it a pause.” I stood up with a smile and flourished a bow for the Prince of Las Vegas. “I’ll be back. Next time offer a man some coffee.”

I walked out of the seating area and to the elevator before Abraham looked back and called out, “Nox, there is a coffee waiting for you down at the bar. My apologies on being a horrible host.”

I turned around as the elevator doors opened and i stepped through and put my hand to block the door from closing, “Not horrible, just inconsiderate to ones caffeine intake.” I moved my hand and the doors slowly closed and I sank against the steel walls and breathed a sigh of relief before the enclosed and downward motion spiked my heart rate again.

Roseya lead me through the streets of Vegas down to one of the bigger casinos. The lobby was grander than the Bellagio. It felt more antiquated as well, like it truly was owned by someone afraid of change. I chuckled to myself- a man after his own tenancies. It was something to take into account.

The woman lead me to a bank of elevators and scanned her badge in the little receptacle. Fuck! I took a deep breath and smiled as her smirk grew. She didn’t acknowledge my fears, but I knew she could smell them – vampires loved fear. They loved lust and anger and almost any other strong emotion but fear was a delicacy unto itself. Even Ant enjoyed fear though he didn’t enjoy striking fear in others – especially friends. Not that I was a friend here. I was the enemy.

I pulled myself together as the elevator doors whooshed open. I focused on the one positive in my life – on Alex. On seeing him again in a few hours, on the time we’d spent together. On all the time I planned to spend with him in the future. It settled my breathing focusing on him.

The elevator rose and I kept my eyes inward on my Alex. On my dream man. The smirk I knew spread across my lips as I thought about how true that thought had been.

“Is everything acceptable?” she purred a little too close to my ear.

I opened my eyes and shrank back from her a little. It wasn’t fear, though I’m sure it came across as such, which would work for me as well. “Perfect.” I lied with a bright smile. “I was just thinking about James and our plans for the evening.” Which wasn’t exactly a lie.

“James Hutton.” She laughed, “Now isn’t he divine. Charming and always seems to know what you are thinking.”

I rolled my eyes. “So you’ve partaken too?” I asked knowing the answer – or at least hoping I knew the answer. But it didn’t matter either way, Alex was mine and mine alone, it didn’t matter who he fucked when we weren’t together. At least that’s what I kept telling myself.

Roseya laughed, “My master would not like that.”

“And yet you decide to flirt with me?”

She took a step back and frowned, “You won’t tell him will you?”

I shrugged, “I dunno. Back up, and we’ll call it even for now.”

She took another step back and nodded, “He would not like that.”

“Figured.” I grinned at her, “Our little secret.”

“He can read your mind.” She whispered.

“He can’t read mine.” I lied feeling the vampire power as we ascended higher. I should shield, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t going to be manipulated, that was something I protected against in other means. The bracelet I wore on the opposite wrist of my watch was spelled for such manipulations. I’d had it made after the Dragon had controlled me. It was good to know people. Or know people who know people. In this case it was Ant’s father who knew the right wicca preistess to case the enchantment that kept me with in my own self so to speak. I wasn’t even sure if Alex could manipulate me like he’d done in the past. I guess we’d have to see.

“I bet he can.” Roseya added as the doors whooshed open into a wide open room that over looked the city. I took a deep breath – holy fuck this was going to be hard. The room was nothing more than glass. And from the vampire standing in the middle of it, it was the same glass that Cari used. She was making a killing off that research. Vampires in the sun now that was a story to tell.

The man had shaved his head bald at some point in his living life, and now, he was stuck that way for the rest of his life. Hair didn’t grow back if there was none there to begin with. Vampires were weird that way. They couldn’t grow back body parts, or hair or even cut their nails, but they healed, the parts of the body that were dead were dead. But if you kept the severed limb it could reattach itself… Except the head, once the head was lobbed off, the vampire experienced true death – sort of fire that was the only way to kill them. None of the stories the humans knew were true. Stakes and garlic and shit. And don’t even get me started on fucking sparkling vampires.

The vampire in front of me looked like he could break me in half even if he were human. Despite the bald head he sported a beard but his eyes were cold as death even though he smiled at me warmly. He was a vampire – a powerful one, and he was Prince of Las Vegas, Abraham Morgan – no relation to Sage’s family that I knew of. Though I’m sure Mrs. Vega could find out for me if I truly ever wanted to know.

He chuckled as I drew near, “Your mind, Mr. Sétanta is very curious. Do you always find tangents?”

I grinned, “Always. My friends are used to me zoning out like that.”

“So a trait to exploit if I wanted?” Abraham asked.

I shrugged, “I don’t know how you’d exploit it.”

I felt the push against the spell it was uncomfortable, but it wasn’t hurting me. “Enlightening.” He crooned. “But there are those I can use to manipulate you. Say one James Hutton.”

I sighed, “Why does everyone want to use him against me?” That was why I was here to begin with was to protect him now, this man could read me. Auxpex was not a vampire talent to take lightly even if he couldn’t control me with it. I was thankful it wasn’t Domination, that was a whole other power and one I was not likely to be free of as it wasn’t a mind control, it was presence. Though they could manipulate you.

Abraham laughed, “You give yourself away boy.” He took a step too close and I took a step back. “Stand still.” The command in his voice was just that a command but it reverberated through my body and I fought every instinct in my bones to stand still as I pivoted away from the vampire trying to control me through force of presence.

“Such a challenge, he is, Roseya. How did you get him here?” He looked over to his Chevalier.

“I asked nicely. Isn’t that what you said to do?” She beamed back at him. Her smile bright and the light in her eyes said that was exactly what he’d said.

“You are right. I said no games. Unless necessary.” He turned back to me with a frown, “My apologizes, Mr. Sétanta. Come sit, we have much to discuss.” As he turned towards the circle of couches in the middle of the bright room.

I followed only because I was here to do a job and I couldn’t do that if I didn’t listen.

Three suits and five casual outfits later, with shoes and belts and everything else under the sun you could think of including boxers and swim trunks later, Alex and I were carrying bags into his hotel room. Alex looked at me and frowned. “Dinner tonight, I want you to wear the dark suit and the green shirt.”

“Why the frown?” I asked.

He smiled at me as he came close taking the bags from me and dropping them where we stood. He pressed his body against mine and I felt his hard on pressing against my own. “I don’t want you to leave, but I have things to do, and so do you. Dinner at 6, yes?”

I nodded. “I could be persuaded to stay here.”

Alex laughed. “Me too, Pretty boy, but they won’t wait. Sooner we get done, the sooner I can get you out of these clothes, and into some fine things just so I can take you out of them again.”

I grinned. “Is that a promise.”

Alex shook his head, “No. But it’s my goal for the night.”

“I can try it all on again and let you strip me out of each new outfit. Just to make sure you like what you bought.”

Alex huffed then pressed a hard kiss to me before shoving me away. “Go now before we end up in bed.”

I bit my bottom lip and stared across at him. I didn’t want to leave. I felt the sadness sinking in. Alex wrapped his arms around me, “Soon pretty boy. We got things to do. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Me either. Well…”

Alex chuckled and shoved me again. “I know what you mean. Go. Please.” he didn’t beg, it sounded more like a command. So I went.

I dragged out of the hotel. The same man from before was sitting in the same chair reading the same paper. It was old, it wasn’t even today’s. I sat down in the chair opposite of him and he glanced over the paper and then folded it in his lap and stared at me with the amber green eyes of a lion. I grinned at him and he nodded before he stood up and walked away.

Now to go find the vampire prince and work out a training schedule for my null friend. But I wasn’t sure how to go about finding the vampires lair. I probably should have asked about that before agreeing to it.

A woman in a red dress sat down across from me. Her power was very much like that of a vampire, but it was day light and she sat in the sun. Chevalier – lesser mostly likely. Most vampires didn’t know how to make a true Chevalier. I’d only met one – well two – true Chevalier.

Her lips were red and she smiled at me licking her lips like I was some sort of meal. “Nox.” I said to introduce myself.

“Roseya. My master was informed you were looking for him, he sent me to acquaint myself with you.”

“Pretty name.” I sat forward and leaned my elbows on my knees and whispered, I’d knew she could hear me. “Ms. Snow wants …”

She shimmied closer to me and put her hand on my knee and leaned in, “We know what she wants, but my master won’t be persuaded.”

I sighed. “Persuasion is the best option. I really don’t want to make this a fight.”

Roseya’s smile grew wide. “That’s what she said you’d say.”

I pulled away from her, and leaned against the back of my chair crossing my legs, putting myself at a greater distance. Something about her said I needed to stay out of her touch. Vampire powers sometimes crossed over to the human servant. Ryan was able to hide his weapons on his person because of Cari’s magic.

Her smile grew to show perfectly white teeth underneath before she spoke. “Oh, are you afraid of me Paers Morte?”

I sighed. “Not afraid. Cautious.” I confirmed.

She stood and the click of her heels sounded through the hotel floor, “Come.”

I guess the vampires found me. Not exactly what I wanted, but it was an introduction I needed.

I followed the brunette out of the hotel lobby and down the street before I caught up to her at the intersection. “I’m not a blind follower. Where are you taking me?” I asked.

She smirked in that bright red lipstick. “To my master of course. He cannot walk the daylight, but he is awake and wishes to meet Scarlet Snow’s errand boy.”

“I’m not her errand boy. I am working for her.” I grinned, “I happen to agree with her stance, but I’m open minded.”

Roseya chuckled as we crossed the street. “So we’ve seen. Your choice of bed partners – James Hutton. You know he’s a con man?”

I took a deep breath. “I do.” I did, but to know that someone else knew had me twinging a little inside. Alex had almost admitted it to me the night he confessed his need to stop lying. But the memories I was uncovering, Alex and I talked a lot about what he did with his mom. He told me because I’d never remember. I wouldn’t know what he said the next time. I was safe. I hadn’t told Alex yet that I knew what he did. I didn’t care what he did. I wasn’t going to out him to the Venatori or the cops. But I knew this would be like a betrayal. I didn’t want to lose him again. I couldn’t. I couldn’t lose Alex again.

Breakfast was strained. My being Venatori was not going to settle well with Benji’s father. Made me wonder how Alex felt about it. Under the table I felt Alex’s hand on my knee, he squeezed alerting me to my ever drifting thoughts. I shut my self off from all but Alex. It was a lot easier than I thought it might be.

The man across from me visibly relaxed the moment I shielded. He didn’t look up but Mama did and frowned. “Now it feels like every other Feras…” Her frowned deepened.

I nodded. “I’m sorry, but the fact you can read me is making your husband upset. It’s better this way.”

“For who?” Alex asked.

I turned to look at him and shrugged, “I didn’t shut you out.”

Alex nodded, “I know. I can feel the icy chill of your powers eating you up along with your anxiety and your self-esteem issues.”

I frowned, “I’ll survive.”

Alex smirked. “I don’t know if I will.”

I dropped my eyes, picked up a strip of bacon. “You don’t have to listen.” I crunched the bacon with Alex watching me.

Alex growled and stood up taking my hand with him and I had no real choice but to follow him or be pulled out of my chair. Alex smiled as he leaned down to hug Mama, “Mama, we are going to go. I can’t risk the attacks that are about to follow if he stays here with bigotry.”

Chen objected, “I am no bigot.”

Alex laughed, “Sir, we all are here. We all have reason to hate the Venatori. Including Nox, but that’s not a reason to judge every Venatori. I know for a fact Nox has a big heart, even took in a dragon boy when his parents were killed by the Venatori.”

I leaned against Alex and sort of whispered, but not really, “I’m working on another kid here in Vegas.”

He looked at me wide eyed, “One of the things you have to do while you are here?”

“I didn’t have to, but I wanted to help him the moment I saw him. They are going to make him tacet if I can’t help him.”

“Not that I know what that is, but it can’t be good.” Alex said and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Mama, sir, maybe you’ll come visit in New York and I’ll show you Nox isn’t so bad.”

Chen growled softly but nodded his head as if he were agreeing to something unsaid. I didn’t really want to know as Alex tugged me after him grabbing a slice of bacon as he passed.

We were out the front door and walking back towards the strip when Alex asked me, “You okay, pretty boy?”

I nodded even as I let the shielding go. At least most of it. I always had some sort of protection about me, but that was mostly so I didn’t have to see the patterns all the time. They interfered in daily life.

Alex gave me a sigh of relief and tugged me down another street. “Now to that shopping?”

I let out an exaggerated sigh, “I guess.”

Alex stopped and turned to look at me. I couldn’t help the wide grin on my face. “That wasn’t fair, I thought you didn’t want to go.”

“No, I do. I promise.” I stepped into Alex and pressed a long slow kiss to his lips. I let out a soft moan and Alex’s free hand gripped my hip pulling me tighter against him. I broke the kiss with a smack and bit my bottom lip. “I’m kind enjoying the thought of letting you dress me up and parade me about like some model.”

“My own private fashion show?” Alex asked as he headed back in the direction he’d been going.

I didn’t say it out loud, only thought about how I’d gladly do a strip tease for him too. I was rewarded with a groan. “Fuck Pretty boy! I might have to hold you to that thought.”

“It would be my pleasure.” My mind was full of all the dirty things we could do in his hotel room.

Alex growled. “Okay, that’s enough or you won’t get any of it later.” Alex threatened.

I laughed, “What’s wrong Tinman?”

Alex rolled his eyes. “I don’t like when you say that.”

“That’s good, cause I don’t like saying it.” I added. “I like Alex, it’s kinda a shame that’s your whole name. Alexander could roll off my tongue rather nicely.” Alex gave me a side long glance, “I’ll figure out some nickname for you.”

“You have one already.” Alex said.

“Mushu isn’t sexy though. You got pretty boy and you have no idea what it does to me when you say it.”

Alex chortled and almost chocked because he laughed so hard. “I know exactly what it does to you pretty boy, I feel it every. fucking. time.” Alex pulled me hard against him and kissed me.

We both groaned as Alex pulled away and dragged me into a shop. “First.” He said as he walked into a decked out room full of suits. I had done this once for Dorian. I didn’t really like suits, but I could do it. Alex chuckled, “This is so you fit in with James when I’m him.”

I nodded, “Do you expect me to be normal?”

Alex shook my head, “Nox you can never hide you are Venatori.”

“So how are you going to explain that I’m with you like this and with James like that.” I gestured to a fancy suit hanging on a mannequin.

“I’m not going to. If people see us together, and don’t recognize me that’s their own dumb stupidity. Just don’t say my name ever.” He grinned at me.

I rolled my eyes. “Fine, babe. I’ll do that.” I growled, “I don’t like that either.”

A man in a fancy suit came up to us and looked me over in my jeans and t-shirt and hoodie and frowned. “A pleasure as always, sir.” He said as he looked at Alex. “What can I do for you?”

Alex tilted his head and nodded in my direction. “I need appropriate attire so he can escort me around town without drawing attention.”

The man relaxed visibly as he looked at me. “Measurements?”

I shrugged, “It’s been a while. And I really don’t remember.” I pulled out my phone and sent Dorian a message asking him the same thing. To which there was a prompt reply

D: Are you buying clothes?

N: Alex is buying me clothes. Tailor shop need measurements.

And in the next moment I received all my measurements.

N: How do you know this?

D: I have my ways.

I sighed as I showed the man the text and his eyes were wide with surprise. “You have a personal tailor?”

I shook my head. “Uh, no. A personal shopper maybe, I don’t know what he does.” He still looked at me with surprise.

“I’ll be right back with a few options.”

Alex rolled his eyes, “You don’t even buy your clothes for yourself?”

“I buy my t-shirts.” I corrected.

“And here I thought you were the more normal of us when it came to this type of thing. But Dorian buys all your clothes. The only thing you shop for is food.”

I grinned at Alex. “I don’t care about any of it. I’ll replace a pair of jeans if they have too many holes. I buy t-shirts cause I like them. I’ll buy a hoodie or a jacket cause it’s fun. Furniture, I’m never home to use. I bought all my kitchen supplies. Dorian furnished my apartment both times. It’s my money but he spends it.”

Alex smirked, “So I can spend your money in your name?” Alex rubbed his hands together, “I think I can do that.”

I loved that Alex wanted to spend my money and it seemed to make him so happy too. I leaned across the small distance between us and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “You can spend all my money if you want.”

“How about I spend my money on you. I have more than enough.” He nodded in the direction of the man walking our way with several plastic covered garments.

“I don’t need things.” I protested again as the salesman sauntered up to me and waved for me to follow him.

“Indulge me Nox.”

I nodded with a grunt and lead the way to the back to the dressing rooms which were in the back. He hung the articles of clothing on the rail nearby and uncovered a dark suit which he showed Alex and not me. I took a little offence to that but didn’t let it show. The smile on my face didn’t slip.

Alex spoke in my head You don’t like?

“It’s fine.” I said out loud and Alex smirked as the man turned to look at me with a slight reddening behind his ears.

“If you are certain.” He said softly then looked back at Alex for approval and Alex just shrugged. The sales man let out a huff and turned to me. “Which shirt?”

“Something not white?” I looked at Alex and he shrugged again.

“You gotta wear it.”

My smile grew and I turned to the man, “Something bright and colorful to offset the dark.”

He frowned but he went off to find something to wear. Alex picked up the suit and ran his fingers down the material and then held it up against my body. My breath caught as he looked me over. It wasn’t the same appreciation as when he was looking at me earlier. But fuck if it didn’t make me want him too.

Alex chuckled, “You are so fucking easy.”

I leaned in and whispered in Alex’s ear. “It wouldn’t take much to show you just how easy I am.”

Alex groaned. “We can wait for that.”

I only nodded. Alex could see the naughty thoughts in my head. “You like that thought eh?” He shoved me in the direction of the dressing room. No touching, he whispered in my mind.

I went as I was told and I changed into the pants and waited until a lime green garment of hung over the edge of the door. “The brightest we have.”

I guess it would do. The red or orange shirts I had at home would work better but this was different. I could dye my hair the same color, thought not here in front of a human helping me. But for Alex I would.

When I came out Alex was sitting on a chair with his leg cross across his knee and his fingers were steppled while he waited for me to come up. There were no mirrors in the room so when he saw me for the first time was also the first time I’d seen myself in the outfit.

Alex stood up and walked around me. He ran his fingers across my shoulders and grabbed the edges, “A little off here.” His fingers trailed down my arms and he shifted, “A little longer here.”

Alex kicked my feet apart as he ran his fingers over my ass and then down the inside of my legs to the hem of the pants. “A little longer here.”

He looked at me, “You look amazing.”

I grinned at him. “I always look amazing.”

Alex pressed a kiss to my neck from behind. “You do, this just makes it more so. Now go take it off and try this one on.” He said as he patted the next garment which was a stark contrast to the dark suit I was in.

“How many suits do I need?” I asked.

Alex raised his eye brown and pulled his lips in and then grinned. “I would have you just naked, but I think Sergio and the world might find problems with that.”

“You might find problems with that. All those people gawking at me, when I’m yours.” I added as I walked into the dressing room again.

The room got eerily quiet as I turned and walked to sit down across the small kitchen table from Alex. The only sounds were that of the coffee percolating and the bacon sizzling in the pan. Alex was watching me, tapping the box he’d received a little while earlier but he wasn’t smiling or frowning or even looking as if he truly was seeing me.

I glanced at Mama and she was busy with a half smile spread across her lips, there was the slightest nod as she turned to me with a smile, “Help your self to the coffee, boys. I’ll be back in a moment. I think I hear Papa calling.”

She waddled away and I looked at Alex whose attention was now fully on me. I rolled my eyes. “She didn’t hear him calling did she? Did you suggest it or was it her own thought?”

“She asked me what the box was.” Alex frowned.

“And you told her, and she then decided to leave her cooking for a non-existent errand.” I interrupted.

The longer the question was left unanswered the more annoyed i was getting and it was showing in my voice.

Alex’s tapping increased rapidly as he became more flustered with me. “I didn’t tell her to go. It really bothers you?”

“It bothers me because it’s wrong to make people do what you want. Whether it’s a suggestion through telepathy or through manipulating their heart strings.”

“So you get angry at yourself for doing that?” Alex growled.

“Of course I fucking do. I hate that you pander to my needs. You think I like being broken? Or that I know you do things, say things, avoid things because it’ll set me off. I’m eteranlly grateful you know these things and you help but I hate that you have to do it.”

Alex sighed. “I didn’t manipulate her. I told her it was a gift and she took the initiative to leave. I promise.”

I shook my head. “You don’t have to promise Alex, I believed you the first time. I will do my best to keep my sanity. And I’ll do my best to never disappear on you.” I grinned at him then looked down at the box he was still furiously tapping against the table. I held out my left wrist and laid it on the table in front of him. “Well put your tracker on me, let’s ease that fear shall we?”

Alex stared at me for several moments before he stopped tapping and opened the box. “You really don’t mind do you?”

I shrugged. “It’ll make you feel better.”

“And that matters you?” Alex asked

“Of course.” I reached across the table with my other hand and took his hand in mine. I couldn’t help dropping my gaze as the words tumbled out of my mouth, “I’ll do anything to make you happy.”

“Anything?” I heard the smirk in Alex’s voice and looked up to confirm it with a grin of my own.

“Anything. Please.” I begged, “Put the watch on.”

Alex stared at me a while longer making me squirm in anxiety before he did as I asked. “I think I’d do anything if you say please like that.”

I rolled my eyes. “You want me to beg?” I grinned at him to let him know I was mostly teasing, but I would beg if he wanted. I could dream of begging every night. And from the look on Alex’s face he saw my thoughts perfectly.

“You should probably project less. Benji is upstairs and his parents are sensitive, but not telepaths.”

Mama walked in just then. “We heard it all , bǎobèi. For not being a telepath he’s loud.”

I shook my head. “I’m loud, but you are a path, while Alex said you were sensitive. You would be pegged as a pin-point telepath, a familial telepath, or short-range telepath. They are all different, the range of telepath is varied. It can be a touch only, or a general visual range, or short-range – which is what I expect you are. But a familial could do it too, meaning you only hear others that are considered close – like family.”

“How do you know all that?” a man walked in.

I turned to show him the tattoo on my right temple and tapped. “The Venatori study human pathetic abilities because we have them ourselves which is why we bred with humans long ago.”

The man took a step back and glared at Alex. “You bring Feras into our home?” He stomped his foot and pointed towards the door, “Out! Now!”

I sighed. “No, sir. I’ll leave. This is Alex’s family. I won’t get in the way of that.”

I stood up and walked around the table and leaned down and pressed a hard kiss to Alex’s lips. He growled and grabed my hoodie and pulled me closer. “You aren’t going anywhere.”

He stood up and I felt his body against mine as he looked over my shoulder at Benji’s father. “Papa, Nox is not like the others. I would never put you in danger, you know that.”

Mama walked up to her husband and put her hand on his chest. “Chen, you know Alex wouldn’t bring someone here who would harm us. Did you see that kiss? Reminds me of when we were courting.”

The man looked at us and sighed. “Sit down, eat breakfast.” He sat where I had been sitting.

“Yes, sir. Coffee?” I asked. I knew Alex wanted some and so did I.

We headed out to go eat and go shopping. Alex grabbed my hand and tugged me against him as we entered the elevator. I smirked at him as I didn’t hesitate to bury my face in his neck. His arms tighted around my waist and he chuckled. “Such a one track mind.”

“As if you aren’t thinking of all the things we could do.” I said against his skin then took a deep breath of his sent. I could smell myself all over him. He hadn’t showered.

He breathed deep against my ear and whispered. “I’ll shower later. You were leaving, I wanted breakfast. I’ll be fine. No one else is going to care.”

I laughed, “I don’t care. I like that you smell like we just had sex.” I pressed my body against his to show him how much I enjoyed the thought.

Alex nodded, “One track mind.”

“It’s all you.” I said.

The elevator ride was too short. I could have stayed in his arms forever and I kinda wanted to. But even my stomache growled and I sighed as I pulled away from Alex so that we could leave the hotel.

We walked through the lobby and I smelled therian nearby. I looked around and wondered where they were. I could open my senses but I didn’t really want to put myself out there not so close to Alex. I didn’t want another bad reaction he could feel.

But once I looked around I knew which one was the therian. He sat reading a newspaper in the lobby sitting on one of their guest couches. I couldn’t tell the power from him but I saw the shifting of his power. And I didn’t have to open up anymore which meant he was fairly strong.

I felt his eyes on me as we left the hotel. Alex tugged on my hand, “Something more interesting than me?”

I rolled my eyes. “There is nothing more interesting than you, but there was a were back there. Not exactly strange but powerful,” I said to explain my distraction then bumped my shoulder into his. “So where we going?” I asked as Alex lead me off the strip and into some other streets that weren’t glitzy and glamorous.

We walked for several minutes in almost silence as we wound through the side streets. Alex smirked, “Lost yet?”

I shook my head. “No I could find my way home if I had to.”

“If you had to eh?”

I grinned at him, “You planning on losing me?”

Alex shook his head, “Not yet anyway.” I licked my lips and Alex shook his head, “You can’t do that.”

I shrugged, “It’s dry here.”

He stopped and pushed me up against the building we were walking past and pressed his lips to mine. He sucked my bottom lip into his mouth and I groaned against him pulling him closer against me.

Our impromptu make out session ended as abruptly as it started with Alex pulling away asking, “Better?”

I chuckled, “If I say no, will you do it again?”

Alex smirked, “So easy pretty boy, come on, in here,” he said as he pulled me inside a building. We walked through a narrow hall and into the back room of a jewellery store. “What are we doing here?” I asked.

He looked down at my watch. It wasn’t anything special, but it worked just fine. “Your watch is fine, but I want to get you a late birthday gift. And you said I could take you shopping.”

The man in the corner looked up from his watch and smiled at Alex. “Bonjouro.” He looked at me and his smile grew wider, “Can I help you?”

“I’d like to look at your watches,” Alex said.

The way he said it made me wonder if he came here often for marks. And I frowned as the man slipped away. “You do this for other people don’t you?” I asked taking a deep breath hoping I was wrong.

He looked at me and frowned. Alex gave me a slight nod, “Yeah. But it’s not the same. I usually put trackers in and spend money on them to get on their good side.” Alex smirked, “I’m not doing it to get on your good side. I just want to buy you things.”

I nodded, “I don’t need things.”

Alex just kept nodding. “I know. It’s for me.” He laughed, “I can’t have you looking like a bum.”

“Thanks,” I growled playfully. Alex just took my hand and pulled me along after him. We followed his guy. “Are you going to put a tracker in whatever you give me?” I asked as we walked.

Alex stopped and looked at me. I chuckled, “It’s alright.” I said. “I don’t mind. You were stalking me before we were together.”

Alex laughed, “You are okay with it? Most people get angry.”

I shrugged, “Alex, if it makes you feel better knowing where I am and knowing I’m not going to take off the watch you buy me, for time and gift reasons., I’m okay with it.”

“I’ll never understand you. But Benj agrees to it as well.”

“You stalk your best friend too?” I laughed.

“We have trackers so we can find each other if there is an emergency.”

I nodded. “That makes sense. I guess I’ve never really needed it, Ant can usually find me.”

Alex growled. I sighed. “I’m sorry. Ant. Got it. I’ll nix the vampire prince talk.”

Alex sighed. “No. I have issues. You’ll understand when you find that dream.”

I frowned, “Do I want to know?”

Alex grinned and pushed me down into the stool in front of the watches on display. “No secrets Nox.”

“I don’t have any.”

He smirked, “Go find all mine.”

Alex held me close and I was absorbing every smell I could and every touch to remember. I missed him. I never wanted to move. My fingers trailed up and down his chest and abs. If I found a ticklish spot he squashed my hand flat against his skin and pulled me up closer and we kissed. But I couldn’t help myself and I kept touching him. Alex was dozing from the rise and fall from his chest.

I listened to him breathing, to the sound of his heart beating in his chest. I didn’t want to move. I didn’t know what time it was, but I didn’t care. I was supposed to be on vacation, but I knew even that was going to play havoc on my mind.

There was a quick rap at the door and then the door burst open. A voice I recognized stabbed the silence, “Hey, Tinman. Rise and Shine.”

Alex’s eyes shot open as he grabbed the sheet and threw it over my back and ass just as his friend walked into the room. There was a stab of jealousy and Alex chuckled at my thought. His friend stood in the doorway staring at the sight before him. Alex growled, “Fuck Benj. Knock next time.”

I smiled, “He did knock. He just didn’t wait for an answer.” I gave Alex’s friend a nod and grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around my waist. It was going to pull off Alex but I expected Alex cared more about my modesty than his own with his friend. I leaned over and kissed Alex and heard a gasp behind me but I ignored it, I’d let Alex deal with it. “I’m gonna grab a shower.”

Alex growled at Benji but nodded. “Fine. But you have nothing to wear.” He planted in my head don’t come out here naked please.

I smiled at him, “I can clean my clothes with my power. I’ll be good for a few days.”

Alex frowned, “I’ll take you shopping.”

“Sounds fun,”I replied happily. Anytime I could spend with Alex was time I could spend with Alex and it made me happy. Alex gave me a bright smile then grabbed his boxers on the floor and shimmied off the bed to pull them on just as I shut the door behind me.

I turned on the water to the shower and looked in the mirror. What was I doing here? Did Alex even want what I did? Did it matter? I was in fucking love, I had been for years. And fuck if I didn’t remember times before that I was in love with him. I would take whatever he gave me.

Alex’s bathroom was a hotel with great accommodations, but it was still not home. I hadn’t brought anything with me, I didn’t need much but it was nice not to have to use my magic for everything.

I let the sheet fall to the floor and stuck a clean towel to the ring by the shower and climbed in. The pressure was nice and the water was hot. I listened to the water fall and tried to ignore the hushed whispers on the other side of the door. I would mind my own business and get lost in the memories while I showered. I was here with Alex and I was going to make the best of it.

I hated long showers. But I wanted to make sure they had plenty of time to talk so I finished the shower and dried off slowly and cleaned my clothes with a towel wrapped around my waist just in case someone decided to walk in. Not that I was shy or anything, just keeping it modest for Alex’s sanity.

I conjured up an eyeliner stick, which was fairly easy once you understood the composition of it. While I stood staring in the mirror I decided to change my hair to emerald green and change my shirt to match. I wondered what Alex would say to the change in color since it started out as grey.

I couldn’t think of anything more to do, but I folded up the sheet and took a deep breath – time to face Alex and his friend. Who yes, I was slightly jealous of. I opened the door and tried not to focus on what they were saying. And the moment I opened the door I discovered they weren’t even talking. The sat together over the desk in the corner of the room. I sighed. They were conversing in the one way I couldn’t listen in on even if I wanted. Benji’s back was to me when the door opened he turned to look at me and Alex looked up with with what had started as a smile which turned to confusion. I grinned at him, “The joys of being me.” I said as I walked towards him.

When I was within reaching distance he plucked the bottom of my t-shirt and said, “This was gray wasn’t it.”

I nodded. “I can change it like I change my hair.”

I ran my fingers through his hair, “When you want this back to normal don’t go to the salon.”

He frowned, “I like the salon.”

“I won’t damage your hair.” I shrugged. It was his hair. I tried not to look down at the papers they were looking at but I saw some blueprints but decided to ignore it as I leaned in and kissed Alex. “I’ve some things to take care of. Fucking Venatori cornered me the moment I stepped off the plane. We can do lunch? Then you can take me shopping?” I asked.

But Alex was frowning. “I thought you came to see me.”

“I did. But you are working.” I nodded to the papers on the table. “I’m only going to get in the way, and I just told you they cornered me the moment I got off the plane. Will noon work for you? Or should we plan for two?”

Alex hadn’t stopped frowning at me. “Two is fine, but I have a meeting at 3 then another at 6. Let’s have breakfast and go shopping now and we can do dinner at 8 instead of lunch.”

“That works for me. Is Benji having breakfast with us?”

Benji laughed. “I think I’ll pass and go to bed. It’s been a long night. I’ll see you at three?” he asked Alex.

“Yeah we’ll meet outside then meet Deacon.” Alex and Benji exchanged looks and then his friend left leaving Alex pulling me down into his lap. “I don’t like the idea of you wandering Vegas without me.”

I rolled my eyes. “I can take care of myself.” I said standing up.

“You don’t know Vegas. It works differently here,” he said.

“I know,” I said.

“You’ll get lost.” Alex frowned.

“You are working and don’t have time for me Alex. I’m not going to sit here and wait for you to free yourself so I can do my own work. And I’m not going to ask you to pander to my work needs.”

Alex growled. “Let’s go get breakfast and go shopping. We’ll talk about it later.”

I sighed but nodded. “Alright.”

( Side note: FBI stands for Fucking Benji Interrupts )

Yoga was extra slow today. I could feel Alex’s eyes on me. He was supposed to be sleeping but he was having more fun watching me bend and stretch into various poses all the while asking me if a certain pose was called this or that, and the more lewd he could make it the better. It took every bit of concentration to not laugh at his jokes. Though I couldn’t help but smile. It was entertaining at least. But I was sure Alex would get bored of it sooner or later. But today wasn’t that day.

I was finishing with child pose, breathing and stretching and I heard Alex stretch in bed and I couldn’t help myself I had to sit back on my heels to look up and see what he was doing. He was stretching. He’d lost his shirt somewhere between me waking up and me finishing my routine. I bit my bottom lip as I watched him stretch. The sheet was artfully draped over his body and I wondered if he was naked underneath. The smirk on his face grew wider as I stared at him, his hands behind his head as he stretched out under the sheet.

I crawled over to him on all fours and he watched me. It would have been so much sexier if I hadn’t actually had to climb up on to the bed to hold my body above him, a leg and hand on either side. Mmmmmm….

Alex stared up at me with those ice blue eyes and I licked his lips. “I missed you.”

“Did you now?” Alex smirked.

“I did.” I pressed my lips to his and devoured him. Engorged myself on his his breath and taste. I shook as I held myself above him. I wanted to know if he was naked underneath but I could wait.

Alex pulled away from me and put his hands on my chest, but he didn’t push me away. “Are you showing off pretty boy?”

I grinned down at him, “Maybe.”

“You know I can hear you right?”

I nodded, “I hope you can. I love having you inside me.”

Alex chuckled, “Do you?”

I pressed my lips to his again nipped at his bottom lip. “Fuck yes, Alex.” I let myself down on top of him and pressed my body against his. I felt his body against mine, I still couldn’t tell if he was naked, I was wearing too much, but I ground into him and he groaned beneath me.

I kissed my way across his cheek bone, and down to his ear, taking his ear lobe in my mouth and sucking on it. I breathed softly into his ear. “I remember the first time we did this.” I whispered.

Alex pulled away from me to look at me. “This part of that regression thing?” he asked me softly pressing a kiss to my cheek.

I nodded. “I remember our first kiss.” I licked his bottom lip. “You were so impressed with the trick of my hair.” I pressed a kiss to his lips. “You were so close.” I said before pecking another kiss to his lips. “I couldn’t help but lean forward and kiss you.” I pressed another kiss to his lips and nipped his bottom lip again. He was smirking, I loved that smirk. I knew he was in my head and I showed him my memory of our first time in the dream world. How we touched and kissed and explored, and then as the dream came to an end I was whisked away. I let the image stop in my head and Alex was looking up at me with his big blue questioning eyes.

He asked, “You always go to** that** dream when you left me?”

“You mean my nightmare.” I shrugged a little, “I guess. I remember every nightmare, but not you.” I sighed. “I’m sorry I disappeared on you.” The hot and bothered vibe was gone now, serious talk kinda killing the mood.

Alex pulled me against him, “Pretty boy, don’t shield on me and I’ll be good.”

I groaned as I felt that he was still hard beneath me. “And you don’t run away and I’ll be good.” I said simply and I grinned down at him putting my elbows just above his shoulders so I could kiss him harder.

Alex parted his lips and I pushed my tongue into his mouth. He bit and I groaned into his mouth. He whispered against my lips, “Are we setting rules, pretty boy?”

“Not rules. Just some suggestions.” I leaned back and looked down on him settling my knees against his body. “Serious talk?” I asked

Alex snickered, “Not sure how serious I can be with you half naked on top of me.” He wrapped his arms around me tighter, “But don’t you even think about moving.” I had been and he knew it. His fingers traced the ridges on my back and I was frozen at his touch. So soft and gentle against the rough scars. “How do these happen?” He asked.

I shrugged. “I do it to myself. My power manifests while I sleep and mimics the blows inside the dream.”

Alex quickly rolled me over on to my back and turned around, “You didn’t do this to me, we weren’t even close. I don’t even know where the fuck they came from. They just appeared after you showed me that dream we’d forgotten. I remember it now. The fear, the pain, the red glowing eyes. But until that moment.” I stared at Alex’s back. Three scars ran the diagonal of his back from left shoulder to just below his rib cage. I sat up and ran my fingers down the most mountainous one and I remembered the blow. I felt it echo in my heart. I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to it. “I’m sorry.”

Alex shook his head, “I know you didn’t do it pretty boy.” He turned and cupped my chin in his hands and made me look into those deep blue eyes of his. “Nox, you didn’t do this to me. Whatever that was did.”

“Garrett did. That wasn’t my nightmare, that was a lesson. My teacher who beat me in my head so I would learn to control my power.” I sighed. “He taught me well, if unconventionally.”

Alex growled, “I don’t want to ever hear you compliment him. Any man or woman that beats a child, physical or not should die.”

I nodded. He wasn’t the first person to say that. Sage and Mia wished him dead. Dorian was really the only one who understood. Even Dae’lin didn’t really believe me about him doing it. Dorian did and that was all that mattered.

Alex shook his head and leaned forward and pressed kiss to my lips. “No one should hurt you. And especially me. So why do you want this?”

I laughed. “Why did you put up with me not remembering you each time?”

Alex sighed and flopped back next to me. I leaned over on to my elbow and stared down at him pressing my mostly naked body to his fully naked one. He was mouth watering and we were having a serious conversation. “I don’t know. I guess I knew deep down it was my fault. But it was more. You were my only constant friend. We moved around a lot. I could tell you anything and you’d forget it, so it was safe.”

I dropped my gaze to the bed as I asked, “But you don’t like me asking questions about you or your work.” I knew that. I had remembered a conversation after we’d had the fight. Alex had been late. He was apologizing, we didn’t have much time. But he smelled like someone else. Not like the person he was pretending to be, he smelled like himself but like he’d been with a woman, with flowery perfume and all I could smell was that. I tried not to be jealous but I failed miserably. I was angry. I asked him where he’d been. He said it wasn’t my business. He told me if he had wanted me to know, he’d tell me. And that was the first and last time I asked Alex anything about himself. I remembered some things – the rules I guessed. I was such a stickler for rules.

Alex touched my cheek and I looked down at him. “I’m sorry.”

“About what?” I asked confused.

“I just saw the scene in your head. I’m sorry I want you to ask questions but I get mad at you. It probably won’t be the last time.”

I shrugged. “I don’t ask because I figure you’ll tell me what you want me to know, Alex. And if you don’t I’ll find a way to figure it out. I don’t have as easy as you with the reading of minds.” I grinned at him.

“Do you know how fucking messy it is in there?” Alex tapped the top of my head with a smirk.

I grinned “I think I do.”

I rolled over on top of Alex. He laid back with his hands behind his head, he was enjoying the view. He gave me that little smirk. “I like this view.”

“Do you?” I quipped back then leaned forwrard and kissed him hard. His fingers moved through my hair and one was at my neck keeping me close to him. I groaned as he fisted my hair and pulled just the right amount.

I ground into Alex and he groaned and pulled me away, “Stop teasing me.” He demanded.

I laughed against his lips. “What if I like teasing you?”

Alex tried to push me over but I shifted my weight so he couldn’t. I could have cheated but I didn’t need to Alex hadn’t tried very hard. He looked up at me a little surprised. I leaned down and whispered in his ear. “I also remember that you like when I’m a little bit bossy.” I nipped his ear and moved down to his neck and bit his neck. I felt his reaction beneath me.

I moved my way across his body worshiping it all to the best of my ability. His neck, his stomache. I avoided his cock. That I had special plans for. As much as I wanted to be inside Alex, I didn’t want to hurt him. And I was too eager. My body was too on edge, I missed him too much.

I used a weave of air to pull my jeans to me and pulled out a condom. Alex laughed. “You planned this?”

I shook my head. “I was hoping.”

He pulled me up to him and pressed a long hard kiss to my lips. I groaned against him and wanted nothing more than to feel him inside me. I pulled away and had to disrobe quickly before I rolled the condom down his long hard shaft and pushed him inside me. It burned and stretched but he felt so good inside me. I took what I wanted in the most basic sense of the word. I rode Alex until he was spilling inside of me and I was releasing across his stomach.

I collapsed against him and pressed a long slow kiss to his lips. He nipped at my bottom lip and we kissed long and held each other tight even though we really needed to clean up.

A Dream of You

The only thing I cared about was feeling Alex beside me. His breath in my hair, the beating of his heart, the lifting of his chest with each breath, the way he smelled. That was all i wanted, all I needed. He was all I needed and I was terrified he’d leave. But I didn’t dwell on that. I had him for the moment and I knew we had a lot to talk about, but I wanted nothing more than to be in his arms.

I drifted to sleep. A sleep without demons. Well without my dark demons. I still drifted into my own personal little hell. My sub-consious taking me back to being five. To the white room with white floors and the only color was the painting on the wall and the blocks in their bins.

I built towers that spelt Monster no matter what block I put down. The wind whispered monster. I was a monster. My mother thought so. And someday I believed her. But in my dreams my fears were always present.

I felt the air shift as another joined me. I could smell him in the room. I didn’t need to see him to know he was my Mushu – Alex I told myself. His name was Alex. I wondered if the name mattered now, Garrett wasn’t in my dream, but I didn’t know, didn’t understand the way of dream walkers. Alex might know more, but I was afraid to ask him.

I turned to see Alex in another body. Someone famous for sure, but I didn’t care, I knew it was him. I smiled at him. I missed him in my dreams. I didn’t remember him, but I knew who he was. It was still very confusing.

I held out my hand for him to join me. Alex hesitated only a moment before he took it and I pulled him down next to me. I could change to be me, but Alex hadn’t come as himself, so he’d have to deal with the child I felt like. So lost and alone, crushed by unspeakable doubts. Alex knelt down beside me and I handed him a block.

He didn’t take it so I asked, “Don’t you want to play?” We could relive old times. Make a memory I’d remember. But it was childish.

Alex shook his head, “No. I missed you.”

I was glad he missed me, even five year old me, but I was always here, in this room, dreaming of him. “I never went anywhere.” I said.

Alex growled at me softly, “You just disappeared after the night you didn’t come to the club like you were supposed to.”

I didn’t quite understand. But I remember that he had stopped coming to my dreams. “It’s one decision I regret, but don’t regret. It’s such a hard decision to think about.” I said. Saving my father versus meeting Alex plagued me even now. What would life look like if I’d met Alex instead. My father would be dead… I wasn’t sure I could live with that.

But Alex was angrier, “What decision? Whether or not to stand me up?”

I didn’t stand him up. I….I decided to just say it to tell him. “No. I didn… My dad got hurt. I didn’t know him then. I could have let him die and gone to see you. But instead I chose to save him. I sent Jace to bring you to me.” I said. But it hurt to think about it and I was already in tears. I was so fucking broken. “Jace told me you didn’t show up.” I added as I rubbed the tears away.

“He told me you didn’t want to see me.” Alex sounded as pained as I was.

I nodded, “Doesn’t surprise me.”

“Why don’t you grow up?” He asked. “You know you aren’t this kid anymore.”

I shrugged. “I’m always this scared little kid. Everything comes down to this.” I flipped over seven blocks to show the letters face up. M to R “This is me.” A monster.

Alex asked, “Do you mean that costume you usually wear?”

I shook my head and scattered the blocks across the floor with a swipe of my hand. “No. I’m a monster.” And in that moment I could feel the world outside my dream but inside it still, but outside my room, the rain poured down and the thunder crashed. My emotions mimicked in the world outside that window. I was a monster and now Alex knew what I thought of myself.

But he denied it even as he pulled me into his lap to hold me, “You are not a monster, Nox.” Fuck! the tears fell faster with someone caring about me.

I knew that. I could feel the tears falling. I wasn’t sobbing, I hurt like every other time I thought about those words my mother had uttered. “I know that logically,” I said softly through the tears, “I know I’m not what my mother called me. But it never goes away. She hated me.” All my issues boiled down to one epic thing. My mother hated the thing I was.

I was home in his arms. I was myself with Alex – and in the dream it became literal. I was me – the real me. Not five, not a guise, me. Alex held me and I could stay like this until the end of time. My Alex…

My alarm sounded in the real world and I tried to ignore it but it yanked me from the dream and I felt lost even with my body wrapped around Alex. I reached across Alex to grab my phone and swipe the alarm off.

Alex grumbled, “What time is it?”

“Four.” I said curling back up with him, “Go back to sleep.”

And just as I laid my head on Alex’s shoulder he shoved me away from him. “Last time you slept in we had a fight.”

I groaned and laid staring at the ceiling. I knew he was right. I knew if I stayed in bed things could potentially go wrong, but it was a price I was willing to pay. But Alex didn’t need to see another break down. I told myself I wouldn’t do it again in front of him, but I knew it would happen. I can’t hide who I am. Or the way I react to over stimulation. I sighed and rolled out of bed on the other side and pulled off my jeans and t-shirt – it was all I had to wear and I started doing yoga off to one side of the room.

“What are you doing?” Alex asked as I was moving into Downward dog.

“Downward Dog right now. Something wrong?”

Alex smirked. “You’re going to do Yoga in my hotel room?”

“Where do you want me to do it?” I asked as I sat back on my heels and looked at him through the dim lights.

“Why do you want to do it here?” He asked.

“I didn’t want to leave.” I sighed. He didn’t want me to disturb him. Fine, I stood up smoothly, “But I’ll go find some place else.”

I hadn’t even made it a few steps before Alex was up and out of bed and grabbing my arm, “No. I just… Don’t go,” He stammered out. “It’s fine. I was just surprised.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. I didn’t want to go, but I would I only wanted to keep Alex happy.

He nodded and pressed a kiss to my lips and I couldn’t help the moan that escaped when his lush lips met mine. “I could watch you bend over anytime,” he whispered as he headed back to the bed.

I could easily have followed him. But routine was my way through this. I needed some routine because I sure as fuck wasn’t home.

I’m So Confused

I was breathless and feeling even worse when the kiss broke. My body was shaking. If it weren’t for that I would have walked away, but I couldn’t move. if I moved I’d break into a thousand little pieces. I didn’t open my eyes when he pulled away from me. I was afraid he’d be gone. His breath on my lips was the only thing that told me he was still standing in front of me. Alex whispered, “Has anyone ever told you you talk too much?”

The dry humor made my eyes pop open and Alex was staring at me. The concern on his face was evident. But he’d broken up with me, he didn’t want me. He told me I was selfish.

“Fuck, pretty boy.” He reached his hand up and caressed my cheek. I jerked away but his hand chased me and I eventually felt his fingers on my cheek wiping away the tears.

“I’ve never going to be anything but me Al…” He put his thumb on my lip to keep from saying his name. And then I realized that was the only fucking reason he kissed me. I stepped away brushing his fingers from my face roughly. “Good-bye,” I said and I turned around to walk away.

But Alex had his hand on my elbow and he was pushing me up against the wall. There was no space between us. I felt his warmth and I lost what little control I had left and the pieces of my world crashed and crumbled and I was crying. Not sobs, no racking pains, nothing so dramatic, just tears falling as I stared at his lips because that’s all I saw when I looked down.

He whispered, “Why is it always so hard with you?” His fingers lifted my chin and I met his icy blue gaze. “I didn’t kiss you to stop you. I kissed you to keep you here with me.”

I stared at him unbelieving, and he smirked, “Okay, fine, not the only reason.” Alex pressed harder into me and my body reacted in the only way it knew how and and his smirk grew. “So not completely pissed at me.”

“Just because I’m pissed does not stop the way I respond to you,” I shot back at him. He smiled and pressed a kiss to my lips. It was soft and tender and I moaned low in my throat as I melted against him.

“So easy,” Alex declared as he pulled away from me taking my hand in his and walking through the mass of people who were starting to gather outside the alley we had just been. I wondered what was going on, but Alex tugged me after him. “Come on, Pretty boy.”

I followed after Alex across the yard the fountain was in, through the lobby, and to the elevator. He stopped just before pressing the up button and turned to look at me. I bit my lip and nodded. “I’ll be okay if I’m with you.” It was a complete and utter lie. I wasn’t going to be okay. I was a mess. I was on the verge of a mental collapse but the look in his eye was the only thing that made it better. I knew he was listening to me. And he still dragged me into the opening elevator doors. He pressed me against the wall and pushed the button to his floor. 10 – I remembered the room number too.

Alex came over to me and stood in front of me and put his hands on my cheeks and pulled me against him. Our foreheads touching, breathing the same air. My heart was racing. He was going to break up with me in private. He didn’t want to be seen. Those were the thoughts running through my head. He didn’t want to create a scene. I was spiraling again. Alex whispered, “Nox, just calm down, please.”

But I was no where near calm. I pressed my face into the crook of his neck and wrapped my arms around him and took a deep breath. If anything he was home, and I would keep the memory of him close for all my life.

Alex pulled away from me pulling me after him and I reluctantly followed if only to get off the elevator. He slipped a card into the door and the green light went off and he pushed the door open. The room smelled like dinner more than Alex but I could find his undertones in the room.

He laughed, “You know that whole smelling my room thing, it really makes you sound crazy.”

I grinned at him as I followed him through to the room proper. “But only you can hear that. I never say oh the room smells like hamburgers and fried finger foods.”

Alex smiled as he kicked off his shoes and sat down. “Are you in a space we can talk?” he asked cautiously.

I shrugged. “Probably not. I’m never not going to be a mess Al… “ I stopped myself.

“You can say my name here. We check for bugs every morning and every evening. We did it just before dinner.”

“Why do you need to check for bugs?”I asked, like he was part of some high crime syndicate or something.

Alex shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, Nox. Come sit, please.”

It was my turn to shake my head. “If I come sit, we’ll kiss, then we’ll end up in bed. And then you’ll leave and I’ll be broken. I can’t do that again.”

Alex nodded, “You disappeared Nox. I wasn’t the one who walked out.”

“We were having a f…. a fight. I couldn’t do it anymore I needed a breather. You just told me you couldn’t lie to me anymore.” I started pacing, one, two, turn, one, two, three, turn, back and forth. “You said I didn’t care, called me selfish. When I started asking questions you told me to stop.” I threw my hands up in the air and stopped to lean against the wall sliding down across from Alex on the floor, “You fucking confuse me.”

Shattered Glass

And I wandered around the city for some time before I found myself staring up at the the Bellagio hotel again. This was the reason I was here. And now I had a job to do for Ms. Snow. Two actually. I had no place to stay. I probably couldn’t afford anything around here. And I’d deal with that later. I could find a shelter somewhere to catch z’s even if it was out in the desert by the side of the road. It wouldn’t be the first time.

But I didn’t go looking for anything. I sat down in front of the fountain and stared at the water thinking. Alex, and vampires and putting together a curriculum. I didn’t know where to start. I needed to go for a run. I needed to change clothes. I could find Ant. I could call him even, but I wanted to do this on my own. I wanted to win Alex back on my own. He was already jealous of Ant. And I didn’t need to make that worse.

So many memories of my past were haunting me. And all I really wanted was Alex. I needed to destress.

I looked up and I swear I saw Alex – all blond and staring at me like he recognized me. He turned and looked behind him and I smirked as I stood up and headed towards him. Alex stood there and then he came at me quickly. Faster than I expected he pushed me into an alley way. Glass shattered where we’d been standing as we went deeper into the alley.

“Why the fuck are you here?” Alex screamed at me.

He was angry and I could only stare at him. I tried to speak but I couldn’t, the words stuck on my tongue and I went ridge as I felt his body against my. Alex looked at me again and spoke in a much calmer tone “What are you doing here Nox?”.

He was mad at me and I was starting to regret coming at all. I dropped my eyes and looked at his shoes. How much more different he was when he was someone else. Was he even Alex Kennedy? I growled at him, “I came here to see if you were alright. You weren’t answering my texts.” He was annoyed at me so I wasn’t going to let my annoyance show too.

“I broke up with you, what the fuck don’t you get about that,” Alex snapped at me.

My eyes shot up to meet his eyes. The rejection stung. I didn’t know when he broke up with me? I didn’t… I thought about all the missed messages? And the one he said was ‘see you around pretty boy’. That was a break up. “Oh!” There was nothing left to say. He didn’t want me so I walked away. I felt the hatred of myself growing.

“So that’s it. You came all this way, for what to say Oh?” Alex shouted.

I stopped before I got to the entrance of the alley way and spoke softly, “I thought you wanted more. That the whole point of you telling me you couldn’t do it anymore, couldn’t lie to me anymore was because you had feelings. I was wrong. My bad.” I didn’t wait for a response I didn’t want to hear anymore.

I heard Alex move long before he grabbed my elbow and yanked me back around. There was a soft thunk of metal near the dumpster we had just vacated. It was slightly concerning but I was more concerned about the liberties my fucking ex-boyfriend was taking and I jerked out of his grip. “Get off me.” I moved away from him. He had no right, he didn’t want me and the crushing rejection flooded my system but I yelled at him, “I came all this way to make sure you weren’t dead in some ditch somewhere.” I waved my hands at him, he was standing alive and well in front of me as I continued, “But here the fuck you are alive and well. Moved on. Blonde and who else knows what the fuck. Going by James or Jimmy or whoever the fuck. I had other things to say. But you broke up with me. You don’t care. You fucking run away whenever shit gets hard.”

“You fucking disappeared!” Alex yelled back.

Disappeared? What? I had been texting him and trying to get him to talk for weeks. I disappeared? I tried to decipher what he meant. In all the times we spent together I couldn’t find any single instance where it made sense. He’s the one who disappeared on me.

I even ran through all the lost dreams I’d found, looking for it. I disappeared in those, but I was pretty sure he didn’t mean those times. I didn’t want to dwell, I shook my head trying to get Alex out. I knew he was reading me – he was always reading me. “Get out of my head,” I said quietly. I wasn’t angry – at least not at him. I’d fucked up yet again and he grew tired of it. I should just leave.

“How?” He asked.

“How what?” I was confused still

“How did you remember?” Alex stared at me dumbfound.

“It wasn’t hard once I knew I was missing things.” I sighed. “You’re the reason I can’t remember any of it.”

The surprise in Alex’s voice radiated through my body, “What?”

The goons were slipping around the corner chasing the false lead while I went into the room where I’d actually seen the patternless boy. My curiosity got the better of me. Which reminded me I need to make sure the twins fed Ophelia.

I slipped past the door into what looked like a small reception area, a boy sat on the white couch dressed in all black, his hair was a mess. He was a stark contrast compared to the white sterile room he sat in. His legs were crossed in front of him and he was pretending like he never moved. I knew better. I asked, “You alone?”

He looked up at me trying to look innocent. “Yes, sir.”

I smirked. “It’s Nox.”

“I know who you are. You are an example of what they say we shouldn’t be in school.”

“If you are supposed to be in the academy what are you doing here?” I asked.

“I … uh… ran away.”

“You ran away?” I asked with a smirk. That was ballsy. “So are you in here because you are in trouble or are you hiding?”

“Both. Ms. Snow told me to stay in here until my parents came. Which they won’t care either way. But they told me because this was my third strike that they were going to make me tacet. I can’t even fucking touch the elements.”

“But you can see them, can’t you?”

“Yeah, they think because I can see them that I can touch them. But they just slip through my fingers.”

I wove four strands of elements in front of me. “Show me, what you can do.” I knelt down in front of him holding the four strands.

He waved his hand through each element and they winked out of my web like they were never there. “My mom used to take me to work with her when I was younger so I’d cancel out all the voices in her head. She’s in the infirmary now because she can’t handle it. They call her crazy.”

“You’re a null,” I said with a smile. I offered him a hand, “What’s your name?”

“Matthew.”

“Matthew?”

He sighed, “Davenport.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” He took my hand slowly and I tried to weave a fireball but my power didn’t work. “Does it only work on contact?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“That’s the test of your skill. You know right?”

“How do you know this?”

I shrugged. “Come back to the Academy with me. I’ll make sure you get the right education even if I have to teach you myself.”

“How can you teach me?”

I laughed. “I have a theory. I believe all Magnus can touch all elements most just need to work harder. And then there are some who absorb all of the magic. Just like I do whatever it is I do with magic.”

“Why would you think that?” he asked.

“Why can I wield all four elements at the same time? Why can’t someone theoretically repel all elements at the same time?” I grinned at him.

“If you let me, Dorian will help us fix whatever it is that’s wrong with your record and we’ll get you that training you need.”

Matthew shook his head, “Ms. Snow won’t let that happen. She told me if she caught me home again that she’d make me tacet herself.”

I grinned at him. “Let me handle Ms. Snow.”

The door opened and the blonde leader of Vegas Venatori walked in followed by the goons I’d sent off on a wild goose chase.

“Handle me, Mr. Sétanta? Hardly.”

“Well, see. I promised him I’d get him training. I guarantee you if people stop telling him to touch the elements he’ll stay in school, finish his lesson and be a productive member of our society. All you people think you know what’s best for us that are different.”

Scarlet sneered at me. “You are hardly older than he is.”

“Maybe so. But he’s more like me than you. Or than anyone else in the Venatori or at The Academy.”

“And you know better than those who’ve been doing this for more years than you’ve lived?” she asked rather pointedly as she took Matthew by the scruff of his neck and stood him up. “Come Mr. Davenport.”

“If I can give you a curriculum for him for his magical ability only, will you let him come with me?” I pleaded. The boy looked scared. “Let him come with me so I can access his ability. I’ll have a lesson plan for the next two years. He’s sixteen right? He’ll stay in school. Make his parents proud.”

Scarlet sneered. “Doubtful on the latter, but no. He will not go with you until I see a plan. I am his legal guardian as you were Dorian Vega’s.”

I sighed reluctanly. “Fine. But I’m also going to make sure he gets out of your hands too.”

“Doubtful again, Mr. Sétanta.”

I shrugged. “We’ll see. I already have one coming to me. What’s a sixteen year old boy who I can teach compared to a three year old.”

“Don’t you have things to do?” she asked as she lead Matthew away from the couch and do the door.

I nodded. “I have a lot of things to do. I’ll see myself out.”

Scarlet looked at me and frowned, “You really don’t want to play.” She stood up and rolled her eyes. “I really had hoped you might be amenable to my charms and my offer.”

“I don’t have a problem working for you Ms Snow,” I replied quickly.

She shook her head and pouted, “Not that offer child. Another more personal.”

It was my turn to roll my eyes. “I’ve already done the trying to father children and I’m not interested.”

“Obviously, only here for him.” She sneered and almost spat out the words. “Take him with you when you leave. We really don’t want him here.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“If he stays here too long I won’t care who he is, Mr. Sétanta.”

“And who is he?” I asked.

“You are friends with Del Figlio, ask him who your boy is. It is only out of courtesy he’s not dead yet.”

“Just tell me, Scarlet.”

“How easily you jump from formal to informal.” She smirked at me.

“Just like the vampires have a name for you, they have a name for him. And anyone who’s ever tried to kill him have only gotten themselves dead. So we stopped sending men after him.”

I was confused. “How do you know the vampires have a name for me?”

“You think you are the only one with connections? Vegas doesn’t run like the rest of the world boy. Much like New York doesn’t run like the rest of the world or Vegas. A certain cooperation is needed so we all prosper.”

I didn’t like the sound of this. “What do you need me to do?”

She smiled. “Always business with you child. Fine. I can’t move against the vampires myself, but you can, you aren’t mine to call. Abraham has a new friend in town, he’s threatening everything we’ve built here on top of the human world. We need to stop him.”

“You want me to get involved in vampire business because you can’t make money if things change.”

“If you say it that way it sounds so selfish.” She pouted. “But in a nutshell that sums it up. And for that I’ll let your boy do whatever he wants in my city.”

I wanted to say he wasn’t mine, but I didn’t want her to kill Alex either. She knew partially at least, what he was. But the fact that the vampires protected Alex scared me even more. What was Alex? I mean I knew he was a telepath and a dreamwalker. The dreamwalker alone could get him killed on sight.

I sighed as I nodded. “So you what want me to kill Abraham?”

She shook her head. “No just make it impossible for him to interrupt my plans. I don’t care if you hand him over to Il Cane and her ilk. Her son is here anyway which is unusual enough, but to have the three of you in my city at the same time. You all need to get the fuck out as soon as possible.”

“The three of us?” It was like we were some triumvirate of power. Alex and Ant didn’t even know each other at all. Alex was jealous of Ant’s relationship with me. And Ant didn’t like Alex. Why the fuck was she worried about us.

“All that power and you are ignorant of it. Even the heads of your stupid city are ignorant, young one. Ignore it. Protect your boy toy, keep Del Filgio from being a thorn in my side, and keep Abraham from getting whatever it is he wants with the New World Order. It will not stand in Vegas.” Scarlet didn’t waste any more time. “You have seventy-two hours to figure it all out. Before I get bored and end the three of you.” And then she walked further into her apartment.

The men who had saw me in were standing next to me waiting. I guess it was time to go.

I stood up and followed them to the door. I didn’t know what the fuck had happened, but I agreed to stop the Prince of Las Vegas’ plans. Whatever the fuck that was.

We were nearing the elevator when I saw a head peak out of the door. There was a distinct lack of pattern around the head before it snapped back inside. The men didn’t notice. “You have peeping toms?” I asked.

The looked at me and frowned. I pointed in the opposite direction. I just saw a camera around that corner. The men looked at me and pressed the button to go down shoved me inside and then went off in the direction I’d pointed. I pressed the hold button then stepped out after they’d gone. No fucking way I was taking that thing anyway, but that kid who I’d seen before was Venatori and the lack of pattern meant null. I had to see what was going on for a kid to be sneaking around Scarlet Snow’s headquarters.