CHAPTER FIVE
T he meeting with the Master turned into so much more than was expected, but it had everything to do with what Master DuCane had seen when he touched Kai.
His mood and stance had changed completely after that touch; whatever he saw moved him.
Ramos wanted that connection with his beloved; he wanted Kai to trust him enough to share, to tell him why he lived a life so cold and detached when Ramos could feel the desire and the heat below the surface.
He had held onto Ramos and had taken strength and comfort from him. He had turned to Ramos whenever fear or dread had affected him. He was breaking through, but it was a slow process. Kai was a deep one, and he was going to have to take his time.
They had been given a suite at the Palace on the fourth floor overlooking the hedge garden. It was a large and luxurious room with everything they would need, and it had only one bedroom, and the entire room was designed for a couple.
Master DuCane had read the connection as soon as he and Kai had entered.
He knew that Kai was Ramos' beloved, and he'd instantly dialed down the pressure.
He wondered just how big of a threat Nolan Azar would be and if he planned to continue to pursue Kai.
The entire situation seemed ridiculous to Ramos; there was no fountain of youth and no way to turn back time outside of some pretty sketchy magics, which would take so much more than they gave.
The gift that was given to Kai at the close of the meeting was unexpected, considering they had not bonded yet. The Master giving him membership was a pledge and a promise he wanted Kai to feel he belonged, and Ramos would be forever grateful.
"This place is impressive," Kai stated after they stepped inside and he began looking around. "Why did they put us here together? Why didn’t they give you your own room? I’m sure you’d like a break from having to lead me around.” He walked over to the couch and sat down.
Ramos took a seat opposite him in a chair. "How much do you know about vampire culture?" He asked, and Kai did not answer immediately; he considered the question for several minutes.
"I know your skills and abilities. I know the power of a Coven and the necessity of a Master and the flow of energy. I know there are a shit load of protocols, and I only know a few of them." He paused there and looked over at Ramos.
"Do you know anything of the bond and the vampire's beloved?" He locked eyes with Kai, channeling their connection.
"I've heard of it, and I know that the Master's beloved is Ezra Bently and the second's beloved is Easton Sans, and that Tarek and Cal are bonded.
I know that these types of bonds are considered sacred and fated and eternal.
" He held Ramos' gaze and rattled off what he knew of the bond in a somewhat casual manner, but there was a burning question lingering beneath the surface of his calm.
"You are my beloved," Ramos stated loud and clear. Kai froze, not moving and not speaking for at least two minutes. Ramos wasn't sure what he was waiting for.
"Are you sure?" He looked pained but not for himself. Ramos felt a pang of protectiveness hit him once again, not like in the meeting with the Master, which was fierce, but more like needing to protect someone from themselves.
"Yes, quite. It is not something that can be mistaken.
The mental, emotional, and physical response is specific and overwhelming.
" He leaned forward in his chair with his forearms resting on his thighs.
"Your cloaking spell dulled it at first, but the pull was still there. Once the cuffs were placed on you and all magics were reversed, the realization hit me fast and hard. There was no more wondering why I wanted so desperately to help you and stay close to you. Desperate has never been a part of my character until I met you.”
To Ramos’ complete surprise, Kai reached out his hand and placed it on Ramos’ knee and left it there.
Kai stared at his hand as he explained. "Ever since I met you, your touch has done something to me; it has affected me in a way that made me feel stronger, more settled and stable. I wanted to reach for you continually.” His eyes were reaching just as his hand had reached, and Ramos moved from the chair to sit next to him on the couch.
He put his arm around him and pulled him to his side, the contact giving them both what they needed. They remained like that for several minutes, not talking, just existing together.
"Is this what you want, Ramos?" Kai stated at last, and the uncertainty in his tone was breaking Ramos' heart.
"I know what a bond entails, and it is deep, soul deep, and it is forever.
I am no prize, and I have done nothing in my life that deserves pride or praise.
I focused on myself, and I did everything with only myself in mind.
" Kai shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and then opened them to stare across the room.
"I understand the desperate pull to connect, but I am a bad bet, Ramos, and not someone you want to be tied to." Throughout his declaration, he never pulled away or stopped holding onto Ramos. He was afraid, and he was worried, but he wasn't letting go.
"You're exactly what I want and what I need.
Kai, Fate never makes a mistake. No simple, frail subservient man could ever survive in my world.
" Ramos lifted Kai's chin and kissed him lightly at first, and then the contact shot through him like a bullet.
He pulled him over his lap and took his lips in a kiss that scorched and burned away any thought of not being enough.
Kai held him, digging his fingers into Ramos' jacket and pulling at him like he thought Ramos would try to get away.
The kiss became ravenous, both of them claiming and seeking a satisfaction that couldn't be reached in this position.
Ramos stood, balancing Kai in his arms, and headed for the bedroom.
They had been given the bonding suite, and there was only one bed in this suite.
He had not released Kai’s lips even after laying him on the bed; it just was not possible.
He had craved those lips since the plane and had ached to know his touch and his taste.
Kai did not let go either and ate away at Ramos' mouth like a dying man searching for sustenance.
He was perfect, and he belonged to Ramos.
They broke apart, dragging in ragged breaths and staring at each other with a desire that was palatable, and their need filled the air around them; it was raw, and it was wild.
Ramos stared down into Kai's eyes and saw everything he was feeling reflected back at him.
Kai was fearful, but he wasn't going to let it stop him from taking what he wanted.
"You're exactly what I want, Kai." He repeated his earlier words and then sat up on his haunches, took off his jacket and then his shirt, and threw them to the side.
Kai was still for just a few seconds before doing the same.
He pulled off his shirt and kicked his shoes off before shimmying out of his pants.
He never took his eyes off Ramos, and the hunger built with each passing second.
Ramos had the same hunger; it started in his gut and was taking over as his vampire surged to the surface.
The shift did not startle or scare Kai; rather, it seemed to excite him.
Ramos got rid of the rest of his clothes, tossing them on the floor with the others, and bent to place a moist, open-mouthed kiss on Kai's abdomen. His flesh was hot and delicious. Ramos wanted to eat him up. Kai ran his fingers through Ramos’ hair over and over while Ramos trailed kisses up and across his chest.
The scars were prominent, and Ramos kissed every one of them, taking his time and learning the topography of his body.
Kai breathed heavily, and his body trembled at his touch.
His responses were satisfying and heady, and Ramos wanted more.
He stretched out on top of him, easing his weight slightly by leaning on his left arm where it pressed into the mattress at Kai's side.
Kai spread his legs, his eagerness and anticipation causing a flush to cover his face, and it was lovely to behold. He was hot and excited and frantically pulling at Ramos to come closer. Ramos pressed his hard cock against Kai's and saw the gasp before he heard it; the look was priceless.
"I'm going to claim you tonight, Kai." He told him he did not ask; there was no way he would be stopping once they began.
"Claim me, Ramos, if you dare." He gave a sassy retort and smiled.
"I dare, my love." He shot back and pressed down hard, rubbing his hard length against Kai. "You will be mine." He felt Kai’s hands on his back and felt his nails as they bit down at the first thrust as Ramos pushed harder.
He wasn't going to last; he needed to claim this man immediately. Something about the situation and the players involved compelled him to complete their bond now. He wanted his beloved to have every advantage and every protection. He didn’t see waiting as an option.
Ramos took the lube and covered his fingers before settling back between Kai's legs. He worked the tight muscle in time with Kai's shivers and moans, cataloging his pleasure for future reference.
He tried to slow down to give this man everything he deserved, but he had only so much strength, and his vampire was rising and rushing forward. He kissed Kai’s hip and his stomach, and his chest, dragging his tongue along the uneven skin, along the scars and burns; his beloved was beautiful.
The stab wound on his side was almost completely healed between their growing bond and the Master's favor; his injury was barely noticeable. He kissed the little white scar and ran his tongue along it like the others.