Chapter Twenty
Ajax
A few days later, one of Abbott’s flock was at our house, interviewing for a live-in position with us, when Abbot’s home on the mountain exploded.
Or, perhaps imploded is the right word. At any rate, if she hadn’t been interviewing with us, she’d have been home, and would’ve died along with most of the rest of the Master Vampire’s flock.
I don’t know if things would’ve worked out with the little leopard if everything hadn’t gone to shit. It’s possible she’d have come to love us and been our fourth, but she went to Abbott to feed him, along with the scant few other members of his flock who hadn’t been home.
We were sent to a small shelter with Gavin, Queenie, and a half-dozen other vampires and their food sources.
Gavin gave me permission to play with Queenie, but I didn’t at first, since she was his slave.
However, at some point I began to understand she’d indentured herself to him.
It wasn’t permanent, and she’d walked into the role fully understanding what she was getting herself into.
Consensual non-consent. It was a new concept for me, but it made sense.
And so, I used her frequently while the vampires slept, but I wasn’t cruel. Something told me I didn’t want her on my bad side. Someday, she’d be free, but even while she belonged to Gavin, I didn’t want to piss her off.
She didn’t seem to take offense to a nice ass fucking when I wanted it, though.
Or a blow job just because I was in the mood.
Gavin had me help him torture her a few nights, and most of the time I enjoyed it, but every once in a while I thought he went too far, and I bowed out.
Looking back, I think it’s possible he was testing me to see what I’d do if he took it too far.
Or, maybe he’s just a sadistic asshole.
Meanwhile, I was closer to Kieran and Gwen than ever, and I took my job as their personal bodyguard seriously.
I mean, I’d always taken it seriously, but now we were on an even higher alert.
The coterie was under active, long-term attack.
I spoke with Josef, Abbott’s head of security, at least once daily to be sure I was caught up on all threats.
I did everything possible to be sure my charges were safe.
We were at this safehouse around two months. We had our own space, and though it was small, there was at least the illusion of privacy.
Thankfully, once we achieved the power of three, Abbott took away the requirement that someone be brought to tears at least once a day.
And yet, Kieran occasionally still made it happen, with either he and I being rough with Gwen, or the two of them rough with me.
Never again did he require I bring him to tears.
The Doyles still worked their regular schedule, making sure Abbott’s vast fortune was safe, but they had plenty of time for me.
Still, it was important I get a good night’s sleep so I’d be awake during the day to watch over them.
Queenie and I made a good daytime team, despite the fact I could use her whenever I wanted.
Or, perhaps in part because of it. I think it’s possible we worked better together once we’d been intimate a dozen or so times.
She wasn’t mine, but I grew to enjoy our time together.
Another wolf. Someone to spend my days with.
Gavin and Queenie left to fight in a battle one night, and when they returned we were on the highest level of alert.
No sex. No casual conversation. All hands on deck watching for a possible attack.
We moved to another shelter the next evening, this one with a lot more people and no privacy.
Communal everything. Gavin and Queenie went somewhere else.
Now we were with Kendra, and she and I rotated shifts to manage our security team.
I took the day shift, she took the night shift, with a few hours overlap for us to work together.
The next time there was a battle, Kieran demanded he be allowed to fight. When he was given permission to, so long as Gwen remained behind, I was told to guard Gwen.
As scary as it was to argue with Kendra, I didn’t intend to back down. “No! I’m their personal bodyguard! I must go with Kieran into battle!”
Kendra had glared at me a few moments, and then Abbott’s voice had sounded in my head.
I don’t want Kieran to fight, but I need him.
We may not win this one. If Kieran is killed, Gwen will need you.
She’s one of my most important assets. She knows where my money is stashed around the globe.
You have to be around to support her, because if she loses Kieran, she’s going to fall apart. She can’t lose you both.
But Kieran is more likely to return to her if I’m with him, Master Abbott.
I will put him with excellent sword fighters. Please trust me when I tell you I need you with Gwen.
Yes, Master Abbott. If you can use me in another way to help with the battle, please do.
You and Gwen are both mighty fighters. In the event the shelter is breached, the two of you will be part of the last line of defense to protect those who belong to the coterie who can’t fight.
I won’t let you down.
I know, dear Ajax. I know.