CHAPTER TWO #2
Chris noticed Jason steaming across the ballroom towards him, and his look was full of fury, but he was stopped by one of Arman's men before he reached them.
They spoke, and Jason simply walked away.
Chris figured he'd be hearing about this from Jason for years to come, but he didn't care.
Having Arman hold him, dance with him, and make Elliott seethe with anger made everything perfect in Chris' eyes.
He'd deal with the fallout later; for now, this was his moment.
***
The news that the Trento Coven of Belleville was working out deals with the Rose Coven of Chicago hit Master Lucan Cass like a slap to the face.
Lucan led the Cass Coven out of Naperville for over a hundred years and had attempted for years to negotiate with Master Rose for a more lucrative working relationship.
All they got was shut down time and again, and told the time was not right.
Rose was nothing but a ruffian, a lowborn, and yet he purports himself as an elite.
He had no class and no breeding, and no amount of killing and stealing would ever give him refinement.
Now they were giving rights and permissions to a Coven of even more base standing and insignificance.
would not stand. Lucan would rid this town of their crass attempts at power and authority.
They currently held influence and ignored their betters, saying the time wasn't right, which meant nothing.
Apparently, the time was perfect for that hapless Coven out of bumfuck Belleville to strike not one but three lucrative deals that opened their trade routes and gave them access to Rose territories and business.
Lucan stood in the ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton, staring at the man sent to humiliate him, and felt his blood boil.
Arman Kane finished his business with Conall Rose and still had time to enjoy the Gala before heading back to his Coven with his valuable agreements.
Lucan was there with his companion, Casidy, and three guards.
This was an elite gathering and no place for the likes of Arman Kane and his goons.
Lucan took a deep, steadying breath and looked away from those who angered him.
He took in his artful surroundings and the beauty of his companion and tried to calm himself.
Casidy was handsome and well connected, but his penchant for attention was becoming grating.
He wished he'd brought one of the more eager and hungry cortisones, for Casidy was becoming too comfortable.
Lucan planned to pass him off to his second in command, Roman, who didn't require the level of sophistication and refinement that Lucan demanded.
He would settle for most anyone as long as they had a nice ass and a useful mouth. Roman was based when it came to his entertainment, but he held an impressive pedigree and position. He was also a skilled fighter and was a master with the sword.
He would enjoy Casidy, although Casidy may not enjoy it since few of Roman's companions ever survived.
Roman had a tendency to be a little rough sometimes, utilizing his blade while seeking his pleasure.
Lucan would, on occasion, watch when Roman was fucking one of the underguards in the garden, and he could attest that the man's foul cruelty was unmatched.
He watched Arman move about the floor, confident and above it all, as if he were someone of status. He was no one of significance, and he had no right to come to Chicago seeking favor and position.
His Master and his Coven would find no comfort or access here in Chicago if he had anything to say about it. He planned to do everything in his power to destroy the relationship between the two covens. Chicago can be a very dangerous place for someone from Belleville.
Lucan positioned one of his guards to watch Arman. He thinks he can just waltz into town and take a seat at the table, but Lucan was going to make it clear to those of Belleville that there was no place for them here.
***
Arman had noticed the vampire and his guards watching him from across the room as soon as he'd entered the ballroom.
He was from Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, and although he had not approached, he seemed overly interested in Arman's presence at the Gala.
It might be simple interest and nothing more, but he would keep watch nonetheless.
He had circled the room once before becoming focused on a particular young man.
He'd scented someone important when entering the ballroom, and something about him had caught Arman's interest, and he wanted to investigate further. He’d moved closer to the young human, attempting to pick up his scent and aura.
He was shocked when the young man suddenly reached out and took hold of his arm and held him in a desperate grasp.
It was obvious the man’s attention had been elsewhere even as he made his tense request of familiarity.
His eyes had been trained on a self-important couple a few feet away.
Arman was more than happy to oblige the young man in whatever he was planning.
It gave him the opportunity to experience the young man up close.
The couple that approached him, those whom he was apparently afraid of on some level, were inconsequential; their presence merely made their introduction straightforward.
Either way, Arman had intended to learn everything about this man, and he intended to never let him go.
Chris Trudeau didn’t realize it yet, but he belonged to the vampire in the black suit with the blackest eyes and a grip he would never escape.
The presence touched him almost immediately upon entering the ballroom; it was deep and alluring with a note of sharp spice that alerted him.
The scent was captivating and led him around the floor until a young man with an earpiece walked up to stand beside him, completely unaware of his presence.
The man was speaking to someone coordinating the event and ensuring a smooth evening of positive social interaction and entertainment. His beloved was part of the staff.
Arman stood there, breathing in the amazing aroma, and was ready to engage when all things changed.
The young man, Chris, took his arm and begged for assistance against the fear of impending embarrassment.
The couple, an ex-boyfriend and his date, were no match for the class and beauty of his beloved.
Arman took control as is his nature, and Chris followed without question. They held one another, and they danced.
The dance was magical, holding him so close and feeling his heart beating while his breath fanned Arman's throat was pure bliss. He would have spirited him away then if circumstances had permitted. The party was thinning, and the ex had moved to the far reaches of the room after Arman’s men encouraged them to do so.
It was now time to exit with his beloved by his side.
He had rid his beauty of the shackles of event responsibilities, but his associate, Jason, continued to hover on the edges, watching. His concern was becoming an obstacle as Chris decided he should finish the night with his friend. Arman was not in agreement.
“Thank you for everything, Arman." He stated hesitantly as his eyes traveled Arman's face. He didn't know him and was gauging his reaction, or trying to at least. There was no gentle disconnect; there was no getting away. Chris belonged to him now, and very soon he would understand.
"I need to return to my duties and assist Jason in closing the evening." He made to step away, but Arman's arm that remained resting around his waist tightened marginally. It made Chris stop and look up at him, questioning the situation, not for the first time that evening.
Arman signaled his men to make it clear to Jason that Chris was with him for the evening. He was interested in much more than just the evening, but that was not Jason's business. Chris was clearly unsure, but Arman decided the straightforward route was the best as always.
“Your friend is fine, and he has been briefed." Arman then began guiding Chris out of the ballroom and to the elevators.
"Where are we going?" His question held more curiosity than upset, so their first night together might play out better than expected.
“You’re leaving with me. I’m staying at the St. Regis Hotel.” He watched Chris nod slowly, his thoughts catching up with the information given.
"Should I be scared?" He asked and paused at the door. Arman looked him up and down, and an imperceptible smile touched his lips ever so briefly.
“Do you scare easily?”
“No, not usually.”
"Then no." It wasn't really an answer, but it was an answer enough.
He would never harm his beloved, but he also resolved never to let him go.
If that be harm, it would be painless and short-lived, for the bond would soon solidify the connection between them, be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual.
Chris Trudeau had started a new life the minute he entered that ballroom; he just wasn't aware of that yet.
***
Chris was going home with this man. The man he so brazenly accosted and begged to pretend to be his date was taking him home. It should be out of the question; he should be backing out and getting help, if necessary, but he was not doing any of those things.
He was blindly following Arman, his dark presence encompassing everything, and was pulling him into all the danger blatantly apparent but dismissed. His head and his heart were dismissing everything that should have him running.