CHAPTER FIVE #2
"The supernatural is real, you are my Fated partner in life, and I will gradually start to develop some paranormal skills such as longevity, healing, and the sharpening of my senses.
I get all that the awakening has made all that clear to me.
But I need to go home, speak to Jason, and get just a little perspective.
I'm not running away or denying anything.
" He continued to pace the room, periodically glancing over to where Arman leaned against the counter with his arms crossed on his chest.
Arman wasn't agreeing to anything; there would be no walking away or going anywhere without Chris by his side. The bond was fresh, and the need to stay close was paramount. Plus, he would not leave Chris unprotected. Arman's scent and mark were upon him.
"I'll come back later this evening after I've talked to Jason and attended to a few other work-related matters.
" Chris could drone on as long as he wanted, but he was going nowhere alone, and that fact was nonnegotiable.
He finally stopped and turned to regard Arman with a somewhat pleading expression.
He was wearing his clothes from the night before, and it was reasonable that he would want a change and to freshen up, but he wasn't going alone.
Arman pushed away from the counter and walked over to stand before Chris.
He reached out, taking him by the shoulders and pulling him in for a tight embrace.
He was pleased when Chris immediately wrapped his arms around his waist and rested his head on his chest. The contact was so natural and so necessary.
Arman had remained silent, letting Chris spew his insecurity and fear that was still lingering within. The truth was scaring him on some level, and that was okay because the end would be the same no matter the avenue. He was Arman's beloved, and he would never let him go.
"I will accompany you to your apartment. You are free to call Jason and make whatever arrangements you feel are necessary, but you are not leaving my side." He dropped a kiss on Chris' temple, threading his fingers through his soft hair.
“You know who and what I am, and you have been given a glimpse of my world, and what may have started as a per chance connection is now the beginning of a new life.” He spoke calmly and clearly, and he felt Chris relax in his arms; the contact and the clarity were helping to sort his thoughts and feelings.
"Yeah, but I must talk to Jason. I agreed to another job this coming weekend, it's a wedding.
He has it all in hand, but I'll be there to keep things on schedule; it's one of my superpowers.
I can get people moving in the right direction and on time and do it smoothly.
" Chris worked at explaining himself but never lessened his grip on Arman.
"You have many superpowers, my love, and not least of all your power to render me breathless with just a look." He kissed him firmly on the lips, holding the kiss, making his intentions and his possession very clear.
"You are my beloved, and any paranormal you meet will know that you are mine.” He touched the scar on Chris' throat and loved the way he closed his eyes and sighed long and soft. "I am commander of the forces of the Trento Coven. Traveling alone, especially outside Belleville, is not permitted for any beloved.” Chris pulled back and looked up into Arman’s face.
“I could not bear it if something happened to you; I would lose my mind, and my enemies know that.
" Chris’ expression went from annoyance to surprise very quickly.
“Would you go with me to my apartment so I can change?” Chris asked, and Arman was pleased with his change of tone. His beloved needed explanations, but he was also a reasonable man, and Arman could work with that.
“Yes, perhaps you could pack while you’re there. I will help you.”
“Pack?”
“I cannot be apart from you.”
“This is my home; I have a job here and friends. It will take time.”
“There is no time, my love. This is not my territory.
I cannot remain in Chicago. I serve Master Trento.
My home is Belleville, and your home is with me.
" Arman was asking a lot of his beloved and doing it in a high-handed manner, but it had to be said.
He would not be separated from his beloved, and he could not stay in Chicago.
Chris was thoughtful, not reacting immediately, although his eyes were clearly shouting vulgarities. "When do we leave?"
“Tomorrow, Master Rose has given me permission to remain during this time of change. He is aware that I have found my beloved and that we are getting our lives aligned.”
“That sounds so pragmatic.”
"It is not; this is the most important, most meaningful part of my entire life, and I have lived a very long life. Finding you was a gift and a blessing, and every vampire knows the solemnity of the bond.” He took a deep breath and tightened his arms around Chris.
“I knew my beloved was in the room the moment that I entered.” He went back to the events of the previous evening to make himself and his feelings clear.
"I began searching immediately, and I found you. I came to stand beside you, and then suddenly you reached out and clutched my arm and asked me to dance. It was magnificent, and it marked our beginning.” Chris looked up at him with a beautiful smile this time, and Arman took those luscious lips in a kiss that left no doubt as to how he felt about this man.
“I experienced something the second that my hand connected with your arm, but I thought I was reading more into the moment than was there. I felt a jolt of familiarity and desire,” he chuckled, “desire was there in full force.” Arman smiled at his honesty.
Chris leaned against him once again, and Arman held him, soaking up his scent and his presence, so strong and so sweet.
“Your life will be as comfortable and as beautiful as I can make it. I will be there at your side, and you will want for nothing, Chris. I will provide, protect, and I will love you till the end of time. Be mine, sweetheart, please be mine."
***
Chris pressed his face against Arman’s crisp black suit jacket and took a deep breath. His smell calmed him and cleared his scrambled mind. The bond, the connection, the changes coming at him were chaotic, but he had no desire to decline or attempt to walk away.
This was his life now, and that understanding had flooded his mind since last night, and he saw this new life as clearly as he saw Arman.
This wasn't what he'd expected going into this weekend, but whatever this was, he wasn't going to continue fucking it up by being coy or fearful.
There was something solid and real here, although a little insane. He smiled at his thoughts.
Arman was so much more than an art dealer. The Trento Coven, like the Rose Coven, existed outside normalcy and outside what would be considered legal in many respects. To call them a crime syndicate was probably closer to the truth than calling them simple businessmen, industries, or corporations.
"Okay, let me make some calls and pack." He relented, feeling that the decision was correct but still slightly off balance by the urgency of it all. “Am I doing the right thing?” He verbalizes to Arman.
“You’re doing the right thing.” Arman chuckled and then took Chris’ lips in another ravenous kiss.