“He makes the perfect point,” Silas replied and took the seat next to B.B.

  “Exactly why we need to win this bid,” Fabian said with conviction as he turned to look at B.B. and Silas.

  Silas sat beside B.B. rubbing his back as B.B. wrapped his arms around his stomach and leaned forward as if he were about to be sick. Fabian noticed he did look a little green. “B.B., are you okay?” Fabian asked in concern.

  “No. I think I really am going to get sick. I need a bathroom now before I blow chunks all over Atty’s favorite shirt,” B.B. announced as he stood up and ran across the room, then out into the hallway with Silas following.

  “What did he mean by Atticus’s shirt?” Fabian asked.

  “Silas took a quick run to B.B.’s place as soon as he awakened. He wanted to get some of B.B.’s things so that he would be more comfortable here,” Saber answered in his normal uninterested monotone way.

  “When I saw the shirt, I told B.B. I liked it and he said it was Atticus’s. That it was one of the things he had left behind at B.B.’s for those nights he stayed there,” Jasper added.

  Could it be? Could the shirt be what was causing these reactions in him? Was it Atticus’s scent? Fabian thought.

  CHAPTER 8

  “One more hour, my little pet, and we’ll find out just how much your ass is worth. If your new master wishes for us to train you, then you’ll be worth even more,” Sir said as he continued to stare at the computer screen.

  Atty sat huddled in the corner of the cage he was being kept in. His body shook uncontrollably as he thought about what Sir had just said. His new master. Training. He didn’t want to be trained. Not like what they said would happen. Wally, the sick fuck guard assigned to watch him the whole time he had been here talked to him about “The Training” every day, and took great pleasure in watching Atty’s reactions.

  One of the saving graces of being a virgin was that even though he had been beaten, tortured, and starved, only being given small glasses of blood every few days and no food, was that they hadn’t raped him. Sir said that Atty would get top dollar at the auction if he remained a virgin, and there was no way he was going to mess up his cash cow that was Atty, by allowing any of his men to fuck him.

  But if they were going to train him as a perfect submissive slave for a Master then that reprieve may be over. Wally said if he was lucky then Atty’s new Master would want a sex slave too, which meant he got to train Atty in all things BDSM and his new Master would be his Dom. Wally told him that some Masters didn’t want a virgin and were looking for a sub who was already mostly trained because they didn’t want to put all the work into it themselves, and Wally was hopeful that whoever won Atty at auction would be one of these Masters so that the sick human could take Atty’s virginity himself. Although Wally also said that if that were the case, then Sir would want his ass first before turning him fully over to Wally.

  Atty had heard of the BDSM lifestyle before, of course, but he never wanted to be involved in it. He may be small by vampire standards, and even a little shy at times, but he never saw himself as submissive. Sure, he let his mother take advantage of him and... hell, who was he kidding? The woman abused him in every way possible except for sex. He was terrified of Patrice, especially when she was drinking that Morte Cremisi. Atty had taken everything Patrice had to dish out and never fought back. Maybe that’s why they thought he was a submissive? All those conversations he had had with Diego about Patrice probably made him seem pathetic and they knew he wouldn’t fight back.

  Since the day he figured out that he was gay he knew he would be the bottom. He had a thing for large men and always dreamed of having a big strong man to hold him and make him feel safe. Someone who would love him for him and want to protect him, but he never thought of himself as submissive because of it. He just knew from watching porn that he wanted to be the man on the receiving end of things. He wanted to give himself to a partner and let the man take pleasure from his body. Atty wanted to love someone with everything he had and have that love returned. But his dreams were of him and his partner being just that, partners, equals. Not one dominating the other. And to think, now he was about to become some sick bastards’ submissive sex slave and have no rights. The thought terrified him in so many ways.

  He wasn’t a prude by any means, and didn’t care one way or the other if people liked that lifestyle. Hell, what should he care what people did in their lives as long as it didn’t harm him? What anyone did in their bedroom was between them and no one else should have a say as long as it was between consenting adults. And the BDSM life was not for him.

  But now it seemed that it would be. He was going to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, then taken away to gods only knew where, and made to be some kind of slave for the rest of his life, however long that would be, and he would never be seen again by his fam... well, that part was a plus, but not to the point he wanted this to happen to him. Even though he knew his mother wouldn’t give a fuck about his disappearance, there was B.B. He would never see his best friend again.

  All these thoughts and images weighed heavy on his heart and mind, and the last thought of never seeing B.B. again, and thinking that without him where would B.B. be, brought his heart to its knees. He couldn’t stop the pain that engulfed him or the tears that now began to flow freely. His life was now over. All his dreams had died as he sat locked in this cage. He would never find love. His life was to forever be filled with torment. Atty pulled his knees in closer to his chest, wrapped his arms around his legs, and buried his face into the position. His world, his life, had now come to an end.

  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

  “We have a huge fucking problem,” Fabian stated as he walked into the living room.

  Everyone had joined to wait for him as he washed up and got himself ready for the auction. Fabian had been shocked as hell when he won the top bid and was told the auction would be in two hours. He wasn’t surprised he won the top bid because Kalen had been amazing making it so, but that once the bidding war ended, they had immediately received an email in the fake account Kalen had set up, giving them the time and location of the private auction. Fabian had assumed it would be the next night, maybe a few days. He never guessed it would be so soon and he didn’t think they were prepared enough. Their plan wasn’t worked out enough for him to feel comfortable.

  With so little time to prepare, Fabian had no chance of calling Raven and asking for more backup. There was no time to call on coven members that Fabian wasn’t even sure would come, or if they could be trusted, and it became painfully clear that he had to work with what he had or Atticus would suffer. So, Fabian did two things he didn’t want to do. He placed a call to FBI Special Agent Snow and asked him to come immediately.

  Once the feline arrived, he and his brothers explained the situation quickly, then Fabian had run off to get himself ready with his charade as a wealthy Italian Master. Wealthy Italian he may be, but a Master he was not, and never would be. But that was beside the point right now. When he went off to get ready, his brothers continued to show Agent Snow what they had uncovered.

  The second thing he didn’t want to do, but had no other choice with such limited time, was to allow Jasper to come along with him as his interpreter. Kalen had sent a correspondence email back inquiring about bringing guards and an interpreter and the answering email said it was expected. He was allowed four to come along, and he knew one of them had to be Jasper. Which gave him three others as so-called bodyguards. Calling in Snow was an absolute so that he could go along, leaving the six Sentinels to watch the outside.

  “What’s that, Fabian?” Kalen asked.

  “It’s a few actually. I’m still a little apprehensive about going on such short notice. Something just doesn’t sound right to me about that. If I was bidding and they saw your fake profile for me, it would have said I was in Italy correct? So how the hell would I get here in two hours? Yes, I can discriminate because of my age, but they wouldn’t know that if they are human. Which only proves to me this group is run by paranormals and as we all know, some paranormals can scent a lie. And going by this fake profile of being Carlo Dean, they would know I was not old enough to have achieved the gift of dissemination yet.

  “Then there were the ‘guards were expected’ comment. Should I have known that already? If I truly were Carlo Dean and won a slave five years ago I should have known that. Did we just screw the pooch so to speak by asking that question, and blow our cover already? Then there is the whole bringing Jasper in with me. Not that I don’t think he can’t take care of himself, but I will be so distracted with getting Atticus out of there, will I not be there for Jasper?” Fabian explained, then dropped down onto the couch.

  “One, I think you’re over thinking it,” Saber replied. “I think these assholes are so money hungry that all of that hasn’t even crossed their minds. And two, you won’t be going in alone, brother, we’ll be right there by your side and I would die before I let anyone lay one hand on Jasper.”

  “And as far as Carlo knowing about guards being allowed, that’s easily explained. Before when he bid, Malcolm was at the helm and as his kin he didn’t have to worry about any of that. Now that Malcolm is gone, he, or you as him, want to make assurances that you and your newly acquired slave are protected,” Kalen added.

  “I agree with your brothers, Leader Valentine, but I also agree with you. I have been dealing with scum like this for a very long time and one thing I know is they are all fierce in not wanting to lose their organization, so they are not to be taken lightly, and nothing should be dismissed. If your gut is telling you something's not right, then listen to it. If you are having these questions, that’s good. Voice them and let’s try to work out scenario’s before we get there. The better we cover our asses, the better chance we’ll have of walking out of there with what we went for and walking out alive,” Agent Snow said.

  “Something else is bothering you though, Fabian, I can see it. What is it?” Silas asked. Fabian looked at his brother, then shifted his gaze to B.B., then back to Silas. “Something about my mat...B.B.? What is it? Are you worried he won’t be safe here? He’ll be here with Kalen, sitting right by his side while Kalen watches us through those cameras he’s going to hook up to us.”

  “It’s not that, Silas. Although that is another concern. These sick fucks are after B.B., as well and we need to keep him safe. With all of us going and Kalen being distracted by watching us, will B.B. be safe?”

  “I know I’m just a silly human and you all are...well...not. I can still take care of myself pretty well. If someone breaks in, I know how to hide. And if they find me, then I know how to kick and scream. I’m pretty good at scratching someone eyes out as well,” B.B, said as he wiggled his eyebrows, making them all chuckle.

  “Then there’s the fact that I already gave B.B. a gun to keep with him. I’m nervous too, Fabian, but I know we need to do this. We need to rescue Atticus and hopefully get more intel so that we can rescue more,” Kalen replied.

  “I get the feeling there’s something else you’re not sharing with us,” Agent Snow said.

  Fabian sighed heavily and closed his eyes. He swallowed, then opened them, looking around at everyone gathered. He knew the time had come to voice his concern. “I think...I think Atticus is my mate,” he blurted out.

  After a few gasps, the room fell eerily quiet as everyone just stood there silently staring at him. After a few minutes, Kalen broke the silence. “And what makes you think that, brother? You’ve never even met the little man.”

  “B.B.’s shirt. It holds a scent on it that calls to me. I crave it like I have never desired anything else in my life. And if it means that Atticus is my fated mate, like I believe it does, then will I be able to control my true vampire when I see him, smell him? Will I lose my composure if I see that he has been treated poorly and start ripping into flesh? And by doing so, put everyone in danger and destroy our chances of rescuing others?” Fabian confessed.

  “Shit. What are we gonna do now? Fabian is right. If this man is his mate, Fabian may not be able to hold back his true vampire beast,” Styx said.

  “B.B., take off your shirt,” Silas said and walked to his mate with his hand out.

  “What?” B.B. said stunned.

  “I want to give it to Fabian so that he can get a better scent of it to see if Atticus is his true mate. If he is, then we’ll have to find a way to deal with it,” Kalen replied.

  “We’re running out of time and have to leave in the next five minutes or we’ll be late. The Sentinels should be leaving now so they arrive before us and find hiding spots with good vantage points of the area,” Agent Snow stated.

  “He’s right. We have to get moving. So even if this Atticus is your mate, Fabian, you’re going to have to fight whatever instinct you have so that we can get him and all of us out of there safely,” Saber asserted.

  “If it helps you and Atty, then fine,” B.B. said and pulled the shirt over his head, handing it to Silas. Silas growled low in his chest, but stopped it quickly as he turned and walked to Fabian, giving him the shirt.

  Fabian reached out tentatively, afraid of finding out the truth. Not that he didn’t want his mate, because he did. More than anything. But because he truly was afraid of what he would do, what kind of damage he would do if he found Atticus in dire straits. He had only ever released his true vampire twice in his life, and both times had been a bloodbath and it had taken his brothers and Raven weeks to get him back. As an older vampire, his true vampire form would scare the hell out of even other vampires.

  As their kind got older, they became stronger and more intense, and they gained some special powers from the gods. One of his was the size of his true form. Raven, being the same age as him, was huge and powerful in his true form, but Raven’s paled in comparison to his. It was also another way for other paranormals to guess his true age.

  “Fabian?” Silas said, cutting through his thoughts.

  He grasped the offered shirt and brought it to his nose, then took a deep breath. He could scent B.B. on the garment, of course, but there was that underlying scent. The one that filled him with want and need. The one that filled his cock and had him panting with excitement. Fabian closed his eyes against the heavenly feeling that engulfed him, wanting to smell that wonderful aroma of strawberries and sunshine forever.

  “Shit. I would say we have our answer if that overwhelming smell of arousal coming from him is any indication,” River, the vampire sentinel said.

  “So, now what?” Talon asked.

  His mate needed him and Fabian would stop at nothing to rescue Atticus and get the man into his arms. He would destroy anyone who harmed his Diletto. His beloved. “Now we go rescue my mate and kill anyone who tries to stop us. Styx, you and your men leave now. The rest of us, armor up and let’s get going. Jasper. Where in the hell is Jasper?” Fabian asked looking around for the first time since stepping into the room realizing Jasper wasn’t present.

  “He went to the kitchen to pack up some bags of blood. He thought Atticus may be hungry when you got him out,” Kalen replied.

  “Good. Smart thinking. Jasper, grab a few extra bags! I’ll need to load up before we go, in hopes it will appease my true form and he won’t attack. And depending on the condition Atticus is in when we find him, he may need my blood,” Fabian stated.

  “Will that work?” Snow asked.

  “It should. If I’m not hungry at all it is less likely my beast will surface. And if Atticus is hurt, then the blood of a true mate is more powerful than any other and will help him to heal faster.”

  “Got it all packed and ready to go,” Jasper announced as he stepped into the room carrying a cooler. His gaze fell on Snow and Fabian could see panic fill his brother’s eyes. Fabian immediately looked to Snow and saw his expression turn hard and his eyes empty of all emotion. Fabian wasn’t sure what that was all about, but they didn’t have time to explore it right now. Atticus needed him.

  CHAPTER 9

  Sir had left the room two hours ago happy and in good spirits after announcing that Atticus had drawn the highest price tag yet that he had seen since taking over the operation. There had been over ten bidders fighting over him, but essentially it had come down to the top three. Each of them bidding higher and higher until the closing bid of eight hundred and seventy-nine thousand dollars.

  Atticus couldn’t believe that people would buy other people, or paranormals, in his case to begin with, much less spend that kind of money. And that wasn’t even the closing bid. Wally informed him that only the top three bidders would be allowed to their location and that once they arrived the real auction would begin. The starting bid would be nine hundred thousand, just a little more than the website closing bid. Then Wally told him he should get himself prepared, because the three candidates for his new Master would be there in two hours.

  Two hours? He had two hours left in the cage before he was turned over to whatever hell his future held. Two hours to sit and think of nothing else but how his life was about to be changed forever and what that could mean. Two hours to come to the realization that he would never be seen again by anyone who knew him. Two hours. How had Sir been able to pull off an auction in two hours?

  Whoever was bidding on him had to be close for that to happen, but surely, they wouldn’t be from the area. There was no way that whoever bought him would stay around Clearnight and risk him being seen. And he knew he was still in Clearnight because of the smell of salt air that never left. Also, when Diego had taken him and thrown him into the trunk of that car, even though he was loopy from whatever the asshole had given him, he could still tell that they had only driven for twenty minutes before Diego let him out. So, he had no idea where he would end up.

 

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