Epilogue

“We demons don’t usually interfere with this sort of thing,” Lindemere told the stern-looking vampire master. “However, in this case, I thought I’d make an exception.”

Master Adalric Bachmeier scowled as he swept his gaze over Doctor Rubicon and Director Chundle. Both men sat passively in their chairs, staring straight ahead, their minds still firmly under Lindemere’s control. Be that as it may, Adalric’s office still contained a wary-expressioned vampire second as well as two enforcers. One of which was bonded with the demon Abyzou, who worked under the Horseman of Pestilence.

It wasn’t Abyzou’s presence that had gained Lindemere access to the vampire coven, however. Instead, it had been his association with Balthazar, a demon also under the Horseman of Death. Several years prior, Balthazar had bonded with one of the coven’s favored donors, Peter, and the pair lived in a small cabin at the rear of the property.

Balthazar had vouched for Lindemere.

“Soooo, these two are top leaders in a new facility,” Adalric mused slowly, his gaze fixing on the pair. “Are their minds intact?”

“They are,” Lindemere assured from his position on a sofa lining one wall. He lightly rubbed Iago’s arm, since he had his own wrapped around his amina. “I kept them pliant but left all memories intact, so you would have access to them.”

“Can they be traced back to you?” Daystrum, the coven second, asked.

Lindemere shook his head. “No. As we all left the facility, I implanted the idea that they were leaving on a business trip into everyone we passed. No one should be looking for them for at least a week.” Holding up his left hand, he added, “However, if someone outside the company does start looking, all the footage will show is them leaving alone. I blanked myself and Iago from everything.”

“That would be a handy trick,” Toni stated, crossing his arms over his chest.

“All you have to do is ask, my love,” Abyzou murmured, rubbing his pale fingertips along the huge vampire’s side.

Toni turned to face him, his expression one of surprise. “You can do that, too?”

Abyzou shrugged. “Demon.”

“So you are, handsome,” Toni rumbled back, wrapping his arm around the slender, winged blond and tucking him close.

“And do you wish to be notified when we go in to rescue the others and shut down the facility?” Adalric asked, lifting one black brow inquisitively.

Lindemere hesitated, and Iago jumped in, his voice tremulous. “Y-You’re going to shut down the facility?”

“Of course,” Adalric replied, focusing on Iago. “Experimenting on those that have no say in the matter is not acceptable.” His head tipped just a little as his eyes narrowed. “Why? Do you have a problem with that?”

“N-No, of course not,” Iago quickly replied. “I-I just, um—”

Iago glanced Lindemere’s way, his shoulders hunching a bit as he pushed into his embrace. His pale cheeks were flushed a pleasing shade of pink. Too bad it was due to embarrassment instead of arousal.

Hope I get to change that soon.

Lindemere had almost put the pair of captive humans in stasis when Iago had told him of his desire to begin completing their bond. They had three more soul-tearing sessions to go to finish. Lindemere could hardly wait, and not just because he hated the fact that he had to hurt his human to complete it, and he wanted that unpleasantness over and done with.

“You can tell Master Adalric your thoughts, my amina,” Lindemere encouraged, nuzzling his chin against Iago’s soft, light-brown hair. “You are safe.”

Iago peered at him through his glasses, then turned his focus to the vampire master. “I was just hoping you weren’t planning to kill everyone,” he mumbled, his voice sounding strained.

“Why not?” Daystrum sounded more curious than anything else.

“W-Well, because”—Iago paused and cleared his throat—”well, a lot of those technicians and lab assistants and maybe even a few scientists and guards are like me. They were shown only portions of information about paranormals, and it painted a very selective picture.” Cuddling against Lindemere, Iago added, “They should have the opportunity to know the truth.”

Gods, Iago has such a big heart, wanting to help his misguided colleagues.

The knowledge caused Lindemere’s heart to swell with love for the human the gods had given him. His amina was so strong, willingly entering a vampire coven. Then to ask for fair treatment to his fellow man?

So perfect.

The vampires glanced between themselves, then Adalric refocused on Iago. He dipped his chin just a little. “I see your point. We will do all in our power to give those working there the opportunity to be... rehabilitated.” Then his countenance darkened. “Within reason, you understand. If it comes down to the life of one of my coven members and that of someone hurting paranormals, I will choose my coven member.”

Even though Iago winced, he still nodded. “Thank you.”

Adalric rose, signaling the end of the meeting.

Thank the gods.

“If you will use your power to escort these men to our cells.” Adalric pointed at Toni. “Enforcer Toni will show you where. Then please release their minds.”

“Will do.” Lindemere urged Iago to his feet as he did the same. “Thank you again, Master Adalric.” He held out his hand over the desk.

Master Adalric took it, and they shook. “The pleasure is mine,” he replied, showing off his pointed canines. “Do you wish a room for the next few days? Or are you heading right out?”

Lindemere opened his mouth, intending to say they would head right off. Feeling his sweet amina pressed against him, however, he thought better of it. “I’d love a room. Thank you for your kindness.”

Adalric just smirked, perhaps guessing at Lindemere’s thoughts. “Daystrum, have the green suite set up for them.”

“Of course, Master Adalric,” the second replied.

Ten minutes later, Second Daystrum escorted them to the green suite, which ended up being a large set of chambers that consisted of a bedroom, sitting area, and bathroom. The suite derived its name from the light green walls. Pictures of nature scenes sparsely decorated the walls, and plush, dark-green carpet covered the floor.

“If you need anything, there’s a phone on the end table there.” Daystrum pointed. “If you hit zero, it goes to security, and whoever answers will be able to guide you with whatever you need.”

Lindemere nodded. “Again. Thank you.”

Daystrum grinned broadly. “Oh, no. Thank you.” He chuckled low in this throat. “Been a while since I was in a scrap. Should be fun.” Then the second shut the door, leaving them alone.

Growling, Lindemere turned to Iago. “My amina,” he whispered huskily, dipping his head and capturing his lover’s mouth. “Now, what were you saying about working on the next couple of steps of our bond?” Lindemere asked when he came up for air.

Iago groaned and pressed into him, his body rubbing shamelessly against Lindemere’s own. “Yes, please!” His human slid his hands up Lindemere’s chest, then cradled his neck. His blue eyes gleamed behind his glasses as he held Lindemere’s gaze. “Never imagined I could feel this way. You’ve totally rocked my world.”

“Is that a good thing?” Lindemere knew the question could be interpreted as needy, but that didn’t stop the words. “Are you certain about this? There is still more pain to come, but I will do my best to alleviate it.”

Iago stared up at him, his desire shining in his eyes... and perhaps something more. “I know. I trust you.”

Lindemere’s heart fluttered in his chest, and he sucked in a shocked gasp. “You do?”

Iago nibbled his lip as he stared up at him, nodding. “I do. And I’m right where I want to be.” Then his cheeks darkened, and his eyes gleamed, burning with lust. “So let’s get this party started.”

“Hell yeah.”

Doing as Iago wanted, Lindemere led him to the bathroom. He intended to caress and clean every inch of his amina, checking for injuries, before taking him against the shower wall. Then he would carry him to the bedroom and lay him down, so he could use his tongue to lick up every drop of water. He would suck his cock and drink his seed as he opened him up with his demon’s slick. Lindemere planned to give his amina at least four orgasms before completing the second round of soul bonding, sending his human over the edge into unconsciousness.

After that, Lindemere intended to do it all over again.

Over the course of the next couple of hours, Lindemere followed through with every one of his plans.