Liam’s pain is my fault and I can’t forgive myself. How could I let them go into a world they have no clue about? Was it really the best decision?--ROY “Roy, there’s something I need you to know before we get back to Louisiana.” They were alone in the lounge area of his private jet, with only the dim lights of the wine bar across the room to illuminate them. The attendants had given them some privacy.He gave a nod, eager to hear Bryan’s words.“There’s no wound he has that our blood can’t fix.”Roy felt a gradual relief in his chest.“There’s a clause.” Bryan said, “He will become a Lyccan like us and follow our laws if we give him our blood.”“That doesn’t matter to me. I just want him to live,” He said with fervor.He sighed. “It’s more complicated than that. He has to get the council’s permission to be turned if he’s not joining the pack by marriage.”Roy felt his shoulders slump. “What if…what if they say no?”“They won’t.”But Bryan had avoided his question and they both realiz
As Roy approached the animal, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear.He knew better than to let his guard down around wild creatures, especially one that looked so battered and bruised. Still, his heart ached at the sight of it. This was no Lycan that much was clear. Its fur was matted and caked in dirt, and its wounds were deep and angry."Hey there, little guy," he whispered, trying to project calmness and reassurance. The dog barked in response, but it didn't move or lunge at him, so he took another step closer."It's okay, I won't hurt you," he promised, as he reached out a tentative hand to touch its head. The dog's eyes followed his hand, and for a moment, it seemed like it might allow him touch its head. But then, without warning, it snapped and latched onto his hand, biting down hard.Roy gasped in pain and tried to pull away, but the dog's jaws were locked tight. Fear and adrenaline coursed through his body as he struggled to free himself, but it only seemed to make the
“Roy…”Bryan called out for Roy, his voice echoing through the empty hallway. He appeared almost instantly, standing outside his doorway. Bryan couldn't help but notice the anxious look in his eyes. He had been acting odd ever since they had returned from Carpalia's funeral two days ago. He had tried to ignore it, but his pacing and worried glances didn't go unnoticed.Without saying a word, he motioned for Roy to come closer. Roy walked towards him hesitantly, his eyes never leaving his face. As he stood before him, Bryan could sense his apprehension.Without warning, he pulled Roy to him, molding his body to his, as their lips touched in a kiss. He felt Roy stiffen when he cupped his butt as he continued kissing him. Roy was shocked, he didn’t know what to do but the sparks running through his body betrayed his desire for Bryan.A few moments later, Bryan pulled away and surveyed his dreamy expression with satisfaction.“What was that for?” Roy whispered, touching his lips as if he
“You’re going away again?” They were having breakfast at their bedroom’s private balcony when Bryan shared his plans with RoyBryan touched his mouth with a napkin. “I have to. Just for a few days, I have to hunt down more vampires.”“But…” Roy put his coffee cup down because his hands were shaking too much. Yes, Bryan was strong. But so were vampires. He had asked the twins about it, and they had not hesitated to tell his the truth since they also feared for Bryan’s life. Vampires were no longer bound by their consciences and were wont to do whatever it took to satisfy their greed and thirst for blood.“I have to do this myself, Roy. For Carpalia and Liam.”He didn’t argue after that. “Just please don’t do anything rash.”He laughed. “I’m not rash in any way.”He held his tongue even though he so badly wanted to argue. He wasn’t rash as a rule, but he did tend to do things unthinkingly if it meant giving him another point to score over his father. The twins had told his that King Edr
The silence that followed Alexander's declaration was deafening. Everyone in the council chamber stared at him with disbelief, shock, or fear. Bryan felt his blood run cold as he looked into the eyes of the man who claimed to be the true. He wanted to deny it, to scream that it was a lie, but something in his gut told him it was true.He glanced at his father, the king, who sat on his throne with a pale and stunned expression. He had not said a word since Alexander entered the room. Bryan wondered what he was thinking, what he knew, what he had hidden all these years.He looked at his mother, the queen, who stood beside the king with a hand on his shoulder. She seemed equally shocked and speechless, but there was also a hint of fear in her eyes. Bryan wondered if she had any idea who Alexander was, or if she had ever suspected that the king had another asides Roy.He looked at the council members, who had been ready to vote on his motion to impeach the king.They were divided between
The queen sat on her bed, clutching a picture of Bryan in her hand. She looked at his smiling face and felt a pang of pain in her heart. She loved him more than anything in the world. He was her son, even if he was not her flesh and blood.She had given him her name, her love, and her protection. She had watched him grow into a handsome and brave young man, who had made her proud in every way.But now, everything was in doubt. A stranger had appeared, claiming to be the true prince and heir of the throne. He had challenged Bryan to a test of blood and truth, to prove his claim. And the ball was in her court to either agree to it, or trash it but it was the only way to settle the matter.The queen didn't want to believe it. She didn't want to doubt Bryan's identity or loyalty. She didn't want to risk losing him or hurting him. But she also didn't want to deny the possibility that the stranger was telling the truth. What if he was really her son? What if he was the child that had been t
The next morning, Roy and Bryan walked to the throne room, where the test of blood was going to take place.They held hands as they walked, squeezing each other's fingers. They looked into each other's eyes, smiling bravely. They whispered words of encouragement and affection."Whatever happens, I love you," Roy said."I love you too," Bryan said.They reached the throne room, where a large crowd was waiting for them. They saw the King and Queen, who sat on their thrones, looking tense and worried. They saw their siblings, who stood by their sides, looking supportive and proud.Bryan’s eyes traveled across the room and he locked gazes with Alexander who stood by the side of the old maid, looking as cool as a cucumber but Bryan could smell his anxiety and fear from miles away. He was just faking the calm exterior.They saw the priestess of the blood, who held a silver dagger and a golden chalice, looking solemn and ominous.They felt a surge of fear and anxiety, but they did not let go
A year after…Bryan Anderson and Roy Jordan had come a long way since Roy first walked into the office building of Anderson Inc. They had overcome many obstacles, enemies, and secrets to become not only partners in work, but also in life. They had built a new company together, one that was innovative, ethical, and successful. They had also built a new family together, one that was loving, supportive, and diverse.As Roy sat in his office, he twirled the ring on his finger with a small smile. He still couldn't believe that he was married to Bryan, the man who had changed his life for the better. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was almost time for their weekly video call with their family. He picked up his phone and dialed Bryan's number."Hey, babe. Are you ready?" he asked."Almost. Just finishing up some paperwork. I'll be there in a minute," Bryan replied."Okay. Don't keep me waiting too long. I miss you," Roy said."I miss you too. Love you," Bryan said."Love you more," R