Bryan's face was full of sarcasm. He looked at Cain indifferently, as if he was saying, I've been fooling you.Cain was annoyed, did this man really think he was out of luck? Ha-ha, how stupid to actually offer evidence of his crime in front of him?Now as long as he was able to prove that the chicken soup is poisonous, Bryan Anderson couldn't force him to eat it!Thinking of this method, Cain was so excited that he didn't even take the time to think about it."This chicken soup is poisonous! I won't drink it, you just want to poison me to death!" he slammed his fist on the table and jumped to his feet. The business executives in the room began murmuring amongst themselves while the press continued taking pictures, recording, and scribbling furiously on their notepads.Bryan raised his eyebrows, and took the spoon from Roy, and stretched the spoon forward again, "Mr. Dodge, I really don't know what you're talking about."Cain hurriedly glanced at his attorneys with a scorching look in
“I got a new job!” Hailey burst into the condo and began to dance around, holding a brown paper bag of groceries as if it were her imaginary dancing partner, “I start Friday night,” she shuffled her feet, and twirled dramatically as Roy walked down the last few staircases.“You got a job?”Hailey grinned, “Yup.”“What about your old one? I think I missed something.” Roy said, “Maybe you’d better start at the beginning.” For the last couple of hours, he’d been upstairs going through his belongings, getting ready to bring back more of his stuff from Bryan’s house since it was all over.Hailey carried the groceries into the kitchen and placed them on the counter, “Remember my old boss, Jerry was a douche and didn’t miss a chance to harass me. Well, Liam came over a few days ago, and let’s just say, someone went back home with a black eye and it wasn’t Liam…”Roy interrupted her before she could complete her statement, “Liam….I thought Liam was with Kristine and you are with Elliot.”She
The sparkling lights of Louisiana blazed against a background of shadowy velvet. As the helicopter swooped low over the coastline, Elliot glanced over his shoulder. Kyle was fast asleep, sitting next to the nanny he had borrowed from the Ortiz Royal Palace, “We’re almost there,” he murmured reassuringly to the uniformed woman, “may I tell you how grateful I am that you were able to join us at such notice, Neri.”Neri smiled and gave a short boy, “I’m glad to be of help. With any luck I’ll be able to put Kyle straight to bed without waking him. He’s worn out, poor little pumpkin.”With a brief nod, Elliot turned back and glanced at Hailey who was sitting stiffly beside him, the tilt of her chin causing him to curse beneath his breath.She had refused to say a word to him the moment he brought her to the helipad after picking Kyle up from his babysitter’s.He couldn’t tell what made her mad. Maybe it was the fact that he had a helicopter at hand—which wasn’t originally his. It was Bryan
Bryan opened the door and stepped back welcoming Roy into his house. He was dressed in dark jeans and a crisp white shirt, his ten-thousand dollars black boot polished so brightly it reflected the patio lights. With his dark hair neatly combed back, he looked gorgeous.A thrill of excitement slipped through Roy. Bryan was so damned sexy, so damned male.Roy flushed at his own thoughts, as if he wasn’t male himself. Well, he was a slightly effeminate man. He finally acknowledged.“You look good enough to eat,” Bryan drawled, his forest green eyes sliding over Roy’s slicked back hair, the shiny stud earrings on his earlobe. Then the off white shirt he wore that match his converse.Finally his gaze settled on his bobbing Adam’s apple. Bending his head, he brushed his lips over the lump in his throat, sliding his lips up to meet Roy’s, a brief melding of lips as he led him into the house and closed the door.“Perfect,” Bryan whispered, his eyes scorching with an emotion so close to revere
After dialing Hailey’s phone repeatedly without her answering, Roy jumped from the bed and threw his wrinkled clothes back on, heading for the door.He grabbed one of Bryan’s car keys from the butler and stepped on the gas, shooting down the street.His heart was hammering, trying to pound its way through his ribs. His throat was dry as he got caught in traffic.A long thirty minutes later, Roy jerked the wheel, forcing the car to the opposite side of the road, and jumped out without closing the door.His pulse was racing as he blinked back the tears blurring his vision.He had no doubt as to who did this.Oh god, he thought, Hailey and Kyle weren’t supposed to be home at all. he started running across the street, heading straight for the front door, then he finally exited the elevator at the top floor but stumbled and fell when someone stepped in his way, blocking his path at the door to their apartment“You can’t go in there sir.”“That’s my house! My sister’s in there—my sister and
Early morning sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.He poured himself a cup of coffee and carried it back to his desk.He flicked his gaze to the door of his study, picturing the hallway off the living room that led to the stairs and then the bedrooms. His unwilling houseguests were asleep in one of them, exhausted after the break-in last night.Leaning back, Bryan ran his fingers through his hair. Roy blamed himself for the break-in, but it wasn’t his fault. If anyone was to be pointed fingers at, then it was him. Roy’s protection was his ultimate task. He had failed.Bryan blew out a frustrated breath. He needed more information from the investigation bureau so it could confirm what he already knew—that Fred Macintyre was responsible for this.He was informed a few weeks ago that the man had escaped from the mental institution Bryan had made sure Fred was taken to but he kept it under wraps for there was more crucial things to handle. His men were searching for
He was wearing grey sweatpants that he’d loaned from Bryan, his brown hair in a mess atop his head.Bryan felt that punch in the gut that he’d felt before.“I hope I am not interrupting. I didn’t know anyone was here.” He murmured, an adorable flush appearing on his skin.If Mark was shocked, his expression gave nothing away.“Roy, this is detective Mark. He was leaving.”“I’m sorry about the break-in,” mark said turning around to face Roy. “we are going to catch the guy. A man like that is a danger not to only you and your family but to everyone in the vicinity.”Roy’s eyes widened as he took in the features of the man’s face. He was eerily familiar but Roy couldn’t place where he’d seen him.“Yes, he is.” He managed to say after an awkward moment of staring at him, “And I appreciate any help you can give. Besides, it’s wonderful to learn that someone in the bureau is not under Cain’s paycheck.” He was rambling and everyone knew it.Bryan saved the day by quickly steering Mark out of
Their arms loaded with bags and boxes, Roy and Hailey returned to Bryan’s mansion late in the afternoon.Carrying a few more boxes and another load of packages, Carpalia walked them to the door and the butler pulled it open.He smiled briefly, “Welcome home.”As they walked past the foyer into the living room, Roy’s eyes widened at the sight of Bryan cradling little Kyle against his broad chest.“What in the world.”“I couldn’t get an impromptu babysitter and my housekeeper had some things to do. So I rushed back home from the office and we swapped places.”Roy looked at Hailey, Hailey looked at him and they burst out laughing.One of Bryan’s brows arched, “What? You didn’t think I could change a diaper?” the sides of his lips quirked, “I have six siblings whom I’m older than with a lot of years.”Dropping her package, Hailey reached for the baby, and Bryan gently handed him over, “Thanks, Bryan,” she exclaimed, “You’ve been extremely good to me I find it hard to remember how you hurt
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
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
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 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
“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
“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
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
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
Next Chapter:Bryan's heart was pounding as he desperately tried to regain control of the car, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the steering wheel. But Roy's sudden interference had thrown off his balance and the car swerved wildly, careening towards the massive tree."Bloody hell, Roy!" he swore, his voice filled with a mix of anger and fear. The car was hurtling towards the tree at breakneck speed, and he knew that if they collided, it would be a fatal crash. He would survive it and heal pretty quickly, but Roy…In a split-second decision, he shifted into his wolf form, feeling the transformation rippling through his body. The sudden shift gave him the strength and agility to yank Roy from the passenger seat and leap out of the car, just as it collided with the tree.The impact was deafening, the sound of metal crunching and glass shattering filling the air. The car crumpled like a tin can, smoke billowing from the wreckage as it skidded to a stop.Roy was in shock, his body