Roy could sense that they were mind-linking because they shared the same expression Bryan’s siblings had shared that day in the hotel.He lowered his eyes onto a pattern on the floor, feeling the hair at the back of his neck tingle with tension.He jerked upright when Bryan made a growling noise at the back of his throat, his eyes menacing as he glared at his father.Finally, his father broke eye contact and scoffed, “Fine. You have ten minutes.”That said, he strolled out of the hospital room and the door slammed shut behind him, leaving Bryan and Roy in an uncomfortable silence.Just as Roy parted his lips to speak, Bryan leaped from the bed and drew Roy into his arms, burying his face into Roy’s hair.Roy wasn’t sure but he could swear he felt a wetness on his scalp…Was Bryan crying?His heart constricted and it became harder to breathe. Was his strong Lycan Prince crumbling against him?He raised the limp arms dangling by his sides and wrapped them around Bryan, rubbing down his b
Whatever happens, don’t leave me, Roy.That sentence played around in a loop in his head till it actually made him sick to his stomach.His fingers balled into a fist at his sides where he stood in a corner of the general conference room, which looked more like a hall.Kristine stood beside him, glancing at him occasionally, probably to see if he was going to cry, ready to offer him solace.Ah well, he was hanging on by a thread.All the employees of Anderson Inc. had been waiting for the past thirty minutes for their CEO to show up but it seemed it would be a very long wait.Roy set his gaze straight, ignoring the pitiful and sometimes, spiteful glances most of the workers shot him.It was clear that they’d all seen the headlines and were curious as to how Roy would act. Asides from the trembling of his fingers that were hidden in his fist, Roy was miraculously and impressively stoic.The conference room/hall suddenly became hushed and Roy swallowed hard, realizing that Bryan Anderso
Whatever happens, don’t leave me, Roy.That sentence played around in a loop in his head till it actually made him sick to his stomach.His fingers balled into a fist at his sides where he stood in a corner of the general conference room, which looked more like a hall.Kristine stood beside him, glancing at him occasionally, probably to see if he was going to cry, ready to offer him solace.Ah well, he was hanging on by a thread.All the employees of Anderson Inc. had been waiting for the past thirty minutes for their CEO to show up but it seemed it would be a very long wait.Roy set his gaze straight, ignoring the pitiful and sometimes, spiteful glances most of the workers shot him.It was clear that they’d all seen the headlines and were curious as to how Roy would act. Asides from the trembling of his fingers that were hidden in his fist, Roy was miraculously and impressively stoic.The conference room/hall suddenly became hushed and Roy swallowed hard, realizing that Bryan Anderso
When he dragged himself from bed in the morning, he had a murderous migraine that threatened to split his brain in half, but the oppressive sense of betrayal was gone. It was gray and blustery outside, but the rain had stopped.He could only recollect bits and pieces of the conversation he’d had with his siblings and Hailey’s grumbling about Roy dating Anderson for his money.He couldn’t bring himself to tell them that they were right as usual and Anderson like every other man that had come into his life to only use him.But it was only a matter of time before Hailey would see the news. Since Anderson Inc. and Siemens holdings were big names in the business world, their engagement was aired on wall street journal TV.Throwing down a bottle of water and aspirin, he quickly washed his mouth that felt like he’d drank cat piss, and padded out of his room.It was only when he got halfway down the hallway that he noticed that he was still in the clothes of yesterday.He should call the head
When he dragged himself from bed in the morning, he had a murderous migraine that threatened to split his brain in half, but the oppressive sense of betrayal was gone. It was gray and blustery outside, but the rain had stopped.He could only recollect bits and pieces of the conversation he’d had with his siblings and Hailey’s grumbling about Roy dating Anderson for his money.He couldn’t bring himself to tell them that they were right as usual and Anderson like every other man that had come into his life to only use him.But it was only a matter of time before Hailey would see the news. Since Anderson Inc. and Siemens holdings were big names in the business world, their engagement was aired on wall street journal TV.Throwing down a bottle of water and aspirin, he quickly washed his mouth that felt like he’d drank cat piss, and padded out of his room.It was only when he got halfway down the hallway that he noticed that he was still in the clothes of yesterday.He should call the head
When hearts tear, they make no sound. He should have known that by now. Acting indifferent for an hour and Roy was already dazed and reeling from the hurt. The only noise in the bathroom besides the drumming beat of that lifeless organ inside his chest was the splashing of droplets of water from the tap. On a shuddering breath, Roy stared at his reflection in the mirror and then at the door, and then at the faint love bite on his neck, the tiles but the image that burned in his mind and made him ache was Bryan’s stark, haunted features in his room two nights ago. He saw Bryan’s wild black hair falling uncombed over his perfectly arched brow and gleaming green eyes. Saw his sensual mouth compressed in pain. Saw the shadows of exhaustion between his empty eyes. Saw new lines carved deeper into his brown flesh. Saw the slight slump of his broad proud shoulders. Remembered the agony in his eyes when he’d said, “Whatever happens Roy, please don’t let go.” Why couldn’t he hate Bryan f
On a shuddering breath, Roy stared at his reflection in the mirror and then at the door, and then at the faint love bite on his neck, the tiles but the image that burned in his mind and made him ache was Bryan’s stark, haunted features in his room two nights ago.He saw Bryan’s wild black hair falling uncombed over his perfectly arched brow and gleaming green eyes. Saw his sensual mouth compressed in pain. Saw the shadows of exhaustion between his empty eyes. Saw new lines carved deeper into his brown flesh. Saw the slight slump of his broad proud shoulders.Remembered the agony in his eyes when he’d said, “Whatever happens Roy, please don’t let go.”Why couldn’t he hate Bryan for abandoning him?He should take off the stupid black obsidian ring from his finger and flush it down the drain.When then did he fall to his knees and curl his fingers against the grey tie on his neck that’d belonged to Bryan? He buried his face in the soft material, inhaling his scent that was still faintly
Anderson—Come to me.Roy—Not in your wildest dreams.Anderson--I’m saying this as your boss.Roy--And I’m saying this as your employee who doesn’t report directly to you. If you need anything, you can contact my superior.Anderson--Let’s kiss and make up. I promise it’ll be better than before.Roy—You’re such a jerkAnderson—Your jerk (an eggplant emoji)Roy couldn’t help it. He laughed. It’s been a while since he’d laughed.“Who are you texting?” A raspy male voice broke into his thoughts and he quickly shoved his phone away.“No one.” He muttered, licking his suddenly dry lips as guilt washed through him. was he really texting back and forth with Anderson while on a dinner date this Angelo? Eff, this was so messed up.He should have ignored Bryan’s text after that incident in the alley but how could he when his heart skipped a beat and his blood heated almost as if he’d been waiting for that text?“Are you sure?” Angelo narrowed his eyes while tucking a napkin into his shirt collar,
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