A Bite To Remember Read online

  “That is, if you’re staying,” Destrain said, concerned.

  “What? What do you mean? Of course, he’s staying. Nick just moved across the country with his men to help us build this new world for all paranormals,” Illan replied.

  “It’s my fault, Illan. I was an asshole to Nick and to Jagger, and because of that Nick told us he would be leaving Maddox and taking his mate and maybe his men with him, if they chose,” Dain explained guiltily.

  “What?” Illan and Justice yelled together.

  Jagger spun to face Nick, grabbing his hands. “You did? You said that we would leave?”

  “Yes, baby. I told you that.”

  “But I didn’t think you actually meant telling them we were leaving. I thought you were just trying to appease me and make me feel better,” Jagger said.

  Nick raised his hand and cupped Jagger’s cheek as he looked lovingly at his mate. “I will always try to do things to make you feel better, to make you happy, baby, but I meant it when I said we would leave here if you wanted. As you just heard, I already told Destrain, Dain, and Wyn that we would be leaving before Ezra and I came to talk to you. I will not be anywhere where my mate’s concerns are disregarded and looked at as petty bullshit. And I will not stay in a place where all creatures’ safety and wellbeing, as well as humans, are not taken into consideration, or one species is looked at as being more than any other. I wanted to come to Maddox after speaking with Illan because I believed this idea of his, Justice, and Destrain’s for a united paranormal race, where we all band together to protect one another and stand by each other, was a wonderful idea, and I wanted to help make that new world they spoke of. But I will gladly walk away, without regret, if my mate, or I, are disrespected. Or any being is being treated poorly.”

  “That’s what we believe, too, Nick. That all paranormals, no matter what breed, as well as humans, should be treated equally, and all should be protected. Yes, there is still a hierarchy of council and leaders, and there will still be rules to follow, but we want all to have a say in everything. We wish to take everyone’s concerns into account and not have one’s concerns be more important than any others,” Illan stated.

  “I’m really sorry I didn’t listen to you, Jagger,” Dain started.

  Nick pulled his hand back and he and Jagger turned to face Dain.

  “My apology has nothing to do with the offer of you being on the council, Nick. I had no idea you were being offered the position until just now. Destrain and I had a long talk before you all joined us and I had already told him that I would talk to you both and apologize for my behavior. You were absolutely right, Nick, I had no right to talk to you the way I did, and I certainly had no right to disregard your mate’s concerns or feelings. Jagger, you have your reasons for your choices, and they are none of my business, and for me to not give any care for that or your feelings is inexcusable. I am truly sorry, to both of you, and I hope you won’t let my stupidity or me being an asshole cloud your decision. I agree with Illan, Justice, and Destrain. You would be a perfect addition to the council and a great champion for all of our people, not just the shifters.”

  “I agree,” Ezra stated. “When I came back down here I was in the mind that my people would join your alliance, contingent with Nick staying in Maddox because of what I witnessed earlier. But now listening to the rest of you, I can honestly say I am feeling better about this meeting and the people involved. I would really like to hear more of what you gentlemen have to say, but I think this may be the wrong place to continue this discussion.”

  “You’re absolutely right, Ezra. Let’s take this to a more private location. May we still use your office Jagger?” Destrain asked and held up the set of keys Nick had tossed to him earlier.

  “Of course. Everyone follow me,” Jagger replied and took the keys from Destrain. Holding Nick’s hand, he led the way down the back hall to his office.

  CHAPTER 15

  Once inside, everyone got comfortable and Dain and Wyndingo got them all drinks as they settled back. Jagger was a little leery about sitting on Nick’s lap during a meeting, especially with all these leaders, but he figured too fucking bad. He really did have the best mate in the world. Nick had proven time and again how much he meant to him. Nick had told Dain and Destrain off and said they would leave Maddox. Nick had stood up to them all for him, and for his beliefs, of course. And Nick’s beliefs were very honorable. His mate truly cared for everyone’s wellbeing. Illan, Justice, and Destrain were right, Nick would make a fantastic councilman. And his actions proved to Jagger that Nick didn’t betray him by bringing Ezra to see him, or that he didn’t care about Jagger’s feelings. It only showed Jagger how much Nick really did love him. Nick wanted him to be able to move past what happened so that he could be happy, and because of all of this, his love for his mate grew stronger.

  “Ezra, first let me introduce you to the leader of the dragons, Illan Sutherlan, and one of his mates, leader of the phoenix, Justice Abruzzo,” Destrain began.

  After everyone was introduced and hands were shaken, Justice began the meeting. “Let me start by saying how happy and honored we all are to have you here, Ezra. We understand that this is a big decision for you and your people. The vampires have been in hiding for so long, and most other paranormals thought you were a myth. Not meeting any myself in all my years, I must confess, I did as well. But we would like for all paranormals to live freely, without prejudice or harm. And if you think it is best for your people to come out of hiding and live among us, we would love to be there for you. To offer our friendship and help in anything you need to make the transition easier. We would like to offer you our support in anything you need as well. But I would also like to let you know that this is not contingent on you aligning yourself or your people with us.”

  “If you don’t wish to get involved because of this battle we are in with the fairies and elves, we completely understand. Especially with your mate being elven himself. But as my mate has said, we would still like to offer you our friendship, as well as any help you may need. Even if you decide to keep the vampires in hiding and let the rest of the world go on believing you are a myth, we pledge to keep that secret,” Illan offered.

  “So even if Ezra says no, he doesn’t want anything to do with any of you, you won’t come after us, and you’ll keep the vampire secret? What’s the catch?” Jewel asked in disbelief as he crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Jewel,” Ezra admonished lightly.

  “It’s okay, Ezra. Your mate has every right to question us. You don’t know any of us and hearing that we are still willing to help you and keep your kind a secret without you joining us would make me a little suspicious as well. But it is the truth, Jewel. I give you my word,” Justice replied.

  “As do I,” Illan added.

  “And I,” Destrain agreed.

  “I must admit that hearing of the reunion of the dragon and the phoenix brought me hope that my people would be able to come out of hiding and live in the world like other paranormals. The reason we are in hiding to begin with is because of the fairies. Nick has informed me that you have recently found out that it was the fairies who created us. He also told me that you know they originally wanted us so that we could destroy the dragons and the phoenix, but they thought we were defective so they threw us away like trash. Everything we know or have learned about ourselves has been hard won. A lot of my people have died because the fairies didn’t help us to learn exactly who and what we were. They have even hunted us down to destroy us, thinking we are rejects of their creations. We hold no love for their kind and wish for them to be defeated as well. As our wonderful leader before me, Re Volak, always said, ‘If ever given the opportunity to defeat the fairies, the vampires should jump on it’. He always believed that the vampires could live free if the fairies were dealt with and destroyed, but not until then. I, as well as every vampire, agree with him. And now you are all offering us the opportunity we have dreamed of.

  “Althou
gh I am pretty sure of what choice I will make, especially after speaking with Nick and seeing the kind of man he is, I don’t make this decision lightly. Before I make my final decision I would like to meet with my advisors, as well as all the clan’s Scions, to hear any concerns they may have. Then I will meet with our Primos to get a full count of our warriors in the Crimson Corp. But I will tell you this, I think this would be a good move for all of us. Once I speak with the others, we will then have to decide if a move to be closer would be in our best interest, as well,” Ezra explained.

  “Last I remember the Crimson Corp had quite a large number these days,” Jagger stated.

  Ezra gave him a bright smile. “I bet you do. As my personal Regal, you above all others, including me, kept track of all those facts.”

  “May I ask something?” Justice asked.

  “Of course,” Ezra agreed.

  “Your titles, what are they and what do they mean? I’m not trying to get you to divulge secrets, but I’m a little confused about some of the things you said.”

  “As Re I am the king of all vampires, and even though my word is law, and ultimately, I have the final say, I do like to discuss such important matters with my advisors and all the clan leaders. The Scions. Each Scion has a second, or assistant, a Regal, and Jagger was mine, even when I was a Scion. Primos are our top generals of the Crimson Corp, and the Crimson Corp are our soldiers. Not unlike the human’s military. We don’t have nearly the number that the humans have, but my soldiers are paranormal creatures with certain gifts and advantages over the humans,” Ezra explained with a smirk.

  “So, you have an army?” Illan asked in interest.

  “Again, I’m not sure how big compared to others, but yes. And our Crimson Corp is trained better than the humans.”

  “We will give you all the time you need to talk with your people and make the right decision for you, before you meet with us again with your decision, whatever that may be. But, I would also like you to know something else before you decide. Illan, Justice, and I have been researching into buying another town just north of Maddox, for either expansion if needed someday, or for you and your people. And I believe that Illan and Justice would agree if I said, even if you chose not to join us, this town may be the perfect place for your people,” Destrain said.

  “We do agree,” Illan replied.

  “I didn’t tell them anything that would betray you or our people, Ezra, but I did say that the vampires were spread out for safety reasons, and that one of our biggest dreams was always to pull everyone together and have all the clans join in one area. To finally be together like they are trying to do here,” Jagger added.

  “I know you would never betray us, Jagger, and you are right, that has always been a dream of not only ours, but of Volak’s as well. He always dreamed of a day our people could be together as one big clan and live without fear of the fairies. I would be very interested in hearing more about this town, as well as maybe go and have a look to see if it fit our needs,” Ezra replied.

  “That would be wonderful. And again, we offer anything you may need, Ezra, even if it is monetary to help with the purchase the town,” Destrain offered.

  Ezra smiled at Destrain. “Thank you. That is a very generous offer, but if we are to purchase this territory, the vampires can handle whatever price. But I will accept your assistance when visiting the town to look around.”

  “Of course. We would be happy to,” Justice agreed.

  “There is one more thing we would like to discuss with you before you make your final decision, Ezra, and again, whether you decide to join us against the fairies or not, this offer remains. Because we didn’t know about the vampire before, you never had a representative on the council. But now that we do know of your kind, we would like to extend the invitation for you to be a councilman as well,” Destrain said.

  “Thank you, Destrain. I appreciate that. Your old council…well, our old council, did know of us. Our former Re, Volak, petitioned the council many times to have a vampire representative, but they always told him no because the vampires weren’t known by other paranormals, therefore the vampire weren’t acknowledged, but they did insist we adhere to all their rules and laws,” Ezra stated.

  “Yeah, and how many times did he want to shove their insistence down their throats and tell them to fuck off?” Jagger said laughing.

  Ezra laughed too, joining him. “Yes. He always did want to tell those pompous asses off. Although he did believe in most of the laws they set forth, it infuriated him that they ordered him as a paranormal to follow their laws, but then refused to acknowledge us, using our own fears against us. They said that if they included us then it would have to be public knowledge and therefore we could no longer remain in hiding.”

  “That’s fucked up,” Wyndingo mumbled angrily.

  “Well, I’m not a councilman…yet, but if I were, I would say that shit needs to change, and now,” Nick huffed.

  “We agree with you, Nick, and I am a councilman now, and I say as of this moment it is changed. The vampires are acknowledged by the paranormal council as members, and as such will be given the same privileges and protections as all other paranormals. And without your kind being made public. You may still remain in hiding, but if you need the council’s assistance for anything, do not hesitate to ask,” Illan announced.

  Jagger couldn’t believe what he had just heard. His people would now be able to call on the council for assistance if needed, even against the fairies, and they could remain in hiding. Re Volak would be beside himself with happiness if he were still alive. Tears built in his eyes and his throat closed with emotion as his gaze met Ezra’s and he could see the same emotions in his friend’s eyes as he was sure were in his own.

  Ezra cleared his throat, then swallowed hard as he blinked back the tears that were building in his eyes. “You men have just put the last nail in the coffin, as they say. I will still speak with my people, but it will be to inform them that we now have an alliance with the dragons, phoenix, and pixies. That we now have a representative on the council, me, and that we will be going to war alongside our allies, to defeat our joint enemy,” Ezra declared.

  “Are you sure, Ezra? We completely understand you needing time to think about all of this,” Illan said,

  “I am almost positive,” Ezra replied.

  “Almost? Shit, even I’m convinced this is the right move, mate,” Jewel stated.

  Ezra gave him a pointed look, then smiled when Jewel looked down. Ezra grabbed Jewel’s hand and pulled it onto his lap. “As my mate said, we are convinced this is the right move, but I will be one hundred percent positive, if…Nick also agrees to be on the council. As it was my conversation with you that actually made me decide. All the rest of this was just to hear what the council had to say and make sure I wasn’t making the wrong decision. And the one thing I told my mate before we came here was that if nothing else came out of this meeting except the council acknowledging my people, then I would agree to the alliance,” Ezra confessed.

  Everyone chuckled, then Destrain cleared his throat. “Well, Nick? Will you join the other four council members here and be one of us, to be the voice for the shifters?”

  Nick looked at Ezra and narrowed his eyes and just stared at him for a moment. Then a slow smirk raised the corners of his lips. “You are going to be so much trouble for me, aren’t you?”

  Ezra returned the smirk and nodded. “Yes. I love messing with my friends. Especially my new friend who I already have much respect for,” Ezra stated and held his hand out to Nick.

  Nick grasped Ezra’s hand and they shook. “Fine. I will join this merry band. But…if after I speak with my mate and he doesn’t agree, then I will back out,” Nick replied.

  “Deal,” Ezra, Illan, Justice, and Destrain all said in unison.

  Just then Nick’s cell started ringing. A second later Wyndingo’s also chimed. They each answered their calls, and at the same time, their gazes met, with the same worried l
ook.

  “Wyn and I are on our way,” Nick said into the phone, then disconnected the call as Wyndingo did.

  “That was Dallas and Angelo, they have some information on the rash of fires. We need to go,”

  Wyndingo announced.

  Jagger stood so that Nick could, then his mate kissed him. “I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

  “Take your time and do what you need to. Just be careful, my love. I’ll be at home waiting for you,” Jagger replied and gave Nick another kiss. Then Nick and Wyndingo ran from the office.

  “I wonder if we shouldn’t be a part of that meeting as well,” Illan said absently.

  “I think that Nick and Wyn will inform us of their findings when they know what’s going on,” Justice replied.

  “I agree. How about we head back to the new council building and show Ezra how far we have come? It’s not complete yet, but almost. And now with the vampires joining us, maybe you have a few ideas about the building and if there are special cells that would be needed for vampires if they should be needed?” Destrain offered.

  “I think that’s a great idea. Thank you. May I have a private word with my mate and Jagger first?” Ezra asked.

  “Of course. We’ll wait for you out in the club,” Destrain answered and he, Dain, Illan, and Justice stood, then exited the room.

  Jagger was sure he was not going to like what Ezra had to say. He knew he would have to eventually talk with Jewel again, but he didn’t want to do it so soon, and he didn’t want to do it before Ezra had a long talk with his mate. But when Ezra turned his attention to them once they were alone, Jagger knew he wasn’t going to be happy.

  “I know you’re not ready to do this, either of you, but I would like to go check out the new council building and get more information about this town the others mentioned. But I don’t think it is a good idea for Jewel to join me because of the elves being around. Here, he has been out of sight, but leaving will expose him. I would appreciate it if my Jewel could stay here, within your office, Jagger, and when I am done I will come for him. Maybe by then Nick will have returned, and you both may agree to join us for dinner?” Ezra asked hopefully.