When he spoke for the first time, the timbre of Thomas’s voice drove deep into Eddie’s chest. “Nice to meet you, Eddie. I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.”

Strangely enough, Eddie could only echo those words. There was something about Thomas that made him instantly relax. As if he’d known him all his life. Like a brother. A much wiser, older brother.

“You can let go of my hand now,” Thomas said, smiling.

Heat shooting into his cheeks, Eddie dropped Thomas’s hand. Jesus, what the fuck was wrong with him? Couldn’t he just act normally? He had to make a good impression on his new mentor. After all, Scanguards was giving him a second chance, and there was no way he’d screw this one up. He’d make them proud of him and do whatever it took. Just like he’d always wanted to make Nina proud of him. In fact, he still did.

Turning to Samson, he said, “Thank you, Samson, you won’t regret it.”

Samson nodded. “Thomas will tell you when you’re ready to resume your duties at Scanguards. In the meantime, we’ll be paying your full salary.”

Samson’s generosity floored him. He hadn’t expected this and had already wondered what he would do to survive once he was on his own again and not staying at Ricky’s anymore. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“No need. I practically had no choice. Amaury is a very persuasive man.”

Thomas chuckled. “Who has no defenses when it comes to his mate.”

Samson laughed. “Well, luckily, neither you nor I have to live with Nina.”

Eddie felt the need to defend his sister, even though he knew well enough himself that she could be a pain in the butt. Stubborn as hell. And argumentative. “What are you saying?”

“Only that your sister has Amaury firmly wrapped around her little finger.” Thomas pulled a set of gloves from his jacket pocket. “Let’s go then. Do you ride motorcycles?”

“A bit.”

“Well, you’ll learn.”

“Where are we going?” Eddie asked, curious and excited at the same time. He had the feeling that hanging out with Thomas would be a lot of fun. He seemed different from the other vampires he’d met. Not as intense. More casual.

“Home.”

“Home?”

“Yes, you’re moving in with me. Makes things easier. Any objections?”

Eddie shook his head. He was planning on complying with everything his mentor demanded.

Not just to please Samson and Nina, but also, because he wanted Thomas to be proud of him.

“I hope I won’t be cramping your style. I mean, if you have a girl coming around and need some privacy, I’m happy to stay out of your way.”

Thomas stopped in his tracks. “A girl?” Then he looked back at Samson. “Didn’t you tell him that I’m gay?”

Gay? Thomas was gay? Eddie looked him up and down. He didn’t look gay at all. He looked . . . masculine and not at all effeminate. A man’s man.

“Is that a problem?” Thomas asked with a tightness in his voice that hadn’t been there before.

For an instant, Eddie’s heart stopped. He shook his head, not wanting to alienate Thomas.

“No, no problem at all.” He didn’t care which way Thomas was swinging. All that mattered was that his mentor felt comfortable in his company. He wouldn’t let Thomas’s sexual orientation get in the way of their professional relationship. After all, they were both grown-ups.

“Can’t wait to see your digs,” he added, lending his voice a more cheerful note in order to dispel the awkwardness that had risen for a moment. “What kind of motorcycle do you ride? A Harley?”

Thomas smiled at him. “Not quite. I have a few others. I’ll show ‘em to you. If you like, we can go for a ride later.”

8

Today

Thomas glanced at Eddie from the side as he watched the dancers, and occasionally sipped from his glass. Eddie appeared to be lost in his thoughts. Lately, he’d seen him like this quite often, almost as if something were bothering him. But Thomas wasn’t one to pry into other people’s personal affairs. If Eddie needed advice on something, he’d come to him when he was ready. From the beginning when he’d started mentoring the young vampire, he’d made a point of not coddling him. Nobody ever grew into his own and became a man if he was treated with kid gloves. And he wanted Eddie to become a strong and independent man with steadfast values. By all indications, Eddie was heading in the right direction.

“They make a great couple, don’t they?” a familiar voice said close to him, a hand pointing at Yvette and Haven.