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.Caden clawed at the collar, trying to focus enough to use his magic, but his mind was too scrambled from fighting the electricity surging through the metal."I've got it, love.I've got you," Valor chanted over and over, and then suddenly he was free.Gasping for air, Caden lay in Valor's arms, gripping his lover as his lifeline.From the corner of his eye, he saw Jamie kneeling beside them, lending his help.A crunching sound jerked his attention over to Sam.The other werekin had half-shifted and froze in that position, neither man nor beast.The trapped look in his eyes told their own story.He was stuck."Kill me," Sam whispered.Caden let Valor help him to his feet and patted his brother's arm."Help me remove Sam's collar," he said to his brother.Jamie nodded.Between the two of them they were able to rip off the offending metal.Sam remained in his partially shifted state.With a heavy heart Caden knew Sam would never be able to change in either direction towards man or beast.Tears filled Caden's eyes as he cradled Sam's face between his hands."May the goddess guide your steps in the afterlife," Caden whispered.With a twist of his hands he snapped Sam's neck, the sound echoing in the suddenly still night.Blinking back tears, he let the young werekin's body fall.A hand patted him on the shoulder."You did the right thing," Jamie said beside him."He didn't want to live like that."A werekin changed against nature could never change back again.Every werekin knew that rule and no one would want to live the life of a monster.Caden nodded and when he brushed away tears with the backs of his hands, no one commented.Donaldo came forward, his long cape flowing behind him as he walked.As much of an ass as Donaldo was, Caden had to admit the other man had the vampire look perfected.He stopped in front of Caden."In thanks for this wonderful blood hunt, I thought I'd return this to you.I found it in a particularly delicious human's office."From his hand he dangled Caden's collar.With a wide smile Caden snatched it and handed it over to Valor."Put it on me.""Yes, my love," Valor said in an amused tone.It wasn't until he felt the cool metal against his skin once more that Caden felt like he'd come home.With a happy sigh he turned to Donaldo."Thank you."The stern vampire gave him a dazzling smile."You are most welcome, werehound."Donaldo gave him a dramatic bow."I'll see you back at the mansion."As he vanished into the dark night, Caden turned to Valor."I almost like that man."Valor wrapped Caden in his arms, hugging him briefly."Come with me.We'll leave the hunters to the tribe and the werekin.We're going home."Caden was tempted to stay behind.There wasn't anything he could do more than the others but he felt guilty letting the others fight his fight."You've had a rough night, darling.I need to have you in my bed where you belong.""What about the other prisoners?" It seemed cruel to just let them loose without any place to go."True is already herding them home," Jamie assured him."We'll help them get back to their families.If they don't have one, they can join mine.""Good.I didn't want them to be alone.""You should be more concerned about me being alone," Valor grumbled.Swallowing a laugh, Caden wrapped an arm around his lover and let Valor take him back home where he belonged.* * * *Valor's bed was as decadent as Caden remembered.It seemed too long since he'd lain with his lover when in reality it was a mere matter of hours.Caden took a deep breath, taking the essence of their combined scent deep into his lungs.Valor growled behind him.It wasn't a happy sound.His vampire was pissed."You locked me in my closet."He wouldn't apologize.He wouldn't."It was for your safety," Caden said.He turned to face his lover.It was never a good idea to have an angry vampire at your back.Valor's eyes were flaring red.Oops.Caden placed his hands on Valor's wrists."I would do it again if I thought it would keep you safe."All of the anger left Valor with a rush as the vampire wrapped Caden in his cool embrace."I know as a werekin you feel the need to protect what is yours." Valor leaned back."But know this.Even though we are mates, I am the one who protects our safety.If you hadn't locked me in, Stephan wouldn't have been able to get to you."Caden shook his head."If you hadn't been safe, Stephan would have killed you in order to get to me.He wanted you gone.I was just a tool in his greater plans."He just had to ask."What happened to Stephan?"Valor flashed his fangs."Your brother's pack destroyed him before I got the chance."Caden knew that must have infuriated his lover.Valor would've wanted the satisfaction of killing Stephan himself.Seeking to distract the vampire, Caden stripped off his shirt with a smile.Yep, that worked.Valor's eyes tracked his every motion as he moved on to unbutton his pants
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