A Mate for Gideon(63)

Zane was exactly where he expected him to be at this time of the day. On the training grounds, carrying out inspections of the various practices.

His king stood, arms folded, watching two males battle it out with swords. Both males were covered in blood. One of the two had a slice across his forehead. As Gideon watched, the wound seemed to become less deep, less wide.

They used steel swords for such sparring sessions to avoid major injury or death. Gideon put his hand on his chest. His skin still pulled a little over the bullet wound but other than a small pink scar, there was nothing left to see. Within the next few hours, even that would be gone.

He moved in next to Zane, who glanced across at him. The big male’s nostrils flared, then he turned back to the fight. The only male that had actually assumed the worst, was York and only because he too had been fooling around with a human female. Everyone else assumed that he reeked of human female because he spent so much time with them…protecting them.

Gideon had seen the reports showing how York signed himself in and out of vampire territory, sometimes more than once a day. He would disappear for hours on end. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to guess exactly where he was going.

Funny how guilty minds always assumed the worst. York was as guilty as fuck. He was also a male on a mission. Hopefully he would have more luck than what he had, had. Although he couldn’t keep facts away from Brant, he told the male as little as possible, not wanting to get York into trouble. Not when he could completely relate.

“I need to have a word, my lord.” Gideon glanced at Zane, his eyes were still fixed on the fight. Things were heating up. One of the males had practically hacked the other one’s arm off. It hung from a piece of flesh. He commended the wounded male’s bravery. The youngster had yet to scream, run or forfeit the bout. His arm useless at his side, he soldiered on. His jaw was set in determination.

“I thought you were here to select a few new recruits. We have a couple of males that would work perfectly in your division.” He nodded towards the brave fighter. The youngster grunted as his bigger opponent stabbed him in the stomach. He fell to one knee, but still refuse to give up.

“I’m not here on business. I need to speak with you about a private matter. I would greatly appreciate a few minutes of your time.”

Zane turned his full attention on him. Dark, penetrating eyes bore into him. “Private? This would be a first.” Zane gave a jerk of the head to indicate affirmation. He turned and strolled away, expecting Gideon to follow.

On one knee, bleeding profusely, arm still hanging, the youngster lunged up with his sword slashing the femoral artery of his opponent. Blood sprayed. The other male shrieked trying to staunch the flow. It was an immediate victory to the brave youngster who fell on his side, exhaustion clearly setting in.

“Come and see me tomorrow.” Gideon said as he looked down at the youngster who managed a bloody grin.

The male nodded. “Thank you, sir.”

Gideon turned and followed Zane who was already exiting the training grounds, headed for a walkway that led to the lake. This way they would have some much needed privacy.

Gideon broke into a jog, quickly catching up with his king. They walked in silence for a few minutes.

“Right, what’s going on? Does this have something to do with the human females?” Zane’s eyes narrowed. “Brant and I do talk. He told me that you spoke with him yesterday. I can only guess that this has something to do with a female.” The male sighed.

“Yes, my lord.” Gideon was sure to maintain eye contact while he spoke. “That would be correct.”

Zane’s eyes seemed to darken. He looked to the lake for a few seconds before turning back to Gideon. “My hands are tied. There is nothing I can do to help you. You need to take Brant’s advice and stay the fuck away from her.”

Gideon sucked in a deep breath. “It’s more complicated than that. I love her.”

Zane frowned, his nostrils flared again. “You are willing to risk everything for a female without first testing compatibility? That’s fucking insane and you know it. I realize that there is a good chance that if you are sufficiently attracted to one another, that you will be compatible. There is a risk though.”

He needed to come clean. It might buy him time in the dungeon or a hundred fucking lashings, but it was worth it. “We are compatible,” Gideon growled. “Very fucking compatible.”

Zane smiled. “Even if you used human coverings, I would still be able to scent if you rutted her. You did not.” His frown deepened. “Why are you lying to me about this?”

“Before I can answer the question, I need to understand what it is that you are asking? What is a human covering?” He felt himself frown.