“Sir, if most of the coven lived in Arkadia, we wouldn’t have to split up the security detail to run the
club while the other half slept,” Baptista added.
“I also know for a fact that several shifters in town would be willing to take on work here in the club to
replace anyone who wanted to stay in town,” Ashby added.
“We could even work in rotations so that everyone gets a break away from the club.” Rhys stepped up
beside the twins. Gabriel looked around them, eyes wide.
“You want this? You all want this?” he asked, amazed. He had no idea how much his coven desperately
wanted a real home.
“It would be a great move for the coven, but it would also mean that you and Prince Ashby could be
together without him having to sacrifice his shop or friends and family.” Mikhail walked up behind Gabriel
and clapped him on the back before ruffling Ashby’s hair. The coven stared in shock at the rare display of
affection from the ancient warrior.
“All in favor?” Ashby shouted. A deafening amount of ayes reverberated through the air.
“All opposed?” Mikhail asked. The silence was immediate.
“Looks like we’re moving in with the furballs,” Roman said. Everyone broke into cheers and then
started to disperse, excitedly talking about the upcoming move.
“I need to contact Aleks Arkadion and arrange the invitation ceremony…” Gabriel started.
“Roman!” Ashby yelled.
“On it.” Roman walked away, tapping on his smartphone.
“We need to figure out how to get our things into town,” Gabriel continued.
“Rhys, could you contact Duncan Arkadion? He and his brother own the construction business in town.
I bet he and his crew can assist in the move. They also have large trucks that can help transport everything,”
Ashby countered.
“Got it!” Rhys ran after Roman to get the number to reach Duncan.
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed at Ashby at the unspoken challenge.
“We also need to submit relocation forms to the vampire council, transfer all of our banking and set up
new accounts in Arkadia.” He watched Ashby, who smirked up at him.
“David, Daniel,” Ashby said.
“So totally one step ahead of you on that one, bossman.” The twins laughed and raced up to their office.
“We need a place to live,” Gabriel said as if moving into checkmate.
“Noel, reach out to Caleb Donovan of the Arkadian wolf pack. He is willing to sell us his turn-of-the-
century plantation home. Make sure you offer over asking price, they have two boys to support after all.
Oh, and also look into getting a huge pool installed. That will permanently add us to Rebecca and Kate’s
good list.” Ashby smiled up at his mate.
“It’s like no one needs me for anything anymore,” Gabriel said, almost pouting. Ashby smiled and slid
his hands under Gabriel’s shirt.
“I can think of one or two things you could do,” Ashby offered magnanimously. One of Gabriel’s dark
eyebrows shot up before he turned to Mikhail.
“Make sure Roman doesn’t piss off Aleks Arkadion by being the sarcastic genius he is. Be with Rhys
when he calls Duncan so that he doesn’t just agree to everything he suggests. Stand over David and Daniel
when they handle financials, they tend to get distracted by Call of Duty. And yes, offer over asking price for
the plantation house but also get a realistic list of repairs and upgrades needed on the house before we
close. And make sure that he doesn’t fill up the entire back property with a pool in an effort to make Ashby
happy.” Gabriel grinned at his oldest friend.
“Ass. Hole,” Mikhail muttered before he went to track Roman down.
“See, we make the perfect team.” Ashby snuggled close to Gabriel, relishing every second in his mate’s
arms.
“I can show you how perfect,” Gabriel said, grazing Ashby’s neck with his fangs. Ashby whimpered.
“Please,” he begged softly. Gabriel lifted him up off his feet, and with preternatural speed he navigated
the stairs. Once in their apartments Gabriel proved to Ashby over and over again exactly how good a match
they were.
* * * *
Ashby was humming to himself and swaying his hips from side to side as he washed his hands in the
bathroom that night after the club opened. Everyone in the coven was celebrating and the atmosphere was
jubilant and light. Grinning, he winked at himself in the mirror and turned to leave. When he looked up,
two tall men in a dark suits stood between him and the door.
“Excuse me,” Ashby said. Both men grinned, revealing descended fangs.
“Your prince should have heeded our warning and backed off on the investigation. Too bad. You look