“I’m waiting on a young man. The name is Ashby Fairfax, has he been by?” Gabriel asked. Bryn didn’t
even have to look at his clipboard.
“No sir. We have been waiting for him to arrive so that we could show him in and bring him directly to
you,” Bryn said. Gabriel took a few steps outside and immediately the front of the line grew silent before
quiet whispers spoke of his presence at the door.
“Sir, he wouldn’t be in line, not if he was expected,” Bryn said. Gabriel nodded, thinking back at
Roman’s words about Ashby. The man was right, Ashby would never assume anything was due to him. He
stepped outside and started walking down the line. People stared and stopped their conversations as he
walked by, Bryn walking behind him. Radek stayed behind to watch the door. Gabriel scanned the faces as
he walked. He had memorized Ashby’s features from the only picture Ashby had sent him on his cell
phone. Gabriel had almost reached the end of the line when he spotted a familiar head of soft blond curls.
He stopped in front of the smaller man who gazed up at him with one of the most beautiful faces he had
ever seen. His aura was nearly as pure as the Alpha Mother’s whom he had met months ago. He watched as
the man opened his mouth then closed it, then sniffed, obviously cold. The beautiful man blushed and
ducked his head.
“I have been waiting for you, mon ange. I wish you had let me know you were waiting, I could have
come to get you before you got so cold.” He wrapped an arm around the smaller man’s shoulders and
guided him to the door.
Gabriel heard the astonished whispers that he had come out to personally get someone. There were a
few low growls of anger, but what concerned him the most was the wave of intense hatred mixed with lust
and jealousy. Most vampires were empathetic to some degree. It was nature’s way of helping them keep
their prey calm while they fed.
When he got Ashby to the doors he leaned in and whispered to Bryn.
“There is someone in line...” Bryn nodded.
“I felt it as well, we’ll take care of it my prince, enjoy your evening,” Bryn said winking. Gabriel gifted
him with a rare half smile and they felt the line surge forward.
“Sir, not to be disrespectful, but can you go be stunning in your rooms, where you won’t cause a riot?”
Bryn said, trying to hold back a smile. Gabriel nodded and steered the angelic man toward the stairs that led
to his personal rooms.
* * * *
Ashby heard the astonished comments as they walked past the line. In all honesty, he couldn’t blame
them. He couldn’t believe that Gabriel had come looking for him, to personally escort him into the club. He
felt completely out of place at the man’s side. Before he knew it he was led up the stairs and into Gabriel’s
opulent living quarters.
Everything in the apartment looked new. The color scheme was very monochromatic. Black leather and
chrome accents dominated the large space. It didn’t feel homey or lived in at all. He took a deep breath and
was relieved that his sense of smell had returned from being outside in the cold. He could smell cleaning
agents and leather. When he turned his head to look at the man staring at him with a smile on his face he
caught the scent of something else. He shook his head.
It’s not possible. He’s a prince and I scoop ice cream. He looked up to see Gabriel watching him from
across the apartment with a soft smile on his lips. Ashby took another deep breath and the scent expanded
in his lungs and seemed to fill his body. He looked up and stared at Gabriel as Gabriel silently watched him.
He was still staring when his cell phone started to ring. Without breaking eye contact he reached into his
pocket and answered his phone.
“Hello?” Even to himself his voice sounded strained.
“Ashby, is everything OK? I’m getting overwhelming feelings from you.” Rebecca sounded worried.
“I’m fine,” he said, his eyes never leaving Gabriel.
“Where are you? Nic said you’re not at your apartment,” Rebecca said.
“I’m at Purgatory,” he said sounding lost in thought.
“Is everything OK? How are things going with Gabriel? Do you need us to come get you?” Rebecca
started spitting questions at him. When she took a breath he said softly, “He’s my mate.” Silence seemed to
pour from the cell phone.
“Oh my Gosh, that’s amazing, Ashers!” he heard from Rebecca.
“Bow chica wow wow. Tap that ass!” he heard Rian yell, then a slap and yelp.
“Rian hush! This isn’t some booty call, he just found his mate!” he heard Kate say.
“Maybe we should come up there anyway,” Rebecca started. Ashby was staring at his phone in horror