Antonio

“Master,” I looked up from the paperwork I was attempting to go through at my second’s voice. 

“Karter! What can I do for you?” I leaned back in my chair and motioned for him to take a seat.

“First off,” he said, slouching down in the chair. “I’d like to express how wonderful it is to have you back; we missed you out here. Although, I am certain the last few days have been most enjoyable for you.” He added with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, these past few days have been wonderful.”

We both laughed for a moment, then he sobered and straightened in his chair. I immediately sat at attention. “You said ‘first off,’ what else is on your mind?”

He seemed to take a deep breath before he spoke. “There have been some rumors going around about a group of omegas roaming around, heading towards our lands. All male, all different species. I took the liberty of seeing if I could find out where they are currently and it seems as though they are about to pass through the Blackwood pack lands, but if they try to do it without any alpha protection, they’ll never make it.”

I leaned back, finger tips together. “You seem particularly upset by this; is there something more I should know?”

Karter dropped his head. “I think my brother might be part of the group.” His voice was almost too low for even my enhanced hearing to pick up.

Shock radiated through me. “I was under the impression that he was dead. You told me he was gone.” I said carefully.

He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “Not dead, just… gone.” His voice broke. “Seventeen years ago, he and I were hanging out the one time I was home and I suggested we go to the park. He was excited to do anything with me; my parents never let him go anywhere without one of them. He should have been safe with me!” his head came up fast and his eyes were tinged red. “I was supposed to protect him. Omega vampires are very rare and highly sought after, so much so that many of the few there are have armed guards posted day and night. My parents couldn’t afford that, so one of us stayed with him at all times. But there were too many of them. I-I couldn’t - I wasn’t strong enough.” His voice broke and I moved to his side.

“Are you certain he never died?” When his eyes flared more red I raised a hand in a calming gesture. “Remember, there are things about born vampires that are different from made. I’m made, not born. So explain to me how you know he is still alive.” 

His shoulders slumped and he murmured an apology. 

“I’ll take it out of your pay.” I teased lightly. 

He huffed a laugh. “I can live with that.” He sighed. “Vampires born to the same family have a bond that is deeper than blood. We can feel when family is close; it kind of vibrates under our skin. Since the rumors started, that feeling has been getting stronger.”

I nodded at his explanation. That did make sense and I had heard similar things from other friends. “We can set up an escort to go meet them. I’m certain Conner would be willing to go with us.”

His eyes flew up to meet mine. “What? I could never ask you to go with me! You have so much going on here.”

I put my hands on his shoulders. “You are my second, but more importantly, you are my friend. I will see this through to the very end for you.”

Relief was evident on his face as he nodded.

***

“That’s a long journey, love.” Conner was seated behind his desk, fingers laced behind his head. “Skye has only been here for a week and a half; do you think he will be up to such a journey?”

I crossed to the window. “I wasn’t planning on asking him to.”

“You wish to leave him?” 

I turned to face my mate at the confusion in his voice. “Not for long. Only a month, maybe two.” I crossed over to him. “There are omegas that need a home and safe passage here. We can help with that. And Skye will be safe here.”

He pulled me onto his lap. “You know I will go with you and help in whatever way you need.” He pressed his face to my shoulder. “Are you certain this will be a good idea?”

“I don’t think taking him with us would be a good idea.” Even as I said it, a strange feeling hit me, but I pushed it away. “He needs to stay safe. It’s safe here.” I insisted, more to myself than to Conner.

Conner’s arms tightened around me and he nodded.

“Tony! Conner!”

We both looked over at the door as Skye came bounding in. I smiled at his exuberance. He was already so different from when we first brought him home and it made my heart happy.

“Guess what?” He practically bounced over to us and threw his arms around us both. 

“Before you tell us, we wanted to talk to you about something.” Conner said, pulling him into his lap as well.

Some of his excitement dimmed, but he kept his smile in place. “Okay, what’s up?”

Conner looked at me and I took a deep breath. “Conner and I need to take a trip. It’ll only be a couple months at the most.”

“Oh, okay.” he looked crestfallen for a moment, but brightened. “I could go with you!” When neither of us answered, his expression fell again. “Nevermind. It was just an idea.” He pushed himself away from us and my gaze caught on something clutched in his hand, but his question distracted me from it. “When do you need to leave?”

“Tomorrow.” Conner said softly. We both stood as Skye began backing towards the door. “Sweetheart, tell me what you’re thinking.” he pleaded. 

Skye’s smile was forced. “Nothing. But, come back safe please.” 

His hand was on the door knob and his back was turned when I stopped him. “Wait, what did you want to tell us, little one?”

There were tears in his eyes, but he smiled. “It’s nothing, I just wanted to tell you that I know why I keep throwing up. I’ll be better soon, but you have to come back as fast as you can.” With that, he left the room. 

I glanced at Conner and saw the concern I felt mirrored on his face. 

“We’re doing the right thing, right?” He asked.

I couldn’t bring myself to nod as the strange feeling came back.