Read Bed and Breakfast [Bloodkin 1] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) for Free Online Page B

it would render me close to an animal, like many of my kin have become.” Vane’s gaze seemed to turn heated, more intense. “My education and position help me conquer it. Others are not so lucky, or simply do not bother.”
    Moss was beginning to understand. “It’s not so different with humans,” he replied, proud when his voice didn’t tremble. “Following instinct and need blindly leads to disastrous results.”
    “Precisely.” Vane’s expression turned predatory. “With the exception that my instinct is to possess, feed, and hurt, and much more extreme. I have other abilities, such as telekinesis, for example, but I won’t get into that right now.”
    Moss didn’t know what to say to that. He’d somehow ended up in a very dangerous situation, but he didn’t even feel frightened.
    “Ah, we’re here,” Vane said suddenly.
    Startled, Moss looked outside once more. Indeed, at some point during the conversation, they’d left the harbor district and were now in front of Vane’s home. When had so much time passed?
    The carriage slowed down and stopped, and Moss’s nervousness doubled. Vane opened the door and jumped outside, then gestured him out. Taken aback, Moss tripped and caught himself before falling. He realized then his messy clothing had dirtied the expensive seating of the carriage.
    What a disaster. He’d been so lost in Vane’s presence he’d even forgotten to feel self-conscious about his clothing. He wished now he’d have fulfilled his promise. At least that way, Vane wouldn’t have seen him like this.
    “Come on,” Vane said, and Moss’s body moved as if of its own accord.
    He joined Vane out of the carriage, the same feeling of wonder filling him as he took in the house. When Vane headed toward the front entrance, Moss followed. His shamelessness returned with a vengeance and he took advantage of his position to admire Vane’s ass and broad back. His hands itched to touch, to see if those muscles were as hard as they seemed, to feel and explore everything.
    He struggled to keep a modicum of composure, even if he suspected Vane could see straight through him. Vane led him inside, and just when Moss thought he’d had enough surprises for the day, an army of servants met them. Liveried men and women in maid outfits popped up from every direction, fussing around Vane and giving Moss curious looks. Moss could only guess what they thought of him and wanted the ground to swallow him whole.
    “Everyone, this is my future companion, Mister Marlais Hayden. As usual, you are to help him with everything he needs.”
    There were yeses all around, and then silence fell. Moss had to say something to introduce himself. “Hi. It’s a pleasure to be here. I’m Marlais, but you can call me Moss.”
    Another chorus of agreements followed, but this time, they sounded less practiced and a bit more intrigued.
    “Well, then, Pena, prepare a bath for our new guest.” A tiny woman nodded and did a small curtsy. “Go with her,” Vane told Moss. “After you wash up and get a change of clothes, I expect you in my study.” He clapped his hands together. “Everyone, back to your duties.”
    The servants scattered, obeying Vane’s orders to the letter. Vane left as well, and Moss was left with the tiny maid. “I’m Pena. I usually help out the master’s companions with daily issues like wardrobe, washing, things like that.”
    “It’s nice to meet you, Pena,” Moss replied automatically. “Okay, then. Lead the way.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Yet again, Vane retreated to his study, seeking to get rid of his need and arousal before he saw Marlais again. He considered touching himself again, but knowing his luck, either Kier or Marlais himself would burst in on him, and that would be very embarrassing.
    Vane sat at the desk, absently looking over the papers he’d set out the night before. Everything represented a task he intended to appoint to his new human secretary. He admitted he’d been