“That won’t be necessary,” Thomas’ voice came from the hallway. He came into sight an instant later. “I’ve reversed all transactions. Samson, the money is safely back in your account.”

“Thank you, Thomas.”

“How?” Milo sounded confused.

Thomas approached him, stopping inches from him. “You might have fooled me about your feelings for me, but when it comes to IT, you can’t hold a candle to me. I reversed every one of your transactions.”

“Thomas,” Samson addressed him.

For the first time, Thomas looked straight at him. “Yes, Samson?”

“What do you want to do with him?”

“I?”

“Yes, he betrayed you. You’ll be his judge. Amaury took care of Ilona. And thanks to Delilah’s insistence to feed me her blood, I survived Ilona’s attack, so I have no further need for revenge. But you may take yours.”

Thomas gave Delilah an admiring look. “I can’t imagine anybody more worthy to be Samson’s mate than you. He is truly lucky.”

Samson caught the shy smile curling around her lips and squeezed her hand in agreement. “I know I am, and even more so since Delilah has agreed to blood-bond with me.”

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Suddenly everybody was talking over each other. The excitement in the air was palpable.

“See, I told you so.”

“Who would have thought?”

“You owe me a hundred bucks, Carl!”

“Congratulations!”

“I’m so happy for you two!”

“What hundred bucks?”

“We had a bet.”

“When’s the happy event?”

“Oh, damn, just kill me now, before I puke!” Milo shouted and shut everybody up.

“It looks like somebody doesn’t share our joy for your union, Samson,” Ricky said pointedly.

“Luckily I don’t give a rat’s ass about what Milo thinks.” He caught himself and looked at Delilah. “Sorry, sweetness, I shouldn’t curse in front of you.”

She gave a hearty laugh. “You’re funny, you know that? Do you really think a curse word or two can shock me after all I’ve been through in the last few days? If I can get married to a vampire, I think I can deal with a few cuss words.”

“Oh cute,” Milo said sarcastically.

“Shut up, you prick!” Delilah snapped at him.

The room broke out in laughter, all except for Milo. Samson wrapped her into his arms and pulled her face up to his. “I can see already, that we’re going to have lots of fun in our lives together.”

He restrained himself from devouring her right in front of his friends. What was between them was private. Soon he would be alone with her, and she would become his forever. The thought warmed his heart like never before.

“Have you made a decision, Thomas?”

Thomas nodded and addressed his lover.

“You gained my trust under false pretenses. You betrayed me, you stole from me, and you tricked me. You almost killed me, and you killed innocent humans. And your actions threatened those people who are dearest to me. You’re scum, vermin. I regret the day I set eyes on you. The world would be a better one without the likes of you. But I’m not a killer, and you’re not going to turn me into one. You’re not welcome here anymore. I’ll send word to every coven in the United States: if anybody shelters you, I’ll come after them and then after you. If you ever set foot in this country again, I will destroy you.”

Milo appeared shocked at Thomas’ verdict. “You won’t kill me?”

Thomas addressed the two guards. “Accompany him out of town, and make sure he leaves the country.”

The two guards looked at Samson for approval, and he nodded. A few seconds later they led Milo out of the house.

Samson placed his hand on Thomas’ shoulder. “It was a wise decision. I commend you for it.”

Thomas shook his head. “It was a coward’s decision.” He turned, and Samson saw the anguish in his face. “I couldn’t kill him because I still love him.”

Thomas left the house a minute later. Samson understood his need to grieve and come to terms with his decision on his own. Making him stay to celebrate Samson’s own happiness would have been cruel.

“He’ll be alright,” Amaury said once the door had shut behind Thomas. “Give him some time.”

“Carl, how about some drinks to celebrate Samson and Delilah’s impending union?” Ricky suggested.

“Champagne?” Carl asked.




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