Page 186 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

“Your vampire added several museums to the list of items you must see.”

Sawyer couldn’t stop his grin. “Really?”

“Really.”

Andvari had become obsessed with security since the last attack, so knowing he was totally on board with the trip had Sawyer smiling even wider. Andvari had been training as a warrior his entire life and had made their safety his top priority.

With Sawyer and Draco’s permission, he’d brought in several other vampire warriors to serve as guards to the property. They were currently living in Draco and Sawyer’s houses down the hill. They’d added one additional ward so far, stretching it wide enough that it encompassed both properties. As the wards couldn’t be set to prohibit humans from crossing them, the workmen were kept under constant watch by both the vampires and his guardians.

Henry and Sawyer were being trained in self defense daily. Andvari, Draco, and Eduard were working on aerial fighting techniques nightly. It was why Draco and Andvari were still in bed. They’d been up most of the night working together with Draco in his dragon form while Andvari experimented with different weapons while he was airborne and riding on Draco’s back.

They weren’t taking any chances after the raven incident, as Sawyer had taken to calling it. He couldn’t hear the sound of a crow’s caw any more without panicking and checking the air for approaching ravens.

Instead of worrying about the dangers of the past few weeks, Sawyer threw his arms around Eduard’s neck and tried to pour every ounce of his thanks into the accompanying kiss. He only pulled away so he could pepper kisses all over Eduard’s face, whispering “Thank you” between each one.

He planned on showing his thanks even more, but a quiet throat clearing from the door had him pulling away reluctantly. Cecil had his eyes averted but his not so subtle smirk showed he’d seen plenty. He’d not made it a secret that he was delighted his charge had finally found his mate. Apparently, Cecil had been in Eduard’s employ for a whole lot longer than Sawyer had been alive.

“Yes, Cecil?” Eduard asked.

“Sirs, the security guards at Sawyer’s house have a certified delivery waiting for him. As it requires his signature, they would like to know if they should send the driver here?”

Eduard frowned then turned to Sawyer. “Are you expecting a delivery?”

Sawyer couldn’t think of anything he’d ordered and started to shake his head. “Oh wait! My diploma!”

Eduard returned his smile. “Have them send him up, Cecil.”

Cecil nodded.

“It took almost a month when I finished undergrad!” Sawyer bounced off of Eduard’s lap and did a little happy dance. He’d worked incredibly hard for his degree and really wanted that piece of paper to hang on his wall to prove he’d done it. “I better go get a shirt or something. No need to show off all this glorious flesh to anyone else.”

“My sentiments exactly,” Eduard purred.

Sawyer laughed as he ran back to the master bedroom. Draco was still snoring away beneath the covers, and Henry had curled up with him and was soundly sleeping as well. He snagged a shirt from the closet then ran back downstairs while pulling it over his head. Pearl met him at the bottom of the steps, obviously sensing his excitement. Cecil waited by the door, smiling at them both.

“I got it, Cecil. Hey, can Viv do one of those finger food lunches that I like today? Eduard and I can have it in the office since everybody else is sleeping.”

“Of course, sir.”

Cecil gave a slight bow and went to the kitchen. Pearl bounced beside him, eager to get a dose of fresh air. Sawyer went ahead and opened the door, knowing she’d stick close when she heard the delivery guy approaching.

Of course, they didn’t have to wait long. The familiar converted white Jeep trudged up the driveway and parked at the top of the hill. Sawyer waved at the driver, excited to get his diploma in his hands and for the chance to say hi to his mailman.

Mr. Bledsoe had been delivering his mail since Sawyer was a kid, and Sawyer always left him Christmas presents in his mailbox during the holidays like his foster parents had. He wanted to ask about Mrs. Bledsoe, too. She’d been one of Sawyer’s elementary school teachers and he hadn’t seen her in a while. It was always nice to catch up when they had a second to talk.

“Hello, Sawyer,” Mr. Bledsoe said with a smile. “I haven’t seen you around lately.”

“No, sir. I’ve been really busy finishing school.”

Pearl let out a low growl beside him, her hackles rising as she stared at the approaching man.

“Pearl!” Sawyer snagged her collar, right before she moved, holding her back. “I’m so sorry. She normally doesn’t…”

Mr. Bledsoe had a gun in his hand and it was pointed straight at him. Sawyer let Pearl go, instinctively raising his hands. She leapt forward as a shot rang out.

“Pearl!” Sawyer screamed again. She’d hit Mr. Bledsoe straight in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Before he could do anything else, Eduard appeared in front of him, along with two of the guards who’d been stationed around back.

“Get Sawyer inside,” Eduard demanded.