by Kate Hill
Even Flavius couldn’t fully understand Areus’ attachment to the sword, yet he indulged it, as he’d always indulged Areus’ wishes. Long ago in Sparta they had bonded in body and soul. Flavius had been a warrior for centuries before Areus’ birth. Areus had undergone the brutal training of all Spartan boys, but even at that time he had been awed by Flavius, then called Iphitus. When he reached manhood, he’d made it his duty to seduce the rugged older warrior. If only he’d known then that Iphitus had truly been the seducer, calling Areus to him with his personal charm combined with his blood drinker’s power. Their intense affair quickly turned to the deepest kind of friendship and Iphitus initiated him into the ranks of blood drinkers. Not quite a god, but more than a man. It was intoxicating and though their lust for one another waned, the love stayed firm. Already they had shared more centuries than Areus thought possible, yet until the slave Cassipor stepped into his life, he hadn’t realized something had been missing.
Among the other slaves, Cassipor moved with the strength and grace of an elite warrior. Tall and muscular, with the face of Apollo and blue eyes that could penetrate the coldest heart, Cassipor seemed unaware of his good looks. He practiced with a single-mindedness that rivaled Areus’ own. His gorgeous, semi-nude body gleaming with sweat, he wielded the heavy sword with a precision that was not only a credit to his skill, but to Areus’ teaching. His attraction to the slave aside, Areus wished for more time one-on-one with Cassipor. With his help, the young man could become the most favored gladiator in Rome.
“Areus!”
He turned to the messenger jogging toward him. The youth paused in front of him and continued, “Your master is here to see you.”
Areus motioned for one of his advanced students to oversee the drills while he went to meet Flavius. His heartbeat quickened with anticipation. He had summoned Flavius, intending to speak to him about a proposal.
His master met him outside the walls of the school. As requested, he’d come alone. Dressed in pristine clothes that symbolized his rank, Flavius carried himself like a man of patrician blood when in truth he hadn’t set foot in Rome until a few short years ago. Many privileges came to blood drinkers who truly knew how to wield their power. He and Areus were not the only of their kind in Rome. Several others made their home there and arranged for their slaves to take part in the games. It was a way of keeping their powers sharp, and it was simple enough to manipulate those in charge into seeing that the blood drinkers only fought each other. Battling against mortals in the amphitheatre would be an insult to their kind. To Areus, most blood drinker opponents were also insults. For several years he’d reigned as an undefeated and most favored champion.
“Master.” Areus bowed from the neck, though his gaze never left Flavius and a grin played around his lips. What would the rest of Rome think if they knew Flavius was only his master in immortality?
“It’s good to see you, Areus,” Flavius said, then used his mind power to add, I’ve missed you.
I’ve missed you, too.
What is it you wanted?
“The slave, Cassipor, whom I’ve been training,” Areus continued. “He has the potential for greatness. If it can be arranged for me to teach him privately…”
“Consider it done,” Flavius said. “I will speak with the emperor right away.”
Areus nodded and was about to turn when Flavius grasped his arm. Again their gazes met.
Is he more than a student, Areus?
No.
But you would like him to be.
I have learned not to mix emotions with battle.
A grin played around Flavius’ lips. That’s not something you learned from me.
On the contrary, it was your most powerful lesson.
I’m not sure if I should take that as a compliment or an insult.
Areus’ lips curved upward in the slightest smile. Flavius knew he had a piece of his heart. Would always have it. When love became more important than survival, it was time to pull back. They both realized that.
The following night, Flavius waited outside Ludus Magnus with three horses. Areus summoned Cassipor from the barracks. The slave’s curiosity was almost tangible, but he followed quietly until they stepped outside.
“What’s going on?” he asked, glancing from Areus to Flavius.
“You’re the finest student I’ve ever trained,” Areus said.
Cassipor’s large blue eyes widened and his pulse quickened, audible to blood drinker ears. Areus nearly smiled. At times the young man seemed almost inhuman. Since that first day when Areus reprimanded him for his lack of focus, he’d become the epitome of concentration.
“Thank you --” Cassipor began, but Areus interrupted him.
“You can thank me by continuing to perfect your skill. It has been arranged for me to train you privately at my master’s villa.”
Cassipor held Areus’ gaze and a wary look crept into his eyes.
“Private?” There was a hard edge to his voice, and Areus sensed him stiffen and withdraw. In spite of the attraction hanging heavily between them, Cassipor had never consciously revealed a desire to be anything more than Areus’ student.
Though he fully intended to respect that decision, Areus couldn’t help feeling a bit insulted. He had never treated Cassipor with anything but the utmost professionalism. Being a mere human, there was no way the young man could catch the aroma of lust. Even if he knew how to manipulate thoughts, he couldn’t penetrate Areus’ mental defenses enough to learn about his secret desires.
Then it struck him. The slave was merely rebelling against his own passion for Areus. As he would soon learn there was nothing to worry about. The last thing Areus intended to do was seduce him. He simply wanted to train him to survive in the amphitheatre, a place where many promising young men perished. He didn’t want Cassipor to die like that, not when he had the potential to gain fame and perhaps even his freedom.
“Are you prepared for even more difficult training than you’re receiving here?” Areus demanded. “Remember, my focus will be completely on you. If you think it’s tough here, this has merely been children’s games compared to what I can teach you once we’re alone.”
Cassipor’s expression hardened. A pulse beat rapidly against the side of his strong neck, and Areus sensed his anger as well as a hint of fear. One thing he’d learned about Cassipor, the man couldn’t refuse a challenge. “I’m prepared,” he said, his jaw visibly taut. “Just make me a champion.”
* * *
Ruby returned to the table and placed a drink of blood-laced wine in front of Daniel.
“Thanks, hon,” Daniel said, then took a long sip. He sighed with pleasure as the warm, bitter-sweet taste flooded him. Though such a small amount of diluted blood would do little to aid his wound in healing, it was definitely a comfort drink.
Hagen asked Ruby to dance. Greg and Andrew joined them seconds later, leaving Nigel and Daniel alone at the table. In spite of his desire to stare at a man he’d always found most beautiful, Daniel kept his attention focused on everything except Nigel. Always impatient and a bit paranoid, Nigel was first to break the silence.
“Do you plan to stay in New York long?”
A wicked little smile on his lips, Daniel turned to him and said with mock innocence, “Are you talking to me?”
“You know damn well I’m talking to you,” Nigel hissed.
“I might visit for a bit.”
“You’re injured, aren’t you? What happened?”
“My, my. Such personal questions from a stranger.”
“Fine. Don’t answer. I couldn’t care less if you’re dying.”
“You’ve made that clear enough,” Daniel muttered and took another sip from his glass.
“A man like you lives for trouble, so even if you found someone willing to care about you, it would be pointless.”
“Contrary to popular belief, Nigel, there are people who care about me. And you? Have you found the perfect mate yet?”
“
There’s no such thing,” Nigel snapped, glaring at Daniel from the corner of his eye. “But I have enough companions to satisfy my every need, in case you’re interested.”
“I’m not.” That much was true enough. He’d learned long ago to overcome any petty jealousy for a man who’d treated him with such unwarranted contempt.
“Now that I know you’re his Creator, I can see why Richie didn’t have a chance.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It means no wonder he thinks it’s perfectly acceptable to don makeup and skirts, and sees no difference between male friends and male friends, if you get my meaning.”
“It amazes me, Nigel, how a man can live so long and not progress. This is the fucking twenty-first century, not the bloody dark ages.”
Their conversation ended when Richie, Sondra, and the others rejoined them at the table. The remainder of the evening went well, but by the end Daniel was more than ready to slink back to his suite and sleep soundly for the next day and perhaps the night, too. Maybe when he woke the nagging pain in his ribs would be gone and he could engage in a night of blood sharing from a living, breathing man instead of a bottle. Flashes of him and Nigel locked, naked, in a passionate embrace, drunk on one another’s elixir, made his cock swell. He shook his head to clear the ridiculous thought. Even if Nigel came crawling on his knees, he wouldn’t take him.
Well, maybe crawling on his knees might do it…
“Good night, Daniel.” Richie grasped his hand firmly. “Thank you for coming.”
“Are you sure you won’t stay with us while you’re here?” Sondra asked. She and Richie had just purchased a home in the suburbs.
“No, thank you. Newlyweds deserve privacy, but I will take your offer for dinner.”
After saying his goodbyes, Daniel left the club. Outside, a polished dark blue sports car waited by the curb. Rafe, one of Daniel’s youngest offspring, sat behind the wheel.
“Have fun?” Rafe asked when Daniel slipped into the passenger seat.
“Yes. Of course.”
“Was it --”
“It was a wedding reception, Rafe. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
Rafe nodded, but Daniel noted the hurt expression in his eyes.
Impulsively, Daniel brushed a gentle hand over his hair and said, “Didn’t mean to snap.”
A slight smile tugged at Rafe’s lips, any bad feelings apparently forgotten.
Rafe was the overly-sensitive type. He never would have made it in Sparta. Daniel wouldn’t want to endure that lifestyle again, either. Painful, filthy, sub-human. The modern age was much more to his liking. If only a certain other vampire could adapt as easily.
Daniel sighed. No use thinking about it. Some things were better left buried in the past.
Chapter Two
At their hotel, Rafe pressed to accompany Daniel to his suite to provide him with blood. Vampire blood was an even greater healing aid than human blood, however Daniel wanted nothing more than to be alone. Reluctantly, Rafe went to the room he shared with Tam, his lover.
Alone in his suite, Daniel strode to the bathroom, undressing and leaving a trail of clothes on the way. After relieving himself, he paused in front of the mirror and peeled the bandage off his side. The long, stitched-up gash still oozed blood, the flesh around it bruised. Had the wound not been inflicted by silver, it would have healed days ago. At least the vamp who’d caused it would never be able to do it again. Very few who met a Spartan in battle lived to tell about it.
He showered quickly, dried off, and walked to the bed where he sprawled naked atop it. A glance at the clock told him it was still several hours before dawn, but between the injury and jetlag, he was soon asleep.
* * *
Tapping on the door woke Daniel what seemed like moments later.
“I’m coming, damn it,” he growled and sat up, pressing a hand to his side. When he stepped into the adjoining room, Nigel had already forced his way inside.
“Nice of you to wait,” Daniel snapped.
“I couldn’t wait any longer,” Nigel replied with ferocity that took Daniel aback.
His pulse quickened but he stood his ground, fists clenched at his sides as Nigel approached. Damn, his eyes were beautiful. So big and blue that looking into them was akin to bathing in a tropical ocean.
“You can’t just barge in here…” Before he could complete his sentence, Nigel grasped him roughly behind the neck and covered his mouth with kiss.
His tongue thrust, hot and demanding, between Daniel’s lips. Fuck, it felt so good! Without hesitation, Daniel returned the kiss, his tongue engaging Nigel’s in a battle both would inevitably win. They licked, lapped, and plundered one another breathless. When the kiss broke, they stared, panting, into each other’s glazed eyes. The emotions between them were hot enough to burn the entire building to cinders.
“Fuck, I need you,” Nigel said. His arms slipped around Daniel and he buried his lips against his neck. His tongue lapped the flesh until Daniel could do nothing more than close his eyes and relish his lover’s scent and feel. Nigel’s hands, surprisingly gentle, roamed over his back and strayed to his buttocks. He cupped and kneaded the taut globes, sending little tremors of desire through Daniel. His cock hardened and throbbed mercilessly. If he didn’t get some relief in seconds, he’d come like a frickin’ hosepipe.
Between them, Nigel’s cock also went rock hard. Nigel groaned and continued lapping Daniel’s neck. The tips of his fangs scraped against his flesh, but rather than penetrate, he merely tickled and teased.
“Cassipor,” Daniel breathed, running his hands over Nigel’s silk-clad back. He tugged the soft, black shirt from his trousers and reached down to unzip his lover. Nigel’s steely cock popped free and Daniel curled his fist around it.
“Yes, oh, please,” Nigel panted. He thrust into Daniel’s pumping hand, his muscles tense. He closed his eyes and turned his face skyward, a look of bliss etched upon it that turned Daniel on even more.
After several more skilled strokes, Nigel reached down to restrain his hand. Trembling on the verge of orgasm, Nigel drew several deep breaths, his broad, sleekly-muscled chest expanding. Unable to resist, Daniel ran his hands over it, loving the sensation of sparse hair over skin and muscle.
“You’re hurt,” Nigel said, his gaze focused on Daniel’s injured side. He dropped to his knees, hands resting lightly on Daniel’s hips, and kissed his taut belly. With long, wet strokes he lapped the well-defined abs, edging closer to his injured ribs.
“It’s no… nothing…” Daniel’s voice faded. His pulse raced and his cock ached with need.
Nigel’s warm tongue slid tenderly over the wound, stealing traces of blood while at the same time soothing in a way medical treatment never could. When he finished licking his ribs, Nigel grasped the base of Daniel’s cock in one hand and his balls in the other. At the first touch of his lover’s tongue on his shaft, Daniel tensed. He gripped Nigel’s thick chestnut hair and stared down at him as he worked. The hand on his balls kneaded with the perfect pressure and rhythm. The tongue and lips knew exactly how Daniel loved to be touched. When his cock head disappeared deep into Nigel’s mouth, he thought he’d explode from sheer excitement.
“Oh, fuck,” Daniel murmured, almost beyond conscious thought. “Fuck, I’ve missed you. That’s it, you gorgeous cock-sucker. Ah. Ahh!”
Just before he came, Nigel pulled away. He tilted his face up to meet Daniel’s gaze, his blue eyes glistening. He ran the tip of his tongue over his full lower lip and stood slowly, his body brushing Daniel’s. The friction against his engorged cock was almost too much to bear. Nigel curled his fist around Daniel’s shaft at the same moment his mouth covered his. He thrust his tongue between Daniel’s lips.
Growling with delight, Daniel reached down and grasped Nigel’s cock. The velvety skin over hard muscle felt wonderful against his palm. It thickened even more as he stroked. He ran his thumb over the bulbous head. When he used his fingernail t
o gently trace the thick vein running under the crown of his erection, Nigel’s entire body jerked with pleasure. Daniel squeezed his cock tighter and Nigel thrust his hips, pumping his shaft into his partner’s fist.
“Yes, yes, oh, harder. Oh!” Nigel panted, his hot, sinewy body pressing closer to Daniel. The echo of his heartbeat filled Daniel’s ears. He pushed Daniel away with a suddenness that took him by surprise, then dragged him to the desk across the room. “Let me fuck you.”
“Yes. Oh damn. Fuck me. Fuck me,” Daniel panted, leaning over the desk, his ass fully exposed to his gorgeous, blue-eyed lover. Seconds later, he felt Nigel’s cock head pushing against his sphincter. The muscles pulsed and Nigel gripped the edges of the desk, his strong fingers making the wood creak.
“Yes, yes. Fuck!” Daniel cried, his entire body throbbing with sensation.
Nigel’s cock pushed in deeper. He must have lubed it good because it slid in with shocking ease, even though Daniel felt as if he were so completely filled he couldn’t stand the slightest bit more.
Sweat broke out over his entire body and his cock ached with pleasure-pain. Behind him, Nigel grunted and growled as he pumped faster, his hands clasping Daniel’s hips. The heat of their bodies threatened to reduce them to ashes.
“Daniel, I need you so much. I want you,” Nigel gasped. He bent and licked the back of Daniel’s neck. His fangs pressed against it but didn’t break the skin, merely tickled and teased.
Tell me you love me, Daniel thought. You love me. Say it. Say it!
* * *
Pounding on the door flung Daniel out of the most wonderful dream and back into hard reality so fast he nearly jumped out of bed.
His heart racing and cock throbbing with a massive erection, he sat up. Each panting breath aggravated his wound, but he was beyond caring. At the moment he needed to finish the job the dream had started.
Then he became fully aware of Nigel’s scent. It wasn’t just a psychological response to the sexy dream, but all too real.
The tapping on the door began again followed by Nigel’s voice. “I know you’re in there, Daniel. Let me in.”