by Kate Hill
“They’re probably fine,” Ruby said before swallowing a bite of cherry pie. He sat in front of a window that faced the stable. Sondra knew the busybody didn’t want to miss getting the first glimpse of Nigel and Daniel’s return. As much as she liked Ruby, sometimes he could be too nosy for anyone’s good.
“Better than fine,” Greg muttered under his breath. “They’re probably having more fun than we are.”
Sondra folded her arms beneath her breasts and shook her head. “I don’t care what anyone says. This whole night has been a disaster. Nigel will probably never speak to me again.”
Richie rose from the couch and hugged her close. “Baby, that’s not true. He loves you.”
“Hey!” Ruby leapt off his seat. “Here they come. They’re walking the horses to the stable.”
“What?” Sondra shoved away from Richie and rushed to the window. “Oh no! They have blood all over them. They tried to kill each other. I told you we should’ve minded our own business!”
She turned and ran for the door, but Richie grabbed her and tugged her back to the window where they watched Nigel and Daniel enter the stable. “Don’t bother them. They’re a little bloody, but obviously not in any danger.”
“Well someone should ask if they need bandages. I’ll do it.” Ruby also headed for the door, but no sooner had he opened it than it slammed shut, seemingly by a will of its own. Ruby glared over his shoulder toward Hagen. “Hagen Tang, you stop using your telekinesis and let me out the door!”
“Stop interfering,” Hagen said. “Sit down, and not by the window. Over here on the loveseat with me. Now.”
His painted red lips turned out in a pout, Ruby walked over and sat beside Hagen who draped an arm around his shoulders. Ruby shrugged him off with a “Hmph!”
“We should move, too.” Richie guided Sondra away from the window. “Don’t want them to think we’re spying.”
“They’d never suspect that,” Andrew said with uncharacteristic sarcasm.
A short time later, the sound of car engines roused everyone’s attention. Ruby raced to the window, but Greg beat him to it.
“They’re leaving,” Greg announced.
“Together?” Ruby tried to shove the smaller man aside.
“No, not together!” Greg snapped. “Stop shoving me with that fat ass!”
“Oh, shoot, they are mad.” Sondra massaged her temples. “This is all my fault.”
“No, it’s mine,” Richie said. “I know Daniel and should have realized messing around in his life is not the thing to do.”
“It’s Ruby’s fault,” Greg said.
“Mine?” Ruby glared. “You wanted to get them together, too.”
“I did not.”
“Did to.”
“Did not.”
“Enough!” Andrew said. He rose from his chair and clamped a hand over Greg’s mouth then released him abruptly. “Ow! You bit me! And it was no love bite!”
Sondra walked to the kitchen and Richie followed.
“You okay, babe?” he asked and began rubbing her shoulders.
“No. I’m worried about Nigel. I want to talk to him, but --”
“You should.”
She glanced at him in surprise.
Richie continued, “At least let him know you understand. With the show he’s put on about being straighter than a yardstick, he probably feels there’s no one he can talk to without looking like an ass. And let’s face it, he pretty much would look like an ass --”
“Richie!”
“But that’s beside the point. If what we suspect is true, he probably really needs someone to talk to right now. Just let him know you’re there for him. I’ll do the same with Daniel, even though he’s never been one to discuss his affairs. On the other hand, he’s never pretended to be something he’s not, either. No matter what, as their offspring we need to let them know we’re on their side.”
Sondra smiled and ran her fingertips over Richie’s lips. “Now I remember why I married you.”
“My great bod?”
“No. Your great heart.” She kissed him.
Chapter Five
Back in his room at Burgundy Peak, Daniel took a long shower, pulled on his favorite red silk boxers, and flopped onto the bed. He folded his arms behind his head and stared at the ceiling. In his mind, he recalled every second of making love in the woods. He’d wanted it so badly, but hadn’t expected Nigel to actually initiate it. Fucking him felt so good, not only for the physical pleasure but because for a few brief moments their hearts had been one again.
In spite of Nigel’s denial and Daniel’s attempt to shut off his emotions, love still burned between them, as powerful as it had been so many centuries ago…
* * *
It was still early evening when Cassipor returned to Ludus Magnus. Areus heard he had been called to service Marcus Septimus, a man known for lusting after handsome young gladiators. Though Areus knew Cassipor thought being called to fuck the wealthy was a good thing, he couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy. Perhaps because Cassipor was bedding another man, but this time Areus could scarcely restrain his jealousy.
Areus guided Cassipor to the baths where they could speak in private.
“You’re back early,” Areus said, keeping his voice low.
“Yes.”
“Marcus Septimus usually keeps his lovers longer.”
Cassipor folded his arms across his chest and began pacing. “We didn’t fuck. I refused him.”
Panic gripped Areus, making him forget any petty jealousy. “You what?”
“I couldn’t do it. I’ve only wanted one man in my life and will never fuck another.”
In spite of the way Cassipor’s loyalty touched him, he knew such an insult to a patrician wouldn’t go unpunished. He grasped Cassipor’s shoulders so hard he knew he caused him pain, though the young gladiator refused to show it. “You fool! You’re lucky he didn’t order you killed on the spot.”
Cassipor shrugged. “I had expected at least some punishment, but he didn’t even appear angry. He had me returned here right away.”
That didn’t seem right. Areus released him and stepped away, his gaze focused on torchlight shining on the water in the enormous bath. Marcus Septimus always got what he wanted. He was a spoiled, violent, nasty little man. Perhaps he’d been too drunk to care whether or not a slave rebuffed him. Or maybe he was planning a truly horrible form of vengeance.
“I’m going to arrange for us to leave Ludus Magnus. Perhaps even leave Rome,” Areus stated.
“Leave? Have you lost your mind? I’m just about the most popular gladiator in Rome! I love fighting. You taught me that.”
“We can find another place to fight. Outside of Rome, you’ll no longer be a slave.”
“Only to you and Flavius!”
Areus froze, his gaze locked with Cassipor’s. “I’ve never treated you as a slave. Neither has Flavius and he has the right to treat both of us as such.”
“Because he’s your… what do you call him? Creator? I’ve worked too hard to throw away this chance, Areus.”
“The chance to die, because don’t believe for an instant there won’t be repercussion for your actions -- or lack thereof -- tonight with Marcus Septimus.”
Cassipor sighed deeply and ran a hand over his head that was covered in short, thick chestnut hair. Reason finally seemed to strike him and he said, “Perhaps you’re right. If you arrange it, I’ll go with you.”
“You won’t regret it. There’s much more to life than the amphitheatre. Go to bed and I’ll meet with Flavius. Hopefully by tomorrow night the three of us will be gone.”
As it turned out, Areus’ quick action wasn’t quick enough. That night he and Flavius made plans to flee Rome with Cassipor, but the following afternoon when Areus returned to Ludus Magnus he learned the terrible truth.
Cassipor had been taken to the amphitheatre and scheduled to fight an experienced gladiator who had been defeated only once and that was by Areus him
self. The warrior’s name was Orion, a blood drinker.
Areus ran through the tunnel connecting Ludus Magnus to the amphitheatre, not caring that his unnatural speed was apparent to everyone he passed. Several gladiators knelt alongside a body and Areus knew by scent it was Cassipor. He shoved aside the men and dropped to his knees. A feeling of dread such as he’d never experienced washed over him. Cassipor was covered in blood. It oozed from his nose and lips, yet his pulse still beat, faint even to blood drinker ears.
“Cassipor,” Areus said, placing a hand to his cheek. The gladiator’s eyelids fluttered, then opened halfway. When Areus took his hand, Cassipor’s grip tightened on it the slightest bit.
Drawing a deep breath, Areus picked him up and growled at the men hovering nearby, “Move!”
They cleared a path and Areus carried Cassipor to Flavius’ wagon that waited outside. He ordered the slave who was driving to return to Flavius’ nearby home rather than head for the villa, which had been their original plan. They had intended to leave Rome from there.
Areus knelt beside Cassipor and did his best to bind the wounds, though he knew there was only one way to save his beloved from death. As weak as Cassipor was, even that might fail.
When they arrived at the house, Areus brought Cassipor to his cubiculum. Moments later, Flavius joined them, yet for the first time in his life, Areus paid little attention to his Creator.
“Areus,” Cassipor murmured, “please. I don’t want to die.”
“I won’t let you.” Areus brushed a kiss across his forehead.
“Areus!” Flavius said sharply. “Come here.”
“I can’t leave him right now.”
“I said come here!” Flavius’ deep voice thundered across the room.
Gritting his teeth, Areus joined his master. They stepped into the atrium and Flavius said, “You can’t Change him. The mortal is far too weak.”
“I have to try.” Areus glared, his throat tight with unshed tears. “I can’t lose him. I can’t. Not without trying.”
“Even a strong, healthy mortal risks death during the Change. This one is already at the point of crossing over. If you want to put him out of his misery, then take what’s left of his blood and give him a sweet dream to ease his passing. Don’t prolong his suffering by attempting to Change him when you will fail.”
Areus growled, his fists clenched. A moan from Cassipor drew his attention back to the bed.
“I’ve never disobeyed you, Master, but this time I must,” Areus said and returned to Cassipor.
After removing Cassipor’s tunic, Areus bent and sank his teeth into the gladiator’s neck. His heart was scarcely beating and there was little blood left to drink. Areus pulled back and used a knife to cut his wrist. He held the gaping wound to Cassipor’s lips and said, “Drink it, Cassipor! Do as I say!”
Ever so slowly, the gladiator began to swallow his blood. A glance toward the doorway revealed Flavius shaking his head slightly, then his Creator stepped closer.
“I will do what I can to help you and him,” Flavius said. “Pray that his will is strong enough to overcome the weakness of his body.”
It was a long, horrible night. Areus watched as Cassipor hovered between life and death. Spasms racked his tortured body and several times Areus wondered if Flavius hadn’t been right after all. Perhaps it would have been less cruel to allow him to die as nature demanded.
As promised, Flavius remained beside them, helping tend Cassipor’s wounds and bathe him with cool water when the fever of Change struck.
By morning, Areus was exhausted from worry and also from providing massive amounts of blood to Cassipor, who bled for hours, losing his own elixir as well as Areus’. Finally, just after dawn, Cassipor’s wounds began to close. His fever broke and he lay in a deep, peaceful sleep.
Areus sat beside him, holding his hand and feeling wrung out, as if he’d just fought the worst battle of his life. At least Cassipor was alive and he was showing signs of great blood drinker strength.
Flavius rested a gentle hand atop Areus’ head. “He’ll be fine now. I was wrong about his Change being impossible. You did well.”
Glancing up at his Creator, Areus nodded. “Thank you, Master, for your help.”
After kissing him on the forehead, Flavius left them alone. Areus climbed onto the bed and closed his eyes, his body pressed close to Cassipor. His lover. His offspring.
Chapter Six
Nigel drove home and plunged into a long, hard practice session with his sword. There was no way he could have faced the others so soon after giving in to his passion for Daniel. He’d never been able to resist the man and had learned the only way to keep from fucking Daniel was to stay as far away from him as possible. It was like a madness, his lust for the Spartan.
In the woods, Daniel had called him “kinky” for carrying lube, as if it were something he did regularly. If only he’d known that Nigel had started taking it with him as soon as he’d found out Daniel was in town. He had a fantasy of the two of them meeting alone and fucking like men possessed.
Embarrassing. The entire situation was embarrassing and completely frustrating. No matter how much distance stretched between them or how much time passed, he still craved Daniel like a freezing man craves fire.
As he swung and thrust the blade, his stances shifting fluidly, Nigel’s thoughts drifted back two thousand years to the night he became a blood drinker.
* * *
Cassipor opened his eyes and gazed around the familiar cubiculum where he and Areus had spent so many wonderful days together.
Areus! The last thing he remembered before blackness engulfed him was gazing into Areus’ beautiful, dark eyes. Before that, he recalled fighting Orion in the amphitheatre. He flinched when he remembered how the man had slashed him bloody and left him to die while the crowd cheered around them. At one time Cassipor had been their champion, but the audience was fickle. When he’d been dragged off the gory sand and carried out of the amphitheatre, the pain flooding his body had been excruciating. He’d teetered on the verge of death, but he wasn’t ready for his life to end. He still had so much he wanted to do, and he hadn’t said goodbye to Areus.
Cassipor shifted position slightly and it was then he realized he was no longer in pain. Glancing down at his body covered to the waist with a clean sheet, he noted his wounds had disappeared. He sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed.
Areus stepped into the room and smiled. “You’re awake. How do you feel?”
“Wonderful,” Cassipor replied. “Better than wonderful. I… I’ve never felt this good before. This strong.” He stood and met Areus across the room. “What happened?”
“You don’t remember anything?”
“Only pain, then seeing you, then darkness.”
“You’re a blood drinker, Cassipor. Like me and Flavius. It was the only way to save your life.”
Slowly other memories returned. Yes. He had told Areus he didn’t want to die.
“I’m a blood drinker,” Cassipor repeated and walked around the room as if in a trance, trying to sort out his thoughts. He glanced around, noting that everything seemed clearer than before. “It’s a beautiful day.”
“No.” Areus took his hand and guided him to the window. He pointed at the full moon. “It’s a beautiful night. Are you thirsty?”
“Yes. Very much.”
“Then drink.” Areus placed a hand behind Cassipor’s head and drew him closer until his lips pressed against his neck.
Cassipor’s heart pounded wildly and he became aware of another throbbing sound, a rhythm that made his cock ache and increased the almost painful thirst tearing through him. He realized it was Areus’ pulse. Areus’ scent filled him, powerful, alluring, delicious. He lapped his mentor’s smooth, warm flesh and traced a throbbing artery along the side of his neck. Unable to control himself, he bit deeply. He groaned and lapped as orgasmic pleasure rolled through him.
It was his first bite and one of his mo
st treasured memories. When it ended, he remained standing by the window, his arms around Areus.
“Until you perfect your biting skill, you’ll drink only from me,” Areus said. “You can be rougher and drink much more from a blood drinker than from a mortal. To kill a mortal for the sake of a meal is cruel and unnecessary. I’ll teach you how to control your thirst and take what you need to survive without causing undue harm. Many mortals find they enjoy our bite, as long as it’s done properly.”
“I want to learn everything.”
“And I want to teach you.” Areus turned and kissed him deeply. Their tongues stroked, explored, and swept against one another’s fangs. The taste of their blood spurred their desire. Between their lean, strong bodies, their cocks sprang to life.
Purring, Areus sank to his knees and took Cassipor’s cock deep into his mouth. He sucked and laved, using his fangs to stimulate him even more.
To Cassipor, nothing existed except his Creator. He closed his eyes, clutched Areus’ head and relished every sweep of his tongue, every caress of his warm, wet lips. Cassipor moaned. His buttocks clenched and hips thrust forward, trying to force his stiff, throbbing cock deeper into Areus’ mouth. His Creator worked him with skill, knowing just the roughness and rhythm he loved. While he sucked, he grasped Cassipor’s balls and kneaded them. He rolled his sac with the perfect amount of pressure. Cassipor’s breath came in ragged pants. Pleasure washed over him with the force of a tidal wave.
“Yes, oh, yes. Suck me, Areus.”
A guttural yet incoherent reply escaped Areus. He sucked faster, deeper, feeling Cassipor’s cock head brush the back of his throat. He moved both hands behind Cassipor and clutched his buttocks, his strong fingers sinking into hard muscles. Areus’ fangs scraped a bit harder over Cassipor’s stimulated flesh. Shouting with pleasure, Cassipor came.
When he’d recovered, Cassipor grasped Areus’ hands and guided him toward the bed. Seeing the lust in Areus’ eyes as well as the size of his erection excited him so much that sooner than he imagined possible his cock was again hard and ready. Vitality rushed through him and he realized how many changes had taken place within him now that he was a blood drinker.