Slay My Love

by Lee Colgin

  Gianni was moaning around Franklin’s tongue. Franklin had to drink from him, to be sure the injuries to his back would heal. His skin was littered with bite marks. Gianni broke from the kiss and bit into his own wrist, placing the bleeding wound to Franklin’s mouth.

  “Drink,” he ordered. Franklin obeyed, soft tongue hot against the sensitive skin. Gianni couldn’t take it. He was going to come.

  “Please,” Gianni begged, working Franklin’s cock relentlessly. “Together.”

  “Yes,” mumbled Franklin into his wrist, sucking at the bite wound.

  They moved at a savage pace, bodies rocking, mouths open on each other’s flesh. Gianni shivered with want, his body cascading toward the edge.

  “Gonna come,” Gianni panted out against Franklin’s ear.

  They spilled over in waves, thrusting, coming, panting all the way through. Franklin shook with his release, moaning into Gianni’s wrist.

  Gianni trembled against Franklin’s broad back. He had enough sense to lick the punctures on his wrist closed, then trailed his hands back over Franklin’s torso, mapping his pecs and tracing each ab.

  “Fuck,” Franklin sighed out, leaning further into the embrace.

  They came down slowly. Gianni matched his breathing to Franklin’s, their chests expanding and contracting in sync.

  “That wasn’t what I was expecting,” Franklin said with a touch of happy laughter in his voice.

  “Me neither. It was so much better.”

  “Yeah.”

  “You were amazing back there, you know? Fighting for me.”

  “Never had something so important to fight for.”

  Gianni kissed Franklin’s back where he’d bitten. The skin was pink and thin, but whole.

  “How do you feel?” Gianni asked.

  “Amazing. Perfect. Good as new. If only your blood could heal you the way it does me.”

  “If only.” Gianni felt good too, but underneath the high, he knew he was beat up. Soon he’d crave Oswald’s blood, another conversation he dreaded. He could put it off for a couple of hours. Long enough to get some distance between them and that damned chip.

  Gianni squeezed Franklin’s thighs with his own. “We need to get going.” He inched away.

  Franklin sat up on his own, and they shuffled to fasten their pants.

  “Where is it?” Franklin asked.

  Gianni picked up the bloody chip from the floor and handed it over.

  “Smaller than I thought.” Franklin turned it in his fingers.

  “Let’s get rid of it.”

  “I’ll put it under the tire. With any luck, that will destroy the signal.”

  “Do that. Then we should both change into fresh clothes. I bought things for you.”

  “Thank you.” Franklin opened the sliding door to ditch the chip while Gianni grabbed a duffel bag. He chose outfits for each of them and began to strip off the dirty things. Blood caked on his shirt, sticky and cold. It was a relief to peel off. Franklin did the same.

  “That beard is hot on you.”

  “Is it?”

  “Mm, yes. Makes me want to call you daddy.” Gianni winked.

  Franklin flushed. “Maybe I’ll keep it.”

  Franklin

  The drive to a campground in the mountains of West Virginia would take four hours. Franklin had a lot of questions, but Gianni looked tired. After exchanging texts with Hayleigh, a stillness overcame the vampire, and he stared at the passing scenery in a daze.

  “You can lie down in the back if you want,” Franklin offered. “I’ll wake you when we get there.”

  Gianni’s head rolled lazily toward him, a closed-lip smile on his face. “Thanks, but I want to be with you. I’ll be all right.”

  Silence drifted between them as Franklin gathered his thoughts. The white noise of the motor combined with the dissipating adrenaline soothed his nerves. The modicum of safety they’d carved out for themselves provided the mental space for Franklin to think. With so much to say, it was impossible to know where to start. He owed Gianni the apology of a lifetime, but this didn’t seem the moment.

  “What’s going to happen now?” Franklin asked.

  Gianni huffed. “That’s a loaded question.”

  Franklin glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Gianni was staring forward. He looked smaller when he was overwhelmed.

  The silence stretched for so long, Franklin thought Gianni wouldn’t answer, but then his weary voice carried over the road noise. “Did you mean what happens when we get to West Virginia or what happens after? Because my plans only extended so far.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Franklin said. “We’ll be all right. I’ll take care of you.”

  “I just might let you.”

  The interstate was dark through this section of rolling hills. Amish country. Franklin felt better the farther they got from the city.

  “With any luck,” Gianni’s voice stirred the silence, “they’ll think I’m dead—the Vampire Council. I don’t know about you, but I’ve committed a capital offense. Attacking a sovereign means a death sentence.”

  “I attacked him. You’re innocent.” Franklin hadn’t yet considered the legal ramifications of what they’d done. He’d been so certain the Scourge would capture him, he’d given up on that line of thinking. But what of Gianni? The vampire was already isolated in his society. What would happen now? “In any case, it was self-defense.”

  “I don’t think the Council will see it that way. I didn’t stop you. I helped.” Gianni swiveled in his seat to face him. “I sided with a slayer against a fellow vampire.”

  “Nobody needs to know that.”

  “We’re still fugitives.”

  “I’m sorry.” Franklin’s heart was sinking as the implications set in. “I’ve taken everything from you.”

  “What? No.” Gianni reached across the divide and rested his hand on Franklin’s thigh. His tone was serious. “I never had anything before I found you. Not really.” He gave Franklin’s leg a squeeze. “All that shit I said to you in the basement—I was mad, and it spewed out of me like vomit. I didn’t mean any of it, okay? I felt bad as soon as I’d said it.”

  Franklin shook his head. “No, you were right. Everything you said. But I swear, I wasn’t going to let them take you. I planned on telling you all of it. I was going to warn you to leave and stay away. I thought we had more time, and then poof. It was too late. This is all my fault.”

  Was Gianni actually laughing? Franklin was pouring his heart out, and the vampire was giggling.

  “You’re so dumb sometimes,” Gianni said through a smile. “I actually imagined you apologizing for this, you know. But in my imagination we were somber. Now, it’s happening, and we’re in a literal van fort, and I’m not even mad anymore.”

  “I really am sorry,” Franklin mumbled.

  “I know. It’s okay.”

  “Um, so…does this mean you forgive me?”

  “It’s going to be hard to trust you.” Gianni’s laughter died away. “I’m not saying that to make you feel bad, but after everything I let Oswald do to me, and then you…” Gianni was talking with his hands now, waving them at the windshield. “You may not have meant to hurt me, but that’s what happened. Then I had to deal with Oswald all over again.” Gianni sighed. “I feel run over. I forgive you, but trust is going to take time.”

  “I understand. I’ll do anything.” Franklin had never been more sincere in his life.

  “That’s good to hear because you’re going to have to. We need to talk about detox.”

  “Detox?”

  “I’ve been drinking Oswald’s blood. I’m addicted.”

  This was Franklin’s fault. Gianni would suffer—again—for his mistakes. Franklin would spend the rest of his life trying to make up for it.

  “I’ve got you.”

  24

  Detox

  Gianni

  The campground featured secluded sites nestled deep in the trees. They arrived
in the early morning and picked up a map from the after-hours check-in folder on the office door. Passing a small pond, the bathroom facilities, and a number of camper homes, they took the van to the spot furthest out. Gravel gave way to dirt. Pine trees surrounded the clearing on three sides. Shady all day, perfect if you were a vampire stuck in a van.

  Cicadas sung a welcoming chorus. Normally, Gianni would like that sort of thing, but it barely registered over the agitation setting in.

  First he would feel jittery. Then cold chills would claim him. When he didn’t get the blood his body craved, the pain would start. Would it last a few days? A week? He focused on deep breathing and tried to ignore it.

  Gianni both dreaded the thought of Franklin seeing him sick and was relieved not to be alone.

  Franklin was investigating the little bedroom. A mattress fit snug between the wheel wells, decorated with soft blankets, pillows, and a down comforter, all in shades of green. Duffel bags lining the side were filled with clothes, food, toiletries, and books. Fabric draped the industrial interior, and a blackout curtain was installed behind the seats to keep out the daylight.

  “You’ve been busy.” Franklin took two packs of crackers from the food bag and handed one to Gianni. “I can’t believe you did all this.”

  Gianni took the crackers. He needed to eat, though the thought turned his stomach. “It took longer than I wanted. I had to leave you down there while I went shopping.”

  “You did what you had to. It’s perfect. You thought of everything.” Franklin held up a bottle of conditioner, brow raised, then set it back down with the matching bottle of shampoo.

  “No need for our hair to dry out just because we’re on the lam.” Gianni managed a half smile.

  “No, can’t have that.” Franklin shoved a cracker in his mouth and gathered the toiletries. “I haven’t had a real shower in weeks. Would you like to join me?”

  “I would, but…” Gianni hated to admit weakness, but he’d have to trust Franklin. “I’m already starting to feel sick. I’d better stay here.”

  “Do you want me to stay?”

  “I’ll be fine. I need to call Hayleigh anyway. You go. Enjoy.”

  “I’ll be quick.”

  Alone with nothing but the sound of the wind in the trees and the mating call of bugs, Gianni curled up under a blanket. He’d promised to fill Hayleigh in when they got to safety.

  She answered right away. “Did you make it to your hideout?”

  “Safe and sound,” he confirmed, glad to hear a friend’s voice.

  “Thank god. How are you feeling?”

  “It’s starting.” Gianni took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m nervous. What if we’re not ready for this?”

  “You told Franklin about it, though? How did he react? Wait, is he with you?”

  “He’s showering. I’m alone. He feels terrible. He thinks everything’s his fault.”

  “Everything is his fault.”

  Gianni chuckled. His stomach protested. “He’ll take care of me. I know he’ll help as much as he can, but there isn’t much for him to do. It’s just going to take time.”

  “You could bond with him,” she said, direct, as was her style, and one of the reasons Gianni liked her. “That would help.”

  “And go from one addiction straight to the next? I don’t know.”

  “I can’t believe I’m about to say this. After what he did to you—”

  “He didn’t hurt me on purpose.”

  “Nevertheless. Listen, you love him. That glimpse I got from your mind made it crystal clear. You’ve risked everything to save him. Why wouldn’t you want to bond with him?”

  “I do…” Gianni trailed off. There hadn’t been much time to give the option any thought. The idea was appealing.

  “Does he love you?”

  “He’s said as much.”

  “Do you believe him?”

  “Yes.” As Gianni said it, he realized it was true.

  “Then why suffer when a new bond would help?” Hayleigh prodded.

  “Well, when you put it that way…”

  “Good. Now, tell me what the hell happened. How’d you get out?”

  Gianni gave an edited version of events, which she settled for because he was exhausted. She would let him know when word of the Scourge’s raid hit the rumor mill.

  Before they hung up, Gianni needed some updates too. “Do you have any news for me? How’s Tabea doing on her part?”

  “You’re going to love this…”

  Franklin

  Being clean and dressed in fresh clothes felt worlds better. Among the things Gianni had chosen for him were soft linen pants in a faded tan color and a charcoal gray shirt of a knit so fine it felt like silk against his skin. Both fit perfectly, better than his own things. Having a fussy vampire doing his shopping might be nice.

  He found Gianni sprawled in a nest of pillows, one phone in his hand and another on his belly. Upon seeing Franklin, he palmed the extra and held it out.

  “For you. It’s got two numbers, mine and Hayleigh’s.”

  Franklin took it. “You didn’t have to do this. Thank you.”

  “You need a phone.” Gianni scooted over to make room for him. “If I’d been thinking straight, I would have bought you a burner, too. As it is, you’ll have to wait to call your dad.”

  “My dad?” He lifted his eyebrows and shook his head. “I’m not going to call my dad.” Franklin sat by Gianni’s side and closed the door. The interior was lit by a small lamp, casting a soft glow along Gianni’s elegant form. He longed to reach out and touch him but wasn’t certain if the gesture would be welcomed.

  “Won’t he be worried about you?” Gianni casually ran his fingers along Franklin’s calf. It was so simple for him. Gianni touched and flirted like it was second nature.

  “I’m sure he thinks I’m dead. Finding out I’m not would be bad news. Better off staying dead.”

  “I’m sorry.” The fingers stopped at his knee and gave a comforting squeeze.

  “Don’t be. We never had a good relationship. It’s for the best.”

  “His loss.”

  “He’d never accept this.” Franklin motioned between the two of them.

  Gianni smiled and opened his arms. “Then let’s make it worth it.”

  Franklin went to him, hovering over his chest as Gianni’s arms closed around him. The vampire tugged until Franklin settled against him and placed kisses along his jawline.

  Gianni grabbed his head and redirected his lips where he wanted them. Kissing Gianni was a whole body experience. Warmth spread from their joined mouths all the way to his toes. Gianni’s clever tongue was everywhere at once, running along his teeth, caressing his lips. Franklin sucked it into his mouth to savor, making the vampire moan. All traces of doubt slipped away.

  When they came up for air, Franklin gazed down to admire lips puffy from kissing, but what he saw were Gianni’s eyes shut tight.

  “Are you okay?”

  Gianni’s lids fluttered open to reveal watery hazel eyes. “I’m sorry. I want to be with you, but it’s starting. It hurts.”

  Franklin cupped his cheek. “Hey, no. Don’t apologize. What can I do?”

  “The sun will be up soon, and I can sleep it off. Tomorrow night will be worse. Could you hold me? Unless…”

  Franklin readjusted, settling in against Gianni’s side and pulling him close. “Unless what?”

  Gianni took a breath, his voice quiet. “Could I drink from you? Just a little? I think it would help. But—”

  “Of course. As much as you need.”

  “You didn’t let me finish. If I drink from you regularly, and if you drink from me, the same thing will happen for us as it did with me and Oswald. A blood bond. It’s not easy to quit. You have to be sure.”

  Franklin didn’t have to think. “I’m sure.”

  When Gianni made no move to take him up on it, Franklin placed his fingertips on his chin and turned him so they faced each other.<
br />
  “Gianni, I’m sure. I’d want it even if it didn’t help with the detox, and I especially want to do it knowing it could provide relief.” Franklin kissed him. “Please.”

  “Yes,” Gianni whispered and rolled toward him, chest to chest. They tangled their legs together. “Thank you.”

  Franklin tilted his head back, making room and offering his neck. It was worth everything they’d gone through to get to this point. Wet heat lapped at his throat, drawing a sigh from Franklin’s lips. He moved against Gianni’s body just to feel all the places they connected, the sensations stronger because of the luxurious fabrics Gianni favored. A sultry warmth burned between them, spiking as fangs slid deep into his flesh. Exquisite.

  Franklin’s hands spanned the width of Gianni’s ribcage, rising and falling with each breath. Feeding him was euphoric pleasure, singular in its ferocity. His cock hardened and pressed into Gianni’s abdomen. The vampire began to undulate against him in a sinuous, teasing motion.

  Too soon it was over—teeth receded and replaced with that clever tongue, then pursed lips and slick kisses. The motion of their bodies never ceased, Franklin’s length trapped tight between them.

  Gianni pushed him onto his back and reached into his pants.

  Franklin was desperate, but even as Gianni’s nimble fingers curled around his cock, he said, “You don’t have to.”

  Gianni knelt over him, caught his gaze, and lowered his mouth until it hovered teasingly over the leaking head. He stopped before making contact.

  “What don’t I have to do?”

  Franklin was beyond words, but the devilish grin on Gianni’s face told him to play along. “Get me off. You don’t have to.”

  The tip of Gianni’s pink tongue gathered moisture from the slit and then retreated. “Hmm. Good to know. And if I want to?”

  Coherent thought grew more intangible by the second. “Oh god. Um. That would be great.”

  Gianni’s lips closed over the head, and his tongue traced the ridge. He placed a kiss on the tip.