by Dakota Dawn
Renny muffled a giggle as best he could. “Oh, he’s holding a table for us all right. Holding it down. Literally.”
“Holy smoke, that’s hot,” Tony exclaimed as he ran his fingers through his hair.
They all headed to the table and surrounded it. Nobody said anything, they just watched and waited.
He had to give Ellis credit. When he saved a table, he saved the whole thing. Ellis and Savanna were laid out on top of the table, kissing like crazy. He couldn’t help but grin when she started wildly hunching her hips against Ellis’s leg. Her short skirt rose up to reveal a lacy black thong. It looked good against her skin and bared her ass, making it easy for Ellis to stroke her rounded flesh.
“Oh, yeah, that’s it, babe. Let me know how good it feels,” Ellis encouraged softly as he kissed her neck and kneaded her ass.
“Yeah, let him know,” Tony said as he took a seat.
Ellis flinched, then relaxed after he looked around. “You startled me, jerk. Why didn’t you guys say you were here?” Ellis slid from the table and pulled his lust-dazed date with him.
“And ruin a perfectly good show? No way. The only reason I’m not mad at Tony is because I’m hungry,” Raul answered.
Ren moved closer to Tony’s chair, and Zavier’s nostrils flared when Tony touched his lower back. He waited for Ren to tell Tony not to touch him. That never happened.
“Sit next to me.” Tony pulled out the chair next to him, and Ren sat down like nothing had happened.
He glared at Tony, but Tony wasn’t looking at him. He was waving a waitress over. Trying to let it go, he sat on the other side of Ren. He leaned in close to Ren’s ear and whispered, “Don’t let Tony touch you anymore.”
With a roll of his eyes, Ren replied, “It’s not sexual.”
To his shocked surprise, Tony tugged on Ren’s ear and said, “You want to share some oysters?”
It took all of his willpower to keep up a calm appearance. It took even more strength to stop himself from draining Tony, then throwing his useless carcass out of the club.
“Sounds great. You know I never pass up food that can give me a rise,” Ren replied, then looked at Zavier and wiggled his eyebrows.
Zavier made sure Ren couldn’t feel his emotions. Bless Zotikos for sharing his knowledge with him. “Maybe you should eat a whole serving by yourself,” he suggested. Mentally he started planning Ren’s punishment if he let Tony touch him one more time. Every fiber of his being told him to make sure Renny understood who he belonged to.
He watched everyone order, then ordered a rare burger and a beer. Talk flowed over and around him. He tried not to focus on the way Tony kept drawing Ren’s attention to him. Putting more effort into looking at his surroundings, he noted that Savanna was stroking Ellis under the table. That was interesting, and it had nothing to do with that snake, Tony.
Reagan and Shea were discussing the drink menu. Shea leaned in closer to her mate and whispered something. A golden glow brightened Reagan’s brown eyes, reminding him of Ren’s eyes.
Zotikos had found out Ren had four mated cousins and five unmated ones. Of them all, his mate had bonded with Reagan and her mate. There was even some talk of Ren fathering a few children with Shea. Her being full-blooded elf, their children would be powerful and cute as a button.
He looked forward to the day they had children. As a vampire, it was unlikely he’d sire a child, but Ren could easily do it with his elf heritage.
Zotikos had also found out some information on what most likely happened to Ren’s father. A vampire named Bruno Chaim had gone on a killing spell, and there was proof he had hunted in the area Rafferty had been murdered in. Rafferty Woolsey was added to the list of people killed for the taste of their magical blood.
Zavier didn’t get a chance to hunt and kill Bruno because a brother of one of his victims had done it fifteen years ago. The information, though, had given Ren the closure he needed.
His gaze wandered over the group again. Raul and Zac went to the dance floor and started strutting their stuff. He noticed that they moved with the beautiful rhythm he’d seen another couple do about one hundred twenty years ago. Their passion and timing was mesmerizing. The flow of their bodies to the beat of the music was seamless. Utterly beautiful.
Goose bumps danced across his arms as he watched them. He was a little sad when the song ended and the men stepped from the dance floor. Several people stood and clapped their hands while others hooted and begged them to dance some more. Raul beamed and took a bow and then said that they would dance again in a bit. Zac blushed brightly and guided Raul back to their table.
The waitress, Chassidy, brought the drinks and oysters to the table. Zavier barely noticed the way Chassidy had rubbed against him. She wasn’t his type.
Ren dug into one of the three plates of oysters they’d ordered. He plopped one in his mouth and closed his eyes in delight. Zavier loved it when he made Ren look like that. His cock started to swell. He shifted in his seat trying to get more comfortable. By the time everyone had eaten the oysters, their food was delivered. Zavier was glad about that. He hated it when a place took forty-five minutes or more to bring out the food.
Although the food turned out to be quite good, he wasn’t into the club scene at all anymore. Each moment he sat in the club the more agitated he became. The waitress kept coming over, brushing against him, and Tony had already touched Renny’s lower back three times. He scanned the place for danger and saw a man that resembled Tristan Wyckoff. He’d much rather be sitting on Tristan’s front porch, drinking one of his special wine blends while talking about any and all things. They’d had their fair share of wine and men together, some on the porch he’d been thinking about. Those were the good ole days.
Zavier glanced over at Ren and hoped Tristan found his own true mate someday soon. Forever felt real good. He scowled when he saw Tony touch Ren on the back again. He hoped Tristan’s man didn’t have touchy friends. Ren didn’t seem to mind Tony’s touch at all, but he would when they got home. He continued to plan Ren’s lesson.
Savanna was the last one to finish eating. Sure enough, Chassidy came by and brushed against him as she reached across the table to retrieve Savanna’s plate. Ren raised a brow at him. With a shrug of his shoulder, Zavier dismissed his pointed look. Chassidy wasn’t a threat.
He looked around the club as he sipped his beer. Two men were in a cage on the edge of the dance floor. One was holding the other’s leash as he buried the sub’s face in his crotch. The sub was steadily humping his Dom’s biker boot. The Dom pressed the sub’s face deeper into his crotch and whipped his back with the leash. About ten lashes in, the sub bowed his back and shuddered violently. He watched the Dom pet his sub’s head, then tug the leash and lead the crawling sub out of the cage. The sub must have done something really good to be allowed to come in the cage. Slink’s had tagged that cage as Reward or Punishment. That scene had screamed ‘reward.’
A couple of women danced into the cage and started making out. The shorter, spiked-haired one pulled out a vibrator and ran it between the taller, nearly naked one’s legs. Just when the tall one was about to come, the shorter one pulled the vibrator away. She did this three more times and then led her sad-looking partner out of the cage. No reward that time.
He admired the owners. Not many people ran clubs that catered to almost everyone. From a past experience in the club, he knew anyone who bashed another person’s sexual lifestyle was immediately shown the door. Ninety-nine percent of the heterosexuals that came here weren’t afraid. They knew that gays didn’t lust after every man on the earth any more than lesbians desired every woman they saw.
The conversation moved on to the latest movies and then to which ones were the best. Ren, Shea, and Raul liked all types of movies. He and Reagan liked action and humorous ones. Zac insisted action movies were the best, and Tony was adamant in his belief that suspense was superior. Ren ended the battle of wills by asking them what they thought about musicals.
Both men agreed that musicals were the worst. Peace once again reigned. Ren was good at bringing it about. Zavier was sure he was going to bring on some much-needed changes. His heart overflowed with pride in Ren, his little softhearted mate.
Tony leaned in close to Ren and told him something. Zavier wished the myth about vamps having superhearing was true. His hearing was better than a human’s, but it wasn’t good enough to make out a whisper while loud music pounded from the speakers and people talked and laughed all around him. Ren laughed and Tony touched his back, again. He growled, but Ren didn’t hear him.
His phone vibrating in his pocket drew Zavier away from his planning of Ren’s punishment. “Hello.” He could barely hear Tristan, so he nudged Ren and motioned that he was going to step away to take his call outside. Ren nodded and shooed him away. He figured his face must have shown his reluctance to leave him because Renny shooed him a second time. Not wanting to be gone long, he explained the situation to Tristan and hurriedly finished the call.
He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Renny was right where he’d left him. As he sat down he leaned in close to Renny’s ear. “Tristan and his brothers send their congratulations.”
“That’s sweet of them. I hope I get to meet them soon now that I don’t have to study all the time,” Renny said with excitement dancing in his golden-flecked eyes.
“You will. They sent you a special wine blend as a graduation present. It should arrive tomorrow. Tristan said not to worry. It doesn’t contain any blood.” He sniffed Renny’s hair and almost groaned when his cock stirred. His man always smelled divine.
“That’s nice of them. I feel special having them make a wine blend with just me in mind.” Renny’s smile lit his heart.
He’d have to make sure he thanked the Wyckoff brothers for making his mate feel special. He was just about to tell Renny how special he was when Tony drew his attention away to tell him some stupid joke. Renny’s laughter at the joke rubbed his nerves raw.
Zavier watched and waited as the evening progressed. Not once did Tony go to the restroom. Zavier really wanted him to. If he caught the bastard in there he’d make sure Tony never touched Ren again. The conversation went from music to college teachers and the classes they taught. He wanted to teach Tony a thing or two, but the man must have had the bladder of a camel.
Ellis took a last gulp of his tea, stood, and helped Savanna up. “Well, guys, it’s been fun, but it’s time for us to leave.” He looked at Raul and Ren. “Congrats on graduating. You’ve worked hard, and it’s paid off. I wish you both much success.” Everyone at the table raised their drink in agreement.
Zavier jumped at the chance to leave. He stood and Ren followed suit, thank goodness. “We’re going to head out, too,” he stated as he pushed his chair under the table. Tony rose and placed his hand on Ren’s lower back. To his horror, the fool started rubbing small circles on his man’s back. He gritted his teeth when Ren once again did nothing to stop Tony.
“Are you ready to leave?” Tony asked Ren in a tone that raked over Zavier’s nerves.
It sounded to him as if Tony was trying to protect Ren from him. That little bastard better watch his next words very carefully. The only reason he was still breathing was because he was Ren’s friend. He was tempted to kill Tony, but he feared Ren would figure it out and nag him about it for centuries.
Ren glanced at him and something flickered in his eyes. Zavier realized he was letting his emotions show, but this time he didn’t care. He and Ren had business to take care of. It was about time Ren found out.
Turning back to Tony, Ren said, “Yes, I’m ready. It’s been a long, exciting day, and I’m starting to drag.”
Shea and Reagan stood and hugged them. Shea whispered, “Go easy on him. He’s such a cute innocent.”
The truth of her words cooled his jets a little, but not much. He nodded at her and moved to hug Reagan.
“You two staying?” Ren asked.
Reagan plopped back down in her seat and pulled Shea into her lap. “Yep. We’ll see you soon. Congrats again, cuz. Your parents would be as proud of you as we are.”
“Thanks, Rea. Come by tomorrow. You two have to try a piece of my graduation cake. Zav couldn’t have picked a better one. It’s divine perfection.”
“We’ll be there. You know how much Shea loves cake.”
“Have a seat, Tony. Raul and I are going to stay for a bit longer, too. Besides, you can’t leave yet. The cutie two tables over keeps eyeing you,” Zac said with a big grin.
Tony looked at the table Zac pointed out to him and a smile transformed his face. A hot little brunette waved at him, and Tony waved back at her. He leaned in and hugged Ren tightly. “See ya later. I’ve got some seduction to do.” That said, Tony headed over to her table.
They said their goodbyes, and Zavier eyeballed Tony one last time, even though he was too absorbed in the female to notice. He had to be bisexual, and that sure as shit made Tony a threat.
Zavier breathed a sigh of relief the minute he and Ren were in his truck and heading home.
Chapter Eight
Jealousy somewhat under control, Zavier pulled up to his cabin and got out of the truck. He waited for Ren to make his way around the truck. Ren saw Oscar perched on the porch rail and waved his academic degree at him. He melted a little at the smile that was plastered to Ren’s face.
Oscar flapped his wings and took flight. He circled Zavier and Renny several times, all the while hooting happily.
Renny’s eyes sparkled as he asked, “What’s gotten into him? Do you think he understands that I graduated tonight?”
“He may. I believe he’s quite happy. That’s probably because he doesn’t know you earned a punishment tonight by letting Tony touch you.”
With a roll of his eyes, Renny retorted, “I told you his touch wasn’t sexual. I think you wanted it to be so you could punish me.” Renny blew out a heavy puff of air. “I didn’t get mad at you when Chassidy was drooling over you and brushing against you. Leash your dark side, man.”
“She’s not my type, that’s why you didn’t have a problem with it.” He looked up at the large owl. “Did you hear that, Oscar? He’s questioning my motives and giving me commands. That I won’t tolerate.” He scooped Ren up and tossed him over his shoulder. “Never challenge me. I’ll always win.”
“I’m sorry, Zav. You have every right to be mad. I shouldn’t have let Tony touch me.” Ren smoothed over his back muscles with a warm and gentle touch. “Put me down, please. I promise to be good. I need a kiss to make it all right,” Ren pleaded prettily as his hands continued to stroke lovingly over Zavier’s back.
Caving to the need in Ren’s voice and touch, he let his mate slide down his body.
Once Ren had his feet firmly planted on the ground, he taunted, “Sucker!” Ren laughed out loud as he turned and bolted for the cabin. He only made it two steps before Zavier twirled him around and flung him across his shoulder.
“I take it Raul has been giving you acting lessons. Too bad he didn’t give you some tips on running faster. Now that I’ve got you it’s time to pay.”
Oscar hooted and flew up to them. He flapped his wing hard and swatted Ren on his upturned ass.
Renny yelped, and Zavier laughed before saying, “See, even Oscar agrees that you need some discipline.”
“That’s not fair. I was just playing around,” Renny muttered.
“Life is never fair. The best you can do at this point is take your punishment like a man.” Oscar hooted again and this time is sounded like he was agreeing with Zavier.
“I don’t like the sound of that hoot. I’m not going to give him any steak for at least a week.” Ren wiggled, and Zavier slapped his ass and started walking up the porch steps. “I wouldn’t give you any blood if it didn’t feel so good,” he grumbled.
He stepped in the house, then closed and locked the door. Turning, he headed for their bedroom. “I’m glad you like giving me blood, because I’m taking som
e of it tonight. Get ready for more than one bite. All this fighting with you is making me hungry.” Ren groaned, and Zavier smiled. Damn, he loved his spirited little mate.
* * * *
Renny shivered at the threat and promise in Zav’s voice. Zavier went through their bedroom and into their playroom. He slid Renny down his solid body and turned him to face the wall.
“Take your clothes off. You wanted to be touched so you will be touched.” The heated purr in Zavier’s voice had him hurrying to do as he was told.
As soon as he was naked, Zavier cuffed his hands overhead to the wall-mounted cuffs. He was stretched out to the point that he had to stand on the balls of his feet. Zavier had stepped away, and he could hear him going through the toy cabinet. He knew Zav was frustrated with him for letting Tony touch him. To him it hadn’t been a sexual touch, so he’d let it go on. Tony was just that way. He touched everyone. Apparently, Zav didn’t want anyone touching him, not even touchy friends with calming intentions.
Deciding to plead his case so they could get on to the orgasms, he said, “Look, Zav. Tony touches everyone. It doesn’t mean anything. You understand that, right?” He had to really focus on how Zav was feeling. If he was lucky, Zav would let his guard down. He tried harder, and Zav chuckled. Damned vampire blood made him one strong-willed man. Renny didn’t like how powerful he had become over the last year.
Hiding his feelings, like he was doing right now, drove Renny crazy. He liked to be able to read people anytime he wanted, not just when they’d let him. He was pretty sure Zotikos was the one who’d taught Zav to control his emotions. Damned vamp-elf.
“You understand, right?” he asked Zav again.
His mate grunted in answer. Renny didn’t like that at all. He tugged on the cuffs as he waited to see what Zav had planned for him.
Zavier slipped a blindfold over his eyes and tied it securely.
“You like to be touched, huh? Well, I like to touch you. Let’s see how many ways I can touch you tonight,” Zavier whispered into his ear as his rough hands skimmed his body from his cuffed hands to his toes. Zavier slowly let his hands roam up the back of his legs and then moved them to his ass. He massaged Renny’s globes until he moaned and relaxed beneath his touch. Zavier slid his hands around to Renny’s semi-erect cock. He loved the feel of Zav’s hands on his cock. Pleasure had him moaning with even more enthusiasm.