by H. M. Wolfe
''That is the signal you are ready for the real thing and that you'll love it, my precious love. Trust me; I'm not going to hurt you. I love you so much.'' Justin whispered, the warmth, tenderness, and sincerity in his voice conquering, once again, Marcus' heart.
He nodded, spreading his legs wider, offering his lover better access. He then waited to be filled to the brim, but it didn't happen quickly. Slowly and locking eyes with the Tanner boy, Justin slid inside him inch by inch. He was tortuously slowly, leaving enough time for Marcus to adjust and doing everything in his power to diminish the discomfort and pain.
After pausing for a moment, the young Bloom started to undulate his hips with a slow rhythm. As he was thrusting inside Marcus, he was making him moan and whimper with desire, calling out his name and asking for more. Justin smiled, kissing every inch of his lover's heated skin, pouring love into every tender touch. Arching from the bed, young Tanner met his boyfriend's thrusts, trying to make him pick up the pace somehow against Justin's will. He was still afraid he might hurt his precious lover.
Answering the silent plea from Marcus' eyes, the other man snuck a hand between them and wrapped it around his cock, which had become painfully hard. He then started to stroke it, lazily at first, using the pearls of precum at the tip as a lubricant. Then, as the rhythm of his thrusts intensified, Justin also increased the frequency and roughness of the strokes, making Marcus lose what little control he still had over himself.
A complete moaning and whimpering mess, he was thrashing his head around, eyes rolled back in his head, he wrapped his arms around Justin's waist. As he was sliding his hands up and down the supple, muscular back, he asked for more of the sweet treat. With each stroke and thrust, the two lovers came closer to the point of no return, until both of them fell into the abyss. They quickly abandoned themselves to the pure, unadulterated bliss brought about by their orgasms.
As soon as Justin released his load inside his boyfriend, Marcus released himself between the two of them, splattering both their stomachs with sticky cum, grinning apologetically at the sight. After catching his breath for a few moments, the young Bloom got out of bed, went into the bathroom and returned with a wet cloth. He cleaned the evidence of their lovemaking off of Marcus, who lay splayed all over the bed.
''Thank you, my love, for that wonderful present.'' Justin tenderly kissed his boyfriend's damp temple. ''This is the greatest Christmas ever.''
''And I thank you for the patience and understanding you've shown me all this time, even when I didn't deserve it.'' Marcus curled next to him, inhaling his manly scent. ''I love you so much, Justin Bloom.'' he sighed contentedly, his silky eyelashes fluttering over the warm, affection-filled, light-green eyes.
''Let's go to sleep now, baby.'' His boyfriend gave him another gentle, sweet kiss on the lips, and wrapping the thick, warm comforter around them. ''We have a long day ahead of us, and only a few hours to rest.''
It was the crack of dawn, but some of the people temporarily inhabiting the mansion had already risen from their beds. They were spreading around the house, taking care of things that still needed to be done before the wedding ceremony. Plates were taken from the racks, thoroughly wiped and brought to the reception hall, to be set on the long, U-shaped table. Napkins were folded, and the glasses were selected.
The ladies of the clan, with the generous help of Henry, Ramsay, Ardan, Liam, and Elias, were making sure they had everything ready for when the guests were seated around the table later in the afternoon. The various meats were already in the ovens, to roast, stew, or bake, alongside potatoes and other vegetables.
Sebastian was in that state between dreaming and waking. When the brain still wanted to laze around a while longer, but the body was well-rested and ready to start the day. He was facing Joraan, who was sleeping like a child, his lips slightly parted, head tilted backward, back to back with Nicholas. The younger man was almost in the same position as the redhead with an air of innocence on his beautiful face.
Looking at his husband, Sebastian remembered the lost, vulnerable, grieving boy he'd met three decades earlier. His heart filled with affection and tenderness for the one lying next to him. Taking Joraan in his arms, the man started to tenderly kiss him on the brows and eyelids, making the redhead open his kind, green eyes.
''Merry Christmas, husband of mine.'' Sebastian purred in his ear, continuing the series of shy kisses.
''Merry Christmas, dear husband,'' Joraan replied, letting out a little yawn. ''What a pleasant way of waking up! I want more of that.''
''I was thinking...'' the blue-eyed man started, a dreamy expression in his dark-blue eyes. ''What about some old-fashioned make-out? You know, like...''
''Like we were some innocent, carefree teens, experiencing the thrills of their first love.'' Vincent completed in a melancholic tone. ''Thank you for the great idea, Seb.'' he half-smirked, lifting Nicholas's pajama top and starting to lightly kiss him from the waist up, following his happy trail in reverse.
''Master Vincent!'' the younger man jumped. ''Why didn't you tell me sooner that you wanted me?''
''Merry Christmas, Nicholas and no, it's just Vincent.'' the older man smiled warmly. ''Do you like this?'' he brushed his lips against his partner's neck, making him shiver with pleasure.
''Oh, yes! It's so good.'' the younger man sighed happily. ''May I touch and kiss you back?'' he asked in a small, shy voice.
''Be my guest. Indulge yourself.'' Vincent purred in his ear, shifting closer. ''Imagine that you are a teen again, and I'm your first crush.''
And so he did, enjoying every second of it. Not even his first Master, the father of Mattias and Claran, who'd showered him with affection and showed a lot of patience in their relationship, hadn't granted him such a high level of freedom. Timidly at first, he started to kiss Vincent's cheek, smiling when the man's facial hair touched his lips, tickling them.
On the other side of the bed, Sebastian and Joraan continued the shy exploration of each other's bodies and rediscovering them through innocent teenagers' eyes. The redhead blushed a little, remembering the first time he and the then-boyfriend-but-not-quite had ended up alone in a hotel room, semi-naked, and sharing a bed, beet-red from embarrassment. The memory made him smile brighter, hiding his head in Sebastian's shoulder, just as he did back then.
In the smaller office downstairs, Rayne was reading for the millionth time the results of Russell's, the boy Raven had rescued from a research facility, tests he'd undergone at the Institute. Although he was way more open-minded than other specialists in his field, the redhead still couldn't believe something like this could be possible.
After a short internal debate, he decided to message Doctor Saunders and ask him to come to the mansion so that they could have an in-depth talk on the subject. The reply came almost instantly. Rayne's colleague accepted the invitation and said that he would be there around two in the afternoon, bringing Kevin Neville with him.
Rereading the last part of the message, the redhead let out a heavy sigh. He was thinking about the complications the presence of the young police officer could create, but he couldn't ask Saunders to come alone. The doctor left the office, heading to the reception hall, where Alastair and Mallory were overseeing the ever-new show the excitement and surprise the kids were offering that Christmas morning.
''Uncle Rayne, look what I've got.'' a super-happy Lochlin took him by the hand, pointing in the direction of a large, half-unwrapped box. ''A forensic mini-lab, with a microscope and everything. I'm showing Lazarus how to use the instruments. He's never seen something like that before.''
''Well, that's no wonder.'' Rayne smiled. ''Because this lab of yours is the coolest thing I ever saw, and I'm much older than your friend.''
''Merry Christmas, son.'' Alastair greeted him, his arms opened, and a bright smile on his face.
''Isn't this the most beautiful view? I can't get enough of it.'' he gestured around the room. ''When I was a child, I always longed for this. When
I was hidden in my dark corner, I was watching the Neville children unwrapping their presents and..., but that is in the past.''
''Father, I need to talk to you.'' Rayne started, only to cut himself short a few seconds later. ''Whose car is that? The one parked just at the end of the short driveway?'' he pointed out the window.
''I don't know for sure,'' Alastair's brows furrowed in confusion, ''but from where I stand, it looks like Adele's.''
''What is she doing here? I thought that, after divorcing Fabian, she'd cut ties with the rest of the clan, because we chose to acknowledge Quinlan.'' a light frown creased Rayne's forehead, as he watched the woman heading to the main entrance.
''Merry Christmas, everyone!.. she said as she stepped inside.
''M
erry Christmas, Adele, and welcome!'' Alastair answered, his emerald-green eyes shining with joy. ''I'm so happy you could come!''
''I'm happy, too.'' the woman radiantly smiled, hugging the patriarch, then turning to Mallory and Rayne. ''I missed you very much during these past few months, but I thought it would be awkward for me to show up. Especially, after all, that's happened between your nephew and me.''
''The only reason I didn't invite you is that I thought your wounds would reopen at the sight of Quinlan. I didn't want to spoil your holidays like that.'' Alastair lowered his head, a painful expression in his voice.
''Oh, no. Don't even think about that.'' Adele warmly protested. ''That poor boy suffered so much and for so long. Then, that unpardonable attitude his father had, the brutal rejection...it would have hurt anyone. I didn't want to add to that pain.''
''Ezra and Peyton are getting married today at noon,'' Mallory announced in a cheerful voice, trying to change the subject of the discussion. It was much too sad for a Christmas morning.
''Oh! That is an event I don't want to miss for anything in the world.'' Adele joyfully clapped her hands and bouncing in excitement, like a five-year-old, much to the men's delight. ''They are so good for each other, and that sweet, little boy of theirs is the most precious thing I've seen lately.''
''Hello, Adele, and Merry Christmas!'' Willa greeted her sister-in-law, coming from the kitchen. ''I'm so happy you could come for Ezra's wedding. The poor boy needs someone as calm as you by his side right now. He's a nervous wreck.''
''Let me guess.'' Alastair wickedly grinned, ''They've got him, and Peyton separated, and now he's not allowed to see his future spouse until the ceremony. At last, I'm avenged for the torture I was put through at my own wedding.''
''Oh, Great-Uncle. C'mon, Ezra didn't participate in that.'' Daniel intervened, hugging Adele. ''It was all my and Liam's doing. At Mallory's express request, I might add.''
''Still,'' the patriarch smirked, casting a love-filled glance in his husband's direction, ''the boy has to practice the virtue of patience and respect the tradition.''
Vincent and Nicholas, looking all fresh and ready to start the long day, came from upstairs. They joined the small group formed of Daniel, Tarquin, Willa, Mallory, Alastair, Rayne, Hugo, Martin Cornelius, Christine, Eugene, and Elliott. They were all gathered around Adele, talking about the weddings that had at one time or another, took place at the mansion.
Of course, the most talked-about was by far Daniel and Tarquin's, but also Mallory's proposal to Alastair and the wedding night the two of them spent there. A light blush colored the lawyer's cheeks at the mention of the event, and he partially hid behind his husband, much to the others' amusement.
Upstairs, in Ezra's room, things weren't at all as relaxed and calm as downstairs. Half-dressed, the young man was pacing up and down in his room. His head was filled with all kinds of thoughts, all of them centered around his spouse-to-be. Who apparently didn't want to see him.
''Please, father, let me go and talk to them. I need to see why they are so angry with me!'' the young man implored Thaddeus for the thousandth time.
''Son, I can't do that.'' the man shook his head, ''But I can tell you they are not mad, or angry, or anything like that. Not at all.''
''How do you know that? Did you go in there and see them? Did you talk to them? Are they alright?''
''Listen to your father, Ezra,'' Carter intervened, trying to get some sense into the young man's head. ''and trust him. Nothing wrong is going to happen. Peyton hasn't gotten cold feet. You will be declared spouses in about three hours from now and live happily ever after. Take a deep breath, and let's finish dressing you.''
''OK, I'm going to do what both of you said.'' Ezra sighed heavily, plopping down on the bed. ''But that's only because I want to see them sooner.''
''You, my son, are a wise man.'' Thaddeus said, silently thanking all the deities in the universe, ''Now let's make you handsome for your spouse.''
''Guys, are you sure everything is alright with Ezra? He isn't answering my messages or calls.'' Peyton's voice was dripping with worry as they turned to Alasdair and Leon.
''Don't worry, champ. He's just busy dressing to impress, but I bet he can't beat that.'' the older man spoke softly, gesturing in their direction. ''I mean, look at you, all dressed in white, looking so great, ready to steal everyone's hearts.''
''Do you think he's changed his mind? Is it possible for him to back off and leave us?'' Peyton's innocence was disarming, melting the hearts of the two men.
''Look, dude.'' Alasdair intervened, trying to make his voice sound relaxed, without much success, ''I know you are not a girl. Well, technically you are, but...anyway, the thing is it brings bad luck if the spouses see each other before the ceremony. Besides, you look so hot in this white suit, that Ezra could get ideas by just looking at you, and then...you get it, right?''
''When I first met you,'' Peyton shook his head, amused, putting on their cufflinks. ''I had no idea you had such a perverted, dirty mind. Does Ardan know about this side of your personality?''
''Yes, he does, and even more, he adores it.'' the redhead swayed his hips, wiggling his ass in front of the other two. ''My dirty side spices up our love life, baby. You can come to me for advice anytime. I'll gladly share from my vast experience.''
''You are such a clown!'' Peyton laughed softly. ''But I'm forever indebted to both you and Leon because I would never have met my Ezra if it wasn't for you guys.''
The two best men hugged the soon-to-be-spouse, careful not to wrinkle their white, immaculate suit and gave them a last, critical examination. Beyond satisfied by the results, Leon offered them a brotherly smile, then pulled up his phone, messaging Thaddeus, who promptly answered back.
According to him, a somewhat calmer Ezra was already waiting in the grand salon and entrance hall. That was where everything was already set for the ceremony. Everyone, including the celebrant, was there, waiting for Peyton and their party. Reading the message, Leon nodded, widely opening the door, only to almost knock Adele out.
Smiling, the woman patted the man on the shoulder, assuring him that everything was alright with her. Stepping inside, she kissed the lucky spouse-to-be on both cheeks. Then offering them a splendid white, pink and red rose bouquet, wished them luck and a long, prosperous, and harmonious married life, filled with mutual respect and understanding.
Since she was in the same room with Peyton and their best men, Adele decided to join their party. So, she waited for Steven Hunter to come and accompany his child to their beloved. Leon and Alasdair went ahead of all the others, taking their designated places, their faces giving away all the emotion they felt.
The gathering let out a collective gasp when Peyton appeared at the top of the staircase, on their father's arm. They were dressed in white from head to toe, a virginal blush coloring their cheek and a lively shine in their stunning light-green eyes. As they arrived at the base of the stairs, everyone was lost in awe, comparing them to an angel who'd descended from Heaven on Christmas day.
Ezra was no exception. He couldn't stop wondering during the whole ceremony if the one standing next to him was a real human being made of flesh and blood, or if
the beautiful creature was nothing more than a figment of his imagination.
But, when the celebrant finished pronouncing the consecrated words, asking the two of them to say their vows, he knew for sure: Peyton was real. They were living, breathing, with the smallest, shiest smile playing on their lips. And above all, they were his to cherish.
''About four years ago, I'd hit rock bottom, or so I thought.'' Ezra cleared his throat, locking eyes with the one in front of him, ''When a pair of strong arms claimed me from the pits of hell, giving me a new life and a sort of little brother, caring but liking to yell a lot.'' he turned to Alasdair, grinning. ''And I also met a lovely creature, made entirely of light and innocence — one who looked behind my crushed heart and damaged soul, finding me worthy of love. Even when life had knocked me down once again, worse than before, they stood by my side and helped me build myself up again. I'm standing before you today, Peyton Hunter. To give me to you forever, with the good and bad. To cherish, love, and protect you, until death do us part.''
''There was a time when I thought love was not for me, and I couldn't have imagined that someone would want to waste their time in the company of someone like me. But then you came into my life, showing me the beauty of being complicated, of being different. And the greatest thing was that you didn't do that by using great, beautiful words and complex phrases. You stayed silent most of the time we were together, and when you talked, it was to make sure I was comfortably situated or if I needed anything. It was always about me and my needs, and that gave me hope and strength. Now it's time to repay your generosity and selfishness by offering you the rest of my earthly life, to take care of your soul. Make you smile and help you rise again and again.''