Dead by Midnight

by Kelex

  “And your point?”

  “Dragons aren’t known for their skills at sharing… but perhaps you could gain more if you tried it.” He hated playing cupid, but he had a job to do. A war between his guard and the dragon would only waste time.

  Solomon continued to stare at Garret another moment. He then turned his stare to see Hart in the crowd, watching him from afar.

  “You’re right. Dragons don’t share.” Solomon stalked away, his irritation evident.

  That went well.

  Eilam had no luck in his own love life. Whatever had made him think it was possible to coax others in the right direction was beyond him.

  He turned… and Jean Pierre was suddenly beside him again. The incubi shoved a glass of Elvish wine into his hand. “I thought you could use a drink,” the male cooed as he moved in close.

  “Eilam, there you are,” a voice called out loudly, through the crowd.

  He turned and saw the mass of guests part. The king stared in his direction from halfway across the room. One eyebrow cocked higher as the monarch glared at Jean Pierre. The guests had quieted and turned a watchful eye to what would transpire between them.

  “May I be of service, Your Majesty?” He bent slightly at the waist and pushed Jean Pierre slightly away.

  The king took a few steps closer. He lifted his chin and eyed Jean Pierre down his nose. “I was hoping you would serve as my escort for the evening.”

  Eilam eyed the man, wondering if this was some sort of twisted joke. When he saw the look in the king’s eyes, he sensed there was something twisted, but it was no joke. The warlock simply wanted to torment him.

  Or is he jealous?

  He tried to keep the smile off his face as he bowed again. “It would be my pleasure, sire.”

  The king lifted a hand in the air, silently demanding Eilam’s arm.

  While Eilam would’ve rather made the king wait a moment as punishment, he didn’t want to linger too near Jean Pierre. He gave the glass in his hand a peek, and realized it could’ve been laced with anything. He wouldn’t put it past the handsy incubi. After placing the glass of wine on a side table, he moved to the king and offered an arm.

  The monarch placed a warm hand on Eilam’s arm and gave Jean Pierre another cold glare before he glanced up with a soft smile. “I need to welcome the rest of my guests. Come, Eilam. We mustn’t keep them waiting.”

  Eilam led the king about the room, stuck between heaven and hell.

  So close, yet he might as well have been miles away.

  * * * *

  Later that night, Adriel drained his eleventh glass of wine before a servant came round to refill it once more. He gave a quick glance to the bear shifter at his side and knew there would be a dissatisfied look on the male’s face. Of course, he wasn’t disappointed. The scowl on Eilam’s face was exactly as expected. His head of security did not like it when Adriel drank to excess, and had often commented that it was unsafe for a male of his standing to lose control.

  It never stopped him, not one bit. He wasn’t a drunkard. He didn’t get blasted each night, but on special occasions, such as this, he would over-imbibe all he wanted. The stress of ruling the kingdom had to be balanced somehow.

  Sex had often been his go-to distraction, but since Eilam had come into his life, he’d been unable to look at another man, let alone think of bedding one.

  So wine, it was.

  His uncle, Ralnur, lifted a glass. “This meal was one of the best I’ve had in some time. A toast, to our magnificent sovereign and host.”

  Adriel stared down the table, wondering if that was another little dig from the man. Ralnur and Eilam were cut from the same cloth and seemed to enjoy ruining any fun he had.

  A round of hear, hears came as other glasses were lifted and then drained. Adriel nodded to his uncle, thankful for the kind words. Adriel took another drink as he stared down the table. His cousin, Varian, was at his uncle’s side and whispering into Ralnur’s ear.

  He didn’t trust Varian any farther than he could throw the warlock… how his irritating cousin had come from such a fine father, Adriel didn’t know. Ignoring his brattish cousin, he turned to Hart, his guest of honor.

  “How was your meal?”

  “Delicious.” The human’s face told another story.

  Adriel grinned, knowing the human palate was quite different than a witch’s. But Hart had natural abilities, which meant there was a bit of witch in him. A meal of traditional food was just the thing to draw out more of that side of the man.

  The king turned to Eilam, a smile on his face. “And you, my bear? How did you like this dinner?”

  Eilam gazed over, light filling his eyes. Shifter eyes lit when they felt a strong emotion. What emotion was Eilam feeling now, he wondered.

  I’d love to get him alone and ask.

  I’d love to get him alone and no say any words at all.

  Adriel shifted in his seat, his body quickening from his errant, wine-fueled thoughts.

  “It was very fine,” the bear shifter murmured lowly. “But I still find myself… hungry.”

  Adriel met Eilam’s stare. It showed him exactly what the man hungered for. Heat flooded his body, his cock quickly getting on board with that idea. He took a long drink from his glass and smiled.

  “I believe it is time to say goodnight to our guests,” the king said. He rose to his feet and smiled down the length of the table. Everyone at the table stood, as well. “I have enjoyed this night tremendously, but find myself in need to rest. I bid you all a fine evening.” He drained the last of his glass and tossed the crystal against the fire behind him.

  Adriel then cast a look to Eilam and lifted his hand, seeking an arm to steady him. Eilam moved in close, his scent filling Adriel’s nose.

  The shifter swept him from the room, followed by his two guardsmen. Halfway up the stairs, a voice called, making him pause in his escape.

  “Might I have a moment to speak with you,” Varian called out.

  “It can wait until morning,” Adriel said, before eyeing Eilam. He had needs that needed fulfilling. “I’m quite… tired.”

  “Please,” Varian called out. “It’s important.”

  “Make an appointment with my secretary,” Adriel called down before gliding up the stairs.

  They quickly reached the door to his suite, which was shielded by two more of his guards.

  As they arrived, Eilam turned to Garretson and Cannon and dismissed them, leaving the two at the door. He opened the entrance into Adriel’s room and moved out of the way. “Your Majesty.”

  Adriel lingered at the door a moment and looked up at Eilam. He’s so handsome. So very handsome. “I have… something I wish to speak with you about before you leave.”

  Eilam’s stare darkened before the light returned full force.

  The king led Eilam inside and closed the door behind him. He leaned back on the door and a snicker escaped him.

  “I’ve had too much to drink tonight.”

  If the witch surrenders… Adriel pushed the thought from his mind. He could fuck the bear without being claimed.

  “You know it’s dangerous for you to overindulge.”

  “Yes, yes, Eilam, I know your thoughts on drinking too much wine. Stop being a buzzkill.” He walked over to where Eilam stood in the middle of the room and stopped mere inches away. Heat emanated from the man’s big, muscled body. What has he got under this tuxedo? Craning his neck back to look up, he gawked. “You’re much too big, do you know that?”

  “Is this what you needed me to come into your private rooms to discuss?”

  “Well, you claim I am your mate, but we don’t fit. You’re much too big. You tower over me by at least a foot.”

  “More than a foot.”

  Adriel’s mouth fell open. “Just how tall are you?”

  “Six-eleven.”

  “Much, much too big.” Adriel lowered his head, realizing his head only came to the bottom of Eilam’s chest. This close, he ha
d a perfect view of the hard cock pressing against the man’s pants. “Everything on you is too big.”

  Adriel had the sudden urge to see just how big. He reached out for the zipper, but his wrist was grabbed before he could get to what he wanted. Lifting his head, he frowned up at the bear shifter. “I thought you wanted me?”

  “I do.” Eilam paused. “But not like this.”

  “Like what?”

  “Drunk and not in control of yourself.”

  Adriel pulled his hand away and tried again. Eilam was too quick for him. “I am in control. Promise. Let me show you just how much control I have.”

  “You need to sleep off some of that wine. Let’s get you into bed.”

  “Are you coming with me?” Adriel asked with a grin.

  “No,” Eilam said before lifting the king into his arms.

  Again, heat slammed into Adriel. He was deposited in the middle of the bed and his doublet and shoes were pulled off. The bedding was pulled back and Eilam tucked him in.

  “Get those clothes off and get in.”

  “No,” Eilam said before laying the doublet over the back of a chair.

  “I demand you take off that tux and get into my bed.”

  Eilam sighed. “No.”

  Adriel grew infuriated. He lifted one hand and let his magic accumulate there.

  Eilam marched over and put his face into the king’s. “You know as well as I do that your magic does nothing to me. So put that away and go to sleep.”

  How dare he speak to me thus. I should punish him for that. Adriel leaned forward and pressed his lips to Eilam’s.

  Eilam froze against him. Adriel re-absorbed his magic and lifted his hands to cup the sides of Eilam’s face, continuing the kiss.

  After a moment, Eilam kissed him back.

  Slow at first, but the fire between them quickly grew. Adriel felt more alive in that moment than he could ever remember. His heart thundered in his chest. His body shook with need.

  “I want you, Eilam.”

  Eilam again froze, his eyes closed. After a few seconds, he rose to his full height and looked down. “Tell me that when you’re not drunk and you can have anything you want. Anything.”

  The shifter turned tail and left Adriel.

  The king fell back to the soft bedding and stared up at the ceiling, his body raging with need. With one snap of the fingers, he went to where his Eilam wouldn’t say no.

  Chapter Three

  The following morning, Noah peered over the rim of his morning coffee as Eilam sauntered out into the kitchen. “You were late getting home last night.”

  Eilam was silent a moment as he took a mug from the rack beside the coffee maker and poured himself a cup. “I was.”

  Tension stretched through Noah’s body. Something had happened, he was sure of it. He’d waited up for his brother bear, but ended up falling asleep before Eilam had come home. “Rough night?”

  Eilam turned and leaned back on the counter. “Quite.”

  He’s quiet. Too quiet. “What happened?”

  Eilam stared down into his cup, silent.

  Worry filled Noah.

  “The king got drunk on Elvish wine… and then asked me to bed him.”

  Noah couldn’t breathe for a moment. When he finally dragged a breath in, he then asked the question screaming in his mind. “And? Did you?”

  Eilam lifted his stare, frowning. “No. You know I wouldn’t take him without you.”

  Noah let out a shaky breath.

  “I wanted to. Trust me, it was hard to walk away from him. But the fact he was three sheets to the wind helped me stand a little stronger. When we take him, he’ll be clear of mind and begging.” Eilam took a sip from his cup. “As long as he’s made us wait… he will beg.”

  Noah heard the tension in his brother bear’s voice. Could easily see it in his body, too. Noah felt the same need pulsing through him. The past months, he’d felt the sexual tension growing in Eilam. By now, it had reached a boiling point, so strong, Noah struggled to not react to it. He lowered his cup to the table and rose to his feet. Eilam caught his stare and held it as he crossed the space between them.

  Their bodies slammed together, lips locking. Eilam was hungry, and Noah was more than ready to feed his lover everything he had.

  Eilam roughly dragged Noah’s pajama bottoms down past his hips. A strong hand wrapped around the base of his cock and stroked the already hard length. Noah moaned into Eilam’s insistent mouth, their tongues dancing.

  After Eilam spun them and forced Noah against the counter, a small smile spread across his lips. Noah liked it rough, and Eilam knew exactly how to tread the line. Their years together had taught them every want, every desire. Noah leaned over the counter, lifting his bottom for Eilam.

  He felt his brother bear yanking his own pants down and the hard tip of Eilam’s hard cock pressing against his inner thigh. The head was moved to the tight hole yearning to be filled. Eilam paused a moment, grabbing a little oil from the counter and coating his cock.

  Eilam’s lips trailed along his shoulder as his lover entered his body. Noah cried out, the thick, deep stroke pushing him to the edge. They fucked, mad and furious, standing up in the kitchen.

  Bent over the table.

  Sitting on the counter.

  And eventually, on the cold, tile floor.

  Noah loved every minute of it. When he came, he screamed his brother bear’s name for the heavens to hear.

  After, they lay there in a tangle of arms and legs.

  “I’m lucky to have you,” Eilam said before laying a kiss on Noah’s shoulder.

  “As am I.” Noah turned his gaze and stared at one of the sexiest males he’d ever known. It wasn’t just looks—it was that Eilam was everything good in the world.

  Honest. Hard-working. Intelligent. Charismatic. Loving.

  The king didn’t know what he was missing in Eilam.

  “I don’t want to move… but I need to go to work,” Eilam sighed.

  “I do, as well,” Noah said. “Today is the first day with the new team.”

  “I’d almost forgot… big day… I guess we got it off to a good start.” Eilam grinned, his expressive mouth too sexy not to kiss.

  Noah took that kiss before rising on his arms. “That we did.”

  * * * *

  Hours later, Eilam gazed into the king’s study and saw the ruler behind his desk. He knocked on the door and saw the monarch wince in pain. A little too much wine, hmm? He deserved to ache.

  Just as much as he made me ache last night.

  “Can I have a moment, Your Majesty?” Eilam asked quietly.

  The king waved him in. “Make it quick. I am under the weather today.”

  They both knew that was utter bullshit, but Eilam wasn’t in a mood to argue. Not after that delicious escapade in the kitchen earlier that morning with Noah. Eilam walked over to the desk. “I just wanted you to be aware that the team is beginning work on our portal issue today. Noah will be spearheading it for me.”

  “Noah?” the king asked, whipping his head up. “Whyever would you do that?”

  “You told me I could hire whomever I chose.”

  “But not him. You know not him. Why must I keep saying this?” the king demanded.

  “You said I had free rein to hire as I saw fit. There are no males in Midnight more concerned for your safety than him and me. I trust him implicitly.”

  “Stop trying to force this mate issue. It is not happening.”

  “I said nothing about you being our mate.”

  “Good. Because I am not your mate.”

  “Then what about last night?”

  One of the king’s brows rose. “What about last night?”

  “You asked me to your bed.”

  “I did not,” the king declared. He sat up straighter and glared at Eilam.

  Anger roared within Eilam. How the king could take him from zero to sixty in a few seconds, he didn’t know. Scratch that. He did. But knowi
ng why still didn’t stop him from feeling absolutely furious at the denial.

  Eilam leaned over the desk and eyed the king. A low growl escaped his lips. “This… is why I refused you. But then, had I taken you last night, perhaps you’d have had a harder time denying me in the light of day.”

  The king opened his mouth to argue, but nothing came out. He sat there silently, his lower lip quivering a bit.

  “I will make you beg for it. Eventually, you won’t be able to hold back and you will beg us to take you.”

  Red filled the king’s face. His eyes widened, his mouth opening farther.

  “You’re excused,” the king finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

  Eilam rose to his full height, holding the king’s stare the entire time. After a moment, he spun and stormed across the room, ignoring protocol. The king would have to stare at his back as he left.

  He was past caring about etiquette.

  And to hell with the king. Noah was the male he’d chosen to run the team. He refused to take something else away from his brother bear.

  He’d been given free rein.

  Noah was his choice.

  * * * *

  Out in the human world…

  Jeph poured creamer into his coffee, the unease he’d felt for days still playing at his mind. He stirred the coffee absentmindedly as he stared out the truck-stop window. Big rigs, cars, and trucks blasted by on the Interstate a few hundred feet away, past the huge array of gas pumps. A slight drizzle made everything gray and bleak.

  It had felt gray and bleak for the past few days.

  “You gonna eat or what?” Nick asked mid-chew.

  After a quick peek at Nick and Griffin, Jeph looked down at the huge platter of eggs, bacon, grits, and pancakes, not sure why he’d ordered it all. He’d barely been able to eat recently, which was decidedly out of character. He laid the spoon from his coffee down, and then picked up his fork and knife. Jeph began to cut his eggs, the bright yellow yokes leaking out upon the cream-colored plastic plate.

  The same yellow as his eyes.

  Jeph paused, the thought that had slipped through his mind making him dig deeper.

  Memories lingered at the far edges, just out of reach. Something had happened to them. He couldn’t remember it. Griffin and Nick had blown it all off, refusing to talk about it.