by Renee George
Small arms slipped about his waist. “What are thinking about, dear?”
He was glad when his mother suggested they get out of the house for awhile. He’d needed the space. Needed the time to clear his head. “I don’t know what to do, Mom.”
“I know, baby.” Rebekah waved at them as she went running in the lush green grass, the colors more vibrant than Nathan had recalled. Nan waved back. “Alfred, don’t let that girl get away from you.”
“I won’t,” he hollered back.
“What are your options, son? What’s important to you?”
He glanced at the east entrance of the plaza, watching cars and people, normal, mortal people going in and out, doing business like it was any regular day. Since becoming a vampire, Nathan biggest complaint had been the fact that there was never anything normal about his life. Now he had all the normalcy he could handle.
And it didn’t feel right.
“Well, Mom, I have a couple of choices. I could stay with Guillermo, who I love and want to be with. But then he’d have to watch me age and die. Or I could spare him that and just leave now. Break it off clean, and in which case, if it weren’t for Rebekah, I’d feel I might as well be dead…”
“Hmm, can I tell you a story, baby?”
Nathan rolled his eyes. Another one of his family anecdotes no doubt, but he indulged her. “Yeah, sure.”
She smacked the back of his head. “Don’t get sassy with me, boy. You’re not too old for a spankin’.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with much chagrin.
“That’s better.” Nan smiled, her hazel eyes a beautiful green and gold in the sunlight. “When I was no bigger than knee-high to a grasshopper my daddy took me squirrel hunting with him. It was the first time he’d ever asked me to go and I was really excited. We walked them woods up and down. Daddy kept telling me to shush, walk softly, we didn’t want to scare off the squirrels and such. I remember it well. Fall had come and trees were turning bright colors of reds, oranges, and yellows.”
The look in her eyes was wispy, far-off and distant. “Oh and the smell of damp logs and grass, a bit like mulch, really, really earthy. I was enjoying walking and talking with my daddy, so much so I forgot why we’d even went out. I’d bent down to pick up a crooked stick, a small piece of branch from a black walnut tree that had fallen to the ground when I heard the shot ring out.”
She shook her head. “Oh, Lord have mercy, I jumped my skin.” Nan shivered at the memory. “Anyway, I looked at the bottom of the walnut tree and there in a small pile of leaves was the squirrel. Daddy had used a .22 rifle so there wasn’t much blood, but all the same, I knew the little critter was dead. It hurt something awful in my heart to see it. Well, I didn’t say much on the walk back home, and that night we ate squirrel and dumplings.”
“Mom,” Nathan started.
Nan shushed him with a wave of her hand. “I’m nearly done. Anyway,” she continued, “the next time my dad told me he was taking me squirrel hunting, I thought to myself, I could either go and not make a fuss, or I could go and talk so loud the squirrels would all hide. But then we’d have no food. But then it dawned on me, there was a third choice as well. I could just save myself the heartache, and still have a full belly, if I just stayed home.”
Folding her arms across her chest, Nan peered out over the fountain like she’d just dispensed the wisdom of life. Only Nathan didn’t get it. “Okay, what’s squirrel hunting got to do with me?”
“I’m just saying, son. There’s always more than two choices. Otherwise, it would be called a choice.” She patted his arm and smiled wistfully. “Besides, I like talking about my dad every once in a while, makes me feel young again.”
“Huh,” Nathan grunted. “Mom, have I told you how great you are lately?”
“It’s what a mother lives to hear, baby.”
Tilting his head back, Nathan blinked at the sun and made up his mind. “Can you get Bekah back to the house? I want to run an errand.”
* * *
Just before dusk, Guillermo woke. He opened his eyes to find Nathan staring at him from across the room. “I guess you’ve had time to think.”
“Yes.” Nathan chewed his lower lip. “Yes, I have.”
“And?” Guillermo sat up on the edge of the bed, naked, rubbing his fingers through his thick black hair, feeling sick in the pit of his stomach.
“I can’t be with you as a mortal.”
Guillermo’s heart sank. He knew. Deep down, he knew the truth. Nathan would make this choice and want to be a part of what his lover had always considered the “real” world. But he’d hoped… “So, your decision is made.” Gui stood and for the first time in Nathan’s presence he was flaccid as he went to the closet for a pair of pants. “I will move out today. You can have the mansion to raise Rebekah. Besides, I want your mother and Alfred to have a home here as well.”
“Gui. Stop for a minute and listen to me.”
“I don’t need an explanation, Nathaniel. You have made your choice, and I respect your decision. You used to like women better than men. Now that you are mortal again, you can go out and find yourself a nice mujer to settle down with and raise your daughter.”
“I never wanted anyone, not anyone, more than I want you.”
“But…” Guillermo waited for Nathan to fill in the next line. Instead, he felt Nathan’s presence behind him.
“Here.”
Guillermo turned and Nathan was holding out a platinum band. “I cannot, Nathaniel. It is yours.”
“Just take the damn ring, Gui.”
“Fine.” Gui grabbed the ring from Nathan’s hand and placed it on the dresser. “Leave me, por favor, while I dress.”
“Read the inscription.”
“I know what it says, Nathaniel. I ordered it myself.”
“God, don’t you know how take a hint? Read the damn inscription.”
Guillermo picked up the ring and turned it into the lamp light. In this life, eternal. “This is not…” He turned to Nathan who was holding up his left hand, a platinum band glimmering on his ring finger.
“Yeah, I know it’s not. I thought it only be right if I got you one as well. Seeing as how you got me one.”
“But…”
Nathan pressed his lips to Gui’s, silencing him. “My mother helped me to realize that I had more options here. I can’t stay with you as a mortal, Guillermo. I would never do that to you -- make you suffer, watching me age and eventually die -- but I can’t bear to be parted from you.”
“So…” The implication was clear, but Guillermo wanted to hear Nathan say it.
“So, I want you to make me a vampire again.”
“But you hated being a vampire.”
“No, not really. I hated not having any choice in being a vampire. I think that’s why I fought so hard against my beast, my inner nature. But now. Now I do have a choice, and I choose you.”
“Nan is all right with this decision?”
Nathan grinned. “She’ll live.”
“Amante, amor.” Guillermo slipped on the ring and it fit perfectly. “You have made me a very happy man.” His cock was happy as well, standing straight and at full attention.
Nathan cupped Gui’s balls. “Now it’s your turn to make me a very happy man.”
Guillermo pressed his mouth to Nathan’s, using his tongue to part his lover’s lips and teeth, probing the pure liquid heat of the mortal mouth. Fresh blood pumped through Nathan’s veins, his heart thumping faster as Guillermo groped his way down the front of Nathan’s jeans, releasing his cock from the constraining fabric. “Muy caliente, amante. So hot.”
So used to the feel of cool vampire flesh, Guillermo couldn’t believe how warm Nathan was, fevered even. Desperately, he wanted skin on skin. Frantically he pulled Nathan’s shirt up, breaking the fevered kiss only long enough to get it over his head. He pushed the waist of Nathan’s jeans down, while Nathan kicked his shoes off and helped get the pants the rest of the way off.
“Oh. Uh. Uh-oh.” Nathan’s body went rigid, no longer relaxed.
“Yes?”
“Well, it’s just that… frankly, I’ve never done it as a mortal. And I’m just wondering if…”
“Ah, I see, amante.” Guillermo chuckled, nipping his teeth along Nathan’s hard muscular chest, tugging his tight nipples, rolling them with his tongue, one then the other. “I will be gentle, my little virgin.”
“Don’t be an ass.” His body relaxed into Guillermo’s touch, betraying his words.
“But it’s such a fine ass, or at least that is what you always tell me.”
“Oh, and it is.” Nathan threw his head back and laughed, although his laugh turned to a moan when Guillermo’s mouth closed over the head of his cock.
The shaft was molten silk, blood thrumming through the veins of his cock, the head purple with heat, tight against Guillermo’s tongue and teeth. He slid the length into his mouth, taking the warmth to the back of his throat.
“That feels so fucking good.”
Guillermo pulled his mouth off. “It is not fucking good yet, but soon it will be.” He stood and put his arms around Nathan, walking him to the bed. “Very soon.”
“Oh Lord.” Nathan turned in his arms as Gui pushed him back on the bed. “I’m in trouble now.”
There were times when Guillermo thought that loving someone this much, this deeply, was like death. Scary and final. But at moments like these it was the only reason to get up at night. “Mucha molestia. So much trouble.”
Guillermo reached into the top drawer of the nightstand and pulled out the Astro-glide. Snapping the lid open, he poured a generous amount on his palm and watched Nathan’s eyes darken with desire as Gui stroked the liquid onto his own cock. “Ah, you like that, amante.”
Nathan licked his lower lip. “Mucho, mucho.”
Gui threw the tube to Nathan. “Use it on yourself. I want to see you fist your cock.”
Mirroring Gui, Nathan applied the slick substance to his shaft, stroking, pulling, and squeezing the head of his cock, sliding back and forth across the reddening surface.
“I want to watch you prepare yourself for me, amante.”
Nathan groaned, never taking his eyes from Gui, and lifted his leg. He reached around his thigh and applied the lubricant to his puckered anus.
“Es bueno, muy bueno.” The sight of Nathan fingering his own ass quickened Guillermo’s stroke on his own cock. The foreskin slid back and forth, adding friction to the multitude of sensations.
“I want you in me, Guillermo. Buried deep.” Nathan circled his anus one last time then slipped his hand over his cock and stroked. “I’m ready.”
A shiver ripped through Gui, his shaft jerking in response. He moved between Nathan’s legs, leaned forward, pushing back on his lover’s thighs, spreading him. “Are you certain, Nathaniel?” he asked, the head of his cock nudging Nathan’s ass.
“Yes.”
Gui shifted his hips forward, barely nudging the lubricated ass, when Nathan tensed. “Certain?”
“Yes. I haven’t changed my mind. But…”
Guillermo circled the bulbous head of his cock around the constricted opening. Nathan moaned, low and soft. “Continue.”
“I want you to make me when I orgasm. Right at that point. Take me when my mind is on… other things. Make it quick. Promise me.”
“I will, amante. Prometo.” He slipped the first inch of his length in, feeling the give of the first ring of muscle. “I promise.”
“Oh, God.”
And Guillermo wanted to cry out to God as well. Nathan’s ass was a silky oven, engulfing his cock. Gui pushed in further, slowly, inching his cock, withdrawing a little and then back in again, progressing forward until he was buried deep within his lover. He leaned forward, his chest on Nathan’s, taking his mouth, plundering his lips and teeth with his tongue. He moved with careful, sure strokes as the smooth muscles contracted, milking his cock with each erotic glide.
Nathan pushed his hips forward, his arms wrapping around Guillermo, kneading his back, as their tongues danced across each other’s, tasting, nipping until their mouths were melded in fierce passion. Guillermo’s hips moved faster, shorter strokes, keeping himself deep, deep within the hot channel.
“Oh damn, oh damn. So good. You fuck so good.” Nathan forced his hips down onto the bed, then back up to Gui’s shaft. “Harder.” Nathan’s breath, real breath, blew in sharp staccato pants across Gui’s face. “Faster.”
“Dios mio.” Guillermo thrust harder, quickening his pace even more. Fighting to control his pleasure, to hold off until Nathan was ready. “Your ass is so tight, so hot, Mi amor.” He held Nathan tighter, his hips loose, plunging in and out of his lover. Pressing his lips to Nathan’s throat, he felt the carotid artery leap beneath his touch. His lover’s heart pounded against his chest.
“Oh, God. Guillermo, I’m going to come. Ahh.” Nathan moaned, grunting under the force of each drive forward. Guillermo’s fangs slid down and he sank them into Nathan’s artery, blood spraying a little on his face before he sealed the wound with his mouth. He plunged in the final strokes, then pressed himself deep as his climax ripped through his body. Nathan bucked, jerking his hips, his cock exploding come between them. Nathan moaned as Guillermo drank deeply, blood dripping down his chin.
“I love you, Gui,” Nathan whispered, weak, near death. His respirations were shallow and slow, then they ceased completely.
“I will see you in the next life, amante. And you will be mine. Forever.” Guillermo withdrew from Nathan’s lifeless body and crawled next to him, taking him in his arms.
Return him to me.
Chapter Twelve
Feeling good, better than he had in a long time, Nathan stood outside in the moonlight. They’d brought in a gazebo for the event and five thousand white roses. It seemed a little strange, the whole idea of a vampire wedding. But he arranged his tux and stared across the podium at Guillermo, who smiled.
When Nathan woke the evening after Gui drained him, he’d felt the familiar presence of the Beast, his beast, the one that had been with him for the last four and a half years. And the Beast had been more than happy with the change in Nathan’s attitude, not that the good doctor could blame it. And now, here he was.
His mother stood behind the podium centered in the gazebo as friends and employees quieted in their seats. She had been ordained years ago and insisted on officiating over the ceremony. Rebekah held his hand, making rose petals dance along the red carpet leading up to the house. She stopped when she saw the stern look he gave her, and grinned, flashing little baby teeth and a bit of fang. “Good girl,” he muttered.
Tyr stood next to him, fidgeting with his tie, while Gui shook his head, twirling the platinum band on his left ring finger. The music began and everyone turned. The back door opened, and Nadine stepped out wearing a white latex dress hugging every curve, and veil trailing to the ground. Alfred met her at the bottom step and she took his arm. She looked beautiful. Bizarre, but beautiful.
Nathan coughed. “Like she can wear white.”
Tyr, Nan, and Guillermo all gave him a “shut up” glare. Nathan chuckled. As Tyr’s best man, he had the rings. And Guillermo, well, Nathan thought, always a bridesmaid and never a bride.
Guillermo raised an eyebrow as if reading Nathan’s mind.
“Forget it,” Nathan mouthed. He held up his hand. “This is all the ceremony I’ll ever need.”
The End
Reneé George
Reneé George was born and raised in California. She has lived in Hawaii and Texas, before settling in the Midwest. Happily married for 16 years, Reneé lives a hectic, but fulfilling, life with her husband and her sweet baby boy (okay, so he’s twelve now, but he is still her baby!). As a self-proclaimed voyeur, she thinks that th
ere is something distinctly voyeuristic in most people. Watching the lives, loves, and self-discovery of unique characters unfold in the written word can be extremely satisfying. It’s like knowing a great secret. Fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction have always been a big part of her life, allowing her to escape the mundane. She became hooked on alternative worlds and realities after reading J. R. R. Tolkein’s books when she was nine years old. She enjoys writing strong characters with even stronger desires. Her website is at www.romance-the-night.com.