The Nik of Time

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  “I know. But the fact is that he was your biological father. It’s different.” Nikolai cupped Colin’s face. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Saving my life.” Nikolai pulled Colin into his arms and held him close. Colin’s body trembled in his arms and Nik smoothed Colin’s hair. “I’m here, Colin. I’ll always be here.”

  ~*Chapter Thirteen*~

  The welcome home party had been loud and boisterous. There was laughter and drinking throughout the night and by the time two in the morning rolled around, Colin was exhausted. Nikolai was massaging his feet and Colin’s eyes drifted closed. It had been heartwarming to see all the teams together in one room. They had truly formed a bond and come together for him.

  The only one he felt sorry for was Hayden. Jude stayed on the opposite side of the room the whole night, but Colin could see him watching Hayden’s movements. It was sad to know that Jude was still holding a grudge against a man who had done everything in his power to make up his past wrongs, including apologizing. Several times.

  Nikolai pressed in hard on his arch and Colin moaned. His whole body was wired. Nikolai said it was from the werewolf blood. He’d had the same reaction the first time it had saved his life, following the earthquake at Camp Pride. Colin thought back to what Aidan had said. He and Nikolai were fated to be together. What did that mean exactly? The fates had plans for humans, too? Colin opened his eyes to see Nikolai hovering above him. He would never get tired of that face—that smile—as long as he lived.

  “Hey,” Colin smiled warmly.

  “How are you feeling?” Nikolai brushed the backs of his fingers across Colin’s cheek.

  “Frisky,” Colin chuckled.

  “Mmm,” Nikolai leaned over and kissed Colin’s lips. “Yeah?”

  Colin rolled them over and straddled Nikolai. He ran his fingers over the ridges in Nikolai’s abs, and trailed a finger down to the waistband of Nik’s boxer briefs. Nik’s eyes closed as Colin leaned over, their lips meeting in a soft kiss as he ran his hand under the material. Nikolai was hard—and leaking already.

  “I can’t get enough of you. I saved myself for you and now I just want to have sex with you all the time.” Colin ran his thumb over Nik’s slit, spreading the precum.

  Nikolai chuckled. “You won’t hear me complaining.” He hissed as Colin’s thumbnail dipped into his slit.

  “You like that?” Colin kissed Nik’s neck and ran his tongue up to his ear. He circled the lobe and then bit down. “I want to try a few things with you.”

  Nik’s gasp confirmed his acceptance. Colin made his way down Nik’s neck and he kissed his collarbone. His fingers gently ran down Nik’s sides as he licked a path down his chest, stopping to play with the erect nipples. Nik squirmed under him as he licked and bit down on one of them. Colin smiled with the nub between his teeth and circled it with his tongue.

  “Like that?”

  Nik nodded slowly.

  “I have lots more. See, I’ve never been able to just explore someone inch by inch. I’ve been waiting to be with you, so now I have all these questions. Such as, would Nikolai like this?”

  Colin ran his tongue over taut abs and flicked his belly button. He lowered his hands to Nik’s ass and grabbed the cheeks, pulling them apart as his nose ran alongside his erection — his finger circling Nik’s hole. Nikolai’s back arched and a hiss of pleasure escaped him. Colin nudged his dick and slid down between his legs.

  He pushed Nikolai’s thighs out and licked at his balls; they weighted his tongue as he sucked them, rolling them around in his mouth. Nikolai’s moans inspired him to go lower. Colin sank his face between the ass cheeks and licked at the puckered flesh. Nikolai’s back arched and he let out a loud, drawn-out moan. Colin grabbed Nik’s thighs and pressed in deeper.

  “Fuck! Ohhh shit, Colin!” Nikolai gasped at the warm sensation in his ass. Colin’s tongue slid inside him and he gripped the sheets. His balls filled rapidly and his dick leaked pools of precum on his abs. Holy shit. He was going to cum from that alone. He tried to pry Colin away from his ass, but Colin waved him off and grabbed his dick. Nikolai’s eyes went wide as Colin sunk his tongue more deeply inside him.

  “Oh shit, shit, shit!” A tsunami of pleasure rolled over him and Nikolai braced for his impending orgasm.

  Colin sat up and pushed Nikolai’s thighs up. In one thrust, he slid inside. The loud howl that greeted him resounded in the room and Colin started thrusting his hips. Nikolai came howling and Colin followed a few thrusts later — practically screaming Nikolai’s name. Both of them were shaking from their orgasms, and a fine sheen of sweat glistened on Nikolai’s chest.

  Colin bent down, licking it off.

  “Damn,” he breathed. “You taste so fucking good.”

  Nikolai looked at Colin wide-eyed.

  “What?” Colin grinned.

  “You’re so filthy,” Nikolai chuckled.

  Colin chuckled and let his full weight down on top of his lover. He buried his face in his neck and sighed.

  “I’m so tired now,’ Colin smiled against the smooth skin.

  “Well, you did work hard.” Nikolai wrapped his arms around Colin and squeezed.

  “We should get sleep. I have to go back to school.”

  “We have to go back to school,” Nikolai corrected him.

  Colin lifted his head. “You’re going back with me?”

  “We’re together now, Colin. Where you go, I go.”

  “Oh, Professor Davis is going to love that,” Colin laughed.

  ~*~

  Over the course of the next two weeks, Nikolai settled into class -and life - with Colin. They hung out with the football players and even Ruslan had come back to school. Now that Carmine - and just about anyone who worked for him - was dead, Ruslan was allowed out of protective custody. It was uneasy between Nikolai and Ruslan, but he had to give the remaining Borkosky credit — he’d turned on Carmine, even if it was because he had feelings for Nik’s boyfriend.

  Valentine’s Day was days away and Nikolai had volunteered to decorate the outreach center with Hayden and Ross. Lord knows why. Riley Esposito had a way of making you do shit you didn’t want to. Riley and his husband were known to make it to every outreach party —no matter what state it was being held in. Riley wanted to be hands-on in everything.

  Hayden, Ross and Noah had all moved to Washington State from Oregon. Being part of James’ unit meant trying to keep everyone in one place. Jesse was already in Washington State and since the rogues in Arizona had been quiet for a little while, Justice and Jaxon rented an apartment in Washington on a temporary basis. Nikolai knew part of that was because Justice wanted to keep Noah away from Jesse, the youngest Salvatore brother. Nikolai’s phone rang and he smiled at the caller ID.

  “Hey sexy.”

  Colin chuckled. “Miss me yet?”

  “Yeah, I do. You’re coming back for the party at the outreach center, right?”

  “Of course. You know me coming back to Texas was all my dads’ idea. They just wanted to make sure I was okay with everything that happened.”

  “I know. I just miss you.”

  “It’s been two days, Nik,” Colin laughed softly.

  “So? It feels like two years. I don’t like being away from you.”

  Colin smiled, his stomach fluttering. That was new. Everything was new when it came to Nikolai. If he thought he loved him before — it was ten times stronger now.

  “I’ll see you soon. I love you, Nikolai.”

  Nik closed his eyes and smiled. “I love you, too.”

  ~*~

  On Valentine’s Day, the outreach center looked like love had thrown up in it. Nikolai’s nose wrinkled at the multiple hearts hanging from the ceiling along with red streamers strewn all over the room. The floor had been cleared of chairs for dancing. Riley really loved Valentine’s Day. Nikolai had heard all about Riley’s Halloween party, now he saw just how far the millionaire CEO would go for Valentine’s. Riley wa
s dressed as cupid — complete with bow and arrow. His husband, Mateo, wore a red shirt with an arrow pointing to Riley that said “I’m with him.”

  Nikolai snickered and scanned the rest of the room. Kids were sitting around, laughing with each other. Some had been to the camp in Washington which had been hit by an earthquake. Others were new arrivals. Nikolai frowned. It was sad to see so many kids kicked out of their homes or bullied for their sexual preference. He’d never had that problem. Most people were too afraid of him to talk to him, period. Nikolai grinned.

  Hayden Cox sat in the corner with Ross Collins, watching the kids have fun. Nikolai crossed the room to them.

  “So, no dates, huh?” he grinned.

  “Did you get something for Colin, Nikolai?” Ross raised a brow at an empty-handed Nikolai.

  “Like what?” Nikolai looked from Hayden to Ross.

  “Um, it’s Valentine’s Day; you didn’t get him a card?” Hayden searched Nikolai’s face. “A flower?”

  “A flower?” Nikolai scrunched his brows. “For what?”

  “Oh, dude, “Ross laughed. “You are so clueless.”

  “I was supposed to get him stuff like that?” Nik clasped his hands nervously.

  “Yup. It’s a tradition to get your love something. Not even chocolates?” Hayden studied Nikolai’s panic-stricken face. “That’d be a no?”

  “I didn’t know!” Nikolai sighed in exasperation. “I don’t know how to do relationship stuff!”

  Hayden raised both brows.

  “Well I don’t!” Nikolai’s shoulders slumped. “I’m an awful boyfriend.”

  “Can you sing?”

  Nikolai turned around to see a couple of the kids looking at him. He’d seen them at camp. Fuck. What were their names?

  “It’s Skylar and Ryder. Don’t hurt yourself trying to remember us,” Skylar drawled. “I can help if you can carry a tune.”

  Ross busted out laughing.

  “Nikolai sing? Oh, that is priceless!”

  Skylar tapped his foot at Nikolai Markov. He’d seen him at Camp Pride. The dude was tall — like really tall. And hot. Like really hot.

  “So?” Skylar narrowed his eyes.

  Nikolai leaned down to Skylar and lowered his voice. “I’ve sung in the shower.”

  “Did the glass break on the door?”

  Nikolai frowned. “No.”

  “Good!” Skylar clapped his hands together. “Come with us.”

  Hayden laughed as Nikolai was pulled away from them. His eyes caught sight of Jude in the corner. The Salvatore brothers had just arrived and Jude was holed up with Justice. Hayden’s blood boiled. He knew nothing was going on with them; Justice had made that known. It still bothered him that Jude wouldn’t even spend two seconds in his presence willingly. Jesse waved at them and made his way over with Jaxon. Hayden’s eyes landed on Elijah’s excited face over by the DJ booth. The teen was standing with Skylar, Ryder and Nikolai, but his attention was solely fixed on Jaxon now.

  “Oh, Jaxon!” Hayden sing-songed while pointing towards Elijah. “Someone’s here for you.”

  Jaxon raised both brows and looked in the direction Hayden was pointing. Aw, shit. Elijah was smiling at him — and fuck if the kid didn’t look practically edible in tight jeans and a just as tight black shirt with big red lips on it. He’d grown — somewhat. He was a little taller than the last time he’d seen him. His big blue eyes were fixated on him and Jaxon gave a half-wave. He turned his attention back to Hayden and narrowed his eyes.

  “What?” Hayden feigned innocence.

  “He’s sixteen,” Jaxon growled.

  “No I’m not.”

  Jaxon spun around to see Elijah smiling at him.

  “What?”

  “I said, no, I’m not. I’m seventeen. Today as a matter of fact.” Elijah grinned.

  “Your birthday’s on Valentine’s Day?” Ross asked in surprise.

  “Yup,” Elijah smiled wide. “So I’m no longer sixteen.”

  “Let me see your ID,” Jaxon put his hand out and wiggled his fingers. Elijah took his wallet out and flipped it open. He placed the ID in Jaxon’s hand. He looked at the date and then back at Elijah.

  “See? Told ya.” Elijah put his hand out. “Can I have it back now?”

  Jaxon sighed. He pulled Elijah away from the group. “Look, just because you’re a year older doesn’t mean anything, Elijah. I’m still much older.”

  “What is your deal with age?” Elijah tilted his head.

  “Um, jail?” Jaxon frowned.

  “I didn’t say sex,” Elijah groused. “I haven’t even had sex yet.”

  Jaxon almost fell over; as it was he grabbed the wall. “What?” He spluttered.

  “Don’t act so surprised. Not all guys go out looking to get laid. I want my first time to be special and with someone I care about — who cares about me, too.”

  Jaxon narrowed his eyes. “What have you done?”

  Elijah shifted from one foot to the other. “Um, some stuff.”

  “Like what?” Jaxon crossed his arms over his chest.

  “You know,” Elijah’s cheeks heated. “Stuff.”

  “Elijah…” Jaxon leaned into his face.

  “What?” Elijah met the skeptical glare of Jaxon Salvatore and felt his hands sweating. Lord, but the guy was so damn beautiful. Dark brown hair was cut short and he had the most amazing blue eyes. His jeans were tight and hugged an equally tight ass. The shirt he wore exposed every single tattoo he had. Elijah stopped trying to count them. Jaxon backed off a little, like he knew what Elijah was thinking.

  “Look, you need to be with someone your own age. Trust me, you’ll thank me someday.”

  “It’s my birthday. Can’t you at least kiss me or something?” Elijah raised his big eyes to Jaxon’s and batted his lashes.

  Shit. Fuck. Damn. And the kid’s lips were so damned tempting. Jaxon took a deep breath.

  “How about a hug?”

  Elijah’s face dropped and he hung his head. Jaxon smiled and lifted his face up with his fingers.

  “C’mere,” Jaxon pulled Elijah into his arms and held him. “Happy birthday.”

  ~*~

  “Aw, look at that.” Jesse smiled at the sight of his brother hugging Elijah. He laughed when Elijah’s hands slid to Jaxon’s ass.

  Ross cracked up when Jaxon brought Elijah’s hands back up to his waist. He saw Colin walk into the room and search for Nik. Colin made his way over to them and smiled. Ross could definitely understand Nik’s attraction to Colin Greystone. The guy was built and he had the most intriguing eyes.

  “Hey, Mr. Markov,” Ross winked.

  “Not yet, Ross,” Colin laughed. “I’ll always be a Greystone, though. I might throw that hyphen in there.”

  “What? No Nikolai Greystone?” Hayden balked.

  “Greystone-Markov.” Colin said with a smile. “Speaking of Nikolai, have you guys seen him?”

  “Is that a rose?” Hayden motioned to the package in Colin’s hand.

  “Yeah, I know it’s kinda corny but my sister told me roses are manlier than some of the other choices.”

  “It’s lavender,” Ross pointed out, eyeing the flower.

  “Yeah, it means love at first sight,” Colin said, his cheeks flushing. He finally spotted Nikolai and waved him over. He’d been late getting to the outreach center because his fathers wanted to have a small party before he left town and he couldn’t say no. Then Phoebe had cornered him and educated him on the color of roses and what they meant. He’d also gotten Nikolai chocolates; they’d eat them later - off each other, preferably. Colin smiled at the thought.

  “Hey, sexy,” Colin smiled as Nik leaned in to kiss him. “I got you something.” Colin held the rose out.

  “I like it; I love the color.” Nikolai looked at the flower in his hand.

  “It means love at first sight, Nik,” Hayden said with a snicker. “Colin’s got good taste, huh?”

  “Yes, he does.” Nikolai glared at Hayden
.

  “I didn’t really know what to get you,” Colin sighed. “They don’t have a ‘You were destined to be with me since birth!’ card.”

  “Um, well I…” Nikolai glanced from side to side. “I didn’t really get you anything.”

  “Oh, well. That’s okay, Nik.” Colin took his hand. “We’re new to this.”

  “I have something else for you, though.” Nikolai looked around the room and found Keegan with his pops. “Number Three!”

  Keegan sighed and rolled his eyes. “I’m not answering to that. Call me Keegan or just ‘hey you.’”

  “Dude,” Nikolai laughed.

  “I’m on it. Just go get ready,” Keegan sighed.

  “I’ll be right back.” Nik kissed Colin quickly and took off towards the DJ booth.

  “What’s going on?” Colin asked.

  Hayden shrugged. “No clue.”

  The microphone squealed and the room moaned. Keegan stood onstage and smiled at all the people together.

  “I’ve been asked to acquire all cell phones with recording capabilities. Please place them in this bag and you’ll have them back very soon.”

  As others complied, Skylar held his cell phone to his chest.

  “Dude,” Nikolai growled. “Seriously.”

  Skylar sighed and handed his phone to Nikolai. “Party pooper.” He then made his way to the front of the stage and took the microphone from Keegan.

  “Ladies and gentlemen! We have a special song for a very special man tonight. Nikolai Markov will be singing to the love of his life — Colin Greystone. Please don’t try to record his performance or he will kill you. His words, not mine.”

  Colin’s eyes widened and he looked at Keegan. “He’s going to sing?”

  “Yup,” Vince smiled, holding a recorder. “I’m the only one allowed to record it and you will have the only copy.”

  The music started and Colin faced the stage, fascinated. Nikolai came out with a microphone and looked right into his eyes. The Script’s ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ was the song. Colin’s heart rate jumped as Nikolai began singing to him. He actually had a voice. Colin had to smile as Skylar, Ryder and Elijah sang back up for him. They sounded really good, too. Colin realized Nikolai still had the rose. Nikolai came down from the stage and stood in front of him, running the rose softly along Colin’s neck and cheek. It took everything Colin had not to actually break down. This was the best gift he could have ever received from Nikolai because it was heartfelt.