Claimed Beauty (The Cubi Book 2)

by Meraki P. Lyhne

  “You okay?” Daniel asked, grinning.

  “Smart ass,” Seldon growled and lifted his ass, mindful of the sore skin on his back. The movement made Daniel’s prick slip out as they worked the pillow under Seldon’s hips. Daniel penetrated him again and surprised Seldon yet again by leaning in for a deep and demanding kiss, leaving Seldon feeling overpowered and dominated. And he fucking loved it. Which surprised him the most. His body’s reaction completely blindsided him, leaving him breathless as Daniel pulled back from the kiss to push deep inside him.

  Oh wow. He might just have an idea of how confused Daniel had been about his own sexuality after coming there, but Seldon fought to push those thoughts of his understandings about his own sexual preferences to the side and just enjoy what Daniel gave. Which was no problem with the care and tenderness he showered Seldon with. Hands caressed every inch within Daniel’s reach while he set and held a slow rhythm. His eyes traveled the route his hands explored, his expression one of pure enjoyment and admiration.

  Their eyes met, and Daniel smiled. “You’re so beautiful like this. I love making you come. I love the look on your face seconds before you do. The feel of your body when you orgasm.” Daniel groaned and rolled his hips, touching everywhere inside Seldon. He then changed his thrusts to short and sharp, making Seldon grunt as each penetration ignited him.

  “Move your hips up and down a bit when you go in and out,” Seldon said. Ever the bossy bottom, as Caledon called him, but it was his responsibility to make the boy the best Cubi he could become. And that counted skills in lovemaking as it heightened the energy they fed on.

  Daniel attempted a few things, rolling his hips, and he finally found that good spot, pressing against Seldon’s prostate.

  “Oh fuck!”

  “That it? Oh shit, yeah, you like that,” Daniel said, managing it several thrusts in a row, so he definitely found the angle. “Oh God, you look hot.” Daniel sped up, and Seldon placed his hands on the headboard to keep himself from being shoved further up and thus his back from being too grated against the bed.

  “That’s the spot. Fuck me hard and make me come,” Seldon said, groaning relentlessly. Daniel moaned loudly, and Seldon looked at him. A devil-may-care smile had spread on the young Cubus’ face before a red tinged liquid ran out his mouth and Seldon’s ass tingled. The cub tried to dose him.

  “Yeah,” Seldon growled. “Work those Cubi tools!” But damn if that dose didn’t set his ass on fire and make his prostate grow more sensitive. “Oh shit, Daniel, tap it. Tap it hard!”

  Daniel slammed into him, and Seldon pushed back on the headboard to meet every thrust, pleasure building steeply.

  “Oh fuck, I’m close,” Daniel shouted and plowed in harder and deeper. “Come with me, Seldon, let me see how beautiful you look when I make you come!”

  Energy exploded around Seldon’s body and rushed to his spine and down to his ass and balls before he erupted in orgasm, hugging his legs tightly around Daniel’s waist to ride out the waves of pleasure. Through it, he heard Daniel cry out and he felt fingers dig into his thighs as the nourishing seed coated the walls of his ass.

  Daniel collapsed on Seldon’s chest, and they just lay there in the aftermath, heaving for air. Seldon’s feelings reeled as the thrill of the orgasm ebbed away. In the end, he just pushed the thoughts away, wanting to enjoy the presence of the young man in his arms. He then remembered the alarm clock and turned to see what time it was, but the display was dark.

  “Shit. I think I broke the alarm clock.”

  Daniel giggled against Seldon’s chest and scooted to the side enough to pull Seldon’s pants up from the floor. Seldon took over the attempt to find his phone in his pocket, but it wasn’t there. It couldn’t have been more than half an hour. As their breathing settled, he thought he heard voices in the hall. Someone knocked on the door and walked in like he owned the damn place. Marcadon, not to Seldon’s surprise.

  “Get done feeding already, you’re late! Especially if I have to take Daniel to Provision.” Marcadon left again while Daniel’s cheeks took on an adorable crimson.

  “We should get going,” Seldon said. Daniel gave him a wide grin, kissed him quickly, and got up, dislodging his soft member from Seldon’s ass.

  Seldon and Daniel showered—more like rinsed off—quickly and pulled on the clothes from yesterday. Seldon would change later, but he wanted to see Daniel off. Rosadin and Talidon were making breakfast, both dressed impeccably. Marcadon had outdone himself as he was a gruffer type and his style usually mirrored that. But his choice made Seldon run a few ideas for himself through his head.

  “You better go, you have less than an hour,” Rosadin said and attacked Daniel’s hair to make the last locks sit just right.

  Seldon felt proud of her. The responsibility she took to care for Daniel. He was sure it had nothing to do with the fact that she had just learned he was the Prince.

  Seldon followed the three—an impatient Marcadon, a fidgeting Rosadin, and an eager Daniel—to the door. Upon opening it, Daniel bit down so hard his jaw muscles bunched, and he growled at the sight of the mess on the door.

  “We were gonna take care of that,” Rosadin promised.

  “I’ll do it,” Daniel said.

  “No, go on, go get clothes, I’ll do it,” Seldon said, feeling his heart swell at the pride the boy took in their home. “Daniel, go.”

  Daniel smiled saddened and kissed Seldon on the lips before he and Marcadon sped off down the halls.

  “Dad, let me. You should find clothes.” Rosadin ushered Seldon inside, leaving the door ajar to the mess.

  Seldon relinquished the task to her and pulled her in for a hug and a kiss to the temple. “Thanks, baby girl. I need coffee before I do anything.”

  “Talidon made it.”

  “Uh.” If his boy was good at anything, it was making coffee. And fixing cars but that wasn’t something Seldon used often. He had seen Talidon’s collection of three old American muscle cars, though, and listened to his son’s enthusiastic explanations about the classics. “Good morning, Sonny.”

  “Morning, Dad. Coffee?”

  “Please.” Seldon sat at the table, feeling crappy about leaving the cleaning to Rosadin. That would change, he decided and got up to take the paper towels and bucket with water from her as she was about to pass him. “My back’s good, so I’ll do this. Thanks.” He smiled and walked to the front door, ignoring the stares and a few rude comments from a few Cubi passing him as he wiped down the door and floor. Stale whipped cream. Ugh. He’d remember that one for the next time someone fucked up enough to have their door branded. The smell was nasty. But his boy was the Prince so fuck them.

  The thought put a smile on Seldon’s face, earning him curious glances from his children as he returned to the kitchen to empty the bucket and throw away the used paper towels. Talidon poured him a cup of coffee in the meantime.

  “What are you gonna wear?” Rosadin asked.

  “I don’t know.”

  “May I?” She stared in wide-eyed hopefulness.

  “Go on. Oh, would you do my makeup?”

  “You’re gonna wear makeup?”

  “I’m going to match my boy,” Seldon said, grinning even wider. Rosadin matched it and skipped from the kitchen.

  “It suits you, Dad,” Talidon said as he sat opposite Seldon and sipped his coffee.

  “What does?”

  “Being in love.”

  Seldon gaped. Could he be? He certainly had strong emotions about the boy, and Daniel could make him lose his breath and feel like butterflies the size of zeppelins roamed around in his stomach. Mostly Seldon had explained the feelings as a guilty conscience due to the early dosing, but he’d had them before. They feelings were stronger now, but he couldn’t kid himself. Certainly, hadn’t gone unnoticed by his kids, it seemed.

  Plus, he had just been topped for the…he’d lost count how many times Daniel had topped him, but last night had been…amazing. So, had that morni
ng and it struck him he hadn’t fed Daniel earlier.

  The losing a dose was one thing, but the kisses, the way he felt when Daniel moved closer during the night, and the butterflies when Daniel looked at him that was something more.

  Yeah, Talidon was right. He was falling in love, and the realization coupled with the vulnerability and submission he had felt that morning floored him.

  “Dad?”

  “I am,” Seldon finally admitted in a small voice. Talidon smiled at him over the rim of his cup.

  “Drink your coffee, Dad. It’s gonna be a big day.”

  Seldon smiled, proud of the man his son had become. Proud of the support they showed, not only him, but Daniel, too.

  “This or this,” Rosadin declared and held up two hangers with two different suits cut in Cubi style—no lapels and one side long enough to cross over the stomach to be buttoned on the flank, and low enough to accentuate a well-built chest musculature.

  “Wonder what colors Daniel is gonna wear.”

  Rosadin’s gaze cut to her brother, and Seldon glanced his way too in time to see him nod and wink.

  Rosadin broke into a wide smile. “I approve!” And then she left.

  Seldon glanced at Talidon.

  “What?” his son asked, going for an expression of innocence. That look had worked so many times as a kid, getting him out of trouble.

  “Spill,” Seldon said, drinking his coffee.

  “Okay.” Talidon sighed and put his cup down. “We just talked last night when we left here. The way you are with him, the way you look at him. The way he kisses you. It’s obvious you’re not the only one struck here. Especially when considering how you two met.”

  “Don’t tell him. I might actually be his first love, and he’s got enough on his plate.”

  Talidon just nodded, looking pleased. The front door opened and slammed, and Seldon squeezed his eyes shut, getting up. Marcadon and Daniel came in.

  “Who slammed the door?” Seldon kept his eyes on Marcadon since he’d never heard Daniel do it.

  Marcadon cringed. “Sorry, Dad.”

  “There are reasons to not slam a door. One, it’s rude! And that should be enough. Especially when you visit other people’s homes.”

  “Yes, Father.” Marcadon left it at that, and Seldon knew his son enough to know he was just eager. Didn’t mean he could just forget all his manners. They were running late with all they had to do, so Seldon left it at that and looked at Daniel.

  “What did you find?”

  Daniel smiled and held up a bag.

  “Let’s go,” Seldon said and ushered him to the bedroom where Rosadin still inspected his closets.

  “Finally, what did you find? Dad wants to match you.”

  Daniel looked at Seldon who just shrugged. What followed was a stressful try-out, and Rosadin ushering them both through a quick shower, a shave, and a fitting, before she expertly and quickly did their makeup. What would have taken Seldon an hour and a half she managed to drill them both through in less than forty-five minutes.

  Daniel had picked out an outfit that didn’t fit either of the suits Rosadin had picked because his style was more young and hip. It was a good look, though, and they both ended up in tight fitting pants. Seldon also wore a button-down with a leather vest that matched the color of Daniel’s new leather jacket. The makeup had a neutral feel to it, which Seldon found appropriate in this case.

  Rosadin then ushered them both into the kitchen—Seldon remembering to bring the damn red shirt he had to wear—and sat Daniel down, reminding him that even though his eyes were changing, he had to remember to eat normal food. For the umpteenth time, Seldon felt grateful for the support of his children.

  Someone rang the doorbell, telling Seldon that it wasn’t Caledon picking them up. He got up to open it while Daniel and Rosadin ate their breakfast. Outside stood a purple-eye he hadn’t met before.

  “Good morning, Sire Seldon. My name is Roardon. Lord Caledon asked me to pick up you and your children and escort you to the Grand House.”

  “Yes, please, come in. We’re almost ready.” Seldon stepped aside and let the Lord pass before taking him to the kitchen. Seldon introduced the Lord, and his children and Daniel acknowledge him politely.

  “Done,” Daniel said and got up, eating the last mouthful on his way to the dishwasher.

  “Eager young man,” Seldon said.

  “Can you blame me?”

  “No.”

  Daniel smiled, but it fell a second later, his eyes landing on the red shirt. “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay, cub,” Seldon said and pulled it on. Daniel took his hand, squeezing it. He didn’t let go as they left the apartment. Seldon noticed Roardon’s glances as they walked the halls and rode the elevator, but he remained silent most of the trip up the elevators.

  “I’ve never known the Grand House to be this secretive. I haven’t even been told what this is about.” Lord Roardon said. “With a shirt like that, I’m guessing it has something to do with it.”

  Daniel squeezed Seldon’s hand hard. Seldon glanced at him, and the boy looked like he had sunk his teeth into something foul. Seldon squeezed his hand back and ignored the Lord’s comment.

  “Do you know why we’re going?” Roardon continued.

  “Yes,” Seldon said. Roardon looked expectant before snorting at the persistent silence.

  “Is it about the shirt? Because I haven’t heard of it and don’t know why I was called in then.”

  “I think that’s for the Grand House to reveal,” Seldon said, not knowing why Roardon had been called either. But when Roardon turned his head again, and Seldon got a look at the man’s profile, and it hit him. The resemblance to Daniel. This was Daniel’s biological father. Lord Roardon was a beautiful man—definitely one Seldon would have turned his head in the halls to appreciate—but the final step up to drop-dead-gorgeous had to come from Daniel’s human mother. Roardon had a firm athletic build as far as Seldon could see with how the man’s clothes hugged certain places on his body like his broad shoulders and narrow waist. And his ass was as plump as Daniel’s. The biggest difference between the two was the color of their hair where Lord Roardon’s was as pitch black as Seldon’s. And of course, the eye color was way off.

  The elevator opened on the floor of the Grand House, and they followed Roardon to where they were to meet. Seldon already worried about Roardon finding out that he was Daniel’s dad and why Seldon was wearing the red shirt, because if anyone had empowered any of his kids that early he would kick their asses.

  They reached the huge doors. Someone opened them as they approached. Behind it, Grand Lady Geodin and Lord Caledon stood, smiling.

  “Welcome,” she said. “How did you sleep, Daniel?”

  “Pretty well, considering.”

  “Seldon, may I have that shirt?” Caledon asked. Seldon took it off and handed it to his Lord before straightening his clothes. Caledon held out his arm, and they followed the two inside, finding the rest of the Grand House assembled.

  Seldon led Daniel and his children to the end of the line of Grand Lords and Ladies and shook all their hands in turn. Roardon followed suit.

  “Sire Seldon, we need to talk about your sentence,” Geodin said. “Not knowing that Daniel was a Halfling changes things. Therefore, your house arrest is lifted. You being banned from feeding on humans is lifted, and the brand on your door is being removed as we speak. The life sentence of caring for Daniel will remain in place since he was under your care when the early Empowerment happened.”

  Roardon glanced at Seldon with contempt. Seldon didn’t let it bother him because he would have felt the same toward any Cubi who did what he had done. But he certainly was happy to know about the rest of the punishment being lifted, and even happier that the life sentence stayed in place. He was also sure that it was for Daniel’s benefit the punishments were lifted.

  “Thank you, Grand Lady.”

  “Lord Roardon, you were asked to come here becau
se Daniel is a Halfling to you.”

  “My son?” Roardon looked at Daniel who stiffened next to Seldon and grabbed his hand again. Roardon’s attention then snapped to Seldon, and the surprised expression was replaced by one of anger. “You empowered my son too early?”

  And there was the look Seldon expected. Roardon moved fast toward Seldon who’s only thought was to get Daniel out of the way, but he slipped out of Seldon’s arm and rushed between them, pointing at his dad.

  “You do not touch Sire Seldon!” Daniel roared. Roardon stopped short, looking surprised, but the hateful glare soon returned to Seldon.

  “I’d do as he says,” Geodin said and stepped up next to Daniel. Daniel’s gesture floored Seldon who finally got an idea of the set of teeth Caledon had mentioned. He yet again wondered what had transpired in the library when Daniel and Caledon had been there and Daniel had honored Seldon. Anything like this?

  “Let’s all take a seat. We will have no fighting in these halls,” Grand Lord Ildon said.

  “Yes, My Lord,” Seldon and Roardon said and moved away from each other to find a seat. Marcadon looked ready to take on an army when Seldon turned and saw his son’s expression. He cleared his throat to remind his oldest where he was, making his son relax his posture and features. Roardon ended up almost across from Daniel and Seldon while Geodin took a seat next to Daniel.

  “You okay?” Seldon whispered to Daniel who didn’t hide his animosity toward his biological dad. It had an effect on Roardon, but Seldon wouldn’t pretend to be empathic enough to be able to know how either of them felt.

  “Do you know of the implications this early dosing can have on your life?” Roardon asked Daniel.

  “Yes, I’m aware. I’m also aware of the support Seldon will show me for the accident and what support I have from his children. But let’s not beat around the bush. I’m not thrilled to find out Bill isn’t my dad, and my mother wasn’t ready for a child. I’ve know my entire life that I was the oops that ruined her career.”