All in a Day's Work

Summary: none given.

Nathaniel stood in the shadows of Guilty Pleasures. Part of the reason for staying out of sight was so 'Brandon's' fans didn't get a glimpse of him and take away from the act on the stage. But mostly it was because the sight on the stage captivated him. Fans knew him as Harlow, but that was just Stephen's stage name. �

Stephen Dietrich. One of the werewolf strippers employed at Guilty Pleasures. Nathaniel had known him for some time. They were friends. Close friends. But Nathaniel was finding it harder and harder to keep away from the blonde hair wolf. One look into Stephen's cornflower blue eyes and his insides begin to melt, his knees trembled, and his breath quickened.�

The real problem was how to tell Stephen he felt that way. Nathaniel was Anita's pomme and a third of her second triumvirate. He'd gone from a helpless were-leopard that anyone used as they saw fit, to a main stay in the famous Anita Blake's life. Nathaniel was not na�ve enough to think of himself a dominant, but he was no longer as submissive as when she'd first met him. Nathaniel viewed himself somewhere in the middle. He was learning to hold his own and having Anita and Damien's powers along with their confidence in him has helped immensely.� �

Nathaniel wasn't even sure if Stephen felt that kind of longing toward him and that was what has kept him from doing anything.� As they were both weres, they were not so uptight about nudity, modesty, or the fact that they'd shared a bed many times without clothing. But as he stood there watching the way Stephen used his body, his muscles firm and defined, to mesmerize the crowd, Nathaniel knew tonight was the night. He would somehow show Stephen how much he was desired.�

His stomach tightened with nervousness. The idea had popped into his mind earlier when Nathaniel was helping Stephen into his costume�or what there was of it. He wasn't sure if it would work, but he wouldn't know until he tried, right?�

Nathaniel slid further into the shadows and made his way into the back. Stephen's show was almost finished and Nathaniel wanted to catch him before he went back to the dressing rooms.

~*~�

�Great show.� Nathaniel said when Stephen ducked behind the curtain. It had only been a three-minute wait, but he felt as if he was about to pop out of his skin.�

Stephen smiled. �Thanks Nathaniel.��

Nathaniel felt his knees weaken because of that gorgeous smile. Sweat glistened on his tanned skin and the thought of licking it's smoothness flooded Nathaniel's mind. He could practically taste the saltiness of the sweat on his tongue, feel the dampness beneath his hands, and smell the musk of the sweat in his nose. Blood rushed to his groin, as did the heat to his face. There was no way to hide the effect Stephen had on him.�

�Uh, I was wondering�� Nathaniel spoke but his mind was questioning the sanity of the entire plan. �I was thinking of doing something a little different tonight for my show. Jean Claude is unavailable tonight to help me, so�� He paused for a moment and forced his eyes to look into those gorgeous blues. �Could you help me out? I should have asked you sooner, but�� Nathaniel knew he was babbling, but he couldn't stop the words from tumbling out.�

�Sure. What do you need me to do?��

Nathaniel stopped his babble and stared at his friend. Sure? Stephen said yes? That was easy.�

�Well, usually when I do a show with Jean Claude, I help him feed his ardeur. Usually he is the one in control. But tonight I wanted to do something different.� He knew Stephen had seen his show many times. �

Stephen looked intrigued with his brow raised questioningly. �How so?��

Nathaniel took a deep breath and slowly let it out before he spoke. �I want to be the one in control. I need someone chained.� His lungs withheld breath for several moments while he awaited Stephen's response.�

Nathaniel watched his friend closely. He had not answered right away. In fact, there was evident hesitation there. Nathaniel opened his mouth to tell Stephen to forget about it when he agreed to do it.�

�Really?��

Stephen nodded and smiled but Nathaniel could sense his friend's reluctance. �

�Stephen, if you really don't want to do this, tell me now.� He said knowing that it would be his turn to perform in just a couple of minutes.�

�No, I want to.� Stephen assured Nathaniel, but there was still something bothering him.�

Nathaniel wanted to argue and mentally kicked himself for even suggesting it, but Stephen was walking over to where Nathaniel's props were set up. Almost reluctantly Nathaniel followed feeling a little foolish now, but knew there was no time to stop. Not unless he wanted to hold up the rest of the show and anger the fans that waited on the other side of the curtain.�

With a sigh, Nathaniel helped strap Stephen to the whipping posts. The entire set up looked realistic but with a shifter's strength, it could be easily broken. Besides, Nathaniel wouldn't be using it the way Jean Claude uses it with him. No, Nathaniel had another use in mind. He knew Stephen was as much of a performer as he was and loved working at Guilty Pleasures. Even before Anita came along into their lives, this was their home. Their family. Where they didn't feel like misfits in society. This was their society.�

�Is there anything specific I need to do?� Stephen asked, looking over his shoulder at Nathaniel. The crowd was clapping and calling out Nathaniel's stage name, 'Brandon'.�

He shook his head. �Just stand there and look pretty. I'll do all the work.� He smiled just as he was announced and the crowd started screaming.�

Nathaniel took his place in front of the whipping posts so that his body blocked most of Stephen. He pulled his long braid over his shoulder and took a deep breath. �

�You can do this.� He said in a whisper as he released his breath. He forced his fingers to relax at his sides though they were still shaky. The music started just as the curtain parted before him.�

Nathaniel stood still until the curtain stopped. His body ached to sway to the mesmerizing music but his discipline won the fight. The crowd fell silent, as he knew they would. He could feel every eye on him�including the stunning blue ones at his back.�

Without a word to the audience, Nathaniel allowed his body to finally move to the music pounding through the club. He slowly let his body slide to the side and allowed the crowd to see Stephen bound to the whipping posts. There were gasps and whistles when they realized it was 'Harlow'.�

Nathaniel slipped around behind Stephen and tried not to think about what was about to happen too much. He would let the music guide him as he always did. He let his mind go and allowed the beat to claim him in order to give his fans a show they will remember. His pulse fell into rhythm with the smooth, steady beat surrounding him. His nerves calmed and no longer noticed the screaming women in front of the stage. The only thing he saw was Stephen's body. Smelled Stephen's woodsy wolf scent mingled with the evidence of the surrounding desire they triggered.�

Nathaniel felt a shiver shake Stephen when his hands gently touched those smooth shoulders. He pressed their bodies together, his front to Stephen's back, while his hands slid up to grasp the bound ones so that Nathaniel mirrored him. His hips began to sway again, his movements like fluid.�

�Feel it.� Nathaniel whispered to his friend, his fingers gently caressing the heated flesh it touched.�

Stephen's body relaxed against Nathaniel's and easily met the rhythm that was set. Together the two men gave the audience an erotic show as Stephen closed his eyes and threw back his head while Nathaniel's hands slowly caressed his bound prisoner's body. His lips softly left a trail of kisses down his long sumptuous neck. Instinct led them as Nathaniel slipped in front of Stephen and together they moved their bodies in the most sensual dance ever performed on stage.�

By the end of the set Nathaniel's breath was heavy and his body ached with need. As the crowd went wild, probably giving Security the chance to earn their money, Nathaniel locked eyes with Stephen. They stood facing each other, their sweat-coated bodies pressing flesh to flesh. His cock was swollen with desire and felt Stephen's the same on his thigh. They paid no heed to the curtains shutting or of the bustle around them.�

Nathaniel's lips were inches from Stephen's. All he had to do was lean in and those lush lips would be his. He started the movement forward but before contact could be made he felt Stephen's body stiffen. A glimmer of fear flashed in Stephen's eyes.�

�Let me go.� Stephen's voice was low, breaking the spell of the moment. Nathaniel heard a hint of panic in it.�

�What's wrong?� He asked reluctantly pulling away. Was Stephen scared of what was about to happen? Nathaniel knew they were both aroused, he could smell it surrounding them, but was he frightened of what might happen? Or maybe there was something else? Someone else? Nathaniel's stomach churned, not liking this foreboding feeling.�

�Please, Nathaniel.� He said looking up at one of his wrists and starting to struggle.�

Not wanting to see Stephen hurt himself, Nathaniel reached up and quickly released the binds holding his friend.�

�I'm sorry. I've got to go.� Stephen said as he turned and rushed off.�

�Stephen�wait.� Nathaniel called out but Stephen kept going without looking back. Tears filled his eyes and he wondered if he'd gone too far with his dance? Had he gone too far?�

Nathaniel started after him when Damien came around the corner calling to him.�

�Anita needs you to call her. She's having some sort of dilemma at home and I can't help her.��

Nathaniel sighed but his eyes stayed on the retreating Stephen. �What is it?� He tried not to let his annoyance show. It wasn't Damien's fault.�

�I'm not sure exactly. Something about coffee and the rest was mumbling and curses.� His lips twitched hinting at amusement. �That's your department.��

Nathaniel couldn't stop the rising brow and the smile lighting his lips. �Your modern lingo is growing each day.��

Damien shrugged gracefully. �Between you, Anita, and Jason always around, how can I not?��

�Okay. I'll call her.� Nathaniel nodded and went toward the room in the back where he knew there was a phone. He really wanted to go after Stephen, but he also knew what Anita was like without her coffee and everyone would suffer. Everyone.�

*~*�

When Nathaniel got off the phone, he rushed to the dressing room that Stephen and his brother, Gregory, shared. It was empty, but Nathaniel could smell that he had been in there a short time ago. He went to his own dressing room he shared with Jason and quickly changed out of his outfit�which took a whole five seconds since he wore so little�with the hopes of still catching Stephen.�

He hurried out of the dressing room and started toward the back door. He hoped that some of 'Brandon's' fans weren't hanging out there tonight. Normally Nathaniel took a little time with his fans. They were the reason he had a job at Guilty Pleasures and most were very friendly, but tonight he had other things on his mind. Or should he say someone on his mind.�

Tucker stood just inside the back door, his face serious. The were-rat never smiled. Not even Jason could crack the man's somber expression. Nathaniel was sure the man had been an assassin at some point of his life, or at least military trained like most of the rats in the area. You had to be hard-core to be so serious.�

�Did Stephen leave this way?� He asked Tucker as he approached.�

Tucker nodded and turned to look out the door. �

�How long ago?� �

�All clear.� Tucker said in a deep voice that was as serious as his expression. �He left about ten minutes ago.��

�Thanks Tucker.� Nathaniel smiled at him and dug the keys out of the pocket of his jeans. He started for the small car that Micah had helped him obtain, thankful Anita had pushed the issue of getting his drivers license. He had a lot more freedom this way and tonight it would get him to Stephen.�

Nathaniel had just unlocked the door when his sensitive hearing picked up the slightest sound. He stood still and strained to listen. After a moment, holding his breath, Nathaniel heard it again. It was low but he was sure it was the sound of a muffled whimper. He slowly panned the parking lot like Anita had taught him. He saw nothing out of the ordinary. There were still a good many vehicles in the back lot because it was not yet midnight and the show was still going. �

Then Nathaniel picked up a different noise. It was louder, a deep voice. He couldn't make out the words, but it sounded angry. He turned in a circle, his eyes and ears alert. He stopped and his stomach tightened the same time the slight smell of blood touched his nostrils. Across the back parking lot next to the dumpster Nathaniel spied Stephen's car. He knew it was the wolf's. There was no mistaking the silver Honda Civic. Nathaniel had ridden in it enough to spot it easily.�

Using the caution of a hunter sneaking up on its prey, Nathaniel started toward the car. If Stephen had left ten minutes ago, it shouldn't still be sitting here in the lot. The only conclusion Nathaniel came up with was that something was wrong.�

�No!� The cry broke into the night air and sent Nathaniel sprinting toward the sound. Rounding the civic, he stopped in his tracks by what he saw. Stephen was huddled between the car's front wheel and dumpster, his body curled into a tight ball. Above him stood a tall man.�

A surge of protectiveness overcame Nathaniel and a deep threatening growl sounded from his throat gaining the stranger's attention.�

�This is no business of yours. Go away.� The stranger snapped at Nathaniel as if he were a street vagabond. �

He ignored the man and looked at Stephen who had not moved. Nathaniel's fingers curled into fists, disregarding the sharp piercing pain as his nails dug into his skin. It was taking all of his self-control not to tear out this man's throat.�

�Stephen.� Nathaniel said softly, his voice steady and calm though a storm raged inside of him. �Stephen, look at me.��

Nathaniel took a step closer to Stephen but the stranger put his body in front of him so that he could get no closer.�

�I said this was no business of yours.��

�Nathaniel.� Stephen whimpered, the sound slicing through Nathaniel's heart. Stephen was a submissive in the pack. Markus and Raina had used them both many times. But times have changed. Nathaniel had changed. He would no longer let someone harm those he cared about damn the consequences.�

�Out of my way.� Nathaniel straightened his spine and looked the strange man in the eye. The man was human. No scent of shifter in him at all. �

�Get out of here, boy, before I teach you a lesson about sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. I do as I see fit to my son.� The man's voice lowered. He reeked of booze, smoke, and sweat.�

A cold shiver shook Nathaniel. This man was Stephen and Gregory's father. The one who abused them. Who made their lives a living hell. The man they had a restraining order against.�

�I'd advise you to get out of here Mr. Dietrich, before I call the police and have you arrested for breaking the injunction against you.� Nathaniel growled, restraining from hitting the man. Nathaniel was not a man of violence�well, he rarely inflicted violence on others unless it was absolutely necessary. Anita had taught him that.�

Without a word in response, Mr. Dietrich swung his fist but Nathaniel easily dodged it and landed a punch of his own in the man's gut. Mr. Dietrich doubled over gasping for air.� He wasn't sure how he did it, or even if he intended to, but through their connection Nathaniel called to Damien. �

�You fucking freak. I'm going to make you wish you'd never done that.� Mr. Dietrich wheezed forcing himself to straighten before lunging toward Nathaniel.�

Nathaniel was distracted by Damien's voice in his head and was too slow to move out of the way, falling to the ground under the larger man. The weight knocked the breath out of him, but Nathaniel's survival instincts quickly kicked in before Mr. Dietrich could throw a punch. One hand was pinned beneath his body but Nathaniel used his other hand to scratch at the man's face, leaving deep, bloody marks down his cheek. This brought a scream from Mr. Dietrich and enable Nathaniel to use his supernatural strength and throw the man away from him.�

�I'm going to kill you.� Mr. Dietrich screamed as he tried to rise to his feet but he was unsteady, probably due to the alcohol.� But Nathaniel was quicker, jumping up and landing a kick to the man's gut.�

�Stay down Mr. Dietrich.� Nathaniel snarled at the drunken man.�

Suddenly Damien was next to Nathaniel along with Tucker and one of the new vampires that Jean Claude had brought in. �Are you okay?��

�Yeah.� He said almost as a sigh and watched as the drunken fool still tried to rise from the ground. �Call the police. There's an injunction against this man. He's not to be anywhere around Stephen, Gregory, or Guilty Pleasures.� He said as he knelt next to Stephen. Already Tucker and the vampire had Mr. Dietrich in custody and were taking him toward the back entrance of the club. Damien had his cell phone to his ear calling the police.�

�Stephen. It's me.� Nathaniel said softly, hesitantly reaching out to touch him. Stephen jumped at the gentle touch and whimpered in fright. �Damn that man.� He hissed under his breath but didn't allow his anger to show least it scare Stephen.�

�Look at me Stephen. He's not going to hurt you. I won't let him. The others won't let him either. You are safe now��

Slowly Stephen opened his eyes and as they focused on Nathaniel tears gathered in them. �Nathaniel. It's not a dream? You are here?��

Nathaniel gave him a gentle smile. �Yes. In the flesh.� His hand tenderly brushed back the blonde locks that fell over his face. �Come on. Let's get you home.��

�Don't I have to�?��

�They can come to you. I'll drive you home.��

Stephen nodded and allowed Nathaniel to help him stand.� The drive was spent in silence, Stephen staring blindly into the night while Nathaniel struggled with his own issues. Now that the situation had passed and the adrenaline had stopped, Nathaniel realized how scared he'd been. For both himself and Stephen. Anita would have been proud of the way he'd stood up to the man who threatened to hurt Stephen.�

Then there was Stephen. Why had he run off like he did? And now there was no way for Nathaniel to tell Stephen of his feelings tonight. Not after what had happened. He sighed and resigned himself to wait for another opportunity, if ever.�

~*~�

Apparently Anita had been informed of what had happened and a police officer arrived right after Nathaniel at Stephen's house. As lupa she did what she could to speed things along. Since Gregory was also a member of her pard, she felt it was time to finally take action against a threat to members of her pack and pard. They were hers to protect and she would by whatever means necessary.�

With trembling voice, Stephen told the officer how his father had confronted him when he was trying to leave. The officer took the report and left leaving Nathaniel and Stephen alone.�

�Is Gregory still out of town with Micah and Richard?� Nathaniel had no interest in going to a coalition gathering where Micah and Richard had to be together in the same room for longer than 5 minutes. Gregory was the lucky one chosen to go and represent the Pard with Micah while Richard took Jamil to represent the Pack. They were expected back in the morning.�

Stephen nodded and wrapped his arms around his chest as if he were cold. Nathaniel went to kneel in front of where Stephen sat on the couch.�

�Did you know he was there? Is that why you left in such a hurry?� Nathaniel asked hoping what Stephen had told the officer about seeing his father at the club was true and the reason he left. Not because of what he did.�

Stephen's legs drew up to his chest and he shifted his arms to wrap around his knees. �I smelled him and knew that I had to get away.��

�You should have told me. Told someone.� His stomach loosened realizing that it was fear of his father that drove Stephen away. �If you'd stayed we could have protected you and this never would have happened.� He knew he was lecturing, but someone had to do it.�

�I know.� Stephen laid his forehead on his knees. �But I was scared. I was running on instinct.��

�Did he hurt you?��

Stephen shook his head. �Not really. He was drunk and slapped me but that's already healed.��

Anger boiled in Nathaniel's veins thinking of that man hitting Stephen. �And they call us monsters.� He muttered trying to calm his emotions. �Come on. Let's get you out of those dirty clothes and into bed. You need to rest.��

Beautiful blue eyes rose to meet with Nathaniel's violet ones. �Stay with me?��

How could he say no? Even if Stephen hadn't asked, Nathaniel knew he would have. �Of course. Come on.� He stood and helped his friend up also. Without releasing his hand Nathaniel led the way into Stephen's room.�

Without Stephen asking him, Nathaniel helped him out of his clothes, peeling the grimy things from his body. He tried very hard to keep his eyes adverted from the length that hung between Stephen's legs but he failed miserably as his eyes kept shifting down. Once Stephen was stripped, Nathaniel tucked him into the warmth of the bed. �

�Nathaniel?� Stephen spoke softly while Nathaniel picked up the clothes from the floor and took them to the laundry basket. �Would you���

Nathaniel looked over his shoulder at the wolf's hesitancy. He sensed the other's discomfort.�

�Aren't you going to join me?� He finally managed to get out.�

Nathaniel nodded. �I'll be right back.� He left the room and made his way around to all the windows and doors of the small house making sure all was locked up tight and turned off the lights before returning to Stephen's room. �

He quickly shucked his clothing and slipped under the comforter with Stephen. Immediately the two men gathered close to each other, arms and legs tangled together. Nathaniel tried not to think more of it besides comforting each other. It was the norm for the shifter community. Nathaniel had spent countless nights and days with shifters who were injured or scared. Sharing their scent and warmth was acceptable. Something those not in the shifter community rarely understood.� Nathaniel knew that even Richard enjoyed being surrounded in such a way by his pack though he'd never voice it.�

Nathaniel got comfortable and absently let his fingers smooth through Stephen's hair. The body cuddled against him slowly relaxed and Nathaniel let out a sigh of relief thinking that Stephen had drifted off to sleep.�

�I would have kissed you.� Stephen's voice startled him. He didn't know how to respond. Luckily Stephen continued with his confession. �I've wanted to kiss you for a long time.��

Nathaniel closed his eyes as if he were in pain. If Stephen had admitted this just three hours ago Nathaniel knew that he'd jumped at the chance of giving him anything he desired. But now�after what Stephen had to go through, it just wasn't right to take advantage of it.�

�It was just the show.� Even as he said the words Nathaniel's heart ached and he felt sick to his stomach. He never was a good liar. �All the pheromones being released.��

Stephen shifted his body so that he could lift his head and look at Nathaniel. �No it wasn't. I smelt your desire. I felt your hardness against me. You wanted me. Not just some reaction to the lustful pheromones.��

Nathaniel's hands trembled as they slid down Stephen's back. He was a shitty liar and knew that Stephen smelt it so he gave it up. �You're right. I was intentionally seducing you.��

�You still want me.� Stephen said as he rubbed his body against Nathaniel's.�

The breath stole from his lungs when he felt Stephen's hardness rub against his hip, his back arching slightly. The way Stephen moved you'd swear he was a cat instead of a wolf. �

�Yes.� He hissed and felt the blood rush to his groin and his cock swelling. �But�� His voice caught as he felt Stephen's hands begin roaming his body in light petting motions until a wandering hand found his cock. �Stephen� we shouldn't�� The protest came out in a whimper.�

�Touch me Nathaniel. Touch me like you did earlier.��

Nathaniel couldn't resist the plea and slid his hand down the other's tight body. His groan matched that of Stephen's as he touched the silky hardened flesh. Desire consumed the two men as hips thrust and fingers tightened their grasp. Moans and pants filled the air as they fell victim to the need they both felt. Stephen growled and Nathaniel purred as the rhythm quickened, their cry of climax breaking into the still night.�

The breathless, sated pair lay still, unwilling to move and break the spell for several moments. It wasn't until the phone rang disturbing the silence that they were forced to move. Nathaniel reluctantly released Stephen as he reached for the phone. �

�I'm fine Gregory.� Stephen answered knowing who it was. �Yes, I'm sure.��

Nathaniel smiled when he watched Stephen grimace and hold the handset away from his ear. He could hear the loud lecture Stephen's brother was giving him.�

�I know what I did was stupid, but I was scared. I'm sorry.� Stephen said when the loudness ceased. �Yes, Nathaniel is here with me.� He paused to listen to Gregory. �No. We are fine. Really. We don't need the Rats here. They put him in jail. He won't hurt me.� �

Stephen looked at Nathaniel as he spoke that last sentence. It was the words Nathaniel had spoken when Tucker and the others took Mr. Dietrich away. Nathaniel's hand reached up and cupped Stephen's cheek.�

Stephen paused as Richard came on the line. Stephen answered his questions and Nathaniel could see his hands begin to shake again. He had the urge to grab the phone and cuss the man out, but Richard was Ulfric and Stephen was pack. Richard had every right to get the details. It pained Nathaniel to see Stephen having to go through it again.�

After a slight pause Nathaniel heard Micah get on the line.�

�He's fine� I will� I'll see you tomorrow.�� Stephen hung up the phone.�

�There are Rats outside.� Nathaniel said.�

Stephen nodded. He looked solemn. The conversation had brought back the earlier events of the night.�

�They are just being cautious. Everything is fine.��

�I know.� Stephen said with a sigh. �Micah says that he'll take you to your car in the morning when he drops off Gregory.��

Nathaniel's brow raised. �And Richard?��

Stephen sighed. �He's pissed, but not at me. He said that he's working with Anita to make sure our father stays away from us.��

Nathaniel pulled Stephen into his arms. �You know�I never got that kiss.� He said with a smile trying to distract Stephen with the one thing he was good at. Sex.�

A slow smile formed on Stephen's lips. �You are right. And I'd have to say that you earned it for rescuing me.��

�All in a day's work.� Nathaniel said as he lowered his head and claimed the waiting lips.�