Happily Ever After

Summary: None given.

Nathaniel sighed leaning back against the headboard. He looked around the room and felt the loneliest he’s ever felt in his life. Not even when he was at his lowest had he felt like this. Looking around the large room, pulling the sheet further up his body, he sighed, listening to the echo.

“I should have just stayed home.” Nathaniel mumbled to himself even though he wouldn’t have. He didn’t like to be alone, yet here he was in Jean Claude’s room by himself.

Micah was accompanying Anita on a two-day trip while she went to the next state to check out a preternatural suspected death. As her Pomme, Nathaniel had the right to go with her and help feed the ardeur, but he had been used often the past week since Micah was out of town for the coalition and was around the most often. It was a sensible decision though it is no longer a matter of who is stronger to keep up with Anita any longer. As part of her triumvirate he shared in Anita and Damian’s powers.

Speaking of Damian, he had to work all night at Danse Macabre. He too has grown in strength since joining Anita in her second triumvirate.

Anyway, with the three of them out of the house and Jean Claude dealing with his own business, he invited Nathaniel to stay at the Circus until Anita and Micah returned. At first he thought it was a good idea thinking that Jason and he could catch up, but it appeared as if Jason had his own thing going this week with his shifts at Guilty Pleasures, providing as Jean Claude’s pomme, dealing with Pack business, and his school schedule.

Nathaniel closed his eyes and tried to push back the silence that was crowding him. There was no reason for him to feel this way. What more could he ask for? He had a real home, a member of the Pard, independence, and Anita’s love and acceptance. And he was growing in strength and understanding everyday. But still, he felt something was still missing.

Just when Nathaniel was ready to get up, get dressed, and wander the night or maybe just scream, a knock sounded on the door. Before he could call out it started to open.

“Asher?” Nathaniel said as the vampire’s scent reached him even before Asher stepped foot into the room.

“Yes.” His silky voice answered as he entered.

Nathaniel watched him and saw the slightest bit of hesitancy in the vampire. His gorgeous golden hair fell over the scarred side of his face as it often did, but tonight it also covered a part of the unscarred portion.

“Is everything alright?” He asked Asher but was sure that he would know if something had happened with Anita. Maybe it was Jean Claude, or maybe Jason.

“Yes.” Asher answered and took another step into the room.

Nathaniel raised a brow at him. He sensed the vampire’s nervousness. Nathaniel couldn’t resist his eyes wandering over Asher’s beautiful form. He wore only a long black silk robe but it did nothing to hide Asher’s fit and firm body. Assets that Nathaniel had seen and admired many times since Asher joined Anita’s bed.

Asher’s visible eye glanced around before he spoke. “I was thinking that you would like some company.”

This surprised Nathaniel. He had spent little time with the vampire alone. Anita, Jean Claude, or Jason was usually near when Jean Claude’s tèmoin came around.

“That would actually be nice.” He admitted.

Asher walked toward the bed. No, walking wasn’t quite the word. It was more like gliding across the floor. Nathaniel knew that he had a certain gracefulness in his own movements, the leopard in him making it easy for him, but Asher’s movement suddenly made him feel clumsy.

Nathaniel cleared his throat and slid over so that Asher would have plenty of room. Not that the bed was small.

“I thought you would have your hands full at Guilty Pleasures tonight.”

Asher casually shrugged. “It’s taken care of. Jean Claude is feeding his ardeur tonight there, so I wasn’t needed.”

“Oh.” Nathaniel fidgeted feeling a sudden rush of heat shoot to his groin as Asher settled in next to him. Why hadn’t he volunteered to work tonight? Surely Gregory or Stephen could have used a night off. Now that Asher was actually sitting next to him, their bodies inches apart, Nathaniel wondered if he should have turned down the vampire’s offer for company.

“I’ve heard that you are having nightmares again.” Asher said casually.

Nathaniel’s body stiffened. “Who told you that?”

Asher shrugged. “We are a family, mon ami. Word travels.”

Nathaniel knew that. It’s not like he lived by himself. His connection to Anita and Damien rarely left him with privacy. Then he often shared a bed with Jason, Micah, Jean Claude, and even Asher on occasion.

A shiver shot down his spine as his mind turned to the vivid images that haunted his sleep. Images filled with blood, pain, and despair. Images of his past mixed with the images his fear fabricated. He had thought that he was done with them, but it seemed they decided to return. He wasn’t sure why, but something had triggered them. That was one of the reasons he’d taken Jean Claude’s offer to stay at the Circus.

“I’m fine.” Nathaniel said suddenly finding an invisible spot on the sheet interesting.

“Of course, mon ami.” Asher said quietly.

They sat in silence for several moments before Asher spoke again. “I could tell you a bedtime story. Maybe that would chase the nightmares away.”

Nathaniel started laughing. Asher was several hundred years old. He’d been one of Belle’s ‘toys’. Taught to pleasure. He could never picture the golden haired vampire telling bedtime stories. Not ones that would chase away nightmares.

Asher raised the brow and cocked his head.

“I’m sorry Asher. It’s just I can’t picture you as a bedtime story type.” Nathaniel admitted.

“Ah, but mon ami, you don’t know me very well then. There were many a mornings when Jean Claude, Juliana, and I would snuggle in bed while I told tales until the sun rose.”

“Really?” Nathaniel was surprised. Feeling a little more comfortable, he pulled his long braid to the side and settled down into the bed. “Well, by all means. Please feel free to entertain me.” He said with a smile.

“My pleasure.” Asher returned the smile and turned so that he was facing Nathaniel more. “Hmmm. Let me think. We need a story that will chase away any bad dreams.” His finger tapped at his chin in thought.

“Ah, let’s see. How shall I start this? Once upon a time? No, that is too fairy tale-ish. Let’s just say that there was once this man named…Nathen.”

“Nathen?” He asked with a raised brow.

Asher gave him a humorous grin. “He was the fairest of the land and people came from far and wide to see him.”

“See him? Just because he was handsome?” Nathaniel asked.

“Of course. Are you going to keep interrupting?”

“Sorry.” Nathaniel’s cheeks flushed a hint of pink.

“But it wasn’t just his looks that drew both men and women. He had this prowess to him, this grace when he danced. He had the power to mesmerize the people. To put them under his spell with just the way he moved his body. He gave them pleasure with his dance. But no matter how many people came to see him, no matter how much attention he was given Nathen was a lonely man. All he wanted was to be loved for himself, not for the pleasure he could give while he danced.

“One night, as Nathen danced on stage for the people his eyes scanned the crowd. The audience was swaying to the beat of the music, their eyes glazed over, and their lips curved into smiles. The same scene as any other night. However across the span of strange faces, his eyes met with a set of pale eyes. Eyes that were not glazed over but filled with lust. Eyes that darkened with desire. Eyes that did things to Nathen. That heated his blood and made him feel things never experienced before.

“Nathen drove himself to finish his show, forcing his eyes away from the stranger with pale eyes. But as soon as he left the stage, he was unable to find the stranger again. Disappointment filled him. He saw his chance of finding someone different fleeting.”

“This is supposed to cheer me up?” Nathaniel asked shifting his body closer to Asher.

Asher smiled and his visible eye glittered with humor. “Patience, mon ami.” He slid down and shifted to his side so that he was facing Nathaniel, his head propped on a hand. “Where was I? Ah, yes. Nathen was unable to find the mysterious man after his show was over so with a heavy heart, he started for home. Only while he walked the short distance to his house, he felt as if he were being watched and followed. But every time he stopped and looked around, there was nothing but shadows surrounding him.

“As soon as Nathen reached his door and opened it, a hand covered his mouth and an arm wrapped around his neck. Nathen panicked and started to struggle against his attacker, but it did no good as the arm tightened around his throat cutting off his air. Nathan relented when darkness clouded his vision and immediately the arm loosened its hold, allowing air to flow freely into Nathen’s lungs.

“’Inside,’ a low, deep voice whispered in his ear. A shiver ran down Nathen’s spine as the attacker’s breath brushed over his ear. His body responded to the low gruff command as he stepped into his house and felt the blood rush to his groin and his balls tighten.

“The door slammed behind them and the attacker slowly released Nathen. He was smart and put distance between the two. However when he turned to see who it was that had forced their way into his home, his breath rushed from his body in surprise.”

“It was the stranger with the pale eyes, right?” Nathaniel asked with a childish smile.

Asher chuckled. “Yes Nathaniel. It was the man who Nathen had seen at his show. Instantly those eyes mesmerized him. They weren’t blue or gray yet both. They were unusual eyes and Nathen felt as if he could stare into them all night.”

Nathaniel shuddered and forced himself to divert his gaze away from Asher realizing that he’d been doing just that. Staring into Asher’s eyes.

“The stranger spoke, this time his voice was louder but still it held its smooth bass tone. He commanded Nathen to dance for him as he went to the radio and turned it on. Nathen asked who the stranger was, still unable to take his eyes from him. The stranger didn’t answer Nathen, only repeated his command to dance.

“Nathen did as he was ordered, his body already swaying to the beat of the music. His hands smoothed up his sides and his eyes closed, finally breaking the riveting gaze. He danced, his body gliding across the floor, his movements as graceful as an eagle soaring through the sky. Nathen had never danced such a way, as if something else were controlling him. Something sensual and erotic.

“Nathen didn’t know how long he danced, but he moved as long as the music played. When the music finally stopped, Nathen collapsed, but not onto the floor, but into the stranger’s arms. He felt his body being lifted and carried to his room. Ever so gently he was placed on the bed. His eyes were closed but he heard the rustle of cloth before feeling the heat of skin next to him. Forcing his eyes open, Nathen realized that sometime during his dancing he’d stripped out of his clothes and now laid nude in a stranger’s arms.”

Asher paused a moment and looked at Nathaniel who was enthralled in the story. Asher reached out and touched Nathaniel’s cheek, brushing his knuckles across the younger man’s skin. Nathaniel sighed at the gentle touch and closed his eyes.

A tremor shot through Nathaniel’s body as heated desire filled him. He didn’t know if it was the loneliness, Asher’s presence, or the story that was bringing on the reaction, and at that moment he could care less. Nathaniel knew that Asher was a lover of both men and women, just as himself, but they had never had an opportunity to explore the possibility. Until now…

Nathaniel opened his eyes and reached out and touched Asher’s unscarred face. His fingers trailed down the smooth skin with a feather caress before going to the other side and brushing back the golden hair.

Asher turned his head making the hair fall back in place. “Don’t.”

“Please Asher.” Nathaniel’s voice was husky.

Asher looked at him and the fear was clear in his pale eyes.

“I’ve seen your scars Asher. Why do you hide from me now?”

Asher’s shoulders shuddered and he looked away. Nathaniel placed his fingers under Asher’s chin and brought his gaze back to his own.

“You are beautiful.” He said brushing the hair from Asher’s face again. Asher flinched but he didn’t withdraw from Nathaniel’s grasp. “Beauty is more than just good looks Asher. I’ve seen how much you love Jean Claude. How you are with Anita. You came here tonight knowing that I was alone and having nightmares. There is so much depth to you and your emotions Asher. So much to love.”

Nathaniel leaned forward and lightly brushed his lips over Asher’s.

“Nathaniel.” The name sounded choked.

He slid closer to Asher and kissed him again. Asher opened to him and the soft exploratory kiss became hard and fierce as their bodies came together. Nathaniel rubbed his harness on Asher, pleased when he received a deep moan filled with the need and desire that was pounding at him. His hand snaked down and gave pause when he felt softness where there should have been hardness.

Nathaniel pulled back breathless. “You haven’t fed.” It was not a question.

Asher’s cheeks flushed, his eyes looking away. “No, mon ami. I have not.”

“Feed from me Asher. Take what you need.”

Asher shook his head. “I cannot. I did not come in here to feed from you Nathaniel. I came to ease your dreams.”

“Just you coming means a lot to me. But I’m a pomme de sang.”

“Anita’s pomme.” Asher argued but Nathaniel was aware of the way Asher’s eyes kept going to his neck.

“That may be, but she has also taught me to be more independent. Stronger in who I am and what I want. I offer myself to you Asher as a gift, from me to you, for your thoughtfulness.”

“A gift? Are you sure?” He asked looking unsure.

Nathaniel nodded and tilted his head to the side lengthening his neck. “Your power is in your bite. Show me.”

Asher couldn’t stop the growl torn from his throat as he pulled Nathaniel to him.

“Take off your robe Asher. I want to feel all of you.”

Asher hesitated a moment then did as the younger man asked, but he refused to meet Nathaniel’s eyes, his hair back over his scarred face.

Nathaniel knew of Asher’s insecurity. Asher was a beautiful man. The most beautiful he’d ever laid eyes upon, but Belle had promoted his disfigurement as much as she had his beauty, filling Asher with doubt about his appearance. Nathaniel felt a sudden protectiveness toward the vampire and wanted to show him that he was beautiful inside and out.

Nathaniel pulled Asher to him and let his hands glide over both smooth and scarred skin without flinching. Immediately his body responded, hardening, and aching for the vampire.

Asher started kissing Nathaniel, the kiss hot and lustful before trailing across his cheek, over his ear, and down his neck until his lips settled over his jugular sending shivers down his spine.

“Asher.” It was whispered but it told Asher how much Nathaniel wanted him.

Asher licked the skin beneath his lips before sinking his teeth into the flesh.

Nathaniel cried out in pleasure, the sharp pain of the teeth lasted only a second and was quickly forgotten. He had never felt anything like it in his entire life. He felt as if he were floating, disconnected from his body, yet fully aware of the sensations rushing through it. He groaned in ecstasy as he felt himself explode, his thick come spraying all over
Asher’s stomach.

Gasping for breath and coming back down from the heavens, Nathaniel opened his eyes and stared into Asher’s.

“That was…”

Asher brushed his knuckles over Nathaniel’s cheek. “I know.” His lips twitched with a small smile. “I did not roll you, mon ami, but just gave you a taste of my power.”

Nathaniel shook his head. “It is no wonder Belle valued you so much.”

Asher’s eyes darkened at the mention of how he was used by his maker, all humor draining from him.

“I’m sorry Asher. I didn’t mean…”

“It’s all right. You have given me a wonderful gift on this night.” He said and Nathaniel watched as the darkness faded from his eyes to be replaced by a different kind of light. Nathaniel felt the hardened flesh pressing against his thigh and he remembered how Asher had not had his release yet. A gasp tore from his throat as his body became aroused all over again by just thinking of Asher.

“How do you do that?” He asked as his eyes closed in pleasure as heat flooded his veins.

Asher leaned over and lightly brushed his lips over Nathaniel’s. “It’s how I am.”

Nathaniel smiled. “I like it.” His voice was breathless now as his body trembled with anticipation of more pleasure. “My turn.” He lowered his hand and took hold of Asher’s cock. Asher groaned, his body going rigid.

“Mon ami…Nathaniel. I’ve waited a long time for this.”

“You have?” He stilled his hand and looked at the vampire.

Asher nodded, eyes locking to Nathaniel’s violet ones. “Since the first time I saw you dance. You enthralled me like none other have.”

Nathaniel was surprised by Asher’s confession. He’d had people lust after him, obsess with him, but none ever told with such sincerity. A slow smile formed.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?”

Nathaniel took the lead as his hand started slowly stroking Asher while his other hand drifted to a nipple and began gently fondling it. He took pleasure in hearing Asher’s sighs and the relaxed look of contentment in his expression.

“What do you want Asher?”

“You.”

Nathaniel chuckled. “What do you want from me? How do you want me?” His stomach flipped as he waited Asher’s answer. He had grown a lot in the time since he’d met Anita but somewhere deep inside he wanted this vampire to dominate him. To take control and do as he pleased. But also he wanted to receive and enjoy that same pleasure. That’s where he realized how much he’d changed. He didn’t want to just give, give, give. He wanted something in return. To share in the pleasure of sex with another being.

Asher bent his head and let his tongue flick over Nathaniel’s nipple. He responded by tightening his grip on Asher and moaning deep in his throat…a purr.

“Turn on your stomach.” Asher whispered, his breath wisping across heated flesh.

Nathaniel did as he was bid, turning so that he lay upon his stomach. He felt Asher’s hands glide down his back, his fingers caressing over a couple of the light scars that he’d received before becoming a were-leopard. He shuddered as the hands ran over the curves of his butt. There was a pause in movements and the sound of Asher rummaging through something before the caressing started again. Nathaniel knew Asher had found the lubricant that Anita kept in the bedside drawer.

“Get on your knees.” Asher’s voice was smooth as silk.

As soon as Nathaniel complied Asher’s voice lowered, husky as he spewed some curses in French.

“Beautiful.” He said in English just as Nathaniel felt him nudge toward his awaiting opening.

He sucked in a breath in anticipation as Asher gently pushed into his body. His head grew light and his breath became labored, panting, as he tried to control the urge to thrust himself back onto Asher.

Nathaniel’s fingers fisted around the sheets and pleaded with Asher. “Please.” He heard Asher hiss a couple more curses before finally driving completely into him.

They both cried out at the sensations ripping through them, Nathaniel clamping hard on Asher.

“Mon Dieu.” Asher murmured as he fell forward forcing Nathaniel to straightened his body a little more tightening his hold on Asher buried deep inside of him. He kissed and nipped at Nathaniel’s neck as he started his movements, pulling moans of delight from him with every stroke.

“Bite me again Asher.” Nathaniel pleaded unable to take the building pressure inside of his body. His desire and lust was boiling over and ached for the release only Asher could give him.

“My gift to you for how you’ve made me feel tonight.” Asher let out an animalistic growled as he did as his lover begged of him. The puncture of teeth in his flesh once again only lasted a brief second as his orgasm claimed him for the second time that night. He felt Asher sliding quickly in and out of him heightening the ecstasy of the experience.

Nathaniel blinked his eyes several times, his brain slowly realizing that he lay on his side and was wrapped in the warmth of flesh.

“Asher?” His voice sounded harsh and his throat was sore like he’d spent hours screaming.

“I am here, mon ami.” The arms around him pulled his body closer and Nathaniel felt fingers lightly caressing one of his hips.

“What happened?”

“You passed out from the pleasure.”

Nathaniel heard a pleased amusement in Asher’s voice.

“I’m sorry.”

“Do not be. It has been a long time since I’ve been able to share my gift with anyone.”

Nathaniel stiffened. “You…you completely rolled me, didn’t you?” He asked unable to keep the slight tremble from his voice but he was sure that Asher could smell his sudden fear. Nathaniel knew that those that were totally rolled by a vampire were in great trouble. Even a shape shifter like himself. People have been known to die of the longing they experience, the unfulfillment that fills them if they cannot be with the vampire.

Asher kissed Nathaniel’s neck, his tongue flicking over the bite mark. “No. I controlled myself. I could never do that to you. You may have a few flashbacks for a day or two but that will fade and you will be fine.”

Nathaniel relaxed and sighed. He felt very sleepy and closed his eyes. “Thank you Asher.”

“My pleasure.” He nuzzled further into Nathaniel’s neck.

“How does the story end Asher?”

“They live happily ever after.”

“Good. Stay with me until dawn.”

“Yes, mon beau. Sweet dreams.”

Nathaniel smiled even as he drifted off to sleep. He knew that the nightmares plaguing him for weeks would not return. Not on this night anyway.