Ice Water in Hell By Carol Lynne
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Ice Water in Hell By Carol Lynne
Resplendence Publishing, LLC http://www.resplendencepublishing.com
Resplendence Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 992 Edgewater, Florida, 32132 Ice Water in Hell Copyright © 2009, Carol Lynne Edited by Tiffany Mason Cover art by Les Byerly Electronic format ISBN: 978-1-60735-128-3 Warning: All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Electronic release: March 2010 This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and occurrences are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places or occurrences, is purely coincidental.
Hell aka “The City” n.
• any place of pain and turmoil • the home created for Lucifer and those forced from Heaven • a world in which only the dead may reside • a world where sin is commonplace
Table of Contents Chapter One.................................................................................................................................... 6 Chapter Two.................................................................................................................................. 16 Chapter Three ............................................................................................................................... 29 Chapter Four ................................................................................................................................ 39 Chapter Five ................................................................................................................................. 49 Chapter Six.................................................................................................................................... 59 Chapter Seven ............................................................................................................................... 71 Chapter Eight................................................................................................................................ 82 Epilogue ........................................................................................................................................ 93 About the Author ........................................................................................................................... 96
Chapter One
Nick Ramsey stood in his office overlooking the finished club, Ice Water. Everything in the place, from the white furniture to the huge crystal icicles hanging from the ceiling, said class. He was glad he’d agreed to go into business with his friend and ex-boss, Dominic. The longer Nick waited for his old love, Baz, to come around, the antsier he became. The months spent designing, building and furnishing the club had kept thoughts of Baz at bay, but now memories of his ex-lover seemed to follow him everywhere he went. “Looks good, doesn’t it?” Dominic remarked, stepping into Nick’s second-story office. Hands in his pockets, Nick turned to lean against the thick acrylic glass wall. “We did a damn good job for a couple of ex-soldiers.” Dominic pointed toward the balcony connected to his office. “I still think you should’ve put one of those in. You’ll be sorry.” Nick shook his head. The balcony was designed for fucking, not enjoying the view, unless, of course, you’re on the first floor. Nick could only imagine what kind of show the customers were in for between Dominic and Lucifer. “No need. There’s only one man I care to fuck, and Baz’s still playing hard to get.” Nick ran a hand through his short blond hair. “Impossible to get is more like it. That damn Spartan is one stubborn sonofabitch,” Dominic said with a chuckle. Stubborn or not, Nick still loved him. It had been over two hundred years since Baz had left Nick in Heaven to help right the wrong he felt was done to Lucifer. Nick rubbed his chest. The abandonment hurt as if it had happened yesterday. Sure, he’d cussed and said things to Baz
that he shouldn’t have. What was he supposed to do? Send his lover off to Hell with a pat on the back? He knew owning and working at Ice Water wouldn’t be easy, but the longer he went without sex, the more daunting the task became. “Damn, I’m horny,” he admitted. Dominic glanced at Nick. “So, fuck someone before your dick dries up and falls off.” “Easy for you to say. You have exclusive access to Lu’s ass morning, noon and night. I only get the occasional sneer from Baz.” Dominic smiled unapologetically. “And it’s a good ass, too.” Nick rolled his eyes and turned to look down at the club. A few months earlier, Nick would have no trouble picking up some guy and screwing his brains out, so what was different? Baz hadn’t wanted him then and, it was obvious, he didn’t want him now. “Baz is coming, right?” Nick asked. “He’s supposed to come with Lu, but I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.” Nick shook his head and walked toward his desk. “I don’t know why I even care. He treats me like a friend, not a lover.” Dominic chuckled. “I wouldn’t say that. According to Lu, Baz enjoys a friendly fuck.” Nick narrowed his eyes at his friend. “The longer you’re here, the more evil you become.” Dominic laughed harder and headed toward the door. “Yeah. Damn, I’m having fun.” “Get outta here.” Dominic waved before walking out the door and across the landing to his own office. With the walls made entirely of acrylic glass, it wasn’t hard for Nick to see his friend was still laughing. Nick gave him the finger, which made Dominic laugh even harder. “Fucker,” Nick grumbled. **** “Why aren’t you ready?” Lu asked as soon as Baz opened the door to his loft. “Well, hello to you, too.” Baz stepped back, allowing Lu and his ego into the room. He walked back to the couch and resumed his seat. Lu tapped his expensive black shoe on the shiny wood floor. “It’s opening night. You have to go.”
Baz didn’t bother looking up from the television. “No, I don’t.” Lu let out an overly dramatic sigh and fell onto the couch beside Baz. “Seriously, why don’t you and Nick just make up already? The guy’s absolutely crazy about you.” “Yeah, he’s so crazy about me he just fucking cast me aside when he didn’t agree with me.” Baz didn’t know why he still let it hurt him so much. Years earlier, when he’d been an archivist in Heaven, he’d confided to the man he loved his desires to help Lucifer regain his rightful place in Heaven. Instead of being supportive, Nick had gone ballistic. He’d told Baz he would never forgive him if he went through with his plan to relocate to Hell. Actually, Nick’s precise words had been something like, “If you go to Hell, you can just stay there for all I care. Because if your tainted-ass ever shows up in Heaven again, I’ll kill you.” Well, color Baz surprised when he’d walked into Lu’s building and saw Nick standing there, looking all gorgeous and smug. Nick’s betrayal still left a scar on Baz’s heart too deep to heal. “Why does everyone expect me to forgive him?” Baz asked. “I went into battle and he refused to wait for my return.” “He’s here because he loves you,” Lu said, ruffling Baz’s hair. Baz laid his head on the back of the couch and closed his eyes. “Love doesn’t mean shit if respect isn’t given. Besides, he’s never apologized. Telling me he still loves me does nothing for me.” The back of Lu’s hand brushed across Baz’s cheek. “If he hurt you that badly, forget him. But don’t crawl into a hole and shut yourself off. Come on, come play with me,” Lu pouted. “I used to love to play with you, remember?” Baz asked, opening his eyes to stare at his friend. Lu ran a hand down Baz’s chest to his cock. He gave the hardening appendage a nice squeeze before releasing it. “I remember. It was fun, but things are different now. That doesn’t mean you have to give up sex. Find another fuck buddy. Shouldn’t be hard with your looks. You could use a little work in the personality department, but I’d suggest keeping your mouth shut and flashing that huge piece of meat your packing. That should get you in the door in no time.” The thought of pounding his cock deep into a willing tight ass had Baz rock hard in no
time. Maybe Lu was right. Maybe he should enjoy all the flavors The City had to offer. “You know, Nick’ll think you’re pining for him if you continue to shut yourself off like you have been,” Lu remarked, adding more fuel to the fire in Baz’s belly. Baz narrowed his eyes at his best friend. Lu sat casually, checking out his most recent manicure. If Baz didn’t know better, he’d think Lu didn’t have a care in the world. But he did know better. Lu was up to something. “What kind of game are you playing?” Lu had the gall to look completely shocked by the question. “Me? I’m not playing anything. I just want to get out of here and shake my groove thing with my man.” What would Nick do if Baz showed up looking all hot and sexy? Baz grinned. Even better, what would Nick do if Baz showed up and didn’t give him the time of day? Perfect. Baz stood and held out his arms. He didn’t often allow Lu to use parlor tricks on him, but this was a special occasion. “Make me sexy,” Baz instructed. After a subtle wave of his hand, Lu grinned. “Excellent.” Baz looked down at his nude body. “Funny. Now whip me up something sexy to actually wear.” Lu shrugged. “You’ll catch more bees with your honey stick showing.” “Leave my honey stick out of it,” Baz said around a chuckle. Lu waved again and Baz was decked out in black leather pants and a fitted leather blazer. “What, no shirt? I thought this place had a strict dress code.” “They do. You can’t get in unless you’re wearing a jacket.” Lu gestured to Baz. “You have a jacket.” Baz glanced down at his bare chest. Even with the jacket, he could still see his shiny nipple rings. “Are you sure I’ll pass muster?” Lu stood and leaned toward Baz, eyes zeroing in on the piercings. “I’d forgotten how sexy you look without a shirt.” “You’ve forgotten a lot of things since Dominic showed up.” Baz tried not to sound bitter. He was glad Lu had finally found someone to love, but it sure cut down on his fuck buddy time. Lu smiled and gave Baz a chaste kiss on the lips. “I could never forget my best friend.
That’s why my mission this evening is to find you a cute little plaything.” **** Stepping out of the car, Baz couldn’t get over the beauty of the outside of the building. What had once been a warehouse was now a glass-fronted icy wonderland. The two-story windows had been etched so it appeared they were frosty around the edges. The Ice Water sign looked like it had been carved out of a single block of ice with a light blue glow to it. “This is amazing,” Baz commented. “Yeah. Turns out Nick and Dominic really are gay,” Lu said, elbowing Baz in the ribs. Baz chuckled. It was hard to believe the two men had done all the decorating and design work on their own. “You didn’t help at all?” Lu shook his head. “I’ve only been here once. Dominic made me stay away.” Lu winked. “Said I kept distracting him, whatever that means.” Baz could well imagine. Dominic and Lu couldn’t be within fifty feet of each other without groping or fucking. “I thought sex was supposed to slow once you entered a committed relationship?” “You must’ve been talking to the wrong people. To know that big dick’s close enough to fill me at a moment’s notice is quite the aphrodisiac. Speaking of which, let’s go.” Lu led the way to the front door. Although the club had barely opened, there was already a line down the block waiting to get in. “Hi, Tao,” Lu greeted the huge man at the door. Tao grinned, his white teeth a stark contrast to his brown skin. The man had a myriad of tribal tattoos decorating what skin could be seen. Baz could only imagine what Tao’s body looked like out of the expensive suit he wore. Yum. “I’m glad you’re here, sir. Mr. Ramos has phoned me every five minutes asking if you’d arrived yet.” “I’ll spank him for you, Tao,” Lu said, a mischievous grin on his face. Baz nodded to the guy and followed Lu inside. “Who is that?” “Tao Kemoeatu. He’s fairly new to The City. Dominic brought him in.” Lu glanced over his shoulder and grinned. “Samoan,” Lu added as if that was supposed to explain everything. Baz had never met a Samoan, so he really had no clue what Lu was referring to, still, the man was a fine hunk of muscle. Before, and after, his relationship with Nick, Baz had always
preferred lithe, younger-looking men, but he may need to give Tao a second glance. As usual, the crowd automatically parted for Lu as they walked into the club. There was so much to see, Baz had a hard time taking it all in. He swore the temperature had dropped fifty degrees as a chill raced up his spine. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said, spinning around. Huge crystal light fixtures hung from the ceiling. Their pale blue glow washed the club’s interior with soft illumination. “Come on. Let’s get a drink and go upstairs. I want to show you my favorite part of this place.” Lu didn’t give Baz a chance to answer before marching off toward the long bar. As Baz headed that way, he glanced at the dance floor. The Ice Water might be more upscale in dress and appearance than The Inferno, but the same show was all around him, bodies, and lots of them, kissing and writhing to the music. Baz ran a hand down his chest to brush against the erection pressing against his fly. The smell of sex was in the air and he couldn’t get enough. He’d gone too long without release and the vibe in the club had him ready to explode. Lu handed Baz a dirty martini while he sipped his customary Scotch. “Come on. I’ll show you upstairs.” Baz glanced up and spotted both Nick and Dominic staring straight down on them. The last thing he needed was to be anywhere near Nick while he was as horny as he was. “You go ahead. I’m going to release some pressure.” One of Lu’s black eyebrows rose. “See someone you like already?” Baz gestured to the dance floor. “Take your pick. There are a lot of beautiful men here tonight.” “Find me when you’re finished,” Lu said before walking away. Baz quickly finished his drink and ordered another. While he waited, he stood with his back against the bar. “Here you go, Baz,” the bartender said, setting a fresh drink beside Baz’s elbow. “Thanks, Cory.” He was glad Dominic had been able to hire the best bartender in the city away from The Inferno. Baz bet the other club was suffering without the delectable sprite behind the bar. “Hey, you have a break anytime soon?” Baz asked, turning toward the small blond man. Cory reached out and flicked the silver hoop in Baz’s nipple. “Sure do, but I’ve gotta
study. I have a test in the morning.” Baz shook his head. “I’m proud of you for going to school. I got my degree after my death as well.” Cory smiled. “Thanks. It’s something I’ve always regretted not doing before.” Baz nodded. That he understood. The City was full of souls with regrets. Despite what the living assumed, a person didn’t lose their soul when they entered Hell. Before he could get turned back around, a hand squeezed the erection trapped behind the soft leather of his pants. Baz moaned. He didn’t care if the hand belonged to a man with two heads, he just wanted to feel lips wrapped around his cock. He barely glanced at the man as he pushed him to his knees. Picking up his dirty martini, Baz continued to sip as a warm mouth engulfed the head of his cock. The guy was doing a pretty damn good job although he didn’t take nearly enough into his throat. Baz reached down and threaded his fingers through the man’s short curls. He started a steady rhythm of fucking the guy’s mouth, making him take more and more with each thrust. Within minutes, Baz’s balls drew tight as he exploded down the guy’s throat. He eventually glanced down and watched the guy cleaning him. Not bad, but not quite what he was looking for. “Thanks,” he said, finishing off his drink. “I’m Thane,” the guy said as he stood to face Baz. “Okay. Thanks, Thane.” “Would you like to dance?” Thane asked, wiping some errant cum from his chin. “No thanks.” Baz pushed away from the bar and wandered through the crowd. He felt the phone in his back pocket vibrate and rolled his eyes, knowing exactly who it was. He flipped open the cell. “What?” “You’re an ass, you know? You barely looked at that guy after he gave you such a nice blowjob,” Lu said. “Hey, I didn’t ask him to suck my dick. He did that all on his own.” Baz glanced up toward the clear plastic of the balcony to see Lu staring down at him. “If I’m not mistaken, you used to be even worse when we went out.” How many times had Lu walked up behind someone and fucked them without ever seeing their face? “I’m a changed man.” From the way Lu was openly fondling Dominic, Baz doubted it.
“The only thing that’s changed is you know the name of the man you’re fucking around with. You’re still as perverted as ever.” Although the words seemed harsh, Baz knew Lu would take them as a sign of affection. “Thanks. I’m glad I’ve still got the touch.” Baz watched as Dominic said something in Lu’s ear. “Ooh, gotta go. Talk later.” Lu hung up, and within a split second both he and Dominic were naked. Let the show begin. **** As soon as Dominic and Lu started pawing at each other, Nick removed himself from the situation. He should be in a fantastic mood. After all, it was the opening night of the club he’d worked so hard to make perfect. Unfortunately, the moment he’d witnessed the punk going down on Baz, his mood had soured. It wasn’t Baz he was pissed at as much as himself. He was the one who’d treated Baz like shit, not the other way around. Baz was acting predictably. It was obvious the man wore the sexy outfit just to drive him crazy, and it was working. He started to sit in his desk chair but changed his mind. Fuck that. No way was he going to hide in his office on his big night. If Baz wanted to torture him, Nick would beat him at his own game. He walked out of his office and down the staircase. After punching the security code into the keypad, the heavy acrylic door swung open. Nick stepped out into the crowd for the first time all evening. His first stop was the bar. Cory nodded and built him a Guinness. Nick watched the master at work. He’d been so impressed by the way Cory knew how to properly build the rich drink, he’d told Dominic they had to have him. As he watched the damn little sprite work, his cock started to get hard. Cory had made it clear he was interested in anything Nick felt like giving. Nick shook his head as he watched Cory’s tight little ass shake as he bounced to the loud music. He’d never been more tempted to take the bartender up on the offered company. Cory slid the Guinness across the bar with a smile. “Can I get you anything else?” Nick grinned back. It was on the tip of his tongue…shit. He just couldn’t do it.
“Thanks. This’ll do for now,” Nick said before taking a welcomed sip of the stout. He turned his attention to the dance floor where Baz was the center of attention. The stark contrast between the white décor of the nightclub and the bronzed Greek in black leather was remarkable. Baz appeared to be some kind of dark warrior, taking no prisoners as he humped and gyrated against the twink he danced with. Enough! Nick turned and leaned over the bar. “Hey, sweetheart, will you put this back there for me while I dance?” Cory took the Guinness and batted his long blond lashes. “It’ll cost you.” Nick chuckled. “Put it on my tab.” After getting rid of his drink, Nick strode toward the dance floor, coming up behind Baz like he was a panther stalking his prey. Nick pressed himself against Baz’s back and wrapped his arms around his old lover, preventing Baz from turning around. Baz was so far into the song, he didn’t even seem to care that he’d been taken away from his dance partner. Baz reached back and put his hands on Nick’s ass as he ground his butt against Nick’s hard cock. Nick was transported back to Heaven, to the years of fucking Baz on a daily basis. Damn, the two of them had been good together. He bent and began kissing and licking Baz’s neck as he worked his hand down the front of the leather pants. Baz moaned and pressed himself further against Nick’s body. If Nick thought he could get away with it, he’d have bent Baz over and fucked him right there on the dance floor. Instead, he knew he’d have to be content with giving Baz a cuddle and a handjob. Nick worked Baz’s buttons free and wrapped his hand around the fat cock. As the music continued, Nick and Baz did their own dance, Baz fucking Nick’s hand, Nick biting Baz’s neck. It was like old times and Nick became so caught up, he made the mistake of speaking. “Love you so much, baby.” Baz suddenly stopped and went rigid. Nick barely registered the flare of nostrils as Baz spun around before the fist knocked him on his ass. Nick grinned up at Baz. Yeah, he’d deserved it. He knew that much. “You felt good, baby,” Nick said. “Don’t you dare call me that, you fucker!” Baz stormed off the dance floor and headed
for the exit. Nick got to his feet and watched the man he loved walk away again. Shit! **** Galen Dyonysius chewed his fingernail. With his other hand, he parted the blinds and looked toward the street. He’s still there. What’s he doing? Why, after all these years, has he come for me? The first night Lysander had come for him, he’d yelled through Galen’s door. Thankfully, Galen immediately recognized the voice and refused to open for his murderous visitor. For hours, Lysander sat in the hall, scratching at Galen’s door and laughing. Memories of the deep, robust laugh as Lysander continued to swing the sword, hacking away at Galen and Leo, had haunted Galen for two thousand years. Then suddenly, it was back and right outside the safety of his apartment. Galen’s murderer gazed up at the window as if he felt eyes upon him. Galen jerked his hand away from the blind and quickly stepped back. For eleven days, he’d been trapped inside his apartment, too afraid to even shop for more food. If only he’d taken the time to make friends. His neighbors hated the very sight of him, often calling him the boogey man because Galen refused to meet anyone’s direct gaze. His existence was his to suffer through. Laughing and making friends wouldn’t help him wash his soul, and without the cleansing, he had no chance of getting Leo back. Going back to sit on the shabby couch, he curled his legs under him and buried his face in his hands. How many times over the last eleven days had he relived his own brutal murder? He’d chosen The City as his home to atone for the mistake that had cost the man he loved his life. Maybe he deserved to be tormented by the man sitting out front. His stomach grumbled and Galen reached down to rub the concave skin. How much longer could he last?
Chapter Two
Baz rolled to his side and stared at Lu. All that sun-bronzed skin on display and he was no longer allowed to touch. Shame. “If I give you a list of books, will you get them for the library?” Baz asked. Lu’s head turned toward him. It was hard to tell where Lu was looking behind those mirrored sunglasses. A small part of him hoped Lu was appreciating his nudity. “Of course, Mr. Librarian.” “Fuck off.” Baz chuckled as he rolled over onto his back. “Sorry. You just don’t look like a bookworm.” Lu covered his mouth to hide his smile. Baz sighed. Lu didn’t understand his love for books, but that had never bothered him. The fact that Lu had agreed to build a library in the first place said a lot about their friendship. The smell of books acted like an aphrodisiac to Baz. He loved holding them, smelling them, running his hands over their spines. The secret to taking care of books was to treat them like lovers. Clean them if soiled, appreciate them when they’re good, and let them carry you away to a place you never thought you’d go… Beside him, Lu started laughing. “Your dick’s hard. What’re you thinking about?” Baz reached down and stroked his cock. “Mmmm…books.” “You’re such a freak.” Lu snorted. “Yes, but a well-read freak,” Baz replied, continuing to fondle himself. “This list you’re going to give me. Exactly how many westerns are on it?” Lu asked. Baz shrugged. “Enough.”
“I don’t get it. You’re completely obsessed with cowboys who don’t even fuck each other. What’s the point?” Baz closed his eyes and thought of the stories he loved so much. “Books are only meant to be a catalyst for your own imagination. When I read about cowboys, it doesn’t matter that there’s no sex between them. In my mind, they fuck each other after they bed down for the night. I can clearly picture them in groups of two or three, keeping away the night chill by spooning their nude bodies against each other.” As Baz continued to think out loud, he increased the speed of his hand. “The haze of dust in the air kicked up by a herd of stampeding cattle. The sound of leather creaking as a man sits his saddle. The smell of a man’s sweat after a long day… Oh fuck!” The jolt of pleasure as he came took his breath away. Shit. He gripped his cock under the head and squeezed out the last strings of his climax. Baz melted against the lounge chair as he rode out the last euphoric moments. “You are one truly sick, twisted bastard,” Lu commented. Baz opened his eyes and glanced at his best friend. “Say what you want, but now you have a hard on.” Lu looked down and grinned. “Yes, I do. Guess I need to make a trip to the new club. Interested?” Going to Ice Water was the last thing Baz felt like doing. “No thanks. I’m going to run into work for a while.” Lu stood and stretched his arms above his head. “Talk to you tomorrow?” “Yeah. Do me a favor and clean me up before you go.” With a wave of his hand, the cum splattered on Baz’s torso vanished. “Is that what you meant?” Lu asked. “I’d have preferred you did it the old fashioned way, but I know its wishful thinking.” Baz stood and grabbed his towel. He could have asked Lu to dress him as well but didn’t want to push his luck. Lu was in an ornery, horny mood and it was better to stay out of his way when he got like that. Inside the penthouse, Baz dressed and rode down with Lu in the elevator. “I left that list of books on your dining table,” Baz told Lu before they went their separate ways.
Lu grinned. “You’ll have them tomorrow. I might even throw in a few gay cowboy stories for you.” Baz’s jaw dropped. “What? They have those?’ Lu chuckled. “Yep.” “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?” Baz asked. “Because I didn’t know if I wanted The City’s librarian pounding his meat while on the job.” “Thanks.” “You’re welcome. Wouldn’t want to deprive a pervert of his jacking material.” “Yeah, go fuck Dominic in front of a room full of people before indulging in my perverted pastime of reading.” He slapped Lu on the back before heading toward his beat-up Jeep. It was an ongoing battle between him and his best friend, one they enjoyed sparring over. He didn’t care. He’d happily put up with a lot of shit to get his hands on some new westerns. Just thinking about them had Baz’s cock filling once more. Baz looked down at his lap and shook his head. “Maybe Lu’s right. I do need a fucking life.” **** Galen was getting desperate. He’d eaten the last of the mayonnaise the previous evening and had turned his apartment inside out searching for something, anything he could eat without making himself sick. He looked out the window toward The Temple. Not only would he be safe there, but he knew from his usual daily visits there were hosts to be found. He’d never thought of the thin, wafer-like alter bread as dinner before, but as hungry as he was, they sounded like the best meal in the world. Surely, Lysander had to leave sometime. Yet every time Galen looked, there he was. With little choice, Galen scooted a kitchen chair to the window and sat down. If he had to hold vigil night and day, he’d do it. There simply was no other choice. As the minutes became hours, Galen struggled to stay awake. The stress and hunger were making him increasingly weaker. He was already dead, so what would happen to him? Would the sickening hunger continue to gnaw at his insides until he went completely mad? Galen clasped his hands. He usually prayed with his eyes closed, but he didn’t dare. If he
wasn’t vigilant, his chance to escape could easily slip through his fingers. With any luck, his murderer wouldn’t even know he’d left his apartment. Galen asked God to protect Leo wherever he was. For two thousand years, Galen had wished he’d given Lysander a different answer when he had been confronted. If he knew his harsh words would have ended in the mutilation of both himself and Leo, Galen would never have done it. Leo was the love of his life. Even after Galen’s murder, there wasn’t a moment of the day he didn’t miss his mentor. He’d hoped if he atoned for his sin, he’d eventually be reunited, but it had been over two thousand years, and so far the closest he’d come to Leo was being stalked by his killer. **** Nick was finishing payroll when Lu sauntered into his office. Although Lu was a nice guy, Nick couldn’t help but hold a grudge against the one responsible for breaking him and Baz up in the first place. “Hey,” Nick greeted. Lu sat down in the chair in front of Nick’s desk and crossed his legs. “When are you going to do something to win Baz back?” Nick threw down his pen and stared at his visitor. The guy had a lot of nerve. Guess that’s why they called him Lucifer. “He won’t listen. Believe me, I’ve tried.” Lu rested his chin in his palm as he appeared to study Nick. “Did you really threaten to kill him?” “He tell you that?” Nick asked. Lu nodded. “He broke my heart when he said he was leaving me to try and right the wrong that had been done to you.” Nick didn’t know why he was bothering to defend himself. Lu would believe Baz over him any day. “So instead of supporting him, you threatened him?” “It wasn’t like that,” Nick defended. “I loved him. I was angry and hurt, and none of that mattered to him. The only thing he cared about was going to Hell.” “Spartans were raised to be soldiers. Every aspect of their lives was geared around
producing human killing machines. Baz was no different. For some reason, he needed a battle, and my expulsion gave him a cause. In Sparta, wives supported their husbands in battle. When you didn’t, he took it as disloyalty.” “It wasn’t about loyalty,” Nick tried to argue. He knew better. It was love Baz ran away from. “Maybe not to you, but to Baz, you were questioning the values and training he’d been born into and died for.” Nick leaned back in his chair. “So what’re you telling me? Have I fucked up so badly things will never be the same between us?” Nick refused to believe that. He had all the time in the world to win Baz back. He’d moved to The City for one reason only, and he wouldn’t rest until he’d succeeded. Finished with the conversation, Nick stood and walked toward the door. Surely there was something that needed to be taken care of downstairs. “I have a few things to check on before we open,” he mumbled over his shoulder. With his hand on the knob, Nick stopped and bowed his head. “Is he dating someone else?” “Baz doesn’t date. He fucks. And no, I don’t believe he’s fucked anyone since you came to The City. Nick left the office with a smile on his face and hope in his heart. **** Baz was locking up the library when he thought he spotted a man between the stacks. “Hello?” When he received no reply, he walked toward the History section. It was actually Ancient History, but no one liked to be reminded of how old they were. “Sir? Can I help you find something?” Before the man dodged out of sight, Baz got a brief glimpse of his face. His stomach seized as the profile registered. Can’t be. “Lysander,” Baz spoke the name for the first time since the moment of his death. His hands fisted as he took off running toward the retreating shadow. As if by magic, the shadow disappeared before he could reach it. Baz pulled out his phone and called Lu.
“Hey, change your mind about coming to the club?” Lu asked upon answering. “No. I’ve got a question. How can someone vanish into thin air?” Baz held his breath, waiting for the answer. “They can’t.” “I’ve just seen it with my own eyes. Tell me how it’s possible,” Baz demanded. He was met by silence. “Lu?” “It would have to be someone from Old Town,” Lu eventually answered. Just the name sent shivers up Baz’s spine. Very little was known about the inhabitants of Old Town, except they were the baddest of the bad, evil in its true form. It made sense to him that Lysander would be among them, for never had he met a more evil man. “Who was it?” Lu asked, his voice so soft Baz barely heard it. “My past.” Baz refused to say more. Lysander was his shame to deal with. “Where are you?” Lu asked. “Library,” Baz answered. With the majority of the lights already turned off, there were too many shadows present. The longer he wondered what lurked there, the more pissed he became. The library was his refuge, always had been. How dare Lysander taint it for him. “Come by the club. Sounds like you could use a distraction.” “No thanks. I’m gonna stop and pick up something to eat and go home.” “I’ll come by. There’s something I want to give you.” Baz could tell by the tone of Lu’s voice that it wasn’t a request. Still, he could argue, but Baz really didn’t want to be alone. “Should I pick up dinner for you as well?” Baz asked. “No. I’ve already had my dinner.” Lu chuckled, and Baz knew exactly what the horny little devil had eaten. “See you later,” Baz said, trying to end the call. “Be careful.” “Always.” Baz had made the mistake of underestimating Lysander’s madness once. He would not be so naïve this time. **** The moment finally came. Lysander looked at his watch and walked away. Galen seized the opportunity. In his weakened condition, navigating his way down the stairs and across the
street to the chapel had seemed like a marathon, but what choice did he have? Galen asked for God’s forgiveness as he carried the brass bowl of hosts to the alcove behind the large statue of the Virgin Mary. Guilt ate at him as much as the hunger. He was in The City to atone for his sins, and there he was, committing another. The longer he tried, the further away a life with Leo seemed. Years spent shut in his apartment or kneeling in the chapel hadn’t brought him any more peace than he’d had when he first arrived. As he continued to cram in the hosts, Galen took comfort in his memories. The hours spent learning the art of love from his mentor. The warm nights in Leo’s arms were the happiest of his life. Being a soldier wasn’t a choice in the society in which he’d been raised, but loving Leo had been. It was the one pleasure he’d allowed himself. After a childhood of strict and sometimes painful discipline, Leo’s gentle touch made everything he’d ever been through worth it. The hours of training as a boy, the missing affection from his parents, none of it mattered once he discovered what true love meant. Galen had only Leo to thank for that. If Lysander hadn’t gone on his mad killing spree, Galen had no doubt he and Leo would have grown old together. Instead, Galen would never grow old, at least in looks. When he gazed in the mirror, he tried to picture himself in his thirties or forties. As it was, Galen knew he’d forever look like an eighteen-year old who couldn’t grow a decent beard. Galen shook his head and set the brass bowl on the floor. He wondered if someone would refill it if he put it back in its place. Unless Lysander decided to move on, Galen knew he was trapped indefinitely. **** Tired of being shut in the office, Nick sat at the end of the bar doing the weekly employee work schedule. “Compliments of the gentleman,” Cory said, setting a Guinness in front of Nick. Nick glanced up and followed Cory’s gaze to a gorgeous older man several stools away. It was rare someone was so bold with him. It wasn’t his size that kept men away, but rather his brusque nature when dealing with people outside his ring of friends. It was also rare to see an older-looking man in The City. Because you could choose your eternal age upon your death, most men appeared to be in their lower thirties. There were odd
exceptions of course, his favorite little blond sprite behind the bar for one. Although the man currently smiling at him looked to be in his late forties or early fifties, it definitely didn’t detract from his sex appeal. The guy had it in spades. Nick held up his stout and nodded a thank you to the charming gentleman. The man made a gesture with his hand, asking without words if he could sit beside Nick. Intrigued, Nick motioned him over. The older man rose from his stool and walked Nick’s way. Despite the exquisitely cut suit, Nick could tell the man took excellent care of his body. His cock started to harden, taking Nick completely off-guard. No one except Baz had been able to get that kind of reaction from him since he’d come to The City. The closer the man came, the better looking he was. Wow. “I’m Leo.” Nick reached out to shake the man’s hand. “Nick.” “Mind?” Leo motioned to the stool next to Nick. “Not at all.” It was the truth, which was yet another surprise to him. Nick couldn’t seem to tear his gaze away. The thick salt and pepper hair lay in perfect waves, he was sure it would curl around his fingers if mussed. Leo’s eyes were a shade of brown, almost orange, Nick hadn’t come across in his long life. Nick searched for something to say. “I’ve never seen you before.” Leo smiled, dimples accenting his handsome face. “I’m new to The City.” Nick couldn’t help himself. He turned his stool to fully face Leo and whispered in his ear. “Welcome to The City. I have a feeling you’re going to love it here.” Leo turned his head and brushed Nick’s lips with his own. “I have a feeling you’re right.” Nick moaned and captured Leo’s mouth with a passion he hadn’t known for years. He thrust his tongue in the smaller man’s mouth and moaned again. Fuck. Leo’s taste was intoxicating. Nick couldn’t get enough. He stood and pressed himself between Leo’s legs, dryhumping him against the bar. “Nick?” He heard someone call his name, but didn’t care. He cared about fucking the man in his arms and nothing else. Nick began clawing at Leo’s pants, desperate to bury his cock. “Nick!” Lu screamed in his ear, easily pulling Nick from Leo’s arms.
“What the fuck?” Nick spun around with murder on his mind. Lu grabbed Nick’s face and held him still. “Stop. You don’t know what you’re doing.” Nick blinked several times as he stared at Lu. “Of course I know what I’m doing. I’m going to fuck him.” Lu shook his head. “What about Baz?” Baz? Nick’s entire body shook as he realized what he’d almost done. Before he could say anything to Leo, Lu shoved him to the side. “Get out and don’t ever come back,” Lu told Leo. Once again, Nick tried to turn around, but Lu’s superior strength held him in place. What the hell was going on? “You don’t want to do this,” Leo said, his voice deeper than it had been earlier. “Get out!” Lu yelled, tightening his grip on Nick’s chest. Unable to move, Nick shot a look at Cory. The last thing he needed was Lu and Leo coming to blows in the middle of Ice Water. “Get Tao over here.” Nick tugged on Lu’s arm. “Let me go. I’m fine.” Lu put his lips to Nick’s ear. “He has bewitched you. You will not be able to resist him if you look into his eyes.” Nick stopped fighting Lu’s hold. There was no doubt in his mind Lu was telling the truth. Never had he wanted a man more than he had a few moments earlier. Not only were his actions completely out of character, but frightening. Control was something he didn’t give away to anyone. As deeply as he loved Baz, even he had never been in control of their relationship. “Release me. I won’t turn around,” Nick said. “Let’s go,” Tao growled. Nick smiled. Tao was the baddest motherfucker he’d ever met. If Leo tried to argue with Tao like he’d done with Lu, Nick was sure Tao would simply snap the man’s neck. “You’re mine!” Leo yelled behind Nick. Nick closed his eyes, his body still remembering the press of Leo’s body, the taste of his mouth. Fuck. He was hard again. “You can turn around now. He’s gone,” Lu said. Nick reached for the full glass of Guinness and drank it down as fast as he could swallow. “What the fuck just happened?”
Lu motioned toward the offices. “Let’s go upstairs.” Nick adjusted his cock to a more comfortable position. A quick look at Cory, and Nick could tell his little sprite was badly shaken. Nick leaned across the bar and gave him a kiss on the forehead. “I’m fine. Sorry if I scared you.” Cory licked his lips and shook his head. “I’ve never seen anything like that.” “Well, hopefully you never will again. Make sure you tell Tao to keep that guy out of here from now on,” Lu told Cory. Cory nodded. If Nick had it right, what he’d mistaken for fear was actually arousal. What was it that had impassioned the bartender to the extent he seemed to be at a loss for words? “Come on,” Lu said with a nudge to Nick’s ribs. Nick followed Lu upstairs. Dominic stood at the top of the steps with his office door open. “What the hell was that about?” Dominic asked. Lu stopped to give Dominic a deep kiss before entering the office and sitting on the sofa. “Have a seat, guys.” Nick glanced at Dominic before sitting in one of the chairs opposite the couch, while Dominic chose to sit on the sofa with Lu. “You know him, don’t you?” Nick asked. Lu shook his head. “But I know what he is.” “An incubus?” Dominic guessed. Lu laughed. “There are no such things. An incubus, the kind you’re thinking about at least, was a wife’s excuse for getting pregnant while her husband was away.” “Then what?” Nick sat forward in his chair, his cock still painfully hard. “A Grongler. A spirit so impure it is cast directly to the underbelly of Old Town.” “How did you know? He looked like everyone else.” Nick tried once again to hide his erection. The grin on Lu’s face told him he hadn’t succeeded. Lu chuckled again. “When are you going to realize I’m not, nor was I ever, human. I see things you cannot.” “Why me?” Nick reached down and kneaded his erection. “And why won’t this go down?”
Lu shook his head. “I don’t know. I was on my way to Baz’s. Something happened earlier at the library that has him spooked.” Nick jumped up and headed for the door without giving Lu time to say more. Baz was a warrior. If he was spooked, something was seriously wrong. He was almost to the front door of the club when Lu caught up to him. “I’m going with you.” Nick nodded but didn’t break stride as he waved to Tao on the way out. “We’ll take my car. Your driving sucks.” Lu had the nerve to look affronted by the comment. “It’s Dominic’s fault. He won’t let me get another driver.” Nick got behind the wheel, and within moments, pulled away from the curb. “Tell me more about what spooked Baz.” Lu shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Lu?” “Someone from Old Town was in the library earlier. Evidently, he was from Baz’s past.” Lu turned to stare at Nick. “My guess is it’s the same man you met at the club.” Nick gripped the wheel tighter. He hated that he didn’t know more about Baz’s past, but his ex-lover had refused to speak of his life before Heaven. Why now? Baz had lived in The City for hundreds of years. He pulled up outside Baz’s loft. “Is he safe here?” Lu nodded. “All homes in The City are safe. When I built them, I wanted everyone to have a refuge. Unfortunately, I can’t provide the same once you step outside.” “At least I know he’ll be okay if he stays inside,” Nick said as he got out of the car. Lu was already standing on the sidewalk waiting. “We both know he won’t do that.” “I’ll figure something out.” He’d tie Baz to the bed if he had to. The image of Baz’s bronzed muscles straining against bonds had his cock hardening. Dammit! **** Baz had just stepped from the shower when he heard the doorbell. After a quick swipe of the towel, he went to the corner of the large loft reserved for his bedroom. The bell sounded again as Baz pulled out a pair of white jersey lounge pants. “Hold on!” he yelled as he tried to pull the pants on over his still-wet skin. Struggling to
cover himself, he reached the door and looked through the peephole. Shit. Why was he here? Baz opened the door, blocking entrance to the loft with his body. He couldn’t believe his best friend had run to Nick with what had happened. “What’s going on, Lu?” he asked. “We need to talk,” Lu replied. He placed a hand on the center of Baz’s chest and gave a slight push, easily moving Baz out of the way. “Why’s he here?” Baz gestured to Nick. “He’s part of it,” Lu answered. “Do you have anything to drink?” “Wine and beer. Take your pick.” Baz refused to look at Nick. He was still upset over the way Nick had pawed him the previous night. “Wine,” Lu said. “Beer,” Nick said at the same time. Baz went to the kitchen, hoping to get a few moments to himself. The loft was so much smaller with Nick in it. “I’m sorry about last night,” Nick’s deep voice said from behind Baz. “You had no right to touch me like that.” Baz pulled a beer out of the fridge and set it on the counter. “Maybe not, but it seemed everyone else in the club had enjoyed touching you.” Nick picked up his beer and took a swig. Baz paused in the process of uncorking the bottle of wine. “I was horny.” “So was I, still am. Give me one good reason we shouldn’t take care of our mutual conditions together.” “Because your dick has too many strings attached.” Baz retrieved two glasses and carried them and the bottle to the living room area. He handed Lu a glass of wine before taking a seat. “There. Now talk,” Baz instructed Lu. “Evidently, Nick has gained the attention of a Grongler.” Lu took a sip of his wine and moaned in appreciation. “A Grongler? I thought they didn’t step foot out of Old Town.” Baz had heard tales of the lustful beings, but had never run into one in all his years in Hell. Baz’s gaze went to Nick for the first time. “Did the Grongler succeed in getting what it wanted?”
Nick squared his shoulders, meeting Baz’s stare straight on. “Almost. If it hadn’t been for Lu, I would’ve fucked him against the bar.” Baz swallowed around the lump in his throat. He didn’t like the idea of Nick fucking anyone else. It was selfish, but he hated the thought of someone enjoying Nick’s incredible cock. Baz returned his attention to Lu. “So what does Nick’s fuck buddy have to do with me?” “That’s not fair,” Nick said, getting to his feet. “According to Lu, once I looked into the guy’s eyes, I was under some sort of spell. I wouldn’t cheat on you.” “Cheat on me? Are you honestly going to tell me you’ve not had sex since I left?” Baz couldn’t believe Nick had used that term. It wasn’t cheating if you weren’t together. “I haven’t fucked anything but the mattress and my own hand since I saw you at Lu’s penthouse.” “Enough!” Lu yelled. Baz and Nick stared at each other for several moments before looking at Lu. “You two are getting on my last nerve. Now, either the Grongler is the same man who visited you at the library, or something big is going down in Old Town.” Lu leaned toward Baz. “Who was at the library?” Baz shook his head. “Out with it,” Lu demanded. “Without the correct information, I don’t know what we’re up against. This isn’t just about you anymore.” “Lysander,” Baz ground out through clenched jaws. “Okay.” Lu nodded. “Leo was the name of the Grongler.” Baz suddenly couldn’t breathe. He bent over and sucked big gulps of air into his lungs. “What’s wrong?” Nick asked, rushing to his side. Baz shook his head. “That was the name the boy I mentored called me. It was short for Basileios.” “Do you think the Grongler is this boy?” Lu asked. Baz felt the sting of tears. How did he make them understand the shame he’d fought so hard to hide? He couldn’t tell them all of it, he was certain of that. What would Lu and Nick think of him if they knew how over-the-top-in-love he’d been over Galen. “No. Galen was pure of heart. The man you’re looking for is my father, Lysander. He’s not only my tormenter, but your Grongler.”
Chapter Three
“Your father?” Nick asked. He’d never heard Baz speak of his family. “Yes. Obviously, I was right in my assumption he would have been sent directly to Old Town. I’d hoped I’d never see his face again,” Baz admitted. “Why would he rear his evil head now? You’ve been in The City for a long time.” Nick hated the lost look in Baz’s eyes. “But you haven’t,” Lu told Nick. “I’m betting it has something to do with your arrival.” “Then make Nick go back to Heaven!” Baz shouted. Lu reached out to Baz. “You should both go back. I should have sent you back when you first came, but I was selfish. I wanted a friend. I wanted you as a friend,” Lu clarified. Baz shook his head. “I’m not going back. I left my entire life behind for you!” The statement cut through Nick like a knife. Without a word, he stood and walked out the door. Despite everything Baz had accused him of, Baz had been the one to leave, and he’d just admitted why. By the time the elevator reached the first floor, Nick felt numb. He managed to stumble to his car, but couldn’t bring himself to start it. Had he been wrong about Baz’s feelings towards him? A knock on his window made him jump. He turned to see Baz standing beside the car, a scowl on his otherwise gorgeous face. “What?” Nick asked after rolling down the window. “Come back upstairs.”
Nick shook his head. “I don’t think I can.” Baz rolled his eyes and leaned his hands against the roof of the car, putting his face just inside the window. “We need to figure out what to do.” This close to Baz, there was no doubt Nick’s face betrayed his love. Nick watched Baz’s Adam’s apple bob several times before he cleared his throat. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. Sorry if I hurt your feelings,” Baz mumbled. Nick’s eyes burned as he struggled to hold back tears. “Whether you meant to hurt me or not isn’t the issue. You told the truth. I see that now.” From somewhere deep in his heart, Nick drummed up enough strength to start the car. It had suddenly become painfully obvious he was wasting his time with Baz. “Have Dominic call me,” Nick said before pulling away from the only man he’d ever loved. Nick drove aimlessly through the city for several hours before going back to Ice Water. He parked in his usual spot and waved to Tao as he entered the club. On his way to his apartment on the third floor, he stopped by the bar. He waited for Cory to finish the drink order and spot him. How easy would it be to invite Cory upstairs? “I’ll be in my apartment if anyone needs me,” Nick said. Cory reached across the bar and covered Nick’s hand. “Are you okay? You don’t look like yourself.” “Don’t feel like myself either,” Nick admitted. What would Cory think if Nick told him how utterly alone he felt at that moment? “Come by after work if you feel like it.” There. He’d extended the invitation. Cory’s blue eyes sparkled. “Okay.” Nick leaned over the bar and placed a soft kiss on Cory’s plump lips. When he pulled away, Cory’s eyes were wide with surprise. With one last smile, Nick turned and walked away. He wove his way through the crowd to the staircase. Thinking about the kiss, Nick almost went back and told Cory to forget it. Whether or not he was desperate for company wasn’t Cory’s fault, and if he fucked the little sprite, Nick knew he’d only end up hurting him. By the time he entered his apartment, he was more confused than ever. Dammit. He needed to make up his mind. Either he needed to let Baz go and move on, or figure out how to
fix things between them. How many times have I already tried to fix things with no luck? He began stripping his clothes on the way to the bathroom. Whether or not he ended up in bed with Cory, he needed a good soak. **** “You need to do something about Nick,” Lu told Baz. “You’re my best friend, and I love you, but you’re being cruel to him.” “How do you figure? I do my best to stay away from him,” Baz defended himself. He carried the empty bottle of wine into the kitchen and retrieved another one. The only thing he could give the people who loved him was heartache. He knew it. He’d known it since his death. A pair of big brown eyes with long lashes came to mind. Galen. The pain the memory caused threatened to topple Baz where he stood. Lu waited until Baz had returned and refilled his glass before speaking. “Do you love him?” “Who?” Baz asked, still in the grip of his past. “Nick. Who else would I be talking about?” Baz blinked several times, bringing himself back to the moment. “Doesn’t matter. I don’t know that I trust him.” “You talk a lot about trust for someone who betrayed mine under the guise of being for my own good,” Lu reminded Baz. Baz felt dutifully punched in the face. “You know I was under Michael’s orders to do what I did.” “Does it matter? I forgave you. Why can’t you give Nick the same chance?” “I don’t know if we can work things out. A lot has happened since we were together,” he admitted. “So go out with him and see if you can rebuild your relationship.” Baz shook his head. “You don’t know Nick. If I give an inch, he’ll try to take a mile. One date and he’ll assume we’re back together. I’m not like that. It takes a long time for me to trust someone. There was a time when I trusted him to always be there for me, and not only did Nick throw it back in my face, but he threatened me.” Lu chuckled. “He said nearly the same thing about you. He told me you broke his heart.” Lu finished his wine and carried his glass into the kitchen, leaving Baz dumfounded.
“Are you taking his side?” Baz asked. “No. I’m simply trying to force the issue. You need to figure out what it is you want, because I have a strong feeling you’re about to lose him for good.” Lu walked toward the door without saying anything else. “Wait a minute. You can’t say something like that and just walk away.” Lu turned around and leaned against the door, crossing his arms in the process. “It was a straight forward statement. What else do you need to know, Baz?” “I need to know why you said that. Do you know something about Nick that I don’t?” Lu held up his hand and began ticking things off on his fingers. “He’s lonely, he’s horny, and he has several men at the club who are dying to take your place. Nick may love you, but he won’t have it shoved back in his face indefinitely.” When Lu turned to leave, Baz held his tongue. Between Galen and Nick, love had been nothing but heartache. Why would he willingly put himself in that position again? **** By the time the soft knock sounded on the door, Nick was half-drunk. He hoisted himself off the couch and greeted Cory with a smile. “Glad you came.” Cory stepped inside the apartment and glanced around. “This is nice.” Nick nodded. He didn’t give a flying fuck about small talk. He grabbed Cory’s hand and led the sexy man toward the sofa. Cory started to sit down, but Nick shook his head and pulled the sprite into his lap. “Kiss me.” Cory moved to straddle Nick’s legs. Nick moaned as he felt the press of Cory’s ass against his cock. He closed his eyes as Cory’s tongue began to explore his mouth. When Cory began squirming on Nick’s lap, Nick’s hands automatically went to the man’s butt. As good as Cory’s ass felt in his hands, Nick couldn’t help but compare it to Baz’s. Shit. He had to stop thinking about Baz. Cory broke the kiss and stared at Nick as he pushed his hand under the waistband of Nick’s sweats. Nick moaned as Cory’s hand wrapped around his cock. “Why tonight?” Cory asked. Lying wasn’t in Nick’s nature. He especially couldn’t deceive someone as sweet as Cory.
“It took me a couple hundred years, but I finally figured out I was wasting my time mooning over Baz.” Nick watched Cory carefully. “I’m sorry. I hope that doesn’t hurt your feelings.” Cory continued stroking Nick’s cock. “Doesn’t. As long as it’s the truth.” Nick pulled Cory into another deep kiss. He pressed his fingers against the seam of Cory’s tight jeans and reveled in Cory’s answering moan. The ringing phone was a rude intruder in their passionate play. Nick broke the kiss. Because of the late hour, he knew it had to be some kind of emergency. The first thought through his head was Baz. Nick wrapped an arm around Cory’s waist for support and leaned forward to grab his phone from the coffee table. “Hello?” “I’m outside. Can you let me in? I need to talk to you.” Nick glanced at Cory. Was throwing away what he could have with Cory worth talking to Baz? He hadn’t lied to the man in his arms about trying to move on. “I’m kinda busy at the moment. What do we need to talk about?” he finally asked. “Please, Nick. Just let me come up,” Baz begged. Nick’s face must have shown his confusion at the plea because Cory slid off his lap onto the couch. Nick saw the hurt in Cory’s eyes, but the smaller man tried to give Nick a reassuring smile. “Give me five minutes.” Nick hung up the phone. “I’m sorry.” Cory stood and started for the door. “So am I.” Nick tucked his erection back into his sweats as best as he could and followed Cory out the door and down the steps. “If things…” Nick began. Cory turned around and covered Nick’s mouth with his hand. “If Baz has come to you, it means he’s finally figured out what he had. He’s a good guy. The two of you deserve to find happiness again.” Nick placed a kiss on the hand still covering his mouth before pulling it away. “Thank you for making this easier for me. I’m not sure if I would be so kind if our positions were reversed.” Cory chuckled. “I’m a sucker for a good romance, what more can I say?” They reached the door and Nick unlocked it.
Baz’s gaze went from him to Cory and back again. “Am I interrupting?” Cory shook his head. “Nope. I was just leaving.” Nick was grateful Cory was such a nice guy. It could’ve been an ugly scene otherwise. “See you tomorrow,” Nick said as Cory walked toward the bicycle chained to the lamppost. Nick stepped back out of the doorway. “Come in.” Baz strode by Nick, his eyes on the erection still visible in Nick’s sweats. “I did interrupt, didn’t I?” Nick shrugged. He didn’t owe Baz an explanation. He led the way upstairs to his apartment. Once inside, he made himself sit casually on the couch. “What did you want to talk about?” he asked. Baz seemed to study the apartment for several moments before eventually answering. “Now that I’m here, I’m not sure.” Games. Nick crossed his arms over his naked chest. “Take a guess.” “You have something going on with Cory?” Baz asked. “Not yet. But that’s really none of your business.” Nick knew he sounded cold, but he wasn’t the one who’d openly welcomed a public blowjob the previous evening. “Don’t. Please.” Baz whispered, looking down at the hands in his lap. “Don’t what?” Nick asked. “Don’t start something with Cory.” “Why? Are you saying you’re ready to get off your high horse and talk to me?” Baz stood and headed for the door. “This is stupid. I don’t even know why I bothered to come.” Nick jumped up and beat Baz to it, blocking the only exit. “No you don’t. For months I’ve put my heart on the line and you’ve ignored me. Forgive me if I seem a little skeptical. Why now? What’s different?” Baz broke eye contact. “I guess I…” Baz stopped and took several deep breaths. “I guess I always counted on you being there once I forgave you.” Nick wanted to scream in frustration. “You left me! Not the other way around. I’m the one who forgave you and followed your ass to Hell.”
Baz started to say something, but snapped his mouth shut and tried to push Nick out of the way. No fucking way was Nick going to let Baz just walk out on him again. He wrapped the man he loved in his arms and reversed their positions. With Baz’s back against the door, Nick grabbed a handful of hair and kissed the stubborn sonofabitch. Nick’s tongue continued to lick the seam of Baz’s mouth until the man in his arms finally relented and opened for it. Within seconds, the kiss became a feral mating of two desperately horny men. Baz pushed his chest against Nick’s, fighting for the upper hand. It had been too long for Nick and he’d been too desperate to feel Baz in his arms to allow the man an inch. He pushed back with everything he had as his hands roamed Baz’s body. Baz bit down on Nick’s lip hard enough to draw blood. Nick jerked his head back and stared into the dark eyes in front of him. “What the fuck was that for?” Nick asked, soothing the cut with his tongue. Baz reached between them and cupped Nick’s deflated cock. “Just making sure the next time this gets hard, it’s for me.” The possessive statement had Nick hardening immediately. “No worries there.” Baz rubbed his hand up and down Nick’s expanding length. “I can’t just fall back into a relationship, but, damn, do I want this cock buried inside of me.” “You mean the strings you were talking about earlier?” Nick surmised. “Yes. I’m not ready to hear your declarations of love every time I turn around.” Baz released Nick’s cock, obviously waiting for Nick to say something. Nick couldn’t separate the two, at least not with Baz. So the question was, could he keep his mouth shut? He’d known in his heart it was the reason Baz had left him in the first place. Yes, Baz needed to right the wrong, but he’d only made the decision after Nick had declared his undying love. It seemed Baz couldn’t get out of Heaven fast enough. It was still something Nick struggled to understand. Baz may be able to fool himself, but Nick knew Baz loved him. “I’ll try,” he conceded. Even without the words, Nick hoped Baz would know how he felt every time he made love to him. As he led Baz toward his bedroom, Nick prayed he wasn’t making a mistake. As much as he wanted Baz, Nick knew his heart wouldn’t survive if it didn’t work out.
**** As Baz began to undress, he tried to calm the butterflies in his stomach. It was Nick. How many thousands of times had the two of them fucked? There was absolutely no reason for him to get nervous, never mind that it had been close to two hundred and sixty years since they’d last been intimate. “Those are new. I like ’em,” Nick said, gesturing to Baz’s nipple rings. “Lu’s idea.” As soon as he’d said it, Baz wished he could take it back. He knew Nick resented Lu more than he let on. Baz watched as the muscle in Nick’s jaw jumped several times. Yep. The remark had affected Nick more than he was willing to say. Baz quickly pushed his pants down in an attempt to distract Nick. He crawled to the center of the bed and stared at Nick. “How do you want me?” he asked. “Any way I can get you,” Nick answered. He opened the bedside drawer and removed a bottle of lube, tossing it beside Baz. “You still like to watch.” Baz shouldn’t have been surprised. Nick had always enjoyed watching Baz stretch himself. It was the opposite for Baz. He preferred a more hands-on approach when preparing Nick’s hole. Baz rolled to his back and bent his knees until his feet were firmly planted on the mattress. He grabbed the lube and poured a generous amount in his hand. It had been several months since he’d been stretched, and Nick’s thick cock required more than most. Nick carried a chair from the side of the room to the foot of the bed. He took a seat and waited. Baz grinned. It didn’t seem to matter how long they’d been apart. Some things never changed. With his legs spread, Nick wrapped his fingers around the root of his cock and slowly ran his hand from base to crown as he watched Baz sink a finger into his hole. The hungry expression on Nick’s handsome face had always been a turn-on for Baz. “You like that?” Baz asked, pushing a second finger inside. Nick replied with a grunt, his eyes zeroing in on Baz’s ass. Although Baz had swapped places with Lu over the years, the only other man he’d allowed to top him was Nick. His mind started to wander to Galen, but Baz quickly pushed that thought away.
“I’m ready,” he told Nick. Nick licked the pre-cum from his palm before crawling onto the bed. Baz started to turn over, but Nick stopped him with a hand on his hip. “Stay right there,” Nick ordered. He positioned himself over Baz, bracing himself with his arms. Baz was forced to close his eyes against the intensity of Nick’s gaze. “Look at me,” Nick whispered against Baz’s lips. Nick wasn’t playing fair, and it was obvious by his lopsided grin that he knew it. “I thought you were going to fuck me,” Baz said. “It’s been a long time. I need to get reacquainted with all my favorite spots.” Baz was grateful when Nick started to kiss and lick his way down his neck. At least he no longer had to school his emotions. Free to feel, Baz closed his eyes and gave himself over to Nick’s tender touch. His lover had always known how to take him to another level of pleasure. Nothing compared to the way Nick made love. As Nick began teasing Baz’s nipples, it all started to come back to him. The hours of lying in bed doing nothing more than touching and tasting each other’s skin. After Nick, Baz hadn’t allowed another lover that level of intimacy. But now, as Baz lifted his arms over his head, he prayed Nick would take it all, everything he had left to give. Unlike Nick, Baz had the ability to separate love from sex. He’d become a master at pleasuring his body while keeping his heart intact. Losing hurt too much when you allowed yourself to love. You can have my body, but not my soul, Nick Ramsey. Baz moaned as Nick swallowed his cock to the root. He gripped the bed sheets in an attempt to keep his climax at bay. Not yet. He wanted the cock he dreamt about for over two hundred years inside him when he came. “Please,” he groaned as Nick thrust three fingers inside of him. Nick released Baz’s cock and reached for the bottle of lube. Sitting back on his heels, Nick slicked his length before positioning Baz’s legs over his shoulder. “Keep your eyes open. See me.” Baz started to panic. He pressed his hands against Nick’s chest just as his hole was breeched. At the slow invasion, Baz’s body began to war with his mind. It no longer seemed to matter what he thought was best, his body was sucking Nick’s cock in like it belonged there.
And maybe it did, because the sense of peace that immediately filled his body was unbelievable. Baz felt his eyes sting as Nick began a slow rhythm in and out. Baz silently cursed himself as he felt a tear slip free and run down the side of his face. “Am I hurting you?” Nick asked. “No.” Yes. More than you’ll ever know. “It’s been too long since I’ve been inside you,” Nick said, picking up speed. Baz wanted to scream that it was Nick’s fault, but he was no longer sure who to blame for their breakup. It was the reason he’d decided to offer his body to the man who had once been his everything. “You’re still the sexiest man I’ve ever known,” Nick panted as he fucked Baz hard and deep. Baz reached between them and wrapped his hand around his cock, jerking himself in time with Nick’s thrusts. He briefly wondered how many times they’d take each other before the night was over. Nick’s hips jerked as his handsome face contorted in a mask of unbridled pleasure, signaling his climax. “Yessss!” “Nick!” Baz howled as he painted his chest with his seed. Nick carefully untangled Baz’s legs from his shoulders before lowering himself to lie on top of him. As they both struggled to get their breathing under control, Baz silently hoped Nick wouldn’t break his word. Don’t say it. Don’t say it. “That was fantastic,” Nick eventually whispered in Baz’s ear. Baz breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes. It was.”
Chapter Four
Lu came bustling into the library like his pants were on fire. “Okay, I procured a meeting with Bruga for tonight at Ice Water.” Baz scanned the room to make sure no one was within earshot. “Bruga the Hidden?” Lu nodded. “He’s the only man I know that’s lived on both sides of the wall. I’m just lucky he likes me.” Lu was definitely fishing for a compliment, so Baz did his duty. “Of course he likes you. Who else would let him paint an entire building black so he could forever hide in the shadows?” It was obvious by the pleased expression on Lu’s gorgeous face he’d been properly petted. “So why is Bruga willing to meet us at Ice Water? I thought he hated people.” Baz gently closed the ancient book he’d been poring over. “He does, but he likes whiskey, and I’ve promised him a case of single malt if he meets us there before the club opens.” Lu rolled his eyes. “Dominic insisted we meet there or not at all.” “I’m supposed to have dinner with Nick,” Baz informed Lu. He held his breath waiting for Lu’s reaction to the statement. “You’ll just have to make it an early dinner. Bruga will be there at seven.” “That’s it?” Baz asked, shocked. “What’s it?” “You’re not going to make a big deal out of me going to dinner with Nick?”
Lu shook his head. “You put enough pressure on people. My two cents would only muddle the pot.” Baz stared at his best friend. “Do I really do that? Put pressure on people?” Lu leaned across the desk and placed a soft kiss on Baz’s forehead. “Sometimes. I don’t think you mean to, but you hold people to the high standards in which you were raised. If someone doesn’t understand or agree, you’re quick to criticize.” Baz held himself to such high standards because he had to. It was something that had literally been beat into him as a child. He had to become the bravest, most loyal warrior Sparta had ever seen in order to save his family’s name from the shame his father had brought upon it. The idea that he would put that same kind of pressure on people he cared about bothered him. “I don’t mean to push my beliefs and values on others. Call me on it the next time I do it.” Baz had no doubt Lu would do it if asked. How long had Lu held his tongue? Lu gestured to the book. “What’s that?” “A book,” Baz answered. Lu gave him a narrow-eyed glare. “I know that. What’re you doing with it?” “Trying to find out how Lysander was able to do his disappearing act.” “Find anything?” Lu asked. Baz ran his fingertips over the cracked black leather spine. “Nothing on the vanishing, but there’s a lot of stuff in here about souls I don’t understand.” “Like?” “Colors. It talks about hues of an individual soul. But how can someone know what color your soul is?” “A few of us can see auras. Most souls are too strong to be contained within the flesh we wear as covering. The color leaked through the pores in your skin make up your aura. It’s how I knew Leo was a Grongler.” “So how does it work? What colors do you see?” Baz asked. He’d lived in Hell for years, yet this was the first he’d heard of auras. “Nick and Dominic are still pure, so, of course, they shine like a beacon in the night. Most people in The City are various hues of gray, a few shades of blue, but mostly gray.” “Because they’re not pure?” Baz asked, trying to understand. “Some aren’t. Some have just convinced themselves they’re no longer of pure soul.
That’s where the colors come in.” “So the blues mean someone thinks they’re bad even if they aren’t?” “Yes. As I’ve explained before, many people send themselves to Hell.” Lu stared at Baz like he wanted him to hear what he wasn’t saying. It suddenly occurred to him. “You didn’t say what color you see when you look at me.” “No, I didn’t.” “Well?” Baz prompted. Lu tapped the book on the desk. “Tell me what this says about colors.” Baz opened the ancient volume and eventually found the relevant section. He looked it over several times before reading aloud. “As the world taints a man’s feelings of self-worth, his soul slowly begins to cloud. What was once a gift from God will eventually bring him to his own ruin if he continues down the path of self-loathing.” Baz glanced up at Lu, his finger keeping his place on the page. “So it’s not our actions that get us sent to Hell, but rather how we feel about the sins we’ve committed?” Lu smiled. “In most cases. There are some, like the man from your past, who weren’t given a choice.” “Can someone who’s in Hell ever rise to Heaven?” Baz asked. “Of course. It usually takes a great epiphany for a man or woman to see themselves in a different light, but it’s possible.” Lu tapped the book once again. “Continue, please.” Baz’s gaze returned to the printed words. “The soul of blue signifies shame.” “I would not share this information with just anyone, but Cory’s soul is that of blue.” Lu nodded toward the book. “Continue.” “A soul the color of the sun is the saddest of all. They may reside in Heaven or Hell but not feel at home in either place. They are truly the lost.” Baz swallowed around the lump in his throat. “Is that me?” he asked. Lu nodded. “The day I met you, I was drawn to you. You were one of the lost, and I needed to know why you’d chosen Hell as your home.” “I came here for you,” Baz mumbled. He’d already explained his reasoning to Lu in
detail. “No you didn’t. You used me as an excuse to get away from what you felt you didn’t deserve. Of course I didn’t fully understand that until I learned of Nick.” Baz shut the book and stood. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lu crossed his arms. “Really? So why, after doing everything you came here to do, is your aura still gold?” “Fuck you,” Baz spat. He’d given up everything to help Lu. It had nothing to do with wanting to get away from the pressure of Nick’s love. Lu shrugged. “All I’m saying is you won’t find your place until you find yourself.” Baz had heard enough. He walked away from Lu with the book in his hand. Fucking auras. **** Nick whistled as he checked his stock of liquor. He was happier than he’d been in hundreds of years, more complete. Things with Baz were far from worked out, but Nick could take it slow. He was counting the bottles of tequila when his phone rang. Nick set his clipboard down and smiled at the name on the display. “I was just thinking about you.” Baz cleared his throat. “I think we should wait and have dinner some other time.” “Why?” Nick rubbed at his tightening chest. “Lu pissed me off, so I’m in a bad mood,” Baz said. “No sense taking it out on you.” Nick had learned quickly that Baz and Lu fought like a married couple. Although they were both hot tempered, their anger never lasted long. “Maybe I can make you feel better,” Nick said. “I doubt sex will fix my mood.” Nick squeezed his eyes shut at the definition of their relationship. He was at a loss as to how to respond to the slap. “I’m meeting Lu and another man at the club at seven. Can I look for you after that?” Baz asked. “Sure. I’ll probably be upstairs in my office. Just call and I’ll let you up.” “Okay. Sorry about dinner. I just have some thinking to do,” Baz tried to explain. “I understand.” Nick didn’t but their revived relationship was too new to push. Nick hung
up and shoved the phone back into his pocket. He picked up the clipboard on his way out of the storage room. He needed to check in with Cory. Losing the city’s best bartender because of his actions the previous night would land him in hot water with Dominic. Nick set the clipboard on the bar and waited for Cory to notice him. “Hey,” Cory greeted, drying his hands on a bar towel. “Hi. I just wanted to make sure we’re okay?” Nick asked. Cory smiled. “Sure. I knew I didn’t deserve you anyway. Wishful thinking on my part.” Nick hated to hear Cory speak that way about himself. He reached across the bar and grabbed Cory’s hand. “If my heart didn’t already belong to another, you would have easily stolen it.” Cory squeezed Nick’s hand. “I doubt that’s true, but thanks anyway.” Nick rested his cheek on his fist. He still couldn’t figure out why Cory was in The City. He knew it was considered bad manners to ask, but damn, he wanted to know. “Build you a Guinness?” Cory asked, sliding his hand away from Nick. “No, but a glass of water sounds good.” Dominic’s big body landed on the stool beside Nick. “Make that two.” Nick slid the clipboard to his partner. “Business has been good. We already need to reorder.” Dominic glanced at the list and pointed toward one of the entries. “We’re going to need another case of Scotch. Lu’s promised one to that Bruga guy for meeting us here later.” “Us? What’re you talking about? Who’s Bruga?” Nick asked. “Some guy who used to live in Old Town. Lu convinced him to give The City a chance. I guess he’s been here for over five hundred years now,” Dominic explained. “And he’s coming to Ice Water?” “Yeah. Lu thinks Bruga can give us some insight into Lysander and what his game might be.” Nick rubbed at the lighted blue acrylic glass under his hands. “Has Baz talked to Lu about Lysander?” Dominic shook his head. “Lu had never heard the name before yesterday.” Nick was ashamed to admit he’d also never heard the name before either. He was
beginning to wonder how he could know so little about the man he’d lived with and loved for so many centuries. “I think Baz enjoys his secrets,” Dominic commented. “I think he feels his secrets are his to bear alone,” Nick corrected. **** A loud noise woke Galen from a fitful sleep. He huddled closer to the back of the statue, curling himself into a ball. Please don’t find me. He’d considered trying to sneak out earlier in the day when a group of worshipers had come into the chapel, but realized he didn’t have anywhere else to go. The few times he’d braved being seen at the window, he’d spotted Lysander still outside his building. Galen felt lost. All there was in front of him was a life of hiding, unless he could somehow gather the strength to stand up to his murderer. He took a deep breath. The last time he’d stood up for himself had resulted in the mutilation of his beloved Leo. He’d do better to stay where he was. At least no one else would be hurt because of him. **** Nick was standing beside the door when Baz walked in. Despite what he’d told Nick earlier, Baz needed the warm embrace of his lover. With no hesitation on his part, he walked into Nick’s welcoming arms. “Sorry about earlier,” Baz apologized. Nick nuzzled his face against Baz’s for several moments before kissing him. Baz opened immediately for Nick’s questing tongue. The conversation with Lu earlier had rocked him to his core. He still didn’t know what to think. Was he a man to be pitied? Is that why Lu had befriended him in the first place? “Glad you made it,” Lu said. Baz broke the kiss when he heard Lu’s voice. He gazed into Nick’s eyes and smiled. “Thanks. I guess I needed that.” “Anytime. And I mean that.” Nick punctuated the statement with a kiss to Baz’s nose. Baz turned to address Lu. “Is Bruga here yet?” Lu shook his head. “Why don’t the two of you go on over to one of the alcoves. Bruga will be more apt to talk in the shadows.” Baz wanted a drink, but facing Cory didn’t appeal to him. “What time does the wait staff
start?” “They show up thirty minutes before we open. Why? You want something?” Nick asked, leading Baz to one of the deep semi-circular niches carved into the wall. Baz glanced in the bar’s direction. Cory was putting glasses away and looking just as sexy as ever. He’d be a fool to send his lover toward the man who’d almost stolen him away. “No. That’s okay. Maybe later,” he finally answered. Nick pulled Baz down beside him on one of the sofas. “I spoke to Cory earlier. Things are cool between us. You don’t need to worry about him.” Baz thought of the blue light Lu claimed surrounded Cory. He wondered if the unseenaura was the reason men seemed to be drawn to Cory. How many times over the years had he wished he could bury his cock in Cory’s tight little ass. “Something turning you on, babe?” Nick asked, running his hand across the front of Baz’s pants. Baz looked at Nick and grinned. “I bet he kisses like a dream, doesn’t he?” “Who? Cory?” Nick lifted his head and looked toward the bar. “Yeah, he does.” Nick returned his attention to Baz. “Why, do you want to fuck him?” Baz knew he was walking a fine line with Nick. Although the two of them had shared men in the past, Baz knew things were still too new between them this time around. “Someday, maybe, but only with you.” Nick shook his head. “Not with Cory. He deserves better than to be used as our plaything.” “Are you saying you’d eventually entertain the idea of a plaything for us to enjoy?” Baz asked. In Heaven, he and Nick had hidden away that side of themselves, only to be brought out on special occasions. In Hell, there was no reason to hide their desires as long as they were mutual. A curly-haired man of eighteen came to mind, but Baz pushed those thoughts away. Nick unzipped Baz’s slacks and pulled his cock out of the opening. He bent over and took the length of Baz’s cock into his mouth, saying without words how much the thought turned him on. Baz reached out and rubbed the muscled cheeks of Nick’s ass. He heard Lu’s voice and glanced up to see his best friend approaching with Dominic and Bruga right behind him. Baz tapped Nick’s cheek.
“Bruga’s here.” Nick gave Baz’s cock one last swipe of his tongue before tucking Baz’s length back into his pants. Nick stared into Baz’s eyes and he leaned in for a kiss. “I’ll keep my eyes open for a plaything if that’s what you want,” Nick whispered against Baz’s lips. Baz shook his head. “I don’t know what I want. I’m just getting used to having you again. Maybe someday though, once we’re settled.” Nick gave Baz one last peck before standing to greet Bruga. Lu made the introductions, but Bruga shrank away from Nick’s outstretched hand. “No touching,” Bruga snapped. “Easy,” Lu told Bruga. “Have a seat.” Bruga looked around the area before sitting as far in the shadows as he could. Baz wondered what had happened to the man to make him hate people so much. Although his skin was a mass of intersecting scars, Bruga’s eyes held a great deal of intelligence. Baz wondered how long the man had been in Hell. “Whiskey?” Bruga asked. Dominic stood. “I’ll get you a glass.” “I was speaking of the case Lu promised me,” Bruga corrected Dominic. “I’ll get both.” Dominic leaned down and kissed Lu. “Go ahead and start without me.” It was obvious Dominic wanted the ill-tempered man out of his club as quickly as possible. Baz didn’t blame him. Just sitting as close as he was to the man made him uneasy. Bruga seemed to see right into Baz’s soul. “What can you tell us about Gronglers?” Lu asked. “Specifically, how to get rid of one.” Bruga’s eyes went wide. “Before the claiming, who had the connection to the Grongler?” Baz swallowed around the lump in his throat. He hesitantly acknowledged the question. “I did. He was my father.” Bruga’s eyes narrowed to mere slits. “And who was claimed?” Baz gestured to Nick. “Who else? Where’s your third?” Bruga asked. “There is no third.” Baz suddenly worried that Bruga had heard him and Nick’s earlier discussion.
“Not possible,” Bruga blustered. “It’s all very specific, very complicated. It ties into the past, present and future of all things.” Baz shook his head, at a loss as to what to say to the man. Bruga pointed toward Nick, Lu and Dominic. “Leave us. I need to speak to this man alone.” Baz squeezed Nick’s hand. No doubt his lover was about to object. Baz wasn’t sure what Bruga had to say to him, but it was obvious he was sending the others away for his benefit. He leaned in and gave Nick a tender kiss. “I’ll be okay,” he whispered against Nick’s lips. Lu and Dominic stood and waited for Nick. “We’ll be at the bar. Yell if you need me,” Nick told Baz, kissing him once again. Baz grinned. He was Nick’s equal in the size and strength department. So what in the world did Nick think he could do that Baz couldn’t? “Thanks. I’ll call if I need you.” Once Nick, Lu and Dominic walked away, Baz returned his attention to Bruga, who was refilling his glass with the bottle of single malt Dominic had given him. “There is a third,” Bruga said simply. “Who else do you carry in your heart?” Baz shook his head, ready to deny Bruga’s assumption. Bruga leaned forward on the sofa and stared hard at Baz. “Whoever it is, is either already under the Grongler’s spell, or is about to be. So it is imperative that you are honest with yourself and your partner.” Baz buried his face in his hands. “The only other person who has ever been in my heart would never be here. Galen’s probably singing with the angels as we speak. He was an innocent, lovely man of eighteen when he was murdered…” Baz stopped talking before his emotions overwhelmed him. Flashes of the last time he’d held his lover sent Baz to the floor in a heap. So much blood for someone so young. “Baz?” Nick called his name from across the room. Nick. Baz lifted his head. Having his current lover run to his aid as he cried over his dead lover wasn’t what he wanted. “I’m okay,” Baz called, resuming his seat. He glanced at Bruga and was surprised by the genuine concern he detected in the man’s expression.
“How could a man as sweet as Galen be here? And why would my father want to claim him? He hated Galen.” Bruga shook his head. “I can’t answer those questions for you. But I can tell you if your father has already found and claimed Galen, he’ll be coming for Nick, and your partner will be powerless to stop him.” “What can we do?” “You must find the other man in your heart.” “Then what?” Strange how he’d already accepted Galen as being the other man in his heart. Deep down, he’d always known, of course, but to bring the curly-haired man to the forefront of his mind was something he hadn’t done since he’d first laid eyes on Nick. Bruga suddenly looked extremely uneasy as he shifted in his seat. “You must take your two men to one of the elders and stake your claim before your father does.” “How would I know how to find an elder? I’ve never been to Old Town.” “The elders are the center of all they command.” Bruga stood. He surprised Baz by holding out his hand. “I do wish you luck. I’ve only heard of the elders granting Grongler powers twice before. I don’t know what your father did or said to convince them that your men should be his by right, but I wish you luck in convincing the elders otherwise.” Baz accepted the offered touch. He was so incredibly grateful to the wise man. He bent and placed a kiss on the equally scarred hand. “Thank you. I owe you a debt of gratitude. If you’re ever in need, you can find me here.” Bruga’s eyes filled with moisture. “And thank you for seeing beyond what most fear. Let me know when you find your third, and I’ll set up a meeting with one of the gentler elders.” Baz knew gentler was a relative term. Was there such a thing in Old Town? He lifted the case of Scotch from the floor and carried it toward the door for Bruga. He needed to find Galen, but first he had a lot of explaining to do to his friends and lover.
Chapter Five
Nick couldn’t wait for Bruga to leave. He wasn’t sure what the man had said to Baz, but when his lover slumped to the floor, Nick jumped from his stool. A restraining hand around his wrist from Lu was all that kept him in place. “What’re you doing?” Nick asked Lu. “If he needs you, he’ll call.” “Baz?” Baz glanced up and shook his head as he sat on the couch. “I’m okay.” Nick knew it was a lie. Something Bruga said was tearing his lover apart. Dominic set a fresh drink beside Nick. “Give them a few more minutes.” Nick glanced at his friend and nodded. He shook off Lu’s hold and took a drink of his stout. “What do you think that stuff was about a third?” Nick asked. Lu shook his head. “I don’t know. It makes perfect sense though. Three is one of the rare perfect numbers. It denotes divine perfection. Even in the bible, the number three appears many times. Lysander must be using that power in some way.” “Bruga said it had to do with past, present and future. Maybe he’s confused because not only am I Baz’s past, but also his present, and I hope to be his future.” Lu, who hadn’t taken his eyes off Baz, shook his head. “I don’t think so. I think Bruga is making Baz bring things to the surface he buried long ago.” There was a strong possibility Lu was right. “As much as I love him, I know so little
about his past.” Lu nodded. “It’s always been as if he had no past before his death. Although he’s occasionally talked about battles he’s fought, he shares nothing personal.” Nick jumped up again. “Bruga’s leaving.” “Wait. Let Baz come to you,” Lu instructed. After seeing Bruga to the door, Baz turned and stared at the bar for several moments before walking over. He took the stool next to Nick, but didn’t make eye contact. Instead, Baz rested his forearms on the bar and lowered his head. “Can I get you something to drink?” Dominic asked. Baz shook his head. “No thank you. Nick and I have a lot of talking to do. But first…” Baz looked up at Lu. “I have a favor to ask of you.” “Okay. You know I’d do anything for you,” Lu answered. “I need you to find someone for me. His name is Galen Dyonysius. I still don’t understand how he could possibly be in The City, but Bruga assures me he is and that he’s in danger from Lysander.” “What’s this about?” Nick asked. “What does the boy you mentored have to do with this?” Baz turned to look at him. Nick saw the pain in the watery brown depths of his lover’s eyes. “That’s what I need to speak to you privately about.” Nick was at a loss as to what to say. Lu saved him by cutting into the conversation. “I’ll need more information on Galen. The name isn’t familiar, and I know most of The City’s population.” Baz bit his bottom lip. “He was murdered when he was barely eighteen, so I assume that’s the age he has taken for his eternal form. Big brown eyes, black curly hair, maybe fivefoot-ten? Galen was always on the lean side, but he was a soldier, so his definition was incredible. Oh, and he has a small scar on his upper lip from one of his first training exercises.” With every description, Nick’s chest tightened more. How long had it been since Baz had seen Galen, yet he could describe him so accurately? More than anything Baz could tell him, it was obvious Galen was still not only in Baz’s heart, but his thoughts as well. Lu cleared his throat. “I think I’ve seen him.” “You have?” Baz asked.
Lu shifted on his stool, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “Remember we talked about auras and their colors?” “Yes,” Baz answered. Nick was confused. “Auras?” Baz placed a hand on Nick’s thigh. “I’ll tell you about it later.” Nick covered Baz’s hand with his own. He would have to trust Baz, that much was evident. “Well, I told you there were a few blues, but not many,” Lu continued. “Yes.” “The boy…man I saw was the darkest shade of blue I’d ever seen. At first I thought his aura was black. It’s what drew my attention to him. Black auras don’t belong in The City. I was crossing the street to run the man back to Old Town where he belonged when I realized the aura wasn’t black at all. It was a deep, troubled blue.” “And you think this person is Galen?” Baz asked. Lu shrugged. “The description is nearly the same. The only difference is that of Galen as a soldier. The man I saw didn’t look like he could lift a sword, let alone use one.” “Where did you see him?” Baz’s hand gripped Nick’s thigh tighter. “West side. I was coming out of The Temple when I spotted him across the street.” Baz touched Lu’s shoulder. “Can you try to find him for us while I talk to Nick?” Lu nodded. “What will you do once we find him?” Baz looked from Lu to Nick. In the span of a few seconds, Baz’s expression went from worry to fear. He reached out and took Nick’s hand. “I have to appear before one of the Old Town elders and argue my case as to why Lysander shouldn’t have been allowed to claim you and Galen in the first place, but I can’t do that unless you’re both with me. Without Galen, I’ll lose you.” “Impossible,” Lu said, jumping up from his stool. “I’ve told you, you’re not allowed in Old Town.” Baz’s head tilted to the side as he gazed at Lu with pleading eyes. “Why? Because it might darken my soul? What do you think it will do to my soul if Lysander succeeds in claiming the only two men I’ve ever loved?” Nick closed his eyes against the pain in his chest. It wasn’t the way he’d wanted to hear
Baz’s declaration of love for the first time. To hear it in conjunction with a statement of love for another man made it even harder. Baz’s hand cupped the side of Nick’s face. “I’m sorry.” “It’ll be okay. I just need time to process a few things.” Nick turned his face to kiss Baz’s palm. “Can we go up to your apartment?” Baz asked. Nick nodded, still unable to meet Baz’s gaze. It wasn’t that he felt betrayed by Baz’s feelings for another man. It was simply one more reminder of how little Baz had really shared with him over the years. Nick finished his Guinness and stood. “We’ll do what we can,” Dominic said. “The club opens in thirty minutes. Do you think you can handle anything that might come up?” Nick nodded. “Just leave word for the staff to call upstairs if they need something.” Baz took Nick’s hand and led him to the stairs. Nick swallowed around the lump in his throat. Why did he feel like his entire world was about to change? **** “Why didn’t I know about Galen?” Nick asked before Baz had a chance to sit down. Baz continued toward the couch. How in the world was he supposed to explain what he still struggled to understand? Although everything might come out in a jumbled mess, the time for complete honesty was upon him. “Guilt,” he finally said. “I don’t allow myself to speak of or think about Galen.” “Bullshit. You might not talk about him, but he’s obviously been on your mind,” Nick countered. “Maybe. Although I’ve tried to bury the memories of that time in my life.” Evidently, he hadn’t done a very good job. Perhaps if he really had been able to release Galen from his heart, the younger man wouldn’t be, once again, in danger because of him. Baz took a deep breath as he allowed the hidden memories to rise to the surface. “I chose Galen as the boy I’d mentor when he was thirteen and I was twenty-six. It was a common practice in the Spartan community. An older soldier would take a new recruit to mentor and teach him the fighting skills he would need to survive.” Nick nodded. “And you fell in love with him?” “Yes.” Even to his own ears, the intense love he felt for Galen sounded wrong. Never
mind that it was also a common thing for mentors to teach their students all aspects of becoming a man, including sex. For a Spartan soldier who was away from home for months, sometimes years at a time, it was imperative to build strong bonds with fellow soldiers, most of those bonds included sexual release. “It was customary for a man to marry at the age of thirty. Although I had no use for women, I knew it was my duty as a Spartan to help provide the next generation of soldiers.” “You were married?” Nick cut in. “Yes, but it wasn’t a love match. Celena tolerated me at best. She knew my preference in bed partners because I refused to hide my feelings for Galen from her. Even though I tried to do my duty to plant my seed in her womb, the roots never grew.” Nick’s arm stretched along the back of the couch to rest at the base of Baz’s neck. Baz took a chance and slid over, closer to Nick. “Is this okay?” Nick shook his head and Baz, although hurt, started to move away. Nick’s arms reached out and pulled Baz against his chest. “But this is,” Nick said. Baz wrapped his arms around Nick’s torso and rested his head on his lover’s chest. “My father was very angry that even after a year’s time Celena was without child. Lysander had disgraced himself in his friends’ eyes by producing only one child worthy of life, me, instead of the many strong sons their wives bore them. My father was sure I could redeem him in his friends’ graces by giving him many grandsons. When that didn’t happen, he began to go mad.” Baz stopped and looked up at Nick. “Can I have something to drink?” Nick leaned down and kissed Baz’s forehead. “Of course.” Baz sat up and Nick went to the kitchen. He wasn’t really thirsty, but he needed a few moments to collect his thoughts. It would serve no purpose for Nick to know all the grizzly details of the murders his father committed. It was bad enough that Galen had still been clinging to life when Lysander began hacking away at Baz. “Here you go, babe.” Nick handed Baz an extra large glass of red wine. “Thank you.” Baz took several sips before putting the glass on the table. “Are you okay to continue?” Nick asked. “No, but I know I need to.” “Take your time.” Nick pulled Baz against his chest once again.
“Lysander felt the reason Celena was unable to give him a grandson was because of Galen. He told me to rid my life of my lover or suffer the consequences.” Baz closed his eyes and held Nick even tighter. “I thought he would disown me or ruin my name, neither of which was worth giving up the man I loved. I had no idea he would come into my home in the early morning hours and murder Galen and me as we lay in each other’s arms.” Nick gasped but tried to cover it by clearing his throat. “I’m sorry.” Baz nodded. “The last time I saw Galen, the life was pouring out of him. I probably should have tried to find him in Heaven, but I was so afraid and ashamed. I didn’t want to look into his eyes and know his life was cut short because of me. I was selfish. I wanted it all, and for a while, I had it. I didn’t know the price I’d pay for my greed.” “What will happen if Lu and Dominic find him?” Nick asked. “Not when. If. I have to believe I can keep him from suffering at my father’s hands again.” Nick nodded. “Okay. If. What happens to us?” Baz’s eyebrows drew together. “That depends on you. Will you ever forgive me for putting you in the middle of the mess with Lysander?” Now it was Nick’s turn to frown. “You haven’t put me in the middle of anything. Your father did that when he decided to claim me, which I still don’t understand, by the way.” Baz shook his head. “I don’t either. Unless, of course, he feels I haven’t already been sufficiently punished.” Nick pulled Baz up until they were nose to nose. “What about Galen? Will you be able to send him away again if we survive Old Town?” Baz wished he could deny his longing to see Galen again, but he knew he couldn’t. It would come down to Galen. The man Lu described sounded nothing like the happy, carefree eighteen-year-old Baz had loved. It was possible it wasn’t even an issue. Maybe Galen had taken another lover. “Baz?” Baz blinked. “I don’t know. I won’t know how I really feel until I see him again. Does that upset you?” “To be honest, it worries me more than it upsets me.”
Baz fell a little more in love with Nick at that moment. For all his strength, Nick was incredibly insecure when it came to matters of the heart. It was hard to blame him. Baz’s track record for sticking around wasn’t the best. “I’m sorry I ran from you so long ago. It was wrong. I was scared.” “I know,” Nick acknowledged. “You ran as soon as I told you I loved you.” Baz shrugged. “The only thing I knew about love was how much it hurt when it was gone. I couldn’t allow myself to become entrenched in it again.” “And now?” Nick asked. “I’ve realized it didn’t matter whether I said it or even allowed myself to think it. In my heart, I felt it, even when we were apart.” Nick nodded and pulled Baz into a kiss. Baz opened and welcomed the tip of Nick’s tongue as he brushed the roof of his mouth. Despite everything that had happened, the kiss ignited Baz’s passion for Nick in a heartbeat. He moaned and tilted his head to take the kiss deeper, yanking at the tight fabric of Nick’s shirt. “Need you,” Baz growled between kisses. He stood and pulled the shirt over Nick’s head. Reaching down, he ran his fingers through the thick brown hair of Nick’s muscular chest, stopping to pluck and squeeze his lover’s budded nipples. “Bed,” Nick commanded, reaching for the button on his jeans. Baz nodded and helped Nick to his feet. It didn’t matter that his whole world could crash down around him at any moment. Baz needed the strength only Nick’s love could provide. **** Standing naked beside the bed, Nick grabbed the bottle of lube and began greasing his cock as he waited for Baz to slide under the covers. Once Baz was settled, Nick handed his lover the slick before he climbed onto the bed. It hadn’t even been twelve hours since he was last buried inside Baz’s ass, but he was as nervous as he’d been their first time. There was something about Baz that had always called to Nick. Pleasing his lover had always been his priority. Nick brushed Baz’s fingers away from the sweet hole he loved so much and replaced them with his own. He started with two, needing Baz to really feel it. Baz moaned. “So good.”
Nick replied by adding a third finger. As soon as he thought Baz was stretched sufficiently, Nick pulled out and maneuvered between Baz’s spread legs. Holding his cock by the base, Nick pressed slowly inside. “Whether or not you want to hear it, I love you.” Baz nodded. “I know. I’m sorry you had to hear that I love you back in front of everyone. I should’ve told you. I guess there was a part of me that didn’t want to acknowledge it, even to myself.” Nick pulled out before easing back in to the root. He stared into Baz’s dark eyes. Damn, I love this man. Baz’s body seemed tighter than it had in the past. Nick had a strong feeling it was the shared emotion that made the difference. Knowing he could touch and profess his love at any moment was an incredibly freeing feeling. Nick lowered himself to ride against Baz’s firm muscular frame. His lover’s thick cock pressed against Nick’s lower stomach, easing the friction with copious amounts of pre-cum. He buried his face against the side of Baz’s neck and tried to remember what it was like to have another lover between them. The difference between Galen and the men they’d shared in the past was love, Baz’s love. Would jealousy over Baz’s feelings come between them? “What are you thinking about?” Baz asked. “Besides how good your ass feels wrapped around my cock?” Baz moaned. “Yeah, besides that.” “I’m wondering if I’ll get jealous of Galen or vice versa,” Nick admitted. “What if the two of you hit it off and I get jealous?” Baz asked, running his hands down Nick’s back to land on his ass. “Hmmm, I hadn’t thought of that.” Nick grinned and bit the side of Baz’s neck. He picked up speed, trying to keep his mind on what he had in his arms presently. There would be plenty of time to worry about if Galen would or wouldn’t fit into their relationship. Nick didn’t even know the man, but the story Baz told earlier broke his heart, not only for Baz, but Galen. Wrapped around his lover, thrusting hard and deep, Nick couldn’t imagine watching Baz die, especially at the hands of another. He hadn’t said anything to Baz, but Nick was sure there was a reason Galen hadn’t tried to contact Baz. Living in The City wasn’t easy. From everything he’d heard, Galen should be in Heaven. The fact that he wasn’t didn’t bode well for Galen’s frame of mind.
Baz moved his legs higher on Nick’s back. “Please. I’m on the edge.” Nick braced one arm on the bed and lifted his torso enough to get a hand between them to wrap around Baz’s leaking cock. He pressed his thumb against the slit as he closed his mouth over Baz’s. The kiss was deep, complete with dueling tongues and scraping teeth. Baz broke their kiss as his body bucked up against Nick. “Fuck!” Baz’s cries were music to Nick’s ears as he finally allowed his own climax to explode through his body. Nick thrust his cock as deep as it would go and ground his groin against Baz as he came. “Love you. Oh, God, I love you so much,” he panted as he emptied his balls. Baz pulled Nick down on top of him. Nick hadn’t even regained his breath when the unmistakable sound of Baz’s phone began to ring. Nick rolled over and searched the floor for his lover’s pants. He dug into the pocket and glanced at the display before handing it to Baz. “Lu,” Nick said. His lover took a deep breath before opening the phone. “Baz.” Baz sat straight up. “Already? Is he okay?” Nick got out of bed and walked to the attached bathroom. He took a few moments to clean himself before running warm water over a cloth to take back to Baz. He’d hoped he would have a little more time to get used to the idea of Baz loving another man, but from the sound of it, Lu had found Galen. He began to clean Baz as his lover finished up the call. “We’ll be there as soon as we can.” Baz hung up and smiled down at Nick. “They’ve already found him.” Nick nodded. “Yeah.” “He was hiding in The Temple. Lu and Dominic started asking around the neighborhood where Lu had seen him. Someone told them where he lived. They went to his building, but the landlord told them he’d become spooked a couple of days ago and had taken off toward The Temple. Anyway, according to Lu, Galen’s refusing to leave the sanctuary. I told him we’d be down.” Nick nodded again as he finished cleaning Baz. “I’ll get dressed.” He stood and carried the washcloth back to the bathroom.
“Hey,” Baz said, meeting him in the center of the room. “You okay?” “Sure,” Nick was quick to say. Baz wrapped his arms around Nick’s neck and pulled him in for a kiss. “I love you. Don’t doubt that for a second.” One of Nick’s biggest fears he hadn’t voiced, and he knew he wouldn’t... What if Galen wasn’t the same man Baz had fallen in love with? “I know.” Nick kissed Baz again. “Let’s get dressed. The two of you have been apart long enough.”
Chapter Six
Baz entered The Temple with Nick close behind. He rubbed at his roiling stomach, praying he wouldn’t lose what little he’d eaten. “Back here,” Dominic called. Baz stopped and waited for Nick to join him. He wrapped his arms around his lover and leaned in for a quick kiss. “You ready for this?” Nick stared at Baz for several moments before nodding his head. “I’m nervous.” Baz smiled. He took Nick’s hand and pressed it against his stomach. “Feel that? I am, too.” “Okay. So we’ll get through this together,” Nick said, leading Baz by the hand toward Dominic. Baz took a deep breath as they neared the door to one of the chapels. What would he find inside? Did Galen hate him? “He’s over there, hiding behind the statue of Mary,” Dominic pointed toward the corner of the room. “Lu’s with him, but he won’t come out.” Baz squeezed Nick’s hand. “Will you wait here with Dominic?” Nick returned the gesture before releasing Baz’s hand. “I’ll be here.” I hope so. Baz turned and moved toward the large statue of the Blessed Mother. He spotted Lu on the floor with his back to the wall. Lu made a subtle gesture with his head, indicating Galen’s position. Baz walked several steps before squatting down. Galen was rolled into a ball at the base
of the statue. “Galen?” Baz crawled closer. He longed to reach out and touch the thin, frightened man, but didn’t want to make the situation worse. Lu had been correct in his observation of Galen’s physical appearance. The once promising soldier was now a thin, scared man who still looked so incredibly young. What would it be like to be over two thousand years old and still be trapped in the body of an eighteen-year old? “Galen? It’s me, Leo.” Baz hoped the use of Galen’s pet name for him would help bring him out of the trance he appeared to be in. Galen blinked several times before glancing at Baz. The big brown eyes Baz had fallen in love with so long ago immediately filled with tears. Galen whispered something Baz couldn’t quite hear. He scooted closer and lay on the cold floor facing Galen. “Did you say something?” Galen licked his lips. “I’m sorry.” “Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for. I should be the one apologizing to you.” Galen shook his head. “My fault.” Baz started to reach for Galen, but stopped himself. “Is it okay if I touch you?” “Why would you want to?” Galen asked. By the expression on his thin face, Galen really didn’t understand Baz’s need to make sure he was all right. “I’ve missed you. I just want to hold you to convince myself that you’re really here,” Baz tried to explain. “I saw him,” Galen mumbled. “Lysander sat outside my building for days, but I wouldn’t leave my apartment. Then, a few nights ago, he was gone. I ran out and came here. He can’t get me here, can he?” Baz inched closer and placed his hand on the floor close to Galen’s. “I’m sorry about Lysander. I’m here now, though. There are a lot of things I need to explain to you, but I’d rather do it in a safer place.” Baz watched as Galen’s fingers slowly crept toward his hand. Galen looked at Baz, silently asking permission. Baz nodded. “I’m here for you now. You don’t have to be alone.” Galen’s first touch to his skin, since his death, produced the same affect it always had. Despite their surroundings and the situation that needed to be dealt with, Baz went rock hard. He
hoped Galen didn’t see it. Frightening his ex-lover wasn’t part of the plan. Baz had to tell Galen about Nick, but he worried the younger man wouldn’t understand. By the look of despair on Galen’s face, it was obvious to Baz that Galen had been alone for some time. After what had been done to Galen, Baz wondered if the younger man had ever trusted enough to take another lover. Baz wouldn’t blame him. Baz should have protected Galen, but he hadn’t. Galen traced the protruding veins on the back of Baz’s hand. “I can’t believe you’re here.” Baz turned his hand over and lifted Galen’s to his lips. He placed a tender kiss on the back of Galen’s hand. “I’ve been in The City for a while. I never dreamed you would also be here. I don’t understand it, Galen. You’re so good, so kind and faithful. You don’t belong here.” Galen jerked his hand away and tucked it against his body. “It was my fault. I deserve to be here.” “What was your fault? What my father did to us?” Baz took a chance and wrapped his arm around Galen’s waist. Galen nodded. “He tried to force me to leave you. I told him I’d rather die.” Tears filled Galen’s eyes. “I didn’t know…” “Shhh,” Baz pulled Galen closer. “Lysander is to blame, no one else.” Baz needed to tell Galen about Nick and what they were faced with, but he worried how Galen would take the news. “We need to work together to keep him from claiming you…and another man that is in my heart.” Galen’s eyebrows drew together before a sad smile crossed his face. “I knew it was too much to hope that you’d still want me.” Baz soothed Galen by running his hand up and down his back. “Nick’s a wonderful man. He’s waiting to meet you.” Galen broke eye contact and looked down at himself and wrinkled his nose. “Not like this. I’ve been here for a few days.” “Nick won’t mind. He’s not like that.” Baz brushed a black curl from Galen’s forehead. The thought of Galen being alone in The City twisted Baz’s gut into knots. “You don’t belong in The City.” “Yes I do,” Galen whispered.
The longer Baz stared into Galen’s eyes, the more his feelings for the man resurfaced. He leaned forward and kissed Galen softly on the lips before drawing back. “Come home with us. We’re safer if we stick together.” “What does Lysander want? Hasn’t he done enough to us?” Galen asked. “He means to claim you like he claimed my beloved. We’ll need to go before an elder so I can fight for you and Nick,” Baz explained. “You’d do that? Fight for me?” Baz placed his hand under Galen’s chin and kissed him again, this time using the tip of his tongue to tease Galen’s plump lower lip. “I would’ve done it two thousand years ago if I had been given a chance. I’m sorry I failed you that morning.” “Failed me? You didn’t. I failed you.” Baz shut Galen up with another kiss. Baz got to his feet and held a hand out to Galen. “We need to go.” Galen uncurled his body and sat up. “Are you sure I won’t cause problems with your lover? You deserve so much happiness. I can’t bear the thought of ruining things for you.” Baz helped Galen to his feet. He pointed toward the chapel entrance. Dominic, Lu and Nick were standing, waiting for Baz to bring Galen out. “See that big hot blond? That’s my man, Nick. I can’t wait to introduce you.” With his arm around Galen’s waist, Baz led him over to the group of men. “Nick, this is Galen.” Nick held out his hand. Galen looked from Nick’s big hand to Baz. “It’s okay. He may be big, but he’s gentle,” Baz said with a playful grin on his face. Baz watched as a vein in Galen’s neck began to pulse with the pounding of his heart. After several moments, Galen reached out and took Nick’s hand. “Nice to meet you.” Nick gave Galen a genuine smile. “Same here.” Baz waited for Nick and Galen to break their connection before gesturing to Lu and Dominic. “You’ve met Lu, and that’s his partner, Dominic.” Galen bowed his head in respect of Lucifer’s position in The City before turning to Dominic. “Nice to meet you both.” “Let’s go to my place,” Nick said. “I thought we’d go to my house,” Baz challenged.
“My apartment makes better sense. Not only will we have Lu and Dominic close if we need them, but the rest of the employees, including Tao,” Nick explained. Baz saw the logic in the suggestion. “You’re right.” Nick chuckled and leaned toward Galen. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s not always this agreeable.” Galen’s hand went up to cover his grin. “Then he’s not changed much in the last two thousand years.” Nick laughed harder and placed his hand on Galen’s thin shoulder. “We’re going to get along just fine.” **** While Baz showed Galen around the apartment, Nick pulled out a pan and started making soup. From what they’d heard on the drive from The Temple, Galen hadn’t eaten anything but host bread in days. No wonder he looked so pale and thin. Strong arms wrapped around his waist, and Nick leaned back against Baz’s broad chest. “How’s he doing?” Baz kissed Nick’s neck. “Not sure, to be honest. Seeing Lysander outside The Temple really upset him. He’s in the bathroom filling the tub.” The hair on the back of Nick’s neck prickled. The moment Baz had spotted his father, he’d yelled for Nick and Galen to cover their eyes. Knowing a single look from Lysander could once again put him under the man’s lustful spell, Nick had done what Baz ordered. Galen had also followed suit, but shook like a leaf as he hid from the man who’d stalked him for days. He turned the burner down and twisted around to face his lover. He knew Baz was experiencing conflicting emotions. Nick could see it in his eyes. “Do you really love me?” Baz’s brows drew together. “Of course. I’ve already told you that.” Nick nodded. “I know you did. That’s why I’m going to suggest you take Galen a bowl of soup.” “What?” Nick leaned in and gave Baz a deep kiss before pulling back to stare into his lover’s eyes. “How long have you loved Galen?” Baz shook his head. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at, but I’m not going to run off with Galen if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Nick had done a lot of thinking since he found out about Galen. He had two choices. Accept the fact that Baz also loved another man, or tear their relationship apart with jealousy and suspicion every time Baz left his side. Losing Baz wasn’t an option. He’d experienced life without the gorgeous Spartan, and he didn’t care to ever do it again. If accepting Baz’s feelings for Galen was what it would take, then so be it. “I’m not sure what Galen has been through since you were last with him, but it looks and sounds like he needs you. Maybe someday he’ll become comfortable enough with me to let me into his world, but for now, I think I can deal with you being there for him.” Baz closed his eyes and rested his cheek against Nick’s. “I don’t know what he wants or needs, but I’ll be honest with you every step of the way.” “That’s all I ask, babe.” Nick turned his head enough to brush Baz’s cheek with his lips. “It may be a few days before Bruga is able to get us a meeting with one of the elders. We should use this time wisely. If you’re going to convince the elder that the three of us belong together, we need to see if it’s true. I doubt lying would get us far. I’m sure the elder would spot one in a heartbeat.” Baz leaned back enough to look at Nick. “What’s going on?” Nick rolled his eyes. What would he have to say to convince Baz he was serious? The two men had carried love in their hearts for each other for over two thousand years. Nick believed Baz when he’d told him he loved him. If Baz could love Nick and still love Galen, who was he to doubt him? “It’s obvious the two of you need to connect again. I just want you to do it without worrying about me.” Nick gave Baz another quick kiss. “I love you, and I trust you.” Baz knocked his forehead playfully against Nick’s. “I’ll go in and make sure Galen’s okay, but the three of us need to connect, not just Galen and me.” Nick grinned and turned back to the stove. He took the soup off the burner and poured it into a bowl. “Don’t let him eat too fast, or he’ll get stomach cramps.” Baz took the bowl and retrieved a spoon from the drawer. “It’s been a long time. I’m not sure we’ll even like each other anymore.” Nick bit his tongue. It was obvious by the way Baz held Galen protectively in the car on the ride home that the feelings were still there. Nick sighed. Well, if they were willing to eventually find a plaything, it might as well be a man they knew and cared about.
**** Galen was rinsing the shampoo out of his hair when there was a knock at the door. He swiped the glass shower door with his hand. “Who is it?” The door opened and Leo stepped inside. “I thought you were taking a bath.” Galen shrugged and finished rinsing his hair, unconcerned with his nudity. His body was thinner than the last time Leo had seen him naked, but Galen was too tired to care. “I figured the quicker I got cleaned up, the sooner I could eat something.” “I brought you a bowl of soup.” Galen turned off the water and opened the shower door. “I’m perfectly capable of eating at the table.” The hurt expression on Leo’s face surprised Galen. “Leo?” “Baz, please. I haven’t been Leo since that morning so long ago.” “Baz,” Galen said, trying the new name he’d heard the others call Leo. “I might slip once in a while. You’ve been nothing but Leo for so many years.” Baz nodded and once again held out the bowl. “Nick made it for you.” Galen wasn’t used to seeing the insecure man in front of him. Is that what I’ve done to him? “I’ll be sure and thank him.” Galen reached for a towel and began to dry himself as Leo, no, Baz, continued to stare. Each swipe of the soft terrycloth was closely followed by Baz’s gaze. Galen knew he didn’t have rights any longer as far as Baz was concerned, but the attention from the other man was turning him on. By the time he got to his groin, his cock was half-hard. He bit his bottom lip as he tried to hide his arousal. “Don’t cover yourself from me,” Baz said. Blindly, he tried to set the bowl on the vanity. Galen dropped the towel. “I didn’t think…” A sob broke from Baz’s throat as he pulled Galen into his arms. Baz buried his face in Galen’s wet curls as he continued to hold him tighter and tighter. “I never thought I deserved to see you again. But you’re here, and I’ve missed you so much.” Galen tilted his head up and pressed his lips against Baz’s. A single swipe of the tongue was all it took to ignite the passion between them. Baz opened immediately and Galen thrust his tongue inside. More than a kiss, it was two thousand years of loneliness spilled out for Baz to witness.
He felt a sharp tug to his hair and broke the kiss to gaze into Baz’s eyes. Galen expected to find remorse in his ex-lover’s face, but instead he was confronted with emotions stronger than he’d ever witnessed. The hard cock pressed against him was further proof of Baz’s need. “I love you,” Baz whispered. Galen swallowed around the lump in his throat “I love you, too,” Galen answered. “I prayed so hard for God to wash away my sins and bring you back to me.” Baz ran his hand down the side of Galen’s cheek. “Oh, baby, you have nothing to wash away.” Galen leaned in and gently rubbed his face against Baz. For him, everything he’d gone through led up to that exact moment. He would remember the day Baz held him again with fondness, even though it was mired in complications. Baz began peppering kisses to Galen’s face and neck. “I want to feel you again.” Although Galen wanted the same thing, he knew he couldn’t live with the guilt that came with cheating. “You have Nick.” “Yes, I do. And he’s open to the idea of us all getting to know each other,” Baz explained. Galen stared at Baz. Surely he hadn’t heard that right. Even though he’d known of people having multiple partners, he’d never thought it could go beyond a night or two. “What’re you saying?” Baz leaned in for another kiss, his hands straying to Galen’s bare ass. “Have you had many lovers?” Galen shook his head. “Just you.” “Does the idea of making love to more than one man disagree with you?” Baz asked. The thought of Nick touching him in an intimate way didn’t repulse Galen in the least, but why would Nick be willing to share Baz? “Why would he do that?” “Who? Nick?” Baz asked. “Yes.” Baz broke eye contact. “We’ve enjoyed sharing men in the past. I’ll admit, we never thought beyond the fun and excitement of learning a new lover, but you’re not just any lover. Nick knows how much I love you. I guess he figures if we’re going to continue to play anyway,
it should be with someone we care about.” Galen knew Nick didn’t care about him. Was the handsome blond willing to invite Galen into their bed to make Baz happy? It had been so long since Galen had experienced the touch of a lover. He wasn’t sure his body could handle two. What would it be like to have two men to satisfy? Although Baz had taught him well, Galen knew he was rusty in the art of pleasing a lover. “What if Nick is disappointed in me?” Galen finally asked. Baz reached between them and wrapped a hand around Galen’s erection. “How could anyone be disappointed in this?” Galen moaned as Baz slowly began to stroke his cock. He’d pleasured himself quite often over the years, but his memories of Baz’s touch hadn’t done the real thing justice. He knew if he had any hope of going further with the man in front of him, he’d have to open his heart and body to Nick. His stomach growled, interrupting his train of thought. “Sorry.” “Don’t be silly. I should apologize to you. Here I am thinking of nothing but burying my cock inside you when you’ve gone days without eating.” Baz took a step back. Galen immediately longed for Baz’s touch once more. He pressed himself against Baz and kissed him, thrusting his tongue deep. “Eating isn’t on my mind right now.” Baz chuckled. “Maybe not, but there’s no way you can keep up with me and Nick if you’re weak.” Baz picked up the bowl from the vanity and started to lead Galen from the room. “We’ll have to warm your soup.” Galen planted his feet. “Wait. I can’t go out there like this.” With one hand on the doorknob, Baz turned around. “I won’t pressure you. If you want things to progress between the three of us, come out like you are. If you need time, wrap a towel around your waist, and I’ll know to find you some clothes.” Baz gave Galen another kiss before leaving the small room. Galen closed the toilet lid and sat down. Things were happening so quickly that his head was beginning to spin. He ran his fingers through his drying curls and went over his options. In Hell, time was irrelevant. Whether he made love to both men in the next hour or hundred years, it would still be only a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things.
What he needed to come to terms with was a physical and possibly emotional relationship with Nick. Could he do it and not feel like the third wheel? Although the idea appealed to him on a base level, Galen didn’t want to be merely a plaything for the man. Maybe it was because Galen had never known sex without love, but he doubted he was the kind of man who could enjoy one without the other. Loving Nick right away wasn’t a necessity, but Galen knew the possibility needed to be there before he could proceed. Playthings could become tiresome and tossed away, but after two thousand years of loving the same man, Galen knew love would outlast everything. Galen stood and studied himself in the mirror. He ran his hand over his cheek, not surprised to find very little hair. His looks were so different from the other two men. Galen turned his attention to his body. Where had his muscles gone? He’d once been a trained soldier. Although he’d never been as big as Baz, he had been well defined. All of that was gone as he stared at the skinny man in front of him. Would Nick be turned off by the sight of him? Stop it. If Baz hadn’t been repelled by Galen’s new body, there was hope Nick wouldn’t either. Galen didn’t know anything about the men Baz and Nick had shared in the past, but surely they had enjoyed pleasure with a thin man before. Turning away from his image, Galen walked to the door and opened it. He was ready to accept whatever happened with open arms. **** Nick was sitting at the kitchen table when Baz came into the room. Nick couldn’t read his partner’s mood, which worried him. “Everything okay?” Baz stopped in front of him and bent down for a deep kiss. “We’ll see “Hungry?” Nick asked, pointing toward the plate of sandwiches he’d prepared. “Yes. But first I need to reheat this soup for Galen. The first one got cold while we were talking.” Baz ran his fingers through Nick’s hair. “I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed him.” Nick covered Baz’s hand. The last thing he wanted was to make Baz feel guilty about the love he’d carried for Galen for so long. “I know. I can see it in your eyes when you look at him.” “He’s too thin,” Baz said. Nick nodded. Although he and Baz had always had a great sex life, they both tended to gravitate toward thinner, smaller men when looking for a third to join them. It seemed natural to Nick that Galen was the way he was, almost fated, like their entire relationship had been
preparing them to bring Galen into the fold of their love. Baz released his hold on Nick’s hair and went to the stove. “I’m worried about going to Old Town.” Nick was, too. It was one of the reasons he felt so strongly about forming a bond with Galen as soon as possible. He wasn’t sure what they would face in Old Town, but being united would only strengthen them. Movement in the doorway caught Nick’s attention. He glanced over and felt his cock immediately harden. Galen stood completely open to Nick’s gaze. Galen’s lean frame did nothing to take away from his incredible beauty. “Hungry?” Nick asked, hoping to draw Galen further into the room. “Yes,” Galen said with a nod. Nick walked over to the table and pulled out a chair. “Baz is heating the soup. There are sandwiches if you’d like.” Biting his lip, Galen made his way to the offered chair. Before sitting, he reached for Nick’s hand. Unsure of what to do, Nick allowed the smaller man to take his hand. Staring Nick in the eyes, Galen ran Nick’s hand down his chest to his groin. “Touch me.” Nick opened his hand and palmed Galen’s sac, surprised at the weight. The skin was soft with a light scattering of fine black hair. Galen’s eyes closed as he leaned further into Nick’s touch. Although Nick was aware of Baz standing across the room, he knew the moment belonged to Galen. He brushed his lips across Galen’s. “Tell me how you like to be touched.” “With a sure hand like that of my mentor’s,” Galen replied. Nick glanced at Baz. His lover’s nostrils were flared as he stood with the pot of soup in his hand. He wondered if he should invite Baz over to join them, or if it was seeing just the two of them together that seemed to turn Baz on. Nick moved his hand from Galen’s balls to wrap around the long, hard length of the thinner man. Galen whimpered as Nick began a steady rhythm, applying the same amount of pressure he knew Baz enjoyed. Galen’s fingers dug into Nick’s shoulders as he began thrusting his hips. “Yes.” Nick leaned in and bit at the tender skin at the base of Galen’s neck. The man may not
have had sex for years, but it was obvious he enjoyed it. At that moment, Nick wanted nothing more than to impale Galen’s tight body on his cock. “I can’t hold it,” Galen cried as his body began to jerk. “Don’t hold it. Release it to me,” Nick whispered before sealing his mouth over Galen’s. A warm splash of seed coated Nick’s hand as Galen’s body began to vibrate with the intensity of his climax. Nick was so caught up in the moment, he wasn’t aware Baz had joined them until a third set of lips joined their kiss. Nick turned his head enough to share Galen’s mouth with Baz. He felt Galen start to sink to the floor and wrapped his arm tighter around the man’s waist, holding him in place. It was more than a kiss he shared with the two men, it was a promise.
Chapter Seven
Galen woke sandwiched between Nick and Baz. He barely remembered the two men feeding him before putting him into bed. Other than his orgasm, they had done little besides kiss. Nick and Baz had been adamant about taking care of Galen, something he definitely wasn’t used to after so many years of being alone. Under his hand, Galen felt the bare skin of Baz’s hip. He hadn’t remembered the two men undressing and climbing into bed with him. Galen wondered if they had waited until he drifted off. He ran circles over Baz’s hip before moving to run his fingers down the crease of his mentor’s ass. “Mmmm,” Baz moaned, opening his eyes. “Are you feeling better?” In answer, Galen stuck his tongue out and waited for Baz to capture it with his mouth. Years ago, it had been Baz’s favorite way to greet him after a hard lesson. Baz seemed to remember immediately. Baz released Galen’s tongue and leaned over Galen’s shoulder. “Give me a kiss, love.” Nick kissed Baz as his hand playfully squeezed Galen’s half-hard cock. Soon three sets of hands were touching and exploring. Galen rolled to his back and pulled Nick’s head down for a kiss. He tickled the roof of Nick’s mouth with the tip of his tongue as Baz and Nick joined hands to stroke Galen’s cock. Galen broke the kiss and groaned as his cock threatened to erupt. “I think I’m going to enjoy this new arrangement,” he sighed. “Sex is even better in The City,” Baz said. “Here you can have it anytime, anywhere.”
Nick grunted as Baz moved down to swallow Galen’s cock. “So hot.” Galen couldn’t agree more. There was something so incredibly sexy about the sight of Baz’s lips wrapped around his cock. Galen reached down and ran a hand over the short black hairstyle his lover favored. “When you’re finished down there, I have something else in mind.” After he said it, he blushed. Never had he been so forward with his mentor. Baz released Galen’s cock and chuckled. “Ask that big Scott beside you if he’ll ready you.” Galen swallowed. It was one thing to ask Baz to fuck him, but he wasn’t sure he’d have the same nerve with Nick. Although the idea did appeal to him very much, Galen bit his tongue. Nick, who’d evidently decided to take pity on him, climbed over to the bedside drawer closest to Baz. He withdrew a bottle unlike anything Galen had seen. “What’s that?” he asked. Nick held up the bottle. “Lube.” “Lube?” “To stretch and ease the passage of a big fat cock up your ass,” Baz said with a chuckle from his position between Galen’s thighs. Galen glanced down at Baz. “Is it like the oil we used to ease your length up my ass?” “Better,” Baz answered. “Hey, Nick, show Galen how good quality lube can feel.” Nick passed the bottle to Baz. “Since you’re hogging all the room down there, why don’t you do it? I’ll concentrate on Galen’s upper half.” Baz took the lube, and Galen braced himself for what was to come. Before he let his nerves get the best of him, Nick leaned down and kissed him. What started as a soft brush of lips quickly morphed into an all-out assault. Nick plundered Galen’s mouth with his tongue as his hands began to wander. A pinch to one of his nipples had Galen crying out. He’d always been sensitive, but there was something about the rough texture of Nick’s callused skin that drove his passion even higher. Nick grinned. “You like that?” Galen started to answer when Baz slowly breached his hole with the first finger. “Ohhhh,” he moaned.
In no time, Galen felt boneless. He lifted his head off the pillow and looked down at Baz. Fuck. Not only was Baz stretching Galen, but he was fingering his own hole at the same time. Galen’s gaze went back to Nick. “Are you going to fuck him?” Nick sucked Galen’s bottom lip into his mouth before answering. “Yep. Baz is a greedy bastard. He likes to be the man in the middle.” Although the idea excited Galen, the thought of them doing it with other men didn’t sit well. His emotions must have been apparent, because Nick began to nuzzle Galen’s neck. “What’s wrong? If you don’t want me to fuck Baz this time, I won’t.” Galen bit his bottom lip. He didn’t have a right to voice what he felt and he knew it. “No. It’s okay for you to make love to Baz. He belongs to you.” Nick lifted up and gazed down at Galen. “He doesn’t belong to me, but we’re together. Just like I hope the three of us are now together.” Galen nodded. Nick’s eyes narrowed. “What else?” “Nothing,” Galen answered. Nick scooted even closer to Galen, running a hand down his cheek. “Be honest with us and yourself.” Galen glanced down at Baz, who had slowed his movements. “The idea that I’m another of a long list of thirds hurts my feelings, I guess.” Galen shook his head. “Never mind. I’m being stupid.” Baz withdrew his fingers and sat up between Galen’s spread thighs. “Even though I loved Nick, I always felt something was missing. That something was you. I may have tried to fill the void with other men, but I finally have you back. Now I have everything I could ever want or need.” Galen studied Baz, searching for the truth in the man’s eyes. When he found it, he turned his gaze to Nick. “What about you? Why would you share Baz with me?” “Because whether I knew it or not, I’ve always shared Baz with you. I don’t begrudge the love the two of you have for each other. I’d just like to be a part of it,” Nick explained. Galen pulled Nick down for a kiss as he positioned his legs over Baz’s shoulders. How had he gotten so lucky? Had all the hours spent in prayer been rewarded? He tickled the roof of Nick’s mouth with his tongue. It was easy to understand why Baz loved Nick.
“Ready?” Baz asked, positioning his cock at Galen’s stretched hole. Galen broke the kiss with Nick and smiled down at Baz. “Always. I’ll never deny you.” Nick chuckled. “Don’t tell him that. He’ll have you bent over every chance he gets.” Galen laughed in return. “That’s okay. I’ve been praying for this day for over two thousand years. I have a lot to catch up on.” “Come on, smartass, get behind me,” Baz said to Nick. Nick gave Galen one more deep kiss. “I’m glad we’ve found you.” The statement meant more to Galen than he could ever express. He felt his insides warm as he began to think of a future with the two men. The breach of his outer ring by Baz’s thick cock burned, but not enough to call out. Stopping wasn’t an option as far as Galen was concerned. He rode out the pain until Baz was fully seated. Galen was given time to adjust as Nick plowed his way deep into Baz’s ass. Once the three of them were connected, an incredible peace came over Galen. He closed his eyes and vowed to do anything to keep both men. Galen moaned as Baz pulled out and sank back in. “So good. It’s been so long.” When Baz didn’t say anything, Galen opened his eyes to stare up at his mentor. Tears swam in Baz’s eyes as he continued to slowly fuck Galen. “I love you,” Baz whispered. “I should have searched for you.” Galen shook his head. He knew the truth. He wouldn’t have allowed Baz to find him. Galen tried to push thoughts of Lysander away as Baz continued to make love to him. Why would Lysander try and claim what rightfully belonged to Baz? Galen closed his eyes again, unable to look at the emotion in Baz’s dark brown eyes. He was to blame, he’d always known it. If he would have given himself to Lysander when pressed, the murders would have never happened. He’d always known it was his fault. Why did I have to flirt with Lysander that day beside the well? “Stay with us, baby,” Baz grunted as he pistoned his hips back and forth between Galen and Nick. “What will happen in Old Town?” Galen asked, staring at Baz once more. Baz leaned down and pressed a kiss to Galen’s lips. “Not now.” Galen bit the inside of his cheek as he tried again to push thoughts of Lysander away. It didn’t seem to matter what he did, the guilt and pain caused by Lysander seemed to be his
constant companion. Baz shifted and drove his cock even deep into Galen’s ass. Galen cried out at the exquisite invasion. He reached up and ran his hands over Baz’s hair before continuing beyond to brush Nick’s cheeks. Nick smiled, making eye contact with Galen. “Forever,” Nick mouthed the word. The declaration sent Galen over the edge with little warning. He shot stream after stream of thick seed between his body and Baz’s. As he continued to come, he felt the sting of tears. He didn’t want to cry, he wouldn’t. Galen blamed his out of control emotions on his rewarding climax, calling Nick and Baz’s names to the ceiling. He had one last thing to confess to Baz. Galen feared, now more than ever, it would not only drive Baz away, but Nick as well. Baz leaned down to kiss Galen, almost folding Galen’s body in half. With two men fucking in the room, the sounds of skin slapping skin was deafening. Galen watched as Nick began to whisper in Baz’s ear. Baz’s face screwed into an expression of torture as he obviously fought to stave off his climax. Nick bit the side of Baz’s neck as his body began to jerk with the force of his orgasm, leaving only Baz. Galen gazed into Baz’s eyes. “Drench me with your seed.” “Oh, fuck!” Baz yelled as he came. Galen smiled. He’d always loved making Baz lose the control he fought so hard to maintain. He tried to pull Baz down into his arms, but Baz and Nick both began to shake their head. “We’re too heavy for you, baby,” Baz explained as he and Nick rolled to either side of Galen. As soon as Baz’s cock slipped free, Galen sighed. If he had his way, he’d always have Baz inside of him. He felt a hand on his stomach and glanced down to see Nick tracing patterns in the drying cum on his stomach. He mentally amended his earlier thought. It might be quite nice to feel Nick inside him as well. **** Nick was standing in his office looking down at the club when a commotion at the front door caught his eye. He immediately started down the stairs when he spotted Tao waving for
him. Dodging his way through the crowd, Nick met Tao by the front door. “What’s going on?” “That guy was just here. The one Lu told us to keep an eye out for. I wouldn’t let him in, but he said he’d be back with reinforcements. He told me to tell Baz he would return for his property.” Reinforcements? Nick didn’t like the sound of that. There was no way to know just how far Lysander would go to get what he wanted. “Thanks, Tao. If he comes back, don’t put yourself in danger. Just let him in and call one of us.” Tao nodded, and Nick turned to walk back through the club. He spotted Lu and Dominic at the bar and headed in their direction. He slid onto the stool beside Lu. “Can you contact Bruga for me?” Lu set his drink down and turned to address Nick. “Why are you down here instead of upstairs with Baz and Galen?” “Baz is reading and Galen’s asleep. I thought I’d get some work done in the office, but Tao just told me Lysander came by. He said he’d be back with reinforcements. I was hoping Bruga could tell us if it was likely Lysander would bring his friends from Old Town here.” Lu stood and glanced around the club. “If he does and this place is full of people, it could turn into a blood bath.” Lu pulled out his phone. “I’ll ask Bruga about it.” Lu walked away with the phone to his ear, and Dominic scooted over to take his partner’s vacated stool. “Do you think we should close Ice Water until this situation with Lysander has been resolved?” Nick shook his head. “I don’t know. I’m still trying to figure out how there can be a blood bath if we’re all already dead.” “Yeah, I was wondering the same thing,” Dominic said. “Bruga will be here in an hour. I promised I’d meet him in the alley and take him up to your apartment using the backstairs,” Lu said, rejoining them. Dominic wrapped his arms around Lu and positioned him between his legs. “What about the club? Should we shut down for the night?” Lu shrugged. “That’s up to you. I have no idea what Lysander may be planning.”
“What about the bloodshed you mentioned? We’re already dead. How is that possible?” Nick asked. Without saying a word, Lu reached out and scraped a fingernail against Nick’s forearm. Blood immediately rose to the surface of the scratch. “Ow!” Nick yelled, pulling his arm out of Lu’s reach. “You can still bleed. You’ve chosen to house your soul inside your human form. You may not be able to die in the sense that you already have, but your body is still vulnerable to attack.” Nick still didn’t understand. “So we can still bleed even though we can’t die again?” Lu ran his hands through his black hair. “It’s hard to explain. Think of your body as a shell, which is really all it is. The only way to truly kill you again would be to destroy your soul. The soul is what’s alive, not your body.” “So if there was a way to drive Lysander’s soul from his body, we could destroy it?” Nick asked. “You wouldn’t need to drive it from Lysander’s body, but even I don’t have the power to destroy his soul.” “Who does?” Dominic asked. “Lysander or God. The only ones who can destroy a soul are the one who created it or the one who owns it.” Nick was filled with a spark of hope. “So instead of going before the elders in Old Town, we could petition God?” Lu’s eyes rounded as he vehemently shook his head. “God will not interfere with the souls who’ve either chosen to live in The City or have been sent here.” “Well then, you’re the head honcho here, why can’t you do something?” Nick asked, his voice growing louder. “Because I’m not God!” Lu yelled as he tore himself out of Dominic’s arms and walked away. “Shit.” Nick ran his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m just so damn frustrated.” Dominic squeezed Nick’s shoulder. “I know, and so does Lu. He’s just as upset about this as you are.”
Nick stood and gave Dominic an apologetic smile. “I need to go tell Baz and Galen we’re expecting company.” “If there’s a way out of this, we’ll find it,” Dominic told him. Nick nodded. “That’s what I’m hoping.” **** Baz was so into the gay western Lu had given him, he didn’t even hear Nick come into the apartment. “Caught ya,” Nick said. Baz removed his hand from his cock and smiled at Nick. “This is a really good book.” “I can see that.” Baz glanced at the erection poking through the opening of his robe and shrugged. “It’s Lu’s fault. He should’ve never introduced me to gay erotic romances. I’ve only read two, and I’m completely hooked. It’s so much easier than pretending the damsel in distress is a man.” Nick laughed and leaned down for a kiss. Baz spread his robe further, hoping Nick would get the hint and take care of him. Nick nipped Baz’s lower lip and pulled the robe closed. “As tempting as you are, we’ve got business to deal with. Lysander tried to get in downstairs. When Tao stopped him, he promised to return with reinforcements. Lu called Bruga and he’s agreed to come over and brainstorm.” Baz’s cock deflated at the mention of his father. “I’ll get dressed and wake up Galen.” “We’ll both wake up Galen.” Baz cocked an eyebrow. It was a very possessive response. It seemed odd for someone who’d only known Galen a short time. “Okay.” When they walked into the bedroom, Galen’s nude body was bathed in the soft light from the small lamp in the corner of the room. Baz wrapped his arms around Nick as they took a few moments to study the sleeping angel. “He’s breathtaking,” Nick whispered. “Yes. He always was,” Baz said, remembering the day he’d met Galen. Nick’s body stiffened at the comment, and Baz knew his lover didn’t understand the relationship he’d had with Galen. “I know it bothers you to think of me making love to Galen when he was a teenager, but things were different in Sparta. Remember, this was a military culture that existed over two
thousand years ago. A sexual relationship between a mentoring soldier and his trainee was not only acceptable, but encouraged. I know things have changed since then, but the love I feel for Galen is nothing but pure.” Galen stirred and opened his eyes. “What’s going on?” Baz released Nick and sat on the edge of the bed. He reached out a hand down Galen’s stomach to rest in the sparse nest of short curls at the base of his cock. “Bruga is coming over. You need to get dressed.” “Bruga?” Galen questioned, spreading his legs in invitation. Baz grinned at the wanton creature and moved his hand down to fill his lover’s hole with two fingers. Almost immediately, a peaceful expression crossed Galen’s face. Baz couldn’t get over how little Galen had changed in all the years they’d been apart. “Bruga’s the one who told me you were in danger. I don’t know how he knows what he does, but he’s been accurate so far. He was setting up the meeting with the elder in Old Town for us.” “And the meeting’s been set?” Galen asked, subtly moving on Baz’s fingers. “No. He’s coming over to discuss Lysander. He was downstairs earlier.” Galen’s body clamped down around Baz’s fingers. “Lysander was here?” Baz leaned down and kissed Galen, trying to soothe his lover with his tongue. “It’s okay. He’s gone now, but he said he’d return. Bruga is coming to help us.” A loud knock at the door cut their conversation short. “I’ll get the door. The two of you get dressed.” Before leaving the room, Nick gave Baz and then Galen a deep kiss. Baz removed his hand from between Galen’s legs and stood. “Come on, baby.” Galen climbed off the bed and pressed himself against Baz. “I need to tell you something.” “Don’t you want to wait until Nick’s with us?” Baz asked. Galen bit his bottom lip. “I don’t know if you’d want me to say it in front of anyone else.” Although Bruga waited in the adjoining room, something told Baz to take the time to listen to Galen. “What is it?” “Remember the well in the center of the city? The big one where people gathered?”
Galen asked. “Yes.” Baz couldn’t figure out where Galen’s story was going. “One evening, when you were off fighting, I went to the well. I was lonely and really only looking for someone to talk to.” “Okay.” Galen stepped away from Baz and reached for the jeans Baz had left out for him. “The only person there was Lysander. We started talking and he had some wine.” Galen ducked his head. “You know what wine does to me.” Baz knew exactly what red wine did to Galen. “Did you let my father fuck you?” “No! But he kissed me. I couldn’t believe he’d done it. I ran away, ashamed of myself for being put into the position in the first place. Nothing happened after that, but I noticed the way Lysander always seemed to watch me. The night before our death, he came to me and demanded I leave you. He said I’d cost him grandchildren and he expected to have me in repayment.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” Baz asked. He’d seen Lysander go after what he wanted with a ruthless sense of purpose before. What would it have been like for Galen to suffer Lysander’s brand of intensity on his own? “I was afraid if you found out that he’d kissed me, you’d leave me.” Noticing the way the jeans fit Galen’s much thinner frame, Baz walked to the closet and withdrew one of Nick’s belts. He approached Galen and systematically began threading the black leather through the belt loops. “Is that the reason you think you belong in The City?” “I could have prevented your death.” “No. You may have been able to put off my physical death, but losing you would have killed me in an entirely different way. You’re not responsible for Lysander’s actions.” “He seems to think I am. I’m sure that’s why he’s trying to claim me and Nick. Once again, my past is coming back to haunt me.” Baz pulled the belt as tight as it would go and fastened it before wrapping his arms around Galen. Carrying the guilt of what he thought he’d caused had punished Galen for over two thousand years. It was time they found a way to get past Lysander’s actions, and Baz knew the only way that would happen was to put an end to his father’s hold once and for all. “I’m glad you told me. It’s over now. Let’s go forward from here and stop worrying about what happened in the past.”
Galen nodded. “It’s just… I’m sorry.” “So am I. Sorry you had to deal with this alone for so long. But we’re together now, you, me and Nick? We can have a fantastic future together if we fight hard enough for it.” Galen smiled and held up his arm. “I don’t have nearly the strength I once did, but I’ll fight with everything I have.”
Chapter Eight
Baz stepped into the living room and glanced around. “Where’s Dominic?” From his spot on the sofa next to Bruga, Lu waived toward the door. “There was an issue at the bar between Cory and a customer. He’ll be up soon.” Baz looked at Bruga. “Thanks for coming.” Bruga nodded. “When I heard Lysander had tried to get in, I couldn’t stay away.” Bruga had steered Baz in the right direction so far, so Baz decided to trust him. He walked to the small drink cart and poured himself a glass of wine. “Do you think Lysander will bring others from Old Town here?” “It’s possible,” Bruga said, finishing off his glass of Scotch. “Tell Baz what you were telling me and Nick,” Lu said to Bruga. Galen walked into the room and stopped in his tracks. “Why’re you here?” Baz’s gaze swung from Galen to Bruga and back. “You know Bruga?” “Bruga?” Galen questioned. “That’s Draco. Your father’s friend from our city. The man who taught me to use a dagger.” “What?” Baz gazed at Bruga. There was nothing that reminded Baz of the handsome man who had befriended his father. Galen’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Bruga. “Tell him who you are.” Bruga suddenly looked very uncomfortable. “How did you know?” Galen looked at Bruga as if he were crazy. “What do you mean, how did I know? You were one of my instructors.”
Bruga’s hands moved up to run across the mass of scars covering his face. “No one’s ever looked beyond my scars to see the man underneath.” Baz moved to stand between Galen and Bruga. “Why are you here? Are you working with my father?” Bruga shook his head. “No. I’ve spent years watching Lysander, waiting for the perfect moment to exact revenge on the man who did this to me.” Baz’s jaw dropped. “Lysander did that?” “I’m the one who found the two of you that morning. Galen didn’t show up for our training session, so I went to find him. When I walked in to your home, Lysander was…” Bruga shook his head. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I managed to get away and ran to one of the councilmen. I told him what I’d witnessed, and Lysander was arrested and given a death sentence. Your deaths haunted me more than any I’d ever witnessed. Dying in battle is honorable, but what your father did…” Baz poured Bruga another glass of Scotch and handed it to him. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you, Draco.” “Bruga, please. I’ve lived for years under a different name, staying in the shadows.” “Because of Lysander?” Baz asked. “Yes. I took my own life, you see. I just couldn’t live with the nightmares. When I arrived in The City, I made it my mission to find Lysander. I eventually tracked him to Old Town, but evidently, I wasn’t as sneaky as I thought. He cornered me one evening and did this to me,” Bruga said, gesturing to his face. “After that I changed my name and started plotting my revenge.” “And have you figured out how to do that?” Galen asked, going to sit in Nick’s lap. Bruga nodded. “I was planning to follow the three of you to Old Town because I need to catch Lysander unprepared.” “Why?” Baz asked. “I can’t tell you that.” “So what if Lysander comes here? Does that mean we won’t have to go to Old Town?” Baz sat on the arm of Nick’s chair and put a hand on Galen’s shoulder. If there was any way possible for the three of them to avoid Old Town, they had to take it. “If I’m able to take Lysander completely by surprise, here should work fine. I’ll just need
to find somewhere to hide,” Bruga explained. Baz went to kneel on the floor in front of Bruga. “Do you know a way to take his soul?” Bruga nodded slowly. “I’ve watched him for over a thousand years. I know more about him than anyone. I won’t have to take his soul, he’ll destroy it himself if my plan works.” “What can we do?” Nick asked. Bruga smiled, the simple movement stretching his scarred skin into an even uglier mask. “Rile him. I need him as emotional as possible.” Baz knew it wouldn’t be hard to get Lysander worked up. The only thing he worried about was the power he already had over Nick. “What about Nick and Galen. Do they have to be there?” “Yes. Just the thought of the three of you being together has driven Lysander to this point. If he actually witnesses it, it should be enough.” Baz turned back to Nick and Galen. His loves looked so right wrapped in each other’s arms. “Can you be around Lysander and not look into his eyes?” Nick nodded. “I know better than to let him get too close now.” “If we turn off the lights in the office, you should be able to see everything that’s going on without being seen,” Lu suggested. “Okay, so if Lysander does show up, how do we get the people out of the club?” Baz asked. “I doubt he’ll show until close to quitting. Maybe even afterward. I doubt he’d want a crowd.” “Then why did he try to get in earlier?” Nick asked. “He was probably fishing to see if the three of you were here. Since your man at the door refused him entry, he has a good idea you’re inside,” Bruga explained. Baz sure hoped Bruga was right. He hated taking chances with Nick and Galen, but the thought of trying to plead his case to an Old Town elder didn’t sit well either. If Lysander had dwelt in the forbidden city of Old Town, surely they were now his friends, or at least his acquaintances. He had to be on their good side if he’d been able to convince them to give him the Grongler ability in the first place. Baz stood and held out his hands, one for each of his men to take and hold forever. “Let’s go downstairs and dance.”
**** After their third dance, Nick convinced his lovers to retreat to one of the private alcoves. As it neared closing time, the nerves between the three of them were becoming palpable. Hopefully a break from the loud chaos on the dance floor would bring them back together. He settled on the sofa next to Baz and pulled Galen down between them. There was something so genuine about the smaller man. Everything Galen said or did tugged at Nick’s heart. It wouldn’t take long for him to fall for the gorgeous man. Nick smiled. Before his death, he’d never loved or been loved by man or woman. He’d spent his youth scrounging for food and his adult years fighting those fucking English bastards with everything he had. Nicol Ramsey died, along with many of his countrymen, in a cold, muddy field too far away from home. Galen squeezed Nick’s thigh. “Are you okay?” Nick leaned down to give Galen a deep kiss, his tongue tasting not only Galen, but Baz as well. It was a heady combination to say the least. He immediately felt his cock harden as Galen took their kiss even deeper. With a growl of passion, Nick pulled Galen over to straddle his lap. He’d yet to bury his cock in the smaller man’s ass. By the way Galen was rubbing against him, Nick had a feeling it wouldn’t be much longer. Nick unbuckled the belt holding Galen’s jeans up and stuck his hand down the back. He moaned as his hand burrowed its way between the cheeks of Galen’s ass. Nick felt another set of fingers join his and glanced over to see a horny Baz in the mood to play. Nick spit into his hand and began stretching Galen’s hole. “You want my dick or just my fingers?” Galen nodded, his head thrown back. “I want it all.” Baz went to work unfastening Nick’s pants and pushing them down far enough for his cock to spring free of the fabric. With Galen’s earlier fucking, it didn’t take long for Nick to prepare the stunning man to receive his cock. He lifted Galen and slowly lowered him on his erection, groaning at the tight heat of his new lover. A whimper from Baz drew Nick’s attention. “Feed us your cock.” Baz stood on the couch and unzipped his pants, letting them pool around his ankles. Nick gazed into Galen’s eyes as the man started to ride him. They took turns licking and sucking
Baz’s heavily veined cock like they were sharing a Popsicle. As much as Nick and Baz had enjoyed threesomes in the past, it was nothing compared to their time with Galen so far. The knowledge of forever being a possibility seemed to ratchet up the sizzle factor in Nick’s opinion. Everything he did would be remembered and shared ten-fold in the years to come. He thrust up in a short staccato rhythm as he swallowed Baz’s cock to the root. Yeah. Perfect. Who could possibly ask for more? The blinking overhead light eventually got Nick’s attention. It was closing time. Which meant it could be minutes or hours before they faced the man who haunted Baz and Galen’s dreams. Galen’s soft cheek rubbed against Nick’s bristled chin as Baz’s cock and balls were bathed in spit and warm heat. Baz grunted as the first string of cum hit the back of Nick’s throat. Nick tapped Galen’s nose as he grabbed Baz’s cock by the base and transferred the shooting monster to Galen’s mouth. While Galen swallowed the remainder of Baz’s seed, Nick concentrated on fucking the tight ass wrapped around his cock. He glanced up to see Lu and Dominic standing over them, watching the three of them. The audience didn’t bother Nick in the least. How many times had he watched as Dominic fucked Lu’s brains out? Staring at his friends, Nick slid two fingers into Galen’s body alongside of his cock. Galen cried out, drenching the front of Nick’s shirt with cum. All it took to tip Nick over the edge was Baz’s tight grip to his sac. Nick pulled Galen down and buried himself as deep as he could get as he emptied his balls into the smaller man. By the time he’d recovered, the three of them lay in a panting heap of half-nude bodies. He opened his eyes to see Lu looking at them like a proud papa. “That was…wow,” Lu said, still staring at the point where Galen and Nick were joined. “The place is emptying fairly quickly. If Lysander’s going to make a move, it shouldn’t be long,” Dominic said, cutting into Nick’s post-fuck buzz. Nick nodded that he’d heard and understood the comment. He turned his head and kissed both of his men. A smile crept over his face. Yeah. They’re both mine. It was no longer a
question of needing to share Baz for fear of losing him. They belonged together, all three of them. **** After a lot of arguing, Tao finally agreed to leave. It was only after Dominic reminded him that Cory would be riding his bike alone with Lysander in the area that the big Samoan agreed to follow the little sprite. Nick was in the process of running the vacuum across the carpeted alcoves when the hair on the back of Galen’s neck began to prickle. His gaze immediately went to the front door left unlocked on purpose. Galen made his way over to the bar where Baz was washing glasses. “He’s here.” Baz dropped the glass in his hand into the sink of soapy water. “Did you see him?” “No. I felt him. I can’t explain it, but I know he’s watching us,” Galen explained. Baz dried his hands and walked around the end of the bar to join Galen. With their arms wrapped around each other, Galen and Baz casually walked toward Nick. Galen caught the barely perceivable nod Baz sent Lu’s way. “I’m nervous,” Galen admitted. “You’re not the only one. Just remember not to look Lysander in the eyes,” Baz reminded him. “I remember.” By the time they crossed the room, Baz’s hand was planted firmly on Galen’s ass. The large hand began kneading the flesh under Galen’s baggy pants, making Galen chuckle. “Is that for your benefit or Lysander’s?” “Both,” Baz told him, leaning in for a kiss. “Just make sure you stay behind me.” “I’d rather stand beside you,” Galen admitted. “I don’t want you hurt.” Galen stopped and wrapped both arms around Baz’s neck and pulled his head down to whisper in his ear. “I may look like I’m only eighteen, but I’m not, and I need you to remember that.” Baz pulled back enough to stare into Galen’s eyes. “You’re right. I tend to see you as the boy you were instead of the man you’ve become. Feel free to jump my ass if I try to baby you.” Galen smiled despite the tense situation. “I don’t mind a bit of babying in the right
circumstances, but I don’t want you to think you have to protect me all the time.” “It’s natural to protect what you love. It has nothing to do with your age,” Baz explained. Nick’s hand landed on the small of Galen’s back. “Everything okay?” Galen leaned against Nick’s broad chest. “He’s here. We were just coming over to tell you.” Nick nodded and kissed Galen’s neck. “Guess we need to put on a bit of a show for him then.” Although it wasn’t the sexiest of situations, Galen tried to give himself over to the kisses and wandering hands of his two lovers. They all knew what seeing the obvious display of affection would do to Lysander. As Nick continued to kiss Galen’s neck, his hands roamed downward to rub at the front of Galen’s jeans. Galen lifted his arms over his head to bury his hands in Nick’s hair as Baz lifted his shirt to suck and play at his nipples. Galen knew he shouldn’t be taking so much pleasure in the face of danger, but if this was to be the last time his men touched him, he wanted to enjoy it. “You both make me feel so good.” Galen wondered if Bruga was looking down at them, watching the scene unfold, or if he was already on his way down the darkened staircase. “If we survive this…” “Shhh,” Baz said before thrusting his tongue deep into Galen’s mouth. Galen gave himself over to the kiss as he tried to push thoughts of doom from his mind. Wrapped around him in the guise of two strong men were the answers to his prayers. He wouldn’t allow Lysander or anyone take it away from him. “What’re you doing here?” Lu bellowed. “Showtime,” Baz whispered against Galen’s lips before breaking away. Lysander and some kind of creature stood just inside the door. The darkness coming from their direction began to press against Galen’s chest. He knew it wasn’t coming from Lysander, although the man was most certainly evil. Whoever stood beside him seemed to suck the oxygen from the large room. So as not to look at Lysander, Galen tried to focus his attention on the stranger. It was obvious the newcomer was male, but that’s where his humanity seemed to end. With a face barely visible under the thick, oppressive black veil, the man’s gaze appeared to be completely
zeroed in on Nick, Baz and Galen. “Who is he?” Galen whispered to Baz. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t look good,” Baz said in return. “I’ve come to claim my property,” Lysander declared. “You can’t have them, Father. You took Galen from me once. I’ll not let you do it again.” Lysander laughed and gestured to the man next to him. “Too bad it’s not your decision. Meet my friend, Volstaat.” Lu stepped forward. “Why is an elder outside of Old Town?” Volstaat waved a gloved hand in Lu’s direction. “This does not concern you, Lucifer.” Lu took another step despite Dominic trying to hold him back. “That’s where you’re wrong, Volstaat. This is my city. I am the power here.” Volstaat seemed to laugh although no sound escaped from under the veil. “You are nothing but a weakened Angel. Your power is no match for mine.” “Don’t be so sure,” Lu countered. “Again I ask. What are you doing outside of Old Town?” “Lysander petitioned the Court of Elders to help him right the wrong that had been done to him,” Volstaat explained. Galen reached out and grasped Baz’s hand. He hoped Bruga was close. None of them knew what the man had planned, but things didn’t look good for the three of them as far as the elder went. How would they plead a case to the man who so obviously had already made up his mind? “No wrong has been done to Lysander. He is the one who has wronged these men, killing them in their bed,” Lu countered. Galen was surprised Lu was stepping in for them. Although he’d always had the utmost respect for the fallen Archangel, Lu had made it clear earlier it was Baz’s case to plead. “Only because they defied my orders,” Lysander argued. “It was my duty as a citizen of Sparta to make sure my line continued. It was not possible with that little deviant always in my son’s bed.” “Enough!” Baz shouted, breaking free of Galen’s grip. Baz strode toward Lysander with the elegant carriage of a Spartan going into battle. “I think it is obvious your bloodline needed to end. Do not blame Galen for the taint you, yourself,
put on the family name.” Lysander growled. The sound sent chills up Galen’s spine as he pressed against Nick’s side. Volstaat turned to address Baz. “You will relinquish your hold on the men your father has claimed in penance for your insubordination of your elder in life.” “No,” Baz spat. “You have no authority here, Volstaat. Go now and the peace between The City and Old Town will remain,” Lu said. Galen had never been more proud to be led by Lu. It was common knowledge in The City that Lu didn’t enter Old Town. Rumors ran from Lu being afraid of the evil that lurked there, to an agreement made long ago between the two factions. Which story was true, no one knew. Volstaat lifted his black veil, displaying to the room what years of living with the darkest evils had done to him. The bright red eyes peering back at them from a twisted, yet gummylooking face was frightening. Galen didn’t doubt the man often got his way just by exposing his face to his enemies. “I’m warning you to leave now,” Lu said. Volstaat’s mouth opened and his body shook as if he were laughing. Although instead of sound coming out, only a black puff of fog exited the vile man’s orifice. In a surprising move, Lu stretched his arms toward Volstaat. While one hand seemed to suck more of the black fog from Volstaat’s mouth, the other became a great ball of white light, so bright Galen was forced to bury his face against Nick’s chest. Galen heard a great whirring sound before silence surrounded him. He dared to open his eyes and look up at Nick. His lover’s expression was one of awe. “What happened?” Nick glanced down at Galen. “He’s gone,” he said as if stunned by what he’d witnessed. “Stay back,” Lu yelled. Galen turned around to see Lu crouched on the floor. Dominic was doing his best to get close to his partner, but Lu was having none of it. “What can I do?” Dominic begged. “Get me to The Temple,” Lu gasped, holding his stomach as if his belly were full of bile. Out of the corner of his eyes, Galen spotted movement in the shadows. Bruga. “Yes, take the sniveling pig to The Temple. Maybe his god will take pity on him,”
Lysander said. “Leave me to deal with my property.” “You’ve lost, Lysander. As you just witnessed, your elder is no longer here to do your bidding,” Baz ground out between clenched jaws. “I only needed Volstaat to ease the way into Old Town. I don’t need him to take what I’ve already claimed.” Dominic helped Lu to his feet before glancing over his shoulder. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get him where he needs to be.” “Go,” Baz said. “Take care of him. I’ll deal with my father.” Galen stepped toward Baz. “We’ll deal with him,” he corrected his lover. Lysander laughed. “You? The cowering, sniveling creature that hid in his apartment, starving himself?” “I’m stronger now, Lysander.” It was the truth. Alone in his apartment, Galen was only concerned for himself, now he had two men to fight for. Lysander’s gaze was so intent on the three of them, that he didn’t bother turning to watch as Dominic led Lu from the club. The commotion of Lu and Dominic’s departure gave Bruga a chance to circle around to stand behind Lysander. Galen wondered why Bruga held a cloth-draped picture in his hands. “Lysander,” Bruga finally spoke. Lysander went still. Although Galen remembered not to look into Lysander’s eyes, he could tell the man was shocked by the voice from his past by the sudden jerk of his body. “Turn and face what you have done,” Bruga commanded, pulling the cloth from the frame. In Bruga’s hands was a large mirror. Galen once again tried to figure out what Bruga’s plan was. “I’m not afraid of…” Lysander’s voice was cut off as he turned around. “See the evil that is inside you for what it really is,” Bruga said. “Know that in seeing who you truly are, you will experience the pain you have inflicted on others tenfold.” Lysander cried out in pain as he tried to turn away. Baz rushed forward, holding Lysander in place. Galen and Nick joined their lover to assure Lysander was dealt everything he deserved
and more. Galen averted his gaze and dared touch Lysander’s eyes, prying them open as Nick and Baz held the evil man in front of the mirror. “Noooo!” Lysander began to scream as his body jerked from side to side as if being cut by the same blade he’d murdered with. When his strength had nearly given out, Galen pulled from deep in his heart to find the reserve needed to finish Lysander. Like Volstaat, Lysander’s mouth opened on a scream and thick, dark smoke began to pour from the pained man. Lysander’s body went limp as the last puff exited his body. In unison, Nick, Baz and Galen dropped Lysander’s body to the floor. Galen stepped back and gazed down at the shell of his murderer. “Is he gone?” he asked, looking up at Bruga. Bruga tossed the mirror to the floor, breaking it into hundreds of pieces. “Yes.” Galen noticed the odd expression on Bruga’s face.”Aren’t you happy? Wasn’t it what you’ve been waiting all these years to do?” Bruga nodded. “He deserved what he got, but he was once my friend. I mourn for the wrong path he took so many years ago.” Baz stepped forward and held out his hand to Bruga. “Thank you for insuring the safety of the men I love.” “Please don’t thank me. It was not my pleasure, but rather my duty.” Baz nodded and turned back to Galen and Nick. “Let’s get rid of Lysander’s body and go to The Temple to help Lu.” It was a reminder to Galen of what Lu had obviously given in their name. In his eyes, Lu would never again be thought of as the fallen Angel.
Epilogue
Baz parked his car and strode toward Ice Water. The crowd was lined around the block, quite a turnout for a Wednesday night. “Hey, Tao.” Tao held up his hand, stopping a man and woman who tried to get past him. “Evening, Sir.” Baz smiled as he walked around the tall Samoan. Things at the club were starting to get back to normal, although Lu still hadn’t fully recovered. By taking the strongest of Volstaat’s evil soul into himself, Lu had put himself in more danger than anyone had at first realized. It had taken weeks of constant prayer and vigilance to cleanse the worst of the black soul from Lu’s body. Although Lu had the occasional slip into hidden pockets of Volstaat’s evil, he was for the most part back to being the same self-indulgent, lovable Angel he’d always been. Baz spotted Nick and Galen at the bar and headed their way. Galen had become the perfect addition to their family, using his knowledge of numbers to help with Ice Water’s accounting, a task Nick had hated. From ten feet away, Baz noticed the contented expression on Galen’s face a moment before he saw Nick’s hands down the front and back of their lover’s pants. After going so long without sexual contact, Galen truly was the horniest man Baz had ever met. If Galen had his way, he’d become permanently affixed to either Nick’s cock or Baz’s. Baz stepped up and wrapped his arms around both men. “Hey, loves.” Galen tilted his smiling face up for a kiss. “How was work?”
“Good. I got another shipment of books in,” Baz told them, shoving his hand down the back of Galen’s loose-fitting pants to join Nick’s. Although Galen had the body to wear tight clothes and look damn good in them, they had all decided it was easier for the man to wear loose, elastic-waisted lounge pants. “Is this seat taken?” a deep voice asked. Baz glanced over his shoulder at the devastatingly handsome older man. After ridding his body of the bitterness he’d carried for so long, Bruga’s scars began to heal quickly. They had convinced Bruga to rejoin the land of the living dead by ridding himself of the name that had kept him in the shadows for so many years. “Hey, Draco.” Galen leaned over and brushed a kiss across Draco’s bronzed cheek. “There’s a cutie over there checking you out.” Draco glanced in the indicated direction and shrugged. “Maybe later.” Baz rolled his eyes. Draco could have damn near his pick of any man in the club and he knew it. “I said you’re done!” Cory shouted from halfway down the bar. With their fingers entwined inside Galen’s hole, Baz and Nick couldn’t untangle themselves fast enough to react as the customer across the bar slammed his fist into Cory’s face. “Fuck!” Nick spat, freeing himself. Baz and Nick started to move toward the customer when Tao came out of nowhere and body slammed the guy to the floor. Baz turned his attention to Cory who was bent over, blood running from the cupped hand he held in front of his mouth. Baz jumped over the bar and quickly retrieved a bar towel and ran it under cold water before moving Cory’s hand away. Their favorite sprite’s upper lip was split almost to his nostril. “Shit.” “I’m okay,” Cory mumbled. “You shouldn’t try and argue with drunks. Get Tao or one of us if someone is getting out of hand,” Baz said. He led Cory over to the sink and began washing the blood from his hands. Baz looked over to see the drunk tossed unceremoniously over Tao’s shoulder as he was carried to the curb. How the big Samoan had reacted so fast was beyond Baz. At least he knew he wouldn’t have to worry as much about Cory. It seemed the sexy man was on Tao’s radar screen.
Baz replaced Cory’s towel with a fresh one. “You should go home and give this time to heal.” Cory shook his head. “If I can get the bleeding stopped, I’ll be okay for the rest of the night.” “You are one hard-headed bitch,” Baz said. Cory chuckled. “And don’t you forget it.” Nick came back from following Tao out and leaned on the bar in front of Cory. “You okay?” Cory nodded. “I’m fine. Stop trying to baby me.” Although things between Nick and Cory hadn’t been the same since their brief night together, Baz could tell Cory still carried a torch for Nick. It didn’t bother Baz because Cory was respectful enough to keep his distance, but it did make Baz feel sorry for the usually happy man. Cory deserved to find someone, and he hoped someday soon he would. Nick held his hands out to the side and backed away from the bar. “Just checking.” Nick looked at Baz. “You ready to dance?” Galen stepped forward and tucked himself under Nick’s arm. “Sure,” Baz said. He laid a comforting hand on Cory’s back. “Let me know if you want a ride home.” “I’ll be fine on my bike,” Cory informed him. Baz nodded and climbed back over the bar to join his lovers. “Let’s dance.”
About the Author
An avid reader for years, one day Carol Lynne decided to write her own brand of erotic romance. Carol juggles life as a full-time mom and a full-time writer. These days, you can usually find her either cleaning jelly out of the carpet or nestled in her favorite chair writing steamy love scenes.
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Carol Lynne’s Refuge Shifters Series is at
Resplendence Publishing Extinction Professor of Environmental Science/Wildlife studies at UNLV, Jack McBain has spent his adult life trying to track a legend overheard during his youth. Born and raised in the Canadian Province of Newfoundland, Jack remembers his grandparents telling stories of a race of people eradicated by European settlers in 1829. According to the legend, the Beothuk people didn’t die out as first thought, but were transformed into wolf shifters. When Newfoundland wolves began to appear in great numbers, the European settlers began killing them under the guise of population control. In 1910, the last of the Newfoundland wolves was shot, making them one of the few extinct species of wolves in the world. Following spotty leads, Jack begins to track what he believes are Beothuk/Newfoundland shifter wolves. His search leads him to the Lake Mead National Recreational Area outside of Las Vegas. There, on Spirit Mountain, he finally comes face to face with not only the shifter he’s been looking for, but the man of his dreams he didn’t know he needed.
Retribution Three lonely souls find each other in the midst of an all out war between the shifters and the Hunters. Mother Earth gave Ryker Allen rebirth over a century ago, his main purpose to protect Mother’s shifter children. Ryker has never begrudged his duties, but the loneliness is something he’ll never get used to. Daniel was the King of the Coyotes until a mistake led to the decimation of his species. Alone and half-dead, he was taken in by a pack of wolf shifters as a pet for the Alpha’s mate. When he’s given a chance to live as an Alpha once again, he’s reluctant to accept, afraid he’s no longer worthy to lead. Hakan is the son of Father Sky. He was awarded rebirth over a thousand years ago to protect the Native American Bird Shifters. When animosity towards Native Americans escalated, Hakan’s charges took to the sky permanently, leaving him without a purpose. He’s lived his long life alone, waiting for the day he can once again serve his Father. Three men, three very different backgrounds, one thing in common. Loneliness. Can these three
souls come together to form a family?
Evolution Jarek, a young cougar shifter, arrives at Refuge full of hope. He is finally in a place where he can have a lover and his first-ever home. Meeting Mica feels like icing on the cake, but his dreams are quickly shattered by a night of pain and violence at the hands of his Alpha. Mica, a stone man, is trying to get his emotions under control. He likes Jarek, but isn’t sure what to do with the overwhelming lust he feels whenever Jarek is near. After the two of them are caught in a compromising position, Jarek goes missing, and Mica will do anything in his power to track him down. Suni, the true-blue Alpha of the cougars, doesn’t want anything to do with the rest of his kind. He is perfectly content to live out his life in seclusion. When he stumbles across a young cougar shifter near death, he realizes he’s found his mate. When Jarek regains consciousness and tells Suni about Mica, the true Alpha is left wondering where he’ll fit in. Three men, one who wants to feel, one who doesn’t know how to feel, and one who refuses to feel, come together on the side of a mountain. The resulting clash of personalities and sexually charged energy will change their lives forever.
Resolution After an attempt on their lives by an unknown group, the bird shifters are forced to seek shelter at Refuge. Having spent years in their bird-skin, the adjustment for some isn’t easy. Bird shifters Takoda and Enapay have been best friends for years. Enapay knows Takoda is his chosen mate, but Takoda refuses to consider a life living in his man-skin. When Enapay starts to work closely with Dr. Gray Whitmore, he can’t understand his overwhelming attraction to the human. With Takoda’s continued rebuffs, Enapay finally gives into his desire for Gray. It is soon apparent, Gray was meant to be Enapay’s mate. But when Takoda’s health takes a turn for the worse, old feelings resurface. Enapay is left wondering why Father Sky gifted him with two mates, especially when one of them still refuses to live as a man.
Also Available from
Resplendence Publishing In For a Penny by Carol Lynne What’s the old saying…you can never go home again? Raven Black resigned himself to never returning after being ordered from the only real home he’d ever known. Now, seven years later, Raven is back to face the man who sent him away. Zane Conner is not only Raven’s foster brother but the only man Raven ever loved. Despite his mixed feelings about the situation, Raven can’t deny Zane when the older man asks for his help in saving the Lazy C Bar Ranch. A boy found dead on the ranch clinches Raven’s decision. Why did the young boy look so much like he had at that age—the same age he’d been when his own father had beaten him and left him for dead?
Tropical Hedonism by Dakota Rebel After a boating accident, Sean Harris wakes up staring into the eyes of a handsome doctor. Even when he discovers that he is on an island within the Bermuda Triangle, and there is no way for him to get back to his old life, he can’t be too disappointed if it means being stuck with the doctor. Dr. Wesley Carpenter cannot believe that the younger Sean Harris would want anything to do with him. After half-heartedly turning down the advances of his patient, he realizes that resistance is futile. The men find themselves falling for each other quickly, but ghosts from their pasts and outside influences try to get in the way of their happiness. Sean and Wesley may be on the island forever, but neither is sure if that guarantees they’ll be able to continue their Tropical Hedonism.
Mind F*cked by Mia Watts Sage has the ability to read minds, but only in high passion moments when thoughts transmit at a higher frequency. But the gift is double-edged. Sage is inordinately handsome. Some might even say he’s a walking orgasm. So what’s a half-breed to do when every person he meets seems intent on seducing him, and how will he know if the man he chooses will love him for more than his looks?
Joe has never been the object of anyone’s lust before. Now Sage, the hottest guy he’s ever laid eyes on, has Joe starring in his sexual fantasies. It would be perfect if only Sage could shut up for one minute, and quit talking about his own hotness—or about how he can read minds. Meanwhile, Joe and Sage must secure the last three Zodiac Stones and prevent their theft while they wait for exhibition. Can they put their sexual tension aside long enough to stop a clever thief? And even if they do, will Joe’s heart be a casualty of their inevitable fling, or could Sage really be looking for more than a one-night stand?
Saving Noah by Carol Lynne and Cash Cole Dexter Krispin arrived in the small Kansas town of Schicksal with one thing on his mind: finishing his doctorial thesis. He hoped getting away from his hectic life in Pittsburgh would allow him to concentrate on the long overdue paper and to forget about his last lover. Life-long Schicksal resident, Noah Stoffel, has managed to keep his sexuality a secret. Yet, after one look at the dark-haired newcomer, he knows his life in the sleepy town will never be the same. But more than Noah’s desire for privacy stands between him and Dexter. For years, the residents of Schicksal have been hiding a horrific secret, one that takes Dexter mere days to uncover and expose...a secret that could destroy—or heal—them all.
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