Marcus grinned as Mari shook her head at him again as she handed him a cup of coffee. Gone was the overly serious girl he’d known forever. In her place was a relaxed, self-assured woman. It had been what he’d always wanted for her, but who knew it would take claiming her hereditary power and marrying a Demonae for her to achieve it? Growing up, he’d always been the one to encourage her to “play” more but she’d been determined to be “successful”.
From what he could gather now, she didn’t even have a real “day job” anymore. She spent most of her time studying magick. Now she had taken on the chore of bringing him up to speed the same way she’d always tackled any other chore. With single-minded determination and enthusiasm. Now she turned that on him. Again.
“No, do it again. Make sure you say the words clearly, you don’t want to muff this up in the middle of fighting that bastard.”
“Okay, okay, take a breath. I’ll get it right.” Marcus ran his fingers over the cuff on his wrist then concentrated on the words she’d had him memorizing. This spell had to work. He had to be able to trap a Demonae, keep those he cared about safe and hopefully keep LaPierre from causing more trouble. For any of them.
This time, with his focus and reason more in tune, he got it. He actually felt it. Knowing it was right, he lifted his gaze to Mari’s to see her smiling at him, giving him a thumbs-up sign. For the first time in a long time he felt as though he was making progress. He knew, just knew that everything was going to work out. With another deep breath he finished the spell then sat down, right in the middle of the floor.
Mari rushed over to him, wrapped her arms around him to squeeze him. “You did it! I knew you could!” They were laughing together when Ros came into the room. He shook his head as he sank into a chair.
“Are we all done, then?”
“For now. At least for the moment. Now we need to go shopping. You,” she jabbed him in the chest, “need more clothes. And your own razor!”
Marcus drew his head back to stare down his nose as if he were a king. “What, you don’t think I look good with a beard?”
“I think you look great with a beard, but how does Donal feel about that?” He didn’t miss the teasing glint in her eye but he still wasn’t entirely comfortable discussing his sex life with his sister. Nor did he want any detail about hers, especially not with a Hedonae Demonae as her husband!
“I don’t know. We haven’t talked about that. Or much of anything really. But I like him, Mari. He’s an amazingly giving person. Not my usual type but there’s just something about him that really makes me happy.”
“Then let’s go. We need to outfit you from head to toe before we go up against anyone else. Why don’t you go take a quick shower. I’m going to change then we’ll go.” She gave him a smacking kiss on the cheek before grabbing Ros’ hand and dragging him out of the room with her. Before she left she shot Marcus a look.
“Hey brother mine? If he makes you happy, take it from me. Tell him and don’t let go of him.”
Ros smiled. “What she said. And, yeah, she’s going to be late, so you might want to make that a long shower. Brother.”
Marcus sat on the floor for a moment then got to his feet. He’d seen a phone in the kitchen and knew Mari had written Donal’s phone number on a whiteboard there. He wanted to talk to him, find out what was going on at the store and when Donal would be back. Still, the sound of voices in the hallway stopped him.
“Do you really think it’s wise right now to take time to go shopping, love?”
“He needs this, Ros. Imagine being held captive for seven years, deprived of almost everything and obviously kept naked. I’ve never seen Marcus wearing sweatpants and flip-flops. Not ever. Your jeans aren’t the right size or his regular style. He needs to feel more like himself, the way he used to be. It will make him that much stronger.”
“You’ve a generous heart, Marielle Greenlea-Jones. And I love you for it.”
“I love you too. Now I’m going to get my purse and take my brother shopping. You are not going to make me late. Do you want to come along?”
“I’d rather tattoo my own balls.” Ros sounded horrified that she would even ask.
That particular statement made Marcus wince and laugh at the same time. Seemed there would be no family-bonding time spent shopping. He realized that Mari was right though. He did need the psychological advantage of being in clothes he felt comfortable in and it would help his frame of mind.
He went into the kitchen, picked up the phone then set it down again. He didn’t want to interfere with Donal’s work. He’d wait to call him until after they got back from shopping. Besides, as much as he liked Donal, he thought they might both need some breathing room. Taking care of a Demonae and LaPierre needed his attention. Anyway, Donal might not feel the same way. Then he remembered their last time together. Yeah, Donal felt the same.
With a smile on his face he moved upstairs to his old bedroom to shower and take care of a few other things. As soon as he was done he went quickly to the front of the house to wait for Mari. A short time later they were on their way to an outlet mall where Mari assured him they’d find everything they needed for him, including a new cell phone.
Several hours later the siblings came back to the house to find Ros pacing impatiently in the hallway. He didn’t even let them set all their bags down before holding up Mari’s cell phone, which she’d apparently left behind, and telling them Donal had called. The “disturbance” at his shop last night had been caused by LaPierre, now Donal wanted them all to come there. He had something to show them.
The three of them piled back into Mari’s car, talking all the way to Donal’s. With Mari and Ros giving Marcus more advice and pointers on his newfound powers, Mari drove them to Donal’s store.
Once she’d parked the car the three of them walked swiftly up the sidewalk. Donal met them at the front door. He unselfconsciously pulled Marcus into a hug then pushed him back. “You changed!”
Marcus looked down at the short-sleeved casual shirt and slacks he wore and grinned. “Yeah, I couldn’t see myself wearing sweats forever.”
“I don’t know, they looked pretty good on you.” They both laughed even as Donal led the way into the store. He sobered quickly as he faced them again.
“LaPierre tried to come in. Fortunately Melissa and everyone else who works for me knows that he’s not welcome here. Right after everything went down with my coven I put his picture up, letting them all know that he was never to set foot inside. I’m sure he was trying to cause trouble.”
He took a deep breath as he reached for Marcus’ hand. “Marcus, he knows you’re free. As far as I know there’s only one way he could know that. He’s been in touch with the Demonae who was holding you and if that’s true it’s possible they’re now working together. Not only did Melissa not let him in the store but I knocked his gonads up around his ears and sent him on his way.”
In the way of men everywhere, Marcus and Ros both reached down to make sure their own equipment was still intact. Mari rolled her eyes even as she laughed. “You kicked him in the balls?”
“I’m not proud of it but I would do it again. The nerve of that bastard!” Donal slammed his hand down on the nearest counter then remembered what he’d wanted to show them. “LaPierre dropped this after I racked him. This is why I think he might be working with the other side.”
He held up the small compact without opening it. “I picked it up last night and forgot about it. This morning I realized it was still ice-cold. Odd don’t you think since it has to be ninety-five degrees already?”
Donal looked at Marc. “I think it’s a scrying mirror. You did tell me that the Demonae spied on us using them, right? Is it possible that he and the one who held you captive are now working together?”
“If they are LaPierre is a bigger ass than I ever thought he was. And he probably is. I mean he’s vain but not that vain.”
“But it makes sense,” Ros chimed in. “Mari stripped him of his own power and the Demonae holding you has a grudge against Marcus. It makes perfect sense for them to team up against the two of you. We’ll have to redouble our own efforts to make sure you’re safe before we try any summoning.”
“Do you think Issia might have any information on him?” Mari touched her husband’s arm, drawing his attention to her.
“I’m don’t relish the idea of dragging her into this. She’s already taken too many chances spying on the human world.”
“Who’s Issia?” Donal and Marcus spoke together.
“My sister. She has a tendency to poke her nose in where it’s not wanted, and if she were ever caught using a mirror to spy on the human world she’d be in more trouble than anything either of you have ever known. I’ll have to be very careful when I talk to her.”
Donal broke in, “I thought your kind couldn’t travel back and forth without…you know.” He waved a hand at Mari and himself.
“Ros was given special dispensation by the Demonae Council to travel between our worlds because he still has family over there. His sister is, and always has been, very curious about us. She might know something that could help us.” Mari hugged Ros then moved away from him.
He took a deep breath then nodded. “I’ll contact her. In the meantime we should all get some rest. Make sure you eat a good meal. We’ll need to do our working soon or the Pathosae will have had time to muster even more defenses against us. C’mon, love, let’s go home and try to reach Issia. Marcus? Are you coming with us or staying here?”
Donal felt his whole body tense as Marcus looked at him. He wanted Marcus to stay but he wouldn’t push. After all, Marcus hadn’t seen his sister in seven years and though Donal knew he had strong feelings for Marcus he didn’t want to come between the siblings in any way.
“I guess that depends on Donal.” The smile Marcus sent him warmed him from his toes to his head and had his cock twitching in anticipation.
‘You’re welcome to stay.” Ignoring the smirk on Mari’s face, and Ros’ raised eyebrow, Donal shrugged. “I mean, if you want to.”
“I want to. Thanks.” With a final hug for his sister and a nod at his brother-in-law Marcus cleared his throat, turning back to Donal as the other couple headed for their car. Donal locked up then turned back to face Marcus.
“So, we’ve got some time to kill. Is there a good restaurant around here where we can get something to eat? Mari helped me get access to my bank account. I’d like to buy you dinner.”
“I think we can find something we both agree on.” Dropping the small compact into a bowl of salt, Donal reached out to tug Marcus closer. “Or we could stay here and eat. I make a mean goat-cheese-and-egg-white omelet.”
“Sounds even better.” Marcus wrapped his arms around Donal’s waist, leaning into him. “Will that be for lunch or dinner?”
“Whatever.” Donal wrapped his own arms around Marcus and kissed him. “You trimmed your beard again.”
“Yes, yes I did.” Another kiss, both of them pressing closer. Donal ran his hands up Marcus’ back and then back down to cup his ass. Marcus leaned back to look at him with a big smile. “And not just my beard.”
Donal barked out a laugh then pulled Marcus’ body closer, squeezing his ass cheeks. “I really want you in my bed.”
“Good, because that’s right where I want to be.”
“Let’s go.” Holding hands, more comfortable with Marcus than he should be with this still being so new, Donal led the way up the stairs to his bedroom.
They faced each other at the foot of his bed and without saying anything else they both stripped. As soon as they were naked Donal ran his hands down Marcus’ body, admiring his newly clean-shaved lower abdomen. “Nice.”
With a laugh Marcus went to his knees, one hand on Donal’s thigh, the other resting at the base of his cock. “So is this.”
Not saying anything else, Marcus wrapped his lips around Donal’s cock then sucked. Donal speared his hands through Marcus’ hair, his head falling back on a groan. Marcus took him to the back of his throat then let him slide out. He did it again before looking up.
Donal rocked his hips forward, loving the feel of the other man’s mouth and the feeling of his hair as it slid between Donal’s fingers. Donal loved having his cock sucked and he loved sucking cock. He knew when it was good. This was beyond good. The right amount of pressure, just the right amount of suction with a hint of teeth.
He wanted it to go on forever, and he wanted it to stop so he could come. He watched Marcus’ cheeks hollow as he moved his head, then Marcus deep-throated him again and swallowed right as Donal hit the back of his throat.
Marcus massaged his cock with his hands and tongue. Donal groaned as he felt his cock scraping against teeth ever so gently. When Marcus hummed, the vibration traced up his cock, through his balls, sending his whole body into an answering shudder.
He lost all thought processes then, moving his hips in an ancient rhythm, feeling the warmth that surrounded him, the hand that moved from his thigh to his rapidly shrinking balls. A gentle squeeze there and he started coming. He felt the tingle at the base of his spine and gave Marcus’ hair a tug in case he wanted to move his head. Instead Marcus let out his own groan as he swallowed again, and again.
Donal’s knees went weak as he bent forward, pulling most of his cock out of Marcus’ mouth. He laughed, he couldn’t help it. He always laughed when he came that hard. Marcus ran one hand over his mouth then got off his knees, showing Donal his own turgid cock by running one hand over his length.
“On your knees or on your back, you choose.”
“I want to watch your face.” Donal got on his back, scooting up the bed enough to pull open the drawer on the bedside table. “Lube and condoms. Help yourself.”
“Oh I plan to.” Marcus shoved Donal’s legs wide then leaned down to lick Donal’s cock and balls, then rimmed him, darting his tongue all around Donal’s ass. “I plan to have this ass. Right now.”
With that, Marcus raised up. In his haste he grabbed a handful of condoms, tossing most of them on the bed as he ripped one open to sheathe himself. Another lunge so he could grab the lube. Donal kept himself busy stroking Marcus’ hard cock with one hand while the other smoothed his own rapidly re-hardening cock.
The feel of Marcus’ cock heavy in his hand made him happy. They were about the same length but Marcus was thicker. Donal couldn’t wait to feel that cock in his ass. “Hurry up!”
“Hey, it’s been a long time. Do you mind if I enjoy the sights first?” Marcus laughed, even as he squirted some lube onto his cock then around Donal’s ass. Donal squirmed as Marcus slowly pushed two fingers in his ass, then groaned as he pulled them out. Donal worked his ass back on to those two fingers, relishing the feel as Marcus veed his fingers to stretch him out.
“Just do it. God, fuck me!”
“Your wish…” Marcus set the head of his cock against Donal’s ass. He slowly pushed inside until he’d breached the first ring then pulling back out to squirt more lube on his cock. Donal held his breath as his ass stretched to accommodate his lover.
“Is my command.” Marcus shoved home. Donal arched his back as much as he could then pulled his knees up, holding himself open for the man leaning over him.
“That feels so fucking good.”
“Yes, oh yes.” Marcus seemed to lose the power of speech then, his body moving, rocking back and forth as he shoved his cock into Donal. They both watched his cock moving into and out of Donal. Then Donal put his head back, letting go of one of his legs. He wrapped his hand around his own cock to start stroking.
Marcus groaned as he leaned forward to kiss Donal. They panted together as Marcus continued to fuck him. Donal let the feelings build up inside him and then he let them go. He knew Marcus received some of what he felt, what they were sharing now, and didn’t pause to wonder at their shared pleasure.
Though he’d always been empathic he’d never been able to share that with anyone. Marcus might be a bit sensitive himself or it was the bracelets again. He’d seen the metal cuff around Marcus’ wrist too, wondering at the new piece of jewelry. But then another wave of shared pleasure reached him again. He felt Marcus stiffen, saw his eyes widen then felt Marcus’ cock jerking inside him even as Donal felt his own cum splashing between them onto his chest.
Marcus pulled out with a groan, collapsing on top of him and Donal carefully stretched out his legs, cradling the other man between them. He stroked Marcus’ back until his breathing evened out then cupped his jaw when Marcus lifted his head. Marcus grinned, raising up enough to deal with the condom, then settled back on the bed. He stroked Donal’s face and kissed him. The kiss was perfect. Just enough pressure, just enough tongue. Just perfect.
That kiss led to another then another. Donal lost his breath at one point. Pushing at Marcus who lifted off him, he looked deep into those green eyes.
“Look. I know you’ve been through a lot. I don’t want you to think I’m moving too fast, but, “Donal swallowed hard, “if you need a place to stay until, you know, you get on your feet. You can stay here.”
Marcus didn’t say anything. Donal immediately cursed his own impulsive nature. It had led him to do some really stupid things. Asking a man who’d spent seven years as a Demonae slave to move in with him after some mind-blowing sex… What the fuck was he thinking?
“Stop it.” Marcus laid a finger on Donal’s mouth. “I can tell you’re freaking yourself out right now. It’s okay. I’m glad you asked. I really like you, Donal. You make me happy.”
Donal felt Marcus’ finger stroke his nose. “Don’t go there. Don’t chase that rabbit down that hole. I’m really glad you offered me a place to stay. Can I say hold that thought for now? I don’t want you to offer because you feel sorry for me.”
At that, Donal growled. He twisted so Marcus was underneath him. With his nose pressed to the other man’s he whispered fiercely. “I feel many things for you but sorry isn’t one of them.”
Leaning down, he kissed Marcus on the forehead then on each eyelid as those beautiful eyes blinked in surprise. Then Donal kissed his nose, skipped his mouth to nip him on the chin.
“In case you’re stupid, I’ll spell it out. I L-I-K-E like you, Marcus Greenlea. You’ve come out of a shitty situation that would have most people still balled up in the fetal position. I am amazed by you. A-fucking-mazed. I want to see you more. I’m not asking you to move into my bedroom—although that’s totally all right with me. I’m offering you the spare room and a key of your own.”
Marcus chuckled—the movement of his chest bounced Donal just a bit. “Well, all right then. How can I say no to that?” He reached between them to stroke their cocks together. “And how can I say no to this?”
Donal hummed with happiness as Marcus flipped him to his back then slid down to take Donal’s cock in his mouth again. A man could die happy this way.
Zepar shrieked at LaPierre for twenty minutes. Raging about the stupidity of bony meat sacks and other moronic imbeciles who wasted air, the Demonae was quite literally purple with rage. His skin smoked in places. His cock jutted out between his legs like a brutal club. LaPierre held his tongue while the Demonae’s fury ran down.
“So they still don’t know we are working together,” LaPierre tried to placate his partner.
“No, but they have a pretty good idea, you fuckwit. How could you leave me behind that way? Do you know how close they were to catching me? Do you know what that would mean? This has to end and it has to end soon. What is your next plan?” He hissed at LaPierre. “It better be more effective than the one where you get kicked in the balls and throw up.”
LaPierre winced. His balls still ached. That fucking gay boy would get his. He’d see to that. Maybe he could talk the Demonae into letting him watch while he ripped him a new asshole—literally.
“I think we’re going about this wrong. We have to hit them where they’re weak. We’ll be at a disadvantage in either of their houses but we can counter that if we find something or someone they want to save. We need bait.” LaPierre tossed out his idea. “We need to throw them into a tailspin.”
Zepar tapped one claw against the glass. “We can’t get the humans, and that fucking sex Demonae is too strong when he’s mated. We have to weaken him. And now that I know who he is I think I know just the demoness to use.”