Progeny
By: Delilah deSora

Chapter 6

Cayle growled and kicked at the rocks, pelting the tree with them. Dorian stayed silent, watching as his friend worked out his anger.

“It’s not fair!” Cayle snarled, his claws digging into the tree trunk. “I don’t want to have a brother!”

Dorian rested his chin on his hand. “It’s not so bad.” He reasoned, “Your parents will be too busy with the baby to pay attention to what you’re doing.”

Cayle whirled on him. “I want them to pay attention to what I’m doing!” He snapped.

Dorian hid his smile behind his fingers.

“And now we have to go away!” Cayle continued on his tirade, pacing about in an imitation of his sire.

Dorian shrugged. “Sire said we were going to a city. There will be others of our kind there. Aren’t you interested in seeing that?”

Cayle shrugged. “It does sound neat.” He admitted grudgingly. “Still . . . I don’t think its worth getting a brother in return for.”

Opening his mouth to reply Dorian found himself cut off as Cayle caught sight of someone behind him and dashed off. Pushing himself up he watched as Cayle leapt at his father who came around the sylvan grove, clinging to his arm. Knowing his friend would be occupied with convincing his father to love him best he slid down from the rock and climbed the wide steps to their home.

He felt a bit of melancholy as he passed through the familiar rooms. He would miss this place and wondered if he’d ever return to it. The thought of never seeing it again made him feel sad and he sought out his parents. They were both together, each working silently in the other’s presence. His sire contemplated a canvas, one he had been painting on for years on end. Around the latest incarnation Dorian could see remnants of former subjects that had been painted over again and again as his sire focused on a subject and then painted over it as another came to plague him.

Climbing up onto his father’s lap, Dorian rested his head upon his arm as the small chisel came down upon the block, coaxing a creature from the marble.

“When are we going?” He asked.

He felt his father shrug. “When Este returns.”

“Why did he go while Renzo stayed?”

Adrian smiled and stroked his youngest son’s hair, setting aside the chisel and marble so that he could cradle the fragile body. “Because it his privilege as a father to choose where he and his mate will make their home when he makes his decision he’ll be back to gather the rest of us.”

Dorian remained silent, resting his head upon his father’s arm and soaking in the final few days of his life in Ilazu Numae

Shido stared out at the collection of low buildings from behind the heavily furred hood of his cloak. If Cain had not pointed them out to him he would have walked by them, thinking them nothing more than stones peaking out from the vast stretch of snow. They were unadorned and rectangular, no more than a few feet tall all made of the same grey stone. None of them possessed windows and the buildings were arranged strangely. The majority of them were gathered along the outskirts, forming a large circle with only a single large compound in the middle.

He frowned as Renzo led the way down towards the buildings, his larger form making a path through the snow that the others struggled to follow. In Cain’s arms Cayle hid his face against the fur of his sire’s coat. The wind tried to catch in the black cloth of the cloak but Cain held it tightly, wrapped about his son’s shivering form. Through the sudden haze of snow Shido could see the dark form of Alexandru and the wrap of cloth that was his own son. At his side Adrian and Este picked their way over the slippery ground, arms bare against the harsh wind.

The adults did not feel the bite of the killing snow but their children shivered and cried in the face of the coming winter. Shido shivered as well, feeling as though he would never be warm again. It was strange to feel cold for he had gone his entire life without fearing the snow or the wind that threatened to steal the warmth from his body. In time Dorian and Cayle would no longer feel it and once his child no longer needed to take its warmth from his body he knew that he too would go back to being impervious to the cold.

Before them Este slipped, going to his knees in the snow as nature won out against a velassi’s enhanced reflexes. Renzo was there like magic, helping his mate to his feet before again returning to the front to lead. Though the land was barren but for great expanses of thin unwelcoming trees Shido had to admit it was a good place to house their kind. Any human would have walked past the silent city or broken their neck a thousand times over trying to walk over the ice slicked rock.

Still it was unimpressive and Shido could find nothing to like in the primitive buildings before them.

Renzo led them down to a small cluster and Shido frowned for the building only came to the middle of the man’s chest. He opened his mouth to ask how any of them could be expected to live in such a small place but suddenly Renzo descended a set of stairs that had been nearly invisible beneath the snow. He sank to his thigh in the snow before pushing hard on the door.

Slowly it gave beneath his strength and he disappeared into the darkness within. Este followed, and a flicker of fire gave birth to a bit of soft light that welcomed them as they carefully navigated the hidden stairs into the stone home. Shido shivered, the disappearance of the wind immediately warming him as he shook the snow from his hair and cloak.

The room they were in was sparsely furnished, lacking any of the small things that made a place a home. Renzo led them through it dismissively, taking them down another flight of stairs to another room. Here he and Este removed a thick slab of stone to reveal a final flight of narrow stairs below. Adrian, the only one of them other than his parents to have come to the city before, immediately moved to the stairs, taking his mate’s hand in his own as he went down. Shido met Cain’s quick glance, shrugging as he passed him to follow.

They descended for what seemed an eternity. Shido was grateful for his sight, which allowed him to see in the pitch-blackness for the stairs often shot off to one side or another. If anyone had not been able to see they would have tumbled to the ground, wherever that was. At least, he mused, it was warmer the farther down they went. Finally Adrian came to a halt and pushed against the stone wall before them. It cracked open and light flooded through the dark passage. Shido closed his eyes against the sharp pain as his pupils shrunk.

When he was able to see again he stepped through the door into a large room that was full of personal effects that bespoke of long residence. He peered around at the decorations curiously as Este and Renzo finally caught up to them. Renzo pulled the door closed, dropping a heavy metal bar over it to seal it closed. Brushing his hands against his sides he moved past them, calling out in a language Shido did not understand.

Cain set Cayle on the floor and the boy immediately made a beeline for a heavily feathered mask that adorned the wall. Cain snatched the collar of their son’s shirt, dragging him back to his side as a man appeared in the doorway. Shido stepped back warily for the man was nearly Renzo’s equal for size though he lacked Renzo’s broadness. He shared his brilliant red hair though and when he moved to take Este’s hand Renzo appeared behind him and Shido was able to find more similarities between them.

“I am glad to see you made it safely.” The man stated, glancing over Este’s head to the gathering behind him. “It is a difficult trip with young.”

Este smiled and nodded as Cayle scowled at the big man.

“This is my brother, Valerik,” Renzo stated, his hand coming to rest on the man’s shoulder, catching his attention, “You remember my son don’t you?”

Valerik nodded and listened intently as Renzo introduced the rest of them. A man who hovered in the doorway behind them, however, caught Shido’s attention. His hair was a vibrant shade of dark blue and, even though it was caught up in an intricate crown of small braids atop his head it flowed down his back to brush the tops of his legs. His eyes too were the same deep blue and they stared ahead, not focused on a particular spot.

Valerik turned and smiled, moving to the man’s side to brush a hand over his cheek. “This is my mate Halian.” He replied, drawing the smaller man forward and gesturing to someone just beyond. As a young man hesitantly stepped into the room Valerik again spoke. “And this is my son Wellyn.”

Renzo’s brow arched. “Another one?” 

Valerik’s grin broadened, showing large white teeth. “Aye.”

“You’re going to wear your mate out.” Renzo warned, making Valerik laugh.

“Yours is going to die of disuse.” Valerik replied. “It is a sin to only give him one child in the time it has taken me to raise three.”

Renzo glanced at Este for support but the father ignored him, turning instead to Halian. “Thank you for allowing us the use of your son’s rooms.”

Halian shrugged. “Since Sable and his mate have left the city to raise their own son there has been no need for them. Payton too, our second child, is gone, moved into a wing owned by his mate’s family.”

Valerik lost his smile, shaking his head as he glanced at Renzo. “Take your family and get settled. There are things we should discuss later.”

The elder sire nodded and ushered the rest of them through the warmly lit rooms. Shido peered about in amazement for the rooms were large and the stone ceiling was high above them. There were no hallways, just large rooms with doors that led to other rooms.

“This is more like one giant home than a city.” Cain murmured, making Este laugh.

“This is a home,” He said, gesturing around them, “The city itself is like a giant circle. All along the outside are the residential areas. Each area is made up of a collection of rooms we call a wing. There are no hallways here because this wing has been made to house a family. When a family needs more rooms they just carve more out of the rock.”

Renzo nodded. “If you leave this wing and go towards the center of the city you will come across the gardens before reaching the center where the council hall is. There too you will find rooms but these are for the council members for it makes them easier to find if there is an emergency they must debate on.”

“How can there be gardens underground?” Cayle demanded, trying vainly to escape from his sire’s grasp so that he could go explore.

Este smiled gently. “They are not gardens as we have back on the islands. They are water gardens. There are also carvings in the stone there that tell ancient stories and places for people to meet and enjoy one another’s company.”

Cayle made a face to show exactly what he thought of such a thing.

Este came to a halt gesturing to a set of doors. “I did not chose rooms for the two of you so you may determine which are to your liking. These rooms here will be Renzo and mine.”

Cain and Alexandru nodded, standing in the center of the room while Adrian moved to the first door. Cain gave him a pointed look and Shido flushed realizing what was expected of him. Hesitantly he went to the opposite door, peering inside. Though he found nothing wrong with it he noticed that Adrian had been moving from room to room, studying each before he made his decision. Alexandru and Cain were busy discussing something while the boys were climbing over furniture so he chose to emulate him, drifting from one room to the next. Finally Adrian made his decision and Shido chose the one next to it.

Whether or not Cain approved of his choice he did not know but he immediately began dragging in the cases that had been brought before they had made their journey northward. Cayle jumped up on the bed, searching for the softest pillow to claim as his own as they unpacked.

Adrian watched from the doorway as Alexandru carefully lowered their son to the bed. Dorian’s form was limp from exhaustion and the child slept in a parody of death, unaware of anything but his dreams as long fingers brushed the hair from his face. Pushing away from the wall he went to them, wrapping his arms about his mate.

Alexandru’s hair tumbled over his shoulders in thick waves and he buried his face in it, breathing in his mate’s scent. Alexandru smelled of old spices and musk, making him rub his cheek against the back of his mate’s neck, trying to get the scent on him. He felt Alexandru stir under his arms, fingers hesitantly touching his clasped hands.

“Lie with me.” Adrian pleaded, opening his mouth to brush the tips of his fangs over his mate’s neck.

Alexandru was silent for a long time; so long that Adrian loosened his hold, a frustrated sigh escaping him. “Are you angry with me?” He asked, glancing at the child who slept upon the bed.

Alexandru turned, catching his chin in his hand and tilting his head back. “You know I am not.”

Instinctively Adrian tilted his head back, opening himself for the kiss. Alexandru’s mouth was cool on his and painfully hesitant, as though, once their lips had touched, he could not remember what he was supposed to do next.

Reaching up Adrian buried his fingers in his mate’s hair, urging the larger man to deepen the kiss. For a long moment Alexandru remained rigid in his hands but finally he relaxed into the hold. He was painfully unsure in a way that he had never been before, even upon their first meeting.

It was always thus and Adrian squashed the rage he felt at whatever had been done to his mate to make him unsure of the very acts that every velassi was born instinctively knowing.

Hands brushed up his sides, bunching the silk shirt and making it ride up against his chest, baring his stomach and waist. He broke away from the kiss, gasping as Alexandru’s fingers brushed over his bare skin. His mate’s head bowed for a moment before Alexandru’s hands tightened about his waist, lifting him up as his mate slid from the bed.

He wrapped his arms about the broad shoulders, clinging to the large form as Alexandru fumbled a moment with the door to the neighboring room. He nuzzled the curve between his mate’s neck and shoulder, exploring the taste of his skin before biting down. Alexandru shuddered and practically dropped him upon the unused bed, bending over him for he refused to release his hold on his mate.

Alexandru’s blood was thick with flavor and Adrian fed from him greedily, sucking harder than he needed for, with each pul,l he elicited a hiss from his mate, making Alexandru’s body tighten with need. He wrapped his legs about his mate’s waist, trapping him when he tried to pull free. After a moment Alexandru relented, lying docilely upon him as he used his feeding to bring his mate’s body to hard arousal.

Finally Alexandru pushed up onto his arms, a growl rumbling in his chest. Smirking Adrian released him, falling back onto the bed. His arms fell over his head and he peered up at his mate through half hooded eyes, watching as golden eyes fixed upon him. The large body shuttered and his grin deepened. He slid a hand under his shirt, drawing it up. Alexandru’s eyes narrowed as he followed the movement, his lips pulling back slightly to bare long, strong fangs as the male growled.

Alexandru’s head dipped and Adrian arched and gasped as a cool tongue traced over his stomach. Strong hands gripped his sides, holding him still as he writhed. His hands buried themselves in the golden hair as fangs teased the soft flesh, making him pant.

Adrian snarled, making his mate stare up at him with golden eyes. He bared his fangs, communicating without words his desire for things to escalate. Alexandru snorted and tossed his head, spilling his hair behind him as he rose up. Adrian tore at his clothes, flinging them away and snarling in impatience as his mate took his time divesting himself of his cloth covering.

He scowled and reached down, stroking his erection. His hand felt heavenly and he closed his eyes, purring at the sensation until his mate’s hands slid up his thighs and pushed his hands away. He peeled open his eyes glaring down at his mate but Alexandru’s mouth touched his aching arousal and he gasped, forgetting about his annoyance.

His mate’s mouth was cold against his flushed skin making him writhe as Alexandru devoured him. He longed to have his mate take him into his mouth but he could tell from Alexandru’s state that he was unable to control himself well enough to shorten his fangs. Inserting such a sensitive bit of flesh into a mouth full of sharp teeth was something he had enough sense not to do. Alexandru’s tongue was torture and he cried out, begging for his mate to claim him.

Alexandru snorted and pushed up onto his hands, staring down at him darkly. Adrian panted, biting the knuckles of his hand as that look made his body clench. Though he would never admit it to anyone that possessive look made him melt inside. Of all the men in the world he wanted to belong to this one, to have this strong creature claim him and protect him. It was purely instinctive and he could no more fight it than he could deny those strong hands that turned him onto his stomach, urging him up onto his knees as he crouched on the bed.

A hand came down onto the back of his neck, pushing his chest down against the soft covers even as his mate’s other arm wrapped about his lower stomach and pulled his lower body up into the air. It was a dangerously submissive position and he shuddered, turned on by the helplessness it demanded of him. Ancient lovers, long before Alexandru had claimed him, had tried to force him into such a position and he’d fought them, refusing to be held in it but under his mate’s demanding hands it felt right to be offering himself up in such a way.

The bed shook as Alexandru climbed up onto it and he closed his eyes, shivering as an unyielding hardness bumped against the back of his thighs. Alexandru’s hands shook and the sire growled softly in annoyance as he struggled to position himself properly. Their cocks slid together as Alexandru fought for balance on the bed and Adrian’s head lifted as he cried out softly, thrusting back to bump against his mate’s hard stomach. 

Alexandru’s hand tightened on the back of his neck and he stilled, trembling as the hard  cock came to rest against his opening. With a grunt Alexandru breached him, stretching him wide as his began his primal assault. Adrian captured handfuls of cloth, struggling to hold himself still as Alexandru’s weight settled atop his hips, making his knees spread wider as his mate began to fuck him with short quick stabs.

“Mmm yes.” Adrian panted, glancing over his shoulder at his mate. “Harder!” He demanded, earning an amused golden glare as his mate glanced down at him.

Alexandru sniffed and slowed, drawing out his strokes cruelly. Adrian gasped but was soon crying out in frustration as Alexandru smirked and continued his slow assault.

“Come on!” Adrian taunted, “Fuck me like you mean it!”

A sharp bark of laughter escaped his mate and Alexandru obliged, falling into the demanding rhythm that their nature demanded of them. Adrian closed his eyes and groaned, reveling in the feel of his mate forcing himself into the small opening. Alexandru’s cock filled him to the breaking point and the position allowed for the deep penetration needed to allow his mate’s seed to flow deep within his body.

Alexandru’s hand wrapped about his organ and he twisted, screaming out as his body tensed and every nerve ending went haywire. Pink tinted semen splashed across his stomach and chest as he jerked in time with the pulses, making his mate snarl and slam into him a final time. He felt Alexandru’s essence released into him and he shuddered, allowing his mate to lower him to the bed and cover his trembling body with his own.

“Don’t leave me again.” He murmured, turning his head to stare at the golden and black hairs that were fanned out together.

Alexandru shifted, nuzzling his neck. “I won’t.”

His fingers laced with his mate’s and for a long time he contented himself with the feel of his mate against his back.

A loud splash broke the serenity of the garden and Dorian laughed as a golden head broke the surface of the ornamental pond. Cayle grinned at him and shook his head, sending droplets flying. Just beyond the small waterfall Este stood talking with a pair of fathers, though his eyes continuously drifted to where they were playing, keeping a close eye on them.

Carvings on a nearby wall caught Dorian’s attention and he followed it, studying the intricate pictures and lettering as Cayle continued to splash away behind him. He could not read it but he continued to study the markings, trying to decipher their meaning. He followed them around a sharp corner, reaching up to touch a beautifully rendered image of the sun when a hand suddenly closed about his wrist. He yelped, trying desperately to free himself as a man knelt beside him.

He immediately recognized the man and froze, whimpering slightly as a hand came up to brush the hair out of his face. The man’s cold blue eyes narrowed a moment before softening.

“I have searched the world for you.” He murmured.

Dorian shivered, fear blossoming until his entire body shook. “What?”

The man smiled and brushed his fingers over the boy’s forehead and Dorian felt himself calm. “They took you away from me and I feared I’d never see you again.”

“Who did?” He asked, fighting against the lethargy that seemed to building in him.

The man’s smile darkened. “Your false sire and your father.”

Dorian blinked, struggling to focus. “False . . . sire?”

The man nodded and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Don’t worry,” The pale haired man murmured, “I won’t let them take you away from me again . . . my son.”