A Willful Taste

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Page No 2 A Willful Taste by Willa Okati Page No 3 1 A WILLF UL TASTE A Chippewa P ublishing P ublication, March 2005 Chippewa P ublishing, LLC. 678 Dutchman Drive, Suite 3 Chippewa F alls, Wisconsin 54729 MS Reader (LIT) ISBN 1- 933400- 08- 0 Other available F ormats (No ISBN #s are assigned): Adobe (P DF ), HTML, MS Word A WILLF UL TASTE Copyright ! 2005 Willa Okati Edited by Kimberly B urton Cover Art by Jayde Hilliard ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole, or in part, by any means, without the written consent of the publisher. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the authorÕs imagination, or are fictitiously used. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental. WARNING: The contents of this book are intended for mature audiences only. Language, violence, and sexual situations apply. Page No 4 Dedication To ÒThe Mouse,Ó for all her help, and to Kimberly B., without whom, this would not have been possible.

Page No 5 1 A Willful T ast e In the four hundred years since he had become a vampire, Raphael learned many things that he considered vital to his existence. He learned to take the blood he craved without killingÐso that he would not become a monsterÐto cherish the humans who he moved among as precious thingsÐnot merely meals waiting to be devouredÐand how to live, when life stretched on eternal. In the twenty- first century, Raphael often felt that he had come to a good place in his long life. There was so much out thereÐgood books and fine music, the ballet, the opera, and the theatre. The feel of fabric on his skinÐwhether it glided as slick and smooth as silk or clung to him as warmly as flannelÐthe scents of the night- blooming jasmine in his garden, and the smell of the rich and frothy coffee that he brewed from time to time. He savored all of it, drowning in the richness that flooded his heightened senses, and pitied his friends a little that they could not feel things so strongly as he. Raphael had only friends, no lovers. Though he might be lonely in his bed at night, he was free of burdening a mortal paramour with his strange life and needs; it had been this Page No 6 2 way for a long time. Instead, he took his pleasure in plain company. Though he did not eat, Raphael enjoyed preparing a good meal for those mortals he knew well enough to invite into his home. He also enjoyed a good, stimulating conversation. Most of all, he loved a night spent with rich, vital humans, laughing and talking, until dawn. Although Raphael would have enjoyed it, he did not allow himself the indulgence of spending the night with a handsome man. He had not permitted himself any type of romantic involvement in agesÐmale or femaleÐhe kept his distance from any sort of loving embrace. Raphael would not have grown so close to his present guest, Ian, if he had not been so very insistent.

IanÉwith his kissable lips, and his lean bodyÐthat begged to have hands caressing itÐhis sparkling eyes, and his cutting wit. The man who teased Raphael into being friends, and then tormented him with lingering looks, which promised far more than simple companionship. Who at that very moment sat on RaphaelÕs couch, watching him with the predatory eyes of a great cat, tracking his every movement. Ian knew what he wasÐRaphael had told himÐthere could be no secrets between two as close in friendship as they were, and he was not afraid. It was no secret Ian wanted him that night. Raphael shifted back against the wall. He had been in the kitchen clearing away IanÕs dinner dishes, but the feel of that gaze drew him out as surely as a magnet. Ian grinned at the sight of him; he leaned back and ran a hand over his flat Page No 7 3 stomach. ÒF or a dead man, you cook like a master chef,Ó he said lazily. ÒBut I bet you do a lot of things well. DonÕt you?Ó Raphael swallowed. He sated his hunger with blood bought on the black market, but with Ian looking at him that way, other cravings began to awaken. Cravings he was not sure he could handleÐat least not yetÐit was too soon. Allons, far too soon. It had been almost seventy years sinceÐsince the last sexual relationshipÐthe time that ended so very badly. Yes, it was still far too soon. ÒCoffee?Ó Raphael licked his lips. ÒI make a mean cup of coffee, or so IÕm told. I donÕt drink it, but would you like aÑÓ ÒIÕd rather have something else, Rafe,Ó Ian said, leaning forward. ÒI think you know what.Ó He did, and that was the problem, non? ÒYou donÕt know what youÕre asking for, IanÑÓ Ian stood. ÒYouÕre wrong. I think I do, and,Ó he said, gliding over to Raphael with the grace of a lazy panther, ÒI think you want it too.Ó He put his hands against the wall on either side of Raphael, and leaned in until their lips were merely breaths away from touching. ÒAm I wrong?Ó

ÒNon. Not wrong. ButÑÓ ÒShh.Ó Ian touched his mouth to RaphaelÕs lips. ÒJust feelÉÓ He leaned against the vampire, molding his long body to him. His cock, stone- hard through the thin, worn Page No 8 4 denim of his soft jeans, left nothing to the imagination. ÒF eel me,Ó he breathed. ÒF eel that?Ó ÒCher, I do,Ó Despite his best efforts, RaphaelÕs hands rose and began to clutch at IanÕs strong young back. ÒBut I cannot.Ó ÒWill not.Ó ÒCannot. You donÕt understandÑÓ ÒWhat? That youÕre a vampire? You think IÕm afraid youÕllÉÓ Ian nipped at RaphaelÕs earlobe. ÒBite me?Ó He laughed lowly. ÒWish you would. WhatÕs it gonna take to make you do it?Ó RaphaelÕs hands made contact with the young man, the heat of IanÕs body radiating through his thin sweater. He bunched the fabric between his hands, pulling the young man even closer as he turned his head away. ÒToo much, you ask.Ó ÒNope. Just enough. Hey, look at me.Ó Ian touched RaphaelÕs jaw, turning his head back so that their eyes could meet. ÒI want you.Ó He rocked against Raphael, pressing their hips together. ÒWanted you for so long. Say I can have you, please?Ó ÒCherÉLoveÉÓ Raphael groaned. ÒIf I could only give you what you asked for.Ó ÒYou can,Ó Ian kissed him softly, tenderly. ÒYou will,Ó Kissed him again, this time with more of a hunger. ÒTonight.Ó Kissed him once more, he was ravenous now. ÒSay youÕll come with me and love me.Ó ÒWill you push me beyond my bounds?Ó Page No 9 5 ÒIf IÕm lucky.Ó Ian pressed their mouths together again, lapping at the seam of RaphaelÕs lips with the tip of his

tongue, coaxing them open for him. Groaning, the vampire allowed them to part, letting that wicked muscle in to stroke at his own tongue, to map out the contours of his mouth, and tease him into a game of thrust and parry. ÒGood,Ó Ian murmured against RaphaelÕs skin. He twined his tongue around one fang, slicing it just a little, enough for a few droplets of blood to flavor their kiss. He laughed into the embrace even as Raphael stiffened. ÒYou like that?Ó ÒYou push me too far,Ó Raphael rasped. ÒMuch too far.Ó ÒGood.Ó IanÕs hands came down to grasp onto RaphaelÕs shoulders, clutching the vampire closer to him still. ÒYou dance with death.Ó ÒI wouldnÕt miss out on this for the world.Ó Ian gave him another taste of his blood, fresh from the veinÐso full of passion and Žlan that it made his spine tingle. ÒItÕs just a scratch. You can heal me.Ó ÒI can.Ó Stroking his tongue along IanÕs, while licking away the last sweet, coppery traces of his blood, Raphael made the small nick vanish. He shifted against the warm mortal man, his own erection suddenly hard and uncomfortable in his tight trousers. Both men moaned as the heat, almost palpable, rose between them. Their movements became hastier, hungrier, hands skimming down arms and up backs, digging in with Page No 10 6 delicious pressure. Ian tangled one ankle between RaphaelÕs and moved his hips enticingly. ÒCan I have you? IÕll say pretty please.Ó ÒBonne chance, scoundrel,Ó Raphael gritted out between his lips. ÒYou set out to seduce me, yes? F eel this. You have won.Ó He thrust against Ian, letting him feel the hard bulge of his own cock. ÒOnly, what will you do with me now?Ó ÒMmm,Ó Ian traced a small pattern of kisses across RaphaelÕs jaw. ÒIÕll make you take me to bed.Ó Raphael thought of his resting place up the stairs, empty for so long of any bodies save his own during long daylight slumbers. He had slept alone for so many years. Now, this

tempting morsel of a man egged him on, begging with lips and tongue and eager, questing hands to be fucked within an inch of his life. He was offering up his blood and come, like blessed offerings to the sacred Lady Marie Laveau. How could he say yes, after what transpired in the past? AlasÉwith Ian in his arms, his hunger laid out so raw and needy, how could he say no? ÒLove,Ó Raphael said, running his hands down IanÕs back, Òwhy do you think you would have to make me?Ó **** Ian pushed Raphael backwards up the stairs, stumbling over steps and laughing into their kisses. ÒI want you,Ó he said with a nibble at RaphaelÕs lower lip. ÒIÕve wanted you for so long, ever since I first saw you at the cafŽ, looking at Page No 11 7 the coffees. You seemed so wistful. Then you looked up at me, and I saw the hunger come to life in your eyes. I knew you wanted me more than you wanted to taste food again.Ó Ian stopped to assault RaphaelÕs mouth with his own. ÒI didnÕt know then what you were, but when I did, that look meant so much more.Ó He stopped, breathing heavily, moist and warm against RaphaelÕs lips. ÒItÕs the way youÕre looking at me nowÐlike you want to eat me up. Will you?Ó He tugged at RaphaelÕs arms. ÒCome on, up to your bed. Take me however you want me.Ó Raphael dipped his head to bite at the curve of IanÕs delectable neck. ÒAre you that wild for me?Ó he asked, drawing the slightest hint of blood with a scratch from one fang. ÒDo you want me so much?Ó ÒMore. Much more. Come with me. Come.Ó Eager hands grabbed at his and pulled him into the bedroom. Ian had been up there before, but to fetch books or the cigars Raphael kept near his bed, and then to bring down a flower from the jasmine that grew outside RaphaelÕs window, so he could offer it to him. Then once more, to sit with him while he rested. Ian knew where it was. He had seen the death- like sleep that fell over Raphael, understood him for the creature that he was, and wanted him still. A hand slid down to grope his cock through the thin

trousers, stroking up and down the length of it. ÒAll for me?Ó Ian asked with a wicked twinkle in his eyes. ÒF or you, Mon Cher,Ó Raphael warned. ÒDo not take me lightly.Ó Page No 12 8 ÒIÕll take you however I can get you, Cher,Ó Ian mocked. He backed up until his calves hit the edge of RaphaelÕs mattress, and then collapsed down onto the softness of the bed. He pulled the vampire along with him so that Raphael landed atop his warm young body. ÒOops,Ó Ian said unrepentantly. ÒHow clumsy of me. WhatÕre you going to do about it?Ó Raphael pretended to think. ÒShall I kiss you until youÕve learned your lesson?Ó ÒSounds like a good place to start.Ó Ian stretched his arms up, suggestively gripping the wooden posts of the bed. ÒDoes this mean IÕm in by poplar vote?Ó Raphael groaned. ÒNo more puns if you love me.Ó He stopped. Love? Where had that come from? Ian laughed, soft and low. ÒIÕll play nice.Ó He wriggled beneath Raphael. ÒJust let me play.Ó ÒGladly.Ó Raphael bent to kiss his soon- to- be lover. He tingledÐburnedÐwith the memory of the young manÕs lips on his skin, burrowing into the soft place between shoulder and neck, and then sliding down to suckle at the hollow where his collarbones met. A wild vision flitted through his mind of sliding down until his mouth was at a level with IanÕs eager young cock, of mouthing it through the paper- thin denim, suckling until the fabric was damp with their shared need. P erhaps pricking, just pricking at the skin of IanÕs belly with his teeth; teasing him, nothing more, to see if he could make that cock jump and twitch with want of his mouth on it. Page No 13 9 Alas no, Ian dropped his arms around Raphael, hugging him close. ÒLove me,Ó he whispered, brushing their lips

tenderly together. ÒI know you want to love me. I need you.Ó Ian, so beautifulÉ Raphael brushed a stray lock of hair off the young manÕs forehead. Ian smiled up at him, lusty, eager, and trusting. A bolt of self- doubt struck at Raphael, burrowing through his breast. What did he think he was doing? A creature such as he, set to take advantage of such a man, so full of life that he burst at the seams with it. Ready toÉ Raphael lost his train of thought as Ian writhed against him and their bodies tangled together. Hips snapped against hips, craving more contact. My mind, you will make me lose itÉ Raphael thought hazily at the first touch of hands on his zipper. ÒWe can go slowly some other day,Ó Ian urged, sliding his hands inside RaphaelÕs trousers. ÒAll that matters now is having youÉyou inside me.Ó Raphael bucked into the young manÕs grip. ÒYouÕll be the final death of me,Ó he rasped. ÒOr I, of you.Ó Ian grinned. ÒP romise?Ó Raphael groaned. ÒYoung, so young,Ó he said between hungry kisses. ÒF ar too young for me, you know that?Ó ÒOld enough,Ó Ian murmured back, Òto know what IÕm doing.Ó Ian arched up against Raphael, pressing their hard lengths together. ÒOui, mais oui, mon amour,Ó the vampire Page No 14 10 groaned, bending to drink sweetness from IanÕs eager mouth. Steel against steel, they rocked and thrust against each other until a wet spot grew between them. So long, it had been so damn long since the last time that RaphaelÕs orgasm began to rise and rush upon him, powerful as a tidal wave and almost as inescapable. ÒWait,Ó he gasped, pulling back. ÒLet meÉI need toÉÓ Ian let him go with a puzzled frown. Raphael stared at him. F or a moment, the briefest of seconds, another manÕs features floated across IanÕs, and he would swear that the ghost of his last lover, long dead, stared at him with reproachful eyes. What he had been

about to do hit home with the shock of a bullet or crossbow quarrel. Ah, mon DieuÉwhat have I done? ÒTheÉthe bathroom,Ó he stammered. ÒI mustÉsuppliesÉÓ IanÕs frown melted into a smile. ÒOf course, I thought we wouldnÕt need condoms, though.Ó ÒLubricant,Ó Raphael lied. ÒIÕll just be a moment.Ó ÒYou donÕt have toÑÓ ÒI would not take you dry.Ó Raphael made himself look stern. ÒBut IÑÓ ÒLet me do this!Ó he rapped out. Instantly, he gentled. ÒI do not mean to yell, mon amour, but I must do the right thing.Ó Page No 15 11 Ian sighed, but let him go reluctantly with one final, stolen kiss. ÒIf you have to, but hurry back. I have a surprise for you.Ó He gave him a wicked wink. ÒYes,Ó Raphael said softly, risking one last run of his hands, down IanÕs smooth, strong chest, before he lifted himself off the bed and padded toward the small adjoining bathroom. ÒIÕll rush like the wind.Ó RaphaelÕs last sight, before he slipped in and closed the door, was of IanÕs expectant face. With the door shut, he sank down on the edge of the tub and lowered his head into his hands. What was I thinking of? He demanded of himself. P ah! Was I even thinking at all? It had always been far too easy to fall under IanÕs spell. Only this time, he had nearly gone too far. Raphael promised himself, after Jean- P ierre promised that he would never again. It was not for mortals and vampires to come together. He knew that. Yet a warm, living human waited for him in his bed. RaphaelÕs hands curled into fists. Ian is such an irrepressible, infuriating, and most inviting man! F rom the moment they met in that cafŽ, and spoke their first few words over his beignets and rich, creamy coffee, he knew Ian would be the man to slip past his defenses. Yet, he had done nothing, but allowed it to go so far as this.

If he could see himself in the mirror, Raphael knew that he would bear the look of a man who had already been fuckedÐtousled hair, clothes awry, and eyes dilated. He did not need to breathe, but he found himself nearly panting Page No 16 12 with excitement, and with the pressing urge to sink deep into tight, yielding flesh. Yet his fangs were sharp, and his skin flushed only with borrowed blood. He was a monster. Ian deserved moreÐdeserved better. I should go out there and tell him so. He would. Any minute now. Raphael gripped the edge of the tub, the coldness of the porcelain biting into his skin. Any minute now. **** ItÕs gonna happen. ItÕs really gonna happen. Ian gave a small writhe of his shoulders, digging them into RaphaelÕs soft, midnight- colored duvet. Any second now, his soon- tobe lover would come back out of the bathroom with supplies. They would pick up where they left off, andÉ At least, that was the plan. Raphael seemed to be taking his sweet time in there, though. Ian did not hear any cabinets or drawers coming open. Had he forgotten where he kept the stuff? He knew for a fact that the vampire hadnÕt gotten any sex for months, at least not since they met. ÒNot for me, the pleasures of the flesh,Ó Raphael said once, sending a beautiful young man away from their bench in the New Orleans moonlight, giving him a wistful smile of Page No 17 13 regret. ÒThere are boundaries, Ian. I must not let myself go, or I risk losing everything to the barest of hungers.Ó Raphael had raised his hand, almostÐbut not quite strokingÐat IanÕs cheek. ÒSurely you understand this?Ó Ian had noddedÐbut he did not leave Raphael alone, as

he hinted he wanted to be. He knew a good thing when he found one, and he was not about to abandon it. Besides, despite his protests and half- veiled hints, Raphael had always turned back to Ian. Ian knew Rafe was as helpless to turn away from the thing they had between them as Ian himself was. Ian laughed to himself, stretching over the bed. He knew from the start, that they were meant to be together. F inally, tonight, Raphael had gotten the idea. Still, that silence coming from the bathroom worried him a bit. Not that they needed the lubeÐhe said he had a surprise for Raphael. Ian hoped so much that tonight would be the night that he made a few preparationsÐall the vampire had to do was unwrap him like a gift, and voila! Ian was ready to take him. He made sure of that. Wish he would come back out already. IanÕs cock throbbed, pulsing where RaphaelÕs hands brushed it. A damp spot grew inside his jeans where he leaked pre- come. It tickled, making him burn for more. He could smell himself in the airÐGod, what must it be like for Rafe, sharp as his senses areÐand the scent made him hornier still. Page No 18 14 Ian arched his back and pushed his hips into the air, hoping the delicious odor would draw Raphael back out to him. When he did come out and they got down to business, what would it be like? Would Raphael take his time, maybe kissing each inch of bare skin before he took IanÕs stiffened cock into his mouth and suckled on it? He would gladly return the favor. On the other hand, would Raphael be in a hurry, rushing to tumble on the bed together in a frenzy of rubbing, licking, and kissing? Would he take his time to get Ian ready to be fucked, by using his fingers, his tongue, and then his cock? Would he wantÉ? Ian swallowed hard. Damn, but he was about to burst from wanting Raphael so much. Want him now. ÒRaphael,Ó he called, lifting up on one elbow. ÒWhatÕs

taking you so long in there? Come back!Ó **** The muffled sounds of IanÕs voice drifted through the bathroom door. He was eager, wanting him to return. Urging him to take what Raphael so desired. Raphael glared down at his fists. His fangs, long and sharp, brushed against his bottom lip. He clamped his mouth shut tight, and tasted his own blood as his fangs pierced his lower lip. The lust for blood rose up instantly, high and hot. He forced himself to sit still. Truly, Ian had Page No 19 15 no idea what he had awakened by allowing Raphael those hot droplets from his veins. Take care, he thought desperately. Go easy, or you will not only ravish the young man, you will drink him down. Gulp, gulp, and all gone! I cannotÉI must not. Have mercy on me, Ian. Grow tired of the wait and go away. Scolding myself does nothing to abate this desire that I have for you. Indeed, Raphael might sit there and lecture himself until Gabriel blew the trumpet, for all the good that it would do. He was not a child that could be cowed into submission by a simple tongue- lashing. Raphael was a man and a vampire, older than the country in which he lived. He had a rampant erection pressed flat against his belly, dripping pre- come in a cool, sticky patch. He had a would- be lover waiting for him in the room just beyond. ÒA moment!Ó he called back. ÒOr perhaps another night, Ian? I find myself indisposed.Ó Silence. Go away , Raphael silently begged. Go, and do not look back. Find yourself a lusty young lover, some fine buck close to your own age, who will show you a fine time between the sheets without any worries. Who will not fear that heÕll be the end of you. Someone you might walk with in the sunshine, who could share the beauty of the world with you, who might love you in returnÐsomeone to love youÐas much as I do... Raphael had mortal lovers, once. Jean- P ierre had been the last. He was a snazzy young thing who adored jazz,

Page No 20 16 martinis and Raphael, who fell into his bed with reckless abandon, just as Ian wanted to do. Jean- P ierre had grown world- weary and worn out with the burden of having a vampire for a lover. He tempted him too far one nightÐbegged Raphael to make him into what he wasÐso that they could never be parted from each other. Raphael was unable to bear the thought, and so JeanP ierre had died, his liver spoiled by too much gin. He died in RaphaelÕs arms, accusing him with his last glanceÐof not being able to save him. Raphael knew, if he went on as he had begun, it would soon be Ian making those same demands of him. Mortals aged. They grew old and sick and died while he went on forevermore. Yet, he would not condemn one to suffer his sort of immortal existence, with the loneliness that it took hand- in- hand. Raphael could notÐ would not Ðburden someone with taking him on as a partnerÐnot any more. Raphael stood and turned on the sink tap, filling his palms with water. He splashed the liquid over his face. Though he had not blushed in over four hundred years, he felt hot and tight, too large for his skin. I am a fool, Raphael thought, taking a deep, steadying breath into his lungs. He filled his palms again and gulped the water down, washing the taste of blood from his mouth. The lust eased a bit as he swallowed, ebbing out like the tide. The pillaging urge to sink his fangs into IanÕs willing young flesh fadedÐbut his erection did not. Rather, it Page No 21 17 strained ever harder at the strictures of his trousers. If he could not have blood, he craved come even more. ÒIan,Ó he called out. ÒP lease, listen and forgive me. Go away!Ó **** Go away? Like hell! All right, that is it. Ian sat up, frustrated. DidnÕt Raphael know? CouldnÕt he feel how right this felt? Waiting was one thing, and fine in its place, but he seriously

did not like being horny and denied release. Ian liked sex. He wanted sex. He needed Raphael. ÒNo!Ó Ian shouted back. ÒI know you have my scent. You can sense how much I want you. Sense this, and then tell me no again.Ó Ian slipped his hand beneath the waistband of his jeans, circled his cock, and squeezed once, just to take some of the pressure off. Ooh, bad idea. Just one tiny touch and Ian wanted more. He had too many lonely nights, just himself, and his good right hand. It did not feel right to think of bringing himself off alone in RaphaelÕs bedÐnot when he wanted Raphael in that bed. Ian suspected something was up, even before Raphael shouted orders to leave. There were no drawers rattling and no potentially exciting sound of the tub or shower coming on. Not even the soft shuffle of clothing coming off. Page No 22 18 Ian squeezed his cock again, rubbing the pad of his thumb over the tip. He wanted RaphaelÕs clothes off. All of them, off. Wanted him to get over whatever trip he was stuck on now and walk out of the bathroom ready to take him, fuck him as he ached to be fuckedÐquick, needy, and hot. God, all he needed was the touch of RaphaelÕs cock, just the brush of it on his skin. Ian would explodeÐhe was that closeÐand roar into the orgasm he was beginning to hurt for in his loins. Ian closed his eyes and inhaled sharply at the mental image that brought up. The bathroom door opening, a square of bright light against the dimness of the bedroom, with Raphael outlined in the doorwayÐslim and ripped from hundreds of years of hard exerciseÐready for IanÕs hands to rove over him from head to toe. Ian saw and felt RaphaelÕs muscles before, when they were rolling around together. They were hard; especiallyÐ he squeezed he squeezed his own cock Ðthere, just like a rock. He had learned just a little of RaphaelÕs body so far, and he burned to learn the rest of it with his fingers and eyes.

YeahÉ Ian could envision Raphael standing in the doorway, his erect cock jutting out, and wet at the tipÐjust begging to be sucked and lickedÐtasting sweeter than any ice cream cone and twice as tempting a treat. He would get on his knees to eat that banquet. He knew it from the start. IanÕs hand moved, sliding up and down the length of his silky cock. Small drops of pre- come formed on the fat purple head. ÒCome out,Ó he urged, pumping himself, while Page No 23 19 thinking of Raphael coming out to greet him naked and ready. How big would he be? Ian had many sly eyefuls of the vampireÕs package, and he was thrilled at the solid hardness of it pressed against him minutes before. He had no idea about the length, but it was definitely thickÐas big around as his wrist, maybe? Enough to stretch him wide and split him open, for sure. Ian groaned, knowing that Raphael could hear and smell his arousal. ÒRafe,Ó he called hoarsely. ÒCome on. DonÕt be like this.Ó Wait. Was that a noise? He thought he heard Raphael move. ÒThatÕs it. Come on,Ó he urged. ÒCome back to me.Ó Ian shivered in anticipation. Mmm. God, he could almost feel Raphael inside himÐhard and insistentÐbig enough that he would be sore days later; reminding him of what a good fuck the vampire was every time he sat down. Sore in a good wayÐhe knew Raphael would not be too rough on himÐjust rough enough. Maybe tearing his clothes as he pulled them free. He could only hope. Ian shifted, moving his hand. ÒRaphael, I can almost feel your skin on my skin,Ó he crooned. He could imagine the feel of stubble, softness, and rasps of hair across his own smooth and textured surfaces. He could see RaphaelÕs head bending to his cock, extending his tongue to lap at the pulsing veins, and licking off the moistureÉ Ian laughed. ÒCome and fuck me. IÕm waiting for you!Ó Page No 24

20 Was he a slut? Maybe, but he would willingly be RaphaelÕs slut without shame, without thinking twice about it. Ian arched and stretched, imagining and yearning. Want. Want. Want. ÒCease your taunting!Ó RaphaelÕs voice came, sounding desperate. ÒP ush me no further, Ian. Go!Ó Ian sat upright, letting go of his cock. Annoyance tilted his mouth to a side. All right, thatÕs itÐno more waiting. **** Raphael sat on the edge of the tub again, his head in his hands, when he heard the unmistakable rattle of the bathroom door opening. Oh, noÐI thought I lockedÉ He looked up just in time to see Ian standing in the doorway, waving a credit card at him. ÒWorks like a charm,Ó he said, slipping the plastic back into his pocket. ÒSo I see.Ó Raphael stared at the human, unable to find words. Ian was so beautiful, standing there with his erection straining at the crotch of his jeans. Such a beautiful cock; surrounded by a growing circle of dampness. Raphael stifled a hysterical giggle. To be young and mortal again, to need sex so much that he would get so worked up over the mere thought of being fucked. Page No 25 21 Indeed, that was how RaphaelÕs maker brought him into this un- life. He remembered him wellÐsuch a lover he was. He fell under RaphaelÕs warm- blooded charms, and then made him what he wasÐa creature who fought daily not to become a monster. His maker laughed at his qualms, and then abandoned him to his fate. Raphael could neverÐ would never Ðdo such a thing to Ian. He did not do it for Jean- P ierre, despite the heated desire that shone in his mortal eyesÐsuch want for his body, his heart, and his love. Jean- P ierre had so much lust for an existence destined to be so very lonely. Not that Raphael was any better off. Though his shirttails

hid it, he too had soaked through his trousers, for want of joining with that warm, waiting body. Wanting, needing, and yearning more than anything, to tangle his fingers in IanÕs dark hair again, to kiss those soft lips until they were cherryred and ripe. That was his problem, non? Raphael wanted; when he knew that he should not. Raphael spread his hands helplessly. ÒP leaseÑÓ ÒWhat?Ó The young man snapped up that crumb as he dropped it. ÒRaphael? Tell me whatÕs going on. Back there, in your bed, it was all fuck, fuck, fuck, now, now, now, and I liked it. I wanted you. Still do. But then you took off, and now youÕre telling me to get out.Ó Ian dropped to one knee beside Raphael, putting both hands on his tight thigh. ÒWhy? Is it me? Did I do Page No 26 22 something wrong, something to make you not want me?Ó He hesitated. Then, shrewdly stated, ÒOr is it you?Ó ÒMe,Ó Raphael murmured. Unable to help himself, he laid his hand over IanÕs. ÒYouÕve done nothing wrong.Ó Nothing but want me. ÒIÕm justÐI am a monster, Ian. Truly, is this what you want? Think a moment. I am no better than a beast if I take you into my bed. Unthinking, unfeeling, uncaring of what is best for you. My nature says I want, and so I should take and have. However, I must do what is right. Can you not see that?Ó IanÕs hands tightened into fists. ÒRaphaelÑÓ ÒI mean it, mon petit amour. Run. Go quickly, while you have yet the chanceÐbefore my nature gets the better of me.Ó Raphael dared to raise his head and meet IanÕs eyes. ÒP lease.Ó Ian regarded him steadily. ÒNo. No way.Ó ÒIanÑÓ ÒF orget it! IÕm not just getting out. After all that weÕve been through, all that weÕve meant to each otherÐour friendship, and what almost happened in your bed tonightÐthereÕs no way IÕm leaving you. Not when IÕve tasted how good you are. Not until IÕm drunk on you, filled up with as much as I want. I donÕt roll over for just anyone,

Raphael. You, only youÐI want you and you want me tooÐdonÕt lie. You donÕt want me to go. You donÕt mean it.Ó ÒBut I do!Ó Raphael snapped. He stared at Ian, willing him to understand. ÒGo home, cher. Go now.Ó Page No 27 23 **** Ian stared at Raphael for a long moment, muscles working in his jaw. ÒRafe,Ó he said evenly, ÒyouÕre talking a lot, and what IÕm hearing is ÔyouÕre an innocentÕ, and ÔI wonÕt take advantage of youÕ. I, however, want to be taken advantage of. DonÕt you get it? IÕm not stupid. I know what a vampire is. I know what you are. IÕm not asking to be made into what you are. All IÕm asking is for you to love me.Ó Ian stood, snagging RaphaelÕs hand and dragging him, startled, to his feet so that they stood eye to eye. ÒYou might have lost sight of this, but for us humans, life is too damned short to waste on tormenting ourselves with what might happen and what could be. You know what? I could walk out that door and into the path of a car. A stray bullet on Bourbon Street could hit me. Another one of your kind might find me, and take what they want. Anything could happen.Ó He moved closer still. ÒYou know what? F uck that. I donÕt want my life to be over before I can live it. Not before, I can give thisÐusÐa chance, and I know you donÕt want that either. Be honest with me. Be honest with yourself. You want this as much as I do, and to make my pointÉ.Ó Striking as quick as a deadly water moccasin, Ian crossed the distance that separated their mouths. He crashed their lips together; his kiss was that of a drowning man desperate Page No 28 24 for breath. Ian kissed Raphael as if he would like to climb in, as if he could only find the peace he craved in their embrace.

Raphael groaned, unable to withstand the power behind the heat of IanÕs attack. When his mouth fell open, IanÕs tongue darted in, clashing and tangling with his own. They broke their lips away from each other, both trembling. RaphaelÕs lips parted as he stared at Ian. He could feel the hardness and heavy weight of the manÕs cock pressed against his own, sorely testing his self- control. Ian pushed his hips forward roughly, grinding their erections together. He reached up to twine his hands together behind RaphaelÕs back, kneading the soft flesh. ÒThat,Ó he said between harsh breaths, Òwould be my point. Just forget everything else, okay?Ó Raphael swallowed. Those eyesÉthat mouthÉthe heat of that cock pushing against my ownÉ ÒTell me what you want,Ó Ian urged, molding himself to the vampire. ÒBe honest with me. Say it.Ó ÒYou!Ó The word burst from RaphaelÕs lips despite his efforts. ÒDamnationÐtake my soulÐbut I want you.Ó Ian rocked against him. ÒDamn the consequences?Ó he whispered. ÒSay it.Ó ÒDamn them.Ó Raphael lifted his face to kiss Ian again. ÒDamn them, damn them, and damn them again. May God have mercy on me, even though He has turned his face from away from me. I want you. Merde, but I want you so much!Ó Page No 29 25 Ian nibbled at his lower lip. ÒIÕm ready for you,Ó he crooned. ÒYou ready for me?Ó ÒReady.Ó Raphael bit back, but did not break the skin, and then laved the abused lip with his tongue. ÒYou win again, Ian. Victory is yoursÓ ÒSweet, sweet victory.Ó ÒIs it?Ó Ian laughed. ÒWait and see,Ó he promised, sliding one leg between RaphaelÕs legs. ÒYou just wait and seeÉÓ ÒIÕm up for it,Ó Raphael whispered. ÒAre you?Ó Ian bucked his hips hard against RaphaelÕs. ÒSo up, canÕt you tell?Ó ÒThenÉÓ Raphael snuck his hands between them. Quick

as he could move, he dragged down their zippers and began fumbling to undo buttons. ÒWe are wearing far too many clothes, Mon Cher.Ó ÒWay too many.Ó ÒWe should correct this.Ó Raphael tore himself from IanÕs lips and mouthed his way down the manÕs neck, across his collarbone, and up to his shoulder, leaving a series of swelling red welts in his wake. Soon, they would be dark purple bruisesÐvisible memories. He stopped only when he could stretch the collar of IanÕs T- shirt no further. ÒArms up!Ó Ian obeyed. Raphael lifted the soft cotton shirt and had it over his head in a flash, casting it aside to he- cared- notwhere. He slid his hands inside the well- worn jeans, pushing them down. RaphaelÕs eager fingers ran briefly over the Page No 30 26 cock that sprang into the palm of his hands, and then returned to stripping the man before him. Not to be outdone, Ian was busy with RafeÕs buttons and zipper, roughly pulling and pushing, stripping him bare. F inally, they stood naked in each otherÕs arms. Skin to skin, eating one another alive with kissesÐeach giving as much as he receivedÐas the heat rose and sizzled between them. Slippery cocks slid over taut bellies, their paths made slick by bubbling ribbons of pre- come. However, the bestÉahÉyes, the best was yet to be. P ulling away with a quick kiss and a finger pressed to IanÕs swollen lips, Raphael whispered, ÒShhhÉwatch!Ó Raphael yanked back the shower curtain and bent to twist the spigots on. Warm water spurted from the showerhead in a wicked, exciting stream. He turned back to stroke IanÕs arm, thrilled at the goose bumps that followed in his wake. ÒWell?Ó he asked. ÒAre you ready for this, too?Ó **** ÒAm I ready?Ó Ian gave Raphael a wicked look and stepped directly into the tub, beneath the waterÕs spray. Cascading around him, it soaked him instantly. F rom dark hair to long, sturdy legs; it ran in thick rivulets from his work- hardened chest to his cock, standing tall and proud in

its nest of tangled curls. The sight was so beautiful, that it momentarily took RaphaelÕs breath away. Page No 31 27 Ian extended his hand, and Raphael took it without shame, climbing in after him. They shared the water, shaking it out of their eyes between kisses and the rocking of their hips that left them both shaking, desperate for more. More was exactly what he would give them both. ÒWaitÉstopÉa moment.Ó Raphael tore away long enough to gasp. ÒF eel this, Ian.Ó Raphael reached between them and pressed their bare cocks together. Making a tunnel of his two hands, he pumped the shafts firmly. IanÕs knees nearly buckled and his eyes rolled back in his head. The sounds he made were nothing but of pure pleasure. Raphael dealt a fierce kiss to IanÕs forehead. ÒThat we will do again someday,Ó he promised, just loud enough for Ian to hear over the water. ÒAgain and again, until the both of us burst, but nowÑÓ ÒYeah.Ó IanÕs eyes were wide, the pupils so enlarged that they looked completely black with anticipation. ÒNow?Ó Raphael put a hand on the strong young shoulder and pushed him. ÒTurn around, Ian.Ó The space was limited, but Ian managed it quite well and very quickly. His cock quivered while he turned, and his back was now facing Raphael. Raphael cast a desperate look around. Water was not enough of a lubricant, and he wasnÕt so much of a damned fool that he would use anything within reach. ÒNo lube,Ó he said, gritting his teeth. He would have to get out and hunt Page No 32 28 for it, but damned if he wanted his hands off IanÕs skin, even for a moment. ÒDonÕtÉhave toÉÓ Ian gasped. ÒF eel me. I told you, we didnÕt need lube. I made myself ready for you earlier. IÕve

been ready all night, stretched and wanting you.Ó He reached behind himself, hunting for RaphaelÕs hand. ÒA plug and lube. I pretended it was you.Ó ÒYouÉÓ Raphael slid his fingers down IanÕs spine, to the cleft of his ass, and slipped inside to check. The handle of the plug protruded, slippery to the touch. ÒSweetling, Ian, youÉÓ He laughed. ÒÉare that sure of yourself, were you?Ó ÒI figured I could talk you into coming around.Ó Ian glanced back over his shoulder, his eyelashes sparkling with water droplets. ÒHow about less talking and more fucking. Take the plug out for me.Ó ÒWith pleasure.Ó Raphael tugged at the toy. It slid out, leaving his lover stretched and open for him. He thrust two fingers in, working them, seeking the pleasure- spot deep inside. When he found it, Ian bucked and howled, pushing back against him. ÒSo eager,Ó Raphael breathed. ÒDo you want me so much?Ó ÒAnd more.Ó Ian nudged back against RaphaelÕs cock. ÒYou want to put that to good use already?Ó Raphael bit the tip of IanÕs ear. ÒYouÕre ready for me, yes?Ó Ian bent a little at the waist, opening himself for Raphael. ÒLet me put it this way,Ó he said with a breathless laugh. Page No 33 29 ÒIÕm going to a) burst, b) scream, or c) combust if you donÕt fuck me right now, okay?Ó ÒThen your wish,Ó Raphael murmured, squeezing one slim ass cheek, Òis my command.Ó Rubbing light circles on IanÕs back with one hand, he used the other to line his cock up to IanÕs eager hole. ÒRelax,Ó he breathed. ÒRelax, relax and take me, take all of meÉÓ ThenÉ ohhh ÉRaphael was driving inÐinto that hot, velvet glove of an ass, that gripped him like a vice clenching tight around his member. Beyond words, he was only able to groan out his satisfaction. Ian was babbling somethingÐhe could not tell what, only that it was eager and excited. He thrust back against Raphael, telling him with

actions to move! Slowly, Raphael eased his way almost all the way out, then back in again in a leisurely, smooth glide. Ian hammered a fist against the tiled wall as Raphael did it again, teasing him, by pushing gently in and out with the length of his cock. ÒF uck me, fuck me, fuck me,Ó Ian babbled. ÒHard. Do it hard!Ó Raphael laughed and slid in again, relishing the slow envelopment of his cock in that welcoming flesh, over- andover again, until the onrushing wave of his orgasm started him moving more quickly. Ravenous for the climax, he pounded in and out of IanÕs hole. Sliding a hand around Page No 34 30 IanÕs belly, he gripped the manÕs throbbing prick in his own hand, and with each push of his hips, stroked it roughly. There was no interpreter on Earth, who could make sense of IanÕs wordless cries, but Raphael knew what he was thinking. With a spine- shattering arch and a low, wailing keen, he bent backwards slightly and came in thick, sticky bursts over RaphaelÕs palm. RaphaelÕs own balls drew up at the sensation of the come dripping through his fingers, and at the clenching of IanÕs hole, as orgasm shook him to his core. He buried his face between IanÕs shoulders for one last, rough kiss before he too was erupting deep within his new lover, marking him as his own. They rested for a momentÐunable to do more than breathe roughlyÐas the water, growing a little cool, rained down upon them. RaphaelÕs knees were weak, and he too needed to use the wall and IanÕs back, to hold himself upright. At last, Ian turned his head. His eyes were full of deviltry. ÒSo,Ó he said, with laughter in his voice. ÒGot any problems now?Ó Raphael gave in to that laughter and pressed his lips to IanÕs shoulder. ÒNo,Ó he said, relishing the feel of that wet, soft skin beneath his lips and tongue. ÒNot a one.Ó **** F or the first time in years beyond counting, Raphael

rolled into bed with a warm, mortal lover, spooning up Page No 35 31 behind him with a contented hum. A thrill of anticipation ran through him as he thought of the days and nights to come, of all the lovemaking they would enjoy, of all the light and laughter Ian would bring to his life. A risk? Yes, but tonight Ian taught him the risk was worth taking. It had been worth the wait, after all the years of being alone. If it brought him to this moment with Ian snuggled in his arms, every second had been worth it. Raphael lay with his chin nestled into IanÕs neck, breathing in his scent. He was content, listening to the sounds of Ian breathing, his heart beating, and his body rhythms slowing into sleep. He was not tired, but he would sleep. Sleep and wake, to wait for Ian to turn around and love him once again. This time, Raphael would take the man face- to- face, with those long legs draped over his shoulders. He would feel that heat from the inside again. He would wait on his lover with gladness in his heart, all the while, loving Ian with all that he had within him. The long years of RaphaelÕs existence suddenly seemed far brighter than ever before. Ian pressed his lips against RaphaelÕs skin. ÒSleep,Ó he whispered. ÒSleep and wake to begin againÉÓ Content, Raphael settled in to wait. Page No 36 32 About the Author: Willa Okati Willa Okati is a long- time reader and lover of male/male erotica. She has several publications to her credit, and a whole network of friends who support her in this endeavor. She lives in North Carolina, but pretends to exist in world full of beautiful men doing naughty things to each other. Without her daily coffee IV drip, she would implode.

Willa loves to hear from her readers! You can write to her at: Willa Okati c/o Chippewa P ublishing 678 Dutchman Drive, Suite 3 Chippewa F alls, Wisconsin 54729 Page No 37 33 Chippewa Publishing Our E-books are MAGICAL! http://www.chippewapublishing.com