A Sangrille Christmas

Two years ago, Leroy Sangrille, a werewolf, ran away from home, unable to cope any more with his father’s abuse. Since then he has found happiness and love in his boyfriend Jordan Williams. A man who completes him and makes him forget about past worries. His life is perfect. Or so he believes… Out of the blue, Leroy gets an invitation to the traditional Sangrille Christmas Howling from his mother. Jordan convinces him to go, and from that moment on, his perfect world is turned upside down as he discovers the real reason why his father was so abusive. Mother Sangrille has a plan, and through her, Leroy and Jordan will discover that the secrets of the past will re-shape the future in ways they would have never believed.

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. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. A Sangrille Christmas Copyright © 2010 Mark Alders ISBN: 978-1-55487-744-7 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

A Sangrille Christmas By Mark Alders

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my Family.

Chapter One utside was cool after a warm day. This time of year in Melbourne always was. It would soon be Christmas. A joyous time. A time for love and all the things that made Leroy Sangrille happy. More so since he had found all of that and more in his boyfriend, Jordan Williams, only two short years ago. His life had been perfect. But this year something disturbing had happened. Something that could so easily shatter that perfection he never thought he would have discovered in a million years. That disturbance came in the form of an invitation. An invitation he thought he’d never get. Not after what transpired the last time he saw his parents anyway. All day he had nervously touched the invitation he had shoved into his pocket. All day he had wanted to tell Jordan, but hadn’t found the right time. The right instance where he could break such bad news and watch as his world came crashing down. Frustration built until finally, just as they were about to go to bed, Leroy couldn’t stand it any longer. He pulled out the invitation he’d now hidden in his top drawer, studying it for the umpteenth time. It read, Leroy Sangrille and partner are cordially invited to this year’s Christmas Day howling at the Sangrille estate followed by drinking, feasting and merriment. No need to RSVP, your places have been secured. Signed, Mother Sangrille. “By the star of David, this fucking sucks,” Leroy spat, scrunching up the invitation and throwing it across the

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A Sangrille Christmas bedroom. It landed behind the wardrobe, out of sight, but not out of mind, as Leroy would have wished. “What is it, baby face?” Jordan asked, rolling over on the bed so that he could face him, his legs tangled in the sheets. Leroy turned to look at his boyfriend. That handsome face with rugged charm, the deep blue wanting eyes and a body, well-toned and muscular that made him drool, filled his vision. He reached out and ran his hand across Jordan’s rock hard chest. One that had just enough hair for Leroy’s liking, but not too much so he looked like something a zookeeper would be in charge of. “I’ve been meaning to tell you…we’ve been invited to my parents’ place for Christmas this year.” “That’s great. My folks are going on that cruise so we can do something different this year.” Jordan paused and his brow creased. “It is great, isn’t it?” Leroy licked his lips. “You don’t know my parents.” Jordan kicked off the sheet, revealing more of his nakedness. Leroy couldn’t help but let out a gasp at the sight of his boyfriend’s cock. He was uncut, his foreskin long and beautiful—another thing he loved about him. “Say, why is it I’ve never been introduced to them before? We’ve been going out for two years and not once have you even mentioned them.” “Because they’re freaks, that’s why.” Jordan shuffled up the bed, grabbing Leroy and pulling him down so that he could lavish kisses upon him. In between those gentle kisses over his lips and face, Jordan added, “Well, we’ve been going to my parents’ every year. I want to experience something different for a change instead of just a Jewish gathering. I want to have turkey and ham and see a Christmas tree with presents and all the trimmings. Please tell me your parents do that.” 2

Mark Alders Leroy embraced Jordan as hard and tight as he could, snuggling his face into his neck, taking in his odour—a musky spice that always pleased him and always got him in the mood for affection. “I like Jewish gatherings. Nice and simple. Not like Christmas at my house, that’s for sure.” “And how about your parents’ religion? Maybe I’d like to experience that for a change. I’ve had Jewish gatherings all my life. If we’re going to be together forever, maybe it’s time I did meet them. They do know about me, right?” Leroy ran his hands through Jordan’s hair, looking him deep in the eye. “Say, how is it your parents never circumcised you? Don’t the Jewish people do that anymore?” Jordan said, “My parents didn’t believe in that, so I was named at a Brit Shalom ceremony instead—hey, don’t change the subject. Answer my question. Or else.” His brow creased and a flash of concern reflected in his eyes for a brief moment. Sadness washed over Leroy. He wanted to tell Jordan that he hadn’t mentioned anything to his parents because he himself hadn’t spoken to them in more than two years. He did like his mother…on occasion. But his father…well, he forced him out of home. In his eyes, Leroy wasn’t good enough for the clan—the runt, and one who should have been killed at birth. Leroy deliberately avoided the question and replied, “Or else what? Besides, I do love your foreskin and I’m glad they didn’t cut it off you.” “You’re incorrigible, you know that?” “So what does your name mean in Hebrew then?” “I’m not answering your questions until you answer mine.” Leroy offered a quivering smile, “I’ll give you something you like, if you tell me.” Jordan sighed. “I can’t win with you, can I?” He kissed 3

A Sangrille Christmas Leroy again, parting his lips and sending in his tongue, warm and welcome. When he came away, he added, “It means descend.” “How interesting.” “You know all this. You know everything about me and my family. But what do I know about your family, hmm?” “Enough to know that when I say they’re freaks, that’s what they are.” Jordan sighed again. “Is it too much to ask to want to know more about your past?” “Can we talk about this later, my love?” Leroy kissed him again. He hoped the gentle tongue play he soon found himself overwhelmed in would convince Jordan that other matters were more important right now. It worked. Jordan groaned, the first sign he wanted Leroy in an intimate way and had resigned to that fact. Leroy knew Jordan wouldn’t give up. He would have to tell him sooner or later, especially now that he was expected to attend the clan’s Christmas function. No one in the clan went against his mother and it was obviously her idea that he was invited this year. She was the one who saved him from death at his father’s hand when he was born. Why? Leroy didn’t know. Maybe it was guilt. Leroy was the runt of a litter of six, one brother and four sisters. Perhaps his mother saw something in him the others did not. Jordan knocked Leroy out of his reverie. “Then give me that something I like quick before I change my mind and get all persistent on you.” “Sure thing.” Leroy found it hard to fight back the pain of the past. He was thankful he had Jordan. The man who had saved him when he was in werewolf form more than two years. Back when his father had confronted him, the result of his homelessness. 4

Mark Alders Jordan’s eyes flashed concern again. “They don’t know you’re gay, do they?” Leroy didn’t answer straight away. Instead, he came so that he was on top of Jordan, rubbing his cock against his stomach. Hard as ever, seconds later. When he did reply, he said, “It’s worse than that.” Jordan writhed underneath him on the bed, a gentle moan filling Leroy’s ears with delight. Their skin on skin contact was so wonderful, so enticing, that soon they were a tangle of limbs. “They did something to you, didn’t they?” But Leroy’s mind was focused on their passion. He couldn’t speak, too busy lavishing kisses and leaving wet trails across Jordan’s chest. Jordan pushed with gentle care on Leroy’s head, his intention clear. He wanted Leroy to go down on him. The fact that Jordan arched his back and unknotted his legs from around Leroy’s back left no doubt. “Take me,” Jordan said with a gasp. Leroy didn’t need any more encouragement than that and was soon kissing him below his navel, working his way toward his cock. Seconds later, his nose was deep in Jordan’s pubic hair. He always started at the root of his lover’s cock, kissing him along his length, enjoying the sensation of Jordan’s heated skin on his lips, feeling his magnificent balls as he worked. Jordan let out a yelp of joy when Leroy went to the second stage of his affection for his lover’s beautiful cock. He pulled down on the root slightly so that his foreskin retracted just enough for him to insert his tongue into the hidden wonder inside. His tongue tickled and teased both the inside of his sensitive skin and his piss slit at the same time. Shivers of delight quivered Jordan’s stomach as Leroy played with his foreskin, nibbled it and worshipped it. 5

A Sangrille Christmas For a moment he came away, enjoying the tangy taste Jordan’s foreskin had produced since they had showered together this morning. A taste that spurred him on and made him think of more erotic things. “You like that, my love?” “Fuck yeah. You do that so well.” “Dock with me then.” Jordan gasped again, coming to sit up on the bed. “I thought you’d never ask.” For a moment, Leroy and Jordan both shuffled into position, soon sitting so they were facing each other, legs over legs, and their dicks able to touch without effort. “Ready?” Jordan replied with a nod, but didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed Leroy’s erection while at the same time retracted his foreskin so that their bulging heads could make contact. In one fluid motion, Jordan pushed up on the skin of his cock so that his foreskin rolled over Leroy’s fully engorged head, their pre-cum lubricating the action. Leroy had been circumcised, another memory that brought him pain. To forever have the scar, the permanent reminder of the patriarch’s disapproval at having the runt live and spoil clan tradition. But he didn’t care what his father thought. Jordan understood him. When they were about to make love and solidify their feelings, they always docked. Such a simple action made him feel complete. Jordan completed him. For the longest time, Jordan jerked off Leroy, using his foreskin to enhance the sensation of an already erotic experience. His foreskin was so long and beautiful that it more than covered Leroy’s head. Then when he was tingling from all the attention, Leroy pulled Jordan’s hand off their joining. He just wanted to feel his foreskin over him, relish in the sensation of having skin so smooth and silky and 6

Mark Alders wonderful glide over his cock. Leroy loved how Jordan’s foreskin remained even when not held. The rim of his head and the tightness of his lover’s foreskin, especially at the end, was more than enough to stop it from retracting unless desired. Leroy never wanted it to retract. “I’m gonna cum soon, baby face,” Jordan said with a gasp. Leroy knew that their actions had been enough for them both to reach climax. He felt the same—that familiar tingle emanating from his groin to course through his body, the tightening of his balls, the race of his heart. To tell the truth, Leroy preferred this sort of foreplay even more than intercourse. But Jordan liked to be the man, sink his cock into Leroy’s arse and claim him. That was fine. Jordan gave him more than enough, and being fair, he was glad to lie down for his lover once that they had docked and kissed and teased and tickled each other. Jordan made him the happiest man alive. “Take me,” Leroy whimpered. Jordan retracted his foreskin off Leroy’s head. Leroy missed the sensation straight away. The cool air hit his skin with such noticeable difference that he gasped. Moments later, and after more shuffling and groping and gentle laugher, Leroy closed his eyelids tight as Jordan entered him. The experience always hurt, but always left him complete, too. He didn’t mind the pain, Jordan’s foreskin helping to glide his cock as he gained rhythm. A lot better than just being hammered away anyway. “Fuck,” Jordan screamed out, collapsing onto Leroy. He had cum, the signs unmistakable. The wild look calmed in his eyes and the smile he always gave confirmed it. “You were awesome,” Leroy said, genuine in his words. “I’m not finished yet.” 7

A Sangrille Christmas In that moment, Jordan shuffled down so that he was at Leroy’s erection, kissing his circumcision scar with such tender care that the sight of it always made Leroy’s eyes mist. So many emotions boiled up inside him as Jordan kissed and licked him around his cock. The wonderful look in Jordan’s eyes while he worked completed the picture and made him want to do nothing else but be in his man’s arms for the rest of his life. In the moments Leroy was lavished with such love, he believed that Jordan’s affection completed him. Not just the actual joining of bodies, but the emotional connection they shared. With a quiver of his lips and a rush of ecstasy through his body, he ejaculated. Most had landed on Leroy’s hairless stomach. Jordan lapped it up. “I stand corrected. You weren’t awesome. You were fucking amazing.” Jordan smiled and licked his lips. Cum had dribbled onto his chin. Fuck he was sexy. “Come here,” Leroy said with his most commanding voice. “Kiss me some more. Then I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

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Chapter Two eroy ran his hand through Jordan’s hair, enjoying the heat

Loff his body while they snuggled close, again their limbs

as tangled as the bed sheets. “Have you told them you’re gay?” Jordan asked, running his hand across Leroy’s chest. “Your parents, I mean.” “I know what you meant.” “Well?” Leroy took in a deep breath. “You know how you rescued me two years back?” Jordan pecked him on the cheek. “Sure do. You were a mangy old werewolf near on death, I’d say.” “My parents—actually, my dad…well, I left because of him. I couldn’t stand his abuse any longer. You see, I’m not even supposed to be alive.” “What are you talking about?” “I’m the runt of the litter. Have you wondered why I’m so skinny and hairless in human form and why I have such scruffy hair as a werewolf?” Jordan snuggled in closer, his breath tickling Leroy’s ear. “No. I love you the way you are. You’re my big, bad twinky wolf and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Leroy sighed. “And as punishment he said he’d do more than circumcise me if I ever returned.” Jordan came so that he could look him in the eyes, his glare intent and filled with concern. “So why the invitation 9

A Sangrille Christmas then?” “My mother.” “Oh?” “I think something’s happened and maybe…perhaps I’ve been asked to Christmas this year with you to be told just what that something is. As a butter up, I bet.” “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Jordan brushed his lips across Leroy’s. “What if your father has realised the error of his ways and he’s trying to make amends. I mean, you aren’t going to find out unless you go, are you?” “They don’t care that I’m gay. What will freak them out is the fact that you’re human.” Leroy paused for thought, then added, “I don’t think Mother minds…but I’m not sure.” “What’s me being human got to do with it?” “To them, I’m a humanosexual. My father’s going to rip me to shreds when he finds out about you. That’ll be proof to him that he should have killed me when I was born, just as tradition dictates. I’ll be a freak in their eyes.” Jordan’s eyes widened, flashed confusion. “So they don’t care that you’re gay, but they’re more worried by you going out with a human? Now I’ve heard everything.” “You got it. Told you they were freaks.” “This is going to be interesting.” “So we’re not going then, right? We’ll spend Christmas here, holed up for the long weekend, getting down and dirty with each other.” Leroy let out a gentle chuckle. “If I’m a freaky humanosexual, then I’m going to make sure I’ve sinned heaps for such a label.” Jordan’s face hardened. “Are you kidding? We’re going and I’m going to help and support you as much as I can. Together we’ll let them know just how wonderful you are. But I do agree with one thing.” “What’s that?” Jordan kissed Leroy. When parted, he replied, “I think 10

Mark Alders you should keep sinning with me.” “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Oh, and you’re one brave human, my love.” “You help make me brave, you know.” The warmth of Jordan’s body lulled him to a disturbed sleep. As he swam between conscious and unconscious thought, the urge to want to go outside and bay at the moon in werewolf form, rose up to niggle at him. The yearning was instinct, like how salmon swam up stream to their spawning grounds or birds flew great distances to breed. The longing within him was even more potent these past few days, especially seeing a full moon was due by Christmas. He would have to transform soon, to release the tension. Right about the time he would be with his clan, too. That last thought stuck with him. The morning light streamed into their bedroom through half-opened Venetian blinds, creating intense stripes across the floor. They were high up in the apartment building so light got a chance to show itself in the early hours of the day. Leroy liked that. “You awake, my love?” Leroy asked, nudging his nose into Jordan’s neck, taking in his strong musk scent. Jordan stirred. Straight away, Leroy could see that his lover had morning glory. That and the fact he felt his erection press against his stomach as he snuggled in closer, wrapping his arms around him tight. “I’m…awake,” Jordan said with a yawn, his voice groggy from the night. “You know what today is?” Jordan shook his head, coming so he could kiss Leroy. The haziness of morning still clung to Leroy, his feelings numb. But one thing was certain, before any business of the 11

A Sangrille Christmas day, Leroy wanted to have some fun. It may be the last chance he got for a while. He pressed himself harder against Jordan, his cock stimulated into hardness by the sensation of his lover’s skin against him. The cobwebs of the night soon dissipated. He parted Jordan’s lips with his tongue and gentle groans of approval emanated from him to fill the room, spurring Leroy on to continue with his course of action. Leroy had had kicked off the bedclothes. The only tangle he wanted was Jordan’s legs around him. Leroy loved morning sex more than anything, the tastes so rich, the experience so powerful after laying dormant all night. When they parted, Jordan questioned with a gasp, “What day is it then, baby face?” But Leroy had other ideas. He wanted to show Jordan that no matter what happened from here on in, he’d always want him. Always need him. Always love him. Without further hesitation, Leroy came down so he could take Jordan’s hardness into his mouth, fondling his tight balls with his other hand. Another gasp, one sharper and filled with erotic pleasure, filled Leroy’s ears as he grabbed Jordan’s cock. His lover’s stomach quivered, his eyelids shut tight as he began to writhe in anticipation of what was to follow. Leroy smiled. He loved the look on Jordan’s face when he was in the throes of ecstasy. He was careful not to retract Jordan’s foreskin, wanting instead to take in the full experience of his taste, savour it. It had been a good eight hours since they had last made love and from experience, Leroy knew that the taste of his lover would be strong after being trapped under his foreskin for so long. Leroy slid his tongue into Jordan’s foreskin and before he could even touch the bulging head, he was overwhelmed by the wonderful rush of flavours he so loved. So tangy, spicy 12

Mark Alders and above all, alluring. Even the smell, the manly aroma of skin and hair and hormones was so intense it turned him on even more. Leroy, with a gentle movement across Jordan’s shaft, pulled down on the skin of his cock so that his foreskin retracted. He could now relish the rest of him. Taste his salt and tang even more as his head was revealed like a gift being unwrapped at a birthday party. Seconds later, Leroy shuddered. He had cum. But he didn’t care. He was too busy enjoying his lover’s cock, savouring it, making sure he took in as much of his length as he could. Then Jordan let out a cry and Leroy’s mouth was filled with the reward of his efforts, the tang and taste of his lover’s cum engulfing him with its intensity. He swallowed everything he had, enjoying the sensation of the fluid sliding down his throat. “It’s Christmas Eve,” Leroy said after a long moment of letting Jordan go flaccid while still in his mouth. “Then I suppose that means this was the last time we can be together like this. Seeing as…you know, we may not be able to get any loving in while under your parents’ roof.” “Exactly.” Leroy came up so he could kiss him. “But I’m sure we’ll find a way.” “We’d better, baby face. I can’t go too long without you. It’s bad enough when you’re in werewolf form for a night every month.” “You know there’s a full moon coming up Christmas night, don’t you?” Jordan nodded, but his expression went dour for a brief moment. “Then let me make love to you before we have to pack. I’ve only got tonight before you’re gallivanting around the countryside doing whatever it is you werewolves do.” Leroy offered a quivering smile. “We may not even have tonight. It will take a few hours to drive to my clan’s 13

A Sangrille Christmas home…and then…well, you said it yourself. We may not get the chance to be intimate when we’re there.” Jordan’s eyes flickered concern before brightening. “Then let’s make love now. I want to make sure we give the right impression to your parents. If we’re gone for too long, they may get concerned or something and go looking for us. Remember the first time we made love at my parents’ place? I don’t think they’ll ever get that image out of their minds, what with you on all fours and me puffing and panting behind you.” “At least your parents are cool. Mine are more than freaks, they’re fucked up, too. You’ll see.” “Come here, my big, bad twinky wolf. Let me kiss you.” Jordan moved so that he was on top of Leroy. Soon Leroy felt the wonderful sensation of being filled with his lover. He got hard himself, but this time Jordan jerked him off while he gained his rhythm. Leroy opened his legs wide, letting Jordan in as deep as he cared to go. It was the least he could do for him. “You’re so good, my love,” Leroy said with a snarl, massaging his own nipples and licking his lips to give his lover a visual feast while he made love to him. “Oh, fuck,” Jordan screamed out a few moments later. Seemed his actions had worked. Jordan had climaxed. That foreskin would taste wonderful now, and Leroy couldn’t wait to get at it.

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Chapter Three another session of licking, sucking and worshipping After what Jordan was endowed with, Leroy said, “I think we should hit the shower and then make our move. Nothing worse than getting to my parents’ house in the dark.” “Why’s that?” Leroy slid his gaze away from Jordan. “You’ll see.” “Hey, that’s not an answer.” Jordan grabbed at him, pulling him down onto the bed as he tried to get up. They wrestled for a moment before both of them climbed off the bed and headed for the bathroom. Jordan had slapped Leroy’s backside a couple of times. Leroy let out a laugh. “You know I’m not going to tell you no matter what you do.” “You’re such a tease—and I’m so going to give you a slap you won’t soon forget for being like that.” Leroy’s eyes lit up. “Promises. Promises. Now, come on, my love, let’s just get there and then you’ll see my parent’s in all their glory. Then perhaps next year you’ll agree to stay holed up at home and make love to me all day.” “Is that a bet?” Jordan smiled. Leroy reached over to turn on the shower. The bathroom filled with steam seconds later. “Okay. You got yourself a bet. If you agree my parents are as freaky as I’ve said and you don’t enjoy yourself, then next year it’s a home Christmas filled with plenty of loving.” 15

A Sangrille Christmas “You make me want to forget going away and staying here instead.” “I told you that was the best plan.” Jordan shook his head. “No. We need to sort this all out. Clearly your clan is a bone of contention with you. I love you so much and I know how your mood changes every time you speak of your parents. We’ve got to get this sorted out, if only to convince them that being a humanosexual is something that shouldn’t be frowned upon.” They stepped into the shower. Soon their bodies were wet, spurring Leroy to plant kisses all over his lover’s skin, concentrating on his lips. Finally, when their passion was as soaked and heated as their flesh, Leroy said, “I wish it were that simple.” Sure enough, it was dark by the time Jordan drove the car up the clan’s massive and winding gravel driveway. The house was deep within a pine and ash forest. Mist circled the trees like fingers. More than once Leroy thought he had spotted members of his family or their many servants watching them as they approached, the reflection of cruel eyes in the headlights unmistakable. He swallowed hard. “Brace yourself.” He placed his hand onto Jordan’s knee. A howl pierced the night air like a warning or an alarm. Then another cry followed, closer and more urgent. If Leroy didn’t know any better, he’d swear he saw his brother amongst the trees. Or if not him, then some other muscle bound alpha male. Then again, the howling was approaching as well as the full moon. Perhaps those in the forest were staking out their patch to get the best of the pickings when the hunt began. Leroy swallowed again. He hated howlings. They were the epitome of what it was to be a werewolf, something he had tried to distance himself from 16

Mark Alders since he left the clan. “It’ll all be fine, I’m sure.” Jordan didn’t look away from the road. The forest was thick and the road narrow. He would have needed all his concentration, more so since the road was made of loose gravel and traction wasn’t exactly ideal. Leroy squeezed Jordan’s knee. “I sure hope you’re right.” A moment of silence followed. Leroy could tell Jordan was indeed concentrating on driving. Many times he had to slow to avoid the night animals, like possums and bandicoots, who wandered out of the thick of the forest, looking for food. Leroy just hoped they didn’t have to stop. Doing so out here and this deep in the forest wasn’t a good idea at the best of times. While Leroy’s attention was taken away for a moment, mainly because he was studying Jordan, admiring him and taking in the sight of him concentrating, Jordan asked, “What’s that?” Leroy looked ahead. In the thick fog, lit only by the car’s headlights, there stood a figure. The figure was tall and thin and if Leroy didn’t know any better, he’d swear the thing wasn’t a werewolf. There weren’t many skinny werewolves besides himself. Then a terrible thought struck him. “Don’t stop. Keep going.” Jordan took his gaze off the road for a split second. “But he’s blocking the road.” “Just keep driving. It’s a vampire.” “A what?” “Don’t argue. Trust me. Just keep on driving until you get to the house. Don’t stop. Not for anything.” Jordan frowned and returned his attention to the road ahead. The moment he did so, he screamed out, “Holy fuck!” He slammed on the brakes. Leroy caught a glimpse of why Jordan had braked so hard 17

A Sangrille Christmas before the seatbelt snapped into a lock and secured him, unable to move other than have his head flung forward and then back into the headrest. “By the Star of David! I said, don’t stop!” The vampire had jumped an impossible distance to land on the bonnet of the car. The windshield was smashed and both of them were showered in glass. Leroy could hear Jordan curse, but worse than that, the car had been stopped. The vampire flung off the bonnet by the force of such an action and was no nowhere to be seen. Another moment of silence filled Leroy’s ears—an eerie silence that seemed to pervade everything. Was it because the terrible sound of the windshield being smashed had caused him to go momentarily deaf? Or was it simply because there really was silence? Leroy doubted there was silence. Jordan was trying to get out of his seat. He could see his lips move, uttering profanities more than likely. Heck, he knew without a doubt that undoing a seatbelt and fumbling with the door handle would have made some noise. But Leroy didn’t have time to contemplate his own worries. He reached over to grab Jordan, pulling at his jacket, to tell his boyfriend to stay put and to get the car moving again if he could. The vampire could be hiding, waiting for the right moment to strike. That was more of a concern than anything. Sound soon seeped back into Leroy’s world. A dull ringing filled his ears. Not something he welcomed, but at least he knew he hadn’t been permanently damaged by the terrible bang of the glass being shattered around him. “…I don’t know.” Jordan had kept on talking. Leroy only caught the last part of what he said once the ringing diminished to something that no longer annoyed or dominated his senses. “Stay in the car,” Leroy said with a 18

Mark Alders timid squeak. “But the guy…I mean the vampire was hit, wasn’t he?” Jordan had now unbuckled his seatbelt and was about to clamber out the car, the door open. “Just drive.” Jordan flashed him a glance. “If I’ve hurt someone, I think we should report it. Leaving a scene of an accident is an offence, you know.” “Just do it, Jordon,” Leroy snapped, not really wanting to sound harsh at all. His boyfriend didn’t understand vampires. “How would such a thing be reported to the police anyway? What would you say? They won’t believe you the minute you say you saw a vampire.” Jordan let out a sigh. “I really don’t know. But I think we’ve hit a man and we’ve got to do something about it.” A look of determination drew upon Jordan’s face. He opened the car’s door. The smell of urine and pine needles and pheromones used to lure unsuspecting prey into vampires dens, filled the car’s interior. Leroy covered his nose and mouth to stop himself from gagging. He knew Jordan couldn’t smell as well as he did. He also knew that Jordan didn’t know the danger the vampire presented. They weren’t sentient. They were more like pack animals. More like wolves in a way, only in human form. Creatures who’d stop at nothing for a kill. Right now, Jordan and Leroy were in their sights. He could hear them all move around the trunks of the trees near the edge of the road. Closing in. The mist swirled in elongated curls where they had been. The glint of their eyes caught the light every now and again. There were many about. “I told you, that isn’t a man.” Leroy pulled at Jordan so he was thrust back into his seat, broken glass falling off his jacket. At the same time, he leaned over so that he could 19

A Sangrille Christmas reach down to depress the accelerator pedal with his other hand, his face in Jordan’s crotch, but he didn’t care. He knew he had to get away, get to the safety of his parents’ house. A notion he thought he’d never have to admit. Jordan’s life was at stake and anything was worth risking to make sure he was safe. The car shot forward when Leroy depressed the peddle. Jordan grabbed the wheel. The front rose up before crashing back down as gravel shot up into the air and pinged off the metal body of the car. It didn’t take a genius to work out that they had just run over the vampire. No doubt the creature was trying to sneak up so it could attack when all its pack were in place. Leroy swallowed hard, continuing to keep both Jordan in his seat and the car going as fast as it could. The pleasant smell of Jordan’s manliness tickled his nostrils. He couldn’t help but smile. If the situation were different, Leroy would have unzipped Jordan’s jeans and sucked him off until he blew his load. The engine whirred in complaint, Leroy keeping his hand on the peddle, pushed to the floor. Thankfully, the driver’s side door had slammed shut because of the sudden acceleration. The only way a vampire could get in would be through the space where the windshield had been. After what seemed an eternity, and with his heart no longer pounding loud in his chest, Leroy came up to sit in his seat proper, letting Jordan drive. A terrible thought struck him. His clan would be proud of what he’d done just then. Besides, all they would have to do for this year’s howling feast would be to come down their driveway and scrape off the vampire road kill. It was a large male. Plenty of meat on it for all, even though thin. That of course relied on the notion that the other vampires wouldn’t get to the body first. Leroy shuddered. He hated howlings. Sure, vampire tasted fantastic, especially how Mother Sangrille 20

Mark Alders cooked it. But that didn’t ease the fact that the vampire would have made a meal out of him and Jordan if given half the chance. Leroy didn’t know many cows that attacked and ate people if they weren’t killed first. After another long moment, and with the house now in sight, Jordan looked Leroy in the eye. A curl of his lips and a glint in his eye welcomed him. He said, “If you wanted to blow me before we got to your parents’ place, you just say the word.” With the cool night air in his face, Leroy cracked a smile. “Oh, believe me, I would have rather blown you until you begged me to stop than have a vampire on our tail.” “Or have the windshield smashed. Now I’ll have to call roadside before we leave to get that replaced for the drive home.” “No roadside will come this way.” Jordan paused, his brow creased. He was deep in thought. Finally, he said, “Oh, there’s the house now.” Leroy sucked in the air between his teeth. Now that he thought about it, and the house did indeed loom large before them, he’d rather have a vampire on his tail than deal with the horrors inside the house. At least vampires were easier to deal with. Jordan pulled the car up into an empty spot near the building. The house was a mansion, Gothic in design, but also modern with state of the art security, most noticeably infrared cameras and motion detectors. Leroy knew they were being watched. Probably from the moment they came into the forest. He bet his father would have found it amusing having a vampire attack them. Leroy could see Mother Sangrille standing on the large entrance porch. She was alone. “Here we go then,” he said with a deep sigh. “Time for some real horror.”

21

A Sangrille Christmas

Chapter Four eroy went around to Jordan’s side of the car and opened

Lthe door for him. When he stepped out, shards of glass

fell onto the gravel. He took his hand and approached the porch. His mother didn’t move. She looked as stern as he remembered. Her appearance, all matron-like and imposing, dominated the view, more striking than the house itself. Her long hair tied back to a large bun, her eyes piercing. “Leroy, my sweetheart, come and give your Mother Sangrille a hug,” she said. The words were not affectionate, more like an order peppered with false endearment. Jordan smiled. “She doesn’t seem so bad.” Leroy whispered, “If you’ve noticed, she hasn’t even looked at you.” “You’re exaggerating.” “Am I?” Leroy embraced her as soon as he came up the flight of stairs to the porch. It was the coldest embrace he had ever experienced. Then again, being in Jordan’s arms was always warm and welcoming. Perhaps this was how Mother Sangrille had always hugged and he was comparing apples to oranges. When their quick embrace was over, she cleared her throat and glanced at Jordan. “And this must be your little man. What’s his name?” “My name is Jordan,” he said with a smile. “Jordan Williams.” 22

Mark Alders Leroy added, “He is my boyfriend and I love him very much, Mother.” There was a pause. Her façade remained unchanged. “I see.” She offered out her hand. “So does that mean that you bed with this…Jordan Williams, Leroy?” “Yes, of course,” he answered without hesitation. Jordan was about to shake her hand when she withdrew it. An awkward moment passed before Jordan took back his hand. With a stutter, he said, “Um, pleased to meet you, Mother Sangrille.” She turned. “We shall see.” Leroy and Jordan were left on the porch. Mother Sangrille had disappeared into the house. “She seemed nice,” Jordan said with a meek voice. “Yeah, like a death adder, you mean.” “Now, now. She may just be a bit standoffish, is all. Perhaps she’ll warm up to me given some time. First meetings are always difficult.” “I hope you’re right.” Leroy gestured for Jordan to enter the house. “Because if she doesn’t warm to you, as you say, then there’s no hope at all. The other members of the clan won’t be as nice as her, let me tell you. If she’s not on our side, then we’re fucked.” Jordan didn’t add any more to the conversation. Hand in hand, they both went into the house. The place was as impressive on the inside as it was out. There was lavish furniture everywhere, marbled floors and thick plush curtains. Just as Leroy remembered. To him it was way too garish. “Go into the smoking room,” Mother Sangrille barked from beyond the view of the foyer. “The others are waiting. I shall be there in a moment with light refreshments.” Leroy swallowed hard. “Here we go.” Again Jordan didn’t say anything. 23

A Sangrille Christmas They turned left, headed down a large corridor filled with plinths and paintings, and at the first right, came across an imposing door—all heavyset wood with intricate inlay work. Leroy reached out to turn the brass handle. The door creaked open. Beyond the doorframe there was the smoking room. A room filled with at least three other clans plus the members of this house, all chatting and laughing and enjoying themselves. The moment they stepped into the room, every pair of eyes became fixed upon them. Deathly silence accompanied the stares. Through his teeth, Jordan said, “Gee, this is awkward.” Right there and then Leroy wished more than anything that he wasn’t here right now. Hell, he would have rather gone on that cruise with Jordan’s parents and put up with old folk nagging him all the livelong day than experience this sort of scrutiny. In fact, he’d rather be in his bed right about now, locked in Jordan’s embrace, just as he had suggested in the first place. “You think?” Leroy’s brother, a large muscle bound man, stood up. “Well, if it isn’t little Leroy come to visit us all. I didn’t think we were worthy of such a thing. I didn’t think you approved of our ways,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he raised his glass. A roll of laugher filled the room. “I was invited,” Leroy said, puffing out his chest. His stomach churned with fear, but to show it now would mean disaster. In a voice as brave as he could muster, he added, “And so was Jordan. Now, can we have a drink at least? We’ve had a long journey.” Leroy’s father stood up so he was next to his eldest son. His gaze intent and hate filled. In a voice low and rumbling, he said, “I didn’t invite you or your human bitch.” Silence once more overtook everything. 24

Mark Alders All eyes remained on Leroy. He swallowed hard again. Before he could add anything, say that Jordan wasn’t anyone’s bitch and that his father was a rude ignorant pig for even saying such a thing, Mother Sangrille entered the room. She was carrying a tray filled with fancy glasses full of champagne. “I do hope everyone is getting along?” she questioned, her stare fixed upon her husband. Leroy’s father coughed into his hand. His face softened. “I was just saying how much I had missed Leroy. He doesn’t visit often enough, you know.” She turned to look at Leroy. “Yes, why is it you don’t visit, Leroy?” “Because I’m not welcome,” Leroy whispered, again through his teeth. Jordan squeezed his hand. Even though his boyfriend hadn’t said anything since they had been in the foyer, Leroy knew he would support him no matter what. Why hadn’t they just stayed at home? Why did they come here again? Leroy had to think deep and long about why in his right mind he would put him or Jordan into this situation. Why be surrounded by such hatred, especially at Christmas? “Don’t be ridiculous. Everyone here welcomes you and your little friend, Jimmy. Don’t we, everyone?” A rumbling of distant approval washed over the room, the members of the clan nodding and mumbling at what Mother Sangrille had just said. Leroy could see in their eyes that they were all liars. “His name is Jordan.” She turned and began offering glasses to her guests. “Yes…Jordan. That’s it.” Leroy’s father stepped forward to dominate the room. “Now don’t misunderstand. You’re all welcome here in this house. In fact, we’ve gone out of our way to make sure you 25

A Sangrille Christmas and your boyfriend join us for the howling tomorrow night.” “You did what?” Leroy asked, unable to believe not only the blatant lie, but the very notion that Jordan was invited to the howling, too. How could he hunt vampires? He couldn’t even change into werewolf form. He’d be killed within moments of setting foot inside the forest. Before Leroy’s father could answer, Jordan said, “I’d be honoured to join you all for the howling, sir. Sounds like fun.” Leroy’s father was now so close Leroy could smell his hatred and aftershave in equal measure. “Seems your little human bitch might be more of a man than you ever were, runt,” he said so low that Mother Sangrille wouldn’t have heard. “I am a man, Father. You just can’t see that.” A smile crawled over his father’s lips. “I can’t see it because you’re not even supposed to be alive. And here you are, rubbing insult into injury into the very heart of the clan by parading around with that thing attached to your arm. How do you think that makes us all feel? You dishonour us and you disgust me. Then again, you always have been a problem.” A lump had formed in Leroy’s throat and words were difficult to come by. How could he say to a man who hated him that he was an equal? He hadn’t dishonoured anyone. How could he? They never gave him the chance. Before he could speak, even with a weak protest, Jordan said, “Let me assure you, Father Sangrille, that I will do everything I can to make sure Leroy and I are redeemed in not only your eyes, but the clan’s as well. I would do so even with my dying breath. He is so much more than a man because everything he does is done with love. You just need to realise that as well.” Father Sangrille was taken aback, but recovered just as 26

Mark Alders quick. “Is that an offer, human? Would you lay down your life for the good of the clan? Even if it meant doing so without any meaning other than your false love for this pathetic runt?” “Yes.” Jordan came so he embraced Leroy. “And my love for him is far from false. He is my everything.” His father offered a smirk. “We shall see.” Again, before Leroy could say a word, another interruption paused his thoughts. This time Mother Sangrille came to them, holding out the tray so Jordan and Leroy had no choice but to take a glass each. “Good to see you talking to your father, Leroy.” Leroy’s father let out a guffaw. “Yes, the conversation has been most enlightening. Perhaps this human is good for Leroy, after all.” Mother Sangrille’s face hardened and the next words were forced from her lips. “His name is Jordan, my husband.” But to Leroy the distaste she oozed seemed to be directed at Father Sangrille rather than Jordan. Father Sangrille slapped Jordan on the back, the action nearly spilling his drink as Jordan lurched forward from the force. “Yes, a name I will not soon forget. Especially if what he has just told me turns out to be true.” Finally, Leroy found his voice. “I think it’s time we retired, Mother.” He then gulped the contents of his glass in one motion and placed it empty onto the tray. “We’ve had a long journey and both of us are tired.” She nodded. “Your room is in the south wing, bedroom four. I shall have your things sent up to you within the hour. Rest well.” “Thank you, Mother Sangrille,” Jordan said. Again her voice was strained, but this time she smiled. “You are most welcome, Jordan. Now go. Tomorrow will be filled with excitement of which you have never seen the 27

A Sangrille Christmas likes. It’s Christmas, after all.” Was she getting used to having a human so close to her? Leroy almost let out a laugh. She was so shallow, yet at the same time, the only hope they had of ever having the clan accept them. Being the matriarch, her word was law. Leroy just hoped that his father didn’t go against her like the last time. He didn’t fancy having to run for his life. More because he didn’t want Jordan to witness such a thing. “I can’t wait,” Leroy said with a good measure of sarcasm, pulling at Jordan’s hand. Father Sangrille sneered and added, “Neither can I.”

28

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Chapter Five edroom four was massive, as was to be expected. In fact,

BLeroy now considered that the room was as big as their

whole apartment, bathroom and kitchen included. Their view was the moonlit forest. A large bed dominated the room. Pillows were mounded upon it like a mountain range. Jordan flopped himself onto the bed, arms and legs splayed. Now the bed was even more inviting. Leroy moved so he was on top of his boyfriend. His warmth and his arms wrapped around him was all that mattered at the moment. “Thank you for saying what you did back there.” Leroy planted kisses all over Jordan’s cheeks, brushing his lips every now and again, too, teasing him so that he would hopefully want more than just kisses. Right now Leroy would even forgo their usual foreplay consisting of docking and cock worship to have Jordan inside him. To reassure him that he was indeed his man and that he loved him with all his heart. “It was all true. You are wonderful.” Sadness overwhelmed Leroy. No matter what happened, no matter how much Jordan surrounded him in love, his thoughts always became darkened by the memory of how his father and clan had treated him. And all because he was the runt, different in their eyes. “Yeah, but my father doesn’t 29

A Sangrille Christmas see that.” Jordan looked deep into Leroy’s eyes. “I think he does. He just wants you to show him, as you’ve shown me.” Leroy sat up, running his hand over Jordan’s chest. “You’re joking, right? He wants to see you dead and me humiliated enough so that I’ll run away again.” “Is that what happened before?” This time Jordan sat up. “Were you humiliated before by him and made to run away?” “It’s more than that.” “Then what was it?” Jordan shuffled himself closer to Leroy, embracing him tight. “Tell me, baby face. I need to know and you need to get it off your chest.” “My father went against Mother Sangrille’s wishes and had me kicked out of the clan. One night while I slept deep, he came into my room and…” Leroy choked, fighting to keep the words flowing. Jordan kissed him, running his hands down to the small of his back, massaging him there and sending shivers of delight through Leroy. “Go on.” “He came into my room.” Leroy licked his lips. “He came into my room and while I slept…while I was defenceless…he…he took a knife and…he cut off my foreskin. I woke in pain and with so much blood, I thought I had been stabbed. I thought I was going to die. All he did…all he did was stand there, laughing, holding up the part of me he had taken away.” Tears misted Leroy’s vision and Jordan kissed them from his cheeks. “I ran away then. Not because I was scared of what he had done, but what he would do next if given the chance.” “What did your mother do?” “I don’t know. I never heard from her until a month later, about the same time you found me in the park, emaciated and weak from living a life on the run. She only said that she 30

Mark Alders hadn’t heard from me in a while and wanted to know what I was doing. She didn’t say anything about that night. How my father…violated me. He doesn’t see me as a man, Jordan, because he knows he took a part of me that helps define me as one.” “Oh, baby face,” Jordan said, his voice also thick with emotion. “The way a man treats others is what makes him a man. And you’ve proved time and time again that you are indeed a man. A magnificent and wonderful man and one I want to spend the rest of my life with. What he did to you was criminal, no one will ever question that. But you’re better than that. Better than him and in so many ways, too.” Leroy pushed his head into Jordan’s neck, taking in both his warmth and his scent, letting himself cry with all his heart for the first time in his life. His whole body heaved and all the while, his beautiful strong man held him, comforted him, supported him. “Take me,” Leroy said with a gasp. “I don’t care where we are, I need you so much right now.” “I’ll do more than that, my beautiful. I’ll give you everything you want and so much more.” “Thank you again. For everything.” But Jordan didn’t reply. Instead, he had run his hands across Leroy’s back, lifting up his shirt in the process. Leroy didn’t need any more encouragement than that and after a moment, climbed out of his clothes. He was so ready for Jordan to lavish him with his affection, his cock was as hard as it had ever been, the head bulging. Jordan removed his clothes, too. They embraced. Skin on skin, warm breath over lips, sighs of delight against moans of want. Leroy was in heaven and Jordan was his angel. Soon, the only worry he had was the pillows being flung off the bed, but that worry didn’t last. 31

A Sangrille Christmas Jordan kissed him deep, seeking with his tongue. Leroy opened his mouth so he could go deeper, his sense of taste overwhelmed by his boyfriend’s touch. Leroy groaned, a signal for his lover to proceed with whatever joy he wished to bestow upon him. The signal wasn’t missed. They faced each other, Jordan’s legs over his. He had grabbed Leroy’s cock, pulling down on it for easier access. In the next instant, he had grabbed his own rock hard cock and touched it to Leroy’s erection. “You treat me so well,” Leroy said, his lips a quiver, reflecting the ecstasy that built up inside him as he waited with baited breath for Jordan’s foreskin to glide over his hardness. His wish was soon granted. Jordan had pushed up on his foreskin so that Leroy’s bulging head was soon covered by the silky skin. The sensation of it running over him was electric. Leroy gasped. “Only the best for you, baby face.” Jordan expertly moved his hand across their joining, masturbating both himself and Leroy, his foreskin lubricating his movement. Faster and faster he gained rhythm. With each stroke of his boyfriend’s hand, a pang of pleasure radiated out from his groin to consume him. Soon Leroy’s fingers and toes tingled. He was close to climax. If his father thought he could be deprived in any way by what he had done, he was wrong. He had Jordan. Jordan completed him. With a rush of dizziness mixed in with a moment of losing all control of his senses, Leroy ejaculated. Jordan kept with the docking. Leroy’s cum now lubricating the action even more than ever. The sight of the the white, sticky fluid seeping out from the join aroused him, stopped him from going flaccid. Then Jordan let out a gasp. His stomach trembled and for 32

Mark Alders a brief moment, his eyelids were squeezed tight. A warmth overwhelmed Leroy and a sensation of pressure was placed upon his cock. Jordan had climaxed, too. Surprise filled Leroy. Never before had he let their docking escalate to such a point. Normally, once Leroy had cum, Jordan entered him. Not so now. “You didn’t have to do that,” Leroy said, running his hands over Jordan’s skin. Jordan kissed him again, deep and full of love and meaning. When parted, he said, “I know.” Leroy smiled. “I think we made a bit of a mess.” Sure enough, now that both of their cocks had gone semihard, their combined semen dribbled onto the bedclothes. Even more so now that Jordan no longer held the join and his foreskin began retracting. “Then we’d better clean it all up before our suitcases arrive, right?” Leroy pulled his cock away. A slurp filled the air and a great globule of cum ran down Jordan’s cock to his balls. He went down to lick it up without hesitation, working his tongue all over his boyfriend’s length. The taste of his lover’s tang, of the fluid sliding down his throat, overwhelmed and numbed. He loved it. Moments later, Jordan’s length was slick with saliva. Leroy was about to suggest Jordan clean him when there was the inevitable knock on the door. They both sprang up from the bed, clambering to get their clothes on. A desperate minute later, Mother Sangrille called out from behind the door. “Are you there, Leroy?” “Hang on,” he snapped back in reply. Another knock pierced their desperation. “I’m not some servant waiting on you hand and foot, Leroy. I have better things to do than stand by your door. I have guests to attend to.” 33

A Sangrille Christmas Leroy couldn’t help but smile when he saw that Jordan had only managed to climb into his underwear and T-Shirt by the time the door was opened. The T-shirt was back to front and inside out and the bulge in his briefs all the evidence his mother would have needed to see that they had just been busy with each other. Then again, Leroy’s amusement continued when he himself had only managed to get his jeans on. No underwear at all. Actually, scratch that. He had clambered into his boyfriend’s jeans, the fact that they hung loose on him again all the proof required. Mother Sangrille flicked her gaze between them, resting her stare on Leroy. She closed the door behind herself and came into the room proper. “Your suitcases are out in the landing.” “Thanks, Mother,” Leroy said, reaching over the bed to try and pick up any article of clothing that would cover the rest of his nakedness. He had never been so exposed in front of her before. His cheeks burned with embarrassment. “Yeah, thanks, Mother Sangrille,” Jordan said, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible, considering he still had the remnants of his erection for all to see. Leroy counted his lucky stars that his mother hadn’t been two minutes earlier. Breaking a dock in a hurry would have been painful for Jordan, not to mention being completely naked in front of his mother instead of wearing whatever he could find in a blind panic. Mother Sangrille stepped up to Leroy, and said, “I think we need to talk. Leroy.”

34

Mark Alders

Chapter Six

“W

hat did you want to talk about, Mother?” Leroy slipped on his shirt, and he had to admit he felt a whole lot better now that he wasn’t showing his mother any skin. He glanced over to Jordan. He, too, was now fully dressed, except for the fact that Leroy’s jeans didn’t fit him and he had resorted to sitting on the bed and placing them over his modesty. By the Star of David, he looked as sexy as hell, all boyish smile and flushed cheeks. She cleared her throat behind her hand. “I don’t pretend to understand your lifestyle. How you are with the human Jordan instead of someone of your own kind, but—” “Mother Sangrille, you don’t have to go on,” Jordan said, reaching over to embrace Leroy. “If you want me to leave, I will. But know that Leroy will be coming with me if I do go. Also know that if we do leave, we’ll never come back.” “Jordan’s right. I’m sure you will appreciate that no matter what you say, it won’t change the fact that I love him and he loves me. If he’s not welcome here, then there is no hope for this clan as far as I’m concerned. I only came here because he insisted I come. I know I am the runt, but I thought, perhaps foolishly, that you would accept me back now that I had found happiness. What he said wasn’t a threat but a truth. If there is no love here for us, then we will go.” Again she cleared her throat. “Please, let me finish.” She 35

A Sangrille Christmas glared at Leroy and Jordan in turn. “What I was going to say was, I accept Jordan as you have accepted him.” Leroy was taken aback. “You do?” “I understand why you are with him. It is plain for anyone to see. The way you look at him is more than enough to state that fact. I know in my heart that you love each other and that together you’ll look out for each other no matter what. That is all I have ever wanted for you, Leroy. No matter what you have thought of me in the past.” Leroy was speechless. He had never heard his mother admit anything before. No wonder she looked like she was in pain. The words must have been hard to get out. Jordan said, “You’re right, Mother Sangrille. I do love him with all my heart.” Leroy turned to face his boyfriend. “And I love you, too.” They both kissed. A polite clearing of his mother’s throat brought them back to the moment. When parted, she smiled and said, “I know about the conversation you had with your father earlier, Leroy. I know how Jordan defended you even though he knows nothing of the danger he has been put into by agreeing to join the howling. Now, normally I don’t interfere in the men’s business, but this time I see a need. As far as I’m concerned, you are part of the clan now, Jordan. And as such, you will need my protection.” Leroy understood her motives for the first time and saw red. She only wanted to extend her friendship because it would make her look good in other’s eyes, make her seem charitable to the poor little human who the runt had taken in and bedded. With venom, he said, “And where was the clan’s protection when Father came into my room and violated my manhood? Tell me, Mother. Where was it then?” Now it was her turn to look shocked. “I didn’t know 36

Mark Alders about that,” she said with a gasp. An awkward silence filled the room, broken only by the creek of the bed as Jordan came around to embrace Leroy proper. “How could you have not known? I screamed blue murder that night. I called out for you over and over, in so much agony and with so much hurt inside. I went to try and find you, but you were nowhere to be seen. In the end, I had no choice but to run. Run as far away as I could. Run away from the pain of the clan that had never wanted me.” “That’s not true,” she snapped out in anger, but with hurt reflected in her eyes. “I have always loved you.” “Prove it.” Tears streamed down Leroy’s cheeks. No matter how knotted up inside he felt right now, how much he wanted to hide, he had to stand firm. The ghosts of the past had haunted him long enough. Tears had formed in her eyes, too. She stepped forward, extending out her hands. “You are not the runt of the litter, Leroy.” For the second time in as many moments, Leroy was stunned to the point of silence and again Jordan spoke for him, asking the question that sat on the tip of his tongue, but he just couldn’t speak. “What do you mean?” For an agonising moment, she was quiet. Then with her gaze fixed onto Leroy, she said, “You are the only one born…of my second litter.” “I’m what?” Leroy blurted, unable to help himself. “Your father…Father Sangrille…isn’t of your blood. I had a lover. A man…a human. One who will always be in my heart for he was the kindest, gentlest thing who had ever walked God’s green earth. He bedded me after a long and beautiful affair and his gift to me was you, Leroy. You are the precious gift of the most deepest love I have ever felt. I see him in you and to me you are more than beautiful. You 37

A Sangrille Christmas are special, too.” Mother Sangrille looked up to the ceiling, an action that helped her draw in her strength, her hands still extended. “Of course, Father Sangrille found out. As I knew he would. But I was prepared. I insisted I keep you and threatened him if I couldn’t. If I couldn’t have you, then Clan Sangrille wouldn’t exist. I would leave.” Leroy opened his mouth. No sound eventuated, but he took his mother’s hand and drew her in close. Both he and Jordan embraced her. After a long moment, she broke the embrace and continued. “He agreed to my demands. As I knew he would. But the damage had been done. The wound, as far as he was concerned, had been opened, and one night, after he had drunk too much, he went into a blind rage. I fled the house to get help from the other clans, but by then it was too late. He didn’t tell me what he did. All I knew was that you were gone.” “Why didn’t you try and contact me?” Leroy whispered, his voice so soft even Jordan’s breath was louder in comparison. “He called my bluff, that’s why.” She wiped her eyes and stood tall, that familiar sternness returned. To Leroy it looked as though a great weight had been lifted from her. To him it wasn’t a weight lifted, but a revelation. He knew he had always been different and now there was the proof, just as he had asked for. “What happened next?” Jordan asked, sitting on the edge of the bed, the jeans fallen to the floor. “He realised, just as I had always known, that even though I am the matriarch of the clan, my power is nothing without him. That is the way of things. The male is the holder of the land, the female the keeper of the house. If I left, I would have left as a woman with nothing. No longer able to come back to my own home. He would then be able 38

Mark Alders to re-marry according to clan tradition…and…and then you could have been murdered. While I was here, I could protect you. To others, you are the runt of the litter, a plausible plan we concocted. But to me you are my second son, and as I have said, a wonderful gift.” Leroy let the tears flow. “But you could have contacted me. I thought you had deserted me. I thought I was no longer loved.” Mother Sangrille embraced her son once more, Jordan, too. “Father’s rage lasted a long time. I had to work on him for months to even get him to agree on having you over for Christmas. But now that you are here, together we will prove to him that you are worthy. Prove to him that the fallacy we created was just that. You are not the runt. You are an equal to your older brother. The clan must see that now.” “But from what Leroy has told me, there can only be the father and an alpha male in a clan. Isn’t that right?” Jordan questioned. Mother Sangrille let go and took a step back. Her face hardened. “Then it is time we changed the way of things, isn’t it?” Leroy blurted, “But how?” “The howling, of course.” Mother Sangrille smiled. “If you or Jordan bag the first kill, a vampire that still suckles at the teat, then the clan will see you with respect. And respect is something even Father Sangrille cannot take away.” Jordan flashed a glance at Leroy. “A kill? What does that mean?” Leroy kissed him and for the first time in his life, determination washed over him to consume his every thought. “It means that we are going to hunt vampires. And together we are going to show the clan that we’re just as good as them, if not better.” 39

A Sangrille Christmas “That’s the spirit,” Mother said with glee and a clap of her hands. “And if I cook up your kill, make a wonderful dish of suckling vampire for all to enjoy, that will also show them that you have bagged the best. The prize of the night.” Jordan’s face reflected confusion. His brow creased. “I had no idea that the howling would involve…killing. I haven’t killed anything in my life before. I thought the howling meant that we’d all bay at the moon while naked or something, then get drunk out of our brains. Not this.” Again Leroy comforted his lover by lavishing him with kisses. “Never fear, my love. I will protect you. You and I will be awesome, you’ll see.” Mother Sangrille cleared her throat. “But the fact remains that Jordan isn’t a werewolf. He’ll be more vulnerable than the rest of us. Even your protection may not be enough, especially if your brother or father are planning something less than savoury for you. I know he could easily use the howling as a cover for something more sinister. I would if I wanted to get rid of someone.” Leroy shuddered. He hadn’t thought of that. “I don’t want anything to happen to Jordan. Not even for the approval of the clan.” Mother Sangrille smiled again. “I’ll have all that sorted out, never fear, my dearest Leroy. All you have to do is make sure you kill the youngest vampire first, one still hanging onto its mother’s arm if possible. Nothing more, nothing less. I will do the rest.” Her words comforted him. Not for the fact that they were spoken, but because he knew without a doubt that she was up to something. Perhaps something cruel. Perhaps something brilliant. Whatever she had in mind, it seemed Leroy and Jordan were a part of it and there would be no turning back. In that moment, he was sure glad she was on their side. 40

Mark Alders “And I know just the place where we can start,” Leroy said with a quivering smile, coming close to embrace his boyfriend. “About two kilometres back on the road that cuts through the forest, we hit a vampire. The pack will hang around the body for days as they squabble over the best parts. We’ll go straight there.” “Excellent. Knowing where they are will be an advantage. I will go into the records room and erase any footage of the incident. Just in case. Now, get some rest the both of you. I will need you at your best tomorrow.” Leroy nodded. “Yes, Mother.” Jordan still looked worried. “I don’t know if I like the sound of all this, but I did insist on you coming and getting this sorted out. I suppose I should have expected that the path wouldn’t be easy.” “If you hadn’t spoken up, then Leroy would have never known the truth,” Mother Sangrille said, making her way toward the door. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Jordan. You are truly a wonderful human in my eyes.” Jordan smiled. “Thanks, Mother Sangrille.” She left and Leroy pushed Jordan onto the bed with a gentle urgency. “Thank you again for being there for me.” “I just hope I can survive this howling.” Leroy planted more tender kisses all over him. “My mother is many things, a scheming, conniving bitch among them. But if you have her support, then believe me, that will be more than enough to keep you alive.” Jordan’s face softened. “I understand. She sure kept you alive, thank the Lord above. But you know, you are right about one thing.” “What’s that?” “Your parents are freaks.” Leroy let out a chuckle and tickled Jordan. Soon they were tumbling all over the bed in fits of laugher, the remaining 41

A Sangrille Christmas cushions finding the floor. “Now make love to me,” Leroy said with a guttural growl. “Yes, my big, bad twinky wolf.”

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Chapter Seven a night of dreams Leroy couldn’t fathom, mainly After because they were filled with so many mixed emotions,

he woke to the sight of Jordan snuggled up to him, breathing gently. His emotions had been fuelled by the many questions that swam about in his mind, adding to the confusion. Why didn’t he go back to the house that night and try and find his mother? What was Father Sangrille planning that had made his mother concerned? What happened to his real father? Was he murdered? He remembered that Mother referred to him in the past tense. If Leroy had known all this before, then perhaps two years of pain and trying to forget what had happened would have been avoided. Then again, he would have never met Jordan, a man he knew his life would be meaningless without. He pressed a forefinger and thumb onto the bridge of his nose in an attempt to calm the storm of his thoughts. He moaned. “You all right, baby face?” Jordan murmured, sleep evident in his words. “Yes. I’m just trying to grapple with stuff.” “I have to admit, last night was pretty intense. Did you sleep at all?” Leroy nodded. “Only because you were next to me.” “Aw, you’re so sweet.” Jordan got up, pulling the sheet off Leroy in the process. He clambered out of the bed and 43

A Sangrille Christmas headed for the bathroom, his cute buttocks wiggled as he walked. “You coming to join me?” “You know it’s Christmas Day, don’t you?” From the bathroom, muffled by the sound of the shower water flowing, Jordan replied, “Sure do. Go check my case. I got a little something in there for you.” Leroy sprung up from the bed. “You did?” Excitement welled up inside him. He loved getting presents and Jordan’s, no matter what they were, always held significant meaning—mainly because they were from him. He went to the case and threw it onto the bed. Flinging the lid open, he rummaged through his lover’s clothes until he came to a small parcel wrapped in garish Christmas paper. Leroy clawed at the parcel. As soon as the paper was a shredded mess, he feasted his eyes on the most wonderful thing he had ever seen. A silver embossed frame with a picture of them both when they were on their last holidays in the snowfields, holding each other, greeted him. On the bottom of the frame were the words, I will always love you, Leroy. Then it was signed, Your boyfriend, Jordan. Against his will, his eyes misted and he felt the sudden urge to run through the house and shout out his love, scream out and wake up his clan. He didn’t care he was naked. He didn’t care what they would think if he did it. But instead, he said, “I’m so coming in there to join you, my love.” “So I take it you liked the gift then?” Leroy stepped into the bathroom. The sight of his boyfriend in the shower, all muscles and magnificent cock and beautiful eyes, glistening wet, drove him even more to the point of feeding every urge within him. He so wanted his man right now. 44

Mark Alders “You are wonderful.” Jordan took Leroy into his arms. The water, warm as his smile, cascaded all over him, heating his body even more. Into his ear, Jordan whispered, “Merry Christmas.” He leaned down and kissed him, deep and with so much affection Leroy’s body reacted in every way all at once. He grew lightheaded. He tingled all over. He got hard. A short moment after that, Jordan pushed Leroy against the tiles, turning him around so he could go behind him. His lover’s hands were at his buttocks, parting them. The water felt wonderful across his skin. Without any words spoken between them, and while the water continued to flow over their bodies, adding more steam to the bond between them, Jordan entered Leroy. At first, as always, there was an overwhelming pain. Then once Leroy relaxed and he accepted his lover and the rhythm he gained, his body, mind and soul soon became immersed in pleasure. A pleasure he had only ever shared with Jordan. A pleasure he only ever wanted to share with him. Jordan raked his hands all over Leroy’s body as he moved inside him deeper and faster. Leroy let out a moan, the water cascading over his face and lips and into his mouth when he raised his head. He was soaked in everything Jordan gave him. The water was the lubricant for their love, the carrier of their passion. Leroy was so hard, his balls so tight, he ached. He let out little yelps in time with his lover’s movement. He yearned for Jordan to keep going and do so much more when he was done. Jordan grabbed Leroy’s cock. Again he let out a gasp and the water entered him as easily as his lover had. He was at his boyfriend’s will and nothing, not even the thought of what could happen tonight at the howling, would stop him from cherishing this moment. 45

A Sangrille Christmas A split second later, Leroy shuddered. His stomach quivered and with one almighty jolt, he orgasmed. Pulse after pulse of ecstasy consumed him. His hot cum mixed in with the water to flow all over him while Jordan continued to milk him for all he could give. Leroy was spent, his body momentarily weak. Jordan held him tighter as he continued to push his cock into his arse hole. He gasped, deeper and louder. Normally Leroy didn’t care too much for anal sex, preferring to have his lover’s cock in his mouth where he could taste him and worship him on a far more intimate level, but this time something was different. This time Jordan’s actions were perfect. Or was that because he was now more complete himself? Able to let go of the ghosts of the past so they no longer haunted him here in the present, he smiled as Jordan continued to make love to him, opening his legs wider so that he could go in as deep as he wanted. The revelation of last night was indeed momentous. Perhaps Leroy was now a more complete man for Jordan, too. He could only hope so. “I’m not going to last much longer!” Jordan moaned. “Give it to me, my love. Give me all you’ve got.” “Oh, fuck!” Leroy felt Jordan’s muscles tense, his body shudder. He smiled again, one full and filled with joy. Jordan had released himself inside him and he loved it. When Jordan had calmed enough so he could talk again, he added, “If I knew I was going to get so much loving, I would have insisted we come to your parent’s house sooner.” When Jordan pulled out, Leroy turned so he could embrace him. “I just hope nothing happens tonight that we’ll regret.” They kissed, again Jordan’s heated lips and warm tongue overwhelming him. When they parted, his lover said, “So 46

Mark Alders long as I am with you, I know everything will be all right.” Cleaned up and dressed, Leroy and Jordan headed out of their room hand in hand and to the breakfast table in the main hall. Hunger was the only thing on Leroy’s mind at the moment. A feast was set out before them. Mother Sangrille must have spent hours preparing. There was bacon and eggs, quail, pig, pheasant, sausages of all descriptions, toast and everything in between. The massive table was full of food. “Eat up, Leroy. You, too, Jordan. You’ll need all your strength for tonight,” Mother said as she handed them both plates. In that moment, Father Sangrille entered the kitchen, Leroy’s elder brother in tow. “What a great spread, my wife. You have done well.” She slid her gaze to him. “It is Christmas, is it not?” Father Sangrille sat, seeming to ignore what she had said, and plonked food onto his plate. At that moment, Leroy sat, too. The resulting glare from his father, cold and dark, made Leroy uncomfortable, just like last night in the smoking room. “Your older brother, Bartel, sits before you. Know your place if you want to re-join the clan, runt.” Leroy’s brother smirked and came to a chair next to Father Sangrille. “Yes, little runt. Know you place. Or Father will have to teach you another lesson.” Jordan lurched forward. Leroy squeezed his hand, stopping him from doing or saying anything for the here and now. “Not yet,” he whispered. “Look.” Sure enough, Mother Sangrille slowly shook her head, her meaning clear. Now was not the time to act. “There are many lessons to be learned, some of them not quite so clear 47

A Sangrille Christmas as others, my husband.” Father Sangrille didn’t answer. Finally, once Bartel was seated, something Leroy was certain he took his time about, he pulled out a chair for Jordan. A moment later, and once the rest of the clan and all the visitors for the howling tonight had entered the kitchen, Leroy enjoyed his mother’s cooking once more. He had missed it, especially after he took the first bite of one of her homemade sausages. After breakfast, Leroy took Jordan around the estate’s grounds. He wanted to show him all the places he hid when he was younger. Not because doing such a thing would remind him of his terrible past, but because it was cathartic to do so. The crawl space that led to the cellar. The garden shed. The thicket at the back of the ornamental garden. Each and every place was a memory, one he wanted to purge from his mind. When they came to the maze, an imposing structure of hedge, wood and stone, Jordan smiled. “You want to get lost in there with me?” “I have a better idea. I’ll race you. If you win, you can ravish me all afternoon before the howling. If I win, I ravish you.” Jordan sprung to a sprint, dashing past Leroy and disappearing beyond the maze’s entrance. The morning mist still clung to the ground, swirling from the disturbance. A distant voice called back, “You got yourself a deal.” Leroy ran. He knew the maze. He had been through it many times. Much to his surprise, Jordan had gone the right way, to the left. He would have to hurry, use the many secret doors if he was to get ahead of him. The first opportunity for being devious came when he 48

Mark Alders approached the statue of Venus that marked a dead end. Behind her, a panel could be opened which led to a path that was ahead of where Jordan would be right now. If he had stuck to the left, that was. When Leroy was about to push the statue aside, he heard a snap of twig behind him. He turned, thinking it was Jordan who had backtracked. What he saw drained the blood from his face and his knees go weak. “Well, well, if it isn’t the little runt caught unawares,” Bartel said, his face hard and with a sneer upon his lips that didn’t bode well for a pleasant conversation. “What are you doing here?” “I don’t have to answer to you.” Bartel stepped closer. Leroy swallowed hard. If his brother decided to attack, there was no way he could fend him off. His only defence was to run, but he couldn’t do that either. He was at a dead end no matter which way he turned. Before he could move the statue, open the panel and crawl into the secret passage, he would be caught as well. Leroy stood firm. He knew he couldn’t ask questions, his brother would only dismiss them as irrelevant, going all alpha male on him. He decided to try a different tactic. “I’m playing a game with Jordan. We’re racing each other to the end of the maze.” Bartel’s eyelids narrowed. “You don’t have Mother Sangrille’s protection now. Suppose I ripped you to shreds, what would stop me?” Leroy swallowed hard again. Bartel came closer. “I just want to find Jordan and I’ll be on my way. No harm done.” “What if I find him first?” “What?” Leroy couldn’t help asking a question. Bartel’s sneer formed a cruel smile. “Suppose I found him first. Do you think he’ll scream like a pitiful vampire crying out for its pack when I beat him to within an inch of his life? 49

A Sangrille Christmas Then, when he’s begging for me to stop, that’s when he’ll be ripe for me to rape him over and over? What do you say about that, little runt?” Leroy’s clenched his fists. Between his teeth, he said, “Don’t you even touch him.” Bartel sprang from a dead stand still to a jump. He landed close to Leroy, pushing him against the hedge. Leroy felt a sharp pain at his back. The twigs of the hedge pressed against him, gouging his skin. “Or you’ll do what?” With a weak voice, Leroy replied, “I’ll tell Mother Sangrille.” Bartel let out a chuckle. “Then you’d better make a decision. Go and find your pet or run to mother. Either way, it’s about time I had some fun, and your human will be perfect for that. He’s got such a nice arse, too. I can see why you bed him.” Before Leroy could scream out in either protest or anger, Bartel pushed him again. He was forced deeper into the hedge. His brother was gone within a blink of an eye. The mist swirling in protest was the only evidence he had been there.

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Chapter Eight eroy’s heart beat loud in his chest. He could even hear the blood rush through his veins. Panic overtook him. He had to get to Jordan before his brother. No—needed to get to him before his brother. A moment was taken getting out of the hedge, but when free, he shouted at himself. “Move, Leroy. Move!” He bent over, pushing the statue aside with all his might. Soon he was crawling through the secret passage, cursing under his breath that he had let Jordan out of his sight. All he could think of, all that consumed him as he tried to make as best speed as he could through the tunnel, was the image of his brother on top of his beloved Jordan. That thought sickened him to his core. Leroy began to sweat and fingers of panic continued to overwhelm him. The image wouldn’t leave his mind. His heart raced both from panic and all the dark emotions that now boiled up inside him. His vision blurred and he fought hard to swallow his tears. If anything should happen to Jordan, he’d be devastated, especially something like what his brother was planning to do. Again he cursed. He wished he had stayed indoors, sheltered by the protection of his mother. He had no time to contemplate the what-ifs. He had to get ahead of Jordan in the maze. Thankfully, the passage came to an end quicker than what he remembered. He crawled out of the space, moving

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A Sangrille Christmas another statue aside as he did so. His eyes wide with fear, he ran with all his might down the path that opened out before him and toward the next junction, a place where Jordan should be if he continued on his path. Then a thought struck Leroy. What if Jordan had already passed this way? He had been delayed by Bartel, after all. Leroy stopped. The sound of his breath, panic-filled and shallow, filled the air. He waited for a moment. No sign of Jordan. A stitch stabbed at his side, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was Jordan. Then from the distance he could hear a scream he recognised all too well. A cry of victory. It was Bartel. He had found his quarry. “Hold on, Jordan, I’m coming!” Then laugher filled his ears. Bartel was either teasing Jordan, like a cat would to a mouse, or playing with Leroy. Had he really found Jordan or was he just trying his utmost to strike fear into him? As far as Leroy was concerned, the plan had worked. He was scared out of his mind. He ran, charging down the left passage once he reached the junction. Up ahead he saw Bartel. He was running, his back to him. Leroy stopped, gravel spraying up in protest. The last thing he needed was another encounter with his brother. Leroy backed away, deciding to take the right-hand path. Down that way there was another secret passage. Perhaps if he got to it before Bartel passed he would have a better chance of getting to his boyfriend. Leroy was thankful Bartel hadn’t found Jordan. He’d screamed more to rile Leroy into thinking that he had other than anything grounded in reality. Or was it to draw Jordan in closer? Whatever the reason, Leroy thanked the Star of David that Jordan was safe…for now. He also knew the chase wasn’t over. 52

Mark Alders The worst thing about all of this was Jordan had no idea he was being hunted, or the fate that would befall him if he was captured. Again fear overwhelmed him. Leroy had to press on no matter what. His legs now ached, oxygen deprivation taking hold. He couldn’t get air into his body fast enough. When he came to the next secret passage, he collapsed, hitting the ground hard. His jaw throbbed with a dull ache. Something, perhaps a rock, had struck him. Desperate, he reached up, trying to push the statue away from the panel. His body, still protesting from the exertion of his desperate run, refused to cooperate with his wishes. For the longest moment he lay there, helpless. His heavy breaths parted the mist that had gathered around him. The air was cold, sending chills through him as sweat clung clammy onto his skin. Leroy pushed himself up, using every last ounce of strength within him to do so. The statue was his support. It was another Greek figure, this time he believed it to be Zeus, although he had never really found out. Not that he cared right now. Finally, he was back on his feet. As he was about to push the statue aside, access the secret panel, something caught his attention in his peripheral vision. He turned to look back down the path. Coming toward him was Jordan. A second wind blew through every fibre of Leroy’s being, like he had been reawakened from a deep and terrible slumber. “Jordan!” he called out, pushing himself away from the statue and heading for his boyfriend as quick as he could go, throwing open his arms. Jordan stopped, his expression that of worry all of a sudden. “What’s happened to you?” Before Leroy could fold himself into Jordan’s arms, tell 53

A Sangrille Christmas him everything that had happened since they entered the maze, Bartel also appeared on the path from the junction ahead. He came straight for them. The look on his face was pure evil, one that emanated from him like a poisonous cloud. Leroy tripped on himself as he ran, his body still fatigued. He managed to catch himself from falling—or more to the point, Jordan caught him. “No, Bartel!” “What’s going on, Leroy? Why do you look as though you’ve seen a ghost and run a marathon to get away from it?” Jordan questioned. Bartel halted. “Yes, little runt. You look like shit.” Leroy gasped, still trying to catch his breath. “I was trying to get to you, my love. Bartel was after you.” Confusion crossed his boyfriend’s face, his brow creased. “Of course he was. That’s what he was supposed to be doing.” Leroy pushed himself out of Jordan’s grasp. “What do you mean? I thought…I thought—” Bartel came next to them. “Tsk, tsk, little runt. Don’t you know the rules of the game? You’ve spoiled everything.” Leroy couldn’t fathom in his wildest dreams what his brother was up to. After a moment of pause, as he tried to comprehend any ulterior motive the man might have, he asked, “What exactly have I spoiled? What rules?” Jordan let out a chuckle. “Kiss-chasey, of course. Your brother came up to me as soon as I entered the maze and suggested we play. I thought it would be cool and agreed. He’s it, you know.” “I wanted to show Jordan that I’m not all that bad as you’ve probably made out. Besides, if Mother approves of Jordan, then I do, too. I thought you’d be happy about that, little runt.” Leroy saw red. “I know what you’re doing,” he said 54

Mark Alders between his teeth. Bartel’s eyes glinted and that evil smirk stained his lips. “All I’m doing is making your boyfriend feel at home. Like he’s one of the clan. Nothing more.” Leroy couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Even more when he witnessed what happened next. Bartel leaned over and planted a kiss onto Jordan’s lips, a flash of tongue catching the light. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Bartel?” Leroy questioned, pulling Jordan away from his brother’s touch. The sight of them kissing was enough to send Leroy into insanity. What the hell was going on? How was being so nice to Jordan in front of him and nasty behind his back part of any plan, evil or otherwise? “What’s the matter, Leroy?” Confusion crossed Jordan’s face again. He grabbed Leroy’s hands and looked him in the eye. “It’s only a game, baby face. Haven’t you ever played kiss-chasey before?” With a voice filled with acid, the venom directed at Bartel, Leroy replied. “No, I haven’t. And don’t you get sucked into his sick and twisted world, Jordan. He’s up to no good and soon it will be proven beyond doubt. Mark my words.” Jordan embraced Leroy. “I believe you, but as far as I know he only wanted to have some fun. How can I refuse him? I want to be a part of this clan for you, Leroy. How can I if I don’t welcome all of them like you welcomed my family? If my brother wanted to play kiss-chasey, you wouldn’t say no, would you?” Bartel slapped Jordan on his back. “Listen to your boyfriend, little runt. He makes sense. Now, are we playing or not? Jordan’s it now, by the way.” Before Leroy could add another word, Bartel ran back down the path to the junction, disappearing down the left-hand path. He called back, “And no cheating. You’ve got to run, too, no matter how bad you 55

A Sangrille Christmas want kisses from Jordan.” When he was out of sight, Leroy said, “He’s a freak, you know that. What he told me earlier would have made you wish we’d stayed in the house at the very least.” He said he wanted to hurt you and…and rape you.” Jordan frowned. “Hmm, I think he must be playing mind games, too, then.” “You can say that again. He tells me one thing, then you another. What’s he trying to do, make me look bad and you believe him?” Jordan held Leroy tight. “The scary thing is, if we don’t play along, he might get angry or something and then do those terrible things. From what you’ve just said, I’d say he’s playing us both, possibly with the intention of dividing us, like making me not believe you. But for the here and now we’ve got to go with the flow. Only your mother can go up against them. We’ve got to let her do that, not jeopardise her plan in any way.” Leroy sank his head into Jordan’s neck. “You’re so wonderful.” Jordan then let out a chuckle. “You know the funniest thing? Actually, you know two funny things about this whole situation?” Leroy came away, missing Jordan’s manly musk the moment he did so. “No. What?” “One, he’s a good kisser. And two, as the game goes on there’s a distinct possibility you’ll have to kiss him or he’ll have to kiss you.” “That’s just sick and you’re a freak for even mentioning it.” Jordan, with a gentle push, pressed Leroy against the hedge. “But I can kiss you all better right now, if you like. Make you forget everything except my love for you.” “I’d so like that.” 56

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Chapter Nine mid-afternoon, Leroy and Jordan decided to leave About the maze. Many times over the last few hours they had

kissed and tickled and chased each other. Once or twice, they got even more involved when in the deeper parts of the maze, Leroy going down on Jordan, taking his cock into his mouth and enjoying his taste. They never saw Bartel again. Not even after they had explored the winding paths and many turns several times. Perhaps the man had become bored and had returned to the house. Maybe he thought he had achieved his goal by acting differently in front of Jordan, whatever that goal might be. Perhaps he was watching them right now. When Leroy thought about it, he favoured the later. More his brother’s style to spy and then report his findings to Father Sangrille. Leroy didn’t care. He had Jordan. When they did eventually leave the maze, Mother was waiting for them at the exit. Leroy didn’t know how long she had been standing there, but as far as he could tell, she didn’t look upset. Still, she wore that same stern look. “What’s the matter?” Leroy asked, taking Jordan’s hand. “The howling ceremony is about to begin. Come with me, both of you. There is work to be done.” “Yes, ma’am,” Leroy and Jordan said in unison. Leroy knew the full moon would rise soon, even though not dark yet. This time of year, the satellite could be seen in 57

A Sangrille Christmas daylight. He would transform, too. The howling was going to be a long one this year. “Come with me to my waiting chamber.” Mother Sangrille had turned toward the house, and walked at a brisk pace. “There we will set the wheels in motion and hopefully ensure that the both of you survive the night.” She stopped, and added, “Why was Bartel all excited earlier?” Jordan said, “He was just being smart, we think.” “Explain,” she snapped. “He said he wanted to hurt Jordan to me and then to Jordan said he wanted to play…stuff.” “Play what?” “Kiss-chasey,” Jordan said. “He said he wanted to play kiss-chasey with me…and he kissed me, too. Fair snack on the lips and with a bit of tongue for good measure.” “That makes sense.” She turned to them, looking at each in turn. “He’s an alpha male. He thinks he can claim what he wants and when he can’t, he’ll do so with force. He told you what he would do if Jordan didn’t cooperate, Leroy. I do hope you cooperated.” Leroy nodded. “Thanks to Jordan, we did. It was his idea to play along with him.” “Excellent. You both did well.” She continued her course, leading them to the side of the house through the servant’s door and down many dark low-lit corridors. “You will have to learn the way of an alpha, Leroy. Things will soon change and you must be ready.” “If it means becoming a psychopathic freak, then no way.” “There is nothing psychopathic about it. There is an order, a way of things. That is what your eldest brother does so well. I suggest you think less of his mind and try and learn from him. Such knowledge could serve you well one day.” “But the weird thing was, he didn’t continue with the 58

Mark Alders game. Once he kissed me, we never saw him again,” Jordan said. “He made his point, didn’t he?” Now it was Jordan’s turn to nod in agreement. “Yes, I suppose he did.” Mother opened a door to a room that looked, for all intents and purposes, like a library. “An alpha male doesn’t do anything more than is needed. Wasted energy is just that. What he wanted to do was let you know that you are now a part of the clan, and as such, under his rule.” “Oh, I see. Should I be flattered or worried?” Jordan asked. “I mean, he did say to Leroy that he’d do some nasty things.” She went to the nearest shelf and pulled out a red-bound book. The shelf slid away, revealing a secret compartment filled with many weapons. Leroy could do nothing but stand and stare. “Leroy is the next in line, the closest threat. What better way to put your rival off-guard than threaten the one he cares for?” Leroy said, “You know, now you’ve explained it and it all makes sense. And here I was thinking he was a freak or something.” Mother pulled out a shotgun, eyed down its barrel and handed it over to Jordan. “Whatever you think, always be on your guard. You will be more than a rival by the time the night’s through and I have my way. His alpha male instincts will be in fine form. We must work that to our advantage.” Jordan took the weapon. “What’s this for?” She smiled, cracking that stern façade. “You can’t transform into a werewolf, my sweet Jordan, so this is the next best thing. Inside each bullet is a paralysing quantity of Holy water. You shoot, Leroy will do the rest.” Leroy had forgotten all about Bartel and the direction of 59

A Sangrille Christmas the conversation. Seeing his man holding the shotgun, arm muscles flexed and wearing a crooked, sexy smile were more than enough to distract him. He looked so damn hot. “That’s brilliant,” Leroy blurted, coming over to admire Jordan in closer detail, running his hand over his muscles. “You can ride upon me, my love. When we see a vampire, you can shoot it from a distance at will. All I’ll need to do is then make the kill on easy prey.” Mother Sangrille said, “A good idea. Jordan can’t run fast and you’ll need to get the first kill as quick as you can. See, Leroy, sweetheart, you can think like an alpha.” The last word his mother spoke brought his memory back to the earlier conversation. “So what have you got planned for tonight, Mother?” Her smile was wiped from her lips and her gaze went distant. With a gasp of breath, she replied, “Revenge.” Leroy didn’t add any more. The look in her eyes was enough to tell him that she had something planned that she wouldn’t reveal to anyone. Not even her beloved second son. “I see.” She seemed to be snapped back to the moment. “You will both go now. Join the others for the cleansing ceremony. The hour is near for the howling to begin and I must tend to the needs of the house. We will feast on vampire tonight, the vampire you will both provide. I must be ready.” “Yes, Mother,” Leroy said, grabbing Jordan by the arm and leading him out of the chamber. “We’ll see you soon.” “Look after yourselves and be on guard.” Leroy and Jordan left the waiting chamber and headed for the ornamental garden, the place where all howlings began. They turned toward the front of the house from the eastern wing where the clan had already gathered. Father Sangrille addressed the crowd, blathering on about honour and pride and all the other sorts of stuff that went 60

Mark Alders with the pep talk before they drank the ceremonial wine and transformed into werewolves. As soon as Leroy and Jordan approached the stone border of the garden, all stared at them. Leroy swallowed hard. Jordan smiled and asked, “I hope we’re not too late for this little shin-dig?” Father Sangrille snorted and said, “For those who have just arrived, let me repeat that the one who bags the first vampire will be the one honoured at tonight’s feast. Now, please, all drink from the wine. The moon will rise within moments and soon we shall hear our ancestral call…” Leroy didn’t catch the rest of what Father Sangrille said. He was more interested in getting on with things, nudging Jordan to move forward and take a cupful of wine out of a large stone bowl in the middle of the garden. If they were going participate in the howling, might as well take it all in. After they had both drunk from the bowl, Leroy said, “Get ready to take off your clothes. It’ll be expected that you do.” Jordan was looking around, his mouth agape. The other members of the clan, from Father Sangrille to the lowest ranking female, had begun removing their clothing, just as Leroy knew they would. He understood why, too. Transforming into a werewolf was a lot easier when naked. “I just knew there was going to be drinking and nakedness.” Jordan pulled off his T-shirt. His toned and muscular skin caught the fading light, making him look hell hot. Leroy embraced him, then let go just as quick so the others wouldn’t get too upset at seeing him hug a human. “Well, they get to see your beauty as I do now, don’t they?” Jordan kicked off his shoes and pulled down his pants, underwear, too. “You think?” At that moment, Bartel came over. “I can see why you bed 61

A Sangrille Christmas him, that’s for sure, little runt,” he said, that malicious look a part of him like a stain that couldn’t be erased. “You sure you don’t want to ditch this loser and be my bitch, Jordan?” Jordan covered his modesty. “I’m sure. But thanks for the offer, Bartel. I’m flattered.” Leroy sighed with relief. Jordan was doing a perfect job of making sure he stuck to Mother Sangrille’s advice and humoured Bartel as best he could. “Come on, my love, we’ve got to get ready. The moment is close. I can feel it in my bones and my blood.” “Sure thing, baby face.” As Leroy was about to pull Jordan away, he noticed something he hadn’t seen before on Bartel. Unlike all the other male members of the clan, Father Sangrille included, he was circumcised. His brother was just like him. The scar even looked the same. Had Father Sangrille violated him, too? “What you looking at, little runt?” Bartel snapped, knocking Leroy out of his reverie. “I…I…um, nothing.” “Sure didn’t look like nothing to me,” Bartel spat. “You were checking me out, weren’t you? Not enough you’re bedding a human, now you want to play incest, too?” Bartel sidled closer, placed his hand upon Leroy’s shoulder, and whispered, “I’d be glad to oblige if you want me to. Might even let Jordan join in. Two cocks inside you might teach you some manners, I think.” Leroy flushed embarrassment, his cheeks burning. He squirmed to try and roll his brother’s hand off him. It worked. “That’s not it. It’s…It’s—” Jordan came between him and Bartel. He was so close that Leroy’s cock was pressed against his boyfriend’s buttocks. “Leroy was just concerned about you, that’s all.” “Concerned? Since when does the little runt give a toss 62

Mark Alders about me?” If Leroy didn’t know any better, he’d say Bartel was curious about what Jordan just said. Interesting. Perhaps Mother was right. Understanding Bartel was easy. Leroy coughed and asked, “When did you get cut?” Bartel said nothing for the longest time. Then it began. Inside, Leroy could feel the electricity he always got before the transformation, the growing of power within. His extremities went numb and his mind became consumed with the want to run wild and free through the forest. He couldn’t hear Bartel’s reply. His heart raced, his pulse loud in his ears. A stab of both relief and pain shot through him when his body transformed. Hair grew to fur. Nails turned to claw. Nose to snout. Soon, and as the full moon rose beautiful in the sky, Leroy was on all fours. He turned to look at Jordan. His boyfriend was holding the shotgun, his nakedness, that sexy cock and magnificent body, greeted him though different eyes. Eyes that could see more detail, just like the rest of his senses now that he was a werewolf. With a growl, Leroy said, “Get on me. We ride!”

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Chapter Ten ordan clambered upon him, grabbing tufts of his fur so he

Jcould hold on. Within a heartbeat, and sure his boyfriend

was secure, Leroy sprang to a sprint. His goal was the site of the road kill—the opposite way to where all the other clan headed. Leroy could hear movement behind him. Someone or something was following them as he travelled through the gardens of the estate and down the driveway that cut through the forest on the southern side. He turned to confirm what his ears told him, a quick glance all he needed. Leroy snarled. There was another werewolf behind them. Keeping its distance, shrouded in the mists that now rolled in from the forest as the ground cooled ready for the night. “We are being followed,” Leroy said, confirming verbally to Jordan what his werewolf senses had told him long ago. “We are?” “Be on guard. I will go as fast as I can, but soon I will need to stop. I cannot sprint for long.” Jordan ran his hand across Leroy’s neck, his touch warm. He scratched him, an action he loved, and one that spurred him to go faster across the gravel road they had come down yesterday. “Is it a vampire?” The sensation of the cool night air upon his face, the security of having his boyfriend on top of him and the way the land underneath his paws became a blur as he ran with 64

Mark Alders all his might, all were welcome. “No. It’s a werewolf.” “From the clan?” “Yes.” The site of where the vampire had been killed was fast approaching. Leroy could see the unmistakable glints of the vampires’ shifty eyes amongst the darkness between the trees. The mist was thick, a soup that shrouded the road. Leroy didn’t need to see to know that two things were happening. The werewolf behind was close and the vampires had indeed gathered around the carcass. His hearing was more acute. “I can hear something,” Jordan said. Sure enough, yelps of delight pierced the gloom that surrounded them like a blanket in the deep part of the forest they now travelled. It was the vampires. Leroy could also hear the padding of large paws. So close now he had no choice but to slow, to confront the one who could spoil their plan of getting the first kill. The one he could now smell and recognise. It was Bartel. “Ready yourself.” Leroy came to a halt. The mist swirled in protest. As he turned to look behind him, a shadow fell over his eyes. Jordan screamed and in a moment, one that seemed to turn as slow as eternity, Leroy was knocked off his paws to the ground with a thud, Jordan flung from him. A flash of teeth and claw filled Leroy’s vision, but he managed to scramble away, parry the attack. “What the fuck are you doing, Bartel?” Leroy asked with a deep guttural snarl. “I’ve come to kill you both,” his brother said, his voice emotionless. Bartel was in the middle of the road, his massive werewolf frame illuminated by the moon shadow and mist no longer concealing him. “Why?” Leroy protested, flicking his gaze in search of 65

A Sangrille Christmas Jordan. For a brief panic-filled moment, his boyfriend was nowhere to be seen. “What have we done to you?” Bartel came forward. The look in his eyes the most terrifying Leroy had ever seen, his lips a cruel curl. His brother was strong and at least twice his size. He wouldn’t stand a chance if Bartel attacked. He’d be made into mincemeat within a blink of an eye, as easy to dispense with as a frightened deer caught in headlights. A moan from the left distracted Leroy for a second. Bartel turned to look, too. From the undergrowth that bordered the road, Jordan stood. His skin a wonderful alabaster in the moonlight, his muscles accentuated. Leroy smiled as best he could in werewolf form. If he was going to die, be murdered in cold blood right here and right now, then at least the last thing he would see would be his beautiful Jordan in all his glory. Bartel didn’t move. Leroy’s mind flashed confusion. “Well, what are you waiting for?” He stepped away from his brother, edging closer to Jordan. “Get it over and done with. I’m sure it will be easy for you to justify our murder, blaming the vampires, no doubt.” Bartel snarled, but his face softened. “I will do as I please, little runt.” Jordan came to Leroy, reaching around him so he could embrace him around his neck. “What’s going on?” Leroy, again distracted by his boyfriend, turned to Bartel. “Yes. What is going on? Why aren’t you doing what you were told to do?” Bartel’s eyes flashed anger. “No one tells me what to do.” “Except Father Sangrille. Right?” Leroy snapped. His impatience got the better of him. If Bartel wasn’t going to murder them, then time was short to get the first kill. Others may have already bagged a vampire and then Mother’s plan 66

Mark Alders could be in jeopardy. “The man’s a fool,” Bartel said. “The days of his reign of the Sangrille clan are numbered, let me assure you.” Jordan went to Bartel. Leroy wished to stop him, but realised something he hadn’t seen before and hesitated. How could he have been so blind? Bartel had feelings for Jordan. That was why he hadn’t attacked. The look on his brother’s face was a plain as day, because as he studied his brother, he could see the look of want and affection and infatuation. Just how Leroy looked at his boyfriend. “If you kill us, then we can’t play kiss-chasey any more, can we?” Jordan had reached up to pat Bartel, running his hand across the top of his head and down his thick neck. “Why would I want to play with you, human?” But Bartel’s voice wasn’t filled with malice. The words more automatic than given with thought to what his body language was telling Leroy. He was enjoying Jordan’s touch, sinking down, no longer towering over them. Bartel was now submissive. Something an alpha only did on rare occasions. Leroy decided to go out on a limb and trust his gut feelings about Bartel, “Then join us and together we can work toward the same goal.” Bartel didn’t answer. He was lying prone on the ground, Jordan scratching his back near his rump. His big, strong brother looked like a pup enjoying his master’s affection and Leroy would bet his life that he would have an erection, too. Jordan wasn’t only the love of Leroy’s life, he was his saviour, too. A long moment was spent in silence. The most profound silence Leroy had ever been a part of. In fact, he went to his brother and began rubbing his shoulder, too as a show of good faith, reinforcing his words and to let him know that they were on his side. 67

A Sangrille Christmas Bartel must have accepted their new arrangement, for he offered no protest. The only sound was a deep moan from the bowels of his chest as Leroy and Jordan continued to touch him. The mists gathered again and Leroy became concerned about the time they had spent calming the savage beast. “Now, let’s all forget about hurting each other and get on with the hunt for a vampire. Mother Sangrille won’t be happy if we don’t bag the first kill,” Jordan said, taking Leroy’s thoughts and speaking them. Bartel rose up. “Before we go, there’s something I need to say to you both.” “Go on,” Leroy said. Jordan picked up the shotgun and climbed upon Leroy’s back. “Mother Sangrille told me to follow you.” Leroy couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “I have to admire her. She told you that so that this would happen. She knew all along how you really felt. After this afternoon, your feelings for my boyfriend would have been plain to see. Pity I was so distracted myself that I didn’t see it either. Could have saved myself a lot of worry.” Bartel lowered his head and whispered, “My feelings are not so much for Jordan, although he is attractive. They are for you, Leroy. I have feelings for you. Being confronting and playing that game in the maze at the same time, was all to make you both angry and jealous. I wanted you to come to me, tell me that I was trying to claim him from you so I could get closer to you. Take you for myself.” Leroy was taken aback. Not so much by the words spoken—because alpha males having interest in siblings was nothing new—but because that was the first time he had heard his brother speak his name. Again, before Leroy could place his thoughts into words, Jordan said, “Well he’s all mine, you know. And nothing is 68

Mark Alders going to take him away from me.” Bartel looked up to Jordan. “I know. And I respect that. You are his alpha and law dictates that I either fight you for him or leave you be. I don’t want to harm you, Jordan. You have been the only human to have ever accepted me. So I will let you continue to bed Leroy with my blessing. But know that if you ever leave him, I will claim him and kill you without so much as a thought.” “Gee, thank you,” Leroy said. “I’m glad we got that sorted. But isn’t there something we should be doing? Like right now.” “You are right, Leroy,” Bartel said. “Let’s ride and get us a vampire. I’m starved!” Bartel rose up to full height and bayed at the moon. His cry echoed through the forest. In the distance, more howls followed. Then farther off still, another answered and then another. When he came down, Leroy added, “I need to know. Did Father Sangrille cut you like he cut me?” “Yes. And for that he will pay. With Mother’s help, we will all soon be rid of that monster. The man doesn’t deserve to be in charge. I have been biding my time all these years for this moment and nothing is going to stop me now.” Leroy smiled at his brother—the first time he had ever done so in his life. He now felt a bond with him, a bond that went beyond blood and beyond experience. They had a common goal and nothing united men more solidly than that. “Then we’d better get on with it. Mother Sangrille’s plan must be set into motion.” “And I wouldn’t want to go against her,” Bartel said, charging to a full run in a blink of an eye.

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Chapter Eleven eroy heard the vampires before he could see them. What

Lhis senses told him was unmistakable. There were many,

many vampires at the road kill site. So many, he feared even with his brother by his side, that they would be soon overwhelmed. Bartel had slowed, edging the path, staying in the shadows. When Leroy came close, he said, “Jordan, you hold your fire. We don’t want to spook them. Leroy, you come with me. We will take that one from each side. But be quiet and quick about it.” Standing guard in the middle of the road, and about ten meters from where the others had gathered, was a male vampire, the one Bartel indicated. Leroy went to the right, making sure much of him was hidden in the undergrowth, and Bartel to the left. Jordan hid. Leroy hated to leave him alone, but at the same time, knew he at least had a weapon. Hopefully, he would keep his wits about him and only fire it if he was approached. Leroy could see his brother’s plan. If they took out the guard without fuss, then the others wouldn’t have a warning. They would be easier to pick off. Then again, once the scent of them had caught their nostrils, no amount of surprise would help. They would be everywhere. Bartel was right. They had to be quick. 70

Mark Alders The moment soon came. Bartel was in place. Leroy charged, claws at the ready. The vampire didn’t even get a chance to turn his head. He was skewered on both sides, the breath of life taken from him in an instant. Bartel whispered, “Bring the body. We will use it as a lure.” Leroy nodded, doing as his brother instructed. Soon they were back up the road where they had left Jordan. He came out from behind the bushes, a sight that welcomed Leroy. But a look of terror was struck in his boyfriend’s eyes. Vampires! he mouthed through petrified lips. Leroy turned, dropping the kill. Coming toward them from all sides, from the road and the forest, were hundreds of vampires. Some in flying form, others running. All of them had the same look of anger, primitive and scary, in their eyes. “Run!” Bartel said with a roar. Leroy didn’t need to be told twice. He plucked up Jordan and then bolted to the fastest run he could muster, following his brother back up the road toward the estate. Jordan let of a couple of shots, ringing loud in his ears. Whether or not he had paralysed any vampires was irrelevant. They were now the hunted. “To the maze,” Bartel screamed. In that instant, Leroy understood what it was his brother was planning. Many of the vampires, the young, the females, wouldn’t pursue for long. Only the males would keep up with the chase. Perhaps they could lose more in the maze, even out their chances of getting out of this alive. But Leroy, as his heart pounded loud in his chest and his legs ached from exertion, both from running so fast and Jordan’s weight upon him, couldn’t fathom how they were going to get the best kill of a suckling vampire when only the eldest males followed them. He couldn’t let his mother down. 71

A Sangrille Christmas The next moments were a blur. Leroy concentrated hard on making sure he stayed ahead of the pursuing vampire pack. The grass of the estate grounds soon provided softness beneath his paws. One thing was certain, he couldn’t maintain the blistering pace for much longer. Even Bartel had slowed. “I can’t go on much longer!” Leroy said, his panting slurring his words. Jordan fired off more shots. The night air filled with the chanting of vampires on the chase. Leroy halted when the maze came into view, the familiar hedge welcome and filled with memories of both childhood and recent times. “We will lead them inside,” Bartel said, the exposed skin around his face a sweaty sheen. “You backtrack, Leroy, and go get that kill for Mother Sangrille. I shall do the rest.” “But you could be killed, Bartel.” In a million years, Leroy never thought such words would part his lips. Bartel looked beyond Leroy. “I know the maze well, as do you. But come back for me when you’re done. I will need you, my little brother.” “Yes, Bartel,” Leroy said, charging into the maze behind his brother. After many tense moments of charging through the tunnels and corridors of the maze, taking secret passages and backtracking without being seen, Leroy came to the entrance once more. Not a vampire in sight. He could hear the commotion inside the hedged walls, the frenzied cries of the enemy as thick as the mist at his paws. Then another sound pierced the air. A war cry. A howl that would have rallied Bartel into action and struck fear into those before him. “I hate to say this, but I’ve only got two shots left,” Jordan said. Determination came across Leroy like a newfound hope. 72

Mark Alders Not only could he not let Mother Sangrille down or his beautiful boyfriend, he had to make sure he did his part for his brother. “Then we make them count, don’t we?” Even though he ached, every muscle protesting, he charged to a run, his body hot and stained with sweat. Jordan would have appreciated the warmth being naked in the cool of night, but again his concern had to be focused on the matter at hand. They had vampire to hunt. Back on the gravel road, Leroy once more came to a halt well before he saw the remaining vampires at the kill site. Some had gathered around the dead guard. He could hear them, smell them. “Are you ready, my love?” Leroy lowered himself so Jordan could dismount. “There will only be the young and the weak left. It is the youngest we want. Fire only when absolutely certain, okay?” He could hear Jordan swallow. “I’m ready.” Like a curtain being lifted, the mist cleared ahead. A cool breeze fanned the leaves of the forest around them. On the road ahead, about half a dozen female vampires scavenged the bones of the fallen guard. By them there were two younglings, one not even a year old. Leroy knew that was their target. “The one on the left, aim for that. But hurry, we will be seen soon.” Jordan came so he was in front of Leroy. Kneeling down to steady his aim, Jordan fired. The sound of the weapon cracked the air, the whole forest echoed with its assault. The youngest vampire fell. Jordan’s aim was perfect. Leroy charged. He had seconds to claim the paralysed vampire, kill it and fend off any who would challenge him. As he charged, the female vampires screamed, scattering into the forest. 73

A Sangrille Christmas Seconds later, Leroy had done his part, sending in a claw to stop the vampire’s heart, the prize of a fine suckling vampire his reward, their reward for his efforts. He didn’t have time to gloat. It wouldn’t be long before the pack would return, and in greater numbers, males amongst them. “We must go and help Bartel, Leroy,” Jordan said as soon as he approached. “I heard that.” Jordan climbed onto his back. This time the weight of the vampire, slung in front of his boyfriend, added to the strain his muscles had already endured. When at the estate’s garden, Leroy saw his mother on the porch. He went to her as quick as he could, deciding to relieve some of the burden and give her the kill before going to Bartel. “You have both done well,” Mother Sangrille said, taking up the vampire eagerly in her hands. “The first kill is yours to claim, my beloved Leroy.” “I couldn’t have done any of it without Jordan or Bartel. But I must hurry. He needs me and Jordan now.” Her face softened, an expression that indicated to him that her plan was set on the right course. “Your brother loves you very much.” “I know that now.” Leroy was about to spring up to a run, when she added, “Jordan can stay here and help me. Only you can help Bartel now. Go to him.” “Yes, Mother.” Leroy was saddened to leave his boyfriend, but knew what his mother said was right. He was vulnerable and no longer armed. Besides, he was sure Jordan would appreciate being able to get some clothes on, if only to stave off the cool of the night air. Jordan came to kiss him on the top of his snout. “Come 74

Mark Alders back to me, my baby face. I’ll die if you’re hurt in any way.” That was all the encouragement Leroy needed. His heart was now in the right place. No longer empty because he had the love of his boyfriend and of his clan. What more could he want? He was more than complete, he was needed, too. Without looking back, Leroy ran. Through determined eyes, ones filled with pride and hope, he went to the maze once more. He would fight with everything he had at his beautiful brother’s side. He would give him everything, help him in any way. Again, such thought would have been the furthest from his mind only twenty-four short hours ago. The maze and the cries of vampires soon consumed him, hardening his resolve. Leroy had arrived, charging into the maze, slashing at unwary vampires, killing them in an instant. Every second lasted an eternity as he charged through the hedged corridors, his mind focused on one thing and one thing only—helping his brother. Soon Leroy came across a large pack at the centre of the maze. He halted. His blood chilled to the bone with what he witnessed. His heart beat loud in his chest. Bartel was surrounded. He had been hurt, too. Leroy let out a war howl, baying with all his might at the moon which gave him power. A newfound strength washed over him. Soon all eyes of the enemy were upon him, the vampires no longer interested in his brother. This time he welcomed their attention. This time their stares would soon be blinked out. He charged.

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Chapter Twelve eroy slashed at any vampire who approached, cleaving

Lthem in two or decapitating them with ease. The strength

of his newfound love, and that he already possessed from Jordan, coursed through his veins to give him that power. A power that made him giddy. A power that gave him a previously unfound courage to confront a whole pack of male vampires. Bartel let out a howl. He was covered in wounds, dark patches of wet fur evident of that. Leroy couldn’t let such a thing distract him from his goal, but he was pleased his brother still had strength to fight off those who came close to him. Over and over, Leroy dispensed with the enemy, the numbers halved in a matter of minutes. Covered in the gore of his kills, the copper taste of blood in his mouth, he moved closer to his brother so he could fight with him at his side. “I am glad you came back, Leroy.” Bartel was in worse condition than he had first suspected. He even had difficulty standing upright, one of his legs with a gore wound Leroy had never seen the likes of. “So am I,” was all he could offer. “I don’t know if I can hold my form. I am weak, Leroy.” Leroy didn’t answer, his brother’s words striking fear into his heart. “Hang in there for me. Just for a moment.” “Yes, my dearest little brother.” 76

Mark Alders Leroy moved so he was in front of Bartel, protecting him. He lashed out, killing without thought, without fear. He let out a howl, one as deep and as resonant as he had ever managed. The power in his howl must have stuck fear into the enemy for they dispersed. Some changed into flying form, others ran. Leroy and Bartel had won. When he turned to express his joy, to let his brother know how thankful he was that the vampires had fled, he saw what Bartel feared. His brother was in human form. His skin, a soft pink under the moonlight, was covered in blood. Without a second thought, Leroy plucked him up and carried him out of the maze. Bartel was still conscious, but he knew he would need medical attention for that leg sooner rather than later. Thankfully, werewolves could regenerate when the moon was full. Otherwise, Leroy wouldn’t have liked Bartel’s chances of survival. While he traversed the corridors of the maze, his brother reached up and brushed Leroy’s cheek with his hand, tender and with care. “You are so handsome. I envy you. Always have.” “Don’t talk rubbish. You’ve always had the best of everything. Not me.” “I never saw it that way. I’ve had to uphold tradition and law all my life. If I wasn’t the alpha, I would have been able to do many more things. I am a victim of myself, my dearest little brother.” “You could have still claimed me. Law would have let you.” “But the law doesn’t allow for love. If I did claim you, then it would have only been for the act of sex. Nothing more. Think of the time you spend with Jordan. The love you have for him. I can never have that no matter who I chose.” 77

A Sangrille Christmas Leroy stopped dead in his tracks. His brother’s eyes had glazed over. He could tell he was fighting to stay conscious. “I…I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I just thought you were a prick.” Bartel coughed, blood covering his lips. “When Father Sangrille told me what he did to you, I became so angry I lashed out and struck him. He put me back in my place, but what’s more, the next night, he did the same to me. He told me if I ever went against him, the consequences would be far worse. The man’s mad, Leroy. I feared for my life. I didn’t have the courage to run away like you. Besides, my duties would have forbidden such things if I wanted to remain the alpha.” “Save your strength. I will get you to Mother Sangrille. She will be able to help heal your wounds.” Bartel didn’t answer. His eyelids were now closed. Life still beat within him, but Leroy could tell he had fallen into unconsciousness. Determination washed over Leroy. He charged through the rest of the maze, coming as quick as he could to the entrance and onto the estate grounds. Some of the clan were now visible at the ornamental garden. Most had transformed back into human form, putting on their clothes. Mother Sangrille must have got the word out that the howling was over. Leroy didn’t care about any of that now. He had to get Bartel into the house, unseen if possible. He didn’t fancy a confrontation with anyone else, Father Sangrille most of all. They reached the porch and Jordan came bursting thought the door. He was clothed and looked refreshed. Leroy had bet that Mother had pampered him, proving plenty of food and drink, too. “I thought it was you. Holy hell, what happened to Bartel?” “He was overwhelmed. I got to him just in time. Quick. 78

Mark Alders Help me get him to my mother.” In that moment, Leroy concentrated all his efforts on his transformation. He needed to be in human form if he was going to be let into the house and help his brother in any constructive way. Electricity shot though him, but this time the power seeped out of his bones to numb his flesh. His senses dulled. No longer could he see beyond the normal spectrum, hear noises out of range for a man or smell with the keenness of a wolf. His claws became nails. Fur disappeared to become skin. Snout to nose. Leroy was human once more. Skinny and weak, but happy. He was also naked, just like his brother. Jordan grabbed one of Bartel’s arms. Together they carried him into the house. Mother Sangrille came to them as soon as they were beyond the foyer, her expression one of concern. “Get him into my chambers. There I will send the nurses in to tend to him. When you have done that and you are cleaned up and clothed, report back to me in the main hall. The time will soon be right.” “Yes, ma’am.” After Leroy and Jordan had done as Mother Sangrille had instructed, they headed for their room. Leroy was boneweary from the night’s activity, but also content he had accomplished all he had, discovered the truths of his clan. Jordan took him by his hand. “You were so brave tonight. I’m so proud of you.” “You know, I surprised myself.” “Do you think we’ve got a bit of time for me to show you just how proud I am?” “Well, I think Mother was adamant that the rest of her plan would soon be put into place. I don’t want to miss that.” 79

A Sangrille Christmas “Then I’d better be quick, hadn’t I?” Before Leroy could utter a word in protest, Jordan pushed him onto the bed. A split second after that, and before he could get his thoughts straight, his boyfriend had taken his cock tight in his hand, encouraging him to get hard. Leroy didn’t need much more coaxing than that, his erection as easy to come by as the next ecstatic breath from his lips. Jordan kissed his length, concentrating his efforts on the sensitive head and circumcision scar. His lips were warm and welcome, tender and caring. Leroy let out a sigh of relief, succumbing to the moment. His boyfriend’s passion, his attention on nothing else but Leroy’s pleasure, caused him to become immersed in the wonderful and familiar throes of delight in such a short time. Leroy’s balls tightened and the climb up to climax consumed him when Jordan began to suck on him proper. Delightful slurps filling the air, he writhed under his boyfriend’s weight. “I’m going to cum any second now,” Leroy said with a gasp. Jordan didn’t say anything. Instead, he quickened his pace and took in Leroy as deep as he could go. Leroy yelled out. He came. The orgasm both served to relieve and to solidify the love he felt for Jordan. This had been the best night of his life so far and he couldn’t help but get the feeling a whole lot more was about to happen. As his body convulsed with wave upon wave of pleasure and Jordan took him all, Leroy’s mind wandered back to the moment. Jordan had let him go, a smile the only thing now that parted his lips. “By the Star of David, you were awesome, my love.” Jordan came up to kiss him. “I think you deserved that, don’t you?” Leroy reciprocated Jordan’s kiss, going deep into his mouth, tasting his tang and his own salt, chasing his lover’s 80

Mark Alders tongue. After a long moment of being saturated in his touch, he replied, “When Mother Sangrille has done her thing I’m so going to let you do so much more to me.” Jordan smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.” “So am I.” Showered and dressed for tonight’s feasting, Leroy and Jordan entered the main hall, hand in hand. Mother Sangrille turned from her duties, which consisted of guiding the house’s servants in preparation for the feast. “I am glad you are here finally,” she said, the impatience in her voice clear. “We’re sorry, Mother Sangrille,” Jordan said. “Never mind. The clan will be here soon. The howling didn’t go so well for them and news of your kill has them quite curious, if a little baffled.” Leroy chuckled. “Yes, well having every vampire in the forest chase us would have seen to that.” “Indeed.” She came close to them. “Now, I need you two to be silent when the others arrive. Don’t speak unless you are spoken to and only offer a short and direct answer when you are. Clear?” Jordan nodded and Leroy replied, “Yes, ma’am.” “That’s the idea.” She smiled, leaned over and pecked each of them on the forehead. “That’s my boys. Oh, and Bartel will be joining us as well. He’s healing better than I had hoped.” Leroy found himself smiling. Again he was surprised by how things had turned out. Before tonight, he wouldn’t have wanted to see his brother in a blue fit. Not now. Now he needed to know that he was all right. Needed to see him, embrace him and tell him how happy he was that they had come to an understanding. Within ten minutes or so, the main hall was filled with the clan. Most kept their distance from Leroy and Jordan, 81

A Sangrille Christmas offering only curious glances or words behind their hands to those near them. Food and drink soon flowed from the kitchen, many seated at the great table, waiting for the main event—the appearance of mother Sangrille’s famous suckling vampire. Leroy pulled out a chair for Jordan. Next to him sat Petunia, one of his sister’s from the first litter. The chair next to Jordan was empty. Leroy assumed that was for Bartel. They were near the head of the table. Father Sangrille made himself comfortable there. The man stood. The room quietened and all eyes were soon on the patriarch of the clan. He cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, members of the clan, please enjoy all there is on offer tonight.” He raised his glass. “Merry Christmas to you all. And even though the howling was the least successful in years,” he glared at Leroy before continuing, “we at least get to feast on all the other delicacies of the season tonight. Charge your glasses. I raise a toast. To the clan. To the future.” The room erupted with a Merry Christmas and a clinking of glasses in reply. All drank and tucked into the food before them. Leroy was famished and so was Jordan by the look of his eagerness. He had filled his plate with roast potatoes and chicken and braised vegetables of all types. “Hey, save some room for the suckling vampire, will you?” Leroy said with a chuckle. “Haven’t tasted anything until you’ve eaten that.” Jordan screwed up his nose. “I think I might pass. I don’t fancy chewing down on something I just killed. Doesn’t seem right.” “More for me then.” Jordan let out a laugh, too. Leroy’s attention had been taken away by the sight of Mother Sangrille entering the 82

Mark Alders main hall, Bartel at her side. He still looked worse for wear, but at least he was standing. “May I have your attention please,” she said. Bartel came to sit in the vacant chair. Leroy leaned over, “You all right?” Bartel offered a smile and a wink. “Couldn’t be better.” The room quietened once more. “Before I bring in the magnificent suckling vampire that Leroy and Bartel and Jordan claimed, I have something to say.” A murmur flowed through the crowd. “What business is this, woman? Why disturb our feast?” Father Sangrille spat, food falling from his mouth onto the table. Mother Sangrille’s face hardened. “Silence. What I have to say will affect the future of this clan.” Father Sangrille sneered. “This is most disrespectful.” Bartel sat forward, about to offer protest before Mother Sangrille flicked her gaze at him. He relaxed, remaining silent. She continued, “There are two special guests I think all of you must meet.” Through the main door, two elderly, yet distinguished men entered the hall. She turned to them, offering her embrace, before she added, “This is Paul, the father of my first litter, the man who gave me my beautiful Bartel, Petunia, Ambrosia, Venus and Persephone. And this is Albert, the father of my beloved Leroy.”

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A Sangrille Christmas

Chapter Thirteen he stunned silence in the room was so profound, Leroy

Tcould almost reach out and touch it. Many had dropped

what they were holding, all gazes on the two humans Mother Sangrille had welcomed into the house to play her final card. As far as Leroy was concerned, what she delivered was indeed a bombshell, one that rocked the very foundations of the Sangrille clan. Not only was Father Sangrille not his biological father, he didn’t contribute to Bartel or his sisters’ DNA either. “This is a joke!” Father Sangrille stood, his chair clattering onto the tiled floor. He threw down his glass and it shattered on the table. “You have dishonoured me and the clan with your evil words, woman.” Mother Sangrille smiled, one filled with satisfaction. “It is you who disgrace us all. You have never been able to reproduce. The title of your land was passed on from your father, and that’s all you have ever had. Now that Bartel is of age, his twenty-fifth year behind him, I can no longer see a need for you in this clan. Your title is forfeit.” Father Sangrille let out a forced laugh. “Where is your proof? Anyone can get two humans off the street. They look nothing like the fruit of your loins. I should rip them to shreds just for standing there.” She nodded. “You are correct. The show I put on was 84

Mark Alders more for dramatics, to get the attention I sought. These two men are fakes.” With those words, Leroy’s heart sank. What she said next made him angry beyond belief. “The real Albert and Paul were murdered in cold blood by you, were they not?” “Again, where is your proof? What you have said has only achieved one thing, raising the bile to my throat in disgust. I am the leader of this clan. Not you. Now bow down before me and withdraw your accusation.” Slowly, Mother Sangrille produced papers and discs from her dress’s front pocket. “Here is my proof. Video footage of when you went into the forest and murdered my lovers. Each of the clan will have a copy sent to them as well as the local police. Oh, and just for good measure, DNA results from all of my children have been proved to the courts as well. They are not yours. Never have been and never will be. You are an empty heir and clan law dictates that you must produce once before any other male can come of age and claim that right from you. Bartel is now claiming that right, aren’t you, son?” This time Bartel stood. “Mother Sangrille is correct. I claim all the land the clan resides upon. I am of the right age and I have the matriarch’s blessing to do so. Is there any here who wish to challenge me?” No one spoke, except Father Sangrille. “You conniving, backstabbing bitch! I’ll kill you! I’ll fucking kill you!” He jumped up onto the table, plates of food and cutlery scattered everywhere as he ran toward Mother Sangrille. Many of the clan screamed out, but a few of the elder men got up, too. They wrestled him to the ground, restraining him. The struggle was over in a matter of moments. Father Sangrille was subdued, unable to charge at their matriarch. “Thank you my clan brothers for your help.” She gestured 85

A Sangrille Christmas for the two men to be seated and for the elders who restrained Father Sangrille to hold him for a minute. She looked him in the eye, coming as close as she dared. “It has taken me many years to gather all I needed to dispose of you, but now that I have done so, there is something else I need to mention.” Father Sangrille spat at her, a globule of his saliva landing on her cheek. Calmly, she wiped it away. “You are going to pay for this, woman.” She tutted. “I don’t think so. You see, I have given instructions on how to dispose of you. And you were quite wrong when you said the howling had been a failure. The vampires are quite worked up tonight. They are baying for blood and I feel that it will be you who can provide that service to them.” “That’s murder.” He tried to fight his way out of the elders who grasped him, to no avail. He was stuck. Through pained eyes and clenched teeth, he said, “If you leave me to them, you’re no better off than me.” She turned away from him, going to Bartel and gesturing for him to take the seat at the head of the table. She sat next to Jordan. “Unlike you, I will give you a chance. Not like the courtesy you extended to poor Albert and Paul. They were led out in the dead of night, made to dig their own graves and stabbed to death from behind while doing so.” “They deserved it. Look at the filth you have produced because of them. The disgusting abominations who cavort with humans no less. I am glad I had nothing to do with it. No way would I ever call any of them my own. They make me sick to my stomach.” Mother Sangrille turned to Leroy. “Would you like to say something now, my beloved?” All looked upon Leroy. Now was the time to say what he had to say, let the clan 86

Mark Alders know what the man did to him. He stood. “Mother Sangrille is right. I have got something to say,” he began, explaining to the clan about the fateful night when he ran away. How the man violated him, took away a part of him he could never get back. When he was finished, silence once more filled the room. Jordan reached over to grab his hand, offering his support. Telling such a story, something he had held as a secret for so long, was a relief to be rid of. Satisfied, he sighed deep. Bartel stood. “I have something to say, too.” When the truth had been spoken and no more words needed, Mother Sangrille gestured for Father Sangrille to be taken away. Leroy didn’t want to think about what would happen to him, but before he could ruminate on what had transpired and when the room was cleared of the man’s hateful presence, Mother cleared her throat to gain everyone’s attention again. With a chuckle behind her hand, she said, “Never fear, my clan. He is being taken to the police. But I must admit a certain amount of satisfaction having him think he’s being fed to the vampires.” A roll of laugher filled the room. Leroy couldn’t help but admire her brilliance. Many servants cleaned up the mess on the table, replacing the spoiled food and replenishing drinks. “A toast to Mother Sangrille,” Bartel cheered, raising his glass. Leroy stood again. “Yes. A toast!” He drank deep from the glass. Jordan had stood, too. “Can I say something, Mother Sangrille?” “Please do, Jordan.” He turned to face Leroy. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have even predicted half of what has gone on over the last couple of days.” Again laughter pierced the air, this time accompanied by clinks of glasses. “But if there has been 87

A Sangrille Christmas one thing I’ve been certain of all along, it’s my love for you, Leroy. I’m glad we came and I am glad I have been accepted into your family as much as you have into mine. Thank you, Leroy. Thank you, Mother Sangrille. Thank you, Bartel.” A voice spoke out, one from an elder of the clan at the far end of the table. “Three cheers for Mother Sangrille and her kin.” The cheers rang out. Leroy sat, as did Jordan. “Bring us the main attraction. We are all ready to feast on suckling vampire and forget the worries of the past,” Mother Sangrille ordered. Again cheers filled the hall. Moments later, a huge platter, carried by four servants, came through the doors that led to the kitchen. On it was the vampire, cooked and dressed and somewhat reminiscent of roast pig, that Jordan and Leroy had killed earlier. It was placed onto the centre of the table. All looked upon it with delight and a good measure of hunger. Mother Sangrille added, “Bartel, my beautiful, would you make the first carve?” “I would be honoured.” After many hours of drinking and feasting, Leroy’s body became consumed with exhaustion. The party had lasted well into the next day. The mists had cleared, broken by the warmth of the sun that now rose beyond the towering forest. Christmas Day was nothing more than a happy memory and one he wouldn’t forget for as long as he remained breathing. Even Jordan had got into the mood of the moment and tried some suckling vampire. He had screwed up his nose in jest and proclaimed that the meat tasted like dried up turkey. Leroy laughed and kissed him right in front of the clan. Again many cheers filled his ears. Not only had he 88

Mark Alders been accepted, he was given his rightful place by birth. The new alpha male of the clan. With Father Sangrille gone, Bartel was now the elder. Just as Mother Sangrille had planned all along for so many years. “I’m so going to take you into the bedroom and claim you as mine, you know?” he whispered to Jordan. Never before had he felt the urge to lay Jordan down on a bed and enter him, show him his love on such a level. Much to Leroy’s surprise, Jordan said, “I’d like that more than anything else right now. Make love to me, my baby face. Do me so hard and for so long that our love will be completed in so many ways. A fitting end to a wonderful Christmas.” Leroy couldn’t help himself. He took Jordan by his hand and pulled him out of his chair. “Then what are we waiting for?” Many of the clan had either retired into the smoking room or were hanging about in small groups in the main hall. A few were asleep where they had been seated and one or two were embracing, kissing each other with a deep passion that made Leroy smile. Bartel was nowhere to be seen, but from memory, Leroy believed his brother had taken away the two men Mother Sangrille had used for her stunt from the hall, probably to his bed. Leroy smiled. Good for him. “I think Bartel is in for an interesting night,” Leroy said. “Perhaps we should join him?” Jordan said with a cheeky smile. “Five cocks are better than two, hey?” “You’re such a tease.” Leroy led Jordan through the house toward their room. “You just wait until I get you on that bed. You’re going to get such a spanking.” “I’d rather have your cock in and out of every part of me.” Jordan reached over to open the door. “Then you can do some spanking.” “You got yourself a deal.” 89

A Sangrille Christmas Leroy pushed Jordan into the room. His boyfriend laughed, tripping up on himself, stumbling onto the bed, arms and legs splayed. Leroy clambered on top of him, coming to kiss his hot lips. “You know what?” “What?” A few anxious moments was spent wriggling out of his clothes. Jordan disrobed, too. Again he planted many, many kisses all over him, concentrating on deep passionate kisses. The sensation of Jordan’s heated skin touching his own was electric. Leroy was hard within seconds. “I want to thank you for making me accept Mother’s invitation. I want to let you know that you have done more for me than anyone ever has. I love you so much, it hurts. I want you forever and ever.” Jordan opened his legs. “Oh fuck, take me quick. I love you so much, too.” Leroy gasped, his cock found the warmth between his boyfriend’s legs with little effort. He sat up, feasting his gaze upon the whole of Jordan’s body, grabbing his cock and jacking him off as he pushed his hardness into his boyfriend’s arse hole. Jordan let out a yelp. His stomach quivered and his eyelids were shut tight. He bit his own lip and writhed on the bed, opening his legs wider for Leroy to enter him deeper. “Are you okay, my love?” There was no answer, other than Jordan wrapping his legs around him, pulling him in even closer. Leroy took that as a signal to continue and before long his, whole body was tingling unlike anything he had every experienced before. The sensation started from his bulging head deep inside Jordan, moving up through him to consume him with a sensation he couldn’t describe but provided plenty of enjoyment. His body, mind and soul all 90

Mark Alders for Jordan and the love he was giving him. For a long time Leroy tried to gain a rhythm, having to stop and slow many times so as not to fall over the edge into climax. He wanted this to last as long as possible. Jordan’s enjoyment was something that took him so close many times. The room was filled with his yelps and gasps and soon Leroy, too, had worked up a healthy sweat. Then Jordan blew his load, his thick, white ejaculate covering his stomach. Leroy continued to jack him off, feeling the exact moment he climaxed as his cock pulsed in his grip. That was more than enough to send Leroy to the point of no return. A moment later, he let go, giving Jordan all he could give, not pulling away, wanting to fill him just as he had done to him on many occasions. “Oh, Jordan!” he called out. “You’re fucking awesome.” Jordan pulled him down and soon Leroy was surrounded once more in his grasp. He remained inside him, preferring to let himself go flaccid before pulling out. They kissed, again as deep and passionate as they had ever done. When Leroy was covered in Jordan’s ejaculate, smothered in his love, too, he said, “This has been the best Christmas ever.” “So I take it you don’t want to stay at home next year?” “No way.” “Good. Now make love to me again. I can get used to this new arrangement.” Leroy chuckled. “So can I. I never knew I had it in me to be honest. But before we do that, do you think we can dock? For old times’ sake.” “You got yourself a deal.”

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About the Author I’m Mark and I live in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. By day I am a public servant, but by night, when I get in front of my computer, I can be anyone. I let my imagination go. I can go anywhere, from the farthest reaches of space, to the dilapidated house at the end of the street, and anywhere in between. I write about people from all walks of life, from teenagers finding out what’s it’s like to be an adult or to adults that discover what it’s like to become a child once more. Characters move my stories just as much as they move me.