London Loves Ch. 08

Xav was surprised he asked first, and he didn't miss the fact that he said only that he would try not to hurt him. He realised he must have his defences way up and he tried to relax a little, giving Gabe a small nod to go ahead. Rayne gave the other man a look that said if he did hurt Xav he was going to get his head ripped off. Gabriel cheerfully ignored it.

His long, sun-browned fingers were very warm after the cool vampiric touch Xavier was used to feeling on his skin. Gabriel closed his eyes as he pressed lightly on his patient's flat stomach and the swell of his ribcage. Then he laid his hand there flat. Xavier could feel a tingling warmth spread through his skin from the places where Gabe's hands moved over him.

After several minutes Xav relaxed even more, sagging back on the couch as the tension eased. It was not like movie magic, where all of a sudden he was all better, but he did feel something. The pain was lessening and he could draw breath a little easier now. Gabriel's hand on his skin felt so warm it was like having a heating pad held there. The tall stranger opened his eyes at last and a smile tugged at his mouth as he looked at Xavier very directly.

"Take your pants off," he said, without any hesitation.

Xavier moved his hand toward the button on his trousers.

Rayne was on his feet at once, eyes blazing. "Stop that!"

Xavier started, a little stunned to realise he'd been doing as he was told automatically. He was also surprised that it took a bit of effort for him to tear his eyes away from Gabriel's. He blinked in confusion, thinking for a moment that Gabe had used some kind of mind tricks, like vampires used, but almost as quickly dismissed the idea. It hadn't felt the same as when a vampire got into his head. No, this was something else, something he was far more familiar with actually. Dominance, plain and simple. Gabriel expected to be obeyed when he issued a command, and Xav had followed it without even thinking.

Looking back up at Gabriel he arched one slim brow, lightly teasing him; "I'm here five whole minutes and already you wanna get in my pants?"

Gabe winked at him as he eased up to sit on the edge of the lounger, his hand wandering to Rayne's arm, stroking soothingly up and down from the vampire's skinny wrist, though he did not take his eyes off Xavier. Rayne shook him off with a little snort of disgust and folded his arms across his chest.

"Now, you're the one that intro-dee-uced that idea," Gabriel remarked playfully. "I was just wonderin' how far down those bruises went and if you're still peein' red?"

Xav dropped his eyes again, wondering how Gabe knew about that. He was also wondering why Rayne was suddenly so hostile. He didn't think Gabriel was seriously flirting, and he did feel a little better but his lover had been on the defensive since they arrived here.

"Um, I guess, yeah." Xavier answered reluctantly. He didn't like admitting how hurt he really was. That was stupid though, they had come here in part for Gabe to help heal him, and he probably needed to know how badly he was injured if he was going to be able to do that.

Gabriel glanced once at Rayne, who was still bristling and hovering protectively over his mate, then looked back at Xavier.

"I take it the doc you saw wasn't worried about your kidney?" he asked in a tone that suggested he thought just the opposite.

Xav's shoulders lifted slightly in a little shrug. "Yeah, I guess he was. They didn't want to let me leave the hospital but I didn't want to stay."

All three were silent for a moment. Rayne looked like he was going through some sort of inner war in which he wanted to protect his mate from the very same person that could help him. Gabe's face remained serene except for the slight downward draw of his brows which gave away his worry. At last Xav came to a decision and with a small sigh he popped the button of his fly and carefully shifted so he could slide the snug fitting trousers down, letting Gabriel see that the bruises did indeed travel past the waistband. He rolled onto his less injured side when Gabe made a little motion with his hand, facing the back of the couch and exposing his backside and the concentration of mottled bruising in the small of his back where he'd been punched and kicked repeatedly.

Gabriel's hands moved gently over him once more. Ignoring the way Rayne glowered at him he laid one hand low on Xavier's back and eased the other down between his thighs. Under other circumstances it might have been a sensual experience but here it was simply fraught with tension. Even so, Xavier felt that sizzle of energy more purposefully as Gabriel cupped his balls, handling him like he was a piece of fine china.

Despite the tension in the room Gabriel's hands were just as soothing as they had been on his ribs and Xavier felt his muscles start to relax under the spreading warmth that emanated from them. He closed his eyes, moaning softly. It was not an entirely erotic sensation, it wasn't pleasure he was feeling, but relief. The stabbing pain of his ribs had seemed more immediate than the deep ache lower down but now that the ache in his loins was easing off it was almost enough to make him weep.

"Should 'ave brought him 'ere sooner," Gabriel said quietly.

Xav glanced over his shoulder to see that Gabriel's eyes had shifted to Rayne's tense, angry face. His lover bristled with defensive rage.

"He was too fuckin' ill to move sooner," Rayne said testily.

Xavier wasn't sure why Rayne was so pissed off, but it obviously had something to do with Gabriel. The man hadn't hurt him, his soothing hands actually felt good, so Xav was confused by Rayne's reaction.

"I was, I could hardly get out of bed yesterday," he added in Rayne's defence. "I thought I was better this morning, but the trip took more out of me than I thought it would." He paused, looking over at Rayne and noticing he was struggling not to bare his fangs in a little snarl. He still wasn't sure what had his lover so wound up but it was making him anxious.

"I think I'll be okay now," he said gently disengaging Gabriel's hands from him, then gingerly straightening and pulling his clothes back on. "Thanks, I don't think I even need a pill."

Rayne could feel Xavier's rising confusion and anxiety. Even though he knew the healing Gabriel was doing would be good for Xavier he couldn't suppress the possessive desire to get his mate away from the mutt and he felt clouded, as he always did coming here. The magic was a part of it but Gabriel Arden made his hackles rise and though he tried to shield it down he could not help the automatic hostility that surged in him whenever he was near to the wolf. He found himself bristling like a little cat, forced to defend his territory. Which was ridiculous because Gabe was a great big teddy bear of a guy most of the time. Just, when the moon waxed full, he let his wolf have its head and then there was no stopping him, vampire or not.

Rayne's lips drew back from a fanged snarl now and Gabriel backed off at once, although there was no fear in his eyes just a steady, calculating look.

"Easy, tiger," he said quietly, holding his hands up. "No need to get stroppy, mate."

"I'm not your mate," Rayne told him in a voice that felt short of air. "I'm gonna take Xav up and get him in a hot bath and put him to bed, yeah?"

"Whatever you think, Dead Boy." Gabe's smile was a little tight as he rose to his feet. "It's nice to be meeting you, Xavier. Hope you sleep well."

"Thanks," Xavier murmured. His eyes kept darting towards Rayne as if he wanted to ask what was wrong with him but he didn't say another word.

Xav got up, noticing as he did that he was moving and breathing a little easier now. He had a feeling he'd be moving a lot better if he'd let Gabriel finish what he'd been doing. Rayne helped him up the stairs and only then did Xavier ask in a low voice; "Are you alright?"

Rayne's mouth found his and kissed him hungrily.

"I am now," he said, with a bitter little smile. "I don't get off on him groping you like that when you only just fell through the door." He looked down with a sudden boyish stubbornness that made his lover think of Clint. "And I didn't like the way you looked at him, either."

Xavier just stared at him incredulously for a moment. Rayne had shared him over coffee with his ex-boyfriend this morning and he was jealous now? Over a curious look?

"You are a total nut case, you know that?" he said affectionately and returned his kiss. "I wasn't looking at him," he said. "I mean, yeah I looked at him but not like a look-look, just a look."

Rayne eyed him speculatively but didn't argue the point. He took Xavier's hand and led him into the comfortable bedroom just off the imposing staircase from the hall, which was where he normally crashed when he stayed with Dominic. The colour-scheme was neutral; soft creams and shades of green with lots of older bedroom furniture in dark, polished wood. A big, sash window, with dark verdant velvet drapes that hung to the sage coloured carpet, looked out over the woodlands and gardens. It had a low, deep, cushion-strewn window seat.

The wooden-framed bed was big enough for three, with lots of plump pillows and a kingsize duvet in soft, crisp, egyptian cotton. A small door to the left led into a little en-suite bathroom, tiled from floor to ceiling in the same cool, mint green as the bedcovers.

Rayne sat his lover down gently on the edge of the bed and sat beside him, taking both of his hands possessively.

"I know what Matty said this morning," he murmured softly. "And I know Dominic loves the crazy mutt, but he's... it's difficult, Xavier. He is not like us. Vampires, yeah, we're technically passed and dead and gone but we used to be human. Most of us remember what that was like. Gabriel was never human, Xav. He was born half animal, and he'll die that way. And it freaks me out a little bit. I'm sorry if that upsets you but I can't help the way he makes me feel. Maybe I shouldn't have dragged you up here, we could have found a healer in London if you didn't want the white coats fussing over you."

Xavier's thumb caressed softly over the back of Rayne's hand circling over the top of each knuckle in turn. "He didn't hurt me, Rayne, and I do actually feel a bit better now. I mean, I don't blame you for being a little freaked out, if that's how you feel about him then...well, that's just how you feel. It doesn't upset me." He kissed him lightly, touching the tip of his nose to Rayne's. "Just relax, babe. I'll be okay. Didn't you say something about a bath?" he asked, changing the subject. "Want to climb in with me?"

The little vampire smiled rather more easily at that invitation. It did not take them long to spill out of their travelling clothes and into the deep, hot, foaming water. Some thoughtful soul had left herbs and bath salts on the lip of the tub which filled their nostrils with delicious scent and also soothed some of the pain from Xavier's bruised muscles.

Rayne sank down beneath the surface with Xavier astride him, then came back up again, shaking the water from his inky hair like a dog. His hands curled gently around Xavier's slim hips, caressing him with a care for his injuries. The hot water felt wonderful after the tension of their journey.

"God, this makes it all worthwhile," the vampire groaned contentedly.

Xavier smiled at him and turned slowly so he was sitting between Rayne's spread legs and leaning back against him. He felt drowsy now that the fraught atmosphere of the day had been dispersed and the heat of the water and Rayne's limbs were wrapped around him. He was happy to just lay here and float, gently stroking his hands up and down his lover's splayed thighs.

Rayne kissed his wet hair and slipped a gentle hand beneath his chin to keep his head above water as they soaked in peaceful silence. He was aroused, as he always got in such close proximity to his naked lover, but conscious of Xavier's exhaustion, rubbing himself slowly and steadily between his mate's hot, wet cheeks.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered huskily. "I'm sorry I've behaved like a complete wanker the last few days. It's not your fault."

Xav turned his head so he could kiss Rayne's lips. Ray returned the kiss tenderly, making him smile as their lips parted.

"What do you mean? You've been fine," he said, a sleepy timbre to his voice. He lifted one hand to stroke Rayne's cheek and smiled at him. "I'm the one that's sorry, for making you worry and putting you through all this trouble."

"You're no trouble," Rayne assured him in a mellow tone. "Okay, if you are, you always make up for it."

He kissed Xavier on the nose and cuddled close to him. Even with the proximity of Gabriel Arden, there was something about Dominic's house that made him relax and he was suddenly happier that they had decided to come here. The distance from London gave him some peace of mind, that they were not going to be disturbed. This far from home they could put the worries of the real world aside for a few days. It was what they both needed right now, even if a resident werewolf was the price they had to pay for that freedom.

Xavier's hand slid down his cheek to cup his chin lightly and he kissed him again, long and slow this time. He was still sore and his eyes were heavy but he felt himself stir anyway, his perpetually horny body having not yet caught on to the idea that it would probably be better to rest.

"Mmmm... you are very fuckable, right now," Rayne whispered teasingly into his mouth as they broke the kiss again. "Very inconsiderate of you to get crocked so that I can't make you scream with pleasure all night."

"I don't scream," Xav protested with a lopsided grin.

"I beg to differ," Rayne chuckled in his ear. He rubbed himself lazily against Xavier, loving the way that the water and his lover's hot, naked body caressed his sensitive cock in different ways. "Even when it's not hurting, you can make me half deaf by the time you've come. But you are hurt, and tired... though you're still totally gorgeous for all that."

He licked Xavier's neck and nibbled seductively at his earlobe whilst his fingers pinched and teased his mate's erect nipples. Xavier gave a small sigh, his skin tightening and tingling wherever Rayne touched him. He wriggled his hips, his squirming body teasing Rayne's cock where it lay along the crease of his sexy arse. The edge of his teeth skimmed over Xavier's sleek, wet skin and he tweaked his nipple more tightly. Xav arched into his touch with a little gasp that inflamed his loins.

"Mmm... you are turning me on like crazy..." Xav exhaled.

"You don't know how happy that makes me," Rayne purred, nuzzling him seductively. His hand slid between Xavier's thighs, caressing the stiffening cock that was rising along his belly. "Do you want to stay in the water and turn into a screwed prune or should we go to bed, do you think?"

Xav's amusement at the 'screwed prune' comment sounded suspiciously like a giggle. That made him even hotter.

"C'mon, lets get out."

Xav stood carefully, the water sheeting down his body as he rose, and grabbed the fluffy towels on the bar, handing one to Rayne. They dried off as they headed toward the bed. The clean herbal scent of the bath water clung faintly to their skin and mingled with the crisp clean cotton of the sheets as they pulled back the duvet and fell into the firm yet yielding embrace of the mattress together. Neither was in a hurry, a comfortable languid sensuality enveloping them both as their lips met and they caressed and stroked one another.The vampire sprawled on his back and Xavier's fingers slid into Rayne's damp hair as he leaned over him, kissing slowly, with a simmering passion.

"You are so hot, you know that?" he murmured as his lips trailed along his lover's jaw. "I'm so glad you found me."

Rayne breathed in the delicious, sweet, slightly herbal scent of him, face buried in Xavier's tousled curls.

"No regrets then?" he whispered, running his fingers gradually up and down his lover's naked back as they lay, sandwiched together in their comfortable nest, like a proper pair of lovebirds.

Xavier's low chuckle tickled along the side of Rayne's throat where he nuzzled him.

"Lots of them, but not a single one about you."

Rayne's hand had crept up his back and over his shoulder to trace along his jawline and Xav caught one finger as it came close to his lips and drew it into his mouth. Closing his eyes he swirled his tongue around and sucked on the digit suggestively. Rayne rolled him over gently onto his back and worked his fingers in and out of Xavier's mouth as he kissed and licked a slow, wet trail down his lover's chest, swiping his tongue in a smooth line over one pert nipple then flicking the tip against the stiff little bud with a grin. Xav was so warm and he smelled so scrumptious, a sultry mixture of bathtub herbs and spices blending with his natural vanilla pheromones.

"I am so glad," he purred. "You're making my mouth water, sweetheart. I wanna swallow you whole."

Rayne realised with an odd little aftershock that he meant it, too. Years of seduction made the right words trip easily off his tongue but they were rarely accompanied by genuine, lasting feelings. Xavier had been with him now, on and off, for over two months. And it still felt great.

'Must be getting soft in your old age!' his conscience niggled.

Xavier pulled slowly off Rayne's fingers before the vampire got too much farther down his body.

"Swing around so I can have a taste of you too," he invited and smiled when Rayne shifted obligingly.

Xav nuzzled into Rayne's hip and had just licked a wet line inward toward his goal when there was a light knock on the bedroom door. He stopped rather reluctantly, his weary sigh a balmy breeze over Rayne's balls that made his lover squirm with frustration.

"Fuck off, we don't need any!" Rayne exhaled forcefully, resting his head against Xavier's warm, silky thigh with a groan of need.

"What do you think I am, room service?" a familiar, amused and rather cultured voice remarked and the door opened a crack. "Are you decent?"

"Take a guess!" the vampire suggested irritably.

Xavier lifted his head enough to prop his chin on Rayne's hip, looking over the top of him. He had to grin at the way that Rayne's answer did not deter Dominic from poking his head around the door anyway. Warm light spilled in from the hallway beyond their friend and bathed the two nude entwined bodies on the bed in shades of gold and amber.

"Hi Dom," Xav greeted him, a mite less surlier than Rayne had. He felt too mellow to get irritated right now, still a little buzzed from whatever it was that Gabriel had done to him, and a nice warm bath, and the slow seductive heat Rayne had been building in him.

"Hello darling," Dominic said warmly, ever the genial host; "Did you eat yet?"

Xavier's small smile turned rather more lecherous. "I was about to."

Dominic held his hands up but he was smiling as he murmured; "I see you've made yourselves at home. I'll leave you to it. Gabe is making supper though, so when you've eaten, if you'd still like to eat...?"

"I thought you weren't coming back until late," Rayne sighed, rolling to face the door, one hand still caressing Xavier's lean flank.

"I decided it was intolerable of me to invite you to my house then be an absent host. What can I say?" Lord Warren leaned in the doorway beaming at them. "You do look so pretty curled up there like naughty kittens."

"I love you, but... fuck off, Dom," the vampire said amiably.

"You're such a charmer!"

"I mean it now." Rayne curled back around Xavier and began to kiss and lick his naked belly.

The door closed on Dominic's chuckle and Xavier happily sank back down, his fingers wasting no time in curling around Rayne's cock and stroking him gently while his lips and tongue teased over the plump crown. His long pink tongue licked a circle around him and flicked back and forth over the slit. His own cock hadn't wilted a bit from their interruption.