Club Zombie 1-4

by Z. Allora

  In twenty-five days. Yes, Uli was counting. Cutter would return to them. Him. Back to him… his mate.

  Kai rolled his eyes. “Will Lightning be back too?”

  Uli shifted restlessly, not being able to contain his baffling need to see them—both of them. “Storm, and yes, of course he’ll be hanging out too. Why do you hate him so much?”

  “I don’t hate him. I simply don’t like his attitude. He acts like….” Kai’s words trailed off into a frown. “I don’t know, like he owns you, Alex, and Cutter.”

  Kai’s need to protect had kept Uli safe as a child, but now he was an adult, even the slightest of observations felt overbearing and restrictive.

  “Oh, please.”

  Kai squinted and shook his head. “Haven’t you noticed none of you can go anywhere without him checking on you? And he’s always eye-fucking you.”

  “Me?” Uli hated himself for finding the idea appealing.

  “And Alex. And Cutter. It’s not right. The kid’s a sex offender just waiting to commit a crime.”

  “Whatever. I’ve never noticed it.” Though now Kai mentioned it, Uli had witnessed Storm’s possessive nature, and it wasn’t just directed at his own best friend. If Uli were honest, he found the persistent attention hot as hell.

  Kai tossed more feed to the ducks and dropped the subject. A number of the greedy little guys acted as if they weren’t fed every day and scrambled around, racing for the food. One duck leaned back and double wing whacked another out of his way in order to get in better position. Thwack. Thwack. Uli and Kai laughed together at their antics.

  Nothing more was said about Cutter, Storm, or Alex.

  Still, they never left Uli’s mind.

  Cassidy Frost bounced through the partying crowd to meet Uli and Alex at the door. Cassidy was one of the few guys Uli had met here who seemed totally psyched to be a zombie.

  “I’m so glad you dragged Alex to the party.” Cassidy hugged Uli and then shifted awkwardly to hug Alex. “He never attends birthday parties.”

  Uli turned away to avoid witnessing Cassidy and Alex’s squeeze. Jealousy licked up his spine at the thought of Cassidy’s hands on his… on Alex. When the clinch ended, Uli twisted back in time to see Cassidy adjust what he considered his trademark look.

  Black fishnets over tie-dyed stockings encased the man’s long legs. The primary colors echoed the rest of his garb—a red T-shirt tucked into the waistband of a matching tie-dyed kilt.

  “Do you like my pouch?” Cassidy held up the leather pocketbook draped around his waist.

  “Yeah. Is that a sporran? It looks authentic,” Alex yelled loud enough to be heard over the music.

  Uli couldn’t stop his smile. He hadn’t expected an American to know the correct term, but Alex was super smart. “Impressive.”

  Alex shrugged, and if Uli had to guess, his best friend probably blushed as he admitted, “I enjoy reading about different cultures.”

  “Yeah, I think that’s what Beau called it. He brought it back on their last trip to Scotland.” Cassidy grinned.

  Uli chuckled. In comparison to Cassidy’s vivid colors, he felt ordinary in jeans and his favorite blue silk shirt, but Alex said the color matched his eyes. Cutter had liked him in all blue, and Storm had wolf-whistled the last time Uli wore the shirt. He’d have to trust them on it.

  Uli had to ask, “So did you hack any more road signs?”

  Cassidy donned a mask of wide-eyed innocence. “I don’t know what you’re referring to, my friend.”

  Alex chuckled. Cassidy enjoyed giving local population zombie warnings via their digital signs. He changed the subject. “Who’s the party for again?”

  Cassidy leaned in. “We’re celebrating John Weisman’s birthday.”

  Uli glanced around the Roman-themed suite, decked out with white marble walls, colorful mosaic floors depicting various sexual positions two or more men would find pleasure in, several huge beds, and a large walk-in, silver-tiled pool.

  “A birthday party, huh? With all the sex, it could pass as a Roman… what’s the English word?”

  Cassidy smiled. “Orgy.”

  “Orgy.” This was so not helping Ulrich bury his desire for Alex.

  Cassidy shrugged. “He’ll be the dreaded twenty-three at midnight. It’s his last night.”

  Shit. That had to suck. Zombies completed their transition at twenty-three, and until John found his mate, he’d lose his ability to orgasm. But he’d still need male essence to survive, so he’d have to provide satisfaction to others while receiving none until he found his mate.

  Not for the first time, Ulrich was thrilled to have found Cutter already. He needed to figure out how to explain mates to Cutter, but hopefully he’d consent to the exchange to become a zombie himself. It sucked, but Ulrich couldn’t have that conversation until he transitioned. Even Kai, who trusted Ulrich’s visions implicitly, advised him to wait until the transition on the off chance he was incorrect.

  He wasn’t.

  Clusters of zombies talked and ate, but most were in various stages of undress, foreplay, and sex. One couple engaged in vigorous intercourse at the pool’s edge. The jackrabbit thrusting toppled them into the water, triggering a splash and much laughter. Though they came up sputtering within seconds, they jumped out of the pool, reattached, and went at it again.

  How could zombies do without?

  What about Alex? Uli hardly believed Alex’s claims of depriving himself the pleasure of release… voluntarily. A fierce need to rectify Alex’s situation swamped Uli.

  Alex’s gaze appeared glued to the scene playing out before them. Progress—Alex no longer covered his eyes. Wanting to break the sexual spell the moment cast, Uli followed Cassidy farther into the room and pulled Alex with him.

  Maybe if Ulrich got Alex comfortable with sex. He could—

  He had a mate! Still, when Alex’s face pinked, Uli longed to help him.

  As usual, when Alex crossed the room, everything stopped and the occupants stared. Jaws dropped. It was rude!

  “Take a picture. It lasts longer,” Cassidy snapped. As if permission were the only thing needed, several partiers raised their phones. Virtual shutter clicks echoed through the recreated Roman bath.

  Alex began to back away. “I should go.” He smoothed his dark pants, which clung to all the right places.

  “No. Screw them.” Uli winced at the look of horror on Alex’s face. Way to use American slang to put your foot in your mouth. “I mean… don’t worry about them.”

  Cassidy nodded. “Yeah, maybe if they see you more, they’ll get used to… you know?” The light sparkled off his glittery black nail polish as he gestured up and down at Alex’s appearance.

  “They should just get the hell over themselves,” Uli grumbled and tried not to glare. He sighed and pushed a few strands of stray hair from Alex’s face. “Stay with me.”

  Alex nodded and allowed them to lead him to the bar.

  The sharp scent of alcohol assailed Uli’s nose from meters away. The bartender almost tripped over himself to serve them when they approached the bar. “What can I do for you, Alex? And I will do anything… I mean I’ll make you anything you want.”

  Cassidy snickered.

  Uli barely restrained himself from slapping the asshole bartender upside the head.

  “Hey, you—” Uli pretended to read the bartender’s nametag. “—Carl, is it?” He swung an arm over Alex’s shoulders, hoping to send a clear message of mine. Slowly, with a touch of condescension, he said, “We’d like waters.”

  When Uli arrived in America, he didn’t know the drinking age was different from Germany’s. Instead of explaining that to Uli, Carl had reported him to Lafayette for ordering a beer. Uli’s dislike for the ass had nothing to do with the way the guy shamelessly followed Alex’s every move. Okay, perhaps that might be the main reason, but Carl was annoying as well.

  “Hey, Alex, aren’t you turning twenty-one soon?” Carl reached across the bar, trying to
cop a feel.

  Twenty-one? Alex wasn’t his age? He was twenty-one? How did he not know this? Maybe he’d assumed Alex’s lack of life experiences was due somewhat to age and not just an abusive upbringing.

  Alex must need male essence. How did he acquire it? Did he get it the usual way? Uli ignored the hurt that exploded in his heart at the thought of Alex taking someone else between his beautiful lips. Oddly, his urgent desire to provide Alex with essence had more to do with giving him what he needed and much less about sex.

  “Um, yeah.” Alex stepped back and avoided Carl’s grope. Then another patron bumped Alex and knocked him into touching range. Seizing the advantage, Carl pulled him close and secured Alex by the neck with one hand while he roamed the other hand over his body. He leaned in, putting his lips within kissing distance.

  Hell no! Uli captured the roving paw and grabbed Carl by the hair. “I will break you.”

  Carl’s eyes widened. “Ow! Hey, man. Sorry, I just thought we could—”

  “You thought wrong.” Uli bit out his words so they were clear.

  Alex moved farther away from Carl and pulled Uli behind him.

  Frowning, Carl said, “Hey man. I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Don’t tell Lafayette, okay?”

  A random zombie shouted, “It’s birthday spanking time!”

  Someone Uli didn’t recognize declared, “Johnny, it’s your birthday. Who do you want to spank?”

  “Yeah, Johnny. You get to pick three of us!” someone yelled, raising his hand as if waiting to be called upon in class.

  The birthday boy grinned and glanced around the room. He tapped his index finger to his lips until his gaze landed on Alex and Uli. He rubbed his hands together and opened his mouth.

  “Don’t even think about it, Johnny.” Alex grabbed Uli’s hand.

  Johnny whined, “That’s not fair. I should be able to pick anyone who’s at my party!”

  Through clenched teeth, Alex growled to Ulrich, “You’re returning with me to our apartment.”

  What? Really? Dominant Alex was smoking hot. Excitement crawled through Uli. When Alex stalked away with Uli’s wrist encircled in a forceful grip, Uli didn’t think to fight. Oh yeah! He’d follow Alex anywhere! They were halfway to their apartment by the time the guilt caught up to him.

  Cutter. Uli was the worst mate ever. Bonded or not, what the hell was wrong with him?

  Once inside the tiny apartment, Alex slammed and locked the door. He paced for a few moments, brimming with excess energy. Then he paused to gape at Uli and asked, “Do you think Johnny would actually have tried to spank you?”

  Uli gawked. Not exactly the question he’d been expecting. “Um, well, I heard that’s what they do at birthday parties.” Cassidy had been all too free with the exciting details, but Uli never expected anyone to want to pick Alex or him.

  Alex marched back and forth from one side of the apartment to the other.

  Wiping his hands on his jeans, Uli sought something else to hold his attention to lessen the impact of Alex’s intensity. “Isn’t that what happened at your parties since you started your transition?”

  Alex grabbed two bottles of water. “I’ve refused all attempts at parties.” He partially opened one and handed it to Uli.

  Aw. These small things—Alex’s thoughtfulness—stirred emotions Uli shouldn’t have toward anyone but Cutter. “Until tonight. Why did you come with me?”

  Alex took a long sip then slowly recapped his water. “I didn’t want you to go alone.”

  “Cassidy said he’d be there.”

  Alex shook his head but didn’t say anything. He stomped to the kitchen. “Cassidy’s a nice guy, but he couldn’t have protected you.”

  Uli’s mouth dropped open. That implied Alex would… and did protect him.

  After slamming his water down on the counter, Alex opened the fridge to retrieve packages of turkey, sliced cheese, and a bottle of salsa. “I’m glad no one tried to lay a finger on you.”

  “Do you think Johnny would have spanked us?” Uli hoped he’d omitted the excitement out of his voice.

  Alex growled and shoved the door closed harder than necessary. He rolled two pieces of turkey around the cheese and a spoonful of salsa. “Here.”

  “Thanks.” Uli accepted the food and took a bite. “Mm-mm. Delicious.” Uli didn’t know how to act. He couldn’t quite pull off normal with Alex acting all… all what? Dominant? “Do you want to watch a movie?”

  Alex inhaled and exhaled. “Sure.” With a small smile, he took a napkin and beckoned Uli closer. “Come here.”

  Uli leaned forward. The desire to kiss Alex rushed through him. Then Alex wet his lips.

  Oh God. The world slowed and turned silent in anticipation of that kiss. Instead of soft lips, a napkin dabbed salsa from the corner of Uli’s mouth.

  Fuck me. Uli stepped back. “Thanks.”

  Alex adjusted the erection fighting those perfectly tailored pants.

  Why did he struggle against his own body? If Uli didn’t shake these lustful thoughts before the movie, he’d embarrass them both. “Um, I need a shower first.”

  Without waiting for Alex to respond, he hurried into the bathroom and started the shower. As soon as the spray was hot enough, he stripped and stepped in. Uli’s dick begged for attention, and with the help of shower gel, he pumped himself to a barely satisfactory orgasm. He couldn’t help comparing the feeling to the one he’d had when Alex’s soft pink lips were on his. That thought was almost enough to give him more wood. He counted backward from one hundred in English and finished his shower.

  He found Alex lounging on his bed in a Tokio Hotel T-shirt and sweatpants with a blanket draped over his middle. “I got your computer ready.”

  When Uli lay down, the bed sank a little. Alex closed his eyes and bit his lip, but Uli didn’t miss the soft moan Alex tried to hold back. Then his eyes opened, and he gazed at Uli.

  Gone was the alpha male from the party. In his place was the best friend who appeared afraid to masturbate. Uli decided then and there that tomorrow he’d help Alex address his problem one way or another.

  7

  Extraction Means Something Different at Club Zombie

  “I can’t even trust you to punish yourself anymore,” his mother screamed as she beat him.

  “No!” Alex blocked the rope from striking his tender backside. He’d had enough. Somehow, he was back in his old house. Even if he didn’t recognize the furniture, he’d never forget the acrid smell of the ever-present alcohol.

  His furious mother hit him harder, but he didn’t stop protecting himself. “Put down your hands. How dare you defend yourself? You will accept my punishment as God’s will!”

  “No.” He wouldn’t. Not anymore.

  Her voice was infused with evil intention. “Perhaps I can beat you into a man.” She froze with her hand in midair. “Who’s that?”

  Alex glanced to where she stared. Ulrich stood in the shadows, worry creasing furrowed his brow. Tokio Hotel’s “Scream” played in the background.

  “Is he like you?” Disgust dripped from her words. She stalked toward Uli.

  Though Alex had allowed her to punish him, she couldn’t touch Uli. He wouldn’t let her.

  “No!” He locked her wrist in a death grip and held it still. He stared into her angry face until the rope hit the floor with a solid thunk.

  She gasped. “What are you doing?”

  “No more.” He kicked the hated implement out of her reach and put his body in front of Ulrich’s. He’d already let her do enough damage.

  “Who is he?” she shrieked like her evaporating form hurt her.

  “He’s mine.” Alex had never been so sure of anything.

  “Then who are they?” His mother sneered as she gestured to Cutter huddled in the corner. Storm crouched protectively over Cutter, but Storm, too, needed Alex’s assistance. Uli stood next to them. They all required his help.

  She disappeared before he answered. The h
and Alex held became Uli’s. Their fingers entwined and their palms rubbed together.

  “Alex. Thank you for saving me.” Ulrich lowered his voice. “Let me show you how grateful I am.”

  The scene altered. Uli lay tied spread-eagled on Alex’s bed in Club Zombie. Cutter and Storm secured ropes onto Uli’s hands. “Take me, Alex. I’m yours. You know I’m yours.”

  In unison Storm and Cutter echoed Ulrich’s wishes. “Yes. Take him, Alex. Then take us. You know we’re yours.”

  Yes, they were his. Alex crawled onto the bed and pressed close. Ulrich’s body heat warmed Alex, and Cutter’s hands caressed his sides. The movement was like throwing a lit match on dry wood. He went up in flames. His body wouldn’t stop its slow sensual slide against the man beneath him.

  “You like me tied up?” The pupils of Uli’s eyes expanded and almost covered his bright blue.

  “Yes, I love the control. I want to bring you pleasure.” The words surprised Alex, but it wasn’t the first time he was aware of his desire for control. He captured Uli’s lips in a fiery kiss, and he pulled Uli’s hips, rutting against him.

  Ulrich moaned. “Oh Alex, I want to bring you pleasure too.”

  Yanked from his dream, Alex sat upright. He swiveled his head back and forth and tried to catch his breath. “What is happening?”

  He was in Uli’s bed. Their fingers were enlaced and he held Uli’s hands over his head. Their bodies were pressed against each other, in a way their arousals were rubbing against one another.

  “What do you mean? When I woke up, you told me you wanted to bring me pleasure….” Ulrich’s face was scrunched up and his eyes started to glisten.

  “I must have been dreaming.”

  Uli jerked his wrists out of Alex’s grasp. “I would never have… Oh God. I’m sorry.”

  Alex didn’t know what to say. How could he have done that to Ulrich?

  Uli scrambled out of bed so fast he tripped on the tangled bed sheets and landed on all fours on the floor.