Breath of the Feathered Serpent

by Pelaam

  He followed the king into a courtyard. Adam glanced around, but apart from the brightly colored flora, they seemed to be alone.

  “Do you know where we are?” Xipil asked.

  Adam looked around again. “A private garden, your highness?” He wondered if he’d been asked a trick question, but Xipil simply smiled and nodded.

  “It is indeed. Come here.” Xipil led him to where a small shrine stood, its top inlaid with a mosaic of the feathered serpent. “This is where the Breath of Quetzalcoatl came to Tupac on a star.”

  Xipil indicated the stone bench opposite, and Adam sat down. Xipil sat next to him.

  “I have heard the legend,” Adam said.

  “Indeed,” Xipil said. “I’m sure you have. The Breath came to us four hundred years ago and has remained in my family. Even during the war, when the Spanish tried and failed to conquer us, the Breath remained our strength. In all that time, only Tupac and Yolotli, and now you and Elijah, have ever seen the Breath itself.”

  Adam nodded. He was sure Xipil would have gotten the story from Mecatl, Yaotl, and the rest of the Jaguar Warriors. “It was...a unique experience,” he said.

  “And yet you do not have the look of a man blessed by a god,” Xipil said. “You look worse today than the day you brought the statue back to me.”

  A flush of embarrassment heated Adam’s cheeks. “It was a tough mission,” he said.

  “Indeed.” Xipil nodded. “I spoke at length to your partner.”

  Adam gaped at him. Xipil sounded as if he routinely chatted with Federal Marshals about their assignments. He wasn’t sure William would be too happy to know Madison had been talking about it, even with a king. He’d speak to Madison when they were alone. “I see,” he said.

  “Do you?” Xipil asked. “You know, the only other man who looks worse than you is Elijah.”

  That instantly claimed Adam’s attention. “Elijah? Is he all right? What’s wrong with him?”

  Xipil quirked an eyebrow at him. “Do you really care so much?”

  “Of course I do. I lo...” Adam stopped dead. He met Xipil’s cool gaze. “He has a special place in my heart, but he’s a rich and successful ranch owner now. He deserves the best of everything. I’m just a marshal who doesn’t know where he’ll go to next.”

  “You telegraphed Elijah to say you were safely home and that you would be in touch after your...is the word, debriefing? But you never contacted him again. I checked with your superior, William. He said you have no current assignments. That is why I knew you had nothing to prevent you coming here when I made my request. I wanted to meet Adam the man, not the Federal Marshal.” Xipil gazed at him. “It has been most illuminating.”

  “You seem to have spoken to a lot of people,” Adam said. Just how many? And why?

  “Did you know Yolotli was a concubine? Despite which Tupac fell deeply in love with him and was loved equally in return. Tupac looked beyond Yolotli’s status to the man he was. Then with Quetzalcoatl’s blessing, Yolotli became a royal consort. They died together in their sleep at a great old age. I hope my consort and I will be similarly blessed.”

  “Yes, your highness.” Adam murmured the words, but his mind replayed what Xipil had said. A king and a concubine. He shook his head. That’s just a dream.

  “I believe Madison once told you not to get in the way of your own happiness, Adam. I offer you the same advice. Come, we must go. The others are waiting, and I’m hoping for a special celebration.” Xipil stood and walked towards the door back into the palace.

  Adam followed, his mind in a whirl. Perhaps he should try to see Elijah before going home? Maybe there was still a chance.

  As he entered the banquet hall, he froze. There were two tables forming a T. The head table had a single, darkly handsome man sitting there. His rich dress suggested that he was Xipil’s consort. But it wasn’t the sight of that table which stopped him in his tracks.

  He stared at the guests sitting at the other table. Smiling over at him were Ellen and Mecatl, Yaotl with a woman Adam didn’t know, Mitch and Abe, and Madison. The only person not there was Elijah, and Adam’s shoulders drooped. Maybe he refused. Maybe he doesn’t want to see me.

  “Do come in, Adam. Thank you. Ah, I see we still have one more guest not yet here. Itotia, my love, will you sound the gong?”

  Adam took another couple of faltering steps, then glanced over at Xipil, who smiled serenely as he took his place at the head table. A thrill of anticipation thrummed through Adam’s veins as he stared at the doors. His breath caught in his throat as Elijah came through. His lover looked more pale and thin since they’d parted.

  Elijah bowed to Xipil and then came to stand in front of Adam. His expressive eyes held a wealth of sadness, and Adam’s hands trembled at his sides as he fought the instinct to hold tight to Elijah and never let him go.

  “Did King Xipil tell you the story of Tupac and Yolotli?” Elijah asked. At Adam’s nod, he continued. “A king and a commoner overcame huge obstacles and prejudices to find their happiness. To live and love as a couple.” Elijah smiled shyly at Adam. “Does it sound a little familiar?”

  “Yes.” Adam’s voice was suddenly hoarse. Hope flared in his heart.

  “So, Adam. Before these witnesses here present, will you marry me?”

  For Adam, it was as if time stood still. He stared at Elijah, unable to speak. His heart beat wildly as if he’d run for miles. Finally, his wits returned. “Yes! By all that’s holy, yes, Lij.”

  Elijah’s eyes filled with tears, and Adam pulled him into a tight hug. He buried his face in his beloved’s curls, scrunching his eyes closed against the burn of unshed tears.

  “Excellent!” Xipil’s voice boomed out. “Itotia, my beloved, please send a message to the High Priest. He has a pleasant duty to perform for me. The banquet will be enjoyed after the ceremony is performed.”

  Adam looked up at the king in surprise.

  “I talked with Adam the man and believe he will make an excellent husband for my soon-to-be nephew,” Xipil said.

  “Nephew?” Adam stared at Elijah.

  “Ellen is marrying Mecatl, who is Xipil’s nephew.” Elijah grinned. “I love you,” he whispered.

  “I love you,” Adam said. He picked Elijah up and swung him around. “I love you. I love you.”

  Elijah’s laughter rang out, and Adam’s heart soared. He let the younger man slide down through the circle of his arms and kissed him. The familiar taste flooded his mouth, and he felt like a man who’d been dying of thirst finally drinking the water that would save him. He couldn’t imagine how he’d ever thought he could live without Elijah.

  “Thank you, your highness,” Adam said.

  “Thank Quetzalcoatl,” Xipil said. “Your love found favor in his eyes. Now to the marriage.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  The group filed quickly into the palace temple of Quetzalcoatl where the High Priest stood waiting before the shrine. Adam and Elijah stood before the priest with Xipil next to Elijah and Itotia alongside Adam.

  Mecatl came in last, and Adam cocked an eyebrow at the turquoise silk tilmatlis, lavishly adorned with feathers. The cloaks were laid in front of him and Elijah, and at a word of command from the priest, Mecatl tied them together, corner to corner, so they could still be worn. Xipil and Itotia lifted the joined tilmatlis and draped them carefully over Adam and Elijah’s shoulders.

  Adam felt as if he was in a dream. He pinched his hand hard to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. He barely heard the priest as he spoke, until the older man took his hand and laid it on top of Elijah’s. Then he handed them each a beautifully scripted card.

  “You must face one another and read from the card together,” Xipil said.

  Adam began to speak and Elijah joined in.

  “I know not whether thou has been absent. I lie down with thee, I rise up with thee. In my dreams thou art with me. When sweet sounds tremble in my ears, I know it is thou moving within my heart.”

 
Out of the corner of his eye, Adam was sure he saw the stone in the golden statue shimmer as they read. They finished, and a smile of joy lit up Elijah’s face. Adam glanced at the shrine, but the statue looked as it always did. He shook his head. Itotia leaned close to whisper in his ear.

  “I believe the Breath soaks up love. That is why we have Quetzalcoatl’s blessing. Since the reign of Tupac, there have been no blood sacrifices made.”

  Adam nodded. “Maybe it does.” He still found it hard to reconcile how something so beautiful, so innocuous, could be so potentially lethal. He pushed the thoughts aside and focused on Elijah. “I surely love you, beautiful,” he whispered.

  “I love you, Adam,” Elijah said.

  Adam pulled Elijah in for a kiss that was infused with every ounce of the overwhelming adoration he felt. For a moment he felt as if the very air around him hummed with love, and as they parted, Elijah’s eyes were wide.

  “Did you feel it, too?” he asked. “It was like I could feel your love surround me.” Elijah looked as excited and delighted as he sounded, and Adam laughed aloud.

  He picked Elijah up, their tilmatlis sliding to the floor, and spun him around. “I love you.” Then Adam let Elijah slide through the circle of his arms and kissed him again. Joy coursed through his veins.

  Whistles, cheers, and applause came from the people around him. Adam kept an arm around Elijah’s waist and turned to face them all. So different in so many ways, and yet he counted each and every one of them as his family.

  “I’m not one for pretty speeches,” he said. “But I thank you, all of you, for making this possible.”

  Madison stepped forward and hugged Adam hard. “Just don’t fall asleep during the banquet, old man.”

  Adam threw back his head and laughed. “I’ll out-do you, whippersnapper, you can count on that.”

  “And speaking of banquets, ours awaits,” Xipil said.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  As enjoyable was the banquet proved to be, Adam itched to be alone with Elijah. His beloved, however, looked so happy as they celebrated that Adam was willing to wait. Finally, he decided that a little prompting was in order. According to Xipil, a wedding celebration could go on for several days. Adam wanted Elijah in his room and in his bed, now.

  He slid his hand onto Elijah’s thigh and earned himself a delighted smile. Adam continued to smile and nod to the others as he moved his hand back and forth on Elijah’s leg. For a moment Elijah didn’t react, so Adam moved his hand higher, his fingers brushing his lover’s groin.

  Elijah jerked at the unexpected touch, and Adam forced himself not to look at him. As Elijah tried to resume his conversation with Abe and Mitch, Adam repeated the action. This time Elijah turned to look at Adam.

  “Something wrong, beautiful?” Adam tried to look innocent, but the heat in Elijah’s eyes went straight to Adam’s cock.

  “No, but I thought we might retire early. I think I’m feeling the consequences of all that’s happened today.”

  Elijah’s husky voice only made Adam’s dick more eager, and Adam shifted as his pants became restrictive. “I think this old man could do with a lie down.”

  Elijah smiled. “Not so old,” he whispered. “Distinguished, handsome.”

  Adam grasped Elijah’s hand and stood up. “Well, you folks enjoy the rest of your night. Elijah and I are kinda tired.”

  “Of course,” Xipil said. “The celebrations will continue tomorrow. Good night.”

  Adam smiled and nodded before taking Elijah’s hand in his. “My room?” he whispered.

  “Yes.” Elijah ducked his head shyly, and Adam led him from the hall. He didn’t release his hand until they were in his room. Elijah looked around. “This is bigger than mine. Much airier. I like it.”

  Adam pulled him in for a kiss, and Elijah wound his arms around Adam, holding him tight. When the kissed ended, Elijah buried his face against Adam’s neck.

  “I was so afraid I’d never see you again,” he murmured.

  “I’m so sorry I hurt you, beautiful. I just thought you could do so much better than me.” Adam kissed the side of Elijah’s head.

  “Next time you think you know what’s best for me, check with me first.” Elijah punched Adam’s arm gently and smiled up at him.

  “I swear I won’t make that mistake again. I have a lot to thank Xipil for.” Adam nuzzled Elijah’s cheek.

  “And Mecatl. He was the one who spoke to his uncle when Xipil wanted to do something to thank you.”

  Adam caressed Elijah’s cheek. “I’ll be sure and thank him personally,” he said. “Now, we’ve had the wedding. I think we should consummate it.” He dropped the timbre of his voice and smiled when Elijah shuddered.

  “I’d like to clean up first,” Elijah said. “I feel so hot and sticky.”

  It was on the tip of Adam’s tongue to say that wouldn’t bother him, when another thought popped into his mind. “How about a bath? The one in there is big enough for three or four. More than enough space for us to share.”

  Elijah’s eyes widened and his cheeks flushed, then he grinned with delight. “Sure.”

  Adam hurried into the bathroom, turning the oversized golden taps to fill the bath. He picked up the jar noticed earlier. It was squat and wide necked. He held it to his nose. The scent was faintly herbal. He rubbed some between his finger and thumb. Adam smiled. Xipil thought of everything when he set this up. He put the jar at the side of the bath where it would be within easy reach for him.

  He sauntered back out. “Won’t be long,” he said and flicked open the buttons on his shirt. He pulled the material free from his still-fastened pants and ran a hand over his chest. He unfastened his fly, slipping a hand down inside.

  A soft whimper escaped Elijah’s lips, and Adam stalked over to him. He reached for Elijah’s shirt and quickly unfastened the buttons, shoving the material aside to reveal his chest. He bent forward and licked each nipple. The taste of heat and sweat exploded onto his tongue.

  “I’ll go check on the bath,” he said, his voice low and husky. “I expect you to have those pants off by the time I get back.”

  Adam left Elijah to wrestle with his pants and rushed back to the bathroom. Thankfully, the bath was so large it wasn’t overfull. He turned off the taps, toed off his boots, and shoved his pants and underwear down in one move. He pulled his socks off as he removed the pants and strolled back into the bedroom.

  Elijah sat on the bed, one leg bare as he pulled his pants off the other one. “Hey, you’re naked,” Elijah said.

  Adam laughed. “You noticed. Hurry up.” He waited for Elijah, who tossed his clothing aside and stood every bit as naked and erect as Adam. Adam licked his lips. He wanted to do everything possible, rest, and then do it all again.

  They settled in the bath, Elijah astride Adam’s thighs with his arms around Adam’s shoulders. Adam tightened his grip around Elijah’s waist, and they kissed. Adam deepened the kiss while he slid his hands over his lover’s back and down to squeeze his taut ass cheeks.

  With a soft sound, Elijah tried to press closer, and their hard shafts slid sensually together. Adam reached to the jar of oil and dipped a finger inside. He trailed the digit along Elijah’s cleft and gently breached the hidden entrance.

  A low moan escaped Elijah’s lips. Adam mimicked the back and forth movement of his finger with his tongue, thrusting it in and out of Elijah’s’ mouth. His lover writhed in his lap, trying to push back on the solitary finger. Adam carefully removed it, dipped two fingers in the oil, and pressed back inside.

  This time Adam brushed the special spot inside Elijah’s body and his lover cried out, his body trembling as he tried to ride the digits.

  “Won’t last.” Elijah panted against Adam’s cheek. “Please. Want to spill with you inside me.”

  “You’re so tight,” Adam whispered. “Just a little more.” He drenched three fingers in the oil, the jar rocking dangerously back and forth as he hastily removed them. He spread them as wide
as possible to ready Elijah for his cock.

  “Now, Adam.” Elijah didn’t wait for Adam’s response. He knelt and positioned Adam’s dick at his entrance.

  Adam gripped Elijah’s ass cheeks and helped him sink down slowly. Elijah groaned softly as his flesh penetrated him. Adam kissed his lover, whispering words of love and encouragement, as his cock was enveloped in the tight heat of Elijah’s body.

  Elijah’s head dropped forward to rest on Adam’s shoulder as he sat fully impaled. Adam ran his hands up and down his lover’s back and nuzzled him tenderly. “You have me, beautiful,” he whispered. “You have me.”

  Elijah raised his head, and his smile warmed Adam, dissipating every last fragment of the cold emptiness he’d carried in his heart since leaving him. Adam leaned forward and nuzzled the sweat and steam dampened skin of Elijah’s neck.

  “Never leave me again, Adam,” Elijah whispered.

  “Never. I’d sooner cut out my own heart.” Adam murmured against Elijah’s cheek before claiming his lips.

  Elijah’s inner muscles squeezed and relaxed around Adam’s shaft as the kiss deepened. Adam slipped his hands to Elijah’s hips and began to thrust. He tilted his pelvis upward as he pulled Elijah down and relished the gasp of his name.

  As Elijah began to ride him, Adam released his grip on his left hip to grasp his lover’s cock. The organ had wilted, but, as Adam stroked and Elijah lost himself in pleasure, his dick quickly rose to full hardness.

  Adam kissed Elijah again as he tried to move faster, pressing his body closer to Adam and writhing on the cock inside him. Moans and sighs of mutual pleasure rose into the air to mix with the steam and herbal scent of the oil. The kisses became more intense. Adam kissed any part of Elijah’s face or throat he could reach.

  The water churned, splashing around them and onto the floor as their movements became more frantic. Adam felt his release building low in his belly, the familiar feeling radiating outwards. He jerked his hips in staccato thrusts, and Elijah cried out as Adam finally hit his sweet spot. He stroked the hard flesh in his hand faster, flicking his thumb over the head of Elijah’s cock. Elation swept through him as, with a cry of Adam’s name, Elijah crested.