Apprenticed to Pleasure

by Brandon Fox

  He tried to think of the forest at sunrise, to stay calm. It was next to impossible as he watched and felt Sorel’s cock sliding back into his body, but somehow he contained his pleasure. Despite the incredible sensation of flesh sliding against flesh, Sorel knew how to keep him on the edge of coming.

  Just as he was beginning to relax, Nicolai’s fingers drifted down to his inner thighs and began to lightly stroke the sensitive flesh. Jolts raced through Ander’s body.

  “There’s something else you can do to make it last,” Nicolai suggested. “Concentrate on pleasuring your partner. Loosen when he pushes in and tighten when he pulls out. Sorel likes that. Milk him, the way you used your lips on my cock.”

  “I’ll try,” Ander replied. He took a deep breath and tried to relax. “Go slow.”

  Sorel pulled out until only his glans remained inside. Then he reversed his motion and slid into Ander with a slow glide. When he was all the way in, Ander squeezed.

  “All right,” he murmured. “Back out.”

  Sorel withdrew, smiling blissfully as Ander’s slippery flesh clenched at him. After a few strokes, they established a smooth rhythm. Ander marveled at his detailed perception of the phallus as it filled him. The pleasure spread through his body and started to tickle again, with an insistence that demanded satisfaction.

  Sorel held his gaze. “You’re making me as hard as Nicolai does.” His face was ecstatic as he continued fucking in leisurely strokes, pausing each time they were fully joined.

  Ander gave his cock a hard squeeze. “Nicolai’s an excellent teacher.”

  “More than you know,” Sorel agreed. He moved his grip out to Ander’s ankles and spread his legs wide. Then he looked up at the mirrored ceiling while continuing his sensuous movements.

  Ander looked up and caught Sorel’s gaze in the mirror. It almost made him dizzy, being both participant and observer. The image was breathtaking.

  Nicolai whispered in his ear, almost inaudible. “Let’s try something. Do you feel a tickling sensation deep inside? Especially when he’s all the way in?” Ander nodded, his eyes still locked to Sorel’s in the mirror.

  “When you’re ready and he’s all the way in, squeeze him as hard as you can and keep squeezing. Feel the head of it. I know you can feel everything. Then push that tickle into him.”

  “Push it?” Ander whispered. “How?”

  “There’s no other way to explain. Probably nothing will happen, but try.”

  “What’re you two talking about?” Sorel asked, lowering his gaze from the mirror.

  “Just a few suggestions,” Nicolai replied. He brought his hands back to Ander’s stomach and gave him a little squeeze.

  Ander felt warm, happy to share a secret with the generous northerner. Closing his eyes, he focused on Sorel’s slow fucking. He could feel the head of Sorel’s cock, just like Nicolai said. He tried to ignore everything except Sorel’s movements and the ball of pleasure that swelled within him. The tickle became an itch. In moments it blossomed into a pulsating core of pleasure that threatened to overwhelm him.

  Sorel reached full penetration and paused, waiting for Ander to tighten for his withdrawal. But instead of the gentle squeeze he had been using, Ander clenched as hard as he could. He tried to think of the sizzling ball of pleasure as a physical object and imagined pushing it into the same spot as the head of Sorel’s cock.

  Sorel gasped, and his body went rigid. Ander opened his eyes and looked into his partner’s startled face. Then he felt the first powerful jet of semen deep inside him.

  Eyes wide with astonishment, Sorel leaned forward and held on to Ander’s ankles as he came again and again. Ander kept his muscles clamped, squeezing repeatedly.

  At last Sorel straightened up. He slowly withdrew his cock, slick with his seed. He looked at Ander with a combination of embarrassment and admiration. “You took me by surprise,” he confessed. “I’m amazed you were able to do that.”

  Smiling, he pressed his head back to rub against Nicolai’s cheek. “I had help. Nicolai told me what to do.”

  “But it was still you who did it.” Sorel collapsed on the cushion next to them, putting a hand on Ander’s chest. “But we’re not done. It’s one thing to control your reactions when your cock isn’t being touched. It’s something else entirely when you’re using it to pleasure a lover.”

  Ander’s heart beat faster, and his erection twitched in anticipation. “What’s the next part of the test?”

  Nicolai ran a hand down Ander’s side and then let his fingers rest on the underside of Ander’s cock. “Now you’ll take me,” he said. “I’ve wanted that since I first saw you.”

  Sorel turned Ander’s head to the side and gave him a kiss before looking into his eyes. “And you won’t be able to trick Nicolai. Trust me, you’ve got a challenge ahead of you.”

  Chapter 8

  ANDER sat up and turned to Nicolai, who gave him a friendly smile. “I like fresh-faced lovers who aren’t full of themselves. Just ask Sorel. He picked you out at Lady Tayanita’s house just to please me.”

  “Not true,” Sorel said. “It wasn’t just to please him. I wanted you too.”

  Nicolai’s fingers brushed Ander’s erection. “Don’t be shy. You’d like to fuck me, wouldn’t you?”

  Ander didn’t answer, knowing his delighted grin was enough. He rolled over and pressed Nicolai into the cushion. “Do I get to use magic oils?”

  “Just the lubricant Sorel used on you. Be patient. There are reasons to go slowly.”

  Ander rolled off and rocked back on his heels. His cock thrust up in rampant eagerness.

  “Not too slowly, I hope. I’ll try to make it last, but I’m ready to get started.”

  Nicolai nodded. “So I see. I’m eager myself.” He scooped up a ball of lubricant from the jar beside the cushion. “Lean back while I make you slippery.”

  Still in a crouch, Ander leaned back and supported himself on arms thrust behind his back. He spread his knees wide to give Nicolai free access. The northerner wrapped his lubricated fingers around the shaft and slid his hand up and down until it glistened. Clear fluid oozed from the tip as he gently squeezed.

  “Easy,” Ander said. “I’m close.”

  Nicolai immediately released the erection, letting it snap back against Ander’s hard flesh with a wet slap. “Good. You remembered to tell me what you need.” He sprawled back on the cushion and lifted his legs. “Go ahead and make me slick. I don’t want to keep you waiting.”

  Ander scooped some gel onto his fingers. He reached for Nicolai and pressed lubricant into his body, first with one finger, then with two. “How do you want to do this?” he asked, suddenly feeling bashful. “What would feel best for you?”

  Nicolai stared deep into his eyes, his voice husky. “Face to face. I want to kiss you while you’re inside me.”

  Nodding, Ander withdrew his fingers and wiped them on his thigh. “That’s my favorite way too.” He moved between Nicolai’s legs, his cock twitching and bobbing.

  “Lean forward,” Sorel said. “I’ll guide you in.”

  Placing a hand on each side of Nicolai’s broad chest, he straightened his arms and lifted his knees off the cushion. He felt Sorel’s hand pulling his phallus down as he positioned himself. His glans touched Nicolai’s opening, and he stopped, waiting for a sign to continue. Sorel stroked his cock gently while holding it in place.

  Nicolai released his legs and rested his ankles on Ander’s lower back. He lifted his arms above his head and stretched sensuously. Powerful muscles flexed in his chest and shoulders.

  “I’m all yours, Ander.”

  The urge to slide his cock into Nicolai’s willing body was tempting, but he hesitated. Nicolai had said he liked to kiss. He was a romantic, like Sorel had mentioned. He bent his arms and lowered his lips to Nicolai’s. The young northerner kissed him tenderly, his eyes half-closed. Still engaged in the kiss, his tongue grazing Nicolai’s open lips, Ander eased his cock forward. Sorel guided it per
fectly. He moved into Nicolai in a single slow glide.

  They kissed again as Nicolai wrapped his arms around Ander and pulled him tight, his phallus pressed between their bellies. After a few breathless seconds, Ander began to shift against Nicolai’s body.

  Nicolai sighed. “I like the way you feel inside me. So smooth and hard!”

  “How could I not be hard after Sorel brought me to the edge so many times?”

  “Put it to use, then. I’m ready.” Nicolai lifted his legs off Ander’s shoulders and pulled them apart, holding them with his hands behind his knees.

  Ander straightened his arms and pressed himself up and began a slow withdrawal. Nicolai’s body felt like a warm, slippery glove. The way he squeezed his muscles made it feel as if well-oiled fingers tugged at Ander’s erection. He froze, holding his breath until the sudden tingling in his cock subsided. “Maybe you shouldn’t do anything fancy for a while,” he said.

  Nicolai nodded agreeably, though the playful expression never left his face.

  Ander began a slow glide in and out as Sorel moved beside Nicolai. His cock was hard again. “Hold his legs,” Sorel suggested. “I’ll help you a little. Nicolai’s insatiable. He’ll drive you to exhaustion if you give him the chance.” He winked. “Besides, he helped you out earlier. It’s only fair.”

  Ander put his hands on Nicolai’s legs and held them in place without breaking his rhythm. A sheaf of black hair swayed in front of his eyes as he leaned forward in rapt concentration, trying to focus on pleasuring his partner. Nicolai stretched his arms overhead again, flexing powerfully. His heavy cock stretched across his lower belly to above his navel. Sorel leaned over his lover and licked the head of his cock. Fluid oozed out, and Sorel lapped it up before letting the glans slip into his mouth. As Ander pushed in, Sorel slid his lips down to the base of his partner’s cock. Nicolai took a deep breath, his muscles taut. “You two make a dangerous pair.”

  Ander grinned. “It feels great for me too. You’re the best bedmate I’ve ever had.”

  “Be careful what you say. Sorel might take it as a challenge.” He was breathing hard. “I’m going to try something. Just close your eyes and keep the same rhythm.”

  Ander took one more look at the thick cock sliding between Sorel’s lips and his own shaft emerging from Nicolai’s body, then closed his eyes. He continued his leisurely movements, taking care to maintain the same pace.

  Soon he felt a tingling inside, like a faint echo of the fucking Sorel had given him. It grew stronger and started to compete with the velvety pleasure centered on his cock. His curiosity aroused, he tried changing the direction of his thrusts slightly. The effect on the tingling sensation was subtle but definite.

  His eyes snapped open, Nicolai’s instructions forgotten. “I feel something!”

  A red glow emanated from the point where his body was joined with Nicolai’s. Surprise jolted him. His oiled shaft sparkled faintly, shimmering white, in the midst of a rosy aura.

  Something about the sight was galvanizing. The tingling in his body deepened, and he felt an odd sensation, as if Sorel still moved inside him. He shuddered and arched his back. His cock slid into Nicolai like it had a mind of its own.

  “I’m coming!” he wailed. An overwhelming orgasm shook him as Sorel’s skillful lips and tongue brought his partner to a climax. He tasted the earthy flavor of Nicolai’s semen on his own tongue. His hips moved involuntarily, sliding his cock in deeply as he emptied his seed. Each thrust seemed to penetrate his own body and strengthen his orgasm. It was the strongest climax he had ever felt.

  Finally he rocked back and sat on his haunches, a stunned expression on his face. “What… what happened?”

  Sorel wiped a strand of Nicolai’s come from his lips. Semen drooping from his glans showed that he too had been engulfed in the shared sensations. He regarded Ander with a thoughtful expression.

  “The three of us started to form a link,” Sorel answered. “I don’t know how. We weren’t using the right oils, and you’re not an adept.”

  Ander looked forlorn. “Does this mean I failed the test? I couldn’t control myself, there wasn’t time!”

  Nicolai sat up and put a hand on his thigh. “It was hardly a fair test. I never expected you to link with us but wanted to try anyway because you seemed so sensitive back in the cave. There’s no way you could have withstood a link, especially without warning. You passed the test. Truly, you have greater potential than anyone we’ve ever tested.”

  “I agree,” Sorel confirmed.

  Ander looked back and forth between them, his distress fading. “I passed? I’ll be allowed to stay and learn magic?”

  Sorel held up a hand. “You’ll be allowed to discuss it with Thane. This was only the first test. Larger ones lie ahead.”

  Despite the caution, he was jubilant. He rocked forward and wrapped his arms around Sorel in a fierce hug. “Thank you, both of you!”

  Sorel laughed. “You’re welcome.” He returned Ander’s hug before prying him loose.

  Nicolai sat up and put an arm around his shoulders. “Time to wash and get breakfast. Then you should rest. If you think Sorel and I are challenging, just wait until you take a tumble with Thane.”

  Ander admired his friends as they stood, their reflected images forming an army of champions. He realized that Leif had been right when he’d seen them come into the house of companionship. It had been somebody’s lucky night. He couldn’t keep a big smile off his face as he stood.

  Sorel looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “What’s so funny? This isn’t how you usually start your day?”

  Laughter bubbled up, irrepressible. “I’m just so glad I met you!” He put an arm around Sorel’s waist and gave him a squeeze, unable to find words to express his joy. They crossed the mirrored chamber together, arm in arm.

  Nicolai opened the heavy door for them, then followed into the corridor. “We’ll stop in the washroom,” he said. “It’s best to stay clean around here. You never know when somebody is going to get into your pants.”

  Ander gave Sorel another squeeze. “You two can get into my pants whenever you want.”

  They returned to the bathing chamber and washed each other. As they dressed, Ander’s mind turned back to the events of the previous night. “You say Thane hasn’t changed since he was nineteen?” he asked.

  “That’s right,” Sorel replied. “He has more knowledge, but his body hasn’t changed. And the body is the source of many feelings. Love, grief, lust… all burn hot in him.” He gave Nicolai a playful swat. “Not that we’re so different. We were only three years older when we mastered the art.”

  Chapter 9

  AFTER dressing, they left the tower and returned to the initiates’ dormitory. The dining room was still half-full when they arrived. They took seats at one of the trestle tables near the fireplace. Soon a server brought them hot cereal with cinnamon and pieces of apple in it and a pot of hot tea.

  “I hope you like cereal,” Sorel said as he poured tea for Ander. “Thane’s a big believer in it. And it’s cheap.”

  “I love it,” Ander replied. “But I’m surprised Thane worries about money. This is the finest place I’ve ever seen. Isn’t he rich?”

  “No. The estate is small, and he spends its profits on the lyceum and studying botany. He has plants from distant kingdoms. Could you see the greenhouse from your room?”

  “Is that the big glass building? I noticed it this morning. Do you mean it’s just for plants?”

  Sorel laughed while stirring honey into his tea. “You won’t say ‘just plants’ after you’ve learned some of Thane’s secrets. Those plants and what he does with them may be the most powerful force in the whole kingdom.”

  “Plants,” Ander muttered, shaking his head.

  “Thousands of them,” Nicolai said. “Different ones for men and women. Our bodies differ in many ways. It takes different elixirs for women to do magic.”

  “Do… do you do magic with women too? Is that part
of the training?” He blushed, hoping Nicolai wouldn’t ask about his experience with women. Despite many attempts, no girl had ever persuaded him to bed her. It was always Leif, or occasionally a youth visiting Lady Tayanita’s house, that roused his desire.

  Nicolai saw his concern. “Don’t worry. You can bed women if you wish, but it has nothing to do with the art and never will. You have to harmonize with your partner, feel his sensations as if they were your own. It’s hard enough for men to do it with each other. For men and women together, it would be impossible. And it’s the same for women’s magic. We think that only people with a strong affinity for their own gender are capable of forging the bonds needed for Thane’s art.”

  Ander gestured at the other tables. “Are they all students, learning the art?”

  “Mostly,” Nicolai said. “A few are initiates here to work on a project or rest between journeys. But most of us who’ve completed our training have rooms in the tower.”

  “How long did your training take? If you don’t mind my asking.”

  Sorel shrugged. “It’s different for everyone. Nicolai and I are naturally uninhibited. And we were already lovers, so our rapport was strong to begin with. Still, it took us half a year before we could alter the kei, and Thane said that was fast.”

  Ander’s eyes widened. “Half a year? Does that mean I won’t even know if I’ll be accepted here for six months or more?”

  “Not at all,” Sorel assured him. “Thane should be able to tell within a few days if you have the ability. After that, it’s a matter of having enough discipline to complete the training.” He smiled. “Not that the discipline is hard to come by. A randy creature like you will love the training.”

  “What if Thane decides I don’t have the ability?”

  “Well….” Sorel looked at his partner, eyebrows raised.

  Nicolai shrugged. “Thane would tell him later this morning anyway. I don’t suppose it does any harm to tell him now. And it’s no kindness to leave him in ignorance.” He turned to Ander, his expression serious. “There’s a potion to make you forget. It does no harm, except to steal a few days of memories. If you don’t qualify for the training, you’ll have to forget us.”