by Jana Downs
He dreaded going to his hometown. He had finally found happiness in his life. He closed his eyes, and images of Devon and Layden danced across his mind. The corners of his mouth turned upward at the thought of them. They were the reason for his current state of bliss, but he knew all that was sure to end when the reminder of who he was and who Layden was and all the million reasons of why they weren’t meant to be came crashing down around him.
His family had a way of doing that—reminding him that there was no happily ever after and that at the end of the day it didn’t matter if he loved Devon or Layden. Devon would return to his own world in less than a month, and Layden would still be his family’s hated enemy.
He raked a hand through his dark hair, pushing back the strands that normally hung low in his eyes, and stared up at the cloth ceiling of the tent. He could hear Layden and Devon approaching, but didn’t bother sitting up to greet them. Devon’s shadow overcast him, and he felt the weight of the bed shift as he sat down next to him. He looked down at him, the tips of his long auburn hair hanging in front of his emerald-colored eyes.
“What’s wrong, Abraxas?” He furrowed his brows.
“Nothing. Just dreading tomorrow.” Abraxas shrugged.
“Is it because you’re worried about your family?” Layden positioned himself on the other side of him and placed a hand on his stomach.
“Yeah,” Abraxas sighed, sitting up and pushing away their comforting touches. He didn’t need their sympathies on top of everything else.
“Abraxas?” Layden pleaded after him as he stood and walked to the far end of the room.
“What?” Abraxas snapped. “What do you want from me?” he said softly this time as he turned and met Layden’s eyes with an unguarded expression, exposing all his worries and fears. “Are you going to tell me it’ll be okay? That nothing’s going to happen? Because it will. I know my family, and somehow they’ll ruin this happiness I have with you. Both of you,” he added as he looked at Devon.
“Besides.” His gaze sifted to the ground. “Devon has to return to his own world in a few weeks, so why are we even kidding ourselves. This relationship can’t last.”
Devon took his hand in his, and Abraxas glanced up at him. The corners of his mouth were pulled up into a reassuring smile as he squeezed his hand.
“It will be okay. Even if I have to return to my own world at the end of the two months, I’ve already made up my mind to enjoy what happiness I have while it lasts.” His expression was comforting as he spoke, and all Abraxas wanted to do was to wrap his arms around him and never let him go.
“No one’s guaranteed a happy ending, and I think we just have to make the most out of what time we’re given. No matter how short it is,” he stated softly as he leaned in and pressed his lips to Abraxas’s.
Abraxas closed his eyes and kissed him with everything he had. His fingers entwined in Devon’s hair as Devon pressed his body firmly to his, deepening their kiss so that he could explore every inch of his delectable mouth.
Abraxas lifted his smaller frame with ease and laid Devon down on the bed, lifting his shirt above his head. Passion consumed Abraxas’s every thought as he hungrily kissed Devon’s exposed skin. His scent filled his every breath as Abraxas desperately clung to the moment. He would remember this. Always.
He tugged at Devon’s pants until they fell free, falling somewhere below on the floor, and he traced the outline of his waist with his rough fingertips. Closing his eyes, he relished in the feel of Devon’s soft skin.
Layden’s tender touch against his cheek caused him to open his eyes and meet his gaze. Abraxas reached out and grabbed Layden, pulling him closer. Their mouths were within inches from one another, and Abraxas met Layden’s ice-blue eyes. Passion, lust, and desire swirled into a pleading moment of hesitation as Layden stared back at him. Abraxas closed the distance between just as Layden’s lips parted.
He kissed him with a need beyond explanation as his hand traveled further down Devon’s body, reaching the confines of his boxers. He pushed past the thin material, seeking access to his hard cock. Devon whimpered as Layden wrapped his arms around Abraxas, clawing at his exposed backside. Abraxas could feel Layden’s erratic heartbeat as he pressed his chest to him.
Abraxas maneuvered his hand down Layden’s stomach, shoving past the top of his pants until his grasp reached his already hard cock. Layden moaned against his mouth at the sensation of his touches, and Abraxas trailed kisses down to his exposed neck, sucking and biting on the sensitive area.
Layden buried his hands in Abraxas’s hair, encouraging him onward as Abraxas pushed Layden down to the mattress, laying him next to Devon. He began working at the buttons on Layden’s pants, pulling them off him in one swift motion. Devon reached for Layden until their lips met, and Abraxas watched as Layden’s hands groped at Devon’s exposed ass.
Devon ground his hips against Layden’s hand, and Abraxas couldn’t take his eyes off the sight of them as Layden’s hard cock jutted out from in between Devon’s legs.
Abraxas licked his lips before acting on impulse. He bent down and pressed Layden’s cock to his lips, taking him into his mouth. He swirled his tongue on the head before slipping the hard dick in between his lips. Layden thrashed against him at the sudden sensation, his hips moving in eagerness for more. Abraxas gave him what he needed, sucking and licking every inch.
“Fuck, Abraxas,” Layden said breathlessly. Abraxas reached inside the side table and found the lubrication he was looking for. He stood up, replacing his mouth on Layden’s cock with his hand as he undid his own pants.
Abraxas reached for Devon, pulling off his underwear.
“What are you—” He looked at him with swollen lips from Layden’s kisses.
“Come here. I want you to straddle him.” Abraxas helped Devon up as he placed one leg on either side of Layden. Abraxas grabbed Layden’s thick dick, smearing it with a good amount of lubrication and positioning it against Devon’s tight hole. He pushed on Devon’s hips, guiding Layden inside him.
“Damn he feels good.” Layden gasped.
“Fuck him,” Abraxas ordered, and Layden obliged. Abraxas watched as Layden’s cock slid in and out of Devon before taking the lube and smearing it on his own erection. He pressed against Devon’s already stuffed hole and eased himself inside. Devon didn’t fight him. Instead, he welcomed the double penetration, relaxing his muscles to make room for both cocks.
They began a slow pace, and Abraxas could feel Layden’s dick sliding against his own as they fucked Devon together. Abraxas reached around, finding Devon’s hard cock with ease. He stroked his dick at the same pace as their fucking, and Devon threw his head back, his body overcome with pleasure.
Abraxas took the opportunity to bite down on his exposed throat as he drove himself inside with such a need he was sure he couldn’t stop if the Dragon God himself came down and ordered him to.
“Mine,” he growled against Devon’s flesh. The friction of Layden’s cock as it pounded inside the hole they shared was more than enough to send him over the edge. He needed them both now. Abraxas held Devon’s hips firmly in place as he lost control. All gentle inhibitions were gone now as he fucked him, seeking only his own release.
“Abraxas, I’m going to come,” Devon panted as his muscles contracted around both of their cocks.
“Come for me then.” His order sent Devon over the edge as he came hard, spilling his seed into Abraxas’s hand. Abraxas didn’t stop fucking him. He and Layden both continued pounding inside his tight ass until they’d reached their limit, coming in unison.
They all three collapsed on the bed, panting in exhaustion and sweating profusely. All his fears had been washed away with their lovemaking. The only thing that mattered was the moment they shared now, and nothing could ever take this away from him. Abraxas closed his eyes and lost himself in the blissful happiness and the knowing reassurance that whatever troubles tomorrow brought wouldn’t matter so long as he had Layden and Devon b
y his side.
* * * *
Home. The word didn’t inspire warm and welcoming feelings as Abraxas painstakingly climbed the steps leading to his clan’s kingdom. He didn’t want to be here. It was obvious in his demeanor as his posture was filled with hostility and tension, but Ezekiel had insisted they stop for a break and some dinner. Everyone had agreed, even Layden, which surprised the hell out of him.
He figured Layden would be the last person wanting to step foot inside the Night Kingdom. But he’d convinced him with a reassuring smile and a promise that nothing bad was going to happen.
The reassurance was quickly disappearing now, though, as the looming archway drew closer and closer with every step. He had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach he couldn’t quite shake, and he got the sensation that no matter how peaceful their visit was, he wasn’t going to be able to eat a bite.
“Greetings, Lord Night.” The guard on the left of the passageway bowed respectfully. The other guards did the same, and Abraxas held up a hand to acknowledge their greeting as he and the rest of the group passed into the city.
The streets were bustling with people headed in various directions, and it was hard to navigate the crowds as they pushed to a clearing on a street corner.
“So where do you want to eat?” Devon asked with excitement in his voice. Abraxas resented his ignorance at the trouble that lay ahead as he pinched the bridge in between his eyes, fighting off a tension headache.
“How about back outside the city walls?” he seethed. He felt Devon grab hold of his hand, and he glanced down at him with a pointed stare.
“Come on, Abraxas. It’s not so bad.” Devon’s smile washed over him, and he relaxed a little. He really shouldn’t be making a big deal out of this.
“How about we go to one of my favorite bars?” He sighed, caving in to his overtly good mood.
“Sounds wonderful. Where’s it at?” Devon looked around, trying to see above the crowd. Abraxas draped his arm around his shoulder and began dragging him in the correct direction.
“So which bar is your favorite?” Dru asked as he walked next to them, struggling to keep up with Abraxas’s fast pace while carrying an armful of equipment.
“The Devil’s Snare.” A cocky smirk spread across his face as he glanced at Dru from the corner of his eyes.
“You’re taking Devon to the Devil’s Snare?” Dru raised his eyebrows and gave Abraxas a skeptical look.
“Hey, it’s my town, my choice, and I want to go there. Besides, he’s got me for protection,” Abraxas stated with a grin as he rounded the next corner, leading them into the slums of the city.
The bar was in sight now as the large sign indicated its exact location. The place looked rough with drunks stumbling out of what was left of the front door to take their brawls into the streets.
“This looks like my kind of place,” Asher said eagerly as a wide grin spread across his face.
Abraxas could feel Devon’s hesitation as they approached the entryway.
“What’s wrong, love?” he asked with false innocence.
Devon glared up at him and shrugged off his arm.
“Nothing,” he said nonchalantly before turning away from him and marching through the door as though he owned the place. Abraxas cocked his head to the side as he watched his ass in those skintight blue jeans.
Damn. He licked his lips at the view.
“You are unbelievable, Abraxas Night,” Layden accused as he casually nudged his shoulder and pushed his way ahead of him.
Abraxas jogged after him, suddenly eager to see his prim and proper Layden in the midst of all the drunks. Today was looking better already.
The inside of the bar was so loud, and Abraxas could barely hear himself think. He saw Dru had already commandeered one of the few tables in the room for them, and Abraxas grabbed an empty chair from the bar as he headed toward the group.
Layden was noticeably uncomfortable as he sat next to Devon with his lips pursed and eyebrows furrowed.
“Come on, Layden. It isn’t that bad.” Abraxas grinned from ear to ear as he sat down on the other side of Devon.
Layden rolled his eyes in obvious annoyance. “When do we get some food?”
“Ah, just a second.” Abraxas stood up and snapped his fingers. A petite blonde wearing a form-fitting T-shirt and short skirt that barely covered her ass came bouncing in their direction with a smile spread across her face.
“Abraxas! I didn’t know you were stopping by today.” She beamed as she approached him with open arms. Abraxas welcomed her embrace as he leaned in and gave her a gentle hug with a soft kiss on her cheek. He couldn’t help but notice Devon and Layden as they watched his interaction with her.
“So how have you been, Leontii?” Abraxas looked her up and down. She looked good and healthy, much better than the last time he’d seen her after his jerk of a cousin had broken her heart.
“I’ve been okay. Just taking each day as it comes.” Her amber-colored eyes sparkled up at him, and he could tell she still wasn’t over what had happened. Not that he blamed her.
“So what can I get y’all to drink?” She forced a smile and turned to the rest of the table.
“Well, fancy seeing you here, cousin. I thought you were off traipsing through the desert with the other lame clan heirs.” Abraxas cringed as the familiar voice called behind him.
Leontii turned abruptly, and Abraxas didn’t miss the look of horror that crossed her face before turning to meet Sven’s eyes.
“Oh, well hello to you, too, Leontii. I see you’re finally brave enough to show your face around town again.” Sven cocked a menacing half grin as he looked her up and down, slowly running his tongue across his lips. He was disgusting.
“I uh…” Leontii’s voice was trembling, and Abraxas noticed her hands start to shake. “I’ve got to go.”
She turned and headed toward the back of the bar. Abraxas’s eyes flashed with anger. Sven was a jerk in need of a good ass kicking. His snickering at Leontii’s reaction only irritated him more.
“That wasn’t necessary,” Abraxas spat through clenched teeth.
“Hey, the bitch deserved it. She needs to take a hint sooner or later. I dumped her for a hotter and better version. Ain’t that right, sweet cheeks?” He fondled the scantily dressed redhead standing next to him, and she giggled in response.
Abraxas sighed and crossed his arms. “Don’t you have somewhere to be, Sven?”
Sven shrugged. “And miss out on the fine company you have here? I think not.” Sven pushed past Abraxas and rounded the table.
“I see you decided to bring all the clan heirs here for some of our fine dining.” His sarcasm wasn’t missed. Abraxas clenched his fist as Sven’s gaze roamed the table, landing finally on Devon.
“Well, well. What a beauty we have here. Allow me to properly introduce myself, my name is Sven. Sven Night.” He extended his hand as Devon glared up at him.
“I think you’d better leave,” Layden said, sensing Abraxas’s uneasiness. The water dragon stood up and placed himself firmly in between Devon and Sven.
Sven’s eyes narrowed. “You think I’m going to take orders from a punk like you? I’m not scared of you. My brother’s already proven what a bunch of pussies the Azure clan is when he took care of that spoiled eldest brother of yours. If you don’t think I can do the same, just try me.” Sven snapped his fingers, and four of his goons stood up from their seats around the room.
They were prepared for a fight, and the odds were against Layden. Sven was baiting him with his brother’s death, and Abraxas knew Layden was only seconds away from losing his temper.
“Leave him alone, Sven,” Abraxas warned as he cursed himself for bringing them here. He didn’t think Sven would dare to show up at this place after the way things ended between him and Leontii.
“You’re defending him?” Sven reeled, but Abraxas held his ground.
“Yeah, I am, and as clan heir I’m ordering you to back off.” An
ger filled his tone now as he pushed his way in between Layden and Sven.
“You’re pathetic. You don’t deserve to be clan heir if you’re going to defend a lowlife like him. Why don’t you just quit and go live with the Azure clan since you’re so keen on defending their pathetic excuse of a leader?” Sven spat, and Abraxas lost it. Rage coursed through his blood as his fist collided with Sven’s jaw.
“You bastard! How dare you speak about a clan heir with such disrespect.” Abraxas’s voice carried over the now-silenced bar as he continued to pummel Sven, feeling only mildly satisfied with each blow.
No one in the room moved to help Sven. Instead, they all watched in horror as their soon-to-be clan leader wailed on him to no avail. Abraxas was beyond pissed. It wasn’t just the way he’d talked about Layden. That had only been the catalyst. Sven had this coming to him for a long time. He was always making snide comments about his ability to rule, always treating others as though they were worthless, and after he’d seen what that bastard had done to poor Leontii, the sweetest girl he’d known growing up, Abraxas had finally had enough.
Dru intervened, pulling Abraxas off of Sven. His breathing was ragged as the adrenaline coursed through his veins and he looked down at the crumpled, sobbing heap on the ground.
“I don’t want to ever hear you say another word about the Azure clan or their heir, and if I so much as hear of you showing your face around this bar again harassing Leontii, I’ll personally come find you to finish the job. Am I clear?” His eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared, but he resisted the urge to finish where he’d left off.
“Ye–e–s,” Sven whimpered.
“Yes, what?” Abraxas raised his eyebrows, reminding Sven of his place.
“Yes, Lord Night.” Sven raised himself to a kneeling position and lowered his eyes to the ground as he addressed Abraxas by his formal title.
Abraxas turned to look at the rest of the group. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d prefer to leave now.”
They nodded in agreement and silently followed him out of the bar, Sven stumbling out before them in a sprint, probably heading home to cry to his mother, who would undoubtedly be contacting his own parents to inform them of what their disappointment had done this time. But Abraxas didn’t care. He just wanted to get the hell away from him and fast.
