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Colton had just brought him a tray of several wine glasses and then disappeared quickly back into wherever he went until Alex called again. Colton was a good fledgling, young but eager to please. He wasn't Alex's, he'd never made another, but when he stumbled across the new violently changed twenty-four-year-old who was left all alone to deal with what he'd become, Alex brought him home. That was close to two decades ago now. He kept encouraging Colton to leave, to start living his own life, but every day he was still present when Alex would come down the stairs from his daily scheduled rest time.
Part of Alex enjoyed this day of the week, another absolutely loathed it. But he didn’t want to be forever alone so he continued looking year after year. He never really did want solitude, even though most people annoyed him. Alex simply wanted companionship, like most of his kind, and he'd had plenty of humans and other Kindred in and out of his life and bed. They were an alright temporary substitute but what he truly desired was his Mate. The one person the goddess of fate determined he should spend his eternal life with. After close to two-hundred fifty years and an almost constant quest, was prepared to never find them.
It was why he was contemplating forever sleep at the end of the year. Forgoing all blood and slipping into what was essentially a living death for his kind. He wouldn't be aware of anything around him; he'd simply never re-awaken. It was that or find someone to chop his head off with a steel-bladed sword, which on some days, he also considered. That was true death though and deep down inside on cold and dark days, Alex could admit that did frighten him somewhat.
He'd never really wanted to be Kindred, he just wasn't ready to die, he was only thirty years old. A stray bullet had pierced his chest during the war and as he lay dying, a face appeared and he had said just that. Next thing he knew, the process of Changing had started. He’d actually known Simon for quite some time, the Frenchman a close friend of Major General Lafayette’s during the campaign for independence. After the war, Alex went to France with Simon where he spent his first couple of years learning his new life as Kindred. It was from there he ventured around Europe and Asia, mostly on his own but finding a few close confidants along the way. Always searching though. Forever hoping. He still did talk to Simon on occasion, his Sire had found his Mate around a hundred years ago and they were happy continuing to live their eternity mostly in their home country. Alex also knew he had siblings, if you wanted to call them that, other Kindred that Simon had Changed. But he’d never met any of them, didn’t particularly care to really.
Alex took at least one sip out of each of the wine glasses. Contemplated each swallow very thoroughly. Some he knew right away, they were just plain, no real flavor but the typical taste of warm iron; blood like that is what kept him sustained. He drank those down as part of his daily feed amount.
With great interest, he kept returning to the final one. This glass was different. It had hints of something woodsy and sweet swirling in the deep red. Almost kind of a sugary rush coursing through his veins.
Alex dipped his finger into the glass and swiped it along the inside, before sucking it into his mouth to get every single drop.
As he licked his lips, the last bit of the glorious blood gone, a gentle sigh escaped a soft smile filled his face. His fangs were even slightly lengthened. And his dick half-hard in his trousers. He knew his eyes, if he looked, would have a silvery hue.
"Finally. Colton?"
"Master Alex?"
Alex had yet to break Colton of that habit.
"This one, the last one on the tray," Alex said gesturing to the glass in his hand. "Who is it? Tell me everything."
Colton pulled up his phone and reported, "That would be James. He is a sports broadcaster. Former auto racer. He is a regular blood donator due to an accident many years ago and a foundation he established to give back after receiving several transfusions that saved his life. Thirty-eight years old, Canadian but lives here in Indianapolis full-time now. Not far from here actually. And I will admit, very handsome and certainly your type...in more than one way apparently."
"It is considerably more than that, Colton."
"Alex? Are you saying you found them? After all this time? Your one, true Mate?"
"I think so, fledgling. I must meet this, James. Tonight. See what you can arrange."
---------------
As Alex parked along the street in the Broad Ripple neighborhood, he checked his appearance in the rear-view mirror. Another thing books and movies got incorrect, Kindred could see their reflections in mirrors. They could also be outside in the daylight, the sun severely burned his skin but it did not kill, he wasn't going to go up in flames and a burst of ash. Alex just preferred the time from twilight until dawn. Less people.
When he got out of the car, he thought maybe he should have just driven the Tahoe and not pulled out the Aston Martin. But a small part of him wanted to impress.
It's why he'd gone with the dark gray bespoke suit and black cashmere sweater. He knew he looked good. Was a traditionally handsome man as it was but the clothes and car brought him to a whole other level of sexy.
The restaurant that James co-owned was already quite full. They charity gala that they were hosting tonight in full-swing. Alex was a tad late, but he arrived exactly when he wanted. When he knew all eyes, including those of his Mate, would be on him when he entered.
It had seemed very convenient that the day that James' blood sample had come across his selections, that the man himself was having a charity event. When Colton had informed him of such, Alex was elated and they immediately secured him a ticketed invite.
When he entered the restaurant, he was correct that several heads turned his way. Appreciative looks from both men and women, several of which he knew would try to approach him before the night was over, hoping for an invite into his bed, he could smell their desire. None of them held any interest except the dark brown-haired head across the room, rushing around, not paying him any mind.
The picture he had seen of James Hinchcliffe had not done him justice. His Mate was simply stunning. Shorter than Alex by several inches which was of no concern. But he could tell the body filling out that navy blue suit was in amazing shape. The smile on his face was bright and beaming. Absolutely lovely.
Alex was in definite lust, just like several of the people eyeing him up and down as he worked his way across the small restaurant. He'd have to work hard to control his body, especially his fangs.
While Kindred were known, it wasn't polite to drop your fangs in public. Unless it was in a club which catered to those types of things. Alex had been to a few of them; they were just not his scene. It's why his sustenance all came from blood centers, humans who willingly made donations to Kindred in exchange for gifts or monetary amounts or a very few specific private donor families he had taken care of quite well over the years.
It was also frowned upon to walk around with a hard-on, so Alex needed to contain those emotions as well. His fitted suit pants wouldn’t hide much.
When he scanned the room further, letting his enhanced senses spread out a little, he realized he was not the only Kindred in the room. There were three others, one of which he knew quite well and he made his way over to him first.
"Alex! What the hell are you doing here?"
"Hello to you as well, Conor. And I do get out... Sometimes. Colton insisted."
Colton had actually been practically bouncing on his heels the whole time he'd helped Alex get ready. For a few moments he thought he might actually have to command Colton to remain behind until his fledgling announced he was going out to one of the clubs with a human he'd been meeting frequently, named Kyle.
"Colton persisted, did he? Likely tired of seeing your grumpy self around the house."
Alex had taken quite a few years after establishing homes in northern California and central Indiana before he disappeared back to Europe for a while. It was where he had met a young, by Kindred standards, Conor Daly. They became fast friends and he spent a lot of time with Conor as his friend was hanging around the world of Formula One. Racing wasn't something Alex really had a keen interest in, as a Kindred he was not allowed to compete in it, but he loved cars. And speed. Europe gave start to one of his more favorite businesses that he owned, Rossi Restoration. Restoring classic cars to their pristine original condition. While the business was based in Zionsville, Indiana, they had clients all over the world. Just like Alex had businesses in several countries. His other two favorites were the vineyards in Italy and California that completely funded the six therapeutic camps for youngsters with disabilities he had in Indiana, New Hampshire, Colorado, Florida, Washington and Texas.
"This event aligns somewhat with Rossi Restoration, I thought it would be a good donation."
"Do you know Hinch? I don't think I have ever seen you out at the track."
No, he did not know the man but he was hoping to do so. In several ways.
Mentally. Emotionally. Physically. Carnally. He’d love to acquaint James’ ass to his dick, repeatedly.
Fuck, that sweet smell was getting stronger. His head was cloudy from it. Alex closed his eyes and took a huge deep breath, letting it fill him before he answered Conor.
"Have not met him, hoping to do so. His story is quite amazing."
And terrifying knowing how close he came to losing his Mate to a horrific racing accident in 2015 and not even knowing it.
"You two are going to love each other. I should have introduced you years ago. Come on, I will do the honors."
Alex put his hands into his suit pants pockets just to stop himself from reaching out immediately. To grab James and pull him flush to his body, plunder that mouth with long, thorough kisses. And then to sink his fangs, deep into that heavenly, steadily beating pulse point…
"Hinch! I would like you to meet..."
"Alexander Rossi!"
Wait. James knew who he was?
"Sorry, didn't mean to blurt your name out like that. Was just surprised when I saw you on the list. Your company does amazing work, I've seen some of those gorgeous cars up close, even been able to drive a couple. Have always wanted to meet the man behind the scenes. Wait... Conor, you know Alexander?"
"It's just Alex, please. And yes, I have known Conor for about seventy years."
"You've been holding out on me, bud!" James smacked Conor on the arm and turned towards Alex, holding out his hand, "James Hinchcliffe."
Yes. His Mate was offering connection.
The moment their skin made contact, Alex knew. He could feel his whole-body light up in a kaleidoscope of colors. Every one of his senses zoned on the man in front of him. That woodsy, sweet smell. Those gorgeous brown eyes with hints of flashing amber specks. Slightly callused warm palm against his. And a glorious steady beating heart that soon became all of Alex's focus.
Enough that he didn’t know his fangs fully dropped or that his eyes had taken on a red and silvery hue.
"Holy fucking shit, James! I think you're his Mate!"
"I'm his what?!"
**********
"James! Stop looking at him and try to let go of his hand. He probably won't let you, but still try."
Conor reached up and turned his head away from man in front of him. Alex was so gorgeous. Absolutely mesmerizing.
Root & Bone wasn't that big and James noticed people were starting to stare at the three of them. They were more than likely looking at the phenomenal man who was holding his hand, fangs bared and eyes glowing.
Conor was again telling him to drop Alex's hand. The looser his grip got, the tighter the one around him held on.
"Do you have an office in the back?"
"Yeah, the managers do."
"Take him there. He's going to have to come out of it on his own if he won’t listen to you. The more people around, the more feral he might become to protect you. I will follow shortly. He shouldn't consider me a threat because I already have a Mate. You will be safe, he won't bite even like this, not without your permission. Go."
When James pulled on the hand in his, Alex followed. He might have hissed at the couple of people who did not move fast enough. If James found it a tad bit sexy, nobody else would ever know.
Once they were in the door, James' hand was dropped and he was pushed up against the side wall, Alex's face buried into his neck. He could feel a sharp dragging sting against his skin but no bite followed, only a quick lick of tongue and several deep breaths pulled in and puffed out.
"You smell so good, James," Alex growled in his ear. "Everything I have ever wanted. Been waiting so long for you. I can’t wait to make you mine. To find out what is under those clothes with my tongue and hands. Know what you sound and look like when you come from my cock."
Lips connected at the base of his ear and tracked over his face to his lips, where they pressed softly down. James returned the kiss and the equal number of moans coming from the both of them. He was onboard with everything Alex had said.
"Alexander! James!"
James tried to pull back but the strong arms around his waist wouldn't let him go far. He was crushed to the hard muscular body holding him.
"Mate," Alex whined.
James knew some Kindred history, every human did. He had several friends, Conor obviously, that were Kindred as well. Conor was the only one with a Mate. And this reaction just did not seem normal. He’d never seen a Kindred with silvery hued eyes. Red, yes, that was normal when they fed, but never a silver sheen like moonlit clouds flowing across those fantastic red-outlined hazel eyes. Someone could get lost in those eyes…
"James! Quit looking at him and ask him to let you go. You need to break the physical connection to get him out of the haze so we can have a rational conversation."
"Am I really his Mate?"
"He has all the signs, including his eyes, which means he has had to drink your blood before at some point."
"No one has ever bitten me and I certainly would remember if Alex Rossi had."
James was fully prepared to tilt his neck right now and allow those fangs to slip deep inside, along with that amazing dick he could see tenting those tight suit pants.
"Damn it, James! Stop looking at him. I cannot touch you; he won’t take it well while he is in a haze and I am quite attached to my head and arms. The answer is, you donate, James. Did you ever specify that samples could not be taken?"
It was hard and took all of his willpower, but he lowered his gaze and turned his head to the side as he responded, "No, they don't take much and it's not like I was ever going to be matched."
There was a slow growl starting to emanate from Alex’s chest.
"Looks like you have been, James. So, ask him, as his Mate, to let you go."
"Hey Alex," James said, putting his hand on Alex's cheek and looking over his shoulder. "Can you let me go for a minute, my Mate. I need you to release me. Please, Mate. Just for a little while."
He could feel Alex’s strength in his hand waver as he was slowly released and then Alex stumbled away to sit on the edge of the desk in the room. Breathing intensely. Hands gripped painfully tight to the wood. Eyes down to the floor.
"Whatever you do, James, don't touch or even make a move to come near me. I will stay over here. While I am Mated, Alex has almost two-hundred years on me and he is powerful, I need to continue to remain non-threatening."
"Mate," Alex whined again, as he reached his hands up into his hair, pulling his head down.
"That's right babe, I am your Mate. I need you to dial all the way back for me so we can talk. I'm not going anywhere. Just come back to your Mate."
Watching Alex return to the man he had seen stride into his restaurant was a slow but, fascinating process. Eyes returning to a very pretty hazel, fangs disappearing to a normal length, breathing steady out. Body relaxing but retaining a fully confident attitude.
"James."
"Alex. It's nice to meet you."
And the laugh coming from the Kindred in front of him was undeniably musical. The smile, magical. They were no longer touching but James still felt an intense pull.
"I should apologize, James for pulling you away from your guests, your event."
"Please don't worry about that, I am sure my team out there is handling everything. So, Mate?"
"Yes. You are my Mate but you are under no obligation whatsoever to join your life with mine. I would never force something like that on anyone, especially my Mate. We can part today and you would never have to see me again if that is your desire."
The only desire James wanted right now was to be bent over the desk with Alex over him. Both of them fully naked.
Fuck. This feeling was so extreme. Penetrating to his very soul. Deep inside…
Shaking his head, trying to clear his thoughts, he asked, "Is that what you want, Alex?"
"Unconditionally not. I've waited a long time to find you but will not hold you to anything should you not accept me in return."
"How old are you? Or should I not ask that? Is it impolite in Kindred society?"
"You have every right to know. I was thirty when I had my Human death. This year I will be two-hundred and forty-eight in September."
"And you've been alone this entire time?"
"Not always, James. I've had plenty of Human and Kindred friends over the years."
Jealously gripped him. Alex was his. Only his. No one else.
Telling himself again to focus, James inquired, "But you have always been searching for me?"
"Kindred search for their Mate until they are killed or choose death."
"And just how many find them?"
"It is rare. You could have been anywhere in the world at any point in my life. That's why it is extraordinary when it occurs."
"Alex is right, James. It doesn't happen often. I got damn lucky that I just decided to be here visiting my brother's family for the first time in ten years, when I ran into Josef at a barbecue."
Conor’s voice surprised him but helped put a little more necessary distance between himself and Alex. And James immediately felt sadness for all Kindred.
"Josef is still Human, unless he became Kindred since our last race?"
"He is right now. We agreed to wait for his Change until after he finished his career, since Kindred are not allowed to race as you well know. When that day comes, he will accept the Change as he has already accepted me as his Mate."
"What if a Mate never changes?"
Conor looked to Alex for a response and when he saw one was not coming, he continued, "Then they die at their determined time and the Kindred chooses to join them or continue on alone. I already know for me it would be forever sleep should something happen to Josef. After Kindred are Mated, living without that person becomes painful."
"I would choose forever sleep too," Alex said softly, looking down. James noted that while Alex was already pale, his complexion was even more so when he said that.
Moving over in front of Alex, where he was still sitting on the edge of the desk, a hand under his chin brought their eyes to the same level.
"You are not going to have to choose that Alexander Rossi because I accept you as my Mate. I will take the Change for you. Spend my eternal life by your side."
"James,” Alex cautioned, leaning back just a tad. “This is a big decision and cannot be entered into lightly. You don't know me. I am not even sure how much you know about Kindred life. Becoming Kindred will likely affect your career choice. So, you must be made aware of what you are committing too before I will even consider Changing you and blood linking our lives together."
"Well, then date me, Alex. Let's get to know each other. Spend time doing things together. Let me learn all of your quirks, while you find out mine. I doubt I will change my mind but bring it on, bud. Show me your worst. I mean the only thing that could possibly ruin this for me right now would be to find out you’re atrocious in bed."
"I am fucking amazing in bed; I will have you know."
The speed at which Alex responded made James smirk. He couldn’t wait to find out just how mind-blowing the sex was bound to be because he knew Alex wasn’t boasting.
"He is quite good, James. But he's also grumpy and broody. Let me tell you that right now."
"Bite me, Conor."
"You know you aren't my type. He's blond haired, blue-eyed and doesn't taste like stale sawdust when I bite him."
James held up a hand, "Wait. Kindred can drink from each other?"
"Yes, they can. It is typically aphrodisiacal. Unless the person is Mated. Conor claims I taste like sawdust now. He tastes like burnt rubber."
"What do I taste like? Conor said your eyes were silver because you have drunk my blood. Do you remember what I tasted like to you?
Alex shifted nervously. Hesitating to answer.
"What is it, Alex?"
"I do remember what you taste like because it was just this morning."
"You found him this morning? Didn't waste any time did you."
"That's the only reason you came?"
There might have just been a little bit of hurt in his comment. His foundation was important to him and so many others.
"Yes, plus it is a good cause and those deserve my money. Blood donations saved your life."
Almost bewildered, James questioned, "You researched me? You know about the crash at IMS?"
“We do get small profiles when we acquire samples. I knew the basic info you provided to the Center. Colton just took it a bit further. Google might have been used. I did see a few headshot and promotional pictures that he showed me, a couple of your dancing videos and then he said I needed to quit looking and just wait until I met you in person. He did mention something about saving a few photos to my phone that I might need for a rainy day but I haven’t bothered to look yet."
"Who is Colton?" James inquired. And he knew exactly what photos that person had likely saved to Alex’s phone. He was proud of that shoot. He’d totally recreate portions of it if Alex so desired, especially the being completely naked part.
"My fledgling. He lives me with me. Tries to take care of me when I allow it."
"James, you are going to love, Colty."
"If he is your fledgling..."
"I did not make him James. I have never Changed anyone; you’d be my first. I rescued him during his transition period after he was attacked and left alone to fend for himself. He’s been with me for twenty years even though I do keep trying to kick him out.”
“You might get your wish, especially if he would just admit how much he likes Kyle and they move in together.”
So, this Colton was like Alex’s personal assistant. Cool. James could work with that. Especially since it appeared like Colton was enamored elsewhere. Not a threat.
“Back to me for a second, what did I taste like?”
“Your blood is woodsy, like some type of refreshing pine tree. But sweet at the same time. I couldn’t place it for a while, but it is almost maple syrupy, which I know is cliché given where you are from. Whatever it is, it is intoxicating.”
“You won’t taste like sawdust to me when I Change and can bite you, right?”
Alex groaned and shifted on the desk a little.
“Probably need to not mention you biting him, James. And I can answer for him while he thinks very unsexy thoughts. No, he will not taste like that. I don’t recall what Alex’s blood tasted like before Josef and I Mated, we didn’t drink from each other often and only have done since for quick healing purposes. Josef tastes like apple pie to me.”
“So, we can fuck before I Change right?”
“Josef and I do all the time. He likes my extra strength.”
“Oh, I forgot about the enhanced senses. Looking forward to that, being pinned to the bed.”
“Unless you want me to take you over this desk right now, in front of Conor and for all of your guests to hear, you’d best stop talking.”
“That is my cue to leave. He’s all yours, James. Enjoy!” Conor called over his shoulder as he left the room, closing the door behind him with a loud click.
James was alone with an Alex Rossi that was starting to look a little feral once more. And most definitely was hard again in his suit pants.
“Conor is such a bitch sometimes. But, Alex, if you really want, I will gladly go home with you once I am done here. You can certainly fuck me any and every which way then.”
“James. Stop. Talking.”
“That is probably something you need to learn about me. I talk a lot. It is my job. And you are not looking so good there, bud. Need a hand? Or maybe a mouth?”
“Fuck, James. You cannot say things like that. You need to leave and go back to your guests before I have all of your clothes ripped off and my cock buried down your throat.”
Alex already had a hand pressed down over his zipper and looking anywhere but at James.
“Wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it. And that door does lock.”
“Is this room soundproof?” Alex asked, his head shooting up, a bit of possible hope in his expression.
“Sadly, no. Doesn’t need to be if I have a dick in my mouth.”
“I won’t be able to be quiet if you are on your knees for me.”
“I can put my dick in your mouth at the same time if it would help?”
“I am not doing that here! James. Stop fucking talking about sex. You are a damn menace.”
“Am your menace now.”
Alex lowered his gaze back down and muttered in what James figured was supposed to be a joking tone, “Forever sleep is sounding better and better.”
But James didn’t appreciate the jest. Mood instantly gone. Evaporated. His body was instantly cold and shaky. He felt like he might be sick. A part of him was screaming.
“Alex. Don’t even joke about that. It’s not at all funny. We just found each other. You cannot leave me by ever choosing that unless I am gone first like Conor said about him and Josef. Promise me. Right now, Rossi. Get over here and swear it to my face.”
James’ trembling body was gathered in a pair of powerful arms and held tightly.
“I am so sorry, my Mate. Forgive me, I did not intend to cause you distress. I swear I will not choose forever sleep unless you are gone. That is my eternal promise to you James Hinchcliffe.”
They just stood there together, clinging to one another. Alex’s lips were ghosting his temple.
“We both kind of killed the vibe. Probably for the best, I really should get back out there.”
“You are welcome to come to my house afterwards. Given my reaction to you, I should put a little distance between us for a bit, even if my soul will be fighting it. I am not sure right now how I will handle if other people touch you and I see it. It is just my initial possessiveness. It will fade.”
“I hope not. I like it. And I will happily come over. I can stop at mine and shower first, if that will help. Put on some new clothes.”
“It will, somewhat. I’ll still be able to smell anyone else if they touch your skin, but a shower will lessen the effect.”
“Should I pack an overnight bag? I mean, we are supposed to be dating for a while, getting to know each other better. But I will wholeheartedly put out for you on our first date.”
“James. Stop talking. Go see to your guests. And yes, pack a bag. I will text you my address.”
“There is an outside exit right across the hall. See you soon, Alex.”
James watched his Kindred leave and he headed back out in to the main part of the restaurant to finish his evening. A few minutes of mingling, he felt a buzz in his pocket. There was a message from an unknown number that included an address fairly local to his own. Convenient. James responded and let Alex know he would text him when he was headed over, saved the contact and continued about the room.
As he pocketed his phone, the head of his charity approached him, smiling but with kind of a look of bewilderment on her face.
“What is it Marjorie?”
“I just got notification that we received a donation through our online portal.”
“Great! That is what this night is supposed to be about. We likely should start the auction soon, raise some more.”
“It is three million dollars, James.”
“What? You’re kidding me! What company did that?”
“It is anonymous.”
James would only need one guess who the anonymous donor was and he’d likely be sharing a bed with him later.
“Guess we just need to send out a silent thanks and hope they hear. Head over to the auction table, I will be right there.”
James pulled his phone back out and sent off a quick thank you. He waited for a response and Alex messaged back.
‘Anything for you. And for a tremendous cause that saved you for me to find.’
Oh, yeah. Alex Rossi was certainly going to get laid tonight. Multiple times if James had a say.
**********
While waiting for James, Alex also took a shower. He didn’t want to wash away James' touch but he knew he'd be getting a lot more of the man all over his body shortly.
He also tidied up several things in the house, not that he really needed to as Colton kept things well organized (except his own room, but Alex gave him that concession. Colton really needed to learn his chair was not a closet.)
His fledgling had texted earlier saying he was going to be at Kyle's for the night. He also sent a series of emojis that Alex had no idea what they meant except for possibly the smiley face and heart.
Before him and James did anything, they would need to have a discussion. With James being his Mate, Alex was likely to want to bite him during sex, especially as he climaxed. It would take a lot for him to hold back on his nature and he hoped James would not want him to. The bite would not be a changing one, that required a lot more than just a simple bite to share mutual pleasure.
When he finally heard James pull in, he found that he was actually nervous. It was made even more so when he opened the door and saw his gorgeous Mate, freshly showered and dressed in a soft t-shirt and a pair of plaid flannel sleep pants. And smelling mostly just like James. There was a tiny hint of other but it was overwhelmed by that lovely scent of maple.
"Hi."
"Hey there, love."
If Alex preened at being called ‘love’, James was the only witness and he was the one that mattered.
"Come in, James."
"So does a Human have to be invited in to a Kindred's home?"
"Movies and television have most of what they portray about our kind totally wrong. No, I don't have to invite you to cross my threshold, you would not have to do the same with me. I am just being polite."
"And sexy. Did you purposely forget a shirt?"
Alex really hadn't meant to forgo a shirt; he was just used to not wearing one at this time of night. For his rest period, he never wore anything at all. Was hoping he'd be in nothing again soon.
"I make good eye candy."
"That you do, especially in those tight pants."
He had just thrown some workout joggers on because they were on the top in his drawer.
"Alex, I already knew I was in for a good night but those pants leave very little to the imagination. Not that I am minding one bit. You have an amazing ass and what looks like a huge dick. Lucky me!"
"You're welcome to come find out. Wait! We need to talk about a few things first."
"You can bite me. I don't mind."
"How did you know that is what I was going to ask?"
"You're Kindred, babe. You might be my first one, but I have heard stories."
"I'm your first?"
"Not man, done that several times. But first of your kind, yes."
"And last. Only."
"Yes, dear. You are rather sexy when you get possessive. I like it."
"Limits?"
"Not really into pain. I know it will hurt at first when you bite. But like pain play, no. Not really. I don’t mind being bound or blindfolded. Sensory play is a huge turn-on and I imagine when I am Changed that will be even more so. I prefer to bottom and since you scream top, think we will get along well. I will top though if you ever want to change it up, you really do have one of the best asses I have ever seen. Oh! When I am sucking your dick, feel free to grab my hair, just don’t rip it out of my head, I am rather proud of my hair thank you very much. There are a lot of muscles under these clothes, don’t ever treat me like you feel you are going to break me because of what I have been through. You can get rough; I like it that way sometimes and feel like hard and fast with you will be fucking phenomenal. Hell, any sex with you, I think is going to be off the charts so I…"
“James! You’re rambling. It is rather charming but I think we have gotten off track.”
“You know, I once thought about doing a racing podcast with that name. Never found the right co-host for it though. Off Track with Hinch was just missing something. Pity, as I think it could have lasted for a lot of years. And I am being long-winded again, sorry.”
"Sounds like something I will need to get used to. Back to the bite for a moment, there will be an initial sting but then you won't remember your own name for a while. I promise that, just like I swear to not Change you. My saliva will heal the wound after so no worries there.”
“You can mark me. I would be proud to wear your evidence of our time together.”
“With that, let me give you a quick tour,” Alex said, grabbing James’ hand in his and leading him around the first floor: kitchen, great room, office spaces, the patio and pool.
"You swim?"
"Yes, I like to at dawn following what is traditionally my rest period. Also, I imagine it is a great place to fuck, we'll have try it out soon. Follow me, we'll head upstairs next."
“You know you can’t just make comments about fucking in the pool and expect me to forget.”
“Don’t expect you too. You should have learned by now how important a Kindred’s word is. We will be fucking in my pool soon, just not tonight. That is for my bed,” Alex said as he opened the door to his master bedroom and let James enter first.
His king-sized four-poster took up a good portion of the room. Along with the two nightstands, mirrored dresser, a double bookcase and a large chair with an ottoman. Alex actually enjoyed rest periods in that chair, it was very comfortable. He'd found Colton curled up in it several times as well.
"All of the furniture in your house is so beautiful but this bed is phenomenal," James said, running his hand along dark cherry wood footboard. The craftsmanship is just incredible "
"Thanks. This bed and my office desk are my favorite things I've done recently."
"Hold up. You made all of this?"
"It was my trade before my Human death. I've kept it up from time to time. There's a small shop attached to Rossi Restoration. I find it peaceful, have actually lost days working on something before. Colton has had to come and physically remove me a few times, get me fed. It very well might happen when we are together."
"I think I would enjoy watching you work, especially if it is shirtless. Do you sell anything?"
"Not anymore. Can occasionally be talked into creating something for a friend. I made Conor and Josef's bed. Would make you a desk for that extra office downstairs, if you wanted."
"You know what this tells me?"
"What"
"That you are good with your hands."
"Get on my bed and I will show you just how good these hands can be."
Gesturing to his shirt and pants, James asked, "You want the honors or should I strip on the way?"
"When you climb in my bed, you better be naked because I certainly will be."
Alex watched as James pulled his t-shirt over his head and then removed his flannel pants.
"I see we both forewent underwear," James said as he walked, nude, over to the bed and climbed on, while watching Alex take off his joggers. "Good to know we are on the same page."
"Don't think either of us were shy about what we wanted from the night,” Alex crooned at him, meeting James in the middle, immediately pulling their naked bodies together.
“Fuck.” They both said in unison as skin met skin. The only contrast was one was slightly cooler than the other.
And then they were kissing again. A mutual meeting of lips, hands skimming backs, shoulders, waists.
Alex put his hands on James’ ass and held him tightly too him, grinding their hard cocks together.
Moans accompanied the kisses while Alex then lowered James to the bed, below him, his body bracketing that of his Mate.
They would have several lifetimes but all Alex wanted to do right now was imprint on James, tasting with his tongue, touching with his hands, learning where that syrupy sweet smell was the strongest.
“So gorgeous, James. Going to claim every inch of your body.”
“Have at me, love.”
Alex ignored his neck area to start; it was too tempting right now. He wanted to wait to give attention to that area when he was buried deep inside James and could connect them with his bite when they came. At least the first time.
His mouth licked and sucked across James’ collarbones to start and he allowed himself to bury his nose into the dip of his throat, deep breaths.
“You smell so wonderful, James. Just like you taste. I am never going to get enough of you.”
Before he moved further down, he picked up each of James’ arms, nosing down the length. His tongue made sure to swipe across the hollow of each elbow. When he reached the fingers of the second arm, he sucked two of them into his mouth for a few moments. James just groaned and writhed below him.
“Patience, my Mate. I will most definitely be putting something else in my mouth soon.”
The arms well attended, he returned to James’ chest, and immediately placed his mouth over a pert nipple.
“Alex!”
Alex smiled against the pinkening skin and then let his fangs lengthen slightly before he just ever so slightly scratched them across, not breaking skin but creating a contrasting friction.
“That’s! Fuck! Do that again!”
Obliging James, he scrapped them over the same nipple and then moved over to the other.
“You can bite, Alex, don’t hold back. Feels so good.”
“Not yet, James. We are getting there soon.”
As Alex followed the slight dusting of hair on James’ chest down towards his belly button, he stopped. Froze actually, then full-body shuddered as his mouth came in contact with a scar.
James could have died. He basically did.
And he knew immediately that James sensed his hesitation.
“Look at me, Alex.”
Glancing up, hazel eyes met beautiful brown. Brown eyes that one day would be stunning when they showed silvery red.
“The scars are a part of me. I am still here. I’m not going anywhere. I didn’t leave you, love.”
“Do they?”
“No, they don’t hurt in any way. They’re actually not really sensitive at all.”
“May I touch them?”
“Of course you can, babe. Like I said, they are a part of me. A testament to how I fought to come back. To myself. My career. And even though I didn’t understand it at the time, to you.”
Alex made sure to gently caress each scar he found with his mouth and hands. Knowing how lucky he was to still have James with him.
James’ cock was leaking and begging for attention but Alex ignored it as he worked down each leg. He prompted James to bend his knees and gave special attention to each inner thigh.
The maple smell was intensely strong as Alex sucked a marked as close to the left inguinal crease he could manage.
“You have such a strong, powerful body, my Mate. We are going to have many fun lifetimes together matching strengths.”
“I don’t mind being pinned down. Especially when it is going to be by you. Gives me tingles.”
Alex laughed lightly.
“Pretty sure I know plenty of ways to make you tingle. With my hands,” he said as he gripped the base of James’ dick and stroked upwards. As he leaned over and licked a drop of pre-cum, he added, “With my mouth.” And when he crawled back up and matched their bodies together once more, he ground his hips down and stated, “And with my cock.”
James was a panting, moaning, whimpering mess.
“I was going to have you roll over but I really want to suck you off right now, James.”
Making a have at it gesture with his hand was all James was capable of at the moment and they had barely started. Alex couldn’t wait to see him when he was buried deep inside.
Sliding back down in-between James legs, Alex gave a couple of quick flicks of his wrist to James’ hard dick before he placed his lips over it and slid fully down.
“Fuck!”
He smiled around the cock in his mouth. Being over two centuries old, had taught him several things about giving head.
Alex didn’t need to pull out many tricks, not when he realized James liked to be taken deep on every bob of his head. He did change up how much he used his tongue, the noises he made reflected the ones James was losing out of his mouth. James moaned, he moaned. James uttered something that made no sense, Alex hummed.
Alex was expecting James’ hands to find their way into his hair or at least on his head but he noted they were grasping the comforter. Reaching over he pried one loose and directed it towards himself.
James got the picture and threaded his fingers through Alex’s hair. He didn’t really put any pressure on Alex, but it was nice having the weight there.
Knowing James was close, able to sense it, he sped up his movements until James’ back arched and Alex felt the fruits of release filling his mouth.
“Alex!”
He sucked James through it until the hand in his hair was pushing his face away and then was desperately trying to pull him up. When Alex was back over him, James crashed their mouths together before Alex could finish swallowing the last few drops.
Alex slid mostly off to the side of James, some of his body still covering James’ and placed his ear over the rapidly beating heart in his Mate’s chest. The quick but even beat was mesmerizing. Before he completed the final step of the Change for James, it would be one of the last things he would do then. He’d fully open his sense of hearing to listen to that same precious heartbeat, as James’ body was drained of blood and his heart rate slowed down to almost nothing… and then would stop forever as Alex blood linked them together.
Just like Alex’s had so many years ago.
He didn’t realize there were blood tears pooling in the corners of his eyes, until he felt James wipe several away.
“You cry blood?”
“One of those uniquely Kindred things you will learn soon.”
Alex moaned just slightly as he watched James looking at the blood on his fingers and then damn near mewled as James placed them in his mouth.
“Don’t taste anything yet, kind of metallic. But it sounded like you liked that, babe?”
“Blood sharing between Mates is very erotic, James. Unless it is done for healing, but even then, it can be quite stimulating… even if sex is the furthest thing from your mind when you’ve been injured. And you won’t taste anything but the iron in the blood right now, since we are not blood linked.”
“So, when we are Mated?”
“Yes.”
“You’re listening to my heartbeat, aren’t you?” James inquired, placing a kiss to the top of Alex’s head.
“I am. It’s exquisite. Something I will remember forever when it ceases.”
“It will always beat for you, Alex. Don’t look at me like that, put your head back down, I know it is going to stop. That is not what I meant and you know it.”
Alex sighed and put his ear back to James’ chest as he softly responded, “I wish you could have heard mine.”
“Don’t need to hear it to know it was strong and steady, relentless, full of life and love, just like the man it belonged too.”
Alex tightened the hold he had to James’ waist as they just continued to lay there.
Until he felt James starting to wiggle against him.
“What is it?” Alex asked as he rose up onto his elbow.
“I can feel your dick against my thigh, babe. You are still plenty hard and it is getting distracting. I mean, continue to do your thing up there if you need but I kind of want to get fucked.”
He gave James a smirk in return to his comment.
“I’ll listen to your heart while you sleep so I guess we can get to the fucking.”
“That’s not creepy at all…”
“You know Kindred don’t sleep right, not really. We do rest though, some more than others. I know Conor rests the whole time Josef sleeps. I will likely do the same with you until your Change.”
“How long is your normal rest period?”
“Four hours. I tend to take it between two and six in the early morning. Sometimes it is during the day though depending on commitments. But Kindred can go days, weeks even, without resting if they are well fed. I do it because I enjoy the time to essentially shut off my mind, close down my senses and be unattached for a while.”
“You feed every day?”
“Do you really want to continue to talk about Kindred life or do you want me to fuck you?”
“More fucking. Less talking. We can do that tomorrow.”
“That’s what I thought.”
Alex covered James’ body again and returned to kissing his Mate, one of his hands grabbing the bottle of lube he had sat on the bed earlier. Slick fingers began to circle James’ entrance as their mouths continued to meet.
"Wait. You cried bloody tears. You're not going to come with blood too, are you?"
"No James, I don’t ejaculate blood. I will orgasm just like you but Kindred don't produce anything. It's all about the enhanced sensations, the heightened emotions. One of the reasons we tend to bite when it happens, both things are highly pleasurable."
"So, when I suck your dick, nothing for me to swallow?"
"Other than my large cock? No."
"Interesting. And I can't wait to take you in my mouth. But back to the fucking."
"I've been trying to get us there but someone keeps interrupting that plan," Alex growled.
"Warned you I liked to talk. One of these days you might have to just gag me."
Alex raised an eyebrow at that comment.
"I did say I liked to be bound," James just grinned back at him. "For now, though I will reel it in because I want that cock in my ass. Like yesterday. Which is technically correct, since we met at the restaurant...Fuck! Alex! A little warning with those fingers!"
"Don't mind you talking if it is screaming out my name while I am deep inside you."
James opened up easily to him, which was a good thing as Alex was getting more frenzied every minute.
Putting a hand under James’ one knee to open his hips up further, Alex lined up and slid slowly all the way in.
Fuck.
“Fuck!”
James felt so good around him. Warm, tight. Perfect.
“You feel so good in me Alex, so hot and hard. Absolutely amazing.”
Knowing James could take it; he took the leg he was holding and placed it up on his shoulder. And then he did not hold back. Couldn’t hold back.
This was his Mate.
“That’s it, fuck me my Mate.”
Alex could make this last, drag out their pleasure, watch every detail of James falling apart below him. But he had a lifetime to do that.
Contentment blown brown eyes looked up at him while, hands were scrabbling for Alex’s hips to find a hold as he thrusted rapidly.
“Your eyes, fuck, Alex, they are so beautiful.”
His control was slipping but the part of his brain not in his sensuality center was smacking him with realization.
James was repeating similar comments to what Alex was only thinking.
No question whatsoever now. James was his Mate. They were already connecting, just through touch.
“Touch me, Alex, please! I am going to come again!”
Leaning over, he trapped James’ cock in-between their bodies.
“I don’t have to touch you, my Mate. You’re going to come from my bite, James.”
“Fuck, Alex, yes!”
He buried his mouth into the junction of James’ neck and shoulder, licking over until the pulse point was below.
And Alex couldn’t hold back any longer. Fangs descended and pierced the delicate skin, sweet-smelling, deliciously hot blood flooded his mouth.
Never. Anything. Like. This.
Exquisite. Divine.
They were both coming. James with a loud exclamation of Alex’s name and several undeniably enchanting groans.
He moaned against James’ skin, continuing to let the liquid maple-like nectar flow. James continued to sigh, small little noises of pure pleasure making themselves known.
Before it was dangerous for his Mate, he pulled away, licked the two small punctures briefly. They would stop the precious flow but not heal completely. He wanted James to wear his bite mark.
Putting his arms under James, he flipped them so James was now resting on top. The look of pure bliss that he knew was on his own face was reflected back at him.
“That was pretty fucking awesome and I know it is only going to get better. You’re fucking magnificent, Alex. It’s like I could hear you in my head. So incredibly sexy and all mine.”
Alex would wait just a little to give up that revelation.
“Pretty impressive yourself. Your blood… I wish I could accurately describe it. It made me feel alive again. The only thing better will be when you can bite me in return.”
“Can bite you now, not the same, but would enjoy nibbling on all of those muscles. Maybe in a little bit though… kind of tired now, you fucked all my energy out.”
“Rest, my Mate.”
He let James slip into slumber, then turned and laid him on his back. After a quick clean up, he gathered him back into his arms, spooning up and taking his rest period while he held his Mate.
***********
“So, do you feed every day?
“Pretty much. But I only drink what my body requires. I don’t overindulge. On the day of the week I would go through samples, I would factor those into my daily amount.”
They were sitting up together on the bed. James was drinking a cup of tea that Alex had made for him, along with the fluffy blueberry pancakes that was brought in when James woke up. Alex had told him he’d been up for several hours before James was, did his morning swim and decided breakfast in bed was the best way to start his Mate’s day.
James could think of a couple of different ways but the calories from the food were needed for that.
“And what is normal for a Kindred?”
“It is going to vary, mostly based on age and health status. The younger you are, the more you drink. If you are injured and need to heal, you will also consume more. Newly Changed, have to drink a lot in those first few weeks. You will consume around what I drink in six months during that time.”
“What do you drink a day? What’s in that mug of yours?” James asked, gesturing to the coffee mug that Alex was sipping out of.
“Roughly a half-pint. I don’t need that much but it has been my routine for decades.”
“Just how much blood am I going to be consuming!?”
“Gallons, James. Probably around twelve or so to satiate your initial thirst. Then you will be able to adjust to around a pint or so a day that first year. Wait, do I need to put this into liters so you understand it better?” Alex finished his explanation with a smirk.
“Screw you, I do know what pints and gallons are asshole. The amount is just concerning. Where is all of this blood coming from? I mean, I know they have centers that humans can go to specifically to donate blood to Kindred. One of the NBC Techs does that to supplement her income. Is that where yours comes from?”
“Somewhat. I also have a group of private donors that supply me. Twenty families in particular that have been contracted to me for generations. Their needs are well taken care of.”
“You have your own personal blood bank?”
“I guess you could say that. It is not unheard of for older Kindred. And given that fresh blood is what we need and it only has a shelf life of around forty days, it is understandable. Humans can give up to six pints a year, I am sure you know that from your Foundation. I drink around one-hundred and eighty, so does Colton.”
“I am going to drink the equivalent of twelve people in a few days though, that seems unbelievable.”
James just couldn’t picture it. Gallons. James might have drank a gallon of fluids in a day on a normal basis, but consuming a full gallon of blood or more was just mind-boggling to him.
“Yes, and I will make sure you have plenty available. My families will be notified I have taken a Mate. We will likely find you some families to start your own patronage, just like I did for Colton. Money is no object, James.”
“Just how much are you worth, Alexander Rossi?”
“Umm, honestly…”
“Don’t give me that. I know that you are precisely aware of the number. You don’t have to answer me if you do not want to.”
James had somewhat of an idea, he knew what some of those cars he drove cost to be restored. Plus he had seen the Rossi name on numerous ventures over the years.
“Last I knew it was well over fifty-million.”
“Son of a bitch. Sorry, I mean I knew you had several businesses, but fuck, Alex.”
“Most of it is invested. A lot goes to charity every year. A big amount to my families. My businesses all produce well and I try to give back as much as I can. You Foundation was a good choice for me.”
“I still can’t believe you did that.”
“I would have still made a sizable donation even if it turned out you were not my Mate. It is a good cause, James.”
"So back to some Mate chat. You only ever get one, right?"
"That is correct. And we are given no clue when in our lifetime it will happen. Like Conor mentioned yesterday, many Kindred never meet them. Look at how close I came to never meeting you."
"But I am here."
"Luckily you came when you did,” Alex said solemnly.
The tone set off a lot of alarm bells in James’ mind.
"Alex. What does that mean?"
"It's just that... I..."
James put his cup on the bedside table, took Alex’s and did the same before he straddled his lap and put his hand on Alex’s face. Forcing him to look at James.
"What were you going to do? Tell me."
"I planned on putting my affairs in order and leaving."
"Like leaving Indianapolis? Starting over in another place?"
He knew that wasn’t it but he hoped maybe he was wrong.
"No."
James’ heart dropped in his chest and he felt slightly ill. Then mad. He couldn't explain the anger.
"You were choosing to die, weren't you? You were going to leave me!" James exclaimed, pushing on Alex’s chest.
"I didn't know you were out there, James! I've been searching for over two centuries."
"Which one was it? Forever sleep or permanent death? And don’t you look away from me again. You’re going to tell me this to my face."
"I hadn't decided yet."
Frustrated, James climbed off Alex’s lap and sat on the edge of the bed next to him but facing away. Somehow, he knew Alex was lying about not having decided.
"And what makes me believe you aren't just going to up and decide that someday again soon?" James asked quietly, a little bit of fear creeping into his heart.
Alex slid off the bed and got on his knees in front of James, he didn’t touch him but James could see he wanted to. "I have already sworn and promised you that I would not. If you accept me, I will never willingly leave your side, James. Look at the last day, I can barely let you out of my sight."
"How am I to know that in fifty years, you aren't going to change your mind?"
"What guarantee do I have that you won't? It is the chance we both take, if you Change. You need to make that decision for yourself. My feelings cannot factor in because I would Change you right now, without hesitation, forgetting everything I said yesterday about waiting."
"So, you would no longer be alone."
There was almost some anger brewing in Alex’s expression.
"That’s not it. So, I would finally know the other half of my soul. You would as well. I can't be the only one who has felt like a piece of them was missing, until I met you. I should have told you what touching you for the first time did to me."
"I saw it."
Shaking his head, Alex explained, "You saw my possessive haze. You didn't see the thousands of colors that filled my mind, the feeling of pure elation that ran through every inch of my body.” He grabbed James’ hand at this point and placed it over his heart. “And the gaping hole in my soul, where my Mate should reside, was no longer a cold, black abyss. It was filled with love and light. I almost felt like my heart was beating again."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
James got out of bed, slipped on his flannel pants and made his way to the chair where he sat down. Alex's hopeful expression slipped to devastated.
"I need a moment, Alex. To gather my thoughts. Just give me a second to process all of this, you said this choice has to be mine."
Rising to his feet, Alex answered, "I'll go shower. Take all the time you need, you don't have to decide right now. If you feel like you have to leave, I will understand."
He could hear the hurt in Alex's voice as he disappeared into his master bathroom.
Alex had essentially just lay bare his soul and James had moved away. He knew how it looked but he just needed a couple minutes to come to the conclusion that he already knew.
As he slipped into the obscenely large shower a few moments later, he pushed Alex back against the wall and waited until their gazes met.
"I always knew that there was something else out there I was meant to be a part of. It’s why I tried so many different things as a kid. For a long time, I thought it was racing but the feeling of searching, it lingered. I don't recall a lot from the day of the accident but I do remember thinking at one point that I was leaving something important behind. Someone significant, that I needed to go back for, to keep trying to find. I've figured it was my family for years now. But it was you. That feeling is the hole in my soul. Where you and only you, Alex Rossi belong."
"James..."
Alex’s body had been so tense when he entered, James could feel the rigidness start to melt away.
"I have a couple of conditions."
"Anything," Alex replied, pure sincerity in his voice.
"We will date, like you wanted. We do need to get to know each other better and I still have a lot to learn and several decisions for us, yes us, to make together about my future. Six months. After that time, I will take the Change. And you stop talking about anything that will end your immortal life, even jokingly. Do you understand and accept this?"
"Yes. I do have one request of you right now, if you will allow it."
"What is it, Alex?"
"In those six months, if for some reason your life is on the line and you cannot consent, you give me permission right now to Change you. To save your life. To save our lives together."
"I consent. Date number two can start right now. Kiss me."
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