Shieldbrothers: Pride of the Kodiak

Chapter Five: Challenges

“Where can they be? I can’t believe Harper has been gone so long.” Tyr paces across his new bedroom, occasionally pausing before one of the arched windows to hopefully scan the garden below for any sign of Harper. It’s been two days since the coupling ceremony and he has not seen or heard from Harper. Nor has Diana seen or heard anything from her little companion.

“I don’t know. Möbius said he’s had his men comb the grounds but they have not been able to turn up a sign of them.” Diana replies from the bathroom doorway. She wipes her mouth delicately with a small towel.

“You believe him?” Tyr walks quickly to her side and helps her over to the bed. He closes the curtain.

Diana lies down gingerly. “Why would I not? He knows the estate but Cerys knows a lot of places to hide if she wants to do so. She took Harper with her, I’m sure they’ll turn up when they’re ready.”

“That Möbius …person…just doesn’t strike me as the trustworthy type.” Tyr growls in frustration as he returns to pacing. He had noticed that Möbius watching them when he and Diana had made an appearance at lunch hoping to at least glimpse Harper and Cerys. Instead he had had to watch that Möbius flinging and tossing his long hair about; posing and preening. When he and Diana could bear the barrage of barbed comments and lewd innuendo no longer they had trudged back to their rooms.

“Tyr…please…sit down. You’re making me dizzy. That’s your jealousy talking.” Diana groans from the bed. She adjusts a pillow behind her head. “I had no idea morning sickness would set in so soon.”

Tyr pushes back the gauzy curtain and sits on the side of the bed. He places a cool cloth over her eyes. “Better?”

“Yes, thank you.” Diana sighs. She reaches blindly for Tyr’s hand. “I’m sure they’re alright. They’re just very angry with us…but we can fix it can’t we?”

“That is my hope.” Tyr squeezes her hand comfortingly.

“The more I remember of the coupling; the more I remember Cerys face and sense her hurt and anger. I can’t believe some of the things I said…we did.” Diana sighs.

“Harper won’t be easy to convince. I practically forced him to participate.” Tyr stares toward the windows. If only he could seek out Harper. He is certain that if he could just find Harper and talk to him, that he can make Harper understand. He hates to think of Harper wandering around out there somewhere on the Bolivar estate, hurting and angry.

“So did I. I told Cerys that I needed her there so I could focus on her rather than you. I never looked at her not once. She must be furious.” Diana’s soft voice is worried.

“No more than Harper. I’m not sure how I can make this up to him.” Tyr pats Diana’s hand consolingly. He looks down at his chest. The passion marks that Diana left on him are fading. That should ease some of Harper’s anger.

“I know. I was hoping that this arrangement would work out to everyone’s advantage. Now it seems that we may have made a mistake.” Diana pulls the damp cloth from her face and looks up at Tyr.

“I won’t believe that. This will work out well for all of us.” Tyr shakes his head. “We had the best of intentions. It’s just that somehow they went awry.”

“Why have Cerys and Harper not contacted us?” Diana grouses. “I don’t understand why they have not wanted to rant at us at least.”

Tyr frowns. He had expected Harper to confront him, to rage at him. To do something that showed the passionate intensity between them. Harper walking away without a word was not what he expected. That worries him deeply. How else might he have miscalculated with Harper? “I am curious as well. I have a theory but it is one that I hope is spurious.”

Diana sighs. Her mouth droops unhappily. “Sophia and Möbius?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s hope your theory is wrong. I am in no condition to battle Sophia for Cerys. I won’t risk our child.” Diana forces a smile to her face and attempts to change the subject. “Tell me about your sons. What are their names?”

“Bellerophon and Chimaera.”

“And they’re how old?”

“Almost seventeen. They are maturing well considering the tragedy they’ve experienced in the past year.” Tyr stares down at his hands.

“Tragedy?”

“Yes. Their mother and adopted father…died this past year.”

“So you didn’t raise them?” Diana asks with a frown.

“No. I was unaware of their existence until just before their mother died.” Tyr knows that she is thinking of what problems his sons will have adjusting to a fully Nietzschean culture. He has done the best that he can for his sons, including this marriage to earn them a place in an established pride. Not that his sons will see his marriage that way.

“Well. They are fortunate to have had you to turn to.”

“I’m not sure they appreciate that. Harper has been the one they bonded with. They adore him. They have been…vocal in their disapproval of my decision to marry.” Tyr looks away from the clear gray eyes. His sons respected him and trusted him but Harper is the one that they look to most often for support. They had been furious about his marriage, seeing it as a betrayal rather than a legitimate opportunity for a mutual beneficial alliance that will strengthen their pride and offer them valuable opportunities and ties in turn. His sons have spent too much time among humans to think like Nietzscheans. Perhaps living among the Jaguars will cure them of that.

“Will they attend the dinner tonight?” Diana asks, touching his arm.

“I have asked that they attend.” Tyr looks down at his wife’s too pale face. He brushes her hair back. He smoothes a hand over her flat belly, smiling at the thought of his child growing within her. His joy in his wife’s pregnancy is stained by his concern over Harper’s disappearance and possible reactions.

Diana pats the damp cloth over her face. She looks up at Tyr with concern. “But?”

“But they are fiercely loyal to Harper. They will not take our display of affection any better than he did. My sons have contacted me and have asked repeatedly about Harper. I didn’t know what to tell them.”

Diana shifts uncomfortably on the bed. “I wish we could explain to them so that they would all understand.”

“We will be able to do that in time. Hopefully they will understand our need for subterfuge.” Tyr stands and walks to the windows. He crosses his arms over his chest. Although he has come to like and respect Diana it is Harper that his heart yearns over; Harper whose company, he craves. It will only be a little longer before he can indulge himself and Harper. Tyr trembles with desire at the memory of Harper baring the pale curves of his ass and offering it. It had taken every scrape of discipline that he had to leave the room and honor the demands of the coupling ceremony instead of taking all that Harper had offered. “Hopefully.”

“This will work out Tyr.”

“It must. I will not lose Harper because of this. I agreed to it to lure him back to my side. This is not how I intended for it to play out.”

“I understand. I was hoping to quiet the murmurings within the pride for Charlemagne’s sake. I had no intention of losing the one person I love,” Diana says sadly.

“We won’t let that happen…to either of us.” Tyr assures her. Tyr stiffens as he spots motion nearby. He looks down at the terrace below the bedroom window. Möbius. And the man is plainly dressed to display. Tyr scans the garden but doesn’t see anyone. Is Möbius lounging about, hoping to cast out lures to Harper? Tyr growls. Perhaps it is just as well that Harper is not here. He will corner Möbius in some quiet hallway or room, after the dinner, and make very certain that the man knows to stay away from Harper.

Wait. Tyr shifts his position and leans forward for a better view. Did he just see a flash of lime green through the trees? Yes. It’s Harper. He’s returned! Tyr smiles and moves to another window for a better view of the gardens and his shieldbrother. Harper is moving toward the house. Perhaps he’ll look up and see him standing in the window. Tyr growls fiercely as Möbius intercepts Harper. Much good it will do the man. Harper will turn him away.

Tyr presses closer to the window. Möbius is standing close, far too close to Harper. Well, Harper will send him…Harper is smiling! Harper isn’t moving back or doing anything to…he’s flirting with Möbius. He’s touching Möbius.

Tyr’s eyes darken with fury. He will not have this. Harper is his. There will be no more of this displaying for Harper. He will not permit some upstart to seduce his shield brother. Tyr looks down in sudden hope as Harper looks up. Yes, Harper! Look at me. See me waiting for you. Longing for you. Harper stares up at him for a long moment before turning back to Möbius. Harper says something to Möbius who tosses back his hair and laughs. Tyr’s bone blades flare out as the two walk into the house together.

Tyr turns away from the window and drops heavily into a nearby chair. How can Harper turn away from him like that? Is he losing his shieldbrother to that Möbius’s display? Harper saw him at the window and turned to that Möbius. Is Harper beginning to believe that Möbius is superior, a better choice?

“What is it, Tyr?” Diana rises on one elbow.

“Harper is back.” Tyr growls. His bone blades flutter irately. He will not allow this challenge to his bond with Harper to stand. Harper is his.

Diana sits up slowly. Her gray eyes are wide and wary. “Why are you angry? You’ve been waiting to see him.”

“Möbius met him on the terrace. They are…together.” Tyr’s lips curl back in a snarl.

“Oh…well…um that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.” Diana’s hesitant tone contradicts her intended reassurance.

“Doesn’t it?” Tyr stares at the door. He longs to charge down the stairs and challenge Möbius. To reclaim Harper’s attention for his own. To reclaim his rightful place in Harper’s bed and life. But he cannot. He is bound by his agreement with Charlemagne. “Harper saw me. Then he turned his back on me. He turned to Möbius and they walked away together.”

“Perhaps he’s only trying to make you jealous.” Diana offers.

“He’s succeeded. I will not allow this challenge to continue.”

****

“Report.” Möbius snaps into his comlink. He leans against the balustrade surrounding the terrace. He poses carefully pretending to be absorbed in a report flexi. He knows exactly what Harper will see when the human enters the garden. Tiny iridescent navy feathers glint in the sunlight among the gleaming black of his long, loose hair that falls past his waist. His navy vest is spread open to display the smooth, copper skin and dark nipples along with the chiseled muscles defining his chest and abs. Navy leather pants hug the hard curves of his ass and long legs while cradling the bulge mounding the front. It has been too long since he had cause to take the special care with his appearance that a display demanded.

“The humans are at the stables. The female is speaking with a Nietzschean female. It is Sophia,” Möbius’ man reports.

“And the male…Harper?” Möbius asks, struggling to keep the eagerness from his voice. He has not been able to stop thinking about Harper since speaking to the human on the terrace that day.

“He’s headed in your direction, sir.”

“Very good. Möbius out.” He waits impatiently. How will Harper react to his display? Is the human ready to accept more from him? He had sent men to monitor the cabin and surrounding area while Harper and Cerys stayed there. He glimpses Harper’s blond hair and blazing lime green shirt approaching. Möbius glances up to the bedroom window and smiles. Tyr is watching Harper’s approach. Now that will add spice to his meeting with Harper. Oh, yes, to display for Harper right under his shieldbrother’s nose and Tyr can only watch and rage.

“Harper!” Möbius calls, holding his carefully chosen pose.

Harper looks up quickly and a smile spreads across his face. He quickly mounts the steps to join Möbius. “Hey. What are you doing out here?”

“Would you believe me if I said I was waiting for you?” Möbius teases. He tilts his head, sending his hair sliding forward. The tiny feathers glow against the intense blackness of his hair.

Harper shakes his head. His gaze goes to the long waves of black hair. It gleams like silk. What would it feel like? His fingers flex with the urge to explore. “Yeah, right.” Harper grins. “I wouldn’t believe it. So what’re you reading?”

“A report on protocol for an upcoming meeting. Nothing particularly important.” Möbius flicks a finger against the flexi and moves closer. “You’ve been gone a long time.”

Harper glances up at the window. For a second a flash of happiness hits him at seeing Tyr standing there, watching him with a hungry expression. He almost goes to Tyr; almost yields to the silent urging of those magnificent amber eyes; almost responds to the lush temptation of those lips. Then he remembers that those windows belong to Tyr’s new rooms; the ones that Tyr shares with that Diana. Harper’s mouth tightens and his eyes darken with anger and pain. Great, just frickin’ great.

Harper deliberately turns his back to Tyr and gives his attention to Möbius. He openly admires the long, lithe body. Harper yields to his curiosity and captures a strand of the long black hair, sliding it between his fingers. It feels just like silk. “What? Did ya miss me?”

Möbius laughs and moves closer. “I did as a matter of fact. I thought about you everyday. I thought of what I’d say to you when you returned.”

“You did?”

“Yes.” Möbius answers soberly. “What did you do while you were away?”

“I did a lot of thinking. Trying to figure out what to do.”

“Did any of your thoughts include…” Möbius looks into Harper’s eyes, making no effort to hide the desire in his own eyes.

“You?” Harper asks softly. He smiles, enjoying the hot need smoldering in the fine dark eyes. He pushes the thick, silken hair back from Möbius’ face.

“Yes.”

“What would you say if I said yes?” Harper strokes a finger over the curve of Möbius’ cheekbone.

“I’d say that I am most pleased.” Möbius stands still under the light caress. His dark eyes narrow with pleasure.

Harper moves closer. His fingertips brush softly, briefly over the full curves of Möbius’ lips. “Then the answer is yes.”

Möbius’ voice is a husky growl. “That is most pleasing to me, Harper.”

Harper glances up at the empty window and sighs. He really does not want to be forced to watch more of the Tyr and Diana floorshow. The mere idea of it is dispiriting enough without having to face the reality of it in a few short hours. “I’ve gotta go.”

“There’s no need to rush. I enjoy talking with you.”

“Yeah. Me too…but I need to get cleaned up. Cerys says we’re to attend this dinner tonight and although that’s the last thing I want to do…I’ll bear it.” Somehow. Maybe he could sit with Cerys or Möbius. That would be easier than facing it alone.

“What will you do then…after the dinner?” Möbius cups his hand over the cool curve of the human’s cheek. He breathes in Harper’s enticing scent.

Harper stares at the full curves of Möbius’ mouth. Not as lush as Tyr’s but tempting all the same. “I’ll go back to Andromeda. There’s no need for me to hang around here.”

Möbius leans closer. His mouth hovers over Harper’s lips. “What if there was a reason?”

Harper shivers at the soft, warmth of Möbius’ breath on his lips. He steps back, suddenly uncertain again about what he wants to do. Harper turns toward the house and begins walking back to his room. He notices a slender red-haired man stop, staring after them. Didn’t the man have anything better to do? Harper glances sidelong at Möbius. “I don’t know, depends on what the reason was, I guess.”

Möbius walks close beside Harper. His dark eyes are suddenly serious and intent as he looks at the human. “I see. What reason would be important enough for you to stay?”

“What are you doing?” Harper asks. A thrill dances down his spines at the predatory glitter mingling with desire in the dark brown eyes. He meets Möbius’ stare with one of challenge. “Are you going to make me an offer?”

“If I did, would you give the offer serious consideration?”

A flush rises over Harper’s cheeks. His eyes darken with arousal. “I would.”

Möbius’ full lips lift in a satisfied smile. “Good.”

“What are you going to do…walk me to my quarters?” Harper chuckles. It is suddenly amusing to be on the other side of it. Ah, the times that he had walked a woman home, hoping for a kiss at the door and an invitation inside.

He knows exactly what Möbius is after but does he want to issue that invitation? Desiring Möbius, enjoying Möbius’ company is one thing but does he want to pursue this temptation further? He is curious. He’s never been with a man other than Tyr. What would it be like with Möbius?

“Yes. Do you mind? Would you rather be alone?” Möbius asks.

“No. It’s cool.” Harper slows his pace, trying to make up his mind. Suddenly the walk to his rooms seems all too short. “What are you trying to do, make sure I don’t go mess with the happy couple?”

“No. They are not my concern. It is your company I…desire.” Möbius trails his fingers over the human’s nape, winning a shiver of response.

“You do?” Harper asks, playing for time. Oh, man. That felt good. Very different from the bold way that Tyr usually seizes him. The slow, tantalizing fingertip touch leaves him eager for a firmer touch, imagining what that touch would feel like; what it would feel like to have Möbius spread over him and beneath him.

“Why does this surprise you?” Möbius asks softly. His fingers brush lower, stroking the smooth skin just below the collar of the lime tee shirt.

Harper glances sidelong at Möbius. He could have all that beauty in his bed. All he has to do is issue an invitation. “Well, look at you. You’re gorgeous. Why aren’t you off somewhere mating and making perfect little Jaguars?”

Möbius laughs. “I’ve already done my duty to the pride.”

“What? You’re married?” Harper looks surprised. If Möbius has wives why is the man openly flirting with him?

Möbius smiles. “Yes. I am also a father.”

“So, I don’t get it.” Harper stops in front of his door and faces Möbius. He knows that he has not misunderstood the nature of Möbius’ interest but he wants to be certain that he is not stepping on anyone’s toes. Well, anyone’s except Tyr’s. He raises his gaze to Möbius’ dark eyes in silent challenge. “Why are you walking me to my room?”

“Because I choose to.” Mobius meets and holds Harper’s gaze. The dark eyes are full of sensual promise. “Because I choose…you…and I’d like to make that offer…privately.”

“Oh.” Harper opens the door to his room and steps inside. He looks over his shoulder at Möbius. He is out of decision-making time. If he takes this step there’s no turning back; no undoing it. He thinks of Tyr and hesitates. Then images of the coupling rise in his mind and Harper’s shoulders stiffen. “Möbius. Would you like to come in for a minute?”

Möbius steps through the door, closing it behind him. “Yes. I’d like that.”

“Your hair is beautiful…” Harper reaches up and runs his fingers through the dark hair, admiring the way the navy feathers glitter in it. So warm and silky. “…like silk.”

“It pleases me that you are pleased.” Mobius preens under Harper’s admiring gaze.

Harper lifts a handful of the silken strands to his face, brushing it against his lips. He pushes the image of Tyr’s braids firmly out of his mind. He concentrates on the sandalwood scent and texture of Möbius’ hair gliding through his hands. “You said something about an offer.”

“I did.” Möbius smiles. He takes a deep breath, savoring the arousal mingling with Harper’s intoxicating personal scent.

“Well, what are you offering?” Harper’s voice is husky with need.

“Me.” Möbius whispers softly, brushing his lips over the human’s.

Harper pulls Möbius’ head down and tentatively kisses the Nietzschean. “Your mouth is exactly like I thought it would be.” The full lips part invitingly under the pressure of his mouth.

“You thought only of my mouth, Harper?” Möbius murmurs against Harper’s mouth.

“Oh, no…more. A lot more.” Harper smiles. Harper draws back, letting the black hair slide free. He wants this but he is so used to Tyr; to the way that Tyr feels and smells and tastes that Möbius feels strange. It’s as if he suddenly doesn’t know how to do this with someone who is not Tyr. Still, Tyr didn’t seem to have any problem doing it with Mariyam and Freya and Diana as well as him.

“What? What is wrong?” Möbius asks softly. He nuzzles Harper’s cheek and kisses the edge of the human’s mouth.

“I’ve only done this with Tyr.” Harper glides his fingertips over the satiny warmth of the Nietzschean’s chest. “I don’t usually invite strange, beautiful men to my room.”

Möbius smiles with pleasure as he leans into Harper’s touch. “You find me beautiful?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t usually invite myself into bedrooms with strange men.” Möbius admits.

“You find me strange?” Harper teases as his fingers trail down the hard abdomen for the delight of feeling the muscles flex and ripple in response.

Möbius chuckles. He lowers his head to nuzzle Harper’s throat. “Your quick wit is very much a part of your charm.”

“Yeah, yeah, but will it get me laid?” Harper wraps the black silk hair around his fist and pulls Möbius’ head back so that he can look into the dark eyes.

Mobius arches his strong throat in invitation, offering himself to be marked. “Ohhhh, yes.”

“Why me?” Harper asks warily, his gaze locked with the Nietzschean’s.

“Because I cannot look at you and not want you. Because for two days I have thought of nothing else but you,” Möbius confesses.

“I’ve kinda wondered what you taste like.” Harper kisses his way up the arching line of Möbius’ throat. “I wondered what it would be like to be with you.”

“Wonder no longer. I am here. Use me as you will.” Möbius moans, pressing closer as Harper nuzzles his throat.

Harper takes Möbius’ hand and leads him into the bedroom. He slides the navy leather vest off the wide, copper shoulders and tosses it onto the chair. Möbius shivers as Harper’s hands spread boldly over his chest.

“I can do anything I want?” Harper kisses the dark nipples into tight beads.

Möbius growls encouragement and caresses the human’s shoulders. “Anything. Everything.”

Harper nuzzles his way down the ripple of stomach muscles. Möbius arches against him with a husky cry as Harper cups his hand over the hard bulge pressing against the navy leather pants. Harper grins. “I like the way you look in these. Did you paint ‘em on?”

“Not quite. I wanted you to appreciate the whole package.”

Harper looks up at Möbius, holding the dark, hot stare as he ever so slowly unlaces the flap. He folds the flap back, exposing the thickly swollen length of shaft and the heavy sac below. “The package is pretty nifty.”

“I’ve never had my cock called nifty.” Mobius gasps at the light rasp of Harper’s cheeks over the sensitive skin of his swollen shaft as the human nuzzles him.

“Well it is. It’s also…” Harper takes a long slow lick up the swollen shaft. “…tasty.”

“Ummmmm…ooohhhh.” Mobius writhes as Harper plants a series of damp kisses up the swollen shaft before swirling his tongue over the tip.

“You like that?”

“You’re torturing me.” Möbius moans. His hands clench on Harper’s shoulders.

“Not yet.” Harper smiles at the dazed expression on the dark face. “I know what I want to do first.”

“What?”

“I want to taste.” Harper squeezes Möbius’ shaft. “…this.”

Möbius groans. His hips press forward eagerly. “Oh, yes.”

Harper slides the navy pants down further, baring hard muscled thighs and hips. He pulls off the boots and then completely removes the pants. Harper cups his hands over the curve of calf and slides his hands up, kneading the hard thighs and urging Möbius to spread his long legs further apart. Harper’s hands glide over the copper thighs to squeeze and stroke satiny shaft in a way that has Möbius arching his throat back, sending the ends of his black hair dancing across the copper flanks.

“Please, Harper.” Möbius begs. “…please.”

Harper yields to Möbius’ passionate pleading and slides his mouth over the swollen shaft setting an aggressive rhythm that has Möbius moaning and trembling against him. Möbius cradles Harper’s head gently as the human works him closer to the edge. Harper swirls his tongue across the satiny head then increases his pace. Möbius cries out and arches against Harper a final time.

Harper slides up Möbius’ hard muscled body. He smiles as Möbius trembles from the aftershocks. He uses the long hair to pull Möbius down to him for a long passionate kiss.
Harper pulls away with a smile. “That’s round one.”

“Round one?” Möbius lifts his head from the kiss. He feels almost dazed from the force of his release. No wonder the Kodiak is so possessive of Harper. He can finally understand Diana’s determination to keep Cerys when it would have been to her benefit to send the human away. He would not yield either if he had a permanent lover who could provide such intense pleasure.

“We’re just starting, Cochise.” Harper grins, threading his fingers through the silken dark mass of hair.

“Cochise?” Möbius asks with a puzzled air.

“Ancient Earth…never mind.” Harper shrugs. He is in no mood to stop for a discussion of Earth history. He pushes Möbius in the direction of the bed.

Möbius yields to the gentle push and sits on the edge of the big bed. Now what? His eyes widen as Harper inches the vivid lime shirt up. He watches greedily for every inch of skin slowly revealed. Harper pulls the shirt over his head and tosses it carelessly in a corner. Harper is more muscular than he had anticipated, Möbius thinks with a thrill of pleasure as he stares at the smooth, ivory skin and dark peach nipples.

“Harper…” Möbius aches to touch him.

“What?” Harper quickly removes his shoes and socks, tossing them aside. As he straightens, Möbius hooks his hand in the front of Harper’s cargo pants and pulls the human to stand between his spread, bare thighs. His eyes take in Harper’s body hungrily.

“I knew you were brilliant. I had no idea that you were beautiful as well.” Möbius kisses the smooth skin of Harper’s stomach as he slips the top button free and slides the zipper down. He pushes the pants down only to fine another layer of fabric.

Harper blushes. “I bet you say that to all the guys?”

Möbius meets Harper’s gaze. “No. I don’t.” He plucks curiously at the soft fabric. “What’s this?”

“Underwear.”

“Why do you wear it?” Möbius smiles with amusement at so many layers of fabric. Will there be another layer beneath this? His hands glide over the soft, pale blue fabric. No, there is nothing but Harper beneath this layer. He carefully slides the last layer down.

“Because unwrapping a gift is half the fun.” Harper quips.

Möbius licks his lips as he eyes the wide girth of Harper’s shaft. That fabulous mouth, the brilliant mind and this as well. No wonder the Kodiak is willing to go to such lengths to keep his shield brother. It will drive the Kodiak wild to know that his shield brother has chosen to share such riches with another. He will have to make certain that Anasazi finds just how thoroughly the Kodiak’s claim has been challenged.

Harper steps out of his clothes. He walks toward the bathroom and pauses in the doorway to look over his shoulder with bold invitation in his eyes. “Will you scrub my back?”

“It will be my pleasure.” Möbius stands up and walks after him.

Harper turns on the shower and steps into the warm, fine mist of water. Möbius follows him inside. Droplets of water bead in the long dark hair and slide over the rich copper skin. Harper fills his hand with liquid soap and spreads a fine lather over the hard muscles of the copper chest and shoulders.

Möbius covers Harper’s hands with his own. “I thought I was here to help you bathe.”

“Works both ways.” Harper is completely absorbed in the contrast between the foamy, white lather and the copper skin; in watching the fine drops of water beading and gliding over the curves of muscle. He is only distantly aware of Möbius smoothing lather over him in turn.

The knowing squeeze of Möbius’ hand over his hard shaft captures his full attention. His hips tilt forward, eager for more. Möbius leans down. The full lips cover his mouth, urging his lips apart. Harper opens his mouth wider, gripping the wide shoulders fiercely, as he returns the slow, languid stroking of Möbius’ tongue. He trembles against the taller man, pressing ardently into the heat of the Nietzschean’s body. His hands glide over the hard flanks to cup the muscled curves of Möbius’ ass.

“What is your desire?” Möbius whispers.

Harper’s head falls back as Möbius nuzzles his throat and sucks hotly at the curve of his throat and shoulder. “I want…your…your mouth.” Harper moans as his hands slide urgently over the copper shoulders. The black hair glides over his skin like wet silk as Möbius moves lower, licking his nipples into hard beads.

“Where? Here?” Möbius suckles the peach nipples. “Here?” Möbius laps around Harper’s navel. Harper leans back against the shower wall. His legs feel suddenly weak as Möbius works lower and lower until finally the Nietzschean is kneeling in front of him. “Or here?” The copper hands spread over his flanks as Möbius hot mouth envelopes him.

“Yes.” Harper moans. “Right there…right there.” His hands tangle in the long, wet hair. His hips arch helplessly into the hot, damp pull of Möbius’ skillful mouth. He breathlessly urges Möbius on until he can resist the slow, lascivious sucking and licking no longer.

“You are so responsive, Harper.” Möbius holds Harper close. “It’s… intoxicating.”

Harper leans limply against Möbius as the tall man shuts the shower off and eases him out. He allows Möbius to dry him off with a thick gold towel. Harper tightens the towel around his waist and watches as Möbius briskly rubs himself dry with another towel. Möbius’ languid, through seduction is as different from Tyr’s bold demands as the moon from the sun but he cannot say that one has brought him more pleasure than the other. Both have given him great pleasure in different ways.

Harper extends his hand. “Will you come to my bed?”

Möbius looks at him, the dark eyes full of questions. “Harper?”

“I want to lie in your arms for a while and feel your body wrapped around mine.”

“Is there something else that you desire?” Möbius asks.

Harper considers as he admires the smooth glide of muscle under Möbius’ copper skin. Does he want to try yielding his ass to Möbius? He had offered it to Tyr only once since what had happened and Tyr had refused. At the time, he had simply been desperate to reinforce his claim on Tyr rather than truly wanting Tyr to take him. Tyr had always been very careful with him when taking his ass but he isn’t sure really how he would react to it. Perhaps, in this case, it might be easier to experiment with Möbius.

“Yes. There is.” Harper unwraps his towel and drapes it over the drying rack. He reaches in a drawer and pulls out a bottle of lube. He stares down at it. It’s full. He hasn’t used it in a while. He opens the top and sniffs at the crisp scent of oceans. If he closes his eyes, he can almost imagine that he is standing on the beach with his surfboard under his arm.

Möbius looks up curiously at the unfamiliar scent. “Is that…”

“Yes, it is.” Harper tosses the bottle to him and saunters from the room.

Harper walks over to the big bed and shoves the covers down over the foot. He lies back against the pillows, arranging himself in a provocative pose. At the edge of his vision he can see Möbius standing in the doorway, clutching the bottle of lube and staring at him. Harper reaches down and runs his hand over his shaft, stroking himself to hardness. His smile is slow and sensual. “Don’t you want to take me?”

“Oh, yes.” Möbius’ dark eyes smolder as he stares at Harper. Holding Harper’s gaze, he walks across the floor and eases into bed next to the human. Möbius leans over and takes Harper’s mouth in a long kiss. The still damp hair falls around their faces like a silk veil. The tiny feathers glitter like jewels with the fine droplets beading on their surface.

“I get to be on top. I want to ride you.” Harper presses Möbius onto his back. He takes the bottle and pours some onto his palm. Instantly the comforting scent of ocean fills the room. Holding Mobius hot stare, Harper spreads the lube over the Nietzschean’s hard shaft. It throbs and quivers under his slow massage, glistening under the light.

“However you wish, Harper.” Möbius growls, shuddering under the tantalizing caresses.

Harper straddles Möbius. He pours more lube into his hand before capping the bottle and tucking it under the pillow cushioning Möbius’ head. He cups his palm in offering to Möbius. “I need you to prepare me.”

Möbius dips his fingers into it and slides the cool damp down Harper’s cleft. Harper closes his eyes, concentrating on the ocean scent, the feel of Möbius’ fingers stroking softly over him. It felt nice. Good. No flashbacks so far.

“You’re so tight.” Möbius marvels.

“It’s been a while.” Harper bites his lip as one finger eases inside. For a long time, Möbius strokes him with only one finger, easing in and out. “Möbius. That’s so good. More.”

When Harper moans softly and presses back, Möbius eases a second finger inside. Oh. Yes. Harper flexes his hips, seeking more. A third finger joins in the careful stretching. Harper is panting when the fingers finally ease free. He opens his eyes and looks down at Möbius spread beneath him. At the slumberous dark eyes. At the fine sheen of sweat covering the copper skin. At the muscles, tight and trembling with need. Harper gathers the hard length of Möbius’ glistening shaft in his hand and slowly settles himself over it.

“Oh Möbius…ohhhhhhhh…ahhh…so good!” Harper arches his throat, moaning as he eases down, filling himself. Oh. It feels so good. He had forgotten how good this had felt the one time that he had tried it on top. Harper pauses, savoring the sensations.

“Move for me, Harper…move…move.” The Nietzschean growls as he thrusts up into the silken heat. His hands clench on the pale hips.

Harper opens his eyes and leans down to take the Nietzschean’s mouth, filling it with his tongue as Möbius writhes beneath him, filling his ass. Harper’s strong thighs grip the copper flanks as Harper leans forward and sucks hotly on the smooth, copper skin of Möbius’ throat marking the Nietzschean.

Möbius groans and arches his throat. “More….more…more. Mark me again, Harper.” Harper licks the line of the Nietzschean’s throat and marks him again higher closer to the jaw line. “Yesssss.” Möbius tosses his head as Harper leans down again to mark the flawless copper chest…once, twice.

Möbius’ hand settles over Harper’s shaft, squeezing and stroking, driving the human to a sudden urgency that has him gliding up and down on the thickness swelling within him. Harper sways sensually over Möbius until he feels a rhythmic pulsing of Möbius’ shaft inside him.

“Harrrrperrrr!” Möbius yells as he arches under Harper and spills his warmth deep within the human.

Harper strokes Möbius’ throat, admiring the darkening passion marks. “Round two, Möbius.”

“Are we keeping score?” Mobius grins as he strokes Harper’s shaft. His thumb glides round and round the wide head. “If we are then you owe me one.”

“I do?” Harper shivers with delight at Mobius’ teasing strokes.

“Your turn.” The Nietzschean presses Harper back onto the bed. Möbius carefully eases free and kisses his way down Harper’s body, pausing to mark the pale skin low on Harper’s stomach in several places.

“Oh yes, Mobius.” Harper arches as the hot mouth claims his shaft. His hands clench in the long dark hair as Möbius works ardently over his length. Möbius delicately runs his fingertips over the fullness of Harper’s sac before sliding one finger lower to press inside and stroke over Harper’s sweet spot. Harper trembles and cries out, arching desperately into the heat of Möbius’s mouth.

Harper lies limp, petting the long dark hair. Möbius’ head is a pleasant weight on his stomach. He stares at the ceiling a smile curving his lips. It’s good to know that he hasn’t lost this; that those bastards didn’t steal this from him after all. When he goes back to Tyr, he can approach this with renewed confidence. After making Tyr work for it, of course.

There is one more thing that he wants to try. “Come here.” Harper urges Möbius back up and kisses him. “This has been wonderful.”

“I’ve never had a lover respond to me like you do, Harper.” Mobius brushes his lips over Harper’s.

“Flattery will get you fucked.” Harper nips at the Nietzschean’s lower lip.

Möbius laughs softly, contentedly as he nuzzles the pale throat. “I certainly hope so.”

“You are amazing.” Harper gathers the dark cloud of hair in his hands. He rubs it against his cheek, breathing in the faint sandalwood scent. “I needed this so much.”

Möbius curls warmly around Harper. “Did you need me?”

“Yes. I did.” Harper meets Möbius’ eyes honestly.

“Do you still…want me?” Möbius moans, his arms closing around the human as Harper bends to mark his throat again.

Harper nips Möbius’ earlobe and whispers. “I want to take your ass.”

“I was hoping you would.” The dark eyes widen with surprised pleasure. “I can’t wait to feel you gliding inside me. It’s been some time since I’ve given my ass.”

“We’ll go slow.” Harper promises. He can feel Möbius swelling hard and full against him at the suggestion.

“You don’t have to be gentle with me.” Mobius rubs provocatively against him.

“But I will be.” Harper promises with a slow kiss. “Roll over. You might want to put a pillow under you.”

Möbius shudders in anticipation. He rolls over and tucks a pillow beneath his hips. He has missed this. It has been so long since he has had someone worthy to share this with. He misses the hard pressure deep inside. He hands the lube bottle to Harper and trembles with eagerness as the human slowly strokes the creamy damp down his cleft.

“More Harper…yes…like that.” He moans as fingers press inside and arches back, begging for more. He wants that wonderfully thick shaft inside him. He has wanted this ever since he first saw Harper standing nude in front of him.

Möbius spreads his legs wide. He looks over his shoulder, watching as Harper settles over him. Why has he waited so long to experiment with humans? Now, experiencing the sensual wiles of Harper, he must find one of his own to possess and be possessed by if he cannot persuade Harper to take him instead of the Kodiak. But why should Harper not accept him instead? He has clear and obvious advantages. He is beautiful. Virile. And he is younger than the Kodiak. Surely an old man like that cannot keep one as sensual as Harper satisfied. He has more power and wealth. Harper would want for nothing in his care.

“Ohhhhh. Yesssssss.” Möbius moans as the wide head of Harper’s shaft presses against him. His bone blades snap erect as the slow, hard glide as Harper presses deeper and deeper. Möbius flexes his spine, pressing back in demand. He moves restlessly under the slow stroking over his sweet spot.

“We’re going to take our time. This will be something neither of us will ever forget.” Harper kisses Möbius shoulder. His blue eyes are full of sultry promise.

Möbius gazes back at Harper through a veil of dark hair. “There is no way I will ever forget this…or you.”

Harper grips the copper flanks and thrusts deeper. “So sweet, Möbius. So sweet.”

“More Harper! Faster….fuck me!” Möbius begs hoarsely but Harper continues the slow, maddening tantalization. “Harper…ohhhh Harper!” Möbius cries out, spilling himself on the pillow but Harper is still hard and thick inside him. Möbius hardens rapidly again under the slow, steady stroking. He can’t believe the incredible sensations sizzling up his spine. What wondrous magic is this?

“I’m not finished with you…not yet. You feel too good, Möbius. So hot. So tight. Your ass is too incredible to have only once.” Harper bites the Nietzschean’s shoulder hard enough to mark as he slides his hands down to press firmly over the skin at the base of the quivering bone blades. Möbius shudders and goes limp again against the pillow.

“Harper…please…please.” Möbius moans and writhes, his shaft rising again as Harper continues the slow, steady thrusting. He begs hoarsely for more. His dark eyes are wild and passionate as he stares at Harper. “You’re more than I dared hope for.”

Harper smiles. He changes his angle, pressing firmly over the sweet spot with each stroke as he begins thrusting hard and fast. Sweat gleams over his pale skin as his muscles flex. His breathing deepens. He tenses and spills himself deep into Möbius just at the Nietzschean calls out Harper’s name again and collapses.

Outside the door, a delicate redheaded man in bronze and cream silks gets to his feet. He stares in amazement at the door. “Well! Imagine that! The ‘untouchable’ Möbius begging for it…huh.”

He knows just who will appreciate this prime piece of gossip too. The others will never believe this. He scampers off down the corridor.


TBC