London, Bloody, London
Yet another novel with bite!
G. A. Hauser
LONDON, BLOODY, LONDON
Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2010
Edited by Stacey Rhodes
Cover art by Stella Price
ISBN Trade paperback: 978-1453-7849-5-2
The G.A. Hauser Collection
This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events or locales is coincidental.
All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or
reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written
permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
WARNING
This book contains material that maybe offensive to some:
graphic language, homosexual relations, adult situations.
Please store your books carefully where they cannot be
accessed by underage readers.
First The G.A. Hauser Collection publication: October 2010
ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: PLEASE READ-
For anyone who is a true fan of my work, please respect my rights as an author and report any illegal downloads you find of my ebooks to me or the authorities.
Illegal downloads will ultimately harm me personally as a writer, and in the future there will inevitably be no more new GA Hauser novels. By stealing my work and pirating it, spreading it to the world of thieves, you will ultimately bring an end to the author you claim to enjoy.
For those of you who have purchased this book legally, I would like to personally thank you for your support. For those who have obtained it by illegal websites, I hope you get what’s coming to you as well. Because you will, count on it.
****
Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written
permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your
computer.
WARNING:
“The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000."
Chapter 1
19th Century London
The room reeked of mildew and sweat. The tavern below vibrated the uneven slats of wood flooring, nail heads protruded, rusty and bent. Alexander Dupontiff felt the sweat trickle down his throat, hot and spicy. His hips pumped into the feminine treat under him. He wore his leather boots. His britches were spread open wide on his pelvis. In a mirror’s reflection he could see the gaslight from outside lighting his lower jaw from below. My hair looks like a halo around my face. She must be loving this. Is she loving this?
He clenched his teeth at the oncoming rush. I don’t know about you but…this feels fantastic!
She gave him a few breathy moans, but didn’t appear to be having as good a time as he was.
He wondered if her over-dramatic acting was an effort to get him to finish. He hammered into her, his solid muscular arms held him up off her chest so only his hips made contact.
She grabbed his shoulders at the sound of a banging on the door. Her sharp nails embedded into his skin.
Alexander winced at the scraping he received.
“My husband!” She hissed, her face becoming a mask of horror.
Cringing at how ugly it made her, he kept his eyes shut while he attempted to continue, too close now to what he felt was the purpose of this insanity. He heard a name being shouted. Was it Clara? Bela? What was her bloody name?
She shoved him off with more strength than he imagined her plump little form to possess.
It caused him to stagger backwards, his britches around his thighs. The name was thundered again. The rotted door rattled and creaked under the pressure.
“Get out!” she mouthed in silence.
Alexander grabbed at the lacing of his britches to try and close them, then glanced up at her as she panicked. The only exit led to her husband. He tried to think straight whilst his fingers trembled, made clumsy from the fear. When he peeked down at his hands and their incompetence in doing this simple task, he was shoved with so much power he was sent free-falling out of her open bay window.
Flailing in complete terror, he expected to feel his bones crack on pavement. He blinked wide in astonishment as he landed in an open carriage on the lap of its occupant.
Alexander realized the man was unharmed and grinning at him with a preternatural glow. In shock, Alexander lay motionless at the sight. If it weren’t for the extraordinary appearance of this finely tailored gentleman, he would have hurried off his lap and out of the coach quickly, barely uttering a word of apology.
But this gentleman was staring so knowingly at him Alexander felt he must surely recognize him. Yet, he knew no wealthy aristocrat, no man of importance, no man so horribly pale!
Alexander blinked his eyes in surprise when he felt his trouser laces being tied for him. He was so stunned he didn’t speak.
“There. You are respectable once more.” A strong hand set him upright.
Alexander shook his head to clear it from an unusual foggy veil. Those eyes had a way of disorienting him and he had to stop accepting their gaze. Glimpsing out at the street to get his bearings, Alexander was hoping to abandon his new travelling companion before he brought him to the local stockade.
At a slight pressure on his knee, he looked up abruptly, registering somewhere in his mind that it lacked any warmth. Alexander was too warm already from the balmy night.
“You are very thirsty. And quite hot. I will buy you a drink? Yes?”
His accent, what was it? French? No. He couldn’t tell. Swallowing down a dry throat, Alexander nodded. The liquor from earlier had left him dehydrated and yearning for more. He sat up and ran his fingers back through his long mane of hair, pushing it away from his face. He felt his pockets and the few coins in them; too few to pay for a drink of his own. Straightening his shirt, wincing at a stinging pain, he tugged down his sleeve and inspected his shoulder. Beads of blood rose where a sharp fingernail from a hysterical female had gouged him. He frowned and mumbled profanity under his breath, then looked up into this man’s eyes again.
Didn’t he think it was odd to be tossed out of a window in the middle of an evening and onto a lap? He took it rather calmly, this man in the black cape and top hat.
When the gloved hand reached to touch Alexander’s leg again, he noticed a red ruby ring on it. Imagining pulling it off of him after he got the man unconscious with drink, Alexander vowed he would have that ruby and anything else he wanted, once they were drunk. Thinking that wonderful thought, he smiled for the first time into the gentleman’s gaze.
The man laughed in delight at what appeared to Alexander as his own private joke.
“What do they call you?” The gentleman removed his hand from Alexander’s thigh and set it on his walking stick, which rested between his knees.
“Who is it that is asking?” he turned the point.
Again he received an amused laugh. “So bold you are...too bold for a young man who falls out of windows. Falling to escape something, perhaps?” His iridescent eyes twinkled mischievously.
Staring earnestly at this fine gentleman, he finally announced in pride, “I am called Alexander DuPontiff.”
He felt the man’s approval as his lips spread into a contented grin. “Alexander. I am afraid you are a far cry from your namesake.”
Taking offence, he had always thought himself as daring and brave as the young Macedonian king. He didn’t answer, instead Alexander just looked down at the street with its evening strollers and fine black carriages.
Trying to tame his hair as he was led into a drinking establishment far more expensive than he could ever afford, even with a purse full of stolen coins, he felt his attire more acutely than ever before in his life; his faded grey britches and the threadbare elbows of his blouse. He tucked himself in and straightened his back, preparing to return any stare with arrogance.
They were led to a table along the back wall. The paintings were faded from centuries of soot and smoke. He sat himself down as the gentleman gestured, then watched him remove his silk and velvet cloak. Alexander examined his fine fabrics and his gold watch fob and chain.
Trying not to make his intent obvious, Alexander knew he would have all these things by night’s end. He waited for the man to get settled, then looked again into his face attempting to estimate his age. At times he appeared ancient and tired, then a man as young as himself.
The waiter approached and raised an eyebrow at Alexander’s attire. His companion disregarded it and ordered a bottle of their finest wine.
They appraised each other in the more flattering candlelight that glowed brilliantly from the sconces and hurricane lamps.
“You have refined features. You are splendidly handsome.” The man’s lip curled at the corner.
Alexander thought he had found his missing puzzle piece. “Ah. You are buying me, then, with this drink. Is that it? I am hardly one to be up for sale.”
The man laughed in a low reprimanding way. “I do not need to buy you to admire your great beauty, and I do not ask if you are up for sale.”
Alexander noticed he was amused at all this. Amused by a young man he knew he was above. He did not enjoy being patronized and geared up for a parting comment when the bottle arrived. Two slender crystal glasses were set before them and filled to the top. The wine was very dark, almost black in the dimness.
Alexander couldn’t resist it and brought it to his lips. Closing his eyes in pleasure, he quenched his great thirst. When he set the glass back down, he was once again examined very closely.
“I will call you, Alexi.” The white-gloved hand lifted the bottle and refilled his empty glass.
Alexander stared at those magical eyes in bewilderment. He tried to pin down their color and could not in the distracting candle’s flicker. “How will you call me that when you will never see me again?”
The smile broadened. “We shall become great friends, Alexi.”
“I think not.” Alexander frowned at being told he shall do anything. Not he. Not the rebel. Out of all seven of his brothers and sisters, he was the renegade. He was also the only one living on the streets. “Listen, ‘friend’,” he pointed a rude finger at his face, “I could stab you in a back alley and take all your fancy clothes if I cared to. Even that fancy ring of yours,” he warned.
The man smiled again, patiently this time. “And I am deeply indebted that you spare my life.”
Sensing the mocking tone, Alexander raised his glass again, swallowing the strong wine.
The man peered down at his gloved hand pensively, removing the ring. “Here. Since you admire it so well, it is yours. To prove my friendship.”
His mouth agape at the surprise, Alexander was astounded as the man reached out and slid the ruby ring onto his finger, like a groom to a bride. With all this man’s sly wit Alexander could not decide whether he was just naïvely stupid or wanting to buy him very badly.
Raising his eyes abruptly to those penetrating orbs, he asked, “What is it you want of me?”
“Of this I have already said.” Once again the gentleman poured more wine for him.
Alexander gazed down at the ring. He had never seen a ruby so fine. It pained him that he could not keep this kind gift, that it would slip through his hands to buy food and wine. He would never lay eyes on it again. Yet he wanted to possess it. He had a great desire for beauty and material things. Maybe to one day own a house and a sleek horse, tailored clothing…
~
The man watched these thoughts as they passed through Alexi’s light eyes. He grinned at his handsome features, his rough stubbled jaw, and tousled thick brown hair. “Come. The night is still very young.” He stood and lifted his cape.
~
As if he was coming back from slumber, Alexi awakened from his dream. When he realized they were leaving he finished his glass hurriedly, scooting out his chair. “You’ve not touched your wine.”
“Come.” The man turned in a swirl of black cape.
Raising the glass to his lips, Alexi emptied it, tucking the bottle under his arm.
Chapter 2
Alexander awoke to sunlight, too bright for his bloodshot eyes. Squinting, he rolled over, then sat up abruptly and looked around. To his confusion, he was nestled in a large satiny bed filled with down feathered pillows. A decanter of fresh water was on the nightstand. He poured a cool glassful and tried to stop the pain in his head. He was terribly hung over.
In agony he rubbed his aching neck and climbed out of bed. His hand brushed over a sore spot so he went to find a mirror to see what it was. As he averted the gaze of his puffy eyes, he found the scratches where the woman’s nails had clawed him and winced at the pain.
Grumbling and cursing her under his breath, he then reluctantly stared at his exhausted reflection. He splashed his face in a basin of water and peered more closely at the scratches.
It was then he realized it wasn’t what was causing him the pain. Further up his neck were two small puncture wounds. He assumed they were caused by the same and checked for a poultice in the chest of medicines to stop the stinging.
Stripping naked, he bathed in a luxurious tub and for the first time in weeks, scrubbed the sooty streets off his smooth bronze skin. He located a razor and shaved his face, then found a wardrobe of fine suits and black leather boots.
Since he was alone, he decided to help himself, and dressed in one of the outfits, which oddly enough seemed to fit his tall muscular frame. He modeled for himself in the looking glass and smiled in pleasure. “This is how you should always dress, Alexander. You deserve to live in luxury.” He popped a top hat on his head and searched for his host.
He couldn’t find him anywhere in the posh townhouse. Intent on exploring, Alexander filled his pockets with coins which he found in a small box, seemingly left for him on a table in the hall. He pocketed a key as well, and locked the door behind him.
It was late afternoon by the look of the sun. He’d slept the better part of the day away, after his companion had spent the night leading him from place to place until the sky turned silver. He fell asleep in the coach on the way to the townhouse and must have been carried inside for he didn’t remember seeing it before morning.
He was awed by the stamina of this man, a man who seemed much older than he. He had to run to keep up with his stride, the seemingly endless legs that stretched out in front. Money flowed from his pockets for wine and rich foods, until Alexander was sick of eating them, saying no to all the sumptuous dishes that were brought before him.
Like a lamb growing fat for slaughter, Alexander would shake his head and push the plate in front of his benefactor, then the man would stand and say it was time to go. “Why don’t you eat? How can you let all that food go to waste?” he would ask.
Then the man would smile in his adoring way. “I will eat later.”
“What later?” Alexi caught up with him as he seemed to dash to the exit. “It is three a.m.”
He had slept hard and remembered no dreams. He felt sick once, but it passed. He hardly believed he kept all the rich food down, he must have a stomach like iron.
The sun’s rays began to cut at an angle, as if hewing the avenue of trees down like an axe. The air was still and had the balmy stench of horse dung and sewer, but today the smell was wonderful. A scent of the living.
Walking tall down the busy streets, tipping his hat to all the ladies as they blushed wondering who this fine gentleman could be, he hailed a carriage and watched out of the window at all the life and energy of people on the move. He hopped out, tipping the driver heavily, then climbed up the cement steps with a light airy gait.
Women were seated in a parlor room; the model of a home, yet not quite a home at all. Gaudy red velvets hung in scalloped waves from the walls making almost a complete circle of red. Thick upholstered chairs were scattered where wide-thighed buxom beauties lounged in various stages of undress. He smiled victoriously at the old Madam behind the polished roll-top desk, a fine white quill in her hand. She rose when she spotted him and her jaw dropped at the sight.
“Good day, Madam.” He stood tall and tipped his hat.
“Well. You found a wallet full this time. Or did you rob a local bank? If you have, you can’t hide yourself here.”
“Indeed. I robbed a bank. However did you guess?” He pinched her cheek and kissed her before he turned to see all the women beginning to circle him, touching his fine fabrics and solid form.
“Who shall it be, handsome?” A brunette puckered her strawberry lips.
Alexander pushed away their pawing hands and asked the Madam, “Where is my Betina?”
“Upstairs.” She nodded.
“Alone?” He grinned.
“Not for long.” She grinned back. “Money first.” She held out her greedy hand.
He revealed his purse and jingled it causally, handing her a few coins as her eyes grew to perfect circles. “I think that will buy her for the night.” He tucked the purse away. “And some wine as well. Make it two bottles.” He took the stairs two by two.
“Good heavens. I think he really did rob a bank.” She shook her head.
He overheard her and removed his hat and brushed his hand through his hair. Alexander spotted a mirror and shot himself a dazzling grin. Finding Betina’s door, he decided not to knock, hoping to catch her at whatever she was doing.
Betina was seated on her lacy bed, her hair loose and falling over her shoulders to her ruffled brassiere, one knee was bent while she rolled on a silk stocking. At the noise she jerked her head around, startled, and then her eyes widened in amazement.
Closing the door behind him, he threw his hat onto a dresser, and leapt onto the bed, smothering her under him.
“Alexander. What on earth? What rich old sod did you rob?” She giggled at his hungry kisses on her neck and jaw as he unfastened his trousers.
“Talk later...” he said and tore off what little she wore with sexual aggression. He thrust his cock into her. He’d made love to her so many times, if Betina Wood didn’t work as a whore, he could claim her as his girlfriend.
Always enjoying a romp with her in bed, Alexander knew he didn’t have to please her. He paid her to please him. With that thought in mind, he went into an altered state, thrusting to his heart’s content. As the pleasure churned in his groin, Alexander got ready. He began going into a climax, gasping at the intensity. He shot out cum, concentrating on the pulsating his cock was doing inside her body. A final deep thrust for luck, and he lay still, catching his breath.
She held him in her arms, running her fingers through his hair. “Mm, you feel clean, like you’re fresh from a bath.”
The sweat beading on his forehead from the exertion, Alexander came back to life slowly and raised his head. It was twilight and a breeze lifted the sheer curtains, moving them like a whip. “Undress me, I’m roasting.” He rolled over heavily.
Betina disrobed him, kissing and stroking each newly revealed part. When he was naked she cuddled and licked his smooth jaw. “You are so beautiful, Alexander. You know the Madam said you could work for her. You would not have to rob to eat.”
He snarled. “I am nobody’s whore.”
“Where did you get the money?” she asked.
“A friend.”
“Some friend.” She laughed.
Alexander thought about the man. He didn’t even know his name. Losing himself momentarily, he tried to picture his face but couldn’t remember what he looked like. He rolled over on her again, hungry for more.
As if she were enjoying his playfulness she purred and accepted him eagerly. When he drove his hard cock into her, he felt like being cruel and hard, like crushing her painfully. His thrusts gained momentum but she didn’t seem to mind at all, only gasping in ecstasy.
He leaned up on his arms to view her at a better angle, and began hammering against her. The orgasmic sensation rose quickly, trickling up his spine. Right before he came, he opened his eyes, inhaled sharply, and froze, his vision glued to the window.
She squeezed his arms at his fright. “What is it, Alexander?”
His gaze firmly fixed to the window, he found nothing now, but he was sure he’d seen someone.
“What, darling? What happened?” She reached up to kiss his slackened mouth.
“Nothing.” Distracted at the fright, he tried hard to concentrate on her once more and resumed his pumping, but it was useless, his erection had deflated. He couldn’t manage to feel the pleasure a second time. He dropped down on her, then rolled to his back in exhaustion.
She sat up and caressed his flat belly as if trying to comfort him.
“Wine. Where’s the wine?” He grumbled.
“I’ll get it for you.” She slipped on a light robe and left the room.
He laid still, his forearm over his eyes to block out the glare from the gas lamp on the wall. The breeze felt refreshing on his heated skin. After a moment, Alexander removed his arm and noticed the room had darkened considerably. The first few stars were beginning to ignite in the sky. The lamp had gone out and he thought that curious. He stood to light it and whipped his head again to the shadowy window, gasping in terror. “You?”
The man emerged from the gloom; his skin emitting its own luminescence, his dress, immaculate, his cape, richly flowing.
“But? How?” Alexander could not rationalize his presence in the small room. He felt that eerie disorientation and almost became dizzy from the initial fright.
“Come, Alexi,” he commanded.
“Come? Come where? What the hell are you doing here?”
Alexander was handed his britches. “Get dressed.”
“Like hell I will.” Alexi threw them down. “You get going. She will be back.”
“She will not be back.” He lifted the britches again.
Alexi felt a rush of anxiety. “Of course she will. She just went out for the wine.”
“Come, get dressed.”
Alexi heard a scream, then many. Panicking, he went for the door. A gripping hand held him back. “Get dressed. We must go immediately.”
Alexi slid on his britches, no longer aware of what was reality or nightmare. When he was dressed he headed to the door.
“No, this way.” Again Alexi felt a hand holding him back.
He was directed to the window and peered out. “It is too high. This is the second floor.” Alexi was frantic.
“Come here.” The man opened his cape. “Hurry.”
In complete confusion Alexi heard a commotion in the hallway. He had no idea what had happened to cause the screams or where Betina was. Against his will he was drawn to the man’s side. He was led to the windowsill and closed his eyes as they fell, sure the pavement would kill him on contact.
The fingers that squeezed his triceps were like a vise, their pain gave him something to focus on.
“Hurry.” The voice brought him back around and Alexi was now running on pavement, spying behind him at the window they’d just descended from. He checked its height, swallowed in fear and dug in his heels to a grinding halt.
“Who are you?” Alexi asked.
“Come. We must hurry.” He reached for Alexi’s hand.
“Why on earth?” Alexi jerked it away.
“Because you are now wanted for murder.”
Alexi felt paralyzed in fear. The screams, the terrible screams...Betina...Betina... “What have you done?”
“Nothing you will not do again and again.”
“What are you talking about?” He was becoming hysterical. The sounds of whistles and dogs barking were welling up behind him.
“We must go. They will find you.” He tugged on Alexi’s arm.
“Me? You did something to her, not I.”
“You were the last one seen with her. It will be you who will hang from the gallows. Will you go face that now? Or come with me?”
Alexi glanced back, the churning growing to pain in his stomach. The image materialized; accused, trial, jail, and death. He whimpered, horrified. “I am a petty thief. Not a murderer.”
“Come. We must fly now.”
Alexi was gripped and almost lifted off his feet as trees and shrubs sped past him. They were running at an alarming rate and each time he stumbled or missed his footing, he was lifted into the air until he regained himself again. It was all too nightmarish and Alexi was ready to wake up and end it.
They climbed into a carriage and the man had the driver speed over the cobblestone alleys and out of the city.
Alexi caught his breath. It took a minute to calm himself enough not to gulp the air. When he could, he faced his companion and stared at him with vicious hatred, dread, and acute fear.
The man smiled in that same soft contented way. “I am Leopold and all of your questions shall be answered.”
Chapter 3
Alexi hardly listened to a word. His angry temper was winning over his fear. “What have you done to me?” He growled. “I am a fugitive now. Why have you complicated my life? What am I going to do now?”
“First you will be calm. Come here.” Holding out his hand, it was as if Leopold meant to bring Alexi to his side of the carriage.
Crossing his arms over his chest to pout, Alexi shook his head, furious at the casual way this man was treating a very serious matter.
“I want you to come here.” He commanded in such a way, that Alexi felt compelled to obey. Sitting next to Leopold, he felt heat emanating from him, almost a glow that was palpable. Leopold wrapped his arm around Alexi’s shoulder and brought him near. “Now, I want you to calm your rage.” He forced Alexi to his broad chest.
Repulsed to be touching one he now despised, Alexi became rigid as Leopold urged him closer, stroking his hair back from his face.
Leopold said, “You need not worry about what has passed. It will become unimportant to you.”
Alexi tried to sit up, but only managed to raise his head in Leopold’s iron grip. “How can you say that? I am wanted for murder. You just told me—”
He was silenced with a finger to his lips and an admonishing eye. “Shh, my rebel...soon you will understand it all.”
As they fell like snowflakes, Alexi winced at the light kisses that touched his forehead and eyelids. Leopold’s lips brushed all over his face and down his ear to his neck, sending a tingle over his body. Alexi moaned in anguish. “What is it you really want of me? Is it sex?”
Leopold smiled and crushed him to his body. “It is sex. It is love. It is friendship. I want from you all these things.”
“Oh, God.” Shivering at the thought, Alexi could not free himself or push back from Leopold. “What about what I want?”
“These things you shall have.” He caressed Alexi’s cheek and neck lovingly.
“I want Betina.”
Leopold’s expression darkened.
Alexi managed to look into his eyes. “What have you done with Betina?”
Jerked forward, Alexi was pressing against Leopold’s face, his breath an odorless puff against his cheek. “You are mine now. Do you have any idea how long I have waited to find someone like you?” He said softly in his ear, “You are perfect. So, absolutely beautiful. My seducer.” He laughed.
As Leopold’s intent became obvious, Alexi went wild trying to get back from those clamping hands. He closed his eyes to his kisses as they fell lightly on his cheek. “I am nobody’s bloody whore.” He growled in fury. “Release me. I demand you let me go!” Soft dry lips smoothed down his neck. As a hand pressed into his pectoral muscles, feeling the roundness of his chest, a pain shot out from under Alexi’s ear, just behind his jaw. He cried out and then realized that with the pain was intense pleasure.
Growing hard in his trousers, he felt the carriage softly listing. His own hand sought to press against his crotch. The sensations were making him delirious until he was sure he was climaxing. He vocalized his feelings in breathy gasps, as his body rose to exquisite heights he’d never reached in any of his multitude of conquests.
When he felt Leopold drawing away Alexi pressed against him harder, desiring the sensations to continue.
“No more, my beauty.” He covered his thumb over the gash he’d made to stop the flow. Leopold’s skin glowed hot with blood, his lips were brilliant red and shined.
Alexi closed his eyes and cradled himself against Leopold’s chest and warm lap, nuzzling into his hair softly as he felt the overpowering urge to sleep. There was a pool of dampness in his trousers where he had come. Unable to move, Alexi was weak and helpless in Leo’s powerful arms.
Affectionately, Leopold petted his hair as he rested against him. “You will see how little the life of humans will mean. Soon you will see.”
Chapter 4
The light fell on his face, once more, an afternoon sunshine. Alexi slept until four or five in the evening and even now could sleep still more. Rolling over stiffly, he tried to become aware of his surroundings. Yet another lush bed, crisp white sheets, a painting of the Madonna and Child over his head, a pitcher of citrus water on the stand. The scent of coffee brewing stirred his stomach.
He was stiff and achy as if he had been beaten. Climbing out of bed slowly like one with influenza, he went to wash and relieve himself. He’d no recollection of the village he was in or whose house he now occupied. With a great effort, he dressed and searched for Leopold.
When Alexi located the kitchen, he came upon a meal of fruit and cheese. He ate hungrily and sipped the aromatic coffee. The food was superb and his spirits rose with it. Once he was full, he examined the house curiously. It seemed well lived in and showed signs of recent habitation. A warm pile of ash in the stove, food on the shelves and cupboards, fresh blossoms in a vase, but no occupants dwelled there now. He was very much alone.
Rubbing his throat at a sore spot, he hunted for a looking glass to see his reflection. A wound matching the first one was now present on the other side of his neck, purple and raw. He placed a cool cloth over it and wondered how he could have nicked himself.
With growing despair, he wandered the rooms aimlessly. Books lay open, ready to read, a pipe in a fancy carved stand, knitting laid aside on a low table. He expected at any moment to hear the family returning from their daily excursions.
He opened the front door and viewed the immense property. There were no other houses in sight. Thinking of a way out, he walked to the carriage house. No carriage, no horses. He was stranded unless he wished to walk a great distance. Too weary for that task, he ended up back inside, nosing through the bedrooms for jewelry, money, or weapons, finding everything but the latter.
As the hours ticked by he grew bored and angry, wondering why he was left there alone this way. He wanted to be in the city to find a woman to fuck.
Trembling in a spasm of fear when he remembered Betina and the screams, he thought the idea of being wanted for her murder was a bit preposterous.
At being contained like a prisoner he began to grow resentful. He hunted for a way to ease his pain and loneliness and retrieved a few bottles of wine on a rack in the storm cellar. Drinking one down thirstily, he sat with a loaf of bread before the window and thought bitter thoughts.
He grew warm and opened his shirt, drinking more wine. The frustrating hours crawled by. In rage he threw the empty bottle into the fireplace with a crash.
At the sound of hoof beats, he raced to the window to see a carriage was approaching through the hazy gloom of twilight. Four black horses came to a halt on the front drive.
The door opened to reveal a woman stepping out, her dress was lavender silk, and her hat obscured her face. She was slender and young. Alexi wondered if she was the owner of the house. Right behind her he spotted a tall male form escorting her and by his great stride he knew it was Leopold.
Alexi wiped his mouth with the back of his hand as he waited, listening for the door. He heard them laughing; her tinkling feminine trill to his restrained cough. As he entered, Leopold called out to Alexi and removed his hat.
Alexi approached cautiously, inspecting the woman.
“Ah. Here he is. Did I not tell you he would be beautiful?” Leopold grinned lovingly.
She batted her lashes at Alexi and they connected in an exchange of approval.
“Alexi, this is Guenevere. I brought her for you to entertain.” Leopold had a very mischievous glint to his eye. “I will leave you two for now.” He bowed and retreated.
When they were left alone Alexi stared at her in a trance-like gaze.
Like an innocent schoolgirl, she giggled and blushed. “He speaks highly of you. Is he your father?” She removed her linen hat and stepped closer to him.
“Is that what he has told you then?”
“No, I just assumed that—”
Alexi turned his back to her and touched the unopened second bottle of wine he had brought up from the cellar. “Why did he bring you here? What do you want?” He glanced at her.
She looked surprised by his anger and moved closer. “We met frequently at the place where I work. I serve beer and wine in a tavern. Tonight he told me he had someone I needed to meet, then he brought me to you. I do believe he is match-making.” She smiled flirtatiously. “He is a very sweet man, really, and very generous.”
Alexi thought about her words, closing the space between them. “Well, then. You see me. Do you like what you see?” He held his hands out to his sides.
She blushed and looked away.
With confidence, he touched her face lightly, that silky cheek, leaning forward to kiss her lips.
She stepped back in surprise. “I don’t think—”
“What don’t you think?” He pulled her into an embrace.
“I don’t think we should.” She shook her head.
Impulsively, he lifted her into his arms and she inhaled sharply and stared nervously at him. He kissed her again, the wine firing his desires, carrying her into a bedroom.
Once she felt the bed beneath her she shook her head. “I thought we would just get acquainted. I didn’t think—”
He opened his shirt wide on his chest, unlacing his britches, and crawled over the bed to her. “But we can get acquainted right now.” He started to unbutton the front of her dress.
“No. I really mustn’t.” She held his hand back.
Alexi tucked Guenevere underneath him and started to hunt for her womanhood under all her lacy slips. “Why mustn’t you? Hmm?” He ate at her neck and shoulder hungrily.
“No.” She rolled off the bed and left the room.
He watched her go and stared at the open door solemnly. “I must be losing my touch.” He went in search of her.
Just as Alexi passed a doorway he caught a strange sight in the next room. Leopold was embracing Guenevere and she was pressed close to him. They rocked in an eerie motion as Alexi watched enthralled. Leopold lifted her off her feet effortlessly.
Alexi grew jealous and yelled, “Bastard!” into the room.
At the shout, Leopold raised his head and Alexi thought he caught a glimpse of blood on his lips.
He held Guenevere at arm’s length. “She will not resist you now.” His cheeks were glowing and hot, his eyes were liquid lava.
Alexi stared at the woman curiously. Her lids were heavy and her head was tilted to one side.
“Alexander,” she whispered.
“Come. You must take her your own way,” Leopold said.
Alexi walked with great effort. It was that dream feeling penetrating his skin. Guenevere opened her dress, letting it fall to the floor with her bodice and slips. Like a whore, she reached out for him and Alexi felt compelled to lead her to the bed.
He took her gently, restraining the urge to pound into her but something else had control of him. If Alexi had a choice, he would not make love to this woman.
Feeling the remaining presence of Leopold in the room though Guenevere had made him forget momentarily, Alexi leaned up on his arms as he did with Betina and arched his back so he could see her being taken.
Leopold’s hands wrapped around Alexi’s chest from behind. Alexi imagined this bizarre scene. Some warped display for the whim of an old man, watching the young lovers for a thrill. Is that what he wanted? What did he want?
Alexi felt Leopold’s lips on his neck. A spot where he was raw and sore. He almost winced and jerked back when the pain seared through his mastoid muscle, that excruciating pain. A flood of images passed over him of the night before and that exquisite sensation. Groaning as his arms shook at the surging in his loins, spinning him in a dizzying climax, Alexi vocalized his pleasure loudly. The emotion was so strong, the pain and the ecstasy were an agonizing combination. He thrust and thrust, the cum shooting out of him in bursts, as he felt what seemed to be multiple orgasms; pleasure he had never experienced before in his life. He yearned for it to go on and on...
Leopold once more leaned back and pressed his hand over the wound, halting the rushing flow. Alexi hung his head, his arms locked at the elbow.
“Pull out of her, Alexi.”
He heard Leo’s whisper. Shaking his head to wake up, Alexi opened his eyes and stared down at Guenevere. She was pale, snowy white, and still. He watched her chest a moment. It neither rose nor fell. A horrifying scream welled up in him. Alexi moved off of her and stumbled back into the wall, knocking over perfume bottles and sterling silver brushes and combs.
Expressionless, Leopold gathered her limp corpse off the bed and carried her out of the room calmly.
Alexi clawed at the wooden dresser and wanted to retch, to be ill. He felt icy cold in the close room and thought of madness. Surely he had lost his mind.
He hadn’t moved when Leopold returned almost an hour later. Frozen in fear, Alexi’s arms were rigid as he clung to the wall. Leopold tried to coax him off the floor. Alexi whined pathetically and cowered away.
“Let me bathe you. I can wash her off of you and you will feel better. Come.” He was picked up like he was a child, into Leopold’s arms, and carried.
Nauseated and weak, shaking in tremors, losing two pints of blood in as many days was taking its toll.
And as if this was normal behavior, Leopold set Alexi gently into a heated tub after undressing him with slow, loving fingers. Alexi could not reason how so much water was heated so quickly. Why think of such trivial things now? Why think at all when you are a madman?
Leopold ran a cloth over Alexi’s shocked body, scrubbing him with slow dedication. “You worry too much for the girl,” Leopold said, “You must become detached.”
“No. Not just for the girl.” He shivered. “For me in her.”
Leopold gave him a soft amused laugh. “You are wonderful, my Alexi.”
Alexi moaned in agony. “Wonderful. Yes, it is just wonderful.” He turned in the tub to face Leo. “You!” He pointed. “What are you? Some murdering sex fiend?”
At the label, Leopold roared with laughter. It was only then that Alexi noticed his large canine teeth. He winced and clutched the edge of the tub, his eyes wide. Raising his right hand, he touched his neck, feeling the pain from the fresh cut.
“Oh. My Alexander. You have pegged me correctly. A murdering sex fiend. Yes, that is me.” He continued to laugh.
Alexi searched around the room and wondered what would happen if he ran. Ran? To where? He was naked and terribly weak. Sighing, he lowered his head as Leopold renewed the washing of him as if Alexi was now his beloved.
When the cloth smoothed over the wounds on his neck he winced and met Leopold’s eye. “Leo, when...when you...kiss me...” Swallowing hard, Alexi asked, “Do...do you think that you may have nicked me? With your teeth? Here?” He pointed to it.
Leopold stared at him with patient eyes. “That is where I have bitten you, not kissed you.”
Alexi’s jaw hung open. “You...you bit me?” He waited for Leopold’s nod. “Do you get pleasure from that?”
Leopold’s face brightened demonically. “Oh, yes, my beautiful Alexi. Didn’t you?”
Humiliated, Alexi turned his face away and stared down at his body as it lay submerged under the warm water. He didn’t want to tell Leopold about the pleasure he felt from it. It was too depraved and he started to wonder in earnest about his sanity.
“My dear Alexander.” Leopold tilted his face up to wash it with the soapy cloth. “You are so lusciously alive and pulsating. Your demand for sexual pleasure is so great. You are a natural predator. Do you not realize what is happening to you?”
Alexi fixed his stare on Leopold’s eyes, thinking hard about that question. Honestly, he didn’t have a clue. The things that he had experienced in the past three days were so bizarre he had no resources to compare it to. At times he thought he was ill and dying, then mad like a rabid dog, sometimes delirious as the act of sex itself. He shrugged and said simply, “No.”
Leopold laughed softly again and put the cloth down. “For one so wise on the streets you are very naïve of your own self.” He reached for a towel and stood. “Come, time to dry.”
Standing up slowly, Alexi allowed the water to run down him in shimmering rivers. He was helped to step out and Leopold wrapped the towel around him.
There was a fire lit in the hearth. Alexi stared at it in confusion for he didn’t remember it being lit before. He was glad for he felt very cold inside suddenly.
As he was lovingly catered to, for no one had ever cared for him in this way, it was as if he was a king and had a servant. Not even when he was a baby was he pampered like this. He stood still, trying to make sense of it all.
After Leopold had dried him he stood back, admiring Alexi as the red and orange flames flickered, reflecting on his skin.
Alexi tilted his head. “I am your whore now, am I not?”
Leopold smiled. “Come. Get dressed.”
~
Leopold read a novel as Alexi sat on the floor beside him, staring at him, at his ageless face and hands, his long, soft jet-black hair. “Why do I feel calm with you when I know you have killed two women? I should run away. Turn you in to the authorities. Yet, here I sit at your feet. What is this strange hold you have over me to keep me passive and by your side? My own father could not do as much.”
Leopold lay flat his book. His eyes burned into Alexi’s. “Because I have something you want. Only I can give it to you.”
Alex leaned on his lap. “The pleasure? You know I crave the pleasure? Is that what you are speaking of?”
Leopold smiled contentedly and cupped Alexi’s jaw. “Pleasure. Such pleasure I get from your beauty.”
Alexi sighed in frustration. “I don’t understand. How is it you can give me this feeling when no woman has brought—” he fought for the right words. “Brought intensity of quite that kind? Do you see?”
As if Alexi were a cat, Leopold caressed his soft brown hair back from his forehead. “All your thoughts are of the pleasure. You have narrowed your mind.”
Alexi laughed. “I have always been this way. I live from woman to woman.”
“Open up that mind now.” He held Alexi’s face in both hands. “Think of eternity and a lifetime times several, where you can enjoy such pleasure as often as you choose.”
“Why do you always speak in riddles to me?”
As if Leopold could not resist, he drew Alexi to his lips and kissed him passionately.
Alexi closed his eyes and allowed it. “Give me that pleasure again.”
Leopold turned Alexi’s face aside to inspect the wounds on his neck. “No. No more tonight.”
Alexi wasn’t about to take no for an answer. He moved higher on his lap, rubbing his hardness on Leopold’s knee. “I crave it.”
“Yes. It seems once one feels the pleasure it can became an obsession.” He glanced out of the window.
Trying to seduce, Alexi stood back from him and began to open his shirt. “Your whore is here for you.”
“No, no more tonight, young one.”
The blouse dropped to the carpet. Alexi toyed with the lacings of his britches. “Which bedroom will you lie in?” He leaned his hips forward, showing his erection.
“I do not know where I sleep tonight.”
“Sleep in mine.” He moved closer and unlaced them.
“Soon we shall share a bed.” Leo rested his hand on Alexi’s cock through the fabric and smiled.
“It will be tonight.” Alexi leaned down and kissed his black hair, nuzzling him softly, digging his hands through its thick texture. He groaned at the anticipation of what contact with Leopold did to him. It set his skin on fire.
Leopold snaked his arms around him and pressed his cheek on Alexi’s naked belly. “Are you ready to be mine, beautiful Alexander?”
Yearning the release, Alexi cradled Leopold’s head against him and said softly, “Give it to me.” He leaned back when he felt Leopold attempting to stand.
They stood eye to eye in height. It seemed to Alexi that Leopold was now a man in his early twenties, like himself. His skin was smooth and pale. His lips were full and open. The tips of his sharp canines could just barely be seen. He had not thought it before, but now, with this desire, Alexi thought Leopold was as lovely as any creature he had ever seen. “I have to have you.”
Like a loving spouse, Leopold’s eyes crinkled into a gentle smile. “And I will be yours. Of this I promise.”
Alexi kissed his lips, running his tongue over those teeth, teasing them with the tip.
Leopold checked the sky again through the window. He stepped back from Alexi. “I must go.”
“No. Stay.” Alexi grabbed him tightly.
“I cannot. I will see you when the sun sets.” Leopold broke Alexi’s hold and made for the door.
Alexi ran after him in panic. “Why do you do this? Why do you leave me when I love you?”
Leopold spun around quickly, acting as if he could not believe what he had heard. He embraced Alexi for one last hug.
Alexi felt his own heat against Leopold’s cooling limbs.
“Then you can wait for me. Say yes to your master.”
With tears running down his face, Alexi studied those hypnotic eyes. “Yessss.”
He watched Leopold vanish and felt like bursting. Closing the door, he lowered his head, then sobbed into his hands.
Chapter 5
Waking once again in the late afternoon, Alexi was growing accustomed to these odd hours. Awake at four p.m., in bed by five a.m. Odd what the body could get used to. He’d always preferred the night, even as a young boy. He’d prowl around in the dark to the disapproval of his mother whilst his sisters and brothers rose early to tend their modest farm.
He hated that farm. He ran away from it when he was thirteen and lived in the decaying back alleys of London, finding ways to eat and sleep, learning thieving and seduction to acquire the things he needed.
Women were easy prey to his good looks. Especially older or homely ones. For a romp in bed he’d get food, shelter, and money. He never met a woman who turned him down.
He ate the meal that was set out for him; fresh cheeses, apples, and bread, crisp wine, sweet and sparkling. The air was cooler, finally a break to bring in the fall. Clouds obscured the sun, thick and hazy. It was dark as night with miles of black clouds, heavy with rain hovering between heaven and earth.
He searched for Leopold. There wasn’t a trace. Clenching his fists in frustration, he ran outside to the stable. The team and carriage were gone. Alexi raised his gaze to the torrent coming across the rolling green hills. The wicked wind blew back his long hair. He could watch the storm approaching from where he stood. Its grey sheeting clearly visible as it made its way.
Staring at it with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety; the rain always felt hostile, yet yielded what was good and clean. He turned away from it, his back to the wind, and spotted a dark form emerging from the gloom. A single horse and rider flew over the only narrow road. His heart quickened as the cape whipped behind it like a great black wing. The macabre scene sent a chill up his spine.
The hoof beats became audible and the drops of rain began to fall. A great crack of thunder rumbled angrily and the horse startled and whinnied. Leopold reined the horse in as he came upon Alexi. “Put him in the stable,” he said.
Obediently, Alexi grabbed the black stallion and ran him into the shelter, unburdening his bridle and giving him hay. Alexi dashed to the door of the house dodging splattering raindrops. When he came into the hall, Leopold was removing his cloak.
“Where do you go? Why must you leave me?”
Leopold glanced at him.
Alexi noticed he seemed very pale and drawn. He hurried to him and held his hand. It was icy cold and bluish white. “My God. You are freezing. I will build a fire.” He hurried to the hearth.
Leopold grabbed after him. “Do not worry. Alexi, come here.”
Frantically, Alexi threw logs into the fireplace. His hands trembled as he struck a match, lighting the kindling. He looked back over his shoulder. “Have you eaten? There is food.” Alexi was about to run out to the kitchen when Leopold stopped him.
Alexi could not stand to look at him when he was this pale and drawn. “There is fresh cheese and fruit.” He pointed to where he was headed.
“No. Come here.” Leo made Alexi focus on his eyes. When he had settled Alexi down, Leopold asked, “You told me you loved me. Are you ready to be mine?”
Alexi blushed to the ears. He lowered his eyes and didn’t know what to say.
Leopold raised Alexi’s chin to make him look at him directly. “Forever?” he asked.
“Forever? You make it sound like a wedding proposal.”
“It is, beautiful Alexi.”
“But you are a man. Why do you talk in riddles to me all the time? I cannot ever understand you.”
Leopold dropped his hands to his sides, and said, “You asked me for the pleasure last night. Come with me now.”
Alexi hopped in excitement. “Yes!” He followed Leopold to one of the bedrooms and closed the door in a useless gesture of privacy. They were miles away from anything. He started undressing quickly.
Leopold looked back at him. “There is no need for that.”
“Oh, yes there is.” Alexi tossed his britches aside and stood tall.
Leopold started laughing. “Oh, my Alexi. I doubt there was ever anyone as insatiable as you.”
Grinning at what he perceived as a compliment, he worked on getting Leopold’s shirt open. “Help me with your things.”
Leopold stopped him. “I am telling you this is unnecessary.”
“I want you naked. I do not want to make love to you in clothing.”
Leopold allowed Alexi to remove his shirt and run his hands over his snowy smooth skin.
“What should I do?” Alexi asked, running his palms over his hairless chest. “I have never had a man.”
“Just relax yourself. I will take care of everything.” Placing his hands on both sides of Alexi’s face, Leopold leaned forward and kissed him.
Alexi groaned sensuously and shoved Leo back on the bed, wrapping his naked legs around him. Leopold’s mouth left his lips and moved toward that tender spot on his neck. Alexi tried to jerk back in pain, but was held firm. The pain dissolved and that simmering heat started to rise in him. Opening his lips, Alexi vocalized his euphoria, gasping and writhing as he climaxed over and over again. It seemed to go on and on, for what felt like hours. He was at the utmost tip of a cresting wave, jerking on his own cock manically, when suddenly he began to feel drained. He couldn’t move or speak.
In a foggy dream he saw Leopold leaning over him. Alexi tried to believe what he was witnessing. Leopold ran his sharp teeth over the veins in his wrist to make it bleed. Alexi felt hot dripping on his mouth. When he tried to turn away he was held back. He choked on it at first, then heard that sensuous voice moan, “Drink, my lovely Alexi, drink.”
Alexi licked his lips. He was weary and his thirst was great. When he tasted the blood on his tongue, his body rushed again with erotic chills. At that realization he grabbed Leo’s hand and sucked hard on its red flowing river. Every swallow brought with it a surge to his loins. He drank feverishly, pumping his cock against Leopold’s hot body.
He couldn’t believe the sensations or the duration. Alexi tried to moan, but kept swallowing the blood down, the magical red elixir.
Finally the flow was interrupted and he was left grasping at the air for more. He blinked his eyes and stared into Leopold’s serious gaze. Without success, Alexi tried very hard to express how he felt. How it was the most unbelievable high he had ever experienced. How he craved this man in his bed now, and would never let him go.
Leopold watched him carefully. The thunder still continued in the troubled sky. He held his wrist until the gash had sealed, then moved to sit up.
Alexi grabbed him and would not let him go. “No. You do not leave me.”
Leopold laughed softly. “I am going nowhere. I am here with you.” He brushed back the damp hair from Alexi’s forehead.
“If I had known men could do this to me, I would never have gone with a woman.”
Leopold blinked in surprise and Alexi enjoyed his robust laughter.
Alexi stared at his teeth in awe. “What have you done to me?”
Leopold smiled. “I have made you mine.”
“I feel strange. Like I am floating. Is it just the after effects of our love?”
“Yes, maybe so.” Leopold shifted so his naked body was against Alexi’s and clasped his hand tightly in his.
“But I am numb.” He elevated his free hand to look at it, bending his fingers and staring at them.
“It will pass.” Leo kissed the knuckles of the hand he held.
“Were you in me? Or was I in you?”
Leopold looked confused. “I do not understand.”
Alexi lay back and closed his eyes. He felt slightly sick. When he held his eyes shut he felt worse. Opening them quickly, he nudged Leopold aside so he could sit upright. Leopold backed off and allowed him.
Alexi touched his own hair, pushing it back from his face. He ran his hand down his neck and for the first time in a week the marks on his throat were gone. Feeling around for them in confusion, Alexi grew afraid.
Leopold studied him.
“What is happening?” Alexi felt a little panicked and met Leopold’s reassuring eyes.
“You are changing, my love.”
“Changing? Changing what?”
“You are becoming a vampire.”
“What the devil is that? Is it a pooftah?”
“A what?” Leopold appeared lost again.