Chapter 32
Snake
Sometimes, Snake forgot Horatio’s muscles weren’t just for show.
“Stop!” Snake used all his weight to shove him a few degrees to the right. The magical force that emanated from Horatio’s blue twelve-string missed the man heading their way and turned a shrub to ash. “That’s not Ormond.”
“Who the fuck is it then?” Horatio asked.
“An old friend.” Snake waved his arms and shouted, “Iggy! Hey, Iggy! Over here! It’s me, Snake!”
Iggy ran full tilt at Snake and grabbed him in a bear hug that knocked him flat.
“Snake? Are you for real? Or did my brain finally snap?”
“I’m real. What the bloody hell are you doing in Vanguard?”
“Mutiny.” Iggy rolled off Snake and passed out.
“Iggy?” Gunner said. “He looks a lot like Ormond.”
“Only hotter. And a lot less… glam,” Horatio said.
Snake chuckled. While Ormond and Iggy shared the same copper hair and amber eyes, only Iggy looked like a proper pirate. Locs glittering with sea salt, bedraggled clothing, and a scraggly goatee—he was the epitome of a seafarer.
“Iggy and Ormond are related, but I can’t remember how.” Snake slapped Iggy’s cheeks. “Don’t be dead.”
“I think he’s dehydrated.” Gunner cracked a water bottle. “Hold his head up.” He tipped a capful between his dry lips, repeating until Iggy could sit up.
“You blokes saved my life.” In between gulps of water and bites of the food Stiles had packed, Iggy told his story. “I was in jail for two years, thanks to Ormond. The bloody tosser turned me in for pirating.”
“But he’s a pirate himself. That goes against the code, right?” Gunner asked.
“Ormond only cares about the code when it suits him. Soon as I got out, I pulled my crew back together. Things were all tickety-boo until three days ago. The bastards mutinied and dropped me here—out of bullets and running for my life.”
“Treasonous louts.” Snake shook his head.
“Thought you were a mirage, Snake. Funny, eh? Haven’t seen you in… five years?”
“Closer to seven,” Snake said. “What caused the mutiny?”
“Money. Always money. Plus, my brother has been filling their heads with gobshite. He lost most of his crew and is setting his sights on mine.”
“Lost his crew, eh? I wonder how,” Snake said, hoping Horatio and Gunner took the hint.
“Ormond didn’t mention why, but then again, my brother’s always been a cagey sort.”
“Wait—you’re Ormond’s brother?” Horatio asked.
“Half-brother. Same father. My mum is one of King Tariq’s many mistresses, but don’t worry, I ain’t no bloody prince.” He poured the rest of the water over his head. “Can’t thank you enough. Figured I was a goner.”
“Why not use a portal?” Horatio asked.
“Wish I could. Us Turks have some magic, but I got the short end of the stick. Luckily, I have other… talents.” Iggy palmed the extra-long bulge in his pants.
Snake grinned. Iggy had the Umberto too. “I know eight lads who would enjoy exploring those talents.”
Iggy tossed his hair. “Would these handsome boys be included?”
“Oof, me and my ill manners. Ignatius Caine, meet Horatio and Gunner—the newest members of my illustrious crew.”
“Very nice to meet you, indeed. But call me Iggy. Only my mother calls me Ignatius.” He sized up Old Red. “What sort of contraption is that?”
“This is a guitar. Great for protection. Horatio introduced us to these.”
Iggy sat up straighter. “Guitar? Horatio?” He slapped his thigh. “Well, toss me out to sea and call me Chum. You’re the bloke from the prophecy!”
“Prophecy?” Horatio shook his head. “I must have monster guts in my ears.”
Iggy shot Snake a bewildered look. “He’s joking, right?”
“I’ve never heard of it either.” Snake’s guts tightened. He’d known Iggy for years, and the bloke was annoyingly honest. “Tell us everything.”
“Well, I heard the story straight from Alistar.”
Snake put up a hand. “Alistar? Meridian’s little brother? How do you know him?”
“Met him in Merona a couple years back, when he tried to steal my wallet. Said he was practicing to be a pirate and showed me a coin he’d nicked from the royal treasury.
I asked him what sort of other things he’d come across.
Right away he went on about an ancient scroll he found locked inside an old trunk.
Claims it hissed at him when he broke the seal, but he couldn’t read the language, so he took it to some bloke for translation. ”
“Some bloke?” Snake asked. “Who exactly?”
“Dunno. Never asked. But he said it was a prophecy about a man named Horatio who’d destroy Meridian with a guitar. Of course, I didn’t know what a guitar was back then. Funny that you lads all have one, eh?”
Horatio looked ready to faint. Gunner clamped a hand over his mouth. Snake’s brain flipped inside his skull. Had Horatio landed in his jail cell by accident? Or design?
“Let me wrap my brain around this for a second,” Horatio said, his face drained of color.
“When did Alistar find the scroll?” Gunner asked.
Iggy scratched his head. “I found out about it a few days before the coppers got me. Add about a week to that?”
“The timeline fits,” Gunner said. “But this is really fucking weird.”
“Maybe it’s a different Horatio. Did the scroll mention a last name?” Snake asked.
“It did. Lemme think. Horatio Sword? No, that’s not right.” Iggy snapped his fingers. “Blade? Hmm, something to do with cutting.”
“Horatio Slice?” Horatio asked.
“That’s it. Horatio Slice. I’m sure of it. I take it that’s you?”
“That’s my name… well, my stage name. My real name is Horatio Gianopoulos.”
“Well, Mr. Slice,” Iggy said. “Alistar claims Meridian is completely mental about the prophecy. Surrounds himself with Reptilians and sleeps in a locked cell at night. He’s sure you’re going to destroy him, Horatio. You and that guitar.”
Silence stretched. A sultry wind carried the stench of decaying monster chunks, making it even harder to breathe.
“You’re telling me a scroll predicts I’ll kill a tyrant with a guitar? This is… fuck. I don’t know what this is.” Horatio pressed his palms against his eyes.
“Do you remember anything else it said?” Gunner asked.
“Something about a silver ship, I think,” Iggy said.
“That’s gotta be The Frances.” Horatio let out a frustrated groan. “I’ve been trying to convince myself it’s a hoax. Now I’m not sure.”
“I thought Alistar was pulling my leg up until I met you, Horatio,” Iggy said.
“Prophecies are not only real, they’re immutable. If it says you’re going to kill Meridian, you are. But you were going to anyway, right?” Snake took a hit from his flask and passed it to Horatio, who took a long swallow.
“Yeah. He should get what he deserves.” Something about Horatio’s tone made Snake wonder if he’d actually go through with it.
Gunner stood and paced. “Alistar must have told Meridian about the scroll. He probably researched Horatio and then used the Master Key to kidnap him from the stage. He meant to either kill him or lock him up—”
Snake cut in. “But he ended up with me instead. Meridian botched the coordinates. I’d bet my life on it.”
“And now he’s hell-bent on finishing his plan.” Gunner took a breath. “Kill Horatio before he kills him first.”
“I’m named in an actual fucking prophecy.” Horatio shuddered. “The trippiest shit happens out here, I swear.”
“At least we finally know why he’s after you.” Snake gave Iggy the condensed version of events: Horatio’s arrival, Gunner’s brush with death, and the near-fatal damage his ship endured after crash-landing in Scuirius.
“Take me to Merona, Snake. You can talk to Alistar, and I can confront my crew, the shit-eating bilge rats.”
“Let’s go right now,” Horatio said.
“First, let’s check on our newest crew member.” Snake had visions of the crew lying naked and comatose from sexual euphoria at Dagger’s hands, leaving Frances vulnerable. Or in flames. “Come with us, Iggy. I’ll bet you could use a drink. Or ten.”
· · ·
Back on the ship, Gunner showed Iggy to the bar while Snake and Horatio checked on the engine.
Seven, Saki, and Dagger were still balls deep in repairs, which came as no surprise since many of the parts were practically microscopic.
When Snake and Horatio ventured too close to the neatly sorted piles, Seven threatened them with a soldering iron.
“Seven’s scary as fuck sometimes,” Horatio said as they boarded the elevator.
“It’s one of his best traits, if you ask me.” Snake crossed his arms. “Little worried about Dagger. I hope he knows what he’s doing.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing. Can we really trust Ormond’s brother?” Horatio stood rigid, one leg jiggling.
“Me and Iggy go way back. We’ve bailed each other out of some fucked-up situations. And he’s always hated Ormond.”
“Do you think he’s telling the truth about the prophecy thing?”
“Iggy’s a lot like you, Hor. No poker face whatsoever.” Snake gave Horatio a quick kiss. “And I mean that in a good way.”
Horatio stared into his eyes. “You had some kind of epiphany, didn’t you? You’re different. And I mean that in a good way.”
“Epiphany sounds too soft to describe what I had. More like my true self kicked open my rib cage and crawled out.” Snake clung tightly to Horatio. “But more painful.”
“I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been.” Horatio wrapped him in a soothing embrace that reached Snake’s bones.
“I really do love you, Hor. Like a friend.” He buried his face in Horatio’s neck. “A best friend and a mate for life.”
“Like a brother.” Horatio stroked Snake’s hair. “Except we fuck.” He chuckled. “That’s so wrong, dude. Forget I said that.”
“Sugar says you and I are friends with benefits.”
“And how do you feel about Sugar?”
Just the name made Snake giddy. “All-consuming mad love, the kind that terrifies.” Snake rubbed his chest. “I’m struggling to get used to all these… emotions, especially the happy ones. How do you do it?”
“I’m the wrong one to ask about accepting feelings.” Before he could prod, Horatio had him in a sizzling lip lock that made Snake’s knees wobble. “Are you two exclusive now? Or can we still have hot, dirty sex?” He stroked Snake’s bulge.
Snake rocked his hips against Horatio’s hand. “I’m now completely honest and open.” Snake chuckled. “Helps that Sugar likes when I divulge my sexcapades while he’s sucking my dick. Especially the ones about you.”
Horatio pushed the stop button.
“We should write a new story for you to tell him tonight, then.”
“You read my mind.” Snake yanked off his boots and pants. “Hoist me up against the wall and fuck me into next week.”
Horatio held him up by the ass. Wrapping his legs around Horatio’s waist, Snake moaned with pleasure as the thick cock filled every space inside.
“My best friend’s dick is plundering my hole.”
“My best friend’s hole is swallowing my dick.” Horatio smiled. “Tell me you love me.”
“I love you, mate.”
“Now tell me I’m pretty.”
“Shut up and fuck me, you barmy git.”
They kissed hard and fucked harder, coming quickly in a rush of cursing. Still holding him against the wall, Horatio stared Snake down with his spooky blue eyes, lips curled in a soft smile. “What’s on your mind, Hor?”
“You. Specifically how much fun it is to fuck you. Like you live for this.”
“We vampires need sex as much as blood, so I literally do live for this.” He nibbled Horatio’s chin. “I am hornier than most. Must be the company.”
Horatio set Snake back on his feet. “I love you too, by the way.”
Snake struggled into his britches, breath hitching. “Never leave me again.”
Horatio zipped his fly. “Don’t be a dick, and I won’t have to leave.”
They laughed all the way to the bar, surprised to find the door only open a crack. Snake held Horatio back as he peeked through. What he saw made him want to rip off his pants again.
“Shh,” he said to Horatio. “Let’s watch.”
Gunner was perched on a bar stool, pants undone, hard cock slipping in and out of Iggy’s hand while they French kissed.
“Nice job finding that one, Hor.”
“Right? I still can’t believe I landed in his room. He was just sitting there, looking like that, and being all single.”
Iggy paused to whisper something that prompted Gunner to smile and nod. After dropping his pants, the sexy pirate bent over, hands on the bar stool for leverage.
“Get in me quick. I can’t wait,” Iggy begged.
Horatio and Snake clung together—terrified to make a sound lest it halt the action. Taut ass clenching, Gunner fucked Iggy hard enough to make the stool thump against the floor.
“That’s it, pet,” Iggy cried. “That’s what I need.”
Too soon, they came. Snake tugged Horatio away from the door. “Let’s give them a few minutes. Then we’ll walk in as if completely unaware.”
Horatio nodded, clutching his chest.
Snake patted his cheek. “Our innocent little lad is growing up.”
“I’ve got it bad, Snake. I’m scared.”
Snake ached for his friend. “Some blokes will rip out your heart and feed it to the sea. Gunner’s not one of those.”
“Which means it’ll hurt worse.” Horatio rested his forehead against Snake’s shoulder.
“Don’t grieve before you dig the grave, mate.”
After another bit of tender snogging, they strolled in, nonchalant as thieves at a policeman’s ball. Gunner was behind the bar, pink-cheeked and pouring drinks.
“Free tequila shots for any pirate with a valid ID,” he said.
The four of them raised a glass. “To the prophecy,” Snake said. “May Horatio fill it sooner than later.”
They clinked glasses and knocked back their shots. “Smooth as glass,” Snake said.
“Just like your lad’s dick,” Iggy said.
Horatio cocked a brow at Gunner.
“Um, yeah. We fucked.” Gunner poured more tequila, cheeks pinker.
“He gave me a good shag to soothe my nerves.” Iggy grinned. “Brilliant, it was.”
Horatio burst out laughing. “We watched. It was hot as fuck.”
“Slayer railed my ass in the elevator. Set my head right back on straight, it did.”
Gunner poured another round. “Here’s to hot sex!”
Right after they clinked glasses, Suki appeared, looking frazzled. “Is Sugar here?”
A shudder of dread rumbled up Snake’s spine. “I thought he was with you.”
“We were waiting for—” Suki caught a glimpse of Iggy and froze. “Ormond? What the fuck is he doing here?”
“Suki, meet Ignatius. Ormond’s half-brother,” Snake said.
Iggy took one look at Suki and visibly swooned. “I’m nice, I swear.”
“You’d better be.” Suki took the shot Gunner offered and swallowed it down.
“We were waiting for our parts order and went to the pub next door for a drink. Sugar’s mother called, so he took it outside.
Twenty minutes later, I went to join him, but he was nowhere to be found. I searched, I called. He’s gone.”
Fear’s icy hand grabbed Snake by the balls so hard he raised up on his toes. “Someone’s taken him, and I think we all know who. Ormond.”