Chapter 56
Horatio
Horatio was damn proud of Meridian. The guy had not only faced all his demons, he eviscerated them.
“That orgasm was even better than the first one,” Meridian rasped.
“I always come harder when I get fucked, too.”
“You… bottom?”
“Of course. I’m an equal-opportunity fucker.”
Meridian smiled. “You’re an amazing fucker. I feel tingly all over.”
The sigil prickled. His chest felt hot, and his pulse roared in his ears.
“I feel really fucking weird.”
One breath later, he felt himself pushed back by an invisible hand to the chest. Blinding light burst from the sigil before turning into branch-like appendages that swirled and undulated around them.
A cooling mist floated down from the ceiling, filling the air with a heady, sweet fragrance.
When he breathed it in, a familiar buzz filled his head.
Vixen magic. Tangible. Sensual. And absolutely intoxicating.
“What’s going on?” Meridian’s voice trembled.
“Prophecy. Fulfilled.” Horatio lay on his back, limbs spread, high as a kite.
“But I’m not dead!”
“Turns out, the prophecy meant I had to top you. With my tool. Until you came. Pretty wild, right?”
“Are you telling me the universe didn’t want me dead? It wanted me to come?” Meridian laughed. “Why does my head feel funny?”
Sugar moved closer. “We’re all stoned and horny from Vixen magic.”
Gunner launched himself on top of Horatio. “Very horny.”
“Cupcake!” Horatio hugged him tight. “We did it.”
“You did it. Rock god.” He kissed Horatio’s chest. “You’re still glowing. It’s sexy.”
Meridian sat up. “But what about the bet?”
“The bet isn’t finished.” Sugar licked his thumb and rubbed it over one of Meridian’s nipples. “Remember when I said you’d bottom for me?”
“Yes.” His eyes sparkled. “Fuck my face and then my ass.”
“But first, you owe me some tongue.” Sugar waved his at Meridian.
The sight of them sharing tongue kisses was almost too hot. Horatio held Gunner on his lap while they watched. Sugar was on his game, sassy and in control as he gave Meridian a few tutorials: tongue kissing, nipple play, and frotting.
“Now I’m going to teach you how to rim like a pro.” Sugar glanced at Seven, who was too busy riding Snake’s cock. “C’mere Gunner, I need an ass to demonstrate on.”
Horatio moved so he could see everything. Gunner got on his stomach, ass propped up by pillows. Sugar demonstrated. Meridian copied. Before long, Gunner was squirming and grinding his cock into the mattress.
“Wow, he learns quick.”
“I think I should teach him how to fuck. What do you think, Horatio?”
“You read my mind, Sugar.”
Horatio thought he’d enjoy watching Meridian fuck Gunner, but thanks to Sugar’s expert tutelage, things were getting a little too tender—a little too real.
“What did I miss?” Snake said as he lay next to Horatio.
Seven curled up on his opposite side. “Looks like Sugar’s training him well. Gunner’s sure enjoying it.”
Horatio couldn’t hold back a groan.
“Why do you look so miserable?” Snake whispered.
“He’s jealous,” Seven hissed.
“Not jealous.” Horatio felt more scared than jealous. “I’m his first boyfriend. What if there’s someone better for him out there?” Saying it out loud made it worse. His chest hurt.
Seven tucked Horatio’s hair behind his ear and whispered into it. “The master key manipulated its programming to bring you two together.”
“Seven’s right. You’re fated mates, Hor.”
“Sounds like a book trope,” Horatio muttered.
“Sounds like you need to learn to accept that you’re worthy of happiness.” Snake smacked Horatio’s ass. “Like I did.”
“With my help, vampire.”
“Aw, give us a kiss, you barmy git.”
After a hot make-out session, they were ready to ravish each other.
Horatio asked Snake to spoon-fuck him, so they could both watch the action on the other side of the bed.
Gunner and Meridian had switched places as well as positions.
Per Sugar’s instructions, Meridian was on top, riding Gunner hard.
“Slow down there, cowboy,” Sugar said. “You still have Snake and Seven to ride.”
“And I plan to be merciless,” Seven crooned as he fisted Meridian’s cock.
“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” Meridian shot back.
“Something’s happening between those two.” Snake curled his arm around Horatio and slid two fingers in his mouth. “You feel so good, pet.”
“Ah glub boo.”
“I love you too, Hor.”
Horatio closed his eyes and felt calm wash over him. Between sucking Snake’s fingers and getting fucked so gently, he fell into a peaceful stupor—riding wave after wave of tiny climaxes—until Snake bit into his neck and gave him an orgasm that hit like a freight train.
“Damn, dude, you dick-slayed me. Toss my corpse into a hole.”
“Don’t joke about that.” Snake rolled Horatio onto his back and planked over him. “The ship felt empty without you last night. No more sleepovers in prison cells, understood?”
“No problem.” He stroked Snake’s hair. “Damn, you’re gorgeous.”
“I’d fuck you again, but I need to save some for Meridian.” Gunner crawled over, smiling and covered in jizz. “Oof, I’m in your spot, lad.” He rolled off and joined the others.
“I’m wet.”
“I don’t care. Get on.”
Gunner lay flat on top with his legs between Horatio’s, head on his chest. He curled one hand into Horatio’s hair. “You feel so good.”
Horatio held him close. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you like crazy.” He yawned. “Just gonna close my eyes for a minute.”
“Me too.”
· · ·
When Horatio opened his eyes again, the room was dark and quiet. He looked around. Meridian and Seven were tangled together on a heap of pillows. Snake was sprawled out at the foot of the bed, with Sugar asleep at his side.
Gunner was still right on top—his silky hair brushed Horatio’s chin as he stirred. “What time is it?” He lifted his head and cracked one eye open.
“Time to go home,” Snake said.
Sugar flipped on a lamp, illuminating the mess they’d made of the bed. Meridian sat up and stretched. “Did I win the bet?”
“No. You lost spectacularly.” Seven smacked his ass. “Start packing your things.”
“You won’t need clothes. I texted Suki your measurements, and he has three outfits finished already.” Sugar pointed his phone at Meridian.
“A mini-skirt and stockings?” Meridian squealed. “You get me.” He crawled across the bed and grabbed Sugar in a hug.
“I take it you’ll be coming along without a fuss, then?” Snake asked.
Meridian gasped dramatically. “I would never renege on a wager! That would be rude and uncalled for.” He slumped. “But so is abandoning my country.”
“No worries. We’ll get the royal council back, and everything will be right as rain. A king is more of a figurehead, and besides, you can rule remotely nowadays,” Snake said. “Once we get back to the ship, you can tell me what you plan to do about Alistar.”
“Alistar? He lives in the royal summer estate with a full staff and a nanny.” Meridian pinched the bridge of his nose. “He told you I kicked him out, didn’t he?”
“That lying little bugger!” Snake snarled. “I’ll box his ears.”
“But I thought you adored children, lover. I’ve already contacted adoption agencies,” Sugar said. “Just imagine, we’ll have a whole swarm.”
“Bloody hell, Sugar. Tell me you’re joking!”
“Of course he’s joking, the ship’s a sex palace on wheels,” Horatio said over Sugar’s booming laughter. “We give each other head right in the kitchen.” Meridian hopped out of bed and headed for the door.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Seven asked.
He turned and grinned. “To pack. Let’s go.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Gunner sat up. “Where are my pants?”
That’s when Horatio saw it. A tattoo on Gunner’s chest that looked exactly like the sigil. He glanced down at his own body and saw its twin. Choking on words, he could only point.
“Whoa!” Gunner smiled. “It’s just like you said. The universe wants us together.”
Horatio had said that, and then buried the words under fear.
Luckily, the universe gave him a permanent reminder.