Laurent and the Beast (Kings of Hell MC 1)

“Oh, Beast…” Laurent leaned closer and ran those perfect fingers over the grooves and scars on Beast’s face. “I’ve misunderstood you so badly. You are perfect to me. I wish I could take away all your pain myself. If you could only see yourself the way I see you, you would know no change is needed.”

Beast’s heart beat so fast he could sense it all over his body. His neck felt tight, and the only relief came in the form of Laurent, whom Beast pulled close for a tight hug.

“I’ve been with so many guys, but I don’t want to experiment anymore. I want you. I’ve never met anyone like that.”

Laurent’s deep sigh tickled Beast’s neck. “And I’ve never realized love is more valuable than freedom. You are everything to me. Even though we were born centuries apart, I’m sure our souls are entwined.”

Beast’s mind might have stopped in that moment, stagnant as if bathed in the warmest, creamiest of happy thoughts. He reached out for Laurent and rubbed his shoulders, so overcome with joy he couldn’t speak for several moments. “I-I love you too, Laurent.”

Laurent leaned in for a gentle kiss where just their lips touched. “You will not like what I have to tell you, but it must be done, or I would forever live in misery. If whichever way I choose leaves me trapped, I choose this. Listen to me carefully. King… I know he’s your father, but he is a cruel man. The deal he’s made with the devil requires him to keep the Kings of Hell here, where the devil resides, so that he can feed on the primal urges people fulfil. That’s why he is against moving despite danger and cost.”

Beast stared at him, utterly stunned, and even though just weeks prior he would have dismissed such things as the ramblings of a mad person, now they made his skin crawl.

“But that’s not all of it. He…” Laurent looked into Beast’s eyes without blinking. “He lives on your vitality, my love. Anytime you hurt, he gets more of it, and whenever you are content, he is blocked from taking it. Tonight, after midnight, when you turn thirty three, he will be able to consume all of your life force and add it to his lifespan. He will kill you to stay young and healthy, Beast.”

Beast shook his head in disbelief. The sudden onslaught of information left him confused and once again worried for Laurent’s sanity. “That’s... he’s a jerk, but he’s my father. He wouldn’t do that. He is out there, preparing a party for me right now,” Beast said, gesturing in the general direction of the town, but his mind stalled despite his best intentions. Because what if Laurent was right? What if he didn’t simply have an overactive imagination?

Laurent stroked Beast’s neck, and the sad little smile on his lips was already tugging at Beast’s heart. “He’s not. I know that what I say is true. I… the demon sent me here to aid him.” Laurent frowned and Beast smelled smoke before he even saw it. Hound became alert as well, and he barked at Laurent, getting up and backing away slightly. White fumes started seeping through Laurent’s clothes. “I don’t have time. My task was to make sure you were here for your birthday. But I hadn’t known what that meant. You have to believe me, Beast!” He choked on smoke coming out of his mouth.

Beast got to his feet, pulling Laurent into his arms in a desperate attempt to drag him to the nearest car before he fainted. He was hot as if fever were consuming his body, and Beast quickly picked him up, rushing to the door. The smell of sulphur bit into his nostrils as he leaned against the door in a vain attempt to press down the door handle. Hound tapped his feet on the floor, whining helplessly as he watched the scene unfold.

“Laurent, please, stay with me,” whispered Beast.

“I wasn’t allowed to tell you,” Laurent rasped, his body becoming unnaturally light as if he was disappearing, turning into mist. “He’s taking me back. It was either you or me, and I couldn’t imagine a life without you anymore.” He wrapped his arms around Beast’s neck. “You must kill King, or leave now and never even come close to this house again. Promise me you will live.”

Beast fell to his knees, cradling Laurent’s body to his chest. It was light as a baby, as if with each passing second a part of Laurent was going up in flames. Frantic with fear, Beast cupped Laurent’s cheeks and looked into his eyes. He didn’t know where he was anymore. All that counted was to somehow keep Laurent by his side, to still hold him, even if his skin were to burn Beast’s fingers. If he were to reach into flames once more to pull Laurent out of a burning car, he would, regardless of consequences.