Claiming Marcus (Lords of Discord 1)

“Why? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I was afraid.”

“What? You were afraid that I’d kill you. That I’d rip your throat out.” Marcus barely managed to keep from tightening his hand on Ethan’s throat again.

“No. I was afraid you’d send me away. That I wouldn’t see you again.”

Marcus lurched back, releasing Ethan’s throat so quickly it was like he’d been scorched by his touch. “What?”

“I was stupid and scared,” Ethan admitted. Ethan blinked and two fat tears rolled down the sides of his face. “I was afraid if I told you the truth, you’d fire me and send me away. I couldn’t let you go. Not yet.” Very slowly, he lifted his trembling fingers to Marcus’s face, lightly touching his cheek as if he was afraid Marcus would move away from him. “I think I’m falling in love with you, and I’m not ready to lose you.”

Marcus shoved away from Ethan, his mind spinning. Of all the things he’d expected Ethan to say, that was not it. He shook his head, trying to clear it, trying to think through the chaos, but his brain kept repeating the same joyous phrase, Ethan loves me. Ethan loves me.

Ethan sat up beside him, carefully placing both hands on his body. “Marcus? Are you okay?”

“Light-headed,” Marcus murmured, though it was the least of his problems.

“You’ve lost too much blood. You need to feed.”

Marcus couldn’t argue with that, but he needed to get out of the house to do that. As they sat there, he was far too aware of the enticing smell of Ethan’s blood wafting to him, tantalizing him. A ready, warm blood supply was only inches away. No need to haul his pain-riddled body into the streets in search of a victim. Ethan was right there.

Yes, it had been his original plan to feed from Ethan. He’d been angry and felt betrayed, but in just a couple of seconds, his world had been turned upside down. Ethan had protected him because he was a good person. He’d lied to the League, because…he loved Marcus. He couldn’t feed from Ethan now. Couldn’t risk taking too much. Marcus needed to get away, find someone else. Once he started to heal and some of the pain eased, he’d be able to think more clearly.

“I need to go.” Marcus shifted on the couch, gathering his strength to try to rise again.

“No. I’m right here. You’re too weak to go out.” Ethan jumped up from the couch and whipped his shirt over his head. He stood before Marcus, bare-chested, smelling so damn delicious. Marcus reached out, fingers skimming over bruises that were still healing from the attack he’d suffered just days ago. An attack that happened because he was protecting Marcus and his family.

“This is going to happen. Just tell me where you want me, to make this easiest on you,” Ethan said.

Marcus grabbed Ethan’s arm and pulled him into his lap so that he was straddling him. He’d dreamed of doing this when Ethan had sat on his lap against the piano and now he was going to fucking have it. For the first time in his life, he was holding his victim flush against his body, reveling in the feel and pleasure of the person. And it was going to be that much sweeter because it was Ethan.

He closed his eyes against the fresh wave of pain that rocketed through him as Ethan pressed against him. He buried his face in Ethan’s neck and breathed deep. The scent of sweat and blood and Ethan filled his nostrils. God, he’d wanted this, wanted Ethan for so damn long. He wanted to savor every second of it, draw it out, but he was so fucking hungry he could barely think. Opening his mouth, he carefully scraped his fangs across his tender flesh.

“Marcus?” Ethan said on a whimper.

“Shhh…I’ve got you.”

“I know. I trust you.”

Those three words helped Marcus tighten his control over his hunger. He was not going to take more than he needed.

“I’m sorry. This is going to hurt at first, but I promise I’ll make you feel better.”

Ethan took a breath and Marcus was sure he was going to say something else, but he didn’t give him the chance. He struck quickly, plunging his fangs deep into Ethan’s neck, piercing arteries with expert skill. Ethan jerked and stiffened in shock. A little cry of pain escaped him before he could catch it.

Marcus removed his fangs and sucked hard, pulling that first mouthful of blood into his system. The relief was exquisite, and the pain almost immediately receded to the back of his mind. On the second swallow, he reached deep and sent a wave of ecstasy crashing through Ethan. With each drink, he washed Ethan’s body in physical pleasure. He could feel Ethan’s cock swelling against his stomach. Ethan shifted his hips, moaning softly. One hand slid down his spine to cup his tight ass, holding him against his body.