for Essek (lacrymaperle) - vampire/werewolf au

[ausgebrannt]

[There had been a simpler time, several years before when Bren hadn't yet known Trent Ikithon, a time when he was thoroughly and blissfully unaware of the things that existed in the dark, when the ideas of werewolves and vampires and other creatures that ought to have been nothing more than fairy tale fodder. Instead, his paths had crossed with Trent and everything had changed. He'd been thrown into a small walled courtyard one night, under the light of a full moon, and he had not been alone. That was the first time he had met a werewolf. Bren remembered the bite, still had the scar of it on one forearm, remembered the confusion and the terror -- both of which were nothing compared to the full moon that followed the month after, the first time he'd transformed. He remembered the pain of his entire body breaking and reshaping itself, the fear of losing himself entirely. He'd blacked out that night, woken up naked and aching as if he'd been run over by a bus.

It had been the same very moon since, except that piece by piece, bit by bit, he held onto some small shred of himself during the transformation. Trent Ikithon had explained that all this was for Bren's own good, that he was safer here than anywhere else. that there were vampires who would tear him apart on sight, one in particular, a singular monster who Trent seemed to have a personal loathing for. Bren tried to probe why any vampire, never mind a particular one, would have any interest in him. No explanation was ever given except that 'the Shadowhand will never have you. Not in this life or the next. I will see to that.'

Bren had no idea what that meant. Before all this, the only strange thing in his life were recurring dreams -- and oh they were beautiful things. Arms that were secure and safe around him, tender and gentle but not warm. The soft lilt of a voice that assured him everything would be well, that wherever he went he would be found again. Trent had hated the dreams and had done his best to cast them out of Bren's conscious awareness. Now they were barely shadows, things he could remember the feeling of more than the details. It hurt even trying to recall them, so he didn't.

This past moon Bren had made his escape after he transformed, finally aware enough of himself that he had his chance. He was free. That was the only thought in his mind right now and it repeated in echoed mantra over and over again as he tried to keep himself from spiraling into a breakdown. It had been years since he'd been out, actually out in the world, not kept with Trent Ikithon's control, trapped within the grounds of that monster's manor. He was, after all, Trent's pet project, for whatever reasons the old bastard had. It didn't matter. Back in that direction lay only pain and isolation. He wouldn't go back.

Of course, he didn't really have a plan to go forward either, really. Even before he'd been captured and turned, he hadn't had any family left, few friends, and he'd been out of the world for years now. He managed to steal find some clothes, ill-fitting, a coat that was too big on his underfed frame, a scarf wrapped about his neck. He was a mess, long copper hair in tangles past his shoulders, his beard untrimmed, a frantic fear in wide blue eyes as he tried to find somewhere to hide, somewhere to get his bearings. He couldn't let Trent find him again. This was freedom, and he would not give it up.

A soft meow caught his attention, and he looked up in surprise as a small orange tabby approached him. For the first time in a long while, Bren smiled.] Hello there... [The little creature sniffed his outstretched hand and headbutted his fingers. It was the first kind touch that he'd known in so long, he almost teared up over it.] Well, at least I am not alone anymore. That's comforting.

[Now if he could just figure out what the hell he was going to do, where he was going to go.]

Comments

[zauberdecke]

We are stronger together.

[ They had always been stronger side by side, and it was only by a divide and conquer strategy that he had separated the two of them by the thin line of death, though it had taken a second time to do so when Essek's vampirism had not served to be the divisive fissure that he had wanted it too and he had to use more final means.

He settled back while their fingers twined together, the warmth to the coolness. How Bren seemed to balance the cold within him by glorious heat, and still that throbbing was within as well as the knotting which served to draw them closer. ]

The sad fact of the matter, for Trent, is that I am aware of all of his business dealings-- and unlike him, I've been amassing an empire that is somewhat useful. [ Bastions of power that he had been content to let Trent have, he was actually rather keen on finding ways to aquire them for themselves ]

I have more liquid assets then he does.

[ausgebrannt]

Always.

[Bren agreed, still nuzzling and kissing gently against whatever skin was within reach, a shoulder, a neck, the edge of a sharp jawline. The wolf in him had been appeased, sated by being allowed to stake his claim on his mate this way, to have that connection sealed and reinforced. His vampire lover, who knew his secrets now and still wanted him.]

Ja... he has his connections and has collected power and wealth as he could, but... I do not think he understands how badly he is outmatched.

[Essek has him out classed and outmatched any day of the week.] He will find out I have found my way to you soon, if he hasn't already. [With their appearance in public tonight, it was inevitable.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Outmatched, very outmatched.

Essek was fairly certain that Trent Ikithon did not realize how much of a weapon he'd made Bren; and there were moments of Bren studying Caleb's old spellbook so there was that too, spells that Essek had placed in Bren's hands to learn. A primal weapon with spellcasting ability? Well, Trent would be in a world of inconvenience-- that was not counting the fact that he had stupidly allowed a very angry vampire to percolate.

He could feel the knot subside though not enough that Bren could escape yet, but he did arch his neck for more of those kisses. ] We will start formulating a battle plan. [ And then even more quietly ] The full moon though is a few days off.. tell me, love-- what do you require from me to make that time of the month endurable for you?

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was all too happy to shower the offered neck in kisses while they were still so intimately joined together. He hummed his agreement.]

Ja. It will be good to have a plan. I do not know what he will do, but we will be ready for it.

[They would have to be. Bren would never forgive himself if he brought danger to Essek's doorstep and the drowpire was hurt because of him. What Ikithon had done to him was bad enough, but he would not allow any harm to come to the man that he loved. To his mate.

The question caught him off guard. It was not something that he had ever been asked before, and consequently not something he had ever considered.]

Honestly, I had half planned on running and hiding until it was over, if I could not make myself be brave enough to tell you. But now... I can control the beast when I turn these days, but still, I do not want to risk hurting you. Perhaps it would be best if you found somewhere to lock me away?

[That hadn't been what Essek asked, exactly, but Bren genuinely didn't know that what would make this easier for him was the presence of his mate, safe and near, of tactile touch and the presence of his scent so that the wolf would know that it was home, that it was where it was meant to be and that all it loved was protected.]

[zauberdecke]

You do not have to fear hurting me, Bren.. [ His fingers caught and curled in the silk of ginger curls while he allowed himself the touch of his mate, feeling the throb of being so entwined with him; closeness and the beating of that thundering heart against his back. His head fell back then where his neck was littered with bites and bruises, but they were bruises that he would display happily as they were given to him by his lover and mate, he would have him paint his neck as long as it meant that this man was here with. ]

But, I do not think that I want you to leave my sight the night of your turning..

[ And even more quietly as he shifted, just enough so that he could look at Bren's profile, the caress of trimmed stubble and the features that were so sharp and defined, the nose with the bump in the center, of which he could kiss for hours. Like Caleb, and yet not like him all the same. ]

Do you trust me to know that I can defend myself?

[ This was spoken, mate to mate-- soul to soul. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[The touch in his hair was soothing. Being this intimately close to Essek was soothing. His hand wended it sway up along his chest, to settle against where his heart would once have beat -- and still locked inside, the part of him that was Caleb smiled at the memory of it. But beating or not, that heart was precious to Bren and Caleb both, a treasure that he would guard with every ounce of power and life within him.

He was quiet as the drow speak. He did not need to fear... Gods he'd spent years doing nothing but fearing, his entire world a tapestry woven of pain and terror. But he wasn't trapped in that world any longer, he reminded himself.

Leaning into Essek's hand, he nodded.]

I... yes, of course I trust you. I know your strength and I trust you to know it as well.

[His voice dropped quieter.] I would not forgive myself if I hurt you, but if I'm being honest, I do not want to go far from you, even when I turn. I belong at your side. I do not wish to leave it.

[zauberdecke]

[ Perhaps that heart did not beat; but when Bren looked at him like that-- it fluttered in memory of what had once upon a time been; it clenched in such a painful yet beautiful manner. He lightly drew the tip of his nose against a jawline, sweetly and then he shifted, as much as he was able to, until his mouth found the tender flesh where neck met chin.

That same flutter vibrated, the drag of a tongue as he tested the waters-- the slip of tongue and the delicate press of teeth; there was a pause. He would never not ask Bren if it was alright for him to partake of that blood that he now knew could regenerate quickly due to his supernatural nature.

Bren had asserted his claim, and now-- Essek could think of no greater way than to complete the circle, with teeth sinking into tender flesh as Bren's lifeblood throbbed hot against his tongue. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's eyes drifted shut at the touch of that nose along his jaw, the soft and sweetness of the contact. It set warmth rushing through him that filled his heart and spilled out into his chest. His body and soul both reacted to Essek, like a flower opening up to the sun.

The feeling of that tongue drew a soft gasp from him, the sharpness that followed. It was the hesitation that undid him though, that clear request for permission. And oh Bren would grant it. He leaned his head to the side and murmured, voice barely a whisper.] Please.

[He wanted that, wanted Essek to drink him in again, to take his fill.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Tenderly and yet firmly, those fangs sank down--- into that a not-so-well worn spot; he could not reach it from how they were positioned. So there was some give to it but also there was skin unused to being fed upon and it would leave such a mark that would not even be able to be hidden by a scarf; Essek's tongue then formed the seal as he siphoned it, alternating between sucks and laps that worked at flesh.

Bren's sharp and hot blood as it danced, tanged with who he was-- a spice to it that he was finding himself addictive to; no wonder why it tasted so good. Not only the emotional remembrance of that blood but Bren's own flavor added into the mix to heighten the bouquet.

His fingers tangled in locks of hair, touseled from their recent activities while he murmured in soft moans at the taste that spilled over his senses, and he drank deeply and thoroughly, perhaps far deeper than he had previously but Bren's body? It could take that, because still it throbbed and pulsed underneath him, still there was no weakening of that strong beat that thundered against his own skin, and he galloped with it-- up until that last moment he knew he had to draw away.

And then his mouth came away with panting and he rested his head backward, chest breathing as lungs filled with air and he sighed, his skin once again warm and there was a beating where his heart was being powered at least temporarily. ]

You are magic, Bren...

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's breath caught, that first sting of pain quickly swept away by the bliss of the feeding. of the connection between them made tangible in this way. His heart beat faster, answering the call of his lover as if eager to provide that sustenance, to let Essek take his fill. He'd wear the mark proudly, this evidence of his belonging to his mate, of being the one to provide for him, to feed him.

He noticed that the drowpire drank deeper, and the only evidence of this realization was a soft moan of his own. He was a werewolf, after all, and the blood that flowed through his veins was made something preternatural. He could sustain. He would. Though if Bren were being utterly honest to himself, if Essek asked it of him, he would let his lover drink him dry, until his own heart gave out. He knew that Essek never would, of course, knew it like an immutable truth of the universe.

A soft sigh as that mouth lifted away from his neck and he turned to nuzzle into Essek, smiling at the new warmth in his skin.]

I am only a man in love. Or perhaps a monster in love. Both, I suppose.

[zauberdecke]

We are both monsters, then. And I love you, both as man and Monster, and it helps me to not be too frightened of hurting you.

[ Finally as he pulled back, he could feel Bren slip out of him, the knot fading back into but a memory, but a delicious ache going through him; and he was able to finally turn into those arms, to press a soft kiss to temple as he sat there; perhaps drenched in sweat and a combination of both their come; but Essek knows he is happy and his eyes flutter closed as he wrap one arm around shoulder while the other depresses the speaker that will activate in the driver's section. ]

We are ready to go home now.

[ How he could sound so calm when he had been all but ruined on that seat? Well Essek was a man of surprises and was able to gather up what they had done as a secret (even though the driver had heard perhaps 20 percent of it-- best if that was not mentioned though). ]

The full moon is in a few days time, we may start planning and preparing for that. [ There would be other details to work out, such as the staff and where they should stay while Bren underwent his transformation, but once again.. these things in time ]

[ausgebrannt]

I am happy if I am to be a monster with you.

[If it meant that he could protect Essek better, could ease some of the other man's fears of ever unintentionally hurting him. Humans were inherently fragile in their ways, and some of that fragility had been burned out of him by the change to a werewolf.

He whimpers softly as Essek rises off his finally deflated cock, but he wound his arms back around him to hold him close. They were both messes right now, and Bren could not bring himself to care. He pressed a kiss to his cheek, flushed with the blood he'd taken.]

We can. I have spent most full moons alone, behind the bars of a cell. First because the beast could not be trusted, and later because I could not be.

[He'd only managed to escape because Trent seemed to believe that he had finally broken him enough that he did not have to be so meticulously kept. And the moment Bren had seen an inch of freedom, he'd run and hadn't looked back, too terrified to see Ikithon and the rest of his wolves after him.]

[zauberdecke]

[ and likewise that same escape had led him to the one person who meant something to Essek, had led him to safety; the drow would use his influence to keep Bren safe from Ikithon-- perhaps he thought that he could've seperated the vampire and human however Vampire and Wolf was a more powerful and deadly combination.

He could see through smoky glass, the streets starting to be taken that would lead them home and he settled in those arms, trusting the other man; also knowing that now they would be able to retire together.

Essek had never considered his bedroom a personal thing but perhaps it could be something for the both of them now-- maybe he would redecorate, turn it into a space where he could live and not merely stagnate within his death coma.

The travel back was effortless as Essek languished in the feel of Bren's arms holding him tightly, not wanting to speak many words. There was perhaps a little more than an hour before sunrise and he could feel that lethargy creeping over him. ]

Do you think if I adjusted my gravity, you could carry me to bed?

[ausgebrannt]

[It was a few days before the full moon, Bren could likely manage it even if Essek did not adjust his gravity. And it appealed to the wolf, who saw no reason to let the drow out of his arms if he did not have to. He nuzzled at Essek's neck once more, at one of the bitemarks that he had left.]

Ja. Without hesitation. I would like to do that very much.

[And to crawl into Essek's bed with him and pass the day while his beloved slept the sleep of death that took all vampires to it when the sun was making its daily transit across the sky. It soothed the instinct in him to protect, to make certain that his mate was near and safe.

And as they approached the manner -- home, the wolf and the wizard deep inside him chimed in pleasure together -- Bren sat up a bit straighter and took just long enough to make certain that they were both decent enough to walk through the hallways. Without several spells there was no way they wouldn't look like they'd been doing exactly what they'd done though.]

[zauberdecke]

[ For all that Essek was fastidious-- in this moment it did not matter; he did not care if his staff (and yes, friends) saw him in such a state by his mate; it would only impress upon them that this was his mate, his love and that he had been suitably claimed in much the same way that he had asserted his own territory; bite by bite.

He sank gratefully into those arms though he was able to manage a simple concentration spell to keep himself light so that Bren could carry him through effortlessly. The driver opened the door for the both of them, making absolutely no remark and with no betrayal on face of what had been heard in muffled ways (the two of them had been loud enough and without a proper spell to keep noise out? Yeah, there had been some leak through all considered.

His head slipped against that shoulder as his fingers clung lightly into shirt, the sweet scent of his mate's musk enfolding him as Bren carried him through hallways and toward his suite of rooms which he used for sleeping. By extension his workroom was apart of it, but the connecting door into that chamber assuredly would lead to his bedroom. And such a bedroom it was, shrouded in darkness.

It was a room not terribly lived in, kept silent like a mausoleum. He'd never shared it before so it lacked the personal notes that the other areas of Widogast Manor possessed in abundance; it was a lonely room but it was perfectly safe and set up in such a way that the Drowpire could obtain his rest; the first time that anyone other than Caleb had entered this sanctuary.

Once inside those doors, Essek pressed prestidigitation over the both of them so that they could at least be clean, although he was happy to note despite his tiredness, that there was a scent of musk that still permeated them; and he wanted that-- he wanted to fall into Bren's arms tired and with the last thing that assaulted his senses being that of Bren's own scent wrapped around him. ]

The first thing I do is make sure that the lock on the door is secure. Also, there is a secret passage that leads from your room to mine, I never told you because I worried about your safety but if you need to leave for any reason, it is the best way to come and go. [ Caleb had insisted that it be there in case of emergancies, and there was a branching path that led underground to the cellars. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was grateful for the driver's discretion at not mentioning the things that he had undoubtedly heard -- or the clear tears in the seat that he could certainly see. He nodded in gratitude as the man held the door, taking Essek in his arms and making his way through the manor. Essek was light as a whispered prayer in his arms, but he still held him carefully, his precious treasure to be treated as such.

Eventually he stepped through Essek's workroom into the bedchamber where he had not yet been. There was something tomblike about it, but there was life enough in it with the two of them here -- Essek warm and alive in his arms from the blood that he'd taken not long before.

Carefully, he settled his mate gently on his bed before going to make certain that the door was indeed locked, secure and safe against the oncoming day. That done he stepped out of his shoes and moved to join Essek on the bed, leaning over him, one arm propped to the far side of his body as he loomed over the drowpire.]

That is good to know, that I can be here quickly if I should ever need to. ...though I will spend the days with you as long as I'm allowed to.

[Right here by his side, a faithful guardian to make certain that neither the day nor any creature who moved about in it could even dream of touching his mate, his beloved.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The lethargy was starting to spread through him and so he was grateful that Bren was taking the initiative to make sure that everything was secure and firmly locked. Even though his wing was kept fairly dark, there was still ways for the sunlight to get through if one was not careful. From where he laid on the bed, he directed Bren with what he needed to do in order to secure the area.

However it was only a matter of time before Bren returned and Essek had finished the prestidigitation, and so when Bren came to loom, he looked up into that face gratefully and then he pulled the other man down to settle close to him. ]

Promise me that if I attempt to feed on you in my sleep, you will restrain me?

[ And that was what Essek was worried about, he was worried that he would in his sleep dream of blood and then latch onto the nearest warm thing to satiate his hunger when he did not know himself, when he was not aware-- and then he would hurt Caleb, and now in this case.. it was Bren, though Bren was perhaps better proof against nature than his human lover had been . ]

I need this promise, Bren.. if anything happened to you, I would...

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren would not allow any daylight to find its way into this sanctuary, nor anyone else. It would be them and the darkness and the safety woven of their proximity. He followed Essek's instructions with careful but quick efficiency, making certain that nothing was missed, that no chances were taken.

And as he settled in close beside his lover, he looked over in surprise at the promise that the vampire requested. He probably should not have been surprised; Essek would worry about his safety. For a moment he opened his mouth to protest that he knew Essek would not hurt him, that he was certain of it. But that was not what his mate needed to hear.

So instead he leaned over to press a kiss to Essek's forehead.]

I promise. I will make certain that you do nothing in your slumber that you would regret upon waking.

[He shifted to rest his forehead against Essek's instead.] You will not hurt me. The sun will set and you will wake in my arms and we will meet the night together again.

[zauberdecke]

[ It was rare for Essek to show vulnerability to anyone; he was an ice palace-- had always been except when it came to this soul and then he was not unafraid to show it, show that he trusted Bren with this part of himself, as fragile and as crystal as fine glass imported from Emon. A smile of relief crossed over his lips even as he slowly snaked his fingers around the shoulders.. he felt so heavy, like he was being weighed back down.

Once upon a time, he tranced. Soft hums and vibrations as he fell into that which elves did. However, that had been robbed of him and now he sank like a heavy stone into a pool of darkness, where no light could reach, where he was not allowed back up until just before the sun sank down into the horizon. A kiss but this time it was sweetly clumsy, finding a jaw more than anything else. ]

I trust you to do that for me. [ And then he tugged Bren so that he could lay on top of him, a weighted blanket of his own.. warm and smelling of pheremones that he recognized on an instinctual and core level. ] I.. love you...

[ His eyes then fell shut, his head fell back and then he so very still, whatever breath that he'd been given ceased to be though-- because of Bren's blood, his own skin stayed far warmer than it would've throughout the night, likely kept warm at least surfacely by his mate. ]