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

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was only this vulnerable and submissive for his mate, for Essek and no one else. He had indeed growled and bared his teeth at the other wolves who had the audacity to look at his mate. And he would do so again undoubtedly. That feral edge to the werewolf would be brought to bear to protect the vampire who held his heart. And the wolf inside him, oh yes, that wolf wanted to claim his mate again and again.

The thought of having Essek beneath him, of claiming him in his other form was now in his mind, and that would not be leaving any time soon.]

My mate... [If he were a cat he'd purr, because those words are some of the most delicious he will ever hear. He turned into that touch, gaze full of adoration and interest and then his eyes were almost entirely pupil as Essek said those words.

He may not have had a tail at the moment physically, but somehow it was wagging anyway. Bren half choked on a whimper.]

I will be very good.

[zauberdecke]

[ Such did not escape Essek's notice when it came to Bren. He noticed the feral growl that curled at the very edge of acceptable in public, the harsh way that he stared at those who approached, mainly of wolf lineage. And Essek knew that much of it was not on a level that was licentious; there was hatred as wolves and vampires were supposed to be natural enemies. For a were to take a vampire as a mate therefore was simply not done; so he felt protected in those arms.

But just as much, Essek was protective of Bren.

The other man thought that he could keep all the wolves at bay, but Essek was practical to know that perhaps Bren alone against them may not ensure survival. Survival that was very important to him because he wanted the two of them to survive together. In which way he would help the other man and thus he pressed a soft kiss to that brow, tasting the purr in the air. ]

I know you will be good for me. [ He glanced up and around, the darkened room and the lights that strobed, and noises that filtered throughout this club. His fingers found the soft strands of hair. ] Now, I am never a fan of too many crowds so if you wish, we may return to the house? I believe our message has been sent to the recipient we wished for it to be sent; Trent Ikithon knows that we both know what he did and that he will pay for it.

[ And to clarify his previous words. ] Shall we return home?

[ To Widogast Manor, to their world. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren had forgotten where they were, but at the reminder, all the sounds and scents of other people, other wolves, came rushing back all at once. It started the soft sound of a growl in his chest before he realized he was doing it. He may have submitted to his mate -- eagerly -- but the rest of the crowd would be treated only to the territorial wolf who would bare his teeth at anyone who even considered threatening his mate.

They were indeed protective of each other, and with Essek at his side, so much of Bren's terror at the world had disappeared. He was healing piece by piece in the drow's arms. Essek was good for him, and someday those barriers of magic that Trent had placed around the essence inside him that was Caleb would be torn aside, and he'd be whole.

Bren leaned into that touch through his hair, a softening sound that soothed the growl in his voice into a soft, thoughtful hum at the thought of home.]

Ja. Let's go home. I am ready to have you all to myself for the night.

[Essek would still find himself with a very clingy werewolf for the evening, after the rush of their little scene and the lingering afterglow of his submission, and the pull of the moon to stay near and protect what was his.]

...I should find my clothes.

[zauberdecke]

[ already the Unseen Servants were picking up garments and carrying them back to Bren; as if the garments were made of gold; though they were finely crafted by Essek's own hand. Essek brushed a soft kiss against the collarbone, tasting salt there-- and then he pulled himself away so that he could straighten his own clothing. Bren's vantage point, he'd get to see exactly how he had ruined the drowpire.

The tussled hair that was normally so effortlessly styled, the barely there wrinkles in clothing, the rip in the stockings from their union; perhaps there was still a bit of a bruise against his neck from where they had fucked in the backseat of the car a few days ago-- a bright purple spot that should've been an impossibility due to his vampirism but rather seemed to catch and hold like a dark star of passion.

And yet he still attempted to make sense of it even if it was perhaps a lost cause, and that he would become rumpled once again, and likely by the hands of his mate. ] Do you need help standing? I may have been a contributing cause to that. [ And that smile was all beatific mischief with eyes that sparkled in equal parts gold and amethyst. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Through an impressive display of self control he did not protest as Essekpulled away. Immediately he missed his mate's arms, but they would be back in one another's embrace soon, surely. So Bren could be a little patient, even with the full moon waiting for him the next coming night.

Bren took back his clothes, righting them before he considered the best way to rather gingerly go about reclothing himself. When the drowpire made that comment, he could feel his cheeks heat, a fresh and florid flush rising beneath sunkissed freckles.]

You are the entirety of the cause of it... and you should be congratulated for the entire event. [He narrowed his eyes playfully, but reached a hand out towards him.] I may need to be steadied. I do not trust my legs not to shake.

[Or the rest of him, for that matter. But he was not complaining about any of it.]

[zauberdecke]

[ No amount of chagrin could take away the inner smugness that his wolf mate would be dripping from the inside out-- perhaps a simple prestidigitation spell could've sufficed but Essek found that he much rather that the were-man be allowed to percomelate for a little bit; there was something quite self-indulgent about knowing that particular bit of information.

A smile crossed over his lips before he wandered over to offer his hand. ] You will find that I am fairly sturdy despite my smaller stature, I am more than capable of supporting your weight.

[ Go on, put those pants on-- Essek would make sure that gravity at least for the time being stoppered up the other man, at least until he was able to drip properly; within a space space and where Essek could fully appreciate it. The scent though also would have the added benefit in riling up the wolves as they walked out, with the vampire having thoroughly not just scent-marked but rather scent-soaked the other man. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Essek would find no argument from Bren on the fact that he was still utterly full of his lovers' seed, that by all rights, he ought to be dripping from his well-used hole that was still working to clench around nothing after being so stretched around two versions of his mate at the same time. He would take the magic for what it was though, managing not to squirm too much at the thought of, well, percomelating.

He took Essek's hand to help steady himself and managed to work his trousers back on without too much incident.]

I would not doubt your strength.

[Vampire and all. Caleb was stronger than he looked as well, but he was also a fucked out mess at the moment, still half floating on the rush of orgasm after having been denied and teased for so long before.

Dressed again, he still had not released Essek's hand.]

We can go home now?

[zauberdecke]

[ the plaintive look in Bren's eyes, well he was absolutely no proof against that.

Instead Essek righted himself quickly and perhaps he used mage hand to assist in the process, but only because he did not want to spend anymore time then he absolutely had to apart from the werewolf. So once he was done up again, he moved to wrap his arms around that waist. ]

You require a bit of aftercare, and I refuse to do the majority of it in this too-loud club.

[ Essek had after all pushed Bren to his limits and in which case, Bren needed to be eased down off of that high; this meant of course that Bren would need to be cuddled and held for as much as possible. It was after all, a sort of self-care for Essek too for it had been strenuous denying Bren when all he had wanted to do was give him everything. ] We will go home, cuddle down and prepare ourselves mentally for tomorrow night, yes?

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren looked relieved at this, and at Essek coming close once more, sinking into those arms around him as if they were a promise of safety and completeness. And weren't they? This was where he belonged, just here beside his mate, wherever life took them.

It was true he had been brought to the very edge of his limits, of what he could endure without shattering apart, and the thrill of that was still saturated into his blood. The idea of being able to go home to the manor, to their safe and secure home and spend the rest of the evening cuddled up with the drowpire was the single most appealing thing that the werewolf could picture.]

That sounds perfect to me. You will let me sleep the day with you again?

[It had gone very well before, after all. No harm had been done, and Bren had adored waking up beside his mate as the sun set and day released its hold on his vampire lover.]

[zauberdecke]

I would let you sleep with me, yes.

[ And he'd enjoyed that, the feeling of waking up in Bren's arms and with those lips pressed against his cool lips, as if awakening him from death's slumber. It was something out of a fairytale, the way that love's true kiss awakened him; and then that offered neck as he had been given breakfast in bed; the hot sweet pour of blood into his mouth while he lapped and sucked-- feeling the werewolf tremble within the circle of his arms.

He was filled with the senses of his mate and he would settle himself close to the other man on the way back home. He had a few things to do tonight, such as giving everyone the night off tomorrow-- so that the only people in Widogast Manor would be himself and Bren. ]

I will take care of you tonight, my darling.. my Chathtiu.

[ausgebrannt]

Good. I like that.

[He liked it so much. It soothed that instinct in him to safeguard his mate, to be close to him, and to take a certain amount of feeling safe and protected in his presence in turn. They were stronger together. They had always been stronger together.]

Keep me with you. That will be care taken enough.

[He was understating it. The werewolf very desperately needed to be held, to hold in return, to ground himself in the drowpire's presence.

Bren would linger close to Essek as they made their way out of the club and back to the car. He may have been walking on slightly weak and wobbly legs, but that did not stop him from glowering at any wolf who let their gaze linger to long on Essek, a low growl starting in his throat. Still too close to the moon for him not to be feeling protective and territorial where his mate was concerned.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek did not believe that for a second, that Bren did not need that aftercare that he offered. He would make him accept it however; with arms that were tender and loving-- would stroke locks of amber fire and press kisses against that brow. All of the affection would be lavished on his soul's heart and the werewolf would be powerless to stop it. Just as the wolves were powerless to stop their speedy exit.

Essek nodded to Astarion as he walked by, a silent bid to 'keep the leashes on these werewolves strong' and then he was guiding Bren into the car so that they could ride back toward Widogast Manor. Within, he drew Bren into his arms and allowed for that cuddling while all around them the world passed by in a blur of motion.

Back into Widogast Manor, Essek left Bren very briefly so that he could let the staff know what the plans were for next night-- he gave them a rather hefty stipind to go out, enjoy themselves, party if they must and then return to the grounds once the sun rose where it would be business as usual. There was little questions though he could tell that there were some that got it (Cadeucus and Beau) but protection would be had; then he returned to Bren, so that he could continue the aftercare and then move onto the precare of just before the moon.

Those activities included a leisurely bath for the both of them, making sure that Bren had a good meal and was wrapped up in blankets; he tenderly plaited his love's hair and even gave him a manicure and pedicure, every single gesture was filled with love, so much love and then an hour before dawn, they retired to Essek's room where Essek continued to hold Bren until it was impossible to do so any longer, until he was the one who needed to be wrapped up in Bren's protective embrace, as the mantle of sleep wrapped around him.

Knowing that when they both woke up the next evening, they would have little time before Bren's transformation. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was thoroughly pampered by the drowpire, and bit by bit he seemed to settle back into himself. Essek was truly spoiling him, and he felt a bit overwhelmed by it, but he also wanted nothing more than to stay close to him.

By the time the sun rose and he lost Essek to the light, he was ready to drift off to sleep himself. His arms were settled securely around the other man, and he fell asleep that way, curled around him, exhausted from the night before, even if his blood was aboil with the impending moon that would rise the next night.

When day faded and darkness settled in once more, when Essek began to return to himself, Bren would already be awake, still curled around him but tense. More tense than he'd been since that night that Essek found him in the woods and brought him back home.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek could feel the tenseness, it was the first thing he noticed-- the muscles were straining and every part was clenched; he could feel himself spiraling awake as he realized what time it was, the moon would be out soon, very soon-- within the hour; which meant that no time could be wasted. He remembered what he had promised Bren, that he would subdue him until they figured out how they would react to each other with the change.

They could not know how the bond would endure this.

He pressed a kiss to that forehead and then he wiggled his lethargic limbs to will life back into them and then he was searching for the rope that he had tucked within the drawers of his beside table. Once produced, he laid it on the bed and then he lifted his fingers to lightly curl through Bren's locks of hair. ]

Are you ready to be tied down, Chathtiu?

[ It ached that this would have to be done, but it had been Caleb's request, perhaps some deep seated fear that he'd hurt him, and Essek would respect those wishes. Underneath his fingertips, Bren felt feverish to the touch-- as if the beast was already struggling to get out. ] Will you be good for me?

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's eyes shut briefly at the press of those lips to his forehead, remembering that he probably ought to breathe. Essek was right. He did feel feverish. Too hot, too restless, too close. His eyes were wide, blue subsumed by the black of pupils, a total eclipse that left only a small cerulean penumbra at the outer edges.]

I am ready. Hurry, please.

[He did not want to take the chance of being loose when the change took him. What if he tried to hurt Essek? What if he succeeded? But he still looked to Essek at that question, nodding.]

Always, Sternenlicht.

[And he managed a flicker of a smile.] We should try this sometime when the situation is less dire...

[Tie him up for fun sometime, Essek. Could be a good time.]

[zauberdecke]

[ For a moment there was a bit of shock that Bren could manage a dose of levity, and then it sank in and he chuckled softly, even as he started to ease Bren onto his back and in a position where Essek could easily curl around the werewolf and lavish love on him.

Once his mate was in the appropriate place, he looped and knotted the rope around wrists. ] I promise you, when I tie you up.. I will use silk scarves. Unfortunately this is only utilitarian and I am afraid I will have to kiss much life into your wrists come the descent of the moon.

[ His lover deserved to be tied up yes, but he wanted there to be pleasure there, wanted to undo the werewolf; perhaps in the next week when Bren would be at his most submissive, all pliant and eager to please him. ] I promise you, there is not a should involved-- but rather, a will.

[ausgebrannt]

[That smile softened as Essek chuckled, the small moment to diffuse the tension that threatened to overwhelm the werewolf entirely. He would trust Essek to bind him securely, so that even in his other form he would not be able to tear the bonds free if he happened to sink into a frenzy at the presence of another after his change.

He settled back, letting Essek manipulate his limbs as he needed.]

Silk? You spoil me.

[Tonight though, the ropes, and really Bren would have been even happier were their chains. But he would trust this would do.]

If this goes badly, you will leave me here, ja? You promise. You will put distance between us and leave me to the change before I can get free of this bindings.

[zauberdecke]

Despite your own opinion of yourself, you do deserve silk, Bren Ermendrud.

[ He was tightening the knots, making sure that they were secure. He would cut the other man out of them in the morning but for now they would do as he first did one and then the other in a series of complicated fastenings; he could've made it an art but for right now he was relying on expediency. ] If it helps soothe you, this rope is also magically fortified and will only be undone with a verbal component that only I know.

[ which was why the rope was not mind-numbingly tight. ]

If things go south, I need you to trust me in that I know how to take care of myself. I do not intend on meeting my end this day-- if you are able to work free of these fastenings, then I will merely dimension door away from you until you grow tired.

[ This was a compromise; Essek would tie Bren up, but he would not leave the other man-- because he would not abandon his mate. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren opened his mouth to protest that but closed it before he spoke. Essek meant those words, didn't he? So he wouldn't argue the point, would try to believe it himself. For now though he watched as those knots were tied.

Magic rope was good. He nodded. That was for the best. The wolf was strong, frighteningly strong.]

...Essek...

[A soft protest, lips pressing into a pout. Essek was not willing to leave him at all, was he? But after a moment, he nodded. He would trust the drowpire to be able to keep himself safe. He had to trust that.]

Ah... you have not eaten dinner. There is time before moonrise still. [He lifted his chin to bare his neck. Eat, Essek. Bren wanted him to be at his full strength.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek had not eaten, and he probably would not have thought about it except that Bren called him out; once the knots were in place he leaned back and regarded the ginger man, all pale skin and haired chest; he was attempting to imagine this man covered with hair within his transformation, and then he blinked a bit as he was drawn back to the practicalities. ]

Ah, you do bring up an excellent point.

[ Finally Essek settled himself close to where Bren was laying down, and then he leaned down to nuzzle and hunt right against the neck, his teeth grazing. ] You are so good, offering me food.

[ He was dragging his teeth until finally he was creating a scratch that leaked a small copper trail, and then his tongue was pressing flat against the wound created, however miniscule it was. The deeper fact of the matter though was that every blood drawn was blood that strengthened their bond and finally he pierced that flesh in the exact place that was his favorite. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Something in Bren settled in the moment those teeth pierced his skin. Some of the tension of the oncoming change easing as if held at bay while Essek took sustenance from him. His eyes fluttered briefly before falling shut.

His hands tested the ropes subconsciously, mostly because his fingers already ached to slip into the drowpire's hair. Alas that would have to wait for later. He could take the reassurance and pleasure from the feeding though.]

It is... ah... not without a selfish motivation. I love the way you flush when my blood is in your veins.

[It appeals to that possessive claim of mate that every fiber of his being insisted was true.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There was something beautiful about the communion that he was taking, with Bren his religion-- the only religion that he had never needed in his life. Even when they had been together before Essek's world sundered, the only deity he had ever needed was Caleb. The blood flushed hot against his tongue and he lapped at it, drinking from the other man firmly while his fingers curled into forearms.

Tongue swiped and his mouth captured and sucked that sweet life force. If he was not worried of agonizing the werewolf, he would've allowed his fingers to slip into trousers to give him much needed relief of tension, but he did not want to tease the werewolf unnecessarily; there was a time and a place for edging his mate and this was not it. ]

Thank you for allowing me this.

[ In between the flat of his tongue pressing downward to glean every last drop ] Oh, so you like it when I draw blood from your delicous self.. M'hrandii? I promise you are all the sustenance that I desire or need, you are my exclusive source of nourishment now. [ a bit of teasing coyness entered his voice, although his mouth did not do anything selfish as of yet, still grazing the testing phases of what was acceptable just before Bren made the change.

But also reassuring that possessive part of Bren that he knew did not want his mouth on anyone else; he'd let go of that gloried blood store with a gift for years service as he thought was perfectly acceptable ]

[ausgebrannt]

I love it.

[Bren admitted, voice a bit breathless and eyes mostly shut. He would be all too happy to be the only neck that Essek's mouth sought to feed from. He'd never expected to be the possessive type, but the bond between them drew at the wolf in him. This was his mate, and he wanted to be the one to care for him, always, in whatever way he could.

In that moment the tension had eased from him slightly, though it was the briefest calm before the storm. The moon was starting to rise, climbing its way into the sky, and Bren's blood was stirring to meet it.]

Essek...

[And then it was back, the tension, the fear.]

It is starting. You should... you should move away. Please.

[zauberdecke]

[ In this moment, with that fear in Bren's eyes. That was exactly why Essek would respect the request, he drew his mouth away from the neck and then he slowly slid off the bed. Somehow he knew that it would kill him to see the transformation and be able to do nothing about it-- and there was some anxiety in his eyes even though he stood then and then he slowly averted his eyes to give the werewolf privacy within his change.

He had an idea of what to expect, Bren had even told him-- carefully guided him through the steps and yet still he was frightened. No, not of being frightend-- but of seeing Bren in convulsed in pain.

And though the gesture saddened him, he did walk to across the room so as to give Bren the benefit of space, even though he hoped and prayed that through it all Bren would recognize him as mate. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren watched Essek move away, and something in him ached to cry out for him to stay, but he wouldn't. He would never risk the other man's safety, could not bear the thought of hurting him, could not bear the thought of losing him the way he'd lost his family.

So it was best for him to be far from him.

The change began with a strange, sickening cracking as his joints and bones dislocated and broke before reforming in a new and inhuman shape. They shifted beneath his skin, and Bren felt as if his entire body was tearing apart. It was always this way, always pain. There were some werewolves who had learned to control the change enough that it did not feel like being torn limb from limb, but Trent had never saw any reason for his wolves to learn that. The pain would hone them into something sharper, more dangerous.

Bren's mouth opened, lips parting around a silent cry of agony. He did not scream. He was not allowed to scream. He did arch sharply off the bed, straining against his bindings as his body reshaped itself.

Fur crawled its way over his body, a familiar ginger color, as if even being a monster could not change that part of him. Eventually the change ended and he collapsed back to the bed, a low, lupine whine slipping free. He was larger than he'd been, wicked fangs and sharp claws, lean, dangerous muscle beneath the thick finger fur. His eyes though, they remained a familiar bright blue. He panted softly, catching his breath back from the transformation.]