Chapter 122

   Matt felt his eyes glazing over. His body was enthusiastically endorsing the idea. It had been so long since he’d been intimate with anyone. He shuddered at the memory of Aaron’s penis slowly penetrating his body.

   “Okay.”

   Blade pushed him down to the ground and knelt in front of him. Matt opened his mouth slightly as Blade began to kiss him. He moaned softly in pleasure. Onyx knelt on the other side of Blade and began kissing his neck.

   Matt barely noticed Aaron and Ice undressing him. Every brush of their hands enflamed his passion. By the time he was naked, he was bursting with need. He lay on the grass and watched as the other men stripped.

   “Do you have the cream?” Aaron asked.

   “Of course! This isn’t my first time.” Blade replied.

   Matt wondered about the cream and what it was used for. Aaron lay down beside him and the other men urged Matt to straddle him. Matt stared down at his brother-in-law as he slowly lowered himself down on Aaron’s erection. He was aroused, but not really ready so it was a tight fit. By the time he’d fully engulfed the other man, they were both panting with desire.

   Blade moved around and straddled Aaron, impaling himself on Matt’s own erection. Matt thrust eagerly into his warm, wet depths. Blade chuckled. “Patience. No moving until everyone’s in position.”

    Matt started as he felt Onyx’s fingers slowly stroking his anus. He tensed as they entered him.

   “Relax. Tensing up will only make it worse.” Onyx whispered into his ear. He tried to follow that advice. It seemed to work as there was only a little pain when Onyx finally entered him.

I   ce had been sitting like a statue throughout this, now he moved to stand in front of Matt. Matt opened his mouth to permit access. He choked a little. This was only the second time he’d done this. Finally all of them were in position. They began to move carefully against his body, trying to find a rhythm. Matt dug his nails into Ice’s thighs, drawing blood. There was a sharp hiss from the other man and he began to move more forcefully against his mouth. Aaron gave a sharp cry of pain as Blade bit him. Ice’s hands tightened painfully in Matt’s hair. The pain was soon lost in a wave of pleasure as the men spilled their seed deep inside Matt’s body. He thrust one last time into Blade as he found his own release.

   Ice withdrew as the other men collapsed. Matt rolled onto his side, still joined with Blade and Onyx. Ice stretched out on the other side of Aaron.    

   “Wow. That was wow.” Matt said.

   “Yes, it was, wasn’t it?” Blade replied.

   “Yeah, but did you have to bite so hard.” Aaron complained.

   “Sorry, but you know how I react to the scent of blood. Even our blood.”

   Matt flushed as he remembered how he’d marked Ice. “Um, Ice, sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

   “I’ll live,” Ice said, drily. “You aren’t the first and you won’t be the last.”

   “Good.” He sat up and disentangled himself from their limbs. “I really ought to be going now.”

   “So soon? The night is still young.”

 

   Matt hastily dressed. He was consumed by a wave of guilt. He couldn’t believe that he’d done what he’d done. He vowed that he would never see Aaron or his friends ever again. It was just too tempting. He spent the rest of the night in prayer, trying to mitigate his guilt.

 

Chapter 121

   Aaron straightened Meghan’s collar. “It’s hard to believe you’re getting married today.”

   “I know, Uncle Aaron. I wish Dad was here though.”

   “Me too. He has to learn to accept who he is first. I’m not sure if he can.”

   Meghan hugged him. “I’m glad I’m not alone.”

   Aaron grinned. It wasn’t the first time he’d been the father of the bride, but it still made him sad. It was hard knowing that another little girl was grown up and moving out on her own.

   “You look beautiful. I’m sure you look as beautiful as your mother did on her wedding day.”

   “Or as beautiful as you did on yours?” Meghan asked mischievously.

   “Men aren’t beautiful. They’re handsome. Besides, it was just the two of us.”

   “Ice is beautiful. Like a statue.”

   “He believes in living up to his name. He’s much warmer when you get to know him. You should have thought of that before you agreed to marry his daughter.”

   “How come she’s his daughter but not yours?”

   “Long story,” Aaron replied curtly. He did not want to think of those years that Ice had been imprisoned, raped and tortured. Of course, Blade wouldn’t have come into his life without that time, but it still bothered him to think about it.

   The wedding ceremony was moving. All the girls dissolved into tears as Meghan and Abigail pledged their love to one another. Afterwards, the girls accepted congratulations from the family.

   They cut the cake and everyone ate, drank and danced in celebration.

   Aaron wandered away from the festivities. Ice followed him.

   “Penny for your thoughts?”

   “I was just thinking about our wedding.”

   “Do you regret not having your family present?”

   “No, my parents would never have approved. My father beat me for kissing a boy, what would he have done if he’d known I was marrying one?”

   “I’m sorry your family wasn’t more supportive, love.”

   “The wedding must have really gotten to you too. You almost never use pet names. I practically have to drag expressions of affection from you.” Aaron teased.

   “Perhaps. Weddings are a time to think of families, past and future. I wish I could have introduced you to mine.”

   “Really?” Aaron was surprised. Ice had never mentioned his own family before. Aaron had surmised that they had died years before.

   “Yes. I think my mother would have liked you, once she got over the shock of her precious baby boy marrying another man.”

   Aaron laughed at that.

   “What’s so funny?”

   “Just the thought of you being someone’s ‘precious baby boy’, I guess.”

   “Vampires have parents too, you know. Most of us are Made not born.”

   “I know, I know. I just can’t picture them. Did you have any siblings?”

   “Yes, an older brother and sister. That’s why I wasn’t ‘fixed’ at birth. My father had a male heir. It wasn’t important that his second son was a herm. He just wanted me to be happy.”

   “Are you?”

   “Yes. I love you, Aaron Aaeng King.”

   Aaron kissed him. “I love you too, Ice King.”

   A cough from the shadows distracted them from expressing their love.

   “Who’s there?” Aaron demanded.

   Matt stepped out of the shadows. He smiled hesitantly. “I didn’t want to miss my daughter’s wedding.”

   “She’s over there.” Ice gestured to the festivities in the distance.

   “So I see.”

   Aaron wondered why his brother-in-law wasn’t moving in that direction. He realized that Matt was staring at them embracing. He flushed when he realized that Matt was aroused. Ice was idly stroking his backside, watching Matt. Aaron wanted to shove Ice away. It wasn’t nice to deliberately arouse another.

   “So, Matt, you want to join in the festivities? Aaron and I were about to ‘celebrate’. Do you want to join us?” Ice offered in a soft voice.

   “Um.”

   “What’s going on over here?” A voice called from the darkness. Blade and Onyx approached the threesome. Aaron’s body tightened with desire.

   “I was offering to celebrate our daughter’s union with Matt.” Ice explained.

   “Really? I’m in.” Blade said laughter in his voice.

   “Is it even possible?” Onyx wanted to know.

   “It’s difficult, but not impossible.”

   “Do I want to know how you acquired that information?” Aaron asked Blade. Blade was easily the most experienced lover out of the four of them.

   “Probably not. That information would most likely blow your poor mortal mind.”

   “Um, what are you guys talking about?” Matt asked looking at them nervously.

   “Why having a fivesome, of course! With you in the middle position.” Blade replied grinning.

   “Oh, um, I’m not sure…”

   Blade glided over to him and planted a passionate kiss on his lips. “It’ll be an experience you won’t forget, Matthew…”

Chapter 120

   Matt ran home. He couldn’t believe that Aaron had suggested playing strip Twister. The mere thought was arousing. He had spent the past four years convincing himself that the events then had been an anomaly. There was no way he could visit Aaron’s home. No way at all. He would just pretend that nothing had happened. He’d gotten very good at that. His body protested his decision.

   Meghan was waiting for him in her room when he got home. “Meghan, we need to talk.”

   “Sure, Dad.”

   “I want you to know that I can’t publically support your chosen lifestyle.”

   “It’s not a choice. I didn’t choose to love her. It’s the way I am.”

   “I know, but I’ll have to disown if you go through with it.”

   “I love her. We’re getting married and that’s the end of it.”

   “Meghan, honey, you’ll break your mother’s heart.”

   “My mother doesn’t have a heart. I’ll be better off without her. Abby’s parents love me. That’s all that matters.”

 

   Matt was silent. He hated trying to talk her out of this. His back ached with the memory of his father ‘correcting’ his deviant behavior. “I just don’t want to see you hurt.”

   “I’ll hurt more by pretending to be someone I’m not. I know it won’t be easy, but it feels like the right thing to do for me. Please try to understand, Dad,” Meghan pleaded.

   Matt slowly walked out the door. If Ariel had her way, Matt would never see his daughter again. Never see his grandchildren. Silent tears streaked his face as he mourned all the memories he would never have. He wasn’t brave enough, strong enough to walk away from his life and start new. Walking away had broken Austin, he hoped that it wouldn’t break Meghan.

 

 

Chapter 119

   Aaron relaxed watching Nadia play. He was aware of his brother-in-law sitting next to him. Two years hadn’t done anything to abate the sexual tension between the two of them. So Meghan had told her father her plans to marry Abigail. Aaron was pleased to know this. He’d hated keeping the relationship secret. It had been awkward when Abigail brought Meghan home the first time. His acceptance of it had made him Meghan’s adult confidante.

   Nadia walked over to him. “Can we go home, uncle?”

   “Sure. It’s almost time for dinner anyway.”

   “Does that mean we can’t stop for ice cream on the way home?” She asked.

   “Yes. It means we can’t stop for ice cream. Onyx has been working hard to cook dinner and you shouldn’t spoil your appetite.” Aaron struggled not to laugh.

 

   She gave a big sigh and turned toward Matt. “Who are you?”

   “This is my friend, Matt. Matt, this is my niece, Nadia.”

   “Is he a friend like Ice and Blade and Onyx?”

   Aaron could tell that Matt was blushing at the question. “He’d like to be.”

  “You should be nice to him. It isn’t nice to ex-clude people.”

  “No, it isn’t. Do you want to join us for dinner, Matt?”

   “I should get home.”

   “Are you sure? We could play Twister after dinner.”

   “Twister.”

   “Sure, adult Twister. With penalties for getting the colors wrong.” Aaron desperately couldn’t help smiling invitingly at Matt. He was becoming aroused at the thought of twining his naked limbs with Matt’s naked limbs.  

   “N-no. I can’t do that.” Matt practically ran off. Aaron shook his head in sorrow. There was nothing worse than denying one’s nature.

Chapter 118

   Matt walked through the park. He’d found a long walk to be the best way to sort through his feelings. It had been four years since he’d cheated on his wife. His daughter Meghan was graduating soon, but that wasn’t what was troubling him. It was the fact that he’d caught her in a compromising situation with another girl. She’d been kissing Abigail King, a mixed color girl who was a year older than her.

   “Meghan, what are you doing?” Matthew cried surprised at seeing his daughter half-naked in bed with a girl.

    His daughter answered defiantly, “What does it look like I’m doing, Dad?” She didn’t even bother to cover herself, so he got a good look at her breasts.

   The other girl just lounged there unconcerned about her nudity. Matt fought desperately to keep from blushing. “You can’t do that here, with her?”

   “Why not? I’m eighteen, she’s nineteen. We’re both of age. I love her. I don’t care that she’s a girl or mixed. We’re getting married as soon as I graduate.”

   “You can’t do that!” He protested feebly.

   “Why not?”

    “Well, because, your mother has already made inquiries about marrying you to a nice purple boy.” He floundered. He felt like the world’s biggest hypocrite. How could he condemn his daughter for doing the exact same thing he’d done and still wanted to do?

   “I’m not interested in any boy, purple or otherwise. I like girls. I’ve always liked girls. Nothing you can do or say will change my mind. I’m not marrying some boy just to make Mother happy. I don’t want a loveless marriage like yours.”

   “Meghan,” Matt said, “we’ll talk about this later. For now could your friend get dressed and go home? I can’t tell you who to love, but I can forbid you from having sex while you live under my roof.”

   “Fine. Abby, I’ll see you later.” Meghan leaned over and enthusiastically kissed the other girl before letting her go. Matt made sure the girl left. He knew he should talk to his daughter, but he just couldn’t do it right then. He grabbed his jacket and went for a walk in the park.

   As he walked through the park, he noticed a familiar face sitting on the bench. His body tightened with desire as he watched his brother-in-law. He hadn’t seen Aaron at all since Austin’s death. There had been a huge fight between Aaron and his parents over Aaron’s adopting of Austin’s mixed color child. Two years hadn’t diminished Matt’s feelings for the man. He slowly walked over and sat down beside him.

   “Matt!” Aaron greeted him surprised.

   “Aaron. How are you doing?”

   “I’m fine. I decided to take Nadia to the park since it’s such a nice day today."

   “Nadia?”

   “Austin’s daughter,” Aaron explained.

   Matt looked at the toddlers playing on the playground. One of the little girls was obviously Nadia, but he couldn’t tell which one. He was conscious of the scent of Aaron’s aftershave. His body was so hard, so ready, Matt just wanted to strip his clothes off and screw him. It had been four years since he’d been with anybody. He just couldn’t muster any interest in his wife. He shifted uneasily on the bench. This was a bad idea. A very bad idea.

   “How are you doing?” Aaron’s question startled him from his daydream.

   “Fine.”

   “How’s Ariel?”

   “She’s fine.”

   “And the children?”

   “They’re fine, too.”

   “Really?”

   “No, Meghan’s in love with some girl. They’re planning on getting married after she graduates. Ariel doesn’t know.”

   “I know.”

   “What do you mean you know?” Matt didn’t see how Aaron knew.

   “Abigail told us. She and Ice are currently negotiating the wedding budget.”

   “I don’t understand.”

   “Abigail is Ice’s daughter. She’s the one marrying Meghan.”

   “Don’t you think it’s a little weird marrying her cousin?” Matt wanted to know. Granted in his hometown it was common enough to preserve color purity, but he had been here long enough to know that cousins didn’t usually marry cousins.

   “Abigail’s not my daughter. She’s my step-daughter. Besides they weren’t raised together. It’d be weird if she was marrying Brandon.”

   “Isn’t Brandon Ice’s son?”

   “No, he’s Onyx’s son. They aren’t related, but were raised together, so…”

   Matt nodded in understanding. “I just want Meghan to be happy. I’m not sure if she’ll be happy cut off from her family.”

   “She won’t be cut off from all her family. She’ll have me and her cousins and uncles and Abigail’s siblings. Blade thinks it would be amusing to invite the press to the wedding.”

   Matt shuddered at that thought. The daughter of the PPP’s leaders and the daughter of their primary target marrying? It would be a publicity nightmare. “You convinced him not to?”

   “Onyx did. The day should be about the girls, not their parents’ feud.”

   “I can’t public give my blessing, but will you let her know she has it?”

   Aaron nodded. Matt leaned back against the bench, watching the children play.

Chapter 117

   Aaron walked up the walk. He was there to pick up his niece. It had taken months but Aaron had finally been granted custody of Austin’s daughter. Part of the problem he knew was that the child was of mixed color. There were significant legal hurdles for adopting a mixed color child than for a pure blood child. The fact that Aaron had to keep the whole procedure secret didn’t help matters.

   He smiled warmly at Nadia. “Hi, munchkin. Are you ready to go home?”

   She just stared at him. The social worker assured him that this wasn’t uncommon. It would take time for her to warm up to him.

   He knelt and picked the girl up. She felt so light in his arms, much lighter than any of his children at the same age.

   “You’re going to love it there. You’ll have plenty of older brothers and sisters to play with and help take care of you. Your uncles will also take care of you. Nothing’s going to harm you.”

   “Well, Mr. King, all the paperwork is order. You can take your niece home now. I’ll be stopping by periodically over the next couple of years to assure that she’s being properly cared for,” the social worker said.

   Aaron nodded, shifting the girl in his arms. “I assure you I know how to care for a child. I’ve raised plenty of them.”

   “I know. That experience convinced my superiors that you would make a proper guardian for her. There aren’t many people who would adopt a mixed color child even if she is their own flesh and blood.”

   “There are some who wouldn’t adopt her regardless of their blood kinship. Families can be crueler than strangers,” Aaron replied softly.

   “Good luck, Mr. King.”

   He turned and walked out the door. It was easy to get her home. She was so quiet, so reserved. He was used to toddlers wailing and making a fuss about riding in the car. None of his children enjoyed being restrained in their car seats, though most of them tolerated it eventually.

   He carried Nadia to the nursery that she would be sharing with his youngest son, Benjamin. The other sixteen children still living at home had outgrown the nursery.

   “Hey, Aaron,” Blade said wrapping arms around Aaron’s waist, “Is that your niece?”

   “Yeah.” He watched the sleeping toddler.

   “You made the right decision, adopting her. We support you one hundred percent.” Blade kissed his temple lightly.

   “Thanks. It helps. I just wish the rest of my family accepted her. How can I tell her that her family wants nothing to do with her?”

   Blade was silent for a moment before replying. “The same way you’ve told your other children. Your parents are idiots to reject them just because of their color and they’re better off not knowing them.”

   “I love you, Blade.” Aaron turned around and kissed his lover tenderly. The little girl sleeping in the crib would never know hunger or want or neglect. She would be raised in a loving supportive family. Aaron just wished he could have helped his brother. He wondered if Austin’s overdose was an accident or deliberate. The police had ruled it an accident, but there was the lingering suspicion that he’d killed himself. Aaron had felt that way when he’d been thrown out of the house. If Ice hadn’t taken him in, Aaron wasn’t sure that he would have had a different fate. He vowed that he wouldn’t let that happen to his niece.

 

Chapter 116

   Aaron glanced over the morning newspaper. It had been two years since his brief fling with his brother-in-law, Matt. Their friendship had become strained because of that. Also, Ariel’s fanaticism about the color purity issue made Aaron uncomfortable. It was getting harder and harder to pretend to agree with her. He loved his boyfriends and didn’t care that they were not purples. It didn’t matter to him that only one of his children was pure purple. A brief article in the local news section caught his eye.

“Unknown male found dead of an overdose in an alley behind a notorious sex club. He was discovered by police in the course of another investigation. Authorities are asking anyone who can identify him to please step forward.”

   Aaron paled as he studied the man’s face. It was his brother Austin.

   “Hey, Aaron, are you okay?” Onyx asked noticing his expression.

   In reply, Aaron shoved the paper toward him. Onyx looked at the photo puzzled. “Do you know him?”

   “Yes, I think it’s my younger brother, Austin.”

   “Are you sure? You’ve only met him once.”

   “Pretty sure.”

   “Do you want me to go with to identify him?”

   Aaron shook his head. If Onyx went with him, everyone at the station would assume that they were a couple. The last thing Aaron wanted was to be outed by the police. The law permitted mixed-color relationships, in theory, but there were plenty of cops who privately supported the pure color movements. Aaron had been arrested a few times demonstrating for the PPP. It would be a major scandal if he was found consorting with someone of another color.

   Aaron slowly walked up the steps to the police department. It wouldn’t be easy for him to do this, but Austin deserved a decent burial. Also, Aaron suddenly remembered there was a child to think about.

   “Can I help you, sir?” The desk sergeant asked.

   “Yes. I’m here to identify a body,” Aaron nervously responded.

   “Which one?”

   Aaron showed him the newspaper photo. “I think it’s my brother.”

   The man smiled sympathetically and got another officer to escort him to the morgue.

   The coroner pulled back the sheet so Aaron could look at the face. He studied it. “I think that’s him.”

   “You think?”

   “Well, I only met him once a couple of years ago. He was born after I left home and I’m estranged from my parents, so…” He shrugged.

   “Would you object to a DNA test?”

   Aaron shook his head. The sample was collected within minutes and Aaron made arrangements for the body to be transported to a mortuary. He also let the police know that Austin had been pregnant when he’d seen him last. The detective assured him that they would look for the child. All in all, it had been a stressful day and he was glad to get home.