Chapter 100

 

   The man guided Matt around the club. Not only was there dancing on the stage, there was a great deal of activity in the various areas of the club. Matt firmly kept his eyes forward. He couldn’t believe that people would do that in public where anyone could see.

   “Is that allowed?” He asked.

   “Yes, as long as both parties consent. We encourage people to move upstairs, but if you don’t want to see, then you shouldn’t come in.”

   “Is it legal?”

   “The owners make sure that no one causes problems. The employees are licensed professionals.”

   “Oh, um, I guess I should pay you then.”

   “For this, you need to pay for a couple of overpriced drinks. Anything more would cost you. Do you see him?”

 

   “No, not yet. Wait! There he is.” Matt pointed to a couple sitting in a corner. Aaron was straddling the man’s lap. His head was flung back while the man was busy kissing Aaron’s chest. The dim light made it difficult for Matt to see him properly, but he thought the man wasn’t a purple. Aaron was clearly enjoying what was happening. Matt slowly approached the couple. As he got closer, he could see that Aaron’s pants were undone, revealing his erection.

   As he watched, Aaron’s lover eased his pants off, so Aaron was nude. Aaron shifted his position so he could impale himself on the other’s erection. Matt swallowed at the sight of his brother-in-law having sex with another man in public.

   Matt paused in a shadowed area nearby. It gave him a clear view but hid him from the other couple. His escort slipped his arms around him.

   “Well, well, well, that is a very impressive view,” he whispered into Matt’s ear. Matt knew he should say something, do something, but he couldn’t. He started as he felt hands undoing his own pants. A draft caused him to shiver. Somehow his pants were down around his ankles and hands were busy stroking his erect shaft.

   “Don’t,” he moaned, thrusting against the man’s hands. He could feel the other’s erection pressing into his backside.

   “Don’t what? Don’t do this,” he inquired, sliding a finger inside of Matt, “or don’t stop doing this?”

   Matt gasped at the sensation of something inside of him. He had never touched himself like that. His parents had firmly discouraged him from any kind of touching. “Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.” It was wrong. It felt so right. Matt let the stranger fondle him while he watched Aaron screw. He came unexpectedly. He sagged against the man holding him. Aaron collapsed against his lover.

 

Chapter 99

   Matt drove around the city for the next month looking for his missing brother-in-law, Austin. Aaron had also been conspicuously absent as well. Matt was not too surprised. His father-in-law was very vocal about his opinion of same sex relationships. Frankly, he was glad Austin had disappeared. It gave him an excuse to get out of the house and away from those people. How could he have agreed to marry Ariel all those years ago? Sure, she had been pregnant, but that wasn’t a reason to marry. He didn’t love her. He didn’t even like her. They hadn’t been intimate since Tristan was conceived. Matt couldn’t even muster any interest in her. The only person he met who excited him was Aaron. Just thinking about him, was enough to make Matt as hard as a rock. He shifted uneasily in his seat.

   As if his thoughts had conjured him, Matt spotted Aaron in a nearby parking lot. Aaron crossed the lot and entered the nearby club. Matt pulled into the lot and got out of the car. He had never been in this part of town and didn’t know the club. Still, what could Aaron be doing here? He’d never struck Matt as the clubbing type. Matt walked over the door and entered club. A bouncer moved to block his path. A brief discussion, the handing over of a few bits of paper and Matt was able to enter the club.

   It was very dark inside, so Matt paused near the entrance to let his eyes adjust. When they did, he almost turned around and walked out of the club. He had no idea why Aaron was visiting a strip club, a male strip club. Matt flushed as the naked dancer on stage finished his routine.

   “Hey, buddy, you need to move along,” a voice said in his ear.

 

   He jumped and looked at the speaker. It was a nearly naked man. “Oh, um, I’m sorry.”

   “You’re blocking the entrance.” He smiled at Matt. “Would you like a table near the stage or the bar? Perhaps you’re meeting someone here?”

   “Why would I meet someone here?”

   The man took his elbow and guided him toward the bar. “Our establishment has several rooms upstairs that are available for private parties, where a wider variety of services are offered.”

   Matt thought his face couldn’t get any redder. “N-no. I’m not meeting someone.”

   “Did you want some companionship?” The man lightly brushed his hand against Matt’s groin.

   He shook his head, unable to speak. The man backed off and gestured to the barkeeper. “What would you like to drink?”

   “Don’t you have to get to work?”

   “I am working. My job is to entertain the customers. In whatever manner they desire.”

   “I’m not looking for that.”

   “Then what are you looking for?”

   “My brother-in-law came in here.”

   “Ooh, kinky.”

   “It’s not like that,” Matt insisted, blushing.

    “If you say so,” the man replied skeptically. “The establishment protects the identities of our customers. However I can show you around the public areas.”

   “Th-thank you. That’s very kind.”

Chapter 98

   Aaron stormed into the house. He was furious. He couldn’t believe that his sister had invited their parents over. His stomach heaved.

   Aaron rushed to the toilet and knelt there for a while.

   Blade came in to the bathroom. “Are you okay?”

   “Yes. No. I don’t know.”

   “What happened tonight? I thought you were going to your son’s birthday party.”

   “I was. My sister decided to invite some surprise guests.”

   “Really? Who?”

   “Our parents and younger brother. I didn’t even know I had a younger brother. How could she do that to me?”

   Blade sat beside him and pulled him into an embrace. “I’m sorry. How old is your brother?”

   “I don’t know. Late teens I think. They certainly didn’t waste any time replacing me,” Aaron finished bitterly.

   “Aaron, love, no one could replace you. And your parents are fools for even trying.”

   “Thanks, Blade. You know what’s funny? He’s pregnant. My younger brother is pregnant. My father beat me and threw me out of the house with nothing for just kissing a guy and he’s pregnant.”

   “What are you going to do about it?”

   Aaron sighed, “I don’t know. I’d like to help him, but I don’t know how he’d react to this.” His gesture took in the house, the vampires, his three lovers and all the children.

   Blade laughed softly. “It is a bit much to take in at once. Still we could certainly give him money and arrange for an apartment for him to live in. He doesn’t have to stay here. In addition, we could arrange an adoption.”
-------

   The next morning, Aaron was woken up by his phone. He fumbled for it. “Hello?” he answered groggily.

   “Have you seen Austin?” his sister demanded.

   “What? No. Why?” He sat up, alarmed at the concern in her voice. Blade made a sound of protest as he was disturbed. Aaron ran his hand soothingly down the other’s back.

   “He ran away last night. The police say that he has to be missing for entire day before they can do anything. I thought maybe he had contacted you.”

   “No. I don’t know anything about his disappearance.” He hesitated and then suggested, “Maybe he ran away because of the baby. Maybe he wanted to keep it.”

   “Why would he do that? It’s disgusting.”

   “I don’t know, maybe he loves the guy.”

   “I don’t believe that. Austin has always been a good boy. He could never have voluntarily been intimate with a man. Never.”

   “Well he isn’t here, Ariel. I don’t know what to tell you.” 

   “If you see him, let us know, Aaron. He’s just a child.”

   “I can’t promise that. I’d have to know why he left first.”

   “That’s not important. He has a fiancée waiting for him at home. Do you know how humiliating it would be for her for her fiancé to run off with another man?”

   “No, Ariel, I don’t know. I don’t care about her either. He shouldn’t marry her if he doesn’t love her.”

   “I can’t believe you’re taking his side. I thought you supported the cause.” Ariel hung up with a loud click.

   “What was that all about?” Blade wanted to know.

   “Austin ran away.”

   “Are we going to look for him?”

   Aaron thought about that. “No, but if I see him, I’ll try to talk to him. Get his side of the story. I wish him the best of luck.”

Chapter 97

(John and Tristan)

   The rest of the party was awkward after Aaron’s departure. The children aged up normally and Maricela and John went home.

   Matt sat in the living room with his father-in-law.

   “I would like Austin to stay here until he gives birth. Afterward he’s coming home to get married. We found a lovely young woman who is willing to marry him in spite of his indiscretion.”

   “I see. What about the child?”

   “It will be given up for adoption. There is no way we could acknowledge it.”

   Matt frowned. “What does Austin think?”

   Mr. Aaeng said dismissively, “He is a child. He will do what he is told.”

   “Are you sure? He is eighteen. Legally, he is an adult.”

   “Matthew, he has shamed me and the family by his behavior. He knows this and is willing to do whatever it takes to make amends.”

   Matt made a sound of agreement, but privately he thought that his father-in-law didn’t know his son as well as he thought he did.

 

   Later that night, he caught Austin sneaking out of the house.

   “Going somewhere?”

   “Yes, anywhere away from here. I’m keeping my baby. He can’t make me marry that woman.”

   “Do have money?”

   Austin nodded. “Some. I should be alright.”

   Matt handed him a stack of bills. “Take this. It should help.”

   “Thanks, Matthew.”

   “You’re welcome. Good luck.”

   Austin slipped off into the night. Matt prayed that he would succeed against the odds.

 

Chapter 96

 

   Matt watched his in-laws come into the backyard. Aaron, standing beside him, was incredibly tense. Nothing good could come of this meeting. His eyes widened as he caught sight of his brother-in-law, Austin. Austin was visibly pregnant. Aaron made a strangled sound in his throat.

   “What’s wrong?”

   “Nothing. I just find the situation incredibly ironic.”

   “How?”

   Aaron flicked his hand dismissively. “It’s not important.”

   Ariel rushed up. “Aaron, isn’t it great? Our parents came all this way to be here.” She frowned. “I don’t know what Austin’s been doing. How could he be pregnant?"

   “I think the question is ‘Who has Austin been doing?’” Aaron said, drily. “It’s obvious what he’s been doing.” He moved forward. “Congratulations, Austin. When’s the wedding?”

   The boy looked startled. “What wedding?"

   Aaron widened his eyes. “You mean you’re not engaged?!  I can’t believe our parents would approve of their son bearing a child out of wedlock. I’m surprised that they didn’t insist on it.”

   “Aaron! How could our parents approve of Austin’s condition?” Ariel gasped out. “It’s completely humiliating having a pregnant brother. I don’t know how we’re going to cover this up.”

   “Why should you cover it up? There’s nothing wrong with it. Plenty of herms get pregnant every year. Why shouldn’t he?”

   “Because herms are unnatural creatures,” Aaron’s father growled. “They should be allowed to parade their perverse behavior where everyone can see it. If I had my way, all herms would be castrated at birth."

   “Really.” Aaron narrowed his eyes. “How very…enlightened. Why didn’t you have it done when he was born if you feel that way?"

   Matt hastily interrupted what was turning into a nasty argument. “It’s great to see you Mr. and Mrs. Aaeng. You must be thrilled to finally meet your youngest grandsons.”

   “Yes, we are Matthew.” Mrs. Aaeng smiled at him.

   “Ariel tells us that one of those children is yours.” Mr. Aaeng addressed Aaron.

   “That is correct,” was the flat response.

   “So you’ve come to your senses and married a woman.”

   “No. We’re not married. I have no plans to marry her, ever.”

   “You don’t care that your son is a bastard? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at your attitude. You’ve obviously become corrupted during your time here.”

   “Yes, Father, I’ve become corrupted living in the big city. Being exposed to new ideas all the time. I’ve learned how to think for myself. Now if you don’t mind, I seem to have lost my appetite. Matt, I’m afraid I have to leave now. I just realized I have other plans. Goodbye.”

   Matt watched as Aaron stalked off. He understood why Aaron left. He would leave if he could. The past few years living in the city had made him question everything he’d ever known and believed.

 

Chapter 95

   Matt stood there flipping burgers while the children played with their uncle.

   “I think this party is nice, don’t you?” His wife asked.

   “Yes.”

   “I’m glad Aaron is getting along with Maricela. When do you think they’ll get married?”

   He sighed and shook his head. “The twelfth of never. He’s not interested in her.”

   “She’s perfect for him.”

   “Ari, I know you want your best friend to be happily married to your brother, but what they have now works for them. Leave it alone. Please stop matchmaking.”

   “Fine.” At that moment the doorbell rang. “Oh, good, my surprise guests have come.”

   “What surprise guests?”

   “I invited my parents and younger brother over. I think it would be great if they could patch up their differences with him, don’t you?”

   Matt cursed as she went to answer the door. He had gotten to know Aaron a little better over the past two years. Based on those conversations, he figured it would be a cold day in hell before Aaron reconciled with his parents.

   “Are those almost done? I’m starving.”

   “Sure.” He handed the plate to Aaron.

   “Who’s at the door? I didn’t think there were any other guests invited.”

   Matt stared at the grill. He was completely focused on cleaning off the bits of meat.

   “Matt, stop avoiding the question.”

   “I’m not avoiding the question.”

   “Ri-ight. Because you’re such a neat freak that you must devote all your concentration to making sure that the grill is clean. Tell me another one.”

   “It’s your parents. Ariel invited them.”

   Matt stared at Aaron. He was impressed by the stream of invective flowing from those lips. He didn’t understand most of it. “I didn’t know you spoke so many different languages.”

   Aaron laughed bitterly, “I don’t. I just know how to cuss in them.”

   Matt blinked. “Who taught you that but nothing else?”

   “A friend with a large vocabulary. He actually speaks most of them fluently. However the words he uses most frequently are curse words. It’s really quite impressive.”

   “I know I’m impressed.”

Chapter 94

   Matthew Renfrews sighed and pushed violet hair out of his eyes. It was Tristen’s second birthday. His wife, Ariel, had insisted on having a party for the boy. It would be interesting. Not only was his brother-in-law, Aaron, attending, but Ariel had invited Aaron’s ex-girlfriend, Maricela, and their son over. Ariel was sure that they were perfect for each other. She wanted them to get married. He wasn’t so sure. Aaron and Maricela were polite to each other, but there didn’t seem to be sparks.

   He sighed again. Matt was sure that his wife had something else planned. Something he knew he wouldn’t like. He cursed softly as he scraped his knuckles on the grill grate. Whose brilliant idea was it to make this a barbeque? Another hand picked up the grate. Matt looked up into Aaron’s eyes.

   “Now what has this poor innocent grate done to invite such hatred?” He teased.

   “Um, nothing, really. But it’s already taken its pound of flesh. See?” Matt held up his wounded hand.

   “Oh, my, that does look serious. Shall I kiss it and make it better?” Amusement colored the words.

   Matt flushed. “N-no. I’m not five. I know I kiss won’t make it better.” He snatched his hand back. He did not want Aaron to kiss his hand. It would only make the situation worse.

   “Very well. Ariel said that Maricela was coming to this party.”

   “Yes, it’s for both our children. She thinks it’s wonderful that they have a cousin their age to play with.”

   Aaron snorted. “They’ll probably grow up to hate each other, the way she keeps pushing them together. Besides they’re too young to know the difference.” He moved away. “I’ll go see if she needs help in the kitchen.”

   Matt watched as his brother-in-law walked away. He tried to ignore how Aaron’s pants hugged his backside. He was a married man. He should not be lusting after anyone. Especially not his brother-in-law. His gorgeous, handsome, kind, considerate, wonderful brother-in-law.