A Royal Craving (27 page)

S
pencer was on cloud nine when they returned to their bedroom that night.

Prosper had not seen him so happy in a long time. Davian and Parry's relationship troubles and the worry over discovering his parentage had lingered at the fore of his mind for days. Tonight, seeing his mother and father for the first time, and celebrating the treaty signing had been a cluster of excitement that made him smile. His love was so giddy that he had no words to say how enticing it was.

“I feel so free,” Spencer professed, as he swept toward the bed and fell onto it on his back, as though he were light as a feather.

Prosper bit back his concerns for their child growing inside him. Spencer was a responsible young man, but the thrill of tonight's excitement had clearly impaired his senses. “You sound drunk, little one. It is quite disconcerting,” he admitted, not sure how else to explain this strange turn of events.

His lover shuffled back to lay his head on the pillow, while turning to flash a seductive and sensual look his way. “Come to me, my King,” he asked, extending his right hand across the bed, in supplication.

How could he deny such a request?

With a smile, Prosper crossed to his love and climbed onto the bed, to sit on his knees. He was in no doubt what his lover wanted, but he feared being too rough with his tender human body. “Are you sure that you wish to push yourself after this night? You have expended much energy today,” he recalled.

“I am not a china doll,” Spencer protested, with a warning glint in his eyes. “Did I not tell you that I would stage a protest, if displeased with our life together? The baby will survive whether we make love or not,” he said, moving his hand from a request to Prosper's knee, “but I will not. I need you.”

“But...”

“No.” Spencer shook his head and slowly sat up to touch both hands to his chest. Immediately, nimble fingers began unbuttoning his shirt. “I need you, Prosper. Not my King, a vampire, nor a ruler. I need my man. The man who loves me. The man I love,” he continued, quickly unfastening his shirt, before attacking his trousers.

Prosper could do nothing but raise an eyebrow, intrigued by this very seductive, sexually aggressive side of his lover that he had not seen in days. “Can I be a man, if I am not a human?” he wondered, convinced more than ever that Spencer was high on his emotions and not thinking clearly.

With a chuckle, his human grinned and nudged forward to kiss his chin. “You are to me.”

Instead of speaking, Prosper kissed his love and savoured the taste of his sweet mouth as he mentally removed their clothing and used his speed to change position. His mouth never left Spencer's, as they kissed heatedly, even as he sat at the head of the bed and settled his human on his lap.

Spencer's smile widened and soft, lazy arms took up residence over his shoulders, as green eyes pinned him down. “I love you,” he whispered, as he broke away and nibbled playfully on his jaw. “I love that you love me. That you love our son. That you indulge my abnormal wishes and desires,” he rambled mindlessly, hands and lips trailing over his skin.

Prosper could not resist if he tried. Soon enough hands slid down his back and he felt the fire take flame again. When Spencer clawed at his skin and made sensual little noises as he raised his head and kissed him, Prosper could not stop the groan of approval from escaping him. He deepened the kiss and wrapped both arms around his skinny waist, to hold him still and close.

Spencer mewed into the kiss, as he pressed down on Prosper's shoulders and raised himself on his knees.

Prosper groaned, the second long fingers brushed against his abdomen and made his cock jump. He expected contact on that interested organ, but received nothing more than a ghost of a touch, as Spencer continued to kiss him with an eager, open mouth.

He hummed, breaking the kiss to see for himself. His teeth broke free, from hunger, as he watched a lone finger disappear between creamy thighs. “Are you—” he stalled and swallowed, from surprise. “Little one, are you stealing my pleasure?” he asked, not sure if he was disappointed that the task had been stolen from him or if the sight of Spencer doing this to himself was too thrilling to miss.

Spencer kissed him wantonly, with a bare slip of tongue. “I cannot hold back, if you touch me. But you wish to make love to me, do you not? You long to surround yourself with me, until we are one?” he asked, his voice thick with desperation.

He almost could not breathe, hearing those words from his lover. He had not the control to reply; he merely watched with a captivated gaze as Spencer teased his body to breaking point. Prosper's breath left him sometime between one and three fingers, until his lover was finally prepared for what was to come. He did not even have the chance to react.

Spencer took one look at his achingly hard cock and lifted himself onto it, with no hesitation and only a brief pause to allow himself to adjust to his size.

When his boy started making love to him, Prosper had to catch his hips to convince himself that it was real. That it was not all just one long, glorious hallucination.

But it was not. Spencer was real.

He felt the desperation rise, the pleasure building and his will to allow his human to tease him slipping. He wanted to show him what real vampire sex was like. But he bit his tongue and distracted himself with the taste of his own blood, to stop that from happening. There was no way he would hurt his human. Not now, not ever.

Spencer bounced in his lap, making soft, needy sounds. “Prosper,” he whimpered. “Feed me...feed
us
,” he begged, trailing a fingertip down the side of his neck.

The request almost broke his control, but he held on long enough to cut a wound in his shoulder with his nail. Spencer latched onto it instantly, sucking his blood in the most sensual way. His fingers bit into the back of Prosper's shoulder, breaking the skin.

It felt too good and he could not stop the rush of endorphins that followed, driving him to breaking point.
He caught Spencer's thin hips and thrust up into his delightful body, working slow and hard, as they moved against each other to a pace that just about blew his mind.

Spencer lightly bounced over him, alternating with a gentle rocking motion every few thrusts. All Prosper could do was match each movement with his own. “Prosper,” he panted, breaking away from his shoulder to lick his lips.

His baser instincts could not be held at bay. Prosper kissed him hard on the mouth, savouring the taste of his own blood, mingled with the familiar sweetness of Spencer's essence.

Prosper was tempted to ask what had gotten into his lover, to make him this bold and brazen. But then he recalled their first night together and how a brave boy, still an unnamed stranger, had made confessions and luscious sounds when touched or kissed. He had not changed much, in the days since then.

He lost himself to the pleasure his frail, human body gave so freely
, until it felt as if time stood still and they were the only two that existed in the world. Because of that, he could not control the frantic, desperate thrusts that begged for an intense and fulfilling release.

When it came, it was to the sound of Spencer's sharp cry of ecstasy and the clench of his muscles around Prosper's aching cock, as his orgasm rippled through his body. The pressure released, in that moment, until all that was left was a room of stifling, hot air and a soft, pliant body beneath his.

Spencer collapsed against him, barely registering Prosper as he gently lifted his hips and pulled out of the sweet body that had clamped down on his. His breath came raggedly and stuttered occasionally, as he lost the will to collect air into his lungs that he did not, technically, need.

It was only as Spencer nudged his head into the crook of his neck that he recalled reality. “
That
is what makes you a man,” he professed, with a sweet sigh. “When we are together, the King and the vampire fade away and the man you are swallows my entire world, until we two are all that remain.”

Prosper wrapped Spencer in his arms, certain he had never heard anything more wonderful in his life. He would not want it any other way.

S
pencer woke from a pleasant sleep, to find himself alone. He ran his hand over the place where Prosper should be sleeping, relieved to recall that he had whispered a reason for his absence, early in the evening.

As his first day as the ruler of the surrounding villages and towns, Prosper expected to have many complaints from the humans about the city council. He had left his bed early, near five o'clock, if he recalled his whispers correctly.

Though disappointed to wake alone, he understood Prosper's need to be there for his people and ensure they knew that he would service justice where necessary.

Stretching his weary bones, Spencer smiled. Last night had been wonderful. Not only did he get to enjoy a night of celebration with his King, but he met his parents and enjoyed a few hours of happy reminiscing with them in the library, away from the crowds.

Then, he had led Prosper to bed and set about thanking him for being an incredible life mate. His King's concern over making love to him while he carried their child was obvious, but Spencer rejoiced in knowing that his needs and reassurances were enough to convince Prosper that he was not fragile.

He caught a shadow moving in the far corner of the room and pushed both hands into the mattress. The door opened and Parry popped his head into the room.

“Are you decent?” he asked, with a broad grin.

Spencer nodded and laughed at the happy look on his face. Parry had met his parents and found many common topics to discuss with his father. Spencer expected him to sleep in late, after their long night of talking.

“How are you this evening?” Parry wondered, walking into the room and perching on the bed, beside Winston.

“Wonderful. I feel like everything is coming together,” he confessed, unconsciously holding both hands to the baby.

“I bumped into your father. I told him I would wake you, so we could have breakfast together,” Parry explained, making him feel shy and nervous. “That is agreeable, is it not?” he checked.

“Oh yes. I—t feels nice to have them here. They know so much about me. They must have watched over me all these years.” He blushed, wondering if he had ever sensed them or caught a glimpse without realising it.

Spencer rubbed his hand over his abdomen, feeling the slight solidity that already formed around his baby, tightening his skin protectively. It felt good to know that even his own body would do all it could to protect the baby he had spent his life longing for.

He chuckled and pressed both hands tighter. He looked up at Parry and held a hand out. “Feel…he is kicking again,” he exclaimed, pulling his hand over his non-existent bump to feel the movement.

Parry placed both hands on his abdomen, pushing the covers aside, to feel properly. “I must say it seems possible you are having a son. He is growing at quite a rate,” he exclaimed, feeling properly, to find that his baby already took up more space.

Spencer watched him closely, as he worked. He knew how important this was to Parry, but he also sensed that his son grew quite nicely. He certainly did not feel anything untoward, but only Parry would know.

The door opened and shadows appeared across the floor. His parents entered with smiles, only to look surprised when they saw Parry.

“He is growing at an astonishing rate, even for a vampire child. He will be a strong chap, if I am not mistaken,” Parry told him, though Spencer had suspected as much. He had quite a kick for such a small thing.

“I see you are well versed in reading the signs.” Braddock's voice surprised Parry, who glanced behind him to see the legend standing in the same room as him.

He moved the covers over Spencer and resumed his seat, on Prosper's side of the bed. “I have made it my mission to study our history. I never knew my knowledge would ever come in useful.” Parry waved them into the room.

Yalena looked hesitant, but eventually perched on Spencer's side of the bed and took his hand into her own. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Fine.” Spencer would have continued, but the door opened and Jael entered, to find the room full of people. She held her medical bag and stopped inside the door. “Oh, Jael. Could you find Prosper, please? The baby's kicking,” he asked.

Jael nodded, with a look of confusion. “Of course. Has Master Parry checked the baby this evening?” she asked.

“Yes, nurse.” Parry offered her a warm smile. “The baby is breathing freely, his heart is beating steadily and he is growing at a healthy rate,” he explained, winking at Spencer, to gloat that his vampire senses had told him most of that news. “Come, little brother. We will leave you to dress and meet you in the dining room for breakfast,” Parry decided, as he stood from his seat.

P
rosper walked the halls, thinking deeply, as he took a slow return to his suite. He had left Spencer to sleep, while he took care of visits from the people newly tied to his kingdom.

More often than not, the problems stemmed from the city council members allowing crimes to go unpunished or actually committing crimes themselves. He had sent out arrest warrants for two of the officials, to ensure they answered for their actions. Other incidences would need further investigation, before the cases could be resolved.

He lingered in his return and worried about Spencer. He feared how his companion would take the constant presence of his biological parents, after spending years being independent and ignored by his adopted family.

Since April's birth, Spencer had been a drain on their limited funds until he could bring money into the house. Now he had the chance to have his own family and Prosper hoped it would not be a strain on him.

Being pregnant sat well with Spencer. He was radiant, excited, funny and smart at the best of times. Pregnancy amplified the incredible aspects of his personality beyond what he had become accustomed to. Spencer even slept and ate more, without encouragement.

Prosper found Jael rushing toward him with a grin on her face. “And what are you up to?” he wondered, intrigued by the medical bag in her hand. “Have you seen Spencer?” he guessed.

“Master Parry saw to that, before I arrived,” Jael replied, with a wry smile that said she did not mind having the job taken from her, because she knew how special it was to Parry. “Master Spencer asked me to send you, because the baby is kicking. But, he is meeting Parry and his parents in the dining room for breakfast,” she explained, cheerfully.

“Then I will meet them there,” Prosper reassured her, grateful for the warning. He would not want to miss this. There would be other moments to witness, but he wanted to be there for
every
moment.

Jael bobbed her head and left him.

Prosper walked to the dining room, eager to see his family together. He found Parry fussing over his life mate, when he walked in. He poured tea, then fluffed a pillow for his companion's back.

Parry was concerned about this being the first vampire child in centuries and took every precaution, even when it proved unnecessary. Even after he had fixed the cushion and Spencer had laughed him off, Parry hovered and nudged the tea tray closer.

“Parry.” Davian rose from his seat to grab Parry's arm. “Sit and stop fussing over him. Let him eat in peace,” he insisted, dragging his life mate to his seat.

Prosper progressed further into the room, tempted by the smell of a full cooked breakfast. In the background, Eamon discussed his plans for the evening meal with Camryn, who hovered close to the table, but did not sit.

Spencer's parents were listening, as Yalena gave her input on the menu. They showed such interest in everything that he could see they blended effortlessly into the family unit.

“Prosper,” Spencer gasped in delight, when he saw him. He grasped his arm as soon as Prosper grew close, bringing his hand to Spencer's lower abdomen, where the action took place.

As soon as Prosper touched him, he felt the little movements. Their baby kicked.

“He will be a warrior or a dancer,” Spencer joked.

Prosper trusted his instincts; he had never been wrong since they met. Being with him, having a child together, even Davian and Parry's relationship; it had all happened as Spencer said it would.

He perched on the chair next to Spencer's, his hand still over their growing child, savouring the moment.

“Do you wish to be alone?” Parry asked, breaking the precious moment.

Prosper sent him a glare, as his companion reached to pour a cup of tea. “We can be alone later. I wanted to discuss something with Spencer, if he felt up to a trip tomorrow?”

Once he had Spencer's interest peaked, he pulled a piece of paper from his shirt pocket, unfolded it and slid it across the table. He did not want to reveal the secret right away.

“I thought, perhaps, we could go out for an hour tomorrow evening?” Prosper suggested, as he sipped his tea and waited to see his life mate's reaction.

Spencer's brow winkled, as he read the slip of paper, and slowly morphed into a look of utter excitement. “Prosper,” he gasped in disbelief, gazing at the paper as though the words would change any second. “When did you…how?” he asked, shocked and smiling.

“Does someone want to share?” Parry asked.

“Inquisitive, is he not?” Braddock chuckled, sipping from a glass of blood. His humour turned to concern, when Spencer looked up and met his gaze, with a look of utter contentment. “What is it?” he asked.

“Prosper…he has…he bought me a building,” his companion explained.

Prosper lifted a piece of toast from the tray, as the room went quiet. His twin looked confused, as though he had no clue why he would buy his life mate a building.

Davian got it right away. “For a hospital,” he guessed, looking as excited as Spencer did.

Spencer nodded, his imagination already going wild with ideas.

Prosper could hear his thoughts ticking in the back of his brain, coming up with ideas for how he wanted to run it and where he might find employees.

“Could we,” he began, uncertainly.

Prosper guessed what he wanted to hire the men from the brothels, who had given him all the training and advice that had made him into such an intelligent man. “Of course. This is my gift to you. I am in the process of lifting all the restrictions you informed me of. If there is someone you wish to hire, that is your decision alone,” he promised, reaching up to brush a strand of floppy hair from his eyes.

Prosper was proud of his wish to help those who had helped him.

“That is an immense gift, indeed,” Braddock agreed with Davian, with a look that said he understood Spencer's excitement.

Prosper knew it too. His precious, delicate human had studied medicine, delivered twins with Jael and had a loving heart that wanted to help anyone and everyone he could. He could imagine what such a gift meant.

Spencer would be unhappy to sit at home, a house-husband, doing nothing but caring for their children. They would be together for centuries, he hoped, and this child growing inside him was already a miracle.

Prosper could not imagine them having many more, without some medical intervention or emotional heartache along the way. But it would not be wrong to hope.

“It will be a free clinic. I thought, perhaps, you would like to assist Spencer in running it?” Prosper asked, directing his questions to Braddock, who he already knew had an interest in science and medicine. He had delivered Spencer and knew about vampire pregnancies.

Spencer slipped his hand into his, with a beaming smile.

He could never be prouder than right at that moment. Prosper understood his wishes and dreams, not because he could see into his thoughts, but because he shared his understanding that all humans deserved free health care.

Prosper turned to his lover and winked. It made him giddy to know that, even without their bond, his companion was an open book. He need only ask and his lover would give a full, honest answer.

“It would be my pleasure, if Spencer will have me?” Braddock smiled at his son, ready to accept or refuse a partnership in the running of the free clinic, depending on his wishes.

“I would love to have your help.” He beamed, turning his full attention to the piece of paper in awe.