Born of Fire Read online

  Pop! Crack!

  “Fuck!” Caldre screeched, the tip of the whip catching him in the small of the back. He rolled and was on his feet within a second, wiping beads of sweat from his face.

  “Again,” Sakima commanded. He took two long strides and lashed out with his free arm, the edge of his hand slicing across Caldre’s jugular.

  “God!” Caldre managed to kick out, his right foot thrusting across Sakima’s rib cage.

  “Better,” Sakima grunted.

  Slap! Crack!

  The two strikes landed on Caldre’s back, the savagery shoving him forward.

  This time Caldre merely grunted as he caught himself before going all the way down. Swinging around, he hoisted in an upwards motion, allowing the force of his move to pummel him up into the air. This time the connection was solid, tossing Sakima to the ground.

  As Sakima skidded across the floor he dropped the whip. When he landed a foot from the wall, he was shocked at Caldre’s level of vehemence, the rage on his face that was quickly masked by a blank look. This was more personal for the firefighter than he’d understood. As Tor took a step forward he held out his hand. The fight was intensifying, taking on a more powerful level. He jumped to his feet, grabbing the whip, and within a split second had turned around Caldre in a complete circle, issuing a series of hard kicks and solid slaps to the man’s face.

  “Fuck. Shit.” Dropping to his knees, the last strikes took the wind out of Caldre. He sucked in his breath and stumbled as he tried to get up.

  Whoosh! Crack! Pop!

  His breath was strangled but Caldre stood to his full height, his eyes flashing a combination of fury and the need to dominate.

  Sakima could clearly read what the fighter was thinking. Kill. The realization was powerful indeed. He’d found the perfect fighter, one who others would learn to fear. “Again!”

  “Yes.” Caldre jumped forward, wrapping his arm around Sakima’s neck and almost had him down on the mat.

  The chokehold shocked him. Sakima hadn’t been prepared for the move and almost lost his balance. Snarling, his canines erupted and for a few seconds he almost lashed out as his emerging beast. He had to take several steps backward, gaining control, and instantly Caldre thought he was retreating,

  The next series of lunges were bold, the moves calculated and Sakima was forced to dodge more than fight back. He was impressed and for the first time in months felt like his opponent just might have what it took to best him. He growled and twisted, the single shift garnering him enough time to swoop in. He kicked Caldre in the leg, buckling his stance. The moment the muscular man began to drop he lifted his whip.

  Slap! Crack!

  As Sakima raised the strap over his head, prepared to give the fighter the full sting of a hard blow, he was literally shocked as Caldre managed to wrap his hand around the end of the whip and use the strap as a hoist, yanking the coach forward.

  The kick under the back of Sakima’s legs brought him immediately to the ground and Caldre covered Sakima’s body with his, jerking the man’s arm back and behind as he wrapped his other arm around Sakima’s throat.

  The hold was tight, perfectly executed and there was no way Sakima could move. Grunting, he pushed hard against Caldre, shocked at the level of control the younger man had usurped. This was astounding.

  Caldre refused to stop his actions. Tugging the other arm back, he wrapped the whip around Sakima’s wrists. When the man was tightly bound, Caldre rose to his feet, his glare harsh.

  “That’s enough!” Tor snapped, as he released Sakima’s arms.

  Sakima was incensed at first then was thrilled more than he could say. As he struggled to make it to his feet, he nodded in quiet reverence. “Well done.”

  Caldre stood to his full height, his eyes glistening. “An interesting incentive.” His voice husky, he licked his lips as he inched closer.

  The bloody welts on the fighter’s back were an incredible draw and as he held out his hand toward Caldre, he glanced toward Tor, the nod completely dismissive. Now, he needed time alone. When Tor left the room, shutting the doors with a soft click, he closed the distance. “That’s just the beginning of what I’m going to teach you, what you’re going to learn. Are you ready for more?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then we shall continue.” Grasping his hand, Sakima pulled him forward until they were only a few inches apart. He could tell instantly there was no need to enshroud him with a spell, as well as no reason to hold back. Tipping his head, he allowed a single deep snarl to unfurl from his lips, the guttural sound filtering between them. In predator mode, his hungers headed for the edge of his controllable parameters. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he brushed his hands through his hair and realized his hands were shaking.

  Caldre seemed to sense the increased game, the hunt of seduction, and took a step back. His eyes darted down the length of Sakima and back up, lingering on the bulge between the man’s legs.

  The dance between men who would become lovers ensued and Sakima moved in a full circle around the fighter, every step calculated. He cast a simple haze over the man, preferring to see what Caldre would do. There was an odd strength in him, something Sakima hadn’t anticipated. He could see another side to Caldre, one he had been hiding for years. What Caldre couldn’t know was the creature was fighting for control and wouldn’t accept anything less until he achieved the simple goal. He shuddered, sensing his own beast fighting to reach the surface. Dear God, he couldn’t stop what was happening, nor did he want to. “You will learn to succumb.”

  “And if I don’t?”

  “Then you’ll pay the price, but there’s no need. Is there? You want to belong, you crave being a part of a dark and formidable group, a life full of danger.”

  “Yes,” Caldre whispered, his voice shaking.

  “Then drop to your knees and please your Master.” There was no hesitation, no kick back. Caldre simply dropped to his knees and crept forward, his eyes never leaving Sakima’s face. Sakima breathed out, the chill of his breath leaving a wisp of air in front of his face. He was thirsty, his body shaking as need filtered to the surface. The very understanding of what was going to happen the moment they became intimate hung in the air, as if he had a choice, as if he’d make the ultimate sacrifice at this time. Neither was going to happen.

  Caldre inhaled, the raspy sound slipping from his lips, and moved between Sakima’s legs. He used the flats of his hands as he brushed up the inside of the man’s thighs, tilting his head and pressing his lips against Sakima’s stomach. He opened his mouth wide, sucking in hot air before darting his tongue out.

  Issuing a throaty groan, he closed his eyes as he intertwined the fingers of one hand in Caldre’s long locks, savoring the way the silky strands felt slipping through his fingers. “It’s going to be good becoming your Master.”

  Dragging his tongue back and forth across Sakima’s stomach, he squeezed Sakima’s inner thighs before cupping his groin, caressing the throbbing muscle.

  Allowing him to play, Sakima clenched one fist against his legs as his canines erupted from his gums. Too soon. Much too soon. Control. You must have control. But he was losing his grip on reality, his needs overshadowing his limited humanity. He shook his head back and forth, willing the transformation to slow.

  Grunting, Caldre fumbled as he unfastened Sakima’s pants, finally freeing and lifting his cock from the tight confines. As he brought the tip of Sakima’s cock to his mouth he whispered, the sound barely audible.

  Yet Sakima caught the words, the damning desire filling the man. He breathed out as he opened his mouth slightly, the single howl a reminder he was very much in charge.

  Swirling his tongue around Sakima’s cockhead, he slid his nail from one finger down the length of Sakima’s shaft until he reached his balls. He toyed with the hanging sac before cupping and squeezing the swelling testicles.

  “Suck me.” The voice was labored as his wants and needs mixed together, the combination becoming da
ngerous.

  Caldre licked down the side of Sakima’s cock to his balls, darting his tongue around both in a lazy circle before taking first one then the other into his mouth, using his jaw muscles to suck.

  “Yes.” The hiss was slow and deliberate. He jutted his hips forward, rising onto his toes and allowing a series of whispered breaths to escape. He couldn’t help but think about Zamir and the last time they’d shared passion before the wretched night, the ugly betrayal. Fighting back the horrible memory, he opened his eyes and glanced down, admiring the beauty of the man sucking his cock.

  Darting a glance, Caldre’s eyes were full of a sensuous lust, a pent-up desire brimming to the surface with every touch. He licked back up to the tip of Sakima’s dick and engulfed the bulbous head, holding his cockhead just inside his mouth.

  Sakima gripped the fighter’s head, pushing down until Caldre was forced to take more and more of his cock. When Caldre reached the base, Sakima threw his head back and roared. Every inch of his legs was shaking, a cold wave of nausea washing through his body. He panted and licked the beads of sweat from his upper lip, his eyes now having difficulty focusing. Clenching his eyes shut, he tried to concentrate on the very moment and nothing else, but the man’s fragrance alone was driving him to the point of madness.

  Caldre held his mouth on the base of Sakima’s shaft, sucking for a full minute. When he pushed back hard against Sakima’s hold, he grunted and wrapped his hand around Sakima’s dick, pumping upward until he met his mouth.

  Breathing out, Sakima shivered as he tried to regain control. He could swear he heard the sound of Zamir’s voice, the husky baritone full of a sensual need. When he opened his eyes, the blond kneeling at his feet reminded him he was nothing but a monster. The sound of Caldre’s beating heart cascaded into his ears, the dull thudding echo making him cringe. He placed both hands on Caldre’s head and began to fuck his mouth, thrusting his cock into the wetness in long, even drives. He was lost in time, a vibrant haze floating around his head, memories of the past and knowledge about the future drawing him into a tempered space. He was becoming the beast he so feared.

  No matter how hard and deep he thrust, his cock refused to get rock hard. The deflation terrified him. To finish he’d have to take Caldre’s blood. The risk was significant. The combination of being together could mean a breakdown of walls kept tightly wrapped around his body and soul. And yet the other side was so much worse. Disgusted, he plunged hard, the force nearly knocking Caldre to the ground. He knew by the lack of focus, the odd colors flashing in front of his eyes he was changing, the horrific mutilations from man to vampire something few ever saw, especially a Soul Monger. But he had no power over what was happening unless he drew blood.

  Sakima couldn’t do this. He couldn’t risk this damning moment, cursing Caldre for all eternity. With what little humanity he had left in his tortured soul, he pushed Caldre back hard, breaking the connection. “No!” Stumbling backwards, he moved into the shadows, using his mind to shut down the lights in the room. If Caldre saw him like this he’d go mad.

  “What is it?” Breathless, Caldre struggled to his feet, immediately taking a step toward Sakima.

  “No!” The strangled cry was more beast than man, the ugliness of what he was becoming reaching into the pit of his stomach. A wild mixture of sensations left him with a heavy dose of adrenaline rushing through his body. He was going to be extinguished soon enough. Grunting, he turned his back toward Caldre and headed for the opposite side of the room. He sucked in his breath and did everything he could to curtail the savage. When he spoke, his voice was almost human. Almost. “I apologize. I am not well. You’ll have to go.”

  “Sakima, what’s wrong? Allow me to help you.”

  “You can’t help me,” Sakima laughed, shocked at the hollowness in his voice.

  “I can if you’ll allow me to.” Caldre moved closer.

  “No. You can’t. Please, just go.” He could almost hear the wheels turning in Caldre’s mind, the concern lacing every thought.

  “Did I hurt you in the fight?”

  “No.”

  “Then what?”

  “Just go!”

  Caldre exhaled slowly. “Fine, but I’ll call you in the morning.”

  “Yes. Good.” His entire body shaking, he palmed the wall, digging his nails into the wallboard. Fear unlike anything he’d ever known in his life rattled him so badly he could no longer think clearly. As he blinked furiously, doing everything he could to focus on anything, he heard the sound of the door being opened and breathed a sigh of relief. Very slowly he turned around and horror filled every pore in his body.

  Caldre had moved until he was only a foot from Sakima. His eyes opened wide as a moment of trepidation turned into terror, yet he continued to reach out, his mouth opening in a silent exclaim.

  “Go away!” Scuttling backward until he slammed against the wall, he was shocked he’d allowed this to happen.

  “Let me help you.”

  “You can’t help me.” He exhaled, his eyes settling on the artery in Caldre’s neck. Growling, he dragged his tongue across the tips of his fangs, blood lust brimming to the surface.

  “Yes, I can.” Caldre moved closer still, his arms reaching out, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

  My God, the man wasn’t going to stop. Sakima took a side step to get away, the human side still longing to protect, but the second he almost tripped Caldre had his hand wrapped around Sakima’s arm, tugging Sakima into the heat of his chest. “No!” His bedraggled cry filtered between them, the sound full of anguish.

  “Sakima.”

  Sakima hovered back and forth between the thin grip on humanity that remained and the beast he’d become. As he gazed into Caldre’s eyes, he could see the fear mixing with a wild group of emotions and briefly he believed he could pull away, push Caldre out of harm’s way. Suddenly, the creature breaching the surface was unable to hold back. Tipping his head back, he roared as he gripped Caldre’s arms and pushed him backward. The force was just enough Caldre fell back onto the mat.

  “Oompf!” Startled, Caldre blinked several times as he looked up, his mouth hanging slack. “What’s going on? What is happening?”

  “I’ll give you what you want and take what I need.” The guttural sound in his voice continued to change, becoming raspier and in the next few seconds all time seemed to stand still. Every action out of control, Sakima ripped the rest of his clothes to shreds, tossing them to the side as his body began to shake violently. He was becoming the creature all feared, one who rarely saw the light of day, and the murderous beast Sakima fought to keep locked down in his cage born from Hell. When he was completely naked, he pumped his fists into the air before glaring down at his prey. The snarl was harsh, full of anger, and he dropped to his knees.

  “It’s okay. I’m here and I’m not leaving. I want you.” Caldre moaned, yet he didn’t fight as his pants were ripped from his body, merely remaining quiet, his eyes never leaving Sakima.

  What the hell was Caldre saying? Confused, he sat back on his haunches, controlling his breathing. Caldre showed no fear, nothing but desire in his eyes. Their connection was powerful, a moment that drew Sakima back from the creature he was becoming. As he held out his hand, he gasped. There was no beast, no monster’s ugly hand. Instead he was the man he’d always been. He exhaled slowly and closed his eyes, trying to gain control of his faculties. The feel of Caldre’s hands cupping his face brought him back from the brink of Hell and he opened his eyes.

  Caldre inched closer, a nervous tick appearing in the corner of his mouth. “You said we’d become lovers and so we will.” He pulled Sakima’s head down into a passionate kiss, his tongue darting just inside Sakima’s mouth.

  Sakima remained shocked, but his needs continued to grow. He wrapped his fingers around Caldre’s wrists, holding them in place as the moment of intimacy became a wild sharing, grunts and groans coming from both men. He was panting, lost to the heightened level of rapture
. He rose onto his knees, pulling Caldre against his chest. As the kiss continued, their tongues entwining, he slid his hand down to cup and squeeze Caldre’s cock and balls. The feel of the man’s hard dick in his chilled fingers forced a series of moans pulsing into the kiss.

  Slipping his hand between them, Caldre kneaded Sakima’s chest muscles, the tips of his finger digging into his skin.

  Unable to wait any longer, Sakima broke the connection and licked across the seam of Caldre’s mouth, his body shaking. Today was a good day to bring another into his fold. The thought filling the back of his mind, he slowly lowered Caldre’s body down to the mat, instantly hovering over him. There was nothing left to say, no words that would bridge the emotions. They were both raw and fighting with the inner darkness, finding each through hellfire. He lowered his head, pressing his lips down the middle of Caldre’s chest. When he reached his groin, he licked up and down the side of Caldre’s shaft, marveling in the musky scent, the tangy flavor of his lover’s skin.

  Caldre moaned and opened his legs, pulling them back and offering Sakima all of him. As he arched his back slightly he closed his eyes.

  Sakima sucked in his breath, his gaze traveling to the carotid artery in the man’s inner thigh. There was little he could do as a thirst unlike anything he’d known before coursed through every cell in his body. His entire body was on fire and in the next few seconds the sound of blood pumping through Caldre’s veins was the only thing he could concentrate on. He had to have what belonged to him, filling the void within every crevice of his body. “Cal…dre…”

  Caldre lifted his head, his eyes widening as if knowing what was about to happen.

  The second Sakima sunk his fangs into Caldre’s inner thigh, the fighter gasped, then moaned and this time the sound was pure euphoria. Sakima wrapped his arms around Caldre’s legs, lifting his hips off the mat as he drank, the rich blood sliding down his throat. Instantly his cock grew thick and hard, throbbing as the nourishment created friction, intense desire. Aching all over, he held Caldre as he consumed more until he was sated from blood.