Crave - 8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Merrick swam behind Jenson with the buzz of arousal still in his system. The tight suit the vampire wore hid nothing, and he enjoyed watching the man’s muscles bunch and flex as his powerful legs propelled him through the water. The underwater exercise was both exhilarating and arousing, but he was frustrated when Jenson pulled away from him… again. Even now, the vampire was trying to put distance between them as he lengthened his stroke and moved to the far right of the group. Merrick decided to let the man have his space, for now. What he had in mind was going to require privacy.

After making it back to shore, and stripping out of their wetsuits, Tei offered to take all of the equipment back to the compound. Merrick noticed the big man and his young officer talking a few feet away from the group, and chuckled when he saw Landin blush. It would appear the commander was making his intentions known.

By the time the equipment was loaded into the rover and the ship’s crew was headed to the main building, the sun was high in the sky. Not wanting the vampire to leave yet, Merrick invited him to join them for the noon meal.

“I should head back…,” the vampire started.

“For Christ’s sake… it’s just the noon meal. I’m not going to maul you in front of my parents,” Merrick muttered quietly enough that Landin, who was walking several feet ahead of them, couldn’t hear him.

Jenson’s head whipped around in shock, which was soon replaced by guilt. Merrick heard a quiet sigh from the man.

“You’re right. I’m being stupid.” The vampire gave him a weak smile. “I’ll stay.”

Merrick rolled his eyes, and gave Jenson a light punch on the shoulder. “You are damned right you’re being stupid.”

Jenson barked out a laugh. “Fuck off.”

“Eventually, we do need to talk about this,” the younger man said, scanning the treeline to his right.

“I know,” Jenson sighed again. “I’m sorry….”

“And stop apologizing,” Merrick huffed in irritation. He turned to look at the man. “I’m not a kid anymore, Jenson. I knew what I was doing.”

He saw Jenson’s eyes flick nervously towards Landin, and suppressed a sigh. Skittish bastard.

“We can talk about this later.” He could hear the exasperation in his voice, and was sure Jenson heard it was well.

With a quick nod from the chastised man, the subject was dropped for the time being. For the rest of the walk, they stuck to safe subjects, like Landin’s skills, and advancements in the vampires’ breather technology. Merrick was surprised to find they could not only be used underwater, but also in toxic atmospheres, to scrub out unwanted particulates.

After a quick meal, Merrick and Jenson sat on the ground, in the shade of a big, leafy tree in a far corner of the large yard. The light filtering through the leaves, and the presence of the man beside him, made Merrick nostalgic for his youth.

“You know,” he said turning towards the vampire. “Some of the happiest days of my life were spent under a tree just like this.”

Jenson’s had his head back, leaning against the trunk, and a smile played across his face. “I remember a little boy who was full of curiosity and boundless energy.”

“You always answered all of my questions without making me feel like a nuisance.” Merrick turned his face up to the warmth of the sun, seeing the dappled light through the leaves behind his eyelids. “No man other than my father ever listened to me.”

“Are you saying I’m your father?” Merrick could hear the amusement in the other man’s voice.

“Yes, daddy,” he joked, earning a snort from Jenson. “Seriously, I don’t know if I ever thanked you for that?”

“It wasn’t a problem.”

Merrick could feel the vampire shift, and knew without looking that Jenson’s eyes were on him. “I enjoyed spending time with you.”

“Why did you do it?” Merrick opened his eyes and turned to his friend. “I was only four when we met. Not many men would have taken the time to bother with a child.”

Jenson sighed, and reached out for Merrick’s hand, giving it a light squeeze before releasing it again. “Do you remember the day we met?”

“Yes. I ran into you as I was racing through the corridors of the main building.” He smiled at the memory of hitting what felt like a tall brick wall and falling on his ass. His guard’s footsteps had followed closely behind him, with the exasperated man calling his name.

“I had just left my office and was attacked by a tiny human,” Jenson chuckled. “When you fell, and looked up at me with those huge eyes, I was sure you were going to cry. Instead, you scrambled up and started pelting me with questions. What was my name? Was I a vampire? Was it true vampires drank blood? Did I work in the building? Did I know the Vampire Lord? You were so earnest. Your curiosity was like a beast inside of you, needing to get out. The look on your face when I told you I was a vampire and I did indeed drink blood… I don’t think anyone has ever made me laugh like that, before or since.”

Both men smiled at the memory. Merrick recalled his mother running down the corridor, apologizing profusely to the vampire, and trying to pull her son away, and back to the common room where they were waiting for his father.

“I wanted to stay, and ask you a million more questions.”

The vampire’s laugh was deep and full of humour. “You ALWAYS had a million more questions, no matter how many had already been asked.”

“My mother loved you the moment she realized you weren’t angry, but were actually talking to me.”

He saw amusement in the vampire’s eyes. “I remember. She invited me to join your group in the common room so she could get to know me better.”

Merrick rolled his eyes. “She just wanted to grill the man who was talking to her son.”

“A prudent move for a parent,” Jenson said as he crossed his feet at his ankles and settled back more comfortably against the tree.

“So, you started spending time with me because I was a persistent chatterbox with no brain to mouth filter?”

Jenson began laughing, the sound ringing through yard. Merrick’s lip started to twitch before he finally succumbed to the humor and joined the vampire in laughter. They leaned against each other, gasping for breath. As they struggled for air they turned to look at each other. Their laughter died off, and Merrick saw Jenson’s gaze drop down to his mouth before returning to his eyes. The older man stared at him for a several seconds before he swore under his breath and crushed his lips against Merrick’s in a bruising kiss. When he felt Jenson’s tongue stroke against his bottom lip, he opened his mouth in silent invitation.

Merrick felt his cock stiffening as the vampire’s large body moved over his. Strong hands on his shoulders pushed him back into the grass. He reached up and wound his fingers through Jenson’s hair, urging him closer. The muscular body settled over him, from chest to thighs, pressing him into the warm ground below. He felt Jenson’s hardening cock pressing into his thigh as the vampire’s tongue traced his mouth. With a groan, Merrick thrust his hips upwards, seeking more friction. Jenson nibbled and tasted, his tongue seeking out Merrick’s as they dueled for dominance. The sound of their kisses and harsh breathing seemed to be the only sounds in their secluded corner.

The vampire started a slow grind that was as sensual as it was torturous: enough friction to keep him on edge, but not enough to throw him over the precipice. Merrick spread his legs, trying to move the other man where he wanted him. Jenson seemed to understand, and shifted his weight slightly, lining up their cocks, side by side. As their bodies moved together, quickly finding a rhythm, Merrick could feel a familiar tingle starting in the base of his cock.

He felt rather than heard Jenson’s growl as his moved from Merrick’s lips to his jaw. He tilted his head to the side and felt the scrape and slide of the vampire’s fangs as he kissed his way towards Merrick’s throat. Merrick’s cock was almost painfully hard, and was leaking a steady stream of precum as he rocked up into the hard body above him.

“Fuck,” he gasped as the vampire nibbled across his collarbone. He couldn’t seem to get enough air into his lungs. “Jenson….” He knew it wouldn’t be long. His balls were pulled up tight to his body and his cock was throbbing.

“Merrick…,” Jenson’s voice was distorted from his fangs, and rough with need. “I want… I want to….”

The vampire’s fangs pressed into his flesh, dimpling his skin, but not hard enough to break the surface. He turned his head, giving Jenson more access. “Do it…,” he panted. He body was hot and flushed. He could feel his heartbeat in his now unbearably hard cock. He needed to come. “Bite me.”

Jenson’s breathing was ragged, and he could feel the man tense above him. Before he could stop him, Jenson rolled away onto his back. “Fuck!” Jenson shouted, throwing an arm over his eyes. “Merrick… I… I can’t….”

Merrick rolled over and straddled the other man’s hips. “Why the fuck not?” he growled, pulling Jenson’s arm from his eyes. “Jesus Christ, Jenson. We’ve been dancing around each other for years. I want you. You want me… I know you do.”

Jenson looked up at him, his eyes pleading with him to understand. “I… I can’t bite you…,” the vampire’s voice cracked as he turned his head away.

Merrick grabbed the older man’s chin and forcefully turned his head, making the vampire look him in the eye. He leaned forward and kissed along Jenson’s jawline. “Then don’t bite me,” he whispered, ghosting his mouth over Jenson’s. “Just fuck me.” He felt the other man’s cock twitch against his ass. Jenson’s groan was almost pained, and he felt the vampire’s hips start to move beneath him. The kisses quickly deepened, spurred by their mutual need.

“We can’t do this here,” Jenson protested again, grabbing the younger man’s hips, stilling his movement. “Merrick, stop. We can’t do this here.”

“Why the hell not?” Merrick’s frustration was obvious.

“We’re outside… in your parent’s yard… in broad daylight,” Jensen’s grip tightened, forcing Merrick to still.

Merrick groaned in frustration and rolled off of the vampire. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered, staring up into the tree branches for a moment, before turning and looking at the other man.

“We have terrible timing.”

“Or fortunate luck,” Jenson muttered.

“We can’t keep fighting whatever this is between us,” Merrick sat up and ran a hand over his head. “Is the idea of being with me really so bad?”

“No!” Jenson sat up quickly and moved next to the younger man. “It’s not that I don’t want you….”

Merrick glared at the vampire. “Don’t you dare fucking tell me ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ or I might have to hurt you.”

“Merrick,” the older man sighed, suddenly looking exhausted. “I want you… you have no idea how much… but we can’t. I can’t do this.”

“Is this about my age again? You do realize I’m 29 years old? I’m no child.”

“It’s part of it,” Jenson admitted. “But it’s not the only reason. Can you please just trust me?”

“Not unless you can give me a good reason why you keep running from me… from this,” he waved his hand between them.

“It’s a long story,” the older man ran a hand through his damp hair, and took a deep breath. “I’m not going to discuss this here.”

“Fair enough,” Merrick sighed and stood up, adjusting himself to a more comfortable position.

Jenson also stood and straightened his clothes. “I should go,” he said quietly.

Merrick was disappointed, but not surprised. Running from him seemed to be Jenson’s MO lately. “We’re going to talk about this,” he said as he looked at the vampire. His determination was clear.

Jenson gave a nod, and followed Merrick back to the house, a silent shadow behind the younger man. They entered the house to face a commotion as Merrick’s father hurried down the stairs.

“Merrick, Jenson… good you’re back. Councillor Shey just commed me. Apparently Earth’s envoy for the mission to Alectera was injured and will be unable to go. The Earth Alliance Council doesn’t have another appropriately trained envoy available in this sector, so they’re scrambling to find another Earth representative.”

“Damn,” Jenson swore. “I hope this doesn’t delay the mission. I should contact my father and see what progress has been made in the search.”

“Oh, no need,” Connor said with a grin. “I volunteered Merrick for the mission.”

“What?” Both men said together.

“What do you mean you volunteered me?”

“Merrick, you’ve traveled on countless diplomatic missions with me over the years, and have met with hundreds diplomats and dignitaries. You’ve had diplomatic training….”

“In the academy,” Merrick protested. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go on this mission, but he wasn’t sure he was qualified.

His father waved his concern away. “You have the best training of anyone available.”

Merrick noticed Jenson hadn’t said anything since his initial surprised outburst. The vampire seemed to be mulling something over in his mind.

“What did my father say?” The vampire finally asked.

“He thought it was a brilliant idea,” Connor said happily. “He said he would discuss it with the Earth Alliance Council, but didn’t see there being any objections. Speaking of Council, I need to get back to Council chambers. Christoph is calling an emergency meeting to have you approved for the mission. He should have the EAC’s consent by now.” He smiled at Merrick before turning to his wife. “This shouldn’t take very long, dear.”

After giving his wife a hug, Connor Weir swept out of the house, accompanied by Sergeant Varallo. With his shock fast becoming excitement, Merrick turned to the vampire, who was staring at the door.

“Well, it looks like we’re finally going on a mission together,” the older man said finally.

Merrick felt anticipation lick up his spine. The mission was expected to be a month long. One month living in very close quarters with Jenson where he would have nowhere to run. One month to break down the walls built by the stubborn vampire. He grinned, and clapped Jenson on the shoulder. “I’m looking forward to it.”