Crossing the Moon - 15. A Beauty With Barriers

"Do you happen to know where the temple of Nut is?"

The Sylph's face fell. "I'm sorry, I do not. I only go by aura signatures, not landmarks," he explained. "And I would help if I could, but my Air Stole has been stolen, and I'm grounded!"

"Your what has been stolen?" Mateo wondered aloud.

"My Air Stole," Shael elaborated. "It's an elemental-infused fabric that allows Sylphs to fly. If I could still fly, I would have sought out the temple for you. But, as it stands, I have the miserable task of having to create a stole from scratch. That takes many months, sometimes even a whole year!"

::

The door opened silently, and Viktor poked his dark-haired head in. He'd been fussing about, nearly expiring of curiosity, until Gin had snapped at him and thrown him out of his own kitchen with a tray of drinks and snacks. Viktor would have been more put out if it hadn't been a marvelous idea.

"I brought refreshments," Viktor announced proudly, holding up the tray and nearly dumping the glasses when he caught sight of a certain blue-eyed Sylph leaning one well-shaped bun against the side of a table and looking generally delectable.

"I thought you were bringing them a Tome?" Farshael questioned, his gaze automatically drawn to the oldest vampire in the room. "Either way, I've delivered my message. The Gods have surely blessed me for the purple aura'd men to have been led here. I thank you sincerely, Viktor."

Mateo barely managed to keep himself from gagging aloud at the sound of such flowery praise falling from the Sylph's lips in regards to someone like Viktor. But, Pax tilted his head slightly as his thoughts raced. Just what could be going on between those two?

"No thanks are necessary, Shael," Viktor said quickly, wondering why his cheeks felt warm. Was he blushing? He hadn't blushed for a rather long time. It wasn't an entirely pleasant sensation. "I'll fetch the book immediately," Viktor continued, setting down the tray on a low table. "Please, help yourself. I won't be long."

The grey-eyed vampire was gone before the drinks stopped sloshing in the glasses.

Mateo leaned over to whisper to January. "Is he sick, or something?"

Confusion could easily be read in the redhead's purple eyes, as well. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was," January admitted. "But, we shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth."

"Agreed," Pax added. He glanced over at the Sylph. "Shael, you said you can see auras...can you see your own?"

Farshael shook his head. "I can only see the auras of the people I need to deliver a message to. It's a gift from the gods so that we don't deliver a message to an impersonator," he explained. "I see no other auras until the following mission."

"That's really cool," Matt said, snitching a cookie from the tray. "What color's mine?"

"Aside from Mr. January," he began. "The five of you are a vibrant purple with different outer 'flames' flickering. Yours is a deep red. Mr. Pax's is a golden yellow. The three that aren't here have green, blue, and orange, respectively."

January frowned. "Do I not have another color?"

"Double purple," Farshael pointed out. "If the base aura's already purple, and your personal 'flavor' is purple, then it will simply blend into the hue."

"Why purple?" Mat asked in curiosity. "Does it mean something? And do mates usually have the same main color?"

"Yes," Farshael replied with a smile. "Mates usually have the same main color. That is quite right. A purple aura generally means a strong sense of perseverance and a vital spirit."

Before Mateo could ask any more questions, the door popped open, and Viktor strode in. A large book, bound in pale grey leather, was in his arms. He placed it gently on the table next to Shael. Viktor waved an arm with a flourish.

"The Moonlight Tome," he announced.

Though the book was supposed to be for January and his mates, Viktor's eyes were all for Shael, as though looking for the Sylph's approval or, even better, admiration.

The white-haired Sylph smiled at Viktor. Perhaps the man had some redeeming qualities, after all.

January immediately opened the book up. Khonsu was indeed referred to as a male god figure throughout its many pages. As he effortlessly lifted the massive volume. He worried if reading it all would be worth it or if it would take up valuable time.

"Have you read this, Viktor?" the redhead asked. He was reluctant to give the older vampire too much information, but he felt there was no other choice. "Does it show in its contents anything about when the Goddess Khonsu began to be referred to as female?"

Viktor pulled his attention away from Shael's smile, but it was difficult. The vampire was certain he'd never seen such a sexy and appealing turn of the lips.

"Hmm? Oh, yes, I've read it several times," Viktor confirmed. "It merely mentions Khonsu's switch of pronouns and something about Anubis being quite put out. It's not entirely clear if Anubis is bothered by Khonsu's change or by something else entirely. The language is nauseatingly flowery in places, and it appears to be a translation of an older text. That confounds things, unfortunately, since no one knows of the original writings."

January traded glances with his two mates. "Then, if there isn't much more we can glean from this text, we should go to the temple," he suggested.

Pax took a deep breath before turning towards Viktor. "Do you happen to know where Nut's temple is located?"

"I was supposed to help them locate it, but you saw what happened..." Shael added softly, a blush forming on his face as he recalled how he had fallen against the other vampire and the moments after.

"I believe I have a map that shows its location," Viktor told them. "I'll be but a moment."

The elder vampire moved so quickly he was little more than a blur, not even bothering to close the door as he hurried off.

"He's gotta be sick," Mateo said, leaning toward his mates. "He has a terminal case of the 'helpfuls', or something. It's starting to creep me out. I don't think he tried to scope our asses once since we've been here."

Farshael's face flared up in a pink glow. "Consider yourselves lucky," he commented.

The three other men turned their attention back to the Sylph immediately.

"He hasn't done anything untoward to you, has he?" Pax asked with a slight frown, already concerned.

"Oh, there's no way he could," Shael confessed. "All Sylphs have an innate power that protects them from being taken against their will...even if we end up unconscious!"

"But he's tried?" Mateo said, his voice dropping to a growl. "That's assault, Shael. I know you said you're kind of stuck because you lost your flying thing, but that doesn't mean you're stuck here with someone who would touch you without your okay. I'm sure you could stay with us. No one would bother you there." Mat looked at January and Pax. "Don't you think so, guys?"

January and Pax readily agreed, but Shael shook his head adamantly and waved his arms in a definitive 'no' gesture.

"Viktor's been very respectful. He has yet to go against my wishes," the Sylph insisted. "I understand that he's a very lewd vampire, but he's hasn't forced himself on me. There's no way he could. My magic protects me."

"Okay," Mat conceded reluctantly. "But if he ever starts giving you trouble, don't think you have to tough it out. I'll write down our address and phone number before we go. You can call or show up on our doorstep, anytime." Mateo sat back in his chair and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry if that was kind of intense. You see, one of my cousins got into a bad situation a while back and didn't feel like he had anywhere to go. It ended up alright, but I guess I still kinda have some strong feels going on."

The Sylph reached out to gently pat Mateo's hand in sympathy. "I'm sorry your cousin went through that," he replied.

Viktor returned in as much of a whir as he'd left, but he drew up short when he saw the burly Hispanic wolf and Shael practically holding hands. The vampire was standing before the wolf before he'd really decided to move. Mateo's hand was plucked from underneath the Sylph's.

"The map," Viktor gritted out, pushing the paper into the startled wolf's hand. "It's a bit old, Nut's followers don't really advertise their temples. I believe you should be able to use what is charted to point you in the right direction." The vampire's eyes were cold as stone as he glared at the darkly handsome wolf. "Feel free to take it with you and begin your search, immediately."

"Immediately...so soon?" Shael wondered aloud. "I suppose, the sooner, the better, so you can fulfill the message." He concluded. "Do you need me to come along?"

"I'm sure that won't be necessary," Viktor said quickly. "You still have much to do in order to create a new stole for yourself. January and his lovers, who are in an exclusive relationship together, wouldn't want to delay you. Especially when they are more than capable of handling it themselves." Viktor's gaze snapped to the three intruders in his home. "Or would you prefer to make Shael wait longer to skim the clouds again?"

The three men looked at one another, but January was the one to speak. "We are very grateful for this Viktor," he said. "We're in your debt."

Farshael frowned. "Viktor, you wouldn't hold this as a debt, would you?" He asked as he peered up at slate eyes.

"Of course not," the elder vampire assured, his eyes warming and softening when he looked at Shael. "They can borrow the map for however long they need it. It's good that it can be of use instead of sitting in a dusty glass case."

"None of your damn cases are dusty," Gin called from the hall as he happened to walk by. "Stop trying to make me look like I'm slacking in my work, boss."

"A perfectly shiny case, then," Viktor amended. "The sentiment is the same."

"Mr. Gin!" the Sylph gasped. "Language."

Pax began to urge his mates towards the door. "I think it's time we head out, especially if we want to reach that temple before sunrise."

Gin grumbled something about uppity sprites and waited to show out the guests that Viktor seemed in a hurry to get rid of. That was quite a turnaround. Last time those three had been for a visit, Gin had nearly needed a mop to clean up Viktor's drool. The butler shrugged as Viktor barely restrained himself from bodily pushing Mateo, Pax, and January from the room as they said goodbye to Shael. The receiving room door nearly clipped Mat on the backside as Viktor shut it behind them, trusting Gin to direct the trio to the door.

The elder vampire let out a breath of relief, keeping himself from leaning against the door by force of will. His spine stayed straight, and his smile lost its forced edge when he turned to Shael.

"Feel better now that you've passed on your message?" Viktor asked kindly.

"Yes, the gods must be watching out for me to have led them here," the Sylph mused with a smile. His stomach then gave such a loud growl that it sounded like a bear rumbling. "Goodness!"

"My deepest apologies," Viktor said, sounding appalled with himself. "My snack offering was clearly not adequate. Tell me anything you'd desire for a meal and I'll have it arranged quickly." The vampire frowned, stepping close to Shael. "Are you feeling well? Not faint at all or woozy?"

The Sylph blushed harder, swaying in place as he tried to keep from swooning at the proximity. "I-I'm fine. What kind of food do you have? I'm a vegetarian."

Viktor's arms shot out as his blue-eyed guest wobbled on his feet.

"You are clearly not fine. You must have low blood sugar."

Shael found himself swept into the vampire's arms and carried into the hall before he could even think of protesting.

"Gin!" Viktor shouted. "I need vegetarian food with good sources of sugar and protein! I'll meet you in the kitchen!"

Everything blurred as Viktor moved with inhuman speed, stopping directly in front of the refrigerator. It was flung open, and a carafe of what appeared to be recently squeezed orange juice was pressed into Shael's hands.

"Here, this will help your blood glucose levels, sweetness," Viktor said with concern painting his features.

"My blood sugar has nothing to do with..." Farshael tried to explain. "I was merely...I..." With a sigh, he took a few sips of the orange juice. "Thank you."

"Gin!" Viktor called again.

"Yes, boss, I heard you bellow the first time." The butler gave a long-suffering sigh and began puttering around the kitchen, collecting fruits and vegetables that met Viktor's requirements. "I just about had those guys out the door when you started kicking up a fuss. They were all ready to come barreling back in, but I talked 'em out of it. They're off on their temple hunt. Meant I couldn't just flitter-flutter right in here and throw you a bowl of peaches, ya' know?"

Gin had been washing and chopping as he spoke, his hands moving faster than Shael's eyes could follow. Before Viktor had even responded, Gin was handing Shael some sort of salad and a fork. It had dark leafy greens, several types of sliced fruits, and chopped nuts. It looked amazing.

Farshael let out a little moan of appreciation as he took his first bite. "Mr. Gin, this is delicious." He couldn't help but make more noises of bliss as he continued to eat. His sky blue eyes then locked gazes with Viktor. "Do you ever get hungry?"

Gin snorted and started cleaning up his small mess. Viktor glared at the sassy butler and carried Shael to the dining room. The vampire sat, holding Shael in his lap with the Sylphs back resting on one of Viktor's arms.

"Thank you, Mr. Gin!" The air elemental called out as he was moved.

"I do get hungry," Viktor admitted, licking his lips. "Don't you know about vampires and their appetites?"

"I thought older vampires didn't need to feed as much," Shael pointed out after swallowing another bite.

"We don't," Viktor said, smiling fondly as the Sylph made short work of the salad. The vampire made a mental note to feed Shael more often. "But we still need it, we still hunger, even if only a small amount is needed for our health and survival. And it's not just about food. We can be lonely creatures. Feeding allows us to be closer to another being that cares enough to trust us while they're in a vulnerable position. It's a precious gift to be offered someone's blood."

After Farshael sated his own hunger, he felt that it would only be fair for Viktor to state his hunger as well. "Would you like to try some of my blood?" He asked as he set the bowl aside.

A shiver ran through Viktor at the thought. The vampire wanted to simply say yes, perhaps even lower himself to begging. Viktor found himself holding himself back.

"Giving and taking blood can be an intimate thing. The feeling of pleasure for both parties can be intense." Viktor cupped Shael's cheek. "I wouldn't want to upset you and chase you away."

"Well, you haven't chased me away yet," the Sylph pointed out. "If I truly felt threatened by you, I would have left long ago." What truly worried Shael were his own budding feelings for the vampire.

"Promise that you won't let it drive you away?" Viktor asked beseechingly. "I'd like nothing more than to taste you. But I'd rather go hungry for a century than have you leave because of something I've done."

The white-haired man glanced up at him. "Viktor, I solemnly promise that something like this won't drive me away," he insisted. "Please allow me to pay back some of your kindness."

The young man then tilted his head, exposing his neck in a blatant offering.

Viktor's sex had been half-hard just from holding the delightful elemental in his lap. Shael's words and actions took the vampire to full, throbbing arousal so quickly that it sent a delicious pain through his tightening balls. Viktor stood abruptly, fearing the Sylph's reaction if he suddenly found not-so-little Viktor nudging his perfect backside.

"Ah, perhaps we could retire to somewhere more comfortable?" Viktor offered, plucking the bowl from Shael's hand and setting it on the table. "I have a very nice room I sometimes use for meditation. Would that be alright with you?"

Though the Sylph was confused about the change, he nodded in reply. When Viktor carried the Sylph into his meditation room, Shael wondered for a moment if he'd stepped into some demigod's home in the upper realms. Farshael even tasted the air, finding that he was still in Viktor's mansion in Acacia. He took in the large circular room, light blue eyes pulled upward to the peaked wood ceiling with massive crossbeams creating different geometric shapes, depending on where one stood beneath them. Gauzy curtains dyed in rich shades that reminded the Sylph of skimming the treetops of a forest at sunset hung from the walls and some of the beams, falling to pool on hardwood floor or the thick rugs dotting it.

Between the curtains, Shael could see tall windows filled with stained glass with complicated, flowing shapes and curves in colors even richer than the sheer fabric that fell around them. Viktor carried the air elemental to one of many large, pieces of furniture that looked like a combination of a bed and a couch. The cushions to sit on were too wide, front to back, for it to be a couch, but too short to be a mattress. There was a back and an armrest, as well as mounds of thick, soft pillows in jewel tones. It looked like a place to curl up or stretch out comfortably.

"Would this room be acceptable?" Viktor asked softly, setting Shael down on one of the odd, oversized couches.

"It's the most beautiful room I've ever seen," the air elemental confessed, gaping at all the different colors and details. He ran his hands over the cushion beneath him. "But, Viktor, what if we make a mess? I'd hate for any of this to stain..."

"Mmm, my lovely, you'll find I own very little that doesn't repel stains," Viktor told him, joining Shael, drawing close to the Sylph. "Even so, I'd happily buy new furniture if it meant I could taste you on my lips, spilling across my tongue."

Farshael found himself blushing, unsure if the vampire was actually talking about his blood that time and not lewd fluids. "S-so, how should I position myself?" he asked, mentally cursing himself a moment later when he realized just how his words could be perceived.

"That depends on where you want my kiss," Viktor explained, his slate eyes darkening as he reached out to caress Shael's wrist. "I could take from here if you're feeling shy." The vampire's hand lifted to stroke Shael's throat. "Or here, if you feel you can trust me in such a vulnerable spot."

His fingers stroked downward, fingertips brushing against soft fabric, trailing across a hidden, pebbled nipple. The gentle touch went lower, almost tickling the Sylph's flat stomach before teasing over the curve of a hip. The fingers slid down to stroke Shael's inner thigh.

"Here is a lovely spot," Viktor purred into the elemental's ear. "Though I would understand if it's not something you're ready for... yet."

The Sylph squirmed. The perverted vampire seemed to always try to explain things through touch. He couldn't very well forbid the other man to touch him at all, ever. But, he was growing more and more afraid of how his body continued to react to those touches. Farshael took hold of the hand on his thigh not only to detach it but also to assess something that had been nagging at the back of his head for a good while.

"Viktor, why is it that your skin is warm to me?" He asked aloud as he pressed his other hand to Viktor's hand, as well. "Could it be because mine is just as cold? Do my hands feel warm to you?"

"They feel wonderful," Viktor answered truthfully, turning his hand to hold Shael's. "You're warm, but not hot. Sometimes the touch of those who aren't vampires is uncomfortable. There are many who like the heat, I have in the past, but this is much better. It's a soft warmth; it doesn't pull at me as though trying to give me a fever."

"But, why is that so?" Shael wondered aloud as he squirmed once again at Viktor's simple touch.

"I can only think that it's because you're special," Viktor said with no hint of teasing as he stroked Shael's knuckles with his thumb. "I've lived a very long time and have never felt anything like it. It's like a balm to me."

Farshael bit his lower lip in nervousness. When the vampire phrased it in that manner, he didn't have it in him to rudely snatch his hands away. "A-as for the feeding..." he said in an attempt to change the subject."Which area is the easiest to draw from?"

"Here," Viktor said, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to the pulse in Shael's throat.

Shael's heart skipped a beat just from the kiss. Was he really going to be able to go through this? Sky blue eyes sought out slate and he realized that he had already made his decision long ago. "Then, you may draw from there," he whispered.

"Lay back," Viktor urged, guiding Shael to rest against the soft pillows. "I'll only take a little, but it can still make some beings a bit woozy." Viktor reclined at the Sylph's side, their bodies touching from the vampire's shoulder to his thighs. "Comfortable?" the vampire asked.

Unable to find his voice, the Sylph merely nodded and offered up his neck to the vampire once again. A part of him would have surely felt rejected if the vampire refused to draw from him. He wondered why.

Viktor drew Shael into his arms, amazed at the perfection of the feeling, how the Sylph seemed to fit so naturally into the curve of his arm and body. He pressed a grateful kiss to where he was about to bite, thrilling at the tiny shiver of anticipation that ran through Shael. Viktor opened his lips, tasting the salty sweetness of the Sylph's clean skin. His fangs gave no pain as they pierced Shael's flesh. Blood flowed slowly into his mouth, and he groaned as pleasure rocked him. He swallowed, and the erotic euphoria raced through his veins to consume him.

Farshael gasped as one of his hands gripped Viktor's hand, and the other grabbed onto the edge of the cushion. The mouth on his neck felt like it was touching a lot more areas than that. "Goodness!" he keened in pleasure as he fought not to move.

Viktor moaned, careful to suck gently, but unable to bring himself to stop. He found he'd wound a leg around one of Shael's as he held the slender Sylph close to his chest. Viktor knew he should stop. Some mutual pleasure was normal in a feeding, but this was beyond anything he'd ever experienced in his many years. Just a few more swallows, he promised himself, just a little more, and he'd stop. Just one more mouthful had his body singing, his cock leaking in his trousers as he pressed against Shael's hip. Another sip and Viktor knew he'd embarrass himself and perhaps enrage his guest, yet he still couldn't stop.

Shael's shaft was also quite hard, harder than he'd ever felt before. His eyes shut tightly as if not seeing would actually help. But, all it did was open up his other senses even more, causing him to whimper and gasp. "V-Viktor..." he moaned in a voice that was dripping with lust just before he fell over the edge, soiling the hell out of his borrowed pants.

Viktor swore he could feel it when Shael found his peak. It was a good thing the vampire was laying down, or he would have fallen, boneless, to the floor. Viktor shuddered, taking one last sip before laving his tongue over the tiny wounds. A guttural growl was muffled into a smooth throat as Viktor pressed his body tightly to Shael's and followed the Sylph into erotic bliss.

For a moment, the two of them didn't move. Farshael then covered his red face with his hands in embarrassment. "Viktor...I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I think I ruined the pants."

"That's alright. It gives me an excuse to find more for you." The vampire stroked the fingers of one hand through Shael's hair, amazed that it was so soft, with no gel or spray to keep it spiked. Viktor kissed the Sylph's cheek. "Besides, I'm rather sure I ruined mine, as well."

"Did you know this would happen?" he asked. "First our skin...now, this. Just what is going on?"

"I don't know," Viktor had to admit. "Do you believe the two may be connected?"

Farshael turned to look at the vampire. "I don't know...I could very well be trying to find subconscious reasons to be connected to you," He admitted with a blush. "I...I seem to like you."

"I know I like you," Viktor told him, then paused, tracing Shael's face with his eyes. "May I kiss you?"

Sky blue eyes widened as Shael's heart leaped right to his throat. A kiss? His mind immediately conjured up memories of his first kiss. He was sixteen years old, and a bunch of Nymphs and Sylphs had gotten together to play truth or dare. A fire elemental had been dared to kiss him and, not only was his tongue burnt, but he also received a blister in the same shape as the man's tongue ring. "Viktor can't burn me..." he whispered to himself. "O-Ok."

"Burn you? It seems more like you've set me on fire," Viktor murmured before capturing the lovely elemental's lips. There was passion within the vampire, desire, but the kiss was gentle, careful, as though Viktor were touching something precious.

The kiss that the vampire bestowed upon him was most definitely not harming him. On the contrary, it somehow made him feel so much better. He followed Viktor's movements with his own as his hands gently settled on the other man's shoulders. He was starting to believe that he had spoken too soon. Viktor really was burning him but in an entirely different way. He was stoking the fires of pleasure inside him.

While his mouth was tender and gentle against Shael's, Viktor's hand trailed downward to press against the front of the elemental's pants.

A barrier of magic immediately formed around the Sylph's privates, shielding them from the vampire's touch. The barrier didn't injure Viktor, but it pushed against the man's hand with equal force. Shael pulled away and peered down. "Hands above the waist," he insisted.

"I can work with that," Viktor purred, slipping his hand under the Sylph's shirt, his fingertips stroking smooth skin. "I feel blessed to touch any inch of you."

Shael bit his lower lip, feeling guilty. "Viktor...as a Sylph, I have this defense mechanism built into my magic," he explained. "It protects a Sylph from being... debauched. I have very little control of it, if at all. Though much of me trusts you, you would have to gain my complete trust for the barrier to concede."

"I'm willing to wait for the opportunity to feel you hard and throbbing in my hands, since it's you." Viktor's fingers trailed up to Shael's chest, the Elemental's shirt riding up to expose his stomach. "What precisely will set off your debauchery detector? Is this forbidden?" The vampire asked, tracing a nipple with his fingertip.

"I...I don't know." The air elemental responded, squirming beneath the vampire at the touch. "The barrier seems to only be around my lower half."

"Hmmm, but some parts of me are very close to your lower half," Viktor murmured, pressing himself forward against Shael's hip.

Farshael blushed hard. "To be more specific, the barrier is in the shape of underwear..." he replied.

"What type?" Viktor asked, feeling unexpectedly aroused. "I know they aren't magic boxers," the vampire whispered, nuzzling a spot next to Shael's ear. "Or I wouldn't be able to do this." Viktor rubbed his growing erection against the Sylph. "Boxers would ride over this spot."

Shael was quickly becoming aroused again. His face all but glowed pink by then. "More like...speedos?" he squeaked.

"May I explore the boundaries?" Viktor asked, his hand trailing down Shael's ribs.

The Sylph nodded as he tried to calm his racing heart down.

The vampire slowly slid his hand down over the Sylph's stomach and below the bellybutton. The hand danced towards the other man's hip and slipped lower until Viktor felt the barrier with his fingers. Those fingers then dragged back to the other side as he tested the boundary.

Viktor lifted his hand and brought it to Shael's knee. The vampire dragged it up the white-haired man's inner thigh, linger for a moment over the area he had offered to take blood. The Sylph shivered, drawing in a soft breath. The larger man kissed Farhael's temple and continued his exploration. The vampire's touch made it to the top of the air elemental's thigh before his hand was repelled before he was able to reach further. Viktor seemed content with that, not trying to force through the barrier. The dark slate-haired vampire wrapped his arm around Shael and hugged him to his chest.

"You'll stay?" Viktor asked, sounding uncharacteristically unsure of himself. "At least until you finish your stole?"

Farshael felt something strange inside him. Something that wanted to firmly reassure the vampire that he'd never leave. Though much of it was out of his hands since he still had to eventually report back to the demigods. He looked into the slate-hued eyes. "Yes, I'll stay," he agreed. If Viktor still wanted him around after he reported back to them, then he would return.