Clark was startled out of sleep by Lex jumping him. “Lex?” he squeaked in shock.
“Want you now,” Lex growled. Clark moaned and tipped his head back. “Take me,” he begged, instantly and hopelessly hard. Rocking against his mate, Lex leaned down, plunging his teeth straight into Clark’s neck, sucking hard, groaning at the sweetness that filled his mouth. Sweeping his hands down Lex’s back, Clark gripped his ass and pulled him down harder, thrusting up desperately against his lover. The pain of the bite eased into the amazing suction, Lex’s lips and tongue on his skin. Clark shuddered helplessly, letting his climax take over as he shot his seed into his shorts. “Mmm,” Lex groaned. He humped urgently against his mate as he licked the last of the blood from his neck. Lifting his head, Lex looked into Clark’s eyes and came hard. He dropped down on top of his lover. “Whoa,” Lex murmured, “I’m sorry, Clark.” Clark smiled. “Don’t be, that was the best wake up call I’ve ever had.” Chuckling, Lex looked up again, “Is that right?” “Oh yes,” Clark nodded, “Feel free to wake me up like that any time.” “I’m sure I will.” Lex laughed, “Okay, shower?” “Yes, please,” Clark nodded enthusiastically, “I’m feeling a little sticky.” “Yeah, me too.” Lex grinned and kissed Clark quickly before getting up. “Lex, wait.” Clark got up and quickly followed his lover to the bathroom, where he stopped with a gasp. Lex had bitten his lip and a slow trickle of blood made its way down his chin. Clark was on him in a second and Lex grinned, supporting his lover’s weight as Clark lapped at his chin, then sucked on his lip. Groaning quietly, Clark slowed his sucking into a soft, sensual kiss, pulling Lex up against his body. He cupped Lex’s face gently, resting his other hand in the small of his back. With a sigh, Lex wrapped his arms round Clark’s neck, leaning into his lover as their lips fused, tongues tangling together slowly, thoroughly. It was the most beautiful kiss Lex had ever been given, he felt cherished, maybe even loved. Clark pulled back slowly, dotting smaller kisses over Lex’s mouth, and smiled. Lex smiled back and squeezed Clark gently, before letting go. “Shower,” he whispered. Clark nodded. As they washed, dried off and got dressed, Clark couldn’t stop smiling. Even the fact that they were going to visit Lex’s family later wasn’t enough to dampen his spirits. He was so much in love, and he was pretty sure, now, that love was returned. @>*~ Lex couldn’t help feeling nervous as they pulled up outside the gates of his grandfather’s house. Clark’s hand was on his neck again, thumb rubbing soothingly. He smiled; as long as he had Clark by his side, he could get through anything. Clark’s muscles were so stiff with tension, they almost hurt, but he forced himself to concentrate on being supportive for Lex. Everything about this felt wrong though. Something in the back of his mind, something instinctual, primal, balked at the thought of going through those gates. Lex leaned out of the window and pressed the buzzer. The gates opened immediately and Lex shared a look with Clark before he drove through them. There was no turning back now. Smiling tightly, Clark gently squeezed the back of Lex’s neck, then let go as they stopped outside a huge, gothic style mansion that was almost as impressive as the castle. “Money and power on both sides of the family, I see,” Clark commented. “Why else would my father marry my mother?” Lex sighed. Clark pulled a face, then stiffened when he spotted Lucius jogging down the steps towards them. He had a couple of nasty scratches down one side of his face. Clark wondered what had happened since the previous night. “Lex, welcome home,” Lucius greeted him, once again ignoring Clark. “My home is in Smallville,” Lex said quietly. Lucius just smiled mysteriously. “Come on in, Grandpa is anxious to meet you.” He moved to take Lex’s arm, but Clark quickly moved in between them. Lucius glared at him and Clark glared right back, trying not to growl, but staking his claim nonetheless. “Follow me,” Lucius said, not quite snapping. Lex slipped an arm round Clark’s waist. “Take it easy, lover.” “I’m trying,” Clark whispered. Lucius led them through a dark, richly decorated corridor and into a bright airy sitting room filled with the kind of antiques that would have made Clark uncomfortable if he hadn’t been used to the castle. Sitting round a large log fire was an older gentleman, two middle aged women, one younger woman and two small boys. Clark immediately felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end and he reached for Lex’s hand. Taking Clark’s hand and squeezing gently, Lex looked round the room. There was a scent of familiarity, but at the same time there was an underlying tension in the air. His grandfather stood. He glanced at Lucius, who ducked his head and backed away, looking distinctly nervous. “The prodigal returns. Welcome to the family at last, Alexander. I’m your grandfather, Vincent.” “It’s Lex, Grandfather Vincent,” Lex nodded, “And this is my…” “Alexander,” his grandfather interrupted him, “Let me introduce you to the immediate family.” Gritting his teeth in annoyance at the way Clark was being ignored again, Lex nodded, turning to the others. Clark stood close to him. “Your aunts, Marina and Selene and your cousins, Helena, Tristan and Louis,” Vincent said, “Lucius you’ve met.” They all inclined their heads, but only his aunts met his eyes. None of them acknowledged Clark. Clark didn’t really care, he didn’t like any of them, or the way they were talking to Lex. It was more than creepy and he didn’t really feel safe. “Good, to meet you,” Lex said quietly, “And as I was saying, this is my… friend Clark Kent.” “Yes.” Was the only response from his grandfather. “Alexander, won’t you sit down?” There was only one chair remaining once Vincent and Lucius sat down, and no effort was made to get one for Clark. Pressing his lips together angrily, Lex took Clark’s hand and led him over to the chair. Clark smiled to himself, glancing briefly at Vincent, who did not look pleased. He sat down and Lex sat on his lap. “Okay, Clark?” Lex asked his lover quietly. “Yeah, thanks, Lex,” Clark replied. “Coffee, Alexander?” Vincent asked. “Thank you, yes. Black, no sugar, Clark has milk and three sugars,” Lex said, pointedly including Clark. “Lucius, see to it,” Vincent said imperiously. “Yes, Grandpa,” Lucius said quietly, getting up and leaving the room. Clark frowned. The red head seemed very subdued compared to what they’d seen previously. “So, your father told you we were all dead,” Vincent started. “Yes. I wonder why that was.” Lex raised an eyebrow. “Lionel and I didn’t see eye to eye you could say.” Vincent shrugged nonchalantly. “That’s no reason for him to cut me off from family,” Lex said with a frown. His father wasn’t that unreasonable, and besides, they were obviously powerful, surely his father would want to take advantage of that? “Oh, he didn’t.” Vincent smiled unpleasantly. “What do you mean?” Lex asked. He didn’t like this at all. The strange way everyone was acting, the way they were treating Clark, and his grandfather’s words so far. Feeling his lover’s tension, Clark started to stroke Lex’s back as unobtrusively as possible. “I cut the family off from Lionel and Lillian,” Vincent smirked, then frowned at them. “I see,” Lex frowned back, very deliberately relaxing into Clark’s touch. His grandfather glared at Clark. “Why would you do that?” “It was no longer a beneficial situation. Lillian had the audacity to fall in love with him and refuse to carry out my wishes,” Vincent snorted. “In love with a human!” The others laughed derisively. Lex bristled at the implied insult towards Clark, but Lucius’ return stopped him from saying anything. Lex held onto the cup he was given, tightly. “Why allow her to marry him then?” he asked. “My dear boy,” Vincent sounded surprised, “It was business, a way to make money.” Lex was disgusted, and he could feel Clark’s response in his tight thigh muscles and hand gripping his hip suddenly. “You seem to have plenty already,” Lex commented. Vincent merely shrugged. “So why contact me now? Why have I changed?” Lex asked. He wanted to know what was happening to him, and he really didn’t want to stay any longer than necessary. In fact, Lex wanted nothing more to do with this branch of his family. “All in good time.” Vincent stood before Lex could speak. “Ladies, see to dinner,” Vincent ordered. “Boys, time to play.” The family got up, the ladies dropping a curtsey, the boys bowing, and left the room. “Now then, Lucius, shall we show Alexander the house and his room?” Lex blinked, “Grandfather, we can’t possibly stay.” “Oh, but I insist. Tomorrow, the whole family will be here to meet you,” Vincent said, gesturing widely. “The whole family?” Lex asked in surprise. “Indeed, after all, Alexander, they all want to meet the next in line.” Vincent nodded. Clark frowned. Lucius looked furious, glaring at Lex in what appeared to be jealousy. Vincent swept out of the room, followed by Lucius. “Next in line for what?” Clark whispered. “I don’t know, and I don’t think I care,” Lex grimaced, “We cannot stay here.” “We’ll be okay,” Clark said quietly, “Lex, I’m totally freaked out here, but we need to know what’s going on.” Lex sighed. “I know.” He leaned up and kissed Clark softly, “Thank you for being here, love.” “I’m right where I belong, Lex,” Clark said with a smile, “By your side.” Lex’s chest clenched with emotion and he smiled up at his lover, about to reply. “Alexander, are you coming?” Vincent stood in the doorway, eyebrow raised. Lex sighed, “Certainly.” He took Clark’s hand and walked after his grandfather and cousin. The tour was actually quite interesting; for Lex at least. Clark, however, was bored and hungry, and he really wanted to get Lex alone for a while. They were led into a large dining room where the others were waiting, standing behind their chairs. Vincent made his way to the head of the table, Lucius followed him to the chair on his left. “Alexander, if you’d like to sit opposite Lucius?” Vincent offered. Lex frowned, pursing his lips together. There was one chair remaining for Clark, at the end of the table. But at least there was somewhere for him to sit this time. Clark didn’t like it at all, but he squeezed Lex’s hand reassuringly and went to the free chair. Once Vincent had taken his seat, the rest of the family sat down, almost as one. Clark was opposite Helena. She glanced up at him, looking away quickly when he attempted a smile. Lex looked down the table to his lover and sighed. This was not good. They were treating Clark like a second class citizen and he really didn’t like it. Nobody spoke, except Vincent and Lex, making Clark feel even more uncomfortable. He poked at his food, his appetite gone, and tried to listen to his lover’s conversation. “I understand you’ve been married twice,” Vincent said casually. “Officially, yes,” Lex replied. His relationship with Clark was a far truer bond than marriage as far as he was concerned. “Yes,” Vincent sneered, “But you survived them. Humans have such limited vision.” He tutted lightly, “But mortality will do that to you.” He glanced slyly at Lex. Lex raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying we’re immortal?” “As good as, yes,” Vincent nodded, “Some physical injuries are too excessive for even us to heal, but in general, yes.” Clark felt a knot of tension he hadn’t even known he had suddenly loosen at those words. Lex was as good as immortal, that meant he didn’t have to worry about losing his lover. He looked up the table and Lex turned to meet his gaze. They smiled softly. Lex understood immediately how much that news meant to Clark, and he was relieved that he’d never have to leave his mate alone. As he turned back to his grandfather, Lex caught his aunt Marina’s eye just briefly. She looked away hurriedly, but not before Lex had caught the curiosity in her gaze. Interesting. “Grandfather Vincent, I would like to know more,” Lex continued, “Until last week, I thought I was human.” Vincent snorted, “One who isn’t born pure requires a bite from a family member in order to become fully Wolfbreed.” “And you didn’t think to ask me about it first?” Lex raised both his eyebrows. “Don’t be ridiculous, Alexander, it was time for you to join the pack,” Vincent started, jabbing his finger into the table repeatedly. Lex frowned, “What if I didn’t want to join the ‘pack’?” Gasps resounded round the room and Lucius looked apprehensive. Clark looked round nervously, the sudden tension in the room was palpable. “You are next in line, there was no choice in the matter,” Vincent growled. “And I’m just supposed to just accept this, because you say so?” Lex snapped. He got to his feet abruptly. “I think it’s time to go. Clark?” “You will stay!” Vincent thundered, his hand smashing down onto the table. Lucius jumped and Helena gave a little shriek. “No, I don’t think I will,” Lex said quietly but firmly as he walked over to Clark. Vincent smirked suddenly. “And risk the possibility that there may be information vital to your welfare that only we can tell you?” Lex stopped by Clark’s side. Could he risk it? Could he risk Clark by staying in this house? Clark sighed. He knew they had to stay, even though, instinctively, he knew there was something very wrong here. “We’ll stay,” he said quietly, reaching up to squeeze Lex’s arm. “I don’t believe you were invited.” Vincent addressed Clark for the first time. “Clark stays with me, or we both leave now, Vincent. I really don’t care which,” Lex said, his tone dangerously quiet. Vincent’s eyes narrowed and he contemplated them for a moment. “The boy must be quite a fuck, Alexander.” He held up his hand, preventing a furious Lex from speaking. “Very well, he may stay. Tomorrow, you meet the pack and I will explain further.” “How gracious of you,” Lex sneered, “I’m sure you won’t mind if we retire now.” Vincent inclined his head and Lex took Clark’s hand, tugging him out of the room before he exploded with anger. They walked up to their room in silence, closing and locking the door behind them before they could relax. “God damn!” Lex shouted, “I almost wish you hadn’t done that, Clark.” “I know, Lex,” Clark sighed, “But I don’t care what he thinks about me, and we need to know. We’ll take care of each other while we’re here.” “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Clark.” Lex smiled and Clark slipped his arms round his waist, kissing the back of his neck. “You’re you, Lex, and I know I don’t deserve you,” Clark whispered in his lover’s ear. Turning, Lex put his head on Clark’s shoulder with a happy sigh. “Let’s go to bed, I feel drained.” “Me too.” Clark nodded. Getting ready for bed quickly, they slipped into the huge, ornate bed, snuggling under the covers. “Lex?” “Yeah, Clark?” Lex lifted his head to meet Clark’s eyes. “Don’t you want…” Clark hesitated, “Aren’t you going to…” Lex propped his head up on his hand, “What, Clark? You know you can ask me anything.” Clark flushed. “Please will you feed from me, Lex?” “Really?” Lex asked a little uncertainly. After the evening they’d had, Lex had really felt unsure about how Clark would respond to that side of him now. “Please,” Clark confirmed with a nod. Lex shifted in Clark’s arms and nuzzled his neck. The scent of blood made his mouth water and his gums got that achy feeling. His teeth sliced through Clark’s skin and his lover’s sweet blood filled his mouth. Groaning, Clark held Lex close, stroking his scalp gently as his mate’s lips, teeth and tongue soothed and aroused him. Lex slipped his hand into Clark’s shorts, taking his cock in a light grip. Stroking slowly, Lex relished his lover’s quiet moans and the undulating of his body. As Lex pumped at his erection and sucked on his neck, Clark thrust gently. His orgasm built slowly, diffusing through his body with an intensity that left him gasping. “Oh Lex,” he whispered as he came. Sighing, Lex pulled his hand free and licked it clean. He shared a smile with Clark, then he bit his wrist. Clark took Lex’s hand and kissed it, then he lapped at the oozing blood. Gasping quietly, Lex felt the slow burn of his climax take over his body and he shuddered against Clark. Kissing Lex’s hand again, Clark got up to get a washcloth and cleaned them both. Then he snuggled back up to Lex under the covers. Wrapped in his lover’s embrace, Lex felt as though he could actually get through the next day. It would have worried him not so long ago that he had so much emotion, so much of himself, invested in Clark, that he depended on Clark. But now, the only thing truly important was that he loved Clark and that his mate was with him. “Clark?” he whispered. Clark yawned sleepily. “Yeah?” “I love you.” Lex held his breath nervously. When the silence continued, he lifted his head, “Clark?” His lover was blinking rapidly, mouth open, breath hitching. “Clark, what’s wrong?” he asked anxiously. Clark shook his head, his chest so tight with emotion that he could barely breathe. Tears prickled at his eyes and he pulled Lex down, kissing him urgently. It was the only way at that moment that he could convey his feelings and reassure Lex. Pulling away, Lex stroked Clark’s hair back and kissed his forehead, before settling back into his arms. Drifting into sleep, Lex smiled at Clark’s quiet whisper. “I love you, Lex.” @>*~ Clark woke with a start. He could hear shouting from somewhere in the house and he focussed his hearing. “But Grandpa…” “You incompetent idiot, I told you to get Alexander here alone.” Clark frowned and sat up, careful not to disturb Lex. “He wouldn’t come without the human, Grandpa.” “Then you should have got rid of it. Bad enough that you lost Alexander in the club.” “That wasn’t my fault, Grandpa, I told you…” “Silence! You disappoint me, Lucius. A few kills and he would have been begging us for help, but now I have to tolerate human vermin in my house.” Clark sucked in an angry breath. How dare he? It wasn’t so much the insult to him, but the implication that they’d wanted to reduce Lex to a state of desperation, force him to join them. “Clark?” Lex frowned and sat up, “What’s up?” Forcing himself to relax his jaw, Clark took a deep breath. “Lex, I’m not so sure we should stay anymore.” Lex paused. Something had obviously upset Clark, so he would leave if necessary, he trusted Clark had a good reason. “Okay, if that’s what you think.” He got up and got dressed. Frowning in confusion, Clark reached over for Lex. “Wait. Aren’t you going to ask me why?” Lex shook his head. “I don’t need to, but you can tell me if you want.” “Lex!” Clark snapped in exasperation. “They tried to set you up. Lucius bit you so you’d have to turn to them. Your grandfather wants to use you, that’s all he wants you for, I just know it.” Smiling, Lex nodded. “I’m sure he does.” He sat down with a sigh at Clark’s confused expression. “Clark, you do realise how few people there are, or have been, in my life who don’t want to use me for something?” “Oh Lex.” Clark frowned in distress. “I’ve been dealing with people like my Grandfather my whole life, Clark,” Lex said quietly. “Yeah, but they have the advantage here, Lex. We don’t know anything about this except that you’re practically immortal. What if something happens? What if I can’t protect you?” Clark asked desperately. “Clark,” Lex stroked his lover’s cheek, “If you want us to go, we’ll go. No regrets, no recriminations, we’ll just go. But you don’t have to protect me, Clark, just love me.” Closing his eyes, Clark leaned into his lover’s touch and breathed out heavily. “Always,” he whispered, “I’m sorry, let’s stay.” “Okay.” Lex nodded. “But I’m not letting you out of my sight,” Clark said firmly, moving so Lex could get back into his arms. “I have no problem with that,” Lex chuckled. @>*~ A knock at the door woke them late in the morning. Lex stretched and got up to unlock the door. “Hello, Lucius.” He frowned at the bruise over his cousin’s eye. That was new, but the scratches were gone. “Walking into doors, are we?” Lucius pulled a face. “Kiss my ass, Lex.” “The only ass he kisses is mine,” Clark growled from the bed. “Gross,” Lucius grimaced. “Breakfast is served, Grandpa requires your presence in the dining room,” he droned in a bored monotone. “I’ll bet he does,” Lex sighed. “Lucius, can I have a word with you?” “Of course, you are next in line after all,” Lucius drawled. “What does that mean, exactly?” Lex asked sharply, returning to the bed to sit down next to Clark. “Grandpa is the alpha male, leader of the pack,” Lucius explained quietly, “You are the oldest male heir, hence the next in line.” “What if I don’t want to be next in line?” Lex asked seriously, “Which, by the way, I really don’t.” Lucius made a rude noise, “Grandpa is alpha, what he says, goes.” “Without exception?” Lex asked with a frown. He’d spent his life trying to escape from his father’s legacy, he wasn’t about to start all over again with his Grandfather. “Without exception,” Lucius confirmed. “What does he want with me now, Lucius, he has you?” Lex said quietly. “I’m not the Luthor heir though, am I?” Lucius said sarcastically. “Ah, the clincher,” Lex laughed self-deprecatingly. That was the only reason anyone wanted him. Clark frowned and leaned over, gently nuzzling Lex’s neck to remind him that he was loved. Smiling softly, Lex twisted his head to kiss Clark’s temple. “You guys are seriously sappy,” Lucius’ face was scrunched up in disgust and, strangely, curiosity. “How can you be with a human?” “How can you be such a bigot?” Lex replied quickly. “You’ll have to get rid of him. Grandpa won’t tolerate you being with a human, you know,” Lucius commented idly. Lex stiffened. This was going way too far. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Lucius, but I believe wolves mate for life.” Lucius went deathly pale. “M-mated? To him?” he stuttered. Lex nodded and Lucius backed up to the door. “Excuse me, I really should be going now.” He closed the door behind him. “Why did you speak to him?” Clark asked. “I figured if I told him the truth, that I’m not interested in being part of this family, he’d be more forthcoming,” Lex shrugged, “Forewarned is forearmed.” Clark bit his lip and sighed. “He wants to be next in line, huh?” Lex snorted, “Of course he does, it’s Lucas all over again.” “But… I thought you and he…” Clark frowned in confusion and shook his head. “Doesn’t mean he still doesn’t want my position, he just doesn’t want to deal with my job as well,” Lex sighed. “I did tell you how much I dislike your brother, didn’t I?” Clark growled, remembering his jealousy when Lucas had shown up. “No, but I’d guessed,” Lex laughed. “I suppose we should go down for breakfast.” Clark made a rude noise, but nodded. @>*~ As they made their way back to the dining room, they realised they could hear shouting and hurried in. Vincent had Lucius by the collar of his shirt and was hitting him repeatedly across the face. “You useless fool!” Vincent growled, “If you’d kept hold of him, he couldn’t have mated.” “I’m sorry, Grandpa,” Lucius cried out. “What the hell is going on?” Lex shouted. Vincent turned with a snarl and Lex gasped. The older man’s appearance had changed, shoulders broader, fur over his skin, claws extending from his fingers, eyes glittering dangerously. He started to stalk towards them and Clark automatically placed himself in front of Lex protectively. Vincent snarled again, almost bounding right up to him. Clark tensed apprehensively, but Lex’s grandfather stopped suddenly, sniffed, snorted and turned away. As he walked back to the table, his appearance returned to normal. “What’s going on here?” Lex asked again, stepping out from behind Clark. “You mated without permission,” Vincent said coldly, “And if that weren’t bad enough, you mated with a human.” Lex shrugged. “And?” “Sit,” Vincent gestured at the chair next to him, “Drink and I’ll explain.” Lex pursed his lips together, but he sat after squeezing Clark’s shoulder. Vincent lifted his glass and held it out to Lex. With a sigh, Lex picked up the glass next to his plate and clinked it to his grandfather’s. He took a sip and almost choked. It was the foulest tasting liquid he’d ever had the misfortune to drink. Clark frowned, seeing Vincent’s triumphant expression and Lex’s grimace of distaste. What the hell was Vincent up to? “Please, explain, Vincent,” Lex said quietly. “Nobody in this pack mates without my permission,” Vincent growled. “I am not a pack member!” Lex snapped. Vincent smirked, “Oh, but you are. Wolfbreed by blood and bite and now, pack. And you do what I say.” “Why only pack now?” Lex asked, suddenly feeling uneasy. “You just drank the blood of your pack, Alexander, you’re mine,” Vincent laughed. “Over my dead body,” Clark growled defensively. “That will be arranged, boy,” Vincent sneered. “Unfortunately, as Alexander has mated with you, there are certain procedures we have to go through.” “We don’t have to go through anything,” Lex said angrily. “The boy must defend his right to be your mate, or the pack will kill him,” Vincent said triumphantly. Lex froze and quickly turned to Clark, eyes wide with worry. Could they risk the possibility that a number of Wolfbreed might be strong enough to do just that? But could they risk revealing that Clark was most definitely not human? He left the table to rejoin his lover. “What shall we do?” he whispered.