Clark bit his lip uncertainly. Somehow, he knew there was no escaping from this. Vincent would never let it go as long as they were together. “How do I defend my position?” he asked Vincent.
“A fight with Lex’s intended mate, or closest male relative in this case,” Vincent smirked, “To the death.” “Oh hell no,” Lex snapped. “My dear boy,” Vincent laughed, “It’s not my fault we are stronger and faster than humans. I’m sure you’ll get over him.” Lex ignored his grandfather. He certainly wasn’t worried about Clark being beaten, but he was worried about the possibility of Clark having to kill someone. Clark smiled gently, he could see the anxiety in his lover’s eyes. “I can do this,” he whispered. “But what if… I don’t know if I could forgive myself if you had to… kill someone,” Lex frowned in distress. Clark lifted his hand and smoothed Lex’s crinkled brow with his thumb. “I’ve,” he sighed, “I’ve killed before, Lex.” “Yeah, I know, but not like this, Clark,” Lex said desperately. Clark pulled him close. “Lex,” he whispered, “Do you really think they’ll let us go without doing this?” “We could get away from Metropolis,” Lex suggested. “You’re too high profile, Lex,” Clark sighed, “We’d have to be looking over our shoulders all the time.” Finally, Lex nodded. He dropped his head onto Clark’s chest. “Okay, you’re right, but I want you to know, you still don’t have to do this.” “Hey,” Clark admonished gently, “I’m your mate and I will defend us with every breath I take.” Lex smiled and lifted his head for a kiss. “How touching,” Vincent sneered. “Saying your goodbyes?” Lex turned to glare coldly at his grandfather. “Who does he have to fight?” “Me,” Lucius stepped forward sulkily, “As Helena’s brother, I take her place in this fight.” He pouted, glancing sideways at his grandfather, who glared. Lex grimaced. They’d already seen Lucius kill without compunction, Clark might actually have to kill him to win. “When?” Lex asked. “Tonight, when the pack gathers,” Vincent replied. “Then, if you don’t mind, we’ll eat in our room. We’d like some time alone,” Lex stated rather than asked. Vincent inclined his head. “Marina, take them a tray.” Marina curtseyed and left the room. Clark and Lex followed her out. After they’d been in their room only a few minutes, there was a knock at the door and Lex answered it. “Thank you.” Lex took the tray of food from his aunt. She looked at him seriously, then glanced around. “There is a tradition, next in line may challenge the alpha for leadership.” “Challenge Vincent?” Lex asked. Marina nodded, “Of course he killed his last challenger. He is powerful, but you are young, you might stand a chance.” She looked away again. “Who was it?” Lex asked quietly. “His son,” Marina said. She hurried away before Lex could say anything more. Lex swallowed hard, his shoulders so tight with worry, they hurt. “He killed his own son?” Clark gasped. “Oh God, Lex, this just gets worse.” “I know,” Lex sighed. He locked the door and carried the tray over to the bedside table. “Eat, please, Clark,” Lex said quietly, “You’re going to need your strength.” “I’m stronger than him, Lex, and way faster, please don’t worry,” Clark whispered, rubbing Lex’s arm. “I know,” Lex said lightly, considering he was nearly shaking with tension, “But in a minute, I’m going to suck you and fuck you to within an inch of your life.” Clark let the piece of bread he was holding, fall, his jaw dropping open. “I can eat after,” he squeaked. Lex stood up and started to undress, trying to keep his hands steady enough to unbutton his shirt. In the end, he gave up and ripped it off. Clark gulped and hurriedly pulled his clothes off, lying back on the bed, cock hard and needy already. Drinking in the sight of his lover, so ready and willing for him, Lex finally relaxed and let his lust take over. He felt the familiar ache in his gums and ran his tongue over his sharpening teeth. “You’re mine,” he growled, “No one is going to take you away from me!” Clark nodded, tipping his head back to expose his neck. “Yours,” he whispered. Lex leapt on him with a snarl, licking up his stomach to his chest. Biting at a nipple, Lex paused a moment to savour Clark’s whine of pleasure, then bit down hard, sucking around his lover’s nipple, drawing on blood like he was a suckling child. But there was nothing childlike about the way he was grinding his cock against Clark’s groin and Clark whimpered quietly. The sensations, pain and ecstasy, entwined in his body, filling him with a mindless need for Lex to possess him. He bucked up, pulling at his lover’s head, wanting to taste. Growling quietly, low in his throat, Lex shifted up, moving fully on top of Clark so they could rock together urgently. Licking Clark’s mouth briefly, Lex lowered his head to lap at his favourite spot on Clark’s neck. Then he pressed his teeth against his skin. “Please,” Clark begged. He needed to feel Lex inside him, teeth, cock, anything, just so long as Lex marked him, claimed him. Lex increased the pressure, groaning as his teeth sank into Clark’s sweet flesh and blood began to fill his mouth. He swallowed and licked, suddenly desperate for the reassuring taste, sense of warmth and completion. His cock jumped and he ground down against Clark again. “Lex, inside me, please, Lex, inside, fuck me,” Clark babbled. He couldn’t take the aching emptiness anymore. Growling again, Lex lifted his head. He propped himself up on one arm and spat a mouthful of blood into his free hand. Stroking his cock with the viscous fluid, Lex positioned himself fully in between Clark’s legs and pushed. His lover’s head dropped back again, Clark groaning his approval. Lex paused, just inside him and Clark whimpered questioningly. His lover smiled, exposing long, sharp teeth, and hushed him. Lex wanted to savour the moment for as long as he could, despite his entire being screaming at him to bury himself in his lover. Lifting his head, Clark watched Lex’s cock slowly easing inside him. “Oh God,” he breathed. It was intense with Lex every time they made love, but the combination of romance and passion with the edge of fearful anticipation of what was to come later, made it an almost torturous pleasure. He couldn’t hold his head up any longer, Clark flopped back, opening himself to whatever Lex wanted to do with him. Buried deep inside Clark, Lex pushed up and bit down on his lover’s neck again. Clark’s legs came up and wrapped round him, urging him to move, and Lex eased back again, growling against Clark’s skin at the rippling of his lover’s ass around him, reluctantly letting him out. He didn’t pause this time, lunging forward, slamming into Clark as he ripped at his neck with his mouth. Clark’s passage clenched down hard around him as the younger man howled and bucked under him. With a gasp, Clark grabbed frantically at Lex’s ass, using hands and legs to pull at his lover. They thrust together hard and fast, Lex finally giving into his need to take Clark, the heat of blood and his lover’s ass consuming him. It was too much for Clark. Lex was pounding into him so hard, if he’d been human, it would have killed him. The suction at his neck, the feel of Lex’s mouth on him… Clark moved his head, nuzzling Lex’s neck with his lips. Lex moaned his acquiescence and Clark bit. The taste of blood overwhelmed him and Clark whimpered loudly, holding tightly onto Lex as he pumped hot seed between their bodies. Pushing so hard into Clark that he felt his lover’s head slam into the headboard, Lex lifted himself onto his arms and howled triumphantly as he filled and marked his mate. Clark wrapped his arms round his lover and pulled him down as they panted harshly, Lex gasping for breath loudly. Clark giggled and Lex lifted his head, raising an eyebrow inquiringly. “We broke the bed,” Clark gasped. Lex smirked, “Good.” He sighed, “Damn that was good.” “Good?” Clark laughed, “I’m insulted.” Snorting, Lex flopped back down on his lover’s strong body. “Awesome, fantastic, spectacular. Do those adjectives meet with your approval?” “Oh, much better,” Clark agreed. He licked a smear of blood from Lex’s neck and sighed happily, refusing to contemplate what was coming in the afterglow of awesome, fantastic and spectacular sex. “Lex, I love you, but I’m starving now.” “I’m overwhelmed by your sense of romance,” Lex grumbled, shifting off his lover and onto the bed beside him. Clark chuckled and leaned over to drop a kiss on Lex’s cheek. “Is it my fault you’re so hot, you’ve exhausted me?” “Exhausted you?” Lex exclaimed, “That’ll be the day.” Clark grabbed a slice of bacon from the tray, biting off a large chunk. “Hungry?” he asked, offering the rest to Lex. “Mmm.” Lex lifted up again, snapping at Clark’s fingers to get the food. “Hey, watch it, or I won’t hand feed you,” Clark complained jokingly. “You spoil me,” Lex said with a smirk. Clark tutted and shook his head. “Damn right.” They ate quickly, Clark taking half of whatever he fed Lex until they both actually felt a little overfull. Lex grabbed Clark’s hand and licked his fingers clean with a sigh. “I hate this,” Lex said quietly. Clark stiffened, knowing what he meant. “I’m sorry I got you into this.” “Well, I’m not!” Clark said firmly, “Lex, I love you. If this hadn’t happened, I would never have seen you again and you know it. I couldn’t have dealt with losing you, Lex.” He stopped feeling tears prick at his eyes again. “I know.” Lex sighed and pulled Clark into his arms, “Don’t ever doubt how happy I am you’re with me or how much I love you. I just…” “Don’t, Lex,” Clark interrupted him. “No regrets,” he whispered. Lex nodded, “No regrets.” Reluctantly, Clark pulled free. “I really should phone my parents, I didn’t get a chance yesterday.” Sighing, Lex got up and put on a pair of boxers. As Clark picked up the phone and started dialling, Lex draped himself around his lover, hooking his chin over one shoulder. “Hi, it’s me,” Clark said quietly. “Clark? Why the hell didn’t you phone yesterday? Your mother was worried sick!” Jonathan yelled. Clark tensed and Lex hugged him tight. “I didn’t have a chance to, Dad,” Clark sighed. “I told you, things are difficult right now.” “You still haven’t told us where you are and what the hell you’re doing with Lex,” his father snapped. “I told you!” Clark snapped back, “He needs my help right now, okay?” “Not okay, Clark. You just take off, again, we don’t know where you are…” Clark flinched, snuggling deeper into Lex’s embrace for comfort. “We’re staying with some of Lex’s family, we should be back tomorrow and I’ll explain then.” He paused as Lex poked him and looked round at his lover enquiringly. “We’ll explain, Clark. Together, okay?” Lex said softly. Clark smiled and nodded, “Okay, thank you.” Lex kissed his cheek gently. “What… who was that?” his dad asked, sounding confused and angry. “We’ll explain when we get home, Dad, tell Mom I love her.” Clark put the phone down, despite hearing his father calling him to wait. “When we get through this, we can tell them everything, right Lex?” Clark asked worriedly. Lex squeezed Clark tightly, burying his face in his neck to try and hide his fear. “Yes,” he whispered. He just hoped the Kents wouldn’t hate him, wouldn’t deny him his mate, because he had the distinct feeling he might hurt them if they did. Feeling his lover’s tension, Clark guessed what he was worrying about. “I don’t think they’ll ask me to choose, Lex, and if they do,” he smiled sadly and shrugged, “I love them, but I love you and need you with everything that I am.” Lex lifted his head and turned to face Clark, staring seriously at his mate. “I can’t, Clark,” he whispered, “I can’t ask you to choose.” “There is no choice, Lex,” Clark snapped, pulling back a little hurt and angry. “I’m yours, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us do part. Yours!” Sucking in a breath of shocked joy, Lex felt his heart leap into his mouth, eyes burning with tears. “I do,” he said, choking slightly on what could have been a laugh or a sob, he wasn’t sure. Clark pulled Lex into his arms and smiled, kissing his scalp softly. “Let’s get some rest before tonight,” Lex suggested. Clark didn’t answer, just lay back on the bed with Lex still in his arms. With a sigh, Lex snuggled into his lover’s embrace and closed his eyes. @>*~ A knock at the door startled them awake and Clark immediately jumped up, crouching in front of the bed protectively. “Clark,” Lex said quietly, getting up and squeezing his shoulder as he passed him, “It’s fine.” Lex unlocked the door. “It is time,” Marina said quietly. She looked up, then quickly down again. “Please, ask your mate not to kill my son,” she whispered before hurrying away. Lex turned to Clark with a frown, “Why would she ask that? What does she know?” “Does it really matter now?” Clark asked, “They’re all going to know I’m not exactly normal after the fight.” “True.” Lex sighed and shut the door so they could get dressed, using clothes they found in the closet to replace the ones they’d destroyed. Then they made their way downstairs, hand in hand, heading in the direction of all the noise. As soon as they entered the room, a small ballroom, silence fell and all eyes turned to stare at them. “Ah,” Vincent stood, “My somewhat wayward grandson and his … mate.” He sneered over the last word and several members of the pack tittered quietly. “Alexander, our pack has gathered to bear witness to your return,” Vincent said formally, “And once we’ve taken care of your little, ah, problem, you will be mated to Helena.” ”Very well,” Lex said quietly, “But I’d also like something witnessed.” Vincent’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded. “If Clark should win, you will let us leave and never attempt to contact us again,” Lex stated. Vincent snorted in amusement, “Oh, why not.” He turned and waved his hand at Lucius. “Come on, boy, let’s get to it, shall we?” Lucius stepped forward, eyes glittering dangerously. He pulled off his coat and shirt and stood in the middle of the room, breathing heavily. As Clark and Lex watched, Lucius started to change. He grew more muscular, fur sprouting all over his skin. His eyes became animalistic and claws extended from his fingers. He snarled fiercely at Clark. Clark turned to Lex. “I love you,” he whispered and kissed his lover. “I love you too,” Lex said with a tight smile. Slowly, Clark made his way to the centre of the room to face Lucius. Lex’s young cousin may have been strong and fast as Wolfbreed, but he really didn’t stand a chance against Clark. Lucius struck out at him immediately, frowning in surprise when it only made Clark step back once. “Lucius, I want this over, stop pissing around,” Vincent fumed. Lex smirked at him. Baring his teeth, Lucius leapt at Clark. Catching him, Clark staggered back a couple more paces and shoved the smaller man away. When Lucius lunged at him again, Clark caught him by the wrists and pushed him halfway across the room. With a wary growl, Lucius prowled round Clark, who turned to stay facing the red head. Running at Clark, Lucius stopped at the last moment and struck out with his claws, raking them over Clark’s face. Clark hissed in pain and Lex had to clench his fists to prevent himself from interfering. Clark snarled in anger and he speeded round behind Lucius grabbing his arms and holding him in place. Grunting and growling, Lucius struggled against him. “Please, just give up,” Clark whispered. “Never,” Lucius growled and wrenched himself free. He turned and tried to punch Clark, but Clark caught his fist and crushed it. Lucius paled. He groaned and tried to pull free, then his knees started to buckle. Clark caught him by the throat, speeding across the room to slam Lucius into the wall. “Give up,” Clark repeated. Lucius shook his head and Clark slammed him into the wall again, tightening his grip round his throat. Lucius started to claw desperately at his hand and arm, his struggles slowly weakening until he lost consciousness. Clark dropped him and turned to Vincent, “I win.” “The fight is to the death,” Vincent said quietly. “But, I’ve won, why kill him?” Clark asked. “You will kill him, or I will kill you both,” Vincent snapped. Lex stiffened, his back straightening, his shoulders rolling back. He was furious. This had gone way too far, Vincent must be insane, he couldn’t let this continue or they really would never escape. “Enough!” he yelled, “Enough of this, Vincent. Clark won, he is my mate. You push this any further and I will challenge you.” Turning to him, Vincent started to laugh. “You? You, challenge me? A barely turned Wolfbreed?” Lashing out in anger, Lex didn’t give him a chance to continue. He hit Vincent across the face, knocking him halfway across the room. Vincent stared at him in shock. It quickly turned to anger as he spat out blood, and he changed immediately. As his grandfather stalked towards him, Lex felt himself start to go through the change. “No,” Clark whispered, heart clenching in terror. He started to move, but Marina grabbed his arm. “You must not interfere,” she whispered, “Lex must win on his own or he will be torn to pieces by the pack.” Fists clenched and lips pressed together fearfully, Clark somehow forced himself to watch. As if at a silent signal, Vincent and Lex leapt forward, smashing into each other. Claws flew, scratching and ripping, teeth were bared as they bit, punched and struggled. Lex felt straight away that, somehow, he was stronger than his grandfather. But he knew the older man would fight till his last breath. He had no option but to kill Vincent to end this once and for all. As they wrestled and fought, Lex tried to find an opening, but the old man blocked his every move. Lex forced himself to concentrate and remember his fencing training. Deliberately throwing a couple of moves, Lex followed with a feint. As soon as his grandfather moved to block, Lex struck out, ripping his throat out with one hand. His grandfather stumbled back, clutching at his neck, blood pouring out with frothy pink bubbles as he tried to speak. “How?” he mouthed, dropping to the ground. “You'd never understand,” Lex said quietly, feeling the rush of air that indicated his mate had speeded to his side. “Lex,” Clark whispered anxiously, running hands over Lex’s bloodied chest and neck. “I’m fine, love,” Lex replied, turning to lean against him. He’d killed his grandfather, so maybe he wasn’t completely fine, but he would be. Lex would do whatever it took to protect his mate. “Lex.” Someone said loudly. Clark span round, dragging Lex behind him protectively. Marina approached them warily. “Alexander.” She smiled suddenly, “Thank you.” Then she curtseyed formally, “What are your wishes?” Lex blinked in surprise, watching the rest of the pack ignore Vincent’s body and bow to him. “Just call me Lex for a start,” Lex said, a little confused. “Why are you being so formal?” “It is tradition, one my father adhered to very strictly,” Marina explained, “He was a tyrant and ruled the pack with a rod of iron. When my brother tried to change things, he killed him.” “I don’t want to be alpha,” Lex pursed his lips thoughtfully. “No offence to the family, but Clark is my pack, that’s all I want.” Clark smiled and hugged him. “But, we must have a leader,” Marina gasped. “What is this, the dark ages?” Lex scoffed, “You’re the eldest child, why can’t you be leader?” A gasp echoed round the room. “Well?” “I think it’s a great idea, Mother,” Lucius croaked, walking over to stand with his mother. “How about everyone else?” Lex asked. The pack members talked quietly amongst themselves, but, one by one, they walked up to Marina, nodding their acceptance. She smiled wider and wider as the entire pack howled their approval. “You’re a genius,” Clark whispered to Lex, “I love you so much.” Grinning, Lex leaned up for a kiss. “I am, aren’t I?” He chuckled at Clark’s expression. “Yes, I love you too.” “Lex, will you and your mate stay the night? Maybe we can explain a few things to you,” Marina offered. Lex glanced at Clark questioningly. Clark shrugged, “We’re not expected till tomorrow.” “It that case, thank you, Marina, we accept.” @>*~ After a quick wash and change of clothes, Clark and Lex spent the rest of the evening being introduced to the pack. Vincent’s body had disappeared and no one seemed in the slightest bit concerned. Obviously Lex’s grandfather hadn’t been a beloved leader. Clark was still a little wary of the other Wolfbreed though and he stuck to Lex’s side like glue the entire night, wanting to be sure his lover was safe. Lex just smiled and held his hand throughout. Eventually though, they were both exhausted and they retired to their room while the party continued without them. Lex took off his shirt and pants and crawled into bed, Clark quickly following him. “Feed,” Clark whispered, gently cupping the back of Lex’s head to pull him to his neck. Nuzzling softly, Lex licked Clark’s throat, then bit down as gently as he could. He moaned quietly as Clark’s hot blood flowed into his mouth and down his throat. Clark held tight, too tired to do anything other than let the sensations sweep through him and relax him. He stroked Lex’s back and closed his eyes. Slowly releasing Clark’s neck, Lex held his wrist to his lover’s mouth. Nipping just enough to draw blood, Clark sucked at his mate’s sweetness with a happy sigh. He let go with small lick and cuddled up to his lover. “Goodnight, Lex.” “Goodnight, Clark,” Lex whispered. @>*~