Chapter 7

7

ALEXANDRE

T he sound of horses. Their perfect aligned four-beat gait and matching clop is swallowed by the sand and grass. Instead, they make a thumping sound that increases in volume with each step they take toward us, like the beating of drums. In-sync, and expanding with an unfaltering, steady presence

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Then, as soon as we come into view, my two older brothers ululate, their voices letting out a string of high pitched howls, the traditional sound my grandfather's tribe would make during celebrations. I look at Olivier, his large eyes now filled with panic, as he brushes a hand through his hair. It's mussed from my earlier treatment, the waves sticking out and making him even more edible. I make sure he's dressed properly, not wanting to share a centimeter of his exposed and creamy flesh, not even to my own blood. They'll get to see his perfect body later at the Initiations, but not a moment before that. I smirk when I catch the splutters of cum on his shirt and jacket. Yeah, you're so nice and dirty for me, beautiful.

We'll roughen him up some more, make this a night to remember.

"What do you mean, your family?" His eyes dart from me back to the darkness to where the horses are appearing swiftly.

My chest fills with pride when I nod. "My blood brothers."

Olivier lets out a strangled sound I can't quite place in the darkness. "And they know about this…brotherhood?"

His cluelessness makes me snort. "Of course they do. They're both members as well." And right now, they are both carrying a similar leather sling as I am, minus the balls. I've run out of mine as well, but this is not so much about hurting Olivier. No, right now, I want him to run for me while I chase him down to where the others are waiting.

Inhaling deeply, I can already imagine the scent of his sweet surrender when he fully realizes what will be happening to him, right before he falls into a vast ocean of pleasure.

I crave his obedience as much as I love his indignation when I strip him down and make him mine. When I claim him on our altar.

I want all your primitive reactions, little wolf.

Peur . Fear. I want to chase you through the woods and make you lose track of time and space.

Colère . Anger. Boiling up in your core when you realize that I am the puppet master, that I can play you the exact way I like.

Bats-toi . Fight. For your pride, your dignity, both misplaced feelings you won't need with me anymore.

Rends-toi. Surrender. So. So. Sweet.

Plaisir . Pleasure. The prize. Olivier's vulnerability, the unmasking of his face and his soul, once I have him exactly where I want him.

Speaking off… I slide on my mask and help him get his back onto his face, tying the knot at the cool flesh right under his wavy, blond hair, only half surprised that he lets me. Yes, if Olivier is anything, it's proud, so the idea that someone can see his actual face must be mortifying for my timid librarian.

Pressing a kiss onto his nose, I mumble, "There's still time to win this game."

"Win this game?" He shivers. "Do you mean that there can be a different outcome?"

"Do you want there to be a different outcome?"

"No, I—" He rubs his cloaked forehead, then shakes his head. "I don't know what I want anymore."

"Then don't worry, petit loup ." Behind me, Nova has reached me, laying her head on my shoulders as we eye Olivier together. "Thanks for coming guys," I call out to my brothers. Slowly reaching over to finally unleash my leather strap from his slender neck, I press a chaste kiss on his lips, followed by a flick of my tongue. I can't help it. "Want to help me out here?"

One of the horses rears, whinnying as she kicks her feet in the air. With a character like that, it must be Sucre , who, despite her name, is not very sweet, but stubborn and fierce, meaning the rider is my eldest brother Lancelot. Both my brothers are dressed in a similar black cloak and a white mask that covers their entire face. That's fine. They didn't come here to talk. We'll have plenty of time for that when we leave for our holiday home tomorrow morning all together, including Olivier. No, right now, they're here to play the game and scare the shit out of my chosen one. The only time I will allow them to do so. Make him flee, only to run straight into my arms.

I turn to watch Olivier, eyes automatically dipping to his curvy, lush lips. Fuck, having them on my cock felt like the sweetest thing ever, his touch sizzling. Yes, once Olivier becomes mine, I'll make sure to keep those gorgeous lips on my dick, make him suck and lick me over and over, drink straight from the source and swallow it all. Despite his hesitance, and that fiery defiance, it's not his body that will be the highest barrier for me to climb.

No. It's his mind that will challenge me. His intelligence and fascination with the world. Yes, Olivier is sexy and sweet, handsome and attractive in his physical appearance. But there is something about watching him sit in the library by himself, nose in a big book as he reads himself out of this world, that captures me every time again.

After all, that's how I found him in the first place. And I'll share every single detail of my fascination with him with the world…after tonight's Initiations. After I've claimed my little wolf in front of all my hungry brothers.

"What am I supposed to do now?" We are surrounded by the horses. Olivier's voice is pitched a little too high, nerves waving off him like a stormy tide.

My other brother, Rapha?l, tilts his head back and lets out an amused bark of laughter. "You didn't tell him?" He says, voice muffled because of the mask. "Oh man, you are a nasty piece of work, little bro."

I scowl at him, which doesn't really make an impression behind my bronze, then gaze back at Olivier. Right in time to catch him take off.

"Fuckkk…yeah," I murmur as I watch him go, his perky ass candy to my eyes as he runs for his life. Correction— my perky ass. Because soon he'll be sprawled out for me, accommodating my fat cock.

"He's a clever one," Lancelot mutters as he rides up to where I'm now mounting Nova. Then he turns to face me. "It's good to see you, man." Leaning in, he offers me a kiss on my cheek.

"How was the trip?" I ask him, because my oldest brother lives overseas, in Argentina, but came home earlier today to help me here tonight, before we all go home to the south east to spend time with our family for summer.

"Long. Tedious," he grunts. "To be welcomed home with rain should be forbidden."

"Or perhaps you brought the rain along, it was sunny and hot here until last night," Rapha?l chirps, before we kiss each other on the cheek. "So this is the librarian, right?"

"Yep." I cast my eyes in the direction Olivier ran.

"Thank god abuelo taught us how to push herd cattle," Lancelot mutters, gazing through the forest. "Where do we need to get him to?"

I point toward the flickering light, where our Initiations will take place. They have undoubtedly seen this setup before when they themselves were students at Saint-Laurent.

"Sounds good," Lancelot muses, then pulls the reins to change Sucre' s direction. "Let's go and bring your cub back."

" On y va ," I mumble, mostly to myself. He's only just left my arms, but I'm already impatient. I want him back to where he belongs. Nova whinnies, the sound of excitement immediately copied by the other two horses as we get ready for yet another chase. Adrenaline pumps through my veins, making me feel like I'm floating a little, while sharpening my senses with the urge to go out there and collect what's mine.

I've always been like this, and watching both my brothers easily take the lead in capturing another human being, it's clear that it's a trait that runs in the family. In the entire family, I should add, because the Alpha Fraternarii has trained us to think similarly over the past few years. You define your desire, then plan how to get it, and then you go out and claim what's yours. Afterwards, you celebrate, enjoying the moment. And then, you start all over again.

And again.

And again.

Clicking tongues are followed by neighing horses that follow instructions, and then we ride, picking up speed as if being chased by an invisible shadow of doom. I love the sensation of horse riding. The faster, the better. There's nothing that gives me that same sensation of being free than being one with an animal you consider a friend. A friend who carries you. Unconditional trust is what I feel with Nova. She'd never let me fall. We meld into one another, and right now, we are swishing through the woods in one smooth movement, and with my chest nearly pressed against her back, my chin against her forehead, we follow the narrow and meandering trail through the darkness, barely avoiding the unwavering trees and countless bushes with their unruly branches and leaves as we make our way toward the lit-up trail.

" Gauche ," I order Rapha?l when we reach for the line of torches, and my brother gives me a single nod before he diverts direction, steering his horse toward the left as he takes the outer circle toward tonight's scene.

My brothers arrived earlier at Monterrey Castle with three members of staff, our largest horse trailer and another smaller one, meaning the heavy ride back, transporting all our animals back home, will be longer than the usual six hours. Despite the time in the car, it will be fun because we haven't been together, the three of us, for ages.

We won't be three though.

A fresh wave of excitement rushes through me. That's right. Tonight's the night. My night. After having already enjoyed two rehearsals together, this, right now, we're playing our show right until the end at last.

This is all about us, little wolf.

His mouth on my cock. I groan at the hint of arousal the thought brings.

"There!" Lancelot points his finger toward a fleeting figure in the obsidian night sky.

"He hasn't gotten far," I say, heart ruffling wildly in my rib cage.

"Look why that is." Lancelot chuckles, then points his finger ahead of us. Edouard has found Olivier. He is running after my chosen one, golden mask gleaming in the shadows, the bright glitter indicating which direction they are going as he howls and hoots like the mad man he can be. "He's still a wild bastard, isn't he?" My brother mutters, amusement laced in his voice.

"A horny bastard, is what you mean." Although Edouard is ahead of us and closer to Olivier, he knows better than to touch Olivier before he's invited to do so. "But he's of some use, I suppose. He's getting him in the right direction." Without getting too much in his face. He doesn't have to, because even from a distance I see my chosen one stutter in his movements. It's different from when I chase him, different from when I bring him onto his knees.

He's afraid.

" Viens ," my brother says at that moment, as if he has sensed a similar feeling. Clicking my tongue, I encourage Nova to pick up her speed.

Rapha?l chooses that moment to appear from the other side of the path, having made a large loop in case Olivier would have managed to escape. He swings the sling over his shoulder like a lasso, howling and ululating when he approaches ruthlessly. Together we ride toward Edouard, who turns over his shoulder and gives us a wide smile when he recognizes us.

"Ah, the de Arnoult brothers have all arrived," he says, sounding only slightly out of breath. With a string of traditional hoots and cries we circle both him and Olivier, whose ragged breaths leave his lips in a whoosh of stutters. He makes a mocking bow, his lips curled up into an amused smile. "The honour is all yours." Our horses step slowly, proudly, around my little wolf, who looks up at me, spine rigid but straight, a flash of pride in his eyes.

"No bag of money for you tonight," I say, voice turned to a hum that's barely audible. Nova whinnies, foot stomping in the air as if to reinforce my words. Olivier's shoulders tighten at the words, that clearly hit their mark. "You won't need it," I can't help but adding, ignoring how my brothers snigger at that. "Once you're mine, I'll give you everything you need."

Finally he tilts his gaze, eyes flickering when they meet mine. His lips are slightly parted for his slowing puffs of air.

Fuck, it's like he needs it as much as I do.

My leather rope finds his slender shoulders effortless, curling tightly around his school jacket.

My cock lengthens in my pants, loving the way Olivier gazes down to admire the smooth throw that pulls his arms tight against his long, lithe frame. Then Rapha?l swings his sling around my little wolf's ankles, halting any further steps and therefore his escape, as they press his calves together. I rush to climb off Nova, ready for victory, reveling in the whooshing sound of my oldest brother's lasso as it circles around Olivier's neck.

" Putain !" He lets out a strangled combination of shock and pain, and I catch him right in time before he tumbles forward.

"Here," Lancelot throws me the end of his rope with a superior smirk. "This puppy isn't going anywhere."

Ignoring my brothers, I stare at Olivier, as I tighten my grip around his shoulders and dip my chin so my lips are buried in his silky blond waves. "Are you alright, beautiful?" I muse, inhaling the woodsy scent that has seeped into his skin. Grinning at the indignant huff he lets out, despite his predicament, I clench my hands tighter around him before swinging us around and guiding him toward where Nova has knelt down, waiting for us. I place him onto her back like the breakable gift he is, making sure to hurry since the position is not favorable for her joints. Once we're both mounted, I caress Nova's side, patting it lovingly.

"Thank you baby girl. Let's go." Then, to my brothers, "It's time."

L'heure est arrivée de reclamer ce qui est à moi.

It's time to claim who's mine.

The trot to our Initiation grounds is one of pride. Accompanied by my blood brothers and Edouard, I have come to present my trophy. My chosen one. For now and ever. Even Nova seems to realize the importance of this moment, and puts her feet gracefully up as we make our way to where the others are already gathered. Black cloaks are dotted all around us like flecks of shadows in the twilight, their chatting and laughing vanishing as they watch us appear. And here I am, sitting high in my saddle, with Olivier flung over Nova's back, ungracefully so, though I can't help it with his feet being tied together. I wanted tonight's Initiations to be held outside, rather than in the dungeons or in the Atrium. Nothing can beat the outside air, fresh and intimitate, the way it blows through Olivier' pretty light golden strands. I put a hand on his ass and a sizzle of excitement rushes through me.

Soon now.

The brotherhood did an amazing job, decorating tonight's events down to the last detail. Lights have been put in the surrounding trees, and couches rest at their base, with at least a dozen pillows being casually placed around for when the entertainment starts. After all, nothing beats a live show. Oh, and I'll give them one.

Gazing up at the sky, I catch sight of the full moon, brighter than any surrounding star. It's peaceful out here, quiet, despite the presence of over thirty brothers.

Anticipation is heavy in the air when the three Elders appear from obscurity, their black cloaks slowly swaying as they move through the crowd and come to stand in front of the altar. They're watching us from their superior position, both during the unveiling of tonight's Wicked Chase, as well as during their daily role.

"Is that a piano?" Olivier suddenly asks out loud, but definitely to himself. I look down to his limp body curled over Nova's back, to where his head is tipped up. I can't see his face from this position, but the simple thought of how his eyes will be wide, mouth opened in surprise, makes my lips tick up.

"It is," I confess. "Though not the same one as the one I used to play my little concert for you earlier tonight."

He snorts, unaware of how my smile widens at that. Always so damn proud. "No, this player actually knows how to play."

"Hey." I tap on his ass and he lets out an undignified yelp, making my fingers itch immediately to hurt and soothe, to fight and make up. To make his eyes shine with unbridled arousal and unleash that tightness to explode into a cry of pleasure. When I allow him to.

It's Dominique, Ga?l Deveraux's lover, and our usual pianist. He's not an official member, but since his boyfriend is from one of our founding families, he always gets invited, if he wears a blindfold. Which he does. Though, judging by the way his trusting fingers find the keys, he doesn't need his eyes anyway, just like his mouth frantically finds the cock of his blond lover, sucking and licking it while he plays a slow, classical piece. It sounds familiar.

Not wanting for Nova to kneel once more, I turn to Lancelot and Rapha?l, who instantly come forward and grab Olivier from the horse and put him onto the ground. They don't release him from his binds. Brothers come closer now, all carrying masks that vary in colors. Most of them are either white or dark, but some dark green, gold and silver ones are visible as well. My own bronze colour is unique, much like the embroidered versions of the other brothers who participated in the Wicked Chase tonight. Four unique masks for four unique love stories. They follow us as I guide my Olivier further onto the scene and closer to the lights, to the scented candles and incense, and to where the altar awaits.

My little wolf snarls and hisses, his bound limbs rendering him helpless as I carry him further. His eyes flash behind the dark silk of his blindfold, like molten jade jewels.

When we finally stop in front of the heart of our substitute chantry, someone clears his throat, the dry, raspy sound followed by a familiar, loud thud.

"Brothers." Elder Jacques stands in the middle, flanked by two other Elders, still wearing the mask shaped into a crow. He chuckles, the sound filled with leery delight. "You've made quite the appearance."

I don't need to hear Lancelot to remember the countless warnings he gave me when I joined the brotherhood.

Stay clear of the old pervert.

I tilt my chin a little higher in the air and press Olivier, still tied up, closer to my chest. His earlier bluff has evaporated like water in the burning sun. He, too, must feel it. "But I've come home with my prize," I sneer, a little shriller than I would have liked. In my arms, my little wolf shifts, although I'm unsure of his emotion.

"That you have." The Elder eyes Olivier with a salacious smirk. This time, when Olivier arches back against me, I curl my hand around his waist and squeeze, in an attempt to reassure him. Unaware of, or perhaps just ignoring our unease, the Elder thumps his cane again in the ground. "Now that we're all here, let's continue with the rest of the entertainment we have lined up for you tonight." With a flick of his wrist, they come forward. A line of red cloaks, swaying languidly as they make their way into the flickering light from the hidden shadows. Their faces, like the surrounding brothers, are obscured behind masks, their heads covered in hoods, their chins dipped to their chest as they approach the center of the scene in a cradling shuffle.

Their hips move in a swaying motion. Left. Right. Left. Right. In my arms, my little wolf tenses up.

Straight. Straight. Straight at the altar.

Straight at Olivier.