Sirius pulled his breeches on and met his mother's furious glare. "You were the one who barged into my chambers, Mother. It is not my fault that you chose to come at this time when I was otherwise engaged."

Remus saw the veins bulge in the woman's neck and her hand lash out, slapping Sirius across the face sharply, his head snapping to the side from the force of the blow. "You dare speak to me that way? You insolent boy!"

Sirius met her eyes evenly as he slowly brought his hand up to his injured face, a gash bleeding from where her ring had caught against his cheek. He said not a word, but his glare was defiant.

"You flaunt your unnatural sins and expect me to allow this disgrace to fall upon the house of my fathers? If the world was just, your brother would be the heir. Instead, we have you, you despicable wretch!"

Sirius smiled wickedly. "Yes, you do have me, mother dear. It would do you well to remember that I am the heir, despite your wishes to the contrary."

Walburga's glare was venomous, but when her pursed lips softened into a malicious smirk, Remus felt a cold chill run down his spine. Sirius seemed unaffected until the blood visibly drained from his face when his mother said, "Accidents have been known to happen. One never knows what could happen if the spouse of one of your many whores took it upon themselves to exact some kind of revenge. The House of Black would have to depend upon its' younger son, the dutiful one, to carry on its' illustrious lineage. What a shame that would be, wouldn't it?"

Sirius could only stare in horror at his mother. She had never been kind to him, even as a small child, disciplining him harshly due to whatever she saw as a misstep or insult to their family or place in their society. He had never been under the mistaken assumption that either of his parents loved him, but this, this was a new low even for her.

"M-murder? Are you saying you would have me assassinated for defying you?" Sirius tried to keep the tremor out of his voice, but failed.

The sheer malice in his mother's answering smile chilled him to the bone. "I would never insinuate such a thing, my dear son. However, as I stated, accidents have been known to happen to those who are careless."

Sirius didn't speak for a moment, but held his mother's unwavering stare. "I understand. Mother."

"Oh dear, I don't think you truly do." Walburga's quiet laughter teetered on madness as she raised her wand and aimed it at her son. "I think you need another lesson to truly drive home the point. Crucio!"

Sirius crumpled to the floor, convulsing under the onslaught of the curse. His muscles felt like they would burst into flames as the feeling of liquid fire raced through his veins, his limbs twisting as the sensation of his bones breaking and melting caused an inhuman scream to tear its' way out of his throat.

Remus could only stand there, cemented to the ground as he watched—unable to do anything to help Sirius or stop the madwoman from torturing her own flesh and blood. His hands curled into themselves, his nails drawing blood as he restrained himself from reaching for Sirius when every fiber of his being was telling him to move—to do something other than just stand there.

The Black matriarch finally released the spell and stood over her son, watching with a pleased quirk to her lips as Sirius still shook from the effects of the curse, tremors racking his body. "Very well then. Have you learned your lesson today, Sirius?"

Sirius slowly opened his eyes, excruciating pain coursing through every cell of his body as he tried to focus on the imposing figure standing above him.

"Ah, I see you need some reminding of what the lesson was about, so let me explain clearly." Walburga smiled almost pleasantly. "You see, I do believe you were under the mistaken impression that by allowing you to defile yourself with this beast it was a reward of some sort for agreeing to marry Bellatrix. Oh no, my dear." Her chuckle struck fear deep in Remus' heart. "You see, you will marry Bellatrix by month's end regardless of whatever creature warms your bed beforehand. It is dear Bella's decision as to how she deals with your predilections after your vows. However, Fenrir will be coming to collect the beast for his own within a fortnight."

Sirius struggled to speak. "Wh-what for?"

Walburga raised an eyebrow coolly. "Whyever should I have cared to find out?" She turned to leave, but stopped and leveled her still shaking son with a sneer. "Do clean yourself up, Sirius. It does not befit the current heir to our Most Noble House to lie on the floor like a common gutter rat." With that parting comment she swept from the room, head held high.

Remus remained motionless for a moment, staring at the empty doorframe in shock. At last, his motor skills returned as he rushed to where Sirius still lay prone on the floor. He lifted Sirius' head gently onto his lap. "Are you alright?"

Sirius felt the tremors recede a bit at the gentle stroking of the fingers through his hair. "I w-won't let him take you."

Remus stared down at him incredulously. "That's what you have to say? Your mother just tortured you and threatened to murder you and you're worried about Greyback?"

Sirius licked his dry lips and nodded, savoring the feel of the fire in his muscles ebbing away slowly. He flexed his legs slightly trying to regain some control of his limbs as they were still sporadically spasming. "It's not the first t-time she's used that s-spell on me. I'll be alright."

Remus shook his head and began to knead the muscles of Sirius' shoulders to help relax him. "This is not what I thought the noble families were like."

Sirius managed a small smile. "M-most aren't, I would presume. The House of B-Black tends to run a bit mad, though—in part I'm sure due to the inbreeding."

"You're to marry?" Remus asked softly.

Sirius closed his eyes as a look of revulsion crossed his face. "Yes. My c-cousin. The most vile witch I've ever m-met."

Remus continued massaging the muscles along Sirius' arms. "Thus the inbreeding."

"If I could figure out a way to n-not marry her and not die I would. Though d-death does seem to be preferable compared to wedded b-bliss with Bella."

"You need something to drink, Sirius." Remus made to stand, but Sirius gripped his wrist.

"Don't go. S-Stay."

Remus bit his lip and sighed. "I suppose it won't matter now since you already saw once before."

He waved his hand towards the table behind them and levitated a goblet already filled with the honeyed wine towards himself, catching it gently so as not to spill. He propped Sirius' head higher and held the cup to his lips, watching silently as he sipped.

When he finished drinking, Remus set the cup to the side and ran his fingers softly through Sirius' hair. "How are you feeling now?"

Sirius sighed. "A bit more steady, but my muscles still ache."

"Is there a way for you to summon more help? I know some remedies that can help you, but I don't know where to get supplies."

Sirius nodded and asked for his wand. Once Remus summoned it and handed it over, he used it to summon one of his servants.

Moments later, Katherine entered the room, concern clouding her features as she took in Sirius lying across Remus' lap on the floor. "Sirius, are you alright?"

Sirius nodded. "Mother had another of her temper tantrums, but I'll be fine Katherine. Can you please see that Remus gets anything he needs?"

Katherine turned to Remus expectantly. "What can I get for you?"

"I know some remedies that will help him heal faster. Do you think you can get some vinegar, honey, goat weed and Valerian root? Olive oil would be useful as well, as will a soak in hot water. Would you be able to have a hot bath drawn?"

Katherine smiled. "Of course. I'll be back in a moment."

At her departure, Remus shifted so he could knead the muscles in Sirius' legs. A shaky groan had him stop his ministrations. "Does that hurt?"

Sirius looked up at Remus with a faint smile. "Everything hurts right now, but it feels better with you doing that. Thank you."

Remus shrugged off his thanks and tried to think of anything other than the intimacy of massaging Sirius' legs and the way his chest had tightened when the other man's first thought after being tortured by his own mother had been of keeping him away from Greyback. He had to keep his focus on escaping and finding out if any of his pack had survived. Then he could concentrate on exacting his revenge.

Falling for the handsome Lord was not, could not, have any part in his plans.

He was interrupted from his cogitation by Katherine returning with a tray, followed by both Marcus and Pietro.

"The bath has been made ready and here are the items you requested." Katherine held the tray aloft. "I've brought Marcus and Pietro to help you into the bath."

Sirius huffed in dismay, but realized he was still too weak to walk the distance unsupported, so he allowed his servants to lift and carry him from Remus' chamber to the bathing chamber, both Katherine and Remus following closely behind. He was gently set down and supported at the top of the steps so that he could remove his clothing.

He stopped Marcus before he could carry him into the bath and called Remus to him. "Would you help me?"

Remus didn't respond, but removed his tunic and wound his arm around Sirius' waist and helped him down the steps until he was able to seat Sirius on the stone ledge.

Sirius turned to the others. "Leave us. Thank you for your assistance, but I believe Remus can help me with the rest."

Katherine placed the tray with Remus' requested items next to them before they took their leave.

Remus began mixing some of the olive oil and herbs with the mortar and pestle Katherine had been thoughtful enough to provide while Sirius submerged himself fully in the hot water.

He came up sputtering, smoothing his long hair away from his face and clutching his cheek where his mother's ring had left a long gash. "I'd almost forgotten about this until it started burning."

"I can help with that as well. Let's tend to your muscles first." Remus moved Sirius forward on the ledge so he could sit behind him before scooping a handful of the olive oil mixture in his hand, and gently massaging it into Sirius' shoulders.

"That feel wonderful. How do you know to do this?" Sirius asked, relishing in the tension leaving his muscles as Remus' worked the salve into his skin.

"After the full moon a werewolf has much to recover from. These are some of the remedies we used in our pack to help." He worked more of the salve into Sirius' lower back and the groan that escaped the darker man went straight to Remus' cock. Remus bit his lip, mentally chiding himself over his reaction.

He moved from behind Sirius partly to make sure the other man didn't notice his growing erection, but used the opportunity to begin working the salve into other parts of Sirius' body. He tried to ignore how much he was enjoying rubbing the oil into Sirius lower legs and thighs. The silence in the chamber seemed deafening, only the gentle lapping of the water around them and their breathing breaking the quiet.

Remus had moved on to rubbing the mixture on Sirius' chest when he dared look at the other man's face. Sirius met his gaze with eyes of molten silver making Remus' breath catch as he saw the hunger reflected in them. He ducked his head quickly, ignoring the throbbing of his turgid cock, and finished working the salve into Sirius' upper body.

Remus stepped back without looking at Sirius, washing what he could of the medicine off his hands and grabbing a cloth he soaked in some of the vinegar. He didn't meet the other man's eyes when he spoke, his voice a bit strained. "I need to clean that cut. This may sting a little."

He placed the vinegar-soaked cloth gently on Sirius' cheek and winced at Sirius' hiss. "I'm sorry, but it needs to be cleaned."

Sirius' voice was steady, if a bit pained. "I won't question your methods."

Satisfied that he had cleansed the wound as best as he could, Remus removed the cloth and explained that bit of honey on the wound would promote faster healing and prevent the wound from festering. He dabbed a small amount on the gash, trying to ignore the heated gaze he could feel.

"That should be enough." Remus spoke, but before he could lower his hand Sirius reached out and clasped his wrist.

"Look at me."

Hesitantly Remus met the silver eyes and his heartbeat quickened at the naked want he saw reflected there. "Sirius—"

"Thank you. I don't know how, but your medicine is helping me recover faster than I ever have from this."

Remus shook his head in disbelief. "Does this happen often? Your own mother hurts you in this way?"

"I did mention before that my family and I don't see eye to eye."

"There's a large difference between disagreeing with your family and having one of them torture you into convulsions!" Remus was incredulous at the other man's nonchalance.

"I know that. I didn't for a long time, but I know that my family isn't...normal." Sirius bit his lip, looking away for a moment before he continued speaking. "I have never known anything other than this life. I was raised to follow in my father's footsteps, to be the ruler that he is, the kind of man he is. If I ever stepped out of line, I was punished. The older I became and the more I saw of how others lived, the more I realized the depravity and brutality with which my family rules. I learned to be defiant in my own ways, but there is a limit to what I can do. If there was a way I could change it, I would. I know of no other way."

Their eyes met and Remus felt a deep yearning to be the one to chase the sadness from that silver gaze. This man was nothing like he had expected him to be and he knew, he knew he needed to focus on his pack and his own duty to them, but he couldn't fight the pull he felt towards this flawed, beautiful man.

Sirius lifted his hand and cupped Remus' cheek, his eyes searching Remus'. "What is it about you that draws me so?" He spoke softly, echoing Remus' very thoughts. "I feel as if I could tell you anything and trust you with it. Do you feel this between us?"

Remus knew what that pull was. He hadn't wanted to acknowledge it or even think about it, but he had felt it from the moment he had first laid eyes on the Black heir. "I don't want to...but I do." Remus admitted.

Sirius' answering smile warmed Remus, but his next question left him reeling. "How is it you have magic?"

Remus closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He knew he would have to explain and as guarded as he always was, he somehow knew he could trust this man with his secrets. "I was born a wizard." He gauged the surprise in Sirius' eyes before continuing. "My family was not of the nobility, but landed gentry in a town south of here. I was five when I was turned and taken from my birth family. I do not know how or why I was turned as my memories of that time are hazy, but I grew up with my pack. Most of us were wizards or witches before being turned. We are not allowed to carry wands, this is true, but this is why we were taught to channel our innate magic in other ways. We are taught to hide our magic as we know it is a death sentence if your kind realize our abilities."

"I will never betray your trust, Remus. Your secret is safe. Please know that."

Remus couldn't fight the urge to run his hand along Sirius' cheek, the earnest look in the darker man's eyes unclenching the knot of fear in his stomach. "I do know that. I don't know why or how, but I know I can trust you."

The relief that flittered across Sirius' face warmed Remus and he impulsively leaned forward to place a chaste kiss on those lush lips. He moved back quickly, a bit alarmed at his own boldness, but Sirius clutched his shoulders and crashed their mouths together in a searing kiss.

All too soon for Remus, Sirius pulled back only to run his mouth hotly across Remus' jaw down to his collarbone. Remus buried his face against Sirius' shoulder with a groan, a hand sliding up to tangle in the dark wet locks.

"Gods, what you do to me." Sirius breathed against Remus' clavicle, alternating between kissing and nipping the sensitive skin with his teeth. "You taste like sunshine and the sweetest wine."

Sirius used his position still seated on the ledge to wrap his legs around Remus' waist pulling him flush against his body. The height was enough to align their throbbing cocks, a broken gasp escaping Remus' lips at the pleasure racing through him, mounting with every slide of Sirius' cock against his.

Sirius couldn't keep his hands or mouth still, tracing every inch of skin he could reach with his tongue, using his hands to explore the silvery, raised scars along Remus' back, sliding down to grasp his firm buttocks and hold him impossibly closer as they rocked against each other.

Sirius dragged his mouth back up Remus' neck, sucking on the delicate skin below his ear, then tracing the delicate whorl with the tip of his tongue. "I want you inside me."

Remus shuddered, Sirius' whispered desire almost his undoing. He fought for control, stilling Sirius' movements for a moment and pulling back to seek confirmation from those haunting grey eyes. Finding his answer in the lust-blown pupils, he reached behind Sirius and dipped his fingers in the dish of olive oil.

He pressed a hungry kiss to Sirius' mouth before pulling him down from the ledge, his voice rough with desire as he urged Sirius to turn around. Sirius immediately complied, spreading his legs and bending over the ledge.

Remus slipped his hands below the water, spreading Sirius' arse cheeks and finding his entrance, teasing the puckered hole with his oil-slicked fingers. Sirius couldn't suppress a moan as one long finger penetrated him, arching back into Remus' hand. As another finger joined the first, stretching him, seeking the small glans deep inside him and finding it with a white-hot burst of pleasure, Sirius had to grab the base of his prick hard to keep from finishing before they even started.

"Now. Please, Remus."

Remus wasted no time in withdrawing from Sirius' warmth, reaching again for the olive oil to slick against his own prick. He positioned himself at Sirius entrance, one hand gripping his hard length and the other rubbing small, soothing circles against the small of the other man's back.

The first push inside set Remus' blood to boiling, Sirius' aroused moaning heightening his pleasure. He hissed as he slowly slid further inside the welcoming heat, resting only when he was fully sheathed. He pulled Sirius up with an arm across his chest until their bodies were again flush, his mouth burning a trail against the back of Sirius' shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Remus asked softly, fighting the urge to move.

Sirius turned his head to claim Remus' lips in a desperate kiss, sucking and biting Remus' lower lip. "Fuck me. Just fuck me already." He rasped against Remus' mouth.

Remus didn't wait any longer to start pumping his hips, Sirius arching his back to meet him thrust for thrust. The stone chamber echoed the sounds of their rough breathing and moans, the water lapping between and all around them, the buoyancy aiding their movements.

Remus tried to tame the thoughts swirling in his mind, the wolf inside him screaming at him to bite, to mark, to claim the man beneath him as his. He held Sirius to him, teeth scraping the juncture between shoulder and throat, sucking the fragile skin there into his mouth as he fought the beast within him.

Sirius had no idea of the battle raging within the man behind him, but he felt an even stronger pull than prior for the man pistoning that exquisite cock in and out of him, as if invisible cords were binding them together. Remus reached around him, grasping Sirius' prick in his hand, and stroked it in time with his thrusts. A growled "come for me" in his ear was all it took to send Sirius over the edge, stars exploding behind his shut eyes as he came in thick, white ropes over Remus' hand.

He sagged against Remus as he came down from his powerful orgasm, still reeling as the other man's hips stuttered against his buttocks. He felt Remus' teeth rough on his shoulder as he came, deep inside him, a broken cry of "Sirius!" hot against his skin.

Remus held Sirius against him as he slowly came back to himself, slipping out of Sirius' warmth with another hiss. Sirius turned in his arms and pressed a lingering, soft kiss to Remus' mouth, smiling against his lips.

"That was amazing," Sirius whispered, his hands running up and down Remus' arms and chest.

Remus stared at the breathtaking man before him, taking in the flush of his cheeks and chest, the sated bliss in those mesmerizing eyes, before focusing on the teeth marks visible above Sirius' clavicle. His heart stuttered in his chest.

"Sirius, we have to talk."

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A/N: Thank you so much to all of you who are reading and for your patience in the wait for this chapter. The insanity that is my life is easing so upcoming chapters should be posted much more quickly. Reviews are delicious and so much appreciated! I love to hear what you're enjoying about the story.

Special thanks to my amazing Beta Jenny who whips every chapter into shape and to the incredible Shayalonnie who has also helped beta and been an invaluable cheerleader and brainstorming help!

This story is based on the amazing prompt by AskTheBoyWhoLived at the link below. If you're not already following their blog on Tumblr, what are you waiting for?

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