Grumbling Spud flung an arm over his face as a bright sliver of sunshine fell across his face, shaking off the remaining drowsiness he luxuriated in the lingering pleasure from a good feeding. His warm contentment abruptly fled as the events of last night flashed through his mind, jumping out of bed he stumbled under a wave of dizziness. Groaning and forcing himself to stay on his feet through sheer force of will he looked around frantically, unable to see any sign of Ethan he made his way to the living room only to find it equally empty. Frowning he searched for his cellphone, stomach dropping at the lack of any texts, it wasn't often Ethan just disappeared and didn't tell him where he was going. Controlling the urge to over-react he decided the only thing he could do was to go about his usual morning routine. Showering quickly, the heat only making his dizziness worse, he dressed and checked the living room again only to stop in his tracks at finding Ethan sitting on the couch as if he'd been there for hours.

"Where were you?" The demanding question was out before he could stop it and he flinched at the cold look flashing across Ethan's face, taking an unconscious step backwards as he waited for what he was sure would be a nasty retort.

"Why did you miss me?" Raising an eyebrow Ethan was glad he'd fought down his first response when Spud flushed and smiled shyly, the usual kick of attraction smoothing out the ragged edge of anger he'd been feeling since waking. Reaching out he snagged Spud's wrist and tugged him closer, relaxing as the smaller man pushed fingers through his hair he tipped his head up to meet smiling blue eyes.

"I always miss you Sir," stroking along the strong line of Ethan's jaw Spud leaned down to kiss the corner of his mouth, lingering teasingly until a large hand cupped the back of his neck and tugged him closer. Laughing huskily he obeyed the silent demand, sliding into Ethan's lap to deepen the kiss he shuddered as sharp teeth nipped, breaking the skin only to lick away the slow well of blood.

"Good answer," growling Ethan slid off Spud's jacket and undid his bowtie, grazing a thumb along the faint mark left-over from last night he grinned at his bonded's resulting moan, diving back in to taste that sound he lost himself in the pleasure of kissing Spud. Anger now only a distant memory under the firestorm of lust sweeping through the bond he reluctantly pulled back before things could get too out of control. Smoothing back a lock of hair he kept his amusement hidden at Spud's scowl, "how do you feel about just staying in today? Get some room service, watch ridiculous movies."

Rocking forward just to see Ethan's eyes close and his control slip Spud grinned as large hands settled on his hips and held him still. "I think that sounds like a brilliant idea."

"Good, go get changed into something comfortable and I'll order brunch. It's time to get started doing nothing," Spud's amused huff had him tugging him back in for a quick kiss before letting the smaller man climb off his lap. Standing and stretching the kinks out of his back he grabbed the hotel menu, studying it intently as anger sneaked back the instant his bonded was out of sight. Sighing he placed the order and went to change as well, perhaps he needed something more intensive than a walk to clear his head from now on. When he woke up earlier, Spud still sleeping trustingly in his arms he'd been horrified by the urge to hurt his bonded to … to hear him cry out in pain in revenge for the pain his Aunt had suffered. So he'd left, walking long and far until he could stomach returning, reassured to find the urge had passed when confronted by Spud and all he'd wanted to do was kiss the pout off his face.

The rest of the day was an odd balance between how enjoyable it was to have Spud all to himself for once, no work or family competing for his attention with the coldly creeping vines of anger tangling up his emotions. Strangely it was simply holding Spud close, hand splayed over the steady beat of his heart that soothed that anger the most and so they stayed on the couch. Eating junk food and watching movies interspersed with the occasional make-out session, determined to keep things from going too far until he figured out how to deal with his anger. Last night had been a mistake and it was for that reason he sent Spud off to bed in his own room, kissing away his bonded's faint frown of disappointment he hoped tomorrow would see the anger disappearing.

A hope that was dashed the moment he woke up, heart racing in a sudden adrenaline spike at the buzz of an incoming text he hastily snatched up his phone, closing his eyes and muffling a rumble of anger at reading Serg's message that Aunt D was still struggling with some lingering pain but doing better over-all. Unable to escape the cold fact his sweet Aunt D wouldn't be in pain at all if Spud had only done his job and protected her Ethan threw on his work out gear and made his way down to the gym before he gave into the swirl of rage pounding through his blood.

That set the trend for the rest of week, he'd go workout until the rage calmed enough to return to his suite, Spud's worry very obviously increasing yet he couldn't bring himself to do much to reassure the smaller man. Not when he had to watch his every word and action in order to not say or do something he might regret later. The most he could offer was lazy evenings on the couch, cuddling in front of the tv and making plans on how to get revenge on Bully, carefully cutting off any talk on Spud's role in the whole fiasco.

"Did you remember to make sure Rhyno is going to be at the arena tomorrow?" Idly dragging his fingers through his bonded's soft hair Ethan easily shifted to give room to the exploring hand that slid under his shirt. He'd visited the gym twice and his sore muscles appreciated the gentle caress, too relaxed to even care about the far distance drum of anger.

"I did, although I do wish you'd tell me what you have planned," peering up at Ethan's relaxed smile Spud allowed his touch to grow slightly bolder, slinking across the bigger man's well-defined abs and up along his firm chest. Shivering when Ethan tugged him closer he eagerly tilted his head to side, giving the warm lips nipping along his skin more room. It had been days since Ethan had last fed and each night had driven him closer to begging, the bigger man's alternating hot and cold attitude not helping the situation. Some days he thought Ethan hated him and then only hours later he'd drag him into a kiss that made his toes curl.

"Hmm, you'll find out in due time," not lifting his mouth from Spud's skin Ethan sucked lightly on the rapid drum of his pulse. Pure satisfaction shot through him at his bonded's desperate whine and he teased only a second longer before biting down. Moaning as Spud's nails dug into his chest he all but yanked the smaller man onto his lap, drinking deeply until Spud sagged limply it took all his willpower to retract his fangs, especially when even with a dangerously slow heart beat his bonded still protested, tempting him to bite down again.

"No, more," slurring Spud fought to drag Ethan back, for a few glorious moments it had felt like nothing could come between them and he wasn't ready to give that feeling up yet. Whining when the bigger man easily picked him up and carried him to his room he made a last ditch effort to hold on, curling his fingers in Ethan's shirt and refusing to let go.

Cupping the shaking hand twisted in his shirt Ethan sighed, "I can't take anymore tiger, I shouldn't even have taken as much as I did." Smiling when Spud blinked up at him, an adorably confused frown showing his bonded was too far gone to understand he leaned down and kissed him, lingering until the hold on his shirt loosened and Spud could barely summon a grumble when he pulled back. "Sleep tiger, we have a busy day tomorrow."

Hesitating by the door Ethan stayed long enough to watch Spud roll over and burrow into the blankets before seeking his own bed. The bond stretched warm and content between them and for the first time since Aunt D had gone through the table sleep came easy.