Phantom Pheromones

by Apprentice08

When Danny and Vlad cause chaos and destruction in the Ghost Zone, Clockwork must act to assuage the other ghosts who are demanding the pair be banned. He summons Eros, the Ghost God of passion, love, and desire. With Vlad under his spell and lovesick for Danny our hero must make a choice, help Vlad through this strange desire or watch as Vlad descends into love's madness. MxM

12. Lover's Lane

A/N: Bondage, road head, exhibitionism (sort of) sexual punishment, riding crop, sex in public, sex toys, dirty talk, creepy Vad near end. Also, the pair "Switch" but it's not actually switching...it's...uh...you'll just have to read to see, it's naughty...and filled with dirty talk...you'll know it when you see it and final warning, sex toys.

Chapter Twelve

Lover's Lane

The door to his limo was pulled open and Jacob Nord stepped out, nodding his thanks to the driver before taking a deep breath and heading up the polished concrete stairs and down the long entry to Nord Enterprises. Tall Italian Cypress lined the walkway, planted in shoulder-high beds of polished granite that ran the length of the entrance.

As Jacob walked his mind strolled languidly through the previous night, recalling sounds and tastes, remembering how Eros glowed so brightly each time he fell into the depths of his end. A shiver ran up his spine and he looked up to the saturated blue of the early morning sky and took a deep breath.

About five yards from the main doors he stopped to admire an empty spot that would look absolutely stunning with the sculpture of a certain flamboyant God standing stoic and tall.

Jacob imagined a pedestal, cut to match an old Grecian column. Maybe a plaque quoting Theogony. He crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side as he imagined the statue right in front of Nord Enterprises.

It would seem a little out of place to have a statue of Eros outside of the company….unless he could pass him off as a sort of Mascot….maybe a Grecian theme.

Jacob pulled out his phone and looked at the lock screen which was just an image of the Nord Enterprises logo. A fancy teal N and E in a white circle and he hummed as he murmured to himself, "Time for a facelift."

He headed inside, glancing over his shoulder at the spot as he smiled and tried to decide what material he would have the statue made out of. Inside the lobby, he realized if he shifted the security desk forward and closer to the main doors the red marble wall could be carved out and a statue of Eros sitting in a throne would look both imposing and beautiful.

Granted, the cost would send their financial advisors into a tailspin but honestly, they could afford it, and depending on how the market did the rest of the year they would still make it out of the last quarter with plenty of profit. But it would be worth it to be able to walk into work every day and see Eros's face.

Jacob stopped for coffee at the cafe near the elevators and despite his daydreaming made it to his office in good time, saying hello and good morning to those who greeted him all the while continuing to think about the statue and last night.

As Jacob took a seat behind the desk his eyes glanced over at the file folder that rested nearby, the pictures and images inside a reminder of what he had lost. Though now, having literally spent the night with a real sex God, the sting of that loss was near none existent.

Eros had asked him to keep his mother from doing anything foolish in regards to Vlad and Danny, which meant the feelings the pair now had for each other was something the gods wanted. And if Jacob had learned anything from his obsession with Greek Mythology it was that you never fuck with or deny what the gods want.

If Vlad and Danny's union was the will of the gods Jacob was not going to stand in the way, and he sure as hell was not going to let his mother mess it up for the sake of soothing her petty need for revenge.

As Jacob thought about how he was going to intervene he doodled absentmindedly on a pad of paper. Around the medium-sized and faded N and E that rested in the middle of the pad, he added a bow and arrow, as well as a floral crown hovering over the top.

He stared at it a moment and thought about Nord Enterprises as a whole, they bought and sold companies, either tearing them apart to sell off or adding to pre-existing companies to make them stronger. They were essentially an acquisition firm but did dabble in smaller things like construction and luxury rental properties.

Jacob wanted to incorporate Eros into the company but wasn't sure how, he had promised the God tribute, and what better way than to have his likeness outside as well as threaded through the business.

Perhaps a charity through the company….the Eros Project….I could focus more on the love aspect and less on the sex aspect and we could donate a percentage of our profits to local charities, do some fundraisers….maybe I could see if Eros would be interested in helping-

His train of thought came to a halt as he realized he had no clue when he would see Eros again or if he ever would. It made him sad but he also knew very well from his vast knowledge that Greek Gods were notoriously fickle and a one-night stand with a mortal was extremely common.

I probably won't ever see him again...but last night was the best night of my life and...I am grateful for the time he spent with me...and I promised him I would worship at his temple. At the time it was a fun innuendo….it was...arousing and kinky….but now...I just don't want him to forget me...even if I never see him again...so...I'll build the statue in his likeness, and I will find some way to honor him…. And I will help him deal with my mother.

As if on cue his mother chose that moment to enter his office and as he glanced up at her icy expression something in him hardened and his resolve set sharp in his gut.

"You're here early. I half expected you to be laid up in bed." His mother said.

'Why would you say that?" Jacob asked as he eyed her suspiciously.

"You usually go on a bender when we argue. And last night was no exception. Still, I could be wrong I suppose. You aren't a child anymore, maybe you've found a better way to deal with your... issues."

Jacob gave her an unamused stare before he cleared his throat and tossed his pen down as he met her eyes, "Right, because you care so much about my issues. "

Agatha looked a little taken back at his tone but pushed on anyway, "A mother usually does care for her children. Dare you imply I don't?"

"Of course not, my happiness has been a top priority for you my whole life...father's too, of course."

"Of course." Agatha agreed though her eyes were sharp now, knowing Jacob was saying a lot to her at this moment, the doublespeak so often used in the upper echelons, was being laid on thick, and Agatha didn't care for her son's tone.

Jacob broke his gaze first and made a mime of straightening up his desk, "In other news, are you still planning some ghastly revenge scheme to shame Vlad and destroy his life and the kids all in one masterful stroke?"

He didn't meet her eyes but waited as he placed several pens in a holder and stacked some papers, "Of course. I wouldn't be me if I wasn't. It's already ago. I pulled some strings and the letter of congratulations was sent out. Vlad will get it when he gets back from Paris. It will only leave him a handful of days to get ready for the Masquerade but he can't say no, lest he upset his colleagues and those who would grant him support in our elite little community. It's all taken care of, except of course, for your part. I still want you to be the one who approaches him at the party. I want you to be the one tying the noose around his neck. You make him understand that the stool under him will only be kicked out if he doesn't do as we ask."

Jacob stared at the doodle on the pad before him, his fingers drumming on the desk a moment before he looked up at her and his eyes sharpened, an idea coming to his mind "Alright. I'll do it. But, I want something in return."

Agatha eyed him carefully, finding all of this far too easy, but then again, her son usually took her side in regards to matters like this, so perhaps she could give him the benefit of the doubt.

"You're already going to be getting Vlad, as well as everything else when I die. What more could you want?" and her snarky tone was evident but she waited patiently.

Jacob's eyes studied the makeshift logo he had drawn and after another moment of thought said in a rather casual tone, "Nothing much. But I think it's time Nord Enterprises had a facelift. I just want your permission to run a couple of ideas by our design team. Nothing crazy. Maybe install a statue out front...something that will really inspire the masses, eh?"

His mother studied him long and hard and Jacob waited, his face an unamused blank slate before she let out a scoff, "Very well, I suppose the company will eventually be yours anyway. Do what you want. Just make sure you are at the Masquerade and be ready with everything needed for Vlad to sign his company over. Alright?"

"Of course, whatever you want, Mother." and Jacob gave her a pleased smile and she managed a small one back before she turned and left. Agatha doubted her son's sincerity and Jacob realized he was going to have to be ready for whatever secondary plan his mother cooked up.

Jacob wasn't going to actually help her, but he was going to need to go along with things for now. It was the only way he could keep an eye on his mother and her plans and honestly, he hoped that Eros would make an appearance sooner rather than later as he needed to talk to the man about what was actually going on.

While Eros had never specifically said it was Vlad and Danny that he was helping out and watching over, the fact that Eros had specifically told Jacob to keep his mother under control and not let her do anything foolish was enough to tell Jacob it was them. His mother didn't have her rabid sights set on anyone else and Jacob wasn't stupid. Eros was proficient at doublespeak, he told Jacob without actually telling him and so it had led him to wonder about several other things.

Namely, the sudden change in Vlad everyone had seen. The man was devoid of his fire, his anger and rage were completely gone. No doubt Eros had something to do with that, but, while Eros had said history was really good at erasing the truth, Jacob knew Eros did in fact have love arrows, he'd seen them when they spent the night together.

If Eros had shot up Vlad with his Pheromone of Desire, that meant whatever love Vlad was feeling for the kid wasn't going to last and Danny was in for a very rude awakening. Jacob just needed Eros to confirm it, then Jacob would do his best to help Danny prepare for the Vlad Masters that waited for him on the other side.

Until then, Jacob had to stay in his mother's good graces so he could work in the shadows. And he was going to have to come up with a way to corner his mother. She was planning to use blackmail, and the easiest course of action would be to blackmail her right back.

Jacob knew Vlad's entire house was rigged with security cameras, all of his rooms had some kind of surveillance except one. Vlad's study did not have cameras, something Vlad had never explained to Jacob though the man had asked several times.

As long as the discussion was held in any room but Vlad's study Jacob would have video evidence of his mother trying to blackmail Vlad, the only issue was, depending on what was said and how it was said, the video may not be something Vlad or the kid would want to be shared with the authorities.

It was becoming a slippery slope at this point to try and work it out, but Jacob had to come up with something, or his mother was going to back Vlad into a corner and Eros would be extremely disappointed.

His resolve firmed up again, determination setting in that he would figure out a way to protect Vlad and Danny as Eros requested. As his eyes fell to the file folder of pictures he wondered if these were the only copies his mother had. It was doubtful, but perhaps that is where he should start. Get rid of all the evidence and his mother would have nothing to use against Vlad.

"Alright, it's a start," Jacob murmured to himself and he grabbed the folder and stood, taking up the doodle he made as well before heading out the door, planning to dispose of the pictures and stop by the design department to see if they could take his idea and make something decent out of it.

Page Break

Danny leaned against the railing of the balcony as he looked out over the city of Paris. He still couldn't believe he was in Paris, never in his life did he think he would be in Europe without some ghostly reason being a factor.

He'd traveled a lot thanks to his ghost half, not to mention jumping through different eras when he and Vlad had been fighting over the Infi Map. But, this was different somehow. Being here with no ulterior motive, to simply be here on this quasi-vacation was a very exciting feeling.

As he watched the cars drive by below and saw how the lights of the city shined a small smile came and he brought the wine glass he had been holding to his lips before taking a sip.

The legal age for drinking in France was eighteen, so when Vlad had offered him a glass of wine he had been all too happy to try it. Then he tried a second glass of another kind and a third glass of yet another. He'd sipped each slowly but even so, he was feeling pretty good right now.

Vlad had talked to him about the different types of wine he was trying as well as the undertones of flavor and the currents. They had gotten onto the subject of vineyards and Danny wanted to go to one if they had time.

They'd made it to the hotel just in time for dinner and had ordered room service much to Danny's relief. A small hiccup escaped him as a gentle breeze rushed up to meet him and he smelled diesel and rain as well as a hint of something sweet and wondered if one of those bakeries Vlad liked was nearby.

The Seine was right next to the hotel and if he followed it and looked to the west he could just make out the Eiffel Tower. He gave a drunken chuckle before he took another sip and leaned against the railing as he felt happiness come to him that made his heart flutter.

The city, the food, and the wine, the view, everything was so perfect...and he had Vlad to thank for it. He was on cloud nine and though he did feel guilty about the expenses, knowing he had officially gone far far beyond ever paying Vlad back, he was so grateful this had happened. Beyond the material world that he had been living in the last few weeks, this experience of existing in such peace with the older man made his head dizzy with contentment.

He shifted his hips carefully, feeling the plug that was still inside of him and his cheeks tinged red as a small throb of pleasure washed through him. It was most likely the wine, but Danny felt arousal and desire come quickly and he wanted Vlad to hurry back.

The man had left the room to go down to the front desk for a moment and Danny had made his way out onto the balcony as he tried to wait patiently for Vlad's return. His mind had begun to wonder, thinking of everything that had happened and how much time they had left. Four days in Paris, one day to meet the Board of Trustees or whatever, and then a week and a half in Wisconsin. So, give or take a day, Danny had about two weeks to live this up, to spend time with Vlad and exist in the man's attention.

His heart gave a small thump as dread entered into his stomach and he realized it was almost over. They still had so much to do, this trip, the board, dealing with the Nords (something they still hadn't really hashed out or talked about). Danny had a feeling Vlad was so focused on him that he often forgot the Nords were even an issue. But Danny was determined to bring it up tomorrow in the car ride to Provence.

"Enjoying the view?" Danny turned to spy Vlad exiting onto the balcony and sitting in one of the metal chairs by the doorway before he reached into his jacket and pulled out a pack of smokes.

"You smoke?" Danny asked as he turned to face him, but continued to lean against the railing before taking another drink.

"Only in Paris, they have my favorite brand, they are quite delicious. That's where I went. The front desk keeps some in the backroom for me. Of course, I pay a hefty sum for them to do so, but I am here somewhat regularly so-"

Danny rubbed at his eyes and he let out a chuckle, "Of course. Only you would keep a stash of specialty smokes at the front desk of a hotel in another country for your sole enjoyment." The warm and amused smile Danny gave him made Vlad smile before he laughed as well, "I do suppose I am a bit entitled, but to be fair, I do pay them for it. So it isn't like they aren't getting someone out of catering to my every whim."

"Mmm, I suppose. But it makes me wonder-" Danny started as he watched Vlad remove his jacket and hang it on the back of his chair before lighting up.

"What's that Little Badger?" Vlad asked, looking at him as he took a rather deep drag from the cigarette and let it out slowly with an incredibly satisfying sigh.

He leaned back in his chair, his body suddenly seeming to have gone slack as he closed his eyes and took another drag, "Delicious." he breathed out.

Danny finished off his wine before he set the glass aside on a rather ornate table and walked over to his companion, straddling the man's thighs as he leaned in and took up Vlad's tie, pulling the man to look at him. Vlad's eyes went wide as Danny asked with slightly slurred speech, "What will you give me if I cater to your every whim? Hm?"

Vlad's eyes darkened a bit before he leaned up and smirked, "Don't tempt me-"

"I am tempting you. As I recall, you said...as soon as we got to the hotel, you wanted me on my back with my legs spread….so far….it's just been dinner and drinking." and Danny turned his head so he could gently kiss and suck at Vlad's neck.

"You've had too much wine, Little Badger." Vlad said in a breathy voice, "Actually, I've had just enough to let my guard down. I want to have some fun tonight. So...if I were to do whatever you wanted, answer to your every whim...be your sweet little Slave…. what would you do for me? Hm?"

The cigarette had dropped from Vlad's fingers onto the balcony and his hands instantly came to grip painfully tight at Danny's hips, "Anything you ever wanted." Vlad whispered out before he pressed their lips together and they shared a deep and savory kiss.

As Danny pulled away he whispered against Vlad's lips, "I never want this to end. Think you can manage?"

"Yes." Vlad breathed and Danny chuckled, "Good, so...what whims do you have?" Their eyes met and Vlad stared a moment before he glanced around Danny and he studied their surroundings a moment, even glancing up towards the sky before he looked back and said in a rather dark tone, "Get on your knees."

Danny's smile grew before he slowly slid from Vlad's lap and moved to rest on his knees right before the man, "Don't move an inch." and the man stood and went back inside, returning a few seconds later with one of the bottles of wine.

He took his seat and set the bottle aside as he removed his tie, "Lean forward." Danny complied, his face coming to rest on Vlad's thigh as the man leaned over him and took up his wrists, using his tie to tie Danny's arms behind his back almost painfully tight.

When Vlad leaned back he picked up the bottle of wine and gripped a hand into Danny's hair, tilting his head back, "Big gulp, Little Badger."

Danny complied and as Vlad pressed the opening to his lips and tilted the bottle up Danny took two big gulps before he pulled the bottle back, set it down, and then undid his pants, "My whims include you sucking until I tell you to stop, no complaining if you do well you'll get more wine and my undivided attention."

The younger man gave a large toothy grin before he moved closer on his knees and leaned down, taking Vlad's length into his mouth and beginning to work.

Vlad pulled out another smoke, lighting it and running a hand through Danny's hair as he enjoyed both his cigarette and the view.

There was something so compelling about Daniel on his knees, hands bound and so hungry to please that made Vlad feel drunk with both power and arousal. He tightened his grip on Danny's hair, "Slowly, Little Badger, nice and slow...I want you down there for a good long while."

The only response was a silent nod and a long slow suck of his length which made Vlad moan before he took another drag off his cigarette and gazed up at the sky.

Vlad smoked two more cigarettes before he pulled Danny's head back, the young man panting as spit dribbled from his mouth, "Open up." he said softly before he gave Danny another swig of wine and took a swig for himself.

He pressed Danny's mouth down onto his length again and chuckled, "You're such a good boy. Just a few more minutes for me and you'll be rewarded."

Danny nodded quickly as he continued to lick, suck and slurp at Vlad's length, his body vibrating with arousal as well as energy, the wine was making him so very fuzzy and he had to admit, he enjoyed being drunk. His head was swimming, and he felt so carefree, a vast change to his normal dread and anxiety.

After a moment Danny choked on Vlad's length as he felt the man's core energy suddenly wrap around his own and bring with it such heat and arousal.

"Oop looks like you didn't make it, naughty," Vlad said with an amused tone as Danny shuttered and his own length twitched. He gasped for air as he rested his cheek on the man's thigh and Vlad's hands slid from his hair.

Suddenly a heated palm pressed up under his bound hands and his shirt and caressed his back, Danny's muscles had been burning from staying so long hunched over Vlad's lap, "You only had five minutes left...such a shame, I guess I'll have to punish you."

Danny chuckled and managed between calming breaths, "Guess so."

"But you don't even know what the punishment is. Sure you don't want to try again? Another thirty minutes of your mouth on my cock sounds heavenly."

"What's the punishment?" Danny asked, excitement building in his gut as he wondered if the man would spank him again. While the act was a bit embarrassing it had ignited his arousal on the plane.

"You don't get to know that, Little Badger. It could be anything, but not knowing is the best part...however...it could be painful. That's the chance you take when you play with someone like me."

"Mmm, I'll play with you forever." Danny breathed out, shifted his hips back and forth to feel the plug move inside of him and he let out a moan.

"Will you?" Vlad suddenly asked, once again grabbing Danny by the hair and yanking his head back. He traced fingers along Danny's lips and then his jaw before he whispered, "I'll let you choose this time, punishment? Or sucking?"

Danny met the man's eyes, his face burning and his length aching and he said softly, "My jaw hurts, I'll take the punishment, maybe try sucking again later."

"Hmm, very well. Stand up, and go wait for me on the bed." Vlad released his hold and Danny stood, moving off the balcony and into the suite, beelining past their eaten dinner and through the sitting room towards the bed.

The suite itself was massive, decorated in whites and creams with an open floor plan. The only private room was the bathroom, which itself was massive and luxurious. From one side of the room to the other, there was a kitchen, sitting room, bedroom, and even a fireplace.

As he hopped onto the bed the plug was jarred and he shivered as he waited. He saw Vlad leaning in the doorway of the balcony, smoking yet another cigarette, but as he took drag after drag his eyes never left Danny, a dark yet aroused stare that made Danny far too excited.

"Lay on your back," Vlad said softly as he blew out a plume of smoke and Danny complied, his head towards the top of the bed and his heels digging into the edge.

"Bend your knees…" Vlad ordered in that same dark tone.

Danny complied and raised his head so he could see the man, "Head back, look at the ceiling, not at me." Vlad barked gently.

Danny dropped his head back and looked at the ceiling, swearing he could still feel Vlad's eyes on him, and seconds later it was confirmed when Vlad's soft yet thick voice said softly, "Spread your legs."

Danny complied, "Further-" Vlad ordered and Danny spread his legs as far as he could and whimpered a little as the plug seemed to shift away from his prostate as he complied.

"Now, undulate your hips, in a circle, slowly." Vlad nearly whispered and Danny complied, his cheeks growing red as he realized that in this position Vlad could see the plug and how it shifted and moved as Danny rolled his hips and pelvis.

"Don't stop," Vlad said and Danny spent the next few minutes moving his hips, arms still tied behind his back as he waited with anticipation for what was to come next.

"Close your eyes," Vlad said, his voice sounding closer but Danny knew he was not supposed to look. He closed his eyes and waited, his hips still moving and sweat forming on his brow.

He felt the heat from Vlad's body slowly wash over him but he didn't realize until he heard Vlad's soft voice just how close the man was, "Now, tell me-" and Danny jumped a little when he felt the man's upper thighs press against the bottom of his and held his legs apart, Danny's hips still undulating as the smell of Vlad's cigarette tickled his nose and the man's lips caressed his ear, "What do you want this moment...what would make you the happiest, Little Badger?"

Danny felt his mind race, so many thoughts and ideas coming to him he wasn't at all sure what to say. But apparently, his lack of communication was not alright as Vlad shifted his leg and pressed the upper part of his knee against the plug handle, and pressed.

Pleasure and slight discomfort erupted in his gut as he gasped and his back arched. Vlad stilled his movement, holding the plug deep with his knee as another hand ghosted down the inside of his left thigh, fingers tracing around his length but never quite touching it.

"Mm! Mmmm! Ah! V-Vlad...please-" Danny whispered out hurriedly and Vlad chuckled and leaned down, kissing his trembling lips, "Answer my question, what would make you the happiest, Little Badger, hm?"

"Ah, aah, mmmhmmm, uh, you...you s-sucking on my….on my….my-" but Danny couldn't bring himself to say it which only seemed to encourage Vlad's knee to press harder. Danny let out a rather wicked whine and tried to dig his heels into the bed so he could ease some of the pressure.

"Say the word Daniel, say it soft and sweet...just for me." Vlad purred and Danny licked his lips as his stomach grew tight and he managed out a breathy and shy, "My c-c-cock!" his face now crimson.

"Mmm, good boy. So, a little oral action, well...if you survive your punishment...I'll suck you dry. How's that?"

Danny nodded quickly and Vlad chuckled, "Best work on your discipline." and as Danny lay tied up and spread open on the bed he took a slow deep breath and tried to calm his already electrified body.

Vlad had moved away from him, and Danny's eyes were still closed. So when he heard the soft sounds of Vlad shifting through his suitcase he knew something new was going to happen.

After a moment the man returned, this time moving onto the bed near his head and Vlad quickly but efficiently placed a thick piece of fabric over his mouth, synching it tight before Danny could speak.

"Keep those eyes closed, Little Badger." and despite the fact, his heart was now beating faster and both curiosity and excitement swelled he kept his eyes closed up until he felt what appeared to be a very thin fabric bag slide on over his head.

His eyes popped open and he was greeted by black, "You're now gagged and sightless, but you'll hear, feel and smell everything. Your punishment is about to begin, let's see how well you handle it."

Vlad moved away again, more rustling, and Danny heard the distinct sound of metal and leather, Vlad moving between the two posts at the foot of the bed. A hot hand grabbed his ankle and pulled and Danny realized Vlad was strapping his legs apart.

A little more panic and arousal, a little more curiosity and through his drunken haze, he tried to speak, momentarily forgetting the tight fabric over his mouth.

"Excellent, it muffles you quite well." Vlad mused and Danny resisted a little as Vlad grabbed his other ankle and tied it up, "There, don't you look stunning." and Danny heard the telltale signs of Vlad taking pictures with his phone, the flash just barely making it through the black bag over his head.

"I think this is as far as we go in regards to restraint. You look so beautiful…" and Vlad trailed a finger from Danny's sternum all the way down in a slow and lethargic manner before fingers grazed over his cock and balls and Danny whined and his stomach muscles clenched.

"Are you ready for your punishment? I'm interested to see if you enjoy it...then again...how will you ever say your safe word all gagged up like that?"

Danny pulled at the restraints on his ankles and pulled at his wrists still tied tight with Vlad's tie as he shifted his head around and realized the bag and gag were not going to be removed without Vlad's help.

A burning hot hand came to lay spread on his chest as Vlad leaned close and said, "You'll have to hum it, eh? What song shall we have you hum? Yankee Doodle? Happy Birthday? Twinkle Twinkle Little Star….what about...Funky Town?"

Danny hummed out a song he knew well, one that he was sure Vlad would also know, "Hm, September? I never pegged you for an Earth Wind and Fire fan-" Danny nodded through the bag and Vlad chuckled, "...good choice. Now, hold still...I'm gonna remove that plug-" and Vlad's hand pressed his chest down as his other took the nub and started to pull.

Danny squirmed a little, the feeling of it being removed a shad uncomfortable but for some reason, that discomfort made his length harder and it started to ache.

A resounding pop was heard and the plug was pulled free, Danny's whole body sagging when it was over. However, the relaxing didn't last long for seconds later lubed fingers came and danced slowly around his entrance, pressing in to coat his insides and Danny moaned and whined against the gag in his mouth.

The slick hand slid away from his entrance and coated his length, gently gliding up and down and Danny started to shake.

"You're ready. Brace yourself...your punishment begins now-" Danny felt Vlad grab his length and slide something down it, wrapping it around the base of his cock and balls, "Hmm?!" Danny tried to share his curiosity but Vlad just chuckled, "A cock ring, it slows the blow flow and keeps your harder longer, it will make your ability to ejaculate harder but not impossible...I want to drag this punishment out...it's the first real one I've given you-" and Vlad trailed off and Danny waited, the silence intense but his leg jerked when the feel of soft leather appeared and rubbed from his inner thigh down to his knee gently.

That's….a riding crop- and Danny swallowed, he could see the implement clearly in his mind, and sweat formed on his forehead as he realized what his punishment was.

Vlad dragged the crop up and down either side of his inner thighs, caressing delicately the most tender areas of his body. He swirled the leather pad around the base of his cock and balls, feathering across the underside of his thighs, and just as Danny was about to relax the crop was pulled away and a quick whip was placed on his inner thigh.

Danny let out a short scream, the burning sting of the crop sending a rush of adrenaline and pain up his spine and into his brain.

Another smack sounded out on the opposite thigh and Danny felt his cock twitch as he let out another scream. He was suddenly very glad for the gag as it meant he didn't have to try and stifle the noise he was making.

The crop returned to that slow and steady glide and Danny's heaving breaths through his nose left him feeling dizzy, the alcohol in his body making everything feel so fuzzy and out of focus yet the sting of the crop and the hum of approval Vlad gave each time Danny didn't use the "safe word" made Danny more aroused.

He heard Vlad light a cigarette and felt the bed sink as the man once again came to kneel by his legs, Vlad's upper thighs pressed to the underside of Danny's and he inhaled and leaned down, blowing smoke at the black bag and Danny could smell the sickly sweet smell and he hummed happily. It seemed more potent now than it did early and Vlad chuckled, "Interesting how well the other senses take over isn't it?" and Vlad drew the crop lazily across Danny's chest, ghosting over each nipple as Danny whined and keened behind the gag as he waited.

"We'll do total sensory deprivation at some point….no nose, ears, eyes or mouth, a total blackout...and I'll fuck you...let you experience something beyond reality." Danny wanted to know how that would work as if both his nose and mouth were blocked he wouldn't be able to breathe.

Vlad whipped the crop against one of Danny's nipples and Danny winced, a tear coming to his eye, the burning ache from his inner thighs starting to fade as the new ache of his nipple came to the forefront of his mind.

His dick was so hard now it actually hurt, weeping out the precum that Vlad's fingers were using to make a mess on Danny's lower stomach.

"Your dick is swollen...a beautiful ruby red...you're ready to cum...but the punishment isn't over...are you ready?"

Danny just whined and Vlad smacked the crop across his belly, "Are you ready, Little badger?" and as Danny twisted a little from the surprise of the swing he nodded and moaned, his face now coated in sweat as Vlad shifted.

Danny lay gasping through his nose, his length pulsing and aching as his body stung from each perfectly placed smack of the crop.

When Danny felt the bed shift he realized Vlad was straddling him and it occurred to him what might be about to occur. A hand came to his throat and squeezed lightly as lips pressed to his ear through the black bag, "My hope is to torture you...I want you to beg for release...if I go slow enough...you won't be able to reach your end….but I will...if you're a good boy...and don't cum until I tell you to...the pay off will be unlike anything you've ever felt...so...will you be a good boy?" and Vlad's hand squeezed his neck a little tighter and Danny nodded quickly, whining and whimpering as his cock twitched and bounced.

"Show me how good a boy you are." and Vlad shifted away, raising himself up and then lowering down onto Danny's length.

There was something surreal about this. Danny had always been the bottom in this relationship, and he was fine with that, Vlad topped incredibly well, but what made this "role reversal" so surreal that was even though it was Danny's cock that was sliding into Vlad's body...Vlad was still on top and Danny was still the bottom, still a whiny weepy mess being dominated and controlled.

Vlad took him all without pause, sliding all the way down onto Danny's length, the younger man twitching and squirming, trying to keep his hips from thrust, and Vlad's hands came to grab his shoulders and hold him down, the full weight of Vlad sinking down pinning Danny's hips from moving at all and Vlad groaned out as he shuddered, a hand snaking under the edge of the bag to caress Danny's cheek.

"I haven't played this game in a long time-" Vlad breathed, Danny still pinned and marveling at the feeling of his length encased in such a tight swollen heat. It was his first time and he was having problems not blowing his load right then. And still, he marveled at the dominance card Vlad was playing, having a dick in his ass but still in total control and Danny at his mercy.

Vlad suddenly raised himself up and slammed down, Danny let out a muffled scream as his head shook quickly back and forth, he was on the edge, he wasn't going to be able to hold it. Vlad had warned him not to cum, but the man was making it so difficult.

Vlad repeated the same motion, rising up and slamming down and Danny's body convulsed, the edge of his orgasm right there and he whined and cried, hot tears spilling from his eyes as the sharp pleasure and throbbing ache of release hovered just out of reach.

Vlad did it again and Danny cried as he knew this was it, he was going to fall over and Vlad was going to punish him more. But it only took Danny a moment to realize he hadn't fallen, the burning need to cum was evident and his entire body was wound tight and coated in a layer of sweat but he still hadn't fallen over.

Minutes ticked by, Vlad fucking himself via Danny's hard aching cock, and the young man so close to tumbling over he thought he might die.

"You are a marvelous fuck toy, Daniel-" Vlad breathed as he started to move in a less jerky manner and started to move with a slow steady rhythm, "I could pleasure myself all night like this. My own personal human sex toy. Would you like that? Using you for my own pleasure and enjoyment...nothing but a fuck stick for me-"

The dirty talk sent Danny shuttering and he started to jerk and thrash, Vlad still talking as he sped up his movements, riding Danny and the younger man starting to sob.

Suddenly he heard Vlad grunt and the bag was ripped off his head, a hand yanking off his gag and Danny gasped in the air he didn't realize he needed only for Vlad to jerk up and off Danny's cock and shove his own cock right into the back of Danny's throat.

His hands gripped Danny's hair tightly and he held him there, spurting his seed into the back of Danny's throat and giving deep slow thrusts. When he was done he still held Danny's head, "Suck it clean." Vlad grunted out and Danny went to work, sucking and swallowing as Vlad slowly pulled out and let Danny go, the young man plopping back onto the bed as he took gulps of breath.

"Very good, Daniel. You did incredibly well...and now...it's time for bed." and Vlad leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Danny's lips only for him to moan, "Bed? What do you mean? Aren't you going to-"

"No...it's part of your punishment. You don't get to cum tonight." and Vlad ran soft hands down his body, messaging and rubbing in a soothing manner as he swung off Danny and the young man wiggled, looking at his still swollen cock which was twitching and jerking.

"Y-You can't...I need….I was good...I didn't cum early...I behaved...please...please...Vlad...it hurts-" Vlad nodded, "I warned you it might." and the man chuckled as he left Danny splayed on the bed, a complete mess and still tied up.

This wasn't possible, it wasn't going to happen, he was too horny for any more games and he spied Vlad entering the bathroom and so forced himself over, his body burning up as his legs had to criss-cross at his ankles in order for Danny to lay on his stomach.

The instant his dick pressed into the bed he started thrusting, determined to reach his end as the last two hours he'd been denied anything, starting from the blow job on the balcony until now his body was going to go up in flames if he didn't release.

He just had to do it before Vlad got back or the man would stop him. The cock ring Vlad had slid on his dick indeed slowed the blood flow as well as made it harder to cum and Danny was having to thrust much harder than expected to get his climb started.

A hand suddenly pressed his head into the bed, "Naughty boy, what did I tell you?"

"Games over, I need to cum, please...let me finish...I'm gonna die if I don't."

"Hmmm...I'll make you a deal. You agree to wear binds to bed tonight and I'll allow you to cum."

"B-Binds?" Danny asked as Vlad's free hand came to finger at his hole and Danny moaned and thrust his hips into the bed.

"Yes. Agree and I'll let you cum."

"Alright! Whatever you want, just...just...please-" and Vlad rolled him over onto his back, yanking Danny down towards the edge of the bed, the binds on his ankles making his legs spread wide and Vlad, who was still naked, learned at him.

"You requested a blow job, correct?"

Danny shocked his head quickly, "F-Fuck me...please...just...fuck me." He gasped and Vlad gave a wicked smile as he lined up his length with Danny's entrance and slammed into him.

Danny's back arched and Vlad's hand clamped over his mouth to keep his screams at bay as Vlad gave three hard deep thrusts and to Danny's horror he toppled over. His whole body jerked and twitched as his length spurted a pool of cum onto his chest and belly. Danny's eyes rolled back into his head, his legs trembling and his hips thrusting non-stop.

It took actual minutes for his body to settle, for the sweat and burning of his skin to fade, and for his heart to stop pounding.

That's it isn't it? Danny thought lazily, He used me for his pleasure...not to give me pleasure...that is why this was a punishment…if he had left me unfinished I would have been awake all night, totally at the mercy of his whims and ready to do anything to get off. I enjoyed it ...a lot….but I better avoid punishments for a few days...I don't think my body can handle that again-

Danny bit his bottom lip to hide a smile as he began to understand and there was a sort of twisted joy in being able to give Vlad pleasure without receiving any in return. It was in a way the perfect submissive existence, but it also made Danny feel ten feet tall, because judging by the sounds Vlad had made and the way he was now kissing at his cheek and temple, murmuring such words of adoration, while this was a punishment, the man still adored him.

When Vlad did finally shift he pulled out carefully, and then undid the binds attached to the bedposts but left them around Danny's ankles. He retrieved a rag and wiped Danny's front clean.

He then crawled up the bed, reaching a hand to pull Danny towards him by his hair which made Danny shift quickly up. The man settled into the plush pillows and pulled Danny, arms still tied behind his back, to lay on top of him, his head resting just under Vlad's chin and his legs entangled with Vlad's own.

They were still breathing a bit heavy but were getting their breath back when Vlad grabbed him by the hair and gently turned his head to face the other way, "Look at the camera, Little Badger." Vlad whispered with fatigue and Danny did, his expression no doubt sleepy but content.

Vlad took several pictures before he tossed his phone aside and wrapped his arms around Danny, "Are you going to untie me?" Danny asked sluggishly.

"Mmm, you agreed to sleep bound up in return for an orgasm. Therefore, I will untie your arms from behind our back but they will be bound again before you go to sleep." Vlad mused, lazy fingers tracing along the exposed underside of Danny's arms which made Danny shiver and twitch.

"You know I can phase out of this right?" Danny asked.

"Mhm, the question is...do you want to?" Vlad offered, "If there was a way to let you live your life while simultaneously keeping you tied up and chained to my bed for my sole pleasure and it wasn't illegal I would do it."

"If I didn't want to live my own life, I would let you." Danny chuckled.

Vlad gave a regretful sigh and continued to trace gentle fingers across Danny's skin, "I like...when you talk so naughty, Little Badger. It's so...delicious."

"Really? I always feel so self-conscious and dumb when I try to talk dirty."

"Oh no, you're quite salacious in a good way. I do enjoy it….How did your punishment feel?" Vlad asked and Danny nearly flushed, "It was the oddest mixture of sensations I've ever felt. Pain and pleasure, desire and lust, the feeling of being about to burst but not. Then my dick inside you...unable to actually enjoy it...the pure denial of my pleasure as punishment and you...using me as a toy for your own. It made me feel...used...but...in some twisted sense...I liked that bit the most. Your pleasure comes from my lack of pleasure...does that make sense?"

"Incredibly so. You're more cut out for this lifestyle than I expected. That pleases me." Vlad said with a wink.

Danny managed to crank his head up and look at Vlad with a rather mischievous face, "I am so glad I can please you, Master, my body is yours to use as you wish." and Danny had said it in such a way it was clear he was joking, but Vlad couldn't help grabbing up the young man's face and playing into it just a little, "You're such a good boy, I'll take such good care of you my sweet pet, and use your succulent body for my endless pleasure."

Both of them broke out into soft laughter, neither of them seeming to quite appreciate the role play aspect of BDSM as some did. But as the laughter faded away the pair met each other's gaze and a serious moment passed between them as Danny asked softly, "Would you?"

Vlad ran a finger across Danny's lips as he asked softly, "Can I?"

Neither one of them answered the other and as Danny laid his head back on Vlad's chest and the man carefully un-tied Danny's wrists and messaged life back into them Danny clenched his eyes closed and whispered out into the darkness, "I love you."

He felt Vlad glance at him, the man's messaging hands stilling as the silence echoed out. Vlad finally shifted to his side as he held Danny tight, "I love you too, Daniel."

Despite their sexual escapades and the raw and nitty-gritty acts they had just partaken in, there was a tension between them slowly building. Dread, fear, and sadness gently flow in where contentment and trust should be.

Vlad left Danny's side only long enough to retrieve an odd-looking bit of leather fabric and he used it to bind Danny's wrists together in front of him, the man also used the straps from the ankle binds to tie his ankles together tight.

"Bound and ready for bed." Vlad whispered against his lips and Danny smirked, "You have some really weird tastes."

"Mm. Maybe...but this means when I wake up in the morning you'll be right here beside me." Danny's smile faded a little as he whispered out, "I'm not leaving-"

They met each other's gaze, levity, sex, games, and anything else they'd been doing the latter part of the evening falling into the less than important folder in the back of their minds as Vlad took Danny's arms and raised them over his head, the bind on Danny's wrist coming to rest against the back of Vlad's neck. His hands pulled Danny close and he slid a leg between Danny's legs and hooked the bind between Danny's ankle with the back of his foot.

"I know," Vlad whispered and Danny realized that between the binds on his ankles and wrists and the way Vlad had threaded himself through, there really would be no way for Danny to sneak away into the night.

They settled down and after a few minutes, Danny felt a tickling suspicion in the back of his mind, and just for shits and giggles, he tried to phase through the bindings only to realize he couldn't. He hesitated, wondering what it meant.

Vlad hadn't seemed to notice Danny's attempts to phase out of the binds and so Danny sighed and settled down. He didn't want to think about it nor did he care about the implication of ghost-proof binds. There could be several reasons Vlad chose to make ghost-proof binds, and the chances of it being to subdue Danny specifically was slim. Vlad had played it off as if they weren't ghost proof, yet it was obvious they were.

Vlad sleepily pulled Danny closer and pressed his face into Danny's neck, humming softly as he inhaled Danny's scent and settled down again.

I really hope you aren't planning anything rash, Fruitloop. I'm trusting you...don't let me down.

In the dark of their luxury hotel room, after a night of sexual exploration and rough intimacy, the only thing either of them could think about was that they only had a week and a half left.

PAGE BREAK

The next morning Danny's head was pounding and his body was achy and tight. Still wrapped around Vlad the man teased him with sex but Danny said he needed a break. Vlad had delivered unto him a quick blow job without asking for anything in return. He claimed the wine had pressed him to play a little too rough the night before and he hadn't meant to leave Danny so sore and bruised.

He unbound Danny's ankles and wrists after, and the pair showered and dressed for the day. They stowed away all of Vlad's toys which Danny realized the man had a suitcase for and saw all the other things it was filled with.

It occurred to him that Vlad had literally packed a bag of nothing but sex toys and playthings and the pair hadn't even scratched the surface. He had blushed as he watched Vlad zip it closed and slide it under the bed. Then Danny had popped two pain killers and downed two full glasses of water.

They'd eaten a light breakfast before they were out the door, no toys tagging along for their seven-hour drive to Provence. Danny was grateful, for as much as he was really enjoying exploring that darker side of his sexuality, having a day of light fun and enjoying the beautiful weather sounded incredible.

They had left the hotel to find a convertible waiting for them, Danny stopping as his eyes bulged, "Vlad…"

"Yes?" the man asked as he packed a day bag into the tiny back seat.

"V-Vlad-" Danny said again as he rushed to the passenger side of the car and looked inside, "Yes, what is it, Daniel?"

"Vlad...this...this is a 1966 Alfa Romeo….a Giulietta Spider! Holy shit!"

"Mmm, you know your cars, Little Badger." and Vlad opened the driver's side door and got in, Danny scrambling to open his and join the man inside.

"It's got the original three gages...both the radio knobs-" Danny marveled and Vlad chuckled as he turned the car on and pushed in the cigarette lighter and Danny waited for it to pop out, the older man taking it and using it to light his smoke.

"Is this yours!?" Danny asked and Vlad glanced at him, "No. I'm borrowing it from a friend of mine who lives here in Paris...however...he has offered to sell it to me if you'd like it." Vlad said, taking a drag of his smoke before he pulled out from the hotel and Danny looked around as the city moved by.

"No, I mean, of course, I wish I could have this car...but no, I don't need you to impulsively buy it for me just because I like it. Did you know back in the '60s this car sold for like 3,500 dollars? A fully restored one with all original parts today could range anywhere from 75,000 to 150,000 depending on the year, make and model and-"

"When did you learn so much about cars?" Vlad asked and Danny blushed, "I can admire a cool or sleek car just as much as the next guy. Just don't expect me to work on them. I know zip about actual car maintenance. Not really big on the whole grease monkey vibe."

"Shame. I have one of these back in Wisconsin. It needs a full rebuild, would have been nice to have help-"

"I'd help!" Danny offered quickly, and Vlad chuckled, "I just...won't be very useful."

Vlad smiled at him, "I highly doubt that. Now, hold tight, we'll ride the main highway out, but it will take nearly an hour to reach the countryside, relax and enjoy the sights Daniel."

Danny did enjoy the sights, Vlad drove smoothly with the flow of traffic, slowly working his way through the city, hitting the correct exits, and heading towards Provence. The man would point outbuildings and areas of the city, denoting historic areas or monuments of interest. At one point, near the edge of the city, Vlad was finally able to let go of the shifter, reaching a long stretch of the open road with less traffic. He stretched his arm out across the back of the seat and Danny didn't hesitate to lean.

This specific car didn't have seatbelts and while Danny knew it was just a product of the times he took advantage of it and leaned against Vlad's side, the man continuing to drive as Danny smiled happily and watched the countryside whip by the car.

The sky was such a rich deep blue and the sun was shining brightly. While the ride was a little loud given the wind was fluttering all around them as Vlad drove Danny found his heart swelling with happiness and he snuggled closer to Vlad.

Give me this forever and I think I could be happy. Him and me...just cruising around Europe. No stress or worries, no judgments or-

His heart twisted a little as he glanced up, studying Vlad's relaxed face as he continued to watch the road. It still surprised Danny how he never noticed in all his time of knowing Vlad that the man's resting face was actually sad.

There was a distant look in his half-lidded eyes, his lips not frowning but resting with such a subtle hint of discontent, and his brows furrowed near imperceptibly, you'd think the man just looked bored...but Danny realized now...it was sadness.

He brought a hand to Vlad's chest, pressing up higher so his lips could rest next to Vlad's ear, and over the sound of the wind he whispered softly, "I love you."

Vlad seemed surprised by the sudden display of affection, even though they had both said it before, it never seemed to wear thin on the man and he turned and gave a soft but warm and affectionate smile as he pressed a kiss to Danny's forehead.

"I love you too….are you alright?" he asked.

"Fine. I just...well...things have been a little crazy...especially with last night. We've been going hot and heavy...non-stop...I just...want you to know how much I...care for you….it's not just...the sex-" and Danny blushed at the mention of their naughty deeds, "I mean...sex isn't the only reason….that I'm...everything is going to be okay."

For some reason, Danny felt the need to reassure the man, perhaps due to his own partial insecurities. They both were dreading the moment the Pheromones wore off, unsure how Vlad would react once his anger and rage returned to him. Danny felt Vlad's arm slid from the back of the seats to rest on his shoulders as he held Danny tight against him, "I know. I'm not going to let myself forget what is important. That's why I keep taking so many pictures."

Danny raised a brow, "Wait...so...all those pictures you keep taking...they're not...for you? I mean...for...ya know...sexual reasons?"

Vlad smirked, "I'd be lying if I said they weren't part of my twisted and perverse kinks. I like defiling you and taking those pictures...it's arousing to do so and I find something very satisfying in coating your face in my cum and making you submit to pictures."

Danny's cheeks were burning red as he too had found something rather arousing about Vlad destroying him so thoroughly and taking pictures of his work as he pleased.

"It's a shade Voyeuristic...but...it is not only for my twisted pleasure that I take so many pictures."

"Then why?" Danny asked, his hand sliding from the man's chest to a thigh, something he couldn't seem to help as the discussion of the pictures had made him slightly aroused.

"When the Pheromones leave my system...I want to be able to see the proof of what you and I did this past month. Not just the sex….but our time together as well...a reminder of what I could have if I just...tried harder to change in a way that could foster a real and meaningful relationship. Something healthy. The pictures are meant as a way to force me to recognize...that...I could have something real...if I just stop being an asshole."

Danny chuckled at that, his eyes taking on a rather warm gaze as his hand slid up towards Vlad's crotch and Vlad winced and bit his bottom lip, "I'd really appreciate you not being an asshole anymore...it would make a lot of things...easier."

And Danny messaged at Vlad's length, which grew quickly and strained against the fabric of his pants, "Little Badger….now might not be the best-"

"I've never given road head before...could be fun...think you can focus on the road while I return the favor for this morning?"

Vlad's stormy eyes glanced at him, sharp and hot and he gave one single nod before he looked in the rearview mirror and saw no one behind them close enough to notice. He checked the cars in front of him and the cars coming the other way and as soon as a gap hit he grabbed Danny by the back of the head and pressed him down.

"Get to work," Vlad ordered and Danny smirked, his arousal growing at the gentle order and he spent the next twenty minutes milking Vlad for his seed. Vlad did well for his part, keeping his face relaxed though his hand remained rooted in Danny's hair and every once and a while gave a rather hard clench.

When Vlad came he only let a grunt escape him, while he pressed Danny's head all the way down and coated the back of his throat. When it was over Danny hummed happily, noticing the taste of Vlad's cum was a flavor he was beginning to recognize and enjoy.

He went to sit up but Vlad held him down, "No...wait until I'm soft...keep sucking...gently…" and Vlad's voice was breathy but saturated with arousal and affection.

Danny complied, giving tender yet soft sucks and licks as Vlad's length began to soften and his head was hazy with arousal as he found there was something so rewarding about tending to Vlad after the fact.

Maybe some slave play could be fun...we could spend a weekend experimenting with role-playing…

"You can sit up now if you want. The road is clear." Vlad said but Danny simply tucked Vlad's length back into his pants and did them up before he settled his head on the man's thigh, curling up so he could fit in the small front seat somewhat comfortably as he closed his eyes.

Vlad said nothing else as he gently threaded his fingers through Danny's hair and the younger man sighed contentedly, "So….have you figured out what we are going to do about the Nords?"

Vlad didn't look away from the road as he offered out a soft hum, "It's tricky. I'll need to think about it a little while longer. There is truth in your thoughts that Jacob would be the weaker link and that we may be able to get him to help us. But...there is a lot of bad blood between us. I...did not treat him very well...in fact...I was borderline abusive. He has no reason to-"

"You abused him?" Danny cut in, though he didn't sit up, merely fisting at Vlad's pant leg as his eyes opened and he studied the dash of the car.

"...I did," Vlad admitted, his voice filled with guilt and sorrow.

"Why?" Danny asked.

Vlad looked rather upset as he offered, "I...was...am...damaged. Jacob wanted things I couldn't give him and so I pushed him away. But I was also lonely...so I'd inevitably pull him back. I didn't want to let go of the companionship but I was not able to love him as he wanted. I was selfish and cruel….not a big surprise, given who I am...but...I don't want to be that person anymore. If I can make him see that, help him to understand...perhaps he will...it's a bridge I wish I hadn't burned...as it will be difficult to rebuild." Vlad sighed as the sad yet seemingly indifferent face returned.

"I'll help you." Danny offered.

Vlad smirked softly, glancing down at him as Danny turned his head a little to meet the man's gaze, "You may very well have to. Lord knows anything from my mouth will hardly seem sincere after everything I put him through-"

Vlad's phone suddenly went off in his pocket and Danny was finally forced to sit up so Vlad could extricate it and he answered, "Vlad Masters. Yes, hello Morgan, what is it?" he didn't sound mad but the frown that appeared on his face was evident that the call wasn't something he had expected.

"Blast it all, that devil woman!" Vlad suddenly said and Danny's brows shot up as he knew who the devil woman was and a pit grew in his stomach.

"Do be a dear and snap a picture, yes, text it to me. And...I suppose you should start making preparations now...I realize it's short notice but I don't have much of a choice. I trust you to know what I like and get the correct caterers. Yes, very good. Thank you."

Vlad hung up and tossed his phone onto the floor of the car irritably, "What is it? Who just called?" Danny asked.

"That was Morgan, she's in charge of handling my mail, emails, and phone calls while I am overseas. It seems you were right to worry about the Nords. Agatha has decided to make a move and it's a rather cruel one."

"What did she do?" Danny asked

Vlad let out an exhausted sigh as he propped his elbow up on the edge of the car door and rubbed at his forehead, "Every year the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce holds a gala slash ball where discussions can be held about the current political climate, the state of the current economy and other such drivel. There is entertainment and cocktails, food, and the works. Awards are given to the businesses that have done well and a leader is chosen to go to the bi-yearly meeting of the ICC to be a representative-"

"ICC?"

"International Chamber of Commerce. It's all very dull and boring but a must for anyone who has any real bearing in the business world."

"Oooookay, so how does that affect us?" Danny asked.

"It seems Agatha decided this year to nominate me to be the emissary to go overseas for the ICC convention. Which means….I have to host the ball...which means...everyone who's anyone of any importance in the Wisconsin business world will be coming to my home."

"And...that's bad?" Danny asked, not at all liking where this was going.

"Normally no, it's a song and dance I know well and could do with my eyes closed."

"But?" Danny asked.

"The invitation to host arrived today and the gala is scheduled for the end of next week."

Danny groaned, "But...that's when the Pheromone will be-"

"I know. If Eros's little magic spell is punctual then the night of the gala is when it will fade….that horrible devil woman! It's like she knew! Perfect timing for her little plot but it puts us in a rather nasty position. I have to throw the party. I can't avoid it. Declining would be an insult and could cause a lot of problems for Vladco. Curse that shrew!" and Vlad glared at the road before him.

Danny was unsure how to offer comfort but he knew he had to try, shifting closer as the car sped along the road and the countryside whipped by, "Hey." Danny started softly and Vlad glanced at him before looking back to the road.

"It's going to be okay. We will figure it out. Morgan gave us a head start. We can reach out to Jacob as soon as we get back home, have a meeting with him and feel him out. I'll do whatever I have to, I won't let them hurt you or me...we can figure this out together. Sam and Tucker will help too if we need backup."

Vlad glanced at him again as he asked softly, "Does this mean I'm officially a member of Team Phantom?"

Danny scoffed, "You wish."

"I do. There is nothing I want more than for you to consider me an alley you can trust and count on." Vlad offered and Danny's playful demeanor dropped as he nodded, "Okay, well then...welcome to Team Phantom."

So on they drove, hours passing, and their conversations ranging from college for Danny back to Agatha Nord and her obvious ploy, about the countryside as well as France itself and that perhaps they would stay longer in the country and only return to Paris for the meeting.

They stopped for lunch and got it to go, Vlad pulling off the side of the road in an isolated overlook, a singular tree granting them shade as they admired the rolling countryside, dotted with farms, greenery, limestone, and foothills. Danny admired the snow-capped mountains in the distance as Vlad pointed out the beige smudge near the base, "That is one of the hill towns of Luberon. Cassis isn't too far from here either, it sits on the coast looking out over the Mediterranean. The rocks along the shore are all limestone so they gleam white against the blues of the sea and it is one of the most breathtaking sights. And that mountain range is Mt. Ventoux. It's the largest range in the region, there are foothills with trails all along the base-"

Danny looked at Vlad, seeing the adoration and excitement in his eyes as he spoke and Danny smiled, "You really like it here...don't you." Danny said.

Vlad glanced at him, the excitement fading as he gave a soft hum, "I've often thought about moving Vladco's main headquarters to France...but...there is always something that keeps me in the states. Plans...schemes...desires-" and he looked back at Danny, his head tilting in thought, "Perhaps….one day...I could call France my home...but...I'd only do it...if you were with me."

Danny smirked, "You don't think I'd want to live here? It's beautiful."

Vlad sighed, nodding as he looked back out over the landscape, "It is. Painfully so. But...your family is not here...or your friends...it would just be you and me...forever. I can't imagine you'd abandon them to come here with me...even if you love me."

Danny looked away, his mind indeed remembering that he had friends and family waiting for him. But the truth was, eventually his parents would pass on, Jazz, Sam, and Tucker would get married and go off to live their own lives. He'd want to visit them, remain friends...stay close...but that wasn't impossible to do even if he lived overseas. He could fly via his ghost half, or take a plane...spend a month with them...it wasn't like living in France would destroy any chance of maintaining his relationship with them.

Danny reached up a hand, cupping Vlad's cheek as he said softly, "It's not an impossible dream, Vlad. Maybe a bit further down the road than you'd like...but not...impossible. If this place makes you happy...if you feel at peace here...why deny yourself?"

Vlad covered Danny's hand with his own, pressing it more firmly to his face as he placed a kiss on Danny's wrist, "I can be at peace anywhere on this planet, as long as you're with me, Little Badger. I've learned rather quickly over the last month...that my wants...will always come second to yours...and I am glad to say...I am alright with that."

They smiled at each other, sharing a kiss as a gentle breeze caressed their skin. It didn't take long for Vlad to want more and he shifted, pressing Danny back and sliding a hand up under his shirt.

"V-Vlad...wait...this is a public-"

"Shhh...if not here then I'll bend you over the car's hood...behave...let me fuck you-" Vlad chuckled as he kissed Danny's neck.

"I like a lot of weird things, but I don't like sex outside...I'm too nervous someone will catch us...I won't….ah...aaaahh….enjoy it...please...let's...wait-"

"What if we turned invisible?" Vlad hummed softly and Danny's eyes popped open, thinking about that as Vlad began to press his shirt up.

"I don't know if I could maintain-"

"Practice makes perfect." and Vlad pulled at Danny's pants and boxers before he pressed Danny onto his stomach and placed a hand on his back to hold him still as he then undid his pants and pulled out his length.

He didn't bother removing his pants fully as this was going to have to be a quickie but he needed to have Daniel right now, and as the younger man stuck up his hips and moaned Vlad smirked and rubbed a hand over his cheek, "You look lovely-"

"Just make it quick...I'm freaking out!" Danny said as his hands fisted at the blanket they had been sitting on and Vlad spit into his hand, rubbing his length as he chuckled, "If you hear a car just turn invisible...they'll just assume we went for a stroll."

"Or they'll steal the car-" Danny grunted as Vlad started to press in, "Let them...we can teleport or fly wherever we need to go and I can pay my friend back for the car-" he grabbed Danny's hips harshly and shoved.

Danny gasped and bit at his bottom lip, face screwing up as his cheeks flushed with red and he let out a groan.

Vlad had planned to make it quick, as this hadn't been planned when they had stopped for lunch, this was an impromptu joining and he too did not wish to get in trouble for indecent exposure. Given they could turn invisible they had an easy enough way to hide their escapades but he did doubt Daniel's ability to focus.

Ten minutes into their naughty little moment Vlad did in fact hear a car and Danny tried to jerk away, "Oh shit-" he hissed but Vlad leaned forward, slapping a hand over Danny's mouth as she shoved his core energy out and wrapped it around Danny's who whimpered and twitched from the sudden intrusion.

"Looks like your fears weren't unfounded. Focus... turn invisible...I'll help you maintain-" and as the car pulled up just behind and to the right of theirs the pair turned invisible and waited. Vlad's length twitched inside of Danny and the young man felt fear and anxiety swell.

They heard the car doors open and close and then feet were crunching on gravel, Vlad leaned close to his ear, "And this….Little Badger...will give you a taste of exhibitionism...now...not...a...sound-"

Vlad's hips started to move, as while they were invisible they were not intangible and Vlad continued to slide in and out at an excruciatingly slow pace.

When an older couple walked by them holding hands and chatting happily in french Danny swallowed, his face awash in humiliation and shame even though he knew they couldn't see him. Vlad gave a particularly slow and deep thrust and Danny's fingers clenched around the blanket so hard he thought he might rip it as he held his tongue and didn't make a sound.

The woman glanced at the blanket, looking right through them and Danny felt Vlad's hand tighten over his mouth as he pinned Danny to the ground and kept going. Danny thought he might pass out, yet there was such a pleasurable feeling in the shame.

He had read that some people get off on being shamed and humiliated, he didn't really think he was one of those people, but as Vlad continued to fuck him gently and Danny watched the two strangers nearby his arousal swelled and he didn't want to think about how nasty a person his made him.

She smiled at their left-out food and turned to the man with her, saying something in french and pointing happily to the blanket.

The man shook his head but chuckled, responding softly as they walked further away just out of earshot and Vlad gave the faintest chuckle, "She wanted to borrow our blanket...three guesses why-"

Danny's eyes remained on the couple as Vlad continued to thrust into him gently, moving his hips in such a way there wouldn't be any slapping sounds and the couple shared a kiss under the trees, the man fisting at the woman's dress and pulling it up a little as her hands explored his front.

"Great minds think alike," Vlad whispered and Danny felt himself spiral. Arousal flaring as he looked away from the couple who had obviously had no intention of going as far as Vlad and Danny had, but they were definitely groping each other….and moaning a bit...he was teasing her just a little...Danny shook his head and Vlad wrapped his free arm across Danny's front, holding him completely still as he continued. There was definitely something arousing about doing this with the pair so close yet totally unaware, but there was also guilt and Danny wasn't sure if this was his cup of tea.

He felt dirty and perverted, he felt...like a sexual deviant...but they were none the wiser and after a moment his body relaxed and by the time the couple had moved on down a nearby trail he was climbing and coming with an explosion of stars.

Vlad was right behind, hitching in deep and hard as he moaned and kissed Danny's shoulder and neck, "That...was...so...fucked...up-" Danny whined.

"So exhibitionism is a no." Vlad groaned softly against his neck as he gave a little nip and Danny sighed, "Does that even count? Isn't exhibitionism supposed to be when people...like...watch you do it? They had no clue."

Vlad finally pulled off him, the pair dressing completely before they checked their surroundings and dropped their invisibility.

"Technically yes, but this was a trial run. And some might argue exhibitionism has a broader range than just people watching. Some argue it includes public sex without getting caught or exposed. It's more for thrill-seekers. Anyway, the real thing is a lot more visceral and...enjoyable."

Danny quickly packed up the remainder of their food as Vlad prepared to fold the blanket, "Wait...so...you've done it before? Sex in front of other people, I mean?"

Vlad smiled, "Once or twice, it's not something to write home about but it can be rather fun. Gets the blood flowing and makes you blush. If you ever want to-"

Danny was quick to bite out, "Nope. I think I've had my fill of strangers being around me while you and I are doing the dirty. Let's not and say we did."

Vlad chuckled and walked to the car, "Very well. I'll relent and move on. I won't put you in that situation again unless you request me to do so."

"Thank god. But don't hold your breath."

The remaining drive was short and around two o-clock they arrived in Gordes, a hilltown in the Luberon. It was built into the mounts of Vaucluse, a mountain range tucked between the aforementioned Mt. Ventoux and Lebron Massif.

As they pulled into the lower area of the village Danny was struck, "Whoa...what the-"

"I know, magnificent isn't it? The houses are all built out of the white limestone from the coast, and the callades make it feel so-"

"Callades?" Danny asked, "It refers to how narrow the streets are. They are all cobblestone, with the houses not too far apart. It gives such an old-world charm yet it leaves one feeling like they are lost in a maze. Come, we'll park here and walk awhile."

"Sounds good, after seven hours in the car I need to stretch my legs."

They parked not far from what Danny figured was their hotel and as they grabbed out their bags Vlad took his hand, "This is The Villa Sunset Gordes, I've stayed here before and never been disappointed."

As they walked to the entrance Danny's head was swiveling madly. The streets were indeed narrow and they had only driven up the rounding roads a little way before pulling over. bearly scratching the surface of how amazing this little town was. Vines and plants hung from the stone villas and there were colors from flowers and shops that popped brightly against the muted soft stones of the town. The blue sky was like an ocean above a beach and framed the village in such a way Danny felt like he'd stepped back in time.

The smells of flowers, food, and farmland swirled under his nose and his grip on Vlad's hand tightened and excitement grew in his chest, "It's beautiful-" he murmured, still a bit shocked at how amazing it all was.

"Just wait-" Vlad offered and they entered into the lobby and Vlad was greeted happily by the attendant, giving the man a key and rounding the counter as he led them back out and around the front.

Vlad and the man spoke pleasantly, in french, and though Danny had no clue what they were saying they seemed to know each other. Vlad had said he had been here before so perhaps they did.

They went up a flight of carved stone stairs, looking just as old as the rest of the town, and passed under hanging plants and carved windows. When they reached a bright blue rough sawn door the man seemed to bid them enter and Vlad thanked the man happily.

Vlad used the key to unlock the door and as they entered Danny was once again struck by the sight. Old wood beams ran the length of the ceiling and there was a merging of modern and old as there was drywall which was painted in cream tones then butted up against old stone walls. Every item was either old world reclaimed or modern and up today which had a feeling of age that had been fabricated.

It meshed and molded around him into a space that looked renovated but that was not ashamed of the heritage and showed it off proudly. Hand-carved archways moved between rooms and though the spaces were smaller than he expected it still felt like there was so much room.

Danny released Vlad's hand and popped his head into every space, seeing the massive glass shower and claw foot tub in the bathroom, the small but efficient kitchen, the bedroom with a king-size bed and flat-screen tv that had a sliding door to the balcony and the main living room which was perfect for two.

Vlad chuckled and watched him run around the space fondly before Danny pressed open the slider in the bedroom and stumbled out onto the balcony, "VLAD! YOU GOTTA SEE THIS!" He called as he found himself on a wooden deck, elevated out over the edge of a cliff, with tables, couches, and a raised fire pit. He ran to the railing and saw in the area below, built into the stone was a pool and he laughed, "HELL YA!"

His excitement overtook him and he raced to the stairs, yanking off his shirt as he phased out of his shoes, socks, and pants and he leaped into the air and cannonballed into the pool.

Thankfully the water was somewhat warm and as his head broke the surface he shook his head to clear the water and looked up to see Vlad leaning on the metal railing above and smiling down at him, a cigarette in his hand and sleeves rolled up as he smiled.

"You rule Fruitloop!" Danny dived back under the water, opening his eyes to see how the sun shone through the liquid and created waving patterns of light on the bottom.

Danny had to admit, this trip with Vlad was turning out to be pretty fucking cool.

Page Break

Vlad washed up in the small kitchen of their private Villa, hearing the soft sound of the t.v. from the bedroom and as he turned off the faucet and set the towel aside he moved through the living room and came to lean in the doorway of the bedroom. Danny was splayed out sleeping over the bed, the television playing softly with a movie in French and the subtitles flashing in English.

He's had a long day, you took too much. You've got to slow down, stop giving in to the pheromone every time it surges. It's hard...but...tomorrow...no sex...no teasing...show him you can be wholesome and normal...not everything has to lead to sex. Not everything should lead to sex, you're just a pervert.

Still….the way he smiled at me...how close he's allowed himself to become...he's invested in this now...invested in me...what the hell am I going to do when the pheromone wears off. I'm so happy, so content….but I know it's not real...I'd give anything to stay like this forever….but just like anything else...if I want it….I'm going to have to work for it...it will take time...to change. I should try to get ahead of this now. Find a therapist...or psychologist...start having Morgan look into medications for bipolar disorder and anxiety.

Vlad slowly crossed the space, clicking off the tv as he essentially tucked Daniel into bed and gave a soft kiss to his temple. He pressed the thick black hair back from his forehead, gazing at his sleeping face and noticing his soft breaths moving past swollen lips.

Danny had swum in the pool for about an hour and then he had come in and showered and changed. They had walked through the small town, collecting items for dinner and Vlad introducing Danny to a shopkeeper he knew. They stopped at a cafe for coffee and then headed back to the Villa so Vlad could make dinner. After, they had sipped wine on the deck while a fire-cracked lazily in the pit and cuddled close as they spoke softly about their trip thus far, plans for tomorrow, and the village of Gordes itself.

Eventually, Vlad had taken him to bed, and then taken him in bed, much too hard and rough but Daniel didn't complain and had moaned his name so sweetly when he came. Vlad told himself tomorrow night...he'd be gentle and as he looked down at his lover he spied the faint bruises and swollen bite barks and let out a soft grunt of dismay.

I wish I could blame the pheromones….but I am an asshole in the bedroom...I take what I want...do what I want...I always make sure my partner enjoys it and gets what they need...but...do I ever stop to consider….anything? Why be so rough...why is that my favorite? Where did I learn that? What compels me to hurt the ones I care about the most?

Vlad thought back on his time with Jacob and how, unlike Daniel, Jacob didn't have a taste for the more perverse and rabid desires of the darker side of sex. He was a gentle soul...so was Daniel...but Daniel had a certain duality about him that allowed him to indulge in things others might find...disagreeable. His high stakes were different than Jacob's high stakes, Daniel facing life or death so many times in just the four short years he had been a Halfa. Perhaps that allowed him to crave something less traditional...seeking out something more adrenaline-pumping than the standard...but...Vlad wanted to know...if Daniel had a real preference.

They started out so slow...teasing and touching and Daniel learning as he went but it wasn't too late to step back and reevaluate what he really enjoyed sexually. If Vlad was his first partner, that would mean he didn't have any experience...so having an idea of what he liked...well...Vlad could easily jade and manipulate him into thinking he preferred the rough and tumble of the BDSM lifestyle...but Danny deserved the opportunity to experience something else too.

Tomorrow...I'll give you something softer...something...normal...something you might find you prefer. I can change...it's unfair for you to conform to my desires without really knowing what else there might be.

Vlad stood and left, closing the door softly behind him as he headed back to the kitchen to pour himself another glass of wine. A tapping at the slider in the kitchen surprised him and he turned only to see Eros standing outside, holding up a brown bottle and smiling happily.

Vlad suddenly felt heat and arousal swell, like a fire had erupted in his core and he stumbled back against the counter only for Eros to give an apologetic wince and hold up a finger.

The feeling faded instantly, the intensity turning down like a radio knob and Vlad stood and breathed out slowly, pressing a hand to his chest over his core which settled softly, and the man made an angry face at the god behind the glass only for Eros to phase his head through and say softly, "Come on, we need to talk. Grab two glasses and join me by the fire, handsome."

Though the burning rage that had ignited when he had spied Daniel and Eros alone in his kitchen didn't flare to life there was still an annoyance that came as Vlad reluctantly grabbed two small glasses and headed out onto the deck.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Vlad asked as he sat down on the couch, he at one end and Eros at the other.

"Well first comes first, this, my sexy silver fox, is a specialty wine from Dionysus's private stash, it's a peace offering and one I hope you enjoy."

Vlad cocked a brow as he watched the god with a rather lackluster expression, "Very well."

Eros offered a smile as he poured the wine and handed Vlad a glass, the man taking a slow and thoughtful sip before his eyes popped open and he pulled the glass away from his mouth, eyeing it in surprise as a tongue came out to lick at his lips.

"It's...exquisite...very good." Vlad offered, swirling the wine in the cup as he smelled it before taking another sip.

"Glad you like it. Now...how's the kiddo doing? He was all kinds of worried the last time I spoke with him. Is he feeling any better now that you two have had sexy time?"

Vlad's eyes narrowed as he gave a rather unamused look at the ghost before him and clenched his jaw a moment, "He is as relaxed as he can be, given the situation...I'm not particularly thrilled with the fact that I can't resist the urges I have. It's put me in a position that tends to require Daniel to do things he isn't comfortable doing."

"Like?"

"Like sex in a public place. He was accommodating due to my needs but he wasn't very comfortable doing it." Vlad admitted, "And it seems I've been getting rougher with him as the month progresses-"

Eros nodded, "Mhm, the Pheromone is starting to fade. You'll feel less and less like a love-sick puppy who wants to bend to his every whim and more like yourself. If I recall you only have a week and a half left?"

Vlad gave a single nod, "I'm already starting to think more clearly, and the urgent need to please him in any way I can has become much less ardent."

"No more standing on one leg if he asks?" Eros laughed softly.

"No." Vlad said and his eyes were sharp and his face tight and Eros's smile faded a little as he let out a sigh, "I'm sure it will all work out. I...spoke to Jacob...and he has agreed to help you and Danny in regards to his mother and her stupid plan to blackmail you."

"Pardon?" Vlad asked as his brow raised and Eros captured his full attention, "Did you tell him that Daniel and I are half ghosts-"

"No! No no, nothing like that. Just that you and Daniel being together is the will of the gods. If he or his mother try to interfere there will be consequences."

Vlad leaned back but kept his eyes trained on Eros as he hummed thoughtfully and asked, "So, the old shrew decided on blackmail...how...traditional. How did you convince him to-"

"I slept with him." Eros said quickly, a smile coming to his face as his wings seemed to tremble and floof up before he sighed, "It was a great night. He's….so yummy. " And Vlad noted the Ghost god's eyes seemed far away, the small smile on his face telling as he let out a soft hum of approval before saying dreamily, "I hope I can see him again."

Vlad raised a sleek brow as a smirk came to his lips, "Jacob is a very generous lover. A tad too vanilla for my taste, but he is a good man."

Eros glanced at Vlad and his smile grew, "Danny seems to be on board with your tastes I've noticed."

Vlad glared, "Been watching us, have you?"

"I had to. Since only one of you was put under my pheromone I need to make sure everything is going smoothly."

"Uh-huh-" Vlad said quizzically as he cocked his head to the side and studied the ghost before him, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it before continuing, "Daniel needs the opportunity to branch out with his sexual experiences. As much as he's given me and conceded to my wants, I realize that as I am his first and only lover….I should perhaps help broaden his mind in regards to all the different options available…..including a more vanilla lifestyle."

Eros looked surprised by this admittance and asked, "Has Danny expressed interest in something else?"

"No." Vlad offered as he blew out a plume of smoke, "But what opportunity have I given him to express it? He's been under my thumb and body the entire month. He does what I want and never really speaks to what he might want nor does he protest save for earlier when we had sex outside. I made it clear I understood and there won't be a repeat. But...as the month is coming to an end I think it would be in my best interest to show Daniel he can make requests of me or trust me to give him what he wants. Then again...depending on what happens to me when the pheromone leaves my system Daniel may not want to stay."

Eros and Vlad locked eyes and the silence between them was heavy, neither speaking as they continued to stare.

Vlad was trying to feel Eros out, the ghost obviously had a close tie to Clockwork, and the chances of him knowing what was to come were greater than anything he or Daniel could guess.

"I don't know. Clockwork told me this was the better way. That he had seen the end result...but...he hasn't shown me and when I have asked him about it...well...he doesn't say much."

Vlad continued to study Eros for a moment and the winged man continued to hold his gaze, "I believe you. But that does make me curious...you made it clear during our first meeting that you don't do the unrequited thing anymore. Too many unsatisfied customers." And Vlad's tone was measured and soft but held a dangerous air to it and Eros's smile faded as Vlad spoke, his body tensing a little as his face took on a weary but alert gaze, "So...why break your own rules? Especially considering who Daniel and I are. Clockwork must have a reason he wants us together…"

Vlad waited, watched Eros closely for any tells and he was rewarded when Eros broke eye contact and glanced away.

"Perhaps. But you'll have to take it up with him. My job is to make sure you two finish out the month without any issues...after that...it's up to you and Danny."

Vlad rolled his eyes as he took one more drag before tossing the butt in the fire and giving a lazy sigh, smoking bellowing out as he raised his glass, "To the unpredictable then."

Eros slowly raised his glass and gave a nod, "to the unpredictable."

They each took a sip and Eros eyed him over his cup, swallowing as he said softly, "You're...really not a nice guy...are you."

Vlad looked into his glass, giving another slow swish as he said softly, "No."

Eros seemed worried then, glancing towards the window that let into the bedroom where Danny was sleeping only to look back when Vlad offered, "But...I want to be. And...I've been told, that wanting it is the first step to doing it. As you've said….you can't run from desire."

Eros gave a small smirk but offered up a somber thought of his own, "There is a difference between the desire for someone and the need to dominate them. You figure that out, and I think you'll be okay. That being said, no one knows you better than you know yourself. So really, you should be asking yourself what you think you might do when the Pheromone fades."

Vlad frowned, "When I want something I find a way to acquire it. Usually by any means necessary. And being a billionaire I have lots of means by which to do so. That being said...I've never tried to acquire a human save for Daniel's mother and even that was less of a show of force and more several pathetic attempts to woo her. I detest rape...I find it repugnant and I don't support human trafficking or the idea of a real sex slave. However, more morals are not infinite and I can turn a blind eye to many virtues. So...I suppose...if I were to revert to my old self...and was unable to make the changes needed...if Daniel refused me...I'd be likely to try kidnapping and brainwashing….if my old M.O. is to hold any bearing. Then again...seeing how enjoyable a willing and loving Danial is...perhaps I wouldn't. I won't know until I'm completely clean of your love dust. When my anger and rage has returned."

Eros's eyes were wide, his mouth hanging open in shock as the worry returned to his face and his wings wilted a little.

"You...won't hurt him...will you?" Eros asked softly.

Vlad thought about that for a moment before he finished off his drink. Setting the glass aside as he stood and looked up into the night sky, "I don't want to. And I truly hope I can be better than that. But as you've admitted...the Pheromone is already beginning to fade….the fires are burning back to life...and...I want him just for myself." Vlad ran a hand up his throat and through his lose hair, longing-filled eyes gazing at the night sky as thoughts of Daniel filled his head, "He's mine until this ends...after that...he could be mine until I say otherwise...it just depends on my mood." and Vlad's head rolled lazily sideways, still cocked back towards the sky but shooting steady eyes to stare at Eros who swallowed nervously, " You've given me a lot...all things considered, I am grateful. Unless it works against me I try to repay my debts. So...at the end of next week, there will be a gala at my home. Jacob will be there. It's a Masquerade so your present attire might need to be changed up...however...if you're clever you could make your wings work as part of a costume….just in case you wanted to see him again."

Vlad didn't wait as he turned to head inside and Eros gave a happy squeak as Vlad shut the slider behind him.