Chapter Five

The next morning, I woke to the sound of someone knocking on my bedroom door.

Confused, I blinked my eyes open and found myself staring at a muscular chest with detailed tattoos. I stared for a moment longer, completely at a loss, until last night's events came roaring back with clarity and I stiffened, immediately backing away from the body beside me. I propped myself up on my elbow at the same time someone knocked on my door again.

"Yeah?" I called, staring down at Tupac, who was still fast asleep with his arm tucked under his head.

"What the hell are you doing," Anubis called out, "You're gonna be late for another familiar parade! Mom's gonna blow a gasket!" I blinked, then scrambled to the edge of my bed to snatch my phone off the nightstand, only to see that my alarm hadn't gone off. Cursing, I threw the covers back and stumbled out of bed. I had to catch myself on the edge, though, because I almost toppled over as a dull throbbing started up in my lower back. I grimaced, rubbing at my hips as I managed to hobble over to my dresser.

I snatched a pair of black pants out, throwing them on and pausing one last time to look back at Tupac, who was clearly a heavy sleeper because he hadn't stirred even a little. I opened my mouth, debating whether I should say something, then decided against it.

Hopefully he'd wake up soon and get dressed and leave and never speak about what happened between us again.

Not that I didn't enjoy it, I thought grimly. I very much enjoyed it. Except this wasn't going to work and I had no idea what idiocy possessed me to actually sleep with not only another foreigner, but a stranger. I didn't know Tupac that well at all. Just what little we'd talked about last night. I'd slept with a total stranger, a foreigner, again.

No wonder my father hated me.

I really couldn't blame him at this point.

I stepped out of my room and shut the door, turning to see Anubis leaning against the wall outside my room, his arms folded over his chest. He was decked out in yet another pair of flowy flashy pants and no shirt, but plenty of gold jewelry.

"Took you long enough," Anubis said, then frowned, "What's with your mouth?" I wiped at my mouth a little, no doubt my lips probably swollen from last night.

"Nothing, too much to drink," I admitted, making Anubis's frown deepen, "Anyway, let's get this over with." Anubis raised an eyebrow.

"Busy day?" He asked, glancing at my bedroom door. I stepped into his line of sight.

"Yes," I said sternly, "There's a festival going down, in case you haven't noticed." Anubis shrugged, looking at my door again.
"Hey, is there somebody in there?" He asked. I glared.

"No."

"Then why are you acting so suspicious?"

"I'm not."

"Maybe I should check--"

"You said mother was this close to losing her shit because I was late. If you want to make me even later, I'll simply blame you for holding me up," I said. Anubis squinted his eyes at me.

"That's cruel, sen."

"So is making me late because you have your mind in the gutter."

"Hm," Anubis said at last, "Fine, let's get going." Thankfully he didn't press the matter, but he did take one last long lingering stare at my bedroom door. I waited until he turned and left first, and I followed close behind him, glancing back at my door.

Please fucking leave.

By the time we got downstairs, the animals and their tamers were clearly restless judging from their fidgeting, and glares shot in my direction as I made my way quickly over to my mother's throne where she sat tapping her long fingernails on the armrest. Anubis took up position standing beside me, giving me a little shove in the shoulder. I shot him a dirty look.

"About time you join us," my mother said, raising an eyebrow at me, "You're usually never late, my sweet. Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. My apologies, mother," I said. She studied me for a moment, then inclined her head before she turned to the tamer and gestured for them each to come forward with their animals for an introduction.

I found it incredibly difficult to concentrate on the panther that was brought forward, however. I kept thinking about last night, and I wasn't sure why it had my mind so occupied. It was a one night stand. Nothing more, nothing less. People had flings all the time. I was allowed to have one. Sleeping together didn't equate to romance and love. I'd been drunk, desperate, and hungry for someone to touch me. That's all it was.

Now it was over and I could go back to living life normally.

Still, a small part of me ached to have that feeling again. Not just the sex either, which don't get me wrong; the sex was incredible. I'd never felt more alive in my life. But it was also his tenderness, his kindness, his consideration. He was gentle and understanding. There was a part of me that craved him, craved that kind of relationship. It turned out, I actually quite liked being taken care of. I liked being the one that could sit back and let someone else take the wheel for once. Not only that, but he was kind and gentle. He was careful. He listened and he responded and he was so wise when he did.

What would it be like to have a relationship like that?

No.

Whoa. That was insane. I couldn't possibly be considering such a thing. To start off on the list of reasons why it was a bad idea was the fact that Tupac was a foreigner. I'd already fallen in love with a foreigner once and look where it had gotten me. If I were to be banished again, I would have nowhere else to go. My mother would certainly give up on me right then and there as well. Anubis would also throw in the towel and not speak to me ever again. Hell, my father might just kill me this time instead of simply banishing me.

Second, Horus. Horus hadn't specifically said I couldn't sleep with others, but he was very clear about owning me now and something told me he wouldn't appreciate knowing I'd slept with another. Plus, he'd only use the relationship as a way to control me even further.

Fuck. No. Relationships were a bad idea right now.

And so was not paying attention.

"Sept? Sweetheart? Hello?" I blinked and turned to see my mother staring at me, as well as all of the tamers and Anubis. I cleared my throat.

"Sorry, come again?" I asked. My mother frowned for a moment, then turned to the tamers and dismissed them with the wave of her hand. Once more, they appeared disgruntled and offended, filing out of the room with their animals in tow. I watched them depart, grimacing and wondering where the hell my head was.

Suddenly, a strange tingling sensation started in my neck. Confused, I reached up to rub at my neck, clearing my throat and wondering what the strange sensation was. It felt like my neck had fallen asleep, except the sensation was tighter, almost like something was squeezing my neck.

Like a collar.

Tense, I cleared my throat again as my mother rose to her feet.

"That's enough for today," she decided, then turned to look at me, "Sweetheart, are you alright? You're so spacey lately." I shook my head, rising to my feet.

"I'm fine, mother. Just tired. The festivities are a bit much for me right now," I responded, making her press her lips together thoughtfully. She came over and put her arms around me and I hugged her back, resting my head against her, briefly feeling safe in her arms. Except the sensation in my neck only seemed to intensify. Like someone was pulling at a leash on the collar around my throat.

And I knew.

I knew in that moment what was happening.

And what I needed to do.

"I'm going to run into town to get some fresh air," I said at last, pulling away and watching my mother raise her eyebrow curiously, "Feeling a bit suffocated around here because of the festival. Just a walk might make me feel better." She studied me for a moment, then inclined her head and turned to Anubis, who stiffeed at the attention.

"Go with him," she ordered, making both Anubis and I grimace, "I don't want him alone, especially out there amongst the ignorant people of our realm. Should anyone hurt my baby, slit their throats. No hesitation. You will be pardoned."

"Don't have to tell me twice," Anubis replied.

"That's really not necessary--"

"No arguing," my mother said firmly, "If you're not feeling well, you're weak to the predators out there and I refuse to let them touch you. Now go on, get some air. Come back soon, though. I will need assistance in deciding a musician for the tents." I nodded solemnly, knowing there'd be no way to get her to agree, so I just accepted her command and turned to Anubis, who folded his arms over his chest.

"Lead the way," he said. I frowned.

"Just got to grab something from my room. I'll be back real quick," I said. Anubis eyed me suspiciously, but didn't ask to come with me or anything, much to my relief. So I quickly teleported from the throne room back upstairs to my room. I opened the door and stepped inside quickly, locking the door behind me. I started in, only to have someone come out of nowhere to catch me around the waist. My first instinct was to fight, which I did a little, until I realized it was Tupac, who had me around the waist and was kissing me on the cheek.

"You startled me," I said, annoyed. Tupac smiled warmly.

"My apologies. Wasn't sure who was coming in and when I saw it was you, it was hard to resist," he replied, releasing me so he could step back. I gave him a quick scan from head to toe to see he was showered and dressed, and looking as delectable as ever.

"Ah," I said, "Anyway, uhm, I have an errand to run in town and Anubis is coming with me, so I have to leave." Tupac nodded.

"That's understandable. I'll be waiting for you when you arrive," he answered with a slow smile. I felt heat rush into my cheeks, felt it creep into my skin, and that ache returned to have him hold me again. And somehow, it was like he could read my mind, because he stepped forward and gathered me into his arms, holding me up against his huge hard body. I closed my eyes with the intention to enjoy it, only for the strange tingling sensation in my throat to tighten up and I cleared my throat against it before stepping back, away from Tupac.

"I'll... see you later," I murmured. Tupac smiled.

"I should hope so."

I didn't know what to say to that, so I said nothing and just inclined my head, turning away and heading out of the room, only to pull up short to see Anubis standing outside my bedroom door, staring into my room with his arms folded over his chest. Behind me, Tupac just smiled as he stepped out of my room behind me.

"What are you doing?" Anubis asked immediately.

"Just visiting," Tupac replied. Anubis narrowed his eyes.

"My little brother, in his room?" He asked. Tupac just smiled innocently.

"Sure. Why? Does it bother you?" He asked. Anubis cocked his head, got tense in the muscles, like he was fully prepared to throw down over this, for some ungodly reason. I glared at Anubis.

"It doesn't matter. Leave it alone. We're leaving now," I said. Anubis looked at me, then at Tupac, who just continued to smile, this Cheshire cat grin, like he knew his very presence was pissing Anubis off. I rolled my eyes at their mental headbutting and shook my head.

"Let's go," I said more firmly. Anubis grunted, but said nothing more, much to my relief. We teleported from the hallway into town.

The air was searing hot outside with the sun high over the sky, music and chatter filling the streets. People milled about by the hundreds, nearly shoulder to shoulder, performers dancing in the streets, vendors selling trinkets and food. It was a little too much stimulation at once, and the heat didn't help the insistent tingling in my neck.

"I'm going to the restroom," I said immediately. Anubis looked at me.

"So, what, we're not gonna talk about the guy in your room?" He asked. I stared at him.

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Oh, yeah, no, totally nothing to talk about," Anubis deadpanned, folding his arms over his chest, "What, did you guys bang or something?" I glared at him, feeling the heat get to my cheeks.

"It's absolutely none of your business--"

"It certainly is. I don't trust the guy," he said immediately, making me sigh in frustration, only to clear my throat as my neck tingled harder, "I get he's probably new fresh meat and you're having trouble finding a partner around town, but you can totally do better."

"Okay," I said slowly, "First of all, we're not talking about this. At all. Whatsoever. Second of all, it's none of your damn business who I decide to sleep with. That's my business only. And thirdly, he's perfectly polite and has done nothing to warrant distrust. So drop the overprotective act right now before I get really pissed. I'm going to the restroom. I'll be back in a minute." Anubis wrinkled his nose up, but thankfully didn't argue further.

I took my chance to teleport, but instead of veering off to the restroom, I found myself landing in the middle of Horus's throne room. Just like the rest of his palace, it was gaudy and flashy, overly decorated as if he wanted to make a point that he was the grandest god of all time. It was just a huge tribute to his ego, frankly.

And the god himself stood in the middle of the room with me, not too far in front of me, his black hair waxed as usual, his gold eyes sharp as they watched me appear. He wore a pair of loose lounge pants, gold bands on his biceps.

"You're late," he stated. I frowned.

"I didn't realize that was your calling," I muttered, reaching up to touch my throat. Horus smirked at that, then came forward slowly. I took a step back with the intention to keep space between us, only to find a second later, I couldn't move and was frozen in place. I cursed through clenched teeth, watching in frustration as Horus walked right up to me, looking down at me with twinkling gold eyes of delight. Like he relished the sight of me fighting whatever control he had over me.

"When I call, you come," he said, making me glare at him, "You do not hesitate. Next time, I won't be so kind. Next time, I will make a personal visit." His threat spooked me, frankly. The last thing I needed was Horus showing up unannounced at my mother's palace to trap me. I did not need my mother to know what was going on, or Anubis, who was suspiciously good at picking up on my extracurricular activities.

"You smell," Horus said immediately, making me blink and look up from his chest to meet his eyes, "You reek of another male. I told you to come to me clean."

"I was with Anubis a second ago," I muttered, not about to tell him about Tupac, "Perhaps it's him." Horus curled his lip in repugnance for a moment, then sighed and reached up to brush his knuckles against my cheek, making my skin crawl.

"Perhaps," Horus admitted, "But I will not feed until you are bathed."

"I don't have time."

"And I don't have time for excuses," Horus said, his voice suddenly sharp and he grabbed my jaw, making me wince as he dug his fingers into my skin, "When I tell you to come, you will come without hesitation. When I tell you to bathe, you will bathe until you are clean enough for feeding. I do not feed from filth." He roughly let go of me and I almost stumbled, but managed to catch myself. I shot him a glare, which he met with a delicate smile.

"Magenta," he called out without breaking his stare from me, "I require your assistance." I looked up as Magenta came slinking into the room, wearing a gauzy thin black dress that honestly left nothing to the imagination. She smiled when she saw me, came sliding on up next to Horus, like she wanted to cuddle him more than anything.

"My sweet," Horus said to her, lifting her face to meet his with his finger under her chin, "Do me a favor and clean up this mess for me. He smells right awful."
"Of course, master, whatever it is you require, I will fulfill," she said softly. Horus smiled at that, then glanced at me before he vanished. The control or whatever he had on me was gone and I was finally able to move, not that I had much choice because Magenta reached out and took me by the hand, leading me out of the throne room.

"Come now, best not to keep the master waiting. He has an awful temper when disobeyed," she tacked on with a smile. I grimaced at that, but said nothing as she led me into the bath just up the stairs. The bathroom was massive with a pool big enough for twelve people. It reminded me of a traditional Roman bath, especially with the columns around the room, though the columns were engraved with the stories of Horus, from only this incarnation, I noted. Nothing of his past incarnations.

"Strip," Magenta commanded. I stared at her, then slowly dropped my pants to the floor. She gestured to the steaming bath water and I took the steps down, grimacing at the heat there. It was hotter than a usual bath, like a hot tub basically. It felt like being boiled alive. Just as I got comfortable in the water, I was startled to find Magenta kneeling beside me on the edge of the pool with a couple bottles of soap.
"Don't fuss," she said when I turned to look at her, "Just let me cleanse you so you're perfect for the master. He will enjoy you once this is finished."

"Why are you doing this? Why do you stay with him?" I demanded. Magenta looked at me, perplexed, before a slow smile came across her face.

"You mean to ask, why am I preparing you for him without hesitation. For Horus is my lord and master, Sept. Whatever it is he wishes for, whatever he commands, I will obey. I am, but a mere slave and he a god. Certainly you see the hierarchy here," she explained as she squirt soap into her palms. I grimaced as she planted her hands on my head and started to wash my hair.

"You have the right to work under a new master," I said through clenched teeth.

"And whyever would I do such a thing? My master feeds me, he bathes me, he loves me, he treats me well. I could not ask for a more perfect master," she responded. I didn't know what to say to that. Clearly the female had been brainwashed or something. I said nothing while she washed my hair, then forced my head under the water to rinse out the soap. She went as far as to soap up my body, much to my chagrin, before I rinsed off and stepped out. I wasn't provided with a towel, nor given my clothes back. She simply took me by the hand and led me out of the bathroom and toward another room.

The room turned out to be Horus's private quarters. Unlike the public quarters he clearly used for more... group activities, this room was smaller and more personal. There were statues and photographs and trinkets about the shelves in the walls. A massive canopy bed took up most of the space in the room with thin black gauzy curtains pooling down to the floor, matching the black satin bedding. I eyed the bed warily, turning to ask Magenta what this was about, but she was gone.

I frowned, confused, then looked at the door. I approached it and took the handle to twist it, but it didn't budge. Unnerved, I let go and moved back a few steps.

"Much better," Horus's voice purred in my ear. I stiffened and whipped around to face him, seeing him standing directly behind me, completely naked. I tensed.

"What are you doing?" I asked. Horus cocked his head.

"I ask the questions, you simply answer. Nod your head that you understand, lest I reach out to your mother to discuss your inability to follow basic commands," he warned. I glared at him, clenching my teeth and wanting to argue, but Horus raised an eyebrow and I was forced to nod my head. Horus relaxed at that, then came forward to take my hand. I went to snatch it back, but he held me fast and jerked me closer to him. I squirmed.

"Don't touch me," I hissed, making him laugh. His laughter infuriated me.

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice," he said, making me jerk my head up to glare at him, "We made an agreement, remember. Or shall I remind you what would happen if you were to disobey me?" I said nothing to that. I didn't pull away, but I didn't lean into his touch either.

"I merely wish to feed," Horus said after a moment, smiling now as he drew my arm to his side, stroking my skin until he could stroke my shoulder.

"We don't need to be naked to feed," I said under my breath. Horus chuckled.

"Perhaps not... But I prefer it. Much better... reach," he said after a moment. I didn't know what that meant, not that I had a chance to ask, because a second later, Horus had hauled me up against his body so I could feel every dip and curve of his muscles, his hips, his groin, the heavy weights there pressing up against my stomach. His mouth latched onto my throat and his fangs pierced my skin, a small gasp escaping my lips against my will.

A second later, he was taking hard pulls at my vein. My vision spun and I opened my mouth with the intention to tell him to stop, but no sound came past my lips. Instead, I gasped again and felt my knees wobble, felt my weight giving out on me. A second later, Horus had me around the waist, using his body to hold me up as he fed.

I could feel the power draining from me, feel my veins running dry, feel my powers dwindling like a fire without oxygen, like putting the cap back on a candle and watching the flame go out. I groaned low in my throat, reaching up with one hand to push on Horus's arm, but he wasn't budging.

I had no idea how long we stood there, how long he fed, but the moment his mouth left my throat, my knees buckled and I went down toward the floor, only for Horus to scoop me up like I weighed nothing, bringing me to the bed and laying me down. He licked his lips as he looked down at me, a wicked smile spreading across his lips. And... and it was like watching magic happen before my very eyes.

Once aging, with crows feet in the corners of his eyes, spots forming on his neck, wrinkles creasing the corners of his mouth, Horus was suddenly young again. The wrinkles and spots were gone. The exhaustion in his eyes had faded. There was a youthfulness to him that he clearly savored. He licked his lips again, then leaned down and planted a kiss right on my mouth.

"Good boy, Sept, you did so well today. It's almost enough to make me want to reward you," he purred, reaching out to brush the hair back from my face, his fingers lingering on my skin before they trailed down toward my chest. I reached up and grabbed his wrist sharply, as strong as I could manage anyway. Horus chuckled and peeled my fingers right off him with ease.

"But I'll save that for another day," he promised, "For today, you are free to go. Ah, after one thing, of course." I frowned, confused, then gasped as he leaned down and put his mouth over the puncture wounds in my throat. I felt his hot wet tongue slide against my skin, licking the puncture wounds until there was nothing left, but the exhaustion of the feeding.

"Now, remember," Horus murmured as he forced me to sit up on the bed and I grimaced as a wave of nausea took hold of me and I almost toppled over if Horus hadn't grabbed me by the shoulders and held me still so he could look me in the eye, "When I call for you, you will come. And you will come clean from now on, or next time, I will be the one that bathes you." I stiffened at that, pushing weakly at his arms and he released me as I wanted, except I almost fell again, but caught myself on the bedpost.

"Tell Anubis I said hello," Horus added with a wicked grin. I glared at him breathlessly before he reached out and touched my arm. A second later, I vanished from Horus's private quarters and reappeared in... what appeared to be a bathroom stall. I looked down to see if I was still naked, only to see that my pants had been returned to me. I shot up and stumbled out of the bathroom, propping myself up on the counter outside and looking at the mirror to examine my throat.

Sure enough, it was as if nothing had ever happened.

I stroked my neck, stroked the space where he'd bitten me, but nothing remained.

I swallowed thickly.

This was going to be a lot harder than I thought.