Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jayce Talis isn’t one for one-night stands or quick hookups, but he finds himself calling a carriage over to Shimmer all the same. He’s only heard of it in passing; a sex club for people touched by the Arcane—for vampires, if he goes by the colloquialism.

Supposedly humans are allowed, but he’s not sure of the specifics, and he supposes he doesn’t care. He feels wrung out, a soul-deep exhaustion that lingers with every step as he walks the block up towards the establishment. It’s an impulsive decision, his body moving without his mind thinking straight, but he’s hoping for…he doesn’t know what he’s hoping for. A temporary distraction from his failures. Potentially ending up in the wrong hands. It’s not the first time he's sought out self-destructive tendencies.

He makes his way up to the arched door of the club, a bright red, neon sign right above it. The entrance looks like it was taken out of a gothic cathedral, rounded frame meeting at a pointed tip at the top. There are a few people outside smoking out front, all of them dressed in sleek, black clothing. It makes him feel out of place with his dark green shirt, gold accents on the buttons, sleeves rolled up above his elbow in House Talis maroon. He pushes the self-consciousness away as he walks up to the bouncer guarding the opened entrance, but he’s immediately stopped when the large man’s hand comes up in a halting motion.

“Do you have an escort?”

Jayce frowns. “I’m of age. Do you need to my see ID?”

The bouncer shakes his head, eyebrows drawn down into a seemingly permanent scowl. “You’re human, right?”

Jayce nods. “Yes? But I was told humans were allowed in.”

“Not without an escort.”

Jayce scoffs, irritation making its way into a clenched jaw. It’s just his luck. “Listen, I—"

An accented voice comes from the shadows and cuts him off, “He’s with me.”

There’s a rhythmic sound of clicking and footsteps before a striking man comes into view: angled jaw, high cheekbones, burning gold eyes, two moles on his face that draw more attention to his features. His hair is perfectly styled, the coiffed ends fading into white.

Like the others, he’s wearing all black; a simple dress shirt and tailored trousers with a silver tipped cane to go with it. The only color on him is a neatly tied, red cravat around his neck. There’s an atmosphere around him that feels different somehow. It’s intimidating, but Jayce is instantly drawn in. For the first time that night, the buzzing of his anxiety transforms into buzzing interest.   

The bouncer looks surprised, but nods. “Viktor. Never seen you with a human before. This one must be special.”

Viktor nods back. “Yes. He is quite the specimen.” The way Viktor appraises him sends a jolt of warmth through him.

“Come,” Viktor beckons, “Or would you prefer to return home after your journey here?”

There’s a thrill to this game they’re playing. A predator luring prey into its trap. It’s exactly what Jayce was looking for. He steps forward, adrenaline pumping his heart faster. It feels like offering himself up for slaughter.  

The bouncer motions with his head for Jayce to go in, so that’s what he does. He makes his way up to Viktor, offering him an arm that Viktor takes.

He leans in towards Viktor’s ear as they walk through the dark hallway into the club, the clicking of Viktor’s cane leading the way. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

Viktor chuckles. “It’s not every day the infamous Golden Boy shows up at an establishment such as this.”

Jayce sputters, leaning back to look at Viktor, “You know who I am?”

“Eh, everyone in certain academic circles has heard of you. Although, the beard made it harder to recognize you right away,” he teases. In other circumstances, Jayce would feel embarrassed for forgoing his signature clean-shaven look, but he lets out a surprised laugh instead.

Viktor grants him a conspiratorial smile. “Join me in a booth, Mr. Talis.”

“Please. Call me Jayce.”

Jayce takes in the main floor of the club as they walk in. There’s a bar to their right lined with velvet-backed seats. Some are occupied with the Arcane-touched, and what Jayce assumes to be human companions. A couple of them don collars, while others unashamedly display bruised bite marks on their necks with low cut tops. He wonders if he’ll end up the same by the end of the night. The thought makes him swallow.

To the left, where Viktor is guiding him, is a sitting area filled with black leather booths in the shape of semi circles facing an illuminated stage. His face burns as he watches three people on stage put on a… show, for lack of a better word. One of the individuals appears to be a human woman while the other two are clearly Arcane-touched. They’re toying with her naked body, their hands running along her skin as a crowd watches. There’s soft music playing on ceiling speakers, the murmur of people’s conversations like a rumble, sounds of intrigue and amusement as they encourage the debauched entertainment for the night.

Jayce averts his attention to Viktor, setting him down at one end of the booth before walking around to sit next to him. There’s a synthetic candle on the table in front of them creating an intimate ambiance among the otherwise dark and dim lighting.

Viktor raises an eyebrow at him, the candlelight dancing on his face, “You’re clearly not accustomed to this.”

“No,” he shakes his head, trying to focus on Viktor instead of letting his eyes wander towards the sexual acts mere feet away from them, “It’s my first time here.”

“Yes. That is apparent.” There’s amusement in his tone that makes Jayce feel out of his element. He clears his throat.

“You said you know me from academic circles?”

“Eh, yes. Of a sort.”

It turns out Viktor also attends the Academy, not only as a phD student, but also as assistant to the Dean. He knows of Jayce through that same Dean, as well as through campus gossip. It was apparently hard to avoid talk of the “infamous Golden Boy” and his controversial research, as Viktor put it.

After a round of drinks, Jayce opens up to Viktor, tongue loosened by the bitter burn of alcohol. He divulges the roadblocks in his work, how he’ll lose his funding if he can’t deliver on his promises of bringing forth scientific discovery through the Arcane. In turn, Viktor talks him through it, bringing out a pen for the two of them to write equations on a napkin.

It’s exhilarating. Viktor helps him figure out a simple mistake he’s been making for weeks. They bounce theorems and calculations as if they’ve known each other for years instead of a couple of hours.

Jayce feels a spark between them that he hopes is mutual, a warmth blooming in his chest that sets his body aflame. Gone is the heavy weight on his shoulders from earlier. For the first time in weeks, he feels light and hopeful, like the world has unfurled with possibility.

His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of high moans and skin slapping on skin. He glances up at the stage, his surroundings coming back into clear focus: The human woman from before is being fucked in earnest now, her body lifted by both vampires on stage while they doubly penetrate her for everyone to see. The crowd cheers them on, a few hollers and wolf whistles following suit. Jayce has never seen people have sex in front of him, let alone something as graphic as this. He feels his face grow hot, a rising heat that moves through his gut.

He can vaguely feel Viktor’s eyes watching him as the vampire fucking the woman’s ass bites down on her shoulder. It causes her to cry out in pain, or pleasure, or both. Jayce’s breath catches, eyes darting away to be met with Viktor’s golden orbs.

“Why did you come, Jayce?”

“I—I don’t know.”

“You knew what kind of establishment this was, did you not?”

Jayce swallows, his throat feeling dry. “Yes.”

“Were you hoping for what is happening there?” Viktor motions to the stage with his hand.

“God, I don’t—I don’t know. I just needed to get out of my head.”

“And now? How do you feel?”

“Better. Thanks to you. I never expected to find exactly the help I needed when I came here,” he chuckles awkwardly, bringing his glass of rum to his lips.

“Mm. But you are aroused?” It’s more a statement than a question.

Jayce almost chokes on his drink. “Jesus.”

It’s Viktor’s turn to laugh, a small thing that shows off the sharp, crooked fangs of his canines and incisors.  Jayce can feel the heat spread up to his ears as he downs the rest of his drink in one go.

“I only ask because if you are amenable, I would enjoy your company upstairs.”

Jayce feels his brain short circuit, the electrical current firing and misfiring. He must take too long to respond because Viktor’s lips suddenly press into a thin line, expression uncomfortable, “I apologize if I’ve misunderstood.”

“No!” he blurts out, “I’m…very amenable. God, Viktor. You’re gorgeous. I’ve just—I’ve never done this before.”

“Which part?”

“All of it? Being in a sex club, going upstairs to—I’m assuming have sex? Being with a…can I call you a vampire, or do you prefer Arcane-touched? I’m really out of my element here.”

Viktor smiles at him, eyes going soft. “Yes, you may call me a vampire. I take no offense with the term. As for upstairs, yes, there are bedrooms with beds for those that wish. Since you are out of your element, I think it’s best you tell Me what you are interested in. We go at your pace, hm?”

“Yeah,” Jayce nods, “Okay.”

“What do you want, Jayce?”

“Um,” Jayce’s eyes quickly look up towards the stage again, eyes catching on the trail of blood the vampire behind the woman is lapping up with his tongue.

Viktor’s eyes follow his. “Would you like me to bite you?”

Jayce turns back to look at Viktor again, feeling the want in his body like a physical force squeezing around him. “Yes,” he whispers.

Viktor nods, tongue darting out to lick his lips. Jayce thinks he sees the gold of his irises flash red for a moment, but it could have been a trick of the light.

“Since it is your first time, I think the wrist would be best.”

“That should be fine. You would know better than me,” Jayce huffs out a laugh that sounds more like breathlessness.

“Should we clarify anything else before heading upstairs?”

“Um what about sex?”

“Would you like to have sex with me, Jayce?”

Jayce feels the flare of arousal in his dick. “It’s unfair how direct you are.”

“It’s important to compile all applicable information to reach an accurate conclusion. You as a scientist should know this,” Viktor teases.

Jayce can’t help but laugh, close-lipped with a puff of air out of his nose. He finds Viktor so endearing. It’s like Viktor just gets him, like they’re connected on the same frequency.

“Can I be honest with you?”

“Of course. I would hope you would be.”

“I don’t really do one-time hookups.” Viktor raises a brow in curiosity, his expression encouraging Jayce to continue. “If I’m being honest, I’d like to take you out on a proper date or two before we even get to the sex part.”

Viktor breaks out into an easy, lopsided smile. “I didn’t take you for a romantic.”

Jayce shrugs. “Is that okay?”

“More than. I actually prefer it myself.”

“You don’t come here looking for human partners?”

“No. It’s why the bouncer was surprised to see me claim you.”

Jayce feels his heart skip a beat at the term. “Is that what it’s called?”

“Well, technically, claiming comes from a bite. Then everyone would know you’re mine.”

Jayce worries his bottom lip between his teeth for a moment. “I think I’d like that.”

“I would as well,” Viktor confesses. “I know sex is off the table, but,” his eyes dart down to look at Jayce’s lips before looking back up at him, “may I kiss you?

“God, yes. Can we go upstairs now?”

Viktor stands up, supporting his weight with his cane while offering Jayce his other hand. Jayce takes it as Viktor leads them towards an elevator by the stairs.

A few of the vampire patrons give Viktor a nod, a knowing look on their faces. It should make Jayce feel scandalized that they all know at least some of what he and Viktor are about to do, but it only adds to the adrenaline pumping through him. The warm buzz of the alcohol mixed with the headrush makes him feel floaty, anxious arousal bubbling right under his skin.

The elevator opens to a hallway with several closed doors. There must be sound proofing throughout, no sounds penetrating through as Viktor leads Jayce to the last door on the left. There’s a sign on the doorknob that reads “Vacancy”. It makes Jayce feel like he’s freshly 18 again, paying for a by-the-hour love hotel with his then-girlfriend. The giddy energy ramping up his heartbeat is equally reminiscent.

Upon entering the room and locking the door behind them, Viktor pushes Jayce against it with surprising strength. Jayce’s hands move to wrap around Viktor’s hips, keeping him steady and supporting his lower back. Viktor feels so good against him, his waist small enough that Jayce could make his fingers meet in the middle if he tried. It causes all the blood to rush to his dick, an obvious tent in his trousers that Viktor presses himself against as if he knows before it happens. And maybe he does.

Jayce watches Viktor’s pupils dilate in real time as he brings his hands up to press against the sides of Jayce’s neck. His thumbs gently caress the pulse points before he shudders and moves in to close the space between them. Jayce meets him halfway, pulling Viktor in closer as their lips press together.

Viktor tastes electric, like the zing of his sugary cocktail mixed with something uniquely inhuman. Jayce would know. He’s worked with the Arcane for years, and Viktor tastes like magic incarnate.

Their mouths work together in tandem, all fevered passion between huffs of air, tongues sliding in such a pleasurable way that Jayce can’t help but groan.

Viktor is a fantastic kisser. He kisses like Jayce is an enjoyable problem to solve, paying attention to every reaction to reach the intended solution. The way he grips the back of Jayce’s neck with one hand and holds his jaw with the other feels like he’s working towards taking him apart in a way only he could. Jayce feels stricken with desire. If he’s being honest, he’s rushing headfirst into full-blown feelings.

It’s Viktor who pulls back first, leaving Jayce panting against the door, his hands still secured around Viktor’s slim frame. There’s an intensity in his eyes that’s tinged their usual honey with speckles of red. Jayce watches as his fangs extend, and he feels like prey again. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t like it. His dick jumps in agreement.

“Jayce. You smell so good,” Viktor practically purrs, voice taking on a deeper rumble.

Jayce’s throat clicks as he swallows. “Yeah? Are you hungry?”

“For you,” Viktor responds, the red in his irises spreading to cover them entirely, “Only you.”

A hot pang of want flares out through his core at the words. Viktor sounds so wrecked, like he’s been starving for Jayce all his life.

He regretfully takes his eyes off of Viktor momentarily to take in their surroundings. It’s a generously sized room with a bed, as Viktor said there would be. A small couch adorns the wall on the opposite side of it along with one chair. It’s ample enough to fit five or six people.

“Come with me to the couch?” Viktor nods as Jayce picks up his cane and hands it to him. They walk the few feet to the couch together and sit close enough for their thighs to touch. “Do you still want my wrist?”

“Yes,” Viktor says with a tremble in his voice, “I will do my best to be gentle.”

It takes everything in Jayce not to combust on the spot, or more embarrassingly, bust his load untouched. He can hear the way his heart thunders in his ears as he hands Viktor his arm.

Jayce watches as Viktor holds his arm up to his mouth with both hands. Before continuing, he gives Jayce one last look, pupils blown out surrounded by red. This is a man he’s only met tonight. By all means, Jayce shouldn’t be trusting someone with something as potentially dangerous as this, and yet…he gives Viktor confirmation with a nod. No one-night stands, but a vampire drinking from him is perfectly fine? The irony is not lost on him.

Instead of the expected bite, Viktor takes his time licking and sucking at the skin of his wrist. He seems to savor it, bringing the blood to bloom in the form of hickeys. The wetness of his tongue surprisingly feels good, using it like he did when he kissed Jayce breathless. Jayce isn’t sure if this is a typical part of the feeding process, but he doesn’t mind it in the least.

His breath hitches at the first nick of teeth, the tips of fangs grazing his softened flesh. Viktor looks at him again, gaze pleading. There’s no backing out now.

“Yeah. Go ahead,” Jayce assures.

Viktor’s eyes close as his teeth sink in, the sharp points digging in almost an inch deep. The pain is immediate, causing Jayce’s entire arm to tense and jolt. He lets out a pained grunt, but Viktor holds him steady as the blood pours into his mouth. Jayce can feel it pooling, can hear the slurping and gulping sounds as Viktor takes his fill.

It fucking hurts, the pain in such a sensitive area making him lightheaded, but he focuses on Viktor: the flutter of his eyelids, the rumbly growls of pleasure, the grip he holds firm on Jayce. He understands the eroticism in it as he watches Viktor indulge, hears the sloppy sounds of his fluids go down Viktor’s throat with every audible gulp.

It’s over quickly as Viktor pulls away with a gasp, blood covering his teeth and bottom lip. He latches back on to the skin to lick and suck at the remaining drops that spill out. Jayce remembers something about coagulant properties in a vampire’s saliva.

When he’s done, Jayce feels the throbbing soreness of the wounds as he takes his arm back. It feels worth it for the way Viktor’s eyes are glazed over in a fucked-out look. Their usual amber reemerges as he licks at his lips, savoring the flavor with a drawn-out hum. His body sinks into the couch, back slowly sliding back until his legs are splayed out wide. Jayce joins him in a similar position, careful to keep pressure off his wrist.

“Mm. That was the best meal I’ve had in ages.” He still looks fucked out, eyes heavy-lidded and staring up at the ceiling.

“What’s it like? When you feed?”

“It’s not always like this, but with you? Orgasmic is the best way to describe it. There’s a physical component to the decadence of the flavor.”

“Wow,” he smiles, “I’m glad to know I taste so good.”

“Indeed. And how was it for you?” He turns his head to look at Jayce, hand reaching down to trace his fingers along Jayce’s palm. Jayce intertwines their fingers together.

“I’m not gonna lie—it really hurt. But I see the appeal. Especially if I was able to make you feel so good.”

Viktor gives his hand a light squeeze and winces, “Forgive me. I did try to be gentle. I’ll have to learn how to better control my venom for next time—Eh, if you would ever like to try again.”

“What does the venom do?”

“When used correctly, it can mimic an aphrodisiac effect. I am unaccustomed to distributing it, but I have no qualms in learning how to make it more pleasurable for you.”

“Oh. It might have been for the best that you didn’t use it this time then.”

“Why is that?”

“If I got any hornier, I don’t think I would have been able to control myself.”

Viktor hums in understanding. “I would not have wanted to coerce you. I respect your boundaries, Jayce.”

Jayce gives Viktor’s hand a responding squeeze this time as they both settle into the calm between them. It doesn’t feel awkward. He doesn’t feel the need to fill the silence. But it does lead him to a question:

“Um, so, does this mean you’ve claimed me?”

Viktor gives him a sleepy, close-lipped smile. “Technically, yes.”

“Does that make me…yours?”

“In a way, but not officially. It wasn’t a blood pact, Jayce,” he teases.

Jayce shrugs and grants him a smile of his own. “Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if I was. Yours, that is.”

“Well, perhaps we could work our way up to that.”

“Go on a date with me tomorrow?”

Viktor looks at him incredulously and laughs. “So soon? It’s practically tomorrow already.”

Jayce’s smile turns sheepish, “You want to sleep over?” Viktor arches a brow at him. “Just sleeping. Maybe cuddling? I have a spare toothbrush and can lend you clothing. I was thinking we could take a look at my notes together and then grab a bite to eat for lunch?”

Viktor blinks at him, amusement coloring his gaze. “I hope your bed is comfortable. I have a bad back.”

“King size memory foam with adjustable firmness. What do you say?”

Viktor’s lips curve up, lopsided. “Okay, Jayce. It’s a date.”