“I need to know one more thing, Star. Will you submit to me?” Anubis thought Star would take some time to think about it but was delighted when the boy answered quickly.
“Yes.”
“Very well. I'll have someone pick you up from your apartment in twenty minutes,” Anubis instructed. “And Star, don't regret your decision.”
“Should I be worried?”
“Yes.” Anubis smirked, feeling quite pleased hearing the slight fear in Star's voice. “This is your last chance to run away, because I'm not letting you go once I have you.”
He disconnected the call and then ordered one of his jackal shifters to get Star while he made preparations. It was up to Star if he would show up or not. Anubis decided he would take the weekend to decide what to do about his feelings for Star. As quickly as they were moving, he really wanted to get to know the man besides what he read on paper. And with the rest of the information to come, he would figure out what to do later.
* * *
Star gotout of the car and thanked the driver Anubis had sent to retrieve him. On the way up the long driveway, Star had taken in the view of the huge mansion with envy and determination.
One day I will have something like this. I won't let my past define my future.
Star had been surprised when the car drove out of the city toward the mountains, instead of heading toward the penthouse he had dashed out of a few months ago. The ride was smooth and calming as he watched the city disappear. It gave him time to see other parts of Valleywood he never knew existed. His mind couldn't help but ponder if he should take Anubis's words to heart and run before he got in too deep. But how far would they go if he only planned on spending the night, despite Anubis's request for the weekend? For a split second, he thought about telling the driver to take him back home. However, he pushed it to the back of his mind when an image of their night together came back to him. Or the way Anubis held him earlier today.
“Lord Anubis is waiting for you,” the driver said, who was still standing next to the open car door.
Star smiled as excitement burst in the pit of his stomach, and he walked up the marble stairs that had specks of gold, matching the intricate railings. The second he got to the steps, the black frosted-pane French doors opened, and an attendant dressed in a butler's uniform with a more realistic full-face jackal mask and ears stepped to the side as he greeted him.
“Welcome to the house of Anubis,” he said, with an accent Star couldn't decipher, and bowed his head.
Star stepped into the house and paused in the foyer. Suddenly, the lights went out, and a candle lit up on a table to his left. An envelope with his name was next to it. He glanced around and realized he was alone. He picked up the envelope and read the message. A smile spread across his lips.
Follow the light to me.
Star set the note back on the table and looked up. One after another, candles lit up, revealing a vast room filled with magnificent art adorning the walls and tastefully decorated furnishings. Star wanted to take a closer look at the artwork, but as he walked forward, the candles behind him suddenly blinked out, halting his curiosity in its tracks. A few tealight candles still flickered, leading to a grand staircase. Star wondered if Anubis was watching from somewhere in the house and using magic to manipulate the candles.
Just how powerful is he? Chase said godlike, but what exactly did he mean?
Star bounded up the stairs, taking two at a time. As he strode down the broad hallway, his eyes were drawn to the stunning Egyptian artwork that adorned the walls, especially the intricate black-and-gold hieroglyphs that spanned the entire surface. Though Star lacked any knowledge or skill in any art, he still found its beauty captivating.
The sweet scent of roses tantalized Star's nose He noticed a path lined with a bed of blue and lavender rose petals, while pillar candles illuminated the walls, leading to a set of red French doors at the end of the hall. Star forgot about the artwork; his mind was now focused on what could be hidden behind those doors. Anticipation swelled within him as he walked closer, the rose scent becoming increasingly intoxicating.
Reaching the doors, Star flung them open dramatically, not knowing what to expect. To his surprise, the room was empty—except for the candles and rose petals that blanketed the floor and the king-size bed. In the middle of the pillows, Star spied another envelope with his name on it. He eagerly snatched it up and quickly read the contents with excitement.
Undress and come join me.
Just as he looked away from the note, another set of doors opened, and Star's gaze met a pair of bright yellow eyes that belonged to the man he had been eagerly expecting. Anubis Ahket was lounging in a bathtub that could easily accommodate many more people, but his muscular frame was just the right size for two. His milk-chocolate skin glistened with droplets in the candlelight, his long locks braided neatly and styled into a high ponytail.
“You look comfortable,” Star commented.
Anubis smiled. “I am, but it's pretty lonely without a certain kitten.”
Star snorted, shaking his head, not sure what to say.
“You've made me wait long enough. Strip and come join me.”
Star smiled, dropped the note to the floor, and began undressing, removing one article of clothing at a time, never taking his eyes off Anubis. When the last item of clothing hit the ground, Star saw Anubis's gaze darken with desire as his eyes roved over Star's body from head to toe. Anubis pointed to the shower, and Star understood his intent immediately. Before getting in the shower, Star tied his hair out of his face, not wanting it to get wet because it would be a bitch to untangle later.
As soon as Star stepped into the stall, the water came on like magic without him touching it. Not only that, the temperature was perfect. As he washed, Star felt Anubis's heated gaze boring into him, and he decided to put on a show, slowly caressing every inch of his body, paying special attention to his cock and ass. Once finished, Star exited the shower and looked to Anubis for further instructions.
“Come.” Anubis extended a hand, and Star took it as he climbed up the stairs into the tub.
Like with the shower, the water felt divine as he sat perfectly between Anubis's legs. Also not missing the man's erection. Star sighed as he leaned back, feeling a kiss on his neck. Star leaned into Anubis's chest just as an arm circled his waist, making him feel so safe he almost cried. A comfortable silence settled between them, and although Star wanted to ask a shit-ton of questions, he followed Anubis's lead. The man's long fingers trailed along his skin, and Star's eyes settled out of the large floor-to-ceiling windows on the view of the tall trees swaying with the breeze as the sun set just behind the mountains.
