The entity manifested again, testing their defenses.
This time, Adrian and Kieran fought at the center of a coalition force—vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, all working together to drive it back.
The battle was brutal. Adrian used his ancient blood as a weapon, feeding the entity just enough to make it solid so others could attack it. Kieran fought at his side, protecting him, coordinating the forces.
When they finally drove the entity back into dormancy—temporary, but enough—they were both covered in blood and running on pure adrenaline.
"We did it," Adrian said.
"For now." Kieran pulled him close. "Come on. Let's get cleaned up."
They returned to the penthouse, both still buzzing with battle energy. The shower was supposed to be for cleaning, but the moment hot water hit their skin, need took over.
Kieran pressed Adrian against the tile wall, his mouth claiming Adrian's with desperate intensity.
"Need you," Kieran said. "Need to feel alive, need to celebrate survival."
"Yes," Adrian agreed breathlessly. "Take me. Right here."
Kieran lifted Adrian effortlessly, positioning him. Adrian's legs wrapped around Kieran's waist as he entered, both of them groaning at the perfect connection.
Water cascaded over them as they moved together, washing away blood and battle, leaving only pleasure and connection and love.
"You were magnificent today," Kieran said, his pace steady. "Fighting beside me, using your power, leading the forces. I've never been more proud or more aroused."
"Show me how proud," Adrian demanded. "Fuck me like you mean it."
Kieran complied, his movements becoming harder, faster. The angle was perfect, hitting everything right, building pleasure impossibly high.
They came together intensely, both crying out, the sound echoing in the bathroom. Kieran's fangs found Adrian's throat, drinking deeply as his body pulsed inside Adrian.
When they finally pulled apart, both were shaking.
"We should shower again," Adrian observed. "We're covered in each other now instead of battle grime."
"Worth it."
They did shower properly eventually, then made love again in bed, slower, more tender. The battle had heightened everything—they needed to reconnect, to confirm they'd both survived.
"I love you," Adrian whispered in the darkness. "Every time we fight, every time we face danger, I'm reminded how much I love you."
"I love you too. More than existence itself."