Another holiday spend totally alone. Shit, his life sucked. There was just some things that money couldn’t buy. Like someone to spend Christmas with. Yup, his life really sucked. Lex thought to himself sighing deeply.

Clark, Lex was sure was having a great old time with his mother and father. They hadn’t even thought to invite him over for the holidays. They probably hadn’t even given a thought to how he, Alexander Luthor was spending them. Or even that maybe, just maybe, he wanted to spend it with them. Even if Clark’s Dad kept giving him the evil eye. He could put up with the evil eye as long as he didn’t have to spend another holiday alone. Really he could.

Lex drove the lonely road leading toward the castle he called home. Home. Heh, what a laugh. As far as he was concerned it was just a dwelling he was staying at. There weren’t even any servants having given them the holidays off. Why should they suffer because he was lonely.

Shit, his life sucked. Could anyone’s life be more pathetic than his even with all his money and cars. Lex sat a little straighter when he noticed there was another fool traveling the lonely road on Christmas Eve. Suddenly he saw a small animal run into the street in front of the car. Trying to avoid it the green car swerved right into a tree.

“Oh, my God.”

Lex pulled up and ran over to see if the driver was hurt. “Are you alright.” He asked opening the door. He felt the pulse, sighing with relief when he felt the strong pulse. “Are you alright?” He asked again.

The man moaned softly, before opening the most beautiful blue eyes he’d ever seen in his life. And Lex thought Clark had pretty eyes. “What happened? Oh, my God. The rabbit. I didn’t kill it, did I?”

Lex smiled. “No, it made it. But I think you killed your car in the process of Thumper avoidance.”

“Shit.”

“Yes. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No, just my fucking pride,” The man said with a heavy sigh. “and my car. Damn.”

Lex laid a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Better the car than you, my friend. The car can be fixed.”

“Yeah, I guess. It’s a classic, but I’m always having trouble with it. Maybe it’s better to leave it dead, instead of trying to breathe life back into it. Not to mention it’s costing a fortune every time something breaks in it.”

“What are you doing on this lonely road on Christmas Eve anyway?”

“I heard from a friend that there’s a Scottish Castle near here and I want to see if the owner would let me have a look-see before I head to Metropolis. I just finished a dig not far from here and I was hoping… I know it’s Christmas Eve and all, but it’s the only time I could get free.”

“I suppose since you went to all this trouble and killed your car in the process it can be arranged.”

Hopeful blue eyes looked into his. “You know the owner? You think I could have a look at the castle?”

“Yes, I know the owner very well and yes it can be arranged.”

Blue eyes narrowed speculatively “You’re the owner, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Very perceptive.”

“Cool. I’m Blair Sandburg by the way.”

“Hello, Blair Sandburg. I’m Lex Luthor. Are you sure you aren’t hurt? I can call an ambulance if you need it.”

Blair waved a dismissive hand. “No. I’m fine. I don’t know how I’m going to get around though at least until Jim comes to get me.”

“Jim?” Lex asked as he help Blair out of the car.

“Ow! I’m going to be sore. Jim’s my partner. He’s going to meet me in Metropolis for Christmas Eve. He had a police conference to go to there. Better call him tell him he may have to come pick me up.”

Blair leaned back into the car for a worn backpack. Lex raised pale eyebrows at the very nice jean-clad butt thus revealed. He averted his eyes when Blair straightened up. Dialing Blair waited for Jim to pick up the call. “Hey, Jim you’ll never guess what happened to me? Well, there was this bunny-I think it was a bunny and it ran into the street and I well, kinda hit a tree.” Lex could hear the frantic voice on the other end. Blair held the phone away slightly. “No. No listen, Jim. Quit yelling. I’m alright, but the car is kind of banged up. I don’t think Houdini will be able to bring it back to life this time. I’m not hurt. Really, I’m not. Don’t go into Blessed Protector mode. I’m fine. You remember the castle I was telling you about? Yeah, that’s the one. Well the owner, Lex Luthor, he stopped and rendered aid. No, no I didn’t need aid. That was just a figure of speech.” Blair rolled his eyes at Lex. “No. I’m not going to run over Thumper. Mother Nature would never forgive me. Hey, I’m okay-you can see for yourself. Can you come pick me up, please? I’m pretty sure my car won’t start. Where will I be? Hmm, I guess I could wait in the car. You’re only about an hour away.”

“No, you don’t have to do that. You can go to the castle with me and wait there,” Lex told Blair, interrupting. “it’s cold out here and almost dark. Besides Thumper may be back to finish the job.” He smiled at Blair’s exaggerated shudder.

“Did you hear that? You can pick me up at the castle. Then we can go back to Metropolis see if there’s any place open and have a nice Christmas dinner. Na, the car will be alright where it’s at, till we can find someone to tow it back to Cascade. Or maybe I should just junk it.” Blair sighed. “I loved that car. It’s not a piece of shit. It was just temperamental.” Blair gave a small laugh. “Yeah, I know. No, I’m fine really. You can check me out when you get here, okay? If you think I need to see a doctor then I’ll go. With no complaining, I promise. Okay, see you then.” Blair close the tiny phone and looked over at Lex. “Sorry.”

Lex shook his bald head. “Nothing to be sorry for. Ready to go?”

“Yeah,” Blair replied. “give me a second to get my laptop and backpack and I’ll be all set. Wow, cool car.” He said, gingerly seating himself in the Ferrari.

Lex turned to look at the curly-haired man frowning as he eased the car back onto the road. “Yeah, I guess. Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I may have a few bumps and bruises, but nothing life threatening.” Blair turned slightly toward his driving companion. “So Lex Luthor, tell me about yourself.”

Lex looked over at Blair. “Nothing to tell,” he replied, shrugging his slight shoulders.

“Sure there is. You drive a Ferrari and live in a castle. Of course there’s a story there. Not to mention that this castle is in the middle of nowhere.”

“Tell you what I’ll make a deal with you-tell me about yourself and I’ll tell you about me,” Lex told him with a small smile.

“Fair enough. My name is Blair Jacob Sandburg, I’m twenty-eight and I live in Cascade, Washington. I’m an anthropologist and I work for the Cascade Major Crimes Department as Guide to my very own ultra-cool Sentinel. Who’s a cop.”

“Jim?”

“Yes. That’s why he kinda flipped when he found out I had a little accident.”

“I bet. Is it true that when you find a Sentinel they bond to you?”

Blair opened his backpack and pulled out a trail mix bar. “Want one?” Lex shook his head. “Yeah. It’s kind of like they fixate on you. Start sniffing for pheromones. You should have seen mine when we first met. There was this room with maybe thirty wanna be Guides including me at the Sentinel Center and Jim walks in. He stuck his nose up in the air and then came up to where I was standing and stuck his face in my hair.”

Lex ran a hand over his bald head. “Do you have to have hair?”

“No. Pheromones are concentrated in the neck and head area. Don’t let being bald hold you up if you want a Sentinel. I personally think bald is cool. It gives you a very distinctive air. Why? Are you looking for a Sentinel to bond with?”

“I don’t know. It’s a possibility, I think.”

“So Lex Luthor tell me about yourself.”

Lex looked over at Blair smirking slightly. “Why?”

“Because your bald, beautiful and drive a Ferrari. That can’t be all there is to Lex Luthor.”

“Thank you. I don’t ever remember being called beautiful before. That’s kind off nice.”

“Well you are. But what else is there? The fact that you might want a Sentinel?”

“Persistent aren’t you?”

Lex felt rather than saw Blair nod. “Yup.”

“Alright. I’m twenty three and I’m CO of LexCorp. I like classical music, fencing and I like to dance. At least I use to until I got banished to Smallville.” Pulling up in front of the castle Lex turned fully to Blair. “Why does it sound like I’m advertising for a mate?”

“Don’t know. Are you on the market?”

Lex got out of the Ferrari. “Nope. Not since the last two failed attempts. They both tried to kill me.”

Blair became Lex’s shadow as they went into the castle. “They tried to kill you?” He asked, shocked.

“Yup. That kind of burned me out on the whole marriage thing.”

“I bet. Nice castle. Hey, where’s the butler named Jeeves to open the door?”

“I gave all the servants the holidays off.”

Blair frowned. “So you’re spending the holidays all by yourself in this huge castle?”

“Yeah, well I was hoping to get invited to my friend Clark’s home, but that didn’t work out.” Lex smiled wryly at Blair. “Yeah, I know how pathetic that sounds. Wanting to spend Christmas with a seventeen year old and his family just not to be alone.”

“Your best friend is seventeen?” Blair asked, laying his backpack and his laptop against the wall just inside the doorway.

“Yeah. He saved my life two years ago and well we’ve been sort of friends ever since. Do you want a drink?” Lex asked leading Blair into the living room.

“I could really use a glass of water.”

“No glass-a bottle?” Lex asked, holding up a blue bottle of imported water. “Have a seat,” he told him indicating to the leather couch.

“Cool,” Blair replied, accepting it. He eyed the bottle. “This baby is more expensive than two cases of beer. I will relish it. I may even have the little sucker bronzed,” he added as he sat down.

Lex smiled as he poured himself a scotch before joining Blair on the couch. “You’re odd. You’ll certainly fit in around here.”

Blair returned the smile. “Lex?”

“Yes?”

Blair took a small drink of his water. “You said that Clark was sort of your friend. What does that mean? How can you be someone’s sort of friend?”

Lex shrugged. “It’s just that friends don’t usually keep secrets and Clark, has something that’s troubling him,” he said sadly. “I’m positive I could help him with whatever it is, but he won’t let me.”

“Lex, then why do you keep him as a friend, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Blair watched Lex’s blue eyes become distant. “I don’t know there’s just something about him. An innate goodness that keeps me grounded. Reminds me that not everything in this world is dark. I’m his friend and if he accepts me as his friend then maybe I’m not all darkness as well.” Blair gave him an odd look. “What?”

“Hmm, Lex isn’t that a lot responsibility to lay on the shoulders of a seventeen year old?”

Lex smiled. “You haven’t seen his shoulders.”

“Be that as it may-what’s wrong with your shoulders?”

Lex shrugged again. “There are times where the darkness overtakes me and I need something, someone to bring me back into the light.”

“Lex, I say again a seventeen year old?”

“Yeah, I know I’m pathetic.”

Blair shook his head. “Na, you’re not pathetic, you’re just lonely.”

Lex ran his finger over his glass. “You think so?”

“I know so. It’s darkening your aura to where that’s almost all I can see.”

“You can see auras?”

“Yup, had a run in with a Shaman a while back and he gave me his powers before he died,” Blair said, carefully placing his empty blue bottle down on the coffee table.

“That’s interesting. I knew a lady who could see into the future. She touched my hands and died. Clark said it was because she was old, but I have my doubts.”

“Lex, you know what your problem is?”

“No what?”

“You’ve got a terminal case of the lonelees.”

“What does that mean?” Lex asked, narrowing his eyes.

“You’re lonely. You need someone in your life to take care of and cherish and vice versa.”

Lex raised a dismissive hand. “Tried that, almost got killed twice. And besides why am I telling you any of this?” He asked almost angrily.

Blair smiled impishly at him. “I have that effect on people. I’m just naturally charming,” He replied, not at all put off by Lex’s flash of anger.

Lex scoffed. “Right.”

“I’m not kidding. You can ask Jim when he gets here.”

“Tell me about your Sentinel?” Lex asked, changing the subject smoothly or so he thought.

“Why, Lex? Am I making you uncomfortable?” Blair asked, smile deepening.

“Yes,” Lex readily admitted, with a small smile.

Blair chuckled. “I bet. Well there’s not a dull moment when it comes to Jim. He’s tall and really well built with the most beautiful blue eyes you’ve ever seen. He’s kind and really gentle for someone so big.”

“Do you like being a Guide?”

“With all my heart and soul.”

“You don’t find it restrictive?”

“Not in the least. Jim relies on me to keep him grounded and he gives me so much more in return.”

“Like?” Lex asked curiously, well and truly hooked.

Blair’s wide, blue eyes became distant. “It’s kind of hard to explain. He fills a part of me I didn’t even know was empty. Makes me whole. Does that makes sense?”

Lex sighed softly. “Yes, more than you know. It kind of sounds like something I’m looking for with Clark and doomed to never find.”

Blair laid a gentle hand on Lex’s arm. “You will, Lex, you will. It might just be that you’re looking in the wrong place.”

“Yeah, maybe. Is it hard to get a Sentinel?”

Blair chuckled. “You make it sound like you’re in the market for a puppy. But no not that hard. You need to go in and get tested to see if your pheromone level is high enough. Then you’re introduced to several Guideless Sentinels over a course of a week. If one chooses you-you’ll know it. Like I did with Jim.”

“And if not?”

“Then you go on a waiting list and you’ll be notified as Sentinels become available.”

Lex looked up meeting Blair’s eyes. “Do you think I’d be a suitable?” Feeling a small sense of hopefulness for the first time in what felt like forever.

“There’s a lot of maybes in that question, Lex. But I don’t see why not. Foremost, you’ve got to have the right amount of pheromones.”

“How do you know?” Lex asked, listening intently

“Smell.”

Lex wrinkled his nose. “I’ve have to smell?”

Blair laughed. “In a manner of speaking. Sentinels are basically ruled by their senses. Smell being one of them. Jim has an unusually high sensitivity to smell. We can ask him to check you out when he gets here. Or you can let me check for you.”

Lex looked at Blair suspiciously. “Are you saying you know what pheromones smell like?”

“Hmm, yeah.”

“How? You’re a Guide.”

“Yeah, but when I went in to get tested the doctors back at the Center told me that in my gene pool there may have been one or two Sentinels. I wasn’t one, but because of it I would be an extremely sensitive Guide. Trust me, Lex. Or are you afraid I’m going to compromise your virtue, Lex?”

Lex snorted. “I haven’t had that in forever, if I ever did. So you won’t be compromising anything.”

“Let me check then?” Blair asked, coaxing softly.

“Alright.”

Blair moved over and with out ceremony climbed on top of Lex. “W…what are you doing?” Lex asked, stiffening.

“Checking you for pheromones. Hold still,” Blair replied. The curly-haired man buried his face in Lex’s neck gently, nosing at the baby soft skin there. “Oh, you smell good.”

Lex didn’t know what to do. He moved his hands restlessly as Blair continued to sniff. It felt good in an odd sort of way. Really good. He hadn’t been touched in awhile and it was starting to affect him in ways he really didn’t want to get into. Blair was really gorgeous and he was wiggling in his lap.

“Blair?”

“Hmm?”

“W…well?” Lex asked impatiently.

Blair pulled away slightly. “Hmm, well, Lex. It’s hard to say. I need to investigate a little further. There’s just something about bald men. Are you bald all over, Lex?”

“Well that’s a bit personnel don’t you think?”

Blair smiled at Lex. “And me sitting in your lap’s not?”

“I thought you were doing an investigation on seeing if I was suitable for a Sentinel.”

“Hmm, I am. Can I investigate some more?” Blair asked, moving sensually in Lex’s lap.

“Oh, please feel free,” Lex said sarcastically. “I haven’t had this much fun since wifey number two tried to get my plane downed with me in it.”

“Cool,” Blair replied, ignoring the sarcasm to bury his nose against Lex’s neck. Lex after a uncertain moment dug his fingers deep into Blair’s curly hair, pulling him closer. It’d been a really long time and Blair’s warm body felt good against him.

After a few more minutes of gently snuffing. “Hmm, Blair? Oh, that feels good. A…are y…you d…done?” Lex asked, if he didn’t put a stop to it, Blair’s wiggling was going to make him come in his pants. Something he hadn’t done since he was twelve.

“Hmm, sorry. You might have to stop using that expensive cologne. But yeah, you won’t have any trouble finding a Sentinel. They’re going to love you in fact,” Blair said, pulling away slightly but kept their body together tightly. Knowing exactly what he was doing to Lex and loving every minute of it. “That is if Jim let’s them get you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your pheromone level seems to be very high. Almost as high as mine, I think. You have to get checked to make sure. Jim, I’m pretty sure, is going to want you for himself,” Blair told Lex, making himself more comfortable in Lex’s lap.

“Ah. C…can he do that?”

Blair smiled. “There’s pretty much nothing Jim can’t do when it comes to Sentinel stuff. He’s a Sentinel Fifth Class. The best of the best. If he wants you he can have you and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.”

“B…but can a Sentinel have two Guides?”

“Jim can,” Blair replied, wiggling happily in Lex’s lap.

“B…but won’t that bother you? Blair, stop it. You’re making me crazy,” Lex said, putting his hands on Blair’s hips holding him still.

Blair shrugged. “Why? I don’t own him and there’s more than enough of Jim to share,” He added with a huge smile. “Plus if you don’t mind me saying so you’re hot. And you’ll be mine, too. So I won’t mind at all.” Blair eyed Lex’s lips inches from his own, slowly moving closer. “Won’t mind at all,” He whispered.

Suddenly the doorbell rang and Lex thought he was going to jump out of his skin. Blair noticed. “Steady, Lex. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“I run a muti-million dollar company, I don’t scare.”

Blair gave him a look. “Right. Then why are you shaking all of a sudden?”

“I’m not shaking.”

“Sure you are, I can feel it.”

“No I’m not. I’m just cold. I just remembered I have some work I need to finish,” Lex said, nervously, trying to pull free of Blair.

“Oh, no you don’t. Come on let’s go see what Jim makes of you,” Blair replied, taking Lex by the hand and pulling him toward the door.

Lex found himself going with Blair filled with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. He didn’t know if he wanted Jim to want him or not.

Blair opened the door to reveal the most gorgous man with the most startling blue eyes Lex had ever seen. It seemed Blair had not exaggerated, Jim was beautiful. Big, very big, and really, really gorgeous. Lex thought he’d never seen a more handsome man in his life.

“Blair are you alright?”

The curly-haired man rolled his eyes when the Sentinel began running his hands over his body,but allowed it calmly. “I’m fine, Jim really.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“Fine, just hurry up. I’ve got someone I want you to met.”

“Shut up, Blair. I’ll take however long it takes to make sure your alright,” Jim told him gruffly.

“Geez, so who’s the grump then?” Blair asked cheerfully.

“I am,” Jim replied, cupping Blair’s face in hands that were anything but steady. “I was so worried.”

“I’m fine, really.”

“Yeah, I know that now, but I didn’t before,” Jim replied, kissing Blair’s forehead gently.

“I told you I was,” Blair said, hugging his shaken Sentinel before releasing him. “I have someone I want you to meet,” tugging him toward Lex.

As icy blue eyes turned to look at him Lex almost took a step back. Having to remind himself that he’d met with Presidents, Kings, Queens and Heads of States. Held meetings where millions of dollars and thousands of jobs were at stake. Certainly he could handle meeting one lone Sentinel. When those eyes narrowed slightly Lex forced himself to hold still and not take off screaming like some silly girl in a horror flick.

When Jim stalked toward him like a big, a very big, graceful cat Lex found himself backing away. Until he remembered who he was and held still. He was shaking in his expensive Italian loafers, but he held still. He was no silly girl in a horror flick. He was Alexander Luthor. He wasn’t afraid. No, he wasn’t afraid. He kept chanting to himself.

He forced himself still when the Sentinel moved even closer until they were almost nose to nose. Jim sniffed slightly. Hands came up and gently cupped Lex’s head turning it slightly.

“B…Blair?” Lex called softly, telling himself he wasn’t going to panic. He jumped slightly when a cold nose buried itself in his neck.

“Hold still, Lex. It’s not going to hurt,” Blair urged.

“B…Blair, I…” Lex trailed off when the Sentinel pulled him against his body.

“It’s all part of it, Lex. It’s going to be alright. He’s imprinting,” Blair smiled at him gently. “Looks like Jim’s chosen you for himself. That’s so cool. I was hoping he would.”

“D…don’t I get a choice?” Lex jumped nervously when the Sentinel growled. Unable to escape as arms came around him, banding him tightly to a strong, hard body.

“No. No one on this planet can stop Jim now. No one.”

“Blair. Blair, he’s growling at me. Do something,” Lex said, shoving furtively at Jim. Earning another low menacing growl.

“What do you expect me to do?”

“H…hit him with something. Not the Ming Vase, though. That’s priceless.”

“I’m not going to hit my Sentinel,” Blair replied, chuckling. “stop fighting him. Jim wants you and so do I. I’m not about to stop what’s happening.”

“Make him let me go,” Lex pleaded.

“Geez, you big chicken,” Blair said in exasperation. “it’s not like it’s going to hurt or anything. Geez.”

“I’m not a chicken. I…m a billionaire. I…I’ve g…got things to do. M…many t…things. Please make him let me go,” Lex pleaded again.

“Oh, alright. Jim, Lex says to let him go,” Blair said half-heartedly.

“No,” Jim growled loudly, making Lex jump again and the Sentinel pulled him impossibly closer.

Lex saw Blair shrug his shoulders. “Sorry, no go. You my friend are about to find yourself Guide to a Sentinel and his Guide. Cool, huh?”

The Sentinel’s hands came up and deftly began unbuttoning his purple shirt. “Blair? Blair?” Lex called panicking. Yes, okay-maybe he was a chicken. He finally admitted to himself.

“Don’t fight it, Lex. I told you, Jim’s imprinting. To do that he has to smell you, all of you.”

“A…am I going to be raped?” Lex flinched when Jim growled against his neck.

“No,” Blair told him. “you’re going to have sex though.”

Lex began to struggle. “No. I don’t want this”

Jim gathered Lex’s face in his hands and look into his eyes. “You want this. We all know you want this,” He was told softly. “stop fighting me.”

Lex felt all resistance suddenly evaporate. “I…”

“Do you want me, Lex?” The Sentinel asked seductively. “Do you want us?”

“I… shouldn’t, but I… I…ah…yes.”

He was treated to the most brilliant smile he’d ever seen. “Good. Because we both want you, too. Stop fighting it.”

Jim began pulling at Lex’s clothes again. “Jim, are you sure you want the bonding to take place in the foyer? There’s no one around, but that still won’t be the best way to introduce Lex to the way of Sentinels and Guides,” Blair told Jim.

Jim pulled away slightly to look into Lex’s dazed eyes. “You’re right. Where, Lex? Where do you want to be bonded?” he asked hurriedly.

“B…bedroom.”

“Fine,” Jim replied, pulling Lex with him as he stalked up the stairs.

“Blair?” Lex called, panicking again. It could now officially be said that Alexander Luthor was indeed a chicken of the first class, even in that he excelled. Boy, did he excel.

The curly-haired man took Lex’s free hand. “It’s going to be alright. Geez, you‘re such a chicken,” Blair smiled at him. “I’ll be with you and you’re really going to like what comes next.”

What followed was the most sensual experience of Lex’s twenty five years of life. Never before had he felt anything likes of which Jim and Blair had him experiencing.

Jim nuzzled every inch of him. Having taken a real liking to the back of his head. Making Lex crazy when he’d begun sucking on a spot he knew a little bone protruded. He’d seen it, people had commented on it, but he’d never known that it was an erogenous zone for him until now. He knew now. Oh, God, how he knew now.

Lex found he was making noises he’d never heard coming from himself before. Hungry needy noises. Bending his head foreward begging Jim for more. Arms stretching back to pull the Sentinel closer. Offering himself for more. He was taken up on it when both Blair and Jim led him to the bed shedding clothing as they went.

When the Sentinel penetrated him Lex screamed. Clinging tightly to Blair. Not from pain, it hadn’t hurt. Both Jim and Blair had made sure that it didn’t hurt, but from the most intense pleasure he’d ever felt in his life. It coursed through him like wildfire. He found himself panting wildly into Blair’s open mouth. Eyes closed as Jim nuzzled his neck arms holding him possessively as the Sentinel moved them back and forth slowly on the bed.

Blair ran his hands over Lex’s body. Caressing his chest and abdomen, going lower and lower still as Lex mewled wildly. Hot he was so hot, so very hot. He burned, he burned. They were driving him crazy. Both Jim and Blair were driving him crazy. He no longer knew which way was up. Who was kissing who. Whose hands were touching him. Or whose body drove them all in a pounding rhythm that threatened to break the bed. Lex screamed again when he felt Jim come deep inside him. Hot, so hot, scalding him.

The Sentinel caught him when he lost consciousness.

When he regained his senses Jim had taken him again, followed by Blair. They made love to him as if there were no tomorrow. Hard, wild and fierce. Or perhaps it was their way of laying claim to him. Irrefutable and unbreakable.

Lex had been unable to stop the trembling. It had shaken his slight frame violently. Both Blair and Jim held on to him as the tremors shook. Shaken to the very core by what he had just experienced he shivered violently. Blair kissed him gently over and over. Tasting his tears. Telling him it had been the same for him. That the bond was now in place.

***

Lex sharing a bath with his new Sentinel cradled against Jim’s big, warm chest the trembling had finally stopped, Jim talking to him quietly. Blair after checking to make sure he was alright, had gone to find the kitchen to fix something to eat.

“Are you alright, Lex?” Jim whispered into his ear.

“I…I think so. I…I j…just never felt anything like that before.”

“You’re ours now. Blair and mine. We will take care of you to the best of our abilities.”

“B…but I…d…don’t need anyone to take care of me. I can do that on my own.”

Jim splashed warm water all over Lex’s chest. “You’re ours, Lex. Stop fighting it. Or do I have to show you again?” Jim growled seductively, nibbling lightly on the bone at the back of Lex’s neck.

Lex shivered. That felt good. “Show me. I really like the way you show me.”

Jim lifted Lex slightly and with a gently shoved entered him again. “Ah, that’s good. I like this part.”

Jim chuckled. “So does Blair.” Possessive hands stroked his chest. “You’re hairless everywhere. Quite a contrast to Blair’s hairiness. Hmm, I’m going to have fun with my two Guide. Won’t get much work done, but boy-am I going to have fun.”

Lex didn’t reply, didn’t need to. Closing his eyes when Jim began thrusting into him. Losing himself in the intense pleasure the Sentinel was once again creating.

***

“How do you feel, Lex?” Blair asked, handing him a roll. As they sat in front of the fireplace in Lex’s living room eating.

Lex took it. “Like I’ve been turned inside out,” he said smiling weakly. “but other than that surprisingly good.”

“Hey, I want a roll too,” Jim complained.

“Oops, sorry.” Blair handed him one.

“Neglecting your poor, hungry Sentinel?” Jim asked.

“Never,” Blair told him, giving him a brilliant smile. “besides you now have another Guide to help in case I forget something.”

Both Blair and Jim turned to look at Lex who was nibbling contently on the roll. “What?” He asked, eyeing them back.

“Your Sentinel is hungry,” Jim told him. “and feeling extremely neglected.” he added sadly.

“Oh, sorry,” Lex replied, handing over his roll.

Jim took it, kissing Lex lightly. “Thank you, Lex. See, Lex cares about his Sentinel,” He said glaring at Blair.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love you too,” Blair said unconcerned as he got himself another piece of turkey. “It was really nice of the kitchen staff to leave you all the Christmas fixings all cooked and ready for you.”

“Yes. They didn’t have to do that. I have to remember to give them a raise when they get back.”

“Hey, don’t eat all the turkey. I’m still hungry. My two Guides wore me out. I need to regain my energy,” Jim said glaring at Blair again.

“Geez, big baby. Here,” Blair told his Sentinel affectionately, handing over a huge slice of turkey.

“But you love me.”

“Yeah, I guess I do.”

“I know you do,” Jim told him smugly, offering his lips to the curly-haired man.

“Yeah, I do,” Blair accepting the warm lips. “very much.”

Lex watched the gentle exchange. He should be jealous or at the very least feel left out, but he didn’t. Both Jim and Blair had a hand on him. It warmed him in a way he’d never felt before.

“What now?”

“Hmm?” Blair turned to face Lex.

“What happens now?”

“The bond needs a week to fully settle. We’ve got some time coming to us so I think we can spend it here at the castle with you if you like or we could go back to Cascade. I think it’d be better to spend it here being as you said there wasn’t going to be anyone around,” Blair replied. “Which ever is easier for you.”

Lex took a sip of wine. “It doesn’t matter to me. What do you think Jim?”

Jim shrugged. “I don’t care either as long as we’re together. But I think Blair wanted to explore the castle. Didn’t you, Blair?”

Blair’s blue eyes lit up. “Can I?”

“It’s up to Lex. It’s his castle. Lex?”

“Fine with me,” Suddenly there was a knock on the door. “Who could that be? Come in.” A dark head peered in. “Clark? Please come in. Would you like something to eat?”

“No, thank-you, Lex. Just ate,” Clark said shyly as he looked at the two strangers staring at him curiously. “I just came over to bring you a cranberry coffee cake my Mom made for you.”

“Oh, okay. Thank her for me. Oh, sorry-I forgot my manners. This is Jim Ellison and Blair Sandburg. They’ll be staying with me for awhile.”

Clark smiled at them offering them both his hand. Not noticing the look Jim was giving him. The Sentinel’s head tilted slightly to one side as he regarded the seventeen year old.

“Hello. I hope you enjoy your stay in Smallville. I better go. Lex, will I see you later?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. I’ll be very busy for the awhile. Maybe. We’ll see.”

“Okay. Well, see you then.”

“Fine. Thank your Mom for me.”

“Will do.”

As the door closed behind Clark, Blair launched himself at Lex. “You certainly were right about those shoulders of his.”

Lex grunted softly, falling back against the soft carpet. “See, told you.”

The curly-haired man cupped his face. “Yeah, I see. But you now need to see that you don’t need to rely on a seventeen year old to keep you in the light. That’s our job from now on. Mine and Jim’s and it’s a job that we’ll relish because you’re a part of us.”

Lex smiled up at him. “Are you jealous, Blair?”

Blair licked his nose. “Yes, you are ours. To love, protect and cherish. No one else’s.”

“And my job?

“To do the same for us.”

Lex meet Blair’s eyes. “What if I can’t? What if I don’t have it in me to do that?” he asked in a small voice.

“If you weren’t able Jim would never have been able to initiated the bond with you. You’re ours now and we’re yours. Stretch your senses and you’ll be able to feel it. Feel us. Get it?”

Lex did has Blair suggested. Wonder filled him when he could. He could feel both Blair and Jim. A sense of completeness filled him as he sought first his Sentinel getting a feeling of possessiveness and need before Lex went in search of Blair. From the curly-haired man he got a warmth and welcome. From both he got an overwhelming sense of belonging. He belonged. “Got it,” Lex replied happily.

“There’s something off about that boy,” Jim said, frowning slightly at the door Clark had gone through.

“Hmm, really?” Lex asked, watching as Blair’s lips inched closer to his.

“Yeah, I don‘t know quite what he is, but being human isn’t one of them.”

“Oh?” Lex said, distractedly. Blair was beginning to remove his clothing. Giving him some really sweet kisses in the process. It seemed that he was going to spend Christmas Eve making love to two of the most beautiful men he’d ever seen in his life. Lex felt the bond pulse between them, offering comfort and love.

“Yup, That’s one really odd boy.”

“Oh, okay,” Lex replied, forgetting what they were talking about as he watched Blair unzipped his pants with his teeth.

“Jim forget about that. Lex needs some loving attention on Christmas Eve. He’s not to sure of us or where he fits in. Or if he belongs. Shall we show him. The really fun part?” Blair said, kissing Jim soundly over Lex’s tummy.

“Oh, yeah,” Jim said, reaching for the more than willing Lex. “Lets.”

Among the remains of a fine Christmas Eve meal, wine goblets and empty plates. Jim and Blair showed Lex in a way he would never forget exactly where he belonged. Where he would always belong.