A Gladiator Christmas: Gladiators Through Time

By W.M. Kirkland

A Saturnalia celebration at Max's estate is exactly what the gladiators and their partners need this holiday season. But everything isn't "merry and bright" when it comes to the couples, for it's hard to pursue dreams when you're a time traveling gladiator from Ancient Rome, and even something as wonderful as wanting to get married comes with its own complications.

However Max and Fabius are determined to host a gathering to remember for the other gladiators and their partners. And they're not above making a little Christmas magic of their own.

Note: This book contains all the couples from the other Gladiators Through Time books; however, this book can be read as a standalone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charmed Chicken Media
• Release date: Dec 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386517610

Book preview

A Gladiator Christmas

W.M. Kirkland

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Gladiator Christmas

Copyright © W.M. Kirkland, 2017

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Cover Art © 2017

Cover art by Unscramblet Author Solutions

Book formatting by Unscramblet Author Solutions (http://www.unscramblet.com)

Electronic Publication Date: December 2017

This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the authors.

Part One: The Gladiators

Chapter One: Marius

Marius stood at the window, his hand pressed against the cool glass as he watched the snow fall outside. Fabius’ partner welcomed them to his country estate for the holidays. The crackling fire gave off warmth, as did the efficient heating system. Even after all being here with Gabriel for all these past months, he still marveled at the innovations of this time. The low murmur of men’s voices, his friend’s voices and their partners filled the room behind him. This week between Christmas and the New Year, the turning of the calendar into January, a month named for Janus, meant Marius felt the god’s pull keenly. And to think, when the old woman had given him the talisman and told him and his friends to pray, he’d scoffed. Only his need to get out of the pits and hopefully not leave his friends behind had driven him. Janus’ good face had surely signed on them.

A hand rested on Marius’ shoulder, and he looked to see Gabriel standing behind him. A quick smile reassured his partner that all was well, and truly it was. This time last year he had not even a day off for Saturnalia. The festivals continued with epic bouts in the arena. He’d lost a good friend last year, killed in the arena by Brutus. Maybe this year, Brutus would reign as champion, since his biggest competition all sat here in this house. Would be good not to have to worry about his life, and instead, focus on the beauty of this place, a true Roman-inspired home fit for a Senator or Caesar and his partner—the man he loved.

Come join us. I’m told you could embellish their heroic tales. Gabriel kissed his cheek. I miss you and need someone to keep me warm.

Of course. One more moment. Marius wished to be less pensive. The winter holidays were festivities, and in this time no less so. In fact, he thought they celebrated for longer than even in Rome, though he also understood that most faiths had holidays during this time and so all celebrated. Certainly that didn’t openly happen in Rome. He wanted…something more. A need tugged at him, some permanent way to declare his love. He’d dare not think of marriage, for in Rome such partnerships were mocked. Juvenal wrote of them in his satire, even though such rites were performed. Not for gladiators, certainly not for them.

He pushed down his desires and turned back toward Gabriel and his friends. Stunning really, to think that the five of them had come through time with the help of Janus. He sat down on the couch next to Gabriel, relaxing when his partner put his arm around his shoulders. The heavy, comforting weight soothed his concerns and he rested his head on Gabriel’s bold shoulder. The conversation moved around him and though he laughed when warranted and seemed to enjoy himself, his thoughts tugged at him, keeping him from enjoying the moment.

A few hours and more than a few glasses of wine later, Marius closed his eyes as Gabriel’s nimble fingers traced along his collarbone. Something bothering you? Gabriel’s warm breath slid along his skin with the erotic force of a soft caress. Marius tightened his jaw, struggled to focus on the sensation of the touch along his body.

Just still getting used to things. He turned toward Gabriel and kissed him, letting his lips and tongue show just how much he wanted Gabriel, how much he needed him. When his lover opened his mouth, inviting him deeper, Marius took advantage, sliding his tongue along Gabriel’s lips before delving deeper. He hoped his lover would let it go, just for a bit. Let them enjoy Saturnalia and then maybe, once Janus has brought them safely into the new year, they could discuss some sort of rite.

Gabriel let the subject drop, though Marius could tell from the tension in his shoulders, he wouldn’t let it go. Marius nibbled along his lover’s jaw, the rasp of a five o’clock shadow arousing him. His cock throbbed, becoming erect and brushing against Gabriel’s stomach. The touch broke any restraint he may have had, sent his worries fleeing from a tide of erotic desire. He wanted the man in front of him, no matter how, no matter what it took. He loved Gabriel.

He caressed Gabriel’s chest, covering terrain he knew so well. The whorls of hair made him want to bury his face in it and breathe deeply. He rested his forehead against Gabriel’s shoulder and took deep breaths. Oh yes, for however it lasted, he’d take all of this he could get. He pushed Gabriel back on the bed. In a pounce, he straddled Gabriel’s thighs, leaning forward to cup the length of his cock. The festivities they could have. He grinned, leaned forward, and blew a puff of warm air across the tip.

Gabriel shivered. Marius, he groaned, sitting up enough so he could grab the gladiator’s shoulders.

Yes? He licked the length of the shaft before him, tasting the salty fluid pearling on the tip. How many times had he taken this cock in his mouth? How many times had he swirled his tongue around the head like this? He couldn’t remember, but every time it was as fresh and new as the very first. Stretching his lips, he wrapped them around the end, and then sucked Gabriel deep.

Beneath him, Gabriel moaned. His fingers tightened, pressing intents into Marius’ shoulder. The hint of pain only drove his pleasure higher. He paused before going down on Gabriel again, reaching between his spread thighs to fondle his balls. His fingers reached behind to the sensitive place, and then further, to tease at his lover’s puckered hole.

They didn’t need any rites, or anything official. They had this. They had each other, and as he hollowed his cheeks and sucked harder, listening to Gabriel’s moans of pleasure, he knew it would always be enough.

Sitting around the table, watching his friends and their partners eat breakfast, Marius’ worries of the previous evening seemed frivolous. He loved