Djinn Boyfriend: Horirem #2 (complete)

Nafi invites me on his hunting trip, if only to hear what stories about his father I have. I feel a bit bad for deceiving him, not to mention his father is quite literally with us. Although, Horirem is still very much a common house cat for the time being. Horirem told me that the wish I had made had sapped a lot of his powers so he is shrunk until they can be built back up. 

At least we have time, time Horirem can get to know his son better and spend time with him while we find out the mystery of his disappearance. This is also a dream come true for me. Ever since I was a little girl, I had always wanted to be able to time travel. I watched so many shows, read so many books about people who could hop through time on a whim and a dream. It takes all of my power to not seem like a maniac to Nafi and his crew. I have so many questions I want to ask, and marvel at so many monuments and artifacts from my time that are new and interesting here.

One evening, I am sitting in the opening of my tent and gazing at a collection of temples and buildings that, in my world, is nothing but a set of sand covered ruins. Here, they are in such crisp and beautiful detail, but back home, they are worn down from time and buffeting sands, so delicate and brittle, there is a genuine clock counting down when they will fall forever. I am taking my time drinking them in and memorising them, knowing a sight no one will know when I return home.

Horirem scuttles across the sand, having just come from Nafi’s tent. He looks up at me and then follows my gaze to the horizon.

“What are you staring at?” He sits down beside me and I rub the top of his head.

“Back home, those ruins are old and falling apart. They stopped excavating them because it was doing more harm than good, and here-” I click my tongue and sigh. “Right now, they are perfect.”

Horirem makes a disgusted noise. “They were built by cannibals, you know.”

I perk up, aghast, and turn to look at Horirem as he scurries back into the tent. “They were what?”

“Cannibals,” Horirem repeats. “They ate people for some religious purpose.” He tugs at a pillow and pulls it out enough so he can hop on top of it. “Sure, they’re pretty to look at, but they were first built by raving lunatics who thought if they ate one another, it would appease their savior.”

“Did they?” I ask unsurely.

“No,” Horirem kneads at the pillow. “There was so much infighting amongst them, they all eventually killed one another. It was abandoned forever until it was taken over by the nomads. Now it’s used as a bazaar.”

It strikes me how little we know about the world. Much like the ocean, we’ve barely gone below the surface of what there really is. “I see.” I close the flaps of the tent and lay down on the mat serving as my bed.

Horirem sits like a loaf on top of the pillow and he starts to purr. 

“How long do you think it will take for you to return to your former self?” I ask him as I hug my pillow.

“No idea.” His ears flick forward. “I am growing though. I’m twice the size I was when we started out.” he peeps an eye open at me. “Why? You scared you’re going to be stuck here?”

“No,” I chuckle. “Actually, I don’t mind it at all.” I close my eyes and relax. “This was always my dream as a kid. Even when I grew up, I wanted nothing more than to live in places I dug up and studied.” I giggle and smile to myself. “I wanted to write definitive texts and leave them for future archeologists and historians to find.”

“You wanted to make it easy on them.” Horirem scoffs.

“More like, prove them wrong.” I sigh and open my eyes again. “Back when I was young, it seemed history was written by the one who could shout the loudest or had the deepest pockets.” I reach out and stroke Horirem’s fur. “So much of history is told through the eyes of the victor and not the fallen. It’s really not a fair game.”

Horirem is purring very loudly. “And you think they wouldn’t destroy your texts?”

I sigh and still my hand. “So much of history is gone because of that.” I slip my hand back under the covers and keep my head down. “But, for now, we’re here for you and for Nafi. So that’s what matters.”

Horirem sighs. “Thank you,” he mutters. “I haven’t told you yet, but-” his voice cracks slightly.

I open my eyes and sit up on my elbows to look at him. “You don’t have to thank me.”

“No,” he blurts. “I do.” he looks at me with those ruby red eyes. “You have no idea how much this has meant to me. Even if my son can’t know me now, I at least get to see him, hear him speak. He’s still so smart and, despite his mother, he’s so kind.”

I sit up and bring Horirem into my lap. I pet him and rub behind his ears. “He has so many questions about you. I’m starting to not know how to answer him without slipping up.” I sigh and lay back down in bed with Horirem on my stomach. “I just hope that this journey is worth it. I don’t want you getting hurt once we find out the truth.”

Horirem grumbles and he settles down on me. “I’m prepared for that, I think.” He sounds uncertain. “I know this may end in heartbreak, but at least I would know what happened to him. I’d be able to rest knowing that it wasn’t something like what happened to me.”

“Is that what you thought?” I ask. 

Horirem grunts and is silent.

I rub the top of his head. “Did you think he was trapped too?”

“His mother did it to me,” Horirem snarls angrily. “Why wouldn’t she do it to her own child too? Especially when his sister is at the right age.”

“I really hope that isn’t the truth.” I sigh and my body begins to sink into slumber. I drift away as Horirem purrs on my stomach.

I wake up early, seeing that the sun has barely risen outside. I yawn and stretch, sitting up and finding that Horirem is gone. I step out of my tent and see Nafi sitting by the fire with Horirem in his lap.

“Good morning,” he says. “You’re up early.”

“I was about to say that about you.” I sit down near the fire and serve myself from the bubbling cauldron in the center. “How long have you been awake?”

Nafi sighs and shrugs up his shoulders. “I don’t sleep much,” he confesses. “I’ve never been a heavy sleeper.”

Horirem purrs and nuzzles up to Nafi’s chin. 

“I sleep as much as I can, and when I can’t, I just get up.” Nafi chuckles as Horirem stretches out. “Is it just me or has your pet gotten bigger?”

“Has it always been this way?” I struggle to keep the topic away from Horirem and how much he is changing as his powers return. “I mean, with you having a hard time sleeping?”

Nafi nods. “Even when I was little. Sometimes my dad would climb into bed with me and he would lay with me while I tried to sleep. I used to get so frustrated and angry,” he chuckles softly. “But having my dad there really helped.” he then smiles down at Horirem in his lap. “This little guy has helped a lot too. Had I known having a pet would help, I would have gotten myself one sooner. You don’t mind him wandering around to other people’s tents?”

Horirem purrs even louder and peeks open an eye at me.

“I think he likes you,” I chuckle. “So I’ll let it slide.”

Nafi huffs. “I know I talk about my dad a lot. I don’t mean to bore you.” He looks up at me. “My mom wouldn’t talk about him, so I had to go off of what I could remember and what others said. Although, most of the people who served my father were either fired or banished by my mom when he died.”

I furrow my brow. “Nafi, I’m so sorry. How did you cope with that?”

“For a while, I didn’t. Being made a king and expected to do what my dad did, it was…” he hesitates and I can see the dark fear in his eyes. “My mother got married to some prince or something, so she was barely any help. He died,” Nafi snarls. “Then that creepy advisor my mom insisted upon kept coming around. He had vanished when dad died then came back.”

I glanced to Horirem, who was starting to growl. 

“Was there no one there for you, at all?” I ask. “I mean, someone who at least cared a shred and not just because you were king.”

“Not until my sister,” Nafi pouts. “I know she’s just a baby, really, but she’s smarter than I ever was. Talking to her is like talking to a real ruler.” He then frowns and he casts his eyes down. “I used to have a lover,” he chuckles softly. “He was so lovely and we could talk for hours. He was the only person in the world besides my dad who ever felt me worth anything. I loved him so much but-” his voice chokes off. I place my hand on his shoulder when I see his eyes growing wet. 

I try to comfort him, but the tears continue to spill. “That creepy old-” he hiccups and wipes his eyes. “He sent him away! I didn’t know if he was alive or dead.” He then looks up at me and his expression changes.

Nafi looks around cautiously and then eases in close to me. He grabs both my hands up in his and squeezes them tight. “I feel as though I can trust you. I want to bare my soul to you. I need to tell someone.”

I smile at him and hold his hands back. “I know we’ve only met recently, but I do care about you. I never had any children of my own, but if I did,” I run my fingers through his mane, “I would want them to be like you.” 

Nafi sits up and takes out a letter from his shirt. “I had tried to find him using people I trusted. I sent them out far and wide. And I just got this. This is the whole reason I went out on this hunting trip. They’re bringing Bassam to me.”

I gasp and cup my hand around my mouth. “And you’re going to run away!”

“Exactly.” Nafi presses the letter into my hands. “Once Bassam and I are together again, we’ll run away, start a new life.” He shakes his head. “I know I’m betraying my sister, but she will be a better ruler than I ever was.”

“Are you sure?” I ask him. “Do you think you’ll be safe?”

“I don’t want to go back,” Nafi whimpers. “Not without Bassam. If it isn’t him, then I don’t know what I’ll do.”

I glance to Horirem and then put my arms around Nafi. I rub my hand down his neck and back as he cries onto my shoulder. He straightens up as members of the hunting party start to wake and come towards the fire for breakfast.

“Thank you,” he says to me. “You’ve been a great comfort, Lady Hazel.”

I hand him back the letter but he urges me to keep it. “I don’t want them to find it on me, just in case.” He squeezes his hand around mine. “Keep it. If anything should happen, it names the city where they took Bassam. If this is a trap, then you can go there and find Bassam, tell him what happened.” He then stands up, going to join the rest of the men in the hunting party.

Horirem sits beside me. “This must be what happened then,” he whispers. “He ran away to be with his lover, he escaped.”

“I feel so sorry for him,” I whisper. “He’s lost everyone in his life he really and truly loves. Even if he gets his way this time, he will still lose his sister.”

“If only my power would come back,” Horirem snarls. “I could make this all go away. I could help him!”

“This isn’t your fault,” I murmur. “And Nafi has turned out to be an amazing person. Hopefully, he will be reunited with Bassam and, by then, we can return home.”

“And what if it’s a trap like he said?” Horirem is shaking and his tail is fluffed up. “We could take Nafi back with us!”

“No,” I murmur. “Horirem, we couldn’t.” I speak calmly to him. “We could end up changing things that could ruin a lot of lives. We can’t interfere, no matter what, Nafi has to stay here.”

Horirem suddenly takes off, sprinting away from me and running beyond the tents. I don’t see him again until we pack up and continue on our journey. He reappears and I pick him up and put him in my seat with me. 

“Where’d you go?” I ask.

He grumbles something under his breath and curls up. “Just needed to be alone,” he stares out beyond the caravan.

“I got worried,” I fuss at him. “Don’t run away like that again.”

Horirem glares at me. “Worried? About what?”

“Lots of things!” I scoff. “You could have gotten stepped on, eaten, someone could have taken you! Then what?”

“You’d be trapped here forever,” he grumbles and his tail flicks.

“That would be the least of my worries!” I pinch his ear. “I would miss you! And like you not knowing what happened to Nafi, I would be so sad I’d get sick.”

Horirem frowns at me. “You would?”

I slouch back. “I care about you. In everything that has happened and all that we’re going through, I really do care about you.”

Horirem’s ears flick. “Like the kiss?”

My cheeks burn and I shrug. “It’s been on my mind,” I confess. “I won’t lie and say it hasn’t. It was a very good kiss.”

“I was thinking about it too,” Horirem huffs. “But now that I’m stuck like this, I can’t do anything about it.” His tail fluffs up. “All I can do right now is nothing, like any old stupid cat.”

I kiss the top of his head. “Once you’re back to your old self, I’ll reward you with another kiss then.”

“Don’t tease!” Horirem scoffs. 

“I’m not,” I giggle, “and I would never.” I rub down his back. “I would very much like a kiss in return, you know?”

He fluffs up all over and remains quiet for a long time. He then scoffs. “Ok, fine.”

At dusk, we reach the village where Nafi is supposed to be reunited with Bassam. The hunting party all get rooms at an inn, but Nafi sneaks away as soon as it’s dark. Horirem and I follow after him. Nafi goes to a house at the end of the village. He knocks on the door and it opens and he’s pulled inside.

“No!” Horirem rushes ahead before I can grab him.

“Come back here!” I chase after him and then I hear a scream from inside the house. Horirem yells and he throws himself at the door. He starts to glow bright red and his body is getting bigger and bigger. 

Horirem busts down the door and stands inside the doorway. I push myself inside and try to hold him back. I see Nafi clinging to a tall young man and both are crying.

“Lady Hazel?” Nafi blurts.

“Nafi,” I gasp. “Is this Bassam?”

Horirem pushes me aside and stands up tall. “Why did you scream?” He roars.

Nafi’s expression goes blank and his jaw drops open wide.

“Did he hurt you? What happened?” Horirem snarls.

“Da-dad?” Nafi’s bottom lip trembles. “It can’t be. I-” 

Bassam puts his hand in Nafi’s and brings him close.

I step between Nafi and Horirem. “I can explain,” I gasp. 

“No,” Horirem puts his hands on my shoulders. “There is nothing to explain here, Nafi.” He looks down at his son. “Is this the young man you’ve been searching for?”

Nafi nods as tears spill down his face. “Please tell me! Is it really you?”

Horirem kneels down and hugs his son. “Only a ghost,” he whispers. “I just wanted to make sure you were safe.”

Nafi clings fast to his father, hugging him so tight like he always wanted to. I stand aside, watching with Bassam as the two of them cry and hold onto one another. I take the old ring from my finger and place it in Bassam’s palm.

“Take this,” I tell him. “Start a new life together, somewhere far away and safe.”

Bassam looks at the ring and back at me. “Thank you,” he whispers.

Horirem then pulls away from Nafi and he stands up. “I’m happy to know what sort of man you’ve become, Nafi. I am proud of you and I always will be.”

Nafi quickly rises to his feet, trying to follow his father out the door. “Do you have to go now?” He sobs.

Horirem looks sadly at his child and shakes his head. “You have what you really need now.” He motions to Bassam. “You have the one you love by your side.” He walks out the door and picks it up off the ground. “I uhm...Sorry.”

I turn and look at the two young men. “Stay safe. Please.” I give Nafi a quick hug and then I run out to chase after Horirem.

“Let’s go home now, please,” Horirem shudders, “Before I change my mind,” he sobs. “Before I-” he grabs hold of me and hugs me tight. “Don’t let me chase him.”

I tangle my fingers into his mane and nod. “I wish we could go home.”

The red wraps around us, it moves and shivers as a harsh wind whips around our bodies. A moment later, we’re standing like we had never left my house. The coffee pot beeps now that it’s ready and the television is still on in the other room.

Horirem sniffles and rubs his eyes.

“It’s ok,” I whisper to him. “You made the right decision.”

“I need-” he takes a deep breath. “I need a moment.” He looks into my eyes. 

I nod. “I’ll go get a shower,” I reply. “Take your time.” I kiss his cheek and go back into my room. I get undressed and step into the shower, scrubbing down my hair first of all. It’s been a while since I’ve had a bath. It’s nice and I plan to take my time so Horirem can be alone. 

I then hear heavy footsteps and look up just as Horirem opens up the shower curtain. I stand there for a long time in a confused and stunned silence.

“What are you doing?” I say slowly.

“Let me in with you.” Horirem pushes me aside and stands behind me in the shower. “You smell good,” he growls as he puts his hands around my waist.

“Yeah, well-” I’m still in a state of shock. “I still want to know what you’re doing?”

He hushes me, whispering into my ear. “Just enjoy it.” His big hand strokes down my hip and then back up along my waist. 

I moan as his hand goes along my belly and then up to my chest. Both of his hands knead at my breasts and he growls directly into my ear. My breath is growing heavy and shallow and I am feeling a familiar ache return to my body.

“Horirem,” I groan. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Very much so,” he chuckles. He then turns me around and pins my back to the wall. “Remember our promise?”

I know I am far too old to be feeling like this, and yet my insides are all a flutter and my body feels lit with a new passion. “I do,” I breathe.

Horirem kisses me and it’s all too quick. “Then do it,” he snarls.

I kiss him and wrap my arms around his neck. He grabs hold of my hips, digging his fingers and sharp claws into my skin. He then holds me up and my legs wrap around his waist. I gasp and pant as our kisses grow more heated and urgent. 

I then flinch when I feel something rubbing against my thigh. “Oh my,” I whisper. “Is that-” I smirk when I look into his face. 

“Do you want me to tuck it away?” Horirem laughs. “You smell so inviting.” He nuzzles to my neck and bites my shoulder. His dark, hungry growl vibrates down my ear and into my chest, making me want him more than ever.

“It would be a waste,” I moan. “I wish you wouldn’t.”

Horirem’s dark laugh sends shivers down my spine. “You just wished for a world of trouble.” He moves his hips and I feel him rub against my slit.

I bite my lip and glance down, seeing the purple head of his cock. “You’re quite big,” I moan.

“Scared?” He teases.

“It’s been a while,” I whimper. “My husband and I were never really active either and uhm…” I squeak as he ruts against me, finding my all too sensitive clit. “This is the first time I’ve truly felt the need to...give in.”

Horirem kisses me and he guides himself to my entrance. He pushes in, stretching my opening and I cry out into his mouth. It’s a shock at first, but the more he sinks inside me, the better it feels. 

Horirem snarls and bucks his hips. “Too good,” he grunts. 

I squeeze around him and I kiss him as the shower continues to rain down upon us. “I wish you’d take me to bed.”

Suddenly, I’m drowned in pillows and blankets. Horirem is still deep inside me and his body presses down on top of me. His heavy weight feels so good and I tighten my thighs around him. 

“Anything else?” Horirem chuckles.

I look into his eyes and I kiss him. “I wish you’d make me cum.”

“You didn’t even need to waste the wish on that,” Horirem snarls and he moves. I gasp breathlessly as he grinds deep inside. He goes slow, taking his time and savouring every moment. I cling to him, wanting him to never leave me. He feels so thick inside, stretching me in ways I thought were only found in books. 

It’s been a long time so I drink him in eagerly, everything he gives me I want to be memorized on my body. He pushes deep inside, pulling out and rutting there. He watches me, takes in every expression and spasm of my body. He’s learning me and he’s taking his lesson very seriously.

Soon I feel raked with hot coals. My body grows stiff and my back arches away from the bed. I claw my fingers down his back as a silent scream escapes my lips. For a moment, I’m limp and delirious, my vision has faded but it slowly returns.

There is a warm pulse deep within me and Horirem’s face is contorted and strained. I reach down, feeling him surging inside me. I chuckle softly, laying back as Horirem lays on top of me. He’s breathing heavy and his body is slack.

“You feel so good.” I stroke my foot down his hip and leg. 

“Did I make up for lost time?” He laughs sleepily.

I kiss him and cup his face between my palms. “Not yet, but we’ll get there.” I let him rest his head on my breast and we soon drift to sleep. When I wake up, it’s dark outside and my stomach is snarling in hunger.

Horirem is still dead asleep, so I get up and go back to the kitchen. I make myself a fried egg on a piece of toast and as I sit there in the quiet and calm, I realize I have a wish for Horirem. 

“Why’d you leave?” He grumbles sleepily as he shuffles into the kitchen.

“I got hungry,” I chuckle. “You were so peaceful I didn’t want to bother you.”

He comes over to me and steals a kiss before he takes the rest of my food. “You could have woken me and wished for something. I know you don’t like to cook.”

I smile and nod. “Well, there is a wish I have, but I am not sure how to go about asking for it without you first.”

Horirem frowns down at me. “What do you mean?”

“This is a wish that will take two people,” I stand up and hold his hand. “I never asked my ex husband for it, because I never wanted it with him.” I place Horirem’s hands on my belly. “I know I am older, but with you, I think I can do this.”

Horirem’s eyes are wide and his expression is awed.

“I won’t make the wish just yet,” I whisper. “But if you agree to it, I want us to have a baby.”

Fat tears roll down Horirem’s face and he hugs me up tight. We make love again in the kitchen and, come morning, we make love again. It does take a while, but the wish eventually comes true. 

Horirem sits in the nursery most days, rocking with his baby girl as he reads her picture books. I no longer can ask for any wishes, because Horirem has a new master now, but she still can’t talk yet. So for the time being, Horirem is still a djinn, but once his new master grows up, he’ll be set free very soon.