Michael snickered from his vantage point in the long hallway, his eyes intently taking in the look of displeasure on the Sultan's face, along with the young blond that glared at his captor every opportunity afforded. This new addition to the Sultan's harem clearly didn't want to be here... and more important than that - he wasn't enamored of the gorgeous desert ruler. That in itself was surprising. The Sultan was renowned for being able to seduce any man to his will, he couldn't imagine this spirited American boy being any different. That made one thing very clear. If he wanted to use this boy - Justin, he believed was his name - he needed to act quickly.

Ben's eyes narrowed in suspicion on his partner, his gaze trailing to where Michael's eyes were attached on the retreating bodies. He didn't like that calculating look in Michael's eyes - especially being who it was directed at. No good could come from it. Diffusing these malevolent feelings Michael held for his Sultan was a priority. It had gone on for too long now, with no signs of relief. In fact, he thought the problem was only escalating. That needed to stop, before Brian handled it in his own unique fashion.

"So..." Michael whispered insinuatingly. "That's the young man that Brian just couldn't leave behind." He laughed mockingly, uncaring of whether he was overheard by the Sultan or not. "It doesn't appear that Justin cares for his new position..."

"I'm warning you, Michael - don't cause any trouble!" Ben turned to completely face Michael, his mind filled with both concern and doubts. Michael just couldn't seem to let go of his contempt for the Sultan. It didn't make any sense to him, either. In the beginning, Brian had been nothing but polite to Michael... although, it was clear he didn't like his new lover. It hadn't been much of a surprise to him; the Sultan lived by a certain set of rules. Trust didn't come easily to him. As he read the hateful expression on Michael's face, he really began to doubt the faith he had in him. Ben knew his Sultan extremely well. Now was not the time to push him on tedious or foolish matters. His patience and temper would be short for a while, at least, until he had sated himself with his new slave. He had a feeling that wouldn't happen for quite some time.

Turning from the sight of the two men disappearing around the corner, Michael effected an innocent pose, unaware how it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Trouble? I can't imagine how you think I could do that... or even why."

Gripping Michael's arm, he pulled him into a more abandoned hallway, his eyes glittering as he looked at the almost coquettish look on his lover's face. "Don't play these games with me, Michael. Not now! The Sultan's patience is very thin right now. It won't take much to irritate him. I'd hate for you to be involved in that!"

Michael scowled. He wouldn't hate that at all. It was his goal... and his dream. The immoral savage thought he deserved to own everything that took his fancy - it was time that he found out that things didn't always work out like that. Being the man to provide that lesson filled him with the greatest excitement he'd known in a long time. "God forbid the Sultan to be unduly upset..."

"This needs to stop, Michael! I can only help you so much... most especially now that we are back in Al Duran." Wearily, he looked at his partner, more than anything he wished he could understand him. There had to be more to the story than conflicting personalities, and/or diverse lifestyles. He had asked Michael on numerous occasions... he never received a plausible answer. "Please tell me you'll at least try to get along with Brian... respect him and our laws."

"I have never broken any of his archaic customs." Michael looked away from the urgency on Ben's face... right now, finding it hard to face him with what he had planned. No matter what the result ending up being, Brian would view it as betrayal, and in turn, Ben would as well. If not played well, he could lose him. What continued to be even more apparent, was that losing Ben was something he was willing to sacrifice if it meant hurting the arrogant Sultan. For now, he had to play the game, and stay in his lover's good graces. Michael knew the time would come to act out against Brian. When that time came - his feelings for Ben wouldn't stand in his way.

Justin watched in disgust as the men of Brian's harem fussed over his arrival. He moved his eyes away from the sight of them kneeling before him, forcing himself to find something of interest to divert his attention. The men were pathetic. In his mind - they weren't men at all. It was apparent they were each hot, and more than capable of giving a man pleasure; however, to him, they were weak. He didn't intend to ever be like them.

"Rise, and make yourself comfortable, my pets." Brian's tone was authoritative, yet, it was condescending. He wasn't certain why he was taking on such a stern and cold demeanor with these men that consistently brought him hours of pleasure, he only knew that he wanted Justin to understand one simple fact. There was always another willing, and hot body available to see to his needs. In time, he was certain that knowledge would drive Justin insane with jealousy and desire. If he didn't come to him long before then.

His jaw dropped down at the uncaring tone in Brian's voice. How could these men live like this? He just couldn't fathom it. These men clearly adored the Sultan - at the very least, they fervently desired him. Although he hadn't spoken with any of them privately yet, one thing was certain - they each held a deep admiration for their Sultan. None of these men would ever resist him. As he watched each of them staring on lustfully, a hunger for their master glowing in their eyes, Justin made another realization. He would never get any help from these men. Not only were they loyal, but they would do anything to please the Sultan.

"Justin, come forward. I want you to meet my other slaves." He gave Justin a warning look, telling him in one glance that no disrespect would be tolerated. As much as he expected to encounter rebellion in the days and nights ahead, he hoped that Justin would choose his battles wisely. A public display of disrespect wouldn't be well advised for the tempestuous blond right now.

Grudgingly, Justin moved closer, ever conscious of the brief clothing that defined his new wardrobe, as well as the curious eyes that watched his approach. He didn't say a word to the demanding Sultan, nor did he lower his eyes in supplication. And without a doubt, he didn't intend to either kneel or bow at his 'Lordship's' almighty presence. A bored, unaffected expression was on his face as he dutifully complied - although, both of them knew, this was far from an act of submission.

Despite his admiration at Justin's continued bravado, he knew the boy was being obstinate... and uncaring that he was doing so. He really should take him aside and whip his hot little ass, but he wouldn't - this time. He could envision many scenarios where that would become necessary - both in a pleasurable manner and in one of discipline. He looked at the beautiful men that comprised his harem... his eyes sharp on them as he assessed their initial reaction to Justin. It was clear to him that Justin could stir them up in a variety of ways. The only question is - how. "Gentlemen... this is Justin. He will be joining my harem. I expect you to treat him respectfully... and always keep in mind one simple rule." Brian's voice lowered to a low rasp, a tone that signaled he meant what he was saying. Each of them became instantly alert when he told them, "Justin is mine. You will not touch him in any way. Any man that dares to violate that will be severely punished."

Justin glanced at the other four men, a silent groan assailing him. Great, he thought to himself. Just great. Each of them looked his way, none of them saying a word, yet all of them staring at him with the deepest of animosity. He could only imagine how that would go for him once the Sultan left him alone with them. Without a doubt, he didn't expect to find any friends here. When he looked again, Justin saw a fifth man, he moved forward much more brazenly than the others, a welcoming smile on his face. He looked different from the others, a man that could be American, although he couldn't discern that merely from his blond hair and lighter coloring.

Brian smiled at the oldest member of his harem, and if the truth were told - his personal favorite. As his eyes moved over Justin, he couldn't rule out the thought that - that particular status could change in the days and weeks ahead. "Brandon, this is Justin. I am entrusting you to see that he is made comfortable."

Bowing to the waist, Brandon smiled affectionately at his Sultan, his eyes equally admiring the new addition that he knew would bring his master great pleasure. "It would be an honor, Master."

"I knew I could count on you." He couldn't miss the look of disdain on the other four men's faces. Justin wouldn't have an easy way here. Brandon would protect Justin; for now, that was what mattered most. "Please perform the introductions."

Nodding, Brandon answered, "As you wish, my Sultan." Brandon urged Justin closer, moving to stand in front of each man. "This is Joshua, he has been with the Sultan for two years now, he was born and raised on this island." Brandon looked directly into Joshua's eyes. "Joshua, please extend your welcome to our new brother."

"Welcome, Justin." Joshua kept his eyes focused on Justin, ever mindful that his beloved Sultan was intently watching this meeting... masking his contempt and jealousy as much as he could manage.

Justin wasn't about to respond in kind. He didn't want to be here... for certain, he didn't feel a response was necessary. Looking over his shoulder, he addressed the disapproving Sultan, "With all due respect, Sultan, these introductions aren't really necessary."

A collective gasp was heard from everyone present, each of them knowing the new slave had crossed a line. Now, all they could do was wait for the Sultan to erupt in fury.

"Carry on with the introductions, Brandon. Justin is new here; at this time, he isn't familiar with our rules and etiquette - yet." He leveled a warning look at Justin, one that foretold they would be discussing this in detail later. His eyes attentive on Justin, he spat out, "I will decide what is necessary - not you!"

Brandon's eyes widened. He had never witnessed such disrespect to the Sultan, nor of his answering wrath. This boy could have a very rough beginning. Swallowing, he moved down the line. "This is Nathanial, our master discovered him in the Greek Islands. He has been with us for a year now."

Nathaniel nodded his head, a muffled welcome issuing from him. His eyes were downcast, mainly to hide the anger swelling in him following the new boy's blatant disrespect to his master.

Justin was abhorring this entire process, but more than that - he hated the simpering adoration these men clearly had for the Sultan. Didn't they have any self-respect? How could they demean themselves in this way? Not only do so... but seemingly love the life they lived. He couldn't understand any of it.

Brandon continued on, sensing his Sultan's impatience, and desire for haste. "Next, we have Jacob. He is another descendant of this island. He has been with us for over two years. Next to me, he's been here the longest."

Jacob viewed Justin with interest... yet, distrust clearly in his eyes. He wouldn't make the mistake his other more volatile brothers now made. Their master was watching them all with interest. He wanted this new boy badly. That was enough reason to be contemptuous of him. However, he would watch and wait. Perhaps that desire would dissipate in time. Then, he would be the same as the rest of them. Right now, the young blond would be receiving most of his master's attention. As much as he didn't like that - it was something he and all of them must accept.

"Lastly, we have Amal. He is from Morocco. I think the two of you will be closest in age, although vastly different in culture." Brandon smiled warmly at Justin, his eyes looking over each of them furtively. He hoped they wouldn't be too difficult during Justin's time of adjustment. However, his hopes weren't very high regarding that. Each of them idolized their master. As it was, they didn't enjoy sharing time with their beautiful Sultan... knowing that another man would be part of that now wouldn't be pleasing for them. He had moved past that feeling long ago. His place here was vastly different from the others. His priority was to make the harem the most pleasurable it could be for his master. And right now, that meant seeing that Justin adapted well. Taking in Justin's appearance of boredom and displeasure in the process - Brandon knew that the task wouldn't be easy.

"Excellent." Brian was pleased with this initial meeting - despite Justin's inappropriate outburst. He had expected as much, in fact, that there had only been one occurrence was the most surprising part of all. "I will leave you boys to get better acquainted. You are all aware of the rules, and I trust you will apprise Justin of them. Tonight, I will dine with my son and his mother."

Brandon looked to his master, sensing who he would ask for tonight. It wasn't the least bit surprising; however, he knew the others wouldn't embrace it. "I will make certain Justin is educated in our ways, Master... and that his first night begins in comfort."

"I'm sure you will, Brandon." Brian's eyes were hungry on his newest slave, desire continuing to scorch him. He had to have something tonight. Perhaps not the full meal yet, but he needed his hunger fed. "After dinner, I want Justin in my chambers."

All eyes turned to see the distaste on Justin's face. Secretly, they all wished to be in Justin's place, yet each of them feared this was a sign of things to come. Brandon fulfilled his role and acknowledged the Sultan's commands. "I will escort him to you myself."

Justin turned to glare at Brandon, his devotion to this savage filling him with disgust. He watched each man in turn, bowing before the Sultan, his eyes returning to shoot daggers into Brian's amused, and for now, indulgent gaze.

Before departing, Brian stepped closer to the group of men. He touched each one briefly on the cheek. None of them were oblivious to the fact that their master lingered in front of Justin the longest. "I'll see you tonight, my pet. In the meantime, stay out of trouble."

His eyes filled with fury, Justin watched the Sultan sweeping from the harem, his body tensing when he felt a hand closing over his bare shoulder. He looked to see Brandon smiling at him engagingly, yet a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'd rather be left alone... if it's all the same."

"I'm afraid it isn't, Justin." Brandon flashed an even brighter smile, his eyes casually running over Justin. At a closer inspection, he could see what his master found so appealing in the young blond. In fact, he almost envied his ownership of the beautiful, rebellious boy. "We need to discuss a few things. You will listen, and begin living by these rules."

"Let me make one thing perfectly clear." Justin's eyes moved over all of them. "I don't want to be here."

Eyes looked at him in confusion. They all distrusted him even more now. All of them had come to the Sultan with a willing heart and body. It wasn't like their master to take a man on any other terms. They couldn't believe he would do that now. All they could do was watch as Brandon led Justin to sit on a section of luxurious cushions. Each of them knew not to intrude.

Sitting down next to Brandon, Justin muttered, "Let's get this lecture over with quickly..."

Brandon laughed. "I'm not going to lecture you, Justin. I just want to help you adjust more quickly. I'm here to answer all of your questions, and explain what is required of you. It's very little, actually. Just make our master happy. In return, you will have a life of luxury. He's incredibly handsome. So... it's not such a hardship - is it?"

Justin shrugged. "In normal circumstances - no. However, this isn't that, is it? I am an American. These customs are archaic and illegal in my country. I won't make this easy for him. All I want is to be sent back home."

"It will take time for you to adapt. No one can expect any different." As understanding as he was trying to be, Brandon also knew he had a job to do. The master's pleasure was all that mattered. More firmly, he told him, "Accept your new life, Justin. This is your home now. I will do all that I can to make you feel more comfortable, and understand what is expected of you. And now... let's start with some very simple rules, and a list of who you can and cannot trust..."

Listening attentively, Justin absorbed everything, knowing he needed to have a clear understanding of all the variables surrounding him if he was ever going to find his way out of here. One day he would leave this place, with or without assistance. As he glanced across the room at the glowering expressions on the other men's faces, he realized that day couldn't come soon enough. If he was thankful for anything, it was the surprise of Brandon. Even though he knew Brandon would always be fiercely loyal to the Sultan, he was also a friendly face. Right now, a friend was something he desperately needed. He would just need to remember this was a friend that would always put the Sultan first. Forgetting that would be the worst thing he could possibly do.

TBC