Secrets of Desire
by Czara
Go-Go's
Fort Bragg, California
They burned slower than had the spider things on the beach,
and took more energy to destroy, Skinner found as he downed four out of
the dozens still filling the sky. He could sense the wolf, recognized
him as the one who had taken Alex. What confused him was that the creature
was killing the flying creatures with quick skill and in so doing, was
helping Skinner protect his lovers. He brought down still more flying
creatures as Alex and Fox struggled with the two fighting over Fox. Skinner
concentrated on one of the things and it screamed as it was batted away
from Fox.
Alex was able to get Fox back to the ground but the remaining
creature turned on him with furious venom. It launched itself at him with
teeth bared and claws slashing. Alex jumped back from it, but its claws
scraped over his chest and he cried out. Fox tackled the creature and
pinned it beneath him before it could make another run at Alex. He saw
ten creatures swarming around Skinner and he cried out his name. Fox wanted
to rush over and help Skinner until the wings shifted around Skinner and
he saw the smile on his face and the glowing red eyes. He was enjoying
this, Fox realized. He was enjoying the battle. In the second that he
watched three of the ten rose high into the sky, trailing orange flames
like a deadly banner, shrieking and batting their wings frantically. Another
simply dissolved.
Fox was brought out of himself as Alex cried out in pain
again. Another creature had tackled him and was trying to bite his throat.
Before Fox could go to his aid there was a terrible sound that raised
every hair on Fox's body. The creature was torn off Alex and literally
torn apart by the massive wolf man. The wolf sniffed at the air, its eyes
burning, its teeth covered with bits of flesh. It was so huge that it
took up Mulder's full view. It seemed to smell something that angered
it further and it leaped at Mulder and the creature he still held beneath
him. Mulder cried out in fear as the beast descended on him and he let
the creature go to roll out of the way. He gained his feet and back-pedaled
quickly as the wolf pinned the creature under one massive paw and bent
to smell the creature's claw which was stained with Alex's blood. Mulder
watched amazed as it furiously shredded the creature, reducing it to small
lumps of flesh and pieces of bone in less than a minute.
When he was grabbed and tugged on he turned to fight, until
he realized it was Alex trying to pull him away from the melee. "Alex,
what are they?" He cried out as two more dove around their heads.
"Fuck if I know," Alex gasped out, breathing heavily. "Baby,
we have to run," Alex urged.
The wolf grabbed Alex before he could lead Fox away, and
Alex cried out in anger as he was forced away from Fox, leaving him unprotected
and vulnerable. He was pushed to the ground and covered by the massive
wolf, just as his body recognized him. Garren. He heard Fox scream and
he struggled to go to him, furious that Garren would keep him from protecting
Fox.
Garren kept his body firmly pressed to his cat's. The Ascendant
could fight off the rest; he was focussed solely on protecting his mate.
He could still scent Alex's blood and it enraged him. His cat was struggling
to go to the prince, but Garren would not let him. While the Schell would
only abduct the prince, they would kill his mate. The Schell were completely
un-sexual creatures and they wouldn't care how beautiful Alex was or how
intoxicating he smelled... they would only want to serve Murdoch. His little
cat struggled even harder as the prince screamed out his name. There was
a desperation in that voice that Alex responded to. He couldn't get free
of Garren, but Garren was impressed by his cat's strength.
"Fox! Dammit, let me go!" Alex shouted. "Fox!" Alex couldn't
move, his body was covered by Garren's changed form. He heard Fox crying
out to him and he screamed out his frustration at being unable to go to
him. This was almost the worst thing Garren had done to him. Leaving Fox
vulnerable to attack and then forcing Alex to listen to his cries. It
was maddening.
The sounds of the Schell screaming and the wings beating
overhead blended with the prince's cries and Garren held tighter still
to his mate. "Skinner will protect him, cat," Garren soothed as best he
could. He grimaced as the prince was knocked down and covered by a shrieking
Schell, the lovely body being grabbed and lifted. Surely Alex could understand
that it was Garren's responsibility to protect him. His claws hooked into
a Schell that flew too close and it was immediately disemboweled. It fell,
twitching to the ground and with a sweep of its own claws it swiped at
Garren, its claws sweeping too close to Alex's face. Garren lunged forward
with a terrible growl and bit the creature's head off, keeping a tight
hold on Alex throughout. He could see that Skinner had taken care of most
of the Schell and was standing next to the beautiful prince, his strong
arms holding Fox to his chest. "Cat, Fox is safe, stop your thrashing,"
he growled out, the words broken upon razor-sharp teeth. He was impressed
by the ascendant's strength. Surely as strong as Murdoch. Murdoch's advantage
being his ability to control most of the creatures from the other places.
And that advantage was enormous. He could smell the ascendant's exhaustion,
and while he would not move to aid him and risk his mate's life, he knew
Alex would be destroyed were the Schells able to complete their task and
abduct the prince. He called his pack to him and they came, shifting into
their wolf form despite their fear of the ascendant.
Skinner knew he was slowing losing strength. He had killed
many dozens of the creatures and mortally wounded still a dozen more,
but they kept coming from the sky, easily thirty more. He held tight to
Fox as he concentrated on destroying them. Each kill was easier to do,
once he had figured out how to kill them, but as he weakened it became
harder to focus. He screamed in rage as he refused to acknowledge any
defeat and ten more winged demons fell to the ground and dissolved. Fox
was struggling against him and he knew that had everything to do with
Alex being held by Garren. When he sensed the hundreds of wolves descend
on him he thought for a moment to simply disappear with Fox, going to
the side of one of the Gunmen or to Scully, but he would not leave Alex,
he couldn't. When the wolves came, they surprised Skinner by tearing madly
at the remaining Schell.
It was over in mere minutes. The Schell lay dead and the
wolves circled, eyeing him warily. As suddenly as they had appeared the
wolves abruptly faded back into the woods, many regaining human form as
they disappeared into the darkness. He loosened his hold on Fox who immediately
ran toward Alex and the great wolf holding him. He stopped Fox with a
tired hold and Fox froze. Skinner moved to encircle him with his strong
arms and used his remaining strength to push the wolf away from Alex.
The wolf growled angrily and stood as Alex scrambled toward Fox and Skinner.
Skinner let Fox go and kept his stare on the wolf as both Fox and Alex
inspected one another, whispering little words of comfort as they touched
each other solemnly.
"You have exactly one minute to leave," Skinner breathed
trying to remain standing.
The wolf chuckled and changed into his human form. "You
can't fight me, Skinner. You are weak and tired and my pack roams close,
they will come despite their fear of your presence... and they will attack
you. I am here for my mate, and I will not leave without him."
Skinner was stunned anew at the beauty of this creature.
He towered over Skinner and his body was as powerfully built as any Skinner
had ever seen. Shoulder length, golden hair fell on massive shoulders
and his face was almost too beautiful to be real. Topaz blue eyes, wide
and yet almond-shaped burned with intensity and full, pink lips were turned
up in a mocking smile. Blood seeped red down Garren's narrow waist mingling
with the white of the Schell's and his long, muscled thighs were covered
with gashes from the winged creatures' attack.
"Cat, come to me," he whispered and Alex's head snapped
up.
"I'll kill you first," Fox shouted, holding tight to his
lover.
Suddenly Alex gasped and pulled away from Fox. "You're hurt!"
he cried as he went to Garren. Fox and Skinner both stood with mouths
agape as Garren allowed Alex to touch his wounds, a tender smile on his
face. More surprising was Garren's tender touches on the blood-soaked
shirt covering Alex's chest. The look on his face caught between unholy
fury and almost painful tenderness, illuminated by the still burning corpses
of the Schell.
"Alex?" Fox questioned.
Alex turned back to Fox and a cloud of confusion crept over
his features. "He's hurt, Fox... I can't... we can't just let him bleed."
"He's left many a person to bleed, Alex," Skinner growled.
Alex jerked back at that, but said nothing.
Garren caressed the little cat's face and was about to assure
him that the wounds were superficial, that they would heal rapidly, but
he stopped himself and forced himself to sway a bit as if weakened. He
hid a smile as Alex steadied him.
Alex stared at Fox, his eyes begging Fox to understand.
Fox's eyes were wide and yet in the flickering darkness Alex could not
read his expression.
Fox turned away and went in to Skinner's arms and was wrapped
in the tender warmth of Skinner's embrace. "Let him help him, Walter.
He did save me from those things," Fox whispered. His heart felt as if
it were being compressed by some cold vice and he looked up into Walter's
steady gaze. Red fire still burned in those intense eyes and yet in ways
Fox cared not to understand, that redness at once comforted him and thrilled
him.
"He is also the one who stole Alex and raped him, Fox,"
Skinner hissed.
Fox knew it without being told. And that the man... wolf... was
so beautiful made Alex's unresolved feelings even clearer. How could he
compete with that? "I know," he said quietly.
"Fox, baby..." Alex began, but Fox just nudged Skinner away,
not looking at Alex again. Alex backed away from Garren, a tight expression
on his face. "C'mon, I'll look at these wounds and then you are leaving
without me." He turned, hurrying to catch up with Fox and Skinner. He
could see the faintly red glow of Skinner's eyes and he was strangely
comforted by that symbol of Skinner's strength.
Garren hid a smile. His mate was so naïve. How could
he not know that Garren would never leave him? He let his pack move further
away from the ascendant and followed his cat to the cabins.
Skinner kept turning to glare at Garren and to give Alex
small, confused glances. It was utterly black but he could see perfectly
as did Garren. He saw Garren carefully guide Alex over obstacles, much
as he was doing with Fox and he fumed. Alex was his and once the wolf
was tended to he would force him to leave. When the cabins came into view,
the little yellow lights coming from the window, Fox pulled away from
him and hurried inside. Skinner stood in the doorway and hesitated before
letting Garren in.
"When you are tended you will leave," he growled.
Alex paused to run a soothing hand down Skinner's arm. "Don't
worry, Skinner, he will."
Skinner looked Alex over, his eyes warm and brown once more.
"Have Fox tend to you first, Alex, I won't have you waiting on him as
you bleed." Skinner noted Garren's narrowing eyes and he could only pray
that his full strength would return soon.
Fox stared at Garren for a few moments before he placed
a hand on Alex's arm. "C'mon, Alex, let me see these," he said indicating
the scratches on Alex's chest. White blood and bits of flesh still clung
to Fox, a grisly reminder of the dead things in the forest. Skinner and
Garren squared off uneasily as Fox led Alex to the kitchen.
Fox wouldn't meet his eyes as he removed the ruined shirt.
Alex pursed his lips, determined to hurry this along so that he could
talk to Fox and smooth things over. He would be damned if he let this... this
feeling of attachment to Garren ruin what he had with Fox. Nothing would
ever come between them. He wouldn't allow it. Fox hissed and made small
distressed sounds when he uncovered the three gashes. Alex looked down
at his wounds and then back up at Fox. "They aren't as bad as they look,
baby," he murmured. He lifted one hand to Fox's gore streaked face. "You
have to clean up too."
Fox nodded, still keeping his eyes from Alex. He wet a cloth
and began to gently wash away Alex's blood, finding that Alex's prediction
of their seriousness to be true.
"Baby, why won't you look at me?" Alex stilled Fox's hands.
And when those eyes lifted to his they were filled with a lost look.
"I know you want to go with him... I can't..."
"You think I'd leave you?" Alex was truly stunned. That
there was something that drew him to Garren was undeniable, but he loved
Fox with all his soul, with everything that he was.
Fox nodded. It made Alex angry that Fox would think so little
of his love. He was still Krycek, the Rat, the bastard who couldn't be
trusted. When he would have said something hurtful, he saw the pleading
in Fox's eyes. He stroked Fox's face. "Do you really? Do you really think
so little of me, baby?"
Fox suddenly embraced him and kissed his neck. "No! I am
just... he's so beautiful..."
Alex pushed Fox back gently. "I am going to see to his wounds... and
then he's leaving. Skinner won't let him stay. Don't worry about it. He'd
have to kill me to keep me," Alex whispered.
"Fox, go clean up," Skinner said as he and Garren entered
the kitchen. There was a palpable tension between the two powerful men.
Fox frowned. "I'm not leaving..."
"Go take a shower, baby. I promise it will be okay," Alex
soothed as he stood. His eyes met Garren's briefly and those blue eyes
promised so much. He shivered with the desire to rub up against the big
body, he thrilled to the possessive stare and his fists curled in frustration.
What was happening to him? If Fox knew how the bastard was affecting him
he would be hurt, maybe even enough to push Alex away and turn his affection
to Skinner alone. That thought infuriated him. He saw a flash of Fox curled
up asleep on top of Skinner, long legs trapping Skinner, beautiful face
snuggled into Skinner's neck. He felt sick, that was his position. He
was the one Fox cuddled up to, no matter how much Skinner pleasured Fox
or made him beg for more, when he slept, Fox made his preference known.
Alex had the feeling that that wouldn't always be the way of it. He also
felt that had Skinner revealed his feelings for Fox before Fox had given
in to his lust that wonderful night, then Fox would be Skinner's and Alex
would never have had a chance.
Fox hesitated a moment before he walked quickly from the
room. Garren admired the beauty as he passed, it wouldn't be a chore to
tame his mate's lover. Those long legs, ripe lips, the ass that was made
to be fucked... Garren grinned. The prince smelled so delicious that his
organ stirred just from that sense alone. No wonder Murdoch was so driven
to own him.
Skinner wanted to follow after Fox, to make sure that he
was unhurt, but he was completely unwilling to leave Alex alone with the
wolf. He didn't trust him not to try and run off with him.
Garren let himself be guided to a tiny chair and he settled
his weight in it carefully, half expecting it to break. Alex was turning
on the water and steam immediately announced the hot water. Ah yes, he
thought, the convenience of having an ascendant around. He sighed in pleasure
as Alex brought a bowl of water and a small cloth over to him and began
to wash his body. His mate's jade eyes kept sliding down to Garren's naked
loins and a small pink tongue darted out to wet suddenly dry lips. Garren
smiled. He would have to find a way to introduce some more of his spore,
perhaps a quick nip before Skinner could stop him. He was certain that
his own scent would be attracting his mate as it was, but he wanted so
much more. Their eyes met and Alex's were narrowed against his reaction
to Garren. Garren had cause to curse his own regenerative powers as the
wounds were already healing nicely. Alex was disconcerted by their insignificance
given the amount of bleeding. Before Alex could move away, Garren grabbed
his head and found the healing sore on Alex's neck. He bit it lightly
feeling Alex's body grow rigid with anticipation as Garren tasted blood
and licked the wound with hot, wet strokes of his tongue. He was pushed
away and found Skinner staring over him with a furious expression on his
face. He had dared to shove his mate behind him and Garren growled as
he rose. It was one thing for the man to think he owned Alex, quite another
thing to act like it.
Alex leaned against the wall as the two squared off. For
all his bulk, Skinner seemed small next to Garren, but Alex knew Skinner
could hold his own. He groaned as he felt the spore begin its work on
his body.
"Don't push me too far, thief, I will not allow..." Garren
began.
"You will not allow?" Skinner growled. "You aren't in any
position to demand anything. I may be tired, but I am quite capable of
dealing with you wolf!"
Garren chuckled. "Even strong you would have troubles dealing
with me and you know it."
Skinner narrowed his eyes. Yes the wolf was strong. Far
stronger than some of his brothers even, if in different ways. Physically
Garren was formidable, but it was his position as leader of the pack that
made him deadly. Skinner had to admit that he had been utterly astounded
that the wolves had come so close to him. He felt their fear of him, but
Garren had been telling the truth. Their fear would not keep them away
if Garren commanded it. He could protect his family from them, but for
how long? And how many wolves would Garren be able to summon. Immediately
his new insight answered him. Millions. Why was it that Garren did not
wish to take his place as an equal to Murdoch? Why had he served him?
Alex's small moan grabbed his attention. He looked and saw that Alex was
trembling and flushed.
"What did you do to him?" He hissed at Garren.
"Sk-skinner, please," Alex whispered. "Walter"
Skinner went to him and without thinking he touched the
bite mark. Pale pink light glowed from his hand for an instant and Alex's
trembling subsided immediately. Garren was staring, unperturbed. The bonding
would take place even without the more sexual aspect of the spore.
"Leave now, wolf," Skinner barked.
"No," was all Garren said, but there was implacable determination
in his voice.
"I'm going to Fox," Alex said unsteadily. His desire to
wrap himself around Garren and beg to be fucked hard and fast had subsided,
but still the man was drawing him in. He needed Fox. He wanted to bury
his face in Fox's shoulder and be held tight. He could only hope that
Fox would hold him, that he wouldn't push him away.
"You aren't going anywhere, cat," Garren growled and Alex
looked to Skinner in question.
As Skinner turned his body to shield Alex the front door
was opened and an old man walked in alone. Alex recognized him immediately
as being the man who had given him the package containing the medallions.
"You two will have to stop your fighting if we are to hold
off the Ascendant," he said casually, as if everyone in the room should
know him. "Only an alliance between the two of you can keep your mates
safe from him. Do not kid yourself, Walter, once the Ascendant gets tired
of waiting for his creatures to succeed in bringing his chosen to him,
he will come for him himself. And then you will not be able to stop him.
You think you are tired now after fighting off just a few of his minions?
Think how tired you would be if he were to come himself! You are strong,
yes. Stronger than we had any hope that you would be, but you are not
his equal. Perhaps if it were just the two of you, one on one... perhaps
you could succeed, but he would not come alone."
"Who the hell are you?" Skinner barked. There was something
familiar about the old man, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
The old man ignored him. "For thousands of years, Garren
has cleaved to Murdoch. For thousands of years Garren has found Murdoch
after every rebirth and protected him from infancy to his death from all
our attempts to keep him from his plans. The pack is more dangerous than
any other single group that now roams this Earth, Walter. Only a very
few of the monsters that hunt now are independent of the Ascendant. Most,
like the Schell you fought tonight, will go to their deaths to obey him.
You cannot stand alone. Your Fox and indeed Alex will be taken from you,"
the old man said quietly. He looked at Garren for a moment, but turned
his attention back to Skinner. "You know what I say to be true, Walter.
You know it."
"You gave me the package," Alex said. "Why? What are the
medallions for?"
Garren narrowed his eyes. The man knew his mate? What did
he want from Alex? Before Skinner could move, Garren went to Alex's side.
He wasn't worried about the ascendant's reaction, his movement was instinctual,
defensive.
"It is the greatest of gifts that the unholy alliance between
the Ascendant and the Garren of the wolves has been torn. The greatest
gift to this world, Walter," the old man said without answering Alex's
question. A chair slid away from the table and made its way to the man's
side and he settled down with a sigh. "Yes, that's better. I am too old
and have had too much adventure lately to wait to be asked to sit."
Alex gasped. Was everyone magic now? He moved closer to
Garren without even realizing it.
Skinner was too engrossed in the man's words to notice that
small defection. He drew a deep breath. "You may have a point, but I have
a responsibility to Alex. I will not let him be taken even to save myself,"
he said harshly.
"And at the expense of Fox? And of all the people who even
now flock to you for protection?"
Skinner flinched, but raised his chin stubbornly.
"Baku?" Fox asked from the doorway. He had only a small
towel about his waist and was still dripping wet from the shower.
The old man turned and smiled, "Ah, Agent Mulder, how nice
to see you again!"
"I don't understand, why are you here?" Mulder asked as
he went to the old man. He saw Skinner's look of question and he explained
briefly Baku's role in his and Scully's investigation into the Mediggo.
Alex frowned, he didn't trust the man and Fox was standing
right next to him. He moved away from Garren to stand closer to his lover.
He looked to Skinner for guidance and received a small, comforting nod.
"Oh, I am here to make sure things work out. You see, Fox,
Murdoch knows his Schell have failed to take you and even now he is thinking
of coming for you himself. Is that what you want?"
Mulder gasped. He felt sick to his stomach. Those things
had come from Murdoch? That Murdoch would forget him had been a desperate
hope, but now it was shattered.
"How dare you say that, you old bastard," Alex hissed wrapping
his arms about Fox's waist. His eyes were aflame.
Garren was surprised that he wasn't entirely disturbed that
his cat was holding on to the prince. He would have torn him from any
other.
Skinner moved forward and placed a comforting hand on the
side of Fox's face. "He will not succeed, Fox. I promise."
"But he will. He will succeed. He will bring you to his
side and you will know true hell on earth as do all his slaves that look
so much like you," Baku insisted. He knew that Fox was the pivotal character
here. Both Skinner and Alex adored him and Garren... well Garren would want
to please Alex. "You will be his concubine..."
"Enough!" Skinner spat out.
"I know you don't want to hear it, but you have to act now
or face the consequences. You succeeded in freeing Mulder the first time
both because Murdoch had yet to ascend and that he was deeply involved
in the last of the ritual sacrifices. You will not be able to rescue him
again!" He looked deep into Mulder's eyes. "Remember his sling?"
Fox gave a small, despairing cry and turned into Alex's
embrace. He didn't want to remember any of it. "I remember," he hissed.
"It ripens daily with your stand-ins." Baku was vehement
in this. He knew what the others standing in this little, insignificant
room did not. If Murdoch had enough time, he would woo Garren back to
him and then no one would be safe. If his plans for at least a portion
of the world remaining free were to come to fruition then Skinner had
to form an alliance with Garren. He could not afford tact or tender mercies.
Garren had enough of the old human upsetting Alex and he
moved to kill him, changing as he did so. He was forced back by Skinner
who glared at him and then the old man.
"This is what you want me to ally with? Some beast that
wants to tear out your throat?"
Baku cleared his throat, "I want at least a small portion
of the world to be safe, yes."
Garren changed back and growled, "I am not a coddler of
humans, old man. What makes you think I would turn against Murdoch? I
serve him no more, that is true, but what makes you think that I would
fight against him?"
"You would help him? Knowing that he wants to destroy Fox?"
Baku said cautiously, knowing that Garren would not care in the least,
only caring what Alex thought. Cautious too in angering the creature further.
He could only hope that Skinner would continue to protect him.
"The prince is not my concern," he growled. At Alex's gasp,
he frowned. "Well, perhaps I would not want to see him taken, but that
does not translate into fighting my old master. I stood at his side for
thousands of years..."
"Yes and he plans on stealing your mate, using him to barter
with you for your loyalty. Think you that he will treat your mate kindly?"
Baku smiled slightly as Garren flushed with rage.
Skinner was thinking. He knew Baku's words to be true, but
Garren would never give Alex up. How could they form an alliance with
Garren constantly after Alex? He gasped as he realized what the old man
was suggesting. "Never!" he ground out. "I will never turn Alex over to
be raped."
Alex flashed him a small smile. Yet he wondered at that.
Would it still be rape? Yes! No matter how he yearned to feel the thick
slide of Garren's cock pounding him, relentless and so... he stopped those
thoughts with a small glare at Garren.
"Nor would I," Fox growled turning to face Baku once more.
"I will never let him go!"
"And I won't leave him," Alex said challengingly, staring
at Garren. "I'll never leave Fox!"
Baku sighed in frustration. Couldn't they understand? "Alex?
Why would you struggle for something that will end up hurting Fox? Why
can't you see that with the Garren by his side, Skinner will be unchallenged?"
"Leave him alone," Skinner barked. "You have no right to
try and make him feel guilty."
Baku nodded. "You are right, but still, he would feel guilty.
Especially when he remembers how Mulder was tied, spread to the bed for
Murdoch's pleasure."
Skinner grabbed the old man by his throat. "That was no
more Alex's fault than mine! And if you think I won't kill you, you are
mistaken. You come in, uninvited and torment my family! I should kill
you where you stand."
"And if he doesn't, I will," Garren seethed. The old bastard's
words were tormenting his mate and he longed to sink his teeth into the
soft flesh of the bastard's throat.
"Walter, let him go," Fox said quietly. He shook his head
as Alex made to protest.
Skinner released the old man slowly, his eyes red and wild.
"You and your prized wolf can leave right now! I am finished with you
both. Alex and Fox have had enough trauma without any more."
Baku nodded again. "Yes, but you know I speak the truth."
He stood. "I and some of my followers... a group that Dr. Jane Reeves belonged
to, Agent Mulder, so you know the Ascendant is our enemy, we are staying
somewhere close by should either of you want to talk." He paused before
leaving. "Agent Mulder, those medallions would have made it very difficult
for the Schell to find you. It will help hide your changed nature from
humans and hunters alike. You should wear it."
"I would be most interested in meeting you and your followers,"
Garren said with a darkness in his tone that made the old man shudder.
Mulder looked to Alex, but he saw that Alex was staring
at Garren. There was something odd in that look. Something Mulder didn't
recognize. It wasn't the disdain Alex usually had on his face for people.
It wasn't the tense wariness that Alex reserved for anyone he deemed a
potential threat. Mulder searched that lovely face for any sign of tenderness,
anything that would indicate that Alex wanted to be in Garren's massive
arms. Mulder took a moment to look over the nude male. He was unconcerned
of his nudity. The body was so utterly perfect, the organ large even as
it lay lazily on his thigh. Mulder hated him for his beauty as much as
for taking Alex from him. He moved away from the group as Skinner escorted
Baku to the door.
"Fox?" Alex's voice was strained, tense.
"I'm going to get dressed," Fox said quickly. He just wanted
to be alone. He wondered where Scully was. He needed to see her, to connect
with the one person who had always stood by him. She would know just what
to say... she always knew what to say. He used to resent Scully for his need
for her... his reliance on her. But he had accepted it long ago. She was
his grounding force, no matter how trite that sounded. Alex touched his
shoulder and the look on his face was familiar, tender, loving, those
jade eyes so vulnerable. Fox managed a smile at that look. He only ever
saw it on Alex's face when Alex was looking at him. Maybe Alex wouldn't
leave him. It would be a first, but then so had Alex's love been a first.
No one had ever loved him the way Alex did. His thoughts went to Skinner
and he sighed impatient with his meandering thoughts. "I'm just going
to get dressed." He dismissed Alex with his tone and Alex clenched his
jaw. Mulder had to smile a bit at that. Alex was certainly easily angered.
He went to the bedroom and sat on the bed. He heard Skinner talking to
Baku and heard Alex saying something to Garren. There was a chill breeze
coming through the broken window and he shivered. He stood to dress but
something drew his attention to the night just outside the large window.
A movement, a sliding sound. He pulled on a pair of Levi's and a sweater
before finding his gun and moving toward the sound, his heart beating
with anticipation of conflict.
The young man standing outside smiled at him and put a hand
to his lush, blood red lips.
"Shhh, Fox, don't say a word. I want to tell you something,"
the man whispered.
Fox felt his blood start to pound through his body and pool
in his cock at the seductive tones. He nodded wordlessly and came closer
to the window, the gun dropped forgotten on the floor.
"Come closer," he whispered and Fox did, drawn inexorably
toward the man. Such pale skin, such dark, long hair. It was the eyes
that transfixed him, dark pools of ebony, endless, dark and beautiful.
Living onyx. He wanted to touch that face, to taste those lips.
"Yes, Fox, closer. Hurry," the voice was seduction, it demanded
obedience and Fox was eager to obey, his cock throbbing slowly. A hand
caressed his face, so cold and yet it burned. Fox moaned, moving his hips
to give some small friction on his cock. He was drawn outside though he
didn't realize he was outside until his bare feet curled against the cold
of the damp earth. He moved to kiss the pretty mouth but the man moved
further away. He frowned as he followed, only wanting to touch him.
"Yes, love, come closer," he whispered as he moved further
away from the light of the window, his beautiful prey following. When
seductive night covered Fox with darkness, Mikhail stopped moving, letting
Fox catch him. The full lips glistened as Fox ran his tongue over his
lips in anticipation. Mikhail's body burned to claim him now, but that
was not an option. The ascendant would not be distracted for long. He
had to take Fox far away from here before he could plunder the beauty.
Fox was running his hands up and down on Mikhail's chest,
eyes dazed, small whimpers coming from his throat in husky need. Mikhail
embraced him, their erections pressed hotly together, rubbing and aching
to be released. "You want to be here, with me, you want nothing but that.
I will take you away before Alex can leave you," he whispered and Fox
trembled, his eyes wide and dazed. "Don't call out to Skinner, let me
take you. Wrap your arms about me, love, I will take away all the hurt,
all the fear."
Fox was lost, he couldn't make sense of anything that was
whispered only aware of the blood pulsing at his neck, at his groin. A
hot tongue licked at the tender skin of his neck as he was lifted. His
head lolling on his neck as he fell into a dream. Leathery wings beat
slowly, stealthily as Mikhail claimed his lover.
Garren was lost in his mate's scent and he drew Alex back
toward him feeling the muscled body tense. He held firm when Alex would
have moved away, bringing the tight body to his and kissing the top of
the black head. "Are you in any pain, cat?" He whispered soothingly, gently
squeezing the muscled shoulders.
Alex wanted Garren to leave, wanted him to just walk out
that door and leave without looking back. He caught himself rubbing back
against Garren in a feline attempt to be stroked and his eyes opened wide.
"Get off me, Garren!" He pulled away with effort only to
be pulled around to face Garren as those topaz eyes looked him over solicitously.
"I asked if you were in pain! I cannot help you if you do
not open up..."
"Aarrgh! Can you not understand? I am not yours to worry
about! I am happy... for the first fucking time in my life I am happy just
where I am!" He ran a hand through his thick hair and swatted at Garren's
hand as he tried to touch Alex's face. "I won't be your toy! I have played
the whore long enough. Never again." He glared as Garren just smiled at
him. He gasped a bit as Garren moved toward him, and he found himself
in the unfamiliar position of scrambling back away from an opponent. "Uh,
Skinner!" he croaked out as he was drawn into an embrace that wasn't entirely
odious.
"Take your hands off him," Skinner growled. Garren was thrust
back but he lunged forward again as Skinner pushed Alex away.
"I should have let my pack destroy you, ascendant."
"Yes, you should have," Skinner agreed. "But you are too
late now, wolf, I'm not as tired as I was then." He smiled. "I think battle
agrees with me," he chuckled darkly.
"I'm going to find, Fox, you two just keep from tearing
each other apart," Alex ground out, not knowing why he should care if
Skinner flattened the bastard only knowing that he did. "Skinner, can
we just play nice for a minute... keep him... you know... away from me, but I don't
think Fox needs anymore turmoil tonight," he said firmly, almost believing
his reasoning. As he approached the bedroom the hairs on the back of his
neck began to raise and he slowed cautiously. Old survival habits commanding
his movements as he paused before he remembered that Fox was in that room.
He didn't know why his instincts were screaming at him in their insistent
manner, only that there was something not right somehow. He raced into
the room, his tension breaking through both Skinner's and Garren's concentration
on one another and they both turned to follow him.
"Fox?" Alex shouted as he burst into the empty bedroom.
The window was a gaping hole in the room. The curtains blew slightly with
a breeze that seemed playful, secretive. He raced toward the window but
was scooped into Garren's embrace and pulled back and out of the room.
Garren smelled the enemy and he wanted his mate no where
near it. He watched as Skinner realized what had happened, realized that
the prince had been taken and that for the moment there was nothing he
could do. Skinner was at the window and then he jumped through the frame
calling out to the pretty prince. Alex surprised him and slipped from
his grasp and followed Skinner outside.
"Alex, if I have to tie you to me, I will," Garren growled
as he came up behind Alex, his eyes searching the darkness for any sign
of danger to his mate.
Alex turned wide greed eyes to Garren, "Where is he? You
can find him! You can track him..." He was desperate, frightened. The way
Skinner stood rigid, unmoving as if he couldn't hear or see anything around
him made him even more anxious. "Skinner! Stop just standing there... what
is wrong with you? Fox is gone!" He knew somehow that Fox wasn't nearby,
he could feel the distance between them growing.
Garren could still scent the vampire, it was the same one
that had tried to take his mate. He moved as close to Alex as he could
but his eyes were on the ascendant. His eyes narrowed as Skinner locked
on to Fox and prepared to go to him. He grabbed the man's arm and shook
him. "Don't do it, Skinner," he managed to warn before Skinner threw him
off. "You can't go to him now... don't you see?" Garren hissed.
Skinner could feel Fox, could sense his arousal, his confusion,
but too there was Fox's need for him and he would follow that. The wolf
was speaking, trying to stop him from going. He should kill it.
"Do you think you can fly, ascendant? You can't! If you
go to him now you will kill him! Listen to me, Skinner," Garren spat furiously.
He clenched his fists as Skinner began to fade. "You will bring him to
the earth too fast! He won't survive."
Alex was gaping and then, believing Garren, he clutched
Skinner's arms, the flesh strangely malleable. "Skinner, stop. Listen
to him," he urged.
Skinner felt Fox's dreamlike pleasure and his blood burned.
Alex was holding him back and he heard the panic in his voice. He shook
his head. He couldn't leave Alex, but he had to go to Fox. When he would
have grabbed Alex into his embrace to carry him with him the wolf roared
and Skinner found himself sprawled on the ground and Garren dragging Alex
quickly away. He was torn between wanting to follow Fox and wanting to
go to Alex.
"You will not take my mate to his death, foolish creature.
Your lover is miles above the ground... can't you see anything? You are not
fit to care for any changed human! If you go to the prince the enemy will
have no choice but to release him! Are you listening? You cannot fly!
And while you would survive, Fox would not."
Skinner recoiled from the furious words. He could sense
the cold surrounding Fox and knew Garren's words to be true. He stayed
on the ground, kneeling, his hands fisted on his thighs. He lifted his
head and screamed out Fox's name. And then he just screamed.
Alex struggled to go to him, feeling strangely as if he
should comfort the big man, but Garren wouldn't release him. "He's not
going anywhere," he breathed, "Let me go."
Garren frowned. He should just take his mate now. It was
perfect. The ascendant could not track both Fox and Alex, but he wanted
Alex with him forever, not just as a stolen prize from the powerful ascendant.
True he could fight off the ascendant's attempts at reclaiming his mate,
but at what cost? He had seen the man's strength and determination. Too
he would have to contend with Alex's attempts to return to the man and
the prince. Perhaps if Murdoch did own the prince it would be easier to
keep Alex, if Garren would but return to Murdoch's side where he had been
for several millennium. He frowned at that and let his mate go to the
shaking ascendant. Murdoch was incapable of the emotions that even wolves
had, tender emotions of love and concern. Though the lack of those emotions
in his master had never bothered Garren before, the idea that the Ascendant's
cruelty might harm his mate, either indirectly through too harsh of use
of the beautiful prince, or directly. Garren had seen the lust in Murdoch
's eyes as he had looked upon his little cat. He knew too that Murdoch
believed that one day Alex would come willingly to his bed. Garren's nostrils
flared in anger remembering his mate's pain and abuse at the hands of
Murdoch for even that short period of time.
He watched reluctantly, pacing slightly, as the human ascendant
gently brought Alex's hand to his lips and through his own pain of loss,
try to comfort Alex. This one would never harm his mate, but he would
not respect Garren's claim. He was torn. Though he was the dominant male
and his wishes ostensibly ruled, he was bound by unfamiliar feelings of
concern that came with taking a mate. He couldn't resist the instinctive
urge to please his mate in more ways than just sexual pleasure. He shook
his head trying to regain his equilibrium. It bothered him, to say the
least, that he had not had his pack attack Skinner. He had been weakened,
he may have even been destroyed by the attack. That he hadn't because
he anticipated Alex's displeasure angered him... not with Alex... but with himself.
All his existence he had done what he pleased. It pleased him to serve
Murdoch, and it pleased him to see to it that the promised new world would
come to pass, but now all that he was, all that he had ever been was at
the mercy of one human... well it was disturbing. And that he had to pick
this particular human. Alex was anything but easily led.
He had to fight down the urge to drag his beauty away from
Skinner. There was an opportunity here, one to get what he wanted, what
was his without having to steal Alex away like some thief in the night.
As he watched Skinner stand his thoughts went, oddly, to his litter mates.
The brothers and sister that roamed the continents across the sea. That
he would even think of his litter mates at this time served to convince
him that Alex had put him into a tailspin. His lips curved into the closest
thing to a pout as he had ever managed, he caught it and drew his lips
taut over his perfect teeth, exasperated.
Skinner stared at the still-nude Garren and he shook his
head. He couldn't think about the presence of the wolf just now. It did
seem that Garren wasn't going to run off with Alex, even Skinner had to
admit that the pack could have probably done him some damage, had Garren
ordered them to attack. Skinner didn't think he could be killed, but he
could be hurt. He had to go after Fox. He sensed the nature of the thing
that had taken Fox and it chilled him. Something old, perhaps not so old
as Garren, but so different. Both were killers however. He couldn't forget
that.
"Alex, Fox will not be killed," Garren said softly as he
watched Alex stare into the night. When Alex looked to him with wide eyes.
Garren frowned at the fear there. "He won't be harmed, little cat," he
tried to soothe.
"What is it? What has taken him?" Alex's voice was shaky
and yet there was a steel in his tone that spoke of his strength.
"A vampire," Garren said. "You remember the river? The thing
that tried to take you? It is the same creature."
Skinner didn't respond to this information, he knew it already.
He hadn't known that it had tried for Alex before, but it didn't surprise
him in the least.
Alex narrowed his eyes. The idea that that... thing... had his
lover sickened him. He could see the red eyes, the long fingers, smell
the scent of old death... the allure despite its true appearance. "What do
we do?" He asked, his eyes moving from Garren to Skinner.
"We go after him," Skinner answered immediately. "Go get
your things..."
"No. You can't take him with you, Skinner," Garren growled.
"The hell he can't!" Alex hissed.
"I am taking him..."
"Do you want Fox back?" Garren asked. "You know that Alex
will only slow you down, Skinner. You can travel faster without him, and
you can worry only about getting to him, not about protecting Alex as
well."
Skinner didn't have time to argue. "He will not slow me,
Garren. It is obvious that you only wish me to leave him so that you can
molest him without me to protect him from you."
"You can't bring Alex. Humans cannot travel the way you
must if you are to get to your lover before he falls under the enemy's
control. Vampires are a seductive breed it is true, but soon, Fox will
forget you, forget you both and you have less time than you think, ascendant."
Garren pushed a lock of hair out of his face. "You decide, ascendant,
but if you try to take my mate, I will follow you and you will not go
faster than he can travel."
Alex shook his head as Skinner's eyes narrowed in concentration.
"I can travel as fast as you, Skinner! I am not going to stay."
Skinner could feel Alex's torment, but Garren was right.
Alex would slow him down. "Alex, you can stay with Antonio..."
"Antonio?" Alex spat. "You have to be kidding me! I am not
in need of protection and I will just follow you anyway."
Skinner looked into Garren's eyes and he saw nothing there
but patience, patience learned through centuries of waiting. "I will hunt
you, wolf, if you touch one hair on his head." Skinner couldn't look at
Alex again as he sent out his thoughts to Antonio. He felt his brother's
attention on him and he urged him to return to the cabins. He sent his
thoughts, his fears for Fox and Antonio immediately rose from the bed
he shared with Dana and shook her awake. Antonio was coming, but Skinner
was only slightly relieved. He hated the idea as Antonio had made it perfectly
clear how much he lusted for Alex, but he was not willing to let Fox go.
Perhaps with the wolf to balance Antonio the two would fight over Alex,
neither able to claim victory until he returned to his side. He pulled
Alex close hearing the curses the young man threw at him for his planned
abandonment. He kissed those sweet pink lips and let himself fade into
the hunt.
Alex didn't even see Skinner leave. One moment he was held
in those strong arms the next he stood alone. The sounds of movement in
the forest faded almost as quickly as a breeze passing through and he
knew he would never have been able to keep pace. Still, it hurt. He had
been left... again.
Garren felt none of the victory he should have felt, here
was his cat, alone and unprotected, he could have taken him then, but
instead he just drew the pretty body to him and tried to give assurance.
He knew nothing of real concern before this. Even when Murdoch had been
a child so many times, and had ridden on Garren's shoulders or had tagged
after him through endless countrysides and endless turmoil, Garren had
not felt true concern. Murdoch had never been a child in any real sense.
He had simply been living out existences, his soul the same throughout.
Now Garren was faced with an enemy he couldn't tear asunder. Alex, like
an untamed creature let himself be held just for a moment and then he
tore himself free and went back inside. Garren followed, watching as Alex
gathered some belongings and put them in a small bag.
"What are you doing, Alex?" Garren asked, sitting on the
large bed.
"I am going after Fox. I may not be able to keep up with
Skinner, I may not be a fucking god but I am not going to sit here like
some fucking prom queen while my lover is out there."
"You can't find him, Alex. You can't hope to find him. Let
Skinner find him and bring him back to you. There is nothing shameful
in that. You are too much of a distraction and even I would not like to
have you wandering the dark even were I with you. You have no idea how
desirable, how beautiful you are do you?"
Alex turned to him and there was such a sweet look on his
face, but Garren smelled the fury beneath the angelic exterior. "I have
been told how fucking beautiful I am by so many people in my life, Garren,
that I am sick of it! I was taken from my family because I was told I
was beautiful. I was raped and forced to become a pawn, because I was
told I was beautiful. I was taken from an ordinary suburban life to become
a killer because I was told I was too beautiful to waste! Now you say
I have no idea? Fuck you, Garren! My life didn't begin the moment you
stole me. The only thing, the only thing that is good in my life is
out there!" He pointed to the guilty window and the night beyond. "And
I am not going to sit back and wait for someone else to save him. I don't
trust anyone else with him. I've seen what men with power do to men like
Fox."
Garren stared at Alex for a moment. "Alex, believe me when
I say this. Had I known you earlier, I would have torn the men who used
you asunder. I would have kept you from them."
Alex laughed, a bitter sound. "Oh Jesus! You only want me
because of this fucking change! I would have been meat to you before this.
Don't pretend you feel some emotion for me that you don't," he growled.
Garren frowned. "I chose you before you changed Alex. Perhaps
you were changing already, but I chose you as my own the moment I saw
you. I couldn't have scented your change, cat, you were but an image on
a television screen. Had you not changed, had the ascendants not been
born to change the world, I would have found you and taken you to me.
And I would have killed your enemies... every one of them."
Alex didn't care. He didn't want to know what image of himself
Garren had seen. He didn't care that Garren was staring at him with such
gorgeous intensity. He only cared about Fox. "You can lie all you want,
Garren, but I am going."
"I won't allow it," Garren said smoothly. "And I think you
know that you cannot escape me."
"I did it once," Alex hissed, throwing another pair of jeans
in the bag carelessly.
"I am focussed only on you now, cat. I don't have the demands
of defending the Ascendant now. You cannot escape.
Alex frowned. Garren had, more than once, called Skinner
'ascendant' and yet he referred to Murdoch as Ascendant as well. He narrowed
his eyes. "What do you mean when you say, had the ascendants not been
born to change the world. Ascendants. Plural. As in more than one."
Garren tilted his head and his long hair slid over his broad
shoulder like water. "Yes, Alex, I know the meaning of the word plural.
I mean of course, all the human ascendants and the Ascendant alike. Murdoch
is not human but he is like his brothers... only as he is from the other
places like us hunters he can command many. Skinner, the one you call
Antonio and all the others are powerful as you have seen, but they command
only human loyalty... or if they align with their master, than they share
in the protection of the hunters."
Alex was confused. "Hunters? Other places? What are you
talking about? Fuck! Just a few days ago I was waking up beside Fox and
none of this meant anything." He turned to hide the frustrated tears,
the weakness of that traitorous moisture.
Garren stood and went to Alex. "I know you are upset, but
Skinner is strong. He will find Fox and bring him to you, cat. Please
don't cry," he husked, his voice worried, unsure how to proceed.
Alex jerked as if punched. "I am not crying!"
Garren nodded, "If that is what you wish me to believe."
"I want to know what that thing will do to Fox!"
"I think you know. What would you do to such a beauty were
you able to?" Garren frowned again. "If you were not able to have him
just for a smile, if you had to take what you wanted?" He had not soothed
Alex at all. He had hoped that Alex would take some comfort in knowing
that the vampire would not kill Fox. Instead he was even more agitated
than before.
"So you are saying that he is going to rape him?" Alex clenched
his fists until blood dripped onto the pale, oak floor.
"Of course," Garren sighed. What did Alex expect? This was
precisely why he would not be allowed to wander. He didn't yet grasp the
situation.
"'Of course' he says, as if that should make it easier,"
Alex mocked. And when Garren grabbed his hands to keep him from forcing
more blood out he struck out in fury, knocking Garren to the ground. "Keep
your fucking hands off me!" He heard Garren sigh and that sound made him
want to weep. In a rational world the man would be dead, or at least in
too much pain to sound exasperated.
"Would you rather then, that he be killed and left a bloodless
corpse, cat?" Garren came back to his feet, resisting the dominant urge
to punish his willful mate. "He will be seduced. He won't know he is being
raped, Alex. He will enjoy it as much as you enjoyed our mating."
Alex's eyes flashed jade fire and Garren couldn't repress
a grin. What beauty before him. He had never seen such beauty. Not even
the prince could compete in his eyes. The sweep of lashes so dark a contrast
to the brilliant green, the high flush of rage. He sighed in appreciation.
"I didn't enjoy it! Not a second of it," Alex lied. His
heart was being wrenched out of his chest by images of Fox, taken, panting
as the old creature played with his silken body.
"Now who is lying, cat?"
"Stop calling me that! And I am not lying!" Alex sneered,
backing away from Garren.
"Should I remind you how it felt to be one with me, pretty
Alex?" Garren chuckled as the flush grew darker and the sweet breaths
grew shorter. Arousal heightened Alex's allure and Garren growled with
lust. He paused in his deliberate, stalking steps when he sensed the nearness
of the other ascendant. His nostrils flared with remembered rage as that
one pawed at his mate. He scented a female changeling and narrowed his
eyes as the sound of a vehicle came near.
Aerie Fox lay on the bed, it was so soft, covered with velvet,
black velvet he could see in the fading light. Candles flickered from
every corner of the room. He narrowed his eyes in confusion. Where was
he? He had a better question. Who was he? He had no recollection that
would serve to answer either of those questions and a flood of images
began to come to his mind as he stood, sliding off the large bed and putting
his feet to the cold, stone floor. A small wooden table laden with steaming
food and both a bottle of water and a bottle of wine sat near what looked
to be Irish crystal stood at one side of the large room. How would he
know that? How would he know it was Irish? He shook his head and followed
the fading light of the sun through a strange hallway. His mind busily
cataloguing everything he saw until he could ascertain that he was in
a cave of sorts. He followed the narrow shaft until he was at the mouth
of the cave and he put a hand to the side of the smooth stone to steady
himself as he looked down.
The entrance to the cave was several hundreds of feet up
the face of a stark cliff. Trees that looked like a child's toys sprinkled
the ground below and he could see for hundreds of miles in the distance.
The sun was but a sliver of burning red in the sky, dipping behind snow
barren peaks. He backed away from the edge, his thoughts riotous and panicked.
He hurried back to the bed upon which he had awakened, hoping for some
small clue as to who he was and where he was. He could only remember a
silken voice soothing him, black eyes urging him to sleep... nothing else.
He stared solemnly at the bed and the sumptuous feast on the old table.
The walls were draped in red silk and the high ceiling was covered with
incredible murals. He made a small, frustrated sound and plucked nervously
at the thin, silk robe he wore. More red. Vivid scarlet a contrast to
the fading tan of his exposed skin. The robe was short, revealing and
he wondered what type of man he was to wear such a garment. He spied discarded
denim in one corner of the room yet as he approached the jeans with relief
he saw this silk on the wall flutter from some secret breeze.
He stood still, curiosity burning, before he stepped forward
and pulled back the red silk on the wall. A long, dark corridor receded
into utter blackness and his pulse pounded. What was down there, he wondered.
Without thinking he grabbed one of the fat, scented candles that illuminated
the darkening room and slipped into the corridor, the stone beneath his
feet cold. He could see only a few feet in front of him and his instincts
were begging him to retreat. Something was not right. Something was making
the hairs on his neck prickle with alarm and when he had gone on only
another hundred feet he stopped. His breath was the sound of a freight
train in the dark, loud, insistent. His heart pounding against his chest
as if in cadence to his own frightened thoughts. Before him a vast cavern
loomed and he could see no end to it. He looked down at his feet to see
that once again he was on a precipice one that had no end that he could
see in the inky blackness. He sensed movement around him and his candle
was snuffed out. A small, feminine giggle erupted in the blackness. He
stepped back, eyes wide, vainly trying to see as fluttery sounds surrounded
him. Panicked to be so near the edge in such darkness. No sound but that
fluttering not even another child-like laugh. "Who's there?" He barked
out, the sound of his voice echoing in the tomb-like cave.
Suddenly his candle came back to life and he gave a small
scream to find himself surrounded by a dozen white faces, eyes burning
some feral lust, red like the silk he wore.
"Don't be frightened, love," a soft voice purred in his
ear as a cold hand reached out from behind him to stroke his face.
He turned to see the one who had spoken and he looked into
the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen... or that he thought he had ever
seen.
"You woke early, love. I am sorry that I wasn't there to
see it. You must have been frightened. Come away from the edge, Fox."
Fox stepped toward the man, so lovely, so very young. "Who... who
are you people? Where am I?" he didn't want to ask the one question that
burned within him. He didn't want these strange people to know he did
not know his own name.
"Don't you remember?" The lovely, ebony-eyed man spoke,
almost teasingly, an impish light glowing in those soul deep eyes, and
a small smile curving over lush lips. "You came here with me. Don't you
remember?" Mikhail knew his lover would not remember, he had made sure
of it, toying with the beauty's mind to keep the ascendant from finding
him while Mikhail slept
"No." It was a whisper, forlorn. But the eyes, such jewels
of amber and moss, were bright with suspicion and intellect.
"Come then, I am sure one of my pets has laid out your repast.
Why don't we go back so you can eat?"
Fox nodded finally as the other strange, pale creatures
slid past him and disappeared down the corridor. Expecting them to still
be in the bedchamber, Fox was surprised to find them all gone when he
and the lovely young man entered past the shield of silk. But how? The
darkness was complete and the cliff... no one could climb it at night. Unless
he had missed some sort of steps leading up.
"Eat, Fox," Mikhail murmured, his own hunger not compelling.
He fed for pleasure, not for survival. He was too old to require the blood,
but oh such sweet, hot nectar. He could smell Fox's blood, so different
than mere human's. Lovely and rich. He had sampled a bit as Fox had fallen
into his dreams, taken just a sip from the tender pulse in Fox's throat.
His body hardened at the memory. Tonight Fox would be awake when the blood
play began.
"Fox?" Fox asked. "Is that... is that my name?"
Mikhail smiled and looked just like he had looked on the
day he had been elected Sovereign of All Russia in Moscow's Red Square
by the Zemskii Sobor on February 21, 1613, at the age of 16... well what
history would record as sixteen, but he was already so much older than
that. He had founded the Romanov dynasty, but had never left his seed
in any woman's womb. What history did not illuminate was that the only
children the young Czar could create were children like the slaves who
even now flew to the hunt. The ten, mortal children sired upon his second
wife had been simply that, mortals from the sperm of a trusted servant.
It amused him to no end that history books proclaimed his death from dropsy.
Which in the old language was the abnormal accumulation of fluid in body
tissues and cavities. Before his accession to the throne, he lived with
his mother in the village of Domnina, the family estate of the Romanovs.
And before that the centuries spanned in clouded confusion for him. He
could only remember her. His mother, the one who had claimed him as her
own sweet child. The only female that he could ever remember loving. Not
even his human mother had he adored so well. Ah but that was in the past.
Here was the new world and such a lovely place to hunt.
"Is it, is that my name?"
The words of his sweet love, shook from the old memories
of times when he sought the attention of mortals, sought power and adulation.
"Yes, love, that is your name. You can't even remember that?" A small,
pleased smile preyed on his mouth as he led the confused beauty to the
table.
"No! No I can't remember anything!" Fox said frantically
as he was urged to sit. The strength in the slim youth's hands not registering.
Black hair. Like a wash of living silk fell over Fox's Shoulder as Mikhail
leaned over him to kiss his cheek.
"Don't worry so, Fox. You just bumped your head... your memories
will return in time. No rush, no rush, love. Just eat, and then I will
lie down with you awhile."
Fox stared into the dark eyes and nodded, dumbly. "Yes,
yes, no worry. I'll just eat and then you'll lie down with me."
Mikhail kissed those plump lips, a small groan making its
way past his own red lips. "You are so beautiful, love... I will make you
so happy. You won't want to remember anything but me."
Fox frowned slightly. But then commenced eating. After several
silent minutes he asked, "What is your name?"
"Mikhail is my name. I am your lover," came the soft reply.
Fox raised his brows. He had a male lover? That certainly
didn't seem like him. But then he really didn't know much about himself
at all.
"Does that surprise you, Fox?" Mikhail asked, amused. He
watched the light play over the pretty features and he sighed, he could
stare at Fox for an eternity. The way the wine stained the full lips red,
the way the eyes rose to survey the ceiling with interest, the pulse in
his neck, the lovely pulse in his neck, the way his hair fell over his
face and the perfection of symmetry that allowed his face to be utterly
beautiful.
"Yes, yes it does surprise me I guess. I wouldn't think
I had a male lover... for some reason I see myself with a woman... a small,
red-haired woman with the bluest eyes... at least I think I do." He shook
his head confused, looking down at his plate. He missed the calculating
look on Mikhail's face. He gasped as his face was drawn up and his eyes
captured by glittering onyx.
"You don't see that woman, Fox... you see only me." The words
were smooth and they echoed in Fox's mind. "You see only me, love."
Fox felt dizzy and then he could only see Mikhail. All his
questions about how the food had arrived, where the others had gone, how
they had even gotten to this place... faded.
Mikhail smiled, satisfied. He looked about the aerie, pleased
that his human slaves had kept it so well for him. It had been one of
his retreats for centuries, high above the valley, nestled on the face
of rock that only the foolish would dare ascend. His human slaves were
given small amounts of his blood in return for their absolute loyalty.
This blood made them strong and expanded their lifetimes considerably.
He asked little of them, merely that they keep his secret places ready.
In this case he had also asked that they prepare for the needs of his
human lover.
"You look beautiful in that robe," Mikhail breathed. "Now
let me take it off you."
Fort
Bragg, California Dana was first to rush into the cabin and her eyes met Alex's
one second before she pounced on him, her small fists grasping his biceps.
"Where's Mulder?" She asked frantically. "Antonio won't tell me. He said
only that something took him! What happened? Where is Skinner?"
Alex steadied her and noticed Antonio's eyes widen as he
took in Garren standing behind Alex. He narrowed his own eyes as Antonio
let his gaze slowly travel up and down Garren's naked flesh. "Scully,
I... Mulder was taken by... damn... a vampire. Skinner has gone after him." He
glared at Antonio and turned to look at Garren. "Would you put something
on already?"
Garren was staring at the ascendant, measuring him. While
not as strong as Skinner this one could defend himself. He had expended
no energy in protection of the surrounding area, had left all that to
Skinner. And so his powers were at their peak. After a few battles his
powers would grow, but even still Garren couldn't resists walking up to
him and slamming his fist into the lean stomach. He felt his fist slowed
by Antonio's mind, but it connected solidly enough for all that, and the
young ascendant fell to his knees even while Garren was shoved back. The
little female struck him in the stomach, her blow insignificant, but he
let his teeth show as he growled at her. She jumped back with a little
scream and Alex grabbed Garren's arm.
"Don't scare her!" he scolded. He turned back to Scully
who was staring at a now normal looking Garren with a suspicious fear
in her eyes. "Look, Scully, I want to go after Mulder..."
"But you aren't," Garren inserted smoothly, watching the
ascendant as he gracefully regained his feet and took his measure. The
dark eyes were calm if a bit angry.
"You'll pay for that, wolf," Antonio swore. He recognized
the man from the night he had met his precious and the lovely Alex.
"I doubt it," Garren grinned, a lupine smile curving his
full lips.
"Stop all this bickering!" Alex demanded. "Fox is gone,
carried off by some vampire, who, I am assured, will be raping him, Skinner
has left to go after him, and I am profoundly uninterested in watching
another cock fight!" Alex hissed.
"Who is this person, Krycek?" Dana asked, regaining her
composure now that it was obvious that Antonio was all right.
"Oh God, too long a story," Alex sighed.
"I am Garren, Alex belongs to me," Garren said forcefully.
He wouldn't let Alex sweep him under the proverbial rug. He met Alex's
angry look and ignored it. He heard Antonio sputter and cough and turned
his fierce, blue gaze to that one.
"I am sure you are mistaken. With Skinner gone, it is I
who is in charge... of Alex and everything else," Antonio said hotly.
Scully shook her head, Antonio was a trial. "Shut up, all
of you! I want to know exactly what happened. And I want to know now!
Where has this... vampire taken my partner?" Her voice was sharp, commanding.
"If I knew where he was, Scully, pardon me for saying this,
but I'd fucking be there!" Alex ran a hand through his hair. "I don't
know, I don't know where he is. One minute he was here, going to get dressed
in the bedroom the next... he was just gone. He... the window, Skinner broke
it last night, and I heard... something... I don't know what..." He was getting
wound up and Garren frowned.
"Alex, there was nothing you could do. The vampire didn't
have to come in and grab him, he probably just asked Mulder to come to
him. Now say goodnight to your friend, you can speak to them tomorrow,"
Garren commanded. He had lasted longer than he had ever lasted with people
ordering him about.
Alex gaped at him and the little woman narrowed her eyes
until they were mere slits.
"You are insane if you think I am leaving him alone with
you," Antonio glowered.
"I can smell your lust, little ascendant. If you look at
him once more, I will tear out your throat. Who will protect your pretty
female while you heal yourself? Don't test me further than I have already
been tested this night!" He surprised even himself by his own rage. His
mate had been contrary and cleaved to the big ascendant, he had been wounded
by the Schell that his master had sent, and upset enough by Fox's capture.
It was enough to make any wolf long for blood. "If you don't want to spend
the night fighting my pack you will leave. I know several of my pack
would love to play with your changed female."
The trio gasped at his words and Antonio drew Dana close.
"They come even now, ascendant. Were it not for Alex's wishes
that there be no more conflict I would have them attack no matter your
response. I long to rip you apart for your covetous lust. Don't doubt
me! Leave now."
Antonio could sense the pack moving close and Scully looked
to him for guidance.
"I am going to talk to Scully..." Alex began, his voice trembling
with anger.
Garren grabbed him and shook him slightly. "You will not
speak to her now. You will do as I say! I have let you run riot long enough.
You are not helping yourself and you cannot help the prince. Don't make
me hurt your friends, for I will."
Alex struggled, but was unable to free himself.
"I cannot let you abuse him, wolf. If I must fight, then
I fight," Antonio said calmly.
Alex saw that Scully was frightened when the first howls
filled the night as the pack rushed to their master's side. Fox would
kill him if she was hurt. Forget cuddling up at night after sex... hell forget
sex! "Just go, Antonio. He won't hurt me I don't think," he said, unsure.
Garren frowned darkly and shook his mate again. "I will
if you don't stop testing me. Have you forgotten your first lesson of
discipline?"
Alex froze. How could even Garren bring up that scene? He
felt cold fear wash over him as hundreds of howls filled the night.
"Antonio?" Dana whispered, trembling.
"You have two seconds to decide, ascendant," Garren growled.
"For God's sake, Antonio, think about Dana!" Alex beseeched.
"Just go! Go now!"
Antonio didn't want to leave Alex with the wolf, not only
because he wanted Alex for himself, but also not wanting Alex to be harmed.
However, it was Dana that he would have to protect in the end. He had
not expected such resistance. He took her in a tight grip and pulled her
out the door.
Alex heard Dana scream as she saw the wolves rushing out
of the dark toward she and Antonio and he cried out. "Please don't let
them hurt them!"
Garren sensed several of his pack burning and he made them
retreat some small distance. Not so far that the ascendant would forget
their threat, but far enough away that the female could not see them.
Alex was trembling now, the night had been long. However when he bent
to console him, he met with a fierce look. He was once again struck, hard,
but held tight to Alex as he growled. "Settle down, Alex, the female is
safe. You can stop hurting your hands on me."
Alex shook his head. "You can let me go now! I am not about
to rush off to be torn apart by your pack for my disobedience to the great
and powerful Garren!"
Garren did not bother to respond to that bit of ridiculousness.
He simply carried Alex to the cozy bedroom. He could still smell the sweet,
lingering scent of the prince and he felt his body respond to it. He lay
with Alex on the bed, completely ignoring the struggles and heart-felt
curses. It had been too long since he had enjoyed his mate intimately.
He slid over Alex, his heavier frame holding the cursing man immobile.
He was so hungry for this, to be with Alex again, it would take his mate's
mind off the unfortunate theft of the pretty Fox.
"Damn you! Not now. Stop it!" Alex was frantic. He couldn't
let this happen. As Garren held Alex's hands tight above his head in one,
large hand while the other trailed leisurely over his chest, plucking
at the fabric of his shirt, almost playfully. Deep within him, however,
a secret desire for Garren was overriding his logic, his intense desire,
his need to save Fox. He hated himself at that moment.
"You need this, Alex. You need to have your mind off your
troubles. You need what I will give to you," Garren whispered, licking
at one small ear. "And I need you."
Alex shook his head desperately. He didn't need this! He
hated Garren with everything that he was. He took Alex's surety of strength
away with one careless flick of his powerful hands. As Garren ran his
warm tongue down his jaw, Alex pushed at the broad shoulders, "Please
don't." The unfamiliar act of pleading coupled with the strain of the
evening made Alex cry out and his struggles intensified.
Garren growled and bit at Alex's neck quickly. Alex's struggles
were wild, unfocused, he feared Alex would harm himself in his animalistic
attempt to free himself. He licked at the small wound and forced a large
amount of his spore inside. He held tight, whispering in Alex's ear until
the body quickened with a different type of frenzy. Garren looked into
the jade eyes, so lovely and he growled with insatiable lust. He could
never have imagined this feeling. He burned to take the pretty body, drive
deep inside him, pound in and out in a rhythm he knew so well, and yet
he also wanted to kiss those pink lips, hear his name whispered, screamed.
He wanted Alex to smile at him. He bent to kiss the sweet, pink lips and
Alex groaned kissing him back with an intensity that burned.
Alex wanted to fight the feeling that encompassed him, but
he couldn't stop himself from writhing beneath Garren's powerful body.
When Garren slid down his torso trailing kisses along his seductive journey
Alex stared at the ceiling, which was suddenly melting around him. He
licked his lips slowly as Garren nibbled at his belly, his own tongue
feeling so good on his lips. Garren parted his legs and engulfed Alex's
cock hungrily. Alex's whole being was concentrated on that velvet heat,
the slick slide of Garren tongue swirling around the throbbing head of
his cock. His whimpers and moans made Garren growl in response and Alex
heard Garren speaking to him but his words were incomprehensible to Alex.
He still thought of Fox, worried about him, but the sensations were so
incredible. He pumped his hips up, sliding his cock in and out of Garren's
mouth.
"So g-good, oh y-e-e-s-s-s, don't stop!"
Garren grabbed Alex's muscular thighs and lifted them until
Alex's weight rested on his shoulders. Garren withdrew from Alex's cock,
reluctantly. He gave one last lick of the weeping tip and looked down
at the pretty face. "Alex, do you want me to stop now?" He let Alex's
hips down and looked into the incredible jade eyes. Narrowed like a cat's,
his pretty little cat. He bent to kiss the pink, moist lips and whispered
into Alex's mouth. "Tell me what you want me to do, cat."
Alex spread his legs wide and wrapped his legs about Garren's
wide torso. "Please... oh please, Garren," Alex whimpered. He rubbed his
cock up against Garren's, hissing at the hot friction. "Fuck me... now... please... I
want you... I want you so badly... ple-please. I can't stand it."
Alex's voice was husky with desire, so sexy Garren had to
hold back the change. His blood burned with his own need. He devoured
Alex's mouth almost brutally. Almost. He was not so lost in lust that
he would hurt Alex. He moved up suddenly, placing his large erection at
Alex's mouth. He arched his back and groaned as Alex licked and sucked
eagerly at his hard flesh. Alex was making hungry, desperate cries, wetting
his cock as hastily as he could, wanting it inside him. Garren moved quickly
and turned Alex on his belly. He bent to lick at the crevice between Alex's
buttocks, tonguing the small anus slowly, closing his eyes with the pleasure
of that small act. He couldn't resist Alex's pleas and moved up to place
his erection at that wet, pink hole. He had to hold Alex's hips steady
as he was writhing about, pumping his hips and clawing at the bedding.
He pressed hard to gain entry and bent to kiss Alex's face as he made
a sound of pain. "Relax, cat, I'm going to do this slow."
"Noooo, please hurry," Alex gasped, trying to push his body
upward, but Garren held him still.
"You're so beautiful, cat. I'll never let you go," Garren
whispered, his words a husky endearment. He was enthralled, the tight
squeeze of Alex's body intoxicating him. He worked slowly to enter the
tight sheath and finally let Alex move. Immediately Alex began to buck
his hips, impaling himself on the hard cock over and over. Garren let
Alex control the movement for only a short time before he began to thrust
hard in and out. The bed creaked under their efforts and Alex tossed his
head with undeniable ecstasy. He wanted this, wanted it forever. He turned
his head and Garren covered his lips with his own and their tongues mated
wildly as their bodies pumped, straining for culmination. Alex's scream
of release was trapped in Garren's mouth and the erotic appeal of that
made him shudder as Garren plunged in deep and found his own release.
Garren moved his heavy body off his mate and lay on his
back. He pulled Alex over him and quietly soothed his trembling, gasping
lover. He ran an appreciative hand over Alex's back, luxuriating in the
smooth, defined muscles there. He cupped one trembling buttock and waited
for Alex to sleep. When Alex fell into a deep sleep, snuggled atop Garren's
large body, Garren allowed himself to relax and prepare to sleep. His
arms curled about his mate as he began to fall asleep, instinctively protecting
him. He would wake, he knew, at any threat to his mate, and the way he
felt at this moment he would shred any creature that even attempted to
disturb the cat's needed sleep.
Day Five Skinner wasn't tired anymore and he moved through the forest
so quickly that he was amazed. He followed his sense of Fox, though he
knew Fox was far away already. He felt creatures around him, most running
madly out of his path. The other things, the weak dead things were too
clumsy to escape his passage and they burned, stumbling torches that fell
to the earth twitching. Skinner extended little energy to shield additional
areas but he cleared his path ruthlessly. To shield the areas that he
had already claimed did not drain him, but seemed to be powered from another
source, one that he drew upon at all times. The pink sphere existed still
and it fed him easily. When the morning light was fading into the dusk
of a new night he stopped to rest himself, four hundred miles from where
he had begun.
He woke at full dark and started out again, but after only
a few miles he realized that he could no longer sense Fox's awareness.
He clenched his fists and for one brief moment he feared that Fox was
dead. But, he knew that the vampire would not kill Fox, he had simply
found a way to shield Fox from him. Skinner concentrated on the creature
that had taken him. Focusing all his mental sight he tried to connect
with the old creature. A grim smile covered his lips as he caught a brief
glimmer of the dark thoughts of that one. It was gone as quickly as it
came, but it was enough for him to continue his hunt.
Aerie Mikhail led Mulder to the large bed. "That's it, love, just
relax and let me make you comfortable."
Fox lay back on the cool sheets, the smooth slide of the
fabric a red, sensual bath. He watched as Mikhail slowly moved onto the
bed beside him. Cool fingers toyed with the edges of the flimsy robe,
smoothing over his chest. Obsidian eyes glittered with the candlelight,
so dark and endless. He gasped as the cool hand slid beneath the silk
robe and found one nipple, pinching it.
Mikhail sighed in delight as Fox's legs spread in response
to the caress. Such an eager one this beauty. He rolled the nipple in
his fingers and the legs spread even further, moss eyes wide with fright
and passion. He bent and gently kissed the full lips, drawing in the plump
lower lips and sucking it slowly. He felt Fox try to draw back, was still
fighting him somehow. He looked into those eyes, so much intelligence
suppressed, so much love for another that screamed to rise to the surface.
He smiled so gently. "Easy, love, you are going to be with me for a long,
long time." He chuckled as Fox shook his head slightly. "Yes, love," Mikhail
whispered. He flicked aside the robe, revealing the lithe body splayed
so wantonly below him. He bent to kiss the blood-infused nipple. He closed
his eyes as he felt the inferno heat of living flesh, the taste of salt.
He bit lightly, scraping one fang on the tender nipple. Fox gasped his
body arching into the embrace. He tasted the sweet blood, just a drop,
enough to make his own flesh burn. He felt Fox shudder beneath him, his
legs opening further and then closing only to part once more.
"What, what are you doing to me," Fox rasped, his breath
irregular and heavy. The murals above him were so vivid the images of
naked, gilded youths worshipping at the feet of some dark lord. "Mikhail,"
he breathed, recognizing the dark eyes of his lover in the mural above.
Mikhail turned his attention to the next nipple, attending
to it with his sharp fangs as gently, as carefully as he had done to its
brother. He looked up at Fox, letting the beauty see the blood on his
lips. The forest eyes clouded with lust and he let Fox taste his own blood.
He lapped at Fox's lips sharing the sweet essence with a sigh. He rained
kisses over Fox's face, sucking on the exotic mole, careful not to mark
his face with his teeth.
"Grab hold the rail behind you, Fox," he murmured his mouth
traveling to the long expanse of throat. He kissed the pounding pulse
point and let the song of blood rush over him as Fox obeyed him, reaching
his arms up to grasp the rail of the headboard. "Your lovely legs are
so spread for me, such a wanton lust I have roused."
Fox licked his lips, tasting the lingering pungent copper
clinging to his lips. He saw the green of one supplicant's robes in the
mural and a flash of memory assailed him. Some secret hidden from him,
something that Mikhail was hiding. Green eyes, framed by dark lashes,
vivid with passion. He cried out as Mikhail gripped his jaw.
"Think of me only, love, no one else exists for you anymore."
Fox knew it wasn't true, somehow he knew, but he was Mikhail's
lover, wanted to believe that this seduction was familiar and true. The
green eyes faded back into the robe of the oil-rendered acolyte and he
cried out as Mikhail's lips traveled down to the sensitive flesh of his
belly.
"I can feel your heart beating here," Mikhail crooned as
his cool hand grazed the tip of Fox's cock. "Such a strong rhythm. Such
a lovely beat." He placed his lips on the tip of the cock, lapping up
the liquid oozing forth. "I want you so badly, love, I want to take you
in my mouth and drain you. Such pretty flesh, so needful. Do you need
me, love?"
Fox lifted his hips, offering his body to Mikhail. "Yes,
I need you," he whispered. Mikhail's smile was so tender, so loving he
wanted to cry. He was loved here. How could he have ever doubted Mikhail?
The ruby lips slid over the head of his cock, such a beautiful sight,
dark eyes holding his own captive. He closed his eyes as the pleasure
consumed him. When he opened them again he saw the ripple of flesh over
Mikhail's face, as if some other face was superimposed over the pretty
features, an old face, pale and horrible. He saw the thing smile around
his flesh, copious teeth white and glittering, a black tongue snaking
around the flesh of his cock. Red eyes glowing with lust, red like the
silk, but so filled with fire. He whimpered as his hips were lifted closer
to that ancient death mask and then Mikhail crooned to him, the voice
relaxing him as long finger tipped with a long nail caressed his chest.
Rippling away, the grotesque image was gone leaving only the beauty of
Mikhail's haunting youth.
Mikhail smiled as he slid his mouth off the delicious flesh.
He couldn't resist scraping lightly on the blood-engorged organ. Fox gave
a guttural moan of pain and pleasure. The tiny drops of blood that welled
from his taut flesh threatened to undo Mikhail utterly. What pleasure
this changeling was. Such sweet tastes and scents... such beauty without
death. "Shall I take you now, love? Would you like to squirm, impaled
upon me?"
Fox shook his head, wanting it, but afraid once more. He
could see something large hovering near Mikhail, as if it were part of
Mikhail. He could smell the mellow wax, the musk of sex, his sex, and
Mikhail's arousal. Some other scent lingered in the periphery, some unclean
scent. He looked up once more at the mural, the green robe, a jade color
like emerging ferns and tropical glades. The robe was still but the color
was in motion filled with passion, love and tenderness. Green, it soothed
him as Mikhail's words soothed him. His legs were moved, lifted, placed
on Mikhail's shoulders. Such broad shoulders, the skin so luminous. He
felt the nudge of penetration and knew he had felt it before. His feet
on Mikhail's back felt the roughness of skin, like weathered leather.
He closed his eyes and moaned as the impossibly large penis pressed home,
deep and deeper until he was pinned upon it, Mikhail letting him squirm
on it.
The ripple of illusion receded again as Mikhail bent his
head to Fox's neck. He licked at the sweet, pulsing flesh and made a small
cut. As the blood drooled into his mouth, he began to thrust in and out
of the hot flesh beneath him. His true form a delicious contrast to the
beauty writhing beneath him. Fox opened his eyes seeing only beauty as
he lifted his hips to receive the old creature inside him, panting, open-mouthed
and delirious. The sucking sounds at his neck mingled with the slap and
slide of the sex and he felt himself lift into another plane, one of such
intensity that he began to scream. Mikhail wound his long, powerful arms
under Fox, lifting that sweet neck to his fang-jagged mouth as he rutted,
filling the beauty with his leathery cock. He pulled his face back, eyes
flaring red as the blood-lust threatened to consume him, not wanting to
take too much from his lover. Drops of blood fell on Fox's face as he
thrashed shamelessly, desperately.
The screams of the victims threatened to disturb his lover
as his children flew back into the cavern, carrying their meals past them,
wings beating in time to their hunger. Mikhail covered Mulder face with
one, long hand and hissed at his children, his features a horror mask
as they moved past the silk curtain and deep into the cavern, with swift
speed.
"What... what?" Fox cried out, confused.
"Feel me inside you, love." The words were slurred, drunk
with the blood and the lust. "Think only of me, you love only me."
"Yes," Fox whimpered. "Only you, always..."
Mikhail slammed in harder and harder, enjoying the sliding
motions of Fox's body as he was opened and spread. He wrapped one hand
over Fox's cock and pumped it quickly. Hungry for the fluid that would
pulse from the delicious hole. "Come for me, Fox, come for me now," he
commanded and screamed as Fox's body clenched tight around him. His back
bent with inhuman agility and he sucked in the white seed, so pure, living
and hot, so like blood, and just as sweet. He took all that Fox could
give and then he filled Fox with his own seed. He slid off the warm body
and motioned for a cloth to come to him. He gently bathed the beauty,
spending long moments bathing the spasming anus. He couldn't resist a
small kiss, a small scrape of teeth to taste the blood there. Fox was
staring up at the mural again, his eyes and thoughts locked on to the
color green. Green, Mikhail knew, like the lovely Alex's eyes.
"Sleep, love, you've made me very happy."
Fox smiled at the praise.
"Sleep now. I will wake you when I want to move on." As
Fox fell into drained sleep Mikhail felt a presence, something powerful
finding him for an instant. He immediately blocked the presence feeling
the strength of the one who hunted him. He turned to gather up warm clothing
for his lover and while Fox slept he dressed him in the warm woolen trousers,
thick socks and several sweaters. He pulled Fox up, keeping him asleep
with little effort, his sweet lover was drained. He smiled, in more ways
than one. He slid one hand up from Fox's generous bulge under the wool
and then up to the parted, red lips. Pulling a long wool, fur-lined coat
over the bumpy ensemble and gathered his stolen lover up and moved toward
the edge of the cavern. The night was cold and endless, the aerie so high
that Mikhail could see every star in clear relief against the friendly
night sky. The short time without cities spewing their filth had done
so much for the splendor of night. The Milky Way hung low, clearer than
it had been in a century. He smiled; it really was glorious. There were
plenty of people to feed from, but no longer were they poisoning the atmosphere
with their countless machines. The ascendant was far away, but moving
fast, unerringly toward him. He took his lover into the air. The ascendant
couldn't track Fox, but he was obviously tracking Mikhail himself. He
had to keep getting further away from the deadly foe. Fox stirred as the
flap of wings called up a chill wind.
"Alex..." Fox moaned. "Walt..."
"Don't even say it," Mikhail hissed. He felt the surge of
recognition from the ascendant as what he thought of as his property called
to him. Fox was sighing in pleasure at some memory and Mikhail flew on.
"It used to be the fun was in
The capture and kill.
In another place and time
I did it all for thrills.
Lust to love
Was the last thing I was dreaming of
And now all I want is just to love.
Lust turned to love."
"Lust to Love"
Day Four
2045
ulder heard both Walter and Alex screaming his name and
he veered toward their voices. He could hear the wolf still attacking
the winged creatures and yet the sharp sound of wings overhead alerted
him to more of the creatures above him. Clawed hands grabbed his shoulders
and began to tug him up. His feet were off the ground and the creature
made a high-pitched sound of triumph as it began to lift Mulder higher.
Mulder struggled for freedom and another creature grabbed him to try and
lift him away from the first. Slashing claws came up as the two fought
and Mulder barely missed having his face gouged. He saw a brief flash
of Skinner and Alex rushing toward him in the dark through the flapping
wings, before Alex leapt at him and grabbed his legs to pull him back
down. The deepening twilight was illuminated as the creatures began to
burn.
Day Five
Hour 2000
Day Four
Hour 2130
Hour 2200
Day Five
Hour 2015
