A TRIAL OF STRENGTH – PART 467 By Rob Williams
Chapter 467 – "THE RANGER, HIS BOY & THE MARINE"
IN THIS CHAPTER
The Forest Ranger Pete is in bed recovering from an injury with help from his boy Brandon who examines his body. "Gotta do something about that bulge in your shorts, sir. Leave it to me – I'm an expert." Later, the muscular Marine Hassan helps Pete purge his guilt over an earlier mistake he made. The bare-chested Arab soldier growls at the naked Ranger, "This is the punishment you need, stud." ___________________________________________________________________
*********** IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER ***********
Pete's boy Brandon was depressed and the tall, handsome Forest Ranger was hurt to see his usually cheerful, confident boy so down in the dumps. It was a sensitive matter but finally Pete confronted the subject head-on.
"Brandon, you're my boy and I'm here to help you, kid, especially when you're feeling down. And of course I know what this is all about – that rock-climbing trip the other guys are going on. And you're feeling depressed because it's one of the few things you can't do. Am I right?"
Of course he was right. All his life Brandon had been in a wheelchair but he was fiercely independent and boasted that he could do anything the other boys of the tribe did. But here he was, faced with one of the few times that was not true.
Three of the tribe's men, Hassan, Jason and Adam were taking their boys on a rock climbing expedition that coming weekend, and for once Brandon couldn't participate. He had great upper body strength from wheeling his chair all these years, but his legs didn't work. Everyone carefully avoided the subject around Brandon, which only made him feel even more excluded.
But Pete had another plan. "There's a new remote trail in the hills an hour out of town that no one uses `cos it hasn't been opened to the public yet. The Forest Rangers have to check it out first to see if it's suitable for public use. So I volunteered to go and do the check. It'll mean hiking along the trail for about five miles and it might involve an overnight under the stars."
Brandon jumped at the chance to accompany Pete and to be alone in the wilderness with him. The remote path was narrow and they trekked about three miles into the sagebrush with not another soul for miles. But disaster struck when there was a rockfall from the cliff above them. Pete leapt to push Brandon to safety, but in doing so he himself was struck badly and knocked unconscious.
There was no cell phone signal in this remote spot so it was all up to Brandon. Heroically he struggled to pull Pete's limp body up on top of him in the wheelchair. And so began a muscle-wrenching trek with Brandon laboriously wheeling the weight of two men along the gravel path.
Several times he almost despaired, but gritted his teeth and called on his last reserves of strength. Nearing exhaustion, about a mile from the truck, Brandon finally got a cell-phone signal and called the tribe's boss Randy for help.
Randy sped to the rescue and carried Pete the last mile to safety, with Brandon wheeling beside him. Their buddy, the cop Mark, had summoned an ambulance and Randy accompanied the still unconscious Pete to the hospital. The co-leader of the tribe, Bob, arrived to take care of Brandon and drive him home.
Still in shock Brandon had to keep fighting back a surge of irrational fears about what was happening to Pete. Bob tried to boost his spirts with praise. "Brandon, what you did for Pete was spectacular. You'll be a hero in the tribe."
"I just want Pete to be OK, sir. I don't care about anything else."
Randy called from the hospital with the good news that Pete had regained consciousness, and put him on the phone. He was still groggy but otherwise fine, except for "a king-size headache".
"They want to keep me overnight for observation but I just wanna say this, Brandon. The docs say it was a good thing I got treated when I did or it could have been much worse. And I owe that to you, kid. They say you prob'ly saved my life ... I could still be lying out there. You're my hero, dude, and when I get home I am gonna thank you in a big way, over and over again."
In the meantime Pete entrusted Brandon to Bob who promised to stay the night with him. "Would you really do that, Bob? It would sure be a load off my mind. And listen Brandon, I want you to feel good, so if there's anything you wanna do with Bob, anything at all, that's fine with me. You deserve it. Bob, keep him warm for me for when I get back, OK buddy?"
"I'll do my best, Pete. I'm no substitute for you but I'll give him whatever he needs."
And what Brandon needed was to feel safe, with the warmth of a strong body next to him and ... inevitably inside him. Bob made love to him and when it was over they stared at each other in silence. Then Bob said, "Pete's gonna be just fine, kiddo, you do know that, don't you?"
"I do now, sir. I love you, sir, and Randy too. I feel so safe living here with you and all the guys. Thank you, and Randy too, for taking care of Pete and me."
"That's what the tribe's for, Brandon – taking care of each other. And there's something else you never thought of. Yesterday you were all upset because there was something all the other boys could do except you – rock climbing. But that works both ways. Today you discovered something none of the boys could have done except you – carrying an unconscious Pete out of that place, two miles along a deserted trail. And you did that `cos you are in a wheelchair.
"I never thought of it like that, sir. Do you think Pete will see it like that?"
"Not really, Brandon, no. See, Pete doesn't even think of you as a boy in a wheelchair. He doesn't even see the wheelchair anymore. All he sees is the beautiful boy he's in love with."
"I can't wait for him to come home, sir. I want to make love to him over and over again"
"You will, Brandon. But now you gotta sleep – and dream of your handsome Forest Ranger."
********************* CHAPTER 467 *********************
A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK
Brandon was asleep in Bob's arms, his head resting on his chest, when his cell phone rang. He blinked groggily awake and looked at the clock – 7am – and felt a stab of panic. Had to be bad news about Pete for anyone to call this early.
But when he answered a wave of relief spread over him – it was Pete himself sounding cheerful and much brighter than he was yesterday just after he regained consciousness.
"Hey, kid, sorry if I woke you up but you know how it goes in hospital. They tell you you've gotta get a lot of sleep, then they wake you up at crack of dawn to check your vitals. But I couldn't wait to tell you the good news. They are releasing me today and I can come home. Randy's coming to pick me up at two o'clock this afternoon."
"That's great, sir, I can't wait. So you're feeling OK?"
"Yeah, the headache's gone but I still have to keep the bandage on my forehead for a while. And they say when I get home I gotta rest up and I'll need lots of tender loving care. So I've gotta find someone who can give me that. Any suggestions?"
"Hmm, that's a toughie," Brandon grinned. "Everyone's so busy around here. And it's way too big of a job for a kid in a wheelchair."
"I agree ... unless of course that kid happens to be gutsy enough to have hauled an unconscious Forest Ranger out of the wilderness and wheeled him two miles along a rough track to safety. But where in the world am I gonna find a kid like that?"
"Right here, sir," Brandon laughed. "I'm your boy."
"And I'm mighty proud that you are, kiddo. Hey, they're gonna wheel me off now for a last X-ray before they finally clear me. Is Bob with you? Let me have a quick word."
Bob had been smiling at Brandon's excited face and now took the phone from him. "Sounds like they can't keep a good man down, eh, big guy? You're a tough nut to crack, if you'll pardon the expression."
"Yeah," Pete chuckled, "well the nut was cracked and I've still got the bandage to prove it." He lowered his voice. "But how's Brandon doing, Bob? Did he get over his shock and sleep well?"
"Sure thing. Your boy's also a tough nut to crack – takes after his man. Er, after you gave your permission I did make love to him before we slept and that helped a lot."
"I'm sure it did, buddy, I was hoping for that. Keep an eye on him until I get home and I'll take over from there. I have a whole lot to thank him for. Damn, the nurse is practically grabbing the phone out of my hand so I gotta go. Thanks a million, Bob - see you this afternoon."
Brandon turned over and snuggled against Bob. "I'm so happy, sir. But I gotta get the house looking just perfect for when he gets here. He'll prob'ly need bed rest for a while."
"Never fear, help is here!" That laughing retort came from Will who had just come into the room wearing his dark green apron. "Sorry to interrupt but I am your designated domestic help. The twins have assigned me to your house for as long as you need me"
"Dude," Brandon grinned, "you don't have to ... you're my buddy and ..."
"But I have my orders, sir," Will said playfully. "First of all you have to be free to take care of the Ranger. And second of all you are a celebrity. I learned from Grady and Mario how that works with movies stars. Fr'instance, Grady don't answer his own phone. Someone else does that for him. And you will be deluged with calls today."
As if on cue the house phone rang and Will picked up. "Brandon residence. How may I direct your call? ... I'm sorry, sir, Mr. Brandon is not accepting calls right now ... he is incommuda... commuda..."
"Incommunicado," Bob whispered.
"Yeah that's the one ... er, he is incommunicado at this time. May I take a message?"
They heard screams of laughter coming from the other end of the phone. Will held the phone away from his ear and said archly to Brandon, "Sir, do you wish to speak to this, er, gentleman? Someone by the name of ..." he winced, "... name of Eddie?"
Brandon giggled, snatched the phone away from Will and put it on speaker. "Hello, Eddie."
"Dude," Eddie squealed, "what's that crazy stunt Will was pulling? Although, come to think of it, dude, you prob'ly should screen your calls. I mean you are all anyone's talking about. Mark told Jamie, and Jamie called Nate, and Nate told all of us up here and I almost fell off my rock with shock when I heard. They'll all be calling you to get your story. Dude you are big news."
"Er, Eddie," Bob said gently.
"Oh, sorry sir, I didn't know you were there."
"Evidently," Bob smiled. "It was kind of you to call and check in, but right now Brandon is focused only on welcoming Pete back home. So I'll give you the bulletin you can share with the others. Pete is doing fine but they kept him overnight at the hospital and he's getting out at two this afternoon. And then Brandon and Pete almost certainly will be incommunicado for quite some time as they, er, take care of each other."
"William is here to manage the house and cook and do whatever else they need. So please pass the news on ..." Bob winked at the two boys "... as I'm quite sure you will. Enjoy the rest of your weekend on the rocks."
"Will do, sir." Then Eddie screamed down the phone, "'Bye, guys. Brandon, give your stud Ranger a big wet kiss from me."
Bob smiled, "I'm afraid things will be like that for a while, Brandon. The tribe loves a drama – and a hero. But in all Eddie's craziness he did have a point. I would let William do as much as possible for you while you take care of Pete – even answering you're phone when you are, er, `incommunicado'. You and Pete sure don't want to be interrupted by a ring tone."
"Which brings us to breakfast, sir," Will said. "Perhaps you and Brandon would like me to serve breakfast in here rather than across the street with the others."
"Dude," Brandon frowned. "I don't want all this special treatment ... I want things to be like they always were. So sir, could we have breakfast with the other guys as usual?"
"Good call, Brandon. And afterwards you must let William help you get the house ready for Pete. Now brace yourself, `cos I have a feeling Randy will be making a speech."
OUR HERO Bob was right but the speech was mercifully short. When Bob, Brandon and Will went across the street the others were already sitting at table, a fairly small group as three men and their boys were still away rock-climbing.
When Brandon approached in his wheelchair all the guys gave him a standing ovation. He blushed and waved for them to sit down, which they did, except for Randy who remained standing and called for silence.
"OK, guys, we're here to eat, but before we do I wanna say a few words. Thanks to our overactive grapevine you all know the story of Pete's accident and Brandon's rescue. As I was there at the end I can tell you that this kid's effort was nothing short of heroic. He pulled the unconscious Pete on top of him and laboriously wheeled them both two miles along a rough gravel track.
"You all know that big Pete is built like a brick shithouse, so you can only imagine the strength and determination that took. The paramedics were waiting for them, thanks to our favorite cop Mark springing into action. Thanks, buddy. The docs said that if the boy had not got him to the medics when he did the whole thing could have been really fucking serious. The kid's a rockstar in my book – my kinda guy – so, guys, let's hear it for our hero."
There were more cheers and shouts of "Speech, speech!" and again Brandon brushed it all aside. "Guys, it wasn't that big of a deal. I only did what any boy would do for his man." He grinned playfully ... "any boy in a wheelchair, that is."
"Well said, kiddo," Bob whispered to Brandon as they sat together amid all the laughter. The visiting Chinese twins Lee and Toni were sitting across the table staring at Brandon in awe. "Brandon," said Lee, "we heard that the tribe has plenty of dramas and we had the privilege of being here for yours. You American boys sure are tough."
Jamie smiled across at Brandon. "Kiddo, you take as much time off from the office as you need to care for Pete. He'll be needing a lot of love and attention."
Brandon thanked Jamie and the group settled down to their meal. But Brandon was eager to get away to start on his apartment, which he wanted to be immaculate and ready for Pete. When the meal was over Brandon and Will went back to the duplex with Bob, who asked, "Do you need any help, Brandon?"
He instantly bit his tongue and grinned. "There I go again, offering help when I know full well you can do everything yourself."
"Sir, it's much appreciated but you helped a whole lot last night by staying with me and making love to me. I love you sir, but I know you're busy so Will and me can take it from here."
"I'm glad to hear it, kiddo. If you need anything, just holler."
After Bob left, Will let Brandon take charge and give orders. He smiled watching Brandon stifling his excitement even while trying to look calm and efficient. "The bed first I think, Will. We should put on fresh sheets for Pete."
And so it went, with Brandon wheeling himself around and tidying the apartment while Will worked in the kitchen loading the fridge with snacks for the guys to eat whenever they wanted. While they worked together Brandon said, "Dude, I feel real uncomfortable with all this hero shit that's going around. It don't seem right. This should be all about Pete, not me."
"Brandon, you gotta let the guys enjoy the drama now they know Pete is safe. And besides, that's the way Pete would want it. He sees you as his hero and he'll want the whole tribe to celebrate it `cos he's so proud of you." Will chuckled. "You should have taken lessons from Grady. He's this great big movie star but he shrugs off all the attention and he's just one of the guys when we're up at the Grady House."
Will became not only the chef and domestic help, but best buddy, confidant and therapist as he helped Brandon calm down and take it all in stride. "When Pete gets home I'll leave you two together. But I'll leave food in the fridge that just has to be warmed up."
But as 2pm approached Brandon's nervousness increased and he said, "What if I can't do what he needs and give him what he wants, Will?"
"Dude, will you get over yourself? Is this the kid who carried his man two miles to safety and is now fretting that he won't be able to give him what he wants? He wants you, you dork."
The tempo suddenly sprang into high gear when Brandon's phone rang and he jumped on it. It was Randy. "Kid, I'm ten minutes from the house and I got a precious cargo with me. Keeps asking for you so I guess I better deliver him to you. You ready?"
"I've been ready all day, sir."
Brandon beamed at Will. "He's here, Will. Ten minutes and he's here."
"OK, calm down, bro. He wants to see his brave boy, all cool and collected."
"Yeah, yeah, you're right, dude. Deep breath, deep breath."
Will stayed to finish up in the kitchen while Brandon wheeled himself across the street to the main house and waited in middle of the lawn facing the gate, his heart beating wildly. The wait seemed endless until he heard Randy's truck pull up. There was a delay, with clanking sounds from outside, before the gate opened and there was Pete – in a wheelchair pushed by Randy.
They stared at each other ... and Pete threw his head back and roared with laughter. Surprised, Brandon too broke into peals of laughter, with tears of joy running down his face.
"RACE YOU TO THE BED"
"The hospital insisted," Pete grinned as Randy pushed him toward Brandon. "They said I have to stay in the chair until I'm in bed. So race you to the bedroom, kiddo."
They wheeled themselves side by side to the gate and Pete said over his shoulder, "Thanks for everything, Randy. You're a champ."
Randy stood back with a beaming smile and watched them go. "Have fun you guys."
They raced through the gate, across the street and up the ramp to their duplex. Brandon got to the bedroom seconds in front of Pete who panted, "Well you've been practicing a lot longer than me. You should give me lessons."
"OK, sir, lesson number one – how to get in bed. Pull up alongside, ease yourself on your side and roll on the bed." Pete did as instructed and flopped on the bed on his back."
"Almost perfect, sir," Brandon grinned. "Here, let an expert show you." He rolled easily out of his chair and next to Pete. They stared into each other's eyes for long seconds before Pete pulled Brandon closer and their lips joined in a passionate, churning kiss that seemed to go on forever. When Pete pulled away at last he said, "It's so good to be home with you, Brandon. It's only been twenty-four hours but I missed you like mad."
"But you are really OK, sir? I mean you don't really need the wheelchair do you?"
"Nah, it's some kinda rule, they always discharge patients in wheelchairs – something to do with insurance. They don't want me to fall and hit my head again."
Brandon smiled at the red bandage that slanted across his forehead covering his wound. "You look like a pirate sir. I guess that makes me the pirate's cabin boy."
"Damn right, and the cabin boy has to obey the pirate's orders or he's in big trouble."
"No problem there, sir," he grinned. But seriously, what instructions did the hospital give you?"
"Well first they always ask if the patient has someone at home that can take care of him. I said, "I got the best caregiver in the world," and told them the story of my rescue. They did a CAT scan and it came back fine, but they said I should have mostly bed rest for a couple of days to make sure there's no delayed shock or dizziness – gotta avoid physical exertion or excitement. But screw that, I feel a hundred percent just being here."
"Oh no, sir, we've got to follow their instructions," Brandon said sternly. I'm taking no chances. Jamie's given me time off from work so I'm gonna be the cabin boy waiting for the captain's orders. So what do you need now, sir? Sleep ... food ... drink?"
There was a gleam in Pete's eye as he said, "Tell you the truth, none of the above right now. "I'm not tired, hungry nor especially thirsty ... only horny. Very horny."
"But they said no exertion, no excitement, sir."
"Yeah, but they don't have a sexy kid like mine in bed with them. Come on, boy, you're the cabin boy and the pirate chief is ordering you to come up with something."
"Aye-aye, sir," Brandon grinned. "Lie still, stay calm and leave everything to me."
DOCTOR & PATIENT
Pete lay back with a smile on his lips as he watched his boy go to work. Brandon pulled Pete's T-shirt off over his head and loosened the belt of his pants. Then he shifted down the bed, removed his shoes and socks and tugged on his pants, pulling them all the way off. He surveyed the near naked Ranger, in just his boxers, and said, "Better check you out, sir – a physical examination to make sure nothing's damaged."
He shifted back up to Pete's face and traced his fingers over the square-cut features. "Hmm, everything seems OK here, except for the forehead wound. We'll have to change the dressing later but in the meantime this should help the healing process." Brandon ran his finger along the patient's lips, then bent and licked them, ending with a gentle kiss that grew in intensity.
He pulled back at last, saying, "So far so good – from the neck up anyway. Let's check out the rest." His sensual fingers explored his neck, squeezed his trapezius muscles, then ran down over his chest. He dug his fingers into Pete's hard pecs, then squeezed his nipples, making Pete groan.
"Nothing wrong with your reflexes – just as they should be. Now can you flex your abs for me?"
Pete flexed as instructed and Brandon licked along the solid ridges of his eight-pack. "Nothing wrong there ... they taste good too, always a healthy sign." He frowned. "Uh-oh, looks like this needs some attention, though." Brandon was looking at the tent pole under Pete's boxers. "How long has it been like this?"
"Ever since I got home from the hospital, doc. Can't seem to make the swelling go down."
"Well it can't stay like that. Looks dangerous. See that stain on your shorts? There's something seeping from it. Let's take a closer look."
Brandon gently pulled the shorts down and the cock sprang up, oozing pre-cum. Pete said, "Is there some way a swelling like that can be treated, doc?"
Brandon frowned and shook his head. "It's tricky. We could lance it, but there's something else we can try first. First thing we gotta do is to clean up that fluid leaking from the top. Let me get ready for the operation."
Brandon pulled off his own T-shirt and Pete stared up at his boy's muscular torso. "Er, doc, aren't you a bit young to be performing operations. Like, shouldn't you be putting on scrubs or something before you operate?"
"Not for a procedure like this. Please, sir, don't try to tell me my job. I have a lot of experience at this ... performed the same operation many times. I had the best teacher, a specialist in this procedure." Pete stifled a grin as Brandon flipped over on his stomach, his face over the `swelling.' "Try to hold still, sir. This might cause a slight reaction."
Brandon flicked out his tongue and the tip touched the pre-cum oozing from the tip. He pulled it back in a long gossamer thread, then sucked it into his mouth with a slurping sound. Pete moaned and Brandon asked, "You doing OK so far?"
"So far, doc. But it's hard to relax. Nervous I guess."
"Don't worry, I got most of it, but I gotta clean up the rest and the area around the wound. The reaction might be stronger this time, but try to relax. We don't want any further discharge until we're ready for that step."
Brandon leaned down again over the head and pressed his tongue against the hole. Pete groaned again as Brandon proceeded to lick the whole head, concentrating on the hard, sensitive corona. As he had said, he had a lot of experience at this, much of it learned from his pal Eddie. So he knew how to get the strongest reaction from a man ... as he did now.
He sucked the head into his mouth and pressed pursed lips back and forth over the hard sensitive corona until the patient groaned, "Aaagh, no, I can't take any more, doc. Please stop."
Brandon pulled back. "You're not an easy patient, sir. I thought Forest Rangers were supposed to be tough. And just look at that. There's more liquid oozing from the swelling. Perhaps this'll help." He sucked in the large blob of pre-cum, then moved up the bed and pressed his mouth over Pete's so their tongues touched and he shared the Ranger's own pre-cum with him.
"He pulled back and asked, "Does that feel any better?"
"I'm supposed to avoid too much exertion, doc, but this only makes it worse. You said we don't want any more discharge but I keep feeling it build up."
"Hmm. Well but don't worry about that, I'll make sure it don't happen. But I do have to make that swelling go down. Just relax, sir."
Now Brandon went full-bore. He clamped his mouth over the cock, lowered it down to the balls, then pulled back and went down again. Pete's groans got louder each time and when Brandon felt his body tense he pulled off.
"See, what did I tell you? No more discharge. I told you I'm experienced at this operation. Done it a million times."
He carried on sucking Pete's cock to the edge of orgasm and then stopped, leaving the patient writhing in frustration. "Damn, I don't know how much longer I can hold out, doc. You're torturing me here."
"Well we can't have that, can we?" Brandon smiled. "Pain management is another of my specialties. So I think we're near the end of the procedure ... time to make that swelling go down at last. Try not to move or we'll have to secure you to the bed and you wouldn't like that would you. Just grit your teeth and try not to shout."
Brandon took the cock in his mouth and swallowed it all the way down. Using the foolproof techniques taught him by Eddie he alternately clenched his throat muscles round the shaft, then massaged it with pursed lips.
In the throes of passion Pete reached up and grabbed the bedposts, just as if he were `secured to the bed' as the doc had threatened. He looked down at the boy's head pumping up and a wave of euphoria swept over him. With an animal howl his cock erupted deep in his boy's throat and Brandon gulped the juice down as it pumped into him until the cock was drained dry.
At last Brandon pulled back and looked down at the shuddering body. "You are much too tense, sir, but don't worry. I'll give you a shot of something to help you calm down." Brandon pulled himself on top of Pete and braced one arm on the bed beside his head. His cock was pointing at his face and it took only a couple of strokes before it was pumping jizz straight into his face and open mouth.
Brandon looked down at the Ranger's handsome cum-splashed face and grinned, "There, does that feel better now sir?" He glanced at Pete's cock. "Only trouble is, the operation was only partially successful. The swelling hasn't gone down much. We'll probably have to do a follow-up in a while."
"Come here you rascal," Pete laughed and pulled his boy down on top of him. "I thought you said I should relax, no excitement, and then you do that to me. Damn it's good to be home – you were awesome, kiddo. But now I really do need a nap – with my boy in my arms. And then we have the rest of the time together, just you and me, until the guys get back from their trip."
Brandon kissed him. "Welcome home, sir. I hope I helped you feel better."
"It was just what the doctor ordered," Pete laughed.
EXPRESSIONS OF GUILT
When they woke up they heard Will in the kitchen getting dinner ready for them. They stirred and Pete said, "Swelling's still there, doc. But I know how to treat it – a method I've used often. And I don't need a doctor, only a handsome boy with a cute ass. After dinner I'll look for one of those and heal myself."
There was a tap on the door and Will's voice said, "Are you decent, sirs?"
"Absolutely not," Brandon shouted.
"Good, then I'll come in." With a big grin on his freckled face Will came in wearing his green apron and chef's hat. "So how are things in the honeymoon suite, sir," he asked Pete?
"Terrific," Pete said. "I got a great welcome home, had a nap with someone I love and I'm back in action."
"Not exactly," Brandon protested. "The hospital said you need a couple days rest and care ..."
"... and good food to keep your strength up," Will said. "Starting with braised trout, brown basmati rice and spinach, with Will's famous rhubarb pie to follow. How does that sound?"
"Sounds perfect, Will," Pete smiled. "Lead me to it – right after we've showered off all this dried cum. And you'll join us for dinner, won't you Will?
"Sir, I thought you and Brandon would want to be alone."
"All except for real special friends like you, kiddo."
Brandon said, "Please stay, Will. We'll need someone to referee."
But no referee was needed as the dinner was, of course, one of complete harmony. As they chatted Pete asked Will what had been happening in the tribe in his absence."
"Well, tons of gossip, sir, as usual and Eddie's been texting me pictures of the rock-climbing trip about every five minutes. The gossip don't amount to much, except for rumors of a big fight brewing between Pablo and Darius."
"That's a surprise," Pete said. "Those two have been lovers right from the early days of the tribe, haven't they?"
"Sure, boyfriends from way back. But they were only about eighteen then and they're both adults now, almost masters themselves. Bound to be some kind of jockeying for position between two competitive macho studs like them."
"Well, let's hope it all dies down," Pete said. "Er, there's something else I wanna ask you, Will. I know there's been a lot of talk about Brandon and me, our trip and all. A lot of it has rightly focused on Brandon's heroic actions up there. It's probably thanks to him that I'm here to talk about it at all. But, er," Pete hesitated ... "has anyone mentioned that I was at fault by taking Brandon there in the first place?"
"No, sir, not that I've heard. Why would anyone say that?"
"Just that if they did they'd be right. That path was not open to the public and I was there as a Ranger to check it out for any potential dangers, like breaks in the path, lack of guard rails and falling rocks. And rocks nearly injured Brandon ..."
"Until you pushed me out of harm's way and saved me, sir ..."
"... and then got knocked unconscious myself. Nah, I was a fool to take you on a dangerous hike like that and put you through the trauma of getting us both out. I feel real guilty about that."
"That's bullshit, sir, if you'll pardon the expression. You didn't force me to go – I wanted it a lot."
"Ah, you can't sugar-coat it, Brandon. I was wrong to expose my boy to danger and I gotta find some way to purge myself of the guilt."
Will said, "Sir, I disagree with you." Then he grinned. "But if it's punishment you're looking for the time-honored way for a guy in this tribe to do penance is to get his ass reamed by boss Randy. Just kidding, sir."
"You may be kidding, Will, but there's some truth in that. It'll take one of the senior men to knock the guilt out of me ... or fuck it out of me if that's what it comes to."
They let the uneasy subject drop and when they had eaten their fill Brandon insisted that Pete go to bed while he helped Will clean up the kitchen. As they worked Brandon said, "That guilt thing worries me, dude. Like I said, it's total bullshit."
"Yeah," Will said, "but you know how this tribe works. The worst crime in the book is for a master to hurt his boy or put him at risk of being hurt. And when there's a crime there has to be punishment. That's just the way it works, buddy."
That ended the discussion and, after much thanks and a hug from Brandon, Will promised to come back in the morning to help with breakfast. As he left Will pulled something from his pocket. "Here dude, I have a feeling you'll need this. Lube – I never leave home without it."
Brandon grinned his thanks, then went to join Pete who was waiting for him in bed. As Brandon undressed Pete said, "Hey, that swelling is back, worse than ever. But like I told you before, I've got my own surefire remedy for that. All I need is a sexy boy with a hot ass. And as you're the only boy around, you're the one. You think you're up for that?"
Brandon feigned innocence. "Dunno, sir. But Will gave me this to give to you." He handed him the lube. "But I'm still not sure what I have to do. Is this the kind of thing you mean?" He rolled easily out of his wheelchair and onto his back on the bed. He grabbed his legs behind the knees and pulled them back, presenting his ass to his master. "Something like this, sir?"
Pete stared at him with a gleam in his eye. "For a kid who's not sure what to do you sure look as if you know the drill."
"But are you sure you should, sir? You know what the doctors said – no physical exertion, no excitement."
"Fuck the docs, and fuck you too, boy. Which is exactly what I'm gonna do. He used Will's lube to grease his cock then leaned forward between Brandon's legs. "So you're not sure what to do, kid, eh? I know I've been away but let me remind you. Maybe this will ring a bell."
He eased his long hard cock inside Brandon who smiled, "Oooh yeah. Ding dong, the bells are ringing. Now I remember, sir."
They laughed at their own silliness and Pete proceeded to make love to Brandon's ass, something they had both dreamed of last night when they were apart. And when at last they climaxed together Pete lay beside his boy and wrapped him in his arms, something else they had dreamed of.
In fact, when Brandon woke up briefly in the middle of the night he thought he was still dreaming until he felt Pete's warm breath on his face and went back to sleep with a smile on his face.
EDDIE TALKS – AND TALKS Next morning while Pete still dozed Brandon was in the kitchen with Will making breakfast. Eddie had already called them to say the rock-climbing group was on its way home. They had elected so sleep over Sunday night and make an early start for home Monday morning.
Pretty soon Will and Brandon heard trucks pull up in the street outside amid excited voices as the group broke up and they went to their respective homes. They heard doors slam as Hassan and Eddie went into their house, the other half of the duplex they shared. It wasn't long before Hassan went straight in to see Pete in the bedroom, while the kitchen door opened and an excited Eddie bounced in to see the boys.
For once he didn't say a word, but dropped to his knees in front of Brandon's wheelchair, stretched his arms and bowed low to the ground in extravagant homage. "Hail the conquering hero ... may I kiss your feet, master?"
Brandon giggled. "Get up you dork. It's still me, your old pal Brandon."
Eddie pulled back on his knees and stared earnestly at his friend. And then the words poured out. "No, I mean it, dude, you are a total hero. Oh my god, fucking amazing what you did. Jamie called Nate and me and I spread the word, of course ... texts right left and center ... and the story went viral. Well, I may have exaggerated a bit along the way, but not by much I bet. I mean picture it, a boy stranded in the wilderness with an unconscious Ranger and hauling him to safety inch by tortured inch. Epic, dude. I mean, how can you exaggerate a story like that?"
"I'm sure you found a way, Eddie," Will smiled, interrupting the machine-gun delivery.
"Eddie," Brandon said, "it's great to see you back safe and sound but let's talk later. Right now I gotta concentrate on Pete. He's still in bed."
"Ah, the wounded warrior, sure," Eddie said with an exaggerated frown. "I hear he came out of his coma at last, but, like, how is he, dude? I mean, is he ... can he ...?"
"Dude he's fine. He regained consciousness as soon as they got him to hospital and, in answer to your question, yes he can. When he came home yesterday I sucked his dick and he shot bucketsful and last night he fucked my ass, with the same result. And now Will and me are making breakfast for him. I guess Hassan is already in with him. Give us a minute and we can go in and join them. OK?"
THE MARINE & THE RANGER
When Hassan had entered the bedroom Pete's face lit up. In the months since the two senior men had moved into the duplex with their boys they had become firm friends, living in such close proximity.
In many ways the Forest Ranger and the Marine captain were alike, each of them known as strong silent types. When they were both in their respective uniforms they even resembled each other in some ways – the tall muscular Marine an Arab/Asian version of the all-American, square- jawed Ranger.
Before they moved into this house their paths hadn't crossed much but when they got to know each other they discovered a sexual attraction and got together often when their boys were out at work. Both of them were dominant top men, so they switched roles, each finding a lusty exhilaration in butt-fucking a macho alpha-male.
On hearing of Pete's accident Hassan had been concerned enough to think of coming straight home but decided otherwise on hearing of his quick recovery, with hourly updates from his boy Eddie. Now he smiled down at Pete lying naked on the bed. "So, big guy, you seem to have come through all this in pretty good shape – except for that raffish bandage across your forehead – a real pirate look.
"That's what Brandon said," Pete laughed.
"Damn, you look good enough to eat ... or fuck ... or something."
A cloud passed over Pete's face. "Matter of fact, young Will jokingly suggested I should get fucked by Randy ... like a punishment ... get rid of my guilt."
"Punishment? What the hell for?"
The three boys had stopped at the bedroom door when they heard the men's voices, so they heard Pete recite again the reasons for his guilt. He was saying, "That damn path ... I should never have taken Brandon there, a boy in a wheelchair for god's sake."
"Huh, from what I hear it's a good job he was in a wheelchair or you'd never have got out the way you did. The kid was incredible – deserves a medal."
And I deserve to get punished, man. I put my kid in danger. He could have been killed by that falling rock."
Hassan frowned in thought. "I know what you mean, buddy. That time I lost my cool with Eddie and threw him out of my house ... I should never have done that. Only way I could purge my guilt was by getting worked over by Randy. It's almost a tribe ritual." He reflected some more, then said, "But there's no reason to get Randy involved in this. Any of the dominant senior men could do the same ..."
"A guy like you, you mean?"
"Hell yeah. But it wouldn't be a walk in the park, dude. Has to mean something, be real. You sure you can take it? You're supposed to be relaxing."
"Buddy, my body's fine – it's my mind needs healing. Peace of mind will help me relax more than bed-rest will." Pete looked up at the soldier, in his military fatigue pants, combat boots and a khaki tank-top stretched over his muscular chest. He threw the sheet off himself and said, "Please, man. I need it real bad. Don't worry, I can take it. I need to."
Eddie choked loudly with excitement and the boys turned to leave. But Pete called out, "Wait guys. This has to be a public affair. A guy's punishment has to be witnessed. Come in."
Nervously the three boys came in and stood in the background. Pete said, "It's OK Brandon. I want this ... I need it."
PURGING THE GUILT
Hassan lost no time in going to work. His dark brown eyes took on that steely look he assumed when he punished a young Marine recruit. Except this was a dominant top man, a Ranger, and the punishment would not be a verbal dressing down but something much more physical.
He ripped open his fatigue pants and pulled out his massive cock that was already hard with the prospect of fucking a man as beautiful as Pete. He spat on it and stroked it a few times. Then he knelt on the bed and pushed one of Pete's legs up high, exposing his ass.
"No foreplay," The Marine growled. "Just like Randy. Grit your teeth and take it, stud."
"Aaagh ..." The Ranger threw his head back as the thick shaft plunge in his ass, then pulled back and drove in again and again, deeper each time. Hassan pushed the victim's other leg up and leaned forward, bracing his hands on the bed by his head.
"Your guilt is real, Ranger, and your punishment is deserved. No holds barred, eh?"
Pete had been reamed by Hassan before and it was usually pleasure with a dash of pain. But this time pain dominated, with only a hint of lust as Pete stared up at the rugged, muscular soldier, a ferocious intensity etched on his dark Arab features. He growled, "This is what you need, Ranger, the only way to kill your demons. Take it, man."
As the merciless cock pistoned in his ass Pete reflexively reached up and pressed his hands on the heaving chest in a futile attempt to push him back. He curled his fingers into his rock-hard pecs and grabbed the khaki tank. But Hassan was strong and never let up. As his cock pounded Pete's ass his flexed torso rose and fell above him to the sound of ripping cloth.
Desperately Pete pulled on the tank and it ripped from one shoulder. Then with the howl of a wounded animal Pete yanked hard and the tank ripped clear off the heaving body and came away in his hand. But he had to grip something hard to ease the pain so he reached up and grabbed the corner bedposts.
"Fuck you, man," the captain growled, "you're gonna take this." With his cock buried deep in his ass Hassan picked up the shredded tank and ripped it in two, then leaned farther forward and quickly tied the captive's wrists to the bed. "Now you're at the mercy of a Marine, big guy, and your ass is gonna get reamed."
Pete yanked instinctively at his bound wrists and his body writhed as the bare-chested Arab soldier ramrodded his ass. Brandon stirred anxiously as he watched his master endure his ferocious penance. "It's all my fault, Brandon whimpered softly," but Eddie restrained him.
"That's not true, buddy," Eddie whispered. "Pete said he needs this ... it's what men in this tribe do when they're racked with guilt. Boys can't interfere, but don't worry, dude, Hassan won't injure him. He loves him like a brother and knows Pete mustn't take too much after his injury, so he'll give him only as much as he needs."
Eddie was right. Hassan was taking Pete to the brink of his pain threshold before backing off, then turning up the heat again. As he writhed on the bed Pete felt a purging of his soul as well as his body as the solder's shaft speared his ass.
But Hassan was mindful of Pete's recent injury and, besides, his thoughts needed to be worked on more than his body. So the pounding stopped and he smiled down at his friend. "Your body's had enough, buddy. Now you need to clear your mind of guilt. So I want to hear you apologize – to me, Brandon, the boys here and the tribe ... and most of all to yourself. You're a good man, Pete. And you're perfect for that boy who worships you. So let's hear it, man."
Tears rolled down Pete's cheeks as he said, "I'm sorry, man, and I apologize to Brandon and to you all. I made a mistake, put my boy in harm's way, and I swear always to protect the boy I love more than my own life."
"So show me, big guy. You're so fucking gorgeous my cock's about to erupt in your ass. Let that guilt flow out of you, buddy. You know how to do that ..."
Pete smiled through his tears and said, "Finish me off soldier." Hassan gently massaged the Ranger's ass with his cock until he said, "Here it comes, Pete. Let's show them together. I'm gonna cum, man. Fuck yeah ... aaah."
Hassan's body tensed, his muscles flexed and the Ranger felt the soldier's juice pumping in his ass. He stared up at the rugged Marine and cum raced from his balls up through his cock and streamed over his heaving, naked body.
He closed his eyes for a moment and let his breathing subside. He sighed deeply, opened his eyes and smiled at Hassan. "Thanks soldier. I needed that."
OUT OF THE LIMELIGHT
Brandon rolled forward as Hassan untied Pete's wrists and said, "Now all that guilt bullshit's over we'll leave you two together for a bit."
"Breakfast in half an hour, sirs," Will announced. Hassan led the boys out of the bedroom and Brandon rolled over onto the bed and into Pete's arms. "Are you sure you're OK, sir? That workout Hassan just gave you was definitely not what the doctor ordered. Far too much stress."
"Nah, it relieved my stress, kiddo, helped me release all those guilty thoughts. But OK, I'll give in and get more bed rest – provided you're in the bed with me." Suddenly Pete's face lit up.
"Hey, I forgot to tell you. In the hospital I got talking to a nurse about you and she told me she has a cousin who's in a wheelchair and ... get this ... he goes rock climbing. It's true. Seems he uses his upper body strength to pull himself up while a belayer below uses ropes to assist him. Some day in the future we should check out one of those indoor rock climbing walls and give it a try if you'd be up for that."
"I'd be up for anything with you, sir, you know that. But right now I just want everything to go back to normal sir. We've always led a quiet life and I don't like the spotlight shining so bright on us."
"I agree, kiddo. But knowing this crowd I'm sure there'll be another distraction soon to shift the attention away from us. Maybe that fight that Will said was brewing between Pablo and Darius will do the trick."
"I hope not, sir. They are two such strong characters, with tough hotheaded masters in Randy and Zack, that it could all get out of control. And I worry for Pablo's boy Tyler. He's always been pretty shy but he worships Pablo, so any trouble involving his hero would throw him for a loop."
"Well, even if it does come to that we won't be involved – they'll have to work it out for themselves. We can stand back in the shadows and out of the limelight."
"I'm just glad this whole saga is over, sir. A bit too rich for my blood."
"Amen to that, kiddo. Come on, let's go eat breakfast."
TO BE CONTINUED in "A Trial Of Strength" – Chapter 468
Hey guys, this is Rob Williams. I hope that chapter got you off, and I welcome your comments and suggestions, which can be very helpful in planning future chapters. E-mail me in confidence at rw6789@aol.com.
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