Author: Xadith Feedback: Sure but be mature Xadith@aol.com Subject Gay Male Science Fiction Summary: The "captured" Logan is forced to deal with the morning after and finds that not everything is what it seems, not ever demon has a black heart. The plot thickens. Rating: NC-17 Adult content, Sexual situations involving like genders, language, Light D/s and BDSM, rape. Chapter: 2 of 3 These characters are mine and copyrighted. Any reference to real life people is unintentional. Author's Note: Thank you to all of you who sent me such wonderful letters telling me how much you loved these characters, I write this next chapter in honor of you all, and yeah...thanks for the kicks in the butt to get the next chapter out there. I hope to get 3 done sooner then 2 was. But I may need a few more kicks in the butt lol -X
I didn't feel the pressure of my wings behind me as the afternoon sun came shimmering down on my outstretched back while I lay sprawled out over the warm silk sheets and feather pillows. My head rose from the blissful rest, groggy and irritated that my bladder was demanding I rise and move to the bathroom. Still, when you had to go, you had to go. Tossing back the sheets, I rose from bed and nearly toppled over. My entire body hurt. My arms and legs felt like I had over done it in the gym by about ten hours, my lungs felt on fire and my head throbbed with the worst possible hang over ever imaginable. I was going to hurl.
I made it into the bathroom, thankfully, removed what little contents could be found from my stomach, and took a good hard look at myself in the mirror. I couldn't believe the site that met my green gaze. I felt like hell, but I looked as radiant as an angel. That pleasant "Afterglow" was warm in my cheeks, my hair was shinny and softer to the touch then I remembered it, my body looked toned and hard and I could swear my dick looked bigger. I shook my head, that just couldn't be, it had to just be an after affect of the night before. Oh god, the night before. What I could remember of it was blurred in a haze of animal lust and freakish passion. Surprisingly, the only thing on my body that didn't hurt was my ass.
I ran a hand over my face and leaned over the sink, a good splash of cold water and some mouthwash later I felt a little more human. It was only then I realized I was missing my wings. I did a double take as I left the white tile bathroom, spinning around to look at my back and examine the area that had once held two massive feather limbs. There were two long scare like marks over my shoulder blades where the wings used to sprout. It was a comfort to know that those marks meant that I hadn't dreamed the last forty-eight hours, and at the same time I felt a deep sense of loss at the missing bird appendages. I wasn't sure what to do about it, I just knew that I didn't feel complete without them. This moment is the first I can recall actually wanting to seek out Lucian. Where was that demon anyway? I hadn't even noticed that I woke up without his tail wrapped around my thigh (or else where).
I poked my head out the bedroom door and found that I was apparently alone. I didn't waste any time, I wanted the hell out of here and this might be my only chance. I cursed myself for not thinking of it sooner. I should have looked around for him before now. I pulled on a pair of boxers and faded blue jeans. The faded Old Navy T I pulled over my head was a favorite of mine; mostly because Rex had hated it. He always wanted me dressed to impress when we went out together and if I ever wore this shirt in his presence it was an instant fight. After we split it became my Declaration of Rex Independence. I snatched up my wallet and pulled on some tennis shoes as fast as I could without falling over. My head was feeling better even if my arms and legs still felt heavy and worn out.
I nearly ran to the door and scrambled around to find my truck keys and once they were in my hand I came to a dead stop in front of the door. If Lucian was outside, I didn't want to make any sudden sounds or movements to attract his attention. I slowly pulled open the door and looked out with extreme caution. When it seemed that the way was clear and demon free I bolted for the truck. I threw myself inside and started up the engine, thanking whatever fate was responsible for making me get a full tank of gas only a mile out from the ranch. I could go eight hours without having to stop if I watched my speed and gas usage. I threw the truck into reverse and spun around like a mad man with the devil on his heels. I hadn't stopped rolling before I kicked it into drive and slammed on the gas. What greeted me over the steering wheal would make any grown man cry.
Kimmy was walking up over the small hill incline with another guest in tow. She smiled and waved to get my attention, all grins as she looked back over her shoulder to the man getting out of the Ranch designated jeep behind her. A tall, muscular male body was slowly strolling his way up the path, a small duffle bag in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. His long blond hair was down to his shoulders, neatly trimmed and full, partially hidden under a cowboy hat. His Wrangler jeans fit him like a second skin over muscled thighs and his white short sleeve T let every eye in heaven and hell see each small detail and ripple of a well formed chest and powerful arms. He had crystal blue eyes and a warm bronze tan and any gay man in the world would be instantly hard just from looking at him. He was a dead ringer for the adult version of that stable hand and when he met my gaze and grinned that wicked little smirk, no one had to tell me who it really was. But what the hell was he doing with Kimmy?
The receptionist came up to my truck window and tapped. I reluctantly rolled down the window as it seemed my foot on the gas wasn't moving but hanging suspended over the peddle. I looked at her with complete and total despair. Two minuets, two minuets more and I would have been a free man. The thought that Lucian could most likely find me no matter where I went never dawns on a person until far later into the thought process, but for now I had missed my only chance to escape and I was pissed.
"What?" I snarled at her, far meaner then I had wanted to be, it wasn't her fault I guess. Yet even so she didn't seem to understand that her presence anywhere within the vicinity of me was not welcome. "Good afternoon Mr. Sabian, I thought it best to bring your guest here personally since you said you didn't want any phone calls. Don't worry, I've checked him in and signed you both up for the excursions you wanted. No extra charge." She winked at me but I was at a loss. "My guest?" "Yes your guest Mr. Nyte. We got your phone message last night about his arrival and everything has been taken care of." I was speechless and if I hadn't been so at a loss to figure out when I had called the front desk, I would have seen Lucian, cowboy hat and all, doing his best to hide a wicked grin under the brim of said hat. For some reason all I could do was nod. My truck was idling and so was my brain. I wouldn't have been shocked to learn that Lucian was again manipulating me somehow. Inwardly I was screaming at my foot to push down on the gas but still all I could do was sit there and stare blankly at the creature that would be my doom. Kimmy.
"Thank you Kimmy." And for whatever reason I pulled out my wallet and handed her a fifty dollar bill. I was going to kill Lucian.
"Have a good night Sirs, I know you will." She had the audacity to wiggle her eyebrows at me suggestively and I wanted to leap out of the truck and strangle her. Yet frozen in place I could only watch as she happily made her way back to the Ranch buggy.
He made me sit in that truck for over twenty minuets. Once Kimmy was gone, I put the truck into park and turned it off. My body was mine again so I fell back and slumped in the leather seat, my head falling to thud against the head rest. I loved my truck. Off the subject I know but it just came to mind as I sat there. It was an extended cab with a nice back seat, short bed for tossing my things in, all black with a great sound system and power everything. So how was it that I couldn't get this beautiful high powered vehicle to take me away from here? I let out a groan like sigh as I saw Lucian finally approaching. He let his bag hit the ground as he folded his arms over his chest and leaned into my window. He took the keys from the ignition and pocketed them, silently declaring that my driving days were over. I kept my eyes closed, I didn't even want to look at him. He was gorgeous, and I could feel that sexy smile on his lips as his stunning blue eyes trailed over my body. I felt like a sex toy in the window of an adult store, being drooled over and pictured at my most "useful." If it had been anyone else, I might have enjoyed the feeling, it might have even turned me on to be so desired. But Lucian didn't care about me, he just wanted to fuck me for all I was worth, like several other males out there when looking on an appealing form. I wasn't to be had by a person that only wanted sex. I made that mistake with Rex, I would never make it again.
My eyes came open fiery and blazing with anger. I knocked Lucian back as I shoved open the driver side door and got out. I knew that was a mistake, I knew he would be pissed but I didn't care. I started for the cabin again, intent on a shower and something to eat, I was fucking starving. As my hand gripped the doorknob I thought I would have the chance to do both but before I could set foot inside a heavy weight hit my back and drove me forward and onto the cabin floor. I let out a fierce roar, I was not going to just take this anymore and as Lucian attempted to pin me to the ground I bucked up and threw the bastard clear across the room. I had no idea how I had done it, he was as large as me if not slightly bigger but somehow I got my knees under him and threw the demon over my head. Boots jeans and cowboy hat when tumbling ass over appetite to the ground with a loud crash. I think Lucian was as shocked as I was but that didn't stop us from both getting up and slamming back into one another again.
I landed a hard right over his cheek and knee into his stomach, but those rock hard muscles just refused to give. He came back with a hard hit of his own to my gut and when I doubled over his tackled me to the ground and we started to fight it out in a bad porno type wrestling match. He ripped apart my Old Navy T and I in turn slammed my knee into his chest. I rolled and struggled onto my back and kicked at his head again as he came down on me. He captures my left ankle and yanked it in a hard twist, I screamed out as the sharp pain jabbed up to my brain. That didn't stop my fist going into his jaw again but that too was caught shortly after and I was flipped over onto my stomach with a loud grunt. My jeans were ripped in half with claws that weren't there a moment ago, and as my tattered clothes were being flung away from me I was swiftly coming to realize I was loosing this fight. My boxers were torn off me as I scrambled to pull away, fighting for all I was worth to buck and kick Lucian off my back. I clawed at the wood floor and nearly choked when that serpent tail slid around my throat and squeezed. I didn't care; I wasn't going to let this happen. I reached under my throat and gripped the shaft of that demon tail, lifted it to my mouth and bit down as hard as I could. Lucian screamed in pain and drew back, letting me have just enough room to pull myself up on hands and knees and yank myself up off the floor and away from him. I was mostly naked other then a sock and shreds of faded blue T-shirt. I looked down on Lucian who seemed to be in a great deal of pain. I almost laughed at him.
Imagine that huge demon being brought down by a bite to his tail. I must have been grinning or had some amused expression on my face because when Lucian looked up at me his eyes were as black as coal and for the first time since he had come to me, I thought he was honestly about to kill me. I paled.
Lucian got up off the ground, his blond hair was gone, his body was a deep crimson and he was pissed. I pressed my back to the wall and looked around for something to defend myself with, it wouldn't help he if controlled my body again but I wasn't going to give in, I would never give in again! He moved too quickly, I couldn't even see it, it was like he vanished and reappeared again before me and I froze in place as I was met eye to eye with one angry demon. The room suddenly grew dark, like the clouds over head has just covered the sun with thick black smoke and I swallowed hard before lifting my chin up in a defiant manor. I suddenly couldn't move and I knew he was about to take what he wanted from me, but that didn't matter. Either I was about to die or I was about die slowly, I didn't know nor care, but I wouldn't give him what he wanted. Lucian caged me between his arms, one at either side of my head and his hot body was pressed against mine making my skin and muscles tingle. My cock was hard and drooling it's approval but why I had no idea. This kind of thing had never gotten me off before so why it was now baffled me.
Lucian put both his hands to my chest and pressed his claws down into the soft skin. My nipples hardened and my body moaned but I bit my lower lip and refused to allow my throat the pleasure. He drug those sharp talons down my chest, over my ribs and slowly, ever so slowly along my hip bones and over my thighs. He lifted my legs at the knees and I didn't fall. I was glued with my back to the wood wall and my feet off the ground, defying the laws of nature. He pulled my legs open making me prone and vulnerable to whatever he was going to do to me. I had never felt so open and naked in all my life.
His claws moved between my thighs, stroking them and elating small shivered to tremble down my legs and up my spine. My cock was so hard it hurt and when I felt the tip of his wounded tail slid against my exposed opening I nearly lost it. What was he doing? Why was he suddenly being so gently aggressive? Dark gods but I was going to scream if he didn't just kill me and get it over with! Yet when his hands slid around my cock and balls, and he cupped me full in his palms, I felt his claws began to dig into tender skin at the base of both and my eyes went wide. "Oh god please don't! Please! Fuck, Lucian please don't!" He was going to tear my manhood off, just like he had warned he would burn it off a few nights before. I would die of the pain but he wouldn't let me, he would do it again and again and again until I went mad. I closed my eyes and turned my head away, refusing to watch. I felt his claws dig deeper and the pain shot up my body with a sense of alarm no man should ever have to endure. I sob out a cry, clenching my eyes readying myself for the blood and pain and cursing the luck of my god forsaken life. I wanted to go home, I wanted be anywhere else, I wanted Rex to save me, I wanted anything but this and....
Lucian's mouth slid around the tip of Logan's cock, pulling it gently into the back of his throat where he began to draw firmly on the long shaft and tip. His heated tongue swirled around the gapping open slit and dipped in to retrieve the salty taste of his precum. Lucian's eyes were on Logan's face as he drank in more of the lengthy shaft, starting to stroke and massage with each thrust down and back. He purred around the tip; Logan had a wonderful taste, one Lucian had missed greatly. He spent several moments just licking and tasting and couldn't help to pause and chuckle when Logan's eyes popped open with horrified confusion. Lucian ignored him. He was too intent on enjoying his meal so to speak. He ran the flat of his tongue down the underside of Logan's cock, stroking the veins as he rolled the tip in his palm. He drew back and just caressed Logan's shaft, pulled and rolled the hard dick, watching it swell even larger and drip it's obvious approval. Lucian mouthed his lover's balls, rolling them and teasing them with small nips and kisses. He had pulled Logan's knees over his shoulders so that very little space would separate them. His wounded tail slid slowly up into the other's body, nestling into the sweet spot to tease Logan with each small shift and thrust it made.
Gods, his poor tail. Logan had to pick his tail to attack. Lucian was sure it would take weeks to heal completely. The little bitch had drawn blood with that bite. What was it with mortals and Angels alike? Didn't they know that a demon's tail was like an extension of their sex organs? It hurt more to get a bite on the tail then a bite on the dick and Logan had done just that. Lucian fought back a shiver of pain that still throbbed in his abused appendage. He looked up, Logan's eyes were closed, it was clear the captive was enjoying this "punishment" so the demon continued. He smirked as he slid the tip of the other's cock down his throat again, beginning to thrust up and down in a smooth faster rhythm that was causing Logan to moan and purr in a most delighted fashion. Lucian nuzzled his face into Logan's groin, holding back his deepest desires for another time. It just felt so good to have Logan in his arms again.
He had done it again; he turned me into a moaning whore in no time. My god, what a mouth on this man. He was torturing me with those little nips and the warm tongue. He licked and sucked and pulled and rolled and his tail inside me pushed up against my sweet spot and I was gone. I thrust into his mouth and rolled my hips, gasped and groaned and all the while I could move nothing more then my head, rolling it from side to side in deep frustration. Why was he doing this to me? Why was he trying to kill me with pure confusion? I groaned as his lips sealed around the tip of my dick and he pulled out every ounce of precum I could give. My hands slid into his silky black hair and I pulled him closer when I realized they were indeed in my control. I wanted him. I wanted Lucian closer and I wanted him now. I didn't think I could saw it, I didn't think I could admit it to myself let alone the demon, but I didn't want Lucian to stop, I didn't want him to ever stop. I was drunk on him. Every time we were together I became more addicted to what he could do to me. I moaned again when he swallowed me down his throat, obviously very skilled at deep throating because I was more then a mouthful. I bucked up when I felt his teeth scrape my shaft and nearly lost it when he started to actually purr around me. I gasped and chocked out a praise, needing him to finish. My body was electrically alive and I was starved for air, starved for Lucian in any way he would come to me; and I didn't understand any of it.
The sudden movement between my thighs didn't attract my attention until it was too late, Lucian surged up between my thighs and in one hard thrust he was inside me, his tail swirling around my upper thigh. I lost all sense of time as he started to pump up inside me. My mouth fell open in desperate gasps for air, he drove it all out of me, the fight, the hate, the need to run, it was all gone the moment Lucian pushed that perfect cock up into my body and claimed me with every thrust. His teeth sunk into my shoulder and I cried out as I felt his body spasm and his cum explode into me. I felt my own hot seed splash back against my chest and his, grinding it into my skin as he continued to milk himself inside me. My eyes rolled back in my head and I slumped hard against both the wall and him. Only a moment later we collapsed to the floor in a pile of flesh, cum, and sweat.
The demon lay with me there for some time, stroking my back and shoulders as I just caught my breath. Resting atop him, I hardly noticed anything but the calm beat of his heart and the heat that rose off us both. The room was freezing but Lucian was warm and inviting, most likely a simple demon trick that worked on all his victims. The disgruntled thoughts were surfacing now, distaste at the way he had once again made me forget all about my anger and made me into his toy again. I rolled off of him and pressed my back to the cold floor, our legs were still tangled together and I didn't bother sorting them out for the moment. Why I'm not quite sure but what difference would it make? He would just roll over on top of me again.
I was surprised when Lucian rolled away first, getting up and heading to the kitchen with my gaze trailing him for once. I wasn't sure what to expect, after that flip from anger to sex, it seemed too familiar but out of my grasp and thinking about it gave me a headache. I heard the pilot light on the stove being lit and my stomach suddenly became the ruler of all other faculties. I realized I hadn't eaten anything in about two days and my metabolism was screaming at me for food. I was on my feet and venturing toward the kitchen not long after I heard eggs hit a pan and the warm glorious smell of bacon began to fill the house. I still didn't know what to think about all of this, standing in the archway of the kitchen on the other side of the bar, I wanted that food but I wanted distance between Lucian and I more.
He worked quickly, his slender tail swirling about his legs every now and then, his large shoulders and back ripped now and then as he moved, I didn't know what was more interesting, the fact a six foot demon with the most absurd body was standing in my kitchen naked or the fact he was making me breakfast.
Lucian turned to me, his dark blue eyes had melted into a blackish red and he smiled at me almost pleasantly before setting down a plate of food at the small table in the center of the kitchen. I eyed him, and it, my stomach was going to win out but he didn't need to know that. He added toast and some coffee to the meal and it was all over. Silently, I went to the table and took a seat. The fabric was warm enough but the metal frame was cold on my bare legs; I didn't let that bother me.
Lucian's back was to me when I started to eat. God it was so good. I ate like a starving man because that's exactly what I was. I didn't care about anything but filling my stomach which had been empty for far too long. Lucian joined me about ten minuets later with his own plate and I thought to ask him why he needed to eat at all being a demon and what have you. He seemed to be reading my mind again or something because he just grinned and said "We have to eat too you know."
I grunted and went back to my plate.
He didn't seem to pay attention when I got up and cleared the kitchen a little. He let me go when I went back into the bedroom for a shower and clothing. When I came out, my hair still wet and my bare feet padding heavily on the wood floor, I was greeted with a rare sight. Lucian was asleep on the couch. Or at least he looked that way. He had dressed in a pair of black jeans and a simple white T-shirt. He was curled up on his side with his back to the fire place and his face buried in the pillow and the curve of his arm. I stood still for a moment, just looking at him. His blond hair whisked forward over his high cheek bones and his face looked calm and at peace. His chest rose and fell with steady breaths and I smiled slightly.
What the hell was wrong with me? The towel I had in my hand and was using to dry my wet locks was chucked over the back of the couch and landed right on top of the demon's sexy head. I wasn't thinking of leaving, I knew better then that now but I didn't have to make his stay any more pleasant. I herd a muffled grunt under the towel and grinned. Mission accomplished.
I was back in the kitchen, raiding it for a soda and some gourmet cheese. I didn't drink or eat that stuff most of the time but I was on vacation and who the hell cared if I let myself go all to hell when Lucian was my keeper? I turned around with my mouth full and saw the blond getting up off the couch. He ran a hand through his hair and massaged the back of his neck with a slow roll of his head. For some fucked up reason the image of my mouth on that soft spot of his throat came to mind and I nearly growled my desire for it. I mentally shook myself and went back to my cheese.
Flopping down on the couch I stretched out my legs to the coffee table in front of me and glanced over at Lucian. He was glaring at me for the towel incident no doubt but didn't say anything for now. Instead he broke off a piece of the cheese that was jutting from my lips and popped it into his mouth.
"Hey!" My protest was muffled by what was left of the food in my mouth and I sucked in the last of it to keep any more of it from being stolen. Lucian smirked at me and I glared back at him. God, was this going to be the rest of my life? Just like this? Battling over cheese with a demon?
I downed a large gulp of soda and let out a belch just to annoy the hell out of Lucian it worked because he made a disgusted sound and got up from the couch. I grinned and stretched out more so over the vacant couch. I heard the water flip on in the bed room behind me and actually gave a full belly laugh when Lucian screamed my name from the bathroom. I had used up all the hot water, it would be at least two hours before there was enough to give the demon a decent ten minute bathing. The sudden tingle at the back of my neck told me to duck and I did just as my favorite hard cover book went flying past and landed in the fire.
"Son of a bitch!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I found out the next morning that Lucian had signed us up for some of the parks excursions and activities. Why in God's name he thought any of this stuff would be fun I don't know but at least it would put us out in public where he couldn't rape me for all I was worth ever ten minuets. After a large breakfast and a quick fuck over the kitchen counter, he shoved me into a shower, watched me dress and we were off to go horse back riding. I don't know how we managed to get there on time even getting up before dawn we had still wasted at least two hours with the food and fuck morning. He was getting really good at knowing my pressure points and just when to thrust and cut off a complaint into a moan. I shivered with the memory of his warm mouth latched onto the pulse point of my neck and his arms so strongly wrapped about my hips to hold me close into him. If it had been anyone else I might have smiled at the thought instead of made myself nauseous.
The demon drove us over to the stables, apparently already knowing the lay out of this place rather well and I sat as far away from him as I could cram my body and just stared out the pick-up window as we went. Regardless of the company and the ungodly hour I was forced to get up, I was actually looking forward to a nice ride. A horse back ride that is. It had been at least two years since I'd been on a horse but I remembered everything about doing it. One of those things like riding a bike you never forget how to do. I yawned and damn it all if I couldn't feel Lucian smile at me. I didn't have to see him to know what he was doing now and I didn't like being that familiar with my captive. I had to remind myself now and then that I was his captive, just what he was and the things he had told me, what I was. I didn't want to think about it. Those cosmic questions were just too much to bare right not and as the truck pulled up to the brightly lit stable I pushed them all from my head. I saw other campers out getting the horses saddled and I didn't wait for the vehicle to stop moving before I jumped out and headed over to them. I just wanted away from Lucian and away from that damn smoky smile of his.
There were several other people here, a lot more then I expected. Four couples of men and woman, another obvious gay couple, two four people families and a mother and daughter set. Perfect. With all these people there was no way that Lucian was going to force anything on me, he wouldn't risk being exposed I was sure. I must have had a grin from ear to ear when he finally strolled up beside me because he cocked a brow at me and gave me a look that made my heart sink. He was planning something.
I didn't get a chance to find out what before a happy perky annoying little voice squeaked behind me. "Mr. Sabian! I was afraid you weren't going to make it. Rough morning?" Kimmy's highly caffeinated voice was like nails on a chalkboard and I turned to her forcing a smile and a slight nod. Thankfully she was in a skirt and pumps so that meant she wasn't coming on the trip and if that was so then who was their guide? They did have a guide right?! They did have to stay together in a group, right!?
"Okay everyone if you have your saddles on let me know and I'll come by and check make sure they are put on right, oh and don't forget to take a map of the grounds in case anyone gets separated." I looked around for the person speaking as Kimmy let her tongue hang out over the two men before her. In fact everyone was looking at Lucian and I. He was standing annoyingly close and was speaking volumes as to just who he thought he was to me. The other gay couple, older then the both of us but still in a good rugged condition already had taken notice of us long before we got out of the truck; and more so when they heard Kimmy announce my name to the group. It was clear they were going to try and pull us aside sometime in the day and talk to us about the possibilities. The mother and daughter set were still getting things together but the daughter had noticed us. She was glancing over now and then and something about her struck me as unique. I had no idea what at the time but something told me to keep an eye on her.
The family sets were all working to get one another ready with over protective mom's putting on sun screen to every inch of their off spring and the fathers rolling their eyes and telling them to calm down about a little sun burn. The couples were fawning over one another all but one set who looked like they were on a last ditch effort to save their at most 10 year old marriage. He cheated on her.
I blinked. How did I know that? I shook my head and kept looking for the speaker. I was looking so intensely that I didn't notice the person walking up behind me.
"Mr. Sabian?"
"Ah!" I jumped. Lucian chuckled. "Yes? What?" I turned around half glaring at Lucian and came eye to eye with the voice I had heard a few moments ago. She wasn't overly tall, about five seven or so, with copper curls and a warm smile. She set me at ease for some reason and I think it had to be in her eyes. They were a warm brown and seemed to look right through me. I actually smiled at her.
"Glad you made it. Management said you would be here and that you had experience in riding so I've already saddled two more horses in preparation for your arrival, they are waiting in the stable off to your right. Make sure everything is adjusted correctly for you and meet us out here all right?" Her voice was older then her year. She had to be about thirty, but she spoke with the tone of wisdom far advanced then what she was. For some reason I already liked her.
Lucian was heading off toward the stable to get the horses and I filled out some of the release forms for us both. The horses here were well taken care of, fit and trim and ready to go. Most of them were calm and sweet to their rides while some it was clear were ready to get on the trail. When the demon, who looked more like a god at the moment in his tight blue jeans and flannel shirt, Stetson hat and boots, came over with our two horses it didn't shock me one bit that my horse was a black as night demon looking thing and his was a dapple angel of a mare. This was so unfair.
Marie, the pretty guide, called us all to mount, helping some of the younger teens get up properly and praising the horses for their patience in dealing with elbows and knees in their sides. I felt for the beasts. She told us where we would be heading and put out ranch-supplied lunches in saddlebags over the back of our horses. My black demon was accordingly named Raven and Lucian was comfortably seat upon Daisy. It was then I realized just what Lucian was. A walking wrong impression.
He smiled over at me and I rolled my eyes. I'd had enough of him today and the sun had yet to rise. Marie went over a few emergency procedures in the event the horses were spooked by something, how to jump off without hard and how to pull back on the reigns hard enough to get the horses attention. Once everyone was set and read she led us out to the well laid trail and reminded everyone that if they got lost to just let the horse take over, the horses were trained to return to the "barn" at sun down. I kicked up Raven close to her and asked if she minded people riding ahead. I wanted to put some distance between me and Lucian.
"Sorry Mr. Sabian but given you have never been on this trail before I'm going to have to advise against it, however I wont stop you if you wish to ride ahead." I just nodded and dropped back a bit. I could tell some of the people were wondering why I wanted to leave behind that gorgeous man that was still strolling in the back with the most relaxed posture and amused smile. He held his reigns lazily, and I couldn't help feel those strips of leather weren't connected to the horse but to me. I snarled I wanted away from him.
Taking in a deep breath I decided to just make the best of this. I wasn't a bad guy just in a bad mood and that shouldn't be taken out on those around me. I kicked Raven up again and took to stride beside Marie. I wanted to get to know her and so I did.
The trail we followed was simple, traveled a thousand times before by these animals who didn't need any help in directing the course of the ride. They were like mindless drones that were following the white line of sad and rocks on the ground. Lucian was enjoying that fact as I swear he fell asleep on his horse, arms folded over his chest and hat pushed down over his eyes. Marie and I were getting a long well, even some of the other guests were joining in on the conversation we started over the recent publication of a controversial book. It wasn't long before everyone found out I was a writer but I kept it to myself just what I wrote. I didn't think the mothers would like knowing they had a nice vacation with a renowned Gay fiction writer. But I could tell that some of them already figured that my silence was because I didn't write child friendly books. In most cases I would announce my writing with a great deal of pride but for some reason today I almost felt ashamed of it.
People brought up names like William Blake, Wordsworth and Shelly and I felt like a second rate porn star that didn't want to talk about his drug addiction. Marie said it didn't matter what I wrote only that I loved what I did and that I had to agree with. I did love it and it was what interested me. Mike and Steve, the gay couple knew perfectly well what I wrote but were kind enough to keep it to themselves. They just shot me looks now and then that clearly stated they wanted some kind of compensation for their silence.
We stopped over a long railed ridge for lunch. There were a few grassy spots here and there for blankets and a stream where the horses were watered and allowed to graze the grass for a while. Marie was great with the people and the horses but I could tell she favored the animals less then the horses. I dismounted and went to sit on the railing with a sandwich. Lucian was finally being social having not said a word all morning. He was helping the mother and daughter pair set up their blanket and talking with Marie about the area, wild life in particular. Someone asked what he did for a living and I smirked, waiting for the bold face lie.
"I'm a seventh circle demon, here to corrupt the souls of the masses." Everyone laughed. I chocked on my sandwich.
"You're here with Mr. Sabian aren't you....I'm sorry I didn't catch you name?" One of the mothers was being as polite as possible to confirm her suspicions that we were there together but were of no relation.
'Lucian Nyte. Lucian is just fine miss, and yes, Logan is with me." He said it so smugly, so arrogantly, like I was his horse, his ride and he wanted everyone to know it. I glared at him over the mountain tops, pretending I couldn't hear him.
"Oh well, my apologies I didn't mean to pry." The mother had a tainted sound to her voice, judgmental and harsh but well masked, I'd heard it enough in those around me that no amount of masking would ever hide it completely.
"Not to worry." Lucian smiled at the middle aged mom and she seemed to force a smile back at him, neither of which I saw but could feel going on behind me. I palmed my face and took in a deep breath, this was going to be the longest damn month of my life, if I lived that long.
After lunch and everyone took their pictures by the magnificent view, we headed up to another bluff for a quick look over the mountain and then down the long trail back to home. Marie was careful to make sure no one fell behind, constantly looking around for things that might spook the horses or watching for people that might not be paying close enough attention to the trail and the paths they were taking. In between she kept up conversation and moved us all onto the topic of best vacation memories and lots of people were stating that this was one of the better. I think it pleased her to hear that.
The demon behind us had gone back to sleep or so it seemed, he wasn't looking around at the view or listening to Marie as she talked about certain areas of interest and showing us some basic facts about the forest and mountain region. He just sat there, arms folded and hat down and only now and then could I tell he was smiling at something said or joke passed.
We got up to the cliffs and Marie cautioned us to stay to the left if we were afraid of heights. Everyone was far to the left and watching with close eyes the edge, everyone except Lucian of course. His hat masked his eyes but even so I could tell he wasn't the least bit concerned with the impending doom below. His careless demeanor caught Marie's attention as well and she leaned over in her saddle to ask me if Lucian was even aware of what was going on. I just shrugged.
"Forgive my forwardness Mr. Sabian, but for two people that came here together, you both seem to be avoiding one another rather affectively. Is something wrong?" Her tone was low as not to let the others in the group hear but I could see Lucian just slightly lift his head in our direction. Her concern seemed genuine and because of that I couldn't blame her for reminding me that I was attached at the hip by the demon.
"Lucian and I are here together, that doesn't mean I'm with him, despite what he might believe." I made my tone firm but the sudden low chuckle from the figure that had been dead silent most of the trip brought everyone to turn around and look at the blond bomb shell.
Suddenly something leapt out from the tree line. It was massive, it was headed my way and it was pissed. I didn't even register what it was until the thing was on top of my horse. Raven bucked up and landed her feet into its chest but the damage was done. Marie was trying to keep the other guest calm and keep her own horse from throwing her. It was too late for me. The last thing I saw was the horrified look on Marie's face as I went plummeting over the cliff side.
"Logan!" Lucian was leaping off his horse the moment he saw the cougar pounce. It was too late, Logan was already in mid air and falling.
"Your wings!" He was too knew, Logan wouldn't be able to pull them from his body and get them to work so soon. He had no choice. To the shock of everyone still in a panic, Lucian did a swan dive over the edge of the cliff, Stetson hat taking to the air behind him. He had to get to Logan before that tree line, if they hit the tree line before then they would get separated and there would be no helping his lover. Lucian's eyes closed and from the back of that flannel shirt exploded two thick limbs of leather like red skin that flushed out a spray of blood. Lucian's face paled his body shook with a deep pain but he pushed past it and flapped the wet bat like wings. One hard thrust and their bodies collided in mid air and the demon could see the sheer terror on Logan's face. His eyes were full of pain as he took hold his lover and rolled them in the air, seconds before they hit the tree line and Lucian took the full force of the fall with blows of thick branches to ever part of his newly birthed wings and body. His red flesh tore and more blood was left behind on the leaves as the two forms went crashing to the ground.
Rocks, dirt, leaves and other debris flew up into the air as the rolled down a short incline. Logan held to Lucian for dear life and cried out when a sharp something stabbed him in the side. They tumbled for what seemed forever, Lucian doing his best to shield Logan in the protective embrace of his demon wings. They tore and the bled and Lucian couldn't help but gasp when that jagged rock sliced against his tender back.
They landed at the bottom of the cliff with a hard thud. Lucian couldn't hold on anymore, his arms lost their strength and his wings failed and Logan was allowed to slip away. He rolled several feet away and Lucian couldn't move. He lay there, a heap of torn clothing, flesh and blood, his body looked badly damaged and his once beautiful red leather wings were now a tattered mess. Logan rolled until he finally came to stop on his back, his side killing him and his mind spinning. Lucian lifted his head and through the pain saw Logan was slowly getting up. He faintly smiled before everything went black.
~~~~~~~~~
This had moved in slow motion. The animal that spooked the horse, the fall, Marie's face, Lucian diving over the side and those wings that burst from his back. The moment their bodies had joined in mid air everything sped up, far too fast. Trees and rocks had gone flying past so fast and then suddenly they were on the ground and Lucian was in a heap on the ground and I, I was on my back with a pain in my side that hurt to even think about.
It was at least a half hour before I got enough strength up to roll over. My side screamed and my hand went back to touch the painful place. I found a large piece of wood sticking out of my hip. I wasn't thinking when I yanked it out, just that I didn't want it in me anymore, and when the thick black blood oozed up even fast I groaned. I had to get that under control or I was going to bleed to dead right here and now. I tore what was left of my shirt sleeve from my arm and pressed it hard against the open wound. I screamed at the pain but it was slowing the bleeding. I had several other cuts and scrapes all over, all yelling at me for attention and it was a pretty safe bet that my left arm was broken.
I looked over at Lucian who was still not moving and for some reason a great deal of panic filled me. I pushed myself up off the ground and stumbled over to him. My ankle hurt, it was twisted bad and I fell to one knee where I crawled as best I could over to the fallen Demon. He wasn't breathing well, short small breaths, shallow and very quick. I looked at his half human half demon form and didn't know where to begin. His wings were all fucked up. They had holes and gashes everywhere, his back was beat up pretty bad and I could tell his leg was broken by the sick way it was twisted. His shoulder looked dislocated and his head was marked with a thick gash that was bleeding black blood over his eyes. I forgot about my own wound, I had to help Lucian, I had to help him, I couldn't let him die like this, not after he had saved my life, gone over a fucking cliff to save my life.
"Easy baby, I'm going to try and help you just stay with me...oh god Lucian stay with me okay?" I wasn't sure what I was saying; I just didn't want to loose him, not like this, not like this!