Magic on the mountain - Book 3: Death and Rebirth

Prologue

The Grand Magus’s pale white skin reflects the firelight eerily as he looks over the piles of dead acolytes with rage. “The dark phoenix is defeated.” He thinks in disgust. Then shaking in anger his eyes begin to glow bright green as a sickly green mist begins to form over the bodies of his fallen followers.

“You failed me in life, you will better serve me in death!” Says the grand magus.

The mist glows with malevolent dark magical power and slowly the bodies of the fallen begin to rise. They crunch and glug with the sounds of broken bones and putrid flesh. With a green tint to their hollow eyes, they begin to stand in formation. The bulk of his army now consisting of the undead zombies before him. The grand magus laughs maniacally and shakes his hands.

“I will have my revenge and nothing, or no one will stop what’s coming. My army of the dead will march and consume flesh. Unrelenting, unstoppable and insatiable!!!”

“I cannot wait to see the look on your face wolf, when the undead eviscerate everyone you care about, you bastard.!” he whispers to himself with hate dripping off the very sound of his voice. As the grand magus’s echoes of laughter fade into the darkness of the caverns, the last of his acolyte’s tremble in fear, bowing and pledging themselves, to their new dark lord.

Save one, He slips out through the maze of caverns silently and fearfully and when he makes it to the surface, he sighs.

“I will warn someone, he has to be stopped. I didn’t sign up for this shit!”

He stumbles off into the dark woods.

1.Rich

My name is Rich LaMont and I have been Devon Greyson’s one and only true friend since childhood. To say we were close would be an understatement. We are more like brothers. Devon and I had always had so much fun together growing up and I knew almost everything about him, even that he’s a mage. I remember being so excited when Devon told me about it, ten years ago. I longed to be special like Devon and always dreamed that one day, I would get magical powers too and we really would be like brothers.

Ian McDurve had come into Devon’s life about the time he turned eighteen and started showing him how to use his magic. I always liked Ian. He was a kind and patient man, the only father figure Devon ever had.

I knew the events that had unfolded this last year had put a strain on our relationship. Especially with Devon being so wrapped up in his new life with Jonah Myers the pack master of the largest werewolf pack in Colorado.

I couldn’t help but be a little jealous over Devon and Jonah’s relationship and how Ian and his vampire mate Denton Granger always look so happy together. I knew spending another lonely night sulking over being single would drive me batshit crazy.

I decided to call Devon and see if he wanted to spend the evening at my place for a dinner party.

The phone rings and rings, then finally Devon answers saying “Rich buddy, what’s up man? I haven’t seen you since our anniversary party two weeks ago.” A sense of happiness in his voice.

“Nothing really. Work’s been busy and hectic but, I have a few days off so, I was wondering if you and Jonah would like to come over for a dinner party at my place tonight? Ian and Denton will be here.” I asked hopefully.

“That sounds great.” Devon replied.

“Seven then! Bring Michael along if you like, he’s funny as hell.” I stated. Michael Is Jonah’s second in command of the werewolf pack and he and I had become good friends over the last year.

“Sounds great.” Devon replied.

“Ok then, see you tonight.” Devon stated and we hung up our phones.

Devon, Jonah, Michael, Ian and Denton arrived right about seven and we started the night out with cocktails. I can’t cook very well so, I ordered pizza instead and we all had quite the buzz going by the time the pizza driver arrived. We gave him a little bit of a hard time with our intoxicated joking but he took it well and just smiled. Needless to say, he got a huge tip.

Ian and Denton seemed to be enjoying themselves as they played poker and laughed at how ridiculous the rest of us were acting. I’m sure they had a bit of a difficult time getting our humor. Being nearly immortal they were so much older than us.

As the night went on Michael told me stories about his youth and growing up in the pack. I have to say I was intrigued and listened intently. I appreciated Michael for being such a loyal friend to Devon after he and Jonah became mates. He was a tall guy, six foot two maybe and muscular as hell. His hair was brown and it hung just below his neckline. I guess he was attractive for a man so he probably got a lot of attention from the ladies.

We were all out on the back patio when I went to the tree line at the foot of the patio steps to relieve myself. I heard a strange rustling come from the brush in front of me but, it was late and too dark to see anything.

I turned and looked at all my friends in front of me and thought “I may not have a girl, but I have five great friends.” I started to chime in on one of Michael’s jokes when a figure stepped out of the brush behind me. Shocked and surprised I turned to the shadowy figure and said, “Hey man, this is private property.” Surprised anyone had even wandered all the way here since my property was quite large and bordered the packs land. I thought he was about to speak when he just made strange gurgle sounds. Jokingly I turned to my friends and said “Wow, this guy is shitfaced.”

Suddenly he grabbed me from behind. In a panic I elbowed him in the gut hard but, he didn’t even budge. I struggled to get away when I saw his green glowing eye’s. I screamed “GUYS! What the fuck!”

Jonah and Michael leapt from the patio to get him off of me when I felt pulsing fire and pain on my shoulder. I screamed when I felt part of my neck get ripped off.

Devon ran to my side as I collapsed to my knees holding the wound, then the world started getting grey and hazy.

Ian ran outside and screamed “What the hell happened?”

Then with a swing of his arm the strange man burst into flames. He stumbled around for a few seconds, then he fell to the ground with a loud thump.

I heard the serious sound in my best friend’s voice after he examined my wound. I began to lose consciousness.

“Shit guys this is bad, really bad! He’s losing blood fast!” Devon said.

“We need to get him to the pack healers NOW!” barked Jonah.

I felt the world closing in around me as they piled me in Jonah’s truck then left for the pack medical clinic which was far closer to us then the hospital. Ian and Denton followed right behind in Ian’s cherry red mustang. Ian exclaimed “That was a gods damned Zombie! What the hell is a rogue zombie doing running around the woods?”

The healers rushed me into the trauma room and began casting magical healing spells and using charms on my neck wound. I felt everything go hazy and dark again, the sounds in the world around me grew faint and distant. Everything went black.

I began to see a strangely beautiful forest and it seemed to sparkle and twinkle every color of the rainbow. I was mesmerized and I felt a peace wash over me. For the first time in my adult life I didn’t feel lonely.

A figure started to appear, walking towards me from out of the forest. It was a beautiful woman. Her every feature was textbook perfect in every way, blonde hair that hung to her feet, high pronounced cheek bones, inhumanly bright blue eyes and wore a mystical looking gown, that flowed in the gentle breeze. It was a strange opalescent color as it shown in the sun.

When she reached me, she smiled and said “It’s time my child. You are the chosen light bringer and you have much to learn. Now go, the world needs you. Be kind and know love, always.”

Then everything grew blindingly bright.

2.Michael

Everyone wanted to be there for Devon. I’d never seen anyone so heart broken. Rich had died in Devon’s embrace after the healers told him Rich’s wounds were fatal and to say his goodbyes. I’ve never felt so useless and we all felt the loss of Rich’s death. Not only was rich Devon’s best friend his entire life but, we all had come to love rich like family this last year.

Jonah couldn’t help but try and comfort Devon as he sobbed holding Richs bloody hand. Devon was covered in blood and Jonah wanted to take him home, so he gently started to ease Devon away from Rich’s body and lead him out the door into the hall.

Ian and Denton just stood back to let everyone try to calm their minds after the shock of it all began to sink in. Then suddenly one of the nurses screamed and ran out, a bright light was coming from the trauma room where rich’s body was. We all piled into the room to see the strangest and most shocking thing when we entered.

The room was ablaze with floating balls of light and Rich’s body was floating three feet off the bed. His skin started to glow a brilliant yellow as blue light traveled through his veins and arteries. It was like the fourth of July in the twilight zone. Suddenly Rich’s body began to convulse and then floated back down onto the bed. A strange shimmer filled the room as Rich’s skin began turning back to normal.

Devon looked at Rich’s neck drawing closer to his body, when he sat up gasping for air. Rich started frantically looking around the room and said” Where’d she go? Sh-She was just here.”

We all stood struck dumb by what was happening. Rich looked at everyone and smiled then said “What’s wrong, who died man? Why are you crying Devon?

Devon just moved in and hugged his best friend. Denton said “I’ve never seen a magical aura like the one Rich has right now. Whatever is going on some serious magical power just flowed through Rich.”

Rich looked down at his blood covered pants and chest and said “Oh man, what’s happening? I-I was dead, wasn’t I?” A look of fear covered his face.

Ian said “Yeah you were but you got sent back didn’t you? By a being in white?”

Rich sat and thought for a moment then said “Yeah, the woman in white from my dream, only it wasn’t a dream was it?”

“No Rich, I don’t think it was and If I’m right, your life will be changed forever.” Ian said mysteriously.

“You’re staying with us tonight Rich.” said Devon” What ever happened we need to figure this out or somebody could get hurt or even killed!”

We all went straight to Devon and Jonah’s house and Ian and Devon hit their magic books. About four hours and six magic almanacs later, Ian said “I think I have something here!”

“what is it?” asked Devon. Ian said “According to these ancient Sumerian texts, well, I think Rich is a cleric.” Then he cleared his throat. Seeming a little unsure.

“There hasn’t been a cleric in a thousand years. They started disappearing long ago according to the legends. Besides, I always thought they were a myth anyway.” Said Denton.

Ian said “According to this scroll I have, a cleric is reborn after someone honorable, loyal and pure of heart meets an untimely death. It also states they would be visited by a mystical being of incredible beauty that would bless them and send them back into their earthly vessel to defend the people from dark forces and death itself.”

Denton says” I’m calling in a favor, we need more to go on then the vague depictions of an ancient magic almanac, love.”

Ian says “Good, and in the meantime, I think you should stay here at Devon and Jonah’s until we know more, Rich.”

“yeah that’s cool, good idea.” Rich replied with a strained smile.

They finally made it to bed about four in the morning. It took and While for rich to fall asleep. I stayed at Jonah’s on the couch to periodically check on rich and make sure he was ok. I was beginning to drift off when I heard a thrashing sound coming from the room Rich was in. I sprang to my feet and opened the door. Rich was having some kind of nightmare. He was covered in sweat and I tried to wake him. Finally the third time I called his name he began to come out of it.

“Rich buddy, you’re having a nightmare.” I softly said.

Rich sat up huffing and breathed a heavy sigh. “Whoa that was intense.” he said.

For the first time I was able to see him shirtless. His sweaty body. The muscular chest and the patch of dark brown chest hair that trailed to his briefs revealing a sizable package. Rich had a classic dark brown goatee and well-groomed light brown hair. I averted my eyes, a little taken by his sheer beauty.

“How could I have never noticed how gorgeous he was?” I thought to myself. I think I even blushed which was not in my nature at all. Rich was looking very appealing to me. I’ve never had sex with a man before even though I have experimented. It’s nothing odd for werewolf men to mate with one another due to the low number of female werewolf’s. It is a well-known fact that female cubs are somewhat rare so, the men often bond with other men. Werewolf’s mate for life once the bond is complete. For the bond to be complete one has to bite the other claiming them as their one and only mate. Right now, in this moment, I was feeling very much like biting someone.

I talked to rich for a while, until he had calmed down and I could no longer hear his heart beat as fast. I then made my way to the couch and fell asleep.

3.Rich

It had been about three days since my whole dying incident and I was going batshit stir crazy. I had to get out and have a little fun. “I didn’t cheat death to sit around here all the time.” I thought, so when I saw Michael come in that afternoon, I decided I needed a partner in crime.

“Hey Michael, want to go out to the bar later?” I asked quietly

“Wouldn’t Jonah get pissed if we left?” he said

“I don’t care, I’m going nuts, I need to get out of here!” I huffed back.

“Fine.” he said” But we don’t separate all night ok?”

“Cool.” I said giving him my thank you smile.

We left for the bar around eleven and got there to find it was mostly empty. So, we went to the bar and ordered a pitcher of beer and played some darts. It wasn’t a fancy place it was rustic and very western looking, built out of logs like a log cabin and had a riding bull to boot. Four pool tables were arranged in one section and a dance floor on the other side with several dining tables. I didn’t care what the place looked like I was just happy as hell to be out of that house for a while. Also I was with a good friend and that made it the perfect place to be. We were on our third pitcher of beer and it was last call. So, we finished the last of the beer and headed for the parking lot.

Neither of us were willing to drink and drive so we hung out. Laying back on the hood of the truck we watched the stars while we told each other jokes. Laughing occasionally and having such a good time for the first time in days. I looked over at Michael and several seconds later I caught myself staring. He really was ruggedly handsome with that five-o clock shadow and that black thick dark head of hair. I shook my head strangely turned on. “Lonely too long I guess”. At least that’s what I told myself.

I’ve never been with a man, women were my thing after all. So, these feelings and sensations had me a little rattled and I suddenly got very nervous. A fact I think Michael could sense, damn werewolves. We watched the stars a little while longer then I suggested we call a taxi, but Michael insisted we had waited long enough he had sobered up. We made our way back to Devon and Jonah’s when we were met by an angry Jonah. I decided I would stay out of it because Jonah’s angry gaze was focused on Michael.

I could hear them argue, then things got quiet and Michaels truck left the drive just as Jonah walked in. “Devon’s freaked, by the way; you could have at least let him know where you were. He worries about you because you are new to your powers there’s always the possibility someone could get hurt if you got angry or scared.” He said kindly. Then he went up the stairs to their room. I suddenly felt a little guilty for just bailing after dinner.

I went to my room and stripped down to my briefs and went to sleep. That night I had the strangest dream about Michael. I was alone with him in some strange house and he suddenly leaned in and kissed me. Not a friendly peck either, I mean passionate, deep and sensual, it was amazing. I loved the feel of his stubble on my face and the sensation of his muscles under the touch of my hand. I woke up with the hardest erection I think I’ve ever had, which freaked me the hell out.

The next morning Michael showed up right after breakfast and I got butterflies in my stomach, so I had to go out for a jog. Not only did I need to get away from him but I needed to work out some of that nervous energy.

After I returned, Michael was nowhere to be found. I breathed in a sigh of relief and hit the shower. The feel of the hot water was amazing and helped me relax a bit. I got out of the shower and dried off then got dressed in my blue jeans and a T-Shirt. I brushed through my brown hair that was just long enough it wrapped behind my ears. Then I trimmed my goatee and made my way too the study to talk to Devon.

When I walked into Devon’s office, he rushed to me and began flipping through a magic compendium. He had found a section on the powers possessed by clerics.

“Hey rich”, He said “this stuff is amazing. This states that according to legend, a cleric’s abilities are naturally within them, meaning you don’t casts spells like a mage, you conjure nature’s innate magical energies and channel them into magical abilities. I mean, powerful healing abilities and scorching heat abilities. Eventually even resurrecting someone if they have just recently died. Of course, it’s all speculation at this point because we can’t be certain this information is even correct and not just mythological.

I just stood there in a trance; this is all so new to me. I couldn’t help but space out. “S-Sorry, I am just a bit overwhelmed by all this. I must say, I always wanted to be special like you but, this is so unexpected.” I said.

“Yeah, it is a bit strange but, you don’t know how happy I am you’re still alive and well. You’re my best friend Rich.” Devon said.

“I love you too, buddy.” I replied and hugged him; We were like brothers after all.

That evening, Ian and Denton showed up with an ancient book. When they showed me, Ian explained, “This book is an ancient training manual containing everything you need to know about being a cleric. It’s the only one in existence that’s in English, because Denton had the original translated from ancient Sumerian to English for you. It took us three days because we had to travel to Europe to find, translate and replicate the original.”

“Great, finally some reliable information, I can’t thank you guys enough!” I said with excitement.

Then I disappeared into my room and began the arduous task of studying the thing. It’s a good thing I’m a quick study. I studied tirelessly for about a week before the guys all showed up. Ian, Denton, Jonah and Devon. I asked “What’s up guys? Why so serious?”

Denton was the first to chime in with ”You need to shave and take a damn shower because you stink, you look like a street urchin. Then we’re taking you out. You’ve been stuck in that book for a week now. Come, let’s get you cleaned up.”

“But, I’m so close to understanding how all this works, just another couple of days. “I promise.“ I pleaded.

“Hell Rich, you will be able to study better, if you blow off some steam, come on man.” Jonah stated.

“Sure, maybe you’re right. I’ll go get ready.”

“Oh, it’s a ritzy place so, wear the Armani vest and slacks we bought you a while back.” Devon said.

“Sure thing.” I replied.

Then about an hour later we hit downtown.

I began to take in the street lights and the strange orange glow they emitted. The traffic and hustle and bustle of so many people. I indeed found it a distraction. I began to calm a bit just getting out of the house. The sensations I got from people were strange. I could feel things radiate off of certain people. I had no idea what that was about but I liked it. I even had the urge to touch a few of the people but managed to control myself. It must be the healer magic inside me, sensing something in them that needed to be healed.

We arrived at a posh and VERY exclusive night club in downtown. After Devon and Denton paid our way in and set up a tab, it was on! I hit the bar hard ordering three shots of tequila and a beer to chase it down. We danced, laughed, joked and played some pool until last call. I had to admit this was exactly what I needed.

4.Fates new path

I was two thirds of the way through the ancient almanac when I decided to begin putting the things I’d learned to the test. I went outside, Devon hot on my tail. I had learned from the text that my magic was not conjured from within it was channeled from the very earth and nature, then focused into an ability.

I started with a simple magical light ability. I calmed my mind and began to focus. Then I concentrated (Like the book said) on pulling the magic from the world around me. I began to sense every living thing around me right down to the bacteria in the soil. I felt my belly start to tingle and a strange heat began to build in my core. I then focused on a ball of light and within seconds I could feel my hand start to pulse like it was being zapped with electricity. I held up my hand and with a low dull snapping sound a ball of bright white light appeared above my shoulder. Needless to say, I began to shout “YES, yes, yes, I got this!”

Devon was shocked at how quickly I was able to control it and conjure the light. I just told him it felt so natural and it was like instinct. He smiled and we went back into the house. I was the focus of conversation all night that night.

I had to admit having Michael around so much was beginning to make me feel a strange sense of peace and a safe feeling washed over me whenever he was around. I tried not to admire his sexy rugged attractiveness. “I’m straight, where the hell are these feeling coming from.” I thought to myself. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

The more I paid attention I began to notice that Michael was doing the same thing. I had caught him staring at me more than once. I didn’t really mind him having his eyes on me, it was kind of flattering.

Then Jonah and Michael jumped to their feet cocking their heads, listening to sounds we couldn’t hear.” The pack is calling out a perimeter breach at the northern border.” Jonah said with a sudden tension in his tone.

We all piled into the jeeps and headed out with a cloud of dust and earth trailing behind. Just then Ian and Devon cringed at the sensation that the wards were being breached.

We hit the scene and to our horror we pulled up to a wickedly gruesome scene. Three wolfs were being eviscerated by what appeared to be the waking dead. Ian and Devon started to drive the five zombies back with fire but even set on fire they seemed to keep going. Running at all of us while on fire wasn’t a good thing. They quickly realized fire covered zombies attacking was worse, so they extinguished the hot burning flames with frost spells.

“Why isn’t our fire magic killing them?” Devon shouted and Ian replied “They are being controlled by powerful magic. They are most likely infested with lost souls.”

Then more began to appear from the forest and we started to fall back towards the jeeps. I tripped stepping back and within seconds they were almost on me. One was lunging at me and in a panic, I blocked with my arms in a futile attempt to protect myself my every cell screaming, “I’m Going to die!”

When suddenly I felt a heat in my belly and my hands started tingling. Then a silvery light, bright and clear, blasts from my hands and the glowing green eyes of the zombies lunging at me went milky white as they dropped to the ground, still and lifeless.

I saw more coming through the trees. Michael grabbed me lifting me to my feet and we ran to the jeeps. The tires spinning on the loose ground as we pulled away, falling back to the house.

“What the fuck, why didn’t our mage fire drop them like it did to the one at Rich’s place that night?” Devon asked, as if in shock.

“The one at Rich’s house was probably not infused with a spirit but rather directly influenced by a necromancer.” Ian said in response.

“Necromancy?” Devon inquired in disbelief.

“Most definitely!” Ian replied.

As soon as we got back to the house, everyone asked what I did to kill the zombies. I said “I think it was my magic releasing the trapped souls that were animating the corpses. I think that’s how the book explained it. It was just automatic. I didn’t even think about using an ability on them.”

“It’s one of your passive abilities, a natural defense your magic has when it senses a dark magical threat and sometimes even feelings of fear or rage can activate an ability. It’s a very rare talent among any magic user. Your magic senses the danger and reacts when emotions prompt it too. You still need to study. You can protect yourself and everyone else far better, and react quicker with a focused knowledgeable mind.“ Ian explains.

“The undead were animated by an illegal necromancer. We need to find out who this dark sorcerer is before he gathers even more corpses for his undead militia.” Ian states.

“Why the fuck is he coming after my pack, and how can we defend against the undead?” Jonah asks with a growl.

Looking at me Ian states “Rich, you’re going to be vital to this fight, we need your magical abilities more than anything right now. So, I need you to learn as much as you can in the next few days. We will also need a plan, and fast.”

Devon says “No, no way, he’ll get himself killed!” Devon exclaims with concern.

“We have to use every weapon we have at our disposal right now. The most powerful weapon we have against necromancy is Rich. He’s a cleric now and his powers of light are the strongest weapon we have against dark magic.” Ian stated plainly

“We have no choice in this matter. Rich is on Fates new Path.”

5. The Acolyte

Rich is in the study carefully reading through the Cleric almanac Ian and Denton gave him. The almanac is a manual for any cleric. It teaches them everything they need to know about their abilities. He hears Jonah and Michael burst through the house running. “What the hell is going on now?” he wonders.

Rich runs to the living room and sees Jonah swing open the front door just as the werewolf packs border guards drag in a pale young fae boy. “Who are you and who sent you?” screams Jonah.

“I-I- Just came from the caverns to warn you! He’s coming to kill you all and raze the city!” The young acolyte says fearfully.

“Who is coming? Who sent you?” Jonah screams in rage.

“N-Nobody I ran. I swear I’m just here to warn you, he’s crazy, The Grand Magus! He’s gone mad with revenge! He’s turned to necromancy! I will not take part in it!” Shouts the boy tearfully.

“You’re lying, because I saw him die by my hand!” Jonah growls.

“He had a resurrection rune tattooed on his arm, it brought him back. B-but he’s different now! He radiates with a darkness I’ve never felt before!” Cries the young fae.

“What do you want to do with the boy Jonah?” Michael asks.

Take him to the edge of the city and drop him off, we know what we need to know.” Jonah turns to the boy and states,” If I see you again, you’re dead and I will be keeping tabs on you, so if you so much as think about using dark magic again, I’ll be coming for you!”

“y-yes sir, never again, I swear!” cries the boy as the werewolf guards carry him out.

“Well at least now we know what we’re up against.” Grumbles Jonah with a worried expression.

“I’m going to get back to my study’s, It sounds like I don’t have much time.” Rich states.

Rich then heads back to the study. Devon and Ian leave to reinforce the wards. They know the wards can’t stop the zombies but only alert Ian and Devon that the they have breached them. Because they have no magical signature, they react like a human to the ward and just pass through.

“Put the wolfs on boundary duty on high alert. I want to know the second a zombie crosses into pack land. Oh, and tell them not to engage, not until we know how to fight them.” Jonah states to Michael.

“Sure thing Jonah.” Replies Michael.

The rest of the day passes without disturbance and the group sits down for dinner. Renaldo the chef was in the kitchen preparing their meal when rich comes to the table rubbing his tired eyes and says, “Break time.” As he smiles a half smile. The group just smiles and says, “About time you took a rest, you’ve been at it all day.”

Rich just smiles as Renaldo brings out the first course. They eat in near silence as they all contemplate their uncertain future. Rich asks “Where’s Michael?”

Jonah just smiles and says “He’s at his place eating I’m guessing”.

“Of course he is, how stupid of me.” Rich replies with embarrassment written on his face.

“I’ve figured out several ways to combat the zombies just nothing to help the boundary patrols yet.” Rich says with a hint of disappointment.

They all finish their late meal and Ian and Denton head for their house as Jonah and Devon head up to bed saying goodnight to Rich. Just as they reach the top of the stairs Devon freezes. “What’s wrong babe?” Jonah asks with concern.

“We’re being watched Jonah. I can feel it’s energy!” Whispers Devon.

“By who?” Jonah asks.

“Not who, what.” States Devon as he looks down over the upstairs railing.

Then suddenly an invisible force tosses Devon over the railing, sending him falling to the floor below with a deafening crash. “No, DEVON!” screams Jonah as Rich runs out from the study. “Oh, my gods Devon, what happened?“ Cries Rich fearfully. Jonah leaps off the second-floor landing on his feet with a thud. He runs to Devon’s limp bloody body. Before he can even check on Devon, he is hurtled through the air slamming against the wall, knocking every bit of air out of him. Jonah, laying on his stomach, leans up on his elbows choking and gasping for air. Coughing through the pain of his broken ribs, he yells at Rich to help Devon. Rich stands up and looks around the silent room. When he looks up in the very corner of the ceiling, he sees a Demon with black and red markings and runes covering its body. He stumbles back in fear as the Demon screeches at him. Jonah looks at rich with confusion.

“What are you doing Rich? Check on Devon damn it!” Jonah shouts, but Rich is focused on the upper corner of the ceiling.

“Can’t you see it?” Rich cries out. Then the demon lunges towards rich as Rich throws his arms up in defense. Just then a bright golden shield encompasses Rich and the demon slams into it as the sound of sizzling flesh hisses through the room. The demon howls and the house rumbles. Now Jonah can make out the outline of a figure.

Rich thinks back to the day before when he read about nightshade demons. He begins to pull magic from the world around him, as a magical swirling golden dust cloud forms in front of him. He throws his arms outward towards the demon. The dust like cloud of golden light slams into the demon and it howls. The sound of the demon now audible even to Jonah. They watch the spirit flee through the wall.

Rich falls at Devon’s side and quickly checks his pulse. Feeling nothing, his training kicks in and he starts CPR. “Breath damnit Devon!” he cries out. He keeps going one-minute passes then two as a lump of terror fills Jonah’s Throat. Three minutes pass, but Rich won’t give up. He keeps going, the fear and pain apparent in rich’s eyes. Suddenly his Eyes begin to glow bright white. His hands light up with a golden glow as a jolt of magic surges through him and into Devon with a loud crackle.

Devon jerks and gasps as he takes in a huge breath of air. Then he slumps back onto the floor. Rich doesn’t miss a beat as he immediately checks Devon’s pulse and smiles.

“He’s back, Jonah he’s alive!” He shouts as Jonah lets out a shaky sigh of relief.

“Let’s get him to the pack med center. “Jonah says as he scoops Devon up. Wincing through the pain of his own broken ribs he carries Devon to the jeep. Jonah sits in the back seat with Devon while Rich drives them to the medical center.

6.The encounter

It had been a few days since the demon attack and we surmised it was there to spy on us and possibly try to kill Devon. Since then, I’ve been patrolling with Michael every night and I have to say, I enjoy it. I get the strangest feeling of longing when I look at him. So needless to say, our nights together are something I’ve grown to look forward to.

The time was about three thirty in the morning and some of the other werewolf’s should be coming any minute to relieve us. Michael and I made it about thirty more feet before the others came out of the woods and took over for the last half of the morning.

We talked for a bit then Michael said “Come with me Rich, I want to show you something.” We walked through the woods to a rock cliff overlooking the river where it turned into a waterfall. We sat on the edge of the cliff and took in the view of the moon, big and bright in the night sky. The stars shone bright in the dark sky as we talked and laughed. Michael had a singular sense of humor that I thought was hilarious. Suddenly his smile struck me, he had an amazing smile. I noticed I was staring at him when he asked me with a smile. “What? Do I have something on my face?”

“No, no, sorry.” I replied and he seemed a little pleased to have caught me staring. I asked him what that look on his face meant and he stammered around his words a bit and just looked down. Then he suddenly looked up leaned towards me and kissed me. My gut instinct was to pull away but something inside me compelled me not to. I found myself thoroughly enjoying his soft lips. Then he stopped and apologized sheepishly. I didn’t know what to say so I grabbed his chin and kissed him deep and hard. Every cell in my body screamed yes. I kissed him for a long time as he held my face in his hands and kissed me deeper. Our tongues were wrestling in a battle of passion. I knew it was too late to stop this now so, I let myself go. I let go of all the fear, stereotypes and labels. I gave myself to the moment completely. I felt his stubble on my lips and just like in the dream I’d had it aroused me. He leaned towards me gently pushing me back onto the ground. He began to kiss down my neck as he pulled up my shirt and kissed my hard chest. Then worked my right nipple with his teeth. My breath sped up as a heat built in my groin.

Then he unbuttoned my pants and I started to panic. He lifted his head up and asked me if I wanted him to stop. I couldn’t answer so I just pulled my zipper the rest of the way down and pushed his face towards my swollen cock. He pulled my pants down to my knees. I was burning inside with a hunger and my heart was pounding in my chest. I couldn’t believe I was doing this, but it felt so right.

Then his tongue began to work the head of my member and I felt it throb. In seconds his warm, wet mouth was fully engulfing my cock and I let out a gasp. My body tensed at the sensation. He began to work my cock vigorously with his hot mouth and I knew I wasn’t going to last long. I wanted to savor this moment though, so I held back with all my strength. He moved up and down on me faster and faster until my cock burned and throbbed with the ache of my quickly approaching orgasm. I started to tense and I whispered “I’m gonna cum.” But he kept going until my entire body started to convulse with the jolts of my orgasm. My cock pumped his wanting mouth full. After a few seconds he stopped and sat up smiling.

I didn’t know what to say, I started to freak out about what I just did and pulled up my pants. I looked at his gorgeous face and just turned around and began to walk away. I was totally confused now. Am I gay now, or maybe Bi? I didn’t know what to think, I was in such a state. I hurried back to Devon and Jonah’s and went straight to my room. I grabbed a beer and gulped it down then grabbed another. I started thinking back and kept realizing he was perfectly polite. He even gave me an out, but I wanted it to happen. I was beside myself so I forced myself to go to bed and try to sleep.

I spent the next several days completely avoiding him. I would leave if he entered and I made sure we were never alone. Finally, I guess he had enough and walked into my room shutting the door behind him.

“What the hell man?” He said “Are you really so freaked out, why are you avoiding me. Please talk to me man.”

Again, I didn’t know what to say so I replied “Hey, I’m not gay, what happened was just sex man. It was a mistake.”

His face looked like I had just shot his dog. So I said “Hey I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea but, this can’t happen.”

“Why?” he said “I know you like me, your heart beats faster every time I’m around. Come on Rich, give this a chance. Please.”

I stated “Please just go man, there’s nothing more to say.”

He stepped back a couple steps and turned around and walked out. I felt like such an asshole. I wanted him badly but, I couldn’t force myself to accept I was totally and completely crazy over a guy. Now I’ve hurt his feelings and I was more confused than ever by the encounter.

7.Michael

I have to admit I was hurt. I can’t believe he just wants to pretend like there was nothing between us that night on the cliff. I was beginning to get angry now. I’m never good enough for anyone, not even my family. I was taken in by another family after my biological parents were killed and my adoptive parents always favored their biological son Jeremy. Jeremy and I always got along though. He was my best friend until he went off to college and got his veterinary license. He came back all stuck up and my folks doted on him.

Nobody will ever want me, I’m second best at everything. The son that didn’t go to college. I mean hell I was second in command of the pack and they still don’t seem to think I’m good enough. It’s always Jeremy did this and Jeremy did that. I know it seems petty to be jealous and I hated that about myself too.

Regarding Rich though, I should have known that if I put myself out there, he would reject me. I shouldn’t have kissed him, if I hadn’t, we would still be friends. I started to realize the time and was dreading our patrol together tonight. I made my way back to my place to get dressed for the night. If I had to shift, I didn’t want to ruin my nice jeans.

Rich met me outside and just like I had imagined, he wouldn’t even look me in the eyes. The night went by without any attacks so at three A.M. we were relieved by the others and I walked him to Jonah’s. I told him “I’m really sorry man, I hate that I ruined our friendship.” He didn’t say a word and just walked inside. My blood boiled. He fucking ignored me completely.

It was Monday and Jonah wanted me to work with Rich on some self-defense moves. I was reluctant but Devon was still in the packs medical clinic recovering so Jonah was in a piss poor mood. I didn’t want to upset him any more than he was. So, I didn’t say anything, I just nodded and left. Rich was getting the hang of his new powers now, so it was time to work on his physical abilities.

Once he finally came out to train, about thirty minutes late, I was pretty steamed but I tried not to show it. I started him off with some stretches and we slowly worked our way into defensive moves and certain blocks and dodges. I have to say for someone who doesn’t fight ever, he could move. I couldn’t help but look (A lot) when he took his shirt off. He had a nice muscular chest for his size and nice arms. His stomach was nice and firm. He was sweating and the sight of him all ripped and muscular made me a little week in the knees.

Then I remembered what a dick he was being and came back to my senses. I didn’t need to be swooning over some asshole who won’t accept how he feels and who he is. I would rather not feel the humiliation of his rejection again.

We trained for about four hours and I could tell he’d had enough so, we called it a day.

He pretty much just ignored me entirely and walked into the house. I tried to shrug it off but, it really got to me. I felt regret, I never should have kissed him but it was too late for that, it’s done and over with.

Later that night we were on patrol again and so far, the night had been quiet. I thought “Oh, god another night of silence.” And rolled my eyes in frustration. I mean how long can this go on? Then I heard something and told Rich to freeze. He stopped dead in his tracks. Silence, nothing but silence and just when I let my guard down, they rushed us from the trees. Three zombies lunged at us two going for Rich and one coming at me. I shifted into half wolf form and jumped out of the way then attacked it from behind. I swung, raking it with my claws but it only reacted by rushing me again. I jumped over it leaping a good seven feet in the air and slashed again. The stench of rotting flesh overpowered the air.

I heard rich scream and turned to find him on the ground holding one by the throat as it tried to bite at his face. A panic rushed through me and while I was distracted, I felt a searing pain as the zombie behind me that I’d been fighting took advantage of the moment and bit down on my arm. I couldn’t react to the pain. I just had to attack with everything I had. I decapitated the creature with my claws in one massive swing. I ran to rich and swiped at one on top of him hitting its abdomen causing its organs to fall to the ground with a splat. I clawed and ripped the other one as Rich scooted backwards on the ground, his eyes wide with fear.

Another flash of pain hit me, this time on my shoulder and I could smell the scent of blood in the air, my blood. I turned to my newest attacker and swung again raking my claws across its s face as it stumbled back. One In front of me and one behind me now. I turned sideways to face off with both at once, then they attacked. I grabbed one by the throat but the second caught my neck with its teeth ripping at my flesh. I could feel the warmth of my blood run down my neck and chest. I squeezed the throat of the creature and its head popped off landing with a dull thud.

The second had me by the neck with its teeth and its arms clenched tight around me with an inhuman strength. I felt light headed from the loss of blood and began to lose my balance.

Rich sprung to his feet in a panic and all I could see was a bright blinding light flash and the zombie let go and fell off of me. Then I felt nothing but the cold hard ground against my face. The world went black and all I could hear was Rich screaming my name as everything faded to silence.

8.Broken

I scrambled for the radio but it had fallen out of my belt I searched and searched but it was too dark, I couldn’t see shit. “No, no, no shit Michael, stay with me man, stay with me!” I shouted but he passed out and he was losing a lot of blood fast.

Suddenly I remembered something from the book. I closed my eyes and snapped my fingers. A burst of light appeared from a glowing orb just above my shoulder, it followed me as I searched for the radio. This time I found it laying just under the edge of a bush. I scrambled with the radio fumbling with the buttons until I heard a click and I called out “Hello, hello!”

Suddenly there was a voice on the other end. I held it to my face and told them “We were attacked at the northeast boundary, section 3. Michael’s badly wounded and losing blood fast, he doesn’t have much time!”

“On our way now hold tight.” said the lady on the other end.

I took off my belt and tied off his arm to slow the bleeding. Then I took off my shirt and held it tight to his neck wound where the blood poured out the heaviest. Then waited. “Oh, gods rich don’t die man, I’m sorry about everything, just don’t die on me!”

Just then the medical jeeps rushed up to us and slid to a stop. Not missing a beat, I told them “He’s lost too much blood and his pulse is weak and irregular, and his breathing is slow and shallow, hurry!” We piled Michael in the back and I sat with him, holding the shirt to his neck wound as we rushed to the pack’s medical clinic. They piled out and said “We’ve got it from here!” and rushed him into the trauma room.

I stood in the hall in shirtless and in shock covered in Michaels blood. I stared at the door to the trauma room for a good two minutes, then took a step back and turned to leave. Jonah ran up to me asking”What the hell happened?”

I said “We were attacked by three zombies this time and they weren’t like the first ones, they were fast and vicious! Michael saved my life but now h-he.” I couldn’t finish the words they just caught in my throat. I ran, I ran as fast as I could all the way back to Jonah and Devon’s. I got to my room sat on the edge of the bed and put my face in my hands and sobbed. After a while I got up and went into the bathroom and turned the hot water on in the shower.

Thinking to myself, he’s my friend, one of my best friends and he saved my life. Now he might die and I was hateful to him. He might die and the last thing I said to him was go away!” I broke down again and just cried as the hot water soothed my bruises and burned scrapes.

About an hour later I mustered the courage to go back to the medical clinic. When I got there Jonah told me “He’s lost a lot of blood and he had to have a transfusion. They’re giving him more blood now and his vitals are stabilizing.”

“Can I go and see him yet?” I asked tearfully.

“Yeah, only one of us at a time though but go-ahead man. It’ll help him to feel your presence. He cares about you a lot Rich.” Jonah said.

I crept into the critical care room and sat down next to him. I just stared at him. Scared the monitor would go flat and that would be the end. I felt a shiver run down my spine and I reached out and took his hand in mine. I sat staring at him all night. Morning came and I was just sitting when the new nurse came in.

I heard you’ve been here for ten hours now.” She said with a smile.

“Yeah, I guess I have.” I said rubbing my eyes “How is he doing?”

“The doctor has him on strong antibiotics and his vitals have stabilized. The healers said his wounds can’t be healed with their magic so, we have to do this the old-fashioned way.” She stated.

I stayed with him for four days just pacing the floor and sitting at his bedside. I couldn’t figure out if it was out of quilt, regret or if I really did have feelings for him. I just couldn’t leave not until he woke up.

I left to get a cup of coffee and when I got back the doctor was in the room with the nurse standing at his bedside. I rushed in and asked in a panic “What’s wrong, what happened is he—” then I saw he had his eyes open.

“Michael, man your awake!” I gasped.

“Yep, can’t kill me man.” He croaked, his voice hoarse.

I realized in that moment how much I cared for him and my feelings for him didn’t scare me anymore. This man was willing to die for me even though I had been horrible to him. That was it, in that moment my walls came down and I realized all my fears and doubts were gone. He had smashed through my emotional defenses. I felt relief and I felt more alive than I have felt in years. I felt like my heart was no longer broken and I could breathe again.

9. Homecoming

Devon came home the day after Michael and I were attacked by the zombies. So, when It was time for Michael to come home we decided to throw him a homecoming party. We broke into his house (thanks to Dentons 300 year old lock picking skills).

I picked Michael up from the clinic and brought him home. When we walked in the front door everyone shouted, “Welcome Home!” Michael just smiled and took a deep breath and said” I could smell you all from the car”. With a big smile on his face. A smile I had sorely missed.

After about an hour everyone left and I helped Michael to his bed. I didn’t know what to say except, “Thanks for saving my life man.”

He smiled and said” Anytime, your too cute to watch you get eviscerated by the undead.” He said smiling and laughing.

I stared into his golden brown eyes and said “I’ve missed you man, you scared the hell out of me. I don’t know what I would do if you died.” I said tearfully. Michael just stared at me for a minute.

Then I said ”I get it now, how you feel I mean. I feel that way about you too Michael, I want to try this, you and me. I want to see where this goes.”

Michael looked up at me with surprise and said “Then lay here next to me handsome, please? I’m sick of always being alone.”

I was also so tired of the empty lonely feeling I had in my house all by myself. So, I smiled and crawled in next to him and for the first time in two weeks I actually got some good, sound, sleep.

I woke up with Michael’s arm around me. At first I thought it would be strange but, it felt great to be held. When Michael woke up he sat up in bed surprisingly easy. I asked him if he was in pain and he just said with a smile, “Not much, mostly just sore now. Werewolf’s heal very fast when they are able to be in physical contact with someone they care about.”

I said, “It did feel nice to sleep next to someone for a change.”

Over the next two days his recovery was astounding. He was up and walking he even went for a jog this morning. “It’s only been three days since he got home from the clinic and he’s already jogging? For fun?” I said to myself.

Michael got back and gave me a hug. I know he wanted more but, he promised me we’d go slow. This was all new to me but, I had to admit the mere sight of him in underwear was really nice.

He wanted to make me dinner and I said yes. So around eight I knocked and walked into the house. He was smiling and whistling. I couldn’t help but laugh a little at the sight of him in that pink apron.

“What? It was my grandma’s apron.” He said with a smile.

We sat down to eat and I must say he was one hell of a cook. He had candles going and the lights dimmed. I knew what he was up to and I liked it even though I had butterflies whirling in my stomach.

We uncorked a bottle of wine Devon and Jonah had given him and drank a few glasses after dinner. We joked and laughed. It was getting late and I figured I should get back to Jonah’s place to get some sleep. He walked me to the door and looked deep into my eyes, like he could see right into my soul. I felt my stomach flutter and I couldn’t help it. I leaned up and kissed him, but as I started to pull away, he put his hand on my neck and looked at me longingly. I cracked, I couldn’t hold back. I stepped forward, looked up at him and kissed him again with passion and a deep need to feel his touch on my skin.

He leaned into the kiss and pulled me back inside the doorway, kicking the door shut with his foot. I felt the heat rise to my face and an ache started to form in my groin. I could smell him and he smelled like pure desire, musk and leather. I stepped in stride with him as he led me to the bed. He held the kiss, deep and wet as he yanked his shirt off throwing it to the floor. I ripped at mine tearing the fabric and threw it off of me, all the while locked to his sweet lips. He unbuttoned my pants while I fumbled to unbutton his. We fell back onto the bed and each shuffled our legs to get our pants off. We were naked and our legs intertwined locking us together. The only thing between us was heat, passion and desire.

I could feel his swollen member against my waist and it made my cock throb with a deep need to feel his cock against mine. Free to explore every inch of each other’s bodies. We held one another, our bodies naked, our chests heaving with want and desire. He pushed his hips into me and I felt him throb against my cock. I told him “It’s ok, let’s go for it.” And smiled as I threw myself back into the warmth of his sweet pink lips. The stubble on his face made me tremble with passion and the hair on his chest and stomach trailed down under his waist band. It was strangely arousing.

I laid back on the bed as he pulled a small tube from the nightstand and wet his fingers. I felt the pressure on my entrance as he slowly but gently worked his finger inside me. First one finger, then two. It was a sensation I had never experienced before and I loved it.

He sat up and pulled my left leg over his shoulder and I could feel him poised at my ringed muscle. Suddenly I felt a burn and then intense pleasure. He was inside me! I arched my back and moaned every time he hit that sweet spot. He thrusted gently going deeper inside me but as our passion grew more intense, he moved faster and thrust harder. I could feel my cock grow wet as it leaked and throbbed at the feel of him inside me. He grasped my cock and pumped it as he pushed into me deeper. I could feel the pressure grow in my balls as my orgasm drew closer to the surface. He could see the look in my eyes and he worked my hole faster. He began to growl in the heat of the moment and his eyes grew a bright gold. He started to shake and I knew he was close to exploding. I couldn’t hold back. I began to curl into him as my cock pumped my hot essence against his stomach. He threw his head back and groaned as he spilled inside me. He collapsed onto me and we laid there heaving for air. Shaking in the aftermath of our passion. He rolled to my side and kissed my temple. Never in my life have I felt so free and so happy as I did in that moment. This was so different, so hot and I was in bliss. Basking in the aftermath of our satiated desire.

After about an hour I asked if he wanted some dinner. He said sure so I made a frozen lasagna and some veggies with garlic bread. We were waiting for it to cool as I turned the T.V. on and zoned out until the buzzer went off. After dinner we started to talk and tell each other stories about our lives and that lasted the rest of the night.

10.The mole

The time was about one fifteen in the morning when Jonah heard loud knocking on the front door. Jonah sat up rubbed sleepy eyes and went to answer the front door, “Who the hell is this at one o clock in the morning?” He mumbled.

When he answered the door a man hurried inside, Jonah was about to grab the guy and toss him back outside when he noticed who it was.

“Greg, what the hell are you doing here? We agreed no contact except to call in a report twice a month.” Jonah stated harshly.

“I’m burned Jonah, they found me out. That I was a mole. I don’t know how my cover was blown but I managed to get away. I came straight here after I lost them in the city.” Greg stated, his voice shaking.

“OK man, calm down, You’re safe here. They wouldn’t dare cross into our territory without permission. Do you have any clue as to how your cover was blown?” asked Jonah.

“Not yet, my guys are working on it but, the Killian pack man, they plan on attacking sometime this week. They’re afraid of the necromancer! He approached the pack master and threatened to kill his entire pack if they didn’t join his army of mages and zombies. So, he agreed to test our defense’s soon.” Greg exclaimed

Jonah thought for a moment and told Greg to go home and lock his windows and doors. Jonah immediately called Michael, “Michael, we have a serious problem involving the necromancer and the Killian pack. I need you and Denton here now. I’ll tell you what’s going on when you get here.” Jonah stated with a growl.

“Ok, we’ll leave right now Jonah.”

About fifteen minutes passed then Michael walked in the front door. “What’s going down Jonah?” Michael asked concern obvious in his eyes.

There was a knock on the front door right before Denton walked in and asked what was going on.

“The Kilian’s are attacking this week, probably sooner since Greg’s cover was burned. “Jonah stated dryly.

“Ok Jonah, I’ve got this. I’ll increase the border patrols numbers and make sure they all know what to watch out for.” Michael said.

“I’ll reach out to my people and find out who blew your guy’s cover”. Denton said

“Thanks Michael. Thanks Denton” Jonah said.

He pondered for some time about how they could possibly win fighting against the necromancer’s army AND the Killian pack. The thought of the Killian’s siding with the necromancer worried him deeply as he pondered the possible outcomes.

” My family has watched over this pack for four generations, I won’t see them die under my watch!” Jonah growled

When they all sat in the living room Jonah told them all about the Kilian’s joining with the necromancer and how he hoped for some Ideas from us on how to fight what’s coming, especially the undead zombies.

“The Killian’s we can handle. “Devon said, “but the zombies just keep going no matter how fiercely you attack them. The ones that attacked Michael and Rich were different and stronger somehow, then the one that attacked Rich at the dinner party at Rich’s that night.”

Rich chimed in saying, “I think I have an idea why they seemed so different. I read as the lost soul inhabits the dead, it becomes stronger and faster the longer it’s trapped in the corpse.”

“Ok, so now they are nearly invulnerable to physical attacks unless you sever the head.” Jonah stated.

Mages fire might work on them or they might just keep attacking while they burn.” Devon said.

“I’ll work on it and see what I can come up with.” Said Rich.

Let’s get busy preparing for an all-out assault. They could even attack tonight for all we know.” Jonah said with a scowl.

As the group went their separate ways Jonah got a tight feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Later that night Jonah heard the patrols howl, it was time. The Killian’s were attacking. He called Ian and Denton and alerted them. He told them to meet him at the eastern boundary. Jonah and Devon threw their gear on and rushed out the front to the jeep and sped away sending a dust trail up into the air behind them.

Upon arriving, it was absolute chaos. Blood and fur flying everywhere as snarls, growls and screams filled the night air. Jonah leapt from the truck shifting into his wolf form and attacked. He ripped at throats and legs as he fought with ferocity. Devon immediately ran into the middle of the action and slapped his hands together, a thunderous sound clacked over the sounds of battle causing the attacking enemy to go temporarily deaf. The Killian’s all whined and backed off a step, shocked by their sudden loss of hearing.

Jonah and his guards took full advantage of the moment and launched into the of a group of them. Just then the spell on the Killian’s began to wear off and they were as fierce as before, maybe even more so now.

Devon reached out gathering the magic building it up inside himself. Then ran into the fight spinning and kicking and punching, electricity flowing through his hands into every strike. Yelp after yelp rang through the sounds of battle as one by one, they took off running away into the woods towards their packs territory. Just as we felt a bit of relief more came out and joined the fight. Jonah howled for backup. Within a minute ten of his wolfs jumped through the trees joining the fight. As Jonah’s reinforcements leapt into the enemy. Shifting into wolf form they began an almost elegant ballet of skilled attacks, trading bite for bite. When more of the attacking force fell in defeat, the Killian’s knew that they had lost this round and withdrew running into the forest in shame.

They all shifted into human form and talked to one another agreeing that boundary patrols needed to raise their numbers and keep backup teams at the ready.

The night turned into early morning and they went their separate ways, after all you can’t fight when your exhausted.

11.Looming threat

Ian knew what he had to do. He decided the best way to fight when your outnumbered is to bolster your own army. He had a thought, and a plan but, it was tricky and he knew it would also be dangerous. He called Denton and asked him to come along. “We’re going to ask the forest fae for help.” Ian explained.

“Forest fae don’t trust mages and they certainly don’t trust vampires for that matter, so why would they help us?” asked Denton in surprise.

“Yes but, I believe the Necromancer’s main goal is to wipe out the pack so he can gain access to the doorway that’s on Jonah’s land. That way he can get into their realm and destroy the forest fae once and for all. They are a necromancer’s most hated and feared enemy.” Ian states “we don’t have any other options, besides the fae king owes me a favor for saving his eldest sons life seventy years ago. “

“Fine, we’ll visit the forest fae.” Denton replied, annoyance clear in his voice.

They hiked for a couple of hours when they came to a clearing in the woods with a pond. The pond seemed to shimmer an otherworldly glow.

“We’re here Ian stated. “I’ll open the doorway.”

Ian pulled a small shimmery stone from his pocket and placed it on the ground reciting something in ancient fae. Denton couldn’t quite make out. Out of thin air a magic doorway opened. They waked through the long doorway with walls made of pure gold and emerged on the other side, in the middle of a mystical forest. The very air had a sparkle to it.

Which direction is it?” asked Denton.

“Just be patient and wait.” insisted Ian. “Wait for what, let’s get this over with.” Said Denton with annoyance. “They’re already here Ian states as tall slender fair skinned fae begin to emerge from the woods in all direction weapons at the ready.

“I’m here seeking an audience with King Nethlar!” Shouted Ian.

The fae all exchanged glances and one of them clad in silver metallic armor slowly approached them.” Who are you?” inquired the commander of the guards.” I’m Ian McDurvy and I need to speak to the King.”

The guards cautiously looked at Denton and scowled.” How dare you bring this creature to our land!” Then they put them in shackles and escorted them to the palace of the fae. When they arrived, the commander said “wait here.” And made his way into the throne room.

A moment later they were escorted to the King.” Unshackle them now.” Stated the fae king. The guards complied swiftly. The palace hall was a shimmery combination of golds and silvers and shined with the light of the midday sun gleaming through the stain glass windows.

“Ian McDurve, it’s been a long time. To what do I owe this visit?” said king Nethlar.

“My friends and I are facing a darkness like never before and we need your help. An army of the undead are marching to invade our land and wipe us out, I need your help to stop them, King Nethlar?” Ian said bowing.

“Why should I help you?” Asked the king.

“With respect you owe me a life debt.” Ian replied.

“Our fight is against a most powerful Necromancer, and after he destroys us then he’ll march on the fae realms no doubt.” Said Ian.

“Fine, fine, I will send a garrison of my finest warriors to your aid. Just take this stone glass amulet and shatter it, we will come to your aid in that very moment. Then Ian McDurve my life debt will be paid.”

“Yes, king Nethlar.” Ian said with a bow as he and Denton backed away then turned and headed out the great hall. Making their way back to the magical doorway they had stepped through.

When they arrived at Devon and Jonah’s they knocked and waited. When Jonah answered the door, they both began to tell Jonah about their meeting with the king. That the king would send a garrison of his best warriors to the fight when they called for them. Jonah sighed in relief “That might just give us the upper hand. “said Jonah.” Thanks Ian, you may have just saved the pack from being wiped out.”

Ian just smiled and made his way to the door and he and Denton went home.

Ian and Denton began creating a battle plan through the night. Being in their hundreds they have seen many battles and knew just the strategy they would suggest. Writing up the plan in the early hours of the morning. Satisfied they had devised a good strategy they decided to rest after the long day’s events.

Denton held Ian in his comforting embrace as Ian struggled to sleep.
They couldn’t help but ponder the looming threat that lingered before them.

12.Rich

Rich sensed that his feelings for Michael were getting stronger but, he wouldn’t allow himself to think about a future with him. So, he distracted himself by practicing the defensive moves Michael had taught him. After a couple of hours he stood in the field and pondered all he had read in the books and to his surprise he found it easy to recall almost all of it. The healing powers, the cleansing powers, how to battle dark magics and how to protect his friends and keep them alive.

He made his way into the house and went into the study to go over how to imbibe objects with protective energy that would ward off dark magic and how to give the werewolfs an edge in the battle against the zombies.

After a couple hours he decided he wanted to go and see Michael.

Arriving at Michaels he went to knock when Michael opened the door and said “I could hear you coming a mile away handsome.” A smile on his face.

Michael could tell something was troubling Rich so he asked “Are you alright? What’s wrong? You seem worried about something?”

“Oh, only all my friends and the person I care about most Dying at the hands of the undead, that’s all.” Rich said sarcastically

“We will figure this out Rich, come on, don’t worry so much. We have two very powerful mages, a cleric, a garrison of forest fae and 100 werewolves. We’ll get through this.” The compassion and tenderness in his voice was calming. “Besides it’s not like we need a priest to bless us, we ju---”

Suddenly rich stood to his feet “Shit, that’s it, oh my gods thank you. I know what to do now!” Rich exclaimed as he ran out the door.

Arriving at the house he ran to the study and began poring over the section on blessing objects and people. “This is perfect, If I can brew this potion correctly and add a hair from every werewolf that’s going to fight, I can infuse them with the power to free the bound spirits animating the zombies. The zombies will die.

The next day Ian and Denton arrived at the house and they all began mulling over the battle strategies Ian and Denton had devised. I couldn’t understand it all but, I knew my roll and that’s what counted most. When the meeting came to an end, I heard a crash and ran out from the study to see the Necromancer himself walk through the front door. As soon as he entered, he waved his hand and I saw my friends immobilized by a spell unable to move a muscle. I remained as still as I could to appear immobilized as well. His spell had no effect on me. Jonah growled, sending a guttural sound vibrating through the room. The Grand Magus, now a necromancer looked Jonah in the eyes as they gleamed with hate and pleasure. He held up his hand and I fell to the floor in agonizing pain, he had me in a anguish spell. ”You are not my equal young cleric, stay down, or one of your friends will die.”

Jonah growled louder and said I’m going to kill you necromancer!”

“Little angry wolf, you think you can best me? “then the necromancer laughed tauntingly.

He called his acolytes in and they grabbed Jonah, tied him up and escaped through a portal. In that very second the pain stopped as everyone stood to their feet, “What the hell just happened?”

They took Jonah! We have to find him?” screamed Devon.

“He won’t kill him, he’ll use him as leverage, he knows we have him outnumbered and he’s afraid.” Ian said.

I just stood in shock.

Ian continued, saying “We fight just like we planned, Jonah would want us to stick to the plan.”

We all looked at each other, because we knew he was right. That’s exactly what Jonah would want. The next morning, we all gathered to go over the plan one last time. We would be ready but, I had decided if my friends were going to die, I would die right alongside them.

We went over every scenario but could find no real way to extract Jonah without a full-scale confrontation. We knew we had to defeat the army if we were going to save Jonah. So, we put our plan into motion by hitting the sporting goods store and buying camping supplies for one hundred people. Devon paid. He has a fortune passed down from father to son for generations. Now it’s his. He doesn’t even get paid for the work he does on the council he just does it because he wants to feel useful.

12. Michael

“I can’t fucking believe this! Screams Michael.” How the hell did he manage to kidnap Jonah? He’s the strongest one of us!”

“Before we could react, he immobilized all of us, we were helpless.” Rich replied. “We’ll get him back Michael I promise.”

“We need to move out now! The trek up the mountain is long and dangerous and we’re running out of time.” Says Michael.

I called a pack meeting and told every able-bodied wolf to attend. We needed to rally the troops and get underway. I stood before the pack and announced the kidnapping of our pack master. They all started to whisper and I could sense the scent of fear in the air. So, I told them, “We have to stand united and strong against the necromancer and his army! We will save Jonah, we will defeat the necromancer’s army and we will come out victorious!” Shouts and hollers of excitement flowed through the werewolves as Michael continued “This is not the time to fear but a time to act and be brave! Be ready in two hours we will leave at ten A.M. The enemy lies just over the northern ridge it’s a two-day trek up the mountain but we are strong, we are united and we are wolfs!!!”

The heightened moral was tangible as Michael stepped down from the log and went back into Jonah’s house. “That went pretty good.” I thought to myself. Rich came out of the study telling me his plan to not only protect the pack from dark magic but he would perform a blessing on every wolf and that would give us the edge we needed to kill the zombies, not just wound.

I need ingredients though.” Rich said. “And I don’t know where to go.

“I do Rich, I’ve taken Devon there a few times.” Said Michael.

We left that moment and rushed through the city to the magic shop. As Rich carefully went through all the wares in the shop, he had what he needed in no time so, we sped back to the pack lands. Rich ran to the study Saying “Gather all the wolfs that will fight and get one strand of hair from each pack member.”

I called all the pack members out to the meeting area and collected a strand of hair from everyone. I would just have to wait until the battle is about to start to complete the potion because it only lasts two hours.

The time was coming to leave for the mountain and I had my battle suit on. I was clad in a tight white leather suit for protection and a strap hung diagonally across my chest. I filled the strap with blessed stones and a few magical binding gems.

Ian was dressed in his black leather suit covered in steel studs and a pouch at his side. While Denton just wore a suit and unbuttoned dress shirt (Brother vampires can be vain). Michael was in tight jeans and a T-shirt. We were ready to head out.

We trekked up the trails for about four hours and came to the river. The cursed bridge we had crossed when we first fought the grand magus (now a necromancer) the curse had activated and tore the bridge down.

“I have an idea but the pack will have to hurry through the portal once I open it. It will take a lot of my magic to keep it open long enough for the entire pack to get through.

“Ok, sounds like a sound plan Ian, let’s do it.” said Michael

Ian closed his eyes and began to center himself he could feel the vast untapped vampire magic of his mate Denton and strained to control it. Denton felt the tug in his chest and knew Ian was bolstering his own magic by tapping into Dentons vast pool of vampire magic through their soul bond.

The earth began to tremble as Ian poured magic outward into the portal spell. The air grew thick and sparkly all around. Ian opened his eyes now glowing bright blue with magical power. He snapped his finger. With a sudden loud crackle that echoed through the mountainside the portal burst open in a shower of sparks. “Go now!” Ian exclaimed.

The pack started rushing through to the other side of the rushing white river. His brow began to sweat as he strained to maintain the portal then, Denton noticed he was struggling and thought “I’ll give it a shot.”

Denton drew deep within himself and felt Ian’s pull, so Denton gave himself to the sensation and Ian began to steady and a stillness came over him as Denton’s vampire magic was flowing into him so easily now.

After the last of the wolves stepped through, he and Denton darted in before it collapsed in on its self.

They hiked another six hours and Michael called for camp. So, the wolves all setup camp and we rested around one of many fires. We knew the next day would be another exhausting journey.

13.Treacherous

It got cold come nightfall and a biting chill gnawed at us. We had sentries all around the camp. As we drank some whiskey and warmed ourselves by the fire, we couldn’t help but talk about Jonah, we kept our voices low so as, not to effect moral. It was Denton, myself, Devon and Michael so we all talked about whether he was ok, what the necromancer was doing to him and if the coming battle would be a victorious one.

We swiftly ended the conversation realizing it was affecting us in a negative way. So, we talked about other things and then called it a night. Then out of nowhere a wolf howl rang the night and Michael jumped to his feet “It’s the east perimeter something’s attacking. So, we ran to the east and when we arrived, we saw three of our werewolf’s lying broken and lifeless on the ground and the sound of thunder with each footstep. A mountain ogre stepped out from the trees and his growl rumbled through the air.

We each separated to make several targets. Ian and Devon attacked first throwing fire and electricity at it while Michael and Denton assaulted with vicious physical assaults. The ogre just shrugged it all off and charged. We leapt out of the way when suddenly it screamed in pain. We looked down at the beast’s legs and Michael and Denton were both attacking the monsters Achilles tendon, slashing and swiping until they heard a snap and the ogre fell with a loud crash. when it opened its mouth to scream Ian threw fire down the monster’s throat and he burned with blue fire from the inside disintegrating the ogre’s throat.

Ian was tired from the magical drain he’d experienced when creating the portal and fighting the ogre so he made his way to sleeping bag.

The next morning at dawn we packed up camp and headed further down the trail. It was to the point that moving up the mountain was getting difficult. There were minor injuries that Rich being an E.M.T. quickly treated and some he healed with his magic abilities.

Then the sky grew dark and rain began to fall like a monsoon. The ground got slick and water began to roar down the mountainside.

” A flash flood would come crashing down on us if this didn’t stop! This is no natural storm; he knows we’re coming.” Ian thought to himself,

Ian looked at Devon and said dispel it now. They both closed their eyes and started to chant in an ancient language. The storm began to pick up force as if reacting to them and Ian yelled, “push harder Devon!” and they reasserted their efforts. A light glow formed around them and the air sparked and popped. Then the storm began to dissipate and the water slowed as the sky grew clear.

Slowly, they started back up the hillside when they came to the section of forest called the cursed woods. Humans named it that because, if they entered, they could never find their way out. Many humans died in these woods. ”I thought the cursed wood was behind us!” shouted Michael.

“It seems to have magically moved, let’s go. we don’t have time for talk.” We made our way through the cursed woods. It was putrid and riddled with death, dead trees and animals that had wandered in. The air hissed with strange unearthly sounds and a stench soured with the breeze.

Devon and Ian could feel eyes watching them. When suddenly arrows thumped into the trees around Michaels head and ”hoops” and “whoo’s” filled the silence of the swamp.

“Dark Elves!” Ian shouted. Just as they charged, Ian’s shield went up. About twenty wolves joined in the fight, the rest were too far back. There must have been forty dark elves.

We stood our ground, Devon waited and just as the first wave was about to be upon us, he slammed his hand into the swampy earth and the ground froze rock solid leaving them all stuck in ice. The second we charged, the wolves leapt in ripping and tearing at flesh. The dark elves regrouped and came at us again, only this time they had a plan. We didn’t see the dark figures hopping and leaping through the tree tops and faced off with the ground forces in front of us. The elves swords were made of a black metal that gleamed in the light like glass. I heard a twig snap and turned, they were behind us too! The wolves ran in and charged the ones at the rear while the five of us faced the small army ahead.

The dark elves charged from the front now and Denton blinked again reappearing in front of the leader snapping his neck then he reappeared next to me leaning against a tree whistling. They carried a look of shock on their faces as they charged again. This time Devon spoke a word and pulled his arms upward and a blazing wall of fire engulfed the charging elves leaving a lingering stench of burning flesh in the air. The wolves suffered six dead. They buried the dead and we moved through the cursed forest with a newly found vigilance when we finally reached the clearing.

14.The beaten path

We had made it clear of the cursed forest and were making good time. The midday sun shone brightly in the sky not a single cloud on this perfect day. We crossed a bright green field and into an area that looked like desert but how? This was the Rocky Mountains. What was happening we wondered, so we checked our location on the g.p.s. and we were right where we were supposed to be. We proceeded with extreme caution. There was something magical happening here and we had no clue what it was.

We were making our way through the desert like terrain. Denton had fallen back to check the trail behind for anything that might be following us. But the sandy trail just weaved off into the distance behind us.

Then we came upon a large rock and when Denton turned, he froze. “OH, shit guys, that boulders aura is bright green, that’s a living creature with magic seeping out of it, potent magic.”

We began to move slowly away. Then Rich stepped on the only twig in a five-mile radius. Suddenly the rock began to blur as it changed shape lifting a large head high into the air with its long neck and spreading its massive wings. “DRAGON!” someone yelled and a panic rushed through the wolfs behind us. We stood our ground and faced it head on. A large horned head reared back and its mouth opened and just as it spued acid Devon threw a shield up with his hands and the acid ran down the magical barrier. Then it lunged and swung its barbed tail crashing into Ian and sending him flying through the air landing several feet away rolling in the sand “NOOOO!” Devon screamed and his eyes glowed a bright amber as he raised his arm and began to chant ancient words. “Polymorph might work on this dragon.” Devon pondered. Suddenly the beast fell to the ground rolling and snarling in pain as he started to shrink smaller and smaller transforming into a bleating sheep. Devon and Rich ran to Ian’s side. He was breathing in raspy breaths, pain on his face. You could see the puncture in his side as he pointed to his leg and we could see bone pultruding from the wound.

Rich laid his hand on Ian’s chest and his hands began to glow golden white. Ian seemed to calm like his pain was being blocked and suddenly Ian’s leg began to crunch and pop as the bone knitted together and the torn flesh healed shut than his side healed and the sound of ribs snapping and knitting together made us wince. Then Rich sat back and said “better?” with a smile

Ian smiled wide and said well-done Rich you’re really getting control over your abilities.

When we made it to the snowy ground, we were able to relax because it may be cold but, we knew this area and there’s nothing to worry about out here. We came to the rocky part where a cave stood and the mouth of it was huge.

We all had flashlights and every pack member brought one just for this reason. So, we made our way into the cave and the stench of mold and rot filled the air. The rancid smell of it made my head hurt and my stomach turn.

We made our way deeper and the smell was getting stronger. There were occasional pools of sickly green water on the ground as we pushed deeper into the cave knowing it came out at the top of the cliff. We came upon the source of the smell. A pile of half-eaten bodies riddled the ground and we heard a hiss in the distance, “Let’s keep moving.” Michael said.

We made our way through the intersecting tunnels from memory with ease. Then another hiss and another this time from the other side. Michael extended his claws and teeth and Ian and I stood at the ready as Denton said, “They’re probably bog thrashers. They eat human flesh and live in the dark.”

“Oh, great more bullshit to deal with” Michael said in disgust. Just then the creatures emerged from the shadowy corridors like apparitions glowing eyes that reflected red in the light. They surrounded us and the pack members stood at the ready.

They attacked, leaping into the middle of us and raking rich across the back with a screech, the razor-sharp claws slicing his flesh. Then Ian raised his hand and opened his clenched fist letting out a light so bright that it temporarily blinded the bog thrashers. Then Ian grabbed Rich and dragged him to the side and began chanting a healing spell. It took a minute for the magic to take effect but Rich’s wounds began to mend and there were only small tears in the leather suit he wore. Devon threw himself into the thick of the fight, throwing one blow after the other, impacting each creature with sparks and fire flying off his fists. Michael lunged and took out four in less than a minute. Ian let out a shout and a blast of telekinetic energy knocked them all to the ground. The pack members leapt into action quickly tearing each one apart with their massive jaws.

They were dead, the whole nest. We sighed and made our way to the top of the upper part of the cliff to the path at the top.

15.Silence

Evening came upon us quicker than we had hoped so we decided to make camp. One of the pack members, a tall man well bult from years of heavy labor. He looked at Rich and offered to mend Rich’s leather armor and Rich agreed graciously.

The hillside was beautiful for this time of year, the grass was still green and some flowers still blossomed through the occasional patch of snow. The hillside was quiet and it gave us all a sense of calm. We drank and talked over the campfire and Rich and Michael went for a walk in the moonlight. They reached a spot overlooking the valley and could make out the lights of the city just barely. Rich sighed in contentment and Michael reached around him and held him close to his side. The warmth of Michael made Rich feel so safe and warm, like nothing in the world could tear them apart. Rich turned his head and admired the strong masculine features of the man holding him tight. Suddenly it reminded him of their first time on the cliff above the waterfall beneath the light of the moon.

Rich felt a sensation run through his body and he shivered. “your cold babe?” asked Michael. “No, I just keep getting this feeling we’re being watched.”

Rich quickly dismissed the feeling and began to thread his fingers through Michaels chest hair. The sensation of another man was intoxicating to him. Rich looked up at Michael and asked “Do you think there is a future for us, or is this just about sex to you? It’s fine if it is, I just need to know what I’m facing.”

Michael smiled and said “I REALLY like you Rich and I pray we do have a long future together.”

Michaels words struck him in a way he hadn’t expected. He smiled and leaned his head against Michaels muscled chest.

Then Rich lifted his head and said “Do you hear that? “Michael looked at him puzzled and said no why?”

“Because neither do I, nothing at all. No bugs, no birds nothing.”

They decided it would be best to get back to camp. They told the others and Ian said” It’s the necromancers influence, we’re close enough now that even the birds sense his dark energy and that tends to drive away most living creatures.”

Rich nodded in understanding and left for his tent. Michael approached him and said “Since tomorrow is most likely going to end in a battle can “I—I” he paused and fumbled his words,” w-well I just don’t want to be alone”.

“Of course.” I said with a smile. We entered my tent and crawled into the soft sleeping bag barely able to fit two. I turned into him and put my head on his hard-hairy chest and closed my eyes, I thought I heard him whisper “I love you Rich.” And I smiled wide then dozed off.

In the morning at first light I awoke to the gentle rhythm of his breath and just admired him for a minute then I woke him. We got dressed and made our way outside. I thought to myself that was a really silent night.

16.Battle of wills

We decided to leave the camp set up and prepare for the battle ahead. Rich began to work on the blessing potion and the rest of us worked on setting up a perimeter. The others began digging holes for traps and explosives. We had to be on the defensive until the moment was right to charge them. Ian and Devon stretched and then sparred to sharpen their minds. Denton just stood admiring them spin, flip in the air and strike and kick with such grace that he was mesmerized.

Rich seemed to be having trouble and Ian having finished sparing asked him if he needed help.

Rich replied “Yes please, I don’t know how to prepare the ambrosia seeds.”

“Simple you put them here and crush them to dust.”

“Oh, thanks Ian.” Rich said

Rich had been picking up his craft extremely fast but the finer parts of potions left him a little confused. He was confident he could do this though.

Ian approached Michael with an idea. Ian suggested it would give valuable insight into the enemy’s strength and numbers if Ian astral projects into the enemy camp.

Michael considers it for a moment and gives Ian a nod “Do it he says bring back as much info as you can. Ian, be careful we don’t know the extent of his power yet.”

Ian and Devon go to the large tent and Ian sat down cross legged and began his meditation. Within a minute he was in the astral plane.

Ian could see the world but everything was the wrong color. A haze flowed through the air like the heat waves off a desert expanse. The color different shades of grey and pink filled his senses and he could sense the feel of the dark magic emanating from the necromancer. Ian was drifting in the sky and could see the black taint of dark magic from the air. Ian willed himself down and into the camp. Ian moved to see what he could find. He moved over the encampment getting a feel for the number of undead that stood motionless in formation and how many acolytes he had left. They already knew there were sixty or so Killian pack members there, so Ian moved in closer and deeper into the camp.

“Where’s Jonah?” Ian thought.” I have to find him!”

He came to a central tent obnoxiously large for a field tent and it had all the luxuries of the modern-day. Air, heat and plumbing. He moved closer and thought he could sense Jonah’s presence. He moved through the wall. There he was beaten, bloody and half conscious. Ian moved to get a better look at the state of Jonah when he heard the Necromancer come in talking.

“We have the wolves and we have the undead, that need I remind you are impervious to pain and exhaustion. Also, they’re starving which makes them even more vicious. So, go an----The Necromancer stops and begins to look around the room then his eyes fix on Ian and before Ian could flee a jolt of weakness ran through him and he felt it, felt freedom leave him, he was trapped. Trapped at the tip of a madman’s mind held in this room by dark magic, a slave to the necromancer’s will. Ian’s spirit strained and pushed but he was too weak, the necromancer was siphoning his power.

Devon was still watching over Ian’s body when he felt a pain in his gut and Ian’s body jerked than went strangely still and Devon could feel Ian’s spirit. Devon panicked and ran to Michael.

“Michael, I need to go after Ian he’s trapped in the astral plane I think, I remember reading about this kind of mind snare. A dark sorcerer can hold the spirit captive until his body gives out. I need to go in and help him!”

Michael replies “and what happens if you get mind snared yourself? We need you!” but as Michael sees Devon’s desperation,” SHIT! Fine go in and try to get Ian but if that necro tries to snare you run as fast as you can, you’re too important here.”

“Thank you, Michael really. thank you.” Devon says as he rushes back to the tent.

He lays back on the ground and with practiced ease he drifts into the beyond, into the astral world. The colors surrounding him are that sickly red you see when evil stands before you and his aura drips with darkness.

The sensation he had all night that they were being watched was confirmed when he saw two scouts up the ridge spying on the camp. He moved towards the dark feeling in his gut the sensations of hate and rage, jealousy and revenge surged through him. feelings that were not his own.

When Devon reached the camp, he followed the feeling of his friend and mentor Ian’s spirit was diminished but there none the less. He entered the tent and he felt a gaze on him so he turned and the necromancer just looked at him and smiled “You stupid child, don’t you realize that I can sense and manipulate the very will of a spirit. I can trap lost souls in the dead and animate their confused spirit into a flesh body and watch them go mad in confusion and horror,.” he says as he laughs maniacally.

Then Devon feels the sudden weakness of the mind snare and he resists but the necromancer is too strong. Then his eyes spy Jonah in the corner bloody, bruised and half dead. Ian looks up with sheer hatred burning in his eyes.

“oh, don’t like seeing your little doggy hurt child?” well get used to it, life is pain!” Screams the necromancer.

Just then he reaches out to the wolf bond he shares with Jonah and suddenly he can feel the magic like fire igniting his consciousness with power. His very soul burns with it, raw and unrestrained power, feral and wild. He draws on it, it’s so intoxicating he follows it and then he hears Jonah’s gentle voice.

“No baby, please don’t lose yourself, I love you.” Jonah cannot see him but he can feel his presence.

Suddenly Jonah’s pleas snap him out of his trance like state. The magic had almost overtaken him. He pushes the power back at the necromancer with all the inner strength he can muster.

The necromancer screams and grabs his head as he loses his grip on Devon and Ian both. Devon grabs Ian and pulls him back to his body and Ian lies down into his body fusing with it. Ian’s eye’s snap open and he looks around exhausted and disoriented. Devon sits up and looks at Ian with a smile and hugs him.

“I’m so glad you’re alive Ian, thank the gods.”

Devon then goes to Michael and alerts him to the scouts watching the camp and he sends his two best guys to dispose of them. Then he looks at Devon and says it’s almost showtime be ready by dawn tomorrow.”

Devon says “Sure thing Michael.” Devon Smiles and leaves

Ian stumbles in half dazed and informs Michael of the enemy numbers and how soon they might attack.

17.Collision course

It was about five thirty in the morning and Rich’s potion had been brewing all night. It’s changed colors from a nasty brown look to a brilliant bright blue. It’s ready he says and leaves his tent to go and let Michael know.

“Hey Michael, the potions ready. All I have to do is add the hairs I collected from the whole pack and it’ll be ready to use. Remember we can’t activate the potion until just before the fight because it only lasts an hour maybe two if it’s strong enough.” Rich states

“Ok, we march in one hour so be ready to activate it, and Rich, no matter what happens to me. I want you to know how much I care about you. I can’t explain it right now but you mean the world to me, please be careful today.” Michael says sincerely.

The pack gets prepared and forms a line so Devon adds the packs hair strands to the potion and tells them to take one sip each and move along. Each one approaches grimaces at the taste and moves out. The pack is on the move. After all the werewolf’s have sipped the liquid, they head toward the necromancer’s camp.

Rich races to the front to stand alongside his friends and fight by their sides. Michael, Devon, Ian, and Rich all head into the unknown as they draw closer and closer to the encampment. Rich’s heart is racing but he holds his composure and stays steadfast by Michael’s side. Michael takes the fae stone, throws the amulet down and stomps it. Just then a doorway opens and 25 soldiers from the forest fae march out.

They sneak up the hill overlooking the camp and get eyes on the zombies and the acolytes. Michael gives the signal and his team leaders hold until Michael howls the battle cry. Like a wave the werewolf’s transform into their wolf forms and some half wolf. They rush the zombies and the zombies suddenly come to life running at Michael and the werewolf’s at full speed snapping at the air hungry for flesh.

The two armies collide in an echoing sound of Growls and zombie screams. The werewolves slash at the zombies and they fall lifeless to the ground. The first wave. Michael Screams “it’s working, the potions working!”

Rich smiles and Michael howls signaling to the rest of the pack to advance. Michaels pack quickly shifts into wolf form and runs onto the battlefield, fearlessly cutting down any threat that stands before them. The battlefield is a swirling mass of rotting flesh and bloody fur as the battle rages on between the undead and the wolves.

Devon and Ian are tirelessly and methodically spinning and flipping through the massive bombardment of attacks. Landing strike after magical strike as electricity flows from them electrocuting every enemy in their path. Magic and melee flow together in a whirlwind of destruction.

The forest fae fight with merciless precision and speed as they cut down the zombies one by one with their silver magical blades. Their green metallic armor shines in the morning sun as they fight and move better than anyone Michael has ever seen before. Swinging their swords with deadly precision, they begin to make an advance as they cut through the zombies.

Suddenly the acolytes are bombarding them with fireballs and acid. Ian conjures shimmering golden shields around the people he loves most in the world. He reaches deep inside. The magical energy surges through his very veins as he conjures the shields again, trying to protect his friends from the magical attacks.

Michael grows impatient, he needs to get to Jonah. But the fights not over yet and his pack needs him. As Michael continues to rage through the zombies sending their wretched trapped spirits back to the ether he loses sight of his new love Rich as the chaos that is war continues to rage.

Denton blinks from place to place slashing every zombie he can as fast as he can with his razor-sharp finger nails. He blinks so fast body after body, zombies just begin falling to the ground seemingly without explanation.

The fight is going well and they are on the precipice of victory. Then suddenly a second wave of acolytes come rushing over the ridge. They all look up to see the newest threat coming at them. The acolytes begin to chant as their combined magic is focused into one massive spell. A dark wave forms and starts rushing towards them. As it passes them the death curse drops every person in its path Rich watches helplessly as his friends die one by one. The curse comes barreling at him he drops to one knee and puts his arms out in front of himself and as the black force screams past Rich’s magical field of shimmering silver light encompasses him sparking and popping as the curse roars around him. When the curse dissipates, he stands amid nothing but death. The pack, his friends and Michael all dead.

Rich’s insides begin to turn as he feels like vomiting but, he remembers something he read in his book and drops to the ground digging his hands deep into the soil. The magic of nature itself of life and light surges up his arms and into his chest, wave after wave of pure magical energy, vast as the ocean. He pulls at the power at his fingertips and focuses. Focuses on everyone he’s lost, the pack, his friends and the man he’s falling for. He wants them, he wants them all back and as tears stream down his face he screams. As he screams into the still air a golden shockwave explodes from within him. The magical wave of light surges through every fallen ally. One by one they sit up gasping for air as the magical wave of resurrection dissipates.

The acolytes having witnessed the impossible suddenly panic in fear, screaming ”They’re immortal, they cannot be killed, run!” and as the battlefield grows quiet Michael, Devon, Ian, Denton and Rich all carefully navigate through the enemy camp searching for their missing leader Jonah.

In the center of the camp, they come upon a massive tent. This is the Necromancer’s tent no doubt.” Michael says as he walks into the quiet room. The silence is deafening as he searches. The others all come in and begin to look about for Jonah but find nothing. Suddenly Denton gets pulled up into the air by an inviable force that throws him across the room crashing into some crates.

Denton is on his feet in a second flat as they all search frantically for the attacker but see nothing. Then the very air grows thick with the smell of death itself and a green mist rolls across the ground. The Necromancer walks in wearing black leather and a crown of black thorns Laughing tauntingly. They lunge to attack in unison but, with a wave of his hand they all stand frozen where they’re at, held by an invisible force. The demon that attacked Devon appears out of thin air snarling.

“My pet, he is bound to me and has to do my bidding. Even if I commanded him to kill one hundred people, he wouldn’t hesitate.” Laughs the necromancer

Rich struggles to stand as still as he can. The immobilization spell had no effect on him but, he needs this advantage of surprise. The necromancer walks by them one by one laughing and wickedly smiling.

“I will see to it you watch your entire pack die before your eyes as you weep in shame and failure. After all your feeble efforts, you have failed to rescue your precious dog. Well, I will torture him. Then I will kill him and bind him to the dead, while you all watch”

The necromancer looks Rich in the eyes and says,” Some healer you are. You can’t even resist my simplest of spells. You really ar---.”

He stops as the long dagger jets out his back as Rich sinks it to the hilt and whispers. “Your spells are crap and this dagger is blessed so, it is lethal to necromancers. Oh, and a monologue really? That’s a classic villain mistake.” Then he pulls the blade back as the necromancer’s Dark Green blood drips from the blade. The runes on the demon’s skin vanish as he laughs and disappears, finally set free.

They locate Jonah unconscious in a crate under a banket. They quickly help him out as Rich lays his hands on Jonah’s chest. Rich closes his eyes as his hands begin to glow gold and Jonah’s wounds start to close. Then Jonah regains consciousness and smiles at the sight of his friends, his chosen family.

“About time.” Jonah says smiling.

18.Truth

Rich and Michael strip down and take a hot shower. Michael flashes his classic sexy smile at Rich the entire time. They dry off and throw on some shorts then they lay back on the bed. Michael wraps Rich in his arms and kisses his forehead.

“I’ve never felt special until I met you.” Michael stated with honest sincerity.

Rich digs in close to Michael’s chest,” And I’ve never fallen for a guy before.”

Michael chuckles and says” So you’ve fallen for me huh? How far have you fallen?”

“Far, really far.” Rich says with a shy expression.

I knew I had to come out with it soon but, not yet. I was still scared to let Michael know how I really felt about him. Like I thought he would hurt me. I knew inside he would never hurt me or cheat because werewolf’s mate for life. I just decided “I’ll tell him tonight.”

As the evening grew closer, I got more and more nervous. Butterflies and all that. I had a key to Michaels place now and so I snuck in and made dinner, opened some wine and waited

Michael walked in the front door and stopped in his tracks. “Rich, what’s up babe?” Asked Michael.

I wanted a romantic dinner with you alone so here we are. I got up and served him his plate and poured him some wine. We ended up eating half our food and just hit the wine. We were on our second bottle when we moved to the bedroom, and I immediately I blurted ”I love you Michael?”

Michael just got a big smile and came over to sit on the side of the bed with me. I felt raw, like an exposed nerve, almost like I was on fire. Then he said “I love you too Rich, I think you’re the best thing in my life.”

With that I melted and leaned into him with a kiss. I thought “I’m never letting go of this man He’s just so amazing and sexy.”

Then he kissed me back only it was deep and wet. His lips were soft but commanding and I knew I would do anything to hold onto him. He laid me back on the bed, I could feel his desire like hot water washing over me. I saw the need in his eyes so I stood up and took off my shirt than began to work my pants off as he unfastened his own and pulled them off. I crawled back onto the soft welcoming feel of the bed and straddled his lap. I could feel him growing with want and I needed him just as bad.

The candles I lit touched the air with a scent of pine. I could smell his manly musk and it drove me wild with desire. I got the lube out of the drawer and worked his underwear down to his knees. I could feel the sensation of smooth skin and course hair on his legs. I lubed my hungry hole the feeling in my chest was so intense. I wasn’t nervous this time, so I could give myself completely to the passion that burned within. I grabbed his cock and guided him into me. He arched his back as the sudden feel of my tight ass took his breath. He looked me in the eyes and I could see the yellow in his eyes. I rode him faster as he groaned in ecstasy and as I stroked my own swollen cock. I didn’t stop, I didn’t slow down, I followed the hunger in his eyes. I watched him as I pressed into him, burying him deep inside me. Then like I weighed nothing he leaned up and rolled over with his cock still in me. He thrust his throbbing cock deeper and I arched my back taken over by the moment. I could see his orgasm build in his now wild eyes and he began to shutter inside me. He looked at me with his glowing eyes and said “I want you forever and I won’t ever let you go.” He smiled and his rhythm got faster as I worked my leaking cock I yelled” I’m Cumming baby.” And shot pulse upon pulse all over our stomachs. He growled and I knew what he needed so I turned my head and lifted my chin for him exposing my neck, he drew back and buried his fangs in my shoulder. It felt like fire and pleasure all at once and he began to shudder with the force of his orgasm. He then collapsed next to me on the bed. We were both gasping to catch our breath. My neck wound was already closing. We were mates now, for life.

We held each other and talked for three hours before we fell asleep and I loved him more than ever. I never thought the day would come when I would allow myself to be who I wanted to be, who I needed to be. This was who I was born to be and I needed to be myself. With this man, I could truly be myself and that made me the happiest man on earth. I could finally live my truth.

19.Sickness

The next morning a knock came from the door and when I opened it I saw it was Jonah. He said, “Somethings wrong with the pack, everyone is sick.” He said, fear in his eyes.

First, we hit the medical clinic and Rich tried to heal one of them and he gasped in pain and said “This illness is not natural.” So, we left and went straight to Jonah’s and asked Devon if he’s ever seen anything like it before.

“No but rich is right it’s magical the vomit samples and blood are tainted with dark magic. That means that the inner wolf will fight the dark magic so fiercely it could kill you all, in fact it most certainly will end badly for everyone. Even if one were two survive there’s a good chance that person would never be able to shift again.”

We ruled out curses and elixirs, we ruled out spells and we ruled out toxins. The only things left were Hex objects. If that were it, it could be anywhere on the packs land. Ian came over and he and I couldn’t shake the feeling I was missing something so obvious, but what? Oh well, let’s put our heads together and figure this out. We called Denton and Ian and asked them to come over and when they showed up, we explained everyone in the pack’s territory was sick except all of us.

Ian said” Someone would have had to get onto the packs territory undetected and plant the object someplace.”

Then it hit me and I said “What about a bound demon. When Devon was thrown from the balcony, I saw a demon and it had binding runes all over its skin. It was doing the necromancer’s bidding. The demon must have planted a hex bag somewhere. This must be his backup plan for revenge.”

“That has to be it, the demon could have slipped past the wards by drifting between planes when it crossed them and got onto the packs land.” Ian stated

“Still though, how do we find it?” I asked

“We scry for It. It touched Devon so we could use a drop of his blood.” Ian said.

“Ok, let’s do this!” said Devon.

We gathered all the necessary things and took a topographical map of the packs territory and started the spell. “One drop of blood on the scrying stone and here we go.” Ian said enthusiastically.

The Chrystal swung round and round. I started to think this idea was bogus until, the pendulum stopped and the drop of blood fell on the southwest section of the map.

“let’s head out.” we all piled in the jeep and hit the location exactly. But what were we even looking for?

Ian said “It would be a small hex bag, black in color and most likely hung somewhere.

So, we searched for over an hour and just when we were about to give up, as we started back toward the truck, Denton detected its aura. Michael climbed the tree and got it down.

Ian said, “This is not going to be easy people. The hex bag is spelled we can’t get into it to find out what it contains and that means we can’t reverse it. We can’t even destroy it.”

I chimed in with “Why don’t we x-ray it at the clinic, that would tell us if bones or other solid objects are in it?”

“Good thinking, let’s do it.” Jonah said

We left right for the clinic. When we arrived, Jonah told the nurse we needed it x-rayed right away. She pulled up the x-rays of it on the computer and we examined them.

“That’s a rats head and a rune. It’s impossible to guess what else until we figure out which hex it is. “said Ian.

We hit the books and researched for six-hours before coming across an old scroll Ian had on common dark rituals. Rituals that dark mages used in the sixteen-hundreds. There were two hex’s that used runes and rats. We read through the first and it used the blood of the rat to seal the hex and bind the spell. So, then we knew the second one was the hex the necromancer used.

So, with one hurtle out of the way we began the ritual to dispel it. It was extremely complicated and was I was very glad Ian was handling that part.

It took about four hours to get the ingredients prepared and another three to create the elixir. We needed to dip the hex bag in the elixir to dispel the hex bag. One last thing was needed one drop from a phoenix tear. I thought we were doomed but, Ian had gotten a tear from the mother phoenix after we saved her from the dark magic that tainted her.

We added the last of the ingredient’s and it began to sizzle and turn bright white. “One cleansing elixir, done everyone.” Ian said with a smile.

He grabbed the hex bag and slowly began to dip it in the elixir. The ritual required it to be dipped seven times. And then burned. Once he had finished, we took it out to our spell circle and lit it on fire. As it burned, the strangest sound of screams howled for a brief second and then it popped in a green puff of smoke. The cleansing was complete.

We went to the clinic and the healers said that everyone’s fevers had broken at once and we all just smiled.

We headed home that night after the long day and hung out at Devon and Jonah’s for a couple of hours drinking and relaxing. I began to realize just how special and precious each and every moment is and how I needed to cherish these next years with Michael, the man that I love. Because nobody knows what tomorrow may bring. It could be happy, sad or tragedy but, it’s always changing and it’s always a surprise. I choose to be happy and be true to who I am.

Epilogue

Six months later.

The news came on and began to report on a terrorist group called, The Magical Triad. They had been suspected of being responsible for the deaths of three very high-profile supernatural people. I shut it off and went to get a night cap, when the doorbell rang. Jonah started down the stairs to answer it but, I told him,” It’s fine I’ve got it.” With a smile.

When I answered the door, someone blew black lotus powder in my face to neutralize my magic. Then it felt like a wrecking ball hit my chest when something slammed into me and I flew back and onto the ground.

Jonah heard the commotion and ran out to see what had happened. Whoever it was didn’t expect him to be there, so one of them ran away as the other one stood his ground. Being a shifter, he began to transform into something very big. Jonah jumped down from the upper level in the house and raked the guy across the chest before the man could completely transform. He fell to his knees holding his wound. Jonah tied the guy up and called Ian and rich to come help, while I washed the powder off my face. The guy needed a healer and Ian was good at extracting information.

His only distinguishing feature was a subdermal marking of the infinity symbol engulfed in flame. He was in The Magical Triad. A group consisting of supernatural's, how many we didn’t know. Why were they after me and who is going to be next? What did they want with me? Are they really responsible for these attacks on supernatural's? What’s their endgame? I wondered.

We needed answers and this guy had them. I guess he is having a REALLY bad day now.

“Hey Ian, come in, he’s right over there and he’s stubborn.“ I said.

“We’ll see how stubborn he is in a few minutes.” Ian says with a smile.

I had to admit the day had been a good one but, this was all in all a shitty end to a good day!