Awakening

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Awakening Copyright © 2009 D.J. Manly ISBN: 978-1-55487-288-6 Cover art by Angela Waters All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

Awakening By D.J. Manly

Chapter One

“W

hy did we have to come up here tonight?” Landon whispered as if afraid someone would hear him. “You didn’t have to come,” Julian said, looking down at the very spot he had laid for almost eighty years. “He could be here now?” Julian shrugged. “It doesn’t matter where or when he comes. He will come.” “It’s not as if he knew Charlie personally.” “You know that it’s not really about that. That is just an excuse to hasten his arrival. But they share the same blood line. Charlie was becoming…like us.” “I never thought…” Landon swallowed. He still couldn’t accept what had happened. Julian placed a hand on his shoulder. “It was for the best. He would have been hard to control and if he was to become anything like his ancestor, well…that was pure evil.” “Wouldn’t he have come by now?” Landon asked, taking Julian’s arm. He practically pulled 1

DJ Manly

him up the basement steps. It did no good for Julian to come here and stare at that hole in the floor. It wouldn’t change anything. “He’s biding his time.” “But it’s been almost four years. Maybe he’s decided that…” Julian paused at the top of the stairs. “Four years is nothing. You’ll understand what I mean soon enough. Time is endless for us.” “I’m hungry,” Landon announced, trying to swallow his fear, “nothing alive, please.” “You know,” Julian laughed, “you remind me of the little boy who never wants to put the worm on the hook. I’m not your daddy.” “You are in a sense my daddy,” he said, meeting his gaze, trying not to laugh. “Now how many people can boast a daddy that looks as good as you do?” “Okay, okay, I’ll kill it for you.” “Flattery will get me everywhere?” He reached out and goosed him. “Well maybe not everywhere,” he told him, “one thing at a time, you greedy boy. First we eat, then we fuck.” “I can live with that,” Landon said, stepping out onto the old porch. He stood still, listening. He could hear the rustling of small animals in the bush. “I’ll race you,” Julian said, taking off. Landon 2

Awakening

let out a yell and followed Julian into the woods. **** Ten hours later, Lucian Prescott drove north on the highway from Thunder Bay. The beauty of the bright autumn foliage momentarily distracted him from the pain. Everything seemed fresh, but not unfamiliar, and from the moment he’d breathed in the air, something told him he was home. It should have taken him only about an hour to drive to Mapleton from the city, but at the speed he was going, he had stretched the drive out by more than twenty minutes. It had been almost ten years since he’d been back and the memories flooded over him. Of course there was pain. There was also guilt. Charlie Hamilton had been one of his best friends. The locals had nicknamed them the three amigos. They were always together, Charlie, Landon and Lucian, and he hadn’t bothered to pick up the phone to call Landon or Charlie in years. He’d abandoned Mapleton, abandoned the best friends he’d ever had…now, one of them was dead. When Charlie Hamilton had first been reported missing, none of the detectives in the Thunder Bay squad room had paid much attention. The local authorities in Mapleton would handle it. Even Lucian gave it no more than a passing thought 3

DJ Manly

when he heard about Charlie. He knew him well. He knew that it wasn’t unusual for him to disappear on one of his binges for days at a time. Then things got weird. Charlie washed up in the river, the same river they had swum in as boys. Early results of an autopsy revealed that Charlie hadn’t a mark on him, yet his body contained almost no blood. Now, they had a mysterious death and Thunder Bay experts were called in. Lucian was not assigned to the case, but he was expected to divulge all the information he could on Charlie. Lucian told his colleagues what he remembered about Charlie from high school. He’d been the wild one, drugs, booze, girls…he was game to try anything, do anything. That didn’t explain why he’d been drained of blood, however. Charlie had always been in hot water with the local police. It’s what he and Landon admired most about him. They would have liked to have had his balls. Now, it looked as if those balls had gotten him dead. Lucian saw the exit for the town. He almost went right by, but then, at the last minute, he put his flashers on and turned off. Mapleton. His heart beat a little harder in his chest as he drove into town. He swallowed something in his throat and glanced around as he hit Main Street. Nothing much had changed…a few more businesses closed, some people he didn’t recognize…those 4

Awakening

who had grown up, and others, who had grown old. He turned the corner onto Harvest Road. There in the distance beside the town hall, was the school. He slowed down. He could see himself racing through the playground, Landon and Charlie on his heels. Someone honked behind him and he sped up, passing the police station and then, the funeral parlour. Suddenly, he had an image of Charlie lying in his coffin. He turned down Echo Street. He had an image of his father lying in his. He hated that place. The first house he saw on Echo Street was The James’s Bed and Breakfast. Three houses down was where he had grown up, a white bungalow, and next door to that, was where the Hamilton’s lived in a two story red brick house. He wondered who was living in his house now or if Charlie’s parents still lived next door. He pulled the rental car up in front of Landon’s house and got out, his eyes scanning the old neighbourhood. The bed and breakfast had been painted. Once white and green, it was pale blue with navy trim around the windows and doors. There were three vehicles parked in the small parking area at the side. Maybe they were full. He probably should have called, told Landon he was coming, but although he still knew his number by heart, he couldn’t bring himself to pick up the phone. It had 5

DJ Manly

been too long. Anyway, he was sure Landon’s mother would have a room for him. She’d always liked him. He paused a moment, then stepped up to the porch and rang the door bell. **** “How in hell am I supposed to face his parents?” Landon whispered in horror. The closer it got to the funeral, the more frantic he became. “It wasn’t your fault,” he replied, running a hand over Landon’s naked chest and down to his erect cock. “You have yet to learn self control and he was warned. He knew exactly what he was getting into.” “He didn’t know that I would…” Landon sucked in some breath as Julian’s mouth came down on his cock. “Oh God,” he groaned. He couldn’t think anymore. He dug his fingers into Julian’s thick black hair and pulled. He shouted out something as his cock hit the back of Julian’s throat. His shaft pumped out its release and he let his hand relax, lightly stroking the silky strands of Julian’s hair as he closed his eyes. “Who’s Lucian?” Landon’s eyes opened. “What?” “Lucian.” Landon swallowed. “How do you know about Lucian?” 6

Awakening

“You have a strong connection to him. He’s often in your thoughts.” He sat up. “Yes. The three of us were best friends in school. I haven’t seen Lucian in a long time, almost ten years now. If you knew he was in my thoughts, why didn’t you…” “I figured you’d tell me about him when you were ready. Anyway,” he shrugged, “you’re about to be reunited.” Landon blinked. “What do you mean?” “He’s downstairs.” Landon sucked in some breath. “I tried to find a way to let him know about Charlie, but I figured that given what he does for a living he’d already know.” “What does he do?” “He’s some hot shot detective in Thunder Bay now.” “He wasn’t with that gang who came down last week?” “No.” “He’ll be asking a lot of questions.” “I’m sure he’s just here for the funeral. Don’t worry.” “Why did you lose touch?” “I don’t know,” Landon said, getting dressed. “When Lucian left this town, it seemed he wanted to put everything behind him, including Charlie and me. His father had a heart attack at forty and 7

DJ Manly

died a few months after he finished high school. He took it hard. I think Lucian was scared to end up like his father.” “You seemed to know him well, but you weren’t lovers.” Landon zipped up his pants. “No, we weren’t lovers. Lucian is straight.” **** Julian sat back on the bed, muscular arms folded over his chest, observing Landon as he stood in front of the mirror, combing through his fair hair with his trembling fingers. The emotions in him were strong, and at the moment, it had little to do with Charlie’s death. Charlie’s death had been an accident, but if Landon had stayed calm and followed his instructions, it would have never happened. Now, he would have to learn to live with that on his conscience, as he himself had had to learn to live with his own transgressions. “What do I say to him?” Landon looked at him helplessly. “I don’t know.” He narrowed his eyes. “What do you want to say to him?” “I think I was in love with him once.” “I know.” “Does it show?” “I can read your thoughts, remember?” 8

Awakening

“Can you read his?” He laughed faintly. “No. You’ll have to try to guess what’s going on his mind the old fashioned way I’m afraid.” “What good are you?” Landon jeered. “Go now.” He smiled faintly. “Mr. Samson is on the way up to tell you Lucian has arrived.” Julian rose off the bed and walked over to the mirror. He closed his eyes for a moment. Lucian had picked a bad time to come back to this town. Julian could feel a storm brewing, a storm that had been a long time coming, and he knew that the death of Charlie Hamilton would only make things worse. He could move on, postpone it, but he wouldn’t abandon Landon. Landon was his responsibility now and he was indebted to him. He had to be one hundred percent certain that Landon could control his own nature before he could even think of leaving him. And a cop! They didn’t need any more of those hanging around. Julian picked up a hairbrush and ran it though his shoulder length black hair. He tied it back at the nape and did up the buttons on his uniform. **** “Landon,” Lucian said, holding out his hand as soon as he saw him coming down the stairs, “I 9

DJ Manly

came as soon as I could.” He hadn’t changed much, except for the closely cropped beard he sported now, which was the same beige blond colour as his hair. His eyes looked bluer than he’d remembered. Landon seemed to pause before he took hold of his hand, then leaned in to embrace him briefly. It was not a warm embrace “It’s been a long time.” Lucian nodded. “Yeah. You look great. I’m sorry, Landon. I really should have kept in touch, but you know how life is and… How have you been?” “Great,” he said. “You’re staying here of course.” “Yes, if your mother has a room for me.” “Mom is…well, I’m running the place now,” he said. “My mother had a big car accident a few years back.” “Oh no,” Lucian said, sucking in some breath. “God, I’m sorry, Landon.” “She’s in a wheelchair now.” Lucian sighed. “I wished I’d known…I…” “Well, you didn’t,” he said. His voice sounded a little brisk. Lucian felt that like a blow. He glanced around. Everything was in blue, and the floors, the banisters, the furnishings, all hard wood. “You’ve done a lot of redecorating. How’s business going?” 10

Awakening

“Not bad,” he said, “better in tourist season of course. We get hunters in the fall.” He led him through the hallway to the living room. “Would you like something to drink?” “Coffee would be great.” “I’ll make some.” Lucian followed him into the kitchen. He leaned on the counter, waiting while Landon took some coffee out of the refrigerator. “So what do you think happened to Charlie?” He kept his back to him for a moment. When he spoke, his voice shook. “You know Charlie.” “Yeah, okay. He was on a binge or high, but what about the blood loss and the fact that there were no wounds on the body. Did you know that there was evidence that Charlie had been anally penetrated right before he died?” Landon turned around. “No, I didn’t know that.” Lucian was about to say something else— “Landon, I’m off.” He turned around. There in the entrance to the kitchen stood a tall man with black hair and dark brown eyes. He was broad shouldered, slim hipped. Lucian would have been hard pressed to remember seeing a better looking man. He was wearing what looked like some kind of a law enforcement uniform. “Julian Danone, this is Lucian Prescott, my old 11

DJ Manly

friend,” Landon said hastily, scooping coffee into the machine. Julian nodded politely. “Nice to meet you, Lucian.” “And you,” Lucian said. He felt a little breathless. “Is he a cop?” he asked after he’d disappeared. “Of sorts, game warden,” Landon said, starting the coffee. Lucian suddenly remembered seeing his name on one of the case files on Charlie’s death. “Is he your…lover?” Lucian had always known that Landon was gay. He’d never hidden it. “Sometimes.” “Sometimes?” Lucian blurted. “He’s gorgeous.” “Yes, he is. Come on, let’s go sit down. Coffee will be ready soon. You need to fill me in, tell me all about you. You’re still living in Thunder Bay, aren’t you? How do you like your job?” **** Landon couldn’t take his gaze off Lucian as he sat there on the sofa, drinking his coffee. He still had the same effect on him he’d had back in high school, only now, it was much more intense. They were no longer children. Back then he could identify only an acute longing, but now, he could imagine what that longing was for and what he 12

Awakening

needed to do to satisfy it. There was a hunger growing and it seemed more urgent as each second ticked by. Deep in the night, his memories had often conjured up images of Lucian, but he was considerably more beautiful than those memories recalled. The years had brought him from a boy to a man and that man was causing him to lose track of his words. He was caught up in the way the muscles of Lucian’s body moved splendidly under the simple navy suit he wore. He could see the cords in his neck move as he turned his head, the bronze skin of his chest through the open neck of the silky white shirt. Those blue eyes were as dark and sultry as ever, and his thick brown hair was cut short and layered back over his forehead, revealing his lean, handsome face. God, the girls had been nuts for him back in school. He’d been nuts for Lucian. “Landon?” The sound of Lucian saying his name resonated throughout the room, vibrating in his ears. It was happening. Shit. Julian warned him about this. Sexual stimulation brought it on, causing his senses to gain in strength. Lucian’s scent was suddenly so strong, a sweet mix of raw masculinity mingled with some subtle exotic aftershave. He could hear the birds chirping outside, the neighbour nagging her husband to cut 13

DJ Manly

the grass again, the sound of traffic on Main. He could smell the rain in the air although the sun was still shining through the window. “Landon?” Lucian reached over and touched his hand. The feeling of his fingertips brushing against his skin caused his cock to throb. His mouth went dry. “You said you were doing well on the police force.” “Yes.” He sat back. “I made detective and—” “Do you have a girlfriend?” “I had one…we…it didn’t work out. No time I guess. A cop’s life is crazy.” They had almost kissed once. It had been late at night and they’d been drinking, all three of them. Charlie had passed out under the bleachers. Lucian had been teasing him about some new boy in school. “So going to kiss him?” “Of course not,” he said. “Would you like to?” he taunted. “I…I don’t know. Knock it off, will ya?” “Ever?” “Ever what?” “Kissed a guy?” “Of course not. Who in hell would I kiss around this place?” “Wonder what it feels like.” “Probably not different than kissing a girl.” Lucian had come close to him. He’d looked into 14

Awakening

his eyes, and for a heart stopping minute, Landon was sure he was going to kiss him. He didn’t. He just backed off, but he’d never forget that moment. He’d played it out again and again in his mind. “So what time is the service tomorrow?” “Ah, service,” Landon was transported back to the present, “it’s at one o’clock. Visiting hours are at seven tonight.” Lucian stood. “I better get my suitcase out of the trunk. I need to freshen up a bit.” Landon stood, too. “Yes, I’ll show you the room.” “Great. Where’s your mom, by the way?” “She won’t be here for the funeral, I’m afraid. She went to the States to see her brother.” “That’s nice. Sorry I’m going to miss out on seeing her. How are Charlie’s parents? Are they still living next to my old house?” “Yes.” “I should go over and say hello.” “They’re probably already at the funeral home,” Landon said. “You can see them there. Get your things and I’ll take you upstairs.” **** Julian sat staring out the window. He had a small office in the police station because the town didn’t have the budget for a separate building. There 15

DJ Manly

were several open reports on his desk, one of them clutched in his hand. It was quiet in town today. It was if everyone was in mourning for Charlie Hamilton. He was sure that for some, it was just an opportunity to socialise with friends and neighbours, something to ease the boredom of small time life, for others, it was truly a sad occasion. The Hamiltons had been in this town for generations. He shivered, trying to remind himself not to dwell too much on the past. It would revisit itself in the future soon enough. But alive or dead, the face of Charlie Hamilton haunted him. He put down the report and stood, walking over to the window. His gaze travelled to the old house on the hill. Janis Snow, one of the police officers down the hall popped her head around the corner. “Julian, we just got a report that they spotted that bear again down by Lucky Creek.” Julian turned around and looked at her. He hadn’t even heard her coming. He had to remember to remain alert, not get distracted. “Ah, yeah, okay. I’ll get right on it. Thanks.” “No problem. How’s Landon? He seemed pretty upset yesterday.” “He’s better today. It’s a shock.” “Yes, for everyone, and so damn perplexing. I wish I could figure it all out. I still can’t believe 16

Awakening

that we’ll be burying him tomorrow. Seems only yesterday we were all graduating high school. Too bad Lucian isn’t here.” “He’s here,” Julian said, “arrived early this afternoon.” Her eyes widened. Julian could hear her heart beat speed up a little. Ah, another one in love with Lucian. He had been a popular boy it seemed. “It will be nice to see him,” she said, watching as Julian gathered his things together and put on his sunglasses. “Funerals serve the function of reuniting people, don’t they?” “Yes, I suppose they do,” she mused. “Heard he’s a hot shot detective in the big city now, maybe he’ll have some answers.” They walked side by side down the hallway, his massive six foot five frame completely dwarfing hers. “Doubt it,” Julian said. They separated at the main door, Janis disappearing into the door marked Police and Julian standing aside to patiently hold the door open for elderly Mrs. Hanson. She came to complain about something almost every day. He walked outside in the sunshine and paused in front of his patrol car with Wildlife Patrol of Mapleton County written across the side. He turned to look up at the house in the sunshine one more time. It would still look evil no matter what 17

DJ Manly

Landon insisted on doing to it. He reached up and adjusted his hat, got into the vehicle and headed out to Lucky Creek. **** Landon hadn’t said a word to Lucian as they walked the short distance to the funeral home. In the distance, Lucian could see other people going into the building, in groups of two or three. When he caught site of the old Hamilton house, he caught his breath. He’d almost forgotten about that old house. It had been abandoned for years. Everyone said it was haunted. “Hey, Land, do you remember when we went up to the old haunted house on a dare?” Landon glanced at him. “Yeah. I remember.” “What a dump. They should just tear it down.” “They better not,” he said. “What?” “They better not tear it down because I own it.” “You…you own it? You bought that old…” Lucian laughed. “You can’t be serious.” “I’m going to fix it up.” “Oh. I hope you got it cheap.” “For back taxes mostly,” he shrugged, stopping in front of the funeral home. The Hamilton family had tried to claim that house for years. Apparently, it had been owned by 18

Awakening

one of their ancestors, but their inquiries found that someone still had possession of the house. No one knew who it was. The house was never occupied. “Must be falling down,” Lucian added. “Practically.” For a moment, Landon seemed rooted to the spot at the front steps. Lucian looked at him. “Are we going in or…” “You go ahead. I’ll join you in a bit. Charlie’s parents are inside already.” “Okay. See you in there,” Lucian said. He took a breath. The last time he’d stepped foot in this place, his father had been in there. He’d worked all his life in the forestry industry. No one had seen the heart attack coming. It just snuck up on him and stole his life, just like that, no warning, no apologies. **** Landon wrung his hands together. The thought of seeing Charlie lying in that coffin was too much, especially knowing that he was the one who put him there. He’d never meant for it to happen, but it did. Julian had been so angry at him, and for good reason. He hadn’t listened to him. He’d assumed he knew better, that everything was under control, and when it came right down to it, he knew nothing. If only Charlie had kept his 19

DJ Manly

distance. He’d warned him, begged him…but Charlie was always one for pushing the limits, for experimenting. I want to know what it’s like, Landon. Come on. He’d been so high, so ready to submit, and Landon had had no idea of the power inside himself and how that power would come to grip him in its grasp like a cyclone. He couldn’t seem to get a hold of it, at least not in time. Now, Lucian was back. He couldn’t live with himself if something happened to Lucian, if he spiralled out of control again and hurt him. “You’re not going to,” a voice said beside his ear. He turned around to see Julian standing there, the wildlife patrol car parked out front. “I thought you weren’t coming.” “I changed my mind. Looks like you need me here.” Landon nodded miserably. Julian placed a hand on his shoulder. “It will be all right.” He shook his head. “The fact that Charlie’s dead isn’t the worst of it. What if—” “Shush,” he said, “don’t think about that now. Let’s get through this first.” Landon picked up his head to see Janis Snow drive up in the police car. He smiled faintly. “Well, at least the laws here.” 20

Awakening

“A lot of good that will do us.” He grinned. “I told Janis that Lucian was home.” “Ah, that explains it. She was Charlie’s girlfriend at one time, but it was Lucian she really wanted.” “Um.” He nodded. “You had a lot in common.” Landon made a face. “Did you get the bear?” Janis called out as she walked over to them. “I found some tracks,” Julian said. “I’ll go back out there later tonight. He hasn’t done anything. I don’t think he’s aggressive, but we’ll have to move him back a way. Little guy lost his way.” “Little guy?” she laughed. “Witnesses say he’s a big fellow.” She adjusted her gun on her hip. Julian laughed. “Perspective.” She looked at the funeral home. “I can’t believe it. I remember when we found him. It wasn’t pretty.” Landon closed his eyes. “Where’s Lucian?” “Inside,” Landon said. He took a deep breath. “I guess it’s time.” **** Lucian was talking with Charlie’s father when Landon entered. He was followed by that man he’d seen back at the house and a female police 21

DJ Manly

officer. At first, Lucian didn’t recognise her, but as she came closer and smiled, he said, “Janis.” He held out his arms and she went into them, embracing him warmly. “Lucian. It’s great to see you, even if…” She gave her hand to Charlie’s father. “I’m so sorry.” He nodded. “I want to thank you, Janis, and the other officers, for finding my son.” She nodded. “Where’s Elaine?” “In the other room with her sister.” “I’ll speak to her in a few minutes on the way out. Just came to pay my respects, I have to go back to work, but I’ll be here tomorrow.” “Thank you,” he said and moved off. “So sad,” she said. Lucian’s gaze had moved to the tall, dark haired man in the tan uniform. He was holding a pair of sunglasses in his hand, standing close to Landon, as Landon spoke with some of Charlie’s relatives. Jesus Christ. There was just something about that man, which compelled you to stare at him. He was mesmerising. He couldn’t put his finger on it. He was beautiful, there was no debate there, but he usually didn’t fixate on men. Until he’d left this town, he was convinced he was heterosexual. Landon was the only homosexual in town as far as anyone knew. Sure, there were moments, moments where his curiosity would get the best of him, and he’d wonder what 22

Awakening

having sex with a guy would be like. Didn’t everyone? When he got to college, being gay was no big thing, in fact, it was kind of cool, and he ended up meeting people who were gay. He started to go to gay bars, telling himself he was straight, that he was in no way interested in men’s bodies. Then he met Jazz. Jazz was beautiful inside and out, and one night, after a few drinks, they did it. Lucian closed his eyes a second. It had overwhelmed him, consumed him and he got scared. There was no way he wanted to be gay so he just stopped seeing Jazz. He saw a few girls after, that but it was never the same. He was confused, and with practically sleeping at the law office, decided confusion was much better than knowing the truth. But this man, standing less than a few feet away, was literally making his mouth water. He had completely lost track of what Janis was saying as he trailed his gaze up Julian’s torso to his face. He was startled to find that he looking back at him. Lucian hastily looked away, embarrassed. “So you didn’t get married, or anything?” “What?” He stared at Janis. “Married?” “Ah, me, no.” He laughed slightly. “No time.” “How long are you staying in town?” “A week. I need a vacation. I’ve been working 23

DJ Manly

hard…thought I’d take in some fishing.” “Good idea. Let’s have dinner. You, me and Landon, like old times.” “That would be great,” he said. “So you’re a cop.” “Yep. I’m a cop. Funny how we both went into law enforcement. What do you make of what happened to Charlie?” He shrugged. “It’s got everyone stumped.” “You’re not here in any official capacity, are you?” “No, not exactly, but if I can be of any help with the investigation…I assume the case is still under investigation.” “Yep. We’re still working with you guys. I was a little disappointed not to see you come down with some of the other suits a while back.” “I was assigned to something else at the time. I was only being used as a consultant. Well,” he said, “I wouldn’t mind seeing what you got.” “Come by the station anytime,” she said. “You never mentioned that you wanted to be a cop back in high school.” She shrugged. “It beats working in old man Leary’s ice cream shop.” Lucian smiled faintly. They all used to laugh about that. “For sure.” “I got to motor,” she said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She stopped to say goodbye to a few 24

Awakening

people, then, left. **** Julian glanced over at Lucian again. He could certainly see what Janis and Landon saw in him. There was a sexual heat emanating from him, one that Lucian was oblivious to. It had been restrained for a long time, held captive, as if he were afraid to release it…really feel it. It was calling to him. Julian had felt his gaze on him since the moment he’d come in here. It had almost made him feel weak, a sensation he wasn’t used to experiencing. Those blue eyes were filled with an unexpected longing, a longing so plaintive it practically caused Julian to walk over there and reach out for him. But he wouldn’t. He had more control than that, and right now, he couldn’t afford to be distracted, and Lucian Prescott was definitely a distraction. Even now in the funeral home, Julian remained on edge, alert for anything out of the ordinary. “I’m going to go,” he told Landon suddenly. Lucian was making his way across the floor in their direction, and this motivated his move. It was better he kept his distance. ****

25

DJ Manly

Lucian watched Julian walk out the door, then turned his attention to Landon. “He left fast.” “Duty calls.” “You okay?” “Yeah.” “Want some air?” “Good idea.” “I didn’t go up to see the body,” Lucian said when they got outside. “Me either.” “I couldn’t I guess. Funny, I’ve seen enough dead bodies.” “Um. They weren’t Charlie.” “No. Was he happy in his life? What was he doing?” “He was working in his dad’s garage. He had a few girlfriends, no one serious. He bought a trailer, was living in that. He could never keep money in his pockets.” “That was Charlie. Hey, school must be out now, let’s walk over there.” “Okay.” Ten minutes later, they were out on the empty football field. “This brings back memories,” Lucian said, laughing. “You almost kissed me out here one time.” Lucian turned around, his mouth dropping. “What?” “You almost kissed me, right there, in front of 26

Awakening

the bleachers,” he pointed. “Charlie had passed out drunk.” “I don’t remember that.” “You’re a liar.” Lucian fell silent. “Down deep I sensed that…but you were Mr. Popular with the girls, football star, being with me would have ruined your image.” Lucian turned around. “I’m sorry if I hurt you, but I’m…” “Straight.” “Yes.” “I saw the way you were looking at Julian in the funeral parlour.” “Landon, I wasn’t looking at Julian.” He pulled at the collar of his shirt. “Yes, you were and that’s okay. He’s not mine.” “Anyone would look at him. He’s a handsome…” “He’s more than handsome and you know it. Don’t worry about it.” “There’s a lot of anger…bitterness down deep…I feel it,” Lucian said, coming closer. “I never meant to hurt you.” “Hurt me? You left here and never bothered to…it was like all that time we were together meant nothing to you. Nothing, Lucian.” Lucian sighed. “I’m sorry. I regret it. I…I don’t know, once I left here, it’s like I couldn’t bear to 27

DJ Manly

think about this place or anyone associated with it. Then Mom moved to Manitoba to be with her sister after Dad died and I had no reason to come back here.” “Yes, yes you did have a fucking reason, two of them, me and Charlie, your best friends. We helped each other survive growing up. Without you, do you think I would have been accepted in town? The only reason I didn’t get the shit beat out of me is because you were my friend and no one dared. Everyone loved you, Lucian…everyone…I loved you.” The tears flowed down Landon’s face. He touched his shoulder, then drew him into his arms. “I love you, too, Landon. I do. I was scared, scared that maybe I did have feelings…feelings I couldn’t begin to even imagine. You were my best friend. You’re still my best friend.” Landon’s arms tightened around him. “Let’s go home now. I hate this school.” Lucian laughed. “Me, too.” * * ** The sky was growing dark overhead as Julian tramped through the woods looking for that bear. He held the tranquilizer gun in one hand, a gun he probably wasn’t going to need. His gaze swept the night. He could hear the wind in the trees, the 28

Awakening

crackling of trigs under the foot of some small animal, and then something else…something that didn’t fit. The muscles in his body tensed. The wind sang out his name. He shuddered, clutching the gun in his hand…a flash of memory, the sound of a shovel frantically digging, dirt hitting the top a box…thud, thud, thud. No light, no air. He swallowed, waited, nothing. It was gone, but it would be back. “What are you waiting for, you son of a bitch? I’m ready.” He gripped the gun in his hand and heard it crack under the strength of his fingers. He reached out with another hand and caught the rabbit in his fist. It struggled, but not for long. He opened his mouth and sliced his razor sharp fangs into its neck. He waited as long as he could out there in the woods, putting off the time when he would go back to the house. His initial panic over Lucian Prescott was pure folly. Lucian Prescott was only here for a short time and Landon kept telling him the guy was straight. Get a grip, he told himself, walking out of the woods to the road. He spotted the bear. It was just sitting there across the road on the edge of the woods looking at him. Julian narrowed his eyes, fixing the bear with them. Go back, boy, deeper into the woods. You’re going to get shot. Some zealot is going to hang your head on a wall. 29

DJ Manly

Go! The bear stood on its hind legs, then turned around and disappeared into the bush. Julian looked at the sky. The sun would be up soon. He got into his car and drove back to town. The sun was coming up by the time Julian got back to the bed and breakfast. He could hear the sounds of Landon and Lucian laughing in the living room. They’d been drinking. When he walked in to the room, Landon was sprawled in the chair, a glass of something in his hand, Lucian was lying on the sofa, his shirt open to the waist, hair dishevelled. “Hey,” Landon said, looking at him. “Hard night?” This caused them both to laugh for some reason. Julian lifted an eyebrow. “Hard night with a bear…looks like you guys had an interesting one.” “We were just going down memory lane,” Landon said. “Great. Landon,” he eyed him, “can I see you a minute?” “Sure.” He stumbled up out of the chair. He nodded at Lucian, who looked like he was about to pass out. “I’ll have him back to you in a minute.” “No problem,” Lucian said, his head lying over the arm of the sofa. 30

Awakening

Julian took Landon’s arm and steered him down the hall. “What?” Landon asked as Julian half dragged him up the stairs. “Do you think this is wise?” Julian demanded, pulling him into his bedroom. “What? We were talking, have a few drinks, that’s all.” “You know what happened with Charlie.” “That’s not fair.” He pulled his arm away. “Have you eaten?” “Sure, I had a sandwich at—” “That’s not what I mean and you know it,” Julian snapped. “You’re pale. You haven’t fed, you’re drunk and you’re alone with a guy you’re hot for! Goddamnit, Landon.” “I’m…nothing happened. You’re not jealous, are you?” He grinned. “Don’t be stupid,” Julian snapped. “How many times have I told you, Landon, you must feed regularly and I don’t mean on potato chips. If you don’t, you’ll be ravenous and you’ll…” “Okay, okay. I know.” When Julian noticed how upset Landon was, he sighed. “I’m sorry. Just go to bed, alright. I’ll go down and tell Lucian you passed out.” He nodded. “You’re right. I don’t know what in hell I was—” “Just go to bed,” Julian repeated softly and left 31

DJ Manly

him to go back downstairs to Lucian. “Lucian,” he said, walking over to the sofa. Lucian’s eyes were closed. He had fallen asleep, his head back, throat exposed. Julian swallowed, allowing his gaze to move down over his chest to his groin. Desire. He could taste it in his mouth. He moved closer, swallowing hard. He watched Lucian’s chest rise and fall in sleep. He reached out, almost touched his cheek, then pulled back. “Lucian,” he said again, louder. Lucian’s blue eyes fluttered open. “Julian?” “Yes,” he said. “Landon has passed out I’m afraid. He’s gone to sleep.” “Guess it’s time for me to do the same.” He struggled into an upright position. “So did you get your bear?” “Huh?” “The bear? Did you get him?” “He’s being a bit bothersome, a little forward, he’s in unknown territory. I only want to move him back to the safety zone before…” He stopped. “Before what?” Lucian asked, standing up, his blue eyes searching his. “Before he gets hurt, I guess.” “What if he wants to explore that territory, what if there’s something drawing him there like…” He stopped, laughed slightly, running his hand through his hair. “I don’t know what I’m saying anymore. I think I need to go to bed.” 32

Awakening

Julian stepped aside, made room for him to pass. “Yes, you need to go to bed. Goodnight, Lucian.” His heart was hammering in his chest. The room was empty. He finally took a breath.

33

DJ Manly

Chapter Two

H

e was looking right at him with his hypnotic brown eyes. There was a semblance of a smile on his face as he removed his shirt. “You have a beautiful body, Lucian.” Lucian swallowed. “I want to touch you. I want to taste you.” He came closer. “Give me your body.” Lucian licked his lips. “Yes,” he said. “Oh yes.” He moaned as Julian reached out for him and it was the sound of that moaning that woke him up. He sat upright in bed, his cock hard, curving up over his stomach. His heart was pounding in his chest. He sucked in some air. What in hell was that? He closed his eyes and fell back to the mattress, letting his hand glide down over his chest. He gave his cock a gentle squeeze and made a little sound of pleasure in his throat. “Oh yeah,” he said. “Yeah.” He began to slowly stroke himself. An image of Julian came to his mind, his dark hair blowing softly around his face, his lips, inviting, smiling faintly. 34

Awakening

I know what you want. Lucian gasped, his eyes snapping open. His fingers froze. He sat up slowly, looked around. It was as if he were right here with him in the room. “Julian?” The only response was silence. This was ridiculous. What in hell would Julian be doing in his bedroom? He rubbed his temples, a low lying headache lingering right behind his eyes…too much liquor, too much reminiscing about the past. He reached for his robe and squinted at the clock sitting on the night table. It was after eleven o’clock. The funeral was at one. He needed a shower. He stifled a yawn and grabbed his small black case, the one he kept his shaving stuff in, and stepped out into the hallway. As he walked toward the bathroom, he heard voices. He knew there were two guests staying here, one a man who lived here year round and an elderly couple visiting their grandchildren. As he drew closer, he recognized Landon’s voice and another, male, deep. Julian? The door was closed, but their voices were raised. Julian’s sounded annoyed. “How will it look if you don’t go today?” Julian was saying. Lucian paused. Why would Landon not want to go to the funeral? “You can say I’m sick.” “No. I’m not lying for you. You are going.” “I can’t, Julian. I can’t face it. I’ll…” 35

DJ Manly

“You can face it and you will.” There was silence. Lucian quickly moved past the door and went into the bathroom. **** Landon sat on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands. He wished Julian would give him a break. He’d been on his back since last night. He just didn’t understand how he felt. Charlie was dead because of him. “No,” Julian said suddenly, coming to stand in front of him. “Charlie is dead because of Charlie. He knew damn well what he was getting into…and I think…well…as I told you the other night, it was for the best. Charlie would have been difficult to control. He was a risk taker, and—” “He would have listened to me. I was his best friend.” Tears stung his eyes. He looked up at Julian, who stood there, stoned face, dressed in a dark suit. “You could have controlled him.” “I wouldn’t have been his sire. It would have been you.” “He was afraid of you.” Julian sighed. “It’s too late to speculate on this now. You’d better get dressed.” “You’re right.” He paused, then tried to brighten. “You know, it was nice being with 36

Awakening

Lucian last night.” He stood, wiped at his cheek. “I’d almost forgotten how much I missed him.” Julian nodded. “You need to be careful, not forget what he is.” “I know. I wish he would stay.” “He has a life elsewhere.” Landon took his suit out of the closet. “I always suspected that he might be…well…I think he was curious when we were younger about being gay. Although, I doubt he’d ever carry through with it…” **** Julian allowed Landon to chatter on. His speculation about Lucian’s sexual orientation was distracting him enough to allow him to put on his suit without thinking about being at the funeral. Julian had a feeling that Lucian wasn’t as innocent as Landon suspected when it came to man-on-man sex. There was something in his eyes when Lucian looked in his direction, and that look told Julian that Lucian knew exactly why he was looking at him that way. “You know what I mean?” Landon said suddenly. “Huh?” “Were you listening to me? Knot this damn tie, will ya?” 37

DJ Manly

Julian moved closer to him and began to fiddle with the tie. “You said you think Lucian is curious about having sex with men?” “He almost kissed me once on the football field.” “Yes, I know. You told me.” Poor Landon. He was as hung up on Lucian as he’d ever been. He didn’t get the impression though that Lucian had the least bit of sexual interest in Landon, although it was clear he cared deeply for him. “There,” he said, straightening the tie. “I want you to eat something before we go…and you know what I mean. When your emotions are high…” “Yes, alright.” He opened the door of a small refrigerator inside the closet and took out an eight ounce vile. He uncapped it and drank the contents down in one swallow. “I’ll never get used of the taste,” he said, wiping his mouth on the bottle. “I didn’t get any on me, did I?” “Not a drop. I’ll meet you downstairs.” “I’d better see if Lucian is up.” “He’s up.” Julian left Landon’s room, closing the door behind him. The bathroom door opened in front of him as he got to the stairs. Julian put a hand on the top of the banister. Lucian stood there, his dark hair damp from the shower, a white towel wrapped around his slim waist. A single drop of water rolled down his chest to one of his taunt, brown nipples. Julian wanted to lick it 38

Awakening

off. God, he had a beautiful body, toned and well muscled. Julian knew Lucian was well aware of his scrutiny because he looked away for a second. “Hi,” he said, laughing slightly. “I slept late.” “That’s okay,” Julian replied, feeling the banister in his hand. “There’s plenty of time.” “You look nice.” “Thanks.” He cleared his throat and smoothed down his suit jacket. “See you downstairs.” “Okay.” Julian had to force himself to move down the stairs. This was insanity! **** Lucian hesitated. God, had he imagined it or had Julian really been looking at him like that, making him feel as if he was standing there naked? He shook himself, telling himself to snap out of it. He felt as if he was losing his mind, first thinking Julian had been in his room, and now… “Lucian, there you are,” Landon said, coming out of one of the upstairs bedrooms. He was wearing a navy blue suit, his hair brushed back neatly. “Hey,” he said. “How are you this morning? Hang over?” “Little bit. I’ll go and get dressed.” “Don’t hurry on my account.” Landon moved 39

DJ Manly

closer. “You have a…a great chest and I suspect that…” “Yes, Landon,” he grinned. “What do you suspect?” “Tease. You know what they say?” “Yep, the same thing we used to say about Sally Goodenough.” Together, in unison, they shouted, “If you tease, you please!” Then they erupted into laughter. Mr. Samson came down the hallway now. He gave them both a look, which caused Landon to laugh low in his chest and Lucian to look down at the floor. They waited until the older man started walking down the staircase, then burst into laughter again. They sat together over coffee downstairs in the dining area a few minutes later. The older couple staying there hadn’t taken advantage of the breakfast of muffins and bagels Landon had left out so there were no dishes to do. “So what made you buy the old Hamilton House?” Lucian asked, checking his watch. He’d opted for his grey suit with the fine white strips running through it, with a pale yellow shirt. Landon glanced at him from across the table. “I don’t know. The structure is pretty good. It needs work.” “What are you going to do with it?” “Not sure.” 40

Awakening

Lucian narrowed his eyes. He was being very mysterious about it. “Are you going to take me up there? I’ve always wanted to see the old place from the inside.” He shrugged. “Not much to see.” “Never the less, I—” “Always the detective.” He laughed slightly, getting up from the table. Lucian watched him. “How do you like running this place?” “It’s okay when it’s quiet. In the summer, it’s really busy.” He stood at the sink, rinsing his cup. “Do you see yourself running this place for the next fifty years?” “No,” he said. “Lucian.” He turned around, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Are you asking me to run away with you to Thunder Bay?” This took Lucian by surprise. He shrugged. “Sure. We can get married if you like.” “Can I be the best man?” Julian joked, walking into the kitchen. Lucian glanced up so that he could see his face. He couldn’t help noticing again how elegant and handsome he looked in his black suit and red shirt. His heart was beating a little harder in his chest suddenly. “Sure,” he said. Landon laughed and threw the dish towel at Julian. “Lucian’s not the marrying type, men or women.” 41

DJ Manly

“He’s right there,” Lucian said. There was silence for a few minutes. Julian took a seat at the table. “Want coffee?” Landon asked him. “No,” he said, shaking his head. “Landon?” a voice called out suddenly. Landon walked out of the kitchen to find out what Mr. Samson wanted. Lucian was now alone with Julian, and he was acutely aware of it. He cleared his throat. “So you live here year round?” “Yes.” A piece of stray hair had fallen forward on Julian’s forehead. Lucian folded his hands together on the table to stop himself from reaching out and pushing it back. “You’re not from here.” “Way back.” Lucian gave him a curious look. “Oh. I don’t remember you from high school. You can’t be much older than I am.” “You’d be surprised.” “How long have you been living here?” “At the B and B?” “Yes?” “Ah, about four years.” “Where did you grow up?” “Here and there,” he said, glancing around. It seemed he couldn’t get a clear answer from him or Landon about the simplest of things. “Are 42

Awakening

you planning on staying here for a long time?” “No, detective,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “So let me ask you something, Lucian?” “Sure.” “What is it about this town that scares you?” “Scares me? I’m not scared.” “You really didn’t want to come back here and you wouldn’t of if it hadn’t been for Charlie. How official is this visit, Lucian?” Lucian fell silent. “It’s none of my business of course, but you do realise that Landon is in love with you. He thinks sentiment brought you home.” Lucian sucked in some breath. “I can’t be responsible for what Landon believes.” “Can’t you?” “What does…what do you mean by that?” He shifted a little in his chair. Julian leaned forward a little. “It’s only my opinion, but usually a person doesn’t hang onto something for that long unless they have a glimmer of hope.” “I haven’t been back here for years and you’re implying that I’ve led Landon on?” “You’re the cop.” “Yes and it looks like you’re the judge.” “Not at all, but I care about Landon. I don’t want to see him hurt.” “Do you think I’d hurt him intentionally?” 43

DJ Manly

“Maybe not intentionally, but I believe you like the idea of some guy back here in your home town pinning away for you…and you haven’t told him everything, have you?” Lucian narrowed his eyes. “You don’t know anything about me…and what about you, his sometimes lover?” His words ended in a sneer. He laughed, standing. “That’s what I am really, his sometimes lover.” He met his gaze. “And I know more than you think, Lucian. I know that there’s nothing innocent in the way you look at me.” Lucian’s jaw dropped. **** “That’s settled. The television is acting up again,” Landon said as he walked back into the kitchen. “It’s time to invest in a new one.” He looked at Lucian. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing. Why?” “You look funny, that’s all.” Lucian stood. “Should we get going?” Landon nodded. “Yeah.” He glanced at Julian. Julian’s thoughts told him to breathe, relax, that everything was going to be fine. I’ll be right beside you. That gave him some comfort.

44

Awakening

**** The service at the funeral home was short. Landon sat tense in between Julian and Lucian. He was feeling claustrophobic by the time they got to the grave side. Lucian took his arm. “Are you alright?” “I think so.” He glanced over at Julian who was talking with Charlie’s parents. “Does he have some kind of a hold on you?” Landon was surprised at the question. “Who? Julian?” “Yes.” “Why would you ask me that?” “I can’t figure out what he’s doing here in this town?” “Maybe,” Landon said, pulling his arm away, “he’s here for me.” “Why are you angry?” Landon started walking away. Lucian grabbed his arm. “Landon, wait. What’s wrong? Why are you angry?” “I’m not.” “Yes, you are. I didn’t mean that he couldn’t be here for you, it’s just that when I asked you about him, you told me he was your sometimes lover. I…are you his lover or not?” “Why is it important to you suddenly? Is it because of me you’re so damn interested or 45

DJ Manly

because of him?” Lucian sighed. “Look, it’s a bad day. Let’s ah…go to reception, okay?” Landon nodded miserably. When Julian saw his face, he walked over to him. Lucian began walking ahead. “What happened?” “Nothing,” Landon said. “You shouldn’t let him to get to you,” Julian said, his gaze travelling to Lucian who was halfway across the cemetery lawn. “He’s not getting to me. Is he getting to you?” **** Julian stood still and let Landon walk on by himself. Was Lucian getting to him? Landon was in one of his moods. Best thing was to leave him alone. The cemetery was practically empty now, no one here except for the grave diggers. Julian… He stiffened. I’m here. Can’t you feel me…or is it only him you feel now? You’re still mine, my disobedient son. Landon and the other one will die. He jumped suddenly as he felt a tap on the shoulder. “Julian?” It was Donnie Taylor. He had been digging graves in this cemetery for years. 46

Awakening

“Donnie, yeah,” he breathed. “What is it?” “Should we leave all those wreaths here or take ‘em over to Charlie’s folks? Sometimes people like to have ‘em, you know.” “No one wants to see those, Donnie. Leave them on the grave.” He gave Julian a little salute. Julian moved quickly through the graveyard, practically running down the streets. Landon and the other one will die…die…die… When Julian didn’t see Landon or Lucian in the living room at the Hamilton’s home, he ran out into the backyard. When he saw both young men standing beside a tree deep in conversation, he breathed a sigh of relief. Janis Snow was at his elbow. He stepped back when he saw her. “Hey, whoa there, what’s with you, Julian? You’re jumpy today.” “I’m fine.” She glanced up at the sky. “It looks like there’s a storm coming.” “You’re telling me,” he said, almost to himself. **** It was raining a little, but Lucian hardly noticed. Landon was extremely upset with him and he wasn’t quite sure why. “I said I was sorry. You 47

DJ Manly

misunderstood me,” he pleaded. “Land, you’re my oldest friend, and now with Charlie gone, let’s not do this.” “You don’t understand how I feel. You come here after all these years and…I mean, I think I could deal with the fact that you’re straight. But I’m not sure of that anymore.” “Of course I’m straight. Why in hell would you think otherwise? What’s with you and Julian anyway?” “Julian?” “I’m not gay. One experience doesn’t make you gay for Christ’s sakes!” He froze, realising that several people were looking over at him. “One experience? What experience?” Landon probed. “Nothing. Never mind. Forget it,” he said and stalked off through the backyard. When he saw Julian standing there on the back porch, he paused. “What in hell did you tell him anyway?” “I didn’t tell him anything,” he said. “Is there anything to tell?” “Fuck you,” Lucian said as he brushed by him. Lucian didn’t realise Julian was at his heels until he got to Landon’s front door. It had started to pour rain. “What do you want?” he growled. “To go inside for starters,” he said, reaching over and pushing the door open. “I’m getting soaked. 48

Awakening

Lucian walked inside, Julian behind him. He turned to look at him. “Why did you follow me?” “I…” He paused. “You shouldn’t be alone.” “Shouldn’t be alone? What am I, five years old?” He didn’t answer. He just shrugged out of his jacket. Lucian put some distance between them. He could see the rain dripping off his black hair, the muscles moving under his shirt. He walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa. “This is not how I wanted it.” “How you wanted what?” he asked, pulling off his tie and undoing three buttons on his shirt. “Coming back here.” “You didn’t want to come back here at all, remember?” Thunder boomed somewhere in the distance. “I thought…” “You thought that everything was going to be the same after ten years?” He looked up at him. “Why do you think I’m gay?” “I don’t think anything.” He shook his head. “Yes, you do. How do I look at you?” He paused for a moment, tilted his head. “You look at me as if you want me.” Lucian swallowed hard. “And what if I do?” “It wouldn’t be…” 49

DJ Manly

“It wouldn’t be what?” He stood. What in hell was he doing? “It wouldn’t be what, Julian?” “Say it again,” he said, his gaze burning into his. “Say what?” “Say my name.” “Julian.” Julian took a step toward him and Lucian moaned a little in his throat with the anticipation of it. Julian reached out to him with his hand, but remained at least a foot away, requiring Lucian to reach out also in order to take his hand if he wanted to come closer. Their fingers touched. Lucian’s fingertips danced over the top of Julian’s hand, then closed around it. Lucian’s gaze never left his, the look in Julian’s eyes took on a light he’d never seen in any man’s eyes before, a light saturated with lust. “Kiss me,” Julian breathed. He pulled him to his chest in one firm movement. Julian squeezed Lucian’s hand in his, bringing the fingers on his other hand up to slice through the back of his hair. “Kiss me,” he urged. Lucian looked desperately up into Julian eyes while his free hand grabbed a fistful of his long dark hair, and pulled. His mouth came down hard on his. The incredible sweetness of his lips caused his mouth to open and he sucked Julian’s tongue into his mouth. The kiss intensified. 50

Awakening

The exploding glass, which suddenly flew out of the window behind them, hardly registered until Lucian found himself on the floor, Julian lying on top of him, shielding him with his body. Julian picked up his head and looked down at him. “Are you okay?” Lucian nodded, dazed. He slowly brought himself into an upright position as Julian jumped up from the floor. There were shards of glass all around them. He watched Julian walk over to the window and look out. There were still storm clouds over head, but the rain had stopped. Heat lightning crackled in the sky. Julian walked back over to where he sat on the floor and extended his hand. Lucian took it and allowed him to pull him to his feet. “What happened?” “I guess it was the storm.” “But there isn’t any storm,” Lucian laughed slightly, still shaking. He took a step toward the window, but Julian reached out a hand and held him back. “What?” “Stay here,” Julian cautioned. “Julian, there is no storm out there. There isn’t even a wind.” The door opened suddenly and Landon came rushing in. “My God,” he said, looking around at all the glass. “Are you alright?” 51

DJ Manly

Julian nodded silently. Landon walked over to Lucian and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Are you sure you’re alright?” “Yes, fine. Although, I’m not sure what happened.” And it wasn’t only the broken window perplexing him. He and Julian had been kissing. Landon looked at Julian. “Is there anyone else in the house?” “No,” he said. “We’re alone.” “How do you know that?” Lucian asked. “I know,” he said. Lucian wrinkled up his nose. There were people staying in this house. How did he know they weren’t upstairs? He looked at Landon now. “How did you know the window blew out? You couldn’t have heard that all the way over at the Hamilton’s.” “I…ah…was on my way here and I heard something and…” Landon paused. “Maybe we better stick together tonight.” He looked at Julian again who nodded solemnly. “What in hell is going on here?” Lucian demanded. “Landon.” He turned to look at him. “Are you in some kind of trouble? Is someone out to get you or…” “No, it’s just the weather,” Landon said. Julian had gone back over to the stand in front of the 52

Awakening

place where the window used to be. “It’s not the weather. Will you guys stop treating me as if I’m a fucking idiot?” He was getting angrier by the second. “Lucian,” Julian said with a sigh, turning to look at him, “you might be in danger.” “Julian, don’t,” Landon cautioned. “What do you mean?” “Julian,” Landon said plaintively. “Landon, let me handle this,” he snapped. Landon fell silent. “You’re right. Landon and I do have an enemy. He, ah…must be back in town. It’s me he’s after really. We had a…well…a run in…a few years back.” “What’s Landon got to do with that?” “Guilt by association, I guess,” he said. “You’re a target as well because you’re here with me.” “That’s stupid. Give me a description and…” “It wouldn’t do any good,” Julian said. “I only ask that you be careful and stick close to us, okay?” “Maybe he should just leave,” Landon interrupted. “Get the hell out of this place before…” Julian shook his head. “It’s too late for that.” “You guys are not making any sense,” Lucian said. “Landon,” Julian said, ignoring Lucian. “I’ll go 53

DJ Manly

down in the basement and get some planks to board this up until we can get a replacement.” “Okay,” Landon said. “I’ll get the broom.” Lucian followed Landon out into the kitchen. “Tell me what in hell is going on? Does this have something to do with Charlie’s death?” “Not really.” He took the broom out of the closet. “Not really? Landon, maybe this guy…” He placed a hand on his shoulder and turned him around to face him.” “Maybe he’s not good for you.” “He’s definitely not good for me,” he said. “Then why do you keep him around?” “I don’t…” Landon stopped. “You mean Julian, don’t you?” “Yes. I mean Julian.” There was something weird about that guy, something he couldn’t put his finger on. It didn’t make sense what had happened earlier. He’d been so drawn to him. He’d never wanted anyone that bad before. “Landon, what’s wrong with you?” Lucian gasped, backing away. His eyes suddenly looked as if they were rimmed with…blood. “My God, your eyes are bleeding. Your eyes…” He reached out to take his chin between his fingers, but Landon jerked out of his reach. He kept his back to him. “I’m okay,” he said. “Just leave me alone for a few seconds…get Julian. He’s in the basement. 54

Awakening

Get him now.” “Landon—” “Get Julian!” The tone of his voice told Lucian to do as asked. He turned on his heel and raced to the basement. **** He was here. Julian could sense his closeness. He tried to tell himself he wasn’t afraid. Oh, but you are, Julian. You are very afraid…and with good reason. “Julian, where are you?” The voice suddenly cut through the fear like a knife. He could feel the threat. “Hey, where in the hell is the light? I can’t see a damn thing. Julian, there’s something wrong with Landon. His eyes are—” “Don’t move,” Julian hissed, every muscle in his body tense. He could see the movement out of the corner of his eye. “No,” he said, and with one hand he reached out and caught Lucian by the arm. “Get away!” He shoved him backward. **** Lucian fell back hard against the staircase. The pain was searing, gripping him so hard he couldn’t move. After a few seconds when the fog 55

DJ Manly

cleared, his mind registered some frenzied movement in the corner of the dark basement. It sounded like rats struggling. The window flew open suddenly and something dark slipped upward into the night sky. Lucian moaned. Julian was suddenly at his side. “Don’t touch me,” Lucian told him. “What in fuck is wrong with you? Are you trying to kill me?” “No. Can you move?” “There’s something wrong with Landon. We have to get him to a hospital. His eyes are…are bleeding.” He could hardly believe his own words. What in hell was happening here? “Come on, I’ll get you upstairs and then I’ll check on Landon.” Lucian allowed Julian to help him to his feet. He moaned from the pain. He was finding it hard to breathe when they got to top of the stairs. “Your ribs might be broken.” “No kidding,” he said, pulling his arm away from Julian. “Stay away from me,” he said. Julian sighed. “Come and sit down. If you don’t feel any better soon, I’ll take you to the clinic.” “Don’t worry about me. You better check Landon. Did you even hear what I said?” “I heard you,” he said. Lucian slowly sat down on the sofa. “Well, you don’t seem very concerned about it.” 56

Awakening

Julian didn’t answer. He just disappeared into the kitchen. Lucian closed his eyes, willing the pain to subside. He had no idea why he’d pushed him like that or why in hell Landon’s eyes would be bleeding. Something weird was going on here and he intended to get to the bottom of it. **** Landon stood at the kitchen sink with his arms folded across his chest. “Did you actually see him?” Julian nodded. “He would have killed Lucian if I hadn’t pushed him out of the way.” “Jesus. Is that why my eyes were bleeding?” “Yes. I told you he’s very powerful. Are you okay?” “Yes. Bleeding has stopped. But what in hell are we supposed to tell Lucian?” “Let’s stick to our story for now.” “Lucian is a smart guy. He’s a cop for Christ’s sakes. He’s not going to believe that—” “Do you think he’d believe us if we told him the truth?” Landon shook his head. “Is he all right?” “I think so. You might have to take him to get checked out tomorrow. I pushed him harder than I’d intended. Sometimes I don’t know my own 57

DJ Manly

strength. Look, stay with him. I’m going to block the window, then I’ll have a look around outside.” “Be careful,” Landon said, meeting his gaze. **** Lucian watched as Julian nailed a plank over the window. He didn’t respond immediately when Julian walked over to him and apologised again. “I don’t understand what’s happening here,” he managed, sucking in some breath. Julian met his gaze. “I’m not the enemy.” Lucian just looked away. After a few minutes, he heard the front door close. He looked up as Landon walked into the living room. His eyes looked fine. “Landon, what in hell is going on? A few minutes ago, your eyes were bleeding and now…” Landon sat down beside him. “He pushed me. He—” “He didn’t mean to.” “Landon, he’s a dangerous man.” “He was trying to protect you. There were…” “Rats? I know, but being afraid of rats is one thing, almost killing somebody because of them is another.” Landon fell silent. “Who is this person stalking you? I can see that both of you are on edge and—” 58

Awakening

“That’s it. We’re both on edge. I think Julian got spooked in the basement and—” “Don’t you have any lights down there?” “Yes.” “He was in the dark. Why would he be looking for something in the dark?” “He…ah…knows where everything is by heart.” “Yes, but—” “Look, why don’t you try to get some sleep. We’ll see how you are in the morning and if you’re still in pain, we’ll take you to the clinic. I’ll go and get you some aspirin.” Lucian slowly lifted himself off the sofa. **** Julian trembled as he stood looking up at the old Hamilton house. He was remembering the first time he ever stepped foot in that old house. He’d had no idea then that nothing would ever be the same again. He closed his eyes. He could feel the evil surround him, even the wind felt menacing. Julian…you’re mine…give your heart away if you must, but your body, your soul will always belong to me…but, be forewarned, it’s hard to give your heart to a dead man. Julian froze. “Oh no,” he moaned, then turned on his heel and began to run. 59

DJ Manly

Chapter Three

L

ucian didn’t dare move. He blinked a few times, sure that his eyes were playing tricks on him. When Julian rushed into the living room, he couldn’t seem to form any words. He pointed to the window where the plank had been nailed. The plank was lying in the corner of the room, broken in half. “Where is Landon?” Julian demanded. “Gone,” Lucian shook his head. He got up off the sofa. “Julian, he’s gone. What in hell?” Julian walked over to the window and looked out. “What happened?” “They were like two animals…teeth and… What’s happening?” Lucian didn’t like the sound of his own voice. It sounded frantic. He didn’t get frantic, but then he’d never seen anything quite like that before. “He was after you.” Julian looked at him. Lucian took a few steps. “Me?” “Landon was trying to protect you.” 60

Awakening

“Why would he…be after me? Who is…he?” “A vampire.” Lucian laughed. Julian didn’t. “You can’t be serious.” “Deadly.” He walked over and picked up the broken plank. “I’m getting out of here. I’ll contact…” Julian glanced at him. “I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.” “What? I’m your prisoner now?” “In a manner of speaking, yes.” “You’re not serious?” “I am,” he said. “You can’t hold me here against my will.” “I can and I will.” Lucian swallowed. “You’re crazy. I knew there was something.” “I’m sorry you think that, but it’s a small price to pay to keep you safe. The sun will be up soon. We’ll sleep in the day, stay alert at night. We could move, but he’d only follow us. And I have to find Landon.” “You really believe this vampire stuff.” “I have no choice,” he said, walking back to the window and fitting the plank against it. “Can you hand me the hammer and a nail?” Lucian went to pick up the hammer. It would be so easy just to hit him in the head with it and 61

DJ Manly

get to hell out of here. “No,” Julian said, looking back at him, “it wouldn’t be easy. It would take more than a hammer.” Lucian stared at him, the hammer in his fist. “How did you…” “I can read your thoughts. It’s kind of a mixed blessing right now.” He reached over for the hammer and took it from Lucian. “I couldn’t at the beginning, but now,” he paused, “my feelings for you are stronger…and he knows it. Nail?” “You talk in riddles.” Lucian shook his head, handing him a nail. “We should call the police. He could do something bad to Landon. He could—” “If he was going to destroy him, he’d already done it. Landon is still alive.” “How do you know that?” “Because he’s mine.” Lucian swallowed. “I thought you said you were only sometime lovers?” “We aren’t in love.” He nailed in the nail, then reached out for another. “But you just said, he’s mine, as if you’re lovers and you own him…” “I don’t own him. I made him.” “Made him?” Julian nailed in another nail. “That’s right. There. It won’t keep him out, but it will keep out the cold.” He stood back and 62

Awakening

examined the window. “Julian?” Lucian’s frustration was at an all time high. “Um?” He turned to look at him. “That…what ever I saw…you believe it’s a vampire?” “He is a vampire.” “Why would you think that? Julian. Vampires don’t exist.” “I know they exist because I am one.” Lucian sighed. My God. He was insane. He had been falling for a crazy man. Julian smiled. “So you were falling for me, eh?” He lifted an eyebrow. “What?” “You were falling for me.” “I never…” He stopped. “Okay, this is getting creepy now. You are reading my thoughts.” “Yes. It’s not very polite I know, but your thoughts are screaming at me.” “Let me go, Julian,” Lucian said, glancing at the front door. “I can’t. He’ll kill you.” “Why? What in hell would he be after me for?” “Because I’m falling in love with you.” Lucian’s eyes widened. “I think I wanted you the moment I set eyes on you. It’s the worst possible timing. I’ve put your life in danger, not to mention, Landon’s. I never 63

DJ Manly

meant to do that.” Lucian couldn’t believe it when Julian reached out for him. This man who’d just declared his love for him thought he was a vampire for Christ’s sakes. Julian drew him closer. When he looked down in his eyes, Lucian felt helpless. “The sun is coming up. We’ll be safe for awhile. Make love to me, Lucian. I need to feel you close to me. I have to deepen our connection so that I can keep you safe.” Lucian felt Julian’s mouth come down on his, demanding a response. Strong arms slid around his waist, then lifted him in his arms. He was hardly aware that they were climbing the stairs. Julian lowered him onto the bed. “I’ll make the pain go away,” he said. “I’m sorry I hurt you.” He gently rolled Lucian onto his side and lifted his shirt. Julian’s hands slid up his chest and began to gently touch his nipples while his lips moved down over his back, then around the front to his stomach as he eased him onto his back. The pain was gone completely. Lucian’s cock stiffened as Julian laid open his shirt, now tonguing each nipple as deft fingers undid his pants. This man was insane. Landon was gone, and maybe Julian had something to do with Charlie’s death. He could hardly even assimilate what he saw tonight…sharp teeth, a change in 64

Awakening

Landon…something in his eyes. Julian raised his head. “Don’t think,” he said softly. “Feel. Follow your feelings, Lucian. Right now you want me.” He did. He wanted him. He wanted him more than he’d ever wanted anyone, man or woman. “That’s all I need to know,” he whispered, trailing his lips over Lucian’s stomach. Lucian gasped as Julian took his sex into his hand. He lowered his head and swiped his tongue around the head. Lucian grasped the blanket in his fist. “Oh God,” he whimpered as Julian’s mouth opened and his cock sunk inside his mouth. He felt the tip touch Julian’s throat. His other hand came up and burrowed itself in Julian’s dark hair. It was like silk. And suddenly, he wanted him naked. He wanted to touch him all over, to kiss every inch of him. Julian’s fingers tightened around the base as his mouth and tongue began to do incredible things to his cock. Another hand slid underneath his buttocks, kneading them. Lucian’s head went back. He moaned as he felt a finger slip up inside of him, teasing his anus. Usually, that would have made him nervous. He’d never wanted anyone to touch him there, but Julian’s finger was working its way up inside of him….forbidden…taboo…oh yeah…yeah…it felt incredible. “I want it all. I want everything,” he moaned. His cock was 65

DJ Manly

throbbing. Julian moved back, his hand still squeezing the base. “I’m going to… ahh…” Julian’s finger was slowly moving in and out of him. “No,” he whispered. “Not yet.” He removed his finger for a second and stripped off his clothes. Lucian swallowed. Julian was beautiful, his chest like a marble carving of a God, his cock big, thick and more than ready to satisfy this craving, which was gnawing at his gut. His entire body was hard and muscular. On his knees, Julian smiled at him, running a hand over his chest seductively, propelling Lucian to lick his lips in anticipation. Julian abruptly flipped him over onto his stomach. Lucian’s heart pounded in his chest, his cock so hard, it hurt. He felt Julian’s tongue lick down his back, then dip in between his buttocks. “Oh God,” he breathed when Julian’s tongue began to delve deep inside of him. He began to thrash, crying out something that made no sense. Julian’s hand came around to massage his cock, his testicles, then an arm reached around his waist and pulled him to his knees. When he felt Julian’s cock pushing at his entrance, he tensed. “Relax,” Julian told him, one hand still handling his cock, the other moving up to one of his nipples and tweaking it gently. “Relax.” He’d never had a cock inside of him before. As 66

Awakening

much as he’d thought about it, he’d never had to guts to follow through. He’d always been the giver, to receive…well it meant that he had to finally accept who he was…and… He let out a cry. It felt as if he were being split open, the ring of muscles protesting, fighting the invasion. Then he felt the muscles embrace the invader…surround it. He moaned. Julian’s lips found his neck, and he sucked at the skin there, pushing deeper inside of him. The feelings of pleasure, which enveloped him, were like nothing he’d ever felt. He moved his hips in sync with Julian who began to fuck him slowly, slicing in and out of him, causing Lucian’s entire body to shudder with pleasure. He didn’t care what or who he was anymore. He just wanted it to go on and on. “Please,” he begged. Julian seemed to know exactly what he wanted. He increased his pace, slamming Lucian’s body into the mattress. As one point, Lucian could have sworn they had levitated off the bed and were floating in midair. But that was impossible. Lucian screamed, he cried out something, and buried his face in the pillow, trying to catch his breath. When he had finally recovered, he rolled over on his side and closed his eyes, his body feeling satiated, peaceful. He knew that Julian was lying beside him. He wanted to touch him. “Do it,” Julian said. “Touch me.” 67

DJ Manly

Lucian opened his eyes. He trailed his gaze over him. He reached out and let his fingers move over his chest, down to his stomach. He lifted his head, watched his own hand as it lifted Julian’s cock. “You’re beautiful,” he breathed. “So beautiful, it hurts.” He laughed softly, turning his head to look at him. “I never wanted…I never thought I did…with any man.” “But you wanted me.” “Yes,” he said. “You have me under a spell.” It sounded ridiculous. “I know the feeling.” “You don’t trust me though, do you?” He moved his hand back up to his chest. “I thought it was the other way around.” “We don’t trust each other.” “I told you the truth.” “You said you were a vampire.” He laughed, shaking his head. He sat up. “I am a vampire.” “Come on, Julian.” Lucian clicked his tongue. “You don’t expect me to believe that, do you?” He shrugged. Lucian reached for his pants. “Where are you going?” “Julian,” he looked at him as he stood on the floor, putting on his pants, “I’m leaving now.” 68

Awakening

Silence fell over the room. Lucian took a breath. Yes, he had just had the best sex of his life, but he couldn’t stay here. “How can you leave then?” Julian asked. The sunlight was streaming through the window. “I have a job, a life. This investigation is ongoing. I will expect you to cooperate, Julian. I need to know the name of the man following you. We have to report Landon missing and—” “The police can’t help Landon, Lucian. You can’t help him. You don’t understand.” “And you can? You can find Landon?” “It’s me he wants.” “Now it’s you. I thought you said it was me he was after?” “You, he wants to kill. Me…well, he wants me back.” “Why? What are you to him, an ex-lover?” “It’s far more complicated than that. I’ve been disobedient.” “It sounds like you’re a child.” “I am in a sense. I’m his child.” Lucian closed his eyes. How could he be one person in bed and another out of it? He needed professional help. “I’m not crazy,” he said. “I don’t need professional help.” Lucian shuddered. Jesus. How did he do that? 69

DJ Manly

He headed to the door. “Goodbye, Julian. I’m sorry.” “Me, too,” he said. Suddenly the bedroom door slammed shut. Lucian reached for the door handle and pulled. “The door is jammed,” he muttered. He pulled again. “Julian,” he said, turning to look at him. “Unlock the door.” “It’s not locked,” he said. “I can’t let you leave here. He’ll kill you, especially now that your scent is all over me. And I’ve told you what I am. I’ve taken a horrible risk.” Suddenly Julian was behind him. He wrapped his arms around him as Lucian struggled against him. He was incredibly strong. He seemed to hold him without any effort at all. “Shush,” he said, lowering his lips to his neck. He held him tight against him. Lucian could feel every luscious inch of him, hard, and strong, and in spite of his anger, his body was responding. “It’s no use,” Julian said softly. “You can’t fight me. Come back to bed. When we wake up, I promise, I’ll tell you everything.” Lucian stopped struggling. He was hard again. He took Julian’s hand and moved it downward, pressing it against his cock. Julian began to fondle it. Lucian sucked in some breath and moaned. Lucian let his head go back against Julian’s chest. 70

Awakening

“Yes.” “Yes what?” Julian teased, slowing down his massage, lightly trailing his lips across Lucian’s neck. “Fuck me,” he groaned, grabbing Julian’s head and grinding his mouth against his. He shoved him backward until they were in front of the bed, then fell on top of him, reaching down to frantically undo his own pants. **** Julian lay there patiently watching as Lucian scrambled off the bed again, stumbling over his pants. There was so much going on in his head, so much he couldn’t share with Lucian, at least not yet. When Lucian straddled him, grasping his cock and guiding it up inside of him, Julian was struck by how beautiful he was. The sweat ran down his face, his chest, his dark hair fell forward over a face now contorted with need, raw, human need. Julian raised his hips, allowing Lucian to use his cock the way he wanted to and he was perfectly content to do so, content to feel the need, which was so strong in Lucian right now, fierce, naked and oh so seductive. He shut off his mind, felt his hard cock being strangled in the tight vice that was Lucian and the emotions, which he had been so far keeping deep 71

DJ Manly

inside, began to rise to the surface. It was a rush of feeling as Lucian rode his cock hard, reaching his hands down to caress his chest, brutally pinch his nipples. He didn’t realise it was showing until Lucian came with a shout, resulting in part from release and in part from fear. “Julian, your eyes…” Lucian reared back. Julian turned his head into the pillow. “Don’t look at me.” He could hear the blood in his voice, making it thick and gravely. Lucian scrambled off the bed. He stood shaking in the corner of the room. Julian felt the tips of his sharp incisors with his tongue. “I won’t hurt you,” he said. “Your eyes…and teeth…like I saw with Landon and…oh my God,” Lucian cried out. He ran for the door again. Julian couldn’t say he blamed him. He sat up. He felt himself return to normal, or was he normal when his teeth appeared and his eyes glowed? Maybe looking human was the abnormal state. Lucian placed his head against the door, pulling on the doorknob. Julian knew he’d given up on the idea that he could escape him. “What will you do to me?” Julian sighed. “Eat you.” Lucian turned around and looked at him. “What in hell do you think? If I was going to 72

Awakening

feed on you, I would have sucked you dry already, don’t you think?” He knew there was a bitter edge to his voice. “I thought it was only in movies and…” “Yes, well…” Lucian leaned on the door. “Landon, too?” Julian nodded. “You put a spell on me, made me want you like that.” “You’d like to believe that, wouldn’t you, Lucian? Then you could deny who you are.” “What does that mean?” “Pretend you’re straight, just like I’d like to pretend I’m a mortal man.” “How do you…do you drink blood?” “Yes.” “Did you drink Charlie’s blood?” “No. I didn’t kill Charlie. Landon tried to turn him.” “Turn him?” “Landon revealed himself to Charlie and Charlie wanted to…experience sex with a vampire. Landon didn’t realise what could happen when he was sexually aroused and he hadn’t learned how to exercise control. He bit Charlie, then tried to turn him, but Landon wasn’t powerful enough and it went wrong.” “This is a fucking nightmare.” “Just know this,” Julian said, “you have to stay 73

DJ Manly

with me. Your life is in danger. I will protect you as best I can and try to get Landon back, but you must trust me, Lucian.” Lucian looked directly at him now. “Tell me everything, and from the beginning.” Julian sucked in some breath, then slowly inclined his head.

74

Awakening

Chapter Four

J

ulian knew Lucian wasn’t aware of what he was risking to tell him everything. As if he wasn’t in deep enough shit with Graffton. There, he’d said his name. Graffton. At one time he believed himself in love with him. Well, he had no choice but to be in love with him, did he? Graffton was his entire world and he’d given him more than anyone could really. Landon had been just a little in love with him, too, once he’d turned him, but Julian helped him to understand why and Landon managed to put it into perspective. “Graffton,” he said aloud, trying to recall when the last time was that he’d actually spoken his name. “Is that who took Landon?” Lucian asked. Julian’s mind was far away. If he was speaking, he was hardly aware of it. He was hurling backward, rewinding seventy years. It was. The Depression No one had any money, including himself. He’d just been laid off from a job at a 75

DJ Manly

lumber mill, and all he had was his old beat up truck and three dollars in change. Mapleton was not his intended destination. He had heard there was work in a lumber camp further, north and it was there he was headed when his truck broke down on the side of the road. He’d walked in the hot sun for miles before he spotted the exit sign for the town. He was hungry and dying of thirst when he walked into the small diner in the center of town. He plunked down a few coins, got a meal of stew and bread, and drank a gallon of luke warm water. The waitress, Mary, stood by watching him curiously as he wolfed down the food. “You’re not from around here,” she commented when she noticed that he was finished eating. “No,” he said. “I’m from Thunder Bay.” “Long way from home.” “My truck broke down on the highway. Any way I could get someone to look at it?” “Sam Harrison over at the garage, but he’s closed now. Open tomorrow at nine.” Julian sighed. “You know anyone who needs a hand temporarily in exchange for a place to sleep…even in a barn…I wouldn’t be any problem?” She pursed her lips. Julian noticed that she was a pretty girl, although a little too heavy, probably no more than 76

Awakening

twenty. “I could ask my ma. We have a barn.” He smiled at her. She smiled back, then blushed a little. “My Ma runs the farm. We’re haying now. My uncle helps out, but I’m sure we could use an extra hand.” “Any work around these parts…for pay?” She glanced toward the window. Julian noticed her expression. She looked fearful. She shook her head, ponytail swinging. “It’s bad all over.” He nodded. “I’m just about to close up. If you want, you can come with me and I can ask my ma if she’d let you sleep in the barn tonight.” “Thanks,” he said. “Can I help you close up or anything?” “No, I’ll just be a few minutes. You were lucky we were open, don’t hardly get no business. We used to have tenants overhead, but they couldn’t afford the rent no more. We’ll probably lose this place to back taxes. Used to belong to my grandfather.” He nodded. Not an unusual story. He’d heard a million of them. “I’ll wait outside then.” He got up and left. It was already dusk when they walked together down the main street and Mary was walking so fast Julian had to practically run to catch up. “Hey, 77

DJ Manly

what’s the hurry?” he placed a hand on her shoulder. “I…I didn’t realise that it was getting so dark.” She glanced up at the hill where a grand house stood. “Whose house is that?” Julian asked, impressed with the size of it. “It’s evil.” Julian laughed. “What do you mean by evil?” “It just is.” She grabbed his forearm. “Promise me you won’t go up there.” “Why would I?” “Do you believe?” “Believe what?” “In God?” She shivered. He shrugged. She didn’t say anymore. Finally, they turned down a road and there was an old farm house. Julian couldn’t quite figure out why she was so nervous, something about the house on the hill being evil, pure superstitious baloney as far as he was concerned. Mary’s mother, Arlene Carter, was a very nice woman. She gave him a pillow and a blanket and told him he could sleep in the barn. She also gave him a piece of bread, some cheese and a glass of milk before he headed off. He thanked her. When he walked into the barn, he kept the door open, searching for some soft hay with the help of the 78

Awakening

moonlight. He put down the food, attracting the attention of several barn cats, which he paused to caress. When he unwrapped the threadbare blanket Arlene Carter had passed to him, he was startled by a thudding sound. He peered at the barn floor and caught sight of something shiny. He leaned down and picked it up. It was a crucifix. Of course, he’d had no idea that someone or something was watching him. He woke up early in the morning, wrapped in his blanket. Mary came out with more bread and a cup of hot coffee, and he spent the day working in the field to earn his keep. He took a break to speak to the town mechanic later in the day who offered to go out and look at his truck and let him know what it would take to repair it. One night turned into three weeks and he now found himself eating supper with the woman and her daughter. When Mary’s mother offered him a bed inside the house, he began to feel a little uncomfortable with the situation. His truck was sitting at the local garage, the cost of repair being far more than he had in his pockets, and he was beginning to feel desperate, trapped. Around eight o’clock one evening, he finished supper with Arlene and her daughter, and then decided he would walk into town and take a look around. He had no idea that night that 79

DJ Manly

the meatless stew Arlene had made would be the last solid food he’d ever eat. When he spotted the local tavern, he knew that was what he had really wandered into town for. In spite of the bad economic times, Jack’s Pub seemed to be doing a thriving business. He elbowed his way up to the bar and began to count out his coins when a short little man with wiry hair and dark glasses sidled up to him. “It’s on me,” he told the barkeeper. Julian nodded at the man and asked for a beer. “Hello,” the man said. “My name is Magus. What may I call you?” “Julian, Julian Danone.” “Well, how do you do, Julian Danone. May I buy you another?” Julian narrowed his eyes. “I don’t mean any disrespect, Magus, but eh…exactly why are you buying me drinks?” “I heard you’ve had a spell of bad luck.” Julian would have liked to have seen his eyes under those glasses. “What do you know of my luck?” “Small town, news travels. Your truck is broken, seems a young man like you would want to get it fixed, get out of this place.” “I do.” “You need money to do that, I guess.” He looked around. 80

Awakening

Julian noticed that some of the other man had left the bar and were now gathered around a few tables. “You know of anyone hiring?” “As a matter of fact,” he said, a slow smile spreading his thin lips wide open, “I do.” **** Lucian placed a hand on Julian’s shoulder. He had stopped talking and was trembling like a leaf. "Are you alright?" Julian looked at him as if seeing him for the first time. His mouth opened slightly, revealing the tips of two sharp teeth. Lucian gasped and stumbled backward. Julian seemed to come back to reality suddenly. "It’s okay," he said, reaching out, "I won’t hurt you." "I just got startled, that’s all. You were shaking." Julian closed his eyes. "I got caught up in the memory. It’s not often I relive it." "If it’s too painful, you don’t have to—" "Yes, I do. I have to." He took a breath. "I went with the man to the house. He left me alone in this big room. I remember it being really cold in there. When he appeared, it was like out of nowhere. One moment, I was alone and the next…" He shrugged. "He looked at me as if I were a curious object in a store window. He sniffed in the air, 81

DJ Manly

took my hand and licked it." Lucian’s eyes widened. "Why didn’t you run?" "I couldn’t. He held me sway. I was completely in his power from the moment I looked into his eyes. I didn’t want to go. I wanted to die there in his arms, drown in his eyes." "Then he bit you?" "No, not right away. He played with me, like a cat might play with a mouse. He scooped me up in his arms and took me upstairs. He laid me on the bed and looked down at me for the longest time. I can’t remember exactly what he said, something about me being his, and beauty. Two blood tears rolled down his face. My name is Graffton. From this moment on, you belong to me, and always will. He took off my clothes and made love to every inch of me. And then I found myself hanging upside down in the dark. He’d drunk from various parts of me, and after, when he could drink no more, he hung me upside down to drain." Lucian shuddered. "He drained all the blood out of you?" "Almost. He took me to the point of death, then he let me fall to the floor. He knelt beside me and opened a cavity in his chest. He picked my head off the ground and held it to his chest. He told me to drink or die." "And then you were a vampire?" "It took a few days. The pain was incredible, the 82

Awakening

hunger indescribable. He literally brought me back from the dead and resurrected me again." Lucian was speechless. "I was bound to him, dependent on him to guide me in this new existence he’d given me. I both loved and hated him at the same time." "And you left him?" "Eventually. It wasn’t easy. It’s a long story." "Why did you…" he paused, "I can’t believe I’m even saying this…okay, why did you make Landon a vampire?" "It was an accident. He disturbed my rest. I was hungry and I bit him. I’d been hibernating over eighty years and I was out of control. I couldn’t even see him. I just smelled the blood. When I had drunk enough to regain my senses, Landon was close to death. I couldn’t let him die so I turned him. It was my thank you to him." "And Charlie?" Julian sighed heavily. "You know how Charlie was, he liked to live dangerously. He got a little crazy with Landon, before Landon was able to control his own blood lust. Landon killed him by accident." "Oh my God." Julian sunk down on the bed. "Graffton has Landon. He wants me to come to him. You are in great danger, Lucian. You are in the way, considered an obstacle." 83

DJ Manly

"An obstacle to your little reunion with this Graffton?" "Yes, he wants me back." "Why did you stay here? Why didn’t you leave if you knew he was close by? Is he bound to that house?" "No. He is attached to the house. He goes back there when he is in need of solace and refuge.” “What in hell would possess Landon to buy it?” “I tried to talk him out of it. He thought he could find a way to bar Graffton from coming back there. He destroyed his resting place. I am assuming it didn’t work.” “You could have left, taken Landon.” “He could potentially follow me everywhere. Landon is attached to this town. He wanted to try and live a normal life. I had an obligation to stay with Landon, at least until I was sure he had his nature under control. I couldn’t risk him hurting anyone else by accident." "But if it’s you he wants, why can’t I just leave here?" "He won’t let you. He senses our connection. He would follow you.” “He can’t go out in the day, can he?” “No, but he can travel very fast. He knows your scent, Lucian. It is all over me now.” Lucian was about to speak, but Julian interrupted. 84

Awakening

“Trust me, you don’t know Graffton. He’s has all the time in the world and he is relentless. I need to go up to the old house before the sun sets, find Landon." "Then what?" "We go on the run until I find a way to destroy Graffton once and for all."

85

DJ Manly

Chapter Five

L

andon had never seen Graffton before. He knew him only from the stories Julian had cared to enlighten him with. He was horrifyingly beautiful, his skin shock white, his eyes, his eyes were something special, at times an inky black, at other times, rimmed with red. When Landon opened his eyes, he was there, studying him as if he was a specimen under a microscope. He smiled, sharp sparkling teeth dripping with saliva, glittered at him in the darkened basement. “You tried to disturb my resting place. What did you do with the soil?” Landon swallowed. The fear choked him. “I…I…threw it in the river.” He smiled, this time his blood red lips tight. “Did you think that would keep me from Julian?” Landon sucked in some air as Graffton came close. He smelled of the ground, of decay. “You don’t need to suck in breath like that. You no longer need to breathe, remember.” 86

Awakening

“Are you going to kill me?” “Not yet. And killing you is not quite the right word. You are already dead. Julian took care of that. Tell me about the slut.” “Slut? I don’t know—” “Oh yes you do,” he whispered, dragging one sharp nail over Landon’s cheek. Landon winced. Graffton leaned closer and swiped his tongue over the gash. Landon shuddered. “Lucian,” he said his name like a curse. “He’s a…an old friend of the family’s” “You were enamoured with him. Why didn’t you just take him while you had the opportunity, before he got a look at Julian?” “There is nothing between—” “You are an idiot,” he bellowed, beginning to pace frantically. “Julian and that whore have been in bed together, fucking like two sex crazed fiends.” Landon shook his head. “No.” “He’s fucked everyone except you, Landon. Poor boy. Don’t you want revenge?” “No, I…please, don’t hurt Lucian or Julian. Leave them alone.” Graffton began to laugh. It was a hideous, loud laugh that would have compelled Landon to place his hands over his ears 87

DJ Manly

if he wasn’t chained to the wall. When he walked from the room, leaving him shackled to the concrete, Landon closed his eyes with relief. “Julian,” he whispered in the dark, “please, take me out of this place.” **** “You are not planning on leaving me here alone, are you?” Lucian demanded. “You’ll be safe here, the sun is up,” Julian said, gathering his things together and putting them into a small black bag. “What is all that stuff?” “Weapons, things to use on Graffton if the need arises.” “I’m going with you, Julian. What makes you think I’ll stay here if—” Julian turned around and seized his arm in an iron clad grip. Lucian let out a yell. “What are you doing?” “Making sure you’re still here when I come back,” Julian said, hauling him over to the dining room chair. Lucian fought as hard as he could, but Julian was just too strong. Suddenly, he found himself tied securely to the chair. “You son of a bitch,” he struggled wildly against the restraints. “I’m a cop. I can help you.” 88

Awakening

Julian looked at him for a minute, his strong arms folded across his chest. “No, you can’t help me. This is no ordinary police investigation, Lucian. Now, sit tight, I’ll be back soon.” “Is that a joke?” Julian smiled at him, donned his sunglasses and headed out. It took almost an hour to get loose from the ropes, but Lucian eventually stood and stretched his legs. While he was working on the knots, he had a lot of time to think. Granted, all of it was a jumble in his head. He had to really concentrate on the facts. Landon was gone. Charlie was dead. There was some eccentric psycho, obsessed with Julian, and prepared to do some damage in order to have him back. Julian had some strange abilities. Vampires? Well, that was a little hard to believe. It’s possible they believed they were vampires. He remembered a case in Toronto once where a cult of vampire worshippers really believed that they were the real article. They sharpened their teeth and drank each others’ blood. He wasn’t really sure what he was into here. He’d just had the most mind blowing sex of his life with a guy who shot his temperature to the max. Unfortunately, he seemed to think he was a blood sucking monster. He’d laugh if he didn’t 89

DJ Manly

feel like crying. He should call the authorities, at least contact Janis over at the police station. Maybe they could go up there together and find Landon. Lucian picked up the phone and dialled the police station. Janis answered on the second ring. “Janis Snow.” “Janis, Lucian here.” “Lucian, hi. Was wondering if I’d hear from you. Thought you’d be headed back already.” “We have a problem. Landon is missing. Julian has gone up to the old Hamilton house.” “The old Hamilton house? Landon owns that house.” “I know. I mean, Janis, I need to speak to you privately. I can’t do this on the phone.” “I’m on my way.” Ten minutes later, Janis walked into the Bed and Breakfast, radio and gun plastered to her hip. That made him feel better suddenly. They embraced. Janis’s gaze went to the window. “What happened there?” “Julian put a board in the window. There was this huge gust of wind. Janis.” Lucian eyed her. “Did you know that Julian thinks he’s a vampire?” Her eyes widened. “What?” she laughed. “He told me that he was a vampire and so is Landon. Apparently, this old vampire called Graffton is after Julian and he’s come back for—” 90

Awakening

“Whoa, whoa,” she said, “slow down. You don’t believe this stuff? Julian is a great kidder. He’s putting you on.” Lucian sighed. “I can’t make sense of it either. All I know are the facts. Landon is gone. Julian went to the Hamilton place to look for him.” “Okay, that’s the place to start, let’s go.” **** Where ever Graffton was resting, Julian couldn’t find him. He growled in frustration, practically tearing up the basement. Landon was nearby. He could sense him, but he couldn’t find him. He used to know every inch of this old place, now it seemed like a maze. He told himself to slow down, to try and think rationally, but being in this old house always did a number on him. He called to Landon in his mind. Landon really didn’t have the telekinetic sense. It would be tough for him to answer. He knew he could hear him though. Landon, I’m here. I’m close to you. I won’t let him hurt you. He needed to limit his communications because he ran the risk that Graffton would hear him. He was sure Graffton sensed his presence, but he was weak now and wouldn’t rise unless directly threatened. Suddenly he sensed hostility and it wasn’t 91

DJ Manly

coming from his maker. He froze in the darkness of the cellar, sniffed, no one. The hostility was coming from Landon. Why? He placed his hand on the damp walls. He had tried to talk Landon out of buying this place. It would cost a fortune to restore it to a condition that was suitable for people to live. Landon had laughed at him, telling him it would be okay for vampires. Mortals. Julian narrowed his eyes, catching sight of a huge rat running across his path. They weren’t in the house, but they were coming down the road. He could hear the vehicle, catch the drift of a few blurred words being spoken. Lucian. Lucian and Janis. Damn him. He’d called the police. How in the hell had he gotten loose? He had to head them off before they got here. It was two hours until sunset. Graffton would make a meal out of both of them upon waking. Julian raced to the top floor and flung open the door. He watched the black and white patrol car approach with some trepidation. When they got out, Julian walked down the steps to meet them. “What are you two doing here?” He didn’t look at Lucian. “Lucian called me,” Janis said. “What’s going on? Where is Landon?” Lucian tried to dodge past Julian, but he reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. “Everything is fine. Landon is inside doing some repairs.” 92

Awakening

“I’d like to see him,” Janis said, “if you don’t mind.” “Janis,” Julian said, smiling, “you don’t trust me anymore?” “It has nothing to do with trust, Julian. I’m just doing my job. I had a complaint and I…” Julian stepped forward. He had no choice. He looked directly into Janis eyes and said. “You have heard nothing. You want to go home. Say goodbye, get in your car and leave.” “Well, guess I’ll get going,” she said. “See you tomorrow.” She began to walk away. Lucian opened his mouth to say something, but Julian fixed him with his eyes. Stay silent. When only the dust from the patrol car could be seen, Julian released Lucian from his silence. He held up a hand. “If you piss me off, I’ll put the spell back on. You won’t be able to say a word.” He took his sunglasses out of his shirt pocket and put them on. “What in hell…how did you do that?” “Magic. You told her I was a vampire, didn’t you?” “No. I told her you thought you were a vampire.” “I asked you not to involve the police.” “I am the police.” Julian sighed. “Is Landon inside?” “Yes, but I can’t find him.” 93

DJ Manly

“I’ll find him,” Lucian said, heading inside. “You’ll do no such thing,” Julian said, holding him prone. “The sun will be up soon. I don’t think you want to be Graffton’s supper, do you?” “Come on, Julian, you don’t really believe—” “Believe this,” he said, whipping off his glasses. He opened his mouth and growled low in his throat. Two fangs emerged, along with a sudden change in Julian’s eyes, making them seem almost transparent. Lucian took a step backward. If Julian hadn’t been holding onto him, he would have fallen off the porch. “Jesus God in heaven. What in hell kind of trick is that?” “No trick. How did you get out of the ropes?” He put back on the glasses, everything seeming to be normal again. “I…I’m a contortionist by nature I guess.” He was still staring at him. “Go home. I’ll try to salvage what I can of the daylight.” He tossed him his keys. “No. I’m staying.” “I can’t take the chance that—” “You don’t need to look after me, Julian.” Julian sighed. “Very well then, come inside, let me get you geared up.” ****

94

Awakening

Lucian hesitated before stepping over the threshold and into the old house. This place had always scared the shit out of him as a kid. Its impact hadn’t seemed to lesson. The place was draped with cobwebs and the distinct scurrying of rats seemed to echo around him. He shuddered. “I hate rats.” “Well, get over it because this is a rat hotel.” Julian dug in the bag he had dumped on the table and handed Lucian a bunch of stuff. “What is this?” “Holy water in a toy gun, a cross and garlic, put it around your neck.” As Lucian strung himself with garlic, Julian backed away a little. “I take it you won’t want to fuck me now?” Julian glanced at him. He smiled faintly. “I can tolerate it. I just don’t like the smell much.” “Don’t I get a stake?” “You find this funny?” “I’m not laughing, am I?” “No, but you’re not in a Dracula movie either. You’d never get close enough to Graffton to stake him, and if you did, you’d be dead. Anyway, the only way to destroy him is to cut off his head.” Julian lifted a huge sword off the table. “Are you prepared to—” “To save Landon, yes. Come on. And don’t do anything unless I tell you.” 95

DJ Manly

Lucian remained quiet as he took the creaky steps up to the second floor behind Julian. He wondered if Julian loved Landon more than he let on. After all there was this connection, real or imagined, between them. And what about what had happened back at the house? It all seemed like a dream now. **** Graffton tightened his hold on Landon. He had taken him down from the wall and dragged him into his coffin when he had heard Julian. It was a frightening experience. Landon had never slept in a coffin. Not only was it cramped, it was really horrifying to be this close to Graffton. He made strange sounds in his sleep and his long, curved nails dug into his flesh. He spoke to him in his sleep as well, taunting him, reminding him that Julian would never love him and that he had fucked the only man Landon had ever really wanted. You can have both of them forever. The thought had its appeal, especially since they were both here together. After Julian had turned him, he’d become enamoured with him. Julian had accepted him as his lover. He had trained him and taught him everything. But Julian had made it clear that he was in love with him. 96

Awakening

Was he in love with Lucian? Lucian. Lucian always claimed to be straight and yet, he’d admitted to having an affair with some guy in Toronto and now he was fucking Julian’s brains out. He might have given him something, something more besides a kiss on the football field back in high school. “They are coming, Landon,” Graffton said now, pushing up on the coffin lid. “Julian believed that I am restrained by the old ways, that I still believe all those old wives tales. I know he walks in day, isn’t repelled by garlic, puts no stock in crosses.” He pulled Landon out of the coffin. “You are beautiful. Julian and Lucian should not have rejected you. I will make them ours forever.” He held out his hand. “Take it,” he whispered. “Let us take what if rightfully ours.” Landon moved forward slowly. He took Graffton’s hand and nodded. “Now, they are coming, our two beauties. Stand close to me and I’ll cloak us. Julian has the ability to hunt like no other so I need to smother our presence. Stand still, my Landon.” **** Julian placed a hand on Lucian’s arm as he forged ahead of him in the dark corridor. “This door at the end of the hallway, where 97

DJ Manly

does it…why are you stopping me?” “I don’t sense them anymore.” “What?” “I don’t sense either Graffton or Landon. I did, then suddenly nothing.” Lucian shook off his hand. “I’m sure they’re still here.” When Lucian opened the door, Julian yelled, but he was too late. Graffton had Lucian around the throat and he was smiling at him. “Come here, my love, or I’ll tear his throat out.” As Julian lifted off the floor and flew at him, he caught the scent of Landon. Suddenly, he felt something go through his chest. He fell to the floor like a rock, the sword flying from his hand. The stake through the heart would paralyse him. He wouldn’t be able to move. He looked up from where he lay on the cold floor. Graffton stood over him, still holding Lucian. He was stroking his throat with one sharp clawed hand. Lucian was struggling in vain. Landon stood at his side, a mix of victory and horror on his face. Julian tried to say his name, but couldn’t. In his mind he asked him why, but Landon wasn’t listening. Blackness took him. Lucian. I think I might have loved you.

98

Awakening

Chapter Six

H

unger. It was intense, feral. He opened his eyes, the stake gone. He sniffed the air. Blood. He could smell it. It was close by. And suddenly it was leaning over him, saying his name. “Julian?” Julian blinked. He looked into Lucian’s face and groaned in agony. “You bastard,” he cried out as he rolled away from Lucian on the floor and put himself into a foetal position. “Julian,” Lucian was close again. “Stay away from me,” he hissed. “Go over there on the other side of the room and stay the fuck away.” “I don’t understand.” He was backing away, the scent diminished. “Just do what I tell you for a change and stop fucking questioning everything.” “What does he want? Why isn’t Landon fighting him?” “Landon has joined forces with him.” He 99

DJ Manly

grunted. He wasn’t sure how long he could go without blood. “Why would he join forces with a fiend?” “Because he is a fiend, just like I’m a fiend, we are like him.” “No.” “Believe what you want. The bottom line is, Landon feels like we’ve betrayed him.” “I don’t get it.” “You’re one naïve son of a bitch,” Julian snapped his jaws shut, his fangs now threatening to protrude out of his mouth. When he was hungry, there was no retracting them. “Landon has been in love with you forever. You pretended to be a straight boy, and finally when you got a clue, you bedded someone else. Now me. And Landon really thought that maybe there’d be something between him and I as well. You get it now? Graffton is using him, playing on his deepest feelings.” “Will they kill us?” “You have bigger problems right now.” Julian sat up, looked at him in the dark. “They’ve locked you in here with me. They bled me some with that stake, I’ve lost a lot of blood, which has intensified…oh…God…” he moaned, clutching his stomach, “eventually, I will drink your blood, Lucian. I will have to either turn you or kill you.” Lucian backed up against the wall. “No. You 100

Awakening

wouldn’t do that.” “I will have no choice. I will lose all rational thought. I will be pure instinct, an animal. It’s what he wants. He wants me to turn you. He knows I won’t kill you. I…” he swallowed, “I love you, Lucian.” There was silence from across the room. “He wants me to turn you for Landon, then he’ll have me back.” “You…you love me?” Julian bit back the pain. “Yes.” “I’ll feed you.” “You can’t. I won’t be able to stop.” “If you love me, you will.” “It’s not a question of—” “Do it now, while you are still rational.” Lucian approached him slowly. He took off his shirt. “Then fuck me, one last time, while the sun is still up and he can’t touch us. Maybe it will be the last time. Julian, I love you, too,” he whispered. “Drink.” There was no more resistance left in him. He seized Lucian by the neck, turned his throat to the side and sunk his teeth into his flesh. His eyes closed. He held him close to him, concentrating on his heart beat. The warm blood flowed down his throat, he moaned, his hands moving down Lucian’s thigh, seeking out his cock, which was hard. 101

DJ Manly

Lucian said his name, his voice pleaded and Julian shoved him away from him with such force, Lucian hit the wall. Julian’s chest heaved, he wiped his blood drenched lips with the back of his hand, fighting the urge to pick him up off the floor and drink again. He turned around, spotted a rat in the corner of the room and snatched it up. He sunk his teeth into it, wincing at the high pitched squeal and drained it dry. When he had thrown it aside, he sighed with relief. It was over. The hunger had passed. He ran over to Lucian who shook himself, a little dazed, and pulled him into his arms. Lucian hugged him tight. “I’m alive?” Julian chuckled a little “Yes.” He sobered when he felt Lucian reach between his legs and unfasten his pants. “Now, I’ve been depriving myself of cock all my life. If my life is about to end, I want it all. I want your cock, Julian. I want it inside me. Fuck me.” He jumped to his feet and pulled down his pants. He undid his shirt, then reached out to take off Julian’s clothes. Lucian raked him with his gaze. “You are so beautiful. How can I resist?” Julian held him close and kissed him deeply, then with an aggressive movement, he forced him around to face the wall. Although his hunger for blood had been satisfied, his hunger for Lucian’s 102

Awakening

flesh was raging. With several swipes of his tongue, he prepared Lucian to take him. His hard cock wouldn’t wait any longer, and with Lucian urging him one, he possessed his ass with one deep mutual groan. Julian slammed into him, his hand jerking Lucian’s cock in synchronization with the movements of hips. They both came in unison, Julian licking the place where his teeth had been and Lucian moaning something incoherent over and over. Lucian turned around his arms when Julian backed off from him. He kissed his mouth, ran his hands over his chest, fell at his feet. “I’ve never been so close to death,” he said, “and yet, I’ve never felt so alive. I can’t lose you, Julian.” He folded his arms around his legs, kissed his thigh. Julian pulled him to his feet. His eyes gleamed. Two thick tears of blood ran down his face. “I won’t let him hurt you. I’ll destroy him first, Landon, too, if I have to.” Lucian held him for a long time, his eyes looking at the small window, watching as the sun went down. **** Landon was in agony as he crawled out of the coffin after Graffton. Graffton was in a rage. He 103

DJ Manly

grabbed Landon with one clawed hand and threw him across the room. Landon hit the ceiling and then bounced off the wall. His chest was bleeding. He lay still, waiting for it to heal. “He didn’t do it. He didn’t bleed that whore. Instead, he fucked him.” Landon closed his eyes. He’d made a serious mistake. He should have never turned on Julian. Julian had been nothing but kind to him. He was his sire. And he betrayed him. “Don’t think of backing out of this, you worm,” Graffton grabbed him off the floor and dragged him down the hallway. He waved his hand and the door flew open. Julian stood in front of Lucian protectively. “Isn’t that sweet,” Graffton sneered. Lucian was struggling to put on his clothes. “The mortal might as well not bother dressing. I plan to give the whore to Landon to play with. Maybe Landon has more guts than you.” He glared at Julian, then turned to Landon. “Turn him.” “No!” Julian growled, his teeth now in full view. “You can’t have him.” “You had your chance, coward.” Graffton cajoled, “What kind of a vampire are you, Julian? Landon, get the mortal whore.” When Landon made a move, Julius reached out and took him by the throat. He held him close, 104

Awakening

looked into his eyes. “Don’t do this.” “I want him,” Landon whimpered. Graffton flew at Julian now, distracting him. They struggled together in the air, Graffton forcing Julian up against the ceiling. “You are mine to do with as I choose.” Julian managed to push back and Graffton flew across the room, laughing then disappeared. Julian landed on his feet, sharp eyes looking around. He swore under his breath. Landon and Lucian were gone. **** Lucian watched Landon from across the room. “Is it really necessary to chain me up like this? I’m not going anywhere.” “Do you know how much I loved you?” “Past tense?” “You love Julian, don’t you?” “Yes.” “Why couldn’t you ever love me?” “I wasn’t ready. I was in denial.” Landon came closer. He touched his cheek. “I can make you mine now forever. Do you know what that means?” “No, I don’t, because no one is ever really anyone’s forever, Landon, unless they want to be.” “You wish Julian was in my place. You’d want 105

DJ Manly

him to make you his.” “I’m already his.” Landon made an aggressive show of his teeth. “I’m not frightened by that anymore. I saw Julian do it. Kill me if you want. If won’t make me love you, Landon.” “It might make Julian love me. You’ll be gone.” “Julian might hate you if you hurt me. He loves me.” “He says that.” “Yes and I believe him.” “And how will you be with him, him a vampire, you a mortal? It won’t work.” “We’ll make it work. You’ll age and die. He’ll go on and on. But you won’t have to worry about that. Graffton will never let him go.” He reached over and undid the buttons on Lucian’s shirt. “I want to give you everything, including eternal life. Accept it.” He ran his lips over Lucian’s throat and down his chest. “Accept what I give you. I love you.” Lucian shuddered, trying to back away from Landon’s touch. It was cold, calculated and self serving. “This is not love, Landon. It’s possession.” “Call it whatever you want,” he said, revealing his teeth again. Rearing his head back, he smiled, then sunk his teeth into Lucian’s chest.

106

Awakening

**** The battle was on. Graffton ran, leading him on a wild chase, Julian followed, knowing that Graffton was playing a game with him, dallying with him as Landon had his way with Lucian. He concentrated hard. Feeding from Lucian had given him a link to him, a passageway to his thoughts. He could feel his fear, his pain. I’m coming. **** Lucian closed his eyes as Landon fed, trying to ignore his cold hands on his non-responsive cock. Julian was talking to him in his mind, trying to comfort him, probably just his imagination. He was going to die here, but at least he had the memories of Julian holding him, fucking him, loving him. In his mind, Julian’s hand enveloped his cock, his lips touched his, then moved down his jaw to his throat. He suckled him there, then drank slowly, sensuously, licking the blood from his lips. Lucian touched him, caressed his thighs and his cock, drew his balls into his mouth and massaged his ass. Julian took him as they flew together in the air. He was impaled on his cock, his tongue tasting his lips, his hands pulling his nipples. “Julian!”

107

DJ Manly

**** Julian gasped. The sound of Lucian’s voice sounded so close. He stumbled, almost fell, then looked down to see what was left of his sword, the tip broken off. He scooped it up in his hand, heard something behind him. He struck out blindly, the sword sliced the air, then again. He drove it hard, not seeing, but sensing Graffton. He heard a grunt. Graffton fell, the blunt end of the sword implanted in his chest. He made an attempt to pull it out, but he was too weak. Julian stood over him. It was over. He looked down into those eyes, now filled with pain. With one yank, he pulled the sword out and before he could recover, brought it down on his neck. The head detached and rolled across the floor, then Graffton just disappeared. Julian closed his eyes, a moment of lament for his sire, but the moment was short lived. His thoughts turned to Lucian and Landon. He listened intensely, did an about face and raced off in the opposite direction. Graffton had been deliberately leading him away. Even before he turned the corner and entered the chamber, he knew it was too late. There were two vampires in the room, not one. Lucian was still chained to the wall, unconscious, but he had been brought back from the dead. 108

Awakening

Landon sat cross legged on the floor in the corner, a bizarre look on his face, his mouth covered in Lucian’s blood. “You know,” he said, “even as he was dying, he thought only of you. But you’ll never be his sire. He’s now mine.” “But I’m your sire,” Julian said, looking at him. He held the broken sword in his hand. “You killed Graffton, didn’t you?” “Yes.” “Good. He was not of this world.” “Lucian and I are modern. We can live in these modern times.” “It’s not going to happen.” Landon looked up at him. “You will kill me now, kill your own child?” Julian looked over at Lucian. His eyes welled up with tears. “You never loved him.” “Oh yes, I did.” “No. If you’d have loved him, you wouldn’t have taken his life.” “I gave him a new one.” “One he didn’t want.” “We can all be together now, Julian.” Landon stood. “I told you, it’s not going to happen.” He walked over to where Lucian hung and began to undo the straps. “He’ll be hungry,” Landon said. “I should have something for him. I’m responsible for him now.” 109

DJ Manly

“Don’t touch him,” Julian warned. He laid him gently on the floor. “I’ll take care of him. Now, leave us. Go home.” Landon searched his face. “And you’ll come soon?” “No, I’m not coming. I’m leaving. I’m taking Lucian with me. I leave you to your own devices, but remember Landon, we are connected. If you harm a mortal, I will know and I will come back and kill you.” Landon stiffened. “You’re going away, leaving me. But Lucian is mine.” “Go!” Julius told him before I change my mind and cut off your head. Landon stumbled out of the room. Julian sat beside Lucian and waited for him to rise.

110

Awakening

Chapter Seven

L

ucian didn’t like the cold animal blood Julian gave him to drink, but he felt absolutely wonderful, strong, and healthy. The sunlight however, bothered him terribly and Julian actually told him to lay down in the backseat covered with a blanket as he drove during the noon day sun. Sunglasses and a hat seemed to help, but he was forced to slather on tons of sunscreen. “Where are we going anyway?” Lucian asked as the sun set in the distance. “Right now, we’ll go away from people, high in the mountains. I know a place, a cabin where we can stay. I have to teach you how to manage your condition and also see what strengths and weaknesses you have.” “Do you think I could hurt someone, Julian?” He reached over and took his hand. “You might if you let yourself get too hungry. I’ll teach you. Don’t worry. It takes time.” “Do I always have to live on animals?” 111

DJ Manly

“No, once we establish ourselves somewhere, we’ll find a blood bank and make some arrangement.” “I don’t seem to be able to tolerate the daylight like you.” “This will probably pass or you’ll have to get a night job.” He laughed. “Not funny.” He sat back, becoming a little depressed again. Why would Landon do this to him? They were friends. Does being a vampire make you evil? “No,” Julian said. “Do you think I’m evil?” “Stop reading my mind. And no, you’re not evil, you’re beautiful and sexy and sweet and can we stop to fuck?” Julian laughed. “Soon.” “Is it normal to be horny all the time?” “The libido tends to intensify.” “Thanks, Doctor.” Julian reached over and squeezed his hand. “Do you feel a connection to Landon?” “No. Not at all, only to you.” Julian smiled. As they arrived at the secluded cabin in the woods, Julian took Lucian hunting in the woods, much the same as he had done for Landon. After drinking their fill, they barricaded themselves in the cabin and took off all their clothes. 112

Awakening

Lucian’s eyes glowed red as he crawled up over Julian’s naked body and ravished his mouth. Julian rose with him off the bed and they did a kind of dance in the air, rolling over and over and laughing. Lucian flipped Julian’s legs up and fucked him there in the air, letting his vision be filled with the sight of Julian’s gorgeous naked body. His hard cock bobbed in the air, his stiff nipples inviting Lucian’s stimulation. After he’d fucked him, he bit his nipples, drank a little from his chest and fucked him again. They fell together, cuddling on the bed, Lucian feeling his two sharp teeth again. “They’re still there,” Julian said with a grin. “It’s all new. It seems like a dream.” “It will be okay, baby.” “I know,” Lucian said, hugging him tight, kissing his jaw. “I’ll learn. You’ll teach me. But there’s one thing that’s not new, it’s how much I love you, Julian. That hasn’t changed. I loved you as a mortal and I love you still. I’ll love you now forever.” “I’m glad,” he whispered sleepily, kissing the top of his head. “Me, too.”

113

About the Author I write not only for my own pleasure, but for the pleasure of my readers. I can’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t written and told stories. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming about writing, doing something wild and adventurous, or trying to make the world a better and more open minded place to live in. I adore beautiful men, and I know I’m not alone in this! Eroticism between consenting adults, in all its many forms is the icing on the cake of life! D. J.’s website is located at: http://www.djmanly.com/