Golden God

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. Brennus’ Witch 3: Golden God Copyright © 2008 D.J. Manly ISBN: 978-1-55487-169-8 Cover art by Martine Jardin 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

Brennus’ Witch 3: Golden God

By

D.J. Manly

Chapter One knew Zendle was surprised to see her Anna standing at his door. He narrowed his eyes

and stood back a few feet. “Now, I know you’re not here selling cookies for the Girl Scouts, so you must be here about your vampire brother.” Anna pushed her way inside, exhibiting a boldness she didn’t feel. She looked around at the filthy room in distaste. “Disgusting,” she muttered. “So, you’re here to assess my housekeeping skills?” “No.” “What do you want, girl?” “I need your help. I want you to make Darien mortal again.” He laughed. “Don’t make fun of me! And how did you know I was Darien’s sister? We’ve never met before.” He shrugged. “Not important.” He rubbed his scruffy beard. “Tea?” 1

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“No, thanks.” She wrinkled her nose. “Well, aside from a cup of tea, there’s nothing else I can offer you, little girl. A vampire’s constitution is unalterable. I’m afraid your brother’s un-dead state is permanently ah…undead.” “I read you can bring a vampire back to mortality if you destroy the source.” “You mean, Brennus? Destroy Brennus?” “No, the other one, Marcel. He’s the one who bit Darien.” “Yes, but Marcel was made by Brennus.” “So?” “So?” He scoffed. “The only way to restore Darien to mortality is to go back to the source. We believe that Brennus was brought back from his mortal death by Goddesses. If that’s the case, Brennus was not made immortal through the traditional channels. He may well be the first original vampire. Even with the proper magic, there is no guarantee destroying Brennus, and Marcel, would bring your brother back…and even if there was a chance, do you will think Darien will allow you to destroy Brennus?” “I’ve done a lot of thinking in the last two years about Darien. As you probably know, I have taken over his shop, The Grinning Moon. I have practised his spells. I believe in the power of the magic now. I miss my brother. He has been 2

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bewitched by…” Zendle laughed. “You dream, girl. You tell me you believe in the power of magic, but underestimate the power of love, which is far more powerful than any magic. Your brother is where he wants to be, in the arms of Brennus. And I’d change places with him in a heartbeat, and so would you.” She flushed. “That was a long time ago.” “You’re the one who asked Darien to do a love spell, make Brennus fall in love with you. You’re the reason they met in the first place.” “Yes, and I feel responsible for that. Don’t you see? That’s why I need to…” Zendle didn’t seem to be listening. He put on the water for tea. “As far as I know they’ve managed to keep themselves safe from Vortimere. Unless they suddenly appear on my doorstep, I assume my spell to quell the voice is working. Leave them be.” “I miss my brother. You wouldn’t understand that of course, but…” “Get a puppy,” he returned, watching the teakettle on the stove. “I can’t reverse a vampire’s embrace, and I certainly couldn’t even attempt such a thing against the vampire’s will.” “What if we could restore the mortality of both Brennus, and Darien?” “Impossible. You think you can defy the power 3

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of the ancients?” Anna took the knapsack off her back and opened it. “Look,” she said, taking out a book, and placing it on the table. She opened it to a marked page. Zendle moved closer, his eyes widened. He peered at the writing. The colour appeared to drain from his face. “Where did you get this?” His voice was barely above a whisper. “It doesn’t matter.” “Yes, it matters,” he said, backing away. The kettle began to steam but he ignored it. “This book does not belong to this plane of existence. Where did you get it, girl?” She sighed. “Are you going to help me, or not? If you’re afraid of a little—” “Did you open the portal to Decadence?” Anna pursed her lips. He pierced her with his gaze. “Answer me. Did you open the portal to Decadence?” She nodded. “I…think so.” Zendle sunk down in a chair. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” “I have the answer,” she said. “I know how we can save my brother. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help.” “You are fooling around with elements that…” He stood up. “There are consequences to everything we do in the universe. The more power 4

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you are granted, the higher the cost. Do you understand what I’m saying? Do you know what you’ve unleashed? You don’t have the knowledge or the experience to be… Does Anita know about this?” “No. And you’re not going to tell her.” Anna bit her finger nail. “Help me, Zendle.” “Why should I?” “Because, no matter what they say about you, no matter how undesirable your behaviour is sometimes, I know you’re the most powerful warlock, more powerful than all of them put together. Maybe that’s why they don’t accept you. They’re jealous of you. They fear you.” “Oh, don’t think idle flattery is going to get you what you want. Even if I could help you, Darien would fight us on this.” “Maybe he would initially, but only because he doesn’t understand. He’s under Brennus’ spell. Once he had his life back, he would be grateful.” “I’d have to study it and the portal…well…you did close it?” “What do you mean by close it?” Zendle gasped. The kettle was boiling over. He took two steps closer and grabbed Anna by the shoulders. She tried to struggle out of his grasp. “Let go of me.” “My heavens, child,” he shook her, “don’t tell 5

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me you didn’t close the portal?” **** The moment he strolled out onto the terrace, he became the center of attention. His long, dark hair blew gently out behind him, as silky and sensuous as the white satin shirt hanging seductively off his broad shoulders and well-muscled chest. The softest indigo leather pants moulded his slim hips, rounded hard ass and lean, muscular thighs, ending in the black, scuffed boots which adorned his feet. Marcel ignored the heat of the gazes which licked at him as he headed for the door leading inside to the bar. He wasn’t sure if Brennus would be happy to see him or not, but he knew Darien would. How could he not be? They were connected. Darien sat alone at a corner table. He didn’t look up as Marcel approached. “Brennus said you were here.” “Ah, yes, is that why he is no where in sight?” “He’ll be back.” Darien glanced up at him. Marcel smiled. “You’ve been well.” He didn’t have to ask. He knew. “Brennus has been taking good care of you.” “Of course.” Marcel sat down, waving the waiter away as he 6

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approached. He glanced at the full glass of liquid sitting in front of Darien. “Playing at the game of life, I see.” “One has to make an attempt,” Darien replied. “I feel you’re longing. It’s natural, of course. I’m your sire.” “Something Brennus hasn’t forgiven you for.” “Yes, and he won’t, I suspect. He missed his opportunity. That’s not my fault.” “Oh, but it was your fault,” a voice said suddenly from behind him. Marcel glanced up to see Brennus standing there beside the table. Instantly, he tasted the desire in his mouth. “Brennus,” he said softly. “Why didn’t I sense you?” “I chose not to allow you to sense me. What are you doing here?” “I…” he glanced at Darien, “I’ve come to check on my fledging. He is mine, you know.” He flinched, as he saw the look in Brennus’ blue eyes. Darien stood up. “Brennus. Let’s not…” Brennus glanced at Darien then back at Marcel, for a second before walking away. “That went well,” Marcel laughed. “I wouldn’t bait him if I were you. You forget how powerful he is,” Darien said, sitting down, a worried frown creasing his face. “No, I didn’t forget. He feels your desire for your sire. He knows there is nothing he can do 7

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about that. What I feel for him, you feel for me.” “I love Brennus. I don’t understand this feeling I have for you. It makes no sense on an intellectual level.” “My blood runs through your veins, Darien. You need me. Brennus can only be a surrogate to you. I am your maker.” He stood up. “I leave you for now. I feel his wrath.” He grinned. “I don’t relish a showdown with him right now. I need to feed. I’ll find you tomorrow night. We’ll hunt together.” “Ah, Marcel, I don’t drink from…” he lowered his voice, “humans. At least not yet. Brennus doesn’t think I could do that without accidentally killing the…” “So you kill the prey,” he shrugged, “that’s natural. Brennus is a pussy for that stuff.” “Isn’t that what he taught you after he made you?” “Yes. He taught me a lot of things then abandoned me to my own devises. I’m afraid I’ve been a naughty student.” “I’m sorry he left you.” “No, you’re not,” he winked, raised a hand and disappeared. **** Brennus felt the onslaught of Darien’s desire for 8

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Marcel. It hit him square in the gut from several feet away. The power of it was as naked as Marcel’s desire for him. He knew one day Darien would again cross paths with his maker. He knew first hand from Marcel, the undeniable, carnal emotions a fledging felt for his maker. But that didn’t mean he was prepared for what he would feel when he saw it first hand with Darien. When Darien’s hands slide down over his shoulders and he pressed his cheek next to his, Brennus didn’t react. “Are you angry at me, baby? You know I love only you.” “Yes,” he said. “I know. I could never truly believe you’d stopped loving me.” “You warned me about this. Will it pass?” “No,” Brennus said, “unfortunately not. You’ll always feel it.” “Like Marcel feels it for you.” Brennus turned his head now. Darien backed away from him. “Does it feel like vindication?” “Vindication?” “You’ve always lamented the fact that I made Marcel, but not you.” “And now you lament the fact that it was Marcel who made me,” Darien scoffed. “Are we even?” “Even?” Brennus glanced out the window. The moon was still glowing in the sky, the blinds in the condo where they were staying in Paris, still 9

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open. “I wasn’t aware there was a competition.” “Then forget it.” “I can’t.” He shook his head. “You don’t understand. The connection is stronger between you and Marcel, than between you and me. You share blood, and for vampires, blood is…” “And the connection is stronger between you and Marcel, than between you and me as well. Right?” “Yes,” he said, meeting Darien’s eyes. “Yes, God damn it, yes.” “But loving you is a choice, Brennus. My connection to Marcel was not my choice. I wanted it to be you, remember?” “I remember.” “You chose to embrace Marcel. You refused to…” “Because I love you. I never loved Marcel. And he stole you from me, gave you immortality when I…” He shook his head. “Well, we can’t change that, can we? You love Marcel now, don’t you?” “No,” he said. “I don’t.” “Don’t you have to?” “I don’t have to do anything.” “So, a sire can just abandon his fledging?” “Is that what he told you I did?” “Didn’t you?” He sucked in some breath. “This conversation is 10

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over.” “Why, because the great Druid priest says so?” “Yes. You’re quite right,” he said, lifting his chin. Darien smiled. “I can’t be angry at you for long. You’re too beautiful. I will handle these feelings I have for Marcel. I will simply push them…” “It’s not that easy.” “How do you know? Apparently you don’t feel them.” “The sire doesn’t necessarily feel anything for his fledging. The child, however, is born from his sire. Longing, desire, love, dependence…” He lifted his hands in the air. “So, you could turn hundreds of mortals into vampires, and feel nothing?” He nodded. “Are you saying Marcel feels nothing for me?” “I have no idea what Marcel feels for you,” he snapped. “Why don’t you ask him?” “Now you’re losing your temper again,” Darien laughed faintly. “I’m just trying to understand, that’s all.” “I told you all I know,” he said. “I’m no expert on vampires and their surrogates.” **** Darien watched as Brennus drew the blinds. The 11

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sun would be rising shortly. How beautiful he was. In fact, he had yet to see or imagine another man who could arouse such longing in him. It really didn’t matter what momentary pang of need he felt when he saw Marcel. It was now completely obliterated by the presence of Brennus in his room. Darien’s eyes went to the bed then back to the tall, blond haired god standing a few feet away. “You’re sulking,” he accused. “What is it about these brooding ex Druid priests that make my cock leak?” Brennus raised an eyebrow. “You’re pretty cute when you do that.” “Cute,” he muttered. Darien grinned. “Take off your clothes. Please.” “And that’s supposed to make everything all right?” “No,” he said softly, “but it might just soothe this ache I have for you.” He caught his breath as Brennus undid his shirt and took it off. “That’s better. Okay,” Darien licked his lips, moving closer, “the pants.” Brennus began to unzip them but it was becoming painful. “You’re too slow,” Darien scolded. He grabbed the pants and yanked them down off Brennus’ hips. “You’re teasing, punishing me.” He went to his knees and pressed his lips to Brennus’ naked thigh, then moved his lips to his cock almost reverently. “Don’t ever 12

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punish me that way, Brennus,” he moaned. “I don’t think I’d survive it. I’d rather you beat me than deny me your body.” A hand moved in his hair. “How could I deny you something which is yours and yours alone, something that belongs as much to you as it does to me? I’m yours. I will be yours forever, no matter what happens, Darien.” Darien’s tears, thick and rich with blood drained down his cheeks, staining the shaft of Brennus’ cock. Darien licked up the length of his cock before taking it into his mouth. Brennus pressed his head back, and drove his cock deeper into Darien’s throat. “I forgive you for wanting Marcel. It’s not right of me to deprive you, Darien. I will soon remedy that…but not tonight.” Darien glanced up at those glowing eyes, gold in the obscure light of the room. They were filled with savage dreams of lust and love, licked with fire. Darien responded. Ravish me. **** “You will drain the juice from that,” Athieoust warned him. “If I had a cock right now, I’d be draining the juice from that as well. Don’t you care to watch?” “I see all.” 13

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“Then why not give me a body, let me…” “Not yet. You have no clear plan. And I can’t afford another calamity. My brother has another vampire soul. My father finds me a laughing stock.” “Brennus’ soul is only one.” “He was spawn by the goddesses of old. He is unique.” “Do you know how frustrating it is to watch this, without a cock to satiate?” No answer. Vortimere turned his attention back to the scene in the hotel room in France. What a sexy fiend Brennus was. Um. He’d never get enough of his body. He wasn’t sure what it was about Brennus which transfixed him so. From the moment he’d seen that solitary Druid Priest, 600 years before the birth of Christ, he’d wanted him. When he’d lured him to that desolate place and devoured him, all he’d really wanted was for Brennus to be his. He never suspected burning him alive would cause the power of the heavens itself to bring him back to life. He’d often wondered why they’d chosen to resurrect Brennus as a vampire. He supposed it didn’t matter anymore. He’d been resurrected himself. It was only a matter of time until Brennus was truly his. He was meant to be. It was destiny. If not, why would they still be here together? What a pathetic ass wipe Darien was, on his 14

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knees, begging Brennus not to deny him sex. If he were any kind of vampire, he’d just take what he wanted. He’d been a witch, for Christ’s sakes. There were spells. Using Brennus’ luscious body was worth everything. He’d never been beyond using any available magic or power to have him. “I need a body!” He cried out now. No one could hear him of course, way below the earth, in this desolate place filled with devils and torment. Brennus was slamming his cock into Darien’s throat, and that little slut was taking it all, with relish. Darien’s hands clawed at Brennus’ ass. “He wants you to fuck him,” Vortimere growled. “Lucky little bastard.” He peered closer as Darien rose on his knees and presented his ass to Brennus as if it were some kind of a gift. Brennus seized it with both hands. He flew back against the wall and plunged into Darien, lifting him in the air in a rhythm to match the cravings in his cock. Vortimere groaned. His subliminal suggestion to Marcel that he find his little bastard fledging had not caused as much tension as he would have liked. He was damn fed up watching Darien have his way with Brennus’ cock every chance he got. “Athieoust. I’m tired of waiting. I’m impotent here, my power is weak and getting weaker. I need to be on the same plane. When?” “Soon,” Athieoust replied in a whisper. “Soon.” 15

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**** Brennus pushed Darien’s wrists together over his head and began to trail his lips over his chest. “Don’t move,” he urged, as Darien hung in mid air merely by the suggestion of Brennus’ mind. Suddenly, he felt his legs spread wider. His head fell back. He moaned softly as Brennus’ teeth scraped his nipples. He felt so sexy, so horny, totally at Brenus’ mercy. He loved it when Brennus did this. He could feel his power, his age, his complete and utter domination. Yet, there was no fear. There was this inherent goodness which radiated from Brennus’ soul, gentle, wise, but boldly masculine and laced through with need, throbbing, all consuming, and sexually demanding, the kind that wouldn’t be denied, the kind which set Darien on fire. This was Brennus. And it was unique to Brennus, this perfect mix of sexual heat and gentle caring. It was like chocolate and caramel…and… “Brennus, oooooohhhh yesssss,” he hissed, his teeth retracting, his eyes glowing with a feverish demand. Brennus was eating his cock, suckling his balls, his fingers reaching up into the core of his craving. “Like chocolate eh?” Brennus murmured, his lips moving off his cock, around to the back, his slick, 16

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naked body, brushing over his sensitive flesh. “Stop reading my…oh God…” Darien grunted. Brennus’ fingers were replaced by his tongue. His cock was pumping again. Brennus reached around and wrapped his fist around it. “Not yet,” he said. Darien swallowed hard, his hips thrusting forward in the air, feverishly desperate for release, as Brennus tormented him relentlessly. Fingers deep inside his ass again, a hand caressing his shaft, then giving it a gentle slap or two, then harder, caused him to cry out for mercy. “You love it,” Brennus whispered, fucking him with his fingers, slapping his cock again. He yanked Darien’s head back and deep throated him. Darien moaned against his mouth. The fiend could kiss. “Fiend, eh?” Brennus chuckled. Darien’s hips pressed forward in the air, wrists still caught high above his head. “Fuck me,” he urged. “Stop torturing me and fuck me.” “Oh, I intend to,” Brennus yanked on his hair and looked down into his eyes. “But not like this.” Darien felt his body go forward so that he was floating on his stomach. His legs lifted too, feet practically touching his wrists. “How exposed do you feel now?” Brennus asked him in a silky voice. 17

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Darien moaned. “Totally? Are you going to fuck me like this, darlin’?” “Yeah,” he said. “I am going to fuck like this.” Darien licked his lips. “What a dirty boy.” “Um. I think you might be the dirty boy.” Brennus’ cock was as hard as granite. He pressed the head against Darien’s opening a few minutes, stabbing then dipping it flirtatiously inside of him a few times. “You like that?” He was so open that the slightest contact of Brennus’ cock drove him into spasms. “Um, yes, yes.” Again Brennus rubbed the head of his cock against Darien’s sensitive entrance. “Do you want me?” Darien practically choked on the word. “Ye..es. God damn it Brennus, I love you…fuck…me…me.” Brennus held Darien’s hips tight and slowly poked his cock into his entrance. Once it passed the first set of muscles, Darien shuddered with delight. “So good, so good. More. More of it.” He ran his tongue around his lips. A little deeper. Darien moaned then gasped, his entire body tingling. “More.” Halfway in, then without warning Brennus’ cock slammed into his ass to the hilt with one forceful thrust. Darien cried out. Brennus rode him, a soft vampire growl emanating from his 18

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throat as he crawled up over him and clamped his teeth down on Darien’s shoulder. “Baby,” he whispered, lapping at the blood as he ejaculated inside him. Darien’s cock pumped into the air, the orgasm shattering his world, totally consuming his soul. He clung to Brennus as they entwined their bodies on the bed. “I adore you,” he said, kissing his ear, placing a hand possessively on Brennus’ cock. Brennus was already overcome by the sleep. Darien closed his eyes and let it take him as well.

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Chapter Two

“I

t has begun.” “How?” “The sister of Brennus’ heart has opened the portal.” “It was foreseen.” “It is time. Call him to us.” “What of the evil one?” “He has not yet been released, but once Kiron knows the portal is open, he will do all he can to doom Brennus’ soul. Hurry.” **** Zendle followed Anna as she led him through the wooded path to a small stream. On the other side of the stream lay a burial ground. “This is where I was directed to perform the spell,” she said, shivering in the night air. Zendle trudged across the steam without care. He clutched the book in his hand and examined the air with his hand. 20

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He had really been stressing out, going on about what a horrible thing she’d done, and the end of the world. He looked at her suddenly. “You said those words here?” “Yes.” “And what happened again?” “It was like a flash of something, then nothing at all. I looked down and the book was there at my feet.” “Stupid, stupid, girl,” he said, crossing back through the stream. “You don’t play with things you know nothing about.” He stopped, looked at her. “The name of that demon in the spell, you said it?” She nodded. He opened the book again, scanned the page. He glanced back across the stream. “The portal is open. The spell in the book to close it again is missing. After you open the door, you must close it within the hour or the demons will erase the spell. We have to find that damn spell or we’re in a shit load of trouble.” “I did this spell last week, Zendle.” Anna shrugged. “I really think you’re getting carried away. It’s not like the world has fallen apart.” Zendle eyed her. “Wait. It will.” Anna felt a shiver run down her spine. Zendle hurried back inside his house, Anna on 21

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his heels. He wasn’t talking. It was worse when he said nothing. She watched as he dragged a huge, dusty book off his shelf. “What are you looking for?” she asked. He waved at her to be quiet, frantically scanning the pages. Suddenly, he stopped, looked up at her. “I’d hold off on trying to get rid of Brennus, if I were you.” “If it brings my brother back, I…” “Well, fine, but I think we have bigger fish to fry at the moment.” “Oh yeah,” she rolled her eyes, “the end of the world.” “Yes, and according to what this says here, Brennus may be all that stands in the way between that portal you opened, and disaster.” **** Vortimere stood up when he saw the shadow approach. He backed up, cautious. “Athieoust?” “I have some good news for you,” he said, remaining no more than a shadow among all the others which now surrounded him. “I’m going above?” “Yes, but with conditions.” “I know, bring back Brennus’ soul. You promised I can have his body, eternally.” “His soul will be doomed.” 22

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“It’s not his soul that interests me,” Vortimere sneered, “nor his heart. He will never love me. I gave up on that a long, long, time ago. However, he will fuck me.” “Yes,” Atieoust mocked, “he’ll fuck you, if you bind and gag him.” “I don’t care for your tone.” Atieoust laughed. “There are forces you don’t understand, forces which will change things forever, put the power back in the hands of the underworld. You must take care of Brennus for us, keep him…occupied. He must not know his destiny.” “Destiny? What destiny?” “A destiny that, if fulfilled, will interfere with our goals.” “I want a body that will…” “You will not make demands. Kiron has decided. We are to carry out his orders. If you bring Brennus to him, he will reward you with his body. If you fail, he will destroy you. Now, get on your knees to await your transportation. We will tell you exactly what you must do.” **** “Why aren’t we going out?” Darien asked curiously. “The night is young. We could—” “You want him, don’t you?” Brennus 23

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whispered in the darkened room. “Want whom?” “Marcel.” A silence fell over the room. There was a time when Darien believed he’d never want anyone except Brennus. The shattering of that belief filled him with guilt and remorse. “No need for guilt,” Brennus said. “Stop reading my read!” “As you wish.” “It’s not what you think.” “Yes, it is exactly what I think, and that’s okay.” “It is?” “Uh huh.” “Brennus, I…” “He’s here.” Darien caught his breath. He knew who he was. He felt a strong, well muscled arm slide around his waist, and yank him back against a hard chest. Brennus came to stand in front of him. He looked into his eyes, smiled, and reached for the zipper on his jeans. Darien closed his eyes, his head going back against Marcel’s shoulder. Marcel lowered his head and pressed his lips against Darien’s temple. As Brennus wrapped his fist around Darien’s shaft, Marcel covered Brennus’ hand with his own. Brennus paused, looked at Marcel, smiled, then opened Darien’s shirt and moved his tongue 24

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sensuously around his right nipple. Marcel’s other hand moved up and settled in Brennus’ fair hair, caressing it. Darien had never experienced anything this erotic before. The heat was intense, desire strong. Brennus wanted him. Marcel wanted Brennus. And Darien wanted them both. Brennus lifted Darien’s cock out as Marcel lowered his pants down over his hips. They fell around Darien’s ankles. He wasn’t wearing any underwear under the jeans. While Brennus paid homage to his nipples, and roughly handled his erection, Marcel moved his hands over his ass. As the wanton fondling of his body went on, Darien could hardly contain his response. He moaned loudly, his hips bucking, his knees hardly able to support him anymore. Marcel reached out his hand and dragged Brennus closer. He kissed him hotly, grunting his satisfaction at Brennus’ response. Sandwiched between the two men, Darien felt the swelling desire. Marcel was as desperate to have Brennus naked as he was. Brennus drew away first, urging Darien to step out of his pants, pulling him forward. He looked at Marcel, smiled devilishly. Darien turned to admire his sire for the first time since he’d been in the room. Marcel lowered his own zipper, showing off a 25

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substantial erection as he removed his shirt. “I see why you made him,” Darien said to Brennus, pulling at his shirt. “Strip. I can’t stand it when you have clothes on.” “That’s because you know what’s underneath,” Marcel offered, coming to stand beside Darien, watching carefully as he undid Brennus’ shirt. “I think he should be at our mercy. He is the oldest here. He is the one who started all of this. What do you say, Darien?” Marcel caressed one of Darien’s ass cheeks. Darien felt that weakness again. Two beautiful hard bodies, two substantial and capable erect cocks…what’s a poor boy to do… Brennus raised an eyebrow at that. Marcel grinned. “He has a habit of reading your thoughts, Darien…but I don’t think he got the first part.” “What first…” Brennus began, only to pause in mid sentence as he felt his hands tuck up behind his head, and his legs spread out. His clothes now lay discarded on the floor. “Hey,” he protested, but not without a ghost of a smile, “what’s this all about?” “We need to bend him just a little,” Marcel winked. “I want to reach…” he trailed a hand over Brennus’ chest, “all the right spots.” Marcel knelt in front of Brennus and studied his cock. “But first, I whet my appetite on his cock.” Darien took his own cock into his hand, licking his lips in anticipation as he watched Marcel feast 26

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on Brennus’ erection. He stroked his shaft as Marcel took Brennus deep in his throat. With his free hand, he stroked Marcel’s long dark hair then brought his hand around to tweak his nipple. Marcel began to moan, thoroughly enjoying his task. Brennus let his head roll back, quietly savouring the experience. Darien’s gaze moved over Brennus’ throat, the smooth muscles in his chest. Something about the way Marcel’s hand now possessively clutched Brennus’ ass coloured his sexual excitement with a twinge of jealously. It was unexpected. He suddenly didn’t want Marcel touching Brennus. He swallowed it. ”I want to fuck you,” Darien said suddenly, moving around to the back of Brennus, “now.” It wasn’t a request. He glanced over Brennus’ shoulder at Marcel, who looked up at him, his eyes glowing. What about our bond? Darien grabbed hold of Brennus’ hips and rammed his hard cock into him. Brennus gasped. If you hadn’t been so focussed on Marcel sucking that greedy cock of yours, stud, you would have felt it coming. No response. Darien began to move in and out of him, indulging in the feeling of being inside Brennus, taking him out of himself, moving him to another place, a place of sublime pleasure. A peace lulled over him. Brennus growled softly, his jaw open as his 27

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head went back, teeth exposed. His body trembled on the brink of relief. Darien slowed down his pace, glancing at Marcel again, who fixed him with a look of definite challenge. So this is how it is to be? He was mine, first. In fact, he’s never truly been yours at all, Darien. You’re wrong. He’s not yours. You’re his. I can’t forgive you for that. But still a part of you wants me because I made you, Darien. Darien began to thrust again. Marcel redoubled his efforts. Brennus reacted with unexpected fury. Both Darien and Marcel went flying in separate directions, half way across the room. “My body is not a wrestling arena!” Both of them lay stunned for a moment as Brennus stood there in between them, arms folded across his chest. “What in hell was that?” Marcel stood up first. “I forgot how powerful you are.” He rubbed his leg. He walked over and held out his hand to Darien. “Not very wise,” Brennus hissed at him. Darien took Marcel’s hand, and rose to his feet. “I thought this was what you wanted,” Brennus said to Darien. “I thought…” “I did. I mean, I do,” he said. “It’s just that…” “He’s jealous,” Marcel laughed. “Darien would 28

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like to pretend that you and I have no history together, that he can have us both.” “That was the idea,” Brennus said. “But neither one of you are mature enough to handle it.” “He started it,” Darien accused. “I didn’t start anything,” Marcel laughed, throwing his hands up in the air. “You sound like two children,” Brennus clipped. He started to put on his clothes. “Work it out,” he said, holding his shirt in his hand. “Let me know when you do,” he said, and walked out the door. “What was that?” Darien complained. Marcel grinned. He walked over to the bed, sat down then patted it. “It was Brennus’ way of saying he’s getting out of the middle, figuratively and literally. Come here.” “Here, where?” “Darien,” Marcel said. “Don’t play games. You want me. It’s natural. And Brennus has given strict orders.” “Brennus?” “He told me before he left to take you, make love to you. He’s not threatened by me. He knows you love him.” He held out his hand. Darien smiled softly. “Why didn’t he stay?” “Because he knows if he does, we’ll focus on him, rather than on each other. We both know why, don’t we?” 29

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Darien sighed and sat down on the bed. “No competition over who loves him the most then?” “That’s a competition,” Marcel said, moving a hand over Darien’s thigh, “that could go on forever.” Darien touched some of Marcel’s silky black hair, pushed it back over his shoulder. “Good thing we have all this time, isn’t it?” Marcel pulled him closer and pressed his mouth against Darien’s. He bit down gently on his bottom lip and licked the blood there. Darien crawled on top of him and straddled his lap. The kiss deepened and Marcel lowered them both down on the bed, allowing Darien to cover his chest and stomach with kisses. He licked the length of his maker’s shaft and felt Marcel press his head down between his legs. “That’s it,” he urged softly, “suck it, fledging. Make it yours.” **** When Darien caught up with Brennus a few hours later, he seemed distracted. He smiled when Darien approached, but didn’t speak. “Is it the sweaty bodies on the dance floor or the music that’s taken you away from me?” Darien braved. “It’s not what you think,” he said, reaching over and pushing a stray lock of dark hair off Darien’s forehead. “It’s time had come.” 30

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“Let’s not talk about that.” “We don’t have to.” “Meaning you can read me like a book?” “More or less,” he said, his eyes still on the dance floor. “You know that I love you.” “Yes. You don’t need to tell me all the time.” “You don’t like it when I tell you?” “Of course I do,” he said, moving closer, putting an arm around his shoulders. “Marcel loves you as much as I do.” “Perhaps.” He gave him a brief hug then moved away. “Not perhaps. I know. And I feel even closer to you now.” “Because you’ve been with Marcel?” He lifted an eyebrow. “You wanted it. You…” “I didn’t say I wanted it. I said it’s time had come.” “I hate it when you get like this.” “You hate it when I get like what?” He wasn’t looking at him again. “Distant, philosophical, fucking priestly.” Brennus raised an eyebrow. He met his gaze. A few seconds later he smiled. “Don’t smile at me as if I’m a child you need to indulge.” “You are a child…to me. Remember how old I 31

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am?” “You don’t need to remind me. You’re stuffy enough.” “Stuffy?” “This is the twenty first century.” “I’m aware, yes.” Darien sighed, shook his head. “Do you calculate everything, regardless of the way it will make you feel?” “I don’t follow.” “You left me alone with Marcel, threw us together because of some crap about its time had come, and yet, you’re not even telling me what you feel.” “I feel…” He stopped. Darien stared at him, trying to read his feelings. Brennus had erected a big wall. It was not unusual. “You feel what?” He shrugged. “What?” Darien urged. “And it’s not crap.” “What’s not crap?” He shook his head. The music changed. The dance floor grew dim, couples moved their bodies together. “It’s just that…the time had come…and these dire…declarations,” Darien clicked his tongue. “Nothing dire about it,” he said. “Sooner or later, you would have gone to Marcel. I just 32

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decided to be the one to determine when. That’s all.” Darien narrowed his eyes. “And that’s okay with you?” “Darien!” Brennus looked at him. His eyes glowed angrily. “Stop playing with me. Things are the way they are. I already told you all I’m going to…I…” He wanted to dance with him. He wanted to hold him close in his arms so badly that he could taste it. But it wasn’t going to happen. Brennus was angry with him. He could feel it. It was like an inferno building inside of him. It was time to end the conversation. **** “Why Marcel?” Vortimere admired his reflection in the mirrored wall which suddenly sprang up in front of him. “If you want Brennus, I should look like Darien.” “We must first get Darien out of the way. You will have to wait for Brennus.” “He is a prize worth waiting for.” “Worth doing anything for?” “Of course, but…” “Then listen, you must follow these directions exactly as they are laid out. Do you understand?” “Of course,” Vortimere smiled, running his 33

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hands over his hot, new body. “I’m listening.” **** Darien left Brennus standing on the balcony of the club, staring out at the lights. He made his way through the club, pausing when he noticed a familiar figure on the dance floor. A half naked Marcel moved his body seductively to the beat. Skin tight Lycra pants clung to every bulge and curve, and his upper torso, naked and bronzed, looked carved out of granite, every inch of it succulent and deliciously tempting. To hell with Brennus tonight. The surrounding, predominantly male patrons reached out to touch Marcel as he seductively gyrated among them like a tantalizing tease. When several of the other dancers closed in on him, Darien was startled. He was sure Marcel was in danger. He moved quickly, jumping over the throng, and pulling them away. Marcel smiled at him, his pants half undone. “What is it? Why did you stop them?” “I thought you were…what’s going on?” When the faces turned around to look at Darien, he balked. Demons. They were all demons. “Come on, Darien?” He held out his hand. “Come with me.” 34

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“Where…where are we going?” “To paradise,” he whispered, “to where all your wildest dreams will come true. Let me take you there. Let me take you to Decadence.” Darien reached out for his hand as the demons moved in closer to him, seeming desperate to touch him. He felt his resolve weaken as Marcel pulled him closer. “Come…come…” **** Brennus suddenly had the strangest feeling. It was as though his heart were being ripped out. He looked down into the street below. There was screaming coming from somewhere and he felt as if the earth moved beneath his feet. The stars were twinkling brightly in the sky one minute, then completely gone the next. When he turned around, the club was in darkness. There was no more music. “Darien,” he said. He started to run. “Darien?” Inside, the club was empty, as if it had been swallowed up by something, the people and the contents. When he heard the footsteps behind him, he whirled around, snarled. “You’re usually more alert. You can’t sense your own kindred anymore, Brennus?” Brennus narrowed his eyes. “What have you done with Darien? Where is everyone? What in 35

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hell is happening here?” “Why would I hurt my own?” “He’s not yours. And you’re not my kin. You’re not Marcel.” He laughed. “You’re losing it, my beautiful Brennus, my love, my only love.” Brennus glanced around him. He heard a voice. Brennus. He held out his hand. “Come with me. You want to see Darien, don’t you?” Brennus. No. I command you. “Command me? Who are you?” “I didn’t command you, my sire. I simply asked if you wanted to see Darien again.” “I’m not your sire. You’re not Marcel. I can sense Marcel. He’s my blood. You’re not my blood. Where is Darien? If you’ve laid one hand on him, I’ll…” “He’s waiting for you, in the depths of ambrosia. You can have him. You can have anything if you…” Brennus. Don’t listen to him. He is evil. You must come. Come now. Everything we hold sacred depends on it. “Who are you?” Brennus demanded. “You know who I am. I am Marcel.” “Not you,” Brennus snapped. “Shut up. Who is that voice?” This time the voice spoke aloud. “Vortimere. 36

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It’s Vortimere, trying to keep you from Darien.” “Take me to Darien now,” Brennus demanded, following the figure of Marcel across the floor. After he’d taken a few steps, he saw a circle form in the air. It weaved back and forth, clouded with grey mist. “Come,” Marcel urged, reaching out his hand. Brennus held out his hand but suddenly felt a huge gust of wind blow him backward. He landed on his back, shaking himself a little as he sprang to his feet. He heard a terrible roar and his eyes widened as he saw a monstrous face peer out of the circle. Brennus tried to move forward again, but couldn’t. The face appeared again, red eyes glowing at him. Suddenly, everything went dark. **** “I don’t understand,” Anna said. Anita had been silent for at least ten minutes. Zendle paced the floor. Suddenly, Anita stood up. “We need to find Brennus. He has to be aware of his role in all this.” “In all what?” Anna complained. “I haven’t noticed anything.” “It’s going to begin wherever Brennus is,” Anita said, walking over to her computer. “We need to check for any unusual events which have happened in the last twenty-four hours. That’s 37

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where we’ll find Brennus and Darien.” “So, you’re trying to tell me that Brennus is some kind of a…warrior?” Zendle glanced at her. “He was hand picked to fight this evil, an evil that was bound to be unleashed.” “By me? Why in the hell me?” “Could have been anyone,” Anita said. “It’s not your fault. What’s done is done…here, I think I found something.” Zendel and Anna crowded around Anita. “There was a report of a lot of people disappearing out of a club on Rue Chabanais in Paris. Authorities say that when they arrived, all the patrons were gone, along with the tables, the bar, everything. Also, there were reports of some strange happenings in the sky, and an exaggerated number of violent crimes within several blocks of that club. That’s where Brennus and Darien were.” She looked at Zendle. “We may need to go to France.” “Oh, no.” He shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere.” “This could be the end of the world as we know it. Don’t you care? Brennus needs to know that…” “This little lady wanted me to help her destroy him a few hours ago,” Zendle said. “I’m no hero. Your group has always shunned me, kept me outside and…” 38

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“This is no time to get revenge, Zendle. The truth is you’re the most powerful witch I know. It’s no time for personality conflicts. Are you going to help me find Brennus, or not?” He sighed. “First, let’s see if we can summon him.” Anita nodded. “Okay. In the meantime, Anna, make the reservations for Paris.” “I’m going with you.” “Too dangerous,” Anita said. “Anita, I just opened a portal to hell.” She gave her an ironic look. “You’ve got a point. Make three,” Anita said. **** “Darien?” Brennus blinked, holding onto his head as he sat up. “Where in the hell…?” he began, getting to his feet. It looked familiar. It looked too damn familiar. He glanced down at himself. He was out in the middle of nowhere. “No,” he said to no one, “please, don’t make me relive it again.” That night, Vortimere had led him out there under false pretences, sexually violated him and then burned him alive. “Yes,” a voice said, “you remember that. But what you’ve forgotten is how you came back.” “I was ashes,” he said. “And suddenly I…” He saw himself screaming, his body collecting 39

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itself, and suddenly he was walking upright, thirsting. “Why this? Why a vampire?” No answer. The wind blew fiercely around him. He shivered, naked. “I feel the cold, like a mortal.” “Here, you are mortal, Brennus. Walk to the river.” “Darien. Where is Darien? Is he safe?” “No one is safe.” “What was that beast…that monster in the portal?” “Pan. But he is one of many. More critical now is Kiron, the soul eater. If he defeats you, all will be lost. Demons will rule the earth.” Brennus stopped at the river. “Step into the water.” “Why?” “It is time, Brennus. It is what you were resurrected for. Come before your creators.” Suddenly a fire lit across the water. Brennus looked behind him at the place where his mortal body had perished. “More fire?” he muttered ironically. “Yes,” the voice whispered, “but this time, there will be no pain.” **** “Brennus,” Darien said, running to him and 40

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throwing his arms around him, “what’s happening? What are you doing here?” Brennus smiled down at him. “I’m here because you want me to be. Come walking with me.” “We can’t go out there,” Darien cautioned. “There’s sun.” “The sun can’t hurt us here, my love,” he said. “We’re mortal.” “Mortal?” Darien blinked. “How?” “Does it matter? I love you. I want you to stay here with me, forever.” Darien squeezed his arm and pulled him closer. “I want to be anywhere that you are, you know that.” Brennus smiled. Outside they were surrounded by beautiful, fragrant flowers. The birds were chirping in the trees. Darien breathed in the fresh air. “It seems like forever since I’ve been in the daylight. I don’t know how you did this, Brennus, but…” He looked up at him, into those beautiful blue eyes. He moved his hand through his golden hair, pulled his mouth down on his. Brennus kissed him tenderly, pulled him closer into his arms. Darien reared back, began undoing Brennus’ shirt. “Can we?” “There’s no one here,” he said, his voice sounding thick with emotion. “Do you want to make love to me, Darien, here among the fragrant 41

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scent of roses and jasmine?” “Is that what that is?” Darien smiled coyly, moving the shirt off of Brennus’ broad shoulders. He let his gaze move over his chest, the rippling muscles, the swell of biceps. The tip of his tongue titillated his nipples, stiffening them. He reached for his pants at the same time, sliding down the zipper, dipping his fingers inside to take out his cock, already hard, already his. Brennus didn’t move when Darien went to his knees and took his cock into his mouth. It tasted sweet, it tasted like Brennus. I love you so much, Brennus. I’ve dreamt of us being together like this. This is just the beginning of… Darien suddenly felt as if he couldn’t breathe. The cock in his mouth was becoming something else, expanding, closing off his throat. He tasted the blood in his mouth, a razor sharp edge cutting, puncturing. God, Brennus, what are you doing? Why are you… “I’m loving you,” came the answer. “Pain is the pathway to ecstasy, my love. Get used to it. This is only the beginning.” **** Vortimere was confused. “I want some answers,” he screamed out in the darkness. “I want to know where I am, and why you keep moving me in and 42

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out of so many bodies. Where in hell is Brennus? This is not what I agreed to.” “You are a servant,” a voice told him. “You have no right to agree or disagree with anything.” “I want to know where Brennus is.” “We gave you a simple task and you failed.” Suddenly several voices were speaking as one. “You were to bring Brennus here to us. Now he is with them.” “Them? Them who? And if you sent me to bring Brennus to you, I told you, you should have put me into Darien, not Marcel.” “Marcel is his blood. He made that demon.” “Yes, and Darien is his love. And I’m afraid love is thicker than blood in Brennus’ case.” Vortimere laughed at his own joke. “Silence, fool. If you want Brennus’ body as a dalliance then you must find him and bring him to us.” “You said he was with them. Who do you mean?” “Ensere, the Goddess of sorcery, and her sisters. They created him for this.” “Filthy, horny bitches in heat,” Vortimere sneered. “Why did you send Darien to Pan?” “I…I didn’t.” “You lie.” “I did it for you.” 43

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“Me?” He laughed. “Pan is my enemy.” “I told him it was a peace offering from you, that you wished to negotiate.” “I will negotiate nothing with that lowlife. We must have Brennus’ soul. If we had his lover, he’d come to me. You are an idiot. If you play both sides, Vortimere, I’ll squash you like a bug.” “I’ll find Brennus, I promise. Please, I am your servant. How do I find Brennus?” Silence. Vortimere got on his knees. “Please. I want to help you.” “You want to help yourself to Brennus’ cock. One more chance. Don’t waste time. Every minute lost is critical. Bring him to me.” **** “I’ve tried every summoning spell I know,” Zendle shook his head. “I can’t reach Brennus. He is somewhere impenetrable, and so is Darien. But they are not together.” “Not together. Are you sure of that?” Anita asked. He nodded, taking Anita aside so that Anna wouldn’t hear. “They are definitely in two different places, two completely separate planes of existence…and I don’t get a good feeling about Darien. I feel his aura fading, but even though I 44

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can’t establish contact with Brennus, his aura is even stronger than before…and it’s one hell of an aura.” He lifted his eyebrows up and down. Anita made a face. “Get your mind out of the gutter.” “There’s something I need to tell you, something I read in the Book of the Fourth Realm. It’s about Brennus.” “What? What is it?” “We’re booked on a red eye,” Anna announced suddenly, walking into the room. “Any luck?” Anita and Zendel drew apart. Zendel shook his head, cautioning Anita with his eyes. “I’ll keep trying.”

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Chapter Three

B

rennus emerged naked out of the water, his wet body bathed in warm sunlight. On the shore stood three female figures, wrapped in gold sarongs, their endless hair piled on top of their heads. The one in the center stepped forward and bowed her head to him. “I’m Ensere. These are my sisters in the faith, Tobia and Ginsen.” She ran her gaze over him slowly. “My, but you are a beautiful child. Perhaps it was one of the reasons you were chosen.” She glanced at the other two. Brennus mouthed the word ‘child.’ There was laughter. “I am also the goddess of fertility,” Ensere said. “It’s a habitual figure of speech. I am fond of strong, male genes.” Brennus shivered in spite of the sun, studying them in awe. “Why did you resurrect me?” “Many reasons,” Ensere replied. “The planets and stars were well placed for one, but mainly because of your suffering, because of the way in which you suffered, the evident stamina and grace 46

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in spite of the humiliation.” “You resurrected me because I died well?” “Nicely said. But you should know that you are the one.” “The one?” She beckoned with her hand and a shadowy figure produced a robe for him to put on. He looked at it. “A priest’s robe? Is this a joke?” “Not at all. It’s what you are.” “Not any more. So,” he said, shrugging into the robe, “I wasn’t a demon’s spawn then.” “Some consider me to be a demon, but not all demons are alike. Come,” she motioned. He followed her across a warm beach to a place by a fire. She invited him to sit on the sand. He chose a place away from the fire. “You still don’t like it.” “No. I detest it.” “You fear it.” “I remember. Even from this distance, I can feel the fire licking my flesh. I can smell the burning.” “You had to suffer to be worthy.” The other two watched him silently. “Don’t they talk?” “When they need to.” “Worthy of what?” “Darien’s sister opened the portal of Decadence.” “She did what?” 47

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“She opened up a portal to hell. This portal is overseen by Pan, the demon of lust, among others. And Kiron, the demon who wants to condemn your soul, he too wants to rule the human world.” “Why would Anna fool around with that kind of stuff? She’s not even a witch.” “She now fancies herself one. She wanted to bring her brother back among the living. Anna asked for the Book of the fourth Realm. In that book is a spell which can resurrect the dead, even vampires. To have this book, she accidentally opened the portal of Decadence.” Brennus was speechless for a moment. “It’s impossible, isn’t it, to give a vampire back their mortality?” “Not impossible, complicated and costly. She was willing to destroy you to do it.” “If Darien wanted his mortality back, I’d gladly give my life to…” He swallowed. “Where is Darien?” “He’s in Decadence, on the other side of the portal. They’re keeping him there in a dream state.” “I’m going after him.” “They won’t kill him until they are sure he is of no use to them. They are using him as bait to get to you. And Vortimere is involved. He is playing every angle to have you.” “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” 48

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“Kiron’s kin has promised him your body. They want only your soul. Your soul is worth more than all the other vampires put together. Whoever ends up with your soul will have the greatest power.” “Perfect.” “Vortimere must really want your body badly, Brennus. He is playing with more demons than he realises. I often wondered about his obsession but then I watched you come out of the water, the water licking your body and…” She lifted her hands, “I understand.” “That said, what is it you expect me to do again…save the world from demons?” “We did have something in mind when we chose you for this. Your stamina, your strength, is critical. You are the only one who can fight them— that is, if they don’t corrupt your soul first. It will be the greatest challenge you’ll ever face.” “Save the world? Piece of cake,” he clipped with a wiry grin. “It was foretold.” “And the outcome? Is that foretold as well?” “That’s not so clear,” she said softly. “We know of nothing written after the foretelling of the Golden God, which doesn’t mean the forth book is the last one. We suspect that Pan may have something else hidden away.” “Perfect.” Brennus sighed. “I’m no God.” Ensere smiled. “I understand how 49

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overwhelmed you feel, but you are the chosen one, the only one who can take on this challenge. We gave you immortality for this.” “I don’t even know where to begin.” “We can help you with that. First, you need to challenge Kiron, and kill him. As long as he exists, your soul is in danger. You also need to deal with Vortimere. Be careful. He will not be in his true form.” “It makes it difficult to trust anyone.” “True. The wizard Zendel is on his way to France with Anita and Anna. Use them. They can help you.” She stood up. “Finally, you will face Pan. Good luck, Brennus, and remember, you are our child and we love you.” A cyclone blew up around him. He felt his body whirling into space, out of control. Suddenly he was standing in front of Le Marais Hotel in Paris. Someone was calling him, a mortal. Zendle. Zendel wasn’t exactly his favourite person, but Ensere had directed him here. He knew nothing about this demon who wanted to corrupt his soul, had no idea how to draw him out and defeat him. He walked into the lobby of the hotel, glanced at the curved stairway set out before him and began to climb. **** 50

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“He’s coming,” Zendle told Anita. Anna looked frightened. “He’s come to kill me.” “Don’t be ridiculous,” Anita said. “You’re Darien’s sister. He wouldn’t harm you.” “If you don’t invite him in, he can’t enter,” Anna looked desperately at Zendel, then Anita. “That only works in private dwellings, Anna,” Brennus said suddenly as the door of the hotel room blew open. He stood there, his gaze fixed on Anna. “But for the sake of manners, I’ll wait for an invitation.” “Come in, Brennus,” Anita said. “Don’t mind Anna. She’s a little jumpy.” Brennus walked in and closed the door behind him. “By chance, is your fear the result of your desperate attempt to find a way to destroy me?” He smiled at her like an indulgent father. “I only wanted…” She took a step back, tears falling onto her cheeks. “I miss Darien.” “Yes. And now he is more gone than ever before.” He looked at Zendel. “Are you aware of what we’re up against?” “I’ve read the Book of the Fourth Realm. Who knew you were more than just a gorgeous hunk of vampire, Brennus.” Brennus cocked his head. “So it’s true.” “You doubted it?” Zendle inquired. “You were made for it apparently by the…” 51

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“Ancient Druid Goddesses of sorcery. They foresaw this event a long time ago.” He looked at Anna. “This wasn’t really your fault. You just played your part, a part you were destined to play.” “What about Vortimere?” Zendle probed. “Is everything that’s happened destiny?” “It could be,” he shrugged. “Darien too?” Anita whispered. She looked afraid. “I’m not sure where Darien fits yet.” “He may be your undoing,” Zendle cautioned. Brennus glanced away, said nothing. “Why are you here, exactly? You heard Zendle calling to you?” Anita asked him. He looked up. “Just outside, yes, not before.” He looked at Zendle. “Ensere sent me to you. I need to find the demon who is out to damn my soul. I have to kill it.” Zendle scratched his head. He looked at Anita. “They sent Brennus to me.” Anita nodded. “In spite of your practises in the past…I mean, I knew you were the one…the most powerful, and apparently more important in all this than I imagined. The rules be damned. I’m with you, Zendle.” Amazingly Zendle didn’t look self righteous. “Can this really be the end of the world?” Anna shook her head. 52

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Brennus moved toward her. He reached out and touched her hand. She looked afraid but she didn’t back away. “Don’t fear me,” he said. “I would never hurt you, Anna. I’m going to try and save your brother. I would have gladly given my life if I thought he could regain his mortality.” She relaxed. “I don’t fear you, Brennus.” He turned to Zendle and Anita. “You must help me find this soul eating demon. Vortimere is involved. Vortimere appeared to me in that club where everyone disappeared. He was in Marcel’s body. He tried to get me to come with him. He took Darien. Darien is in Decadence. They will try to use Darien as bait, get me to go there.” “Why would Vortimere send Darien to Decadence? Why not to Kiron, the soul eater?” Anita asked. “Vortimere doesn’t do loyalty,” Brennus said. “He serves himself. I’m afraid I don’t know all the answers yet.” “The demon is Kiron,” Zendle said. “He has two sons, Athieoust and Diabolican. Diabolican has taken many vampire souls. Your soul is valuable.” “I know.” “Because you are the chosen one,” Anita nodded. “It all makes sense.” “I need to kill all three of them then?” “Ideally,” Zendle said. “But if you kill Kiron, 53

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his sons will lose significant power. They are fuelled by the father, much like a battery.” “How do I kill him, this Kiron?” “You must pass the boundary of Limbet,” Anita said, walking over to the bed and opening the large book. Brennus came to stand beside her. “It is here you will find Limbet.” She pointed to a place on the map. “It’s a portal then?” “Yes,” Zendle said. “You need the right spell. Anita and I can help you to enter. It is a place of tricks and mirrors, filled with illusion. Getting to Kiron is like finding the door in a labyrinth.” “He’s immortal like me, so how…?” Brennus narrowed his eyes. “You must rip out his heart,” Zendle said. Anita wrinkled her nose. “And eat it.” “Eat it?” Brennus echoed. “And the effect?” “We don’t know,” Zendle said. “Okay, so I do that, then what?” “We have to destroy the demons that have already crossed the porthole. We’re working on a spell now to contain them, but it won’t hold them for long. Hopefully if we close the porthole, you won’t have to face Pan.” “And if I do have to face Pan? Can I kill him?” Zendle sighed. “He is the God of lust. Lust won’t die, but it can be smothered to a…let’s say,” he grinned, “civilized manner. Picture me, 54

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unleashed, and you have Pan.” Brennus made a face. “I don’t believe you’re the right one to consult on this one. I have a feeling you and Pan have great affinity.” “Are you flirting with me, vampire?” Zendle batted his eyes. Brennus shook his head. He looked at Anita. “Get me to Kiron.” Anna clutched Brennus’ arm suddenly. “And Darien? What about my brother?” Brennus touched her cheek briefly. “Don’t worry, my girl, I will do all that’s in my power to make sure Darien survives this. Trust me. They won’t destroy him yet.” She nodded. “We do the spell at midnight,” Zendle said. “There are no guarantees.” “I’ll be back,” Brennus said, and left the hotel. **** Darien was no longer outside in a beautiful garden. He was in semi-darkness, surrounded by instruments of torture and moaning shadows. He spit out the blood on the floor, strips of flesh now hanging inside his mouth. He looked up to see Brennus staring down at him, those blue eyes rimmed with blood. “This is who I am, Darien, your lover, the vampire you’d give your life for. 55

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Do you still love me?” He began to laugh as he picked Darien up by the collar. “Kiss me, Darien.” He yanked him close and kissed his mouth hard. The pain was intense. Darien pulled away, spit more blood on the floor. “Why are you…what’s happened to you? Where are we?” “You prefer Marcel to me now, is that it? You desire your sire? I can be who ever you want me to be, my love.” Suddenly Marcel stood in front of him. Darien recoiled from him. “What in…what’s happening? Where is Brennus? You’re not Brennus.” He shook his head. “We’re not in Paris anymore.” “No, Dorothy,” he whispered with a smirk, “and we’re not in Oz either.” **** Brennus could smell the vampire even before the guard was aware Brennus was approaching. He reached out with one hand, without even glancing at him, and broke his neck. He pushed open the door to the crypt, and called out for Arcan. A few minutes later, Arcan emerged, not exactly thrilled to have his sleep interrupted. “Very impolite, Brennus, interrupting my sleep like this. I thought you were in Paris with Darien?” “I’m back. I need your help.” 56

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“My help?” he glanced at him. “I would be most pleased to help you, Brennus, but I’m surprised you require any. Darien is a vampire now. Can he not satisfy your carnal urges?” “This has nothing to do with my carnal urges. The portal to Decadence has been opened.” Arcan said nothing for a moment. He looked around the dusty burial cave. “This is not the best place to discuss this.” “I have no time for formalities. I need you to assemble as many vampires as possible. There are demons escaping into our world as we speak. We must destroy them before we are overrun.” “Our world? This is not our world, Brennus. This is the world of mortals. I’m afraid you’ve lived in their world for too long, forgotten who you are. We have far more in common with what is penetrating that portal than with those mortals we live among.” “Don’t be a fool, Arcan,” Brennus said, “if we are overrun by Pan’s minions, this world won’t be fit for any of us. We’ll become their slaves. You were once a part of humanity. Have you absolutely no sentiment left for it?” “And Marcel, where is he in all this?” “I don’t know. I would presume at my side.” “And Darien?” “He has been taken.” “So this is all about Darien?” 57

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“No, it’s not all about Darien! It’s about the end of this world as we know it.” “Then the Prophesy is true? You are the chosen the one, the Golden God.” “What do you know about this? I, myself, knew nothing until just recently.” Arcan moved closer to him. “There is an ancient vampire text that speaks of a vampire, a Golden God, who will be a champion of humans. I thought it was a myth.” “What else does this book say?” Brennus insisted. “It says…” He paused, reached up and touched Brennus’ hair. “You will not survive this, my friend.” He nodded. “Will you help me? Will you call all the vampires you can? They respect you.” “They will fight if they believe the Prophesy is true.” “And you?” Brennus met his eyes. Arcan opened his arms. “My child,” he whispered, embracing him. Then suddenly he slid to his knees. Brennus took a step back, eyes widening when Arcan bowed his head and said, “Master.” **** “Where is Brennus?” Marcel demanded, his fangs 58

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exposed. Anna shot up out of her chair, frightened, and called out to Anita. Anita came into the room from the adjoining one. Zendle followed cautiously. “Calm down,” Zendle said. “He was here. He will come back.” He studied him carefully. “Sit down, Marcel, if you are really Marcel.” Anita reached for the cross she was wearing around her neck. She clutched her fingers around it, drawing Anna closer to her. Marcel ignored the request. “They’ve taken Darien. It’s my place to protect him. If Brennus knows where he is, then…” “Vortimere has contaminated you,” Zendle accused. “He used your body to lure Darien to the portal of Decadence, and then tried to trick Brennus as well.” “I had no part in that. He must have projected my image. I would never side with Vortimere.” “You did before when Vortimere promised to share Brennus’ body with you.” Marcel said nothing. “How do I know I can trust you?” “You don’t. Where is this portal?” He went to take a step toward them. Anita held up the cross. A hand clamped down on Marcel’s shoulder suddenly, riveting him to the spot. Anita breathed a sigh of relief when she saw 59

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Brennus standing behind Marcel. “You don’t need to be asking so many questions,” he growled. He released him and Marcel turned, his eyes filled with pain. “What’s happening? Darien is lost to me.” Brennus’ instinct was to get angry, to tell Marcel that Darien couldn’t possibly be lost to him. He wasn’t his. But he was. Darien was his, perhaps in a different way, but no less real. If Marcel’s interest was in saving Darien, then he could use all the help he could get. He opened his arms. Marcel moved into them. Brennus stroked his dark hair, closing his eyes for a moment. He knew the mortals in the room didn’t understand. They didn’t need to. Right now, Marcel was a comfort to him, in spite of his mixed emotions. He shared his blood. He was perhaps the only one who could understand. He released him. “I have spoken to Arcan.” Brennus looked at Zendle. “Arcan will call the vampires. They will try and take care of the demons that have already come through. They will descend on Paris by tomorrow night. There is a prohibition on mortal feeding. They are to seek out demons and feed on them only.” “Why would they want to save mortals?” Anita asked. “They know about me from some ancient 60

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vampire text.” He paused, shook his head. “I can hardly believe what I’m saying anymore.” “There has been some unusual activity in the area,” Anna braved. “Activity we could only attribute to demons,” Anita added. “People with their heads on backward and…” She shuddered. Brennus looked at Marcel. He nodded, and reached over to touch Brennus’ hand. “I love you,” he said aloud. “I know. I want you to help Arcan lead them.” “No,” Marcel shook his dark head. “I want to go with you.” “I have to do this alone. Do as I say.” Marcel lowered his head.

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Chapter Four

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arien was drifting. He smelt the flowers. He smelt blood. He opened his eyes and tried to move, but couldn’t. His arms were stretched out to his sides and manacled to the wall. He glanced down to see that his ankles had been shackled as well. “Call out to your lover,” a hushed voice urged. “Bring him to you. He will help you.” “No,” Darien said. He winced as the sting of an invisible lash hit his chest. He glanced down to see a line of blood bubble to the surface, all the way down to his stomach. “Torturing your body is a pleasure for me,” the voice said. “Wait until you see what I plan to do with your cock.” “I’m a vampire. I will heal.” “No. Not here, you’re not,” the voice cajoled. “Here, you are nothing but a flesh and blood mortal man, who will die and decay…and feel 62

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pain. I plan to leave scars. Even if you do ever see your golden lover again, he won’t want you anymore. I guarantee it. Now, call him!” Darien took a deep breath, and rasped, “No.” **** Marcel followed Antia, Zendle, Anna, and Brennus, as they walked deep into Belleau Woods. “Many people died here,” Brennus said demurely as they walked. “It was a battle field,” Marcel added. “It’s a fitting place to do the spell,” Zendle commented. They stopped, surrounded by trees. It was quiet. Zendle reached for Anita’s hand, and motioned to Brennus. Brennus moved forward tentatively, glancing back at Marcel. “I’m depending on you to make sure the demons are taken care of, to keep the rogue vampires in line.” “I could better serve you by…” “No,” he said. “If I don’t come back, someone has to rescue Darien.” Marcel nodded. “I still can’t sense Darien’s aura,” Zendle shook his head. “I can’t seem to penetrate the barrier.” “Keep trying,” Brennus swallowed. “And if you reach him, Zendel, tell him to hold faith. Tell him 63

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I’m coming for him.” Zendle nodded. “Okay, do this. I’m ready.” He felt the sword he held in his hand, heavy and sure, with a decided hook on the end, designed to carve into Kiron’s chest. “And after I’m gone, go quickly back to the hotel and lock your doors.” Anna reached out to Brennus. She walked over and held up an amulet in front of him. There were three crystal stars connected to it. “The stars were like this the night you were reborn,” she said. “Put it on. Wrap thee in cotton, and bind thee with love. Protection from pain surround like a glove. May the brightest of blessings surround thee this night. For thou art cared for, healing thoughts sent in flight.” Brennus put it around his neck, smiling down at her. “It will protect you. I only wish I’d done it for Darien before…” Her lip trembled. “Thank you, Anna.” She nodded. Zendle looked at him. Brennus nodded. Zendle put up his hands, Anita as well. They looked at the night sky, and began chanting together. “Patefacio ianua ut everto of fatum animus. Videlicet obstaculum quod permissum him obduco ut ceterus pars…obduco ut ceterus 64

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pars…obduco ut certerus pars…” Brennus felt the ground tremble beneath his feet. He clutched the sword tighter in his hand and felt the heat touch his face. He shuddered. Fire. There was fire all around him…and there was the porthole. He closed his eyes, swallowed his nightmares and pushed forward. “Brennus!” Marcel called out. He looked at Zendel and Anita who had fallen to the ground. “He’s gone. If he doesn’t come back…” His eyes glowed red in the darkness. “I have surrounded him with my protection spell,” Anna said softly. “He’ll be all right.” “Do you think I hold in store this mumble jumble nonsense of yours?” Marcel scoffed. Zendle helped Anita to her feet. “It was what he needed to do, Marcel,” Anita said, brushing off her skirt. “Now, do as Brennus asked you, like you promised him you would.” “I should have gone with him,” he said, then disappeared into the woods. “Come on,” Zendle motioned to the two women, “we need to get back to the hotel. If the vampires descend on Paris tonight, then we don’t want to be caught in the cross fire.” Anita shuddered. “No.” She took Anna’s arm and they hurried out of the words in the direction of the street. 65

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**** Vortimere stood outside the hotel, waiting. He needed to know what was happening. To do that, he would pick on the weakest link. He just had to get her alone. He glanced at his reflection in the hotel window, and smiled. He had spent a good amount of time choosing his body. He wanted to look as much like Brennus as possible, without being his clone. This one had the same gold hair, blue eyes, and nice athletic body with all those glorious muscles and broad shoulders. Anna had been attracted to Brennus once. In fact, that’s how Brennus had met Darien. Darien had helped Anna do a love spell, and boy, was Brennus pissed. He’d never been one for the ladies. Vortimere smiled and walked into the lobby, nodding politely at every lady he saw. They nodded back, smiling. Why wouldn’t they? He was just about to go up to the desk and inquire about his pigeon when he saw the three figures enter the lobby. They seemed out of breath. Vortimere stood back, leaning on the counter. There was Anita, the middle aged, rotund witch, with her sleazy, not quite acceptable counterpart, Zendle. He was far more powerful than even he knew. Too bad, the order had shunned him. And there was Anna, sweet little Anna, who looked so 66

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much like her brother, Darien. It would be like taking candy from a baby. Vortimere hurried forward, careful to avoid looking at the two witches. He bumped headlong into Anna. “Oh my, I’m so sorry,” he said, steadying her. Before the other two could react, he pierced her gaze with his. Meet me outside in a half hour in front of the hotel. Do it, or I’ll kill your already un-dead vampire brother. “Anna,” Zendle said, reaching her now just as Vortimere hurried away. “Who was that?” “I don’t know,” she said, “just someone who bumped into me. Kind of cute.” “Come upstairs,” Anita said. **** Vortimere stood watching the show from a distance. It was a trip, being in two places at once. The man in the mask brought the whip down on Darien again. Darien cried out in pain. “Call him,” the demon torturer insisted. “Call your lover.” “Nooooooooooo!” Darien growled. Vortimere stepped forward, taking on the appearance of Brennus. He could only do it for minutes at a time, but it was a thrill to see the horror on Darien’s face. “Don’t you love me anymore, Darien?” He whispered. Darien gazed at him with pain filled eyes. 67

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“You’re not Brennus.” Vortimere scraped his nails over Darien’s torn flesh. Darien grunted. “The pleasant touch of your lover,” he whispered up beside Darien’s cheek. “You’ll never feel it again. He’s mine, vampire boy. After his soul is gone, there will be nothing left but his animal instincts and that beautiful succulent body of his. I will use it over and over for eternity. It’s my reward. I might even ask that they keep you alive so you can watch.” “He’ll never be yours,” Darien told him. “No matter what you do to him, or to me, he will never love you.” Vortimere stiffened. “Do you think I care anymore whether he loves me or not? I’ll have him on his knees to serve my every sexual whim.” Darien took a painful breath. “Oh, but you do care, Vortimere. You want his body, but what you really want, you can never have. It’s what you’ve wanted from the beginning, why you tortured and burned him alive. He’ll never love you. And even if I die here, I’ll die knowing that Brennus loves me, not you. I have his body and I have his heart, too. Tell me what you have again, Vortimere? By the looks of it, you have nothing.” Vortimere reached out and hit him hard in the face with his fist. “You will suffer,” he sneered. 68

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**** Brennus remembered this place. He had stood here on the edge of this very rock, pleading for Darien’s life. He wouldn’t be pleading this time. “Kiron!” he called out, his deep voice echoing in the canyon. “Come out and face me. You want my soul, come and get it.” “You promised to come back. You never did.” “I had better things to do,” Brennus said, looking around for any sign of movement. “Poor Brennus, everyone seems to want something from you, don’t they?” Brennus lifted the sword. “I’m waiting. Come on. Show yourself, Kiron.” He heard a shuffle behind. Turning around, Brennus’ eyes widened. The demon stood at least eight feet tall and was the size of ten men, covered with green skin, horned, with blood red eyes. “Mother of…” Brennus breathed. Then he lifted the sword over his head and prepared to fight. **** “Did you put a protection spell on Brennus?” “Yes,” Anna said. “And what were the exact words of the spell you used?” 69

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“I didn’t do the spell,” she shook her head, feeling as if she were in a dream. Vortimere took Anna by the shoulders. “Think, woman. Think. Is Brennus with Kiron?” “The soul eater,” she muttered. Vortimere released her. He transported himself to the edge of the woods and lifted up his hands. “Athieoust, bring me to Kiron. The vampire soul you require is there. Now!” **** Brennus looked down to see the massive head of Kiron roll across the rocky floor beneath them. He’d had to swing several times to sever it from his shoulders. Now, standing on Kiron’s chest, he slashed down with the sword into his chest and reached in his hand for the heart. With his fingers curled around the pulpy organ, he leaned forward. Then, he felt the sword slice down in between his shoulder blades and out through the chest. He gasped and stumbled back, the heart still in his hand. “Take it,” he heard a voice command far away, “take the vampire’s soul.” Darkness swirled around him and he felt the pull. It was like a vacuum sucking the life force out of him. He closed his eyes and fell into blackness. 70

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**** Anita and Zendle were searching frantically for Anna when they suddenly spotted Marcel. He landed solidly on his two feet directly in front of them. “Brennus,” he said to Zendle, “call him.” “I can’t. He’s on the other side of the…” “I can’t feel him anymore,” Marcel shook his head. Zendle looked at Anita. “You could feel him even when he left this plane?” “Yes. And now, nothing. It just happened. I should have gone with him. What are you doing out here? The vampires have descended on the city. They are taking care of the renegades. There are always those who don’t follow orders, consider this a buffet lunch. You should be inside.” “We’re looking for Anna,” Anita said. “She’s disappeared.” Marcel glared at them. “I’ll look for her. Meanwhile, old man, find Brennus, or you’re going to propel me through that porthole.” Zendle nodded. **** “He is now a mindless idiot, subject to our 71

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whims,” Vortimere said to Athieoust. “Have him stripped, and shackled. Do you have his soul?” “I do,” Athieoust said. “It is safe. That blood sucker did me a favour,” he said. “Not only am I the most powerful demon due to the ownership of Brennus’ soul, I am free of my father. He killed him for me. I can’t wait for that ingrate brother of mine to realise I’m in command.” “Not to mention Pan,” Vortimere rubbed his palms together. “Do you realise what negotiation power we have? We have rendered Brennus our slave.” He licked his lips. “Oh, what delights I have in store for Brennus, my perfect love, with his perfect body.” **** “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Marcel said as he walked into an alley to see Darien’s sister flanked by two vampires. “And why not?” one of them asked, drooling close to a terrified Anna’s throat. “She’s Darien’s sister, and Darien belongs to Brennus. Is that reason enough?” The vampire released her. “Now go and kill some demons. That’s what you were sent here for. If I catch you trying to feed on humans again, I’ll kill you.” They scurried off. Marcel looked at Anna. 72

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“Come on,” he said, holding out his hand. “Thank you,” she said, shaking. “It’s not free,” he said. “What…what do you mean?” “You’re going to send me to Brennus.” “I can’t. Brennus wouldn’t approve, and I don’t…” Marcel grabbed her arm and pulled her forward. “I can’t feel him anymore. That’s not good. If he dies, little girl, kiss your brother goodbye. Brennus is probably the only one who can save him. Now, take me through the fucking porthole.”

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Chapter Five

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arien had the worst feeling and it wasn’t only because of the constant state of pain he was in. It was a feeling of emptiness, as if his heart had been torn from his body. He closed his eyes. He tried to picture Brennus. “Where are you, baby?” Nothing. So instead, he went back in his memory, recalling the first time he ever saw Brennus. He remembered thinking how beautiful he was. They shook hands and then Brennus had bolted. He’d had no idea that he was the reincarnated spirit of Vortimere, an evil priest who had burnt him alive years before. Yet, they had overcome everything, fallen in love, banished Vortimere…they thought forever, but that bastard was back. If he lost Brennus, he would die. Right now, he felt as if he was dying. He tried to concentrate on the pleasure Brennus had given him. His mind went back to the first time they had made love. Vortimere was there, trying to take control, telling him that Brennus 74

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would never be his. Brennus had begun to unbutton Darien’s coat. “Don’t think this changes anything between us, Darien.” He had said his name, and Darien’s heart thudded in his chest. “Meaning you plan to fuck me, then kill me?” Darien said softly, moving his lips up beside his ear. He felt absolutely no fear. How could he? He had loved him so much, even then, wanted him more than he had ever wanted anything. Brennus had read his thoughts. “Maybe you should,” Brennus said, letting his jaw go slack, revealing his fangs. If that had been meant to scare him, it hadn’t. Darien lifted one hand to his mouth. Almost tenderly, he’d stroked the tips of Brennus’ teeth with his fingertips. He remembered Brennus looking down at him with calm blue eyes. Trailing his fingers down over his jaw, Darien moved them to his shirt and began to slowly undo the buttons. Brennus growled softly in his throat, his sex now making a conspicuous package in his pants. Darien moved the shirt off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor at Brennus’ feet. Then he reached down for the belt on his jeans. Slowly he undid it, feeling the need radiating from Brennus’ body. Pausing once before sliding his zipper down, he looked up into eyes that now were swimming 75

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with flecks of red and orange. Smiling, he relieved the pressure on his eager sex, then pushed his jeans all the way down to the floor. Brennus kicked off his shoes, stepping out of the pile on the floor. Reaching out, he took Darien’s hand and led him into the bedroom. Tears ran down Darien’s face now, stinging the cuts. He missed him so much. “I’ll never stop loving you,” he whispered. “Never.” **** “I don’t know the chant,” Anna cried, trying to struggle away from Marcel. “And I can’t,” she said. “I can’t…” “Let her go,” Anita said suddenly. Marcel turned and looked at Anita, who was standing at the end of the alley, holding the cross. Zendle appeared behind her suddenly. “What’s going on, Marcel?” Around them, there were strange sounds. “The entire fucking world is falling around us,” Marcel said, releasing Anna, who raced back to Anita. Anita enfolded her in her arms. “We’re finished. There are too many of them,” he said. “We’ve killed dozens tonight, and they just keep coming. And Brennus…Brennus should be here with us. He’s gone. I can’t feel him. Zendel,” he came rushing toward him, “you have to send me 76

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through the porthole. You have to let me help Brennus. Please. Trust me. He’s in trouble.” Zendle looked at Anita. She nodded, lowering the cross. “We’ll try,” she said. **** He was a powerful witch once, powerful enough to send Vortimere back where he belonged, even if it was temporary. He needed to pull that up from where ever it had gone, recall that power. Darien had to get out of here, find Brennus. He closed his eyes. Concentrate. Concentrate. If Brennus was calling him, he couldn’t hear him. And now, he couldn’t even sense him. Where was he? Concentrate on his power, the spells, not the grief. But he was so weak, so tired. “Brennus. Brennus. Please, hear me. I’m with you. If you are still out there, I’m with you.” **** Brennus threw his head back and hissed as Vortimere approached him. He struggled against the heavy shackles. Vortimere laughed. He actually clapped his hands. “I wonder what’s left of you in there, Brennus. Is there anything left at all? Nothing left, just your baser instincts, blood, 77

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lust, just the hunger.” He ran his hand over Brennus’ naked chest, and closed his eyes. “To touch you,” he whispered, “my dreams are filled with touching you.” He tweaked his nipple between his fingers. “My reward.” He moved around him. Brennus’ head hung back. Vortimere grabbed the mane of blond hair. “The champion, the hero,” he mocked, “the ancient priest resurrected to save the world. Good for fucking. That’s what you’re good for, my Golden god.” Vortimere undid his pants. “You didn’t say how you liked me. I chose a body that looked a little like you, not nearly as beautiful, but it appealed to Anna. She told me everything. In fact, if she hadn’t, all would have been lost. Do you realise the power I have in my hands? A mindless, soulless beast with beauty beyond compare…a cock and an ass exclusively for my pleasure.” Vortimere stroked his own swollen organ. He grabbed Brennus’ hips and rocked his cock into him. “Um, yes, so tight, so mine, and after I’m through, I’m going to give you to the demons to play with.” He placed his lips at Brennus’ throat, breathed in his essence. “You’ll never know now Brennus, how much I love you. I love you more than my own life. Now, you’re mine forever.” Vortimere spilled his seed inside of Brennus, and tried to kiss his mouth hard. The captive god 78

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reared back, barred his fangs, and glared at him with wild, furious eyes. **** Anna paced the hotel room. All of this was her fault and now Brennus might be dead. If he was gone, all was lost. Zendle and Anita had taken Marcel back out into the woods. He was so angry. She thought he was going to kill her. She should have never fooled around with the magic. She wasn’t good enough. She wasn’t Darien. Anna. She had heard that, her name. She stood still, concentrated. Anna. It’s your brother. It’s Darien. I need you. Where are you? What can I do? I need you to come to the porthole of Decadence. Where is it? The club, the one I was at…at… Darien? Nothing. He was gone. She had to get to that club. She grabbed her jacket and hurried out of the hotel room. The streets were dark and filled with strange creatures. She stuck to the shadows and headed for the club. ****

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Darien shook with fear when he looked upon the demon which stood in front of him. He was silvery white, totally naked with the largest scrotum he’d ever seen. There were three horns on top of his head. His eyes were swimming with blood. “It seems,” he said softly, “your champion has been defeated.” Darien closed his eyes, tears running down his cheek. “No.” “His soul is in possession of Athieoust. Vortimere has his body. He won’t be coming for you, Darien, so we don’t have much use for you anymore. All they want is his soul. I want much more than that.” “Kill me then. I have no interest in living if Brennus is gone.” “My pleasure, but first,” he hissed, “I must satisfy my lust. I am, after all, its god.” **** Anna clutched Anita’s cross in her fist. Anita had left it on the bureau in the bedroom earlier. She could always use it if she ran across any vamps. She wasn’t sure about demons, though. Darien needed her. She had to go to him. She paused suddenly on the street corner. Across from her was a group of unusual looking characters gathered around something she didn’t 80

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want to know about. She held back her fear and forged ahead. When she reached the club, she stared at it in awe. It looked as if it had been hit by a bomb. The door stood open as if in invitation, and she found herself wishing she’d brought a flashlight. The dance floor. Anna paused. It was Darien. Thank God. “Darien,” she said aloud, “tell me how to help you.” Repeat what I say. Do it now. Is quisnam has been effectus iterum letalis, singulus thy somes ex thy substantia quod no. Anna tried to repeat what he said and bungled it. “My Latin sucks, Darien. Please, say it again. Please.” Is quisnam has been effectus iterum letalis , singulus thy somes ex thy substantia quod no. She repeated it right this time. Again! Is quisnam has been effectus iterum letalis , singulus thy somes ex thy substantia quod no. Suddenly, Anna felt something move around her. She backed up, looking around in the dark. A flash of light. Suddenly, Darien was there. Anna ran to him. “Darien, oh God, Darien. Are you all right?” He fell on the floor. She bent down, helped him up. “Darien. Are 81

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you real?” His face was badly cut. “You’re…warm. You’re mortal. Oh God,” she hugged him again, laughing, “you’re not a vampire anymore. Are you all right?” He put her away from him. “Yes. It must have been the effect of going through the…” He stopped. “Brennus. We need to find Brennus. Do you know where he is?” “Darien, Marcel went after him. It was all my fault and…” “What was all your fault? Anna, answer me.” He shook her a little. “Brennus is the one to save the world from the demons coming through the portal. That’s why he was resurrected by those goddesses. I wanted to bring you back, save you and I…found the book but it opened the portal.” He stared at her. “Why would you have…” “I wanted you to be mortal again, to be my brother. I…was even willing to…I’ve done it now, Darien,” she sobbed. “I’ve killed Brennus. Vortimere tricked me and I told him where he was. Some place with a soul eating demon. He went to kill him, now Marcel is going there to…” “Where is Marcel?” “With Anita, and Zendel.” Darien was already moving. “They’re going to transport Marcel through the portal so that he can go after Brennus but…” Anna 82

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stopped talking. Darien was no longer listening. “Where?” “We have to be careful, Darien,” she said. “There are demons and vampires and…” “Go back to where you’ll be safe, a hotel?” She nodded. “Just tell me how to find them.” “I’ll take you,” she said. “No.” “You have to let me help you. I feel responsible for…” “All right,” he said, taking her arm, “come on.” **** “The world is falling down around us,” Zendel said. “And if you can’t find Brennus…if he’s gone, there is no hope left.” “Say the words, get me there,” Marcel demanded. Anita raised her hands, and looked at Zendel. “I can’t do it without you.” He nodded. “Patefacio ianua ut everto of fatum animus. Videlicet obstaculum quod permissum him obduco ut ceterus pars…obduco ut …” “Wait,” someone called out, racing through the woods toward them. “It’s Darien,” Anita cried out. “Oh my… Darien.” 83

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Marcel narrowed his eyes. He stared at him, dumbfounded. “You’re mortal.” Darien nodded. “Once I was on the other side, I was no longer a vampire.” “You’re hurt,” Anita said. “I’m fine. I’ll be okay.” Anna finally caught up to them, out of breath. “I brought him back.” “Good job, Anna,” Zendel said warmly. “I’m going with you,” Darien said to Marcel. “If you’re going after Brennus…” “It’s too dangerous, especially now that you’re mortal again. I felt…well, the connection is broken. But it’s not broken between Brennus and myself, Darien. You have to let me do this. I have to save him.” “Tell me he’s still alive,” Darien urged. “I can’t,” he shook his head. A blood tear ran down his cheek. “I don’t know anymore.” “Bring him back, Marcel,” Darien clutched his arm. “I’ll do what ever is in my power. Find Arcan. He must control the vampires in my stead. They have to keep fighting the demons, or we’ll be overwhelmed.” “Where do I find him?” “Use that witch power of yours,” he looked over at Zendel, and Anita. “I’m ready. Get me to Brennus.” 84

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Chapter Six walked around the chained naked Athieoust body of the vampire Brennus, and shook his

head. “Not much, without a soul, is he? Not more than a mindless animal.” Vortimere smiled like a cat who’d just lapped up his fill of milk. “All he really wants is to feed, and fuck.” Athieoust glanced at him. “I wouldn’t get too cocky just yet, Vortimere. Pan knows I have Brennus’ soul. He has sent his demons out to find it.” Vortimere removed his gaze for the first time from Brennus’ naked body. “He can’t come here, can he?” “He can if he figures out a way.” “How would he do that?” “Find the witch with the spell. How did Brennus find his way here? You failed in your attempt to lead him.” Vortimere froze. “Can we…can we fight Pan?” “Fighting Pan is like fighting the very seas. The 85

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only way to stop him is to block his way here, and to close that porthole.” “I can do it.” Athieoust laughed. “No. You can’t.” “Why can’t you use the power of Brennus’ soul to close the porthole?” “It doesn’t work like that.” “Then what’s the use of having it…his soul then, if you can’t close the porthole with it? You can’t destroy Pan. What good is it?” “It will allow me to fulfill my destiny. It has already destroyed my father, leaving me in control. I must learn how to wield it to best suit my purposes.” “And your brother?” “…is my slave now that I have the soul of the golden god.” “Why is his soul so valuable? Valuable why?” “It is none of your concern. You have your reward. For now. That is, unless Pan’s demons find their way here. They will not only take Brennus’ soul.” Vortimere’s eyes went to Brennus. “They can’t have him.” “Pan can have whatever he desires. And if he decides he wants Brennus, there is nothing you, or anyone else, can do about it. Those witches are trying to find a way to close the porthole. I want Pan contained. Go above. Make sure they close it. 86

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And make sure that Arcan can be commanded.” “Arcan?” “He is the leader of the vampires. Marcel is on his way here. In fact, he is already here.” “Marcel,” Vortimere sneered. “I will destroy him.” “You will go above. I’ll take care of Brennus’ pet monkey.” “But I…” “Seduce the weakest link. You are a powerful wizard, Vortimere. At least, you once were. Draw on that power. Befriend the mortal Wicca witches. Close the portal. Or you and I will lose Brennus forever.” Vortimere nodded. “As whom would you like me to…” A beautiful young practitioner of the Art, a young man with great sex appeal, one both Darien and his sister will be drawn to.” “Yes. They seem to have similar tastes in men.” “Blond? Blue eyes?” As he said it, Vortimere changed into the image of a beautiful, young blond man. “Oooh,” he cooed. “I could just lick my entire body.” His gaze went to Brennus. “But it would be a hell of a lot more enjoyable licking his.” He moved closer to Brennus, who hissed at him and barred his teeth. “Um. So feral.” “No time for that now. Close the porthole, and that,” he pointed at Brennus, “will be yours for 87

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eternity.” And that was enough to propel Vortimere through the porthole. **** Marcel let out a yell of frustration. Every direction he turned was a dead end. He finally stood in the middle of the hollow cave, and cried out, “Show yourself, coward. Face me. What have you done with Brennus?” He heard a trickling sound, as if he was being surrounded suddenly by a water fall. He glanced around him. He didn’t have to see it. He could smell it. Blood. Rich, red blood, flowed down over the rocks. His mouth watered. He inhaled, intoxicated by the fragrance. Imagine. Marcel stiffened. “You can’t seduce me. You can’t distract me. Where is Brennus?” “Come, vampire. I’ll show you.” The voice spoke aloud, echoing within the confines of the rocks. He moved forward with trepidation. “Come and see the great Brennus Monroe, the saviour of all, the golden god.” Marcel muttered under his breath, his feet moving fast as he slipped down over the rocks to the platform below him, trying not to be distracted by the seductive smell of blood invading his 88

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senses. He jumped, landing squarely on his feet, a deep gasp escaping his lips, a gasp which turned inwardly into a deep moan. “Lament or lust?” Marcel drew himself up straight, his jaw tightening. “What…what have you done to him?” He took a few steps, saw Brennus’ blood rimmed eyes follow his every movement. He tried to read his thoughts. What he read was jumbled, savage. Death. “You’re right,” the unseen voice said to him, “if he wasn’t shackled, he’d rip you apart. He has no conscience. He is merely instincts, a compilation of one’s most vile needs, all ego no id.” There was laughter. “Freud is a favourite of mine.” “That’s not Brennus. Where is Brennus?” Marcel demanded, his distraction now weaned off the blood and focused on the beauty of Brennus’ hard, naked body. “I assure you, it is him. Do you want him, Marcel? You can have him, if you can handle him.” Marcel looked around him suddenly. The blood ran in thick rivers down the rocky walls. The shackled vampire a few feet away began to thrash, stimulated by the sudden flow of blood all around him. “Feed him. Feed yourself.” Suddenly, rich red blood blood began to run down over the smooth 89

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hills and valley’s of Brennus’ naked form. “No,” Marcel said, but yet he felt himself propelled forward toward Brennus, as if all his will had left. **** “I can’t believe you’re going alone,” Anna said, shaking her head. “You don’t even know where to find this Arcan.” “She’s got a point there,” Anita said, plopping down in one of the chairs in the hotel lobby. “You’re not one of them anymore, Darien. It’s dangerous.” “Marcel asked me to find Arcan. I need to be sure that the vampires are still killing off these demons. How is Zendle doing with the spell?” “About as well I’ve been doing. We haven’t found one that will close the portal entirely. I’m beginning to think there isn’t one.” “Don’t say that,” Anna cried. Anita sighed. She rubbed her eyes. “I’m tired. I’m bound to say anything when I’m tired.” She attempted a smile. “I want to come with you,” Anna said. “No,” Darien replied. He glanced at the front door of the lobby. “I have to do this alone. I’ll be back.” “Come on,” Anita said to Anna, “let’s go to the 90

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front desk and have some coffee sent up to the room. I need to go back up and help Zendle. You can help, too.” Anna hugged Darien tightly for a second. “Be careful. I can’t lose you.” Darien hugged her back then released her. He watched as they walked to the desk then headed for the front door of the lobby. The night was dark, even the city of lights couldn’t lift the blackness. The air was cool. He could feel it blow the hair off his neck. He couldn’t hear the sounds anymore, the faint noises that human ears couldn’t hear—the rustling under ground, laughter coming from inside houses, spirits wandering aimlessly looking for salvation. But he could hear the screams, screams of mortals caught in the clutches of demons, demons screeching in fury as vampire teeth sliced into their throats. Then he saw the blood red eyes. Fear. Sure. He was afraid. But that’s not what scared him the most. What he was most afraid of was never seeing Brennus again. **** Anna sat in the lobby sipping the hot coffee. She told Anita to go on up, that she’d join them in a bit. There wasn’t much she could do to help them. 91

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They were both experienced witches. To say that she was feeling discouraged was an understatement. She watched the front door anxiously. She wouldn’t budge from this place until she saw Darien walk back through it. “It’s very dangerous out there tonight,” a voice said suddenly, male with a tinge of a French accent. Anna looked up from her coffee cup and into the bluest of eyes. “I…do I know you?” He shook his head. “No. Let me introduce myself.” He held out a hand. “My name is Pierre Lacroix. I belong to the …um…” he smiled to himself, “how would we translate this in English…l’observateur? A watcher. I am a watcher.” Anna smiled a little uncertainly. “A watcher of what?” “Demons. I am here to help you, Anna. I know about Brennus.” She sat up. “You do?” He nodded. “He is the one to save us. We must find him. We must find a way to close the portal. Where are the witches?” “Upstairs.” “And Darien?” Anna stood up and clutched his arms. “Out in the night, trying to find Arcan. It’s too dangerous out there. I’m afraid that he…” 92

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Pierre smiled. “Don’t worry little Anna. I will go and find your brother. I’ll bring him back. Then, I will help you close the portal.” Finally, Anna thought, salvation. **** Darien froze when he saw the face of the demon. When the slimy hands reached for his throat, he swallowed, thinking it was the end. Then the demon slumped at his feet dead and he looked into the face of a serene blond haired man. He leaned down and pulled the knife out of the demons back. “I’ve come to help you,” he said. Darien blinked. “Thank you. Who are you?” “My name is Pierre Lacroix. I am a…well…let’s say, a scholar of demonology. I have come to help you close the porthole. We must find Brennus. You must be Darien?” “Yes.” Darien nodded. “I’m looking for Arcan.” “Come. We’ll try and find him together.” Pierre held out his hand. Darien took it, and rose to his feet. “You’re mortal,” he said, meeting Darien’s eyes. “Apparently. And really right now, it’s not an advantage.” The one called Pierre nodded seriously. “I see what you mean,” he said. 93

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**** Marcel licked his lips as his gaze moved over the hills and valley’s of Brennus’ blood drenched nakedness. His hands were shackled over his head, his ankles pulled astride with metal cuffs bolted to the rock. It was the most intoxicating sight he’d ever seen. “Take him. Consider him my gift to you.” Marcel tried to find a hint of Brennus behind those blood filled eyes. He reached out his hand and stroked the hardness between his sire’s legs. When he wrapped his fist around the shaft, it pulsed in his hand. He allowed his other hand to slide up over the flat waves of his abdominals and up to the swell of his muscular chest. He licked the blood off his hand. Ambrosia. “His beauty attracted the Goddesses,” the voice said. “It wasn’t only his beauty,” Marcel whispered, searching Brennus’ face. “It was his power, his courage, his intelligence.” A low growl hummed deep inside of Brennus. “This is not Brennus,” Marcel choked. “This is an animal. He wants to rip out my throat.” “Yes. But he can’t. Fuck him. Fuck him into obedience, vampire. He is yours. If he gets loose he will destroy you, so take advantage of it. Drink, 94

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drink and satisfy your lusts, my friend.” Marcel moved his head forward and lapped at one of Brennus’ nipples then bit deep into his chest, tasting the blood there. Its intoxicating flavour was like nothing Marcel had ever savoured before. His head began to spin. He captured Brennus’ hard cock between his thighs and squeezed, feeling its power. Dizzy, he swung off of Brennus’ body and moved to the back. He drove his fingers up inside of his ass and impaled him like that, thrusting hard and fast, reaching around to torment Brennus’ cock with his other hand. High. He was high on dominating this body, on drinking this blood. He sunk his teeth into Brennus’ neck and rammed his aching cock deep inside his ass, lost, lost in sensations of lust and satiation. He was drunk, weakness overtaking him, his eyes closing, only becoming alert when he heard the sounds of the iron cracking, the chains shattering. Brennus bent forward to tear at the chains on his ankles with his own hands. Marcel’s body slammed back against the rock. Brennus looked upward with blood filled eyes. He walked forward, clapping his hands together slowly a few times. His voice was deep, and he sounded as if his throat was paved with gravel when he spoke. “Bravo, Athieoust. But you overlooked one thing when you took my soul, one thing that would 95

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have succeeded in turning me into a mindless animal…just before you sucked out my soul, I ate his heart. I still have a soul, my son. I have his.” He threw back his head and roared with obscene laughter. Brennus’ declaration was met only with silence. He turned to look at Marcel, who was desperately trying to pull himself to his feet. “Shall I finish you?” He came closer, peering at him. Marcel shook his head. “You can’t, Brennus. Please. You made me.” “Yes,” he smiled, sharp teeth clearly on display. “So it is only fitting that I should be the one to finish you.” “Please. I can help you.” “Help me? The only way you can help me is by taking off your clothes.” “My clothes?” Marcel made another attempt to get up. “What…what for?” “Oh no,” he shook his head, “I’m not going to use that ass of yours, vampire. You should be so lucky. I’m going above, and I hardly think I can go like this.” “Are you…are you really Kiron or are you…” He gave Marcel a sinister smile. He walked over and grabbed the back of Marcel’s collar. He lifted him up off the floor of the cave with one hand. “Guess,” he taunted, dangling him in the air. 96

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Chapter Seven mortal,” Arcan said the moment he saw “You’re Darien. “How is that possible?” “I don’t know. It happened when I went through the portal.” “Pan made you mortal.” Darien sighed. “I don’t know. Arcan, Marcel wanted me to ensure that the vampires were still fighting the demons.” “They are, yes. Who is this?” He looked over at the young man at Darien’s side. “Pierre,” Darien said. Arcan nodded. “Any news of Brennus?” “Not yet,” Darien sighed. “I will escort you back to the hotel,” Arcan said. “That vampire who led you here will…” “No,” Pierre said. “We’ll be all right.” They walked quickly through the night back toward the hotel. Darien was glad for the man at his side. “You miss him, don’t you?” Pierre asked 97

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suddenly. The sun was coming up. Darien paused in front of the hotel. He swallowed. “I love him more than…I guess I’ve always loved him, even before I knew that I did.” “I don’t understand,” he laughed. “My spirit…I have an old soul apparently. It’s a long story. Not a happy one. But now, if I lose him…he’s not always the most sentimental of…” Tears sparked his eyes. “I know he loves me. I don’t want him to be a hero. I want someone else to save the damn world.” Pierre opened up his arms. Darien went into them, content to have a body to hold onto, a well built male one to boot. Suddenly, he realised he’d held on a little too long. Embarrassed, he moved away. “If I can be of any comfort to you,” Pierre said, meeting his gaze, “don’t hesitate. Now take me to the witches so I can give them some assistant.” Darien squeezed his hand and they walked into the hotel. **** “I summons you!” Brennus’ voice boomed. Marcel placed his hands over his ears. The two demons which appeared were hideous, part bull, part snake. Marcel shuddered, cowering 98

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naked against the rocks. “Bring me the soul of the golden one.” Marcel picked up his head as he saw a small, transparent tube suddenly appear. Brennus’ soul? “It’s mine,” Brennus said, reaching out and picking up the container. “With this soul, I will rule the universe. I will destroy all in my path, claim the portal of Decadence for my own. You have defied me.” The two demons trembled with fear. Brennus moved forward. He picked up the first and opened his mouth. A great forked tongue emerged and moved around the head, then sucked it into his jaws. The body of the demon lay headless, withering on the floor. He grabbed the second and repeated the motion. When he turned to Marcel, Marcel shook his head. “Please,” he pleaded. “Brennus, no.” Brennus reached out and grabbed Marcel by the testicles. “Don’t worry, traitor. I’m not going to kill you yet. I need you. You are now the official keeper of the vampire’s soul. Stay still. This won’t hurt a bit.” Marcel’s eyes widened in terror as Brennus reached down and tore into his chest with one hand. He tucked the tube inside Marcel’s chest cavity and then merged the flesh together again, dipping out his rough tongue to seal the wound shut. “Now,” he peered down at Marcel with red 99

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eyes, “get me to the portal of Decadence.” **** Zendel marched around the room, his chin in his hand. “Three different variations on the same spells, none of them translated into the same demon codes. Pierre, how are you doing with the last one?” Pierre tossed back some of his fair hair. He smiled at Anna who had brought him more coffee. “Merci, ma petite,” he said, lifting the coffee to his lips. He glanced at Zendle. “I think it is the precursor to the other. There is very little change.” “But none of them,” Anita interrupted, “promises to completely close the portal.” “Depending on your interpretation,” Pierre said. “I think we should sleep on it. My brain is…Darien,” Pierre looked over at him, “you look…how do you say…exhausted? Do you have a room?” “Yes, down the hall. There are two beds. You may share it if you like.” “You are most kind,” he nodded. “There’s a sofa here,” Anna said. “The bed is far more comfortable,” Darien told her, issuing her an odd look. Zendle glanced at Anita. Darien and Pierre headed to the door. Pierre 100

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turned and smiled at everyone, then took Anna’s hand and kissed it. “Bon nuit, Anna. Parting is such sweet sorrow.” She giggled. “Sleep well.” **** Zendle waited until Anna went off into one of the rooms then he turned to Anita and said, “Pierre is more than a watcher. He’s a sorcerer.” “Well, he sure as hell helped us figure out a lot of those ancient texts. I’m grateful for his…” “I know. But why would he cast a love spell on both Darien and Anna?” Anita looked at Zendle as if he’d lost his mind. “What are you talking about?” “This Pierre guy. He’s a little strange.” “Oh Zendle,” Anita poked him. “You’re just jealous because he didn’t kiss your hand.” Zendle made a face. “Maybe,” he grunted. **** Marcel was in pain. It might have been because Brennus, or whoever in hell he was, had ripped his chest open and licked it back together again, or it might be the way he pulled him along behind him through the woods by the hair. Marcel was ever conscious of that vile in his chest. He could 101

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feel it there, but somehow it didn’t give him much comfort to be carrying Brennus’ soul. He had no way to get that soul inside the body which was presently dominating him. He had been trying to make sense of everything which had happened. It wasn’t easy. All he knew was that Brennus had apparently killed the father of those two demons and somehow his soul got replaced with Kiron’s. Now he wanted to challenge Pan? Suddenly, Brennus stopped. He turned and looked at him with those blood red eyes. “Where is the portal?” “I don’t know, and even if I knew, I…” Brennus yanked him up closer to his chest, by the hair. “Find out. Take me to the witches.” “Okay, okay, that’s where we’re going, but the sun is coming up and…we can’t be out in the sun.” He growled. “Pretty body, but worthless.” He ran a hand over his own chest. “Take us to shelter. I want blood.” He met his gaze. “I want flesh, your flesh.” Marcel nodded. “Okay. Okay. Whatever you want. I’ll…ah…I’ll take you someplace safe.” Brennus reached out and grabbed Marcel’s genitals. For a moment, he stroked them in his hand. “Pretty Marcel. Brennus’ pet.” 102

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**** Darien lay down on the bed and closed his eyes. He didn’t bother taking off his clothes or pulling the covers over him. He was totally spent. As soon as his eyes closed, he fell into a disturbing sleep. He saw Brennus. He reached out. Blood red eyes stared back at him. Brennus smiled, sharp fangs appearing. Darien cried out something and sat up straight in bed. “That wasn’t Brennus.” A body was close to him suddenly, an arm around his shoulders. “Are you all right?” “Pierre,” Darien breathed. “I had a nightmare. I saw Brennus. He…” “It wasn’t real,” he said, stroking his hair. “I have a…well…I’ve seen something. A vision.” “What kind of a vision?” Darien asked urgently. Pierre continued to stroke Darien’s hair. “In my vision, loving Brennus had been a mistake, Darien. You were given back your mortality because you were never meant to love Brennus. Brennus is…no longer Brennus.” Darien gasped. “You saw it, too. He’s a…monster.” Pierre nodded. “I’m sorry,” he said, drawing him close. “Forget Brennus. He’s lost to you, Darien, lost forever. But I’m here.” He looked into his eyes. “I want you.” 103

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Darien stiffened. “No, I…Pierre, it’s…” Pierre kissed his mouth hotly, moving his hand down over his thigh. “Darien. Let me love you. Please?” **** The moment Marcel led Brennus into the crypt, he knew what Brennus was planning to do. When he turned around and saw himself surrounded by vampires, he actually laughed in relief. “What in hell happened to you?” Arcan demanded, looking at Brennus. “Don’t go near him,” Marcel cautioned. “He’s not himself.” “I see that,” Arcan narrowed his eyes. “I will kill you for this,” Brennus threatened, reaching out for Marcel. He tossed him up against the wall like a sack of potatoes. The others murmured among themselves and backed away. “I have his soul,” Marcel called out. He lifted his hand in the air and sprouted sharp, long nails suddenly. With a grunt, he slashed at his own chest. “No, don’t touch that,” Brennus cried out, making a lunge for Marcel. The other vampires moved to block him. One by one he tossed them out of the way only to come 104

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to stand in front of Arcan, who held the tube up in his hand. “One more step, I’ll destroy it.” Marcel moaned with pain behind Arcan, blood seeping from his chest cavity. Brennus froze. “Give me the vampire’s soul,” he demanded. “Together, we will rule the universe, you and I.” “Back off,” Arcan warned. “Who are you?” “Kiron,” Marcel volunteered. “He’s Kiron. I think Brennus killed him. But I don’t know much more than that.” “Give me the soul, blood sucker!” Brennus bellowed. “Give it to me now, or I’ll bring this place down around you.” “Release it!” Marcel cried out as Brennus moved toward Arcan. Arcan stumbled backward as he pulled off the top. A hazy mist evaporated into the air and wafted in Brennus’ direction. Suddenly, Brennus flew straight up in the air, gasping, his mouth open wide. He floated in the air for a few seconds, his body jerking violently then slamming back down to the floor, face down. Marcel raced over to him. Kneeling, he rolled Brennus over and picked up his head. He cradled it on his lap. “Brennus, Brennus, open your eyes.” “Don’t Marcel,” Arcan cautioned. Some of the other vampires began to rise off the floor. They kept their distance. 105

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“He may still be…we should…” Arcan moved closer, slowly. Brennus’ eyes fluttered open now. “Marcel?” Marcel smiled with relief. “Are you all right?” Arcan and the others came to stand around him now. “Where am I?” He asked, trying to sit up. “You’re safe,” Arcan told him. “Are you quite yourself?” Brennus glanced at Arcan. “I…I think so. I’m not sure what happened.” “It’s a long story. You do know who you are, right?” Marcel enquired. “Yes. I’m Brennus but…” He stood up, looked around him. “And Kiron,” Arcan breathed. “Did you kill him?” “I ate his heart.” Brennus brushed at his clothes. “These aren’t mine,” he commented, glancing at Marcel. “Why are you naked?” Marcel grinned. “You took my clothes. Brennus, you had Kiron’s soul. Kiron’s sons took yours. We just restored it. But what happened to Kiron’s soul?” “I don’t know,” Brennus said. “What do we do now?” Arcan demanded. “I’ve killed the soul eater?” Brennus asked. “His demon sons as well,” Marcel told him. Brennus nodded. “Good. At least that much is 106

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done. I need to get to the portal of Decadence, find Darien.” “He’s at the hotel,” Marcel said. Brennus’ eyes widened. “He’s safe?” Marcel nodded. “Brennus, there’s something I need to tell you about Darien. He’s…” “Never mind. As long as he’s safe. As soon as the sun goes down, I’ll go and see him. Then we go to the portal. Arcan, how is the demon hunting going?” “They are growing in number. Those witches had better find a way to close the portal soon. They just keep on coming.” Brennus placed a hand on his shoulder. “Keep up the good fight. Now, I need to sleep.” Marcel followed Brennus, deeper into the underground cave. “Did I hurt you?” Brennus asked him, noticing the dried blood on his chest. “You buried your soul in my chest.” “Ouch,” he said. “I’m sorry, I…” “You weren’t yourself,” Marcel murmured. Brennus nodded, finding a place in the dark earth to lie down. “Come here,” he said. He placed an arm around Marcel and drew him down to his chest. “I have to close that portal somehow. Everything depends on it. I also have to get back to Darien. I know now that he’s my destiny, destined to be with me forever. I want to thank you for doing what I couldn’t do. Even though I 107

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was angry with you initially, I…” “Brennus, I need to tell you about…” Marcel began. “Thank you for giving me Darien forever,” he whispered as his eyes closed in sleep. Marcel fought sleep for a few more seconds. He had to tell him. He had to tell him that Darien was no longer immortal.

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Chapter Eight

“I

’m sorry,” Darien said, standing near the window, looking out on the street below. The sun was up, and for a few minutes he felt seized by it, held in the sway of its charm. It had seemed forever since he’d actually been able to watch the sunrise. He hadn’t realised how much he’d missed it. When he’d been in Brennus’ arms, he hadn’t thought about the sun. Brennus’ golden hair was the only sun he needed. Tears stung his eyes. What if he never saw Brennus again? What if this truly was the end of everything? “It’s all right,” a voice answered. “I’m sorry. You are in love with another, with that…vampire.” Darien turned around. “He is more than just that vampire. He is the one who can save this world. I always knew that there was something more, some reason why they’d saved him, brought him back. He’s special. He’s…” “He’s probably dead,” Pierre shrugged. 109

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Darien blinked. “How can you say that?” “Face facts, Darien. He’s been gone for some time now. He went to…” “You don’t know my Brennus.” “He’s not yours,” Pierre replied. Darien looked at him. “You sound a little…hostile? I don’t understand.” Pierre got up from where he was still sitting on the side of Darien’s bed. “It’s just that he’s a vampire and now you are mortal again. What are the odds of that? It’s like you’ve been given a second chance. And I’m here. I want to love you, Darien, but you won’t let go of a vampire, who probably won’t even make it out of this thing alive. Have you read the Prophesy, the book of the Forth Realm?” “Some of it, yes.” “What about the part where it says the golden god will save the world for mortals but won’t survive?” Pierre was standing right in front of him now. Darien shuddered then swallowed. “Don’t,” he whispered, a fat tear falling from his eye and rolling down his cheek. “Please.” Pierre placed both hands on Darien’s shoulders. “I’m sorry.” He drew him close. Darien wrapped his arms around him. “I’m scared. I can’t stop loving him. I just…” Pierre met his eyes. “Let me love you,” he 110

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urged. “Let me make you forget for awhile.” He pushed some of Darien’s hair off his forehead and kissed him mouth again. Darien ground his lips against his, his eyes shut tight. Don’t think. Don’t think anymore. **** Pan placed his palm on the portal wall and pressed. He felt it flex and hold. He glanced around him at the twittering half wits who cowered on their knees nearby. With a huge sigh of exasperation, he propelled them all several feet away. The portal was holding, which meant it wasn’t open wide enough to let any but a few of his most insignificant demons through to the other side, demons whose only ambition was to bring death and destruction. The witches were at work. Each time he would widen the crevice between this world and theirs, they would recite some silly incantation and he would lose half of what he’d gained. But they weren’t winning. They were only slowing him down. That was all right. He had more time than they did. Pan had waited a long time for this. He knew the Prophesy well. He had foreseen the coming of the golden one, the one who would save the 111

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humans before disappearing from their world. Brennus. He’d already destroyed his enemy. Now, Brennus would come for him. And he was ready. Brennus had everything he needed to bust the portal wide open, but that wouldn’t happen for a very long time yet. Soon, he would seal the portal shut again, but not until after Brennus came through. Brennus. His golden god. **** Darien said his name. He looked up into those blue eyes. I’ll be yours forever. His head fell back. Fingertips brushed his lips, his nipples, hands slid down over his thighs to his calves, lifting them. Fuck me. Take me. Brennus. Oh God, I miss you. His tongue flicked over his lips. A cock began to impale him, stabbing deep inside him, making him ache, yearn, need. Yes. Oh, yes. It will be all right, Darien. Everything will be all right. He cried out, his eyes flying open, fingers curling into fists, clutching the sheet, his cock pumping. For a second the eyes staring down at him looked unfamiliar, almost cruel. “Pierre,” he gasped, his cock releasing. Pierre smiled down at him. “Was it good?” Darien nodded guiltily. It had taken him away. “Misery. It’s all Brennus has ever brought you, 112

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Darien,” Pierre said, lowering his legs, rearing back. “It’s all he could ever bring you.” “Oh no,” Darien shook his head. “That’s not true. Brennus has brought me great joy. He has given me…” he took a breath, “everything.” “You know it’s true,” Pierre insisted. “You know you would be better off without that vampire, or you wouldn’t be doing this with me right now.” Darien’s eyes widened for a moment at his words then he closed them and lowered his head. **** The trip through the streets to the hotel was harrowing to say the least. The lights were half out in Paris. Law enforcement vehicles littered the landscape, along with French soldiers. People were being stopped and questioned. It was a military zone. Brennus and Marcel stuck to the shadows, battling demons as they went, stopping to acknowledge their own by smell then moving on. Marcel was in awe of Brennus’ strength. He killed demons almost nonchalantly as he went on, able to sense them before they even came into view. The kill was quick and seemed effortless, one slash with his sword, one blow with his fist. Marcel stepped over a variety of repulsive demon heads and did his utmost to keep up with his 113

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leader. When they arrived at the hotel lobby, Marcel placed a hand on Brennus’ arm. “I need to tell you about Darien before you see him.” Brennus looked at him. “What about Darien?” “When he came back through the portal, he was no longer a…Brennus, he’s mortal again.” “Mortal?” “Anna brought him through. Darien’s witch powers were strong enough to contact her from Decadence and…” “Mortal,” he repeated the word as if he couldn’t quite understand it. “I’m sorry.” “No, don’t be. I… I need to see him now.” Brennus strolled across the lobby and pulled open the door to the stairs. He took them two at a time, Marcel at his heels.”This is the floor,” Marcel told him when they reached the right landing. “Come on, I’ll take you to the suite.” “I know where he is,” Brennus dismissed his offer. “I can smell him.” “How? He’s mortal. I can’t.” “I know his scent like my own.” Brennus knocked at the door of the suite, and waited. The door opened and Zendle stood there. Brennus inclined his head. “Brennus? You’re safe. Thank the elements,” Zendle placed his two hands together as if in 114

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prayer. “Come in.” “Brennus!” Anita sang out. “And Marcel,” she added. “I’m glad to see you’re both safe.” “Where’s Darien?” Brennus asked, looking around. “With Pierre, and Anna,” Anita replied. “They’re in the other room, eating. We’ve been trying to find the right spell to permanently close the portal. Each time we make some progress, Pan pushes back.” Zendle was staring at Brennus strangely for some reason. He took a step closer, peering at him. “Who’s Pierre?” Brennus asked, trying to ignore Zendle. “A member of our order,” Anita replied, “a very powerful and knowledgeable man. He came to help us. He’s been very adept at interpreting some of the more ancient texts.” Brennus shot Zendle a look. “Stop that,” he snapped. “What is your problem?” Zendle took a step back, shaking his head. Brennus walked in the direction of the adjoining room. “I need to see Darien now.” “You must tell us everything,” Zendle looked at Marcel. Brennus walked into the adjacent room. “Darien,” he said softly. Darien let out a cry when he saw him. He jumped up from the table and rushed toward him, 115

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coming close to knocking Brennus over. Brennus opened his arms. He held Darien for a moment. “I thought…” Darien was trembling, “thank you, thank you,” he looked heavenward. “You’re safe.” Brennus tightened his arms around Darien, all the while looking curiously at the man sitting next to Anna at the table. The man sat there without moving, looking rather stunned. Brennus released Darien. “Hello Anna,” he said but he kept his gaze on the stranger. He walked over to the table and met his eyes. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure, or, have we?” “Ah, no,” he said, standing up. He didn’t offer his hand. “I’m Pierre. I’m glad to see you’re safe. Darien was very worried.” Brennus glanced at Darien. “Um. So it seems.” He could smell Darien all over this man. And Marcel hadn’t been lying. Darien was once again mortal. “I’m glad to see you,” Anna said. Brennus nodded. “Brennus,” Zendle said suddenly from the threshold of the room, “we need to talk.” “Of course,” he said, brushing past Darien and walking back into the other room. 116

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**** Darien stood there without moving for a second. Brennus seemed cold suddenly. He followed him out into the other room and watched as he sat down in one of the chairs. “Tell me again about closing the portal?” “A few inches at a time,” Zendle said. “But Pan is playing with us. We’ve been lucky, if you can call it that. The demons getting through are of low intelligence. The vamps have no problem killing them, but they keep coming. Eventually, the portal will open wide enough to let through worse things. Did you kill Kiron?” “I ate his heart.” Anita made a face. Darien’s eyes widened. “You ate his heart?” “It was the only way to kill him. But I’m afraid the effect was that I inherited his soul in exchange for mine.” Zendle began to pace. “You got it back, your soul?” “Yes. Thanks to Marcel, and Arcan.” “And what of Kiron’s soul?” “I assume it…it left me when I…” Brennus looked at Zendle. “It’s still inside me, isn’t it?” “Yes. I can feel it,” Zendle said. “I saw its aura when you walked in here. That’s why I was staring, that and the obvious reason,” he smirked. 117

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“Is it dangerous?” Darien asked anxiously. “Right now, you’re containing him, Brennus. I think he’s hiding.” “Damn it,” Brennus muttered. “Can you do something?” Zendle looked at Anita. “I’m open to suggestions.” “I’ll think of something,” Anita muttered. “Maybe we can draw it out?” “No,” Darien said. “What if we draw out Brennus’ soul with it? It’s too dangerous.” “Maybe it can be of some use,” Zendle said. “After all, Kiron’s goals are not that different from ours.” “How so?” Marcel narrowed his eyes. “He wants to take over Decadence, challenge Pan. So do we, want to defeat Pan that is.” Zendle said. “Maybe you can draw on Kiron’s power to help you with Pan.” Brennus sighed. “We don’t have time enough for you to teach me. I have to find Pan, close that porthole.” “I’m going with you,” Darien said. “Going with me where?” Brennus looked at him. “Through the portal.” “That’s ridiculous. You’re mortal. You will stay here.” “Brennus is right,” Pierre said suddenly, 118

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standing in the doorway. “Don’t worry, Brennus, I’ll take care of Darien for you.” Brennus shot up so fast in his seat, no one saw him move. His hand on Pierre’s throat, he held him up in the air against the wall, his blue eyes soaked with blood. “Touch him and I’ll kill you, Vortimere.” The voice which vibrated around the room didn’t sound at all like Brennus. The body of Pierre flopped to the floor. Hideous laughter filled the room, faded and was gone. Marcel leaned down over the body and checked the pulse. “He’s dead.” He looked at Brennus. “It was Vortimere?” Brennus nodded. “I knew there was something about him I didn’t like,” Zendle shook his head. “But you couldn’t see through it?” Brennus demanded, looking at Zendle. “He must have enacted a cloaking spell,” Anita volunteered, looking worried. Brennus glared at Darien. “What about when he was fucking you? You didn’t sense that it was pure evil inside of you?” Silence lowered over the room. Darien bowed his head. “I…I had no idea…I…oh no. Oh no,” he moaned, putting his face in his hands. Brennus didn’t hesitate. He walked over to the window, yanked it open and disappeared. 119

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Darien glanced over at the body on the floor. It was slowly fading from sight. “Vortimere!” Zendle said his name like a curse. “How could I have not felt him? I didn’t realise how powerful he really was. Ancient power we haven’t even touched on yet.” Anita walked over and placed an arm around Darien. Anna went to look out the window. “He’ll be back,” his sister said. “Marcel,” Zendle said, “tell me everything that happened.” “I eventually found Brennus. Kiron’s son had taken his soul. He was nothing but a mindless fiend. But then he broke the chains and became something else…Kiron. He had eaten the heart when he killed him and somehow the soul was there in Brennus. He took his own soul and buried it in my chest. Arcan and I eventually released it back into Brennus. I thought Kiron was gone.” Darien’s eyes were wide with horror. “My poor Brennus.” “Kiron is inside of him still,” Zendle sighed. “Marcel, you need to find Brennus, and bring him to me before he finds a way into the portal. I have to teach him how to reign in Kiron.” “I’ll go now,” he said. “I’m coming with you,” Darien said. “No,” Anna grabbed his arm. 120

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“Your sister is right,” Marcel nodded. “It’s too dangerous.” “Look, I betrayed him again. It’s not the first time I’ve…” Darien sighed. “He doesn’t understand it means nothing to me. He takes it to heart. He…” “He loves you,” Marcel snapped. “He knows he shouldn’t but…” Marcel sighed. “Maybe one day he’ll stop.” Darien swallowed. “I’m going with you. I have to talk to him.” Anna went to say something but he put up a hand. “You, don’t say anything. We’re wasting time. The only thing that matters right now is Brennus. I need to get to him. You keep working on the portal spells.” Darien turned to Zendle. “I’ll bring him back to you. Let’s go, Marcel.” **** He’s betrayed you again and still you love him. Brennus wasn’t sure where that came from, but it didn’t matter. It was true. He’d caught Darien with that apprentice the last time they’d been separated, Vortimere’s pawn, and this time with Vortimere himself. Why all this pain? Why couldn’t he just let go of it, let go of Darien? Darien loved him. He knew that. But, when they were apart, Darien was vulnerable. He dealt with 121

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his pain in the arms of other men. Vortimere seemed to know that even better than he did, and he’d used it. Brennus caught the scent of blood. He walked slowly through the dark alley, hearing the screams. He began to run. With one hand, he reached over and pulled the demon off the young mortal woman. “Run!” he told her. She froze when she saw his face, the red eyes, exposed fangs. “Run!” She disappeared around the corner and Brennus opened his jaws and ripped the throat out of the beast. He drank the tainted blood then flopped down against the brick wall of the building. He licked his lips then stood up, thirsty for more.

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Chapter Nine floated around the circle he’d erected Vortimere deep in the woods. He stroked the hard phallic

ornament and called upon Violatedoth, Pan’s number one sexual servant. He did the ancient chant, one he’d done hundreds of years ago before he sexually tortured and murdered Brennus. He repeated the chant three times, six simple words, lost to the world forever. “Decreda, Fran, Beloth, Pan, Openus, Veni.” He appeared, a thin veil at first then materialized into the body of a beautiful, delicate young man. He raised his light violet eyes, and waited. “Violatedoth. It has been a long time.” Vortimere lowered his head with respect. “In whose body do you dwell, wicked priest?” “No one of any importance. Borrowed.” “Your request? You wish to sexually possess another resistant priest?” “The same one, but it’s not about that. I have a 123

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message for your master. I want to make a deal with him.” “Pan doesn’t make deals.” “I can give him the vampire’s soul.” “And you want his body in return.” “Yes.” “Because your association with Kiron failed.” “The vampire killed him.” “He is the one foretold in the Prophesy. Pan has plans for him. They don’t include you.” “Bring me to Pan. I can help him. The book says that…” “I am aware of the book. We know the future.” “Brennus seeks to close the portal forever. I will help Pan conquer the earth, stop Brennus.” “Pan has plans for Brennus.” “No. Brennus is mine. He is…” Violatedoth laughed. “Pan is misreading the Book of the Forth Realm. Brennus will close the portal and…” “Yes, but the Forth book is not the last and may well be a forgery.” Vortimere froze. “You play with fire, Vortimere. You have no allegiance, no conscious. Brennus is the chosen one, chosen by Pan to take my place. You had your fun. It’s over, Vortimere. Pan gave me permission to come to you. He told me to destroy you. In fact, anyone who tries to deter his path to 124

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Brennus, will die. You are now his prisoner.” **** Darien couldn’t keep up. He’d already lost Marcel twice. “Look, I can’t leave you on the streets alone,” Marcel scolded him. “Let me track him. I’ll bring him to you when I find him.” “No. I don’t trust you. You would keep Brennus and I apart if you could.” “Fine. But the sun is coming up and I have to find shelter.” “I’m coming with you.” “You’re not a vampire anymore, Darien.” Darien ran after him down the street. They found an abandoned warehouse nearby in what appeared to be an industrial park. Marcel made his way down the stairs into the basement. Darien couldn’t see a thing, which frustrated him. Marcel held out his hand. “Take it. I’ll lead you.” Darien felt comforted by his hand suddenly. Marcel was the closest thing to Brennus he had. In the quiet darkness, they stopped. Darien moved closer to Marcel. “It’s cold.” “Yes. You’d feel it now.” “It’s strange,” Darien said softly. “To have had all these powers…seeing in the dark, acute sense of hearing, not feeling cold or…not to mention, the sex. You’re in a far better position to give Brennus 125

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what he needs now than me.” “No,” Marcel said. “It’s you he wants. It’s you who has the power to wound him, not me.” “Turn me.” “What?” Marcel moved away from him. “I want to be immortal again. I want to be with Brennus forever, help him fight, give him the sex he craves. I want to give him everything.” “Darien. I did it once, for the wrong reasons.” “So do it again, for the right reasons.” “Brennus almost destroyed me for what I did. If you really want it, he should be the one to give it to you.” “He won’t.” “Maybe this time he will. He thanked me the other night for giving you to him forever. I think he knows he couldn’t live without you.” “Marcel,” Darien whispered, his throat straining with unshed tears. “I love him so much. I will die without him.” Marcel reached out and touched Darien’s hair. “I know. We’ll find him.” “Do it,” Darien begged, taking Marcel’s face between his hands, “turn me so I can help you, so I can help Brennus.” He dragged Marcel’s mouth to his and kissed him deeply. He could hear him growl deep in his chest. He clutched Darien’s shoulders and dragged him closer, the kiss intensifying. 126

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Darien could feel the sharp tips of Marcel’s incisors, feel his cock swell and press into his thigh. He put his hand in his long dark hair and pulled, as Marcel pressed him hard against the wall. **** Kill. Brennus’ eyes opened and he bolted upright. All around him lay corpses, human and demon alike, even two of his own kind. He felt sick, drunk almost, too much blood. Kill. Kiron. Yes. I am stronger than you. Doesn’t look like it. That demon blood you drank made you a savage. Or, was it me? There is no room for your soul inside me. You should have thought of that when you ate my heart, savage! It did save you from Vortimere, however. Brennus stood up, fully alert. He looked around at the carnage and wondered if the entire world was going mad. He felt better, not dizzy anymore. Hopefully, the effects of that blood in his veins had diminished. He mounted the cellar steps and opened the door. A warehouse, deserted. He walked across the cement floor then froze when he heard something. There was someone here, a vampire, and a mortal. He could hear the mortal’s 127

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heart pounding. He followed the beat. **** “He’s playing with us,” Zendle announced, watching Anna pace the floor. “Who?” Anita asked, glancing up from her laptop. “Pan. He can open that damn porthole. He’s not going to. It’s a trap.” “For who?” Anita asked. “I don’t know. Brennus maybe. Nothing makes sense. And Anita, this is beginning to cost a fortune. We’ve got to go home.” “Don’t worry. I’ve contacted the affiliates. They’ll finance us a bit longer.” “Where is Darien?” Anna demanded. “He’s in danger out there.” “Anna, you need to concentrate on the problem at hand. Did you find any information in the other texts about the…” “It’s confusing. Sometimes it’s contradictory.” Anna threw up her hands. “I can’t make head or tails of it.” “The news reported that there were no homicides last night,” Anita announced. “Either the vampires have things under control, or the demons have stopped arriving.” She wrung her hands together. “Why doesn’t Brennus come 128

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back?” Zendle sat down at the table. “Anna, let’s take a look at those ancient texts again.” **** Darien had no awareness of the silent observer watching them. Marcel had him pinned against the wall, his teeth scraping against the flesh of his neck, flirting, as a hand massaged Darien’s cock. It was Marcel who sensed the presence of his sire. He tense and moved away. “Brennus!” “Ah, there you are, Marcel,” he smiled almost sinisterly. “And Darien, my fine slut. Please, don’t let me interrupt.” “Brennus, I…I was trying to…” Darien began, struggling to do up his pants, “I wanted to help you. I…” “Yes, yes, yes,” Brennus whispered, “always helping me by helping yourself to cock.” He grabbed Marcel by the hair and pulled him back. “Don’t bother doing up your pants, Darien.” Darien swallowed. “We were…” With one hand in Marcel’s hair, he walked over and stood in front of Darien. He reached out a hand and splayed his fingers around Darien’s throat. “Why should Marcel have all the fun?” He glared at him. Darien felt his hands slide up the wall over his 129

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head involuntarily. He struggled as his shirt ripped open, his pants fell to his ankles. “Brennus, don’t.” “Now you don’t want me?” His eyes widened. He forced Marcel to his knees on the floor. “You’re not yourself,” Darien struggled as his legs spread apart. Brennus laughed, and took a few steps back. He motioned with his hand and Darien moved out from the wall, his feet a few inches off the floor, hands still over his head. “No? Who am I then, my love?” His gaze burned into Darien’s. “A monster? A vampire? A golden god? Your lover?” “Stop it!” Darien tried to free himself. “Naked and helpless. Um. The things I intend to do to you tonight, witch.” He looked down at Marcel, tightened his hold in his hair. Marcel winced. “And you, you can watch and suffer, from over there.” Darien watched with horror as Brennus picked Marcel up with one hand and tossed him across the room. “Brennus, remember who you are,” Darien pleaded. “Your soul is…” “I know who I am,” he growled, barring his teeth. “I’m the fiend you fell in love with, witch.” Brennus moved around him. Suddenly Darien felt Brennus’ tongue lick down the center of his back and move around the 130

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cavity just above his crevice. “I know the vampires soul,” he whispered, breathing on Darien’s neck. “His soul is bending to mine now, Darien, because of your betrayal. You fucked Vortimere, or rather you allowed that murderer to fuck you…not once, but twice. Brennus’ hurt and anger allowed me to gain power. You will pay. I will make you pay, and Brennus will allow me. Besides, you have a pretty body.” He moved around to the front of him again. “I love to bring pain, but don’t worry, I’ll give you pleasure in the end. I’ll give you back your vampire.” He reached out and flippantly played with Darien’s nipples. “Already hard, your cock. You are a slut. Say it. Say you’re a slut.” He twisted again, harder. “I’m a…slut,” Darien breathed. “And just to make sure,” he laughed, “that your body betrays you…” He took off his shirt. “Let me show you a beautiful piece of art, the body that caught the attention of the goddesses themselves.” He stood back and stripped off his clothes, lifted his erection in his hand. Darien moaned, licked his lips. “Brennus,” he whispered, “touch me. Take me. Make me yours.” “Yes, but only after you pay for your sins.” Darien’s eyes widened when he saw the fire come out of Brennus’ eyes. He moved closer, licked one of his sensitive nipples then suddenly 131

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something which felt like a drop of hot wax covered it. “Um,” Darien let his head roll back. It was sweet, sweet, hot pain. Brennus licked the other nipple, pulled it with his teeth and then dropped another smooth heated coat of wax over it. Darien cried out this time, his cock pumping in the air. A hand covered his cock, fondled it roughly, as he felt Brennus bite deeply into his chest. He floated down, horizontal, his hands and feet unable to move. Brennus pushed his head back, filled his mouth with his cock, pumped his face hard for several minutes then withdrew, dripping hot, creamy cum down his chest and onto his cock. Darien undulated, his hips moving in the air as his body was turned and his ass cheeks spread. He moaned as Brennus’ body covered his, and his hand reached around to finger Darien’s aching nipples, slap his cock, making him wait, ache for him to delve into his opening. The air hit his entrance, making it quiver. A finger scraped over it. He whimpered. Suddenly he heard the crack of something that sounded distinctly like a whip. His ass held open, he felt a sting. It felt electric. His entire body went into spasm as the electric rod hit his entrance again then moved around the outside muscles of his anus, lingering there. He cried out, “Please!” his voice quavering, his cock feeling as if it was about to sever itself from his body. The 132

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vibrating electrical prod jabbed him once then twice. His teeth rattled. Deeper. Deeper. “Oh God!” “God won’t help you now,” Brennus said softly, licking down the length of his neck. **** Marcel lay in the corner spellbound as he watched what was happening before his eyes. He’d seen Brennus go wild before, but this was something else. He used the vibrating probe on Darien without mercy, ravished him as if he meant absolutely nothing to him. The probe went deep inside of Darien, pumping his body, giving him orgasm after orgasm so intense that Marcel had to close his eyes occasionally to allow himself to recover from his own envy. When Brennus allowed Darien to drop to the floor, Marcel glanced at him with trepidation. Who was he? He wasn’t completely Brennus, that’s for sure. There was something in those eyes that didn’t resemble Brennus at all, although a part of him was Brennus, a hurt, wounded Brennus, whose love for this witch was somehow fuelling this beast inside of him. “Brennus,” Marcel said, standing up now. Darien lay spent on the floor but he was all 133

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right. Brennus leaned against the wall, his head down, his chest heaving. “Brennus? Are you all right?” Marcel took a few steps. Brennus looked up, those blue eyes seemed sad suddenly. “Take care of him,” he said to Marcel. He leaned over and picked up his clothes. “Brennus,” Marcel said, reaching out to touch him. Brennus jumped back. “Don’t. Leave me alone,” he said. He was gone. Marcel pulled Darien to his feet. “Are you all right?” Darien nodded. “What in hell happened? Where is Brennus?” “He’s gone. I don’t think he was totally himself.” “I realise that. He was…” Darien took a breath. “He was Brennus, Marcel, but there was something else… someone else in his eyes. He hasn’t forgiven me.” “No,” Marcel said. “Now, I need to find him. He has that demon inside him and I don’t believe he knows how to control him. I think I understand, though.” “Understand?” Darien reached for his clothes. “The demon feeds off Brennus’ emotions. When he’s angry or aggressive, he adds his own evilness. It’s dangerous.” 134

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“Yes. I’m worried about him, Marcel.” “I’d be more worried about you,” Marcel said. “Brennus can take care of himself. Hopefully, he’ll learn how to use Kiron to defeat Pan. Now, I have to go.” “No. Don’t leave me alone. Besides, I want you to turn me, Marcel.” “Brennus wouldn’t approve, and right now, I’m not into testing him, are you?” **** Brennus walked as if drunk down the dark alley. His face ran with blood. He’d been sobbing, something so rare, he almost rejoiced in it. “What are you doing to me?” He hissed out loud. Having a little fun, that’s all. Don’t you make me hurt Darien. You did that all by yourself... I just threw in some imagination. He was asking Marcel to turn him. He was kissing him. Every time you’re not around, Darien is fucking another male. He deserved it. Did I hurt him? Some. But he liked it, a lot. Get out of my head. If you want to help me, do it when I face Pan. Now, I need blood. Find me a demon. **** Darien couldn’t believe Marcel would just up and 135

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leave him like that after all that had just happened. He tried to get the idea out of his head that Brennus would actually hurt him, but he couldn’t. He concentrated on the lights of Paris, which were bright again tonight. The traffic was humming, there were less police and soldiers on the streets, but no pedestrians. Darien decided to head back to the hotel. He felt quite desperate as he walked, lost. Brennus? Where are you? I love you. Forgive me, baby. Forgive me. My flesh is weak, but my heart is yours, always. The moment he entered the hotel suite, he was assaulted by questions. Anna hugged him quite obsessively until he demanded that she let him go. He was in a foul mood, depressed and confused, but amazingly not in that much pain physically. “I don’t know where Brennus is.” He looked at Anita for support. “If I did, I wouldn’t be here, would I? I’d be at his side.” “You put your life in jeopardy for that vampire,” Anna snapped. “You’re mortal again. You have a second chance to get your life back and…” “What life?” Darien cried. “What life do I have without him? You don’t understand, Anna. And I think you’re jealous. You’ve always wanted him, quite desperately, if I recall. You’re the reason we met in the first place. You’re the one that had me do that stupid love spell.” 136

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There was silence. Anna looked as if she were on the verge of tears. “If you hadn’t tried to interfere, to make me a mortal again, none of this would have happened. Now, I’m a mortal and Brennus is in danger, carrying the soul of a demon around with him. Are you happy?” Anna chocked back a sob, and ran into the other room. The door slammed. “Darien,” Zendle said with a sigh. “There is no time for this. Help me to bring Brennus here. I know he’s in grave danger.” “How can I help you?” Darien sunk down in one of the chairs. “Brennus is angry at me. Again, I fell for Vortimere’s tricks. Brennus attacked me.” “He attacked you?” Anita gasped. “Don’t say anything to Anna about this. He is angry at me, and with good reason. I think that demon feeds on negative emotions, exaggerates the reaction.” “I’m sorry,” Zendle said. “Are you all right?” “Yes. I have been such an idiot.” Anita placed a hand on Darien’s shoulder. “No time for regrets either. We need to try to help Brennus with Kiron.” Darien nodded, his gaze settling on the closed door. “I hurt her feelings.” “She’ll get over it,” Anita said. “You can talk to 137

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her later. These are trying times. Come, let’s get on with it. Not another moment to waste.” “Tell me what to do.” **** Brennus sunk his teeth into the slithering demon on the pavement. He drank until he felt satiated, then got to his feet. Someone spoke his name. “Darien?” he said. He turned to face a beautiful, delicate looking young man, half dressed. “You’re not Darien.” “No. But you’re Brennus,” he said his name like a caress. “Who are you?” Brennus’ gaze moved over his hairless chest. His genitals were on open display, suspended by a silk sling like an offering. “I am no one. I serve only Pan. Vortimere summoned me again, this time to his undoing.” “Vortimere?” Brennus practically spit on the ground. “You needn’t worry about him. I have contained him. When the time comes, he will be wiped from this plane.” “What did you mean when you said that Vortimere summoned you again?” “Before you were raped and burned alive, Vortimere summoned me. His power was not enough to do all that he needed to lure you to that 138

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field. Pan instructed me to help him.” “Pan? The god of lust and decadence? I suppose that makes sense in some bizarre way.” He nodded. “Why? Why would Pan help Vortimere to murder me?” “So that you would be resurrected, of course, fulfill your destiny.” “To defeat him?” Brennus mocked ironically. “To serve him.” “The book of the forth realm says that I will…” “It is only part of the story. Pan will rule this earth. Mortals will open the portal with their own decadence. He wants you, and your soul.” “Why?” “He lusts for you. You are his golden god. He will corrupt your goodness as sure as he would dominate your body. Kiron has already begun the process of poisoning your soul.” A shudder ran down Brennus’ spine. Was he to defeat Pan and save the world…or save the world by becoming Pan’s pet? “Don’t concern yourself with Kiron. He is only a tool, a tool that will be Pan’s slave. When the time is right, he will rip that soul from you. You are only guarding it for the time being. Now,” he came closer, lifting his phallus in his hand, “drink, vampire. I am here to feed you on bliss and ambrosia, take the bitter taste of demon blood 139

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away, just a taste of Pan’s nectar to soothe your pain.” Brennus felt the pull. He was uncontrollably drawn to him. He knelt. He took the cock offered him and bit down into his sweetness. He felt his mouth fill with rich, sticky blood. He closed his eyes, moaning, his body feeling warm, something he hadn’t felt in centuries. As his eyes closed, he was transported, naked, spread, floating in the warm, sun soaked air, his head hanging back, the cock moved deeper into his throat. He lay prone. Hands caressed every inch of him, moved inside each crevice, violated his very soul. His body pumped, filled, the blood flowing down his throat. And then he heard a voice, sweeter than an angel, whisper his name. Brennus. Come to me. I love you. **** “Give him an image,” Zendle urged. “He hears you. You need to invade his mind with a picture of something that will touch him, Darien. Pray to the elements that he still loves you, or he’ll be lost.” Darien concentrated, his thoughts going back to a moment in time, a beautiful moment. There had been so many that he chose it at random. He’d been a mortal then, still trying to run the occult 140

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shop in the day and spend every night with Brennus. He’d managed to grab a few hours sleep before Brennus arrived. He’d been in the shower. Brennus rarely made any sound when he approached. Darien never knew when he was in a room unless he turned to see him there. He shut off the shower, reached for a towel that wasn’t there. In its place was Brennus, the towel in his hand. He smiled, so beautiful Darien found it painful. Darien’s cock reacted to the sight of him. Brennus’ gaze moved down over his naked wet body and settled on his cock. That vampire glow appeared in his eyes, sharp teeth were visible for no more than a fraction of a second, then disappeared. “Hello, beautiful,” Darien whispered. “Lift your arms up,” Brennus told him, shrugging out of the leather coat he was wearing. He let it drop to the floor. Darien grabbed the shower bar with his hands, deliberately pushing his hips out a little. “My nipples ache,” he whispered. Brennus pulled his sweater over his head. “Is that so?” He smiled again, undid his pants. Darien bit his lower lip as the pants came off. “You have the most…” He stopped as Brennus approached and took his nipples between his fingers. He pinched them, pulled them, licked and bit at them, occasionally brushing his hand against 141

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his erection. Darien was on fire. He tried to lower his hands so that he could touch Brennus, but Brennus wouldn’t let him. “You’re mine to play with.” “Oh yes,” he closed his eyes. “Always. Torment me.” Slowly, Brennus rolled his nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. “They’re so stiff,” he said, licking at them, nibbling one then the other. “Um. And your cock.” He took it in his hand. Darien practically screamed. He let his head drop back as Brennus squeezed it in his fist. Precum dripped onto Brennus’ fingers. He lifted his hand and licked it off with a tantalizing smile, then stepped into the shower behind him. Brennus ran his hands all over him and pressed his erection against his ass. Darien whimpered with need. “I love you,” Darien whispered, “come back to me, Brennus. Come to me. I’m so sorry. I need you.” “He’s hears you,” Zendle said. “He’s being held there, a prisoner. He can’t come.” Darien blinked. “Whose prisoner? Who is…? Vortimere?” “Not this time. If what Anita and I have gleaned is correct, then…” He stopped, shook his head. “Send me there,” Darien reached out and grabbed his arm. “Send me to where he is.” 142

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“I can’t,” Zendle said. “I don’t know how. And it’s too dangerous. Marcel, maybe. He’s immortal and…” “Marcel isn’t here. Damn it, old man,” Darien roared, standing up and pacing, “I need to be a vampire again. I can’t help him like this. Summons Marcel so that he might…” “I won’t do that,” a voice said suddenly. Darien turned to see Marcel standing in the room. The window was open. He’d come in that way. “I can’t help him like this,” Darien whined, grabbing his arm. “Please Marcel, you did it before.” “No.” He looked at Zendle, trying to push Darien off. “I will bring Brennus back. Send me to him.” Zendle shook his head. “I can’t.” Marcel moved across the room in a whirl, far faster than the eye could see. His hand tightened around Zendle’s throat. Anita gasped, taking a step back. “Do it!” Marcel demanded. “Do it, or I’ll drain you dry.” “Marcel,” Darien cried out, grabbing at his arm again. He tried to pull him away. “Don’t. You’ll kill him. We need Zendle. Please.” Marcel turned to Darien, he hissed, barring his teeth. Darien jumped back, startled. Marcel released Zendle. He looked at Darien, his 143

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expression back to normal. “I lost my temper.” He bowed his head slightly. “Forgive me.” Anna was peeking out of the bedroom door. Darien went to her. “It’s all right,” he said. Marcel glanced at Zendle. “Forgive me.” Zendle held onto his throat. “You owe me.” He smiled slightly. “I can think of ways you can work off your debt when this is over.” Marcel scowled at him. “You’re alive. That’s enough. You can forget that. Use your hand.” “You sound like your sire,” Zendle accused. “Speaking of which, I was seized by a vision of him. That’s why I’m here. He is moving further and further away from me. Kiron is poisoning his soul. It’s what Pan wants. Kiron doesn’t even know he’s Pan’s pawn.” “That’s right, you have that blood connection to him,” Anita pointed out. “We can use that.” Darien backed into the corner. He felt a stab of jealousy. He had no such connection. He wanted to be the one to save him. Now, here he was, not Brennus’ sire, not immortal, not anything. “But you are a witch,” Marcel said suddenly, looking over at him. Darien looked at him. “What?” “I read your thoughts. You look so miserable that…I want you to know that you’re not powerless, Darien. Remember all what you’ve done in the past.” 144

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“He’s right,” Anna said gently, coming closer to him. “You’ve forgotten your powers over these last years. You didn’t really use them much when you were a vampire.” “I didn’t need them,” he said with a nod. “You need them now,” Zendle insisted. “We can use all the sorcery we can get our hands on. All gloves are off, Darien. This is all out war. We need to work together.” “Yes,” Marcel nodded. “And since I’m the only immortal, I’m the one to take the risks. I have to take care of you, Darien. Brennus would expect me to.” Darien glanced at him, tears stung his eyes. “I know it took a lot for you to…I know how much you love him.” He nodded, turned away. Darien took a breath. “All right. Let’s do this. Let’s get Brennus.”

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Chapter Ten

H

ow long could one stay in a heighten state of sexual elation? It was a good question. Brennus was putting everything he had into concentrating on the answer. One could eventually lose one’s mind experiencing this much pleasure. Looks like I can save you again, vampire. It was true. It was Kiron soul’s which helped him to focus, that grounded him to the place he hung suspended. “You will go to him,” Violateth insisted. “It is only a matter of time.” “No,” Brennus groaned. Kiron, we must do this together. You destroyed me. Why should I help you? Last time, it was in my interest. What will you offer me this time? He had nothing to offer him. Suddenly, his body slammed down to the ground. Brennus shook himself, stood up. 146

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Battered and bruised, he faced the angelic looking creature standing a few feet away. “If I take your place, you will cease to be.” “Yes.” “Is this what you want?” Brennus insisted. “To have been cherished by Pan all this time and then thrown away like garbage?” “It is his will. It is time for you to…” Brennus had no intention of giving up that easily. Kiron. Take his body. Go into him. So that I save you from your fate? Never. I’d rather face Pan. Damn you, Kiron. I’ll destroy both of us. Take your choice. Him, or death. A violent wind suddenly picked up around them. The creature nearby fixed Brennus with his gaze, hesitantly he took a step back. **** Darien, Zendle, and Anita repeated the chant several times, a chant designed to bring the violent winds, winds which would blind all in its path. The candles set around the room fluttered and went out. Darien fell back in his chair, spent with the effort. ”Did it work?” Anna whispered. She was still clutching Marcel’s forearm. She glanced at him 147

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and released it. Zendle moved his hands over the crystal which sat in front of him. “Yes. The winds blew where Brennus is, but I’m not sure what good it did. There was something else going on at the same time.” “The portal,” Anita looked at Marcel. “It’s wide open.” Marcel’s eyes widened. “Get me there. Get me to the portal.” Darien stood. “I’m coming with you.” Marcel started to object. “It doesn’t matter what you say, Marcel. I’m coming.” He nodded. “Very well. It’s your choice. Let’s go.” This time, Anna looked over at him and nodded. **** Brennus had Kiron by the throat. He laughed. “This body can’t be hurt. It belongs to Pan. How ironic.” Brennus let him drop to the ground. “We need weapons.” “Weapons won’t do you any good, vampire. Pan will destroy you for what you’ve done.” “He can do no worse than what I’ll do to you if 148

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you get in my way.” “You can crush this body but my soul will live on. It will go back to you, Brennus. You ate my heart. Actually, I feel a little cramped in this body. Yours is roomier. You’re bleeding.” “I’m aware of that. It is no concern of yours.” He grabbed Kiron by the back of the neck and dragged him through the field. Kiron laughed like someone gone mad. Brennus paused suddenly and narrowed his eyes, all senses alert. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. “Oh no,” he whispered. “Goddesses, help us. The end is near.” **** Darien stood in the circle with Marcel. The others hovered around them, chanting. The portal was wide open. Had they done that with the winds? Whatever it was, Anita told them that Pan was angry. The demons were walking through the portal into their world. They had to be stopped. The vampires were once again on the move to stop them, but Marcel looked pessimistic. Equipped with weapons, Darien also brought along the spells he thought he might use, one of them a spell which would protect their souls, should they need it. When the air became translucent around them, 149

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Darien could see the portal door. He took Marcel’s outstretched hand and together they moved in its direction. **** Anna let out a scream when she saw it. It looked like a man, walking upright, but its eyes were black and glowing, and there were horns, small and rounded, poking out of its head. Anita and Zendle went to grab Anna but she slipped away from them as the monster picked her up off the ground. Then abruptly she fell, and the head went rolling onto the grass with a thud. Anita was the first one to spot Brennus. She cried out his name with relief, Zendle behind her. Brennus extended his hand to Anna and pulled her to her feet. “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice calm. She nodded, her gaze going to the half dressed, fragile looking figure Brennus clung onto. “What about you?” Anita asked. “Thank the stars you’ve come. How did you…we tried to…” He put up his hand. “Long story. This,” he said, shaking him a little, “is Kiron.” Zendle’s eyes widened. “The monster you slew…the soul you ate?” Brennus nodded. “The heart never digests. I transferred it to…” He glanced at Anna’s face. 150

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“No need for the details.” “You’re bleeding,” Anita said, glancing at Brennus’ abdomen. “It will stop. I took out the heart and fed it to Pan’s ah…” Zendle held up his hand. “Say no more in front of the ladies.” “Ladies, hell, this little ass wipe is Pan’s sex pet,” Anita nodded. Brennus held back a smile. “Indeed.” “The portal is wide open,” Zendle exclaimed. “It wasn’t our storm, was it?” “No. And I thank you for that. It provided just the distraction I needed. Pan knows his pet is gone. I’m not sure he knows Kiron’s soul is housed in his body, however.” “We are overrun,” Anita shook her head. Anna stood staring in horror at the severed head. Brennus nodded. “You need to get out of this park. You must go back to the hotel. I know an ancient Druid chant that will surround you with protection from evil. Where are Darien and Marcel?” “They went through the porthole,” Anita said, meeting Brennus’ gaze. The creature in his grasp started laughing with glee. “What? Why did you let them? Especially 151

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Darien, he’s a mortal.” “They insisted,” Anita replied. “They went after you, Brennus. That’s where you’re going, isn’t it? According to the Prophesy, it says…” “The Prophesy is no longer clear,” Brennus said. “Come on, we must get back to the hotel. I will protect you until we get there, and do the spell. Zendle,” he glanced at him, “keep this demon close to you until we get to the hotel. I have a feeling I’m going to need both hands.” Zendle nodded. He grabbed the figure and gazed into his eyes. “You are in my command,” he told him. “Fixes enterital Miragise.” Brennus moved forward. “Stay behind me, close,” he demanded. “And walk quickly.” Anita grabbed Anna and pulled her away from the severed head. They saw nothing in the field, and then as they rounded the corner, two huge, ugly monsters spotted them. They came rushing toward them. “Back!” Brennus shouted to his entourage, and swung a huge sword over his head. **** Blackness. Darien let Marcel lead the way. He remembered that once he could see in the dark, too. It seemed like a dream. He repeated his spells in his head. The protection one was practically 152

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useless. It could only protect one in normal circumstance. There was nothing normal about this. They were in the portal of Decadence. Whatever was underfoot felt foreign. It was rubbery, yet jagged. He reached out to Marcel for guidance and clutched his muscular forearm. A sudden flash of them making love, after Brennus left them alone in that room, seized him. He wasn’t sure why he was recalling that now, but the memories of it became vivid, almost as if it was happening now. Suck it fledgling, make it yours. Yes, do. Suck it, Darien. Marcel lie spread out on the blood red satin sheets, his long black hair spread across the pillow. His cock was ripe and swollen, oozing with creamy cum dripping slowly down the shaft. “Do you want me, Darien?” “Yes,” he replied, his throat aching. “Take it in your mouth, taste it.” Darien glanced down at himself. He was naked. How did that happen? Where did the bed come from? He felt dazed as he moved up over the bed on his hands and knees. He licked at the cream sliding off Marcel’s cock. It tasted sweet. It tasted like heaven. Marcel’s jaw opened, his vampire teeth emerging. “You’re so sexy,” Darien whispered. “Impale my ass with your beautiful cock.” 153

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Darien lifted up over Marcel’s hips. He felt strong, like a vampire again, his stamina forceful, ready to ride Marcel’s substantial cock for hours. He cried out as Marcel’s cock sliced up inside of him, expanding, thrusting, using his ass without mercy. Darien tormented his own nipples, dipping his body back, digging in his knees and pushing forward, riding Marcel hard. His tongue dashed out over his lips. He saw Brennus’ face. He saw him naked and chained, his well muscled body bathed in sweat. He’s yours. “Brennus,” Darien reached out. And suddenly he was there with him. He’s yours. His body. It’s yours to do whatever you want with, Darien. There are no limits here, no consequences. This is Decadence. Enjoy your deepest fantasy. Darien moved around the chained, naked body slowly. He was consumed with lust in a way he’d never known before. He trailed his fingers over his flesh, licked his lips. He clutched Brennus’ ass in his hands. He allowed himself to drown in the feel of it, massage the hard, rounded globes, insert three fingers deep inside him and fuck him slowly. He watched Brennus’ head fall back, the silky pale hair, brushing his shoulders. His other hand moved around to his cock, his balls. He fondled them callously, letting the sensation of having Brennus completely in his power fill all his 154

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senses. Brennus moaned and incited him to move around to the front, palm his nipples, slide his hands down to his stomach and press his lips to his wondrous cock. “I love you.” He looked up into eyes which weren’t blue like the sky. Marcel hung there, naked and chained. Darien scrambled to his feet. “What…?” **** Brennus set the stones all around the room. “You must stay inside the circle,” he instructed. “For how long?” Anita asked, moving the supply of non-perishable food closer to the bed. “I don’t exactly relish sharing a bed with Zendle.” “You have no worries from me, Anita,” Zendle smirked. “I can’t tell you for how long,” Brennus shook his head. “All I know is that you will be safe within this circle as long as you stay put. I’ll be back as soon as I can. I hope.” “And what about this one?” Zendle asked, pointing to the body of Pan’s servant. “Oh, he’s coming with me,” Brennus said. “I need him. Take off the spell.” “Are you sure? He’s docile like that,” Zendle chuckled. “I can handle him,” was Brennus’ response. “I bet you can,” Zendle smirked. 155

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“Find my brother,” Anna looked at Brennus with pleading eyes. “I will,” he nodded. “He’s with Marcel at least.” “I’m so sorry,” she said, tears running down her face. “I should have never interfered. He loves you so much.” Brennus nodded. “What’s done is done. And I’m not sure how much you really had to do with it, Anna.” “Thank you for that,” she said. He smiled faintly, and grabbed Kiron. “We’re off.” “Don’t you need our help to get through the porthole?” Anita asked. Brennus shook his head. “I have him,” he pointed to his captive. Kiron glared at him. “For now,” he sneered. “Have you stopped bleeding?” Anita asked. Brennus nodded. “Don’t worry. Stay safe.” And he was gone.

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Chapter Eleven in hell was that?” Darien gasped. “WhatMarcel glanced back at him. Darien

could see his eyes glowing in the dark. “What was what?” “You mean you didn’t…? Brennus was here, and you were chained…I mean he was…” “Darien. Did you see Brennus? Where?” “It wasn’t real. You and I were making love and then Brennus was chained and I was…but it was you.” “It was a hallucination. Don’t give in to them. It’s Pan playing tricks with your head.” Suddenly they heard a huge rush of water. “Marcel, do we know where we’re going? What if Brennus isn’t even here?” “I’m here,” a voice said suddenly. Darien sucked in some breath. He saw two figures standing near him in the distance. “Brennus!” He made a move toward him but Marcel reached out and caught his arm. “Stop. We don’t even know if it’s real. It could 157

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be a trick,” Marcel said. “How do we know if you’re really Brennus, or not?” “Feel me, Marcel,” Brennus urged. Marcel released Darien’s arm. He sucked in some breath, waited then said, “Brennus.” Darien ran to him, tripping and almost falling. Brennus reached out and caught him in strong arms. Darien threw his arms around his neck. “Brennus. Oh God, Brennus, you’re alive. You’re all right.” “You shouldn’t be here,” he said, loosening his hold on him immediately. Darien stiffened, his feelings hurt. “That’s it. That’s what you say to me after…who is he?” He looked at the figure of the half dressed male at his side. “Kiron.” Marcel was standing next to Darien now. “Kiron?” “I took his soul out of me and put it into Pan’s lackey.” “How?” Marcel wanted to know. The half dressed figure at Brennus’ side, sneered. “The idiot ripped it out of his gut,” he scoffed. “My heart doesn’t digest. Maybe it’s because vamps have no working digestive systems. They’re dead you know?” “Shut up,” Brennus told him, “or that’s what you’ll be.” 158

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Darien backed away, his arms folded across his chest. “Are you all right?” Marcel asked. Brennus nodded, his gaze going to Darien. “Why did you allow him to come? He’s a mortal.” “No one allows me anything,” Darien replied sharply. “I’m a grown man. I do what I want. I’m not subject to your…I came to help you, by the way, as if you care.” “There’s no time for this nonsense,” Brennus replied. “If you’re going to act like a child then…” “No time!” Darien glared at him. “Fine. I’ll remember that, Mr. God Damn Sensitivity. Oh, and you’re right, who ever in the hell you are,” he glanced at Kiron, “he is dead, in more ways than one.” “Come on,” Brennus said, paying no attention to the insult. “We need to move.” Darien walked up front with Marcel. Brennus and Kiron followed behind. “It’s not enough what I have to do, now I have to look after you, too,” Brennus muttered. Darien could feel his breath on his neck. As angry as he was at Brennus, he was acutely aware of his nearness. To have his body so close to his in the dark, and yet not be able to touch him, made him even angrier. “Don’t trouble yourself, vampire. I can look after myself, and besides, I have Marcel. He’ll look after me, and he’s a hell of 159

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a lot more capable than you are, in many ways.” “Is that so?” Brennus’ voice held a hint of a sneer. Darien smiled. “This isn’t a game we’re playing, Darien,” Brennus remarked. “I’m in no mood to count points.” “Should we leave you two alone?” Kiron jibed. “Keep your mouth closed,” Brennus said, “no one is talking to you.” “Hey Darien,” Kiron muttered, “either fuck him, or kill him. Make a choice.” He laughed. “Or you can do both, fuck him then kill him. This is Decadence, after all.” Suddenly, Darien and Marcel paused. They heard a muffled rustle in the dark. Kiron fell silent. Neither Darien nor Marcel dared to ask what had happened. “How much further?” Marcel asked to no one in particular. “Brennus? Do we even know what we’ll face when we get there? How do we fight Pan?” “Hopefully, it won’t come to that. First, we will find out what it is he wants, try and convince him to close the porthole. Keep your wits about you and don’t buy into illusion.” “It’s kind of hard to tell the difference sometimes,” Darien said softly. “Like when I believed you loved me. Was that an illusion?” He trembled in the darkness. He could feel Brennus’ 160

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body move up behind him. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” “No.” “Because you’re angry at me, about Pierre?” “Shut up about that. We don’t need to give Pan any food for thought. Keep moving and stay silent.” “I hate you.” “No, you don’t.” Arms came around him in the dark and pulled him up hard against his chest. Darien closed his eyes when he felt Brennus slowly undo the zipper on his pants. His hand slipped down inside and folded over his cock. He rubbed it slowly. Darien leaned back against the hard length of him and closed his eyes. “Yes, Brennus. Yes,” he said. “Do it. Jerk me off. Make me come. Make me yours. I am yours.” “What?” Darien’s eyes flew open. He was looking up into Brennus’ face. “What do you mean… what?’ “What did you just say?” “I said…nothing. Nothing.” Darien shook his head. “He wants it bad,” Kiron whispered in the dark. “Pan can make it all come true.” **** “Darien,” Brennus said sharply. He didn’t like 161

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what was happening. Suddenly, it seemed as if he couldn’t tell illusion from reality. “Stay alert. Your mind is easy to…” Suddenly, Brennus froze. He was somewhere else. He tried to shake it off, fight it. “This isn’t real,” he said aloud. There was movement up ahead. Brennus walked as if in a dream. He brushed the silky film away with his hand and stopped, blinking at the scene in front of him. There was Marcel and Darien, both naked, their bodies slick with sweat and cum. Marcel knelt behind Darien on the floor. Darien’s fingers were linked behind his neck, his knees spread. His cock was so hard, his nipples pointed, stiff. He moved his hips in a wanton dance, Marcel pumping into him. He looked at Brennus, his eyes filled with burning need. Marcel continued to pump into him, his fingers brutally tugging at his nipples at the same time. Then Marcel exposed his teeth. He bit down into Darien’s throat. The blood ran. Darien swooned, ejaculated, reams of it shot up in the air. Brennus salivated. He wanted to taste that blood. He wanted to be inside that ass. Marcel motioned to him. “Come. Taste,” he invited. “His body is yours.” Brennus moaned, thirsty, horny. Inside, he struggled. It took everything he had to jerk his head away. The vision drained from his sight. 162

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**** Pan sat back on his throne, watching with delight. He clapped his hands. “Bravo, Brennus,” he called out. “My angel, my golden lover. It’s what I’ve always loved about you. You are a challenge. And soon you will be here at my feet, and together when the time comes, we’ll rule the world. But I’m not finished having fun with you and your friends yet. There’s so much fodder for me to play with…so many emotions. First, I’ll take care of Kiron. He’ll only get in the way.” Pan glanced down at the whimpering aura at his side. “What Vortimere? No applause?” **** “Where did he go? Where in the hell is he?” Brennus demanded. “I don’t know,” Marcel said. “I just looked around and he was gone. Where did you go?” “I didn’t go anywhere,” Brennus said, irritated. “We need to find him.” “So, what was it like?” Darien asked. An image of Brennus on his knees in front of that effeminate looking creature suddenly bombarded his mind. “What was what like?” Brennus looked around him, feeling the sword in his hand. “I feel as if we’re going around in circles here. Pan is playing 163

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with us. I have a feeling he took Kiron.” Marcel nodded. “Sucking his cock?” Darien continued. Brennus sighed. “Here we go again. To whose cock are you referring now?” “That half naked nymph you were clinging to.” “That half naked nymph as you call him is…or was Kiron. And I wasn’t clinging to him. I was holding on to him. Now, I need to find him. He can cause…” “Why did you get on your knees in front of him?” Darien demanded. Brennus narrowed his eyes. “How do you know that?” “I see it in my mind.” “I had no choice,” Brennus said, “unlike you.” “Pierre was a comfort to me,” Darien protested. “He was Vortimere. He tricked you. You’re easily seduced, it seems.” “That’s not fair.” “You have no resistance to beautiful male bodies. They crook their finger and you’re on your back,” Brennus muttered. “At least they have a pulse.” “Okay,” Marcel said sharply, holding up a hand, “can we interrupt your lovers quarrel to…” “It’s not a lover’s quarrel,” Darien grunted. “I don’t know what I ever saw in him.” “‘Him’ has a name and is standing right beside 164

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you,” Brennus protested. “Say it to me.” “Fine,” Darien whispered. “Why don’t you tell me you hate me again?” Marcel sighed. “Do I have to listen to this forever?” “It’s okay, Brennus, don’t worry,” Darien mocked, “Marcel is mad about you. You won’t be lonely. What am I doing here?” “My question exactly,” Brennus quipped. “You should be at home with the witches.” “Because I’m not one of you anymore?” “You have a point,” Brennus snarled. “You say you hate me. You don’t need me. Now you’re mortal again. We…” He stopped. Darien’s eyes burnt with unshed tears. “We what, Brennus? Say it.” “We don’t belong together, Darien. We’ve never belonged together. When you were mortal, we didn’t fit. When Marcel made you a vampire, you were never truly mine. And now, you’re mortal again. If I could send you back through that porthole, I would.” The tears fell silently on Darien’s cheeks. “When you tortured me before, why didn’t you just kill me and get it over with?” Brennus didn’t reply. They moved forward. Darien was miserable. **** 165

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Zendle concentrated as hard as he could. Anita was consulting the cards. “What?” Anna asked. “What do you see?” “Chaos,” Anita said, shaking her head. “Pan is stirring up emotions,” Zendle said. “He’s trying to divide them.” “What can we do?” Anna asked. “Nothing,” Anita pushed the cards away. “The only thing we can hope for is that Brennus and Darien remember how much they mean to one another. If not, all hope may be lost.” **** “Don’t touch me,” Darien said, shrugging off Brennus’ touch. They had suddenly walked into a clearing. The light was bright, the sun was shining. Marcel and Brennus cowered from it until they realised that it wasn’t real. It was awe inspiring, seeing the sunlight in Brennus’ hair. Darien caught his breath, swallowing hard. Brennus removed his hand from Darien’s shoulder. “I only tried to prevent you from tripping over that rock.” “I saw it,” Darien said stiffly. “I don’t need you.” “So you’ve said. Why are you so hostile?” “You said we never belonged together. Do you 166

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know how much that hurt?” “I didn’t mean to say that. And I didn’t mean to hurt you earlier…before…you know.” “Yes, you did.” “Don’t tell me what I meant to say, or do. I know my own mind.” “You don’t think before you speak because you don’t feel anything.” Brennus looked as if Darien had struck him. Marcel glanced from one to another. “I’m not going to stand here and listen to you two tear each other apart. Stop this. There could be any manner of monsters in these woods. We need to be ready. We can’t afford to be…” Brennus turned away. “Maybe its better if we just don’t talk at all,” Darien sighed. “Suits me,” Brennus replied. Suddenly, Marcel stripped off his clothes and walked away from them through the grass. Brennus glanced at Darien. “Be careful,” he mouthed. Darien narrowed his eyes. “Of what?” He followed Marcel down to a beautiful clear stream, watched him move soundlessly into the water. “He’s beautiful. Are you jealous that I want him?” He turned to look at Brennus, but he was no longer standing behind him. Darien turned again to the water and there they 167

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were together, the water had dried up to a small puddle. Marcel clung to Brennus, slowly pulling off his wet shirt. He threw it aside, ran his tongue over Brennus’ hard chest, on his knees, Marcel undid his pants with his teeth. Darien sucked in some air, his cock aching as he watched Marcel nurse on Brennus’ cock. Brennus turned his head and looked at Darien with those haunting blue eyes. “You see, I do feel. I just don’t feel anything for you.” Darien moved his hand to his own cock, squeezing it, tears streaming down his cheeks. “I need a vampire to satisfy my hunger,” Brennus whispered hoarsely. “Go home, Darien. It’s over.” Darien let out a cry and raced toward them. He tore Marcel off of him. “You, get away. Don’t touch him.” He began to punch Brennus’ chest with both fists, he punched and punched until all he could do was cling to him, exhausted. “I love you,” he tightened his hold on him. “Brennus. I’m not letting go.” “Darien! Darien, what in hell are you…stop it. Stop it. Let go of me.” Darien stared into Brennus’ face suddenly. He was fully clothed. There was no water. There was no naked Marcel. Darien backed away from him. “Have you lost your mind?” Brennus demanded. 168

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“What? I…what happened? You were in the river with Marcel and…” “There is no river, in fact, there is no water. Marcel and I have been trying to find some. We can go without water, but you can’t.” “You weren’t in the…” He looked at Marcel. “It was another illusion, Darien,” Brennus said. “Did I…what did I do?” “You started going nuts,” Marcel said, “hitting Brennus.” “You said you loved me,” Brennus scoffed, meeting his gaze. “Yes, well, like you said, it was an illusion after all,” Darien muttered. “Let’s find water.” **** Marcel was feeling weak, and it wouldn’t be long before Brennus began to feel the same. They had stopped. Darien needed to sleep. He lay down a few feet away and passed out. Brennus looked at him. Marcel knew he was thinking the same thing. “There are no creatures, monsters, no small animals. Nothing with any blood.” “If worse comes to worse, I’ll feed you,” Brennus said. “You need blood yourself.” “I’m your sire.” Marcel glanced over at Darien. 169

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“Don’t even think about that,” Brennus warned. “He asked me to turn him again. He wants to be with you.” “He shouldn’t be with me.” “You do love him, Brennus. I can read you a lot better than Darien. Why are you being so cold? Are you punishing him?” “No.” “What then? You’re breaking his heart.” “What would you know about it?” “Brennus,” Marcel said softly. “I have tried in my own small way to come between you, you know that.” Brennus said nothing. “It hasn’t worked. Your love is too strong. It may sound sappy but…” “He’s better off without me. He shouldn’t be here, Marcel. He’s in danger. I’ll never forgive you for bringing him here. He’s here because of me. He’s mortal again. He has a chance but as long as he stays by my side, he…” “You don’t think you’re getting out of this, do you?” “I’m not meant to,” Brennus said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’ve done my time. If I can convince Pan to spare the world by taking me instead, then maybe that’s what I’m meant to do.” “No.” “Marcel,” he smiled. “It is my fate. I’ve seen it.” 170

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“You saw your own death?” “I died already in that field with Vortimere. Nothing can be any more painful than that. I want you to take Darien out of here. I think I know the way. I have just enough magic to get you back home.” “And leave you here alone?” “Please.” “Darien won’t go without you. In spite of all those words, he…” “I’ll have to make him go. Pan will never let me near him until he gets rid of both of you. He wants no competition for my affections. I love you both. You know that. If you stay, we’ll just end up feeding off of each other, feeding off Darien. I can’t allow that to happen.” Marcel swallowed. “If you love me, Marcel, take Darien out of here. Submit to the magic. Allow me to save you.” Marcel pulled Brennus up against him. “I love you so.” “Protect him. Look over him in his mortal life, Marcel. Promise me.” “I promise. At least let me feed you before I go. What if you wander around here for days without food? You’ll starve.” Brennus moved away. “No. When you’re gone, Pan will lead me to him. After that, feeding won’t matter. Wake, Darien. It’s time.” 171

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Chapter Twelve a hindrance. “You’re come here.”

You should have never

Darien glanced up at Brennus. He towered over him. “I’ve found a way to send you home.” Darien scrambled to his feet. “No. You can’t make me go.” “Get into the circle.” Brennus grabbed him roughly by the forearm and shoved him toward Marcel. Marcel held onto him. “It’s all right, Darien,” he said softly. “I’ll protect you.” “No,” Darien struggled. “I’m not leaving him. Brennus! I won’t let you do…” “Hold him still,” Brennus said to Marcel. “This is a one shot deal.” He began reciting the incantation. “No, Brennus,” Darien said and planted his feet firmly in the ground. **** 172

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“Well, I’ll be damned,” Pan smirked, glancing down at a slimy green demon with red eyes, “the vampire really does love that witch. Brennus’ Witch.” He laughed, grabbing the little demon and sitting him on the hot coals. He screamed with pain. “Fire, Vortimere, how it burns. How do you like it?” He threw his head back and laughed with delight. Then he poked at him and Vortimere tumbled onto the ground. “I like you as a slimy little demon, although a snake would have been better. Brennus will need to feed soon. Should I send you in his path so that he can drain you?” His eyes turned toward the scene in front of him. He threw his head back, laughing hysterically. “Opps,” he said, pointing to the vision. “Thirsty, Brennus. You are so very thirsty.” **** Marcel wandered the field, disorientated. He wasn’t quite sure where he was. Then he saw the demons moving in packs, moving closer. “Shit,” he muttered. “Darien.” He glanced around him. “Darien? Where in hell are you?” There was no reply. **** 173

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Darien shivered in the dark. The counter spell he did didn’t quite work out the way he expected. He thought it would ground him and that Brennus would be beside him, totally pissed of course, but there, never the less. Instead, he was alone in the dark. And he wasn’t even sure if he was on the same plane anymore. “Hello Darien,” a voice said suddenly. Darien looked around him. “Brennus?” “Don’t worry, you’ll be running into Brennus soon.” “Where is he? Who are you?” “Let me introduce myself. I’m your host. I have many names, but you may call me Pan. I want to congratulate you on your powers. You’re a formidable witch. Brennus’ magic is ancient, difficult to counter, and yet you managed to withstand it. Your love for Brennus is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Such sacrifice. And just to let you know before you meet a Brennus you’ve never seen before, he does love you with all his heart and soul. Unfortunately, when he is starving, he reverts to his baser instincts and he has no such emotion. You will be nothing but a good meal.” He was gone. Darien walked through the woods, the sunlight once again making an appearance. Brennus wouldn’t hurt him, no matter how hungry he was. Darien believed that 174

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with everything in him. He called his name, and waited. **** Marcel fought on, killing one demon after another, not sure when he would feel the fatal blow. Fortunately, they didn’t seem to know how to kill him. He was hungry and losing blood. When he hit the ground, he didn’t imagine himself getting up again. He would lie here until the sun rose in the sky, burning him to a crisp. He closed his eyes. He remembered the first time Brennus walked into the classroom at the university. It was as if his entire world had turned itself around. He had loved him from first sight, begged for his immortal kiss. He’d never regretted it, even though Brennus had deserted him eventually, and he’d never been the love of his life. No. He knew who that was, and that was all right. He closed his eyes. You couldn’t choose who you loved. You just had to accept it, for better or worse. Brennus. **** It looked like Brennus, except that there didn’t seem to be anyone behind those eyes. He hissed, exposed his fangs, opened his jaw and sprung. 175

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Darien fought him as best he could, several times feeling his sharp teeth scrap his neck. “Brennus! I love you. It’s okay. Drink. Drink. But don’t…kill me.” When the fangs sunk deep into his neck, Darien cried out in pain. Then he tried to go with it, remembering that the body pressed against his was Brennus. He was dying. He could feel the blood draining away from him. “My love,” he whispered weakly. Brennus didn’t hear him. He sucked and licked at the blood like an animal would drink from his prey. “I…I love you,” Darien croaked, fading. He reached up and touched his blond hair. **** The blood filled him, every delicious drop restoring him to his original strength, returning coherent thought. When he released the limp body beneath him, he knew instinctively who it was. Two thick tears of blood fell on his hand. “Darien,” he whispered, pulling him up against him, rocking him in his arms. He listened for a pulse. If it was there, he couldn’t feel it. He bit down into his own wrist and pressed the blood to Darien’s lips. “I can’t let you die. Oh, why didn’t you leave me? Why did you fight me on this? I 176

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knew what would happen.” He’d seen it. He’d seen it all. There was no response. Brennus looked at his hand, watched the sharp nails grow and elongate and then he tore at his chest. The dormant heart no longer beat but it filled with blood when he fed. He grabbed Darien’s head and pressed it against the organ. With one swipe of his hand, he tore off a chunk of tissue and pushed it between Darien’s cold lips. He massaged his throat, forcing him to swallow. He had no idea what he was doing. All he knew is that he had to save Darien. “Live,” he urged, wrapping him in his arms, “live.” He rocked him for what seemed like forever, no sound around them. Nothing. Then Darien started to choke. **** Marcel looked up at Arcan with surprise. “I’m…still here.” “Yes,” Arcan said. “Some of the others found you in the field. Where is Brennus?” Marcel shook his head. “I need to get to the hotel, make sure those mortals are all right.” Arcan raised an eyebrow. “Since when have you been interested in mortals other than as food?” He shrugged. “They were important to 177

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Brennus. He sent me back, Darien too. I can’t find him.” “I’ll send out a hunting party.” “I thought you weren’t interested in mortals either?” “Darien used to be one of us.” **** “You’re bleeding,” Darien gasped as Brennus lay back against a rock. “Your chest. Brennus.” Brennus held up a hand. “I’ll be all right. I’ll heal. And you?” “I feel…” Darien smiled, “wonderful. I’ve never felt like this before. Are you angry at me for…?” “Darien, I turned you.” Brennus met his eyes. “I’m sorry. I had no choice. I tried to…” “I know,” Darien said, “at least about the attack. I was warned.” “Why didn’t you leave? Why did you fight me?” “You know why.” Darien leaned forward and pushed some of Brennus’ hair back off his forehead. He kissed his lips gently then took off his shirt and pressed it to Brennus’ wound. What happened to your chest? Why is it torn open?” “I fed you my heart.” He met his eyes. “Your…” Darien trembled. “Brennus. You gave 178

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me a piece of your heart?” “The blood wasn’t working. I drank too much. You had no pulse and…” He stopped, winced a little with pain. Darien was moved beyond words. He stood up. “Rest,” he said. “We’ll find a way to fight Pan together.” “There is no way to fight Pan. We’re trapped here. I tried to save you. You wouldn’t let me.” “Don’t you get it?” Darien turned around suddenly. “I don’t want you to save me, Brennus. There is no saving me without you. If you die, I die with you.” “Come here,” he said. Darien lay down beside him. Brennus held him in his arms. “Let me rest for awhile.” Darien nodded. “Yes, baby, rest.” **** “He stayed behind,” Zendle told Marcel. Marcel shook his head. “No. That’s impossible. I held him in the circle while…” “You don’t know Darien,” Anna said. “He would never leave Brennus.” “Then he’ll die there,” Marcel said. Anita sniffed. “Maybe that’s how it’s meant to be.” “The porthole is closing,” Zendle said. “Get the 179

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vampires to patrol for stragglers. The activity should die down in a few days.” “The vampires that are left,” Marcel pointed out. “I guess Pan has what he wants.” “For now,” Anita said. “Let’s go home,” Zendle said. “Our work here is done.” “No,” Anna said. “What about Darien, and Brennus?” “We have no control over that,” Anita said. “I’m sorry Anna. We’ll just have to hope for the best.” **** When the snivelling, slimy little maggot creature suddenly dropped out of nowhere at Brennus’ feet, Brennus’ instinct was to stomp on it with his foot. When he heard the voice cry out to him, he knew who it was. Darien peered at it. “Vortimere?” “I’ll be damned,” Brennus actually smiled. “A gift from Pan.” “Gift?” Darien kicked at it. “I don’t even want him near me.” “I can help you,” it squeaked, scrambling out of the way. “We can help each other.” “Why would I want to help you?” Brennus asked, glaring down at him. “You finally have 180

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your just rewards.” “He wants your soul.” “Um. He can get in line,” Brennus said callously. “He’ll keep you here until you go to him voluntarily. You and your little protégé will starve.” “Oh, I don’t think so,” Darien shook his head. “You have blood, don’t you?” “You wouldn’t dare,” Vortimere glared at him through his evil eyes. Darien reached over and picked him up as he squirmed. Brennus’ eyes widened as Darien’s fangs came into view. He took a deep bite out of him, drinking, then broke the body in half over his knee and tossed him aside. When Darien noticed that Brennus was still staring at him, he said, “What?” “I can’t believe you…” “Oh, sorry, I should have offered you some, not very polite.” Brennus started to laugh. He opened his arms and Darien went into them. “You’re incredible.” Darien looked up at him. “I wish you’d show me.” Brennus released him. “I’d love to but we have an audience. Okay Pan,” he called out, “enough. We are tired of entertaining you. I want to see you. 181

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Either kill us, or let us go.” “So forceful, so demanding, and so utterly male. No wonder you can’t get enough of him, Darien,” the voice replied. “I’m disappointed. I would have so enjoyed a show. Anyone who would literally give another a piece of his heart…well…that’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen.” “I can’t defeat you, Pan,” Brennus said. “I’m not even sure I’m supposed to. What would the world be without lust?” There was laughter. “What do you want?” Brennus sobered. “I want to thank you for Kiron. He was a thorn in my side.” “You repaid me with Vortimere.” “Yes. He’s gone for good.” “Thank you.” “My pleasure.” “Now what?” Darien gasped as a figure appeared. He had the body of a man and the head of a goat. He smiled down at them devilishly. “You’ve taken a lot of the fun out of it, Brennus.” “Forgive me,” he replied dryly. Pan laughed. “I’m a bit of a prankster.” “Um,” Brennus nodded. “So, I’ve seen.” “The world does need me. Although, not enough to suit me. I can only feed on the 182

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unhealthy kind of lust for the time being.” Brennus looked at him curiously. “You and Darien, however, are too healthy for me, I’m afraid.” “Meaning?” Darien probed. He glanced longingly at Brennus. “I guess I can wait a little longer. All the vampire souls Kiron and his sons have eaten are now mine. For now, I’ll be satisfied with that.” “You’re going to let us leave here?” Darien looked at him curiously. “Just like that?” “Well, maybe not just like that,” he smiled. “You’re free to go,” he raised his hands, glancing at the porthole which suddenly appeared before them, “if you can get by my guards, that is.” Darien let out an audible gasp. Brennus took a few steps forward, his eyes wide. “Holy mother of…” he began. “Yes,” Pan smiled at him, and winked. “Good choice of words.”

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Chapter Thirteen Brennus said, “I will say one thing for “Well,” Pan, his tastes certainly run the gamete

of…” “Of what?” Darien asked, glancing up at Brennus. “Well, I really don’t know. I suppose that is the question.” “Can we ah…do this?” Darien looked at the assemblage of creatures, some of which he’d never seen before, snarling and ready for a fight. “Can we take them?” “How badly do you want to get out of here?” “Pretty bad.” Brennus looked down at him and smiled. “How badly do you want me to fuck you?” Darien squared his shoulders. “Let’s do it.” Brennus threw back his head and laughed. He grabbed Darien’s face between his hands and kissed him hard on the mouth. “There’s nothing like a little incentive. Now, don’t embarrass me.” 184

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Darien shook his head. “I’ll try not to. You do have a weapon for me, don’t you?” “Use your teeth,” he said. “See yeah.” He lunged forward suddenly with a warrior’s yell. “Well, here goes nothing,” Darien scowled, and followed him into battle. **** When Darien opened his eyes, he was lying in a field. The moon shone down over head. He sat up slowly, looked around. He was stiff but he seemed to be intact. Suddenly he smiled when he heard Brennus’ voice. “That blubbery thing with the three eyes took a hunk out of me.” “You are a hunk,” Darien grinned, getting to his feet. Brennus was standing in front of the river nearby, his shirt off. “Let me see,” Darien said, turning him around. He looked luscious in the moonlight. He had blood on his face, the wounds on his body already healing. Darien licked the blood off his cheek and made a face. “Not yours. Bitter.” Brennus put his arms around him, smiling down into Darien’s eyes. “Did I embarrass you?” “Not much.” 185

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Darien punched him in the arm. Brennus smiled softly. “Ouch.” “Yeah right, ouch,” Darien grinned, running his hand over the muscle in his bicep. “Was there a moment when you doubted we wouldn’t make it?” Brennus sighed and pulled him closer, kissing his mouth tenderly. “No.” “You had that much faith.” “I know how much you like to fuck.” “You’re incorrigible.” “Ooh, big words,” he teased. Darien gave him a shove and Brennus stumbled backward into the river. He laughed, the water up to his knees. “I’m wet.” “Yes. Looks like you’ll just have to take off those pants.” “Really?” “I’d say so. You can’t walk around with wet pants.” Brennus looked down at his fingers at he unzipped his pants. Darien folded his arms across his chest, his cock stiffening as Brennus pulled them off. He threw them up on the river bank, holding out his arms. The sight of Brennus, standing naked in that water, the moonlight bathing his flesh, caused Darien’s eyes to glow vampire bright. He felt a soft growl creep up into his throat, his teeth elongate in his jaw. 186

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“You going to bite me?” Brennus raised an eyebrow. “I might,” Darien replied, moving into the water. “Now, you’re all wet.” “I love you so much, you fiend,” Darien laughed, moving into his arms. He kissed him deeply, sucking the blood from Brennus’ tongue, letting his hands move over his satiny smooth muscles. Brennus pulled off Darien’s pants. Darien watched them float away. He protested, but not much. Brennus lifted him, swinging Darien’s legs around his waist, and carried him back to the river bank. There, he pressed him to the damp earth, clamped his mouth to his throat and drank as he pushed his cock up inside of him at the same time. He pulled his mouth back, lips slick with blood and smiled as he pumped. “You’re still my witch.” “Brennus’ Witch, always,” he groaned. “Deeper,” Darien urged, digging his nails into Brennus’ chest, “deeper, my wicked vampire priest.” He cried out in ecstasy as Brennus fucked him hard and long. Every inch of him came alive with Brennus’ touch, and that tiny piece of Brennus’ heart which lay deep inside of him, suddenly began to thump in time. 187

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Epilogue

“T

hey are too beautiful together, don’t you think?” He asked, watching as Darien rose off the ground with Brennus, pushing him against the tree. “You shouldn’t play around with that stuff,” his friend cautioned. “What if they found out you’d been spying on them with that mirror?” “They never would,” he said, smiling. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Soon, they’ll both be my slaves. I’ll be able to make them do anything I want then.” The young man standing beside him in front of the mirror shook his head. “I don’t know. What if it doesn’t work? They’ll kill you.” He held up the ancient stone. “This stone can command all the un-dead.” He glanced back into the mirror, licked his lips as he watched Darien passionately kissing Brennus’ chest. He fingered his own cock. “So beautiful together, soon Brennus will be mine. And if you’re a good boy, 188

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I’ll let you watch.” His friend smiled wickedly. “When?” “Soon, very soon.”

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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/