Apocalypse

Paradise Earth 3: Apocalypse Samantha Winston All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2006 by Samantha Winston

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ISBN (13) 978-1-59596-292-8

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Prologue In the beginning there was the earth, Gaia, and she bore her burden of squabbling humanity alone in the emptiness of her solar system. Humans spread across her surface, digging, polluting, fighting, and making misery wherever they settled. Gaia became ill, and in distress, sent out calls for help. She was not alone in the galaxy. The Federation of Living Planets answered her call. Ruled by creatures who could speak to the planets themselves, the Federation sent emissaries to Earth to try to help Gaia. But the humans would not listen to the emissaries. Frightened of the unknown, terrified of losing control of their own planet, they refused to become part of the Federation. But Gaia wanted help. She sent drought, earthquakes, and tidal waves across her surface, attempting to alert humanity to her plight. She could not kill them all off. As a living planet, she was bound by the Federation’s laws to protect life, although the humans knew this not. Finally, after centuries of woe and warfare, the earthlings signed a treaty letting the Federation take control of their planet. Humiliated, the earthlings had trouble accepting the other races of beings who came to their planet. Soon, they banded together, reneged on their agreement, and threw most of the aliens out. Only a handful of extraterrestrial beings were on Gaia when not one, but two asteroids slammed into the planet. After the first asteroid hit, the Federation returned and offered to seed the planet with life-forms from outer space -- nearly all plant and animal life having been practically wiped out. The few humans who were left agreed. Shortly after, a second asteroid hit Gaia. The Federation sent messages to the planet, but she did not reply. The planet-speakers tried one more time, and getting no reply from Gaia, they left. Gaia, to the Federation, was dead. No more contact linked the Federation to the dead

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planet. However, there were two small enclaves of life. And although all but mortally wounded, Gaia survived. She was not ready to aid the creatures living upon her. She was wary now. She would wait and see what happened. Outside the Federation’s rule, she, and she alone, had the power of life and death over the creatures living upon her. She would decide who was worthy to live.

Chapter One When Adam and Evan arrived in the underground laboratory on Enfer Island, they stood for a moment, hand in hand, looking at the vast, glittering rooms full of test tubes, centrifuge machines, incubators, and file cabinets. Everything was state of the art and showed signs of much use. “Here are the notes on the various creatures he made,” said Evan, sifting through computer files at the main desk. He leaned against the console, his long, lithe body towering over the desk. “Did he have time to destroy anything?” Adam asked. He knelt in front of a cabinet and opened it. All the supplies were still intact, although the seals had been broken on most of them. “He used a lot of Yrg eggs. I’ve only found one clutch left. Is that possible? There were millions of them!” Adam felt little snakes of fear slide through him. Millions of Yrg eggs meant millions of creatures. “Where did they go?” “To the mainland.” Evan sighed and turned to Adam, a worried expression on his face. His eyes, when they blinked, turned white then gold as his double eyelids slid over them. “From what it says here, he’s been shuttling them to the mainland for years. As soon as they got big enough to fend for themselves, he sent them off.” “But how? And what did he send off? His creatures were only supposed to live in the sea!” “Hold on. I’m looking for an image. So far, all I have is a code name for the creatures he sent.” “A code name? One type of creature only? How is that possible?” “I don’t know.” Evan’s fingers danced over the console. “Their code name is Gabriel. I’m guessing their main food is fish, since most of Cabel’s records show he did make different species of fish.”

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“Something less dangerous than the dred whales or the cone-shells, I hope,” snapped Adam. “Let’s see, there are mostly sardine, cod, and herring type creatures, which leads me to assume he was making a food supply since…” There was a pause, and Adam lifted his head to see what was the matter. Evan was staring at the console, his golden eyes wide with shock. In two strides, Adam arrived at his side. “What is it?” he asked, and then looked at the screen. His breath left his lungs. He was staring at a picture of himself. It had been made before the asteroid. Before the war even. How had that picture gotten here? In the picture, he wore swimming trunks and stood on a wooden pier. He was young, maybe nineteen or twenty, and time hadn’t dulled his bright gold hair or vibrant blue eyes. He’d been an incredibly handsome young man. It was like looking at a ghost from the past. Adam shivered. It spooked him. “What did Cabel want with that picture?” Muscles bunched in Evan’s jaw. “Brace yourself.” He clicked a button and another image appeared. For a second, Adam couldn’t take it in. It was still him, still the sculptured body, golden hair and blue eyes… and wings. An angel. A blond-haired, blue-eyed angel smiling widely, with huge, white, feathered wings. But there was another difference. The teeth. Instead of human teeth, this creature had fangs. A vampire angel. Adam turned and took a step. His legs gave out suddenly and he would have fallen if Evan hadn’t grasped him firmly. “What did Cabel create?” Adam whispered. He buried his face in Evan’s chest. “What has he done?” “He must have gotten your DNA from the military base before we left. It would have been absurdly easy; we were always being asked to give samples of our skin, hair, saliva, and blood all the time there. He must have been creating these creatures from the beginning and sending them to the mainland.” “But there is nothing left on the mainland!”

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“We don’t really know that, do we?” Evan looked at him and sighed. “We don’t know anything about the mainland. It’s been nine years. But there were people living there before -- people in small villages, people in underground dwellings and caves even. Who’s to say they didn’t somehow survive?” “I wonder what they think of the angels?” Adam shuddered. “Let’s finish exploring the lab. Then we will have to make plans. It’s now urgent we get to the mainland ourselves. Cabel is there, and who knows what mischief he’s making.” The lab didn’t hold anything else of interest. But Cabel’s notes were extensive and Adam took those. In them, he mostly spoke about his poisonous sea creatures: the hydras, the dred whales, and the cone-shells. At first, the angels had been shipped to the mainland inside the huge dred whales. They could hold hundreds at a time. But it seemed he had gotten more than he’d bargained for when he made them. The Gabriel tribe, as he called them, were stronger than he’d imagined and had wiped out an entire clutch of merfolk before he managed to splice in a gene that made them migrate to the mainland as soon as they could fly. So the Gabriel angels were strong and nearly uncontrollable. Adam scrolled down and read more. They fed on blood. His guess had been correct. Vampires. Mostly fish blood, but he imagined they would prey on whatever they could get. There were several more pictures of them. Their eyes were blue, like his, but didn’t have a single spark of warmth. A cold, sinister intelligence lit their gaze. It gave Adam goose-flesh. “We’ll get through this,” said Adam, fiercely. Finding out that Cabel had used his genes to create an army of vampire angels had shocked him, but there was a seed of hope. He knew himself, and he knew that he was a pacifist at heart. He couldn’t hurt anyone on purpose, and so somewhere, buried deep in the angels’ psyche, was a gleam of humanity. That had been Cabel’s mistake. And they would find a way to exploit this. Evan must have sensed his thoughts, for he turned his gaze upon him. “You look almost happy,” he said. “I’m not happy about what Cabel’s done, but he’s miscalculated this time. If the

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angels were created from my genes, then they will still have part of me in them, no matter how Cabel has perverted them.” Evan leaned closer, his lips brushing Adam’s. “I agree,” he said, his voice rough. Adam shivered at the tone. They knew each other so well. A single look, a touch, and desire flamed hot and sharp between them. Evan pressed closer, and Adam felt the hard ridge of his erection pushing between his thighs. He reached down and stroked Evan’s cock and it quivered in his hand. Evan’s mouth crushed his, and they locked their arms around each other. Now their hearts pounded as one. Adam’s cock had hardened. Now, lost in Evan’s kiss, he thought he might explode, but he controlled himself with an effort. Lovemaking should last more than a few seconds, he thought, and he groaned. They hadn’t had much time alone together lately. But here, in the deserted room, they would be uninterrupted. He pulled away from Evan’s embrace and knelt, keeping his arms firmly around Evan’s waist. Evan’s cock reared, and he slipped it in his mouth, sucking greedily. Smooth and salty, his cock tasted so good Adam sometimes wanted to bite it. Teasingly, longingly, he dragged his tongue over the warm surface and then gently bore down with his teeth. “Careful,” Evan gasped. Adam didn’t want to be careful. He wanted to feel the cock down his throat. He took the cock in his hand and squeezed tight, pumping hard while he slid his mouth up and down the slick shaft. Now it was Evan’s turn to groan, and he dug his fingers into Adam’s shoulders, nearly hurting him. Adam wasn’t finished though. He reached behind Evan and found his tail, gently massaging it. Evan’s tail picked up emotions, and right now Adam was thinking sexy thoughts. Thoughts about the first time they made love, thoughts about the effect Evan’s golden skin and eyes still had on him, and thoughts about how he’d like to feel Evan’s cock pumping into his ass as hard as he could. Evan gave a strangled cry and a salty drop of pre-cum squirted from his cock. “You’re doing that on purpose,” he said, when he’d dragged some air back into his

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lungs. Adam looked up and gave him a wicked grin. “You bet,” he said. Evan took a tube of lubricant from a first-aid kit in the corner and showed it to Adam. With a teasing grin, he said, “Look what I found. Now, turn around,” he ordered. Adam did, and shivered in delight as Evan knelt behind him and gently pushed the head of his cock into his anus. Then he was grinding his hips into his, his cock sinking into him to the hilt. He could tell that Evan was using all his concentration not to come right away, so he held still, enjoying the sensation of his lover entering his body. But when he felt Evan’s tail slip between his legs and grasp his cock, he was lost. His stomach muscles contracted as he came, his seed spurting onto the tiled floor. Evan shuddered very hard and came too, pounding into him until the last drop had left him. Afterward, they collapsed, sated, on the nearest bench. How they made it that far, Adam didn’t know. “You have to stop thinking those X-rated thoughts as we make love,” said Evan. “You have to stop reading my mind,” replied Adam. “Oh yeah? Well, I’m not reading it anymore; so what are you thinking?” Adam took Evan’s face in his hands and tilted his head so that his golden eyes caught the light and flashed. “How much I love you,” he said. “That’s all.” “That’s enough for me,” replied Evan, and he gave a crooked grin.

*** Evan changed into his eagle form, and carried Adam in a sling back to Paradise Island. They were in a hurry now. They had to prepare their tribes for the move to the mainland, and it would be even more dangerous than they first imagined. Back home, the tribes had been busy making huge boats. Everyone knew it was time to leave the beautiful island. They were sad, but they knew that the mainland had to be populated as well. Plants and seeds were carefully packed away. Most of the deer and rabbits that lived on the island had been captured and put into stockades. Even insects were taken. The boats, joked Adam, were like a fleet of arks.

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Adam spent one evening telling everyone the story of Noah’s ark. The tribes of Adam and Evan filled the plain. The angels -- slim, dark-skinned, and silver-winged -sat perched in the trees and upon the huge cliff overlooking the wide plain. The lions, wearing their brightly colored ceremonial cloaks, sat on woven mats. They loved luxury more than any other tribe. The stoic, strong bulls stood in disciplined, straight lines. The centaurs, excitable and inquisitive, gathered in family groups -- fire centaurs, water centaurs, tree centaurs, and stone centaurs. And finally, the wolves lay in the front, their intelligent eyes shining with disquiet. They hated change. Adam and Evan spoke into a microphone so that everyone could hear them. A deep channel had been dug so that the merfolk could listen as well. It was the time to explain, plan, and organize the troops. The merfolk would not be able to fight on land. But they would be in charge of supplies, for Adam and Evan had decided to take the coast first, and their supplies would all be taken care of by the merfolk. The boats and weapons had been built by the bulls, aided by the centaurs. The lions had taken over training the wolves, centaurs, angels, and bulls to fight. The angels were to be scouts as well, flying ahead to find a place for landing, and for telling Adam and Evan of the enemy’s movements.

Chapter Two Tobias felt the wind ruffling his wings as he soared high above Paradise Island. He’d been working hard these past few days and felt the need for a rest. Soaring on the thermals, with nothing but the sound of the wind in his ears, was soothing to him. He needed to find tranquility. Lately, he’d been feeling a strange pull inside him. It made him edgy. Part of his nervousness was the move; the whole island was in an uproar. But that couldn’t explain the flashes of heat that filled his belly at times, or the dreams that filled his nights. In them, an angel with skin as pale as sea foam came to him and smiled. But he always woke up shaking at that point, and he didn’t know why. He’d never seen an angel like the one in his dreams. All the angels he knew had ebony skin and bright, silver wings. The tribe of angels was resistant to the strong sunlight and could soar high in the sky without fear of radiation burns from the sun. Their black skin gathered the heat all day to keep them warm at night, for they had no body fat. Their wings were reflective on both sides, and when folded around their bodies kept the heat in. When extended, their wings reflected the light. A flock of angels flying in the sun was a dazzling sight. Did the pale angels only fly at night then? Was that why, in his dream, this angel’s eyes were so wide? Its pupils nearly took up the entire iris. He didn’t know, but he felt the angel was dangerous and yet enthralling. And that troubled him too; it was damned hard flying with an erection.

*** When the boats set sail for the mainland, the angels were already on their way. Evan, the shape-shifter father, was leading the tribe of angels. Adam, the earthling father, was on the lead ship with the centaurs, bulls, lions, and wolves, along with the native plants, animals, and insects. The boat would be their home for the weeks it took

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to get to the mainland, so it had been made huge and comfortable. Other boats, just as huge and comfortable, carried the rest of the creatures. Evan flew at the head of the angels in his eagle form. He looked around at his troops of angels and thought it must be an incredible sight viewed from the ground. As it was, even viewed from the air it impressed him. They’d chosen an overcast day, so that the light flashing from their wings wouldn’t give them away. They approached the mainland carefully, but they were tired and needed a rest. Several islands lay just off the mainland, and Evan decided to camp there for the night. They landed and ate their frugal dinner. Angels never ate much anyway. Evan made sure everyone was comfortable before calling Adam on the com link. “How’s the ark?” he joked. “Quiet.” Adam stared pensively out of the com’s screen. “What’s the matter?” “I’ve been reading Cabel’s journal. It’s disturbing. It seems…” Adam hesitated, then continued, “It seems he’s been in contact with the Federation of Living Planets. They are sending someone to scan Earth and see what is going on.” “I thought they’d decided Earth was a lost cause.” Evan was surprised. The little he knew of the secretive Federation of Living Planets, it seemed that once they’d made a decision it was irrevocable. “Does his journal say when this will happen?” “No, but I’m betting it will be soon. I also found out why he used my DNA. He means to dupe the Federation.” “What do you mean?” Evan felt a prickle of disquiet. “Dupe? How?” “He means to pass his angels off as good beings, and all our creatures as evil. He will claim that the shape-shifting gene is an abomination. His angels certainly look… angelic,” he finished bitterly. “I doubt the Federation is easily fooled,” Evan replied. “Remember, I was once part of it.” “Not the Federation of the Living Planets though.” “What do you think the Federation is? The Federation, as you call it, is a vast

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organisation. The real beings who make up the Living Planet Federation are extremely secretive. They are the ones controlling the whole thing.” “I didn’t realize that. Tell me what you know,” demanded Adam. “The planet-talkers have never been seen; only their representatives have made contact with us. It’s very strange thinking that creatures can actually communicate with a planet.” “It means the planets are living beings.” Adam rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “They can live and die. The Federation must have assumed the Earth was dead, but Cabel managed to convince them to come give it another chance. I wonder if it is dead, and what will happen.”

Chapter Three Evan took a contingent of angels and flew to the mainland under cover of the pre-dawn darkness. He saw smoke from afar. The mainland had burned. But the worst sights were those of small villages that had been razed and their inhabitants killed. Evan contacted Adam to tell him the news. “I can’t believe there were any survivors at all. How long had they lived there, do you think?” Adam asked as he examined the pictures Evan sent. “Probably since the last asteroid hit. More people than I thought possible survived. Most were from the scientific bases. They made the best of it, built shelters and had started to farm.” Evan paused. “And it looks like an army attacked them. I’ve examined the bodies. Most died from slashes or deep cuts, as if the fighting was handto-hand. There are no signs of any survivors.” “Cabel doesn’t want survivors,” said Adam bitterly. “He means to convince the Federation our children are dangerous.” “We’re going to fly inland. I have a feeling I know where they’re hiding. One of my scouts reported caves in the nearby hills.” Adam’s expression betrayed his disquiet. “Be careful.” “I won’t do anything rash. We will wait for your troops to arrive. How soon do you think you’ll make landfall?” “In two days, if the wind and weather hold.” Adam gave a crooked smile. “See you then.” “Yes, see you then.” Evan heard the note of longing in Adam’s voice. He felt it too. They hadn’t been apart for years, and they’d gone through so much together. One last battle, he told himself. And then we can return to Paradise Island and grow old together. The mer-children will stay near the island. And maybe some of the centaurs

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and angels will return. The bulls had never made a secret of their desire to go to the mainland. The wolves and lions too had always wanted to emigrate and explore. Evan had no doubt that they would be able to make a wonderful new world. The bulls were amazing builders and engineers, and the lions excelled in the arts and sciences. The wolves had yet to reach their maturity as a people. Evan hoped that they would be able to have a future. After seeing what Cabel’s army of angels was capable of, he was starting to have serious doubts about the outcome of the war. Cabel had been planning this for a long time. And the vampire angels were a total mystery.

Chapter Four Tobias was proud to have been selected as one of the scouts. It meant that in the evening he was tired though, and he went to a corner of the encampment to sleep while the others set up the guard. He was asleep, therefore, when the vampires attacked. The first inkling he had of the battle was a high-pitched scream. Afterwards he was never clear on what happened. Awake, but groggy, he leapt from his perch in the tall tree and was struck from behind. His wings opened instinctively and he swooped sideways, clipping something with his shoulder as he did. He heard a crunching sound, a sharp cry, and then he felt hands clutch at his neck and a weight too great to carry dragged him down. The encampment had been set up not far from the edge of a cliff, and before he knew it, he was tumbling head over heels into the chasm. Frantically he beat his wings and tried to extricate himself from the creature hanging onto him. In the dark, he couldn’t even tell if he was upside down or not. He gave one last desperate twist, and then was free. His wings spread wide and beat the air. A second later he hit the ground and lost consciousness. The morning light woke him. It was very early, and mist still covered the ground. Tobias got to his feet and rubbed his head to clear it. There was dried blood on his face and neck, and his wings ached. Fearfully, he extended them, but to his relief they were fine, just a bit bruised. A white object caught his eye and he went to see what it was. It turned out to be a vampire angel, lying in a heap on the ground. Tobias could see that its wing was broken. Otherwise, it looked just like his father, Adam, and a thrill of shock ran through him. When the other opened his frosty blue eyes, Tobias’s breath caught in his throat. “Kill me,” he begged. “Kill me before the sun falls upon my skin.” “Why? Will it hurt you?” Tobias was confused. The sun was warmth and light.

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“It will burn me. Please. I am too fragile to stand direct sunlight.” This looked to be true; he was as pale as milk. Adam, Tobias knew, had to protect his skin or turn bright red. “I can shade you with my wings until help comes,” said Tobias. “Help?” The pale angel sneered. “Are you too weak or cowardly to kill me by yourself? Do you need help?” “I mean, help as in other angels to come carry us to safety and heal your wing,” Tobias said. His expression hardened. “I broke my wing. I’m as good as dead.” “In my experience, a broken wing can be set and healed.” Tobias stretched his wing out and pointed to the scar that still ran the width of it. “I broke it three years ago when a draft blew me into a cliff. The fathers set it and I can fly as well as before.” The pale angel sat up with difficulty. His blue eyes narrowed. “Your fathers are Adam and Evan. My father has told us about them. They have secretly plotted to take over the world with their abominations. You have the blood of a shape-shifter in your veins.” “That I am part shape-shifter is true,” said Tobias. He shrugged. “It means nothing when it’s diluted with another blood. The ability to transform belongs to Evan, and to him alone. The fathers never conspired to take over anything. Your father, on the other hand, attacked us with his dred whales and cone-shells. If it weren’t for the merchildren, we would have all perished. Your tribe has attacked innocent villages. You are making war, not us.” “Your words mean nothing to me,” he said haughtily. “Because you have been corrupted by your father.” Tobias spread both his wings and held them angled so that the other angel was in their shade. “What is your name?” “Tremble, oh foolish one. My name is Phersu. It’s the name of an ancient demon.” He bared his teeth ferociously. “My name is Tobias.” He smiled at him kindly. “In the Bible, my namesake fought demons and won.”

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“The Bible?” Phersu looked blank. “When we are saved, I will read it to you. It has many good stories in it.” Tobias fluttered his wings, giving them a breeze as well as shade. When the sun rose fully, the light flashed off his silver wings and soon he heard trumpets in the distance. “Our troops are rallying,” said Tobias. “That means your attack last night failed.” He didn’t add that he’d been terribly worried, though he hadn’t let that show, nor that the other angel’s presence troubled him. He recalled the dreams. He recognized the angel in front of him. That they had become lovers in his dream seemed unlikely in real life. Phersu seemed to despise him. His outfit intrigued Tobias, though, whether Phersu liked him or not. “What is that?” he asked, pointed to the cloth wrapped around his midriff and upper thighs. “A loincloth. Underwear, if you wish.” Phersu sniffed. “As a savage, you have no conception of what that is, I suppose.” “A savage, am I?” Tobias chuckled. “What are you hiding underneath it? Is your manhood so different than ours? I’ve seen large and small, so don’t be embarrassed. You should see the centaurs’ cocks -- quite impressive, I assure you. Enough to make anyone feel inadequate.” Phersu’s shock was obvious. “How can you speak of such things? Have you no modesty?” “I have modesty, but what does that have to do with your body? Why hide that which the gods made? Your body is made to show, not to hide. Do your women wear the same loincloths?” “Our women are hidden from all eyes with cloaks and veils. Their beauty remains hidden to all but their masters. Modesty is what protects us from each other, and especially it protects women from men,” he said. Tobias raised his eyebrows. “The men in our tribes are taught to control themselves. Women need not fear that showing their beauty will put them in harm’s way. Have you not learned self-control? Truly I pity you living among such… savages.” “I forbid you to call us savages.” His eyes flashed. “We wear clothes. We respect

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our women. You go around naked. It’s an affront to… to…” “To you?” He shrugged. “If you don’t want to look, close your eyes. You’re the one who’s staring.” “I am not!” “You are too. You’ve been staring at my manhood since we met. You know what your problem is? No modesty.” Tobias winked at him. Enraged, Phersu lunged at him, but his injured wing must have hurt, for he gave a shrill scream and sank back to the ground. “I’m sorry. Here, let me help you into a more comfortable position.” He slid his hand under Phersu’s back and tried to move him. But the vampire angel latched onto Tobias’s neck with his mouth and bit him. Surprised, Tobias jerked back. Almost instinctively he’d grabbed Phersu’s underwear, and when he pulled back, it tore. He uttered a surprised cry. “Sorry! Why did you bite me?” “Just a habit. I didn’t mean to.” Phersu sounded almost contrite. Tobias had never seen underwear before and it fascinated him. He held it up and examined it. “Why do you wear this?” “Give it to me!” Phersu cried, trying to snatch it back from him. He couldn’t move very well, and Tobias felt a bit like a cad for taking advantage of that, but Phersu had bitten him, he reminded himself. Then he caught sight of the golden curls between Phersu’s thighs and his penis, which was unmistakably hard, and all thoughts of underwear or modesty fled from his mind. Seeing the direction of his gaze, Phersu covered himself with both hands and snarled at him. “Savage!” “I would never harm you or force myself upon you,” Tobias said. “Your body betrays your words.” His voice dripped venom. “I get hard, yes. But it is just a normal reaction.” Tobias stroked his erect penis, feeling it quiver beneath his touch. “It will subside.” He felt pity for Phersu. Pity, and desire. It shot through him like a knife, but he would never consider giving in to it. He was stronger than his needs. Yet, no male or female of his tribe had stirred him so badly. He looked up at the sky, half hoping rescue would come soon. The sooner he

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was out of Phersu’s presence, the sooner he could relax. Tobias watched him discreetly. Phersu couldn’t tear his eyes from Tobias’s cock. Was he angry? Interested? It was hard to tell. He was interested, that was for sure. And he still held Phersu’s ridiculous underwear in his hand. A whiff of his musk emanated from it. Sweet and sexy, the scent made his cock harden even more and his balls contracted. He would have liked to be able to control his unruly member a little better sometimes, but as long as he didn’t let it control him, he’d be all right. And so would Phersu. He studied Phersu out of the corner of his eye. What kind of tribe did he live in, that he would be so afraid of a naked body? “Has anyone ever hurt you?” he asked Phersu, trying to keep his tone interested yet detached. “Never.” He glared at Tobias. “Do you have a female or male companion?” “No.” Phersu sniffed. “Your cock is still hard.” “So’s yours.” Tobias shrugged. “It is not.” Phersu kept his hands cupped over his cock, but Tobias could tell he was aroused. Through his spread fingers, he caught a glimpse of taut skin, a faintly purple, shiny cockhead, and blue veins that could be seen beneath the pale skin. Tobias felt his mouth go dry. But maybe it was just that the sun was rising, and it was getting hot. Despite the shade his wings offered, he was starting to suffer from thirst and heat. “I’m going to go get help. I’ll try to put you in the shade of the cliff.” “No! Don’t leave me!” Phersu reached up and grabbed him. At his touch, Tobias felt a huge shiver run down his spine. His cock, already painfully stiff, swelled even more. “Let go of me. I promise I won’t leave you, but don’t touch me.” “Why? Afraid of losing your self-control?” “Only in your dreams,” replied Tobias, stung. “Even if I touch you like this?” Phersu’s voice was teasing. His fingers slid up Tobias’s thigh and lightly brushed against his scrotum. The feel was like quick butterfly

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wings. Tobias uttered a groan. Phersu wasn’t finished. “Or like this?” His fingers closed over Tobias’s cock and squeezed. “Why are you doing this?” Tobias tried to move away, but his legs felt leaden. Phersu’s fingers on his cock, moving up and down, held him more firmly than chains. “I don’t know.” For the first time the pale angel sounded troubled. He raised his eyes to Tobias. “I just feel like it. My wing hurts so badly I want something to take my mind off it. Nothing more. I have no interest in you. You’re a savage. The enemy. I haven’t forgotten that.” As he spoke he stroked his own cock, and it swelled. His breath shortened. “I want you to touch me. I want to take your cock into my mouth and suck.” “If you promise not to bite.” Tobias wanted to pull away. He still didn’t trust the pale angel, but his cock was about to explode. His hips thrust on their own. He leaned down. Phersu’s fingers stroked his cock gently. “Harder, touch it harder,” said Tobias. He wanted to reach down and touch Phersu’s cock, but he was afraid to scare him off. Phersu seemed awkward, which Tobias figured was normal. He opened his mouth and Tobias had a sudden misgiving at the sight of his fangs, but he just put the tip of his tongue out and touched it to Tobias’s cock. Tobias slid his right hand slowly down the pale angel’s arm until he brushed the back of his hand lightly against his cock. Phersu jumped a bit, but didn’t protest. Tobias let his fingers trail across the tip of his cock and a small groan escaped Phersu’s lips at the touch. There wasn’t enough air in his lungs. Tobias took a deep breath, his cock aching abominably. He wanted to plunge his cock into Phersu’s mouth and pump Phersu with his hand and mouth until he screamed with pleasure. The thought made him grin and he was just imagining the scene when suddenly trumpets sounded loudly just overhead. Tobias leapt back, as Phersu rolled over and pressed himself to the ground. His shoulders shook. “Don’t worry; it’s just my tribe come to help us. They will be able to carry you

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to…” “I don’t want your help. You’re a demon in disguise. I don’t know what spell you cast over me, but I…” Phersu’s words were drowned out by an ear-splitting trumpet blast as five slim black angels landed lightly next to them. Tobias recognized Freya, Jacob, Samuel, Eunice, and Hester. “Hail, Tobias! What have you got hidden under your wings?” Hester walked toward him, a questioning look in her eyes. Tobias patted Phersu’s shoulder. “Fear not.” In a louder voice he said, “I found someone who is wounded. The sun is too strong for him, so I have protected him with my wings. Have you got any water with you? We’re both parched.” “We have water, yes.” Hester motioned to Jacob and Freya. “How badly is your new friend hurt?” “Friend?” Phersu sounded stunned, and he lifted his head. “I’m not your friend, I’m your enemy. And don’t forget that. Give me back my underwear,” he added angrily. Tobias gave him the cloth and then turned to his tribe-mates. “Come, gather around, and spread your wings to give him shade. I will introduce you to…” “Can’t you wait until I’m decent?” Phersu snarled. “My friend Phersu.” Tobias paused long enough for Phersu to tie the cloth at his waist, then he stepped back. There was a deep silence. Then Eunice said, in a halting voice, “I greet you, friend Phersu, in the name of Adam and Evan.” Phersu narrowed his eyes. “There are whores among you.” “Whores?” Tobias frowned, not sure he understood. Phersu said, “Women with no modesty who try to tempt us with their nakedness.” Eunice, Hester, and Freya looked at each other, then back at Phersu. “What exactly are you tempted to do?” Freya asked. “He looks tempted to throw up,” said Hester helpfully. “Do naked women make

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you ill?” “Get out of my sight. You insult me,” Phersu said. “I’d insult you better if you took off that scrap of cloth and let me get a look at your tiny penis,” said Freya. “Then I could really insult you.” Tobias winced. Freya had a short temper and a sharp tongue. “My penis is not tiny.” Phersu sounded outraged. “Then your intelligence is an insult,” snapped Freya. “We are here to help you, if you can lay aside your narrow-minded prejudices.” “I have no prejudices, only respect for women,” Phersu cried. Eunice was the first to laugh. Hester and Freya rolled their eyes, and then Jacob and Samuel, hitherto silent, spoke up. “We don’t like your attitude, but you seem to amuse our women, so we’ll help you. But you better start showing some of that respect you’re so proud of.” Jacob and Samuel were twins and spoke in unison most of the time. They thought the same thoughts, and right now both pairs of eyes were narrowed in dislike at the pale angel. Phersu seemed to realize the error of his ways, because, to Tobias’s relief, he bowed his head and said, “I humbly beg your pardon.” His good feelings evaporated when Phersu added, “Now will you go clothe yourselves so that I may look upon you?” “No,” said Eunice cheerfully. She gave him a blinding smile. “We respect your narrow, close-minded beliefs, but that doesn’t give you the right to ask us to change ours to suit you.” “Come on, we can’t stand here all day. Everyone grab a limb and let’s lift him out of here,” said Freya. Phersu started to protest but Freya took his right ankle, Samuel and Jacob took his other leg, Hester and Eunice took his arms and they lifted him into the air. “When we get high enough, drop him,” said Freya, then laughed at Phersu’s expression. Tobias, flying above them to give shade, saw Phersu blanch. “Stop teasing him,” he said, feeling suddenly sorry for Phersu.

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“There’s the encampment. Let’s go. Evan is there, and he’ll want to talk to you, Tobias,” said Jacob and Samuel, in unison.

*** Phersu ached all over. His wing felt as if a thousand needles were pricking it, and he moved it gingerly. According to the enemy doctor, a creature with the head of a lion and the body of a human, he could fly again soon, now that his wing had been operated upon and was mended. It still hurt though, and the stay in the hospital had drained him. The first glimpse of the enemy had sent arrows of fear through his heart. He’d seen holograms of them of course, but in real life they were even more terrifying. Men with the heads of lions, creatures with bull heads and huge, broad shoulders; bluefurred wolves, and there were the centaurs, half man, half horse, and none of them, except the lion-men, wore any clothes! It made him desperately uncomfortable. For one thing, the centaurs were too imposing with their blatant sexuality. The female centaurs had breasts like grapefruit -- how could they gallop? And the bulls were hung like… well, bulls. The worst was his own reaction to the sight. His cock would harden and his balls would ache and ache… and he was in a public ward! How humiliating! Of course, there were screens set up between the beds, so he could not actually see the other patients, but he could hear their groans and sobs, and it disturbed him. The only comforting thought was that soon the Federation would come, and all these creatures would be wiped off the face of the earth and only his kind would remain. The other angels might be allowed to stay, he thought. Maybe. He still couldn’t get used to seeing them with their dark skin and silver wings. They dazzled his eyes. They were slightly smaller than his tribe, and yet their wings were larger. They were made to fly long distances. His tribe could fly, but not particularly well. His wings were showy, with their swan-like feathers, but they didn’t have the span needed to keep them aloft without great effort. It made his shoulders and chest broad and muscular, and that made it easy to subdue his victims, bite them in the neck, and drain them. Now

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he had to make do with fish. Not that he really minded -- he loved fish. But he missed the excitement of the chase, and the hunt. He hoped his brothers were all unharmed and busy chasing down the last humans and creatures on earth. Then they would truly be alone and free of the threat of the shape-shifters. A shadow fell over him and he opened his eyes. Tobias stood next to his bed, and he didn’t look very cheerful. That was odd. Usually he had that stupid grin on his face. He was the most cheerful person… er… creature, that is, that Phersu had ever met. His fascinating ebony skin set off magnificent turquoise eyes, and silver hair and wings. He was nude, as usual, but Phersu could see that his cock was not interested today. Phersu felt a pang of disappointment and frowned. He should not be feeling that way. He should be actively plotting his escape and revenge. He preferred Tobias with a smile and a hard-on though. He closed his eyes. Was he becoming corrupted? He could no longer control his lustful thoughts! “Phersu, now that you have recovered, I have come to take you to meet the fathers.” Tobias spoke in a rather subdued voice. Phersu opened his eyes and frowned. “I cannot go in front of anyone, let alone the traitors Evan and Adam, unclad like a savage. What do they want with me? Why can’t they come and see me here?” Tobias was quiet for a minute, and Phersu could not tell what he was thinking. “They are very busy. This is just one of the hospitals we have set up. There are thirteen more. The war with your brethren is taking its toll upon the humans and on our tribes. Your tribe has weapons that we did not suspect. The worst off are the humans. No one knew there were so many left alive on earth, or that they multiplied so quickly. Come. The fathers are waiting and they don’t have much time.” Phersu got to his feet rather unsteadily. His head swam, so he was grateful to lean on Tobias’s arm. He took his sheet with him, draping it around his nudity. They walked through the ward, and Phersu tried not to look at the other patients. It was impossible not to see them though. Most, as Tobias said, were human. But he noticed something else.

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“How many sizes do humans come in?” Phersu asked. “Sizes?” Tobias looked puzzled. “Yes, sizes. Look, there’s one nearly our size, and over there is one the size of a child. But he can’t be a child. We would see him growing.” “Humans don’t have the Quick-gro in their genes,” Tobias said. “Their childhood lasts nearly fourteen years.” “What?” Phersu missed a step and crashed into Tobias, who held him up as if he weighed nothing. “The humans grow slowly. According to the fathers, in a few more generations, we should start growing slower as well. The fathers say…” But Phersu wasn’t listening. Instead, a growing sense of horror invaded him. The small humans were only children! He’d been attacking children! Before he could get over that, Tobias led him to a room where several beings, two humanoid, stood near a large console made of chrome and glass. “Hello, Phersu,” said the tallest of the humanoids. He was completely bald, with piercing, golden eyes and, Phersu noted, a strange, flexible tail that twitched and flexed. He also had a fringe of scales along his forearms. Evan, the shape-shifter! Phersu’s skin prickled. “I’m Adam.” The other humanoid turned around, and Phersu got another tremendous shock. He was staring at himself -- and all his brethren. Only it wasn’t an angel, and he had the saddest look in his blue eyes. Phersu’s legs trembled and he looked for somewhere to sit. A lion pushed a stool toward him. “Please sit. You look pale,” he said. “We want you to tell us all you can about your tribe,” said Adam. It spooked Phersu to look at him, so he stared at the floor. “I didn’t know they were still children,” he whispered, when his throat finally unknotted. “Who?” It was Adam, kneeling so that he was eye-level with him. Phersu shivered. “No one told me that the humans were still children. Our

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orders were to destroy them all.” He shuddered again. A long pause greeted his words. “What difference does that make? You had to destroy them all, so that would mean women and children too, wouldn’t it?” Adam again, his voice still gentle. Phersu started to understand the sorrow in his eyes. “It would make a difference to me,” he said. “Maybe not for everyone, but I still remember how it was to be a child. You don’t know anything. There is… innocence.” He couldn’t look at anyone. “I wanted to stay a child forever, but after only a few weeks, I was grown to adulthood and initiated.” “What does that mean?” Adam put his hand on Phersu’s shoulder. His touch was comforting, somehow. “We become part of the army. The elders teach us how to kill. They told us that the humans and the tribes of… your tribes… were our enemies. They said that we were good, and that you were evil. They showed us films of humans at war, and showed us the atrocities they committed against their own kind. We were created to purify the earth.” Adam’s voice took on a startled note. “What do you mean?” “Our cause is just. We will cleanse the earth and then live in paradise, where everyone is equal and everyone is respected. We will…” Phersu faltered. “It sounded right when Cabel said it. I don’t know anymore. They trained me to fight, not to ask questions.” He raised his eyes and looked once more upon the man who was his mirror image. “Why do you look so like my people?” he asked. “That is a good start to asking questions,” said Adam, and he smiled. “The fact is, I don’t know for sure why Abe and Cabel decided to use my genes to create your people. But use them they did. My guess is that they intended to try to convince the Federation to support their cause by using angels. I think your fathers didn’t know there were so many humans left, and so they had to create an army. They are in a hurry, because they knew the Federation would return someday. They hoped to have everything in place before they came, but they got bogged down in a war with us and

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with the remaining humans, who are tougher than they thought.” “Only one father is left now,” said Phersu. “I don’t know what happened to Abe.” “I can tell you what happened to him,” said a centaur. Phersu flinched from his touch. The huge horse with a human torso was another enemy he’d been trained to fear and hate. This centaur was bright orange with pale skin and startling blue eyes. “Who are you?” he asked. “My name is Fire Opal. I am the repository of the memories of Sharky.” “Sharky?” Phersu vaguely remembered a traitor by that name. A merman who’d joined the other side and had sabotaged Cabel and Abe’s plans for taking over Paradise Island. “If not for him, the war would be over now,” he snarled. “You must learn to open your mind and let go of destructive beliefs.” The centaur touched his arm and suddenly Phersu was immersed in the memories of the merman. When it was over, he trembled so violently he thought he’d pass out. “Abe was eaten by a hydra?” His mind tried to wrap around what he’d experienced. He stared at the centaur, his fear forgotten. “Sharky killed one of your kind, yet I feel your love for him.” Evan, the shape-shifter, came and leaned over Phersu. “We all make mistakes. You can correct your own by helping us. Surely you realize now that you have been duped by your father. Cabel started the war. But you can end it.” “How?” “By telling us what you know about the angel bases, weapons, and any future plans you might know of.” Phersu felt as empty as a desert. He put his head in his hands. “I don’t know anything. I’m one of the newest recruits. I left childhood and joined my legion the day before the battle on the cliff.” He raised his head and looked at all the creatures around him. They didn’t seem enraged at his news. Their faces reflected only kindness, patience, and sorrow. There was much sorrow. For the first time, Phersu knew what they were feeling. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. But then he had an idea.

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“I can go back and tell them I escaped your clutches. I can try to find out what they are up to.” Phersu saw Tobias lose his tranquil smile. “No, it’s far too dangerous!” he cried. But Phersu had made up his mind. “You healed my wing so I can fly. I will be able to help you.”

Tobias admired Phersu’s determination, but he knew it would never work. He caught Adam’s glance and nodded. He would take Phersu back to the ward. The angel looked tired, paler than usual, with violet shadows darkening his eyes. “Come, let’s put you back in your bed,” said Tobias, taking Phersu’s arm. Once outside the conference room, Phersu hesitated, then said, “I’d rather talk a while with you, if you don’t mind. Can we go somewhere private?” Tobias led him to his room and held the door open. “It’s small, but we won’t be disturbed. What did you want to talk to me about?” Phersu didn’t reply. He just sat down on the bed and shivered. He looked so miserable that Tobias didn’t think, he just sat down next to him and spread his wings, enveloping him in a soft embrace. Phersu turned to him and rested his head on his shoulder. Tobias drew Phersu’s head to his, kissing his mouth, letting his tongue slide over Phersu’s lips, teasing them apart. Phersu groaned and took his face in his hands, and Tobias looped his arms over Phersu’s broad shoulders, loving the feel of his hard muscles and smooth skin. “You’re tired,” whispered Tobias. “You’re gorgeous,” said Phersu. “I never thought I’d fall for the enemy, but I have.” “You’re even more tired than I thought,” Tobias laughed, pulling back to admire him. Phersu’s cock rose, long and thick, begging for a caress. Tobias ran his hands down Phersu’s sides, over his hips, then clasped his cock with both hands. He closed his eyes, to better concentrate on the sensation of holding Phersu’s cock, then he leaned over and

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kissed Phersu. His mouth was velvet soft and yet firm. The sharp fangs fascinated him, and he touched them with the tip of his tongue. Sharp. Warm. Phersu twisted his head and pressed his mouth harder against his. Their tongues met, probed, fought. Tobias pulled back with a laugh. Then he slipped his hand around the back of Phersu’s head and pulled him close again. This time slower and sweeter. Their breath mingled, and Tobias felt his heart speed up, pounding so hard his chest hurt. Tobias slid to his knees so that their chests met and pressed his cock against Phersu’s flat belly. “I want you so bad,” he whispered, their lips still touching. Phersu nodded, his eyes closed. “Open your eyes,” said Tobias. He did, and a jolt ran through Tobias at the sight. Close up, they were sky blue, with specks of gold and pupils like dark velvet. The pupils widened as Tobias watched, taking over the whole eye so that they were nearly black. Black with desire. Tobias took Phersu’s hand and put it firmly on his cock, thrusting his hips so that there was no question of his arousal. Phersu thrust in return, his cock sliding through Tobias’s grip, and Tobias held tight, squeezing gently. Then Tobias took Phersu’s cock in his mouth. Sucking hard, he thrust his head and shoulders back and forth. His lips hugged his sweet smooth cock, while his tongue twirled and tickled the tip. He was going to lose it; he couldn’t hold back. Sharp surges in his groin made his stomach clench and he parted Phersu’s legs, grasping his thighs, pushing him so that his cock sank into his mouth. Then he reached behind Phersu and nudged his anus with his finger, gently, and as Phersu groaned and pulled him closer, he slid it into the tight, hot passage. Phersu’s ass clamped down hard on his finger and Tobias stifled a gasp. Little surges of energy passed from Phersu to him, then back again. His cock hardened to the point of being painful. It throbbed in time to Tobias’s heartbeat. He could feel Phersu’s cock throbbing too, in rhythm to Tobias’s quick finger thrusts. When Phersu came, erupting into his mouth, he felt his own come surging out of his cock. It spurted over his knees, and at the same time, he thrust harder with his finger, pulling and pushing in quick

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succession, pulling another jet of come from Phersu’s cock. “My God,” Phersu cried, grabbing the sides of the bed with both hands. “That was incredible,” he added as soon as he got his breath back. Tobias gave him a last kiss then slid his finger out. The air felt cool after Phersu’s hot body, and he almost grew hard again thinking about plunging his cock into that hot, tight sheath. With that thought in mind, he washed up in the basin and then brought a wet cloth to Phersu. Sinking down on the bed next to him, he playfully cleaned Phersu’s cock, delighting in teasing his lover by dressing his cock up in the cloth and letting just the tip poke out the top. Phersu started to laugh, and the sound was music to Tobias’s ears. He realized how rarely Phersu smiled, and it gladdened his heart that he could give him the gift of laughter. “We don’t have showers or baths here, but the accommodations aren’t too bad. And the service is included in the price,” he added with a wink. Phersu had slumped back onto Tobias’s bed. “Can I stay here tonight?” His voice was muffled by the pillow. Tobias hugged him, thinking about his tight, hot ass and how he wanted to make love to him. “Of course,” he said, and his cock got stiff again. Phersu noticed and gave a slight grin. “Maybe I can make that go away,” he said. “Maybe you can.” Tobias felt his eyelids grow heavy. “Why don’t you turn over, and put your knees on the floor.” “I can do that.” Phersu’s smile was teasing now and Tobias felt another surge of desire stiffen his cock even further. By the gods, he was hard. He watched while Phersu knelt on the floor, then he knelt behind him and pushed his cock against his anus. Instead of drawing away, Phersu leaned into him so that his cock slid into the hot, tight sheath. It was a close fit, and Tobias had to hold himself back. He wanted to thrust forward, but he didn’t want to hurt Phersu. Phersu groaned and arched his back, urging him in deeper. Tobias needed no urging. Wrapping his arms around Phersu, he pressed himself as close as he could, and his cock buried itself to the hilt. Now Phersu was bucking against him, and when

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Tobias reached around in front of him, he found Phersu’s cock was hard. He couldn’t help it. His seed spurted out of his body with such force it doubled him over. He pumped Phersu’s cock with his hands, taking him with him. Afterward, he hardly had the strength to wash up and collapse in bed, his arms wrapped around Phersu, his wings covering him in an exquisite warmth. The next morning he woke up and stretched. The bed was empty. Puzzled, he glanced around. Then his heart sank. His window was wide open. Phersu was gone.

Chapter Five The war took up all Evan’s time. He found he had a natural knack for tactics and strategy. His troops slowly but surely began to overcome the flocks of vampire angels. It helped that the angels could not fight by day. That left many hours to scout and to plan attacks and defenses. But it also meant that battles were fought at night, where his troops were outnumbered and couldn’t see. He knew this, and tried to plan accordingly. But if there was a lull in the battle, whenever he could, he went to rejoin Adam, to try to find some peace and solace for his soul. “Cabel has set up his fortress in the mountains, where he keeps his troops of angels and all his weapons.” Evan looked at the map, spread on his knees, and sighed. He would have liked to flush him out, but for now, it was impossible. And as long as Cabel stayed in the mountain, it seemed unlikely the war would ever end. “I’m having trouble convincing the human settlers to let the bulls, the lions, and the wolves help them. They have sort of come to accept the angels and the centaurs. I suppose that’s because the angels look almost human, and the centaurs are just big, beautiful horses.” Adam cracked a wry grin. “If only the lions didn’t look so fierce. And I’m afraid no one will ever elect a bull as a diplomat.” “They will get used to them, eventually. If they survive.” “Or if we survive.” Adam looked worried. Adam’s task was to assist the humans who had managed to stay alive. Living in conditions much like the pioneers of the Old West, or even the Middle Ages, they needed all the help Adam and his teams could give. But it hadn’t been easy winning the humans’ trust. The rumor that a shape-shifter and his army had come to finish what the vampires had started put a serious curb on things. It took all of Adam’s charm and diplomacy to persuade the villages to open their gates and let his teams of centaurs and

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angels help. Slowly, the humans began to accept the strange creatures. It helped that the centaurs were telepathic to an extent, and could tell Adam the best way to approach and convince the people of their benevolence. He put his work down and went to sit next to Evan. “Big map,” he said. “The better to hide what’s underneath.” Evan grinned at Adam’s expression. “What? I can’t have some fun anymore?” Adam shook his head. “Whenever I think I know you, you show me another side of you.” Evan lifted the corner of the map. “Can I show you this side then?” He didn’t think he’d be feeling so horny, but sitting in a room alone with Adam did that to him. His cock hardened even as he lifted the map. Adam’s eyes widened. “Well, I’ve seen that side of you before, and from all angles,” he added. “But maybe there’s a new angle I can try.” “A new one?” Evan swallowed. Adam’s fingers touched his cock lightly, then slid between his legs and caressed his balls. His tail flicked from its sheath and wrapped around Adam’s wrist. “On your knees, earthling.” “I love it when you’re masterful.” Adam knelt and tossed the map on the floor. “But it’s my turn to give orders. You have three seconds to change places with me.” Evan groaned. “Your turn?” He knelt down, letting his hands slide along Adam’s hard body as he descended to his knees. Adam stood, his cock pressed against Evan’s shoulder. Evan tilted his head and took Adam’s balls into his mouth, sucking on them, rolling them gently with his tongue. Adam groaned and put his hands on Evan’s shoulders, leaning against him for balance. His cock rose, brushing against Evan’s ear. “Take my cock in your mouth,” he ordered. “Yes, Master.” Adam curled his fingers around Evan’s balls and slid his mouth over the tip of Adam’s cock. Teasing with his tongue over the soft ridges and sucking in a steady rhythm, he waited until he tasted a salty drop of come before sliding his mouth all the way down the smooth shaft and sucking hard.

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Adam held his head tightly, his body bent over his as he thrust into Evan’s mouth. Evan used his tongue and fingers to urge him on. Adam dug his fingers into his shoulder hard enough to hurt. After one or two more long pulls, Evan felt Adam’s balls tighten and a rush of thick come spurt into his throat. An answering ache made his cock throb, and a spurt of come damped its tip. He was just about to get up and demand that Adam take his place on the floor when a loud knock sounded on the door. Fine, he would take his pleasure later. The thought made his skin tingle. “Sorry,” said Adam, having the grace to look sheepish. “It’s not your fault.” Evan managed to hide his hard-on behind the map before Adam opened the door and let an angel in. It was Tobias, come with the evening reports. Tobias finished and left, and Evan sighed. “He hasn’t gotten over that vampire angel yet, has he?” he asked. He knew that Tobias was feeling betrayed and confused. He didn’t know if Phersu had gone back to help or hinder them. It didn’t matter, as he tried to explain to Tobias. But the angel was inconsolable. Evan felt his patience slipping, but then something happened that overshadowed everything. The alarm rang.

Every com link on Earth started buzzing at once. The same frequency filled the radio and com link waves. The Federation had finally contacted Earth. The first message came to both Cabel’s fortress in the mountains and to Evan’s base near the coast. “This is the S.S. Maya, Federation starship. We have come to assess Earth’s progress since last contact. Gaia has answered our queries and established Earth as a living planet, therefore under the control of the Federation of Living Planets. Gaia has informed us of a war on her surface. Please put down your arms and prepare to come before the Federation’s tribunal.”

*** The first shock over, Adam and Evan decided to call all their troops together and wait for the Federation starship. Evan didn’t like being in such a vulnerable situation,

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but he couldn’t imagine Cabel attacking while under Federation surveillance. For once, he was wrong. The attack was sudden and unexpected. The encampment had just settled down for the night. Evan had posted guards, but the swiftness and force of the assault took everyone by surprise. All at once, the sky seemed to fill with silver darts. The night exploded with flashes of light, diffused and muted by a heavy fog that had come in from the sea. Sounds were muted too, but there was no mistaking the cries and screams of the wounded. In their tent, Evan turned to Adam. “I’m going to see what’s going on. Stay with the centaur troops, and I’ll tell you where to send the other divisions as soon as I get an idea of where the enemy is.” He left the tent and flung himself into the air almost before he’d finished transforming. Beating mighty wings, Evan, now an eagle, soared into the night. He gripped the com link tightly in his claws and looked down over the valley. Cabel’s troops had them surrounded. They must have used tunnels, for none of his scouts had seen them. Evan hated to admit they’d been outmaneuvered, but the sight of the pale angels, lined up in legions, chilled him. As they marched they rained darts from their crossbows down upon the defending troops. Lions and wolves died writhing in agony. The bulls, being on the flanks, fared better. Evan reached for his com link. “They are all around us, but the crossbows are in front. Tell the lions and wolves to fall back and send a contingent of angels to take out the archers. They are marching quickly and the noose is closing fast. Bring the bulls to the front -- they have most of their manpower there. With the centaurs, sweep the sides and try to mow down the weakest part of the encircling army. That looks to be on the western side. I can’t really be sure, but there might be a flaw in their defense at that point. If we cut through, we’ll at least have a retreat.” “I hear you.” Adam’s voice was strained. “What is it?” “We’re already on the move. A bomb dropped in here a moment ago and exploded. I don’t know how many casualties we sustained. We’re going to get the able

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soldiers and make for the western front. I’ll send the bulls out to help the wolves and lions. Take care, Evan. Don’t let them see you.” “Don’t worry.” Evan banked and swooped toward the ground, trying for a clear look at the action there. He saw Adam’s troops turn west, and the bulls, massed together in a formidable legion, headed to help their brethren. Angels, their silver wings flashing in the moonlight, rose in unison and began dropping nets and sleep bombs on the archers below them. Some fell to earth pierced with darts. This seemed to enrage the other angels and they redoubled their efforts. Soon a space started to clear in the center and the wolves and lions rushed in. The bulls now turned back to help defend the flanks. Evan saw a contingent of pale angels seemingly rise from the earth. They did have tunnels! They appeared between the centaurs and the bulls, cutting the centaur troops off from the rest of the army. Evan reached for his com link and flew as fast as he could in Adam’s direction. “Can you hear me?” he called. “Yes, but fighting is heavy here. Don’t get too near. They are shooting darts and arrows at us. So far the armour the bulls made is holding up. Only a few centaurs have fallen.” Dawn was coming. If they could just hang on a little while longer, they would have a chance. The pale angels would disappear back into their tunnels when the sun rose. Evan clung to that hope as he flew. Suddenly another flash of light caught his eyes. A new battalion of vampire angels broke through the earth close to Adam’s troop. The centaurs were surrounded. Evan saw them realize their predicament and form a tight circle, and then the vampire angels fell upon them with high pitched screams. Adam’s whole troop was engulfed in an instant. He folded his eagle wings and dropped to earth. When he landed, he’d already transformed into a bull. With bellows of rage, he charged into the midst of the vampire ranks, crushing them and smashing them aside. He reached the middle of the troop just in time to see Adam fall.

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The centaurs saw it too, and they rallied around him, keeping the vampires at bay. Evan changed into his humanoid form and caught Adam before he hit the ground. “Adam!” he cried. Adam gave a crooked grin. “Hey there, handsome.” Evan couldn’t answer. His voice had frozen in his throat. Everything seemed to move both slowly and too fast. The centaurs gathered around, forming a barrier against the rain of deadly arrows. From a distance, he heard the trumpets of angels as they rallied in the sky. There was a roaring in his ears, and then Adam drew a ragged breath and said, “It will be all right.” And then he shuddered once, very hard. “No!” The cry tore from Evan’s throat. He hugged Adam, shook his shoulders, pleaded with him to wake up, but he was gone. A centaur came and gently took his hand. “Let me take him.” Evan had never seen this centaur. He was pitch black, with blue eyes like Adam’s. Adam. Evan’s heart lurched and he leaned down to give him one last kiss. “I came too late,” he said, his voice breaking. He held Adam tightly, feeling his warmth leach from his skin. “No,” he cried. “No!” And then the ground began to shake and light, so bright it hurt the eyes, descended from the heavens. At first, Evan couldn’t make out what was happening. Then an angel he recognized as Tobias took him by the shoulder and shook him, none too gently. “Father! The Federation has arrived. They wish to speak to you.” Evan started to say he didn’t care, that nothing mattered anymore. But he knew Adam would not have wanted that. Adam had worked so hard to get Earth accepted into the Federation. He owed it to Adam. The black centaur stood next to him, not speaking. “Who are you?” asked Evan, as the centaur bent down and took Adam’s body in his arms. “My name is Starlight.” The centaur smiled and bent his head to touch his

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forehead to Adam’s. “His memory will never be forgotten.” Evan didn’t have the strength to ask him what he meant. Instead, he let Tobias pull him to his feet and lead him through a thick crowd. Suddenly they came upon an empty circle. Part of the circle was made up of pale angels. The other parts were taken up by the humans and by the children of Adam and Evan. A deep silence settled over the gathering. In the middle of the circle Evan recognized Cabel standing near two Federation representatives, recognizable by their gold and green uniforms. They held translator packs to their mouths in order to make themselves understood, for they spoke the language of the planets. “Here is the shape-shifter,” Cabel said with a barely concealed snarl. “Let the trial begin.” One of the representatives motioned and a blue light encircled them. “You, Evan Marche, are accused of being a shape-shifter and of propagating your genes in an illegal attempt to take over the planet Earth. You have also been accused by Cabel Suarez of starting a war upon his children in order to ensure mastery of Earth and her resources.” Evan said nothing. He knew that this was simply the preliminaries. The Representative read the accusation against Cabel next. “You, Cabel Suarez, have been accused by the human representative, Agnes Lesmoines, of attacking the settlements and creating a race of warlike angels.” The trial lasted for hours. The Federation took no sides. It remained completely impartial. Both Evan’s and Cabel’s arguments were heard. The humans testified. To Evan’s way of thinking Cabel told more lies than truths, but he couldn’t offer any proof to discredit his words. According to Cabel, his angels were peaceful fish eaters. Hadn’t he been instrumental in developing the fish population in Earth’s oceans? Then Cabel claimed that he’d been attacked first by Evan’s creatures. The Federation could see for themselves. The creatures were dangerous. Wolves. Lions. Bulls. All the creatures had a chance to testify. Cabel’s angels lied. They claimed they didn’t know that taking a bit of blood from humans could kill them. They looked contrite. Evan’s children were uncomfortable. The wolves did not speak. The bulls only

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grunted angrily. The centaurs and angels were furious, and could not hide it. The Federation listened to both sides. They didn’t have to confer. They presented the verdict. “Cabel Suarez. Your angels will be banished to the western coast and island mountains where they can find enough fish to leave the human population in peace. Evan Marche. Your creatures will be destroyed in order to preserve peace…” He got no further. Cabel’s angels lifted off in a huge flutter of wings, some picking Cabel up and carrying him with them. The humans seemed shocked, but from relief or fear, Evan could not tell. He only felt numb.

Tobias had been standing on the fringe of the huge circle. He hadn’t testified. Only one representative of each tribe had been called upon. When Cabel’s angels had spoken he’d dug his nails into the palm of his hand to keep from crying out that it was untrue, that the angels were evil, and that they should all be destroyed. But the ones being destroyed were his tribe. Horror iced his blood and froze him in place. A few low moans of distress came from those around him, but he was too devastated to utter a sound. He said nothing to protest the decision. No one did. The rules were strict. None could speak unless they were given permission. It gave everyone a shock, therefore, when a voice rang out. “I ask permission to speak.” Tobias whirled around. A pale angel swooped from the sky and landed near the middle of the circle. “I give the angel permission to speak,” said the Representative. “My name is Phersu, and I belong to Cabel’s tribe,” Phersu spoke in ringing tones. “What have you to say? Your tribe has been banished. Do you wish to speak in your defense?” “No.” Phersu bowed his head. “I wish to tell the truth.” Tobias gave a start.

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“I give you permission to speak the truth.” The Representative nodded. “I was a soldier in Cabel’s army. I was taught that the shape-shifter and his tribes were the enemy. We were trained to kill, not to feed from humans. The ultimate goal of Cabel is to have his tribe rule the Earth. He wants no competition from anyone, and considers everyone to be his enemy. When I was wounded the shape-shifter and his tribe saved me, healed me, and gave me comfort and care. They are not abominations. We are.” A deep silence greeted his words. Then the Representative said, “I have passed your words to Gaia. She had expressed the desire to decide for herself who can live upon her.” This caused a wave of agitated whispers to sweep over the congregation. The Representative spoke sharply. “Gaia has made her decision.” Tobias’s first thought was, Gaia decide? How? What did he mean by that? then, So soon? Tobias looked around, but the people standing next to him looked as confused as he felt. The ground beneath his feet began to tremble again. But this time it wasn’t from a spaceship. A red glow suddenly lit the sky. Everyone whirled around as a huge explosion deafened them. The mountain Cabel had made into his fortress erupted in a shower of fire and magma. No one could have survived the inferno. When the noise had died down, the Representative said, “Gaia has spoken. Let that be a lesson to you all. The shape-shifter and his tribe will be permitted to live.” Tobias felt battered by emotions. Sorrow, joy, relief, horror, and surprise finally gave way to pity. Phersu stood alone in the center of the circle. No one looked at him. He stood, staring at the ground. Tobias went to him. “Thank you,” he said. Phersu gave him a sad smile. “I heard the news about your father, Adam.” “Evan will need us,” said Tobias. “You will be a great comfort to him.” Tobias touched Phersu’s shoulder. “You have been a great help. Thanks to you,

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our tribe is safe.” The day passed. Everyone wandered about in a sort of half shock. Nothing got done. The humans went back to their settlements. Adam and Evan’s tribes gathered together for the funeral service. Evan felt as if he were in some sort of dream. The sun set, and then, as darkness fell, the stars came out. As the stars appeared, the black centaur stood in the center of a huge circle, made up of the tribes of Adam and Evan, and proclaimed, “It is time to say farewell to our father, Adam. And so his memory never fades, I have fixed it to the stars. Look above the constellation of the great bear to the North Star. Watch now.” As he spoke, he reached into the fire and grabbed a handful of embers. These he tossed into the air in a red shower of sparks. And suddenly, the North Star grew brighter. Everyone looking up at the star was suddenly immersed in Adam’s memories. Evan heard cries coming from the human settlements, and knew they too saw the star. He let Adam’s memories wash over him, filling him with the sweetness and light that had been his lover. As the memories submerged him, he realized how fortunate he’d been to have known him. Generosity, love, hope, optimism, and goodness flowed through him. Adam’s dreams, his passion for the tribes, the Earth, and for Evan surged through the humans and the members of all the tribes. Then it was over. Evan slumped to the ground, drained. But he knew, now, that he was not alone. And he knew that as long as Adam’s memory remained fixed to the star, he would never be alone again. In the dark, something white and something silver caught his eye. Phersu and Tobias approached. Both looked as exhausted and drained as he felt. They helped him to his feet and they stood, the three of them. The Federation had returned. Gaia had chosen. Their tribes would prosper. Everything Adam had dreamed of had come to pass. “We will make it a paradise,” said Tobias, touching Evan lightly on the arm. Phersu said nothing, but his eyes shone when he looked at Tobias. Evan saw a group of wolves, bulls, and lions speaking to some humans who had

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come out of their settlement. They no longer feared them. They had Adam’s memories to guide them. “I am counting on that,” said Evan. And he took their hands. Together, they walked toward the firelight.

The End

Samantha Winston Samantha Winston has published over a dozen erotic romances. She also writes young adult fantasy and science fiction under another name. Sam loves to write short stories and novellas. One of her short stories has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and another won the Harper Collins/3 AM short fiction award. Sam lives in France with her husband, three children and a dog. You can visit Sam’s site at www.samanthawinston.com and write to her at [email protected]