“Sorry. The group thing was good, right?” Finn wanted to make sure he and Tommy were okay. Whatever they had, Finn couldn’t stand the idea of losing it.
“It was great. It didn’t work for you? I thought you were waiting for that one woman…” Tommy frowned.
“I was. We were. It’s complicated with everyone. Eddie and Will are still sort of… I don’t know.” Finn kicked some sand.
“They need to stop being afraid and let it out. That’s all. Something more is going on, though, with you.” Tommy bumped his shoulder to Finn’s. “Out with it.”
Finn shook his head. “Bisexual is complicated. Being out is great. It felt safer before. We couldn’t be out so no questions and you keep it to yourself.”
“You’re bisexual, not gay. Clearly we both are,” Tommy said. “It doesn’t matter if anyone finds out about us. That’s the good thing. You could never keep your hands off me, no matter what the rules said.”
Looking at Tommy, Finn smiled through the nerves. “Nope, never could. It’s more than just sex, though. With Stacey. With you.”
“I know. Stacey knows. You never seemed willing to talk about it.” Tommy wrapped his arm around Finn’s.
“I was afraid. You know my family -- strict and no room for alternatives. One of my uncles figured it out, you know? About me. Us.” Finn looked Tommy in the eye. Tommy’s touch helped but they could touch all day and night. Words were what had always tripped them up.
“Really? What happened?” Tommy asked.
“Nothing. It’s my Uncle Drew, the priest. He told me it was no big deal that I liked men. Then he shared something with me, and it freaked me out a little. I’ve never told anyone about it. Not in the family or out.”
Tommy’s hand tensed on Finn’s arm. “Nothing bad, I hope. I like your Uncle Drew.”
“Not bad to me. He and a friend went into the priesthood because they wanted to be together. It made them feel safe, and they’re still together decades after. Weird?”
“Weird. But if you want to be around men and not be pressed to marry? Bizarre logic.” Tommy shrugged. “He’s happy?”
“He’s happy with that guy. He won’t tell me which one it is.” Finn bit his lip. “He’ll never be free to be out as long as he stays. The family would freak out.”
“Hey, you’re not your uncle. If you want to tell them we’re together, fine. I’ll be there at every holiday, fighting everyone who harasses you. Obviously with Stacey things are complicated right now, but there’s no push to do anything. Your family loves you. They’re just rigid.” Tommy made sure they were alone and kissed Finn’s neck.
The intimacy relaxed Finn. “Thanks. I had to tell you why. I’ve felt like a jerk for so long. You deserve more. I used the women thing as an excuse to keep what we had in a box. I was as bad as my family. It’s not fair.”
“The military did that too for a while. We couldn’t tell if we wanted and keep our jobs. It’s not all you. And I’ve met some of your family. They won’t cheer me or welcome me to dinner as your boyfriend, but they don’t get a vote.”
Finn smiled. “I know. I just don’t care anymore. I’m twenty-eight. I’m tired of following everyone else’s rules. That’s not good for a soldier to say but it’s true. I want you and Stacey. Hell, screwing Will and Eddie would turn me on too. Watching you with them… I’m secure. I’m an adult. I don’t need approval.”
“No, you don’t. We don’t need anyone’s approval. It feels like we’re making our own family, sort of, like that online coven. I think Will has plans. I hope Eddie can handle it.” Tommy hugged Finn. “We’re pretty good. Eddie and Will have a lot more work to do.”
Staring in Tommy’s eyes, Finn wanted to admit he loved Tommy. In all their time together he’d never said it. Tommy hadn’t either, but deep down Finn knew it was only because he’d kept things at a sexual level. Still, the group dynamic felt too unsteady just yet to change things with Tommy. The idea of both him and Tommy involved with Stacey and the other guys was bigger than anything Finn imagined possible. Their future love lives were up in the air. Deep down, Finn knew he and Tommy would always be together no matter what happened.
“We’re more stable than Will and Eddie. Repressing their sexual desires is dangerous. Just because we didn’t shout it or get all mushy all the time doesn’t mean it’s not real.” Finn kissed Tommy.
Returning the kiss, Tommy smiled against Finn’s mouth. “It’s very real. I’d rather stand up to your entire family than lose you. I can handle it.”
“I know you can.” Something in the water caught Finn’s eye, and he turned his head. “Did you see that?”
“See what? I was looking at you.” Tommy studied the water.
“I swear something popped out of the water and went back down.” Finn got that prickly feeling on his skin like they were being watched.
“Nothing is showing up now. Those sea monsters might be tracking us, afraid we’ll do something because we know they’re out there.” Tommy glanced at his watch. “We should start hiking back.”
Finn nodded. “I’m getting that hunted feeling. I don’t like it.”
They headed back and Finn kept one eye on the water.
Chapter Four
“So he got near this stone and poof?” Aunt Bitsey asked.
“Well, it was more painful and slow, but yes. He transformed into a sea monster of some sort.” Stacey searched on her computer while her aunts flipped through dusty old books.
“He didn’t even need to touch it?” Aunt Sandra asked.
“Nope. The protection spell worked well for my group. We felt the heat of it, and it kept us at a safe distance.” Stacey had to admit she hadn’t been totally sure the protection spell would show any real results. At least it wasn’t just an excuse to have sex with four hot men, though she wouldn’t need an excuse going forward. It went too well.
Aunt Bitsey squinted at Stacey. “You used the sex spell.”
“Yes. It was pretty intense.”
“The spell or the sex?” Sandra laughed.
Bitsey blushed. “Don’t embarrass her. Stacey has the energy to handle a lot of men. All that male energy around her is good. That’s why the military was a fit.”
“Just don’t make a habit of changing men around. Those four are good. It won’t work with just anyone.” Sandra wagged a finger. “The stronger your bond among you five, the better it’ll be. Your energy will harmonize.”
“I have no intention of trading my guys in. It’s odd, but it feels like we should’ve been doing that all along.” Stacey found an article on sirens and skimmed it.
“Not all men share well. It’s hard for them to feel special, have their ego stroked.” Bitsey smiled.
“Ego. That’s what they want stroked.” Sandra snorted.
“They’re into each other too, so it makes things more fun. Sometimes I have their full attention, but I also get to watch.” Stacey went back to the beginning and focused on the article. “I think I found something.”
“What is it?” the women asked in unison.
“Sirens traditionally lured sailors to their death with a song. It also says they could curse natural objects surrounding their lairs in order to protect themselves. The curse turned any man intruding on the surrounding space into a sea monster. This picture is close to what I saw.” Stacey turned the laptop so they could see it.
“Yikes, that’s not a good thing. It can walk and swim.” Sandra flipped through her book.
“It ran for the sea. I wasn’t sure if the transformation was complete, but it looks like it must be. Can it breathe air or is it limited to the water?” Stacey asked.
“It can exist on land or water. Maybe the siren could control the monsters. They might be her defense. Her minions,” Sandra said.
“You’re saying there is a siren hanging around the beach? Really? The police and Coast Guard have been tromping around there for days. Why aren’t they all monsters?” Bitsey shook her head.
�
��Grant said some debris had washed up from the tsunami in Japan. What if the siren isn’t here, but one of the cursed rocks got dragged here from the storm?” Stacey sat back. “It makes sense. No one heard a song. I didn’t sense a female presence competing with me. How do we neutralize the stone so it stops turning people into sea monsters?”
“Give me a minute.” Sandra flipped through the book.
Stacey’s phone vibrated with a text. She read the message from Tommy. “Grant says the military is looking for proof before they give us more resources. Video or something.”
“You can turn any one of those men into a monster and record it for proof, but that’s not very nice,” Bitsey said.
“They’re already out there. Will they resurface, come back to the beach, or just swim off into history? I wonder if we can change them back somehow.” Stacey’s mind raced.
“We can work on a spell to neutralize the siren’s curse. It looks like it’s just a basic witch’s curse, but it’s powerful. If we can manage that, it might reverse the results of the curse. There’s a bigger problem, however.” Sandra sat back.
“What?” Bitsey asked.
“These monsters need to eat. They eat humans. Presumably they devoured the humans who were killed when they crashed into the rocks following the siren’s song.”
“Great! So maybe the women who were taken from another part of the beach were food and not turned into monsters.” Stacey shook her head.
“Poor dears.” Bitsey sighed. “I didn’t sense the men were dead, only the females.”
“The monsters feed at night. They are attracted to women. Without a siren to keep them under control and fed, they will attack, using females for sex and then feeding on their bodies.” Sandra shuddered. “Why can’t I get visions of rainbows and puppies?”
“Good question!” Stacey processed the information. “So it sounds like we need to do a stakeout overnight. Tempt them with human flesh and get some proof on camera.”
“You’re not thinking of doing it!” Bitsey insisted.
“Who else? You said this was my project to resolve. I will, with my guys. I’ll be safe. We’re all weapons trained, and I won’t be alone.” Stacey hugged her aunts. “I need to go meet with the guys so we can get ready for tonight.”
“Tonight? You need to sleep before a stakeout. You’ll be a mess,” Sandra called out.
Stacey left without arguing. They wanted to be protective aunts one minute and warriors against evil the next. It was sweet but she couldn’t let more people be eaten or turned.
* * *
With permission to spend the night on the beach area not far from the cursed rock, the group set up a small campsite with tent and fire. The military set up video cameras around to capture any of the activity around the rock and the campsite. Stacey had brought the guys up to date on the information.
“I think we need a cage,” Tommy said.
“If we can capture the monsters, we’ll need a cage. I don’t think we can do that tonight. We need proof of the monsters before they’ll bring in a mega cage and devote rescue teams to capturing the monsters.” Eddie shrugged.
“You’re sounding defeatist, Eddie,” Will said.
“I think we’re outnumbered. We’re going to be here alone with a few guards around the rock. What sort of military operation is this?” Eddie asked.
Finn shook his head. “Shoestring. I don’t get the feeling this unit gets a lot of support or funding.”
“Like the X-Files or something. Top secret, no doubt. They need the help,” Tommy suggested.
“They’re still filling out paperwork because one of their men is now a sea monster. I doubt that’s an option on the AWOL report.” Stacey felt bad for the man but it was true. The military took its time on some things. “We need to stop the loss of life.”
“Agreed. We’ll get proof tonight and regroup with the brass tomorrow. We’ll need more support for a capture operation. We’ve got our own stuff here now.” Will checked his firearm.
“One step at a time. You know how things work with the military. We’ll get it done in the end.” Eddie stoked the fire.
“We need to get some sleep. Shifts?” Tommy suggested.
“You three go ahead. Will and I caught a nap while we were researching. Once we figured out we’d have a long night, it seemed to be the smart thing,” Eddie said.
Stacey forced herself not to ask if they’d napped together, spooning, but that’s how she imagined it. “Sounds good. Wake us in a couple hours.”
“I call middle,” Finn said.
She smacked his arm. “Sleep. No fooling around. We need our rest.”
“We’re not getting paid for the mission that we know of. We’re donating our time. We can goof off all we want.” Tommy pinched Finn’s ass.
“No, we’re doing it right. Step out of line, you answer to me.” Stacey knew she had to keep the men in line. It turned her on a little when no one argued with her.
* * *
On the beach, the group spread out to make themselves seem more vulnerable, hopefully more tempting to the creatures, so the proof at least could be documented. Will got the feeling Stacey hung with Finn and Tommy so Eddie and Will would get some alone time.
“I love Stacey,” Will announced casually.
“So do I. We all do.” Eddie shrugged it off.
“She knows we need to talk. I don’t think I could juggle four men.” Will was attracted to Finn and Tommy, but for him the emotional intensity was all about Stacey and Eddie.
“What’s there to talk about? I’ve given in. I’m right there with you guys. Aren’t you happy?” Eddie asked.
“Of course I am. You don’t seem to be. No one forced you to kiss me back. Don’t blame peer pressure. I know the military uses it like an art form, but that’s not what a relationship is about. If the five of us are going to work, you need to be honest.” Will moved closer.
“I am being honest. I was. I’ve wanted you since the day I met you, and I held back. I’m a rule follower, Will. You can’t change that. I wasn’t going to jeopardize my career or yours. The feelings were real and so were the friendships. We can live without sex. Plenty of people do.” Eddie shrugged.
“We don’t have to. You can relax a little.” Will held Eddie’s hand.
“We’re still doing a job here. I know it might not be through totally official channels. Even if the military wasn’t at all involved, you know I take my work seriously.” Eddie turned and faced Will.
“I know.” Will smiled. “I would love to be your work for a change. The group, love, and relationships take work. Your very intense sort of focus would be a huge asset.”
“Leave my assets out of this. You’re the one going on about the online coven. Stacey has a group of ladies out there. This is you, the fighting evil and protecting innocent people. Whether we go vigilante style or with military backup, I’m in. I want to help people, but I’m as committed to this as any mission because it’s important to you. Get it? I’m not being an ass or distant. I’m giving what matters to you all of my efforts. I can screw your brains out after.” Eddie fought a smile.
Will grinned openly. “Really? No second thoughts or backpedaling?”
Eddie closed the space between them in a single stride and kissed Will hard. Rocking back, Will held onto Eddie and pressed for more. Their tongues tangled and limbs curled around each other until they were one masculine wall of flesh. Will could feel the sincerity and the passion bubbling under Eddie’s skin. The man had control and discipline that made Will weak in the knees.
“Convinced?” Eddie asked.
“Yes, thanks. I don’t want you to doubt that it’ll work. We can do this. We can’t leave out the others and Stacey. I just needed to know we’re okay. Thank you for embracing the online coven. I know pagan stuff isn’t your thing. It’s still doing good.” Will felt Eddie’s arm muscles tense and relax.
“I know. I’m not going to let people get hurt if we can help it. I can
’t focus on both things at once. I’m not programmed that way, Will. I’m on guard and working or I’m lost in you and Stacey and the passion. Some people can balance it all, but I don’t shift gears that fast,” Eddie admitted.
“Your honesty is refreshing. I loved that about you from the beginning. You don’t lie. You don’t deny things.”
“I never denied you,” Eddie said.
“No, you just avoided it all, refused to discuss it. Now we’re okay, but I understand your focus on this. It’s cute.” Will kissed Eddie’s chin.
“Can anyone join the love-in, or is it a private party?” Stacey asked.
Will looked over and the trio was closer than before. “Never a private party. We just needed to chat about something.”
“All good?” Stacey asked.
“Great! You know, those monsters might be looking for food or a mate. Maybe if we give Stacey a good time, they’ll come to check it out.” Eddie hugged Will.
“There are guards out here somewhere,” Stacey said.
Her face was all red, but Will knew it was the right move. “I think the guards will keep their distance if we’re doing it. Plus it’ll help lure out the monsters so we have the proof. You moaning and maybe even the scent of arousal could draw those creatures in.”
“We’re not having sex on video!” Stacey crossed her arms but her voice wavered.
“We’ll do it just out of sight of the video, and if a creature shows up, get a picture with our cell phones? We can also chase him into the video shot. Come on, sex on the beach. You really don’t want to?” Eddie asked.
“Men! I swear you probably want it on tape.” She leaned in and kissed Eddie and then Will.
“But we don’t want all of the military guys free to watch it.” Will kissed her again and then pulled Eddie in for their own lip lock as Stacey had a three-way kiss with Tommy and Finn.
“Just remember, you started this,” Will whispered in Eddie’s ear.
Eddie smiled. “She’s a screamer. That plus the smell of sex and humans… Maybe it’ll bring those creatures in. I’m not going to wait all night for something to happen. This is for the work and the fun. I’m trying to believe it’ll all work out.”
Warrior's Craft Four GI's & A Witch Page 4