Dark Temptations

by Eric Alan Williams

  "If you will excuse me, Travis, Peter has his first sermon to give on our live feeds, as well as before the congregation above."

  Travis nodded. Roland walked off through a set of stone doors. He went upstairs into a church built into the former warehouse where dozens of students, the homeless, as well as other church members, were congregating. The usher droids, gold-painted, with a more robotic look, were busy as bees making rounds as they went down the aisles, helping people find seating in the large room. Roland was smiling as he counted the attendees, three hundred in all were present. He was watching from a doorway. He put on his new mask, waited till adhered to his face, and stepped up to the dais.

  He spoke into the microphone. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I realize you were expecting Monk Polanski, it grieves me to announce that our beloved Monk, has been killed."

  He waited for the gasps to die down. "A vampire, from that blasphemous Society, took his life tonight. I, Monk Peter Cross, will be taking our beloved leader's place."

  Travis casually made his way up out of the underground facilities below and stood off to the side, watching.

  "The devil, in all his filthy glory, sent his recipes of evil unto this land, so that mind-witches could rise, and so they did. The witches of old had died off thanks to soldiers, soldiers like everyone in this room have the potential to be, it was the glorious work of the crusades that broke their unholy power so that God's word could be heard. Now, the devil has done it again, warping the minds of scientists to create the witches, WHO I HAVE NO DOUBT! SUMMONED SATANS SATANIC BLOOD BACK TO THIS EARTH TO MAKE MONSTERS. MONSTERS LIKE THE VERY VAMPIRIC DEVIL WORSHIPING WHORE THAT KILLED OUR BELOVED MONK!"

  Travis watched as the crowd listened to every word being preached.

  "It is people like you, good people, good god-fearing people, that will again inherit this world, we the children of God. The Soldiers of His Holy Light must shine down upon the filth tainting our God's good works."

  Roland pointed at the front pews. "Brother Atlas Chrome, Sister Emilia Thrashmore, and brother David Putin come forward."

  Atlas, the very nerdy looking man that recruited over forty people for Roland, got up and knelt before the dais. Emilia Thrashmore, a heavyset woman in her early thirties, with dark brown short hair, a pink pantsuit, and large silver crosses dangling from her neck, knelt down, followed by a husky young-looking blond man in a well-dressed suit, also knelt.

  Roland, in his disguise, raised his hands above these three. "Due to your tremendous works for The Soldiers of His Holy Light, it was in Monk Polanski's personal journal, that you three be appointed as new reverends for our growing flock. Rise up, Sister Thrashmore. Rise up, Brother Putin. Rise up Brother Chrome, for we have God's work to do!"

  A man with a studio camera was filming it all. The feed was being broadcast to over four thousand people tuning into the feed worldwide. Across their screens, donation ads started popping up.

  "Together, we will rebuild God's will on earth, and to do that, ladies and gentlemen, we can't do this without your loving support in supporting our Heavenly Father's will on earth. Dig into your hearts, ladies and gentlemen, give, so that we can do God's work to the highest calling, till one day, we here on earth will hear Gabriel's mighty horn, blasting away the wicked, and paving the way for our heavenly places."

  _____

  The Haze

  Xairin had been texting Topher over the past few days, making sure he was going to be at the club on Saturday, that he had a surprise. Not once did he mention meeting someone. He was just going to drop on by and introduce the two. The one detail that Xairin had left out when telling Jason everything else was a secret that wasn't his to say, he never mentioned Topher being an alien fae like creature called a bori."

  The two arrived on a bustling night. They had to wait in line for almost an hour. To minimize parking, Xairin and Jason arrived more naturally. Xairin held Jason, and flew, testing his new strength and stamina he had acquired from the bruticus and nimble genes. Jason wasn't scared at all. In fact, it was his idea in the first place.

  Once inside, Jason was digging the naked guys dancing in cages, and the overall layout of the club. This country wolf was becoming enthralled by the city life real fast now that he was free to roam and love whoever he wanted, and Xairin was definitely causing him to feel butterflies.

  The two fought their way through the crowd, up to the steps leading to Topher's office. Xairin knocked on the door until he could hear Topher yell out. "Who is it?"

  "Xairin!"

  "Well, come on in!" Topher replied.

  Xairin opened the door. Topher was dressed in black leather pants, shoes, and a black bowtie and nothing else. He looked up as Xairin, and a sexy man with dark brown hair entered the room. Topher noticed almost instantly, the two were holding hands. Topher got up, and walked over, extending a handshake. "Xairin?"

  "Topher, I want you to meet my new boyfriend, Jason. Jason, this is my friend Topher."

  Jason had a firm manly handshake that was on the border of being a bit too much. Topher eyed the man's chest hair, trying to escape his button-up shirt and his hairy arms. "Well isn't he a wolf," Topher said playfully.

  Jason instantly looked at Xairin. "I thought you didn't tell him about me?"

  Xairin smirked. "It's an expression. Trust me, I will never understand why gay men come up with all these terms from twinks to bears, but a wolf, in the gay world, is a muscular hairy guy that's both lean, but broad-shouldered and muscular." Xairin rolled his eyes. "Topher Jason is a wolf, and I don't mean in gay terms. Jason's a werewolf."

  Topher pulled his hand back. "A werewolf?"

  Jason nodded. "Yes, sir."

  Topher smiled. "And he's your boyfriend?"

  Xairin nodded.

  Topher went right up to Jason and hugged him. "I am so glad to meet you!"

  Jason just looked at Xairin with a frown. Xairin smiled. "Toph's a hugger, you'll get used to it."

  "Tell you what, you two get whatever you want to drink or eat, it's on me tonight." Topher got very giddy and clapped his hands excitedly. "I am just so happy to hear you met someone Xairin. Oh, this is a happy night, indeed!"

  Topher announced. "I have a whole immortium friendly menu of food items. You name it, and our cooking staff will whip it right up."

  Jason smiled. "I'm actually a born pureblood; both my parents are alpha werewolves. After so many generations, wolves like me can eat some cooked foods on occasion. A human menu is fine."

  "Still, whatever you want, you two, it is on the house for the both of you tonight."

  Xairin, Jason, and Topher sat in his office for a couple of hours talking. Lucretia came in and was introduced to Jason. She made all over him at how handsome he was, not to mention tall, Jason had an inch on Xairin easily, maybe more. She kept feeling his bulky muscles on his arms. "Oh my, you found yourself a strong one, Xairin."

  Xairin broke it to her next. "And an Alpha Werewolf too." Xairin leaned over and kissed him.

  She fanned herself. "I'm so glad to see you moving on past that Interpol agent." She looked at Jason. "I didn't think it would work out between them anyway."

  Jason frowned. "I hope I come off as a better pairing then?"

  "Oh, you do, honey, and did I hear you are a mechanic?"

  Jason nodded. "Yes, Mam? Or, well, to be honest, do I call you mam?"

  "Honey, just how long have you been around?" She asked.

  "About a hundred and twenty years, but I never got to be myself until Xairin here, helped free me from my Alpha's control." Jason shrugged. "My former alpha was a gay hater."

  She looked over at Xairin. "And they say white knights no longer exist."

  "Just thinking about all that muscle working on a car, gets my engine overheating right now!" She said as she slapped her ass.

  She looked back at Jason. "To answer your question, yes, mam, miss, it's all the same when it comes to drag queens. Now, if you boys will excuse me, I probably need to get down there
and run the show."

  She left, leaving Topher eyeing Xairin's companion. "I have to hand it to you, you two look hot together."

  "So, what is on the agenda tonight?" Topher asked.

  Xairin grinned as he looked at Jason. "Dancing, dinner, and who knows."

  "Are you two hungry? Can I get you anything?" Topher asked.

  Jason smiled as he held Xairin's hand, bringing it up to his lips and kissing it. Xairin's heart started beating fast. "water would be great?" Jason said.

  "Bottle of anything B-?" Xairin replied as he leaned in and kissed Jason.

  Jason and Xairin made it to the dance floor, where Xairin danced up against Jason again. The way he moved felt right to Jason. It felt right for Xairin also. The two kept in rhythm with one another, enjoying each other, and it was clear to anyone around them, just how into each other the two were becoming, Jason especially.

  The date ended with Jason and Xairin leaving after Jason was getting too hot, and admittingly, having issues keeping a particular body part at bay. Xairin led him out into the parking lot, where the two started kissing. "God, Xairin, you drive me crazy!" Jason said.

  "Um, in a good way, I hope?" Xairin snickered.

  "OF COURSE!" Jason replied. "I just can't get enough of you, Xairin. I mean that."

  Xairin's wings were just about to pop out when he felt Jason's skin heating up. "Are you okay?"

  Jason pulled back to take a breath. He felt like he was trying to have a hot flash. "Yeah, I'm okay."

  Xairin felt his head. "You feel hot." Xairin's eyes lit up. "Are you bonding?"

  Jason shook his head. "No, that only happens when we are, well, you know, tied up."

  Jason did have to admit. "But it could be a sign that I might next time we, well, go at it."

  That worried Xairin just a little bit but he kept his poker face strong on that issue. He was hoping it would be a while before that happened. For the moment, Xairin started thinking maybe not letting him climax inside him, might be a good idea, though admittedly the alien side of him was tempting Xairin to forgo that.

  Xairin held him, kissing him on the cheek. "It's official now that I'm introducing you to my friends."

  Jason went in for another passionate kiss. Inside his body, his blood was heating up. Xairin loved the way Jason was kissing him now. He felt weird critiquing him at first, but now, it was a perfect match when they kissed. Xairin held him tighter. Again, his wings started to emerge.

  Suddenly Xairin felt off. He pushed away quickly and turned around, nearly falling to the ground. He felt like he had a panic attack.

  Jason rushed to Xairin and tried to hold him. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

  Xairin's breathing became erratic. "I feel like I can't breathe, like, I'm having a panic attack. I don't know…"

  Jason began patting his back. "Try to breathe, try to breathe. It's okay, you're safe."

  Xairin looked up. "Is it a flashback?" Jason asked.

  Xairin shook his head. "No, not at all. I just feel, panicky, scared, or something, I don't know."

  Jason thought for a second. "Xairin, when pack members feel scared, the pack can feel it, same goes for our thralls. It might be a thrall, one of the ones you made."

  "You think so?" Xairin asked as he trembled.

  "Reach out, try and feel where it is coming from, if it is a thrall, and you are feeling their anxiety, then that means they're close enough for you to sense it. You can probably see through your thrall's eyes and see what they are seeing, and feeling, not to mention you can reach out and help them to calm down."

  Xairin nodded. Jason scooped him up and carried him over to the river's edge. "Just reach out, don't overthink it, just let your mind wander to where it is coming from."

  He continued holding Xairin as the vampire closed his eyes. He reached out, listening to Jason coaching him.

  Xairin opened his eyes, but it wasn't his eyes that opened. It was someone else's. Xairin could see a ceiling, a roof, a rounded concrete roof, moving. He could hear whispering, distorted whispering, and listened to the words, "Fucking mind-witch fucking faggot!"

  Xairin could feel fear, feel the water around him, and pain. He could feel as if it were him, being dragged across a cold concrete floor. Xairin knew instantly what was happening. He could read the mind of the man who was being pulled. It wasn't one of the thralls he made that night he helped bartend, but a thrall he made on purpose. The man that pissed him off, the man that Xairin caused to spew diarrhea all over another who had upset him. Of all people, it was Albert Morgan.

  "Jason, it's one of my thralls, he's being attacked just like I was. They're dragging him in the sewer, I can feel it as if it was happening to me all over again."

  Jason pulled Xairin up. "Can you tell me where they are? If they are close enough and you can carry both of us, I will help you make these sick human monsters pay for what they’ve done!" Jason meant that. After reading what happened to Xairin, and the news files on all the other murders, Jason was enraged at the injustice. The temptation to help, and put an end to such evil human acts, was overpowering the werewolf’s own moral codes of letting humans handle their own messes. Part of him now understood why his brother Alex wanted to be a sentinel now. Make a difference in the face of evil.

  "No." Xairin could continue to feel and see what little Albert could see. His vision was still hazy. His blood, however, was communicating with Xairin, it remembered the drug as well. The bat bite, the first assimilation cells, the drug they encountered it that night, they remembered it. Xairin could sense the drug in Albert's veins. He knew Albert was at least ten miles away, maybe more. Xairin wasn’t sure he could carry Jason that far.

  "Ten miles, maybe more, but I don't know where."

  "Holy shit, holy shit, okay, okay. Xairin, listen. That’s too far for you to carry us both, but I want to help you, I mean it. You said you can phase walk, and you can slip, right?"

  Xairin nodded. "Okay, listen, maybe there is something else we can do to get there."

  “We?” Xairin asked.

  “Hell yes, we, if you can fly there, and can’t carry me, I am still going along. I can run fast and probably meet you there. You don’t need to do this alone and those mortal monsters need to pay! If you can’t fly us there, then there also might be another way.

  Xairin looked over at him. "Like what?"

  Jason spoke quickly yet calmly. "Okay, some immortals that can slip and phase walk, can also phase leap, basically teleport at a much longer distance than that of a simple slip. I don't know how it works, but maybe your blood does and if so, maybe you could leap us both?"

  "Teleport longer distances? Really?" Xairin asked nervously.

  "How much time do you think he has?" Jason asked.

  Xairin looked through Albert's eyes. He could tell they had stopped. The kicking had started. "OH, DEAR FUCK, NOT LONG!"

  Jason looked into Xairin's eyes. "Ask your blood, I don't know how phase leaping, slipping, or phase-walking works. But if you can phase walk and you can slip, you might be able to phase leap."

  Xairin nodded and closed his eyes. "Please, blood, if you can hear me, I need you, I need you now! Is what Jason is saying, is it true? Can I do this?"

  Xairin's blood began to vibrate. "We can do better." It whispered.

  Xairin opened his eyes and frowned. "We can do better?" He said out loud.

  Jason looked confused. "Huh?"

  Xairin stood up. His breathing became more erratic than it was when he was in panic mode. He was frantic now. He was willing his blood to help him in anyway it could so that both Jason and Xairin could get to Albert quickly. No matter how much he didn't like Albert, he didn't want to see another gay man fall prey to these assholes. Xairin focused. "TAKE CONTROL ALREADY!" HE screamed inside his head. "DO SOMETHING!" He internally cried out.

  Xairin's eyes lit up as every vein in his body started glowing red. Jason backed back quickly. "What the fuck?" Jason asked.

  Xairin threw both of hi
s hands out. His claws emerged; he was pulling at thin air. His blood controlling him like a puppet. Xairin was giving his blood full control. The rage inside him, making it even worse, he knew he needed his blood to do this, it was the only way. He wanted these bastards to pay dearly for what they had done to not just him, but to Rory, and every gay man they had murdered. Xairin started roaring with inhuman voices.

  Energy began to whirl in front of Jason and Xairin. A red rip started to form in mid-air as if the fabric of existence was developing a red glowing gash right in front of them. It made a buzzing noise. Jason gasped. "OH, MY FUCKING GOD! IT'S A RIFT!"