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Chapter 1 — Joy
Saturday Night...
Kyle was overjoyed with his new-found status with the football team. He wasn't a player, or cheerleader. No, he was part of the cheer team by proxy. He was in fact a theater nerd. He was a part of the school's acting group's technical section. This year he and his friend took it a step further and created a sub mascot for Wiley Wolf, Scruff the Pup.
Kyle helped his best friend put on and maintain the new wolf mascot suit. He even designed the acrobatic head, so his friend's spine would be protected during the acrobatic flips that were added to the routines. Scruff was there to provide tech support, and acted as a stand-in, an understudy if you will, for Wiley.
Thanks to his new status, he had one of the twin offensive guards all to himself. He was one of the few students who could tell the twins apart.
His friend Jedidiah helped him practice his technique Friday after the away game. Tonight's passion, was all for his Karl. This was the day he decided he would give his love his virginity. More than anything Kyle wanted Karl to be his first.
Every town in the world has a Lover's Lane, a place where the young cruise to be alone with their boyfriend or girlfriend and let carnal things happen. The boys had been kissing and cuddling in the extended cab pickup during the entire drive to Lover's Lane. Here in Glynis Landing it is on a remote section of the Panther Reserve, Kyle's favorite place to stargaze.
Kyle and his theater buddy Jedidiah were just a couple seniors at Glynis High. The boys had been friends since they were in preschool. Kyle was looking forward to letting Jedidiah live vicariously, through his retelling of tonight's activity.
He had already apologized to Jed once today for hurting him. Jed was always in his corner helping both he and his father. Kyle felt like shit for laughing at him yesterday. Jed was only trying to help and his best friend laughed at his freak out. "God the guy went through hell and I put him in it again." That thought brought Kyle back to the task at hand.
Kyle had engulfed the Left Guard's cock down to his balls. The varsity team member was close to releasing a load of teen cum down his lover's gullet. The peaceful night sky betrayed the fact that there was a hunt going on. Tonight the boys were the prey.
The evening's illusion of piece was broken as the driver side window shattered inwards. A silver-ish piano wire wrapped around the older teen's neck. Kyle swore he could smell burning flesh as the wire dug deep in his lover's throat. There was an explosion of sound as the roof was ripped from the truck.
Large hands grabbed hold of the young teen lifting him from the shredded vehicle. They threw him to the ground next to the pickup. All the wind was forced from Kyle's lungs on impact, as he watched two others grab hold of Karl, forcing him to his knees. The cord was locked in place. Another locking cord was wrapped around his wrists.
The leader of the party spoke from the shadows, "If you try to shift stud, you'll be decapitated. You two, hold him. If he does anything trigger the device. Listen close little cub. You can't save your pup, if you are dead."
The gruff low voice continued, "First guys let's give this 'warrior hunter in training' a real show. Let him see what his pup can really do..." A lusty laugh erupted from the crowd.
"Strip the pup, and hold him!" Kyle, still in shock over what already happened, finally saw his attackers. When he saw fully what they were, he pissed himself in fear. More laughter.
At first he thought the attackers were just men on meth or some other drug, explaining the feat of superhuman strength. He soon discovered they were something not quite human. For the most part they looked humanoid, but their bodies were covered with thick fur. Their heads had a distinctive canine look to them, and their eyes glowed amber.
The monster's ripped the fabric from the boy's body with such speed; his tender flesh was covered with deep red friction burns. While the powerful hands pressed the seventeen year old boy on the ground with such force his knees dug into the soft Earth. The Alpha was leering as he approached him.
The freakishly large beast growled, "If you wish to live, you will take everything that I am about to give you. If you bite me, if you try to hurt any of us, I guarantee you will live just long enough to regret it and then you will die screaming!
IF you obey and please me, you just MIGHT live through this." With that the creature wiped Kyle's mouth with its eleven inch semi hard pointed cock. It frosted the young boy's lips with foul smelling precum.
The voice growled, "You're gonna suck my dick little puppy. You're gonna have my cock between those sexy puffy lips!" The Alpha announced matter-of-factly, just as if he was saying you're going to breathe air.
Kyle had recovered, and apparently lost his mind in the process. He yelled, "Suck your own dick, asshole!"
That was the wrong thing to do, the Alpha's mouth drew up into a tight smile... he connected a firm back hand slap to Kyle's cheek. It was a hard slap, the force made Kyle's head bounce against his shoulder.
"Get busy on my cock now boy!" The Alpha's voice was measured but firm, his hand flew again, another back handed slap. This time it was so hard that spit flew from Kyle's mouth, and split his lip.
Kyle looked towards Karl; his eyes had a plea for help that couldn't come.
"For the very last time slut, suck it... NOW princess!" the Alpha looked down at where Kyle knelt before him. He clenched his fist, ready to strike.
Kyle had pretty full lips for a guy. They looked even better with a hard cock between them. Karl could see the Alpha's shaft; he watched it grow firmer as Kyle gingerly sucked on the head. The beast had a huge cock, not only long but unimaginably thick. Kyle's lips were stretched around it with such force they first turned white and then bluish as the blood was pressed out.
This was something Kyle had never expected to see. He choked but he didn't really have much of the big prick in his mouth, he was gagging at the taste.
Kyle's mouth was stretched horrifically wide; his eyes were squinting and watering as he rolled his head back and forth, hopelessly fighting to take another fat inch. A strong hand grabbed the back of his neck and the beast began to fuck his face, slowly at first, then harder and deeper with each stroke.
The teen boy gagged and sputtered, slurping off and plunging back on, matching the rhythm of the Alpha's hips with Kyle's head.
"Yeah, that's it. Mmm, damn boy" he muttered down at the teen, pursing his lips and thrusting his hips forward, "Make it nice and wet boy, you'll need it later." Kyle was gagging and choking as the beast rammed his freakish rod down into the young throat.
Kyle snorted, snot running from his nose as spit drooled out the sides of his mouth as the now hard seventeen inches forced it's way further down. Kyle looked down his shaft; his fur covered scrotum with its plump balls was still a foot away. He was crestfallen when he realized, he wasn't even halfway down and was already choking to death on it.
Kyle looked up at him, his face now turning a shade of dark scarlet, throat convulsing madly. His body was desperately struggling to expel the oral invader to get a breath of air. The monster wishing to prolong the torment pulled out with a loud sucking sound. His monster cock jutted out into the air, thick and slimy, streams of saliva and deep throat mucus dangling off it dripping on the teen and the ground.
"Hell yeah cock slut, now you are learning to suck a REAL dick not just that boy's tiny twig." The monster said pointing at Karl's bound angry form. The beast ran a tight fist down his shimmering pole in long strokes. He slid the boy's gooey spit down the meaty shaft to his nuts.
"Get back to working on this cock boy... Remember, do it as if your lives depend on it...", he said, tilting his hips so that his cock waved back and forth in front of Kyle's face lazily. "... because they do boy." Kyle's own cock betrayed him, as it too was leaking precum as he looked up at his attacker.
Kyle had cock slobber running down his chin. The monster looked back down deep into his prey's eyes, "Back at it boy, your night is just beginning. A lesson must be sent." Kyle's mouth fell open in resignation of his fate. The Alpha's cock returned to its last depth.
"That's it. You're a surprisingly good little cocksucker... for an omega boy. You're going to catch my nut butter soon." He growled as he slammed balls deep in the teen's mouth. The Alpha's tennis ball sized nuts bounced against Kyle's chin, as his lips made contact with the beast's swollen knot.
The rape of his throat came to an end a little short of ten-minutes after it reluctantly began. The Alpha started to grunt and his whole body seemed to stiffen up, his thrusts becoming jerky and spasmodic. Kyle felt the monster's huge nuts draw up.
Mentally he braced himself for this final humiliation, hoping against all, this was the end. Kyle felt the beast's cock sliding from him as it burst into action spurting a hot burst of thick, creamy cum in his throat and mouth. It spewed across his tongue and hit the back of his throat.
He gagged again and struggled to get his mouth free but the Alpha and the pack held the boy in place and continued to pump his salty cum deep into his mouth until he had emptied his balls into his unwilling plaything's mouth. He finished by slapping his messy dick a few times against Kyle's lips and then he stood back to allow the spectator's to get a few post oral pictures.
"Oh yes, you liked that didn't you boy? Look at him, he is in his glory. This is the first time he's sucked a real cock. I think he wants more don't you?"
Kyle wiped the cum from his face as he spat out the wad that was left in his mouth. The beast slapped him again, "That was the wrong thing to do with MY precious gift to you boy! You still have so much to learn..." He leered at his minions. "Entertain him for me boys, I need to have words with this 'hunter in training.'"
Before he could fully wrap his head around what had just occurred, the larger of the two beasts holding him down lifted him up off the ground. It threw Kyle over his shoulder like a sack of feed. He walked to a nearby fallen large tree trunk and threw the teen, stomach first down, over the fallen oak.
Again the air was forced from his lungs. While he struggled to regain his breath, powerful hands made quick work of securing his hands and feet to stakes embedded in the ground.
While the others took time using his now stretched throat, the beast sitting behind him started to finger the teen's ass. He used his cock slime and spit covered fingers to coat the virgin teen's whole. It was to be the only lubricant for the teen's passage. He felt the creature's long nail scratch at the tender flesh inside of his hole.
Kyle still didn't know what they were going to do, but the teen's worst fears were realized when the guy's cock started to push in between the teen's ass cheeks. Kyle screamed as the monster cock reached the teen's rosebud, fearing that it would rip him up. The searing pain was blinding, as the teen's rapist slammed balls deep inside him.
He then started to move inside him, slowly at first, then picking up speed and power. It shouted in an odd accent, "Boss, I thinking guy WAS virgin!" He leaned forward to grab the teen's shoulders. The pain was still bad, but as the teen's poor abused ass was becoming used to the invasion, it slowly turned to something approaching pleasure.
Pleasure at least until the beast's knot swelled on the inside of his rim stretching the passage to an unbelievable width, locking rapist and victim together.
After fifteen minutes of solid banging, Kyle heard the beast gasp as he unloaded his cock deep inside him. As soon as he dismounted, his place was taken by a guy with a longer but slimmer cock. He was rubbing his weapon up against the teen's prostate, which caused him to get a rock solid erection. He lasted about ten minutes before cumming, and being replaced by the third furry rapist.
The last guy was the pack Alpha. He actually showed his prey his cock had fully recovered before he mounted the teen slumped across the tree stump; it was huge, bent, and ugly it brought back the teen's fears about being split open.
By that time Kyle was aching with the non-stop ass fucking. Kyle could feel his anus tearing. After he had added his sperm to what felt like gallons leaking from the teens abused bottom, they cut the bindings and pulled him up off the tree stump.
Just a few hours ago Kyle was dreaming of being opened by his dream stud. Now Kyle could hardly walk, he just moved like he'd been riding a stallion non-stop for six days straight. The teen's ass was so battered; sore and stretched Kyle thought a bus could drive up it and not have to pull in the mirrors. Blood, cum and shit seeped from the now gaping hole then oozed down the teen's thighs.
Kyle thought that his humiliation was finally over but the teen's tormentors saw that Kyle had got a hard on, and insisted that Kyle jerk himself off in front of his almost lover. He stood there surrounded by the five wolf-like beasts who had just gang raped him. His sweet Karl was kneeling and bound in front of him, while he jerked himself.
After spraying his load all over the Offensive Guard's face the gruff leader took control of the garrote.
"That's enough fun boys. Now it's time to send the message..."
With one quick move the alpha member drew up hard on the garrote. He pulled so hard the silver garrote severed the head from the teen ball player's body. Several streams of blood spurted from the torso like a macabre fountain bathing Kylie as he shrieked "NO!" Then the athlete's heart beat no more.
"For the record boy, that wasn't the message... you are. You boy touched and harmed that which is mine alone, bought and paid for. This can never be tolerated or forgiven."
With a nod of the alphas head the other four lycans pulled each of the boys limbs until they were severed from the torso, Kyle's shrieks filled the night, as the wolf beasts howled. As the teen breathed his last, the alpha knelt over Kyle's chest. Dipping his nail in the boy's own blood pool he wrote, "See you soon, my little soul!"
Sunday Afternoon... ...
Jedidiah T Glynis "the fifth" was quaking as his father called him into the living room. His family and all but a few friends called him Quin. It was the family's way of acknowledging though he was the "fifth" to carry the name; he would still have his own identity.
If you're a Glynis in Glynis Landing it goes without saying, everyone knows your business. The Glynis clan had been the soul of the community forever. The family has the largest farm and real estate holdings in Travis County. Even still the family holdings were hit hard by the financial downturn when the real estate bubble burst and a few family tragedies compounded things. Even still the family lived up to its motto "Survive and Thrive." Jedidiah's grandfather was able to rebuild and expand the family's portfolio just before he died earlier this year.
Jedidiah had just moved back in with his father and mother after three years of caring for his aging grandfather. The boy had been forced to carry secret upon secret. Everyone respected his father as much as they feared his grandfather, Papa Quade. If only everyone knew how right they were to fear the old man.
Unlike the rest of the family Quade had a vision for Travis County. That vision had very little to do with agriculture and preservation. Simply put he saw dollar signs. He saw people wanting to flee Miami, Orlando and Tampa for some peace in the country. Each having their own little half to five acre lot of developed suburban paradise at a price. Thankfully for the county he died before he could fully execute his vision.
Jedidiah was the youngest member of his family's line, and everyone wanted to know who he would take after. Jedidiah had just emerged from a personal hell that lasted years and ended mercifully with the death of Papa Quade. Only three other people had known part of what had happened, the Sheriff, Jed's mother and his best friend Kyle.
Of all the things that were bothering Jed now, the biggest source of concern for the boy was living up to his father's vision for him. Jed knew he would fall well short of that vision.
It was a family tradition on his father's side that every other generation the grandfather's name would be cursed upon the first born male child. The burden and legacy involving the name he shared with his grandfather and his forebearers was so heavy. Jedidiah was named after the family company's founder; his father was named after the original settler who founded the town.
In his Papa Quade's eyes there was never any doubt as to the direction Jedidiah would go. From the time of his conception to this point in his life all was following the family's predetermined path for him.
Far from the rugged good looks of his father and Papa Quade; Jedidiah had been a sickly child. So sick he spent his fourth and fifth birthday in the hospital, starting school a year late. He jumped straight into the first grade.
Jed's physique favored his mother. He was softer, slim, five feet six inches tall. Still he had his father's dusty blonde hair and blue eyes. In addition to his frame, he shared many of his mother's gifts. To the world he looked antisocial, shy and struggled to form relationships... at least with most humans. Jed was the kind of boy that if he went to a party, a rare occurrence, he was more likely to make friends with the host's dog or cat.
Jed's mother, Hachi Glynis was Buck Glynis's first act of rebellion. He rejected the southern belle his father chose for him and married from his heart. Buck had no desire for useless people. He fell in love with Hachi watching her field dress a deer she and her father dropped during bow season. Six months later they were husband and wife, eight months after that Jed was born.
Buck's choice of following is heart over his father's wishes cost him his share of that inheritance. The only thing he was bequeathed from HIS grandfather was the orchard and farm land. It too was lost during the economic crash, and citrus canker blight. Buck had to make a deal with the devil to get it back. His Faustian deal cost him almost three years of his son's life.
As a result, it would be Jedidiah who would get control of the remainder of the land and business holdings. The estate would be held in trust until Jedidiah's twenty-first birthday. The company who ran the trust was out of Miami, and was unknown to Buck. Each month the boy would receive a large stipend from the estate that Buck insisted he bank for the future.
This Monday was yet another turning point in Jedidiah's life. This was the moment everything started to change again. This was the day his father knew there would likely not be a Jedidiah the sixth.
Jed heard what the sheriff had just said... Jed was accidentally outed by Sheriff Duach "Dutch" Blaidd. But the father's questions about Jedidiah's sexuality had to wait; the Sheriff was here on official business.
Two boys had been found dead this morning viciously murdered by some psychopath or psychopaths. It was Karl McCormick from the varsity football team and Kyle Jennings. The McCormick twins were two of the jocks who looked after the weaker kids in school. Jed liked them both.
Harder to accept was Kyle Jennings; a fellow theater nerd and lifelong best friend to Jedidiah. The boy had been seen arguing with Jed Friday in the student's parking lot after the away game. As part of the investigation Sheriff Blaidd made contact with the Glynis family. The sheriff also knew it was a small County and the boys had been close friends, he wanted to be the one to notify Jed. Jed always was his special case.
When all was done the sheriff excused himself. Hachi Glynis attempted to assuage her husband's state of shock. As the sheriff departed, he noticed the boy slip out the back door. "I'm sorry Jed. I didn't know that they didn't know. You know the last thing I ever wanted to do was to make your life any more difficult."
"It's not your fault sir, I own this. I should have told them. I knew dad would react like that. The family legacy is everything to him. It's kind of why I never told him about Papa Quade. That's a conversation I don't even know how to start. Above everything a boy needs to be able to look up to his father. How can I take that from him?"
Chapter 2 — Jocks
As soon as the words escaped his mouth Jed heard the sounds of needy desperation and he changed the topic back to the one at hand. "Kyle was going on his first date Saturday and wanted advice. He's one of the few people I told what you and Mom know about Quade and... me. How is his dad doing sir?"
The sheriff patted the seventeen year olds back. Most of the world saw a weak soft boy. Sheriff Blaidd saw an incredible strength and a kind spirit... Being gentle does not make one weak. "I knew you would have nothing to do with it Jed. I still had to talk to you. I figured it would be easier to find out about Kyle's death from me, then from the rumor mill.
Mr. Jennings is taking it really bad Jed. That boy was all he had left. I'll try to keep an eye on him. I'm just afraid he's going to quit on us. Only so much pain a body can take." Dutch used that momentary slip to remind the boy... "For what it's worth, you should tell your father about your Papa Quade at some point. He has a right to know son." The sheriff realized he went a little too far. Jedidiah was nodding in agreement. Dutch knew that day would come, but this was not that day.
"My boy Arian wanted to make sure you were okay too. Don't be out too late. The sun is going down; you know that's when the predators come out of the swamps. One of these cases in a career is all I can handle."
Jed saw through the sheriff's eyes... He saw the crime scene as the sheriff saw it. He saw Karl's head and decapitated body and Kyle's body torn and scattered like pieces of a discarded torn rag doll.
He also saw the three dead panthers that had to be put down by fish and wildlife for scavenging on the remains. The teen reached his breaking point and vomited.
The Sheriff replied, "Fuck! I forgot you could do that." One of the gifts that Jedidiah shared with his mother and his grandmother is the ability to create an empathic connection with others. On rare occasion he could actually transmit and receive thoughts and images to another, if they were emotionally close. He also knew instantly if someone was lying, that gift had only failed him twice.
When Jedidiah recomposed himself he replied to the sheriff, "I'm okay. I just wasn't expecting to see... um... that..." The sheriff apologized, and repeated his warning. Jed replied, "I'm just going to go out to check the irrigation system in the North grove. Hopefully dad will calm down by the time I get home. For now, I think I'll just trust the wildlife."
The sheriff nervously watched the boy walk to the pole barn. The young never see the danger till it is too late. Especially the gentle ones like Jed and Kyle. Everyone looked at Jedidiah and saw an entitled, spoiled, golden child.
The sheriff knew the full story. He knew the boy had already survived so much, too much. Even though this great evil touched the boy, he remained innocent and kind.
Jedidiah knew one thing better than most; there were a lot of places to hide on the many acres that made up the family spread. He turned off his phone and slid it into his pocket. The last thing he wanted to deal with was a phone call from his father tonight. Jed waved at the sheriff then headed out into the woods.
Jedidiah hadn't been lying to the sheriff when he said he needed to work on the irrigation system. The new micro sprinkler system required constant attention. It wasn't just a convenient excuse to get out of the house. Today's repair however only took fifteen minutes once he arrived. Mud dauber wasps plugged the emitters again. With the repair complete he rode over to the east grove to watch the moon rise.
Two hours later, Jed was on his back in the dump bed of his ATV. He was watching the rise of the super moon. It always amazed him how large the thing was as it crept over the orange trees when the atmosphere was heavy with humidity like tonight. The night before Jed witnessed the rise of the near full moon from the top of the pole barn. There was something about a sunset and moon-rise that was special to him.
Jedidiah loved watching the night sky come alive. He could see the path of stars that led the way to the "City in the West." The land where is Mother's parents now lived in the afterlife. Jed knew one day his parents and he too would walk the Milky Way to join with the Breathmaker, just as Kyle had now done.
While he respected his father's beliefs, he did not share them. He sought comfort in, and shared his mother's faith. Neither his father nor Papa Quade liked that decision, but his father admired his thoughts and convictions. As to his grandfather's opinion, it never mattered... at least not to Jedidiah.
The last time Jedidiah darkened the door of a church was for his Grams memorial service. In the eighth grade she went missing. Jed refused to go to Papa Quade's service. His absence was explained as a sudden sickness. It was Jed who found Papa Quade's body.
Jed and Kyle used to come to the orchard to share the experience of the night sky awakening. The other thing that they used to do was bitch about the guys at school. Jedidiah's favorite target was the sheriff's son Arian.
Once upon a time Jed thought there was more than just a spark of interest. That spark of interest was quickly extinguished by Papa Quade. After that turn in his life, Jed knew he was not worthy of such a perfect boy, too much had happened to ever forgive.
When Arian was alone with Jedidiah he was a pretty cool guy. In Middle School the two boys had been close friends. Freshman year Jedidiah's grandfather ordered Quin to stop talking to the boy "or else." When Quade told you to do something you did it. When his threat went unheard, Jed's grandfather made a complaint directly to the sheriff to keep his son away from his grandson and heir.
The move hurt doubly because Jed had such a crush on Arian. As a freshman Jed new every single freckle on the older boy's body. When the friendship went cold, he guessed it was one of those nerd VS jock or social status situation things. He never understood that level of societal restriction, two worlds separated by an invisible line. Even still Jed always felt pulled to the boy.
Then it hit him, his friend Kyle would never experience this with him again. Jedidiah began sobbing hard. He started remembering all the good things they did together. Pranks they played on the new members of the thespian's club. The paint fights during the set dressing for My Fair Lady last year. He remembered Kyle saying that he wanted his first romantic kiss under the moonlight.
Then Jed saw the image from the sheriff's mind again. How the boy was torn apart. What kind of monster could do such a thing? "Breathmaker, don't let this be the way I remember my friend forever. Please give him the peace and love he was deprived of in this life."
There was a disturbance in the brush that brought him out of his prayerful remembrance. At first he thought it was a coyote because it moved like a dog. He thought, "No it cannot be a coyote, the size isn't right. It doesn't move like a panther either." A silly yet frightening thought came to his mind, "What if it is Hutch-ko Chop-ko."
When he was a small boy, a "cousin" from Oklahoma told him the tribal legend of Long Ears. The creature the cousin described was a hairy wolf like monster. It was four-footed, the size of a donkey, with a wolf's head, long pointed ears and a horse's tail. If the foul smelling beast of legend touched you, it would infect you with disease.
Jedidiah laughed at the foolish thought. No, when the form collapsed in the meadow Jed saw the animal had more in common with a canine, a big one. Perhaps one of Mr. Parker's hunting dogs got loose again... Jed could tell the animal was struggling to breathe, but he also knew that wounded animals were dangerous.
Still, animals were Jed soft spot. They were also part of his gift, a gift that he was not to tell anyone about. Jed took after his mother a little too much. If it was fur bearing it became their best friend. Neither could let an animal suffer.
As he approached he saw the gray almost silver fur had been matted with blood. Clearly the animal had been in a mighty battle. The animal heard Jed approach and turned his head. Painfully the creature opened its eyes. When Jedidiah saw the glint of the yellow eyes staring back, he knew another wolf had crossed his path. Over the last few years he had helped several wolves. This one looked familiar.
Jed knew this was going to be another wolf story that his friend Thomas the fish cop would not believe. Florida Fish and Wildlife had a major bug up their ass about there being no indigenous wolf populations left in the state. Somehow these creatures kept crossing Jed's path.
The classic historical argument is that the black wolf or the red wolf is native to Florida. This was neither, it was too big and the wrong color. Jed found and treated more than a few injured wolves. He would do what he could, and then they would wander off afterwards as he recovered.
Somehow wounded critters of all sorts found him, his mother, or his grandmother. She and her mother taught the boy how to control the healing gift they shared. He dismissed his many wolf encounters as just another part of the gift.
There was something about the way this animal looked at him. Suddenly it was as if there was a light switch that flipped on. "It's you again Slick... What did you go and get yourself into now?"
It was almost as if the beast said with his eyes, "I won't hurt you, please help me." Jed removed his shirt and soaked it down with water from his canteen. He started cleaning the animal's fur looking for wounds. He removed as much of the blood as he could. The animal whimpered under his touch.
Jedidiah spoke to the animal, "Please don't hurt me Slick. I know you're hurting; I'm going to do what I can. Mom's going to kill me when she sees this laundry. I'd rather not pay for a good deed twice."
The creature turned his head and looked at Jed. It was as if he smiled in understanding. Jed grabbed more supplies and the blanket from his ATV. He had been able to do this with other animals. But he had never tried anything like this on one so badly injured. Jed gently caressed each of the wounds on the animal; it was as if a zipper had been pulled closing each wound in its wake.
Jedidiah had never expended this much energy on one animal. By the time the last wound was closed, Jed was exhausted, panting and covered in sweat and the animal's blood. The creature was so happy it licked and playfully nipped Jed's wrist.
Jed spread the blanket over both the animal in himself, "I'm just going to lay here and pool our body heat. I need to rest, and then we can try to get you loaded in the ATV. I need to get you to the vet to have a real doctor look at you inside." Fatigue overtook the teen and slumber crept over him.
After midnight Monday morning...
A couple hours had passed and Jed woke under the blanket alone and cold. It would be several hours till the sun began to chase the moon from the sky. If the moon's reflected light had been a little brighter Jed might have noticed the human footprints in the sand walking away from where he slept.
As he reloaded the ATV to roll out, Jed knew he was going to catch hell from his father for being out most of the night. He quickly folded the blanket and loaded his tools on the ATV.
On the way back he passed the Sheriff's cruiser. The man held his hand out shouting angrily as he approached, "Where in the fuck have you been Jed? Your parents have been scared shitless boy. Your dad has called for updates six times in the last hour! I have twelve deputies out looking for you." As they drew closer the big man saw all the drying blood and his tone changed to concern. "Are you injured Jed?" He asked.
The older man climbed out of the police SUV and started examining Jed. "The blood is not mine sir. I had to care for a wounded animal. If I didn't help, it would have died. When I woke up sir, the wolf was gone." There was a brief moment of panic in the man's eyes as Jed described the animal.
The sheriff's panic turned relief and concern. "Jed, it was a very stupid thing for you to stay out this late. Treating injured wildlife alone is high up there on the dumb scale too. You sure you ain't got any punctures in you boy?"
"No sir, it nipped at my wrist but I don't think it even broke the skin" Jed extended his arm to show him the small bruise that was forming on his wrist. The sheriff and his mom were the only ones who believed his past wolf sightings.
Sheriff Blaidd examined the bruise, as the big man sniffled in the cold pre-dawn air. "I'll call your folks, you run straight home boy." Jed heard the sheriff's broadcast on the radio, "Cancel the second search, Juvenile Glynis located." Hearing that, he knew they were looking for another and his act of shame stole resources from THAT search.
There is no way to sneak home when you're riding a diesel powered ATV. The first person he ran into was his father removing the tack from his horse. He simply yelled across the paddock, "Quin! Park it, and get your ass in that house!"
Jed's mom briefly freaked when she saw all the blood on her only child. Jed was able to explain that a wild animal got off the nature reserve and needed help. Mother and son really didn't need to explain things to each other, they knew. Neither could walk away from a wounded animal, it just wouldn't be 'human.'
She had Jed strip out of his clothes and walk straight to the shower. When he came out his mother already had breakfast ready for the family. His father spoke, "Quin about last night, I wasn't angry at you son. I was just a little shocked. Your mother and I suspected..."
Hachi arched her eyebrow looking at her husband, "Okay your mother knew, and I sort of suspected... but it wasn't until the sheriff told us about you kissing Kyle that it kind of rang home... for me at least."
He put his hand around the young man's shoulders. "Your mother and I love you no matter what. That means we love you pal, no matter what you do or who you love..."
The conversation went on for some time longer but Jed stopped listening at that point. He heard all that he needed to hear, that his father's love was unconditional. The family completed the normal morning routine caring for the farm.
A couple hours of hard morning chores later, Jed showered again and prepared himself for school. He reminded his mother that he had theater practice and he would stay late. "I'll get a ride from someone else in the troop. Now that Kyle is... gone I am alone in the sound and light booth. They need me mom."
The school day started with a note in homeroom for him to report to the guidance counselor's office. The school had a team of crisis counselors on-site to talk to students about the murders. The staff knew Kyle, the McCormick boys and Jed were best friends, so he was at the top of the list. After that an announcement was made about the two boy's deaths.
The rest of the day students who barely paid attention to him, suddenly were concerned about the loss of his friends. Teachers kept an eye on him, looking for signs of trouble or trauma. Everyone expected the weak boy to fold under the pressure of the violent loss of his friends. Through the day he had an odd feeling. It was like someone was following him.
His suspicions were confirmed before fourth period when Arian cornered him on his way to shop. "Hey, how you holding up?"
"God I wish people would stop asking that already. Arian we haven't been real friends since the middle school. The only time you're interested in me is when your friends aren't around."
As soon as the words came out of his mouth he felt guilty. He hadn't meant to sound as harsh as he did. He could tell that his words hurt the older boy. He also knew he didn't deserve such a fine prize as Arian.
"I'm sorry Jed. You were just so shy and standoffish after Middle School. When your Papa Quade told my dad to keep me away from you, I thought you didn't want..." The boy stopped. "I know you were really close to Karl and Kyle. I wanted you to know, I asked the coach and the faculty to dedicate homecoming to them. They agreed. Why the hell would they go out into the woods?"
"Kyle was really looking forward to his first kiss. He wanted it to be perfect. He wanted to lose his cherry in the open, looking at the stars. He was probably seduced by the moon too; we both love the full moon. The preserve is our favorite place."
Arian gave a shoulder hug to the smaller boy. "Jed, eat with us at lunch today. Please..."
Jed was amazed at the pained look on the older boys face. He was truly asking...no begging for his attention. He responded with a simple, "K." As he walked away he realized what the other boy had always called him. "Arian, thank you for calling me Jed; you, your dad and Kyle are... were the only ones who did."
"I can feel the hairs on the back of your neck bristle whenever anyone calls you Quin. I always could pal." The second bell went off, they were late.
Mr. Jackson was annoyed and requested to know why the county's golden child delayed his teaching schedule. "I'm sorry sir. People have been stopping me to talk about Kyle and Karl. I was just told by the team captain they're dedicating homecoming to them." The educator nodded in acceptance and understanding. He too got the memo tread carefully with the boy.
This was the one class that Jed's father insisted upon. "You have to know how to repair the shit that breaks on the farm." There is one good thing about shop for Jed; it had a lot of big jocks to sneak peeks at. Both Karl and Kent McCormick, the Wolves Offensive Guards, had been in this class with him.
Jedidiah's heart broke at the sight of Kent and the empty stool. Jed couldn't help but notice the red swollen eyes of the surviving twin. Jed slid from his stool and wrapped his arms around the older boy. It was just an attempt to share comfort. Jed didn't care what anyone else thought.
Kent asked Jed to fill his brother's now vacant workstation. Later during the class, Jed was mindlessly rubbing his wrist. Kent leaned over and asked, "Love nip?"
The older boy briefly grinned as Jed told him the story of how he took care of the wolf. "Kyle really loved your brother. He never said Karl by name, but he described him so well. God I never expected him to land one of you guys. I am glad it was him. Kyle deserved someone really good. You two understood us."
Kent replied, "They were going to announce being a couple today. Kyle loved Karl for what he was, not just as a dumb piece of meat. I know you were his best friend. Your friendship meant the world to him. I guess neither of us should have come in today."
Jed replied, "Unfortunately with my family, if I missed school my hair would have to be on fire, or have a major artery severed." Kent laughed. The teacher arched an eyebrow at the interruption. Under the circumstances it was forgiven. He knew the two boys were hurting, and laughter was a mechanism for both coping and healing.
Kent added, "Mom and dad wanted me to stay home today. I could hurt there or I could hurt here. I didn't see any reason just to be home staring at our four walls... Pal, if you need someone, I am always here." Jedidiah returned the sentiment.
The next two periods passed without incident. Jed couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Every so often he saw Kent, Arian or another member of the football team out of the corner of his eye. As school mascot he dismissed it as just being part of the cheer squad. He was just a peripheral jock family member.
Lunch came and Jed found Arian waiting outside his graphic art class door. By the time they made it to the lunch room, most of the varsity "A" squad was there. Jed noticed almost every member of the alpha squad was sniffing as they got near him. Jed was starting to think that the alpha jocks were sharing a cold.
When the new Glynis High was built, the team went from being the Indians to being the Wolves. It was hard to perform with the large canine head. It was actually Kyle who came up with the modified harness that kept his head from twisting around.
The last to arrive at the table was Donovan McNabb the tight end. His arm was in a sling. Jed asked what happened. He replied, "I was injured last night screwing around. It's just a sprain, but I may not be ready by game time." Jedidiah knew the boy was lying, but didn't call him on it.
Jed thought with the game being in honor of his friends, there was too much at stake. "Can I see your arm?" Donovan shot a look to Arian who simply nodded. With that, the wall of muscle winced as he extended his arm. This would be the second time Jed attempted a healing on a human.
Jed gently held the athlete's elbow with his left hand, and then pressed his right middle finger where the muscles gathered together. Slowly he worked his way down towards the wrist. He attempted to hide what he was doing as if it were just simply a massage. When he was done, sweat was beading on his brow as he asked, "Is that better."
Chapter 3 — Feelings
Donovan flexed his hand making a fist. Then he did a range of motion. To the amazement of all he said, "What the fuck was that! I've had massages my whole life. Nothing ever felt like that!"
Although he hated doing it, Jed tried to lie, "Its Native pressure point medicine. My mother's father taught me." To try to sell the illusion Jed added quickly, "You may wish to rest your arm in that sling for the day." No one bought it, but the matter was dropped.
There was a booming voice over his shoulder, "Good trick son! Donovan make sure the team trainer takes a look at that arm." The voice belonged to the team coach and Donovan's father. "Thanks for looking after my guy. I can't afford two holes in my lineup before Friday's game.
Arian, looks like your old man was right about this kid. He is special." The big man's hand came crashing down on Jed's right shoulder. The teen grimaced. A healing like that always took a bit of time to recover.
Arian asked, "Are you okay?"
"I'm good. I was just out in the grove most of the night. I found an injured animal that needed care."
Coach McNabb asked, "What kind of animal son?"
"You guys are going to laugh. Fish and wildlife doesn't believe me, but it was a wolf. The most beautiful silver and gray wolf I've ever seen." There was a snicker from Terry Kendrick across the table.
The boy backed off immediately when he saw the glare from his team captain. "Not laughing at you Jed. I am just imagining some big tough alpha male wolf rolling over for you to care for it. You're not exactly physically imposing."
Jed started to challenge the boy's perception of the events, when the drain of the healing hit hard. He suddenly slumped in his chair out cold.
Jedidiah woke up in the health station. Arian and the school nurse were looking at him. The nurse stated, "Ah, you're back with us. I'll call the coach back. That man ran carrying you in here without breaking a sweat." With that she departed.
Arian remarked, "Jed no bullshiting. I felt something come out of you, it went into Donovan." Jed thought for a split-second about lying. He never could do that well. He drew in a ragged breath for strength.
"Arian you have to keep an open mind. What I'm about to tell you, you're not going to believe, but it is true. Each of us has a life force. Some of us have the ability to reach in and touch that life force. Some of my people can use it to manipulate the world around us.
My gift is with earth things, like some animals. I can use a portion of my life force to bring healing. Donovan didn't have a sprain, he broke his arm. What's more he knew it and lied to me.
I traded a few hours of my life to heal his break. I know how much you'll need him on Friday night. That wolf last night, I probably gave a year or two to. He was near death." Jed saw the look of concern in Arian's eyes. "It's okay, it's just the crappy years at the end that no one likes anyway."
The coach chuckled and Jed spun his head. Jed wasn't sure how long he had been standing there, but he knew Coach heard it all. "I, WE believe you pal, and yes Donny's arm was broken. You have to promise never to do that again. If the pack knew the cost to you, we never would have come to you or your mother for healing.
Arian you changed him, now you have to tell him. I'll keep the nurse busy when she comes back. You got to make it quick. She is catching on, and I am not so sure how long Principal Perry can stall her."
"Arian, what did he mean that you changed me?"
"Coach is right, we believe you. Now I have to tell you something that you have to believe. That wolf last night... was me. You called me 'Slick.' I'm a lycan Jed. Don't be afraid, I'm going to have to show you this for you to believe." There was a snapping and popping sound as Arian shifted, sprouting hair. It only took moments for him to shift into the form of the silver wolf from the night before.
Jed couldn't help the primal fear he was feeling. He curled up into a little ball, tight up against the wall. The wolf shifted form back into its human self. "Please don't be afraid. I didn't mean to, but when I nipped your wrist, I infected you. Your mother's gen has been hands off for so many generations. I didn't know why. I didn't know about Elementals until my father explained your kind this morning.
Dad was mad as hell that I may have injured you. He was more afraid that I destroyed the security of our pack. Dad said you Elementals are brutal when provoked to wrath.
Our kind, lycans, have walked the Earth for millennia. Gaius Petronius of Rome once documented our kind. It led to a hunt that almost destroyed us all.
There are two kinds of lycans, those who are born and those who are turned. I was born this way. I didn't know you gave so much of yourself for me last night. I just knew I wanted to be with you. I'm so sorry...
Last night we were out hunting for Karl and Kyle's killers. There is a rogue pack of mongrels bent on our destruction. The Miami pack has already fallen. Donovan, Kent and I made contact with six of them. We were supposed to just find them and get help. But, we chose to engage.
We killed all but three of them, they ran off and Donovan was too injured to pursue. Kent stayed with him and I continued alone. In the end I couldn't keep up. After an hour, I stumbled through the brush in front of you.
Jedidiah I know this is a lot for you to take in, and we don't have much time. So I ask you again, are you okay?"
Stunned the teen simply asked, "Is it just like all that Twilight stuff? Where do you stand?"
Arian couldn't resist the easy joke, "Clearly we are on Team Jacob! Sparkling vampires... AS IF! Seriously though forget all that shit. It is just a lot of misinformation. There is a shitload of it out there, and the less said about the Lon Chaney version the better.
The story about conversion that's closest to the truth is from 'Doctor Who' the 'Tooth and Claw' episode. That was no big surprise; Russell Davies is one of us... a convert of course.
There are two types of conversion rapid and slow. When I nipped you it started the slow process. My job is to teach and protect you. Three of those rogue hunters from last night are still out there... Dad thinks there are more. Our pack will protect you. Since I changed you, you will eventually become part of our pack."
"Is it like the Navajo legends of Yee Naaldlooshii... the skinwalkers?" Jed knew according to that legend, there was no such thing as a good skinwalker.
"I don't know the story personally, but I feel your fear. A lot of those dark wolf legends are about mongrel packs. You and I share a connection, I think we always have. There's only one connection that is stronger...
In time you may be able to hide your feelings from me but right now they are so open. I am so sorry, I made you frightened. If it helps I haven't changed since the day you met me. Only your knowledge has changed."
In hopes of passing on his sincerity Arian held Jed's hand, "I would never hurt you. The fact that you gave up part of your life to help me means more than anything. When we are in wolf-form we are more primal, we have less reason and more emotion. My wolf-form genuinely cares for you... so do I... I always have Jed."
Jed saw in the other boy's mind, his own body covered in blood performing last night's healing. It was an odd, almost erotic feeling how it felt to be healed. Jed knew the older boy was telling the truth. He also felt the huge wave of love the older boy had for him.
Jedidiah had only experience the love of his mother and father before, this was so different. Jed was overwhelmed; he knew he did not deserve such a prize. He thought, "When he finds out, he will not want me..."
The conversation and dark thought came to an end, as the nurse and the coach loudly bickering came back into the darkened room. Jedidiah had another moment of panic, "Please ma'am, don't send me home. I was just tired. Please don't call my mom with all that is going on, she will just freak."
"Well sweetie you won't be the first student to fall asleep in this building. Your color is good again, your blood pressure is good, and your temperature is good. I see no reason to send you home. With all the stress, it looks like you just needed a little nap. I'll write you boys a note and get you back to class.
She looked down at the bed, "Holy cow boy, did you bring the whole farm in with you? You farm kids bring your critter's fur in with you. A lot of our students are allergic you know." Jedidiah began apologizing as Arian stood behind the nurse grinning.
Coach added, "Jed, remember there is a team party at the Pizza King tonight. We really want to see you there."
Jed made an excuse but Coach saw through it sighing, "Just try Jed."
During the rest of the classes of the day, Jed saw in each of his classes at least one pair of yellow wolf's eyes staring back at him. His pack was made known. All of the faces were accompanied by a welcoming smile or wink.
He didn't know why no one else could see these things. Maybe it had something to do with the beings inner wolf sensing the weak pack member. He had a million questions for Arian.
Jed also had moments of intense grief. He had shared a few classes with Kyle and Karl. Their now empty desks hit him hard. At those times a lycan teacher or student actually felt his loss, and extended support and comfort.
After the last bell he walked out of class to find Donovan, Kent and Arian. Donovan push past the other two and gave an almost bone crushing hug to the boy, "Dad told me what this cost you. Thank you little buddy. I never had someone give part of their life for me."
"It wasn't much of a gift. From what I understand, I'm now going to live for a very long time."
Kent replied, "Only if he doesn't die before you change." He saw the surprised look on Jed's face. "The strain is linked to his life force. If he dies the strain in you dies too."
"We'll keep that to ourselves for now; otherwise my pop would probably kill him. That man has had one too many surprises involving me this week already." The boys asked Jedidiah to join them at the mall before the team dinner.
With it being homecoming week every evening had a different activity planned as a celebration for the team tonight was the booster's dinner. Jed was asked to attend but bowed out gracefully once now he was trying again. Truth be told he didn't feel like a party.
Jedidiah asked to be excused, "I have to work in the sound booth for the play. I have to learn all the cues because I'll be alone with Kyle... gone now." His pain was palpable.
Arian spoke up, "You guys go ahead. I'll bring him as soon as his practice is over." With that the group departed. Jed protested, knowing in the end the jock god would leave him when he learned the truth. "Jed, Kyle told Karl you need two sets of hands up there. I just so happen to have two... most of the time. You need help and I want to help, really let me." Jed relented.
The boys talked about silly School stuff as they walked to the new theater arts building. Tech crew was always first on set and last to leave. When the director arrived, he argued about Jed's "guest" in the booth.
Arian said he wanted to understudy Jed. Jed said he could use the assist. "No matter what sir, I'll have to train someone from scratch. It's too late for the other set people to learn for this performance."
The director responded, "This had better not be some dumb jock joke. I know your girlfriend is a member of the cast; still I won't have you making fun of what we do here. Our family has suffered a tremendous loss this week. I will not have that loss compounded."
On cue Stephanie Jacobson entered the theater. Steph and Jed had been close. The older girl watched over he and Kyle. Today Jed knew she was going to walk right past him to hug her QB stud boy friend. Jed was wrong.
The belle came directly to Jed and gave him a big hug, "How are you holding up sweetie?" There was always true sincerity anytime Steph addressed Jed. She kissed the boy's cheek. That was when he felt it; she was one of 'them.' "Quin, are you going to need help getting into your costume Friday night?"
Arian said, "I got that covered Steph. I'll help him out. Oh, and he prefers Jed not Quin." For the first time Jed felt it. There was no chemistry between Arian and Steph. What they had as a couple was all an act. The love he had for the girl was like that of a brother would have for a sister.
The director insisted on a power circle before the rehearsal. This time he called it a healing circle. He acknowledged the missing links in their chain of friends. Arian was introduced as Quin's new understudy. Then Karl's cast position was filled.
Over the next two hours Arian was impressed by the depth of knowledge Jed possessed about the massive set of mixing in lighting equipment. He fought back the urge to snicker as the boy became demanding with his directions. Then he realized this was as choreographed and timed as when the pack hunted together. Here in this hunting ground Jed was the alpha.
Arian smiled when he saw the wolf mascot suit piled in the corner of the sound booth. He wondered how the boy always made it to game time after practice. He also saw how no other team was able to "spirit capture" the mascot costume. They all were looking in the athletic department, not the arts.
Now thanks to Steph, Arian knew putting on the costume was a two-man job as well. That knowledge gave him another excuse to get closer to his prey.
The director asked Jed how Arian did in the booth. "He was a little rough, but he takes direction well." When the director left he turned to Arian and said, "You should go get something to eat. I'll just get a ride home. I think my folks will want me home tonight." Arian insisted that Jed call his parents and ask permission to eat dinner with the team.
Jedidiah made the call on speaker. His mother was happy that someone wanted her boy to engage in social activities. "Of course you can stay out; you are part of the team. Be home early enough to get a good night's sleep." Arian chimed in that he would make sure Jed was home before nine.
Dinner consisted of pizza and cokes, Coach McNabb and the booster club were treating. There were a couple cheerleaders there with their boyfriends. Of course most of the girls only nibbled on salads.
With the two healings in such a short time, Jedidiah was famished. Even Donovan McNabb was amazed at how much pizza the boy packed away into his tiny frame.
Jedidiah looked at the other boys and smiled sheepishly, "I didn't get to eat lunch..." Coach and Donovan McNabb both laughed heartily and the rest of the team joined in.
During his address to the team and boosters, it was coach who announced that Jed was their good luck charm. "Since the Wolves adopted Wiley as their mascot. We have not had a single defeat."
Sports and superstition go along together like hand in glove. The coach was not above playing on that superstition to inspire the team.
The coach continued, "Jedidiah could you come up here for a moment." Some of the boosters had knowing smiles as Jed mounted the riser. "You have done some amazing physical feats out on that field. The acrobatics you added to the mascot persona has earned our team and the school media attention. It's fired up the team, it's fired up the community, and it's fired up the fans in the stands.
The athletic director and I have been talking. We cannot withhold this any longer. With the folding of the gymnastics team you've lost your chance at a varsity letter. The mascot has always been part of the theater arts program and it will remain so.
But we cannot hide the physicality and important nature of your role to the athletics program. As of now, you also are part of the athletics department, just like the cheerleaders. I am very proud to give you the varsity letter you earned." Jed suddenly realized why the urgent appeal to attend. Only one thing was missing, if Kyle and Karl were there... Cheers from the student-athletes went up from around the room.
Then came an announcement from the athletic director, "Ladies and gentlemen, I really hate to have to do this. I am sorry I had to follow that great and long overdue bit of business. I have bad news for you. With the murder of your classmates Mr. Ferguson canceled the contract on the hall we were using for homecoming due to security concerns. As a result the committee has been forced to cancel the homecoming dance..."
One thought flashed in Jedidiah's mind, "Oh, hell-to-the-no!" With Kyle now gone it meant he would be going stag but he was not giving up on his final homecoming dance. Thanks to Papa Quade, he missed out on the first three. He was not going to miss out on this one.
Mr. Ferguson was once a business partner of Papa Quade. He also shared other of Quade's interests. Just the sight of him made Jed's stomach turn. There was no way this limp dicked pseudo-man baby fucker was going to win.
Jed, the mousiest boy in the senior class found his voice. "Mr. Carruthers, I am sorry for interrupting, I have a possible solution. Would The Orange Plant be a good enough venue?"
Mr. Carruthers quickly fired back, "Do you think your folks would allow it Quin?"
"Sir, The Orange Plant is my property, not my families. It was willed to me personally. I am an emancipated minor and CAN enter into contracts on my own. I will ask my parents if they endorse my decision, but in the end it is my decision to make." At the urging of the director Jedidiah called his father and explained the situation. The adults gathered around while his phone was on speaker.
Buck fully endorsed Jed's suggestion. "Especially during hard times there needs to be a continuity of normal tradition. No one should be allowed to steal homecoming from these kids. There is no safer venue."
Mr. Carruthers made phone calls to the school board and to the faculty guides. All of whom welcomed the news on the one penny lease of The Vault. Arian made a phone call as well to his father. The Sheriff promised to provide security for the dance.
Of all the family properties, Jedidiah's least favorite was Papa Quade's home, The Vault. That was Jed's least favorite name for the facility he preferred the original The Orange Plant. Before the national juice company started buying all of their citrus produce, the family had a processing and packing plant on the North-side of Glynis Landing near the college.
His great grandfather spent an enormous amount of money at the time building and hardening the facility as an emergency storm shelter. It was done mostly to shelter his employees in case of a hurricane. The Great Okeechobee hurricane and flood of 1928 weighed heavy on his mind. Buckhold Jameson Glynis the fourth was a man of action when things bothered him.
When someone parked a bunch of nukes off Florida's coast way back in the 60s he made sure it also doubled is a fallout shelter. When they went under contract with the national juicer, Jed's grandfather converted it again to a family storm shelter and put additional family quarters in. Jed moved in with Papa Quade back in the eighth grade, due to a series of family tragedies.
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