SOULBOUND ‡ pact
By Wes Leigh
This
is a work of fiction (or is it?) intended solely for the entertainment of my
readers; any resemblance to any real people or places is purely coincidental. Readers
who would like to chat are encouraged to contact me at weston.leigh@protonmail.com.
This
story is the property of the author and is protected by copyright laws. The
author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent.
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"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight, For
I ne'er saw true beauty till this night."
-- Romeo, from Romeo and Juliet, by William
Shakespeare
Choosing a location for the party was difficult. Minerva
Smyth insisted that it be at her home, given that all four of her "children"
were in the play and that she was the president of the Agony Chamber of
Commerce, which had sponsored the community theater. Andreas Finnigan offered
the use of the Lodge, which certainly had enough space for everyone, though it
was a good distance out of town. Wolfie, following
Xavier's advice, picked neither location, but instead selected a surprising
spot: an old, abandoned mill just on the outskirts of Agony. Naturally, the
kids in the play loved the idea. A dozen layers of dust and a few splinters
later, they had the old mill cleaned up and decorated like a Verona tavern. The
wooden beams in the ceiling flickered in the candlelight, creating an ambience
of primitive charm.
The guests began arriving at sunset. Andreas and Gabi
Finnigan smiled when they saw how the old place had been decorated; Gabi
giggled a bit as Connor, costumed as the Prince of Verona, announced them as
they entered the room. Minerva Smyth frowned, irritated that the ungrateful
director had chosen this location over her sumptuous back yard. Minerva's
husband, Edward Finton, sneered as he peered around the room. His severe black
suit seemed out of place, with all the young actors dressed in their colorful
play attire. Wolfie greeted each guest, thanking them
for supporting the play and for joining them at the after-production party.
What Wolfie could not know was
that this was the first time—and possibly the last—that both werewolves and
vampires would be at the same celebration. Since it was neutral ground,
figuratively speaking, the guests all behaved themselves, though they stood on
opposite sides of the room, staring at one another. It was ... very awkward.
Xavier noticed Wolfie's
consternation at the behavior of the party attendees. Smiling as he approached,
he said, "Don't worry about it. It's best they stay apart like this. Trust me."
Wolfie chuckled. "I don't know why
this surprises me. Everything about this town is bizarre." He grimaced and
added, "Sorry. Didn't mean to be rude. It's your home, after all."
"No apologies necessary," Xavier replied with a laugh. "I
agree. Agony is bizarre. But it's your home too, so you can say
whatever you want about it."
Nodding, Wolfie said, "Not for
long, I'm afraid."
"Oh?" Xavier asked, eyebrows raised. "You're leaving?"
"Not right away. I'll direct another play for Christmas. A
Midsummer Night's Dream. I think you'd be perfect for the role of Puck."
Xavier laughed and shook his head. "Gregor would be a better
Puck. He is naturally mischievous."
Wolfie shrugged. "So use him as your role model. Channel your inner Gregor!"
They both laughed, then Xavier asked, "But you said you're
planning to leave after that?"
"Yes. It's too cold for me here. I'm a hot-blooded fellow
and need a warmer place."
"Where will you go?"
"New Mexico. I've been offered a position perfect for my
talents. I can't wait to fill it."
Xavier took Wolfie's hand and
shook it. "We'll miss you, Wolfie. You brought this
production to life for all of us."
"Thanks, Xavier. I'll miss you, too. Well ... all of you, but
I'll miss you especially so. You've been one of the best young actors I've had
the privilege of working with. You should consider going into acting as a
profession."
Xavier lowered his eyes, smiling sadly. "I'll consider it,
though I have other commitments that may keep me here in Agony."
Wolfie glanced at Minerva and
Edward, standing in the middle of a cluster of community leaders, all dressed
in black suits more suitable for a funeral than a party, and Wolfie nodded understanding. "We all have commitments,
Xavier. Find a secret joy to make the commitments more bearable."
Xavier looked up, surprised. Apparently, Wolfie
got it. Glancing around the room, Xavier saw Connor Finnigan standing with his
parents, laughing as he showed off his prince's costume. Xavier smiled. A
secret joy? Yes, that was what Connor was.
Connor looked his way and their eyes connected. Connor
grinned a little broader and winked one eye slowly as he continued talking with
the werewolf adults gathered around him.
Wolfie smiled knowingly and
gripped Xavier's shoulder. Leaning in, Wolfie
whispered, "Secret joys. Savor them."
͠ ͠ ͠
Sebastian and Regina were surrounded by the members of the
Smyth Covenant. Dressed as Romeo and Juliet, they soaked up the attention and
praise. Naturally, many fawned over Minerva as well, congratulating her for
having such talented children in her family.
Sebastian enjoyed the attention, though it was a bit
uncomfortable since he and Regina had had another argument just before coming
to the party. Something stupid, as usual. Regina had insisted that they wear
the formal costumes from the initial celebration hosted by the Capulets. Sebastian
didn't like the way the collar of his costume made his neck itch and had
suggested the costumes from the death scene instead. Naturally, Regina got her
way. Sebastian was getting fed up with her antics and wondering if it was worth
it to have her as his girlfriend.
Regina felt the tension growing between her and Sebastian. She
would never admit it to him, but part of the trouble between them came from her
desire to be with someone else altogether. With Xavier. He was such a handsome
boy. She'd had a crush on him since they'd first met in New York a century ago,
but he'd never responded to her flirtatious advances. She suspected she knew
why, but she didn't want to know the truth, which would crush her hopes.
Xavier approached, nodding greetings to each of them. The
party was going great so far. None of the werewolves had shifted shape,
shredding their clothes to howl at the moon. None of the vampires had dropped
their fangs and attacked the humans in attendance. A good party, all things
considered.
Xavier swallowed nervously as he turned to Regina. "You did
an amazing job, Regina. The final scene was perfect."
Regina smiled coyly. "That means a lot, Xavier. Coming from
you."
"What do you mean?"
Regina ducked her head. "Xavier, the play is finished, so
there's no need to pretend. We all know you are the best actor here. I'm a rank
amateur, and if it hadn't been for your help, I would have embarrassed us all."
Xavier placed a finger underneath Regina's chin and tilted
her head up until she had to look him in the eye. Enunciating each word, he
said, "You. Were. Brilliant. You followed your coaching perfectly, and you gave
us all a performance to be proud of. How many ovations did the audience give
us?"
Regina smiled. "Three."
"Exactly. They loved it. You and Sebastian were stars
tonight."
Regina reached up and took Xavier's hand, squeezing it
gently. He pulled his hand away, smiling apologetically. The hope in Regina's
eyes faded. Though she dreaded hearing the answer, she had to ask the question.
"Will there ever be anything between us, Xavier?"
Xavier sighed. "Friendship. That's all I can offer."
Regina frowned. "Just friendship?"
Xavier nodded. "Isn't that enough?"
"I suppose it will have to be," Regina replied with a sigh. Then
she grinned and added, "But it doesn't stop a girl from trying."
Xavier chuckled and said, "The answer will always be no, Regina.
Why can't you accept that?"
"Silly boy. You can't tell your heart who it wants to be
with. You should know that by now."
Xavier smiled. "I do, Regina. Believe me. I do."
͠ ͠ ͠
The state football championship was held in Dogwood Creek
township about 40 miles from Agony. The Grizzlies and the Agony Cougars both
had perfect records: 12 wins and 0 losses. The coaches of the two teams had met
a week earlier and flipped a coin to determine which team would host the
championship game. Having won the toss, Dogwood Creek began preparing for the
visiting Agony Cougars, certain that their Grizzlies would end up the best team
in the state.
The Agony fans naturally disagreed. The convoy of vehicles
leaving Agony stretched for three miles. The team bus was the first in line,
followed by the equipment van, the three buses containing the marching band and
their instruments, and then mile after mile of honking, cheering Agony
residents. For the first time in 36 years, Agony was playing in the
championship, and they were all looking forward to an upset victory.
The long drive from Agony to Dogwood Creek only served to
stir up their school spirit. They parked outside the Grizzly Den, the name of
the Dogwood Creek stadium, and crowded inside to fill the visitor's side to
overflowing.
With the fans stomping in the stands, the bands playing
competing school fight songs, and the players waiting inside the field house,
it was the perfect night for a high school football championship. Under a
chilly night sky, even the stars seemed to be frozen in place, waiting to see
the outcome.
The visitors came out first. Dressed in black uniforms with
blood red numbers, the Agony Cougars were quiet and thoughtful, businesslike. Their
families were cheering fanatically, but the players never looked up, never
responded, trotting slowly to their side of the field.
The Dogwood Creek Grizzlies exited the field house next,
jumping with nervous energy. Their fans cheered and screamed as they ran onto
the field, shaking their helmets in early celebration, stirring their
supporters to even greater fervor. Their coaches called them together for a
final pep talk, struggling to make themselves heard over the roar of the fans.
On the far sideline, the Agony players huddled together and
listened as Coach Sean quietly spoke. "Pride. That's all I have. So much pride.
For your hard work. For your dedication to your team. For your skill. For your
determination. I'm proud of you boys." He took a deep breath and continued. "Our
last game. Finish it, boys."
The players, in unison, chanted, "One, two, three, COUGARS!"
They fastened their helmets in place and turned to face their opponents. The
Grizzlies were jumping and fidgeting, some yelling taunts. The Cougars stood in
a dark line, facing them from across the field, refusing to respond. Gradually,
the Grizzly players stopped jumping and yelling, and nervously looked at each
other, silently asking themselves what kind of game they would soon be playing.
It was unnerving for the Grizzly players, exactly as Connor
had planned it when he suggested it to the rest of the team. Though each of the
coaches had drawn up complicated game plans for that night's battle, it was
Connor's game plan that defeated the Grizzlies before the game even started.
͠ ͠ ͠
14-0.
Final score.
Stifling defense, the newspapers would say the next day.
The Dogwood Creek Grizzlies were known as a defensive team,
and they fought valiantly, keeping the Agony Cougars on their heels most of the
night. But Casey's strong throwing arm and Caleb's powerful running made key
breakthroughs when needed, scoring two touchdowns, one in the second quarter,
another in the third quarter. 14 points.
The Grizzlies couldn't score. They couldn't get past Connor,
who tormented them all night, shutting down every drive. Connor racked up a
school record of 9 quarterback sacks. The Grizzlies couldn't move the ball.
They never managed a first down. 0 points.
14-0 for the new state champs!
The Agony fans mobbed the field after the game was over. Of
course.
Somehow, in the massive confusion of it all, Xavier and
Connor managed to find each other.
"Well?" Connor asked.
"Do I have to say it?" Xavier asked with a smirk.
"No. You can just think it. I can read your mind, ya' know."
"Then what am I thinking now?" Xavier asked, his eyes
sparkling.
"That you'll meet me in the cabin in three hours," Connor
replied, grinning.
"Wrong!" Xavier replied.
Connor's face fell. "You won't meet me in the cabin
tonight?"
"Oh, I'll definitely be there," Xavier replied, "but that's
not what I was thinking."
Connor grinned. "Then what were you thinking?"
"I'll tell you tonight," Xavier replied. "At the cabin..."
͠ ͠ ͠
Xavier held Connor's soft cock in one hand, marveling at the
thick bulk of it. It was heavy and warm, and the skin was velvet soft. A tiny
bead of cum still perched on the very tip, the last drop remaining after three
explosive orgasms, the first in Xavier's mouth, the second on his stomach as
they jacked each other off, and the third in his ass. That explained why Connor
was now asleep, snoring softly. Xavier had only managed two orgasms so far,
which explained why he was still awake, still hard, lying next to Connor,
examining his lover's amazing body.
The boy had muscles stacked upon muscles. Xavier had never
seen a more perfect physical specimen of a man ... well, not a man, for Connor
was a werewolf. But his human form made the old Greek statues look like wimps. Xavier
released Connor's cock and slowly traced one finger up the rippled stomach,
through the small patch of dark red hair on his chest, up the side of his neck
where the blood slowly pulsed, to the strong jaw and blushed cheek, still
bright red from the incredible sex they'd just enjoyed.
And it had been amazing. Connor had been insatiable, taking
all Xavier had to offer and asking for more. It was difficult not to compare
Connor with Jack. They were both his lovers, after all. Jack had been playful
and impetuous, Connor intense, serious, and focused. Jack had always been quick
to drop to his knees and suck Xavier's cock or pull down his pants and slide
Xavier up inside him for a quick buggering. With Connor, Xavier was the one who
couldn't get enough of Connor's cum, eager to suck him or sit on him, taking
his enormous cock deep inside his bowels. And it felt completely right when
Connor was spooned up behind him, his massive body holding Xavier in a warm
embrace, his thick cock penetrating deep inside, his breath warm on Xavier's
neck.
Xavier's fingers danced across Connor's lips. The boy was a
seriously good kisser. Those lips were part of the reason. Thick and soft and
full. But it wasn't the only reason. Connor seemed to throw himself into every
kiss with complete abandon, the only time he seemed a bit out of control, as if
he couldn't taste enough of Xavier.
Connor's lips moved beneath Xavier's fingers, lifting into a
smile. Connor chuckled and his eyes fluttered. "What are you doing, old man?"
Xavier slid his hand to Connor's cheek and leaned forward to
kiss Connor gently on the lips. "Admiring you while you sleep, wolfboy."
"I'm not asleep," Connor objected.
"Oh?"
"No. Just resting for a bit until I ravish you again."
"Haha, then you had better get
started," Xavier replied, taking Connor's hand and pulling it down to cup his
own slender, hard shaft.
Connor opened his eyes wide. "Still have a boner? I thought
I took care of that. At least twice."
"It will take more than that to get me as soft as you,"
Xavier said, sliding his own hand around Connor's cock and squeezing gently.
Connor chuckled and continued stroking Xavier slowly. "So what do you think of my lips?"
Xavier smiled. "I like your lips. And your neck. And your
stomach and thighs and ass and everything about you."
"You didn't mention my monster cock."
They both chuckled, for the cock in question was beginning
to swell in Xavier's hand, assuming its previous thick eight-inch length. "I
think that goes without saying, don't you?" Xavier asked.
"You sure have a fancy way of talking," Connor said with a
grin. "I like it."
Xavier shrugged. "Forty years of attending posh schools all
over the continent. They had to work me hard to force out the Whitechapel
slang."
Connor grinned. "I'd like to work you hard right now."
Xavier groaned and moved in for a passionate kiss while
their hands continued fondling and stroking the throbbing erections between
them.
Connor couldn't believe how wonderful sex with Xavier was. As
great as it was to get a blowjob from Ethan or to mount Caleb and leave his
seed inside the eager young lad, it had always been a purely physical act with
the other wereboys. With Xavier, Connor felt his
heart pounding out of his chest when their lips touched. He felt his soul
souring into the sky when their bodies were joined together. He felt his mind
exploding into a million tiny fragments when the orgasms overwhelmed them both.
He couldn't explain it.
It wasn't because sex with Xavier was forbidden. Vampire
with werewolf. A definite no-no with both their tribes. No, though they
shouldn't be together, that wasn't what made sex with Xavier so special.
Then what was it?
Connor couldn't explain it, but his wolf instincts offered
him a glimmer of understanding. When he was inside Xavier, thrusting away,
feeling his cock searching ever deeper inside, Connor felt his lips curling
back and his head bending down to grab Xavier by the neck, to bite and hold, to
mark him as mate. But Xavier could never be his mate. Right?
That was also forbidden. Two males cannot mate. He was a
future Pack leader. Engaged to Deborah. His duty was to mount her and give her
pups, for the future of the Pack. But his heart denied that destiny and claimed
Xavier as his mate.
And that just couldn't be.
Besides all that, Xavier was much older. A century older. How
could they ever find anything in common? Connor was a simple wolfboy, knowing only the forest, the mountains, the hunt
and the kill. Xavier had attended fancy boarding schools and universities in
crowded cities. He'd seen the world. He'd experienced so much Connor would
never know.
"What are you thinking about, Connor?" Xavier asked in a
soft whisper, pulling away from the kiss.
Connor chuckled. "Sorry. I guess my thoughts were driftin' a bit. Are you readin'
my mind? Is that a secret vampire power."
Xavier laughed. "No, not a vampire power. It's a lover's
power. I love you, and I can always read your mind."
Connor stopped smiling and sighed. "Then you know I'm distracted
right now."
"It's okay. We both have a lot to consider."
Connor released Xavier's cock and threw his arm around
Xavier's back, pulling him close. With their cheeks pressed together, Connor
whispered into Xavier's ear, "I don't want all those things we're thinkin' about to keep us apart. I love you, Xavier. Even
though I shouldn't. Even though I can't."
Xavier nodded slightly. "I understand, but a wise woman once
told me that you can't tell your heart who it wants to be with. Our hearts are
running the show now, Connor. We're just along for the ride."
Connor hugged Xavier fiercely, smashing their bodies
together. "I want to go there, Xavier. I ain't afraid to try, but I'm still a
little confused."
"I am too, Connor. But I'm going to follow my heart again,
wherever it takes me."
Connor's voice was soft and sleepy as he replied, "I'll go
there with you. We'll do it together."
"Then let's make a pact right now, Connor. No matter what
our families try to do to separate us, we won't let it happen."
"Okay," Connor mumbled, nuzzling Xavier's cheek. "A pact
between a werewolf and a vampire ... that should be legally binding."
Xavier chuckled. "Probably not. But a pact between two souls
... yours and mine ... that's a pact that will last forever."
"Yeah. I think you're right, Xavier."
"I love you, Connor, and I always will."
The only answer Xavier received was a soft snore.
͠ ͠ ͠
The school year flew by for the young lovers. They were
never assigned to work together in History class again, which was a great help
since they acted as if they didn't care for each other in front of the other
students, especially their werewolf mates and vampire companions.
Xavier starred as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Connor
bought a bouquet of roses, which he presented to Xavier at their cabin the next
night. They laughed and made love until late into that midwinter night.
Connor continued to excel at sports, trying out for other
teams and dominating once again because of his strength and speed and agility. Xavier
helped Connor stay in peak shape, with plenty of lifting, thrusting, and cardio
workouts.
School finally ended in May, and summer vacation sent the
students off to attend to family affairs elsewhere. Connor and Xavier continued
to meet in the cabin every chance they got, stirring unconfirmed suspicions in
the Finnigans and Gregor and Regina.
But the heart won't be denied.
͠ ͠ ͠
"What are we doing up here?" Connor asked.
"Shhh," Xavier hissed. "Keep your
voice down. Ethan and Donny are right outside that window, loading your
pickup."
Connor smiled and pulled Xavier close. "I know that. I
parked there, remember? So why are we here, in this old feed store attic? I
thought you were shopping with Regina and your mom."
"I was. I hate shopping. Especially with vampire females. `Ooooh, look at this black vest. It will look stunning on
you, Xavier. Perhaps with this red tie. No. No, I like this red cummerbund
better.' They think I'm in the fitting room, trying on one pair of black slacks
after another. God, what I'd give to get into a pair of blue jeans."
Connor giggled and hugged Xavier. "You can get into my blue
jeans any time, sexy man."
Xavier smiled and leaned in to kiss Connor. "That was the
plan. After escaping my mother's clutches, I schemed my way into meeting you
here in this dusty attic to pillage your body while you leave Ethan and Donny
doing all the sweaty work out there."
Connor grinned. There was something wonderful about meeting
Xavier in secret like this. His heart pounded. His stomach tightened in
anticipation. And his cock instantly plumped up. Judging by the hard lump
poking him in the hip, Xavier was just as aroused.
The two were distracted by a car driving slowly down the
street and stopping at the intersection. It was a new car. In a small town like
Agony, sad to say, you knew what everyone else drove. These were strangers. Perhaps
new in town? Driving through on the way to somewhere else?
Xavier and Connor peered down on the car, noticing a man and
woman in the front seat, looking around with interest. The light turned green,
and the car started forward. In the back seat, leaning against the window, was
a cute lad. Shiny blonde hair. Stunning blue-gray eyes. And a heartbreaking
frown, as if his world was ending.
At the sight of him, both Xavier and Connor felt their
hearts leap in their chests. The connection was fierce and immediate and
demanding. They looked at each other in shock.
"What is going on?" Connor asked.
"I don't know," Xavier admitted. "You felt it too?"
"Yeah. Like my chest was going to explode when I saw that
blonde boy in the car."
Xavier nodded. "I felt the same thing. I wonder who he is."
They leaned against the feed store window, staring at the
car as it drove away, carrying Daniel Anderson and his family to their new home
in Agony, North Dakota.
Daniel couldn't believe his shitty luck. Stuck here in
Bumfuck, North Dakota, far from his friends, wondering how he was going to
survive in this hell hole of a town.
The
end of SOULBOUND PACT
This
is the end of the story, but not the end of the adventures of Connor, Xavier,
and Daniel. You can continue reading about all three in SOULBOUND, the original
story in this series and the first to be published on Nifty. You'll find
SOULBOUND in the Nifty Archives along with SOULBOUND ANTHOLOGY, which will
provide you with a guide to all the stories in the series. Happy reading!
With
warmest regards,
Weston
Leigh