Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:20:52 -0500
From: Tripp Savidge <trippsavidge@gmail.com>
Subject: Bacchus Springs, Chapter 25: The Gods' Whims

This is a work of fiction and contains scenes of explicit gay sex. Any
resemblance to actual places, persons, or events is coincidental. If you
are not of the legal age to read adult stories or are uncomfortable with
gay themes, please stop reading now and close this document.

Bacchus Springs, Chapter 25: The Gods' Whims, Copyright 2022 Tripp
Savidge. All rights are reserved. Do not duplicate or distribute in any
form without the express permission of the author.


Bacchus Springs
Chapter 25, The Gods' Whims
by Tripp Savidge

*   Scene 1   *
Anthony "Tony" Martinez

What the ever-loving fuck? Who were these people, and why couldn't I
move? I thought I'd be long gone before anyone noticed. This was not part
of my plan. I watched the blonde stride up to me and poke me in the
chest. I was surprised she affected me, normally I could ignore a woman
no matter how stunning.

"Peasant. You will CALMLY WALK INTO THE HOUSE, THEN REMAIN MOTIONLESS and
wait for us."

I thought my heart might stop when my body started moving and I couldn't
stop myself from walking into the house. How was that even possible? It
was like someone else had taken over. Once inside, I was frozen in place
and no matter how hard I struggled I couldn't so much as move a finger. I
could hear people talking outside but couldn't make out the words. A
chill went up my spine when I heard and felt them enter the room.

"What would you like us to do, Sister?" The man was movie-star handsome
and I had to wonder who he was and why he was here.

"Don't patronize me, Dio. I assure you I'm very calm. I'm just deciding
on which way to dismember this mortal fool that will be the most
painful."

Okay, that sounded real bad. I'd read up on Bacchus Springs and hadn't
seen any mention of someone named "Dio." And the one who wanted to
dismember me should at least have been in the papers. I looked around the
room to see if there was any escape or maybe someone who'd intervene with
the crazy bitch.

"Perhaps ask questions first?" Dio suggested.

"Fine." The woman growled and gave him a death glare before turning her
cold as ice eyes back to me.

"We also need to deal with the nosy neighbors, and he can't just
disappear. May I?" The man moved out of sight, but I could hear
whispering.

"Tony, REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHING AND BELONGINGS," the blonde said.

Shit, shit, shit. I was stripping in front of these people and couldn't
stop. I stood there as naked as the day I was born and felt her eyes on
me. A dark-skinned bodybuilder gathered up my stuff and moved out of
sight. Had I been drugged? Was there something in the air? How was she
doing this to me? The blonde moved back into sight and was now giving me
the death glare.

"This is a day you will regret for the rest of your existence." There was
a flash, and a cast iron neck manacle was now in the blonde's hands. It
clicked loudly when she fastened it around my throat, the cold, heavy
weight resting on my shoulders.

This was bad. Like, really bad. I'd been trained for the possibility of
being captured or imprisoned, but I never thought it would happen. The
iron felt heavier than I'd have ever imagined, and I would admit to being
terrified. Nothing that was happening made sense.

"You will tell me everything. Every nasty secret, every fear, every hope
until there's nothing left. I will know you inside and out and make sure
to use those secrets to break you. No one hurts my servants." She turned
to the handsome man who had come back. "May I use your dungeon, Dio?
You're much better prepared for this than I am."

"Of course. My estate and servants are at your disposal. I'll gladly
assist in any way I can. After all, David and Jon are mine as well."

The blonde gave an evil grin and tugged on the chain, making me wince.
What did they mean that David and Jon belonged to them? Were they Mob?
Did David owe them money?

"Yes. Twice the pain and punishment seems appropriate." She pulled on the
chain, and the collar heated until I was sure it was burning through my
flesh. "Come along, slave."

The pain got so intense the world started spinning, then there was a
blinding flash of light. I screamed. I couldn't think. I couldn't even
assess my surroundings or figure out what was happening. Even breathing
became a struggle through the screams. When the pain finally stopped, I
was so exhausted I didn't even try to move or open my eyes. I lost track
of time.

At some point the ache in my muscles and my wrists roused me. I opened
and closed my eyes several times, not believing what I saw. I was in a
dungeon. There was no other way to describe the dark, damp stone room
that looked like it was taken out of a medieval castle. The only light
came from an honest-to-God flaming torch. I was back to thinking I'd
somehow been drugged. This was all too strange to be real. Was this a
setup? Someone messing with my head to get information?

Unfortunately, the pain felt real. I looked up to see I had manacles
around my wrists chaining me to the ceiling in a spread-eagle position.
My ankles were likewise cuffed and chained to the floor, spreading my
legs uncomfortably wide. And of course I was still naked.

I pulled and tugged at the chains but accomplished nothing other than
tearing off some skin where the shackles rubbed.

"I can assure you they're secure." A female voice came from behind me,
and somehow I knew it was the blonde from David's place.

"What do you want? Why am I here?" My throat was dry, and my voice
sounded rough.

"Peasant. You know why. You dared to attack one of mine, and now you will
be punished. Eventually, I'll have questions. I want to know all your
dark secrets." Her hand slid down my back and over my ass. "All of your
fears. The things that give you nightmares." She grabbed my cock and
squeezed. "Maybe even your hopes and dreams...so I can destroy them." She
laughed, but it wasn't warm or friendly.

"People will come looking for me. You'll be in a lot of trouble holding
me against my will." I always had to let the agency know where I was in
case a mission came up unexpectedly. They would suspect foul play if I
didn't check in.

The blonde moved in front where I could see her. Her beauty, combined
with her presence, was overwhelming. I wasn't sure how she did it, but
she filled the room. She was dressed in a snug t-shirt and jeans which
showed off her figure and yet looked out of place on her.

"Your government doesn't worry me. That's who you think will rescue you?"
She laughed and walked away and opened a door that was hidden in the
shadows. "He's awake."

She returned, and another figure followed her. When the second person
stepped into the light, I wondered if I might be in worse trouble than
I'd first thought. From the build, I assumed a large man, but every inch
of him was covered in leather, including a sculpted dog-face mask that
completely covered his head. Even his eyes were hidden with lenses that
made them glow red.

"He explained what I want?" She looked at me with cold eyes.

Giving a deep bow, the man responded in a baritone so deep it sounded
more like a growl. "Yes, Goddess."

"Soften him up for me." She circled me again. "No permanent damage or
scars. But you can do whatever you want as long as the healing elixir
will fix it. He'll need to have enough of his mind left to answer
questions."

"As you wish, Goddess." The man bowed again. "Any type of pain or torture
I am to avoid? He has a very attractive body."

She turned to the man in leather so I couldn't see her face. "Dio says
you are a master at your craft. I won't limit you more than I have. Let
me know when he's ready, though I will check in to see his torment."

"What do you consider ready, Goddess?" The man moved farther forward, and
my breath caught as I saw what was strapped to his belt, a whip, flail,
crop, and other things I didn't recognize but I could assume caused pain.

The blonde turned to me and grabbed my chin. Tipping her head to the
side, she smiled. "When he begs for death...continually."

Fuck. I watched in horror as she stepped back, then turned to the man.

"Enjoy yourself." As soon as the words were out, she disappeared. Like
vanished completely.

"Peasant, you and I are going to have so much fun." The man moved in
close and squeezed my dick.

"I have a name. It's Tony, and get your fucking hands off me."

He let out a loud laugh and squeezed tighter. "Not anymore. You don't
deserve a name, and I'll put my hands wherever I want." He released my
cock and grabbed my balls, squeezing until I screamed. Oh, God, I hope my
team finds me soon.

*   Scene 2   *
Benny Donaldson

I pressed my hands tighter over my ears but it still wasn't enough. The
screams weren't just loud, they were...disturbing, and the magic in the
house was so thick it felt like I had ants crawling all over me.

"What is going on? Who does he have in there?" Blaze asked. He also had
his hands over his ears as did the other satyrs and nymphs hiding in the
family room.

"Is it the guy who attacked David?" Matthew grimaced.

I looked at the door and did my best to keep from throwing up as my
stomach did disconcerting flips. "No. It's Burchard." I paused when I
realized the screams had stopped and the tingling of magic faded.

"What did he do with the guy who hurt David?" Juan Carlo asked.

"Aphrodite took him to Olympus and chained him in Bacchus's dungeon. He
didn't tell me more."

Everyone looked at each other nervously. Who'd have thought the silence
would be as creepy as the screams?

"Burchard? Why?" Victor asked. He was the oldest of the satyrs and
probably knew Burchard, Bacchus's manservant and personal assistant,
better than any of us. Victor ran his hands through his wavy black hair,
which I knew he did when he was nervous.

"Um..." I glanced at the door wondering if I should share what I knew. It
wasn't like they wouldn't all find out eventually.

"Benny, do you know?" Matthew asked.

"Not for sure, but I was with Bacchus at breakfast when Jed called. Seems
his office tried to reach Bacchus yesterday when everything went down
with David. Burchard hung up on them and wouldn't put them through."

"Fuck. What was Burchard thinking?" Victor put a hand over his mouth, his
blue eyes wide.

"It gets worse. Jon called Bacchus for help too. Burchard also hung up on
him. I've never seen Bacchus so angry." I shivered at the memory. "I
don't know what happened after that, I might have hid."

"I don't blame you," Matthew said.

"That's bad. That's like...really, really, bad." Blaze shook his head and
seemed even paler than usual.

"I know he was jealous and a little put out about how much Bacchus
focused on David and Jon, but surely he wouldn't be stupid enough-"
Victor said.

The door flew open and slammed into the wall with a bang.

Bacchus turned to the door as if it offended him. He glanced around the
room, an intimidating scowl on his face.

"Um, Lord Bacchus, you've got something..." Victor motioned to his own
face.

I refused to look. The first glance was enough, and I had to grit my
teeth to keep from losing it. I couldn't believe Victor right now; how
could he be so calm! Bacchus was splattered from head to toe with blood
and other things I didn't even want to try to identify. I shuddered and
refused to turn toward the god.

"Oh, huh, didn't realize," Bacchus said in a  tone that didn't at all
indicate anything was out of the ordinary.

I felt a wave of magic and hoped it meant things were fixed. I turned to
look at Bacchus. Thank fuck. He was now clear of blood and any
other...goop and dressed in one of his custom suits.

"Victor, can you please make sure housekeeping puts my office back in
order. Also, work up a job description for a personal assistant. I'll
need to find someone new. Until then, you boys can fill in. Victor, I'll
leave that up to you as well. I'm going to stop by the hospital to check
on Dean before I visit David. Hopefully, they're both recovering well."

"Is there anything else you need?" Victor asked.

"Not at the moment. Oh, you may want to find Burchard's phone or redirect
the calls to your number for now." Bacchus's forehead wrinkled and he
frowned. "Yeah, I'm not sure his phone will still be working, but you can
check. I'm not going into the office today so I'll be back when I'm
done." He turned and left, pulling the door closed behind him.

"Everyone saw that, right?" Jinho asked nervously.

"We saw. Pretty sure Burchard isn't with us anymore." Victor sighed and
stood. "I really don't want to see what's in his office."

"Why couldn't Bacchus use his magic to put things right?" I asked.

"I'm pretty sure he is sending a message to the rest of us. Bacchus wants
us to see and know what happens to servants who defy him. It was before
most of you became satyrs, one of our predecessors made the mistake of
spying for Hera. I still have nightmares," Julian said.

"You didn't have to remind me." Victor scowled at Julian.

"Am I wrong?" Julian asked.

"No." Victor paused. "It would be best if we took care of whatever we
could so the staff's involvement is limited. I'll investigate and figure
out what we'll need and let you know."

"This does not sound like it's going to be a good day." I had no idea
where to begin other than changing into clothes I didn't mind tossing.

"Everyone get changed, and I'll see if we have any menthol cream or Vicks
to kill the smell. You'll still want masks or scarves to cover your nose
and mouth. I'm pretty sure we have rubber gloves with the cleaning
supplies." Julian ticked off the items as if he'd done this more than
once.

*   Scene 3   *
David Martinez

I sat at the breakfast bar, staring at the mug of coffee in my hands. I
felt strange. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised after everything that had
gone down.

"Dad, do you want me to stay home with you today? I can call off, and if
you need me to stay in tonight, we can cancel our date with Ashley and
Kennedy." Jon put bread in the toaster and poured himself a cup of
coffee.

"No, you don't need to do that. I should be fine. Other than feeling off,
I don't have a mark on me." I still couldn't believe my own brother had
drugged me and slammed me into the wall. Shit, I have to find someone to
fix the wall.

"You should stay in and rest. Your shields are messed up, and you're
putting off major lust mojo. I'm struggling, so no one else would stand a
chance." Jon turned to look at me. "Uncle Tony-any idea why? That
was...fuck...I don't have words."

"He's always been bossy and a bit of a homophobe, but he's never hit me
before."

"But giving you knock-out drugs, that's typical?" Jon raised an eyebrow.

His expression made me laugh. "No. He hasn't done that before either. I
don't know, Jon. I can't explain it. Insanity, maybe?"

"What do you think they'll do to him?" Jon took a bite of toast and sat
at the bar.

"No idea, and I'll admit I'm scared to ask. Jon, other than not
shielding, does my power seem weird? I feel all tingly inside, like my
body has too much magic to contain."

Jon put a hand on my shoulder and looked me square in the eyes.

Damn but I made a handsome kid. I felt the pull and caught myself leaning
in when he spoke and broke the spell.

"I wouldn't say strange, but I agree you feel like you've powered up."
Jon turned as we heard footsteps behind us.

"Fuck. Don't stop on my account. I'll be glad to watch." Rufus started
opening cupboards.

"Over the coffee maker," Jon said.

"Thanks." Rufus grabbed a mug, filled it with coffee, added some cream,
and turned to look at us. "Dude, you ever want to repeat last night, you
call me. No wonder Matthew and Blaze look so happy after they visit."

"Are you feeling okay? It wasn't too much?" I asked, knowing I'd fed on
the hellhound almost the entire night.

Rufus snorted. "I'm great. Though I wouldn't try that on a normal.
There's a reason Bacchus left me here to take care of you. Hellhounds are
tough and can take a lot, even more than most paranormals."

"Lucky you." Jon smirked.

"Not always. Sadly taking care of an erote is once in a blue moon. Most
of my jobs are of a more violent and painful nature," Rufus said.

"Sorry." I hated the thought of the man...er...hellhound being hurt. I
wonder which one is more correct?

"It was better than my other options, most of which involved me being
dead." Rufus shrugged as he sipped his coffee.

"Not sure if it's polite to ask, but how did you end up a hellhound?" Jon
asked.

"I don't mind. I was a mercenary as a human and died on a job. Hades
decided I was a good fit-he doesn't give reasons or explanations-and
offered me a choice of eternal torment or becoming a hellhound guardian
and having the opportunity to redeem myself. You do the math."

"He used his magic to change you?" Jon clarified.

"It's a little more complicated. Hellhounds are a species of beast that
already exists. Hades selects a hound and a soul and merges them,
creating a guardian who can shift between the two forms. But unlike other
shifters, our animal form is not separate. Our soul displaces whatever
sentience existed, but we retain their instincts, knowledge, and
abilities."

"Sounds like a bad deal for the hellhound." I didn't know if that meant
the animal died or ceased to be-or did they have a soul that
went...somewhere.

"Good for me. Though the first year is a real bitch." Rufus paused and
looked at me intently. "If you're feeling better, I should get back.
Elijah said things are tense at the estate."

"I think I'm fine. Thank you again for taking one for the team."

Rufus laughed. "Yeah, don't think any of them will buy that one. I expect
a fair bit of glaring and grumbling when I get back."

"You could tell them it was awful," Jon suggested.

"Don't think they'd believe me. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to call
for a ride," Rufus said.

"If you can wait a few minutes, I can drive you. I just have to change."
Jon waited for Rufus to give a nod of agreement and left.

"Are you sure everything's all right? I'm having a hard time not ripping
off clothes and begging for you. While not surprising given last night,
you don't usually have that effect on me." Rufus gave me a concerned
look.

"Sorry. Jon said my shielding is fucked up today. You may be experiencing
the unfiltered me." Wasn't that a joke? Thinking about it, I realized
that shielding had become such a habit that I rarely let my powers go
natural. I laughed.

"What? You find it funny I can't resist you?" Rufus asked.

"No, sorry. Just thinking how strange my life has become."

After Jon and Rufus left, I poured another cup of coffee and began
wondering what the hell had happened with Tony. If I hadn't been there,
I'd never believe it. Yeah, he had control issues and always had since
Mom and Dad died, but this...

A knock sounded at the front door, and I knew it was Bacchus before I
even got close. I barely had the door opened for him before I was
engulfed in his arms.

"I am so sorry, David. How are you?" Bacchus pulled back and looked me
over. "Your power...it's..."

"I know. For some reason, I can't shield right now." I hated admitting it
and wondered if it affected Bacchus like it had the others. From the
bulge in his suit pants, I was guessing yes.

Bacchus held my face between his hands and kissed my forehead. "Likely
from the drugs. What the hell was your brother thinking?"

"If you figure it out, let me know," I scoffed.

"You'll need to stay home until you get your control back. I doubt any of
the humans could resist you, and I don't think you'd enjoy fighting them
off." Bacchus's smile looked evil.

"Would that really happen?" I didn't think I'd ever completely dropped my
control.

"David, David, David. You're a love god. You may not have come into your
full powers yet, but even now..." Bacchus let out a low growl and kissed
me as he pulled me to the couch.

"Even now?" I asked when he let me catch my breath.

"You'll figure it out. I wouldn't want you to get a swelled head."
Bacchus waved his hand, and I felt the tingle of magic. "That should
help, but even gods aren't immune."

"Do you have any updates on Dean? When Emma and Ethan left this morning,
they hoped he'd be released today."

"I went to the hospital this morning and spoke with his care team. He'll
be released as soon as the doctor makes his rounds. We needed him to be
examined and treated so as not to raise questions. I assure you he was
completely healed as soon as they finished the bandages," Bacchus said.

"Won't they notice when they change them?"

"I might have messed with their memories." Bacchus held up his hand with
a pinch gesture letting me know he thought it had been just a little.

"I'm not sure I want to ask this...what's happening with Tony?" I bit my
lip waiting for a response. The heat and energy in the room immediately
changed, letting me know Bacchus was still angry.

"We'll be asking some questions to find out what he was doing and why."
Bacchus was obviously careful in his wording.

"And then?"

"Aphrodite has requested that she be allowed to help with rehabilitation.
Perhaps take it as a positive that he wasn't sent straight to Hades. You
know how that would have gone. DON'T WORRY ABOUT TONY." Bacchus was being
cagey.

"So stop asking questions?" I knew there was a lot he wasn't saying, and
maybe I was okay not knowing. There was no point in worrying.

"Such a smart man." Bacchus cupped my cheek. "I want to check you over
again. You may feel a tingle."

It was more than a tingle. A wave of heat and it felt like a current of
mild electricity flowed through me for several seconds.

"All good. You still seem to have some side effects from the drugs, but
they should fade soon. I think that is what is messing with your control.
I'll be sure to send Matthew or Blaze by to help."

"Thank you for letting Rufus stay with me. He was really good to me." I
figured Bacchus could read all the details he wanted; I didn't need to
hand them out for free.

"Hellhounds are very resilient. You should have noticed by now, but
feeding from supernaturals will give you a bigger boost than mortal lust.
But they're also more aware of what's happening and won't want to give up
that kind of control," Bacchus cautioned.

"I can see that. I'll count myself lucky that Matthew and Blaze are
willing."

"Ha! Satyrs and nymphs are a little different. Being creatures of sex and
seduction, they don't have the same hang-ups."

"Good to know." I smiled, thinking of the satyrs who'd become part of our
extended family. Family. "Shit! I forgot about Bernie. You don't think
Tony..."

"Relax. Bernie is fine. Tony saved all his drama for you," Bacchus
reassured me.

"How do you know?"

"Devon has been checking in on your little brother regularly." Bacchus
gave me a knowing wink.

"Can Devon handle it by himself? I was rather needy."

"Benny is his backup but he's doing fine. He also has Casey to help him
out. You were on your own," Bacchus explained.

"Casey?" I wasn't sure how Bernie's wife would be dealing with the
changes.

Bacchus snorted. "Mm-hm. I helped her a bit but I guarantee her lady
parts are getting a workout like never before. She may be sore and walk
funny but she'll recover, eventually."

"Why does that make me think I should be worrying?"

"It will be fine. TRUST ME. Besides, it gets Casey prepared for her move
and adjustment to Bacchus Springs."

"And the boys are okay with the move?" I was more than suspicious.

"Of course. I've taken care of everything." Bacchus winked and it felt
like my stomach took a dive. I guess it was good that I could trust him.

"I've got things to take care of. Try to rest and enjoy Dean when he gets
home. Tell you what I'll have Dino's send over dinner for all of you-
maybe with Matthew. That way no one has to worry about cooking." Bacchus
stood and pulled me with him. He kissed my forehead and squeezed my hand.
"It will all work out. You can RELAX, DAVID."

"Sure. Thank you, Bacchus." I wrapped my hand around his neck and pulled
him in for a quick kiss on the lips. "I couldn't do any of this without
you."

"Ah, it's nice to know YOU NEED ME. I'll check in on you and Dean later."

Rather than use the front door as he had when he arrived, Bacchus
disappeared from where he stood.

*   Scene 4   *
Benny Donaldson

I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes, doing my best to force the
bile back down that kept rising in my throat. Not like I had anything
left in my body to puke. I'd already emptied my insides multiple times.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Sin looked at me with concern. He'd
already managed to get cleaned up.

"Give me a second."

"Hey, at least we're done with our part. Victor said Bacchus will get rid
of the remaining blood stains and smell since we did such a good job.
That's a plus, right?" Sin was trying so hard to be positive.

"How are you not totally freaked out by this?" I was sure I'd have
nightmares for years.

"I am, but..." Sin shrugged. "I've seen some pretty terrible shit and
been subject to more of the gods' tempers than I want to discuss. Nothing
I can do about it, and I certainly can't change what Burchard did or the
consequences."

I shuddered. "I don't know whether I'd have been better off not knowing
what happened and making my own story or..."

"Come on, surely you read up on Bacchus when you found out who he was."
Sin leaned against the wall beside me.

"True. It wasn't that different from the story about Lycurgus. But fuck.
He pulled out his own eyeballs...and cut off his tongue. Don't give me
that look, I'm the one who had to pick them up." I swallowed and tried to
take calm, steady breaths.

"I don't know. Is it better that he drove Burchard mad and he took a
knife to himself or would it have been better for Bacchus to have wielded
the blade. Same result. I can't imagine what he must have seen or what
thoughts were going through his mind to make him cut off parts of his own
body." Sin started looking as green as I felt.

"Maybe we can talk about something else?" I suggested. With everyone's
help we'd picked up and disposed of all the pieces and cleaned up the
worst of the "splatter." As object lessons go, I would agree it was very
effective. Don't piss off Bacchus.

"You'll feel better once you toss those clothes and take a shower. I
promise it helps. Come on." Sin extended a hand and didn't even flinch
when I accepted.

"You could tell me again about your night with David and Dean," I teased.

"You're such a dick." Sin glared at me. "You're just jealous that I get
time with them, even if it is torture. Does your brother tell you about
all the sex that happens in that house? I'm sure he gets more than his
share."

"Now, who's being a dick. I was gay first. It's really unfair." I might
have sounded a little whiny.

"You're a satyr. You can have as much dick as you want," Sin objected.

"Yeah, but it's not with the men in that house. Have you...oh, yeah, you
have seen them. Fuck, that was mean. I'm sorry, Sin. They'll fix this
curse thing, I'm sure. Then you can go back to having all the guys you
can handle." I couldn't believe I forgot what he was going through.

"It will never be the same, but maybe that's a good thing. I sure don't
want to end up in this kind of trouble again." Sin opened the door to my
room and followed me in. "I have a garbage bag if you want to give me
your clothes."

"Gladly." I stripped and handed him the pieces.

"You have a job tonight, don't you?" Sin closed up the bag and set it
outside the door.

"Reverend Klatchy's son. I'm going to an honest to god bonfire and kegger
at one of the farms outside Portersville." I'd been to frat parties and
keggers but nothing that ever involved a barn or fire.

"Sounds posh. Guess you'll be dressing up." Sin smirked at me.

"Yeah. Shouldn't be too bad. He's decent looking and Bacchus gave me a
vial of mojo concentrate to knock out his inhibitions. Not sure if it's
that easy why it takes so long for the people who move here."

"Oooo, that I can answer. If it's gradual, they have an easier time
accepting it and don't get suspicious. They're less likely to fight
against the changes and over time it becomes permanent. The quick version
messes more with their head but is just as effective in the short term,"
Sin explained.

"What about when he does the whammy himself?" I still vividly remember
the first time I met Bacchus, and he used his powers on me and Jake.

"That's probably the most effective but it can be the roughest, depending
on the person. You don't get time to acclimate or accept it-like throwing
a switch. If he makes them a servant, that softens the change and makes
it easier to deal with. Otherwise they probably need therapy, a stiff
drink, or both. Eventually they adjust too."

"Then what I'm giving him won't make it permanent?" I asked.

"Nah. Not with one dose. But you realize you could still seduce him
without the vial? Taking away the inhibitions just makes it easier for
him to give in." Sin followed me into the bath and sat on the counter.
"Maybe I missed it. What's the point in seducing this guy?"

"Bacchus didn't tell us much. I think it's to embarrass the preacher in
front of his congregation and destroy their trust in him. He wants him
discredited, so having him and his family do the things he preaches
against..." I turned on the shower and could feel the heat of Sin's
stare. I bent over a little and heard his breath hitch. I looked over my
shoulder. "Once you get this curse thing fixed, you and I have a lot of
fucking to catch up on. Don't think I haven't missed your dick."

"Eh. You have the preacher's son." Sin turned away but I could still see
the pain in his expression.

"Please. Like he could compare to you. Would be even better if we were
both doing him." I really liked that idea and missed the times I spent
with Sin in Bacchus's bed. I stepped into the shower and saw that Sin was
still watching me. "I'd put on a show for you but I'm saving up to give
the preacher's straight boy a big load."

"Another time. It would be more like torture anyway. Benny, something I
don't get. How is seducing his family going to punish the preacher if no
one knows?"

"I don't know the details, but I think the plan is that all of them will
either be caught or someone will see. I assume there will be more to it,
but that's not part of my job."

"So not a once and done?" Sin asked.

I rinsed the shampoo out of my eyes. "Nope. He gets to be my cum dump
until Bacchus says otherwise."

"Oh, you poor thing..." Sin scoffed.

*   Scene 5   *
Liam Martinez

I watched as the game respawned my character and decided to end it. My
concentration wasn't worth shit, and I was making painfully slow progress
and stupid mistakes. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.

What the fuck? I wasn't about to say things couldn't get weirder. Did
that, proven wrong. So, so wrong. I was glad my parents seemed to have a
strong marriage. I could even appreciate that they still enjoyed sex. But
short of permanently wearing my noise cancelling headphones, I couldn't
escape the sounds. Or even worse, their dialogue. I shuddered and spun my
chair just in time to see Noah arrive and lean against the doorframe.

"Have you seen the tape thing?" Noah asked.

"Last time I saw it, it was with the boxes in the kitchen. Mom was using
it before she went to work."

"Okay, thanks." Noah turned to leave but I had to stop him. Something
wasn't right.

"Hey, are you okay?" He'd been acting strange since Dad got back, and
we'd had the mysterious visitor that no one wanted to talk about. Even
stranger, he hadn't harassed me or made any attempt to irritate me.

"Yeah. Bummed about moving away from my friends and not looking forward
to a new school." Noah shrugged. "But...he said I'd love it and that we'd
be really popular 'cause of Uncle David and all."

"He?" I guessed Noah meant the "mysterious" visitor Mom wouldn't talk
about "You don't know his name?"

"Eh. I think he said, but I was distracted." Noah got interested in the
floor.

"Distracted by what?"

"He was like...super handsome and it was hard to think and not just stare
at him. I remember the important stuff. He said the move would be really
good for Dad and that we needed to be supportive. He said you'd be
difficult but that it would be good for you to be somewhere you didn't
have to pretend." Noah raised an eyebrow.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I didn't like where this was going.

"So...he might have said your issue with girls and dating was that you'd
rather have dick." Noah ducked around the corner as if I was going to
throw something. Which I would if my brain hadn't shorted out and I
wasn't sitting there with my mouth open.

Noah peeked around the doorway. "That's why you broke up with Casey,
right? Because you wouldn't put out. There's nothing to be ashamed about,
I like guys and you don't see me freaking out."

"You what?" Did he say what I thought?

"I like guys. So? Dad's not going to care. Especially now that he's
fucking that sexy Brit. Oh, my God! Have you heard them?" Noah fanned his
face.

"You know about him? You've seen him?" I thought it was a secret.

"He's a friend of Dad's, so?" Noah shook his head like he thought I was
stupid. "Listen, Liam, if you want, I could show you some really good
porn sites. It might help you. I can even set it up so Mom can't find it,
and it doesn't leave a trail or show up in your history."

"You..." Was he shitting me? My little brother has been watching porn.
How does he know this stuff? How could I have missed it, and how could
this stranger know about me? I'd never said a word to anybody and was too
scared to look at porn. There were no incriminating magazines, books, or
photos-nothing.

"He said you'd freak out if I mentioned it. But really, Liam, I can help
you."

"You don't know what you're talking about, Noah. I'm not into dudes, and
the thing with Casey was her being a bitch and selfish. It wasn't because
I...you know..."

Noah gave a smirk that I really wanted to smack off his face.

"Huh. He must be psychic or something. He said you'd say that too."

"He-" The sound of a door closing made me stop. "Who?"

Noah shrugged. "Let's go see. I figure it's either Mom or Dad."

We met Dad coming up the stairs. "Hey, guys."

"Is something wrong? Did you get sick?" Noah asked.

"No, no. I'm fine. I got fed up with everyone hitting on me and then one
of the senior partners decided it was okay to feel me up. I'm done. I was
trying to give them this week to help transition, but screw that." Dad
looked as angry as I'd ever seen him.

"Why would they do that?" I asked. Sure he was handsome, and after
visiting Bacchus Springs, he had a body that most men would envy, but the
reaction seemed extreme.

"Your Uncle David warned me it might happen." Dad pulled off his tie as
he walked into the bedroom.

"What does it have to do with Uncle David?" I asked.

"Huh? Oh, he said he went through something similar. Are you guys getting
your stuff packed up? You only have to worry about what you don't want
the movers handling, or anything you might need right away."

"Don't we need a house first?" Mom and Dad hadn't said anything about
timing other than to pack.

"I'll start looking as soon as I can. Bacchus wants me in the office on
Monday, so I'll be taking what I need to live out of a hotel. It's not
all that far, so I can come back and help your mom on weekends." Dad
stripped as if Noah and I weren't in the room with him, and I was struck
again with the changes. He looked good-really good.

"This coming Monday?" Noah asked. I thought it seemed quick.

"Yup." He turned with a big smile. "He's paying me very well for the
inconvenience, not to mention I'm getting a huge increase. Your mom
doesn't even have to get a job if she doesn't want to."

"Oh, now that is fine," a voice said from behind me in a British accent.

"Devin, you made great time," Dad said as he stood in his snug briefs.

"I was motivated. Hello, Noah, Liam; you're both looking well. You don't
mind giving your Dad and me some privacy, do you? We're going to fuck,
and your dad's not quite ready for an audience." He held the door and
grinned as we stepped out. "Good chaps, and Liam..." Devin dropped his
voice to a whisper. "I'll leave the door cracked, in case you want to
peek and get some ideas for your spank bank." He winked and turned away.

What the fuck? I turned to Noah. "Did you..."

"He's hot, isn't he?"

"No, I mean...I don't know. Did you hear what he said?"

"Uh...he and dad are going to fuck? No surprise there. Don't tell me you
haven't heard them? It's worse than when he's with Mom."

"Not that part. When he was whispering."

"He didn't whisper." Noah rolled his eyes. "Geez, dickhead, complex,
maybe?" Noah turned and went down the stairs.

How could he not hear or notice he was right next to me? And what the
fuck? Dad didn't deny what he'd said or try to hide him. Noah acted like
it was perfectly normal. There's a strange guy having sex with my dad,
and everyone acts like it's no big deal.

I retreated to my room and thanked the stars my headphones were charged.
I did my very best to distract myself by reading stuff online. I was
caught up in a new manga series when I felt hands grip my shoulders, and
I screamed. It was a very manly scream.

"What?"

"You're so jumpy," Devin whispered into my ear when he slid the
headphones off. His breath sent a shiver down my spine.

"You startled me." I was more than a little nervous. He seemed to take a
lot of joy in tormenting me. I waited, my back still toward him as he set
my headphones on the desk.

"Mm." Devin ran his nose along the shell of my ear as his hands slid
under my tee. "Did you watch? I fucked your dad so hard he came without
touching his dick."

"Stop. I don't need to hear this." I growled as I felt his hands slide up
my chest, where he teased my nipples. "Quit."

"Ah, but you know you love it. I'm just giving you inspiration for
tonight when you jerk off thinking about me."

"I'd never..." I bit my lip as all the blood seemed to rush to my cock.

"We both know better, Liam. Eventually you're going to beg me for it."
Devin grabbed my hand and wrapped it around his dick before I realized
what he was doing.

I jerked my hand away and turned to glare at him, just now realizing he
was naked. Damn it. He had no right to look that good.

Devin laughed and turned, giving a twerk of his ass as he walked out the
door. I really wanted to hate him and what he'd just done but I couldn't
get the memory of how big and hard he was or the feel of the warm flesh
in my hand. It was only seconds...

"Liam! Dinner!" Mom called, and I realized I'd zoned out and lost track
of time.

I walked into the kitchen and froze.

"There you are. We have company this evening, so please behave and no
fighting with your brother," Mom said.

"Aw, Mom, you take all the fun out of life," Noah complained.

"Behave and welcome Devin. He's from Bacchus Springs and is going to be
working with your dad at his new job. He stopped by to help your dad and
see if he had questions about Bacchus Springs." Mom turned to the
counter.

I was speechless. As soon as she'd turned around Devin had his hand on
Dad's crotch and was smirking at me. He winked and sat before Mom
noticed. What happened to not letting Mom or Noah know he was there?

"Well aren't you going to say hello?" Mom scolded. "I promise you, Devin,
I brought him up better than this."

"Sorry. Hello, Devin, it's nice to meet you."

"Devin has offered to help us get settled in Bacchus Springs and even
offered to help you boys make some new friends." Dad grinned and took a
seat at the end of the table between Mom and Devin.

"That would be great. Is there anything fun to do? Jon said it was a
pretty small town," Noah asked.

"Trust me; we know how to have fun." Devin's eyes seemed to bore right
through me. "I don't know Jon well, but some of my brothers hang out with
him and his dad pretty regularly. We also have some great parties and a
huge pool at the mansion. I'm sure you'll be invited over as soon as you
get settled."

"Mansion?" Noah asked with his fork almost to his mouth.

"You'll understand once you see it." Devin smiled, but the look in his
eyes as he watched me was making me nervous. I had to wonder if Mom knew
that he was having sex with Dad. Didn't she notice he was constantly
touching him? Has everyone lost their mind?

*   Scene 6   *
David Martinez

I pulled Dean tighter against me and buried my nose in his hair. "Are you
sure you're feeling okay?"

"For the hundredth time, yes. Bacchus said good as new. What about you?
Something feels...different." Dean tilted his head back to look at me.

"I feel fine. Jon and Bacchus both said my shielding is messed up, maybe
as a side effect of the drugs. Bacchus said it should get better but
wanted me to avoid going out for another day."

"Should? Is there a doctor who can check you out to make sure? And what
the hell is up with your brother? He's always been a bit of a dick but
not a criminal-level asshole."

"I don't know about a doctor, but I trust Bacchus when he says I don't
need to worry. Tony...ugh. I have no idea. I'm so, so very sorry he hurt
you."

"Me?" Dean shouted while glaring at me. "He fucking beat you up, drugged
you, and tried to shove you in the trunk of his car!"

"You heard?" I cringed. I had been hoping no one shared the details since
Dean was out by then.

"Yes. I heard. I know he's your brother, but I hope Bacchus makes him
suffer."

"Pretty sure that's a given. Aphrodite has him. Rufus said she was livid
and thought Hades would be too gentle."

Dean sat up and turned to look at me, his eyes wide. "She took him?"

"To Bacchus's dungeon across the veil in Olympus. That's as much as I
know."

"Whoa. You realize your brother is totally fucked?"

I grimaced and nodded. "I can't even imagine. Since there isn't anything
I can do, I'm trying not to think about it too much."

"I still don't remember most of what happened when she questioned me."
Dean shuddered. "A few things have come back, and putting that together
with what Eros has said, I'm pretty sure she 'shared' me with some of the
other gods. Given that she likes me, or so she says, I can't imagine what
she'd do with someone she hated. We're not people to them, just pawns and
playthings."

"I keep hoping Bacchus is the exception, but...yeah, you're right. Even
worse, I sometimes get the idea they want me to be more like them." I
hugged Dean to my chest.

"I'm not worried. You're not like that. I also agree there's nothing you
can do about Tony. He got himself into this hole, and interfering with
her or Bacchus is more likely to get you into a bad situation."

"Agreed." I heard someone coming down the stairs and turned to look. "Who
is that handsome hunk?"

"What, you don't know me?" Jake teased, clutching his chest.

"Oh, we know you all right. Why all dressed up?" Dean asked.

"Double date with Ashley and Kennedy," Jake answered.

"I thought the last one was a bit awkward?" I remember it not going well
but none of the details.

"Ashley wants us to try. Kennedy has been nagging her to convince me
we're still a couple," Jake said.

"Not," Jon said from the stairs.

"Hopefully, that all gets worked out. What does Ashley think?" Dean
asked.

"That Kennedy is becoming a pain in the ass? Or do you mean about us?"
Jon gestured to Jake and himself.

"Both?" I suggested.

Jon walked up to Jake and wrapped his arms around him. "She doesn't think
Kennedy will ever be able to share. She's too jealous and insecure. It's
gotten to where she's feeling threatened by Ashley too. Ashley
understands that Jake and I are soul mates, and...she also knows Bacchus
isn't giving in on me being with her."

"Kinda pervy that this is all about a god wanting Jon to make pretty
babies," Jake added.

"And Ashley's okay with that, knowing you and Jake will always be a
thing?" Dean asked.

"She says she is. Ashley even said she was willing to be with both of
us," Jon said.

"Like at the same time." Jake grinned and wagged his eyebrows.

"I don't know why you find that surprising," Eros said, visibly startling
Jon and Jake when he appeared in the room. I felt him seconds before he
spoke. Eros turned to me, and his forehead wrinkled as he stared.
"Someone's generating a lot of power."

"My shielding is messed up. Bacchus said it was probably because of the
drugs and that I'll get control back soon," I said.

"Interesting. But I don't think so."

"What's interesting?" Dean asked. "And are we talking 'bad interesting'
or 'good interesting'? And what don't you agree with?"

Eros reached out his hand to cup my face. "May I?"

"Sure." I wondered what he was thinking as his warm hand pressed against
my cheek. My body tingled, and my cock got interested, pressing into
Dean's back. Eros's eyes darkened, and I could feel his power wrapping
around me, my own responding until I was almost panting with need.

"Well, now." Eros stepped back and was quiet for a minute. "The drugs
might have moved things along, but your shielding issue is because your
powers have grown. It will take you a day or two to adjust. As for good
or bad, it depends on who you ask."

"Meaning what?" Jon asked.

I wondered the same but couldn't have formed words if my life depended on
it. I pressed my face into Dean's hair and tried to slow my breathing
while fortifying my shields.

"Meaning..." Eros dropped into one of the chairs, sitting sideways with
his legs draped over the arm. "That I've always thought your powers
showed more potential than expected. Lest you forget, you and your dad
were an 'experiment.' Never been done before, and no one, not even Zeus,
knew how it would work." Eros got a faraway look and paused. "Well...the
Fates might know, but they'd never tell."

"You're starting to worry me," Dean said.

"Good. Some of the gods might take exception to David and Jon's
existence. I'm pretty sure they've surpassed the powers of a demigod.
Time will tell, but I believe they'll be on par with me and the other
Olympians. Not as strong as the twelve, but powerful enough to make them
nervous. Of course, it's possible that Zeus decided to have a little fun
and didn't stick to the plan. He could certainly do it, but usually he's
looking for something in return."

"Plan?" Jon asked.

"Bacchus and Aphrodite negotiated a deal with Zeus. I don't know the
details, so don't bother asking. They wanted to create demigods that were
bound to them as servants. I only know because they wanted them to be
erotes from my line. Unlike many of the gods, the erotes gain their power
from feeding and don't need to rely on being loved or worshipped."

"What do you mean by bound? And why would the others be angry?" Jake
asked.

"They're dicks? Do they need a reason? Mainly jealousy, followed by fear
that Bacchus or Aphrodite may leverage David and Jon against them." Eros
turned to me. "The plan was that you and your powers would be tied to
Bacchus and Aphrodite; how that works or what the effects are, I can't
say. Realize that most of what I'm telling you is speculation. I'd still
suggest you be careful because the gods are an unpredictable bunch who
like to meddle."

"You mean more than they have been?" I asked, finding it disturbing that
it could get worse.

Eros rolled his eyes. "They're constantly trying to fuck each other over,
backstabbing is an art, and plots and subplots for power and prestige are
a daily activity."

"Sounds like this was definitely 'bad' interesting," Jake said.

"You were already on their radar. If I'm right, it means the stakes will
be higher, that's all. May I?" Eros walked over to Jon and held up his
hand. Jon nodded, and Eros cupped his cheek like he'd done to me. "Be
careful, Jon. You'll start travelling soon. Probably within a few days."

"You mean the pop out and be somewhere else 'traveling'?" Jake clarified.

"Yes. It's not as clear with Jon, but I expect he'll mirror what happens
with David. I'm pretty sure the power is there." Eros stepped back and
stared at Jon for a minute before sitting.

"What does having more power mean?" I figured I should be prepared.

"You'll be able to affect more people at a time. You'll also seem more
attractive and will have an easier time seducing others or drawing them
to you. Shielding will be even more important than it is now. You'll have
better insights into good matches and be able to read your subjects more
clearly. The love matches you make will be stronger, and you'll have to
feed more."

"More?" Oh, that wasn't good.

"Not like it's unpleasant. Don't worry, you'll both adjust. Keep your
mates close, as they'll help ground you and can let you know if you're
not keeping up on feedings. Now." Eros paused and looked at Jon and Jake.
"The reason I stopped by was to let you know I'll be shadowing you
tonight. I'm going to try to get a read on Kennedy so I can report back
to Bacchus."

"So he might be willing?" Jon asked.

"Aphrodite will have his balls if he messes this up. Yeah, he's willing.
I'm also going to make some adjustments for Ashley." Eros turned to me
with a smirk on his face. "It might get noisy tonight. Be prepared."

"Noisy?" Jake asked. "And what do you mean by adjustments?"

"Aphrodite wants the women of Bacchus Springs to be on equal footing with
the men and have the freedom to express themselves. She's taken a
personal interest in Ashley and Emma and is starting with them." Eros
paused as if giving us time to absorb.

"That means you're going to have to introduce Ashley to all the pleasures
she's been missing. Both of you. I'll be tweaking Ashley's wants and
desires to ensure that she flourishes in a relationship with a soul mate
couple. It's not easy to be the third wheel, and Aphrodite wants her
happy as much as she wants the two of you to be together. What I'll be
doing is no different than what Jon does when feeding off of someone he
wants to change."

"Oh." Jon appeared to be stunned.

"If you're going to be a threesome, best get things rolling. Besides, if
you willingly pull in Ashley, Bacchus is less likely to make a fuss over
breaking the agreement between Jake and Kennedy."

That made sense in a rather strange, twisted way. I watched Jon and Jake
as they looked at each other, probably trying to figure out what was
going to happen. I saw Jon's eyes go a little wider as he turned to Eros.

"So you'll be there? Watching us?"

"Mm, yeah. You'll be able to sense me. And later, when things get heated,
just ask if you want me to join in." Eros gave a wink and vanished.

"Fuck." Jon dropped onto the arm of the couch and hung his head.

"They sure do like to mess with our lives," Dean said.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like it's likely to get better." I hoped
Jon and Jake would be okay.

"At least we've got Aphrodite in our corner for us being a couple," Jake
said, rubbing Jon's shoulders.

*   Scene 7   *
Benny Donaldson

"Interesting, aren't they?" Heather whispered.

"In a scary kinda way." I watched to make sure no one paid too much
attention to us. We'd already discovered that we stood out. If it weren't
so dark, we'd have a challenge. Heather and Kayla had also been assigned
to the "kegger," spreading lust and immorality wherever they could. But I
was glad they were here; they were also helping me set things up for
Andrew Klatchy, the preacher's son.

"I don't think he's going to get anyone to bite." Kayla snickered. "Seems
he already had a reputation, and it's only gotten worse. Such a shame."

"Thanks. I already slipped the stuff into his beer; he should be feeling
it pretty soon."

"If you don't need us, we're going to see how many of these poor
innocents can cum in their pants." If Heather smiled any wider, she'd
look demonic. Well...maybe she was a little.

"No, we're good. Though if you find guys who like dick, it might move
things along if they were to accidentally see us and could make their own
moves later."

Kayla snorted. "Oh, Benny, I can do that." She laughed and trotted off,
likely to find her first conquest. Heather followed. Bacchus didn't let
them out to play much, so this was a treat. Most of the satyrs couldn't
pass for a high school student without magic, and Jinho or Devon would
have stood out too much in Portersville.

I looked around until I spotted Andrew by the bonfire-alone-which is what
I wanted. Now to get to him without being waylaid. I expected everyone to
somewhat ignore me, but there seemed to be a lot more closeted guys than
we expected. If the stares and the way they all wanted to be my friend
was any indication.

Satyrs couldn't read thoughts or feelings like the erotes. We had to go
with old-fashioned observation. What we did have was some major league
pheromones that could drop people to their knees or spread their legs
like no one's business.

I made it about ten feet.

"You're new," a male voice said, and then a jock stepped into my path.

"I'm here with my cousin." I pointed to Heather since we had the same
coloring.

"Huh...don't remember seeing her."

Gay. Very, very gay. He didn't give her more than a passing glance. Me,
he looked like he wanted to devour. "She's new to Portersville and wanted
me to chaperone in case she got cornered. So far, she's handling it, so
I'm chilling."

"You in town for long?" he didn't even hide the way he was checking me
out.

"A couple of days." I mentally signaled for help.

"I'd be glad to show you around." He moved in close.

"Well, hello there, handsome." Kayla arrived and had her hands on the guy
in seconds. Even I could feel the pull.

Nymphs were the female equivalent of satyrs and she was pumping out
enough juice to make the gay boy swoon. He didn't even noticed when I
walked away. Huh, he didn't even give me his name. So much for romance.
Poor guy; I hoped Kayla didn't go too far. She might scar him for life.

I spotted Andrew again and stepped up beside him, watching the bonfire.
He glanced my way, then turned back only to look me over again seconds
later.

How interesting. Andrew might not be as straight as Bacchus's
reconnaissance indicated.

"Aren't these parties supposed to be fun? Lifelong memories and nostalgia
building shit?" I asked, not expecting him to answer.

"Ugh. If you can score, they are," Andrew grunted.

"I've been trying to avoid that kind of fun. I'm here with my cousin
because 'Oh, Benny, please, I don't feel safe going by myself.' Stupid me
is such a sucker. Now she's off with friends, and I'm bored in a strange
town where I don't know anyone. Sorry. Didn't mean to overshare."

"S'okay. I know most of the people, and you're not missing much. Not sure
why I'm off my game tonight," Andrew said, still staring at the fire.

"Well, it's not because of the packaging. I'd think you'd have them lined
up." Figured I might as well go for broke. I wanted this to be over with.

"Huh? Me?" Andrew gave me a more serious once-over and from the look in
his eyes, found me appealing. "Nowhere in your league. You play sports?"

"I do, not competitively anymore. I have to focus on studying, but I'll
own being a gym rat. I got used to it and can't give it up."

"College?"

"I'll be a sophomore this fall. You?"

"I'm starting at a Baptist college up in Boston in August."

"Oh." That really sucked. I hoped it was what he wanted because it
sounded like hell to me.

"Yeah. I didn't have a choice. Believe me; I'd rather go pretty much
anywhere else." Andrew let out a sigh, and his shoulders slumped.

I turned to him and relaxed the hold on my mojo. Just enough to get his
attention. "Great talking to you, but I'm getting too warm."

"We could find a place to talk?" Andrew offered.

"I don't want to take you away from the party. But if you don't mind,
that would be great."

"Come on. Nothing's happening out here anyway." Andrew led me to the
barn, and I was getting a little nervous when he started up the ladder to
the loft.

"Um..." I wasn't sure what to say, but this was taking "away from the
fire" a bit far. Privacy didn't need to mean "won't find the body for
days."

"It's cool, promise. It's where I bring girls but don't freak, it's
comfortable, and no one will bother us."

"Right..." Maybe I should take this as a positive? If Bacchus's mojo
juice has hit and he finds me attractive, I may not have to do much to
get in his pants. I followed him up the ladder and stepped off onto the
floor of the loft while Andrew turned on a battery lantern.

"Don't want flames around the hay." He hung up the lantern and turned on
a second one that gave a soft glow. That's when I saw the hay bales
arranged in a cozy nest with blankets.

"You bring a lot of girls up here?"

He looked at me for a moment. "Yeah, I guess I have. My Dad's a bit of a
prude, so I have to be careful. The folks who own the farm and this barn
are the ones who set it up like this. We all use it, sort of like those
make-out spots in the movies, 'ceptin' ours is in a barn." Andrew
chuckled, and I gotta admit it was cute.

Andrew was more attractive in person than he was in the photos. He was
about my size but bulkier. Not fat, just meatier, with a thicker build.
His hair looked brown in this light, but I knew it was more of a dark
blond. I could easily picture him playing football.

"So, why no girls tonight?" I felt a little guilty asking since I was a
big contributor to him getting the cold shoulder. Just because I didn't
like girls in that way didn't mean I couldn't flirt with the best of
them.

"Eh, none of them are worth my time. I've tried the ones that were hot."
Andrew sat on the blanket and patted the spot beside him.

I sat, but not too close, and turned so I was facing him. "None of them
worth a repeat?" I already knew he'd tried, and either Kayla, Heather, or
I got to the girl first. A wave of guilt hit me as I remembered a few
were expecting to meet up with me later-not together-individually so we
could fuck. I knew it wasn't going to happen, but they didn't know that.
Not my fault I'm a satyr with a great body.

"Sure, but...girls." Andrew shrugged and leaned back. "Fuck. A guy has
needs, ya know?"

"You've always got your hand." I teased as I tried to gauge how far along
he was. The inhibitions should have been gone, or close to it. He also
should be reacting to me.

"Hey, you ever...never mind." Andrew looked away.

"Go ahead and ask. Have I ever what?" This was a good sign-I hoped. It
might mean he was at least thinking about things.

"You ever get a blowjob from a guy?" Andrew whispered.

"Sure. What they say is true. Guys do it better than girls." I winked but
wasn't sure there was enough light for him to see.

"Yeah? It makes sense, I guess. I was just wondering."

"I take it that means you haven't? Why not?"

Andrew snorted. "In Portersville? You kidding me? Anyone found out, and
they'd have my hide. I'm not saying there aren't any gays, but certainly
none that would admit it. Makes it tough to know who's safe. My dad would
disown me after a good beating. He says gays are an 'abomination.'"
Andrew made air quotes.

"But it's okay to bang all the girls you want?" Talk about double
standards.

"We're not supposed to talk about it but in whispers they'll say stuff
like 'boys will be boys,' and 'those girls are asking for it.' Messed up,
right? According to my dad, I'm supposed to wait until I'm married."
Andrew shook his head. " So, how about you? Is it different where you're
from?"

I turned so I was lying next to Andrew and looking up into the rafters.
"You still have to be careful, but being gay's not a big deal, and most
people don't care. They'd be more upset by the shit-talk about girls.
That would get you a black eye for sure."

"Huh. Better 'n here." Andrew paused. "Have you ever? You know..."

"Messed around with another guy? Sure. No big deal; just bros hanging out
and taking care of each other." I was beginning to think Bacchus might
have been wrong about this guy. "Why? That a problem for you? You agree
with your dad?"

"No, not on most things." Andrew turned to me with a grimace. "We have
more of a hate, hate relationship. I don't have money or friends who can
help me, so I'm trapped."

"That sucks. No sympathetic relatives who'd help."

"Dad cut Mom off from her family a long time ago. I haven't even met
them. The rest of Dad's family is like him."

"I'm sorry." I realized the conversation was working against my mojo, so
relaxed my grip a little more.

"Maybe someday I'll get to be me."

"And what would that be?"

"Lots more sex and not just with girls."

Even in the low light I could see his soft smile and blush. His
embarrassment showed in how he held himself.

"Yeah? You're a hot guy. If you wanted to try some stuff, I'd be glad to
be your first bro."

Andrew lit up. "Really? Darn, but you're so hot, you'd do stuff with me?"

"You're pretty hot yourself. Are we safe up here? I don't want to get you
in trouble." I ran my hand over his thigh and Andrew shuddered.

"We're safe." Andrew turned to me and, much to my surprise, pulled me in
for a kiss.

It wasn't long before we were both naked, and I had Andrew's hard dick in
my mouth. His cock was average but the body...fuck, even better once the
clothes were off. Even with the vial to reduce inhibitions and my
pheromones building his lust, I had no doubts that Andrew was at least
Bi. There are tells when I seduce a straight boy. Hesitancy and
expressions that showed shock or confusion when they found themselves
enjoying the man-on-man attention. Not with Andrew. He was one hundred
percent on board and enjoying every touch, kiss, and lick.

"Holy...." Andrew groaned as I pushed a second finger inside his sweet
hole. I was surprised when he didn't even flinch when I'd applied the
slick lube to his pucker and began to tease him. He had just looked at me
with a lusty smirk and spread his legs wider.

"You okay, big guy?"

"Yeah." Andrew squeaked. "Why doesn't it feel this good when I do it?"

Well, there was another surprise. "Always better with a friend." I
pressed harder on his prostate and he whimpered.

"Would you..." he struggled to get the words out.

"Would I what? Use your words, buddy."

"Can you put your dick in me?"

I bit back a snort. "You sure you're ready for that? I'll be glad to
bottom for you if that's what you want."

"No. Want you to...please..."

Too easy. I was going to have to talk to Bacchus about Andrew. I still
didn't understand the god's plans, but I wasn't okay messing with a gay
brother. Andrew deserved better, and for my part, I was going to give him
a very memorable first time.

Three fingers and I could taste the pre-cum. Andrew was rock hard and
from the sounds, close to cumming. I pulled off and sat back. "First time
is easier if you're on your hands and knees."

Andrew didn't waste a second flipping over and offering himself up.

"You have a gorgeous ass." He was perfectly smooth with a thick muscular
booty and a prominent crack. Separating his ass cheeks, I could see his
tiny hole with just a hint of pink from my fingering. "Ready?"

"Please. I've dreamed of this and never thought..." His words died off in
a deep groan as I pushed at his entrance. I felt his ass lips give as the
head of my cock slid inside him. Even with the prep, he was fucking
tight.

"Relax and make sure you keep breathing. Get used to it for a few seconds
then I'm going to pull out and try again. We'll keep doing that until you
think you're ready for more."

Andrew grunted in response. I rubbed his back as I pressed in and out of
his ass until he was pleading for more.

"Ugh...it's huge."

"Push out and keep breathing; once you adjust, you'll love it. If it's
too much, we can switch, and you can fuck me."

"No, no, don't stop. I can do this." The determination was clear in his
voice.

I kept it slow which was helping me as well. He was tight and hot, and I
wouldn't have lasted long. I gripped his muscular shoulders and finally
bottomed out. He was now making happy, satisfied sounds and pushing back
to meet my thrusts.

We got into a good rhythm, and I pressed against his back, reaching
around him to tweak a nipple while my other hand started stroking his
cock.

"Even better than I dreamed," Andrew moaned.

I heard sounds behind me and turned to see Heather peaking over the top
of the ladder. I signaled her to leave and not let the person see us. She
gave me a confused look but still did as I'd asked and disappeared. I
knew I wasn't sticking to the plan, but I couldn't do that to Andrew. I
hoped that Heather would let Kayla know. That would be easier than trying
to catch her before she led someone into the loft.

"You doing okay?" I asked as I ground myself into his ass.

"So good. I feel so full, and you're hitting that spot every
tiiiiiimmmme."

"Do you want to change positions?"

"No, this...perfect. Please make me cum; I'm so close." Andrew's ass was
clenching, and his cock was so hard and leaking so much, I knew he had to
be close.

I went a little harder on his nipples and used his pre-cum to lube his
dick so I could run my hand over his glans. I figured I was doing okay
when he started a strange whimpering, keening sound. Seconds later, I
felt his load squirting out over my hand, and I continued stroking until
his whimpers became unintelligible pleading.

"Your hole feels amazing, Andrew." I came, filling his no-longer virgin
ass with a huge load of satyr cream. One of the side effects of becoming
a satyr was we generated a lot of jizz when we came. I pulled out and
dropped down beside Andrew, where he'd collapsed.

"Holy cow. Thank you...that was...I don't even have words."

"Believe me, it was my pleasure. Now, let me know when you're up to
returning the favor. I want you to fuck me."

"You do?"

"Of course. This is your first time. We've got to make it special."

Andrew laughed, and I knew I'd made the right decision.

*   Scene 8   *
David Martinez

"Thank you again for bringing dinner." I turned to Matthew, who was
sitting beside me on the couch. Almost but not quite close enough to be
in my lap. His eyes were dark with lust, and the outline of his cock
through his jeans abundantly clear.

"It was my pleasure." His voice sounded like a rumbling purr.

On my other side, Dean snickered. "It was excellent." He leaned around me
to look at Matthew then kissed along my jaw and ran his tongue over the
shell of my ear. "He's not going to last much longer, love." His whisper
sent chills down my spine.

I now knew that satyrs were no more immune to my powers than mortals.
While Matthew's lust had spiked the moment he arrived with the food from
Dino's, surprisingly, Dean showed no changes. Having a handsome muscle
hunk like Matthew fall all over me was a boost to my ego.

"Have I waited long enough?" Matthew's tone had a note of pleading.

"He has been good for almost two hours, David. Maybe we should take pity
on him?" Dean ran his hand up my thigh, teasing my dick with a gentle
brush of his fingers. Likely reminding me I was just as hard as he and
Matthew. "I'm starting to feel a little drained, I think you need to feed
again."

Turning to Dean, I cupped his face and looked into his eyes.
Concentrating, I could feel the pull of magic along the thread that
connected our souls. He was right. I was starting to feed from him
without even realizing.

We were gradually learning the nuances of our connection. While a good
feeding overflowed to Dean, filling him with energy and lust, when I
didn't feed enough, I began to draw from him. I assumed that was why the
other gods told me our mates could always tell when we needed to feed and
would be invested in keeping us well supplied.

"Sorry." I pressed my lips to Dean's in a gentle kiss.

"Hey, you don't have to apologize. This is new for both of us. We'll
figure it out." Dean cupped my cheek in return and gave me a dazzling
smile. His eyes darted to Matthew, and I could see a bit of predator in
my love.

Turning back to Matthew, I caught him staring at my crotch. "You sure
this is what you want?"

"Please..." Matthew's eyes went even darker.

"Oh, he's sure. I think he wants you to fill his ass while I cum down his
throat. Right, Matthew?" Dean asked.

Matthew moaned and gripped my thigh. His eyes pleading for us to get on
with the action.

I felt people approaching seconds before the back door opened, and I
could hear whispering and shushing. It was odd, but I knew right away it
was Jon, Jake, and Ashley. Footsteps sounded on the back stairs, and I
smiled.

"What?" Dean looked toward the kitchen where I was staring.

"Jon and Jake are home-with Ashley."

"Oh. Ohhhhhh..." Dean nodded.

A got a tingle and awareness of another presence a moment before Eros
stood in front of us.

"Eros," I greeted.

"Mm-mh-mh. Don't you three look inviting... But where's my pretty boy?"
Eros glanced around the room.

"We sent Ethan over to Dan's. With my powers being off, it was getting
awkward, and he didn't want to hear the guys with Ashley. Emma is out
with Sin. Were you able to determine anything about Kennedy?" I wanted to
distract Eros before he carried through on what his eyes were telling me.

"Ugh. Not fit for man or beast. Well...maybe beast..." Eros glanced up
thoughtfully.

"What does that mean?" Dean asked.

"Not good for Jon and Jake's relationship, which is what I'll tell
Bacchus. Aphrodite would not approve. Now, Ashley on the other hand."
Eros's grin turned evil. "What an appetite. No question she's her
father's daughter. I'll make a few adjustments, but I think she'll
flourish with Jon and Jake and rather enjoy having her own pack of studs.
But speaking of." Eros glanced toward the stairs. "I should join them.
Don't want to waste any of that delicious lust."

"I hardly think Jake and Jon can be described as a pack." Eros's
statement struck me as odd.

"Who said anything about it just being Jon and Jake?" Eros laughed and
vanished.

"What did that mean?" Dean asked.

"Don't know, and I'm not sure I want to find out."

"Can we fuck now?" Matthew asked, pulling my attention back to him as his
hand slid up and down my thigh.

As we got to the top of the stairs, I could already feel the wave of lust
coming from Jon's room. I herded the others into our bedroom and closed
the door. I bit my lip to keep from laughing as Matthew had already
started stripping. Dean stepped up to me and pulled me into his arms.

"Are you doing okay?" he asked.

"I should be asking you. I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was pulling from
you." I kissed his forehead.

"Eh, you've got a handsome hunk full of tasty lust just waiting for you
to devour him. Someone told me supers are extra nutritious," Dean
whispered the last part conspiratorially.

I should never have told him that part about Rufus.  "What do you want?"
I looked him in the eyes.

"Hm." He glanced over at Matthew. "I want both of you to fuck me, and if
we're doing bonus rounds, I want to share you with Matthew."

"Yeah? Well...given how hungry I am, pretty sure there will be several
rounds."

"You do know how to love me." Dean gave me a quick kiss and began pulling
off his shirt.

Fuck, but my man was beautiful. Seeing him next to Matthew made me
appreciate how lucky I was. Dean was a shade slimmer, but both were
athletic-looking hunks who could have been on the cover of a fitness
magazine. Or in porn, I thought as I looked at Matthew's hard nine-inch
cock trying to get my attention. No question people would pay to see that
man in action.

I felt Dean's hands slide around my waist and unfasten my jeans. "Not
fair to just look. You need to be naked too."

Matthew joined and knelt in front of me, pulling down my pants and
underwear and taking my cock into his mouth while Dean continued to
undress me. Matthew had lost his gag reflex long before I came to Bacchus
Springs, so he had no issues taking me all the way to the root. In my
experiences so far, all the satyrs were gifted cock suckers.

"That's so hot," Dean whispered over my shoulder.

"Not as hot as when they're worshipping you."

"We can agree to disagree." Dean bit my earlobe. "I win either way."

I laughed because it was true, and I was lucky that my man was a self-
confessed voyeur. Something he'd taught me to appreciate for both him and
me. Thinking of that... Yeah, I wanted to see Matthew fuck Dean.

Matthew pulled back and looked up at me, drool dripping off his chin. "I
love your dick."

"Me, too. You should thank me for sharing." Dean knelt next to Matthew
and gripped the hunk's cock, and gave it a few strokes, catching the
precum on his fingers and licking it off. I guess he liked it since he
bent down and began sucking.

I slid my fingers into Matthew's thick chestnut waves and tugged, making
him look up at me. "You love sucking dick and swallowing a man's cum,
don't you?"

Matthew hummed in agreement and sucked with more enthusiasm. It was hard
to believe he once struggled with this. Even if he couldn't resist me,
I'd made sure early on that he enjoyed it no matter whose cock he was
sucking. Though I might have made sure he liked the men in my family
best. I'd admit to being a little selfish at times.

I sipped in Matthew's lust, enjoying the nuances and trying to draw it in
slowly. He was savory, with hints of thyme and sage that always made me
think of Thanksgiving. I felt stupid that I hadn't realized how much more
potent a satyr's lust was over a regular mortal. If Rufus hadn't pointed
it out, I wondered if I'd have noticed. Or perhaps I'd been told, and it
didn't stick with me? I held Matthew's chin and pulled back.

"Suck Dean's cock."

Matthew looked a little confused but pulled my man into a sixty-nine with
Dean on the bottom, which was perfect. I knelt on the floor behind him
and gripped Matthew's ass cheeks, pulling them apart to show his sweet
rosebud. His skin tone was a deep golden tan making me think he had
something other than Western Europe in his heritage. His back and ass
were smooth, his muscles standing out beautifully. I ran my finger down
his crack and teased the delicate flesh. I pressed my finger against his
opening, and it glided into his heat.

"Ha. Did you prep yourself, Matthew? Were you expecting or hoping to get
fucked?"

I heard the slurp as he pulled off Dean and turned his head to look at
me. "Hoping and praying real hard."

"I wouldn't want to disappoint, but I have some things I'd like to do
first." I blew air over his hole and teased it, running the tip of my
tongue around his entrance. Matthew squirmed and pushed toward me, but I
kept it the barest of touches until he whined around Dean's cock.

When his opening began to twitch and pucker, I used the flat of my tongue
and lapped at him until he was squirming. Then I took pity on him and
began the serious work of opening him up.

Matthew had a drool-worthy ass, and not only was his natural scent
addictive, but he'd also used a flavored lube that didn't taste gross and
artificial. Some fingers and my aggressive tongue had him relaxed and
opening up beautifully.

Dean groaned, and I felt the spike through our connection as he orgasmed
into Matthew's throat.

"That's the way; suck it all down, Matthew. I know how much you like
Dean's cream." He should, given that was one of the addictions I'd given
him early on. The only one of us he hadn't tried yet was Ethan. But there
was no question he'd love my boy just as much. Huh...I guess when Emma
finds her mate, I'll have to make sure he's welcomed into the family too.
Not sure where the thought came from-maybe thinking that I'd set up
Matthew's addiction to all the men in my family.

Matthew's lust grew richer and heavier moments before he released into
Dean's mouth. I didn't need to encourage my man-I knew he'd suck it down
with gusto.

"Oh, fuck," Matthew groaned. "How can I still be hard?"

"Matthew, really? You've been with us before. You know there's no such
thing as recovery time. I'm an impatient man, and I want to drain you
dry."

He responded with a whimper as he and Dean separated before moving to the
bed.

"Eat Dean's ass and get him ready. I want to watch you fuck him."

Dean moved to his hands and knees, offering himself up for Matthew. This
was way better than porn. Not only were my men better looking than a lot
of the models, they were mine, and I could join when I wanted.

Moans filled the room as Matthew began taking care of my man. It was as
hot as I imagined, and while it wouldn't satisfy my hunger, I could feel
the lust pouring off my mate. Fortunately, Matthew was just as aroused-
his lust would feed both of us. I drank it in and pushed it back into
both of them, increasing the frenzy.

Watching them and seeing the pre-cum dripping from their hard cocks was
too much. I needed to at least touch. I ran my hands over Matthew's back,
ass, and legs. I cupped his balls and weighed them in my hand. Heavy and
probably full of delicious satyr seed. I stroked his cock and used the
pre-cum to make him slick so my hand glided over his skin. I ran my
fingers over his washboard abs, briefly wondering if Bacchus had made
changes to Matthew.

I knew the Greek god had made Dean into my ultimate fantasy, but with
them side by side I had to question if Matthew wasn't adjusted for me in
mind. He had zero body fat and his pecs were firm and round with larger
than usual nipples-my weakness. I pinched them and rolled them between my
fingers. Matthew groaned into Dean's ass.

"I think he's ready for your cock," I said as I pulled back.

"Yeah, I want it," Dean added.

The sight of the thick nine-inch dick sliding into my partner almost had
me cumming. Dean's ass swallowed Matthew with no hesitation.

"Fuck me hard, Matthew. Make me feel it." Dean pressed back and started
fucking himself until Matthew caught on.

I saw the lube lying on the bed and got inspired. I spread some on my
cock, then dribbled a stream down Matthew's crack and fingered it into
his ass, causing him to grunt. Moving in behind Matthew, I pressed
against his opening until his body welcomed me in.

"Fuuuuuuckkkk," Matthew groaned. "So big."

"You missed it, didn't you?"

"Yes. Fuck, so full and feels so good." Matthew was doing his best to
keep up a rhythm fucking Dean while taking my cock. Every few strokes,
I'd make sure I bottomed out in his ass. "So close!"

I thought about prolonging his orgasm since he felt so good wrapped
around my dick, but there were other things I wanted to try. His ass
squeezed as he came inside Dean, not bringing me over the top but making
it feel really good. I realized that Dean hadn't cum yet, so when Matthew
finished, I directed Dean to get on his knees and feed Matthew his cock
while I continued to fuck him.

"You're doing great, Matthew. Taking Dean's cock down your throat while I
fill your ass. I know you're loving this and wanted it bad."

"Mmmmm," Matthew moaned, which fortunately, I could tell was agreement.

I'd have to ask him when he wasn't lust drunk how he was coping with the
adjustments I'd made. I knew he loved being a cock whore for us, but
given my nature, that didn't tell me if the same was true with other men.
He'd been hesitant about sex with guys and hadn't enjoyed it, so asked me
to help. My changes should have fixed that. He'd never crave other men
like he did us, but that was intentional. I didn't want to share
completely.

Sensing Dean was about to come, I focused on my own pleasure so I came at
the same time, filling Matthew's throat and ass with our loads. I felt a
bit of pride when my cum caused another orgasm for Matthew. There were
some cool benefits to being a love god.

We collapsed into a pile of post-orgasmic bliss. I had hunks wrapping
around me on both sides. I enjoyed the cuddles for a while and then
pushed out my power to get them both aroused again. Dean chuckled when he
realized what I was doing, and Matthew gave a cute whimper.

I grabbed the lube and fingered my hole before putting some on Dean and
straddling him. His eyes went wide, and I could see he had questions.

"I like being fucked too." I sank down onto Dean and sighed. My man was
made for me-literally. His cock filled me in the best way and hit all the
right spots. I held still for a moment just enjoying the sense of being
full and the pressure against my pleasure spot. I looked down at Dean and
grinned. "Love your thick cock inside me."

"I'm pretty happy about it too." Dean smirked before starting to thrust
up to meet me.

"Um... I'm feeling left out. Where do you want me?" Matthew asked.

"Suck my cock." This was truly heaven. The wet heat of Matthew's mouth
around my dick while Dean filled me perfectly. Looking down at Matthew, I
was struck with inspiration.

"Matthew?" He looked up, his eyes once again dark with lust. "Lube your
cock up really well. I want your dick in me at the same time as Dean's."

"Both of us? At the same time?" Matthew paused. "Are you sure, David?
That's... We're... You remember we're both pretty big?"

"I do, and that's going to make it sooooooo good. I want you to stretch
me open and fill me. I want you both to cum inside me too. Don't be
gentle. I want you guys to use my hole and fuck me hard. Make me feel it
and prove to me I'm yours as much as you both belong to me."

"Fuck," Matthew whispered.

It had the desired effect. I swear the lust pouring off the satyr
doubled, and I drank in every bit. Matthew had moved behind me and was
licking my opening around Dean's cock and gently prodding with his
fingers. I was used to Dean and prepared myself as Matthew added a couple
of fingers. After a few minutes, I turned and looked at Matthew. "Do it."

"Okay, but tell me if it's too much or you want me to stop."

I felt the pressure and the burn of my ass stretching to accommodate
them. "Oh, fuck. Give me a minute." I took deep breaths, and when my body
stopped trembling, I tentatively moved. "Ohhhhh." So fucking full, and
then mentally picturing myself sandwiched between the hunks was totally
doing it for me.

"You okay?" Matthew asked.

"I will be once you guys start fucking me like you own me."

*   Scene 9   *
Benny Donaldson

I carefully closed the front door behind me so it wouldn't make noise,
turned around, and found Victor waiting for me in the front hall, arms
crossed and an eyebrow raised. Shit.

"How?"

"Bacchus knew you were home and would be trying to sneak in. He sent me."
Victor delivered the message in a bored monotone. I hoped that was a good
thing.

"Is he angry?"

"Eh. He's still fuming over the attack on David and what Burchard did,
but I don't think he's angry with you in particular."

He was going on so well until the end. "I take it he wants to see me?"

"Yup." Victor popped the "P" for emphasis.

I took a deep breath and followed, wondering where my interrogation was
going to take place.

"Does he-"

"Heather and Kayla returned an hour ago and met with him, so if they
know, assume he knows." Victor gave me a questioning look.

"Oh. I maybe didn't stick exactly to the plan," I confessed.

Victor stopped and gripped my shoulders, turning me to him. He gave me a
quick kiss. "It's been great knowing you, Benny. And the sex? Awesome. So
going to miss you." He turned and walked on. Also, why did it have to be
Victor? He had the best poker face and an extremely dry sense of humor,
so I could never tell when he was being serious or teasing me.

"Bastard," I grumbled. We walked to Bacchus's office, and Victor pointed
at the door. "You're not joining?"

Victor snorted, then reached out and gripped my shoulder before shaking
his head with a sad look-obviously fake this time-and walked away.

I knocked, and Bacchus called out for me to enter. Another deep breath,
and I stepped inside, closing the door behind me.

"Benny."

"Lord Bacchus." I stood in front of his desk and looked at my feet.

"Hm. Not 'Father'? Are you feeling guilty, Benny?"

"A little. But I had good reason," I said defensively. I looked up, and
Bacchus was sitting back with his fingers steepled. He looked calm, so I
was hopeful.

"I didn't follow the plan because I think you were given bad information.
Andrew Klatchy isn't straight. I don't think I needed the vial, and from
how he responded, I wouldn't have had to use my satyr pheromones to get
him to have sex with me. He's at least Bi and was into it. I couldn't...I
just...well if he's one of us, that just didn't seem right." I realized I
was verging on babbling.

Bacchus slammed his fist onto the desk and I jumped. I knew better than
to step back. Best to take your punishment and get it over with.

"Fucking incompetent bastard. I should bring him back so I can destroy
him again." The Greek god looked up at me, a terrifying scowl on his
face. "Burchard was the one who coordinated the research on Portersville.
Jed and I relied on him to do it right."

"Sorry?" I wasn't sure how to respond.

"I need to talk to Jed. This means we've been working off of bad recon.
Who knows what else we've got wrong." Bacchus growled and leaned back,
staring up at the ceiling. "Fuck." After a long pause, he turned and
leaned forward. "You did the right thing, Benny. We'll need to change
tactics. I still need to destroy Klatchy, but I agree we don't want to
hurt Andrew. You're sure?"

"Oh, very sure. He was...um...really into it."

Bacchus chuckled. "Maybe we can come up with a plan that makes him happy
AND sticks it to the reverend. Hm...perhaps I should see if Hades will
loan me a demon... Oh, you can go, Benny. Good job. I'll talk to you as
soon as we have a revised plan."

"Thank you, Father."

"Benny, wait in my bed, will you? I shouldn't be too long." Bacchus
turned away and grabbed his phone.

I stepped into the hallway and leaned against the door, taking a deep
breath. Whew! So much better than I'd expected.

>>END CHAPTER 25<<


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CHARACTERS / GLOSSARY:

* Adam Benz - college roommate of Jon Martinez
* Aiden Young - student, son of Heath and Jessica, neighbor of Bernie
Martinez
* Ashley Campbell - Student, daughter of Jed and Joanna, betrothed to Jon
Martinez
* Austin - student and football player, friend of Adam and Kris, grew up
together, goes to the same university as Jon, harem boy
* Bacchus - (As named by the Romans) Also sometimes known as Dionysus. He
is the Greek the god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, food and
consumption, fertility, theatre, and ecstasy and is the protector of
those who do not belong in conventional society. His wine, music, and
dance free his followers from inhibitions, self-conscious fears, and
worries to allow them to break from oppressive restraints. Legend has
that he is the son of Zeus. His wife is Ariadne.
* Barbara Hamlin - Bacchus's secretary. Grandmother type with gray hair,
slender and well dressed.
* Bella Russo - Baker and mother of Ronnie
* Benny (Benjamin) Donaldson - A Satyr / Servant of Bacchus. College
student, brother to Jake, parents are Brad and Catherine
* Bernie (Bernardo) Martinez - Architect, husband of Casey, father of
Liam and Noah, brother of David and Antonio
* Blaze Campbell - A Satyr / Servant of Bacchus, brother of Ashley, son
of Jed and Joanna
* Brad Donaldson - Owns the health club Mufflers, married to Catherine,
father of Jake and Benjamin, bodybuilder
* Braden West - student, son of Chloe and Josh West, step father is
Dexter Kaelin. A twin.
* Brian Cavanaugh - Attorney, nephew of Troy. Specializing in
Corporate/Contract law and interviewing at Bacchus Industries.
* Brody West - student, son of Chloe and Josh West, step father is Dexter
Kaelin. A twin.
* Burchard - Bacchus's manservant
* Caleb Ward - student, son of James & Tabitha Ward and younger brother
of Daniel.
* Calvin Barker - chef at the Resort and Spa
* Candy Simmons - neighbor of David and Jon. Married to Warren with two
teenaged children
* Casey Martinez - wife of Bernardo, mother of Liam and Noah
* Cathy (Catherine) Donaldson - A nurse, married to Brad, mother to Jake
and Benjamin
* Chetana Dara -servant of Bacchus, previously a Satyr, daughter of
Rakesh, Sister of Sinha
* Chloe West-Kaelin - lawyer specializing in family law, was best friend
of Megan Martinez, married to Dexter Kaelin, has twin teen-aged sons by
first husband
* Cole Cabot - lawyer at Dickson, Ramsey, and Rider who has been
sabotaging the firm and is married to Richard Rider's daughter
* Daniel Ward - student, son of James & Tabitha Ward and older brother of
Caleb. Ward's Furniture Store.
* David Martinez - Servant of Bacchus, Lawyer, father of Jon, one of the
Erotes, soul mate to Dean Jensen
* Dean Jensen - Servant of Bacchus, Investments Broker/Banker, was
married to Kelly, father of Ethan and Emma, soul mate to David Martinez
* Debbie Brown - Social Worker, sister of Megan Martinez, sister-in-law
of David, mother of Oliver
* Devon - A Satyr / Servant of Bacchus
* Dexter Kaelin - Chloe West's husband, has worked several
nursery/landscaping type jobs
* Dickson, Charles - founding partner at David's old law firm, Dickson,
Ramsey, and Rider. His assistant in Brenda.
* Dion's - Formal upscale restaurant at Bacchus Springs Resort and Spa.
* Dr. Ferrari, Elmo, - The primary family doctor in Bacchus Springs. He
assists Bacchus with assessments of youth after they've completed
puberty.
* Dr. Tanner, Brooks - doctor visiting Bacchus Springs for a Continuing
Education conference.
* Drake Bailey-Parks - Attorney specializing in contract law. Married to
Ross Bailey-Parks. Interviewing at Bacchus Industries.
* Drew Prentice - Accountant/Finance Officer at Bacchus Industries.
Reports to Jeff Brentwood.
* Emma Jensen - Student, daughter of Dean and Kelly, older sister of
Ethan
* Ethan Jensen - Student, son of Dean and Kelly, younger brother of Emma
* Ford Harris - Servant of Bacchus, Owner and operator of Bacchus
Construction
* Gary Walsh, Ph.D. - professor at the university, father of Kris
* Grant Keller - Attorney specializing in Criminal Law interviewing at
Bacchus Industries. Wife is Lauren, two daughters, Olivia and Sophia
* Grant Morris - Bellman at Bacchus Springs Resort & Spa, rising senior
in college
* Grayson Laurenzano - attorney, candidate offered a job as David's
assistant and traffic manager for the law department, especially
attractive to Erotes. Wife is Victoria.
* Heath Young - architectural engineer and neighbor of Bernie Martinez,
father of Aiden
* Heather - Nymph with a curvy build, thick blond hair and green eyes
* Jackson Freyer - Real Estate mogul from Albany, having a fling with Ben
Donaldson. Had intended to buy Bart's Barn.
* Jake Donaldson - A servant of Bacchus, college student, brother to
Benjamin, parents are Brad and Catherine, soul mate to Jon Martinez
* Jamal - Shifter and guard for Bacchus, one of Hade's junior hounds
* James Ward - Manager of Ward's Furniture Store, son of Bartholomew,
owner of Ward's Furniture. Brother of Oscar, Phillip, and Ronald Ward.
Father of Daniel & Caleb. Wife is Tabitha.
* Jared - student and soccer player, friend of Kris Walsh, harem boy
* Jed Campbell - Servant of Bacchus, Sheriff, married to Joanna, father
of Ashley and Blaze
* Jeff Brentwood - Finance Manager at Bacchus Industries. Mid-forties,
married, three children.
* Jessica Young - wife of Heath and mother of Aiden
* Jo (Joanna) Campbell - Servant of Bacchus, COO of Olympus Holdings,
married to Jed, mother of Ashley and Blaze
* Jon Martinez - College student, son of David, one of the Erotes, soul
mate to Jake Donaldson, betrothed to Ashley Campbell
* Josh Cavanaugh - Student, son of Troy Cavanaugh
* Kayla - Nymph with a voluptuous build, dark hair and pale milky white
skin
* Kelly Jensen - Teacher, soon to be ex-wife of Dean and mother of Ethan
and Emma
* Kelsey - David's interim secretary, normally works in Human Resources,
perky, sweet, and efficient
* Kennedy Cavanaugh - College student, daughter of Troy Cavanaugh.
Betrothed to Jake
* Kris Walsh - student, soccer player, grew up with Adam and Austin,
roommate of Xavier, harem boy
* Kristen Rice - front desk supervisor at Bacchus Springs Resort & Spa
* Liam Martinez - Student, son of Casey and Bernardo, cousin of Jon,
older brother of Noah
* Louis Pappetti - Director of Corporate Real Estate for Bacchus
Industries. Married.
* Luke - student and soccer player, friend of Kris Walsh, harem boy
* Marc Castile - pediatrician, partner of Trent
* Martha Kapshaw - Executive Chef for Bacchus Resort and Spa as well as
Dion's.
* Matthew - A Satyr / Servant of Bacchus
* Megaera - Fury, servant of Hades
* Megan Martinez - Deceased wife of David Martinez and mother of Jon,
sister of Debbie Brown
* Mr. Grendle, Archibald, tailor. Older gentlemen with a socially
unacceptable taste in sexual partners.
* Mrs. Cokesbury, Edith - Former secretary/assistant for David Martinez
at Bacchus Industries. Long-term employee.
* Noah Martinez - Student, son of Casey and Bernardo, cousin of Jon,
younger brother of Liam
* Oliver Brown - Student, son of Debbie, cousin of Jon Martinez, nephew
of David
* Paul Attwood - CFO of Olympus Holdings/Bacchus Industries.
* Paula Castle - friend of Tabitha Ward.
* Rakesh Dara - A servant of Bacchus, Manager of the Bacchus Springs
Resort and Spa, father of Sinha and Chetana
* Ramsey, Gregory - founding partner at David's old lawfirm, Dickson,
Ramsey, and Rider.
* Richard Rider - founding partner at David's old law firm Dickson,
Ramsey, and Rider.
* Ricky (Enrique) - student and soccer player, friend of Kris Walsh,
harem boy
* Ronnie Russo - Servant of Bacchus, Baker and owner of Sinful Delights,
son of Bella
* Rufus - Shifter and guard for Bacchus, one of Hade's junior hounds
* Satyrs - Servants of Bacchus. Through an arrangement with Pan, Bacchus
has a version of the Faun's as servants. Similar to Pan's fauns but
without the goat's legs and tail and more human in appearance. They are
long-lived and have unusual powers of seduction. The satyrs are: Benny,
Blaze, Devon, Elijah, Jinho, Juan Carlo, Julian, Matthew, Sinha "Sin,"
and Victor.
* Sin (Sinha) Dara - A Satyr / Servant of Bacchus, son of Rakesh, Brother
of Chetana
* St. Anthony's - a hospital and insane asylum outside of Bacchus Springs
* Tabby (Tabitha) Ward - office manager of Ward's Furniture. Mother of
Daniel and Caleb and wife of James.
* Taylor Cheswick - college student, Jon's best friend from school
* Thomas Benz - father of Adam Benz
* Tiffany Tanner - wife of Brooks Tanner.
* Tony (Antonio) Martinez, Federal Employee, divorced, brother of David
and Bernardo
* Trent Austin Miller - Event Manager and partner to Marc Castile, a
Doctor, who attended the CE Conference at the Resort and Spa.
* Trevor Carson - Delivery man, bodybuilder. Moved to Bacchus Springs to
find a better home for his nephew.
* Troy Cavanaugh - Servant of Bacchus, Mayor of Bacchus Springs, married
to Bobbie, father of Josh and Kennedy
* Tyrone Carson - Student, nephew of Trevor.
* Vine's - Upscale restaurant and steakhouse at the winery. Overseen by
Jo.
* Warren Simmons - neighbor of David and Jon. Married to Candy with two
teenaged children
* Xavier - student and basketball player, Kris Walsh's roommate, harem
boy
* Zander (Alexander) - student and soccer player, friend of Kris Walsh,
harem boy