The Alliance
by Nicole
Chapter Three
Out of the DarkFort Bragg, California
Cabins
Day Three
Hour 2000The cabin was dark as he stood in the bedroom. He saw everything perfectly, but it was his sense of smell that was holding his attention. The smell of sex was like a drug. It made his body rigid, his cock throbbed as he slid one, pale hand over the soft fabric of his trousers. He could smell the two changed humans' heat and lust. He hissed his frustration. He had lived so long without fear of reprisal. He took what he wanted and fed where he would. Now the changed world, glorious in its darkness, was populated with humans who had become too powerful to challenge. He lay on the bed and took a deep breath. He could smell the differences between the two beauties. He chose then which one to take. He would take him far away and keep him as his slave. He smiled and wondered how the beauty would like the dark mountains of his homeland. The journey would be long and hard, but Mikhail would take his prize north, over ice and snow and the cold, black waters that separated this new world from the old. His blood, the black ancient blood that gave him strength, not the borrowed crimson blood of humans, burned with his lust. Visions of long limbs, spread wide, gasping, full lips open wide for his own, for his fingers, for his cock. Tight, pink flesh, stretched over him, and blood. Always blood. Just enough to whet his appetite. He left the scent of his arousal on the bed. A challenge for his lethal ally. He rose gracefully, as if his body was fluid. He found a discarded article of clothing rich with his chosen one's scent and walked slowly into the night.
***
Out on the rocks surrounded by waves, the Schell landed. It was here that he must wait. Here he could watch for the pretty prince. It heard claws on the submerged rocks below it, and it had time to give a keening cry before the creatures below pulled it down to devour it. The black water bubbled with the Schell's white blood as bits of missed flesh tumbled to the shore.
***
Alex was kissing Fox's throat, kissing with such passionate intensity that Fox felt as if he were burning. He sighed as Alex's hand caressed his eager erection. They were sitting near a band that was playing a pretty good Dixie Jazz and the watchful Skinner constantly checked on them with intense stares.
"I want to do you right here, baby. I want to make you come sitting right here in the middle of this crowd," Alex whispered as his hand clutched at Fox's throbbing cock.
The milling people could smell the two's arousal, though they did not know that they were smelling it, they only knew the two were amazingly attractive and sensual. It didn't seem odd for the two men to be nuzzling one another, they were obviously sexual beings, and as such should be indulging themselves in such a way.
"Would you let me? Would you let me do that, Fox? Just take out your cock and play with you?" Alex's voice was a moist invitation, shaky in his desire.
Fox shook his head, "No, not…oh, not here, Alex," he hissed. He belied his refusal by spreading his legs further, allowing Alex's hand free access to his cock and balls.
Alex dipped his tongue into Fox's mouth and licked the parted lips. "I'd keep you from screaming, baby. I'd take your screams into me," Alex whispered, capturing Fox's lips in a demonstration of just how he would take Fox's screams. The kiss was intense and consuming, and Alex unzipped Fox's trousers intending to slip inside and stroke his hot, hard flesh.
"I'd just as soon not expose him for the pleasure of everyone watching, Alex," Skinner said quietly, his voice husky with his own passion. He drew Fox up abruptly and devoured the well-kissed mouth in his own possessive kiss. He took the round buttocks in a fierce grip and tugged Mulder closer to him.
Alex stood and clenched his fists. He watched as Skinner feasted on Mulder, as he pulled and pried on the full cheeks. He began to make small pacing movements as he was torn between the desire to rip the bastard off his lover, his property and the desire to join in. He felt like a caged animal, wanting to do something, anything. Fox made a sound that was somewhere between protest and passion, and Alex placed a hand on his shoulder to comfort him, to remind him of his presence.
Skinner pulled back and grinned at Fox's dazed face. "I could devour you whole, Fox, you make me crazy." He turned a look on Alex. His assassin was about to revolt, he could see it in the flash of jade, in the tense, muscled body. "Oh yes, and you, Alex. I could devour you too," he promised and was rewarded by a rare flush on Alex's face.
Fox suddenly pressed himself wantonly against him. Both Skinner and Alex were stunned as Fox cupped and kneaded Skinner's considerable bulge. Fox kissed and nibbled on Skinner's throat, rubbing his body up against Skinner's like some stray and eager alleycat.
"Mulder!" Alex growled.
Skinner chuckled. "So you don't want me to devour Alex, I take it? That is what this is about isn't it?"
Fox tensed and affected an innocent expression. "No, no that isn't it. Don't you want to take me somewhere…alone?"
"Mulder!" Alex growled in ever-increasing fury. What was Fox doing?
"I will take you *both* very soon. And though I appreciate your…uh… attentions, I do not like you trying to manipulate me. And look, Alex is upset," Walter growled.
Fox looked guiltily at Alex, trying to ignore the heated glare.
Alex was frankly, furious and amazed.
"Tell Alex you're sorry, Fox. Then kiss me and apologize to me for being a bad little Fox," Walter commanded, his tone husky with desire and the heady power of controlling such a beauty. He stroked Fox's plump mouth and bent to accept the forthcoming kiss.
Fox pulled back and shook his head.
"Don't test me, Fox, this isn't D.C. I am no longer your A.D."
"Tell me something I don't know," Fox bit out. "My A.D. would never have kept another person as a sex slave!"
Skinner looked down, "But he would have wanted to, Fox. Do you realize how long I have wanted you?"
Fox turned into Alex's embrace and hid his face in Alex's warm throat. "I'm sorry, Alex. I just didn't want to share you."
Alex stared into Walter's brown eyes and wasn't really surprised to see regret there. "It's okay, baby, I know the feeling. But we made a deal."
Skinner nodded in approval as Alex soothed Fox. "Take Fox back to the cabin. I will come right after I say goodnight. And, Alex?"
Alex looked up from Fox's head. "Yes?"
"Tonight I will play no games. You are both mine and it is past time you both knew it. I will have no more little scenes by Fox. See to it that I don't have to punish him."
Alex gasped and Fox tensed in anger. "You *will* not punish him, Skinner. If you so much as lift one finger to him in anger, I will kill you," Alex hissed.
Skinner smiled. "I would never hurt him, Alex, but I would make him watch me take you all night long. That would be sweet torment for you wouldn't it, Fox? I would so much rather a night of mutual passion, but don't test me. You won't win."
Fox turned to face him. "I would do all that you asked and more, if you could just leave Alex…"
"Enough! Alex, take him back to the cabin. Now!"
Alex bristled. "How? My magic carpet is being cleaned at the moment, if you must know."
Skinner grinned and pointed to an old, blue Jeep. "Take that," Skinner sighed. These two were more work than all his plans to rebuild this community and beyond. But for all that they were his most precious project. He could see the glimmer of a future, a happy future with the two, but it would be a rough road to get to that point. A rough and erotic road, he mused with a grin. His cock throbbed when Mulder gave him a pouting glare. It was more for Skinner's insistence on taking Alex then anything else. He chuckled openly as Alex led the still-bristling agent away.
He had to smile when he saw Byers dancing a slow dance with a pretty woman. The two were whispering and laughing together while Frohike and Langly regaled a gathering of townspeople with the tale of their escape from Washington D.C. and their facing down the forces of evil, the architect of the changing, Murdoch and his dark creatures beneath the city. He closed his eyes and located Antonio. When he was satisfied that Antonio was still in the town, completely involved in making Dana happy, he turned to wrap up his dealings with the town leaders. After another long half-hour of discussions he kissed the mayor on the cheek, and she bade him goodnight. He spent another several minutes assuring himself that the Gunmen and Mrs. Scully were fine, and after they all assured him they would be staying in the town that night, Skinner left. The people around him were amazed to see the big man just disappear.
"He does that," Byers assured his companion as she held tight to his slim frame. He blushed in pleasure as she kissed his neck.
"You're so brave," she breathed.
"Yes, well…I suppose," he stammered.
She kissed him full on the lips, loving the way he tasted.
Frohike grinned and turned to look around for a likely companion. After he had discovered how to be a tough hombre, the honeys just seemed to be anxious to bed him. He snapped his finger and pointed at a blushing, excited woman. She looked like a school teacher, but he suspected she was very hot indeed. He'd give her a crack at the Fro-man. She came to his side with an eager smile. Life could definitely be good even in these dark times.
Langly looked confused at the attention he was receiving. He just wanted to get back in his trailer and hide, but a college-aged jock brushed up against him and he felt an illicit tingling in his body. The young athlete grinned at him over his muscled shoulder and Langly found himself trotting after him with eager anticipation. This was really, *really* strange. He had always had a jock fantasy, usually there was a pretty cheerleader involved as well, but what the hell? He could stand to be the star in this young man's night.
Frohike shook his head, Langly had gone down the male path too. Oh well, sex was just too good to miss, even more so now than ever. Personally he had never been hornier, and that was saying something indeed.
***
McClellan Air Force Base
Sacramento, California
Day Three
Hour 2000The ship landed on the abandoned air field of McClellan Air Force Base. The eerie green lights illuminated the darkness and the humans nearby fled in fear. The awful pink light that had exploded around them not so many nights ago had left a path of death and destruction, bringing with it creatures out of the darkest nightmares. And this greenish light could not be good news. The dead things lurched toward the light. Maybe there was some easy, slow food there. They were shot in the head and destroyed immediately by the soldiers guarding the two men who walked from the ship to the large, dark building. Moments later lights filled the entire base. A high-pitched hum, too high for human ears, caused nearby pack members to howl in pain and rage. Most just fled the noise, but some changed to human form to protect their ears and still the sound irritated them. The bright lights attracted other beasts but the dozens of trained killers took out each threat with practiced ease as the two men inside the old Command headquarters poured themselves a glass of cognac and settled in for the night.
Outside the leather beat of wings overhead alerted one young soldier and he looked up to see a young man falling from the sky. The young soldier's blue eyes widened as the undeniably appealing man held out a hand.
"Blood," it sighed and visions of incredible sex filled the soldiers muscled body. His cock hardened and throbbed in his fatigues. He lowered his gun, watching those red lips curve in an enticing smile. He wanted those lips on him…sucking…
The sound of an automatic rifle near him ripped him from his daze as the beautiful creature's face dissolved into pulp. Long fangs appeared in the ruined face as the young creature fell backwards writhing and screaming.
"What's wrong with you, Adams?"
The soldier turned to see his sergeant who had fired into the face of the sexy thing. He shook his head in confusion and then leveled his own gun and proceeded to pump the writhing body with bullets. It died screaming, but the long hooked fangs still gleamed white in the pulped face. He knew what it was, but even then he wished for a moment that he had been allowed to experience the joy it had promised. His cock still throbbed in response.
***
Cabins
Fort Bragg, California
Day Three
Hour 2030"Come lay down, Alex, I said I was sorry. Why can't you accept it?" Fox lay back on the bed. He had discarded his shoes, tie and jacket. "Please come here?"
Alex ran a hand through his hair and gave in. He lay next to Fox and rested on one elbow to look down at his irritating lover. He stroked Fox's lips with his thumb and sighed. "I'm not angry, baby. Well, just a little I guess. You might have been a little less…eager to discourage Skinner from wanting a threesome."
Fox pouted, his lips ripe and ready. "I know, but I just wanted…"
"To throw yourself at him. I know, I saw," Alex growled and kissed Fox. "We made a deal. Either we stay or we go. If we stay…we stay…if we go then we go now."
"So you don't mind having sex with him?" Fox questioned.
"I mind you having sex with him, but I'd rather him then some other unknown. At least we are together. Why? Do you mind having sex with him? Because if you do, then we can just leave right now."
"I mind you having sex with him. I…I don't mind…I mean that is that I will admit to having some desire for him…some affection. Nothing like how I feel for you, but still, I trust him," Fox sighed.
"With Scully's life?" Alex teased.
"No. With your life," Fox said softly, a wealth of emotion in his low voice. "And I think that may well be the most important thing I can trust someone with."
Alex shivered. The emotions he felt, the love he felt for Fox was overwhelming. And the responsibility of caring for someone this much made him shake. He could normally take care of himself, but now he had Fox to care for. No matter how clever Fox was, he was still too trusting to survive in this new and strange world. Shit, Alex even feared for himself in this crazy world. He became, in that moment, utterly resolved to agree to Skinner's terms and to convince Fox to do so as well. Skinner was the best choice.
Alex kissed Fox gently. "You are better than me, I don't really trust anyone with your life. But if I had to I suppose I would trust Skinner not to hurt you."
"You can trust the Gunmen and Scully too," Fox assured.
"Oh yes. How could I forget that motley crew?" Alex teased.
"Scully isn't motley…and the Gunmen…well they may have their own styles but motley they ain't!" Fox drawled lazily as Alex stroked his ribs through Fox's dress shirt.
"Oh, I'm sorry, didn't mean to talk about your crew like that," Alex breathed as he bent to kiss a nipple through fabric. He caught the sensitive flesh in his teeth and tugged on it. He smiled to himself as Fox spread his legs. With Fox if you found an erogenous zone it was like a magic button, his legs would just automatically part. He really was a sweet little slut. He bit the nipple a little harder and Fox's hips moved restlessly.
"Well, just don't…call them…call them…Alex," Fox sighed.
Alex chuckled and moved on to the other nipple, "I won't call them Alex. I promise."
Fox smiled, "Smart Ass!"
Skinner was suddenly in the room. There was no sound, no bright light, he was just there.
Alex sensed his presence and Fox whose eyes were closed seemed to sense him too, but he just licked his lips.
For his part Skinner was ready to assert his domination of the two. While he understood their passion for one another, they were, in the end, his. "Alex, come here," he said quietly.
Fox's eyes popped open and a disapproving frown curved his lips as Alex got of the bed.
Alex approached Skinner slowly and he could hear Mulder sitting up in the bed. Skinner stroked Alex's face and smiled gently, his eyes filled with desire.
"On your knees," he growled.
Alex's only reaction to that was a slight flaring of his nostrils before he slid to his knees, his face level with Skinner's bulging crotch.
"Kiss me," Skinner said, lightly stroking Alex's head.
Fox frowned at the words. He didn't protest, but bit his lip as Alex leaned forward and kissed the fabric over Skinner's hard cock. His eyes met Skinner's and he felt rather than heard Skinner's command to come to him. He walked to the two men and stared at the sight of Alex's pink lips kissing the cloth-encased penis.
"Take off your clothes, Fox."
He blinked a few times before complying. Skinner's eyes were glowing red and Fox found himself shivering with desire. He wanted to please Skinner, though he couldn't say why. He knew Skinner wasn't influencing him. There was something here, something he never had known, a total lack of control. Not that he couldn't leave if he wished, but that in staying he gave up his choices. He gave up resistance, but also he gave up responsibility. If it weren't for his love of Alex, his desire to keep Alex for himself, he would be quite happy. With sudden clarity he realized that Skinner knew it, that Alex knew it as well.
Skinner watched as Fox struggled with himself. He wanted the security of this arrangement, but he wanted it on many levels, the most important residing in his life-long search for love and security.
"Take my cock out, Fox, and give it to Alex's mouth…feed it to him, baby," Walter said huskily.
He knew that Fox would have to get over his possessiveness of Alex soon, or he would be miserable in this relationship. Surprisingly, Alex was less resistant to the whole thing. It was probably that Alex had seen so much, experienced so much in his young life. This was just another trial, maybe even a release. There was desire in the way those pretty lips caressed him. Skinner prayed that he would not take pleasure from either man if they were truly unwilling. He prayed that he hadn't changed that much, that he would take them even if their bodies weren't eager. He knew that part of their eagerness was their new nature. So sexual. So sweet.
Fox was unzipping Skinner's trousers, and both he and Alex were unconsciously rapt with interest as the large cock peeped out from behind white, cotton boxers. When the huge organ was fully revealed both men sighed their appreciation. Skinner smiled down at them. Fox had kneeled beside his lover and both were staring entranced at the big cock. Alex still clothed, and Fox deliciously nude.
"Kiss it, both of you."
Alex kissed the tip, his lips moving aside to allow Mulder to join in on the caress. Fox's tongue flicked out and swabbed up the moisture there and Alex's tongue slid into Fox's mouth to share that pearl of moisture. Fox sucked in Alex's tongue before turning his attention back to the cock above him. While he tasted the head, Alex worked down the length of the shaft. Both men were lost in the sensuality of the moment, sharing Skinner's body as if it were some rare treat.
"Look at me," Skinner managed. Both sets of lovely eyes looked up as if startled. He smiled, they really were so sexual. They had been so lost in the moment he imagined his words startled them. However, he wanted them to know who they were servicing. Fox slid the tip of Skinner's cock in and out of mouth and Alex worked down to his balls. They stared up at him as they worked; their eyes were glazed with passion.
"Undress me, Fox. Alex, take off your clothes."
Both men reluctantly left the sweet work and Fox slowly undressed Skinner, revealing the gloriously muscled frame. "You're so big," he whispered as he bent to kiss a nipple.
Skinner hissed in appreciation and watched as Alex stripped. What a contrast between his two lovers. Where Alex's body was muscled and defined in every inch, Fox was lithe and his muscles long and toned. So perfect and beautiful both of them. Fox's athletic body and Alex's dangerous body. Skinner smiled. Before his changing, Alex could probably have killed him, Marine training or no. The man was dangerous, it made the seduction that much sweeter. Sweet meat. All his. Oh what he could do to these two. What fantasies he could play out. Every position, every possible perversion. He could lick honey from Alex's body, fuck Mulder's fantastic mouth, hard, while watching Alex pound into that tight sheath. He struggled with his nature and settled for bringing the two to the bed where he intended on exhausting them.
The strange scent on the bedclothes distracted him. His eyes became glowing rubies and Fox backed into Alex nervously. Alex slid protective arms around Fox, as Skinner seemed to lose his mind. The bed was lifted and tossed toward the wall with a great heave and the window shattered out with such force the glass was thrown forty feet. Skinner began to pace and Alex drew Fox back away from him.
"What is it, Walter?" Fox asked carefully, letting Alex move him away.
Skinner turned to stare at his humans, his eyes like targeting beams. He shook his head, letting the rage flow out of him. Some creature, some ancient creature, strong enough to defy him had been here. Here where his humans slept. It was outrageous and he wanted to go out and hunt it, to kill it. It wanted what was his. Would take what was his if it had the chance.
"Something was here, something that challenges me," he said quietly. He looked at the ruined window and was thankful there was no glass inside to cut his human's feet. He righted the bed and instructed Fox to fetch some clean linens. When the bed was re-made he sat on it, smiling now at his sweet ones. "Come to me."
He lay with his legs spread wide as the two sucked and licked at his cock. Two heads bobbing in his lap, two hard cocks rubbing on his legs, two tight asses waiting to be filled. The pleasure was overwhelming as he held those heads tight by their hair and moved the pretty mouths to his own tune. He didn't bother with words, just moved Fox to sit over his face, Fox staring into Alex's eyes as Skinner moved Alex over his cock. He closed his eyes and tasted Fox as Alex's ass clutched tight on his throbbing, wet cock. Alex and Fox were kissing and stroking one another's organs, panting with need and lust.
He took them many ways that night, but in the end they cuddled up together, Fox moving in his sleep to sprawl over Alex's resting body. Alex's eyes met Skinner's as Skinner kissed Fox's back.
"I have to admit, that I enjoyed that," Alex sighed.
Skinner chuckled. "I aim to please, assassin," he purred.
Alex shifted Fox's head onto his shoulder as he smiled lazily. His green eyes slid closed as sleep overcame him.
Skinner watched the two sleep as the first fingers of dawn began to stretch out in the sky. He rested for a few hours, not needing much sleep. The sound of the water crashing relentlessly ashore lulled him and he let himself drift.
***
Foothills of The Sierra Nevada
Folsom, California
Day Four
Hour 0530The pack had moved into California early in the morning and Garren stopped to rest. He slept deeply, undisturbed by dreams or fears of failure. When he woke the hundreds of wolves with him roused themselves and followed him as he continued the hunt. They were of one mind, to reclaim their master's mate. When they descended from the Sierra and raced into the foothills they became agitated. Wolves began to change to human and back again as the unmistakable force of the ascendant made himself known. They howled and whimpered with the desire to change to human form and stay that way, but their Garren was implacable. He stayed changed and they could not keep up with him as humans.
Garren seethed. This human ascendant was powerful. They were hundreds of miles from their goal and still his pack reacted. They would follow him but every mile closer to the ascendant they were more and more anxious. Garren too felt a small discomfort, but the human thief was not strong enough to control him. Younger pack members fell behind, but they would keep coming. Their fear was not strong enough to make them stop. He commanded the bitch who had been near his mate the previous night to go to him so he could once again see those beautiful eyes. She roused herself from her slumber three hundred miles away and though she trembled and whined in fear, she obeyed him.
He had underestimated this ascendant, but he was nothing if not clever. His cat would be longing for him, even if he didn't know it. He could make the cat come to him.
***
Cabins
Fort Bragg, California
Day Four
Hour 0530Alex sighed in his sleep. The dream came. He was running and the wolves were chasing him, when he was brought down he saw his mate's gem-like eyes. Blue Topaz on fire. That is what they looked like. He stretched beneath the huge body and opened his mouth for a kiss. His legs spread and rubbed the muscled hips. He wanted Garren to take him. His body burned, his cock throbbed.
"I'm coming for you, pretty cat," Garren growled in his ear.
"Oh yes, oh yes, please…Garren!"
Alex woke with a start, his cock a throbbing reminder of his shameful lust. Fox stirred on top of him.
"W-what? Hmm, Alex?" Fox yawned sleepily.
Alex flushed with shame and held tight to Fox. "Nothing, baby. Go back to sleep," he whispered soothingly. Skinner was no longer in the room, and for that Alex was grateful. Fox cuddled even more closely to Alex and fell back into sleep. Alex shut his eyes and tried to forget how beautiful those blue eyes gleamed. He hated Garren. Why then did he burn for him? Why did he ache for him?
"Don't take me from Fox," he pleaded quietly. "I couldn't bear it." He felt the burn of tears in his eyes. He couldn't lose Fox, not when Fox was the only thing he had worth living for. He kissed Fox's shoulder and shuddered. "Please don't take me from him."
Skinner sensed Alex's turmoil and rushed back from the beach with a concerned frown. He entered the bedroom quietly, leaning over the bed to soothe the man. "What is it, Alex?"
Alex looked up into the concerned face and whispered," Garren…he's coming for me, isn't he?"
Skinner cocked his head and after a moment, he nodded. "I think he is. Don't worry, assassin, I won't let him take you. He's not strong enough."
Alex looked doubtful. "He is stronger than you know."
"Yes, very strong. But then, so am I. Rest now. Fox would be upset if you were worried. And we can't upset him, now can we?"
The gentle tone soothed Alex and he shook his head, "No, no we can't. Skinner?"
Skinner stroked Alex's brow, much like a father trying to get a child to sleep. "Yes, Alex?"
"If it comes down to it, protect Fox. Please. Please don't let your possession of me come before your love of Fox…don't endanger him. If you can't protect us both, protect Fox."
Skinner smiled. "But don't you see, Alex? I love you too. I don't know why or when, but I love you too. Now sleep. Garren and his pack will not succeed. I promise."
Alex felt a warmth encase his heart at Skinner's words. The truth of them made him feel warm. He smiled and closed his eyes, holding on to Fox with sleepy strength.
Skinner's face lost all tenderness, as he looked inward to see the threat to his family.
***
Foothills of The Sierra Nevada
Auburn, California
Day Four
Hour 0545Garren was momentarily startled when four pack members burst into flame around him. Encased in terrifying fire they still ran at his side before falling dead in their tracks. So. The gauntlet was thrown. The Ascendant would fight. So be it. He could not burn them all, and he could not burn Garren. Though compared to the original human populations the pack was sparse. But they numbered in the millions and if it came to war, then the bitches would breed. Not in the human way of one or two, but in the wolf way, in litters.
***
Cabins
Fort Bragg, California
Day Four
Hour 0600Skinner sat beside his two lovelies and smiled. Garren would keep coming, but the closer he came the more of his pack would burn. His mind turned back to the strange carcass he had found on the beach this morning. It had only small bits of flesh clinging to its skeleton, but its face was something from a horror book. It looked like the gargoyles from one of Mulder's cases. Something had devoured it and he resolved to keep his family from swimming until he could identify the culprit. It was something he missed. He had to know what he was fighting to keep them away. So far he had just been able to repel the things that had already attacked his people. He wondered what other surprises this world would bring.
***
Murdoch Family Estate
Sirius
Annapolis, Maryland
Day Four
Hour 1000Murdoch was nearly set. His forces had aligned nicely, there was that war in Europe still, but he would not waste anymore time on that. He was impatient to reclaim his prince. Even his Fox-alikes and his changed beauties, as appealing as they were, were not enough for him. He wanted Foxling. It was unseemly that he go chasing after his errant prince so he waited for the schells to do their work. However, Skinner was powerful. It might take Murdoch himself to go fetch his prince. Skinner would be drained no doubt when Garren made his move. Ah Garren. The uncomfortable feeling he had that Garren might turn to Skinner and form an alliance made him shiver. Garren would have no need to from an alliance if Murdoch had Fox. Garren would want to please his mate, as was the way of the pack. If Alex wanted something, Garren would want to give it to him. And what would the little cat want, if not Fox? If Murdoch had Fox, Garren would bring Alex to him.
The women came in. There were four, always four in a coven. They moved like smoke, their bodies almost too pleasing. He smiled, knowing their true appearance.
"You bade us come to you, master?" The witches chorused, their voices inseparable in their uniformity.
"Yes."
"What do you wish of us, master?" They asked, heads bowed.
"I wish for my prince to love me. Can you make him love me?"
The witches were silent and he frowned. "Well?"
"We know nothing of love."
"I don't want *you* to love me, only my prince, hags!" Murdoch spat out.
"We can make him lust, or hate or fear, master. We can make him covet and crave, but love we cannot know," they said.
Murdoch sighed. Love was what he wanted. Lust he could created himself. "Covet and crave?" He mused. "Yes, make him crave me…bring him to his knees with lust for me," he smiled. "He will come willing to my leash then."
"As you wish, master," the witches said before leaving his presence.
***
Cabins
Fort Bragg, California
Day Four
0830The woman stepped off her bike and smiled sweetly at Skinner as he watched Fox and Alex look through the helicopter, chatting comfortably with one another.
"I thought you three would like some fresh muffins," she said, untying a basket from the rack on the bike. "They're still warm," she promised.
Skinner studied her carefully. There was something not right about her. Her eyes kept flickering toward his family and he stepped between them and her.
"Thank you, and you are?"
"I am called Sera. I live in Fort Bragg with my husband, James. We are both so grateful to you for ridding us of all those terrible creatures. This is the least I could do," she said in a shy voice.
Skinner took the muffins, his eyes locking with her gentle brown eyes. They were almond shaped and beautiful, but he was wary for some reason.
Fox, ever a sucker for food he didn't have to cook came trotting over, leaving Alex to search the helicopter for whatever they were looking for.
"Hi, are these for us?" he asked, smiling at the tall woman.
"Of course. For you all," she murmured.
Alex let out a shout of success. "I found it, Fox! It was under the seat." He waved the small package at Fox who was too busy looking in the basket. He jogged over to his lover and waved the package under his nose, and then he recognized the woman. He frowned and pulled Fox away from her with careful movements.
"I am so pleased to meet you," she said looking straight into his eyes. Her eyes changed slightly, amber glowing beneath long lashes. "Are you well?" She asked.
He looked to Skinner and cleared his throat, not knowing why the woman disturbed him.
Mulder pulled out of Alex's grip and went back to rooting through the basket. "Oh, banana! You are so wonderful!" He exclaimed and reached out to touch her arm. He was surprised when Alex grabbed his hand and pulled it back.
"We have to go back to the cabin now, but it was nice to meet you. C'mon, baby." Alex said quickly.
"Alex! Why are you…?"
"Go on, Fox," Skinner commanded.
Fox set his mouth in a determined way. "I am sorry that they are being so rude. My name is Mulder. Nice to…hey!"
Alex pulled Fox away and toward the cabin. Fox really had no instincts at all!
"Krycek, I swear if you don't stop pulling me around, I'm going to hit you!" Fox swore angrily.
Alex looked over his shoulder at the woman. He pulled Fox closer to him and left her to Skinner.
The woman made a small whining sound and Skinner stared hard at her. "You had better go now," he warned.
She looked at him for a moment and then back to his family. Her eyes were a bright amber now and there was no fear in them, only a strange contempt and Skinner felt his instincts explode. He let her feel his impatience and she whimpered, clearly wanting to leave, but unable to do so until the door to the cabin closed behind Alex and Fox. She turned a quick look on Skinner and her eyes lost their contempt to be replaced by fear. She ran, abandoning her bike. He watched as she disappeared, amazed at her speed.
Inside the cabin Fox was berating Alex, while Alex tried to soothe his ruffled feathers.
"Don't even talk to me, Krycek," Fox declared as Skinner entered. Fox plopped on the couch and stared at his muffin.
"Alex was only trying to protect you, Fox, you shouldn't upset him with your tantrums," Skinner scolded as he patted Alex soothingly.
Fox glared, pouted, and ignored them both.
"Baby, she was…"
"A nice lady who baked us muffins," Fox finished angrily. "Don't talk to me."
Skinner had to grin. Fox could shake up Alex like nothing else he would bet. Just Fox being angry with him agitated the assassin.
"She wasn't a nice lady, Fox. I don't know what she was, but Alex was right to be wary. I am surprised that you, a trained agent couldn't feel that," Skinner said gruffly.
Fox rolled his eyes. "And they call *me* paranoid?"
Alex slumped in a chair across from his lover. "She looked at me like she knew me."
"Yeah? Well, she probably saw you last night," Fox snapped.
"No! Like she *knew* me. Well," Alex insisted.
"She probably regrets it," Fox spat. At Alex's hurt look he immediately felt contrite. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that at all, Alex. You just make me so mad. I am not a child. I don't like being treated as one."
"What did you find in the helicopter," Walter asked, changing the subject.
Alex tossed the package to Skinner. "Someone gave this to me to give to Fox. He said something about giving it to his friend…that nothing would ruin their chances more than…uh…me being hurt. And the thing…uh helping me said I was the 'mate' or something like this. And I suppose it meant me as it was to give the package to Fox."
Skinner frowned. "What thing are you talking about?"
"Something came in me…anyway there is the package," Alex said abruptly. He really didn't want to talk about any of it.
Skinner nodded and opened the small parcel. He raised a brow as two medallions on short strips of black leather were revealed. Both medallions were of sterling silver inlaid with neilo. The black color of the neilo alloy filled in the intricate design.
"It looks like a depiction of some sort of deity. Here, Fox, take a look," Skinner offered.
Mulder took the medallions and studied them. He shook his head. "I don't know. It looks Eastern, but I can't be certain. If I had access to a database or books…Isn't there a library in the town?"
Skinner nodded.
"It probably doesn't have what I need, but I'll give it a go." Despite his casual tone, Mulder was thrilled to be on a case again.
Alex sighed heavily. "Oh joy, the library!"
Skinner grinned. "You aren't going to the library, Alex. You are going to help me organize…"
"I am going to stay with Fox. This is your deal. Incase you haven't noticed, it's not exactly a safe world, Skinner," Alex said darkly.
Skinner raised a brow.
"Alex, I will be fine. I'll be in a library. These people need to get all the dead buried and all the cars off the roads, and…all sorts of things. You go help Walter," Mulder insisted.
"No way. I'm staying with you and that is my final word on it," Alex bit out.
***
Public Library
Fort Bragg, California
Day Four
1700Hours later Mulder worked alone in the library. Alex was off doing some work with Skinner. He smiled, remembering that argument. Skinner had won in the end, of course.
He had found some literature on ancient deities, but nothing that matched the medallions. He was so intent on his study that he didn't notice the three men who entered the reference room in which he worked. He chewed on the end of his pencil as he flipped through the glossy pages of a book on Mythology.
"I bet you are wishing that pencil was something else, pretty boy, " a rough voice purred behind him.
Mulder jerked in surprise and then slowly took the pencil out of his mouth and took off the glasses he had liberated from the pharmacy. He stared at the three men. All of them were dressed in jeans and T-shirts. One had a San Jose Sharks baseball cap. Mulder thought it interesting that all of them seemed to be so completely agitated.
"Can I help you?" he asked in a faintly amused tone.
"Oh, I think you can." The Shark fan grinned. "You see, we noticed you last night."
"Yeah, you and your pretty friend were getting pretty hot and heavy there. I think that makes you a homosexual," another of the bright trio purred.
"Is that right? So?" Mulder was more than a little irritated. After all he had experienced, homophobes was the last thing he needed.
"So we figured all you girly boys want all the dick you can get, and we thought we'd give a real memorable time," the third and biggest growled out.
In truth all three men were confused and not a little angry at their attraction to the pretty man. They were true blue heterosexuals, to the last. But, this man was something different. He smelled good, he looked good, he was supposed to be fucked. He was supposed to open his mouth and suck any dick that pointed at him. Why they thought that way had been something of conversation among them and several of their friends. After a night of jerking off to the vision of violating this man, they had decided to take advantage of him being here all alone. And looking so pretty too.
Fox stood, his icy stare fixed on the three men. "You figured wrong." He picked up one thick book, slid the medallions into his suit pocket and made to move past them. When he was grabbed by two of the men, he swung the book and knocked one off immediately. He fought off the next only to have the third grab him from behind. When his crotch was grabbed and squeezed he cried out in pain but kicked the man in front of him and slammed his head back into the man's face, breaking his hold. He lunged away and put the table between he and his unlikely attackers.
"You just stop fighting, boy. You are going to be spread out and fucked and there is nothing you can do about it," the Shark fan hissed, rubbing at his bleeding nose. One of his friends was just now getting off the floor, holding his crotch where Fox's kick had connected painfully.
"I think I am doing quite well, thank you," Fox said in a sarcastic tone that infuriated the men.
He wasn't supposed to be a fighter. He was a girly boy. Girly boys weren't fighters! It was all wrong. He should be begging for them to gentle, to not hurt him!
"Oh, boy you are going to get it but good!"
"Okay, you three just m-move away…back I mean. Move back!"
All four combatants turned to see Byers standing, holding a small black box, which he pointed at the three men. "Okay, now you three back off, or I'll use this on you," he threatened in a shaky voice.
"What in the hell?"
"I wouldn't make him nervous…that thing is dangerous," Mulder panted.
The three looked dubious.
"That's right. I got it from Skinner himself…for protection. Now get out!" Byers managed to squeak.
The mention of Skinner made the men pause. One man pointed a finger in Fox's direction. "You're gonna regret this, boy. We would have been gentle. *Next* time we won't be so nice." The men sidled past Byers carefully as he kept the box trained on them.
When they had gone, Byers rushed over to Mulder. "Mulder, are you okay? Did they hurt you?"
Mulder smiled. "Oh yeah I'm fine. But what is that?"
Byers shrugged. "A remote control. I got it out in the audio-visual room. I didn't have any other weapon so I figured…bluff you know?"
Mulder slapped Byers on the shoulder. "Great job, Byers. I wasn't looking forward to a long drawn out brawl."
Byers nodded and sat in a chair. "What in the hell is going on anyway?"
Mulder frowned. "I don't know. C'mon let's get back to the cabins, it's getting late." He helped Byers to his feet and picked up his discarded books. "Better take that super-spasmic laser job…just in case we run into trouble of course."
Byers grinned weakly. "Yeah, well you softened them up for me. You had them pretty good huh?"
Mulder shrugged, "I can tell you that three against one is never my favorite type of fight."
"But you had them all bloodied up. Your suit is just messed up. Not a scratch on you," Byers insisted.
"Great. Do you think you can tell that to Alex?"
Byers paled. "Me? Talk to Alex? Uh, well…why?"
"Never mind, Byers. C'mon."
They walked out of the library and Fox sighed as he saw Alex walking toward him. When Alex saw the state of Mulder's attire his face filled with rage. Byers slid behind Mulder with a soft cry of trepidation. Alex grabbed Mulder by the arms and stared hard at him, looking him over with burning eyes.
"What happened?"
"Oh, would you believe that Byers and I got bored in the library and decided to wrestle?" Fox tried hopefully.
"Is that right?" Alex ground out.
"Yes, library work can really be dull," Fox quipped.
"Uh huh." Alex turned his green eyes on Byers. "Is that what happened, Byers? Did you do this?"
Byers gasped. "No! I mean, yes. I mean…Mulder!"
"Leave him alone, Alex, I'm hungry and tired. You don't have to know everything," Fox sighed. "Everything is fine. Byers and I handled it. All by ourselves."
"Yes, that's right we did. And really he was great. I mean all three of them, and he was fighting them off like a real pro," Byers enthused.
"Byers!" Mulder growled.
"Three homophobes is all," Fox shrugged.
"Oh no, I think they wanted you, you know sexually," Byers corrected.
"Byers!" Mulder hissed.
"What?" Byers asked utterly confused.
"Oh look! There's Skinner," Fox said quickly and dashed toward the big man.
***
Cabins
Fort Bragg, California
Day Four
2030Skinner had tried to convince Alex to calm down, had reminded him that Mulder was a trained agent who could handle most situations, but Alex was implacable. He had pronounced that he was going to stay with Fox every minute of every day and nothing Skinner said would change his mind. That Mulder wasn't hurt was just luck according to Alex. This last infuriated Fox and Skinner had left the two to their argument. He took a walk on the beach. It was time to move on. Instead of going to every small town first, he would go straight to San Francisco. There he would stay. His fighting companions would have to work out their own differences. Aside from controlling them there was nothing he could do to get Alex to give Mulder any credit at all. He sighed. Those two were so passionate in their argument that he had developed a headache. The sun was sliding into the sea and his gaze locked on a huge rock formation that rose out of the surf.
Mulder was tired of arguing. Alex was unreasonable. He just kept staring at Mulder and saying, "Forget it, Fox." It was irritating. Mulder changed into a pair of jeans and thin, blue sweater. Alex was distracted by the way the sweater formed to Fox's body. The way the thin fabric displayed the small points of Fox's nipples. However, when he would have made a move to show his appreciation, Fox growled at him and said he was going out to find Skinner.
"If that is okay with you, of course," Mulder growled.
Alex nodded curtly and watched as Fox stormed out. He didn't care. Three men had tried to rape Mulder today. So what if he was a trained agent. Alex didn't even want anyone to get close enough to try. Skinner wouldn't let him go hunting the bastards either. He would though. He was well aware of how the people of this town reacted to he, Scully and the Gunmen. Several times during the day all of them had been hit on, but most people stayed away from Alex after he broke three fingers on a hand that had grabbed at his ass. Whatever had happened had changed them all. If some retired marine could be compelled to touch Langly's hair and liken it to spun gold then Mulder wasn't safe walking around unprotected.
Mulder didn't bother to go look for Skinner. He walked into the shadowed forest. It wasn't that he didn't understand Alex's protectiveness, that wasn't what angered him, it was his lack of faith in Mulder's ability to take care of himself. How long had he been an agent? He'd been in horrible situations and come out relatively fine. After walking for ten minutes he picked up a pinecone and threw it toward a strange, gray rock. He stopped in surprise when the gray rock moved. He backpedaled with his eyes wide as the thing stood. It was not a large creature but it had huge wings and carnivorous teeth. Before he could turn to run it launched itself at him. He dodged behind a tree to escape its charge. He saw it fly past and saw its spindly legs and powerful, taloned arms. Suddenly the sky was filled with gray creatures swooping down from the treetops. As he watched several of the beasts began to fight in mid-air. Large wings flapped around him and he screamed.
Skinner walked back into the cabin to see Alex alone. "Where is he?" he asked quietly.
Alex's eyes widened and then narrowed. "Dammit! He was supposed to be with you. Damn him. He just won't listen," Alex said angrily as he jumped up. He expected Skinner to try and defend Fox, but instead Skinner stiffened. Alex watched as Skinner paled and drew back as his soft, brown eyes flared red. His heart dropped as Skinner turned and raced out of the cabin. Alex followed him, his heart beating wildly.
Mulder fought off the creatures as best as he could but he felt his feet being lifted off the soft forest floor. The creatures were attacking each other and pulling at him painfully, as they fought over him. He hooked his foot on an exposed root and screamed as the creatures tried to shake him loose. Suddenly a terrible growling cut through the high-pitched shrieking of the gargoyle-like creatures. Fox fell to the earth as white blood covered him. He saw hair and teeth and massive, clawed hands. A wolf was attacking the creatures, ripping them apart with incredible ferocity and strength. Another gray creature grabbed at him as six slain winged creatures fell to the earth in bloodied lumps. It was lifting him, jabbering madly, but the wolf tore it off him and tore it in half with one bite. Mulder's eyes met the wolf's; they were a Siberian blue.
"Run, Prince," it commanded.
Mulder was so stunned that a wolf would talk that he froze as three of the flying creatures attacked the wolf.
"Run!" It shouted again, tearing off the little creatures and tearing them apart. "Run to, Skinner."
Mulder didn't need to be told three times and he scrambled to his feet and ran.
Alex and Skinner heard the horrible sounds, the high-pitched shrieks and then Mulder's scream. They ran wildly, leaping over rocks, downed trees and deep holes. When a fierce growling joined in the melee they ran faster.
End: Out of the Dark